Study of genetic, metabolic and inflammatory risk factors in patients of acute ischemic stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and foremost cause of disability. Based on studies in CAD patients, a focus has been shifted on genetic and inflammatory markers as risk factors for stroke besides deranged lipid profile. The present study was aimed to ascertain the role of Lipoprotein (a), C-Reactive protein (CRP) levels and lipids in patients of ischemic stroke. The study was done in 82 subjects including 40 Computerized Tomography (CT) proven patients of ischemic stroke and 42 age and sex matched controls. Complete biochemical parameters including lipid profile were carried out on autoanalyzer using standard kits and reagents. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] was determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. Atherogenic indices (Total cholesterol/ HDL, LDL/HDL and Lipid Tetrad Index) were calculated using these lipid parameters. The CRP levels were measured semi-quantitatively by latex agglutination test method. Out of 40 stroke patients, 38 had abnormalities in lipid profile (As per ATP III guidelines). A significant difference was seen in serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and atherogenic indices between the patients and controls. The difference in CRP levels in cases and control subjects was highly significant (4.78±0.72 mg/dl vs 0.76 ±0.70, p<0.001). 96.5% of patients with raised CRP had abnormal lipid levels also. CRP levels in stroke patients showed significant correlation with total cholesterol and LDL (p<0.001), Lp (a) (p=0.002) and atherogenic indices (p<0.05). Raised CRP levels in stroke patients were significantly associated with large territory infarcts, severe disability and poor functional outcome (p<0.05).Genetic [Lp(a)], metabolic (deranged Lipid profile) and inflammatory factors (CRP) together are instrumental in causing cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis leading to ischaemic stroke and can be used as important markers to identify patients at risk of severe stroke and to institute aggressive preventive strategies.     

PAI-1 Study in Thalassemia Major Patients Receiving Multiple Blood Transfusion

Thalassemia is a congenital hemolytic disease which is treated by repeated blood transfusion. Chronic iron overload is currently considered to be the primary cause of mortality in β-thalassemia, mainly due to the induction of left-sided cardiac failure. Iron overload results from a number of mechanisms associated with the disease itself. In addition to chronic iron overload thalassemic patients are more prone for procoagulant status which in turn lead to clinical thrombotic events. The hypercoagulable state in thalassemia is due to multiple elements, a combination of which is often the drive behind a clinical thromboembolic events. PAI-1 study was done in thalassemia major patients receiving multiple blood transfusion as a marker for procoagulant status. Total of 30 thalassemic patients on repeated blood transfusion was included in the study and total of 30 healthy age and sex matched controls were included in the study. It was also found that there was significant differences between cases and controls. The mean level of PAI 1 in controls was 3047 ± 414 pg/ml, the value in cases was 3683 ± 358 pg/ml. The level was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the cases compared to controls. PAI-1 levels were also compared with the total number of blood transfusion which correlates well.     

The bond between intelligences: Cultural,emotional, and social

Increasing interest in multiple forms of nonacademic intelligences in addition to the well‐established intelligent quotient (IQ) to explain individual success has triggered a need for clear establishment of the theoretical and empirical connection among these constructs. As such, this article explores the interrelationship that exists among three forms of nonacademic intelligences: cultural, emotional, and social. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.     

Study on Impact of Iron and Folic Acid on the Plasma Trace Minerals in Pregnant Anemic Women

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the causes that lead to significant mortality and morbidity among pregnant women and fetus. The present study was undertaken to explore oral iron supplementation can modify the metal contents in pregnant anemic women. Iron and folic acid supplementations was given to 500 anemic women (mild = 200, moderate = 200, and severe = 100) and 100 age matched non-anemic controls daily for 100 days. Blood index values and plasma trace minerals were estimated as per standard protocols. Haemoglobin and ferritin levels were found significantly increased (p < 0.001) in anemic and control subjects after treatment. Moreover, the serum transferring receptor levels and total iron binding capacity were found significantly decreased in all treated groups. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels were found increased (p < 0.01) after oral iron supplementation groups. Moreover, selenium (Se) manganese (Mn) and were found to be decreased in all treated groups. Data provides the conclusion that iron and folic acid supplementation recovered the essential trace minerals, except manganese, which may lead to various complications including peroxidation of vital body molecules resulting in increased risk for pregnant women as well as fetus.     

Lead: Tiny but Mighty Poison

The documentation of lead toxicity (plumbism) dates back to the times when man learnt its various applications. This versatile heavy metal is non-degradable and its ability to get accumulated in the body that goes undiagnosed, makes it a serious environmental health hazard. Lead is now known to affect almost every organ/tissue of the human body. With irreversible effects on neurobiological development of young children and foetus, its toxicity has lasting implications on the human life. Outlining the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment therapy for lead poisoning, the present review elaborates the pathophysiological effects of lead on various organs. This will be of immense help to the health professionals so as to inculcate a better understanding of the lead poisoning which otherwise is asymptomatic. With chelation therapy being the classic path of treatment, new strategies are being explored as additive/adjunct therapy. It is now understood that lead toxicity is completely preventable. In this regard significant efforts are in place in the developed countries whereas much needs to be done in the developing countries. Spreading the awareness amongst the masses by educating them and reducing the usage of lead following stricter industry norms appears to be the only roadmap to prevent lead poisoning. Efforts being undertaken by the Government of India and other organisations are also mentioned.     

Perfectionism and training distress in junior athletes: The mediating role of coping tendencies

Training distress occurs when athletes fail to cope with physiological and psychological stress and can be an early sign of overtraining syndrome. Recent research has found that perfectionism predicts increases in training distress in junior athletes over time. The current study provides the first empirical test of the possibility that coping tendencies mediate the perfectionism-training distress relationship. Adopting a cross-sectional design, 171 junior athletes (mean age?=?18.1 years) completed self-report measures of perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, problem-focused coping, avoidant coping, and training distress. Structural equation modelling revealed that avoidant coping mediated the positive relationship between perfectionistic concerns and training distress, and mediated the negative relationship between perfectionistic strivings and training distress. Problem-focused coping did not mediate any relationships between dimensions of perfectionism and training distress. The findings suggest that the tendency to use coping strategies aimed at avoiding stress may partly explain the relationship between perfectionism and training distress but the tendency to use, or not use, problem-focussed coping does not.     

Lysyl Oxidase: Its Diversity in Health and Diseases

The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) and connective tissues is largely dependent on the collagen and elastin structure. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a critical role in the formation and repair of the ECM by oxidizing lysine residues in elastin and collagen, thereby initiating the formation of covalent cross linkages which stabilize these fibrous proteins. Due to its multiple functions both extracellularly and intracellularly, lysyl oxidase is involved in several processes in the tumorigenic pathway, in many different cancer types and stages. Alteration in LOX activity is implicated in many diseases and disorders including inflammation and inflammatory diseases, fibrosis of distinct organs and fibrotic disorders, cancer promotion and progression. There are only sparse reports of mutations or epigenetic alterations in the LOX gene. This review provides the recent clinical developments in the molecular mechanisms and pathologic process, pointing out LOX as a potential therapeutic target in translational medicine.