Association of Metformin with Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Studies have demonstrated high prevalence of mortality in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, the effects of antidiabetic pharmacotherapy on COVID-19 complications need further exploration. The aim of the study was to explore the association of metformin use and mortality in COVID-19 patients. A literature search was conducted using the databases Medline (via PubMed) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until February 09, 2021. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 12,684 COVID-19 patients. The meta-analysis suggested 37% lower risk of mortality in patients receiving metformin (risk ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.78; p?<?0.001). However, no significant difference in hospitalization days between the two groups (p?=?0.197) was observed. The analysis revealed significantly lower risk of having obesity (p?<?0.001), hypertension (p?<?0.001), heart failure (p?<?0.001), and cerebrovascular disease (p?=?0.015) in the group receiving metformin. The analysis also demonstrated significantly lower risk of using anticoagulants (p?=?0.015), diuretics (p?<?0.001), and antiplatelets (p?=?0.010) in patients receiving metformin. Our findings suggest that metformin use decreases mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, randomized studies demonstrating the consequences of metformin use are needed to understand the magnitude of the beneficial effects of metformin

Cognitive impairment and elevated peripheral cytokines in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy / Comprometimento cognitivo e citocinas periféricas elevadas em pacientes com câncer de mama recebendo quimioterapia

Abstract Background Anthracyclines-based regimen (5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC); cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and 5-fluorouracil [CEF]) and non-anthracycline based regimens (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil [CMF]) are widely used as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients. Objective The present study was conducted to observe the effects of FAC, CEF, and CMF regimen on cognition and circulatory proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6] and interleukin 1β [IL-1β]) for the duration of three cycles of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods Eighty newly diagnosed HER-2 negative breast cancer patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups as FAC- (n= 27), CEF- (n= 26), and CMF- (n= 27) receiving patients. Serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Results Anthracycline-based regimen was found to increase the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and decreased MMSE scores compared with CMF regimen (p< 0.05). Conclusion Anthracycline-based regimen caused comparatively higher peripheral inflammation, which could be the reason for more decline in cognition in anthracycline-receiving patients than non-anthracycline group.

Resumo Antecedentes Regime baseado em antraciclinas (5-fluorouracil, doxorrubicina e ciclofosfamida [FAC]; ciclofosfamida, epirrubicina e 5-fluorouracil [CEF]) e regimes não baseados em antraciclina (ciclofosfamida, metotrexato e 5-fluorouracil (CMF]) são amplamente utilizados como quimioterapia neoadjuvante para pacientes com câncer de mama. Objetivo O presente estudo foi realizado para observar os efeitos do regime FAC, CEF e CMF na cognição e citocinas pró-inflamatórias circulatórias (interleucina 6 [IL-6] e interleucina 1β [IL-1β]) durante três ciclos de quimioterapia em pacientes com câncer de mama. Métodos Oitenta pacientes recém-diagnosticadas com câncer de mama HER-2 negativo foram recrutadas e divididas em 3 grupos de pacientes que receberam FAC (n= 27), CEF (n= 26) ou CMF (n= 27). Os níveis séricos de IL-6 e IL-1β foram medidos por enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) e a cognição foi avaliada por meio do questionário Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Resultados O regime baseado em antraciclinas aumentou os níveis de IL-6, IL-1β e diminuiu os escores do MMSE em comparação com o regime CMF (p< 0,05). Conclusão O regime baseado em antraciclinas causou inflamação periférica comparativamente mais alta, o que pode ser a razão para maior declínio na cognição em pacientes que receberam antraciclinas do que no grupo que não recebeu antraciclina.

Cross-sectional observational analysis of the genetic referral practices across pediatric ophthalmology outpatient departments in an urban setting

Purpose: To analyze the genetic referral practices of pediatric ophthalmologists in an urban setting. Methods: (1) The first limb of the study: cross?sectional, observational study among children visiting the outpatient department of pediatric ophthalmology across five centers in Mumbai. All pediatric patients were screened separately by pediatric ophthalmologists and a clinical geneticist for their ophthalmic and systemic complaints. Children were marked for referral to genetics (RTG) by both the specialists based on identification of distinctive features (red flag) and were requested to meet a local geneticist. (2a) Twenty?three months later, patients who had been marked for RTG were contacted telephonically to follow?up if they had met the geneticist. (2b) Additionally, the last 20 proformas from each center were checked retrospectively to note the RTG marked by the ophthalmologist alone. Results: (1) In the first aspect of the study, 126 patients (male: female = 1.2:1) were included. Forty?nine (38.3%) patients were referred for genetic evaluation, of which three (6.1%), 31 (63.26%), and 15 (30.6%) cases were referred by the ophthalmologist alone, geneticist alone, and by both the specialists, respectively. Glaucoma (100%), nystagmus (86%), and leukocoria (83%) were the most prominent ocular diagnoses in cases referred for genetic evaluation. Facial dysmorphism (55.1%) and neurodevelopmental delays (51%) were among the most common systemic red flags found in patients referred to genetics. (2a) Twenty?three months later, on contacting the 49 patients marked for RTG, only one family had met the geneticist. (2b) Retrospective evaluation of 100 proformas: only three patients were marked for RTG by ophthalmologist alone. Conclusion: This study found that the genetic referrals by pediatric ophthalmologist were far lesser than those by geneticist. The study highlights an area of knowledge gap among pediatric ophthalmologists, prompting a need for heightened awareness in this area.

Comparative Study of Bisphenol A Release from Various Orthodontic Adhesive and Myofunctional Appliances - An In-Vitro Study.

We wanted to compare & evaluate, regularly used orthodontic materials including adhesives & myofunctional appliances for release of Bisphenol A. MethodsBisphenol - A release was assessed from two materials - orthodontic adhesive resin and heat cure acrylic resin [twin block]. Based on materials used, a total of 40 samples was assigned into two groups; Group A and Group B, each containing 20 samples. For Group A [orthodontic adhesive resin], metal brackets were bonded to 20 bicuspid teeth using adhesive resin and cured with LED light. For group B, 20 twin block appliances made from heat cured acrylic resin were used. Then, samples from both the groups were immersed in artificial saliva and then subjecting to thermal treatment from hot (60 ˚C) to cold (4 ˚C) temperatures, followed by shaking for 5 minutes. The samples were again shaken at (37 ˚C) and 1.0-mL aliquots were removed at 24 hours and 7 days after insertion. Gas chromatography / mass spectroscopy was used for the evaluation of leaching of bisphenol A from artificial saliva. ResultsSignificant results were found after 24 hours of analysis in both groups where 70 % samples from group A had bisphenol A release, whereas 80 % samples from group B had bisphenol A release. However, a non-significant result was obtained after 7 days where 20 % samples from group A had bisphenol A release whereas 60% samples from group B had bisphenol A release. The Heat cure acrylic group showed higher Bisphenol - A than that of orthodontic adhesive resin group. It was seen that the levels were lower than the reference dose which were calculated for daily consumption but were statistically significant. CoclusionsBisphenol A is considered as an endocrine disruptor. Degradation of orthodontic materials results in leaching of Bisphenol-A into oral cavity which is a clinical concern.

To Evaluate the Shear Bond Strength of Bondable Molar Tubes by Two Enamel Conditioning Techniques

Shear Bond Strength (SBS) is considered to be the main factor in the evolution of bonding. The bracket bond strength should withstand the forces during the orthodontic tooth movement. The commonly used technique by Orthodontists is to attach the brackets to the enamel surface is the acid-etch bonding technique along with 37 % phosphoric acid as etchant. With time, a new technique emerged in orthodontics which is used before bonding for the primary preparation of teeth as well as for the purpose of increasing bond strength known as Sandblasting. This study was done to compare the shear bond strength of acid etching and air abrasion technique used in orthodontic practice. MethodsA total of 100 extracted human first molar teeth were selected and segregated into 4 groups of 25 teeth. Group I: bonding without enamel preparation, Group II: using acid etching with 37 % phosphoric acid, Group III - sandblasting with 50 μ aluminium oxide, Group IV - sandblasting with 100 μ aluminium oxide. These 100 samples were then subjected to the measurement of the shear bond strength with an Instron machine and was measured in Newtons. ResultsGroup 1 showed a mean shear bond strength of 7.21 ± 0.29; for group II it was 7.77 ± 0.53; for group III it was 8.3 ± 0.3 and for group IV it was 10.04 ± 0.45. Groups 2 and 3 and groups 2 and 4 showed statistically significant difference. Shear bond strengths of both the groups 3 and 4 showed highly statistically significant difference. Conclusions100 µ aluminium oxide group showed the highest Shear Bond Strength. On inter group comparison, sandblasting with aluminium oxide was found to have better shear bond strength compared to conventional acid etching techniques.

Increased serum interleukin-9 and interleukin-1β are associated with depression in type 2 diabetes patients / Interleucina-9 e interleucina-1β séricas aumentadas estão associadas à depressão em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2

ABSTRACT Background: Co-morbid diabetes and depression are prevalent chronic conditions negatively affecting quality of life (QoL). Inflammation has been considered as an integral mechanism in patients with both diabetes and depression. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate depression and its association with interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-9 in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) and controls. The QoL in diabetic patient was also assessed. Methods: Eighty subjects were included, distributed among three groups: Group 1 - Healthy controls; Group 2 - T2DM patients without depression; Group 3 - T2DM patients with depression. Depression and QoL were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and The Audit of Diabetes-Dependent QoL (ADDQoL), respectively. IL-1β and IL-9 were measured in serum samples of all the patients using ELISA kit. Results: The PHQ score in the Group 3 was significantly higher as compared to Group 1. The ADDQoL scores in the Group 3 were significantly higher as compared to Group 2. Levels of IL-9 and IL-1β were elevated in Group 3, as compared to the other groups. Conclusion: This study showed positive association between depression and IL-1β, IL-9 in T2DM patients. Additionally, the diabetic patients have poorer quality of life, which is further worsened by the presence of depression. Thus, routine assessment for the presence of depression is suggested in T2DM patients.

RESUMO Introdução: O diabetes e a depressão comórbidas são condições crônicas prevalentes que afetam negativamente a qualidade de vida (QdV). A inflamação tem sido considerada como um mecanismo integral em pacientes com diabetes e depressão. Objetivo: Investigar a depressão e sua associação com interleucinas (IL)-1β e IL-9 em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 (DM2) e controles. A QdV em diabéticos também foi avaliada. Métodos: Foram incluídos 80 indivíduos, divididos em três grupos: Grupo 1 - controles saudáveis; Grupo 2 - pacientes com DM2 sem depressão; Grupo 3 - pacientes com DM2 com depressão. A depressão e a QdV foram avaliadas usando o Questionário de Saúde do Paciente (Patient Health Questionnaire - PHQ-9) e a auditoria de QdV dependente de diabetes (Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life - ADDQoL), respectivamente. IL-1β e IL-9 foram medidas em amostras de soro de todos os pacientes utilizando kit de ELISA. Resultados: O escore do PHQ no grupo 3 foi significativamente maior em comparação ao grupo 1. Os escores de ADDQoL no grupo 3 foram significativamente maiores em comparação ao grupo 2. Os níveis de IL-9 e IL-1β foram elevados no grupo 3, como em comparação com os outros grupos. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou associação positiva entre depressão e IL-1β, IL-9 em pacientes com DM2. Além disso, os pacientes diabéticos têm pior QdV, o que é ainda piorado pela presença de depressão. Assim, a avaliação rotineira da presença de depressão é sugerida em pacientes com DM2.

Phenotypic detection of carbapenem resistance and metallo-beta-lactamase among Enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples in tertiary care hospital

Background: Carbapenems have the broadest activity spectra of any β-lactam antibiotic and are often the most appropriate agents for use in the treatment of infections caused by multi resistant gram negative bacteria. The recent worldwide emergence and dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Gram negative rods that are resistant to carbapenems is a significant concern with respect to patient care and infection control strategies. Hence this study was undertaken to study the magnitude of carbapenem resistance among routine clinical isolates of family Enterobacteriaceae so as to guide the clinicians in selection of appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapies and infection control measures.Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology over a period 18 months from January 2017 to July 2018. All the clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were screened for carbapenem resistance as per CLSI guidelines. Such strains were then subjected to phenotypic confirmation of carbapenemase production by the Modified Hodge test. All isolates that gave a positive screening test were further evaluated for metallo-β-lactamase production. The technique used was the Combined Disk Test using a combination of Imipenem and Imipenem-EDTA.Results: Out of the 400 total clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae isolated in the laboratory,57 were found to be Meropenem resistant (14.25%) and were labelled 'Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae" or CRE. Modified Hodge test (MHT) performed on the 57 carbapenem resistant isolates showed 41 (71.93%) isolates to be carbapenemase enzyme producers. Combined disc test (CDT) conducted on the 57 isolates of CRE detected Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) enzyme production in 39 isolates (68.42%).Conclusions: Since there is a high prevalence of carbapenemase resistance in our setting hence we need to be cautious with the indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antimicrobials, more so, the carbapenems.

Oral Cavity — A Window to Systemic Illness.

Oral cavity very often has been described as reflection of our body as most of the initial clinical symptoms occur in oral cavity. The current paper also focuses on the oral presentation of the systemic condition called Pyknodysostosis (MIM 265800) which is a rare, autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by short stature, wide cranial sutures, and increased bone density and fragility was first described in 1962 by Maroteaux and Lamy under the heading of diastrophic dwarfism.

Probiotics: The Emissaries of Health from Microbial World.

Probiotics have a long history of human use and are traditionally consumed in several parts of the world. These are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods, drugs, and dietary supplements. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also fit the bill. Probiotics are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria". They are gaining importance because of the innumerable benefits, e.g. treating lactose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia and managing cardiac problems like atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. With the current focus on disease prevention and the quest for optimal health at all ages, the probiotics potential could reign high. Health professionals and pharmaceutical companies need to objectively help and guide their clients and consumers toward appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic uses of probiotics that deliver the desired beneficial health effects, shunning type and instant benefits.

Parvovirus B19 nonimmune hydrops in a neonate.

Parvovirus B19 is responsible for approximately 10% of all cases of nonimmune hydrops. An unusual case of perinatally acquired parvovirus infection in a neonate is reported who presented with nonimmune hydrops fetalis at D15 of life.