We read with great interest the article “Graph Constructors Versus Graph Interpreters Versus Non Graphers: A Search towards Better Cognitive Performers in Biochemistry among First-Year Medical ...Undergraduates,” published by Gunanithi K et al., in the July 2023 issue (BC01-BC04) of Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The efficacy of vancomycin, drug of choice for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), has become questionable due to the emergence of MRSA isolates with reduced ...susceptibility. The present study was conducted to determine the vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin susceptibility pattern in clinical isolates of MRSA and to observe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) creep over 2 years if any.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
MIC of vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin were determined by E-test in 198 MRSA isolates and their MIC 50, MIC 90, and geometric mean MIC were calculated.
RESULTS:
While all isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin, MIC 90 of vancomycin increased from 1.5 µg/ml in 2015 to 2 µg/ml in 2016. The percentage of isolates with vancomycin MIC >2 µg/ml doubled in 2016 (12.9%) as compared to 2015 (6.1%). MIC 90 for linezolid remained steady as 3 µg/ml, but geometric mean MIC increased from 2.20 µg/ml in 2015 to 2.29 µg/ml in 2016, and more than 40% isolates showed MIC 3 µg/ml. MIC 90 and geometric mean MIC of daptomycin decreased from 0.75 µg/ml to 0.5 µg/ml and 0.50 µg/ml to 0.36 µg/ml in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
MIC creep was observed with vancomycin. Although linezolid MIC was within the susceptible zone, more than 40% strains showing MIC 3 µg/ml may herald the future development of either resistant or heteroresistant. Daptomycin showed good sensitivity against MRSA isolates. Therefore, it could be considered as an alternative agent for the treatment of infections caused by MRSA. However, it should be reserved where this class has a clear therapeutic advantage over other anti-MRSA drugs.
Recent studies indicate that the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women is no less than that in men and menopausal women are equally vulnerable as men. Studies of recent risk factors like ...hyperhomocysteinemia and elevation in lipoprotein (a) reveal controversial role of the same. This study hence is an attempt to study the prevalence of these factors in women and their correlation with lipid profile.
Two hundred women were enrolled in the study- 100 premenopausal women (21-45y) and 100 menopausal (50-55y). All the subjects were screened for homocysteine by ELISA and lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile by automation.
Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 52% and 62% in premenopausal and menopausal women respectively. A significant positive correlation was seen for total cholesterol and triacylglycerol with serum Homocysteine in premenopausal women while pronounced positive correlation for serum cholesterol with serum Homocysteine in menopausal women. The prevalence of elevated lipoprotein (a) was 42% and 45% in premenopausal and menopausal women respectively. There was no correlation between lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile in both groups.
The findings of the study conclude that premenopausal and menopausal women constitute a subpopulation where recent risk factors like hyperhomocysteinemia and elevated lipoprotein(a) could be assessed along with lipid profile as screening tests to identify the risk of CAD. This would help in proper counselling of the concerned women and minimize the risk.
•Lipidic in-situ nanoemulsifying formulation of resveratrol.•Improvement in solubility and therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol.•Enhanced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.•Enhanced ...antiangiogenic effect in chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.•A potential and safe therapeutic delivery system for cancer chemoprevention.
Resveratrol, a dietary non-flavonoid polyphenolic phytoalexin, has gained attention in cancer chemoprevention. However, poor aqueous solubility and cellular bioavailability has limited its therapeutic application. We formulated a lipid based delivery system of resveratrol with self nanoemulsifying ability. Several edible and safe lipids, surfactants and cosolvents were screened for solubilization of resevratrol. Developed formulation comprised of Acrysol K 150 as a lipid and mixture of Labrasol and Transcutol HP as the surfactant system, as these components showed higher solubility. Pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed to identify the region of nanoemulsification. The formulations showed rapid emulsification with an average globule diameter; 85nm to 120nm and slight negative zeta potential. The nanocompositions exhibited cloud point above 55°C and were stable toward the gastrointestinal pH and thermodynamic stress testing. As compared to pristine resveratrol, the developed delivery system showed significant increase in vitro cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay revealed enhanced antiangiogenic activity of composition with high lipid level. Briefly, lipid based nanoemulsifying resveratrol dramatically enhanced the anticancer and antiangiogenic activities, thus increasing its potential application in cancer chemotherapy.
ABSTRACT
Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis, a rare fungal disease was found in chronic alcoholic farmer from the sub-Himalayan region, an endemic mycoses area. Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis is a ...hidden entity, at times mimicking tuberculosis, and often under or lately diagnosed due to lack of awareness. We should consider the possibility of pulmonary sporotrichosis in patients with chronic cough and cavitary parenchymal disease, particularly in chronic alcoholics, gardeners, and forest workers. Sputum culture for fungus as a part of diagnostic studies is needed especially in endemic mycoses areas for early detection and management of such fungal diseases.
Osteoporosis encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions associated with imbalance of osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities. The increased activity of osteoclasts leads to increased free radical ...formation and hence lipid peroxidation. Present study probes into the role of antioxidants as a palliative treatment for osteoporosis. It involved 50 healthy controls and 75 clinically diagnosed osteoporosis patients. Both the groups underwent baseline assessment of biochemical markers viz. osteoblastic markers: serum Alkaline phosphatase. Free or ionic calcium and Inorganic phosphorus, osteoclastic markers: serum Tartarate resistant acid phosphatase and Malondialdehyde and the antioxidant status: serum Superoxide dismutase and Erythrocyte reduced glutathione. The osteoporotic group was then divided into groups A (Vitamin E-Evinal 400 mg), B (Vitamin C-Celin 500 mg), C (Vitamin E+C-Evinal+Celin) for antioxidant supplementation for a period of 90 days. The results reveal that there is significant fall in concentration of serum MDA (p<0.001), TrACP (p<0.01). Improvement in antioxidant status is reflected by significant rise in concentration of serum SOD (p<0.001) and erythrocyte GSH (p<0.001) after 90 days of antioxidant supplementation in osteoporosis. The findings indicate that on the whole bone status improved with prolonged antioxidant vitamin supplementation, which can be used as a palliative treatment for osteoporosis. The efficacy is not affected whether the vitamins are administered singly or conjointly.
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