Search

Background: Pyelonephritis is frequently linked to diabetes mellitus, serving as a common cause. Poor outcomes are associated with both emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) and nonemphysematous pyelonephritis (NEPN). This study was conducted to examine the clinical characteristics, microbiological profile, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of pyelonephritis specifically in diabetic patients. Methods: Acute pyelonephritis is considered present when a patient experiences fever with chills, rigors, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. A diagnosis is confirmed through USG and KUB studies showing an enlarged kidney, collection presence, and perinephric fat stranding. Urine samples are collected through midstream voiding, catheterization, or suprapubic needle aspiration. A positive urine culture indicates >105 CFU/ml of bacteria. Glycemic control is classified as good (HbA1c <7%), moderate (HbA1c 7-7.5%), or poor (HbA1c >7.5%). Emphysematous pyelonephritis classification is based on CT scan findings. Results: In a study of 40 patients with acute pyelonephritis and type 2 diabetes, 80% had nonemphysematous pyelonephritis (NEPN) and 20% had emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). Over 75% in both groups experienced loin pain, a hallmark of acute pyelonephritis. Burning micturition affected 75% of EPN and 28.12% of NEPN patients. Less than 15% reported decreased urine output and vomiting in both groups. The NEPN group had significantly lower rates of burning micturition, possibly indicating a link to pyelonephritis severity. In EPN patients, 75% had normal CECT KUB findings, with 50% of abnormalities falling into Class 3A. Approximately 50% of both groups were treated without IV antibiotics, with conservative management dominating. Other interventions, including DJ stents, antifungals, hemodialysis, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy with stenting, were also employed. Conclusion: Diagnosing emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) in diabetic patients with pyelonephritis symptoms, particularly with poorly controlled blood sugars, requires a high suspicion index and early imaging. Most affected individuals are aged 51-70 years. Cases of both non-emphysematous (NEPN) and EPN are predominantly associated with gram-negative bacteria. EPN patients in Class I-IIIA respond well to antibiotics or additional percutaneous drainage (PCN), while Class IIIB and Class IV cases may require nephrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genitourinary Tuberculosis (GUTB) is a common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The disease involves the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or genital organs. Clinical symptoms develop 10 - 15 years after primary infection. Only one-quarter of patients with GUTB have a known history of TB and about half of these patients have chest radiography findings. The current study aimed to determine the effects of GUTB. Methods: The included patients were successive cases with a diagnosis of genitourinary tuberculosis. A total of 62 cases were reported with the diagnosis of genitourinary tuberculosis. PCR for MTb was done in 37 cases. Radiological evaluation included chest X-ray, KUB in all cases, and intravenous urogram when serum creatinine was normal. FNAC was performed in cases with serosal masses. All patients received antitubercular drug therapy with 4 drugs (Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Isoniazid, and Pyrazinamide) for 2 months followed by 2 drugs (Rifampicin and Isoniazid) for 7 months. Results: Positive AFB staining and positive MTb culture in urine were seen in 31.37% and 41.17% of cases, respectively, confirming the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in some GUTB patients. Positive PCR for MTb in urine is present in 67.56% of cases (in a subset of 37 patients). MTb culture in pus is only observed in 4 out of 7 cases, suggesting its less frequent occurrence compared to other positive findings. Sterile urine is found in 78.95% of cases, and Radiological abnormalities (IVU/NCCT/MUCG) suggestive of GUTB was found in 46/57 (80.7%) cases. Bladder biopsy was positive in 12/25(48%) cases done. A comparison of urinary PCR with urine for AFB staining urine for MTb culture and bladder biopsy was done. Conclusion: The urinary (PCR) stands out as the most sensitive indicator among all microbiological tests. When coupled with radiological abnormalities, it significantly expedites the diagnosis of genitourinary tuberculosis. Optimal treatment involves a combination of multidrug chemotherapy and judicious surgery, as necessary. It is highly advisable to make every effort to reconstruct the urinary tract due to the rewarding outcomes associated with this approach. However, in cases where tissue is infected and irreparably damaged, the most effective course of action is ablating the affected tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetics, commonly known as ‘makeup’ are products that can enhance the appearance of the human body. Cosmetic products include hair dyes, shampoos, skincare, sunscreens, kajal, and other makeup products. Cosmetics are generally applied throughout the face and over the neck region. Sunlight has different wavelengths of light, which include UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and other radiations. Most cosmetic products have absorption maxima (λmax) in the range of visible light and UV-R. The effect of light-induced photosensitization of cosmetic products, which results in the production of free radicals through type-I and type-II photosensitization mechanisms. Free-radicals-mediated DNA damage and oxidative stress are common consequences of cosmetic phototoxicity. Cosmetic phototoxicity may include percutaneous absorption, skin irritation, eye irritation, photosensitization, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity. Oxidative stress induces membrane lipid peroxidation, glycoxidation, and protein covalent modifications, resulting in their dysfunction. Natural antioxidants inhibit oxidative-stress-induced cosmetic toxicity. Sunlight-induced photodegradation and accumulation of cosmetic photoproducts are also a matter of serious concern. India has tropical weather conditions throughout the year and generally, a majority of human activities such as commerce, agriculture, sports, etc. are performed under bright sunlight conditions. Thus, more focused and dedicated research is warranted to explore the effects of cosmetics on oxidative stress, glycoxidation of biomolecules, and photoproducts accumulation for its total human safety.

The role of Withania somnifera L. leaf extract was studied on the transgenic Drosophila model flies expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-αS) in the neurons. The leaf extract was prepared in acetone and was subjected to GC-MS analysis. W. somnifera extract at final concentration of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 µL/mL was mixed with the diet and the flies were allowed to feed for 24 days. The effect of extract was studied on the climbing ability, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content in the brains of transgenic Drosophila. The exposure of extract to PD model flies did not show any significant delay in the loss of climbing ability nor reduced the oxidative stress in the brains of transgenic Drosophila as compared to untreated PD model flies. The results suggest that W. somnifera leaf extract is not potent in reducing the PD symptoms in transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease.