Comparison of Level of Alexithymia in Individual with Different Sexual Orientation

Alexithymia has been affecting the lives of people in many ways though the affect is seen not immediately Sometimes it happens so subtly that other reasons with loud appearance are the only ones to be addressed leaving behind the unfinished business keeping the question still unanswered or vice versa Sexual Orientation on the other hand had been constantly gaining attention from various disciplines including psychology medicine and law Researchers have significantly associated sexual orientation with mental health The present research aimed to study the relationship between alexithymia and sexual orientation In the study 60 heterosexuals 5 bisexuals and 60 homosexuals N 125 were included After filling up informed consent they completed personal data sheet General health Questionnaire GHQ- 12 Klein Sexual Orientation Grid KSOG and Toronto Alexithymia Scale TAS-20 The results did not show correlation between alexithymia and sexual orientation r 0 03 p 0 75 However on further analysis significant negative correlation r -0 60 p 0 02 with high alexithymic scor

Resilience and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Patients

The present study was designed to explore the resilience amongst caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and also to examine whether resilience affects an individual s quality of life For this purpose a sample of 50 caregivers 25 from each group residing with the patients aged between 20-70 years was selected from psychiatry department of hospitals and organizations and clinics dealing with the mentally ill persons located in Delhi National Capital Region India Two standardized instruments World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used for the study Results indicated resilience to be same in both the groups of caregivers i e there was no significant difference between resilience in caregivers of schizophrenic patients and bipolar disorder patients There was a significant correlation between the quality of life and resilience in caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder The present study however did not to compare the obtained results with a normal group of individuals to see if and how their quality of life and resilience differ from that of caregivers The implication of this would be to work on a rehabilitation program that would focus on improving the financial factor and entertainment aspect of caregivers that would eventually maintain a good quality of life and in turn enhance their coping skills and resilience as wel

Preferential regulation of stably expressed genes in the human genome suggests a widespread expression buffering role of microRNAs

In this study, we comprehensively explored the stably expressed genes (SE genes) and fluctuant genes (FL genes) in the human genome by a meta-analysis of large scale microarray data. We found that these genes have distinct function distributions. miRNA targets are shown to be significantly enriched in SE genes by using propensity analysis of miRNA regulation, supporting the hypothesis that miRNAs can buffer whole genome expression fluctuation. The expression-buffering effect of miRNA is independent of the target site number within the 3'-untranslated region. In addition, we found that gene expression fluctuation is positively correlated with the number of transcription factor binding sites in the promoter region, which suggests that coordination between transcription factors and miRNAs leads to balanced responses to external perturbations

Genome‐wide analysis of cytogenetic aberrations in ETV6/RUNX1‐positive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The chromosomal translocation t(12;21) resulting in the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene is the most frequent structural cytogenetic abnormality among patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We investigated 62 ETV6/RUNX1-positive childhood ALL patients by single nucleotide polymorphism array to explore acquired copy number alterations (CNAs) at diagnosis. The mean number of CNAs was 2·82 (range 0-14). Concordance with available G-band karyotyping and comparative genomic hybridization was 93%. Based on three major protein-protein complexes disrupted by these CNAs, patients could be categorized into four distinct subgroups, defined by different underlying biological mechanisms relevant to the aetiology of childhood ALL. When recurrent CNAs were evaluated by an oncogenetic tree analysis classifying their sequential order, the most common genetic aberrations (deletions of 6q, 9p, 13q and X, and gains of 10 and 21) seemed independent of each other. Finally, we identified the most common regions with recurrent gains and losses, which comprise microRNA clusters with known oncogenic or tumour-suppressive roles. The present study sheds further light on the genetic diversity of ETV6/RUNX1-positive childhood ALL, which may be important for understanding poor responses among this otherwise highly curable subset of ALL and lead to novel targeted treatment strategies.Ministry of Health 2006-12103-250 Novo Nordisk Foundation Danish Research Council for Health and Disease 271-06-0278 271-08-0684 Danish Childhood Cancer Foundatio

Clinico-pathological study of ovarian tumors in Goa medical college: a tertiary care centre in Goa, India

Background: Ovarian neoplasms are a distinct entity in women health care and are increasingly contributing to morbidity and mortality among women. The burden is not only related to the increasing incidence but also to the varied pathological features depending on the tissue of origin and pathogenesis. The study was carried out to find the prevalence and determine the clinical presentation and histo-pathological distribution of ovarian neoplasms. Management options were also noted.Methods: It is a retrospective study carried out at Goa Medical College between January 2013 to December 2015. All patients diagnosed and treated for ovarian neoplasm were included in the study. Data was tabulated using Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.Results: A total of 3111 patients were admitted in gynecology at Goa Medical College during the specified time period. Of these 358 cases were diagnosed with ovarian neoplasm. On histopathology 196 were benign tumors and 162 were reported to be malignant. Commonest presenting symptom was abdominal distention seen in 51.1% of the patients, pain in 44.4%, followed by dyspepsia in 26.85%. Epithelial tumors were most common (Benign - 39.3%, Malignant - 41%) followed by sex cord stromal tumors and germ cell tumors in 7.26% of cases.Conclusions: Surface epithelial tumors were most common neoplasm. An alarming high no. of malignant tumors (45.25%) was found in present study. 44.4% tumors presented in 41-50 years age group. Presenting complaints were vague and nonspecific leading to delay in diagnosis. Histological type correlates with prognosis; therefore, preponderance of histological type will guide treatment options and patient education with respect to epidemiology

Epidemiology of epithelial ovarian cancer: a tertiary hospital based study in Goa, India

Background: Ovarian malignancy is seventh most common cancer in women globally. With increase in longevity, the incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer is increasing and its etiopathology remains unknown. We present preliminary epidemiological findings to help prioritize research.Methods: Present epidemiological study is retrospective, descriptive study over two years. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software for overall survival, with respect to stage of disease and histopathology type. Multivariate analysis was done to know independent risk factors.Results: 114 cases of primary ovarian epithelial cancer were analyzed. Patients' mean age at diagnosis was 52.1±8.96 years (median=52). 52.6% patients had stage III disease at first visit. Serous adenocarcinoma (85.05%) was the most prevalent type of histopathology followed by mucinous (7.1%), clear cell (6.1%) and Endometroid carcinoma (1.75%). Surgery followed by combination of taxane and platinum chemotherapy was first line treatment in 35%. The mean age at diagnosis was more with advancing stage (stage one 44±9.53 and stage four 55.35±9.74 years) but it was not statistically significant (p=0.098) Advancing age demonstrated poor survival (log-rank p=0.05) but survival was not significantly different in relation to histopathology (log-rank =0.629). On multivariate regression analysis age of patient (p=0.004), and stage of disease (p=0.005) were found to be independent risk factors while histopathology was not an independent risk factor (p=0.688) for survival.Conclusions: Research should be aimed to find tools for screening and early diagnosis as well as better therapeutic approaches for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis presenting as a pseudotumor of the ovary: a clinical dilemma

Background: Inflammatory Pseudotumor of ovary is a distinct benign entity characterized by the presence of spindle cells mixed with variable amount of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Female genital tract is an unusual location for xanthogranulomatous inflammation and if present usually involves the endometrium. xanthogranulomatous oophoritis is rare and only a handful of cases have been reported.Methods: At The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad; a Regional Cancer Centre we came across two cases of Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis, a rare clinical condition. In view of the rarity of the clinical entity, the cases are summarized and discussed.Results: Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis is a rare clinical entity with very few reported cases. Its pathogenesis involves chronic inflammatory process of unknown origin. Pre-operative diagnosis has been challenging due to non-specific presenting symptoms and radiological imaging. Characteristic microscopic picture includes presence of well-differentiated spindle cells with variable amount of collagenous stroma and presence of inflammatory changes. Immunohistochemistry performed at our institute was found to be positive for CD 68, Vimentin and S-100 for xanthogranulomatous oophoritis.Conclusions: Data from radiological imaging for extra genital xanthogranulomatous inflammation is being extrapolated to determine a pre-operative diagnosis for xanthogranulomatous oophoritis of the genital tract. However, no pathognomic radiological findings are defined at present making histopathological diagnosis the mainstay for diagnosis of this condition. Immunohistochemistry panel markers play a helpful role in the diagnosis when in doubt. Surgery is the definitive mode of treatment providing a good prognosis post operatively

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome among Medical Patients

Abdominal compartment syndrome and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has been widely studied in surgical and trauma patients, even though the incidence of IAH in medical intensive care unit (MICU) remains high. Studies have shown that the time to decision making regarding diagnosis and management of IAH is twice in MICU compared to the corresponding surgical side. MICU patients often require large volume resuscitation such as in sepsis, hemorrhage, or an inflammatory condition such as acute pancreatitis, which increases the risk of development of IAH. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in MICU due to a lack of awareness of the consequences and mortality associated with it. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure has systemic effects causing atelectatic lungs, decreased cardiac output, and renal insufficiency. IAH, if not recognized early, can quickly progress to compartment syndrome causing multiorgan failure and death. Approach to ACS management between medical and surgical intensivists varies largely because of lack of experience with surgical decompression. This article provides an overview of definitions, incidence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically in medical patients

Tracking development assistance for health from India to low- and middle-income countries, 2009–2020

Background: Development assistance for health (DAH) is an important source of financing for health for many low-income and some middle-income countries. Most DAH has predominantly been contributed by high-income countries. However, in the context of economic progress and changing global priorities, DAH contributions from countries of the Global South such as India have gained importance. In this paper, we estimate DAH contributed by India between 2009 and 2020. Methods: We leveraged data from budgetary documents, databases, and financial reports of the Ministry of External Affairs and multilateral organizations to estimate DAH contributions. The proportions of development assistance that go towards health in major recipient countries were estimated and reported by recipient country and year. Results: Between 2009 and 2020, DAH contributed by India to bilateral and multilateral partners totaled $206.0 million. South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar received the most DAH from India. DAH contributed relative to DAH received ranged from 1.42% in 2009 to 5.26% in 2018, the latest year with country-level data. Health focus areas prioritized by India included technical training and innovation, health care infrastructure support, and supply of medications and medical equipment. Conclusion: India is an important development partner to many countries–particularly to those in the South Asian region. India’s DAH allocation strategy prioritizes contributions toward neighboring countries in the South Asia region in several health focus areas. Detailed project-level data are needed to estimate DAH contributions from India with greater precision and accuracy

Cell state dependent effects of Bmal1 on melanoma immunity and tumorigenicity

The circadian clock regulator Bmal1 modulates tumorigenesis, but its reported effects are inconsistent. Here, we show that Bmal1 has a context-dependent role in mouse melanoma tumor growth. Loss of Bmal1 in YUMM2.1 or B16-F10 melanoma cells eliminates clock function and diminishes hypoxic gene expression and tumorigenesis, which could be rescued by ectopic expression of HIF1α in YUMM2.1 cells. By contrast, over-expressed wild-type or a transcriptionally inactive mutant Bmal1 non-canonically sequester myosin heavy chain 9 (Myh9) to increase MRTF-SRF activity and AP-1 transcriptional signature, and shift YUMM2.1 cells from a Sox10to a Sox9immune resistant, mesenchymal cell state that is found in human melanomas. Our work describes a link between Bmal1, Myh9, mouse melanoma cell plasticity, and tumor immunity. This connection may underlie cancer therapeutic resistance and underpin the link between the circadian clock, MRTF-SRF and the cytoskeleton