Urine Turbidity Research Articles

Accurate point-of-care lotus biomimetic microfluidic urine testing platform for patients with chronic kidney disease

Improving outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by glomerulonephritis needs regular home urine monitoring. Here we present an accurate, fast and easy-to-operate home urine analyzer using lotus leaf bionic structure for patients with CKD. Bottom of the gradient channel is consisting of bionic micro/nano structure similar with the surface of the lotus leaf. These microstructures can make the viscous resistance of the liquid in the channel greatly reduced, allowing the liquid to be transported spontaneously and directionally under the action of gravity, thus achieving the pump-free directional transport of sample. Urine albumin (UA) concentration, urine turbidity (UT) and urine color (UC), of the sample are obtained by capturing the image of the sample and conducting gradient RGB differential analysis. Historical data storage and cloud data interconnection can assist doctors in diagnosing patient conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) of albumin reaches 4.3 mg/L, which allows accurate diagnosis of microproteinuria. Personalized medical advice is provided by combining the acquired parameters with hospital. 40 samples were tested, the accuracy of the diagnosis results of albuminuria, hydration status and turbidity are 90 %, 92.5 % and 90 % respectively. It can be predicted that this low-cost, flexible and convenient urine detection device for CKD patients at home will inspire more home detection devices in the future.

CLINICAL STUDY OF YOGASANA AND PATHYAAHARA IN MANAGEMENT OF MADHUMEHA (DIABETES MELLITUS-2)

Introduction: About 422 million people worldwide, most of whom reside in low and middle-income nations, have diabetes (metabolic lifestyle disorder), according to the World Health Organisation, contributing to 1.5 mil-lion deaths annually. Aahara (diet) and Yoga asanas are essential for controlling and preventing lifestyle disor-ders. Thus, this study assessed how yoga techniques and the Aahara contribute to managing diabetes mellitus. Methodology: A single arm open randomised clinical study was conducted on 30 clinically diagnosed patients with diabetes mellitus 2 for Yoga asanas (Mandukasana, Kurmasana, Vakrasana, and Ardhamatsyendrasana) and Ayurvedic Aahara plan in the Postgraduate Institute of Ayurved, DSRRAU, Jodhpur. The study evaluates their role in the management of Prabhoot Mutrata (Polyuria), Avila Mutrata (Urine turbidity), Pipasadhikya (Polydipsia), Kshuda Adhikya (Polyphagia), Sweda Adhikya (The excessive sweating) The, Dourbalya The (Weakness The/Tiredness The), The Alasya (The Laziness) The, Atinidra (Excessive sleep), Karpada Daha (Burning sensation in hands and feet) and blood sugar level (i.e. FBS and PPBS, HbA1c). Result: The result of the study depicts that Yoga asanas and Ayurvedic Aahara have significantly helped in reducing the Prabhoot Mutrata, Avila Mutrata, Pipasadhikya, Kshuda Adhikya, Sweda Adhikya, Dourbalya, Alasya, Atinidra, Karpada Daha and blood sugar level. Conclusion: The study concluded that Yoga therapy and the Aahara plan have a role in managing diabetes mellitus by lowering medication dosages, increasing physical and mental alertness, and preventing complications. Results should be validated in larger sample sizes and multicentric models to es-tablish it as a well-known treatment.

A clinical study on the effect of Lodhradi Kashaya on Madhumeha with special reference to Diabetes Mellitus (Type-2)

Introduction: Ayurveda describes Prameha as a disease entity which involves a number of diseases with various physical and chemical changes in urine. Madhumeha is included under Vatik Prameha where astringency is associated with sweetness in urine. The manifestation of metabolic abnormality as well as urinary tract pathology are included in two symptoms: Prabhuta Mutrata (excessive urination) and Avila Mutrata (urine turbidity). Sedentary life style, indulgence of Kapha-meda Vardhaka Ahara, avoidance of regular exercise, day sleep indicate Santarpanajanya origin of the disease. Methods: Lodhradi Kashaya with Lodhra, Musta, Katphal and Haritaki as described in Vasavarajeeyam is taken for this clinical study on 60 patients and its efficacy was compared with a standard drug metformin. Results: During the study it was found that both Lodhradi Kashaya and Metformin provided significant result in improving Signs and Symptoms like polyuria, turbid urination, Polydipsia, polyphagia, burning sensation, numbness, weakness, lassitude, pruritus, muscle cramps, and increased sweating. The test of significance shows that both the trial drug and control drug were highly significant at 0.1% level with p-value <0.001 to improve glycosuria, FBS, PPBS and HbA1c in patients. Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of Lodhradi Kashaya and metformin w.r.t. objective sign and symptoms showed that both the treatments are almost equally effective to improve glycosuria, FBS, PPBS and HbA1c while Lodhradi Kashaya gives better clinical improvement than metformin in long term use in Diabetes. Lodhradi Kashaya is an efficient anti diabetic drug.

Efficacy of Polyherbal Formulation (<i>Phalatrikadi Vati</i>) in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus through Metabolic Correction – A Clinical Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide; its incidents have grown notably in recent years. Over the last 50 years, lifestyle changes have led to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes around the world. India has been projected as the diabetic capital of the world. Diabetes and its complications pose a major threat to future public health resources throughout the world and are the major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. In the southern part of India, the mortality rate due to diabetes mellitus is in fifth rank amongst the ten vital causes of death. Despite recent advances in knowledge, preventing and controlling diabetes remain a major challenge. So the present study has focused on the disease pathogenesis and its regulation through Polyherbal formulation (Phalatrikadi Vati). Objectives: To determine the efficacy of Polyherbal formulation in reducing the subjective complaints in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by metabolic corrections and thereby controlling the blood glucose level in the body. Methods: A single arm open labeled trial with 1 month in duration. Participants: 25 patients of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 with diagnosed, high fasting blood sugar and postprandial blood sugar levels. 500mg tablet was given in twice a day after food. Results: A total of 30 patients enrolled in the study and 25 patients completed the treatment. Significant relief of 68% in polyuria, 56% in urine turbidity, 84% in polyphagia, and 76% in polydipsia seen. There was a highly significant reduction in FBS with a mean difference of 31.84 mg and PPBS with a mean difference of 63.92 mg. Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation is a safe intervention and can be expected to reduce the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and blood sugar levels. Future studies with larger sample sizes, longer duration of intervention and follow up needed for more accurate and reliable results.

MP53-06 SPINA BIFIDA-SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR UTI DIAGNOSIS REFLECT ONLY A SUBSET OF EMPIRIC ANTIBIOTIC USE AMONG CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA SEEN IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP53-06 SPINA BIFIDA-SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR UTI DIAGNOSIS REFLECT ONLY A SUBSET OF EMPIRIC ANTIBIOTIC USE AMONG CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA SEEN IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Victor M. Kucherov, Teresa L. Russell, Jacob C. Smith, Sally Zimmermann, Elena K. Johnston, M. Sohel Rana, Elaise Hill, Christina P. Ho, Hans G. Pohl, and Briony K. Varda Victor M. KucherovVictor M. Kucherov More articles by this author , Teresa L. RussellTeresa L. Russell More articles by this author , Jacob C. SmithJacob C. Smith More articles by this author , Sally ZimmermannSally Zimmermann More articles by this author , Elena K. JohnstonElena K. Johnston More articles by this author , M. Sohel RanaM. Sohel Rana More articles by this author , Elaise HillElaise Hill More articles by this author , Christina P. HoChristina P. Ho More articles by this author , Hans G. PohlHans G. Pohl More articles by this author , and Briony K. VardaBriony K. Varda More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003301.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Spina bifida (SB)-specific criteria for urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis are stricter than those for the general pediatric population in effort to avoid overtreatment. It is unknown how closely these criteria are followed in the emergency department (ED) setting. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical factors associated with initiation of empiric antibiotics for UTI in children with SB seen in the ED. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective database of children with SB (age <21 years) presenting to the ED between 2016 and 2020 was queried. Only encounters with urinalysis (UA) performed were included. The primary outcome was initiation of empiric antibiotics for UTI. Covariables included baseline patient and clinical characteristics. Specific urologic presenting symptoms (fever ≥38°C, abdominal/flank/urethral pain, malodorous/cloudy urine, urinary incontinence) and components of the UA (pyuria [>10 WBC/hpf], nitrites, turbidity, identification of bacteria) were collected. Proportion of patients meeting previously published SB-specific criteria for UTI in the pre-culture setting (≥2 urologic symptoms plus pyuria) were examined. Analysis included descriptive statistics and examining the association between presenting factors with use of empiric antibiotics using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of 1,487 encounters, 299 were included comprising 92 unique patients (median 2 encounters per patient, range 1 - 22). Median encounter age was 8 years (range 0.04 – 20). Patients were majority female (60%), Hispanic (55%), and had a myelomeningocele (72%) with supra-sacral lesion (77%). Empiric antibiotics for UTI were initiated in 56%. Only 36% of those receiving antibiotics met SB-specific criteria. Among those receiving antibiotics pyuria was the most common UA finding (88%). When adjusting for covariables, antibiotic use was associated with fever (OR 2.9), cloudy urine (OR 6.5) and the following individual UA components: pyuria (OR 11), nitrites (OR 4.4), urine turbidity (OR 3.5), and bacteria (OR 2.1) (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics were given to about half of children with SB presenting to the ED when a UA was obtained. Receipt of antibiotics was associated with fever and cloudy urine. Among the UA components, pyuria had the strongest association. Only about one third of those receiving antibiotics met the combination of SB-specific criteria for a UTI diagnosis, raising concern for overuse of empiric antibiotics in this population. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e714 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Victor M. Kucherov More articles by this author Teresa L. Russell More articles by this author Jacob C. Smith More articles by this author Sally Zimmermann More articles by this author Elena K. Johnston More articles by this author M. Sohel Rana More articles by this author Elaise Hill More articles by this author Christina P. Ho More articles by this author Hans G. Pohl More articles by this author Briony K. Varda More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Turbidity, pH, Direct Gram as Predictors of Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in the community, including among pregnant women. This study investigates turbidity, urine pH, and direct gram as predictors of symptomatic urinary tract infection in pregnant women. Methods: A total of 177 pregnant women with suspected UTIs based on clinical and laboratories at the community health center in Makassar were collected from September to December 2021. The Urine sample was assessed for turbidity, urine pH, direct gram, and urine culture. Results: Urine turbidity was found in 108 (75.5%) patients who had positive cultures and PPV of 94.7%. The mean pH of the urine from UTI patients was 6.42 and without UTIs was 6.45. Urine that grows Gram-positive bacteria showed the most alkaline pH (mean pH=6.71) and was significantly less acidic than urine with UTI negative. In contrast, urine with Gram-negative bacteria had the most acidic pH (mean PH=6.30). The gram direct test shows a significant association with UTIs. Conclusions: Turbid urine can predict urinary tract infections in pregnant women that provide clinical symptoms. In addition, leukocytes esterase test further selected the samples. Urine pH showed no significant correlation with UTI. Less acidic urine pH is particularly associated with Gram-positive bacterial infections. Furthermore, direct gram can predict the event of UTI.

Development of a Nomogram Predicting the Infection Stones in Kidney for Better Clinical Management: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: To establish the first comprehensive nomogram for prediction of infection stones before treatment for better perioperative treatment and postoperative prevention of infection stones. Methods: A total number of 461 patients with kidney stones who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy between January 2019 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the predictors for infection stones. Furthermore, the nomogram was established as a predicted model for infection stones. Results: Among 461 patients with infrared spectroscopy stone analysis, 100 (21.70%) had infection stones and 361 (78.31%) had noninfection stones. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female (odds ratio [OR] 2.816, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.148-6.909, p = 0.024), recurrent kidney stones (OR 8.263, 95% CI 2.295-29.745, p = 0.001), stone burden (OR 6.872, 95% CI 2.973-15.885, p < 0.001), HU (OR 15.208, 95% CI 6.635-34.860, p < 0.001), positive preoperative bladder urine culture (PBUC; OR 4.899, 95% CI 1.911-12.560, p = 0.001), positive urine leukocyte esterase (ULE; OR 3.144, 95% CI 1.114-8.870, p = 0.030), urine pH (OR 2.692, 95% CI 1.573-4.608, p < 0.001), and positive urine turbidity (OR 3.295, 95% CI 1.207-8.998, p = 0.020) were predictors for infection stone. Conclusions: For patients with kidney stones, female, recurrent kidney stones, stone burden (>601 mm2), HU (750-1000), positive PBUC, positive ULE, urine pH, and positive urine turbidity were predictors for infection stone. We established the first comprehensive model for identifying infection stones in vivo, which is extremely useful for the management of infection stones.

Multi sensor application-based for measuring the quality of human urine on first-void urine

Urine can be used to diagnose diabetes in a non-invasively manner. Examination of blood sugar levels as an indicator of diabetics is currently carried out using invasive methods. However, most people are not comfortable with the invasive methods used. Early diagnosis of diabetics using non-invasive methods is very important to continue to be developed, including by checking the quality of the urine. This study aims to create a quality urine detection based on urine pH, turbidity, and ammonia concentration by using multi-sensor: pH4502C to measure pH level, SEN0189 to measure urine turbidity, and MQ137 to measure ammonia concentration. Urine samples of 15 subjects were collected early in the morning before doing any activities. For the experiment, all sensors can be read analog signals which are received by an Arduino Nano as a micro-controller and converted into digital values in the form of pH scale, Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), and parts per million (ppm). These values are displayed on the LCD display. Theexperiments showed that the measured sensor using the system was compared with the calculated sensor from a manual calculation using an equation. These comparisons were used to know the error percentage. The average value of urine measurement from 15 subjects obtained pH urine of 5.62, turbidity urine of 0.59 NTU, and ammonia urine of 0.66 ppm. The accuracy percentages of pH sensor, ammonia sensor, and turbidity sensor are 97.69%, 98.32%, and 97.09%. All sensors were proved capable to measure the quality of human urine. The results of this study became the basis for the initial diagnosis of diabetes from the quality of the urine using non invasive method.

Assessment of Renal Functions and Lesions in Dogs with Serological Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In urban centers of South America, where this zoonotic cycle occurs, dogs seem to be the main reservoirs and infection sources. Animals with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) may have a wide clinical spectrum, and dogs are usually classified as asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic. Several organs are affected in canine CVL, and renal involvement is often a determining factor in dog prognosis. Nevertheless, serum markers are slow to indicate loss of renal function. The aim of this studywas to evaluate kidney impairment in dogs diagnosed with CVL.Material, Methods &amp; Results: Blood and urine samples were collected from 45 dogs from Barra Mansa-RJ, and used for urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine (UPC) ratio, and serum concentrations of urea and creatinine. The animals were classified as symptomatic (42.2%), oligosymptomatic (37.8%), and asymptomatic (20.0%). Some alterations were found in the urine samples; pale-yellow color in 17.8%, low specific gravity in 6.7%, turbidity in 51.1%, proteinuria in 80%, occult blood in 46.7%, bilirubin in 8.89%, and glucose in 6.7% of the samples. According to the UPC ratio, 60% of dogs were proteinuric, and UPC &gt; 2.0 was high in symptomatic dogs. Azotemia was observed only in three dogs with CVL.Discussion: The majority of dogs presented one or more symptoms of CVL, as expected in an endemic area from Brazil. Pale-yellow urine was observed in some samples, and this change, when accompanied by the decreased urine specific gravity in dogs with CVL, suggests some degree of kidney disease. The presence of epithelial and red blood cells, leukocytes, bacteria, suspended mucus, and phosphate crystals that precipitate in alkaline urines could be associated, to some degree, with the urine turbidity found in the present study. The alkaline urine identified in some dogs could be related to the animals’ diet, but renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is another possible cause when referring to animals with CVL. The abnormal presence of bilirubin and glycosuria can be justified by liver damage and glomerular and tubular damage, respectively. Occult blood was found in the urine of almost half of the tested dogs, which occurred because of the presence of red blood cells in the urine sediment and hematuria in some animals, could be caused by tubular and glomerular lesions. The presence of granular and hyaline casts found in the samples reinforce the possibility of tubular injury. We found different levels of proteinuria; it was an important result, possibly caused by immune complex deposition in addition to tubular disease. Most tested dogs, including animals without clinical manifestation, were classified as proteinuric or borderline proteinuric, showing that the renal disease could be the only clinical manifestation of CVL and that it could progress from slight proteinuria to end-stage renal disease, resulting in chronic renal failure, which is the main cause of death. The UPC ratio &gt; 2.0 was significantly the more frequent finding in this study, mainly in symptomatic dogs. This result indicates a glomerular disease in these animals, reinforcing that the progression of renal disease follows the clinical progression of CVL. A few serum samples showed increased urea and creatinine levels, proving that azotemia is an uncommon finding in CVL-infected dogs. In conclusion, urinalysis helped in the early identification of renal injury in CVL-infected dogs, highlighting elements that reinforce the presence of tubular or glomerular lesions, or both, even in non-azotemic dogs. The high frequency of symptomatic dogs with UPC ratio &gt; 2.0 suggests a relationship between the progression of renal disease and the clinical progression of CVL.

A nutraceutical diet based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon and Taraxacum officinale improves spontaneous feline chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by structural and/or functional impairment of one or both kidneys persisting for more than 3 months. In cats, chronic kidney disease can frequently occur in animals aged over 9 years with an incidence of approximately 10%. Thirty‐four client‐owned, neutered cats, suffering from stage II‐III chronic kidney disease and diagnosed according to the International Renal Interest Society guidelines were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet (n = 17) or a nutraceutical diet (ND; n = 17) for 90 days. Both diets were commercialized for management of CKD symptoms. The diets were identical except that the ND contained tablets that consisted of 60–80% hydrolysed proteins, 20–40% minerals and active substances, that are, Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpom 0.0371%, and Taraxacum officinale 0.0231%. No adverse effects were reported during this study. Both diets resulted in an improvement in CKD symptoms. After a 90‐day evaluation, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased in cats that received the ND. A significant decrease was also observed in urine turbidity score, color score, and total proteins in cats that received the ND. We have found that a ND based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Taraxacum officinale improves key indicators of renal failure in cats affected by chronic kidney disease.

Diagnostic test of urine clarity in urinary tract infection

Background Early detection and prompt treatment are manda-tory in managing urinary tract infection (UTI). Failure to early de-tect ion of UTI may result in declining of kidney function. Urineculture is the gold standard to diagnose UTI, but it takes 3-5 daysto obtain the results. The turbidity of urine describes the presenceof bacteria or leukocytes in urine. It is important to determine therelationship between the urine clarity by visual examination andthe absence of bacteriuria.Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of urine clarity by vi-sual examination in diagnosing UTI.Methods We conducted a prospective study in emergency careunit, outpatient department, and children wards of Sardjito Hos-pital, Yogyakarta. The urine specimen was collected from chil-dren under 15 years old by catheterization or midstream urinecollections. Two independent observers evaluated the urine clar-ity by the standard technique. Statistical analysis was assignedto calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative pre-dictive values, and likelihood ratio. Kappa index was used to evalu-ate the agreement between two observers in determining the urineclarity.Results Two-hundred and five children were enrolled in this study.Urine clarity in diagnosing UTI produced sensitivity of 78% (95%CI 69;87), specificity of 84.5% (95% CI 78;91), positive predictivevalue (PPV) of 77.1% (95% CI 68;86), negative predictive value(NPV) of 85.2% (95% CI 79;92), positive likelihood ratio of 5.03(95% CI 3.29;7.76), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.26 (95% CI0.17;0.39).Conclusion Urine clarity is sufficiently accurate as a diagnostictest for UTI. The diagnostic value of urine clarity is expected to beuseful for clinicians to detect UTI earlier and to guide them in mak-ing decision for clinical management.

Measurement of Glucose in Blood Using a Simple Non Invasive Method

The amount of glucose in blood of human beings should be controlled. The excess or deficiency in glucose of human blood can cause a variety of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol and blindness. We report the design and development of a simple spectrometer as a non-invasive method to determine glucose in urine. Note that glucose in urine, which is caused by exceeding glucose level from the threshold in the renal system, is correlated with that in blood since glucose is a part of acid hydrate in the digestive tract and is absorbed by the intestine in the blood circulation. Urine containing glucose is reacted with a benedict solution that in turn affects the turbidity of urine according to the glucose concentration in the urine. Urines with various turbidities were then placed in transparent containers sitting between a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source and a photodiode as a detector of the simple spectrometer. As the concentration of glucose in the mixture solution became higher, the mixture solution developed more turbid and the output voltage of the photodiode would then be smaller. Moreover, the color of LED affects the magnitude of light intensity that can be transmitted by the sample.

도창법(倒倉法)의 연혁(沿革)과 현대적 응용

Objective : "Dochangbup" is one of the therapies that remove pathogenic qi[邪氣] from the Emetic Method in the Miscellaneous Disorders part of Dongeuibogam東醫寶鑑. It is, in particular, the method of treatment that removes phlegm[痰], the cause of various disorders. Method : Application of "Dochangbup" had a long history in Korea as well. The meaning and application of "Dochangbup" are mentioned in various texts from early Chosun dynasty to the post liberation. Result : In China, there are a lot of medical texts by physicians throughout Ming and Qing Dynasty, with GeZhiYuLun格致餘論 at the top of the list, dealing with the meaning and applicable scope of "Dochang" method and pharmacy of "Hacheongo霞天膏". Most of the physicians are affiliated with Dan Xi School, regarding ZhudanXi朱丹溪 as a suzerain. In "Dongeuibogam", it is mentioned that "Dochangbup" can treat various disorders caused by phlegm. Though, when there is a possibility of harming original qi[元氣] during the treatment or grave deficiency in patients, it is requested to consider tonifying while purging. Conclusion : "Dochangbup" can be applied not only to the disorders mentioned in classical medical texts, like heart pain[心痛], leg disease[脚氣], urine turbidity[小便濁], involuntary discharge of semen[遺精], cough[咳嗽], blood spitting[喀血], but also to metabolic syndrome such as obesity, hypertention and diabetes, commonly found in the modern era.

Quantitative Estimation of Piperine and Diosgenin in Ayurvedic formulation

Goksuradi guggulu is a polyherbal formulation official inAyurvedic formulary of Indiaand used for dysuria, urinary obstruction, increased frequency and turbidity of urine, calculus, excessive vaginal discharge, gout. A simple, specific and precise high performance thin - layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed for quantification of piperine and diosgenin in Goksuradi guggulu. We report the extraction and estimation of these compounds in a laboratory prepared sample of Goksuradi guggulu and two of its marketed formulations. The compounds were chromatographed on precoated silica gel G 60 254 plates in the mobile phase comprising of toluene: hexane: ethyl acetate (6.8:0.2:3). Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, the calibration plot was found to be linear in the range of 0.2-1µg spot -1 for piperine and 1.0-3.0 µg spot -1 for diosgenin. The correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.9979 and 0.9915 for piperine and diosgenin respectively. Mean recovery (%w/w) for piperine in all the formulations was in the range of 97.61-98.90and for diosgenin, it was 93.76 -94.33.

Urine Turbidity and Microhaematuria as Rapid Assessment Indicators for &lt;i&gt;Schistosoma haematobium&lt;/i&gt; Infection among School Children in Endemic Areas

Problem statement: Urinary schistosomiasis is highly endemic in Nigeria and for effective control measure, an efficient, quick and yet cheap diagnosis should be integrated. This will ensure the proper management of infection due to Schistosoma haematobium in low resource communities of Nigeria. Approach: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 456 (252 males, 204 females) school children aged 3-20 years between November 2010 and June 2011. Urine samples were examined macroscopically for turbidity and subsequently screened for microhaematuria using diagnostic reagent strips. The microscopic examination of urine samples for schistosome eggs was used as the standard for diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of S. haematobium and geometric mean intensity of infection were 54.8% and 13.9 ± 0.67 eggs/10 mL of urine respectively. The age and sex prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis showed no significant differences (p>0.05). The prevalences of urine turbidity and microhaematuria were 37.1 and 53.9% respectively and these varied significantly across age groups (p 0.05) with their corresponding specificities 80.2 and 65.8% respectively. Intensity of infection was significantly correlated with the indirect diagnostic methods, urine turbidity (r = 0.203, p<0.01) and microhaematuria (r = 0.487, p<0.01). Conclusion: The possible use of urine turbidity as an indicator for rapid diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis in low resource communities is implied.

Dhat Syndrome as a Functional Somatic Syndrome: Developing a Sociosomatic Model

Dhat syndrome is a widely recognized condition from the Indian subcontinent with fatigue and preoccupation with semen loss as the main presenting symptoms. This condition has been considered to be a culture-bound syndrome, but little is known about its illness characteristics and similarities with other conditions with medically unexplained symptoms. In this paper we review the current research on dhat syndrome, discuss its similarities and differences with other functional somatic syndromes, and propose an integrated model that incorporates both psychological and sociocultural factors. Under stress, persons predisposed to amplification of somatic symptoms and health anxiety may focus attention on physiological changes such as turbidity of urine and tiredness, and misattribute them to loss of semen in the light of widely prevalent health beliefs. This attribution may then be confirmed by traditional views as well as by local practitioners subscribing to similar beliefs. The clinical and research implications of understanding this condition as a functional somatic syndrome, the presentation of which is significantly modified by culture, are discussed.