Protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract on glycoprotein components on STZ–induced hyperglycemic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective role of Cardiospermum halicacabum (C. halicacabum) leaf extract on glycoprotein metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitonial administration of STZ. The C. halicacabum leaf extract (CHE) was administered orally to normal and STZ–diabetic rats for 45 days. The effects of C. halicacabum leaf extract (CHE) on plasma and tissue glycoproteins (hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid) were determined.ResultsThe levels of plasma and tissues glycoproteins containing hexose, hexosamine and fucose were significantly increased in STZ–induced diabetic rats. In addition, the level of sialic acid significantly increased in plasma and liver while decreased in kidney of STZ–induced diabetic rats. After administration of CHE to diabetic rats, the metabolic alteration of glycoprotein reverted towards normal levels.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the CHE possesses a protective effect on abnormal glycoprotein metabolism in addition to its antihyperglycemic activity.     

Pediatric Pay-for-performance in Asthma: Who Pays?

Pay-for-performance is a term referring to a system that uses incentives to reward health care providers for producing an improvement in performance based on quality measures. It has become part of a growing movement to improve the quality of the health care system. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss pay-for-performance and how it relates to pediatrics and asthma.     

Management protocols of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Controversy surrounds the appropriate surgical approach and the appropriate medical therapy for Allergic Fungal Sinusitis. The present prospective study aims to assess the impact of these factors on the treatment outcome of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis. In the present study 34 cases with AFS were randomized into one of 3 methods of post operative therapy i.e. systemic itraconazole (group A, n=11), topical steroids (group B, n=12) and nasal alkaline douches only (group C, n=11). Outcome was assessed at 6 months post-operative by the Kupferberg grading system for assessment of nasal and sinus mucosa. Grade ‘3’ mucosal disease was defined as recurrence. Complete pre-operative opacification of sphenoid and frontal sinus was a predictor of poorer outcome. Postoperative systemic itraconazole therapy demonstrated a trend towards a better outcome but was not statistically significant. Larger trials are required to conclusively evaluate the merit of various post-operative treatment regimens for AFS.