Indian J Med Res
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Coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide has multifactorial origin. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has complex mechanical and thermogenic functions and paracrine actions via various cytokines released by it, which can have both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions on myocardium and adjacent coronaries. The alteration of EAT gene expression in CAD is speculated, but poorly understood. This study was undertaken to find out the difference in gene expression of epicardial fat in CAD and non-CAD patients. ⋯ Our findings showed an alteration in EAT gene expression in CAD patients with significant upregulation of MCP-1. Further studies with a large sample need to be done to confirm these findings.
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Carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) poses a continuous threat to the current antimicrobial era with its alarming spread in critical care settings. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of phenotypic methods for carbapenemase [carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs)] production, by comparing with molecular detection of genes. ⋯ MALDI-TOF MS reliably detected carbapenemase activity within a short span of time, thus helping in tailoring patient therapy. MALDI-TOF MS, once optimized, can prove to be a useful tool for timely detection of carbapenemase production by A. baumannii and consequently in directing appropriate antimicrobial therapy.