ZO-1 expression and phosphorylation in diabetic nephropathy

Cellular mechanisms responsible for the loss of capillary wall permselectivity in diabetic nephropathy are not well characterized. ZO-1 is a junctional protein involved in the assembly and proper function of a number of tight junctions and is also expressed at the junction of podocytes with the slit diaphragm. We investigated the effect of diabetes and high glucose concentration on the expression of ZO-1 in animal models of both type 1 and 2 diabetes and in rat glomerular epithelial cells. In diabetic animals, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed decreased expression of ZO-1 in glomeruli. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed redistribution of ZO-1 from the podocyte membrane to the cytoplasm in the diabetic animals. Exposure of rat glomerular epithelial cells to high glucose resulted in a decrease in the intensity of ZO-1 staining and redistribution of ZO-1 from the membrane to the cytoplasm, changes that are attenuated by blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. ZO-1 protein expression and serine and tyrosine phosphorylation of ZO-1 were also decreased in cells exposed to high glucose. These findings suggest that alterations in the content and localization of ZO-1 may be relevant to the pathogenesis of proteinuria in diabetes.     

A comparative study in the management of auricular pseudocysts

Pseudocysts of the pinna, commonly called seroma are an asymptomatic condition of unknown etiology affecting the pinna, commonly encountered in middle aged men. Prevention is practically impossible as etiology is unknown. However, early recognition and treatment are stressed. In our prospective study of 30 eases we compared the different treatment modalities available namely, wide bore needle aspiration, intracavitary steroid injection and window (de-roofing) procedure. Amongst them, the window (de-roofing) procedure was found to be successful in 109% of the cases to prevent recollection of serous fluid with a minimum of sequelae.     

Cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection

A total of 32 patients with HIV infection were examined for cutaneous manifestations from September 1994 to December 1995 in the Dermatology and Venereology Department of Wenlock District Hospital, Mangalore. Xerosis was the commonest skin manifestation (50%). Oropharyngeal candidiasis was an indicator of grave prognosis in 4 patients. Seborrhoeic dermatitis, seen is in 15.6%, presented in an atypical, extensive and rapidly evolving form. Infections were atypical, extensive and did not respond to conventional modalities of treatment.     

The Case for Enrolling High-Cost Patients in an ACO

Though accountable care organizations (ACOs) are increasingly important to American healthcare, ethical inquiry into ACOs remains in its nascent stages. Several articles have raised the concern that ACOs have an incentive to avoid enrolling high-cost patients and, thereby, have an incentive to deny care to those who need it the most. This concern is borne out by the reports of consultants working with newly formed ACOs. This paper argues that, contra initial appearances, there is no financial incentive for ACOs to avoid enrolling high-cost patients.     

Colletotrichum graminicola keratitis: First case report from India

Colletotrichum graminicola is a medically important fungus belonging to the order Melanconiales under the class Coelomycetes. The members of the genus Colletotrichum are primarily plant pathogens which cause anthracnoses (fungal infection in plants). In the past few decades, they are progressively being implicated as etiological agents of subcutaneous hyalohyphomycoses and keratomycoses. Of the five medically important members in the genus Colletotrichum, keratitis due to Colletotrichum graminicola is rare. We diagnosed Colletotrichum graminicola keratitis in a 44-year-old man who presented with a non-healing corneal ulcer since three weeks. Positive smears and cultures from the corneal scrapings established the causative organism as C. graminicola. The patient was treated with a combination of oral ketoconazole and topical fluconazole and natamycin. Infection resolved over 10 weeks and antimicrobials were stopped. We describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of Colletotrichum graminicola keratitis.     

Delusional parasitosis in ENT

Otolaryngologists in India often encounter patients with various insects presenting as foreign bodies in the ear and nose. However they overlook the possibility of the clinical entity that has come to be known as delusional parasitosis. Three patients presented in our OPD with this condition and their case reports are discussed.