Indian J Med Res
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Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of maternally inherited alleles of β-thalassaemia (MIB) remains to be a challenge. Furthermore, current techniques are not available for use as routine tests. NIPT for β-thalassaemia disease was developed by using a specific droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to analyze the cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) derived from maternal plasma. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that NIPT utilizing the ddPCR assay can be effectively used for the screening and diagnosis of foetal β-thalassaemia in at risk pregnancies.
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Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), when detected early, can usually be managed effectively by simple methods. A delayed diagnosis often makes it a complex condition to treat. Late presentation of DDH is fairly common in developing countries, and there is scarcity of literature regarding the epidemiology and reason for late presentation. Through this study, we attempted to identify the reasons for late presentation of DDH in children more than 12 months of age. ⋯ Late presentation of DDH in walking age is common. Physician- and family-related factors accounted for most of these cases. Failure or inadequate hip screening at birth by the attending physician is a common reason for late diagnosis. The family members were unaware about the disorder and developed suspicion once child started walking with an abnormal gait.
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To examine β-D-mannuronic acid (M2000) effects on L-selectin shedding and leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) expression as mechanisms of action of this drug in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). ⋯ The results of this study for the first time showed that β-D-mannuronic acid can affect events of adhesion cascade in patients with AS. Moreover, β-D-mannuronic acid presented as an acceptable benefit to AS patients and could aid in the process of disease management.
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Sustainable development goals (SDGs) were meant to put each and everywhere 'at par'. The tobacco epidemic globally is one major deterrent to their achievement. While it gets addressed under SDG 3 through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) - the World Health Organization (WHO) global treaty (the target 3.a of SDG 3), the progress made globally and by India is slow. ⋯ By doing so, the United Nations can significantly facilitate a reduction in tobacco use and the resultant economic costs. Furthermore, it will assist the WHO to fulfil the targets set for 2030 under SDG 3.a by the FCTC member countries. In addition, it will fulfil the vision and mission defined in the Chandigarh declaration of the 5th National Conference on Tobacco or Health for India to be tobacco free by 2030.
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by increase in blood glucose levels due to defective insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity. Interleukins (ILs) are known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum concentration of IL-33 and its receptor soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with diabetes and draw a correlation between their serum levels and different standard glycaemic indices of patients affected with type-2 diabetes with or without metabolic syndrome. ⋯ This study demonstrated alteration in serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 in type-2 diabetic individuals. Further mechanistic studies, focusing on the progression of type-2 diabetes could elucidate the involvement of IL-33 in the cellular acquisition of insulin resistance as observed in type-2 diabetics.