Insulin (Technique) Induced Hypoglycaemia.

The most common side effect of insulin therapy is hypoglycaemia apart from weight gain. It occurs commonly due to insulin overdose, faulty injection site, technique and meal-insulin mismatch. In lean individuals even the needle size can be a contributing factor to hypoglycaemia. Here we report a case who presented with recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia due to a combination of wrong insulin site, technique as well as needle size. On examination, he was found to have spotted dermopathy on his forearms (insulin injection site) which was consistent with intradermal insulin administration. Recently, insulin infusion through intradermal route has been found to reach the systemic circulation faster than even the conventional subcutaneous injection. This case emphasizes that hypoglycaemias can occur due to less common causes. It warrants a good clinical examination and patient education.

Investigation of the spinal cord as a natural receptor antenna for incident electromagnetic waves and possible impact on the central nervous system.

The effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on biological systems have been studied for many years, both as a source of medical therapy and also for potential health risks. In particular, the mechanisms of EMF absorption in the human or animal body is of medical/engineering interest, and modern modelling techniques, such as the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD), can be utilized to simulate the voltages and currents induced in different parts of the body. The simulation of one particular component, the spinal cord, is the focus of this article, and this study is motivated by the fact that the spinal cord can be modelled as a linear conducting structure, capable of generating a significant amount of voltage from incident EMF. In this article, we show, through a FDTD simulation analysis of an incoming electromagnetic field (EMF), that the spinal cord acts as a natural antenna, with frequency dependent induced electric voltage and current distribution. The multi-frequency (100-2400 MHz) simulation results show that peak voltage and current response is observed in the FM radio range around 100 MHz, with significant strength to potentially cause changes in the CNS. This work can contribute to the understanding of the mechanism behind EMF energy leakage into the CNS, and the possible contribution of the latter energy leakage towards the weakening of the blood brain barrier (BBB), whose degradation is associated with the progress of many diseases, including Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Maxillectomy through mandibulotomy--a retrospective clinical review.

PURPOSE: To review retrospectively the benefits of using mandibulotomy as an access for tumors involving the maxilla and infratemporal fossa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with tumors involving the maxilla and infratemporal fossa underwent maxillectomy through mandibular access osteotomy. Patient details and postoperative follow-up were reviewed and recorded. Postoperative complications such as neural morbidity and problems relevant to the procedure were evaluated. Ethical clearance from the medical practices board of the hospital was not required for this study. RESULTS: All but 1 patient underwent en bloc resection of the maxillary tumor with a histologically negative margin. One patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma had a positive orbital margin. Residual mouth opening smaller than 2.5 cm was observed in 4 patients. Healing of the osteotomy site was satisfactory in 21 patients. Three patients had osteotomy-related complications that required secondary intervention. Neural morbidity was temporary and cosmetic outcome of the procedure was excellent. CONCLUSION: Mandibular access osteotomy is an acceptable approach to tumors involving the maxilla and infratemporal fossa. The advantages of wide exposure, minimal morbidity, and good cosmesis make it superior to the conventional panfacial approach. This article highlights the advantages of this procedure and discusses conventional approaches with review of the literature.

Long-term effects of a carbohydrate-rich diet on fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and serum insulin values in rural Bengalis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing in rural areas of India, where there is also often a lack of health infrastructure. Thus, a proper dietary study with the view of combating diabetes is essential. The aim of the present study was to determine the long-term effect of a carbohydrate-rich diet in rural Bengal. METHODS: Volunteers (n = 320) were selected from three villages in Kharagpur and were randomly divided into a control and experimental group (n = 160 in each). The design of the study was such that non-significant differences in any of the dependent variables were maintainted prior to the application of control or treatment modes. In the control group, volunteers consumed <70% carbohydrate as part of their diet, whereas in the experimental group carbohydrate consumption was >70%. Blood samples from both groups were collected on yearly basis for 5 years and fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile and serum insulin values were analyzed. RESULTS: The blood biochemistry profiles were monitored before the start and at the end of the study. The results indicate that increased intake of carbohydrate causes significant increases in FBS (P < 0.05) and serum insulin (P < 0.05), as well as changes in the lipid profile, particularly triglycerides (P < 0.05) and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of increased carbohydrate on FBS, serum insulin, triglycerides and VLDL-C indicate that a proper nutritional policy needs to be implemented for this population of rural, low-income Bengalis.