A study of scarless wound healing through programmed inflammation, proliferation and maturation using a redox balancing nanogel.

In the study, we have shown the efficacy of an indigenously developed redox balancing chitosan gel with impregnated citrate capped Mn3O4 nanoparticles (nanogel). Application of the nanogel on a wound of preclinical mice model shows role of various signaling molecules and growth factors, and involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at every stage, namely hemostasis, inflammation, and proliferation leading to complete maturation for the scarless wound healing. While in vitro characterization of nanogel using SEM, EDAX, and optical spectroscopy reveals pH regulated redox buffering capacity, in vivo preclinical studies on Swiss albino involving IL-12, IFN-γ, and α-SMA signaling molecules and detailed histopathological investigation and angiogenesis on every stage elucidate role of redox buffering for the complete wound healing process.

Structurally Dynamic Monocyte-Liposome Hybrid Vesicles as an Anticancer Drug Delivery Vehicle: A Crucial Correlation of Microscopic Elasticity and Ultrafast Dynamics.

A biomimetic cell-based carrier system based on monocyte membranes and liposomes has been designed to create a hybrid "Monocyte-LP" which inherits the surface antigens of the monocytes along with the drug encapsulation property of the liposome. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and polarization gated anisotropy measurements show the stiffness of the vesicles obtained from monocyte membranes (Mons), phosphatidylcholine membranes (LP), and Monocyte-LP to follow an increasing order of Mons > Monocyte-LP > LP. The dynamics of interface bound water molecules plays a key role in the elasticity of the vesicles, which in turn imparts higher delivery efficacy to the hybrid Monocyte-LP for a model anticancer drug doxorubicin than the other two vesicles, indicating a critical balance between flexibility and rigidity for an efficient cellular uptake. The present work provides insight on the influence of elasticity of delivery vehicles for enhanced drug delivery.

A spectroscopy based prototype for the noninvasive detection of diabetes from human saliva using nanohybrids acting as nanozyme.

The recent prediction of diabetes to be a global pandemic invites a detection strategy preferably non-invasive, and bloodless to manage the disease and the associated complications. Here, we have synthesized chitosan polymer functionalized, organic-inorganic bio-compatible nano-hybrids of Mn3O4 nanoparticles, and characterized it by utilizing several optical methodologies for the structural characterization which shows the Michaelis Menten (MM) kinetics for glucose and alpha-amylase protein (well-known diabetes biomarkers). We have also studied the potentiality for the detection of alpha-amylase in human salivary secretion which is reported to be strongly correlated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Finally, we have developed a prototype for the measurement of glucose (LOD of 0.38 mg/dL, LOQ of 1.15 mg/dL) and HbA1c (LOD of 0.15% and LOQ of 0.45%) utilizing the basic knowledge in the study for the detection of uncontrolled hyperglycemia at the point-of-care. With the limited number of clinical trials, we have explored the potential of our work in combating the diabetic pandemic across the globe in near future.

Chitosan functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticles counteracts ulcerative colitis in mice through modulation of cellular redox state.

Recent findings suggest a key role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several studies have also highlighted the efficacy of citrate functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticles as redox medicine against a number of ROS-mediated disorders. Here we show that synthesized nanoparticles consisting of chitosan functionalized tri-manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) can restore redox balance in a mouse model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Our in-vitro characterization of the developed nanoparticle confirms critical electronic transitions in the nanoparticle to be important for the redox buffering activity in the animal model. A careful administration of the developed nanoparticle not only reduces inflammatory markers in the animals, but also reduces the mortality rate from the induced disease. This study provides a proof of concept for the use of nanomaterial with synergistic anti-inflammatory and redox buffering capacity to prevent and treat ulcerative colitis.

Non-invasive estimation of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation of neonates simultaneously using whole optical spectrum analysis at point of care.

The study was aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed spectroscopy-based non-invasive and noncontact device (SAMIRA) for the simultaneous measurement of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation as an alternative to the invasive biochemical method of blood sampling. The accuracy of the device was assessed in 4318 neonates having incidences of either anemia, jaundice, or hypoxia. Transcutaneous bilirubin, hemoglobin and blood saturation values were obtained by the newly developed instrument which was corroborated with the biochemical blood tests by expert clinicians. The instrument is trained using Artificial Neural Network Analysis to increase the acceptability of the data. The artificial intelligence incorporated within the instrument determines the disease condition of the neonate. The Pearson's correlation coefficient, r was found to be 0.987 for hemoglobin estimation and 0.988 for bilirubin and blood gas saturation respectively. The bias and the limits of agreement for the measurement of all the three parameters were within the clinically acceptance limit.

Chemoprevention of bilirubin encephalopathy with a nanoceutical agent.

BACKGROUND: Targeted rapid degradation of bilirubin has the potential to thwart incipient bilirubin encephalopathy. We investigated a novel spinel-structured citrate-functionalized trimanganese tetroxide nanoparticle (C-Mn3O4 NP, the nanodrug) to degrade both systemic and neural bilirubin loads. METHOD: Severe neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) was induced in neonatal C57BL/6j mice model with phenylhydrazine (PHz) intoxication. Efficiency of the nanodrug on both in vivo bilirubin degradation and amelioration of bilirubin encephalopathy and associated neurobehavioral sequelae were evaluated. RESULTS: Single oral dose (0.25 mg kg-1 bodyweight) of the nanodrug reduced both total serum bilirubin (TSB) and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in SNH rodents. Significant (p < 0.0001) UCB and TSB-degradation rates were reported within 4-8 h at 1.84 ± 0.26 and 2.19 ± 0.31 mg dL-1 h-1, respectively. Neural bilirubin load was decreased by 5.6 nmol g-1 (p = 0.0002) along with improved measures of neurobehavior, neuromotor movements, learning, and memory. Histopathological studies confirm that the nanodrug prevented neural cell reduction in Purkinje and substantia nigra regions, eosinophilic neurons, spongiosis, and cell shrinkage in SNH brain parenchyma. Brain oxidative status was maintained in nanodrug-treated SNH cohort. Pharmacokinetic data corroborated the bilirubin degradation rate with plasma nanodrug concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the in vivo capacity of this novel nanodrug to reduce systemic and neural bilirubin load and reverse bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity. Further compilation of a drug-safety-dossier is warranted to translate this novel therapeutic chemopreventive approach to clinical settings. IMPACT: None of the current pharmacotherapeutics treat severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) to prevent risks of neurotoxicity. In this preclinical study, a newly investigated nano-formulation, citrate-functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticles (C-Mn3O4 NPs), exhibits bilirubin reduction properties in rodents. Chemopreventive properties of this nano-formulation demonstrate an efficacious, efficient agent that appears to be safe in these early studies. Translation of C-Mn3O4 NPs to prospective preclinical and clinical trials in appropriate in vivo models should be explored as a potential novel pharmacotherapy for SNH.

"Seeing" invisible volatile organic compound (VOC) marker of urinary bladder cancer: A development from bench to bedside prototype spectroscopic device.

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is one of the most common cancers and has notoriously high risk of recurrence and mortality across the globe. Current clinical initial diagnostic approaches are either invasive or lacks sensitivity. In this study, an attempt has been made to invent a cost-effective, novel, portable diagnostic device based on the environmental sensitive fluorophores namely Nile Red (NR), Eosin Y (EY) and Rose Bengal (RB). They act as sensing agents for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOC) exclusively present in the urine sample of UBC patients and differentiate the UBC samples from the healthy control group. Upon exposure with a particular group of VOCs, a significant amount of increment in fluorescence intensities of NR, EY and RB were detected and recorded in our indigenously developed "NABIL" device. To check the performance of NABIL, the data collected from the device was compared with the conventional techniques by arranging a clinical trial with 21 healthy controls and 52 UBC patients. With the assistance of our analysis technique based on LabVIEW platform, very high sensitivity and accuracy from healthy controls have been achieved. For UBC patients, it shows impressive diagnostic results. In addition, depending on the sample processing mechanism, NABIL device can also reveal the grade of UBC and prognosis under treatment. Overall, this study contributes a novel, non-invasive, easy-to-use, inexpensive, real-time, accurate method for selectively UBC diagnosis, which can be useful for personalized care/diagnosis and postoperative surveillance, resulting in saving more lives.

A nano erythropoiesis stimulating agent for the treatment of anemia and associated disorders.

The usual treatment for anemia and especially for anemia of inflammation (also called anemia of chronic disease) is supportive care with the target of improving the lifestyle of the patients. There is no effective medication to date for proper management. As the inflammation, erythropoiesis, and oxidative stress are the major concerns in this case, it inspired us to use a nano-erythropoietin stimulating agent (nano-ESA) made up of a nano-complex of manganese and citrate (Mn-citrate nano-complex), which has been hypothesized to have excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Single oral dose of the nano-ESA efficiently prevented the onset of anemia as well as led to recovery from anemia in our phenylhydrazine (PHz)-intoxicated C57BL/6J mice model of anemia without any toxicological side effects. These preliminary findings may pave the way for an affordable and safe clinical use of the nano-ESA as a rapid recovery medication of anemia, especially anemia of inflammation.

Integration of electroencephalogram (EEG) and motion tracking sensors for objective measure of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (MAHD) in pre-schoolers.

We developed an integrated device composed of a single-probe Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Charge Coupled Device (CCD) based motion sensors for objective measurement of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While the measurement of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (MAHD) relies on the EEG signal for the assessment of attention during a given structured task, the CCD sensor depicts the movement pattern of the subjects engaged in a continuous performance task. A statistical analysis of attention and movement patterns was performed, and the accuracy of completed tasks was analyzed using indigenously developed software. The device with the embedded software is intended to improve certainty with criterion E. We used the EEG signal from a single-channel dry sensor placed on the frontal lobe of the head of the subjects (3-5 year old pre-schoolers). During the performance of the task power for delta and beta, EEG waves from the subjects are found to be correlated with relaxation and attention/cognitive load conditions. While the relaxation condition of the subject hints at hyperactivity, a more direct CCD-based motion sensor is used to track the physical movement of the subject engaged in a continuous performance task. We used our indigenously developed software for statistical analysis to derive a scale for the objective assessment of ADHD. We also compared our scale with clinical ADHD evaluations and found a significant correlation between the objective assessment of the ADHD subjects and the clinician's conventional evaluation. MAHD, the integrated device, is supposed to be an auxiliary tool to improve the accuracy of ADHD diagnosis by supporting greater criterion E certainty.

Picosecond-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in diffuse reflectance spectroscopy explores biologically relevant hidden molecular contacts in a non-invasive way.

The potentiality of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for studying molecular interactions inside biological tissues with improved spatial (Angström) and temporal (picosecond) resolution is well established. On the other hand, the efficacy of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) that uses optical radiation in order to determine physiological parameters including haemoglobin, and oxygen saturation is well known. Here we have made an attempt to combine diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) with picosecond-resolved FRET in order to show improvement in the exploration of molecular contacts in biological tissue models. We define the technique as ultrafast time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UTRDRS). The illuminated photon of the fluorophore from the surface of the tissue-mimicking layers carries the hidden information of the molecular contact. In order to investigate the validation of the Kubelka-Munk (KM) formulism for the developed UTRDRS technique in tissue phantoms, we have studied the propagation of incandescent and picosecond-laser light through several layers of cellulose membranes. While picosecond-resolved FRET in the diffuse reflected light confirms the hidden nano-contact (4.6 nm) of two different dye layers (8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid and Nile blue), high-resolution optical microscopy on the cross-section of the layers reveals the proximity and contacts of the layers with limited spatial resolution (∼300 nm). We have also investigated two biologically relevant molecules, namely carboxyfluorescein and haemoglobin, in tissue phantom layers in order to show the efficacy of the UTRDRS technique. Overall, our studies based on UTRDRS in tissue mimicking layers may have potential applications in non-invasive biomedical diagnosis for patients suffering from skin diseases.

Host-Assisted Delivery of a Model Drug to Genomic DNA: Key Information from Ultrafast Spectroscopy and in silico Study.

Drug delivery to a target without adverse effects is one of the major criteria for clinical use. Herein, we have made an attempt to explore the delivery efficacy of SDS surfactant in a monomer and micellar stage during the delivery of the model drug, Toluidine Blue (TB) from the micellar cavity to DNA. Molecular recognition of pre-micellar SDS encapsulated TB with DNA occurs at a rate constant of k1 ∼652 s-1 . However, no significant release of encapsulated TB at micellar concentration was observed within the experimental time frame. This originated from the higher binding affinity of TB towards the nano-cavity of SDS at micellar concentration which does not allow the delivery of TB from the nano-cavity of SDS micelles to DNA. Thus, molecular recognition controls the extent of DNA recognition by TB which in turn modulates the rate of delivery of TB from SDS in a concentration-dependent manner.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety Between Deferiprone and Deferasirox with Special Reference to Serum Ferritin Level and Cardiac Function in Bengali ß-Thalassemia Major Children.

Deferiprone (DFP) and deferasirox (DFX) are the most well-known, efficacious and safe chelators to reduce the serum ferritin (SF) level in multi transfused thalassemic children, although there are few reports available for assessing the efficacy between DFP and DFX. We compared the efficacy of DFP vs. DFX as iron chelating drugs in ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients. Pediatric patients diagnosed to carry ß-TM, aged between 2 and 10 years, were recruited. A suitable data collection form and questionnaire were used. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to compare the safety and efficacy of the chelating drugs DFP and DFX. The mean SF level at the 12th month was found to be 3016.73 ± 670.04 ng/mL (p = 0.002) in the DFX-treated group, which was quite significant in contrast to DFP response, where the value was 3204.06 ± 690.15 ng/mL (p = 0.14). There is no statistically significant (p = 0.15) difference on relative changes of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), between these two groups. The adverse effects were transient and none of them required stoppage of therapy. Deferasirox is more effective when compared to DFP in reducing chelating drug-related complications and iron overload specially in multiple transfusion dependent ß-TM patients.

Redox Buffering Capacity of Nanomaterials as an Index of ROS-Based Therapeutics and Toxicity: A Preclinical Animal Study.

Precise control of intracellular redox status, i.e., maintenance of the physiological level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for mediating normal cellular functions (oxidative eustress) while evading the excess ROS stress (distress), is central to the concept of redox medicine. In this regard, engineered nanoparticles with unique ROS generation, transition, and depletion functions have the potential to be the choice of redox therapeutics. However, it is always challenging to estimate whether ROS-induced intracellular events are beneficial or deleterious to the cell. Here, we propose the concept of redox buffering capacity as a therapeutic index of engineered nanomaterials. As a steady redox state is maintained for normal functioning cells, we hypothesize that the ability of a nanomaterial to preserve this homeostatic condition will dictate its therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the redox buffering capacity is expected to provide information about the nanoparticle toxicity. Here, using citrate-functionalized trimanganese tetroxide nanoparticles (C-Mn3O4 NPs) as a model nanosystem, we explored its redox buffering capacity in erythrocytes. Furthermore, we went on to study the chronic toxic effect (if any) of this nanomaterial in the animal model to co-relate with the experimentally estimated redox buffering capacity. This study could function as a framework for assessing the capability of a nanomaterial as redox medicine (whether maintains eustress or damages by creating distress), thus orienting its application and safety for clinical use.

An Energy-Resolved Optical Non-invasive Device Detects Essential Electrolyte Balance in Humans at Point-of-Care.

Regular monitoring of electrolyte balance is essential for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those undergoing dialysis. In the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more severe forms of infection are observed in elderly individuals and patients having co-morbidities like CKD. The repeated blood tests for the monitoring of electrolyte balance predispose them not only to COVID-19 but also other to hospital-acquired infections (HAI). Therefore, a non-invasive method for easy detection of essential electrolyte (K+ and Na+) levels is urgently needed. In this study, we developed an optical emission spectroscopy-based non-invasive device for simultaneous monitoring of salivary Na+ and K+ levels in a fast and reliable way. The device consisted of a closed spark chamber, micro-spectrometer, high voltage spark generator, electronic circuits, optical fiber, and an indigenously developed software based on the LabVIEW platform. The optical emission originating from the biological sample (i.e., saliva) due to recombination of ions energized by impingement of electrons returning from high voltage spark provides necessary information about the concentration of electrolytes. A small-scale clinical trial on 30 healthy human subjects shows the potential of the indigenously developed device in determining salivary Na + and K+ concentration. The low-cost, portable, point-of-care device requires only 2 mL of sample, and can simultaneously measure 1.0-190.0 mM Na+, and 1.0-270.9 mM K+ . To our understanding, the present work will find its relevance in combating COVID-19 morbidities, along with regular CKD patient-care.

Incorporation of a Biocompatible Nanozyme in Cellular Antioxidant Enzyme Cascade Reverses Huntington's Like Disorder in Preclinical Model.

The potentiality of nano-enzymes in therapeutic use has directed contemporary research to develop a substitute for natural enzymes, which are suffering from several disadvantages including low stability, high cost, and difficulty in storage. However, inherent toxicity, inefficiency in the physiological milieu, and incompatibility to function in cellular enzyme networks limit the therapeutic use of nanozymes in living systems. Here, it is shown that citrate functionalized manganese-based biocompatible nanoscale material (C-Mn3 O4 NP) efficiently mimics glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme in the physiological milieu and easily incorporates into the cellular multienzyme cascade for H2 O2 scavenging. A detailed computational study reveals the mechanism of the nanozyme action. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of C-Mn3 O4 nanozyme is further established in a preclinical animal model of Huntington's disease (HD), a prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which has no effective medication to date. Management of HD in preclinical animal trial using a biocompatible (non-toxic) nanozyme as a part of the metabolic network may uncover a new paradigm in nanozyme based therapeutic strategy.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Asenapine versus Olanzapine in Management of Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: : Schizophrenia is a serious disease characterized by impairment in the perception or expression of reality, leading to occupational and social dysfunction. The use of antipsychotic medication is now universal in the first-line treatment of schizophrenia. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of asenapine with a standard atypical antipsychotic, olanzapine in treating this disease. METHODS: It was designed as a single blind, randomized, controlled, parallel group, single centre Phase IV trial of a newer atypical antipsychotic, asenapine versus existing standard atypical antipsychotic, olanzapine. Total 80 subjects were enrolled as per eligibility criteria.Each recruited subject received daily treatment with the trial medication (Olanzapine 10 mg or Asenapine 10 mg daily) for duration of 12 weeks. BPRS, CGI-S, CGI-I, Laboratory parameters and compliance was assessed and analyzed. Continuous variables were compared by t test and non-parametric data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Likely categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. RESULTS: The duration of schizophrenia at presentation was comparable in both the treatment groups. There was significant reduction of BPRS score between any two visits of each treatment groups. The decline in CGI-S and CGI-I scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001) when compared between visits of any of the both treatment arms. Adherence to treatment was excellent for all patients. CONCLUSION: Newer atypical antipsychotic asenapine is more effective than standard olanzapine in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia in this study and further larger studies are to be done.

Large scale validation of a new non-invasive and non-contact bilirubinometer in neonates with risk factors.

The study was aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed non-invasive and non-contact bilirubin measurement device (AJO-Neo) as an alternative to the conventional invasive biochemical method of total serum bilirubin (TSB) estimation in preterm and term neonates suffering from hyperbilirubinemia associated with risk factors, and/or undergoing phototherapy. The safety and efficacy of the device were assessed in 1968 neonates with gestational ages ranging from 28 to 41 weeks and suffering from incidences of hyperbilirubinemia. Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between AJO-Neo and the conventional method of TSB (Pearson's coefficient, r = 0.79). The small bias (0.27 mg/dL) and limits of agreements (- 3.44 to 3.99 mg/dL) were within the range of clinical acceptance. The device was also precise in the measurement of bilirubin levels in all subgroups of the study. The receiver operator curve (ROC), that takes account of both sensitivity and specificity of a device showed high efficacy of the device (area under the curve, AUC = 0.83) in the detection of bilirubin. While monitoring the bilirubin level during phototherapy, the device indicated promising results showing good agreement with TSB. Specificities and sensitivities of the device indicated a much higher accuracy in neonates with associated risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia. Hence, the newly developed device (AJO-Neo) is reliable in measuring bilirubin level in preterm, and term neonates irrespective of gestational or postnatal age, sex, risk factors, feeding behavior or skin color.

A Novel Whole Spectrum-Based Non-Invasive Screening Device for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: Careful screening of bilirubin level in newborns is mandatory as per American Academy of Pediatrics (2004), to reduce incidents of kernicterus and acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Although, invasive capillary collection of blood and subsequent biochemical test is considered a gold standard for jaundice detection in neonates, transcutaneous bilirubin measurement using various non-invasive instruments is also used sporadically across the globe. The major aim of this study was to develop a non-invasive spectrometry-based technique for measurement of neonatal bilirubin level as an alternative of total serum bilirubin (TSB) test without limitations of other available bilirubinometers. METHODS: The instrument comprises of a light source and a spectroscopic detector. A light beam from source incident on the neonatal nail plate through optical fibers. The retro reflected light is acquired using the detector. An indigenously developed software is used to acquire and analyze the optical signal and to calculate the bilirubin value. The instrument was calibrated and validated in reference to TSB on 1033 subjects. MAJOR RESULTS: The result (r = 0.95 and P < 0.001) indicates a strong correlation between the bilirubin value obtained from our method and TSB. Time variant analysis of the subjects undergoing phototherapy provided a good correlation (r = 0.98). The repeatability test result shows the mean coefficient of variation is less than 5.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The indigenously developed non-invasive technique successfully detects the bilirubin level in newborns under various physiological conditions with high accuracy and precision.

Prevalence of Depression in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and its Impact on Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a frequently encountered chronic metabolic disease with various complications throughout its course, which causes severe restriction and disability in an individual's life. It has been well documented that the incidence of depression is higher in diabetic patients and co-morbid depression causes further deterioration in the quality of life in diabetic patients. AIMS: To study the prevalence of depression and its impact on quality of life in patients with type II DM. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Single centre, cross-sectional, single interview. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 195 type II DM patients are included in this study. To diagnose Depressive Episode Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis-1 Disorders, Research Version patient edition was applied. All patients were evaluated with a semi-structured socio-demographic proforma to assess socio-demographic characteristics, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) SF (Short Form) to measure the quality of life. RESULTS: Among them, 46.15% (N=90; males: 41, females: 49) met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive episodes. Among the depressed group, majority were (36.7%) moderately depressed. QLESQ-SF total and each item scores were significantly lower in the depressed group than in the non-depressed group. Both the HAM-D scores and HbA1c level have significant negative correlations with QLESQ-SF total scores. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the presence of depression in type II DM further deteriorates the quality of life of the patients. Therefore, treating depression would have a beneficial effect on the quality of life.

Assessing perceived stress in medical personnel: in search of an appropriate scale for the bengali population.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of stress and stress related anxiety and depression in medical personnel are being increasingly reported in literature. The perceived stress scale (PSS) is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress. It is needed to assess perceived stress in our population using appropriately translated version of PSS. The objectives of study were to prepare a Bengali version of PSS-10 and to establish its psychometric properties in the study population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a teaching hospital among medical students and interns (N=37). The translated Bengali version and the original English version of PSS-10 were separately handed over to the individual subjects. The scores were compared across different subgroups and psychometric properties of the translated version were assessed using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Internal consistency of PSS English (α=0.79) and Bengali (α=0.80) was satisfactory. Intra-rater reliability was adequate (κ>0.5) for most of the items, but showed an inadequate value (κ<0.5) for four items on the scale. After deleting these four items from the Bengali version, a new six-item PSS in Bengali was derived that showed good internal consistency (α=0.699). CONCLUSION: This new version needs to be validated in a larger study population. Perceived stress score using PSS-10 was considerably high in our study population, although there was no significant difference between the subgroups (male/female, intern/student).