A Correlation of the Platelet Count with D-Dimer Levels as an Indicator for Component Therapy in Children with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue Fever (DF) may evolve into two life threatening forms—Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). DHF is associated with increased vascular permeability and plasma leakage causing thrombocytopenia and loss of clotting factors into the third space and may result in bleeding initially due to thrombocytopenia and later due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), often as a terminal event. Prompt recognition and treatment of minor bleeds in DF children with incipient DIC with component therapy may be associated with improved survival while failure to do so is usually catastrophic. A sensitive marker for early DIC is the presence of D-dimer (DD) in the blood. To determine the correlation between the severity of thrombocytopenia and early DIC in children with DHF. The impact of additional factors like age and shock will also be evaluated. Case control prospective study of 60 DHF sero -positive children (1–15 years) with thrombocytopenia. After clinical evaluation they were divided into two equal groups based on the degree of thrombocytopenia (more than/less than 30,000/mm³). PT/APTT and DD levels were estimated in all children of both groups and statistical correlation was done. There was no significant difference in the DD levels between the two groups. However, children in either group, presenting with clinical features of shock and thrombocytopenia had significantly higher DD levels. Empirical component therapy in children with DHF based purely on their low platelet counts may not be justified. However, in DHF children with thrombocytopenia and features of shock, aggressive component therapy may prevent subsequent bleeding and may be justified.     

Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Immediate Revascularization or Watchful Waiting?

Based on several randomized clinical trials, carotid revascularization has been shown to reduce future stroke risk among individuals with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis. However, a well-recognized problem with such prophylactic intervention is the risk of periprocedural stroke, death, or myocardial infarction. If actual stroke risk with asymptomatic carotid stenosis can be reduced significantly by aggressive medical management, carotid revascularization may yield marginal benefit or even cause harm especially in those with limited life expectancy. Based on recent observational data, it is becoming apparent that the stroke risk in this population has been declining with better medical management alone. This has prompted a few to avoid carotid revascularization for asymptomatic carotid stenosis altogether. Others feel such conclusions cannot be made with observational data alone. In the midst of this controversy, it is important that clinicians perform carotid revascularization on a case by case basis while ensuring optimal medical management in all patients. An algorithmic approach to decision making based on available evidence will enable clinicians to personalize patient management with efficiency.     

The TNF-derived TIP peptide activates the epithelial sodium channel and ameliorates experimental nephrotoxic serum nephritis

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Complete nucleotide sequence of a begomovirus associated with satellites molecules infecting a new host Tagetes patula in India

In the year 2012 leaf curl disease was observed on Marigold (Tagetes patula) in Lakshmangrh, Sikar province of India. Affected plants were severely stunted with apical leaf curl and crinkled leaves, symptoms typical of begomovirus infection. This is the first report of complete nucleotide sequence of a begomovirus associated with satellites molecules infecting a new host Tagetes patula in India.     

Sustainable fragrance cum antimicrobial finishing on cotton: Indigenous essential oil

Fragrance finishing of textile has been enormously increased and used in domestic and industrial application. Fragrance can be synthesis chemically but available in natural and inorganic. The investigation of this research is to study the combined effect of fragrance and antimicrobial finishing on cotton fabric by lavender essential oil with the use of β-Cyclodextrin, Chitosan citrate and β-Cyclodextrin/Grafted Chitosan through pad-dry method. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the formation of ester bonds between β-cyclodextrin/grafted chitosan and cotton celluloses. For all the finished fabric samples fragrance release rate performance and antimicrobial properties were measure by standard test methods. The results revealed that β-CD was highly soluble in 0.6 gpl NaOH solution and 80 gpl β-CD and 6% essential lavender oil solutions were found to be a most suitable combination for fragrance and antimicrobial finishing. FTIR studies reveal about the formation of a carboxylic ester between cotton and β-Cyclodextrin/Grafted Chitosan at 1730 cm^?1 ester peak.