Showing 108 results for Research Article: Research Article
Jithu Jacob, Swapna C Senan, Ramani Bhai,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The global distribution of Klebsiella pneumoniae that produce carbapenemase has been gradually increasing.This present study aimed to investigate the molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from various clinical samples. Materials and Methods: In this study, 401 bacteria of Klebsiella isolates were isolated from various clinical samples according to standard protocol. The twelve carbapenem-resistant genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identifying Class A β-lactamases producers (KPC), Class B β-lactamases producers (NDM), and Class D β-lactamases producers (OXA-48) were done. It was noted that 10 isolates expressed KPC followed by one isolate expressed NDM and one isolate expressed OXA-48. Conclusion: In the present study conclude that CP-CRK is a major health problem in the coming years and hence it is necessary to take all adequate measures to identify the resistant strains. Continuous monitoring of these resistant mechanisms is required to establish the changes in the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of MDR Klebsiella isolates. Urgent infection control measures coupled with antibiotic stewardship and strengthening of the healthcare infrastructure are to be instituted in our setting to prevent the spread of these Carbapenem-resistant genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC). Larger multicenter studies are required to thoroughly assess risk variables and historical trends in order to comprehend the dynamics of spread and efficient management strategies.
Dr Adedeji Atere, Ms Elizabeth Ehuine, Dr Yekeen Kosamat, Dr Ilesanmi Ige,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Menopause, characterized by the cessation of menstrual periods, often leads to bone diseases due to hormonal changes, particularly affecting calcium metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate bone-associated biomarkers and their correlation with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in postmenopausal women, shedding light on potential osteoporosis risks.
Methods: Sixty postmenopausal (PMP) women, along with 20 premenopausal (PRM) and 20 reproductive-age (RWA) women as controls, were included in this cross-sectional study. Blood samples were analyzed for PTH, vitamin D, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and estradiol levels.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher levels of ALP and phosphorus, and lower levels of calcium, PTH, vitamin D, uric acid and estradiol in PMP and PRM groups compared to RWA (p<0.05). Moreover, PTH exhibited a significant negative correlation with ALP, and phosphorus, but a positive correlation with calcium, vitamin D, and estradiol in PMP women. ALP demonstrated a superior area under the ROC curve (AUROC) compared to other bone markers.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the reduced bone marker levels in postmenopausal women, potentially increasing the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.
Dr. Eliz Thomas, Dr. Nidhya Ganesan, Dr. Lawanya Gunaseelan, Dr. Subbarao Tadury,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Objective: To analyse the haematological parameters in pregnant women who are COVID-positive in a tertiary care hospital and to observe if there is an association between the findings and disease severity.
Methods: This was a retrospective study which included 64 COVID-positive pregnant patients who were admitted in our hospital, under obstetrics department, in the study period. The haematological parameters of these women during the third trimester were assessed and the outcome of the pregnancy was recorded.
Results: Among 64 COVID-positive pregnant women, 14 complained of the usual symptoms like fever, cough or headache. 1 complained of increased breathlessness. After haematological work-up, 46 (72%) patients were recorded to have anemia and 38 (59%) showed leukocytosis. Neutrophilia was seen in 34 patients. The platelet count was within normal limits for all. 49 of them underwent caesarean section for various reasons; most common reason being previous caesarean section. 62 deliveries were done at term. Only one of the babies delivered had anemia at birth. The 1 and 5 minutes APGAR scores recorded for all the babies were 7 to 9. 15 babies delivered underwent RT-PCR testing and were found to be negative.
Conclusion: The laboratory parameters most commonly seen amongst the COVID-19 pregnant women were anemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia, which is comparable to the physiologic changes in pregnancy. There was no adverse outcome observed in any of the pregnancies and all the fetuses were normal. There was no incidence of vertical transmission of the virus amongst the tested neonates.
Raouf Moradian, Amir Haji Ghasem, Saleh Rahmati, Lida Moradi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent and chronic liver disease, is characterized by a diverse range of conditions that span across a broad spectrum. Engaging in consistent physical activity has proven to be a successful method in effectively managing NAFLD, as it has demonstrated the ability to enhance crucial elements implicated in the development of the condition
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1) NAFLD, 2) NAFLD + resistance training (RT), 3) NAFLD + RT + atorvastatin (ATO). The groups received high fat/fructose diet (HFFD) to induce NAFLD and it was confirmed through evaluation of histopathological analysis (H&E staining) and measurement of aminotransferase enzymes. ATO was administrated at the dose of 2 mg/kg/day. The interventions were done for eight weeks.
Results: Triglyceride (TG), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly reduced in the NAFLD + RT + ATO. Also, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) had lower level in NAFLD + RT in compared to NAFLD + RT + ATO. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was reduced in both NAFLD + RT and NAFLD + RT + ATO groups compared to NAFLD. There was no significant difference in weight between the groups except first, second, and forth week.
Conclusion: RT in combination with the administration of ATO can be deemed as an efficacious and supplementary strategy for the purpose of effectively controlling and addressing NAFLD.
Zeinab Siahmargoie , Mohammad Taher Hojjati , Hadi Bazzazi , Khodaberdi Kalavi , Mana Zakeri , Hadi Joshaghani ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by the overactivity of erythroid progenitors, leading to excessive red blood cell (RBC) production. More than 90% of PV cases harbor a Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene mutation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of JAK2 mutations in individuals with elevated hemoglobin (Hb) levels referred to the laboratory by physicians.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, genomic DNA from 72 patients was analyzed for JAK2 mutations using a TaqMan-specific probe.
Results: Of the 72 patients, 24 (33.3%) were women and 48 (66.6%) were men. JAK2 mutations were detected in 33 cases (45.5%), while 39 (54.2%) were negative. Notably, 15 of 24 female patients (62.5%) tested positive for the JAK2 mutation, compared to 18 of 48 male patients (37.5%).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that screening for JAK2 mutations is particularly important in women with above-normal Hb levels.
Dr Mazhar Khan, Dr Akash Sarkate, Dr Poonam Wade, Dr Sushama Mailk,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the work is to study the effect of phototherapy on serum calcium level in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia .
Methods: It was an observational study, conducted in the NICU of BYL & T.N. Medical college, Mumbai over a period of 12 months after obtaining permission from institutional ethics committee . This study was performed on 100 neonates (>34 weeks of gestational age) with hyperbilirubinemia managed with phototherapy. A sample of blood was sent to the laboratory for serum calcium level before initiating phototherapy and after completion of phototherapy. All the neonates were clinically assessed for clinical features of hypocalcemia . All the data were recorded in the preformed proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. P value <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The mean age of the neonates was 3±1.2 days .Mean gestational age at the time of birth was 37±1.2 weeks. Mean duration of jaundice was 2.8±1.10 days. The median serum calcium (mg/dL) level before phototherapy was 8.6 (8.49–8.61). After phototherapy, the median serum calcium (mg/dL) levels were reduced to 7.35 (7.33–7.50), which was significant (p<0.001). Hypocalcemia was defined as a serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL, and the incidence of hypocalcemia in the study population was 16%. 60% of new-borns with hypocalcemia experienced mild symptoms like jitteriness or irritability.
Conclusion: The Incidence of hypocalcemia is significant in the jaundiced neonates treated with phototherapy. One needs to be watchful in dealing neonates in NICU while serial monitoring for hypocalcemia and its complications.
Adedeji Okikiade, Chidinma Kanu, Oluwadamilare Iyapo, Ololade Omitogun,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a spectrum of multi-systemic dysfunction in pregnancy, usually seen in the third trimester in approximately 6–8% of pregnancies in the United States, according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP). The World Health Organization reported that this multisystem disorder accounts for 16% of maternal deaths in developed countries and 1.8%-16.7% in most developing countries.
The spectrum can progress from Preeclampsia to Eclampsia with short- and long-term complications that may impact significantly on the quality of life of both the fetus and the mother. Though the pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear, evidence supporting the roles of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors is rapidly evolving. Preeclampsia, an initial spectrum of the disorder, begins with abnormal placentation with failure of adaption, inflammatory changes, permanent vascular and metabolic damages, and increasing risk of cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, neurological, hematological, and socioeconomic complications. Regardless of the postulation, oxidative stress, placenta ischemia hypoxia with release of toxic substances, and endothelial dysfunction are essentially pivotal to multiple organ damage. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends starting treatment for Preeclampsia when the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is above 105–110 mm Hg. This article describes the proposed pathophysiological mechanism associated with the spectrum of maternal complications in Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Parisa Hasanein , Fahime Javadi Hedaiat Abad, Mousa Bohlooli , Mostafa Khajeh , Sedigheh Esmaielzadeh Bahabadi , Neda Poormolaei ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: DNA glycation, a process where Glc non-enzymatically binds to DNA, is implicated in various detrimental effects, including strand breaks, mutations, and altered gene expression. This damage is considered a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in identifying antiglycation agents as a strategy for preventing and mitigating these complications. Prior research has indicated that extracts from Tamarix aphylla (T. aphylla) leaves possess antidiabetic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the impact of T. aphylla extract on Glc-mediated DNA glycation.
Methods: DNA samples were incubated with Glc over a four-week period. Subsequently, the modulatory effects of T. aphylla on Glc-induced DNA structural alterations were investigated employing a range of analytical techniques. These methodologies encompassed ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: The results obtained from UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that T. aphylla extract led to a reduction in the formation of DNA-advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Furthermore, CD spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that the structural alterations of glycated DNA were diminished in the presence of T. aphylla extract.
Conclusion: Based on the evidence presented, T. aphylla demonstrates protective properties against DNA glycation. Consequently, pending further rigorous investigation, it may represent a potentially valuable therapeutic agent for mitigating the detrimental consequences of glycation, particularly in environments characterized by elevated Glc concentrations and hyperglycemic states.
