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Objectives The study aimed to compare the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-2 (IL-2) and proinflammatory interleukin-18 (IL-18) among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nondiabetic volunteers, to predict their roles as markers in the diagnosis of newly diagnosed T2DM. Methods In the study, 60 subjects were enrolled (30 T2DM cases and 30 non-diabetic controls). Biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid profile were estimated in auto-analyser. Serum IL-2 and IL-18 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Results Significant differences were observed in the levels of interleukins among study groups. The median (95% confidence interval) of IL-2 in cases and controls were 8.55 (6.07–47.23) and 45.87 (12.81–145.4) (p=0.02). The median (95% CI) of IL-18 on the other hand in cases and controls were 691.6 (580.3–872.6) and 511.1 (452.6–557.5) (p=0.0014). Conclusions Our study is the first to correlate IL-2 and IL-18 in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Findings from this study highlight the anti-inflammatory role of IL-2 and proinflammatory role of IL-18 in T2DM. ROC analysis helped predict their role as markers in T2DM diagnosis.

Background and Objectives: Excretion of urinary protein increases to 300 mg/d (from up to 150 mg/d) in normal pregnancy. Values above this may be due to disorders that can endanger the patient or her pregnancy. Quantitative analysis of 24-hour urine is considered the gold standard for ascertaining daily protein excretion. Routine laboratory tests performed on spot urine samples indicate protein concentration in the particular sample, and can lead to diagnostic error if urine output is less or more than 1L/d. The Protein Creatinine Index (PCI) shows good correlation with 24-hour protein estimation. However, PCI varies with sex and race. We have correlated the results of qualitative estimation procedures and the dipstick values with protein creatinine index. Material and Methods:We measured protein and creatinine in spot urine samples obtained from 57 pregnant and 80 nonpregnant healthy women of 18-36 years, and calculated PCI. We also tested the samples qualitatively for proteins by routine tests and dipsticks.Results: Normal range of PCI in non-pregnant women, determined by a non-parametric method was 30-150. PCI was increased significantly in pregnancy (maximum increase in the third trimester). Amongst the qualitative tests, heat coagulation test gave the lowest percentage of false positives and a slightly higher percentage of false negatives compared to Heller's nitric acid and sulphosalicylic acid tests, and dipsticks.

Fungal keratitis or fungal corneal ulcer is potentially blinding infection of cornea, is considered one of the major cause of ocular morbidity, particularly in developing countries. It is a common cause of infectious keratitis, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Fungal keratitis is notoriously challenging to diagnosis and difficult to treat. Delay in diagnosis may result in irreversible sequelae of corneal fungal infections, which can be preventable. Fungal keratitis often have worse treatment outcomes than bacterial keratitis, Delayed diagnosis and scarcity of effective antifungal agents are the major factors for poor outcome. In the recent years considerable advancement in the diagnosis and treatment has been occurred. In this chapter, we will discuss the recent advances in diagnosis and management of fungal keratitis with a brief discussion on pathogenesis and future therapeutic models.