bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The craze with Semaglutide
Authors: Ruby Dhar  , Arun Kumar  , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: January 2025

Semaglutide (Ozempic acid) belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood glucose and promotes weight loss. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). Because of this, doctors have been treating type 2 diabetes with semaglutide for more than 15 years. Higher doses of GLP-1, however, also cause anoxia by interacting with the brain regions responsible for appetite suppression. When combined with diet and exercise, it can help people who are obese or overweight lose a significant amount of weight and lower their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This effect of Semaglutide made it an appropriate candidate for weight loss. At present, semaglutide is only approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. Public demand and craze for weight loss have prompted the usage and misusage of semaglutide. As interest and obsession with weight loss programs continue to grow, health-care professionals are forced to improvise their strategy to manage the demand. One way to meet needs is to prescribe other brands of semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus (using a Food and Drug Administration [FDA]-approved drug for a different reason). The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:
The FDA guidelines for semaglutide usage only if body mass index (BMI) is 27 kg/m2 or greater along with other co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol or a BMI >30 kg/m2. This has become so rampant that genuine users of semaglutide who need it for managing their blood sugar are finding it missing from the shelf. Overuse or improper use often comes with adverse consequences, such as hypoglycemia, confusion, dizziness, seizures, headache, and even loss of consciousness. The craze for semaglutide needs to be cautiously weighed before consumption.
Sigma metrics application in clinical biochemistry: Practical requisite or unfeasible misadventure
Authors: Debojyoti Bhattacharjee  , Bithika Ghosh  , Arghya Ray Chaudhuri  , Sebanti Chakrabarty  , Sourav Naskar  , Kheya Mukherjee
Published: January 2025

Background: The application of the Six Sigma (σ) metric in biochemical laboratories is a powerful tool for reducing the occurrence of errors and prioritizing important improvements in laboratory quality control. The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is an accreditation body with an accreditation system established in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, providing specialty- or scope-based certification based on the conformance of quality indices to medical laboratories. In this context, a study has been designed that considers the quality guidelines set by NABL as well as the sigma metric rule in the assessment of analytical performance.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to identify the gaps and need for strategy modification for quality improvement by assessing the performance of two NABL-accredited medical testing laboratories on a Sigma metric scale.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted over 6 months (January–June 2021). Internal quality control (IQC) and EQAS data were obtained from third-party QC providers (Bio-Rad, India) and analyzed by calculating sigma (σ) values based on the coefficient of variation, bias, and total error allowable in two NABL-accredited medical testing laboratories. To identify potential problems for analytes with poor sigma values, a quality goal index (QGI) analysis was performed.
Results: By analyzing the sigma values obtained by both NABL-accredited laboratories, we can see that laboratory 2 performed better than laboratory 1. After calculating the QGI, there was a problem of inaccuracy and imprecision in laboratory 1, and laboratory 2 had QGI values that indicated only imprecision.
Conclusion: Diagnostic laboratories should incorporate Six Sigma metrics to identify gaps in their performance to ensure better quality control and patient safety.
Relationship between pupil to limbus diameter ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate in young adults: An observational study
Authors: Himanshu Sharma  , Ishrat Khan  , Varsha Porwal  , Haneef Khan
Published: January 2025

Background: Autonomic function tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of clinical conditions. Although there are multiple autonomic function tests available, there is still a need for rapid and less expensive tests for the benefit of the general population. The pupil-to-limbus diameter (PLD) ratio is one such test that is simple and cost-effective. It uses the principle of pupil dilation and constriction due to the influence of the autonomic neurons’ activity.
Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to observe a correlation between PLD ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate in young adults.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar. The present study was an observational study conducted among 1st-year medical students in the age group of 18–24 years. PLD ratio was measured by the two-box method as described in the literature. After providing 3–5 min of rest, blood pressure and pulse were recorded in the right arm in the sitting position by a digital blood pressure monitor.
Results: Positive correlation was observed between the PLD ratio of right eye and pulse rate (r=0.9696). There is a weak negative correlation exists between the PLD ratio of right eye and systolic blood pressure (r value=−0.3802).
Conclusion: The study concludes that the PLD ratio correlates with autonomic activity. However, there is a need for a study with large population to confirm the correlation. Furthermore, there is a study to assess the autonomic responses in female participants in different phases of menstrual cycle.
Radiographic evaluation of the lumbar lordotic angle of the spine in a population of Nigerians
Authors: Michael O Oyakhire  , Blessing C Didia  , Bob Evans Yellow
Published: January 2025

Objectives: For Nigerian Africans, quantitative reference values of osteometric parameters of the human spine are scarce. This study was therefore carried out to metrically evaluate and document the characteristics of the Lumbar lordotic angle, in a population of Nigerians.
Materials & Method: Using the Cobb 4-line method, we studied 300 lateral radiographs selected from three tertiary health facilities. There were 156 females (52%) and 144 males (48%) with age range between 18 and 76years. Results were analyzed statistically with the computer based SPSS Version 17, Chicago IL. Taking a confidence level of 0.05 as indicative of statistical significance, the student’s t –test was used to estimate differences between means, and a probability density function curve ,to evaluate the distribution pattern of the angle of lumbar lordosis.
Results: Mean (± SD) of the Lumbar lordotic angle was 48.450 ± (9.280). A statistically significant association was found between Lumbar lordotic angle and age (P<0.05). Females had significantly higher Lumbar lordotic angles compared with males (P<0.05). Variations were also observed between the lumbar lordotic angles of Nigerians and those of Caucasians. These results will be useful in many areas of medical practice, and research.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.4300  
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 69-75
Mortality pattern of cardiovascular diseases in the medical wards of a tertiary health centre in a rural area of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria.
Authors: Olarinde J Ogunmola  , Antony O Akintomide
Published: January 2025

Objective: To determine the basic demographic patterns of cardiovascular diseases, deaths, and the frequency of clinical causes of deaths in medical wards of a tertiary health centre in a rural area, south west Nigeria.
Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients’ records admitted into the medical wards of Federal Medical Centre IdoEkiti, Ekiti State, South west Nigeria were conducted. The study subjects were patients of 16 years and above who died of cardiovascular diseases from January 2009 to December 2012. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 16.
Results: A total of 681 patients with cardiovascular diseases were admitted in medical wards within the study period, of which 70 died with crude mortality rate of 10.3%. Male mortality were 30 (42.9%) and females 40 (57.1%) ratio 1:1.3. The age range was 25 – 100 years with mean of 66.4 + 16.3 years, with more deaths occurring in the elderly (72%). The most frequent cause of deaths was stroke (68.6%).
Conclusion: Females contributed the highest number of cardiovascular disease admission and crude mortality. Stroke was responsible for over half of cardiovascular deaths, and hypertension was the commonest aetiological factors of cardiovascular disease deaths.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8030
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 52-57
Conscious Sedation with Nitrous Oxide - A Technique with a Potential as Wide as General Anesthesia Itself.
Authors: Manish Naithani  , Neha Gami  , Arun Puri
Published: January 2025

Though conscious sedation is an established technique for alleviating pain and anxiety in dentistry; it has been underutilized by other medical and surgical specialties. Satisfied fully with its traditional use, and completely convinced that it has a role as wide, and as important, as general anesthesia itself, we venture to recommend its utilization for a variety of procedures.
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-4 (2013), Pages 3-4
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i4.8303
Rings at the Wrong Place: Acute Penile Incarceration, A Case Report and Review of Treatment Options
Authors: Sharma Pritam , Bhalaguru Iyyan  , Sunil Pillai  , Padmaraj Hedge
Published: January 2025

Penile strangulation and entrapment is an unusual acute urologic emergency with a potential for serious complication. It can occur in adults and children. Penile incarceration from metallic and non-metallic objects has been reported since 1755. Patients present with various grades of penile injury & treatment varies with the grade at presentation. Removal of the offending objects can be cumbersome and tricky at times. We present a case and review the treatment options in such situations.
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-4 (2013), Pages 40-43
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i4.7641
Madelung’s Disease: A Clinical Case and Review of Literature
Authors: Chau Su Niang
Published: January 2025

Madelung’s disease is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. This disease usually affects middle-aged males from Mediterranean area with history of alcohol abuse. We describe an Asian male presented with typical features of Madelung’s disease.
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-4 (2013), Pages 33-35
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i4.7968
Sacral Chordoma Metastatic to Bilateral Clavicle - A Rare Clinical Presentation and Review of Literature
Authors: Rashi Agrawal  , Sudarsan De  , Alpana Srivastava  , Sweety Gupta  , Dinesh Singh  , Sandeep Agrawal
Published: January 2025

Chordoma is an uncommon tumor , so the metastatic cases generally are given more attention. Various cases with central nervous system involvement, cutaneous and mandible metastases have been reported. Metastases to bone is noted in literature but metastases to bilateral clavicle is not reported yet to the best of our knowledge. We hereby present a rare case of sacral chordoma with clavicular metastases.
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-4 (2013), Pages 24-27
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i4.7999
Dyslipidemia and its Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Selected Population of Siliguri City, West Bengal, India.
Authors: Ritam Banerjee  , Sharmistha Bhattacherjee  , Kuntala Ray  , Jayanta Kumar Roy  , Saikat Datta  , Indrajit Banerjee
Published: January 2025

Background: Dyslipidemia, one of the classical Framingham risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, accounts significantly to the rise of non communicable diseases in India. Urbanization, along with greater consumption of dietary fats and decreased physical activity, has led to an increase in this problem manifold.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia among urban adults of Siliguri city, West Bengal and to identify the cardio-vascular risk factors associated with it.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among the 226 adults aged ≥20yrs in an urban area of Siliguri city, West Bengal, India. Data was collected by detailed history and physical examination; biochemical measurements were done using standards procedures. Dyslipidemia was defined by the presence of one or more than one abnormal serum lipid concentration. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test, t test and logistic regression analysis using SPSS 20 software (Chicago, IL, USA).
Results: Dyslipidemia was prevalent among 78.4 % of the total study subjects. Dyslipidemia was more in males than in females & in both males and females it was more prevalent in the age group 40 -59 years than in any other age group. It was associated with higher odds of major cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperglycemias, and tobacco use.
Conclusion: Dyslipidemia remains a significant and growing problem in this part of the country. The reduction in the disease burden will require changes in life style as well as in national policies.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i1.8474
Asian Journal of Medical Science Vol.5(1) 2014 pp.1-8
From the desk of the Editor Vol.5(2)
Authors: Kumar Arun
Published: January 2025

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2.9248
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2014)
Image Guided Radiotherapy by CBCT based Position Verification in High Risk Carcinoma Prostate - an Indian experience and review of literature
Authors: Rashi Agrawal  , Dinesh Singh  , Sudarsan De  , Sweety Gupta
Published: January 2025

Introduction-External beam radiotherapy is one of the principle treatment options for locally advanced prostate cancer. Over the past several decades, RT techniques have evolved to allow higher doses of radiation to be administered safely. We report our experience of Image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IGRT) and CBCT based position verification.
Material and methods- In this study we are presenting data of 17 consecutive patients that were treated from august 2009 to october 2010. All patients received 76 -78 Gy Gy to clinical target volume for primary disease. Daily online matching was performed by using KV CBCT scan before treatment. In each patient, soft tissue (prostate) matching was done by the radiation oncologist.
Results – Median Follow up of our patients is 16 months with minimum follow up of 13 months. 3(17.6%) patients developed grade 2 acute rectal toxicity and 4 (23.5%) bladder toxicity. Till date none of our patients had late bladder or rectal toxicity. None of our patient developed local recurrence.
Conclusion-Our study concludes that we can follow the dose escalation with CBCT based position verification .With CBCT we can consider entire prostate and normal structures volume for localization.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2.8382
Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2014): 14-20
Prostatic abscess as a presenting feature of paradoxical TB-IRIS
Authors: Achappa Basavaprabhu , Archana Shenoy  , Mak Ching Hsia  , Sujani Yadlapati  , Deepak Madi  , Soundarya Mahalingam
Published: January 2025

Paradoxical tuberculosis – immune reconstitution syndrome (pTB-IRIS) is a well-recognized cause of clinical deterioration in HIV tuberculosis (HIV-TB) co-infected individuals following initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we present a rare presentation of pTB-IRIS which manifested as a prostatic abscess in a case of HIV positive patient. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of pTB-IRIS reported in literature which manifested as a prostatic abscess. Paradoxical TB-IRIS manifesting as prostatic abscess is extremely rare and a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose and appropriately treat it.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i4.9498
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014 Vol.5(4); 111-112
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and finger clubbing – An unknown association
Authors: Amit Sarkar  , Amitabha Bandyopadhyay  , Shovan Kumar Das  , Koushik Mondal  , Sanjai Kumar Singh
Published: January 2025

The ectodermal dysplasias are heterogenous group of inherited disorders with primary defects in tissues derived from embryonic ectoderm such as hair, tooth, nail and sweat gland. This disorder is broadly divided into hypohidrotic or anhidrotic and hidrotic forms. Here, we present a classical x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with finger clubbing, the association of which is not being reported earlier.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i4.9457
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014 Vol.5(4); 119-121
Dietary intake of pregnant women and its effect on the birth weight of newborns in rural area of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Krishna Kumar Sahu  , MZ Idris  , Monika Agarwal  , SK Singh  , MK Manar
Published: January 2025

Background: Nutritional deficiency during pregnancy in rural India is common. The nutritional requirements during pregnancy are increased and on the other hand the dietary intake decreases because of symptoms related to pregnancy. This adversely affects the weight of newborn. In developing countries low birth weight is major problem. So this study concern to determine the nutritional status of pregnant women and its effect on birth weight of newborn.
Methods: A cross section descriptive study was conducted from Oct 2011 to May 2012 at Sarojni Nagar PHC, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh over 323 pregnant women. They were interviewed regarding their dietary intake (on the basis of 24 hours recall method) during pregnancy. Of these 323 pregnant women, 291 could be followed up and amongst these 287 pregnant women delivered a live baby. The birth weight was measured immediate after birth.
Results: In this study mean energy, protein, iron and calcium intake during pregnancy were 2013.3 ± 327.6 cal/day, 57.8 ± 11.4 gm/day, 30.15 ± 5.57 mg/day and 910.7 ± 210.4 mg/day respectively, whereas the mean intake of vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and folic acid were 608.4±161.2 μg, 1.2±0.2mg, 1.6±0.2mg, 11.9±2.1mg, 113.3 ±2.1mg and 196.2±38.4μg respectively. Nutritional deficiency during pregnancy was positively related with low birth weight.
Conclusion: In the rural setup of India majority of the pregnant women were having inadequate dietary intake. Hence, policies related to maternal nutrition should be made so as to decrease the prevalence of low birth weight.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9473
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 67-70
Discovery of novel ayurvedic formulation for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Ravi S Pandey
Published: January 2025

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10805
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 132-133
Incidental diagnosis of primary papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst: A rare case report
Authors: Mukta Rawte  , Nabaneet Majumder  , Virendra Dafle  , Pramod Purohit
Published: January 2025

Thyroglossal duct cysts are most common congenital anomalies in thyroid development and are usually presented with midline neck swelling. The co-existence of carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst’s is extremely rare. We, herein present a case of primary papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst in a 45 year old woman.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9305
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 129-131
Unusual presentation of intestinal myiasis due to Musca domestica: A report of two cases
Authors: Arvind Achra  , Pradyot Prakash  , Bhupendra Verma  , Askash Amar
Published: January 2025

Intestinal myiasis is an accidental phenomenon that occurs when fly eggs or larvae are ingested in food and passed into the faeces as larvae. It is usually transient and the patients are asymptomatic. In some cases, however, the passage of larvae may be associated with symptoms. The present case reports describe two such cases, one associated with persistent passage of maggots in stool and urticaria; and other associated with altered bowel habits and inflammatory changes in lower gastrointestinal tract.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10803
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 124-126
Tubercular mastitis - A case report with uncommon presentation
Authors: Prerna Aggarwal  , Sushmita Sharma  , Pradeep Singh  , Maninder Kaur  , Ashwini Manhas  , Manju Bala
Published: January 2025

Tuberculosis of the breast is significant due to its rare occurrence and mistaken identity with breast cancer and pyogenic breast abscess. It typically affects young lactating multiparous women and can present either as an abscess or as a unilateral, painless breast mass. A case of 22 year unmarried female presented with discharge breast and a small abscess. Radiological and cytological methods remained nonspecific and tubercular mastitis was diagnosed on Zeihl Neelsen staining and culture for Mycobacteria. A multifaceted approach is needed to reach the correct diagnosis.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10143
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 119-121
Recurrent lacrimal abscess in infant
Authors: Monojit Mondal  , Biswajit Biswas  , Sumanta Laha  , Atanu Roy  , Kanai Lal Barik  , Asok Kumar Datta  , Sayan Bose  , Tanmoy Biswas
Published: January 2025

Acute dacryocystitis at or shortly after birth is uncommon and its main complication, formation of lacrimal sac abscess, is rare. Uniform and standard treatment protocol for this condition has not been established till date. We report on a 2 month old infant with an abscess of the lacrimal sac. He was treated for similar condition on day 6 of his life by incision and drainage; unfortunately, the condition recurs. This time, he was managed with incision and drainage under systemic antibiotic cover; and an early probing of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) was done on 7th post-operative day. The patient was followed up for a period of one year without any further recurrence and complication. Pathophysiology of the condition and possible treatment options in children have been discussed.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10458
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 121-123
Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Pranav Kumar Raghuwanshi  , Devendra Pratap Singh Rajput  , Bhupendra Kumar Ratre  , Roopesh Jain  , Narmada Patel  , Sudeep Jain
Published: January 2025

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a very common endocrinal disorders and incidence of thyroid dysfunction also rising in India and world over. Thyroid hormones directly control insulin secretion and insulin clearance. Diabetes also may affect the thyroid function to variable extent first at the level of hypothalamic control of TSH release and second at peripheral tissue by converting T4 to T3.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out aiming to evaluate thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Material and Methods: Study included total 80 subjects. Thyroid dysfunction was evaluated by investigating the subjects for Total tri-iodo-thyronine (T3), Total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Plasma glucose was estimated by- GOD-POD method and Thyroid profile was estimated by- CLIA (chemiluminescence immunoassay) system. Statistical analysis was performed using software statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20, unpaired T test, Pearson’s correlation.
Results: In type 2 diabetic patients the prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be 4(10.00%) and 6(15.00%) respectively, while the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism was found to be 0(0.0%) and 1(2.5%) respectively. In non diabetic healthy subjects the prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be 1(2.5%) and 3(7.5%) respectively while the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism was found to be 0(0.0%) and 0(0.0%) respectively.
Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was found to be higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects as compared to non-diabetic subjects.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10814
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 33-37
A psychosocial rehabilitation approach for a case of persistent urogenital sinus with ambiguous genitalia in a female adult
Authors: Seema Chowdhary  , Arvind Kumar Chowdhary  , Sushma Pandey
Published: January 2025

Objective: Urogenital Sinus is a rare congenital deformity which overture to preclude of normal embryonic vaginal progression. We report a case of urogenital sinus with ambiguous genitalia in a female adult.
Case Report:  An unmarried young female aged 26 years presented to our hospital with amenorrhea of 6 months and history of urinary incontinence from childhood. The diagnostic features of this case include normal haemogram with mildly elevated blood urea and creatinine, normal 17 ketosteroids, serum testosterone and DHEA; bilateral moderate hydronephrosis with uterus of size 6.8 x 4.6 x 5.3 cm; urogenital sinus with partial separation of bladder and vagina-vaginal type; bilateral hydrouretronephrosis with mild renal cortical scarring and bicornuate unicollis uterus cervix opening into the urogenital sinus. She was diagnosed with persistent urogenital sinus (Vaginal type) without congenital adrenal hyperplasia, but with associated mullerian anomaly. Treatment option was a U-shaped vaginoplasty with an aim of widening vaginal introitus and advancement of hypospadiac external urethral meatus to prevent micturition into vagina.
Conclusion: Though the possible treatment options were discussed, this case study emphasizes the need of psycho social rehabilitation for the proper treatment of ambiguous genitalia.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i4.10107
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(4) 2015 89-91
A retrospective analysis of variability of clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with neurocysticercosis in rural population of West Bengal
Authors: Monojit Mondal  , Biswajit Biswas  , Atanu Roy  , Sumanta Laha  , Rajib Das  , Abhijit Ari  , Taraknath Ghosh  , Sabyasachi Som  , Mithun Konar  , Prashanth Kumar  , Kanai Lal Barik  , Kaustav Nayek  , Asok Kumar Datta
Published: January 2025

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common, widely prevalent parasitic infestation of the central nervous system in children of developing countries leading to neurological morbidities.
Objectives: To study the variability of initial clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with NCC in the rural population of West Bengal.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was done in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, India from August 2011 to August 2013.
Results: Out of 952 admitted children with seizure, 113 children were diagnosed as having NCC (11.9%). Out of them, 62 (54.9%) were boys and 51 (45.1%) were girls. The age of presentation varied from 3 years to 12 years, with mean age 9.4 years. The commonest age of presentation was between 10 to 12 years (n=62; 54.9%). The maximum number of patients were from Burdwan district (n=72; 63.7%) followed by Birbhum (n=25; 22.1%). The commonest initial presentation with seizure (n=93; 82.3 %); partial seizure were present in 76 patients (81.7%). On brain imaging study, the commonest location of lesions was found in the parietal region (n=69; 61.1 %), the right parietal region being more common. Single lesions were found in 102 patients(90.3%).
Conclusion: NCC is a major cause of neurological morbidity in children of developing nations and it should be suspected in any children presenting with a first episode of afebrile partial seizure. A screening brain imaging should be performed earlier to prevent undue mortality and morbidity.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11628
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 31-35
Ischemic stroke following Dengue fever: A case report
Authors: Robin George Manappallil
Published: January 2025

Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness associated with severe headache, myalgias, arthralgias, rashes, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Occasionally unusual haemorrhage such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage, hypermenorrhoea, hematuria and massive epistaxis occur. This is a case of an elderly male with dengue fever who presented with ischemic stroke.  
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 107-108
Correlation of umbilical blood pH and outcome in meconium stained deliveries
Authors: Saheli Misra  , Sourav Sarkar  , Niloy Kumar Das
Published: January 2025

Background: Umbilical cord blood analysis is assumed to give a picture of acid base balance of the infant at the moment of birth when umbilical circulation is arrested by clamping of the cord. Meconium stained deliveries often cause anxiety in the minds of clinicians attending such newborn.
Aims and Objectives: To study the correlation of umbilical cord pH with apgar and outcome and predict a model to help us to detect cases of meconium that need active monitoring and intervention.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study.86 newborn born to mothers with meconium at artificial rupture of membranes was enrolled for the study All newborn had arterial blood gas analysis from umbilical cord.
Results: The pH of umbilical blood showed positive correlation with apgar scores at 1minute (r=0.46) and negative correlation with thick meconium(r=-0.35) and outcome (r=0.36).
Conclusion: The correlation though not strong are suggestive of the fact that meconium deliveries with poor apgar and thick meconium should be monitored before discharge.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 113-115
Thalidomide as an effective treatment in a case of Osler Weber Rendu syndrome: a case report
Authors: Titli Bandyopadhyay  , VT Anand  , Dibyendu Gangopadhyay
Published: January 2025

Osler Weber Rendu Syndrome (OWRS), or Hereditary Hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease presents with epistaxis, telangiactesia and multiorgan vascular dysplasia. Recurrent epistaxis is common in these patients and various local forms of therapy is tried to treat the condition, but there is lack of definitive and effective treatment. We present a patient of HHT with severe recurrent epistaxis successfully treated with thalidomide.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 107-109
The prevalence of secretor status and co-expression of lewis antigen in voluntary blood donors
Authors: R Raj Bharath  , P Arumugam
Published: January 2025

Background:
Blood group substances are present in soluble form in a majority of individuals in secretion such as saliva and body fl uids. Secretor status refers to the presence (SeSe and Sese) or absence (sese) of secretor gene which secrete ABH soluble substances. Secretor status can be used to resolve ABO discrepancies of people whose blood group cannot be identified by routine blood grouping and it can also help in identifying patients who may be a high risk group for getting certain diseases.
Aims and Objectives:
Our aim and objectives of the study is to fi nd out the Prevalence of Secretor Status and Co-expression of Lewis Antigens among the Voluntary Blood Donors.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in sixty volunteers and the method used to determine the secretor status was hemagglutination inhibition method. Their blood was used to detect the type of Lewis (Le) antigen since the type of Lewis antigen correlated with the secretor status of the individual.
Results:
Among the sixty subjects tested, forty fi ve of them were found to be secretors and fifteen of them were Non-secretors. The number of Lewis (a+b-) individuals were twelve, Lewis (a-b+) were thirty nine and Lewis (a-b-) were nine.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of secretors was 75% and non-secretors were 25% respectively. We found 65 % of the volunteers were found to be Le (a-b+) positive, 20% were Le (a+b-) and the remaining 15% were Le (a-b-) which correlated with the ABH antigen secretor status.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 93-96
A study on neurodevelopmental outcome and its associated risk factors in very low birth weight babies in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kolkata
Authors: Somen Sur  , Subhasis Das  , Soumitra Masani
Published: January 2025

Background: Very low birth weight babies are very fragile in nature and usually undergone through stormy neonatal period, which affects significantly their neurodevelopmental outcome in long term basis.
Aims and Objectives: 1. Assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies at 12 month corrected gestational age. 2. Study of risk factors associated with such outcome.
Materials and Methods: VLBW babies without any major congenital anomaly were included in this study. They were followed up in high risk clinic upto 12 month corrected gestational age. In follow up visits, assessment of tone was done by Amiel Tiesonmethod and 180 degree flip test. Developmental screening was done by Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST II).Data obtained from this study were entered in Microsoft Excel and subsequently analysed with the help of Epi Info (TM) 3.5.3 software.
Results: 24.4% among the study population showed neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Of them, 22.2% VLBW infants had muscle tone abnormality; 15.6% were suspect in gross motor development, 8.9% were suspect in fine motor, 11.1% were suspect in personal – social and 8.9% were suspect in language development, which were statistically significant. On assessment of risk factors, it was found that low birth weight, prematurity, non-use of antenatal corticosteroid, hypoglycaemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, sepsis, jaundice, mechanical ventilation, intra uterine growth retardation were significantly associated with various strata of neurodevelopmental outcome.
Conclusion: VLBW babies are very prone to develop neurodevelopmental complications. Taking proper care regarding above said risk factors can reduce such complications. Also these babies should follow up properly to detect complication/s at earliest, and take “early intervention’’ steps.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 61-69
Oxidative stress index as a biochemical parameter in major depressive disorder
Authors: Soma Gupta  , Sanjoy Kunti  , Sharmistha Chatterjee  , Suvendu Dutta  , Saswati Nath  , Harendra Nath Das
Published: January 2025

Background: Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in pathogenesis of different diseases including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In laboratory, this can be measured by a biochemical parameter called Oxidative stress Index (OSI), which can be calculated as the ratio percentage of Total peroxide to the total anti-oxidant potential.
Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine OSI in MDD and healthy control and to find out whether any significant difference exists among the mean values of OSI in MDD and healthy controls. It was also aimed to find out whether OSI can be correlated with the severity of MDD. The validity of OSI as a biochemical parameter to diagnose MDD was also evaluated.
Materials and Methods: In this study OSI was determined in 101 cases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) along with 106 age and sex matched controls by measuring Total Peroxides (TP) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). TP was measured by (FOX 2) method and TAC was measured by The Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) method. The correlation of OSI & severity of depression was assessed by Spearman rank Correlation test. ROC curve was used for determining the validity of OSI for diagnosis of Depression.
Result: Significant increase in OSI was observed in MDD (2.33 + 0.457) when compared to healthy controls (1.311 + 0.352). The increase was also found to be associated with severity of MDD (Spearman coefficient of rank correlation, rho = 0.289). The diagnostic ability of OSI was evaluated by ROC curve, which showed Area under curve as 0.96. The optimal cut off value of OSI was found to be 1.83, with 87.13% sensitivity and 92.45% specificity.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress may play a role in pathogenesis of MDD as indicated by measuring OSI. This parameter is found to be significantly associated with severity of disease. The diagnostic ability of OSI for MDD is quite satisfactory. However, further study is needed to validate this finding.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 31-35
Prevalence, perceptions and practices associated with non-adherence to diabetes medications in primary care setting: A cross sectional study in urban Bangalore
Authors: Leeberk Raja Inbaraj  , Carolin Elizabeth Georg  , Nan Lin Kham  , Gift Norman
Published: January 2025

Background: Adherence to diet and drugs, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, exercise and early recognition of the complications, are the crucial elements for tertiary prevention of Diabetes Mellitus. Non compliance can lead to poor glycemic control which can eventually aggravate complications and lead to disability and mortality. This study aimed  at estimating prevalence of non-adherence and identify perceptions and practices associated with non-adherence.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a primary care clinic in a disadvantaged community Hundred patients with Diabetes were recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Non adherence rate was 30%. Those who are unable to remember multiple doses (37.5%) were 2.77 (95% CI: 0.94-8.15) times more likely to non-adhere to the treatment than those who are able to remember multiple doses (16.7%).Similarly Patients who often discontinued medications and switched over to alternative system medicines tended to be non- adherent 8.5 (95% CI:1.6- 45.0) times more than those who continued treatment without interruption. Non adherence was not associated with age, gender, education level, and cost of medication and duration of diabetes. People who were illiterate and elderly did not know the consequences of missing doses and stopped medications when they felt better as well as resorted to traditional medicines
Conclusions: Counselling sessions should focus on perceptions and ideas about diabetes. Innovative health education modalities have to be developed for illiterate and elderly people.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 106-109
Childhood polyarteritis nodosa: A rare presentation
Authors: Sandeep Lahiry  , Shouvik Choudhury  , Ayan Mukherjee  , Koustuv Chowdhury
Published: January 2025

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare systemic vasculitis characterized by necrotizing arteritis of small to medium-sized arteries. It manifests as skin ulceration, hypertension, abdominal pain, digital gangrene, subcutaneous nodules etc. Childhood polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a rare and often fatal disease. Clinically, CPAN often is part of the spectrum of Kawasaki disease (KD). There is no specific serological marker for diagnosis and confirmation is based on histopathology.  Most common mode of pharmacological therapy includes corticosteroid or cyclophosphamide, along with antimicrobials for secondary infection prevention and plasmapheresis.
Here, we present a case of a 16year old boy with multiple skin ulceration, digital gangrene with few non-specific signs and symptoms, diagnosed as a case of PAN, underwent regular therapy and follow-up. 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 94-96
A rare case of intracranial malignant melanoma with an unusual presentation
Authors: Sandeep B V  , Suniti Kumar Saha  , Manpreet Singh Banga  , Partha Ghosh
Published: January 2025

Among the common skin cancers, melanoma is the most lethal. Although, it comprises only 3% of all skin cancers diagnosed , it accounts for about  75% of all skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma is a relatively uncommon skin cancer in geographical locations like India. Its highest incidence is seen in sixth decade . Head and neck melanomas constitute approximately 17% of all cutaneous melanomas .We present a 15 year old male patient who presented with a intracranial melanoma with osteolytic skull lesion.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 91-93
Cefotaxime-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Authors: Sandeep Lahiry  , Dibyendu Mukherjee
Published: January 2025

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous immune-complex hypersensitivity reactions. Drugs, especially sulfa drugs, antiepileptics, and antibiotics like cephalosporins, are the most common causes. Maculopapular lesions rapidly spread and coalesce, leading to epidermal blistering, necrosis, and sloughing. Diagnosis is usually obvious by appearance of initial lesions and clinical syndrome. Treatment is supportive care; cyclosporine, plasma exchange or IVIG, and early pulse corticosteroid therapy have been used. Mortality can be as high as 7.5% in children and 20 to 25% in adults but tends to be lower with early treatment.
Here, we present a case of a 26year old female who presented with extensive dermal lesions and ocular findings including periorbital skin scarring, conjunctivitis with corneal erosions, as well as fever and prostration, soon after the administration of cefotaxime. Epidermal detachment was observed in <10% of her body surface. This presentation is consistent with the features of SJS. Resolution of the clinical manifestations was observed after discontinuation of the drug; all other drugs, infections, or immunologic disorders that could have caused this syndrome were carefully excluded. An objective causality assessment revealed that SJS was possibly associated with the use of cefotaxime.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 87-90
Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus on the basis of HbA1c: Is this true in hypothyroidism also?
Authors: Singhai Abhishek , Prakhar Kabra
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypothyroidism may leads to hypoproliferative anemia. It is possible that this reduced erythropoiesis may result false elevation of HbA1c in some cases and further leading to an erroneous diagnosis of pre diabetes or diabetes.
Aims and Objective: This study was planned to assess changes in HbA1c after initiation of thyroxine replacement in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism.
Settings and Design: This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Medicine of a tertiary care centre over one year.
Methods and Material: 100 subjects were recruited for the study. Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, HbA1c, reticulocyte count, serum free T4 and TSH estimation done in all subjects. Hypothyroid patients were started on thyroxine. After three months of documentation of euthyroidism, same investigations were repeated.
Statistical analysis used: Statistical software, SPSS version 17.0 was used for analysis.
Results:  After correction of hypothyroidism, TSH decreased from 92.3(±30.9) to 3.4±2.9 µIU/L and 12.2(±4.5) to 4.4±2.9 µIU/ml in overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism respectively. There was a statistically significant fall in the HbA1c (SD) from 5.9% (0.8) to 5.6% (0.6) and 6.0% (0.3) to 5.7% (0.3) following the correction of hypothyroidism in overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism respectively. However, there were no statistically significant changes in the fasting as well as postprandial blood glucose.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that HbA1c values are falsely increased in patients with hypothyroidism. This falsely raised HbA1c became normal after thyroxine supplement.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(6) 2016 36-39
Primary extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma: A rare cutaneous malignancy
Authors: Shirazi Nadia , Rashmi Jindal  , Sohaib Ahmad  , Neena Chauhan
Published: January 2025

Extranodal Natural Killer cell/T cell lymphomas are subcategorized into ENK/T-nasal and ENK/T-nasal type. These lymphomas presenting as initial involvement of skin  are unusual and are known as Primary cutaneous NK/T – nasal type lymphomas.
We present a rare case of a middle aged female presenting with rapidly developing skin nodules and ulcers. This case highlights the fact that adequate work up should be done in all such cases to avoid erroneous diagnosis and subsequent inadequate treatment of primary cutaneous lymphoma patients.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 91-93
Determination of errors that compromise the quality of laboratory service in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Kenneth Kipruto Kimengech  , Stanley Kinge Waithaka  , Jackson Onyuka  , Christine Sekadde Kigondu
Published: January 2025

Background: Clinical Laboratory testing is a highly complex process that entails numerous procedures. Although it has been known that laboratory testing services are safe, it is increasingly becoming a common knowledge that they are not that safe. Studies have indicated that there are a number of errors that occur due to laboratory testing processes. These errors may not be realized easily during the testing process, but they make significant impact on the results given.
Aims and Objective: To determine the levels of pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical errors found in the analysis of Clinical Laboratory specimen at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Materials and Methods: A prospective and descriptive study was carried out at Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kenyatta National Hospital. A total of 346 request forms, specimens/samples and dispatched results were scrutinized and errors documented as per the different variables in the different phases, over a period of three months and the findings were analyzed.
Results: Results of the study showed that Preanalytical errors were most common with a frequency of 148(42.8%), followed by analytical errors 114 (32.9%) and post analytical errors 84 (24.3%), respectively.
Conclusions: The study concludes that pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical errors are errors that compromise the quality of laboratory service delivery, which impacts on the patient management and diagnosis. Clinical laboratory errors can be minimized if due diligence and professionalism is adhered in the laboratory.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 64-70