Diabetic foot ulcers are the consequence of multiple factors including peripheral neuropathy, decreased blood supply, high plantar pressures, etc., and pose a significant risk for morbidity, limb loss and mortality. The critical aspects of the wound healing mechanism and host physiological status in patients with diabetes necessitate the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy based on the complexity and type of wound. In addition to systemic antibiotics and surgical intervention, wound care is considered to be an important component of diabetic foot ulcer management. This article will focus on the use of different wound care materials in diabetic foot. From a clinical perspective, it is important to decide on the wound care material depending on the type and grade of the ulcer. This article will also provide clinicians with a simple approach to the choice of wound care materials in diabetic foot ulcer.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem in developed and developing countries.  Objective: to determine the prevalence and association of hyperuricemia with diagnosed cases of essential hypertension. Material and Methods:  A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at Department of General Medicine in a Medical College. Results: Out of the total 235 cases with hypertension, 83.8% were in stage I hypertension while 16.2% were in stage II hypertension. Prevalence of hyperuricemia was seen as 27.7% among cases with hypertension.  Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 23.4% in cases with stage I hypertension while it was 50% in cases with stage II hypertension (p<0.01). Mean Systolic (153.2 vs 149.8 mmHg) and diastolic (99.8 vs 96.9 mm Hg) blood pressure was significantly more in cases with hyperuricemia (p<0.01).  A significant correlation was observed between serum uric acid levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure i.e. serum uric acid levels increases with increase in blood pressure (p<0.01). Conclusion: Prevalence of hyperuricemia was significantly higher in diagnosed subjects with essential hypertension, affecting every one out of four individual. Mean serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Background: Treatment non-adherence is a major challenge before tuberculosis (TB) control activities. Treatment adherence is affected by various factors that can be patient related, provider related or system related. Objective: To study patient provider interaction and its effect on treatment adherence among new sputum smear pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated at Directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) centres run by government. Materials and Methods: New smear positive pulmonary TB patients initiated on category I regimen of DOTS in first two quarters of a calendar year at 24 DOTS centres and completed at least intensive phase (N = 118) in E-ward of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) were interviewed using pretested semi-structured schedule, which was designed to elicit socio-demographic factors and patient provider interaction. Treatment cards were screened for treatment adherence after any final outcome as per RNTCP guidelines. Results: Treatment adherent patients were 61% (72/118) and 39% (46/118) were treatment non-adherent. Amomg 18.6% (22/118) patients PPI was satisfactory to full extent, while among 28.8% (34/118) PPI was unsatisfactory. Satisfactory PPI was associated with treatment adherence (p

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