The Vital Role of Indexing in Sustaining Academic Journals
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:1] [Pages No:iv - iv]
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:5] [Pages No:55 - 59]
Keywords: Hypertension, Indian, Magnesium, Magnesium deficiency, Poor BP control, 24-hour urinary flaxseeds
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0235 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Aim and background: A significant proportion of hypertensive patients do not achieve good blood pressure (BP) control despite optimal medications and salt restriction. Considering the BP-lowering effect of magnesium reported in some previous studies, we wanted to assess the correlation between magnesium intake and control of BP in Indian hypertensives. Twenty-four-hour urinary magnesium excretion was used as a surrogate marker of magnesium intake. Further, the effect of supplementation of magnesium-rich flaxseeds on control of BP was assessed, in a subset of the study subjects. Methodology: In this case-control study, 40 patients of essential hypertension with poor BP control as per JNC-8 BP goals were enrolled as cases and 40 patients of essential hypertension with good BP control were enrolled as controls. Twenty-four-hour urinary samples were collected in both cases and controls and urinary magnesium-creatinine (Mg/Cr) ratios were estimated. The urinary Mg/Cr ratios of patients of the two groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. A subset of 23 patients was given an intervention of three tablespoons of roasted whole flaxseeds daily for 4 weeks, and the significance of the change in mean BP, before and after the intervention, was assessed using a paired t-test. Results: The urinary Mg/Cr ratio in the good BP-control group [median = 77.05 [interquartile range (IQR)] = 23.51–101.80] was higher, compared to the poor BP-control group [median = 56.49 (IQR = 44.19–69.97)], with p-value = 0.02852, when tested with Mann–Whitney U test. In the subset of consenting participants, who took 3 Tbsp flax seeds daily, the average systolic BP and diastolic BP decreased significantly, from 141.13 (SD = 11) mm Hg and 87.65 (SD = 9.19) mm Hg to 134.22 (SD = 11.50) mm Hg and 84.65 (SD = 8.17) mm Hg, respectively (Paired t-test; p-value for SBP = 0.005, DBP = 0.013). Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with good BP control have higher levels of 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion when compared to patients with poor BP control. Flaxseeds can be used in hypertensive patients as an adjuvant to drug therapy to improve BP control. Clinical significance: Hypertensive patients can be advised to consume flax seeds regularly to maintain healthy magnesium levels and control hypertension.
Evaluation of Serum Ferritin Levels in Patients of Hypothyroidism
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:60 - 62]
Keywords: Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay, Hypothyroid, Serum ferritin, Thyroid peroxidase, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0239 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Background: The thyroid gland is a bilobed endocrine gland that secretes two vital hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The production and release of these hormones are regulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. Iron is an essential element for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. In the body, iron is stored in the form of ferritin, an intracellular protein. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum ferritin levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 100 lab-diagnosed cases based on the thyroid profile. About 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Thyroid profile which includes estimation of serum T3, T4, and TSH was done. Serum ferritin levels were also estimated in both cases and controls. Results: The mean ± SD value of serum TSH levels in study group and control group was 14.45 ± 12.96 µIU/mL and 1.27 ± 1.05 µIU/mL, respectively. The mean ± SD of Serum ferritin in study group and control group was 9.95 ± 6.36 ng/mL and 149.35 ± 103.16 ng/mL, respectively. Serum ferritin and TSH shows significant (p-value ≤ 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between TSH and serum ferritin in hypothyroid patients. Conclusion: This suggests that hypothyroid patients had higher levels of TSH and lower levels of serum ferritin compared to the control group, and that there is a negative correlation between TSH and serum ferritin in hypothyroid patients. Hence, the estimation of serum ferritin concentration among hypothyroid patients could be useful in the evaluation of thyroid hormone status.
Food-specific IgG Antibody Levels in Indian Subjects: A Retrospective Analytical Study
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:9] [Pages No:63 - 71]
Keywords: Food intolerance, IgG antibody, Microarray
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0236 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Background: Many adverse food reactions have shown association with the presence of food-specific IgG antibodies in human serum. However, testing for such antibodies for diagnosis of adverse food reactions remains controversial. This study aimed was to understand the significance of food-specific IgG antibodies among patients who presented with food-dependent gastrointestinal symptoms viz upset stomach, bloating, etc. Materials and methods: A total of 2,748 cases who underwent testing for specific IgGs for 200+ food items under the ‘food intolerance test’ over 3 years from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022 across different Indian geographical regions were included in the study. The microarray food IgG assay was used to measure over 215 types of food-specific serum IgG antibodies, with the top 25 most common food IgGs found based on the biological reference interval further analyzed. Results: Barley (98.70%), pea (96.70%), sheep milk (87.20%), and cow milk (86.40%) were found to be the most prevalent food IgG antibodies. Corn maize, goat milk, cashew nut, pistachio, potato, soya bean, wheat, peanut, and hazelnut were found to be significantly associated with gender. Intolerance to cashew nuts, pistachio, potato, peanut and hazelnut was found to be significantly higher in females than males, whereas only corn maize was found to be significantly higher in males than female. Except for sunflower seed (p = 0.0551) all the other 24 food IgG concentrations showed a significant relation with age-group. Intra-group correlation among 25 food items showed a positive correlation between milk (cow) and casein (r = 0.919), pea and cola nut (r = 0.721), cashew nut, and pistachio (r = 0.753). The food intolerance seen in the study was mainly for vegetarian food. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the role of testing food-specific IgG antibodies in adverse food reactions which may further help in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients presenting with food-related gastrointestinal symptoms.
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:4] [Pages No:72 - 75]
Keywords: Anti-CCP antibodies, DAS-28 Score, Rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid factor
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0234 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the frequency of positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with negative rheumatoid factor (RF) from Lahore, Pakistan. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Medicine and Allied, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University Lahore. The 2010 ACR Diagnostic Criteria were used to define RA. The medical records of all patients with RF-negative RA from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study. Patients with incomplete data and seronegative arthritis due to other causes were excluded from the study. Retrospective data of 78 RF-negative RA patients, including basic, demographic, and clinical information such as age, sex, anti-CCP antibody status, and disease severity, were assessed and recorded. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The mean age was 43.8 ± 15.8 years with 10 (12.8%) males and 68 (87.2%) females. Mean duration of disease was 9.1 ± 7.8 years with 62 (79.5%) patients have disease duration more than 3 years. Mean DAS-28 score was 4.5 ± 1.7 with 48 (61.5%) patients having active disease (DAS-28 score >3.2). Anti-CCP antibodies were observed in 32 patients (41.0%). Stratification of data with regard to anti-CCP antibodies revealed a significant association with sex but not with age, duration of disease, or disease severity. Conclusion: More than one-third of RA patients with negative RF test results had positive anti-CCP antibodies.
A Comprehensive Review on Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis in the Treatment of Acute Renal Damage
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:6] [Pages No:76 - 81]
Keywords: Biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solution, Dialysis adequacy, Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, Metabolic syndrome, Peritoneal dialysis, Peritoneal permeability, Peritoneal equilibration test
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0238 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Aim and objective: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of physical symptoms in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, assess the effectiveness of PD in managing acute kidney injury (AKI) during COVID-19 and in patients who are suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF), investigate the incidence of vascular calcification and the role of biocompatible PD solutions (BPDSs) in improving patient outcomes. Background: When treating acute renal failure, PD involves inserting a catheter into the abdomen, and a special fluid is introduced to draw waste and excess fluids from the blood through the peritoneal membrane. This process helps to balance electrolytes and remove toxins from the body. Compared to hemodialysis, PD offers advantages such as flexibility in scheduling, fewer dietary restrictions, and preservation of residual kidney function. However, potential complications include infection, hernias, and fluid overload. Overall, PD can be an effective option for managing acute renal failure, but careful monitoring and management of complications are essential. Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis is a practical and safe alternative to hemodialysis for patients without established access. It offers acceptable complication rates and patient and method survival. Comprehensive renal replacement therapy (RRT) programs should include a tailored educational program for a successful PD urgent start.
[Year:2024] [Month:September-December] [Volume:28] [Number:3] [Pages:9] [Pages No:82 - 90]
Keywords: Epidermal growth factor receptor, Human papillomavirus, Molecular markers, Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, Oral cavity cancer, p53
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10054-0237 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been tremendous research in the field of oncogenesis at the molecular level. With the unveiling of various signaling pathways and molecular markers involved in oncogenesis, efforts are being made to develop therapeutic agents targeted at these molecular levels. Oral cancers constitute 40% of all head and neck cancers and are major health concerns all over the world. The age-adjusted incidence rate for oral cancer is 4 per 1,00,000 population in males and 2 per 1,00,000 population in females worldwide with an overall 5-year survival rate of 50–60%. About 30% of patients of oral cancer present with early-stage disease where surgery and/or radiotherapy can achieve cure rates of about 70–90%. However, the majority of patients present in locally advanced stages, where we have to use combined treatment modalities leading to more side effects and morbidity. The recurrence rate is also about 40–50% in advanced stages and there are limited treatment options available once the primary treatment modalities fail. Despite all the development in areas of genomics and proteomics of oncogenesis, there has not been a breakthrough in treatment modalities available or overall improvement in survival rates of such patients. This review intends to highlight the genomic alterations and signaling pathways involved in oral cancers. The biomarkers which can be used as predictive and prognostic markers in oral cancers which can be potential therapeutic targets will also be discussed in this review. The findings of available studies obtained from a literature search will be comprehensibly presented in this review.