Showing 30 results for Raj
Jasmin Mulani, Bhalchandra Murhar, Rajesh Jambhulkar, Gyanshankar Mishra,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Prolactin is a lactogenic protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that initiates and maintains lactation in mammals. Previous research has linked increased serum prolactin levels to breast cancer. However, there is a paucity of studies in the Indian population on the subject. The present study evaluated and compared serum prolactin levels in patients with breast cancer and patients with benign breast diseases.
Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was carried out at the Government Medical College, Nagpur (India) on patients with breast diseases in the out-patient department/in-patient department from June 2018 to November 2020. Breast cancer patients were considered cases, and those with benign breast diseases were considered controls. Breast carcinoma diagnosis was based on clinical features, fine needle aspiration cytology, and tissue histopathology in operated specimens for each patient. Fasting serum prolactin levels were measured by the chemiluminescence immunoassay method using the Advia Centaur immunoassay system.
Results: There were 120 female patients with breast diseases, of whom 60 had breast malignancy, and 60 had benign breast diseases. The mean age of patients with benign breast disease and breast cancer was 33.17 (1.75) and 49.77 (1.16) years, respectively (P<0.0005). Increased serum prolactin levels were observed in 93.3% of patients with breast cancer and 13.3% of patients with benign breast diseases. The mean serum prolactin level was significantly higher among breast cancer patients (102.68±7.03) ng/ml compared with patients with benign breast disease (16.31±1.72 ng/ml). We successfully determined a new cut-off value of serum prolactin level (>40.2 ng/ml) to differentiate breast cancer from benign breast diseases using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer have increased serum prolactin levels compared to patients with benign breast diseases. Thus, serum prolactin level can be used as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer. This is particularly beneficial to clinicians for differentiating breast cancer from benign breast diseases.
Zahra Zojaji, Saqqa Farajtabar Behrestaq, Babisan Askari,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: The role of genetic components in expression of proteins involved in signaling pathways of fat and carbohydrate metabolism has been well-demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance levels as well as IRS1 expression in gastrocnemius muscle of obese Wistar rats.
Methods: The study included 14 male, Wistar rats (aged 10 weeks) weighting 220 ± 20 g. Obesity was induced in all rats via exposure to a high-fat diet for six weeks. Then, the rats were randomly divided into a HIIT group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). The rats in the HIIT group performed treadmill running, five sessions a week, for eight weeks. Levels of fasting glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, and IRS1 expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the rats were measured after the last training session. Data were analyzed by the independent t-test at statistical significance of 0.05.
Results: The HIIT intervention significantly decreased fasting glucose compared with the control group (p<0.0001). It also resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin levels and insulin resistance compared with the control group (p<0.0001). Moreover, the HIIT training significantly increased IRS1 expression (p=0.030) in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats.
Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, the increase in insulin function and the decrease in insulin resistance can be attributed to increased IRS1 expression in the gastrocnemius muscle following HIIT training.
Rajneesh Prajapat, Suman Jain,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2022)
Abstract
Background : The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health emergency. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) NSP13 helicase plays an important role in SARS-CoV-2 replication and could serve as a target for the development of antivirals. The objective of the study was to perform homology modeling and docking analysis of SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase as a drug target.
Methods: The structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase were predicted by in-silico modeling studies. The SWISS-MODEL structure assessment tool was used for homology modeling and visual analysis of the crystal structure of the protein. The validation for structure models was performed using PROCHECK. Model quality was estimated based on the QMEAN and ProSA. The MCULE-1-Click docking and InterEvDock-2.0 server were used for protein-ligand docking.
Results: The SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase model corresponded to probability confirmation with 90.9% residue of the core section, which highlights the accuracy of the predicted model. ProSA Z-score of -9.17 indicated the good quality of the model. Inhibitor N-(3-(carbamoylamino) phenyl) acetamide exhibited effective binding affinity against the NSP13 helicase. The docking results revealed that Lys-146, Leu-147, Ile-151, Tyr-185, Lys-195, Tyr-224, Val-226, Leu-227, Ser-229 residues exhibit good binding interactions with inhibitor ligand N-(3-(carbamoyl amino) phenyl) acetamide.
Conclusion: Hence, the proposed inhibitor could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase, which is thought to play key roles during viral replication. The results of this study indicate that N-(3-(carbamoylamino) phenyl) acetamide could be a valuable lead molecule with great potential for SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase inhibition.
Muragendraswami Astagimath, Suman Doddamani, Vishwanath Patil, Raviraja Aryapu,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2022)
Abstract
Background: Pandemics have serious adverse impacts on public health, economy, social structure, and overall growth and development of a nation. Such impacts can be mitigated by timely introduction of effective vaccination programs. This was successfully achieved in India. This study was performed to compare the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses after first and second dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 people who were vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, India. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 30 people who had received a single dose of the vaccine, and group II included 30 people who had received two doses of the vaccine. Exclusion criteria included having a history of influenza like illness/severe acute respiratory infection/proven COVID-19 infection in past 6 months. The antibody response was measured by the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test using the VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Reagent Pack.
Results: We observed that 97% of the subjects had reactive IgG antibodies after receiving two doses of the vaccine, whereas only 83% of the subjects developed antibodies after a single dose of the vaccine. A positive correlation was observed between the development of reactive antibodies and the duration between the first dose and the second dose (r=0.24).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the two-dose vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine is beneficial over the single-dose vaccination for protection against COVID-19. Moreover, increasing the duration between doses might improve the antibody response.
Rajendra Zope, Prachi Kate, Janice Jaison, Shalaka Saraf, Smita Bhide, Digant Gupta,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), white blood cell (WBC) abnormalities have been found worldwide with significant inter-regional differences. In the present study, we evaluated WBC parameters concerning COVID-19 positivity and severity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total WBC count, absolute count of each type of WBC, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were compared between 150 COVID-19 patients and 150 non-COVID-19 patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms. Also, COVID-19 patients were divided into severe and non-severe cases.
Results: The severity of the disease had no significant association with age or gender (p>0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, and NLR were significantly lower (p<0.05), while LMR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR were significantly higher (p<0.05), while absolute eosinophil count and absolute lymphocyte count were significantly lower (p<0.05) in severe COVID-19 patients compared to non-severe patients.
Conclusions: Age is not a predictive factor for the severity of COVID-19. Routine WBC parameters are useful in predicting the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients and can be used as prognostic indicators. Routine WBC parameters can also be used for repeat RT-PCR testing in COVID-19 suspected patients.
Asra Askari, Bobysun Askari, Saqqa Farajtabar Behrestaq,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2023)
Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. It is the most common chronic metabolic bone disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the level of bone metabolic markers including parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus between female basketball players and non-athlete females.
Methods: Twelve female professional basketball players (aged 20-35 years) of the Super League of Golestan Province (Iran) were enrolled as the experimental group. Fifteen age-matched non-athlete females were also selected as the control group. Plasma levels of PTH, ALP, calcium, and phosphorus were compared between the study groups.
Results: The levels of PTH (p=0.004) and ALP (p=0.001) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The levels of calcium and phosphorus did not differ significantly between the study groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, it could be stated that performing weight-bearing sports activities such as basketball can improve the density of bone minerals and the factors stimulating bone formation.
Mazaher Habibnezhad, Babisan Askari, Saqqa Farajtabar Behrestaq, Asra Askari,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2023)
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the impact of a 3-week detraining period, followed by 10 weeks of aerobic training, on the serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in asthmatic males.
Methods: Thirty adult males with asthma were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in a 10-week aerobic training program, which included running sessions 3 times per week for 30-60 minutes each, maintaining a target heart rate range of 55%-75% of their maximum heart rate (HRmax). In contrast, the control subjects did not participate in any exercise activities during the study period. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline, after aerobic training, and after detraining to measure the levels of osteocalcin and ALP in both groups.
Results: The 10-week aerobic training program led to a significant increase in levels of osteocalcin and ALP in the experimental group, but following the detraining period, these variables returned to their pre-training levels.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of continuous aerobic training on bone formation markers in asthmatic patients will disappear after a relatively short period of detraining. This evidence emphasizes the lack of stopping aerobic exercise in the presence of inhaled corticosteroids with the aim of improving bone metabolism in asthmatic patients.
Mohammad Fayaz, Vahid Tajari, Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini, Abdolhalim Rajabi, Seyed Mehran Hosseini,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: The outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is predictable according to demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging risk factors. We aimed to determine the best outcome predictors and their trends during 30 days of hospitalization.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on moderate to severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 26 January 2020 to 13 January 2021. The length of stay in the hospital was considered as the time interval between admission and discharge, and the patient's final condition was defined as either dead or alive. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the hospital information system. The generalized additive model and the Cox regression model were used to model data.
Results: Of the 1520 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 232 (15.26%) died and 1288 survived or reached the end of 30 days of hospitalization. We selected demographic, clinical, and 131 independent laboratory variables. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had a nearly double average in the dead group (44.603 [± 25.408] mg/dL) than the survived group (21.304 [± 13.318] mg/dL), and the lymphocyte (Lymph) count showed the opposite trend. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) of these 2 factors was higher than 1 and was statistically significant. In daily stay trends, the hazard function of them also increased rapidly after 15 days.
Conclusion: Blood urea nitrogen and complete blood count provide strong predictive clues about the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and rapid dynamic changes in the second week can predict a poor outcome in these patients.
Suresh Jaiswal, Bijay Subedi, Ashmita Sapkota, Pushpa Sharma, Manisha Timilsina, Maheshwor Timilsina, Bishnu Raj Tiwari,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: Intestinal infections with Helicobacter pylori mainly occur during childhood. If contracted, these infections may cause chronic gastritis, frequently leading to peptic ulcer disease in later life. This study aims to detect the prevalence of H. pylori infections in patients with active gastritis.
Methods: The study included 150 participants who were consuming daily anti-gastritis drugs to reduce the gas and were considered active gastritis patients and were recruited from Lekhnath 12, now known as Pokhara metropolitan-30, from May 2018 to March 2019. They were screened for H. pylori antibodies for detection of infection by the immunochromatographic rapid detection kit, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 2016.
Results: Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in these participants. Among the 150 participants, 54 were males (36%) and 96 were females (64%). The results showed that 47 (31.3%) of the patients were positive for anti-Helicobacter pylori test. The age group 30 to 40 had the highest prevalence of 21 (14.0%). Using public water showed the highest prevalence with a P value of 0.04.
Conclusion: There should be an additional aspect required for the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis, which is the healthcare providers' and patients' awareness of the cause and most efficient treatments for this medical condition. Using only anti-gastritis drugs is not sufficient; treatment against Helicobacter pylori requires the right pathway of treatment by the use of several antibiotics.
Deep Rajendrabhai Kothari, Nilesh Dutt, Palak Prajapati, Pankaj Garg, Mamta Patel,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: The sputum smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a diagnostic challenge for physicians. It has been shown that adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity increases in various body fluids of patients with tuberculosis (TB). A prospective clinical trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of ADA activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in subjects who have sputum smear-negative PTB.
Methods: A total of 29 patients (M/F: 15/14), mean age (36.8 years), were enrolled in our study from October 2021 to August 2022 after providing written consent. The mean duration of symptoms was 41.66 days. Out of 29 patients, 21 patients had BAL ADA 4.81±1.68 unit??, for whom AKT treatment was started and cured, while four patients with BAL ADA 4.50±2.86 unit? did not improve, and four patients with BAL ADA 6.52±1.16 whose AKT treatment is ongoing at present but clinically improved. The sensitivity of BAL ADA with the outcome of 29 patients is 75%, while for BAL CBNAAT, it is 80%. When we apply a formula for combined sensitivity for the parallel test, then it comes to 95%, which indicates a great number of patients gets the benefit when we apply both tests simultaneously.
Results: We conclude that ADA activity was significantly increased in BAL.
Conclusion: BAL ADA is a useful and effective investigation for the diagnosis of PTB.
Sukanya Sudhaharan , Naga Appala Raju Sundarapu, Umabala Pamidimukkala ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Background: The reference method for antifungal susceptibility testing is broth microdilution according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. However, the fully automated system, Vitek 2C system may reduce the workload and observer bias associated with manual broth microdilution. This study aimed to compare the results of YS08 card with the results of the broth microdilution (BMD) method.
Methods: A total of 50 clinical Candida isolates were included in the study. The susceptibility testing was done by Vitek 2C using the YS08 card. Broth microdilution was done according to CLSI guidelines M27M44S-Ed3.
Results: For C. albicans, the categorical agreement was 85.8%, 71.5%, 85.8%, and 100% for fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively. The minor errors (MiE) of 14.2% for fluconazole and caspofungin, 28.5% for voriconazole, were detected in C. albicans. In C. glabrata, the categorical agreement (CA) was 100% for micafungin, voriconazole, but 63.7% for caspofungin. An MiE of 36.3% was detected for caspofungin. C. parapsilosis showed a 100% CA for fluconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin, and 85.8% for voriconazole. There were 14.2% of MiEs for voriconazole. In C. tropicalis, 100 % CA was observed for fluconazole, micafungin, and caspofungin, and 88.9% for voriconazole. Moreover, 11.1% (1/9) of MiEs was observed for voriconazole. In C. auris, there was a 100% CA for caspofungin and micafungin, 77.8% for fluconazole, and 66.7% for amphotericin B. There was a major error of 22.2% for fluconazole and 33.3% for amphotericin B.
Conclusion: The majority of Vitek 2C showed comparable results with the broth microdilution (BMD) method. Only minor errors (MiEs) were observed in the tested Candida species.
Aradhana Harrison , Aswathy Prabha , Karishma Krishna , Vejay Viknesh Marudhadurai , Jahnavi Chikkegowda, Rajshree Choudhary ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Background: β-thalassemia trait (BTT) can be screened by several discriminator indices (DIs) using complete blood counts (CBC). These DIs can help differentiate BTT from other causes of anaemia, thus reducing the financial burden of laboratory testing. At standard cut-off values, statistical analyses traditionally used to compare the diagnostic competence of these DIs give variable results. This study establishes new optimal cut-off values to improve the applicability of these DIs for BTT screening.
Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on anaemic adults whose high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and CBC results achieved over the past 6 months were reviewed. Based on HPLC reports, patients were categorised into BTT and non-BTT groups, with each group comprising 25 age- and sex-matched patients. Discriminator indices, including Mentzer’s Index (MI), Green and King Index (GKI), Sehgal Index (SI), Shine and Lal Index (SLI), Srivastava Index (SrI), and England and Fraser Index (EFI), were calculated for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed respective to standard cut-off values to establish new optimal cut-off values with the highest sensitivity and specificity.
Results: According to the results, SrI emerged as the best index, offering high sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s Index, accuracy, and odds ratio. On the other side, SLI and GKI were observed to be poor indices with low sensitivity and specificity. The new optimal cut-off values for the best performance of each DI for BTT screening were as follows: SrI ≤3.5, MI ≤11.4, GKI ≤59.7, SI ≤709.4, SLI ≤941.1, and EFI ≤1.91.
Conclusion: The performance of DIs at standard cut-off values was poor to screen BTT. New optimal cut-off values provided maximal sensitivity and specificity thereby enhancing their performance as screening parameters for BTT in regions with a high-prevalence of the condition. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the new cut-off values for BTT screening.
Supriya Gulajkar , Rajni Shivkar , Sanjyoti Panchbudhe , Charushila Kadam,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2025)
Abstract
Background: Quality control (QC) is a crucial tool in the clinical laboratory for error identification and correction. While the Internal Quality Control (IQC) ensures daily precision and accuracy, the External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) ensures long-term accuracy by providing external verification. The objective of this study was to evaluate our laboratory’s performance in the EQAS program services and assess the impact of corrective actions implemented, where necessary, to enhance EQAS performance.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital. The biochemistry department of the laboratory participated in the monthly clinical chemistry EQA program administered by CMC Vellore EQAS. Nineteen parameters were assessed using a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results. Monthly performance was analyzed in terms of the Standard Deviation Index (SDI) and variance index score (VIS) from October 2019 to September 2021.
Results: Among the nineteen parameters assessed in the EQAS program, most showed ‘excellent’ performance between October 2019 and September 2021 based on mean SDI. Some improvement was observed in the SDI values between the two cycles after implementing a structured approach to root cause analysis, indicating an enhanced level of performance in the EQAS program. The VIS analysis revealed that 89.47% of parameters in the October 2019 to September 2020 period and 94.73% in the October 2020 to September 2021 period achieved scores classified as ‘very good’ performance.
Conclusion: Adopting a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results enables the evaluation of laboratory performance and offers opportunities for improvement. Consequently, EQAS plays a significant role as a cornerstone in the accreditation process.
Shalaleh Ganji, Iraj Mobedi, Azim Rezamand, Farshid Ardabili, Pooya Yari, Majid Khanmohammadi ,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2025)
Abstract
Background: Enterobius vermicularis is the most important intestinal parasite in children worldwide. When this parasite migrates unexpectedly, the larvae move out of the intestine and enter organs such as the appendix, and can cause health risks.
Case presentation: An 8-year-old boy was admitted to the oncology clinic of Tabriz Children’s Hospital, complaining of fever of 39-40°C with abdominal pain, cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, and fatigue, associated with cervical lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, axillary mass, abdominal upper thigh, maculopapular rashes, and tiny petechiae on the chest and abdomen.
Results: On CT examination of the chest, moderate mediastinal and mesenteric lymphadenopathy was noted. The patient was hospitalized with a definitive diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On the seventh day of hospitalization, the patient developed additive colic pain (Contraction and cramping) around the umbilicus and concomitantly developed pain downward and rightward into the abdomen. Based on the clinical findings, the patient was thought to have acute appendicitis. Pathological examinations showed that E. vermicularis was the cause of the appendicitis.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that this parasite may be associated with inflammation of the appendix in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A screening program is still required in patients with immunodeficiency or those taking immunosuppressive drugs.
Sae Pol, Pooja Shah, Vaishali Gaikwad, Sujata Dharmshale, Mansi Rajmane, Rajesh Karyakarte,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2025)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the respiratory system that spreads when a patient coughs, sneezes, or spits. COVID-19, another respiratory disease, created havoc in 2020 and 2021. During this pandemic, the whole healthcare system was diverted into COVID-19 patient care. It is important to determine what the status of TB was during the COVID-19 period. This study was mainly undertaken to detect the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and rifampicin resistance before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions were fully released.
Methods: Pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples from 1st January 2018 till 31st December 2022 were included in the present retrospective study. The period was divided as- 2018, 2019 - Before COVID-19 2020, 2021 -COVID-19 period with restrictions (Such as use of masks, social distancing, avoiding gatherings) 2022 -COVID-19 period without restrictions. All samples received in TB section were subjected to Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT). The samples were processed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Results: There was no significant difference in samples received per year from 2018 to 2022. The positivity of M. tuberculosis decreased from 22.52% in the pre-COVID-19 period to 15.70% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions and increased again in 2022 (16.80%). Rifampicin resistance decreased from 10.40% to 6.89% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions. A decrease in positivity was not observed in extrapulmonary TB cases.
Conclusion: In the present study, total samples for TB received over five years were relatively the same. Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 period could decrease TB and rifampicin resistance. Thus, imposing restrictions on TB-suspected and positive patients regularly can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Priyadarshini Kumaraswamy Rajeswaran , Preethi Muthusamy Sundar, Prasanna Nedungadi Kumar, Karthikeyan Shanmugam,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2025)
Abstract
Background: Several hematological indicators have been linked to the intensity and course of Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19), including platelets, total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, neutrophils (as well as the neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios), and hemoglobin. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of cell population data (CPD) of lymphocyte and monocyte parameters in the early diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Methods: The baseline complete blood count examination was performed for 222 patients with positive results for COVID-19 (case group) and 161 patients with negative results for COVID-19 (control group). Lymphocyte and monocyte CPD were calculated in both groups. The independent t-test was used to compare the mean values between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminating capacity of the individual parameters.
Results: The analysis revealed that Standard Deviations of Monocyte Volume (SDMV) and Standard Deviations of Lymphocyte Conductivity (SDLC) showed the highest significance in predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, SDMV had a sensitivity of 93.7% and SDLC had a sensitivity of 80.6% at cut-off values of 22.25 and 10.9, respectively. In the case group, 49 of the 222 patients treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) showed a higher SDMV compared with the remaining 173 patients who were asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic (P-value <0.03).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that SDMV and SDLC can serve as reliable and cost-effective markers for early prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, SDMV shows potential as a prognostic biomarker. These findings highlight the potential utility of CPD parameters in COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis.
Azam Shareh , Behnoush Khasheii , Tayebeh Faraji , Masoud Khoshnia , Shaghayegh Anvari , Ailar Jamalli ,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2025)
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori infections can lead to treatment failure. This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, and fluoroquinolone in H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsy specimens.
Methods: This study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 on 80 biopsy specimens obtained from Golestan province. Resistance to metronidazole (rdxA) and fluoroquinolones (gyrA) was determined using PCR. Mutations in the loci of the 23S rRNA gene associated with clarithromycin resistance were analyzed using PCR-RFLP with the BsaI and BbsI enzymes.
Results: In this study, 25% of H. pylori strains showed resistance to clarithromycin. Mutations in the A2143G locus (65%) and the A2142G locus (35%) were detected in these strains. Resistance to fluoroquinolones (27.5%) was observed, with the most common mutations being at the 91 amino acid position of aspartate (63.63%) and the 87 amino acid position of asparagine (36.36%). Resistance to metronidazole was not observed in any of the strains of this study, and concomitant resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones was observed in 13.75% of H. pylori strains.
Conclusion: According to our study, in Iran, the resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin is increasing, which may lead to treatment failure. The mechanism of clarithromycin resistance is related to mutations in the A2143G and A2142G positions, and a mutation in the gyrA gene causes resistance to fluoroquinolones, which often occurs in the 91 amino acid position.
Maanasa Bhaskar Manalikandy, Ankita Mohanty , Noyal Maria Joseph , Raja Jaisundar Selvaraj, Sujatha Sistla ,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2025)
Abstract
Background: Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium that can cause various infections in humans. The identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria remains a challenge to date due to the availability of limited resources. There have been reports of device-related infections caused by these bacteria. Improper care of cardiac implants can give rise to infections that need to be identified promptly. This report emphasizes the need for early and prompt diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.
Case Report: Here, we present a case of a 69-year-old man who presented with an atrioventricular block and therefore underwent pacemaker implantation. The implant became infected with Mycobacterium abscessus, which resolved after appropriate treatment and pacemaker removal.
Conclusion: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria must be promptly identified and treated for the appropriate duration to prevent complications associated with them.
Amudha Subramaniam , Saranya Raj , Thashreefa Olakara , Jaya Kumari S , Veronica Preetha Tilak ,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2025)
Abstract
Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It typically develops from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which can progress to smoldering myeloma and eventually to symptomatic disease. Diagnosis is primarily established using serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), and free light chain (FLC) testing. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) plays a crucial role in identifying genetic abnormalities that influence disease course and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of electrophoretic and genetic abnormalities among patients referred for serum protein electrophoresis, with a focus on cytogenetic abnormalities detected by FISH in confirmed MM cases.
Methods: Samples received for SPEP from 2017 to 2023 were analysed. Patients with abnormalities on electrophoresis (Such as distortions or M-spikes) underwent further evaluation, including immunofixation, free light chain assays, bone marrow examination, and other hematologic investigations. Confirmed MM cases were referred for FISH analysis to identify common cytogenetic abnormalities.
Results: Out of 800 patients with electrophoretic abnormalities, 100 were confirmed to have multiple myeloma. FISH analysis was available for 68 of these cases, and cytogenetic abnormalities were detected in 67.6% of patients. The most common abnormalities were IGH break-apart (54.5%), followed by p53 deletion (23.5%), t (4; 14) (14.7%), t (14cvzaQ; 20) (7.4%), monosomy 13 (5.9%), and monosomy 14 (4.4%).
Conclusion: A majority of MM patients showed abnormalities on FISH, with IGH break-apart being the most frequently detected. These cytogenetic abnormalities provide valuable prognostic information and can help guide treatment decisions. This study emphasizes the importance of routine cytogenetic profiling in MM to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Molecular cytogenetic techniques, especially FISH, are essential tools in the evaluation of suspected multiple myeloma. They play a pivotal role in detecting genetic abnormalities, guiding treatment strategies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Taiebeh Kafshdooz Pourpolsangi, Rasoul Sharifi , Safar Farajnia , Safa Najmi ,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2025)
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, affects millions of people worldwide. Clinical trials using anti-Aβ antibodies demonstrate that amyloid plaque removal in early-stage AD can slow disease progression. Along with β-secretase, γ-secretase plays a role in cleaving amyloid precursor protein (APP). The aim of this study was to use computational docking to identify molecules that can activate γ-secretase.
Methods: Initially, the targets of hsa-miR-30c-5p were assessed using the TargetScanHuman server. The structure of γ-secretase was prepared in Chimera by removing non-standard residues and water molecules. Adjacent amino acids to the cholesterol ligand were then identified using PyMOL. The 3D structure and SMILES notation for cholesterol were obtained from PubChem. Docking results in pdbqt format were analyzed using Discovery Studio, LigPlus+, and PDBsum, with LigPlus+ focusing on protein subunit interactions.
Results: The TargetScanHuman server indicated that γ-secretase is a target of hsa-miR-30c-5p. Drug-like properties (Solubility, tumorigenicity, LogP, toxicity) of compounds were predicted using tools such as SwissTargetPrediction, PASS-Way2Drug, and SwissADME, following Lipinski’s Rule of Five. Amino acids Trp227, Leu192, Arg186, Leu199, Leu203, Leu206, Tyr155, Leu215, Phe162, Ser223, and Ile230, located on the γ-secretase C subunit, were analyzed for interactions using LigPlot after AutoDock Vina docking and Chimera visualization.
Conclusion: These in silico findings suggest cholesterin acetate as a potential activator of γ-secretase; further experimental validation is warranted.
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