Levels of cerebrospinal fluid acetylcholinesterase in tuberculous and pyogenic meningitis in children

Total acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was estimated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using colorimetric method in 64 cases with tuberculous meningitis, (TBM) (n=64), pyogenic meningitis (PM) (n=60) and in controls (n=39) of paediatric age group. Mean CSF—AChE values of both TBM and PM were significantly higher when compared with controls (p<0.001) but no significant change between TBM and PM was observed (p<0.01). It is suggested that inflammation of meninges due to the infection may attribute to a change in the function of blood brain barrier (BBB) causing higher CSF—AChE values in these diseases.     

Adenosine deaminase and C-reactive protein in cerebrospinal fluid for differential diagnosis of tubercular meningitis in children

Adenosine deaminase and C-reactive protein in CSF were assessed in 72 cases of Tubercular meningitis, 24 cases of partially treated pyogenic meningitis, 20 cases of Aseptic meningitis and 8 cases of febrile seizures. Mean Adenosine deaminase value was 12.12±3.13 IU/L for Tubercular meningitis group. It was significantly higher (p<0.001) as compared to partially treated pyogenic meningitis (5.39±2.70 IU/L) and aseptic meningitis (1.92±0.56 IU/L) groups. A combination of clinical criteria along with biochemical test of Adenosine deaminase and C-reactive protein in CSF increased the sensitivity of diagnosing Tubercular meningitis and differentiating it from other forms of meningitis at an early stage.     

Adenosine deaminase levels in cerebrospinal fluid as a diagnostic test for tuberculous meningitis in children

Adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) was estimated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 30 patients of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and 10 patients each of partially treated pyomeningitis (PTM), aseptic meningitis (AM) and pyogenic meningitis (PM). Mean ADA levels in CSF of TBM patients were higher (18.22 U/L) as compared to 6.28 U/L, 3.43 U/L and 7.98 U/L in PTM, AM and PM respectively. This difference of ADA values in CSF between TBM and other types of meningitis was statistically significant (p<0.01) different. Sensitivity and specificity of ADA levels in CSF of children to diagnose tuberculous meningitis was 66.6% and 90% respectively at 10 U/L cut off of ADA levels in CSF. ADA levels in CSF could also differentiate PTM, AM and PM from TBM with a specificity of 90%, 100% and 80% respectively.     

Cerebrospinal fluid free sialic acid and aspartate transaminase levels in meningitis

Background  Sialic acid (SA) is a nine carbon sugar derived from mannosamine and pyruvate. High levels of sialic acid and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in cerebrospinal fluid have been described in pyogenic meningitis (PM) compared to tubercular meningitis (TBM). Objectives  To evaluate the levels of CSF free SA in PM and TBM and to assess the correlation between CSF free SA and CSF glucose or total protein levels. Patients and Methods  A total of 122 subjects were studied and divided into children and adults. Further, these have been subdivided into controls, PM and TBM. CSF free SA was estimated by thiobarbituric acid assay of Warren and AST by Reitmann and Frankel method. Results  CSF free SA and AST levels in children and adults were significantly high in PM (p<0.001) as compared to TBM and controls. Conclusion  A very high CSF free SA and AST were found to be characteristic of PM, making them useful parameters to differentiate PM from TBM.     

A sensitive and economical modified method for estimation of cerebrospinal fluid proteins

Cerebrospinal fluid protein estimation is a routine diagnostic tool for various diseases. The proposed modified bromocresol green (BCG) method is applicable to automated as well as manual measurements. Protein concentrations and absorbance at 600 nm are linearly related throughout a wide range of concentrations from 10 mg % to 2000 mg %. Ninety C.S.F. samples were analyzed and results obtained by both the modified BCG method and routine pyrogallol red method were compared. An excellent co-relation was observed (n=90, g=0.996, P<0.001).     

Changes in the level of biogenic amines in cerebrospinal fluid of suicidal attempt cases

The levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) have been determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal (n=25) and suicidal attempt cases (n=30). A significant decrease in the level of NE (p<0.01), 5-HT(p<0.001) and 5-HIAA (p<0.001) in the CSF of suicide attempt cases were observed as compared to normal controls. It is concluded that CSF 5-HIAA level which is drastically depleted may be used as an early biochemical indicator of suicidal attempt so that it may be treated by the drugs which can enhance the suppressed neurotransmitter activity.     

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in tubercular meningitis

Oxidative stress is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Therefore, in the present study, erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, percentage hemolysis, antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and plasma antioxidants viz., ceruloplasmin, vitamins A,E and C have been determined in 19 patients with tubercular meningitis (TBM) and 50 normals. Six patients who were treated with antibiotics were considered for the follow up. The statistical analysis was carried out by Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Lipid peroxidation (P<0.02), percentage hemolysis (P<0.001) and plasma ceruloplasmin (P<0.0001) of TBM patients were significantly higher, whereas erythrocyte glutathione reductase (P<0.05) and plasma antioxidant vitamins A, E and C (P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively) were significantly lower than those of the controls. In the follow up patients the glutathione reductase and catalase levels were significantly high (P<0.05) compared to their pre-treated condition. Vitamin C and E levels have attained normal range. This study indicated that the blood antioxidant status of TBM patients which was low compared to controls improved after treatment, suggesting the role of free radicals in TBM.     

Levels of technicality in scientific communication

The large number of specialized languages which have resulted from the rapid development of modern science and technology, although meant to facilitate communication within each area of specialization, may create barriers to understanding between different levels of competence and specialization. Ways have to be found for identifying and describing the fundamental features of technical and scientific writing and for clarifying its differences from what is called “common” language.In this paper, the style of scientific writing has been discussed from the point of view of its lexical, semantic, and use characteristics. On the assumption that the level of technicality of a scientific publication is responding to the degree of training and specialization of its readership, a comparison was made between the language of a group of articles taken from the Scientific American and the language of articles given as references by them. Distribution and overlap of vocabulary in the two groups of articles were analyzed. Some differences between the writings in two areas of science were found.     

Alterations of serum cholesterol and serum lipoprotein in breast cancer of women

Fasting blood sample of 50 normal subjects (control) and 100 patients of breast cancer were investigated for serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein cholesterol:low density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio during breast cancer of women. Five cancer stages, types, age groups, parity and menopausal status were undertaken for the study. It was observed that there was a significant rise in serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significant. The ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol:low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol values increased significantly in breast cancer patients.     

职高数学分层次教学的尝试与成果

由于职业高中生源质量的参差不齐和学生在学习方面的显著个体差异,当前职高普遍采用的＂一刀切＂教学方法已经不适用了。本文针对职高数学教学的现状,以分层次教学理论为指导,结合笔者自己的教学经验,构建了职高数学分层次教学的实验方案,得到了颇具实践指导意义的启示。     

情报学发展的层次及趋势

信息管理的发展为新情报学奠定了良好的基础,情报学发展条件是它的独特性和高级性;新情报学要以知识服务为核心,以数字情报学和知识情报学为研究领域;情报学发展的方向是由信息技术、用户等因素所决定,围绕技术集成和优化以及用户知识建模等领域,建立新情报学的理论、方法和技术体系是情报学发展的路向。     

不同宽恕水平的幼儿告状行为的比较分析

本研究深入到幼儿同伴互动的集体活动中,采用自然观察法真实、客观地比较分析了不同宽恕水平的幼儿告状行为特点,结果表明：（1）不同宽恕水平幼儿的告状动机不同。（2）不同宽恕水平幼儿的告状行为类型不同。（3）幼儿的心理发展特点决定其告状行为特点。     

Evaluation of Serum Fetuin-A and Osteoprotegerin Levels in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis patients are determined to have a high ratio of coronary artery calcification. Fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin are systemic calcification inhibitors and related to vascular calcification and cardiovascular mortality. In this study we investigated the relationship between fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels in psoriasis patients. The study included 40 healthy volunteers and 40 psoriasis patients. Venous blood were collected from healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients in order to search the fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels. Disease severity were grouped as mild, moderate and severe according to psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The relationship between fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels and clinical features as sex, PASI and presence of psoriatic arthritis were analyzed. Fetuin-A levels in psoriasis patients were statistically lower than the control group (p < 0.001). In serum osteoprotegerin levels, no statistically significant difference was found in two groups (p > 0.05). Serum fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin level differences were not statistically significant between patients with psoriatic arthritis history and those without. When we grouped patients in respect of their sexes fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels of males and females were not significantly different (p > 0.05). No correlation was detected between the ages and PASI scores and the fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels of patients. As a result fetuin-A levels in psoriasis patients are found to be low but not related to disease severity. In the light of our results we concluded that fetuin-A may have a role in psoriasis pathogenesis and may contribute to the calcification process developed in psoriasis.     

高校信息素质教育的三个层次

数字环境下高校信息素质教育应分三个层次进行.信息获取技术教育是教育的基础层次,信息道德和信息安全教育是教育的保障层次,信息合作教育和信息教育合作教育是教育的境界层次,以此逐步推动高校信息素质教育的良好发展.     

谈科研创新与高校学报层次

针对目前高校学报的办刊模式，结合本校学报的办刊实践，论述了高校学报在科技创新中形成的层次问题；不同高校学报如何面对本校的客观环境，寻找自己在科技发展系统中的创新位置，使学报刊载的信息带动一方经济，产生更大社会效益。     

国家与地区层面h指数探析

以《全球竞争力报告》一书中涉及的134个国家/地区为样本,以Scopus数据库和SCImago Journal＆Country Rank门户网站为数据源,探讨了国家/地区h指数与文献量、被引量以及国家/地区综合竞争力的相关性,并指出国家/地区h指数兼顾了科技产出的数量和质量,可以作为对国家/地区进行评价或者排序的新指标。     

C-Reactive Protein and Uric Acid Levels in Patients with Psoriasis

Serum CRP and uric acid levels were estimated in twenty-five patients with psoriasis (group III) before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results were compared with a group of 25 normal subjects (group I) and a group of 25 patients of various skin diseases other than psoriatic lesion (group II). Mean value for CRP was found to be increased by more than 20 folds in patients with psoriasis, which was subsequently reduced to nearly 50% of the initial value after 12 weeks of treatment. These patients also showed hyperuricemia. Nearly 25% of these patients also exhibited arthritis. It is thus suggested that both CRP and uric acid levels should be monitored in patients with psoriasis.     

Utility of serum indices in a particular case of serum protein electrophoresis

Screening and measurement of monoclonal (M) proteins are commonly performed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The identification of M-protein or monoclonal component (CM) is an essential requirement for diagnosis and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies. The detection of CM has been largely improved by CZE. Capillary electrophoresis estimates CM more accurately, because absence of variation due to different dye binding affinities of proteins as instead seen with agarose gel electrophoresis. However, interferences can be present in CZE. This occurs because all substances absorbing at 200 nm can be identified. Recognition and handling of specimens exhibiting such interferences is essential to ensure accurate diagnostic and patient safety. We herein report on an unusual case of serum protein electrophoresis, to highlight that laboratory staff must be aware of and familiarise with the information provided by laboratory instruments. For example, in the case of serum indices, about specimen quality.     

Diagnostic Value of Lactate Levels in Acute Abdomen Disorders

The supply of oxygen is limited in certain intra abdominal conditions due to direct vascular invasion or inflammatory process, resulting in high lactate levels. Aim of this study was to find the predictive value of lactate levels in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and blood of patients with acute abdomen. The study comprised of fifty patients with acute abdominal conditions, admitted in emergency ward of tertiary care hospital, thirty patients were with surgical abdomen (group I) and twenty patients with non surgical abdomen (group II). Lactate was estimated in PF and blood on Blood Gas Analyzer (NOVA, M-7). The mean lactate levels in PF were significantly higher in group I as compared to group II (14.65 ± 1.195 vs. 5.92 ± 0.97 mmol/L, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood lactate levels in both the groups. When PF and blood lactate levels were compared within groups, we found that PF levels were significantly higher than blood in group I (14.65 ± 1.195 vs. 3.85 ± 0.54 mmol/L, p < 0.001) but not in group II (5.92 ± 0.97 vs. 4.36 ± 0.95 mmol/L). Diagnostic value was obtained using ROC curve. Cut off values obtained for PF lactate, difference and ratio of PF and blood lactate (≥6.4 mmol/L, ≥3.3 and ≥2.1 respectively) are at very high degree of sensitivity and specificity. So it can be useful marker of surgical emergency in patients with acute intra abdominal pathology, especially in clinically ill patients or in whom physical examination is not yielding because of neurologic disorders or unresponsiveness.     

Effect of Vitamin E on sP-Selectin Levels in Pre-Eclampsia

P-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule is elevated in many inflammatory conditions including preeclampsia which is characterized by generalized endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction presumably due to free radicals or mediators released by defective placentation. Vitamin E has been documented to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and also decrease platelet aggregation. The role of vitamin E in pre-eclampsia is contradictory and hence the study was undertaken. Soluble P-selectin was measured by ELISA and Vitamin-E levels in plasma was estimated spectrofluorometrically. In our study the effect of supplementation of 400 IU/day of Vitamin E (a-tocopheryl acetate) to patients of pre-eclampsia showed significant decreased levels of soluble P-selectin by 2nd week as compared to patients given placebo (P = 0.005). In this short period of study no direct correlations were observed between Vitamin E or P-selectin levels with blood pressure as well as with proteinuria. Future studies may focus on the effect of a-tocopheryl acetate or the phosphate form of Vitamin-E, recently proposed to be the more active form on other inflammatory markers like IL-6, an important stimuli of P-selectin release in pre-eclampsia.