Cantly Increased Research Articles

LEVELS OF IL-4 AND Γ- INTERFERON IN CHILDREN’S BLOOD SERUM AS PREDICTORS OF ASTHMA FORMATION

Introduction. The prevalence of asthma continues to increase every year. Asthma is the leading chronic disease. Infl ammation,both acute and chronic, is closely related to the action of cytokines (pro- and anti-infl ammatory). T-helper 2 lymphocytesrelease IL-4, which triggers the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which set the stage for allergy and activateinfl ammatory cells. The regulators of this process are T helper-1 lymphocytes, which produce cytokines (IFN-gamma) thatsuppress Th-2 activity. Disturbances in the ratio of Th-1/Th-2 lymphocyte clones are a subject of debate in the early detectionof asthma and the prediction of the development of this disease.The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of IL-4 and γ-interferon in the blood serum of children with transient wheezeand asthma..Material and methods. 121 children were included in the study. The patients were divided into groups: group 1 – childrenwith transient wheezing (TW) (n = 81), group 2 – children with doctor- diagnosed asthma (DDA) (n = 15), group 3 – healthychildren (n = 25).IL-4 and γ-interferon in blood serum were analyzed by ELISA using commercial kits (human IL-4 and human γ-interferon“Vector Best- Ukraine”). Data were analyzed using Statsoft Statistica version 8 (Tulsa, OK) and the MedCalc version 17.2statistical program.The planned clinical trials were conducted after obtaining the approval of the local ethics committee (date: February 1, 2015;number: 2015/01) and were conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, as amended in October 2013.This article was conducted within the framework of the Department of Pediatrics No. 2 of Kharkiv National MedicalUniversity «Medical and biological aspects of adaptation of children with somatic pathology to modern conditions. Predictionof asthma control in children taking into account infl ammatory markers and the state of the airway barrier of the lungs» (stateregistration number 0120U102471).Results. It was found that in children of the fi rst and second groups, in the midst of clinical manifestations of wheezing, IL-4levels signifi cantly increased and serum γ-interferon levels decreased. The highest levels of IL-4 and the lowest levels of serumγ-interferon were found in patients with DDA.Serum levels of IL-4 above 15.33 pg/mL and γ-interferon below 98.62 pg/mL in children with wheezing episodes may beconsidered as a possible indicator of asthma development.Conclusions. Serum IL-4 and γ-interferon are involved in the regulation of allergic infl ammatory processes in the body.A statistically signifi cant increase in IL-4 levels and a decrease in γ-interferon levels in the blood serum of patients with asthmais likely to indicate the development of a chronic form of infl ammation.

Comparison of pleasant and unpleasant smile characteristics in the perception of the laypeople in an Iranian population

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of pleasant and unpleasant smiles from the perception of laypeople. Two-hundred posed smile photographs were obtained from adult participants with no anomaly, restoration, or severe crowding and spacing in anterior teeth. Photographs were shown to 26 judges to give each photograph a score for attractiveness. Upper and lower quartiles for the most and least rated smiles were determined, and variables including gingival display, smile arc, midline deviation, buccal corridor, smile width, tooth rotation or malposition, diastema, upper and lower vermilion show, and tooth form were measured. Independent-sample t test and Pearson chi-square analysis were used to determine the differences between the pleasant and unpleasant groups for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. The linear regression model revealed variables with the most significant impact on the mean score. All quantitative and qualitative variables except tooth form significantly differed between pleasant and unpleasant smile groups (P<0.05). The consonant smile arc was associated with an increase of 12.59% in mean scores compared with the inconsonant smile arc. Each tooth reported with malposition was correlated with a decrease of 9.37% in the scores. In the same way, each 1-mm increase in midline diastema and occlusal cant coincided with a drop of 8.73% and 3.59% in scores, respectively. The results of this study suggested that smile arc, tooth malposition, midline diastema, and occlusal plane canting had the most impact on smile esthetics and should be given priority by orthodontists in the treatment plan of choice.

ASSOCIATION OF SERUM URIC ACID IN THE PREVALENCE, SEVERITY, AND PROGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Objective: Owing to a possible relationship between hyperuricemia and coronary artery disease (CAD), the study was conducted to know the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its relation with the severity and prognosis of CAD. A total of 81 Methods: CAD patients of age group 36-83 years were divided in four groups based on serum uric acid (SUA) levels. The prevalence and severity of CAD were assessed by coronary angiography and New York Heart Association (NYHA) scales and their association with SUA level was statistically analyzed. The mean Results: age of patients was found to be 54.62±11.03 years. Increasing trends for mean SUA were found across the quartile (P&lt;0.000). With increasing SUA levels, the mean value of Body Mass Index (BMI), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) also increased signicantly (P&lt;0.01), (P&lt;0.042) and (P&lt;0.019) respectively. Mean SUA signicantly increased with NYHA class and the Multivessel disease (MV) showed a signicant increase (p&lt;0.051) in CAD patients following the increase in SUA levels. The study extends further to support previous Conclusion: ndings and draws a link between different levels of SUA and CAD in this intriguing region of the country

Brain-derived neutrophic factor, glutamate and markers of apoptosis in the blood of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness

Aim of the work was to analyze the content of factors with neuroprotective, neurotoxic and apoptotic eff ects in the blood of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC), depending on the level of consciousness disorder and neuroprotective therapy.Material and methods. Research included 53 patients with pDOC, who were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 19 vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) patients, group 2–34 minimally conscious state (MCS “minus” and “plus”) patients. Firstly at admission and then at the end of treatment course (after 1 month on average), plasma concentrations of brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apoptosis antigen (APO-1), apoptosisinducing ligand (Fas-L) and glutamate were studied. Control group consisted of 16 patients without measured once.Results. Decrease of BDNF serum level was revealed in patients with pDOC,which was less pronounced those who had TBI as a etiological factor of pDOC. BDNF level signifi cantly increased after a month against the background of neuroprotective therapy. Glutamate level was higher in the fi rst group (VS/UWS). No signifi cant diff erence in the content of apoptosis factors was observed.Conclusion. In patients with pDOC, decrease serum BDNF level was observed, less pronounced in TBI as etiology of pDOC. In patients who matched MCS criteria at the admission, there was a signifi cant increase of BDNF serum level during treatment course, which could indicate that patients with a higher initial level of consciousness have better potential for realizing the eff ect of neuroprotective therapy. Levels of apoptosis factors did not correspond to the consciousness level.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON EMERGENCY SURGICAL MANAGEMENT AT VICTORIA AND BOWRING HOSPITAL, BMCRI BANGALORE.

Aim: To study the outcomes of emergency surgical management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology- A retrospective study was done on the emergency services provided at BMCRI Bangalore from April 1st to December 31st 2020 when the impact of COVID-19 was highest. COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative patients were both included, who underwent surgeries for their acute surgical emergency. Sars CoV RTPCR test was done for all patients. For Haemodynamically unstable patients, surgery was done after Rapid antigen testing without waiting for RTPCR reports. All these patients were observed for postoperative outcomes till they were t for discharge. A total of 196 patients were included in the study who underwent surgeries for acute emergencies. Results reveal that, 5.2% Results- patients were tested to be COVID-19 positive before the procedure. 24% of them were tested positive after the surgery. Post-operative complications were noted in 17.4% of patients, of which 15.3% were COVID-19 positive group. Mortality rate of 7.6% was noted in COVID-19 positive group and 1.6% in COVID-19 negative patients. Signicant increase in wait Conclusion- ing time for surgery and duration of surgery was seen during this pandemic. Morbidity and mortality was noted to be signicantly increased in COVID19 positive patients who also presented with concurrent surgical emergencies. Despite the fact that operating with PPE, increased duration of surgery and is laborious, it is mandatory to wear them regardless of the rapid antigen test negative status of patients presenting with acute surgical emergency requiring lifesaving emergency procedures.

MEASUREMENT OF THE ATD ANGLE IN THE PATIENT OF DIABETICS MELLITUS: A RELIABLE MARKER.

Background: DM has been shown to be associated with certain dermatoglyphic traits and Indians in particular have been shown to be predisposed to DM. It can be used for early and inexpensive screening of individuals at risk for DM. Aim of present study was to measure the atdangle in the patient of Diabetics Mellitus and compare it with control. The present comparative case control study was conducted in theMaterial &amp; Methods: Department of Medicine, Saraswati Medical College&amp;Hospital, Unnao.100clinically diagnosed diabetic patients in study group werecompared with same age group of 100 non- diabetic patients. Patients with deformity of hand, Chromosomal abnormalities like Klinefelter's syndrome, Turner's syndrome etc. and diseases like congenital anomalies, neurological disorders, carcinomas and psychiatric diseases were excluded from the study. The mean atd angles were signicantly lower in DM group and mean dat angles were signicantly higher in DM groupObservation: than controls whereas adt angles were signicantly higher in left and signicantly lower in right of the DM group (p&lt;0.05). It was noted thatmean atd angles in both male and femaleparticipant was signicantly lower in DM group in both hand and mean dat angles were signicantly higher in DM than controls group; whereas adt angles in both male and female participants were higher signicantly in left and insignicantly lower in right of the DM group (p&lt;0.05). The mean Atd angles were signicantly decreased in DM group, angle 'Adt' showed signicant increase inConclusion: left hand and mean dat angles were signicantly increased in both hands of the cases as compared to controls.

DEPRESSION STATUS AMONG THE FEMALES DURING THE FIRST POSTPARTUM PERIOD AT CLINICAL SETTINGS OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN ARAR CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Postpartum depression is one of the most common, but often unrecognized, complications of childbirth and is considered as a serious psychological disorder that can affect women during or after birth and during pregnancy. Its risk increases during the rst 90 days and can last up to nearly two years. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and correlate it with variables of obstetric and demographic predictors among females attending primary health care centres in Arar city. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out by using Arabic version of questionnaire of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool during the study period from August to September 2021. A total of 383 sample was taken by using convenience sampling method. Analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 30.5%. Multiple associated factors were found to be signicantly increase the risk of PPD such as: females who had caesarean section delivery, unplanned pregnancy, complicated pregnancy, their baby had medical problem and had no or less husband support, had psychiatric disorders, had chronic medical problem, taking chronic medication, had life stressor, low education and low income (P &lt; 0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of PPD signicantly increase in females had caesarean section delivery compared to vaginal delivery (P = .002), females had rare support from the husband (P = .002), females had psychiatric disorders (P = 0.016) and had life stressor (P = .000). Conclusions: The prevalence of postpartum depression in the city of Alar was clearly high. Our study also showed important predictors that could be used to identify high-risk females. It is advisable to provide social support to females during both prenatal and postnatal periods. Regular screening of women for postpartum depression should be encouraged for early detection and prompt intervention.

Arctic Ocean acidification over the 21st century co-driven by anthropogenic carbon increases and freshening in the CMIP6 model ensemble

Abstract. The uptake of anthropogenic carbon (Cant) by the ocean leads to ocean acidification, causing the reduction of pH and the saturation states of aragonite (Ωarag) and calcite (Ωcalc). The Arctic Ocean is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification due to its naturally low pH and saturation states and due to ongoing freshening and the concurrent reduction in total alkalinity in this region. Here, we analyse ocean acidification in the Arctic Ocean over the 21st century across 14 Earth system models (ESMs) from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Compared to the previous model generation (CMIP5), models generally better simulate maximum sea surface densities in the Arctic Ocean and consequently the transport of Cant into the Arctic Ocean interior, with simulated historical increases in Cant in improved agreement with observational products. Moreover, in CMIP6 the inter-model uncertainty of projected changes over the 21st century in Arctic Ocean Ωarag and Ωcalc averaged over the upper 1000 m is reduced by 44–64 %. The strong reduction in projection uncertainties of Ωarag and Ωcalc can be attributed to compensation between Cant uptake and total alkalinity reduction in the latest models. Specifically, ESMs with a large increase in Arctic Ocean Cant over the 21st century tend to simulate a relatively weak concurrent freshening and alkalinity reduction, while ESMs with a small increase in Cant simulate a relatively strong freshening and concurrent total alkalinity reduction. Although both mechanisms contribute to Arctic Ocean acidification over the 21st century, the increase in Cant remains the dominant driver. Even under the low-emissions Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 1-2.6 (SSP1-2.6), basin-wide averaged Ωarag undersaturation in the upper 1000 m occurs before the end of the century. While under the high-emissions pathway SSP5-8.5, the Arctic Ocean mesopelagic is projected to even become undersaturated with respect to calcite. An emergent constraint identified in CMIP5 which relates present-day maximum sea surface densities in the Arctic Ocean to the projected end-of-century Arctic Ocean Cant inventory is found to generally hold in CMIP6. However, a coincident constraint on Arctic declines in Ωarag and Ωcalc is not apparent in the new generation of models. This is due to both the reduction in Ωarag and Ωcalc projection uncertainty and the weaker direct relationship between projected changes in Arctic Ocean Cant and changes in Ωarag and Ωcalc.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EXPRESSION OF P53 AND CYCLIN D1 IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAAND EPITHELIAL HYPERPLASIA OF ORAL MUCOSA.

Oral cancer is among the top three types of cancers in India. Most invasive oral carcinomas are preceded by a pre-invasive stage, that may last for many years. . Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression to malignancy of oral cancer will help to improve its prognosis and in the elaboration of new forms of treatment. The most common genetic alterations, include gene amplication and overexpression of oncogenes such as myc, erbB-2, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclin D1 and mutations, deletions and hypermethylation leading to p16 and p53 tumor suppressor gene inactivation. There still remains the problem of differentiating epitheliomatous hyperplasia from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) especially on biopsies. AIMS: 1. To study and evaluate the expression of p53 and Cyclin D1 in oral SCC and epithelial hyperplasia. 2. To correlate the expression of p53 and Cyclin D1 in different grades of oral SCC. SETTINGS AND DESIGN:Cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 18 months. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 30 cases (n=30) of oral squamous cell carcinoma &amp; 30 cases (n=30) of epithelial hyperplasia diagnosed on H &amp; E were included in this study. All these cases of oral SCC were further classied into different histological grades according to BRODERS' HISTOLOGICALGRADE. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data was collected and the association between different groups was analysed by using Chi square test and quantitative variables were compared using Independent Ttest/Mann-Whitney Test (when the data sets were not normally distributed) between the two groups and ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis test between three groups. Ap value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically signicant. RESULTS: There was a signicant increase in the expression of p53 in oral SCC compared to epithelial hyperplasia. The results were statistically signicant (p value &lt;0.0001). Similarly , Cyclin D1 also showed an increased expression in cases of SCC in contrast to epithelial hyperplasia (p value &lt;0.0001). The expression of p53 signicantly increased with increase in grade of the tumor. The results being statistically signicant, p value=0.004. Similarly, poorly and moderately differentiated SCC also showed an increased expression of Cyclin D1 compared to well differentiated SCC (p value=0.03, statistically signicant). CONCLUSION: Thus the author concludes that the expression of both p53 and Cyclin D1 is increased in oral SCC compared to epithelial hyperplasia of oral mucosa and these markers can be used to differentiate between these two lesion especially on biopsy cases.

Ensuring the quality of assembly of high-precision products based on the method of individual selection of parts

The results of a study of the method of individual selection of parts when assembling machines containing multilink dimensional chains are presented. It is shown that the use of the proposed algorithm for the selection of parts can signifi cantly increase the accuracy of such machines at low cost, which makes it possible to provide the required quality of their assembly at a lower cost.

EFFECT OF YOGIC PRACTIES ON SELECTED HAEMOGLOBIN VARIABLES OF COLLEGE WOMEN STUDENTS

The purpose of the study was to nd out the effect of yogic practices on selected Haemoglobin variables of college women students. To resolve the purpose of the study 40 college women were randomly selected from Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore. Their age ranged between 18 and 22 years. The selected subjects were randomly divided into two groups consisting of twenty each. No attempt was made to equate the groups. Experimental Group I underwent Yogic practices and Meditation for a period of 16 weeks. Group II acted as control group (CG) and were not engaged in any training programme other than their work. The subjects were free to withdraw their consent in case of feeling any discomfort during the period of their participation but there was no dropout during the study. The Haemoglobin variables were selected and tested through TCDC and Shalis blood analyzer test respectively. Pre and post tests were conducted in all the variables. 16 weeks of yogic practices were given to the experimental group for a period of 16 weeks. Dependent t test was used to determine the signicant difference between the treatment means. Yogic practice group had signicantly increased Haemoglobin where as the control group had no signicant increase in all the variables

Fermentación en estado sólido de caña de azúcar y harina de hojas de Moringa oleifera para alimentación animal

Se estudió la fermentación en estado sólido de caña de azúcar picada (FESCA) y diferentes niveles (0, 5, 7.5 y 10%) de harina de hoja de Moringa oleifera (HHMO) como fuente proteica en un diseño completamente aleatorizado, con cuatro tratamientos y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Durante el proceso fermentativo, se midió el pH, temperatura ambiente y de fermentación, cada cuatro horas, en cada repetición por tratamiento, durante un período de 36 horas. Se analizó el contenido de materia seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), Fibra Detergente Neutro (FDN) y la Digestibilidad in vitro de la MS (DIVMS). No se observó efecto estadístico signifi cativo de la temperatura ambiente (28.85 0C ± 3.3), ni de los niveles de inclusión de HHMO sobre la temperatura de fermentación (26.07 0C ± 1.94), ni del pH del producto en fermentación (5.75 ± 0.46). El contenido de PB aumenta signifi cativamente (p&lt;0.05) de 12.3 a 24.3% cuando la inclusión de HHMO se incrementó de 0% a 10% y no existe diferencia estadística entre los niveles de inclusión de 5% y 7.5% de HHMO, con 20.8 y 21.4%, respectivamente. La inclusión de HHMO mejora signifi cativamente la DIVMS. Se concluye que la inclusión de HHMO aumenta signifi cativamente el contenido de PB y mejora la DIVMS en la FESCA y que 10% es la proporción más adecuada de HHMO como aditivo para estimular el crecimiento microbiano y su contenido proteico.

Comparison of Vertical Parameters in Correction of Deep Bite Using ANS Implant And Utility Intrusion Arch

Objective: We have designed this study so as to compare the vertical parameters in the utility arch and a miniimplant treatment groups. Materials & Methods: 12subjects were enrolled in the study and were distributed in two groups. After the initiation of the mechanics all the patients were constantly monitored and the force levels repeatedly checked by Dontrix gauge. Various cephalometric parameters were also checked for difference. Results: The results show that the vertical parametres i.e. Jarabak ratio, SnGoGn, Y axis and FMA are insignificant in both the utility and implant group. Although, there was significant increase in occlusal cant and occlusal plane to palatal plane in utility group than in implant group in our study. Conclusion: Mini-implants were more efficient in reducing the overbite when compared to utility arches without any significant changes in vertical parameters.

Rapid acidification of mode and intermediate waters in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Abstract. Observations along the southwestern Atlantic WOCE A17 line made during the Dutch GEOTRACES-NL programme (2010–2011) were compared with historical data from 1994 to quantify the changes in the anthropogenic component of the total pool of dissolved inorganic carbon (ΔCant). Application of the extended multi-linear regression (eMLR) method shows that the ΔCant from 1994 to 2011 has largely remained confined to the upper 1000 dbar. The greatest changes occur in the upper 200 dbar in the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ), where a maximum increase of 37 μmol kg−1 is found. South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) experienced the highest rate of increase in Cant, at 0.99 ± 0.14 μmol kg−1 yr−1, resulting in a maximum rate of decrease in pH of 0.0016 yr−1. The highest rates of acidification relative to ΔCant, however, were found in Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). The low buffering capacity of SAMW and AAIW combined with their relatively high rates of Cant, increase of 0.53 ± 0.11 and 0.36 ± 0.06 μmol kg−1 yr−1, respectively, has lead to rapid acidification in the SAZ, and will continue to do so whilst simultaneously reducing the chemical buffering capacity of this significant CO2 sink.

Tissue Doppler Imaging and Electrocardiography Reliability in Predicting Severity of Myocardial Siderosis in β-Thalassemic Children

Background: Cardiac complications, heart failure, and arrhythmias remain as the major causes of death in thalassemia major. Aim: The aim was to detect the early cardiac involvement in patients with β-thalassemia major. Patients and Methods: 56 patients with β-thalassemia major and transfusion burden ≥12 times/year aged 6-16 years were included in our study and classifi ed into 3 groups according to serum ferritin, Group Ι: Consisted of 21 patients with serum ferritin level 5000 ng/mL. They were subjected to a thorough history taking, routine laboratory investigations and serum ferritin level, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Results: There was signifi cant increase in septal wall thickness in Group II and Group III compared to Group I, where ( P = 0.002, 0.0001), respectively, also, there were signifi cant increase in posterior wall thickness in Group II and Group III compared to Group I, where (P = 0.012, 0.001), respectively. QTc and QT dispersion (QTd) intervals were signifi cantly increased in Group III in comparison to Group I ( P = 0.01) while in Group II, QTc and QTd intervals increased in comparison to Group I but were not statistically signifi cant. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function (E/A ratio) by both standard and tissue Doppler was signifi cantly impaired in Group III and II compared with Group I. Furthermore, left atrial (LA) active emptying fraction was signifi cantly impaired in Group III compared with Group I ( P = 0.001) while LV systolic function parameters by TDI were impaired signifi cantly in Group III and II compared to Group I but by standard echocardiography, LV systolic function showed insignifi cant difference between different groups. Conclusion: The increase in LV septal and posterior wall thickness precedes changes in QTc and QTd as a precursor of arrhythmias in β-thalassemia major. Furthermore, LV diastolic function by both methods, impaired LA active emptying fraction and impaired LV systolic function parameters by TDI precedes changes in LV systolic function by standard echocardiography. Key words: β-thalassemia major, tissue Doppler, ECG changes.

Right heart morphology in elevated pulmonary artery pressure: relationship between echocardiographic and right heart catheterization data

Background When elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is assessed by echocardiography, right heart morphology is always considered. The goal of this study was to evaluate how right heart geometry changes with increasing right ventricular pressure load.Subjects and methods Data from patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography with subsequent right heart catheterization within a time period of 6 months were retrospectively analysed. First, Spearman-rho coeffi cients between mean PAP and right heart parameters were calculated. Second, the population was divided into tertiles according to mean PAP and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis between variables was performed.Results Fifty-four patients (23 female, median age 77 years, IQ range 63-83) were selected. Mean PAP (median 27 mmHg, IQ range 24-36), right atrial (RA) dilatation (median 1, IQ range 0-2), tricuspid insuffi ciency (TI) severity (median 1.5, IQ range 0-2) and right ventricular (RV) dilatation (median O, IQ range 0) were included. Signifi cant correlations with mean PAP were found for RA dilatation (ρ= 0.380; P= 0.005) and TI severity (ρ= 0.294; P= 0.032). No correlation with RV dilatation could be shown (ρ= 0.241; P= 0.081). Across the tertiles [(1) mean PAP ≤ 25 mmHg; (2) mean PAP 26-30 mmHg; (3) mean PAP ≥ 31 mmHg)], variance analysis showed a signifi cant increase in RA dilatation (P = 0.009) and TI severity (P = 0.040). No change in RV dilatation across groups was observed (P = 0.216).Conclusions RA dilatation and TI severity signifi cantly increase with increasing RV pressure load. No increase in RV dilatation was observed in the studied population. Hence, absence of RV dilatation does not exclude the presence of elevated PAP.

Rapid invasion of anthropogenic CO2 into the deep circulation of the Weddell Gyre.

Data are presented for total carbon dioxide (TCO2), oxygen and nutrients from 14 cruises covering two repeat sections across the Weddell Gyre, from 1973 to 2010. Assessments of the rate of increase in anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) are made at three locations. Along the Prime Meridian, TCO2 is observed to steadily increase in the bottom water. Accompanying changes in silicate, nitrate and oxygen confirm the non-steady state of the Weddell circulation. The rate of increase in TCO2 of +0.12±0.05 μmol kg(-1) yr(-1) therefore poses an upper limit to the rate of increase in Cant. By contrast, the bottom water located in the central Weddell Sea exhibits no significant increase in TCO2, suggesting that this water is less well ventilated at the southern margins of the Weddell Sea. At the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (i.e. the formation region of the bottom water found at the Prime Meridian), the high rate of increase in TCO2 over time observed at the lowest temperatures suggests that nearly full equilibration occurs with the anthropogenic CO2 of the atmosphere. This observation constitutes rare evidence for the possibility that ice cover is not a major impediment for uptake of Cant in this prominent deep water formation region.

Effect on Certain Infl ammatory Markers in Uncontrolled Diabetic Patients of North-West Indian

Background: Diabetes is the chronic disorder resulting from a number of factors in which an absolute or relative defi ciency of insulin or its function occurs. It has emerged as a major public health problem in India. The risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) among Indian diabetic population is 2-4 times higher than that of non-diabetic subjects. The infl ammatory markers such as C-reactive proteins (CRPs), fi brinogen, interleukin-4, homocysteine have been recognized as an independent risk factor for CAD. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the infl ammatory markers for early detection of CAD in diabetics. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 50 diabetic patients (both sexes) with raised glycosylated hemoglobin in the age range of 50-65 years and equal number of age and gender matched normal healthy subjects (control) were recruited. The levels of plasma CRP, fi brinogen, homocysteine along with various lipoproteins were evaluated in uncontrolled diabetic patients. Results: The levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol signifi cantly increased while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were signifi cantly decreased in serum of diabetic patients in comparison to normal healthy control subjects. A signifi cant increase in the CRP (P Conclusion: This study therefore suggests the importance of assessing infl ammatory markers along with other routine investigations in diabetic patients in addition to primary and secondary preventives measures to migrate the devastating consequences of diabetes leading to CAD. This strategy may help to identify and monitor high-risk diabetic for any cardiovascular event thereby reducing the economic burden and improving the quality of life. Key words: Cardiovascular diseases, C-reactive proteins, fi brinogen, glycosylated hemoglobin, homocysteine, lipoproteins, Type-2 diabetes.

Allium sativum-,Zingiber offi cinale- andCurcuma longa-Induced Digestive and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities inMacrobrachium rosenbergiiPost Larvae

The digestive and antioxidant effects of three Indian medicinal herbs Allium sativum (AS), Zingiber offi cinale (ZO) and Curcuma longa (CL) were studied at enzyme level in Macrobrachium rosenbergii post-larvae (PL) to assess the growth promoting and survival enhancement properties of these herbs. The PL were given 10 different diets containing AS, ZO and CL each at 1, 3 and 5% levels for 90 days under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted in parallel with a control diet having no herb supplementation. At the end of the trial, signifi cant increase in weight gain (WG) (P < 0.046) was found in the groups fed with 5% ZO. The survival rate increased signifi cantly with 5% CL supplementation (P < 0.049). ZO (5%) signifi cantly increased the activity level of protease (P < 0.048), amylase (P < 0.204) and lipase (P < 0.003). CL (5%) supplementation signifi cantly increased the activity level of two antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.045) and catalase (CAT) (P < 0.004). AS (5%) supplementation signifi cantly increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P < 0.072). Therefore, it is concluded that ZO can promote growth by improving the digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase and lipase) and CL is able to enhance the survivability by improving the antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities.

THE INCIDENCE AND POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS DURING 1985–2010

Objective. To evaluate the incidence and causes of atrial fi brillation in hospitalized patients of therapeutic profi le and to compare the dynamics of these parameters over past 25 years.Design and methods.We analyzed 14595 medical histories of the faculty therapy clinic of Pavlov St Petersburg State Medical University for the periods from 1985 to 1990 years and from 2005 to 2010 years.Results.The incidence of atrial fi brillation increased by 1,7 times over the past 25 years. There is a signifi cant increase in the number of patients with atrial fi brillation in combination with co-morbidities: obesity — 1,9 times, essential hypertension — 1,8 times, and type 2 diabetes mellitus — 3-fold increase. The incidence of valvular heart diseases in patients with atrial fi brillation decreased by 1,9 times from 1985 to 2010 year. Statistical signifi cance of differences was assessed by Fisher’s exact test (p &lt; 0,0001).Conclusion.The number of hospitalized patients with atrial fi brillation signifi cantly increased over the past 25 years. The number of patients with nonvalvular atrial fi brillation signifi cantly increased from 1985 to 2010 year and the number of patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease with atrial fi brillation decreased.