Some observations on the relationship of kwashiorkor and infantile liver cirrhosis

Summary A comparative study of 54 cases of cirrhosis and 50 cases of kwashiorkor admitted to the Children's hospital of K. G. Medical College, Lucknow in the year 55–56 is presented with a view to finding out if there is any relationship in these two commonly occurring conditions. The point of view is put forward that the two conditions have distinctive features in respect of sex and familial incidence, chronological order of the affected sibling, mode of onset and evolution of the clinical course. Although liver involvement is found in both, its nature and the degree of damage are again dissimilar. Finally we have failed to discover any link or interrelationship with regard to their respective etiology and pathogenesis. Undoubtedly further follow up studies are necessary to throw more light on the various connected problems posed in this paper. Paper read at the VIII All India Pediatric Conference held in Vellore, on December 22, 1956.     

Growth pattern of normal infants in Varanasi (U. P.) India

Summary A semi-longitudinal study of normal growth patterns in children of Varanasi has been made. 204 healthy babies (112 males and 02 females) ranging from birth up to two years of age were studied. The majority belonged to the educated middle class. The data have been subjected to statistical analysis. Mean, standard deviation and p values have been calculated for the different measurements and performances in order to detect any differences in values for the two sexes. In addition, the 10th, 50th and 90th percentile values have been calculated for weight, height and head circumference. The difference in the growth pattern at different ages and between the two sexes has been shown. The figures of weight, height and head circumference have been compared with the data from other Indian workers and also with American and British figures. (Tables 5, 6 and 7). From the Department of Pediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-5.     

alpha-Amino acid derivatives as proton pump inhibitors and potent anti-ulcer agents

In a program to identify new anti-ulcer compounds, a series of N-acyl derivatives of alpha-amino acids were screened for their in vitro H(+)/K(+) ATPase inhibitory activity, and in vivo efficacy in Pylorus ligation model. 3D-QSAR studies were carried out and a representative compound 13 was studied for the nature of its proton pump inhibition.     

Exclusive use of different types of tobacco products,exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and risk of subtypes of head and neck cancer among Indian males

Tobacco products are used in vary many forms in India. Although the risk of tobacco uses in developing head and neck cancer (HNC) is known, risk by exclusive use of different tobacco products on HNC and its subtypes is poorly understood. A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary cancer hospital, which receives cases from different geographical regions of India with use of different types of tobacco products. The study included 824 oral cavity (OC), 149 oropharynx (OPX) 104 hypopharyngeal (HPX) and 81 larynx (LX) cancer cases and 1206 visitor controls. Information on 11 different types of tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke was collected through structured questionnaires. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), for the association of various HNC subtypes with exclusive use of each tobacco product compared to nonusers of tobacco were estimated using logistic regression models, after adjusting for potential confounders. Exclusive use of any type of smokeless tobacco product was strongly associated with all subtypes of HNC. Gutka chewing (only) had highest risk (OR = 33.67; 95% CI = 19.8-57.0) while exclusive users of betel quid with tobacco (BQ + T), tobacco quid, Khaini, Mawa and Mishri users had a OR of 14.77, 24.20, 5.33, 2.96 and 3.32, respectively, for development of OC. Bidi smoking and secondhand smoke was independently associated with increased risk of HNC. Our study indicates that tobacco control policies should focus on product specific awareness messaging that switching between tobacco product types is not a safe alternative to complete cessation.     

Incense smoke exposure augments systemic oxidative stress,inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in male albino rats

Incense smoke is reported to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in exposed individuals. However, the mechanism underlying the toxic effect of incense smoke on cardiovascular system is unclear. To test this, we chronically exposed male albino rats to two different types of Arabian incense smoke and studied their effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial function. Rats exposed to either of incense smoke showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Endothelial functional marker, nitric oxide (NO) was significantly decreased while endothelin-1 was significantly increased in rats exposed to both the incense types. Incense smoke exposure also led to a significant increase in chemokines and inflammatory mediators including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), interleukin-4 (IL-4), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Besides, incense smoke-exposed rats demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. Importantly, cessation of incense smoke exposure for 30?days led to a significant reversal in the levels of all the studied markers. Collectively, this study describes oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation as possible underlying mechanisms in the toxic effects of incense smoke on increased CVD risk in exposed individuals. Findings also underscore that avoiding incense smoke exposure may have beneficial health effects.     

Steroid-induced central serous retinopathy

A-24 year-old male was prescribed prednisolone (60 mg/day) for left sided facial palsy. After three days of therapy, the patient complained of black spots in his vision in right eye. Fluorescein angiography of right eye showed evidence of central serous retinopathy (CSR). Prednisolone dose was withdrawn gradually and the patient improved within a week. There were no other systemic or ophthalmic diseases reported by the patient, which could have caused this condition. An improvement after dechallenge confirmed steroid-induced CSR. Recurrent CSR is known to cause permanent loss of vision. Hence, awareness regarding this adverse drug reaction (ADR) with steroids and its reporting can minimize this complication and help in better patient management.