Vipan Gupta

Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingobium quisquiliarum Strain P25T, a Novel Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from an HCH Dumpsite

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequence (4.2 Mb) of Sphingobium quisquiliarum strain P25T, a natural lin (genes involved in degradation of hexachlorocyclohexane [HCH] isomers) variant genotype, isolated from a heavily contaminated (450 mg HCH/g of soil) HCH dumpsite.

Efficacy of Montelukast and Levocetirizine as Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

Antihistamines are effective in reducing majority of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but are ineffective for nasal congestion and nighttime symptoms. Montelukast have been found to provide quick relief. Comparison of Montelukast has been done with Antihistamines but data is limited. Hence, this study was done to compare the effectiveness of montelukast combined with levocetirizine once daily to levocetirizine alone for a 6-week treatment course of allergic rhinitis. In this randomized, open, parallel study, out of 102 patients were randomly assigned to receive montelukast and levocetirizine (treatment group) or levocetirizine alone (control group), 95 patients completed the entire 6 weeks of study. The primary outcome measure was the mean change of the total daytime nasal symptom score (PDTS) and secondary outcome measures were mean change of night time nasal, daytime eye and composite symptom (PNTS, PES, PCS). The change in total daytime nasal symptom, composite symptoms and nighttime nasal symptom scores was signifi cantly (p<0.05) greater in montelukast and levocetirizine group than in levocetirizine alone group. The change in daytime eye symptom scores was comparable in both the groups but not statistically significant (p=0.94). Montelukast combined with levocetirizine was effective in reducing daytime, nighttime, composite and daytime eye symptom score as compared to levocetrizine alone.

Comparative study of feto-maternal outcome in clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism

Background: Thyroid diseases are the one of commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age group, and hence constitute the commonest endocrine disorder complicating pregnancy. Maternal thyroid function changes during pregnancy and inadequate adaptation to these changes results in thyroid dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism and to study the fetal and maternal complications associated with hypothyroidism. Methods: A prospective and observational study undertaken over a period of 2 years from 1st October 2009 onwards. Pregnant women were screened for thyroid dysfunction irrespective of gestational age. Patients were divided into two group; Group I (subclinical hypothyroidism)- all pregnant patients with serum TSH ≥ 3 mu/l up to 6 mu/l and normal free T4 levels. Group II (clinical hypothyroidism)- all pregnant patients with serum TSH level ≥ 6 mu/l OR on thyroxine pre-pregnancy. Results: In the present study, prevalence of thyroid disorder was 6.22%, subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hypothyroidism being 3.77% and 2.45% respectively. In subclinical group and clinical group, we found, preeclampsia, preterm labour, first trimester abortions and oligohydramnios in 13.75% versus 19.23%, 13.75% versus 36.54%, 11.25% versus 11.53%, and 16.25% versus 23.02% respectively. Subclinical hypothyroidism was more prevalent and hidden leading to the poor obstetrical outcome and fetal complications like low birth weight, prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction. There was higher incidence of caesarean deliveries in both groups more in clinical hypothyroid cases. Conclusions: Due to the adverse effect of maternal thyroid disorder on maternal and fetal outcome, timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment of hypothyroid disorders is essential.

Ewing’s sarcoma of fifth metacarpal with lung metastasis in a child: an unusual presentation

Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common bone tumour second only to osteosarcoma which represents a family of malignancies of neuroendothelial origin, which are highly aggressive and poorly differentiated. The most frequent sites involved are shaft of long bones such as femur, tibia and flat bones such as pelvis and vertebra. Ewing’s sarcoma of small bones of hands is very rare and distant metastasis with hands as the primary is even rarer. Here we describe the course of a 11-year-old male who presented with ewings sarcoma of fifth metacarpal who presented with lung metastasis without local recurrence of the disease after primary surgery and later succumbed to his illness.