Glucose indices, frank and undetected diabetes in relation to hypertension and anthropometry in a South Indian rural population

Diabetes has emerged as one of the world's biggest health problems and its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. This study was conducted to find out the magnitude of frank and undetected diabetes mellitus, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among persons in rural Karnataka, and its relationship with associated risk factors like hypertension and anthropometry. This was a population-based, cross-sectional study on 1370 participants in the field practice area of KBN Medical College, conducted from April 2009 to March, 2010. Diabetes mellitus was noted among 19.78% of the participants, with an additional 12.04% with impaired glucose tolerance. Hypertension observed among participants with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance was 65.13 and 53.94%, respectively. Effective primary prevention strategies have to be intensified among high-risk population groups, to promote awareness through behavior change communication.     

Quantifying the effects of iodine contrast media on standardised uptake values of FDG PET/CT images: an anthropomorphic phantom study

This study aimed to quantify the amount of change in Standardised Uptake Values (SUVs) of PET/CT images by simulating the set-up as closely as possible to the actual patient scanning. The experiments were conducted using an anthropomorphic phantom, which contained an amount of radioactivity in the form of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a primary plastic test tube and one litre saline bags, including the insertion of bony structures and another two test tubes containing different concentrations of iodine contrast media. Standard scanning protocols were employed for the PET/CT image acquisition. The highest absolute differences in the SUVmax and SUVmean values of the saline bags were found to be about 0.2 and 0.4, respectively. The primary test tube showed the largest change of 1.5 in both SUVs; SUV max and SUVmean. However, none of these changes were found to be statistically significant. The clinical literature also contains no evidence to suggest that the changes of this magnitude would change the final diagnosis. Based on these preliminary data, we propose that iodine contrast media can be used during the CT scan of PET/CT imaging, without significantly affecting the diagnostic quality of this integrated imaging modality.     

A facile, one-pot synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of o-hydroxy anilide derivatives and 1-substituted-1,3-dicyclohexylurea analogs of long chain carboxylic acids

A series of novel o-hydroxy anilide derivatives and 1-substituted-1,3-dicyclohexylurea analogs of long chain carboxylic acids have been synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity by disk diffusion assay with slight modifications against Gram-positive, Gram-negative strains of bacteria as well as fungal strains. After that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of all the synthesized compounds were determined. The investigation of antimicrobial screening data revealed that all the tested compounds showed moderate to good microbial inhibitions. Compounds 3e, 4e, 3f and 4f were found to be the most potent antimicrobial agents.     

Demodicosis among university medical students in Malaysia and the effects of facial cleanser and moisturizer usage

Demodicosis is an infestation of the skin with Demodex, an ectoparasite commonly found on the face. A cross-sectional study was conducted to detect the presence of the ectoparasite and the outcome of facial cleanser and moisturizer usage on its infestation. Universal sampling was performed among 390 medical students, age 20-25 years old in the Klang Valley of Malaysia. The biodata of the participants and information on the use of facial cleanser and moisturizer were obtained through questionnaire. Skin samples were obtained using both skin scraping and cellophane tape method and were subsequently examined directly by microscopy. The results show an overall prevalence of 17.2%. Males (21.5%) were affected more often than females (12.8%) (p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of the ectoparasite among different ethnic groups, age-groups and the presence of existing facial problems among the subjects. A lower infestation rate (11.45%) was found to be associated with the use of a moisturizer (p = 0.033). Both species of ectoparasites that infest man, Demodexfolliculorum and D. brevis, were detected in this study either as single or mixed infestations.     

Continuous peritoneal drainage of large-volume ascites

Background  

With the increasing population of individuals with cirrhosis, many of whom are not liver transplant candidates, large volume paracentesis as a medical therapy for ascites resistant to diuretic therapy has become increasingly utilized.