Cell phones and male infertility: dissecting the relationship

There has been a tremendous increase in the use of mobile phones in the past decade and concerns are growing about the possible hazardous effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by these devices on human health. Preliminary studies, though with limitations in study design, suggest a possible link between cell phone use and infertility. A recent study found that use of cell phones adversely affects the quality of semen by decreasing the sperm counts, motility, viability and morphology. Evidence of detrimental effect of mobile phones on male fertility is still equivocal as studies have revealed a wide spectrum of possible effects ranging from insignificant effects to variable degrees of testicular damage. Although previous studies suggested a role of cell phone use in male infertility, the mode of action of EMW emitted from cell phones on the male reproductive system is still unclear. EMW can affect the reproductive system via an EMW-specific effect, thermal molecular effect or combination of both. Studies performed on human males are scarce and therefore further studies with a careful design are needed to determine the effect of cell phone use on male-fertilizing potential.     

Hospital Based Study: Prevalence and Predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Rural Population of Haryana

ObjectiveThere is no information available on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes from rural population of Haryana. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out the prevalence rate and risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA retrospective study and prospective study was done in OPD of M M Institute of Medical Science and Research.ResultsAmong the hospital based patients the overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 4.70%. The prevalence was more number in females than males, respectively. Waist circumference, waist hip ratio, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose was statistically significant among type 2 diabetes patients than normal controls. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with body mass index and fasting blood glucose.ConclusionsThis study showed that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural population was low compared to previous studies on urban population of Haryana. Prevalence is influenced by body mass index and fasting blood glucose.     

Effect of Azelastine Nasal Spray on Histamine-and Allergen-Induced Skin Wheal Response in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Effect of azelastine nasal spray on histamine-and allergen-induced skin test response in patients suffering with allergic rhinitis was evaluated. Baseline cutaneous response to histamine and 18 common allergen extracts were recorded by skin prick tests on 10 patients. The patients were then advised to take azelastine nasal spray (1 spray per nostril, twice daily; 0.28 mg/dose). This pediatric dose is reported to be effective also in adults (age ≥ 12 years) with improved tolerability as compared with usually recommended adult dose of 2 sprays per nostril twice daily. Skin tests were repeated 2 and 6 hours after single dose, as well as after 6 days of continuous treatment. We did not find any significant difference in skin wheal response with single dose and 6 days' treatment of azelastine nasal spray (p > 0.05). It is concluded that diagnostic allergen skin tests may be performed on patients undergoing azelastine nasal spray treatment (0.28 mg/dose, twice a day) during their symptomatic period.