RESUMEN

CONTEXT: Data to Care (D2C) involves sharing HIV surveillance data between health care facilities and health departments to improve continuity of care for people living with HIV (PLWH). The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) initiated a D2C pilot program at the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) from June 2016 to September 2019. OBJECTIVES: To describe the proportion of patients reported by UCM as not in care who were able to be matched to CDPH enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) and to report the individual-level factors associated with matching and viral suppression. DESIGN: Retrospective program evaluation. SETTING: UCM, an academic health care center that provides HIV care to adults via a Ryan White clinic on the south side of Chicago. PARTICIPANTS: Adult PLWH who had received care at UCM but did not have current documented HIV care visit(s). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Proportion of matched patients; factors associated with matching and viral suppression. RESULTS: Overall, 72.4% (n = 813/1123) of patients reported by UCM were matched by CDPH to eHARS. Individuals aged 40 to 49 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.62), 50 to 59 years (OR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.37-4.47), and 60 years or older (OR = 6.18; 95% CI, 3.18-12.32) were more likely to match in eHARS. People who lived outside of Chicago (OR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05-0.15) or with unknown zip codes (OR = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.12) were less likely to match. Men who have sex with men and persons older than 50 years were more likely to be virally suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: D2C is an evidence-based strategy for reengagement of PLWH; however, program implementation relies on successful data matching. We found that a large proportion of patients from UCM were not matched, particularly those who were younger or lived outside of Chicago. Additional research is needed to understand ways to improve data matching to facilitate reengagement in HIV care.

RESUMEN

The eradication of the viral reservoir represents the major obstacle to the development of a clinical cure for established HIV-1 infection. Here, we demonstrate that the administration of N-803 (brand name Anktiva) and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) results in sustained viral control after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in simian-human AD8 (SHIV-AD8)-infected, ART-suppressed rhesus macaques. N-803+bNAbs treatment induced immune activation and transient viremia but only limited reductions in the SHIV reservoir. Upon ART discontinuation, viral rebound occurred in all animals, which was followed by durable control in approximately 70% of all N-803+bNAb-treated macaques. Viral control was correlated with the reprogramming of CD8+ T cells by N-803+bNAb synergy. Thus, complete eradication of the replication-competent viral reservoir is likely not a prerequisite for the induction of sustained remission after discontinuation of ART.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The robust control of genotoxic N-nitrosamine (NA) impurities is an important safety consideration for the pharmaceutical industry, especially considering recent drug product withdrawals. NAs belong to the 'cohort of concern' list of genotoxic impurities (ICH M7) because of the mutagenic and carcinogenic potency of this chemical class. In addition, regulatory concerns exist regarding the capacity of the Ames test to predict the carcinogenic potential of NAs because of historically discordant results. The reasons postulated to explain these discordant data generally point to aspects of Ames test study design. These include vehicle solvent choice, liver S9 species, bacterial strain, compound concentration, and use of pre-incubation versus plate incorporation methods. Many of these concerns have their roots in historical data generated prior to the harmonization of Ames test guidelines. Therefore, we investigated various Ames test assay parameters and used qualitative analysis and quantitative benchmark dose modelling to identify which combinations provided the most sensitive conditions in terms of mutagenic potency. Two alkyl-nitrosamines, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) were studied. NDMA and NDEA mutagenicity was readily detected in the Ames test and key assay parameters were identified that contributed to assay sensitivity rankings. The pre-incubation method (30-min incubation), appropriate vehicle (water or methanol), and hamster-induced liver S9, alongside Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 and TA1535 and Escherichia coli strain WP2uvrA(pKM101) provide the most sensitive combination of assay parameters in terms of NDMA and NDEA mutagenic potency in the Ames test. Using these parameters and further quantitative benchmark dose modelling, we show that N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA) is positive in Ames test and therefore should no longer be considered a historically discordant NA. The results presented herein define a sensitive Ames test design that can be deployed for the assessment of NAs to support robust impurity qualifications.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

One in five preschool-aged children in the United States is obese, and children with disabilities are significantly impacted. This study aimed to determine the association between age at solid food initiation and obesity prevalence in preschool-aged children while considering disability status, ethnicity, gestational age, and birth weight. Analysis was conducted on a sample of 145 children aged 2 to 5 years who were enrolled in ten childcare centers. Parents completed a survey assessing disability status, race and ethnicity, birth weight, gestational age, and age of solid food initiation. Height and weight were collected concurrently. Multivariable logistic regression models generated the odds of developing obesity based on age at solid food initiation, disability status, ethnicity, gestational age, and birth weight. There was no significant difference in the odds of being obese based on age at solid food introduction. Children with disabilities (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.6, p = 0.01) and children born preterm (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.79, p = 0.03) had significantly lower odds of being obese. Hispanic children (OR = 4.93, 95% CI 1.91-15.32, p = 0.002) and children with higher birth weights (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.17-1.92, p = 0.002) were more likely to be obese. With pediatric obesity rates continuing to rise, these findings can inform future intervention efforts.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Biofuel research that aims to optimize growth conditions in microalgae is critically important. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a green microalga that offers advantages for biofuel production research. This study compares the effects of nitrogen-, sulfur-, and nitrogen and sulfur- deprivations on the C. reinhardtii starchless mutant cc5373-sta6. Specifically, it compares growth, lipid body accumulation, and expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC). RESULTS: Among nutrient-deprived cells, TAP-S cells showed significantly higher total chlorophyll, cell density, and protein content at day 6 (p < 0.05). Confocal analysis showed a significantly higher number of lipid bodies in cells subjected to nutrient deprivation than in the control over the course of six days; N deprivation for six days significantly increased the size of lipid bodies (p < 0.01). In comparison with the control, significantly higher ACC expression was observed after 8 and 24 h of NS deprivation and only after 24 h with N deprivation. On the other hand, ACC and PEPC expression at 8 and 24 h of S deprivation was not significantly different from that in the control. A significantly lower PEPC expression was observed after 8 h of N and NS deprivation (p < 0.01), but a significantly higher PEPC expression was observed after 24 h (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, it would be optimum to cultivate cc5373-sta6 cells in nutrient deprived conditions (-N, -S or -NS) for four days; whereby there is cell growth, and both a high number of lipid bodies and a larger size of lipid bodies produced.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: Specific learning disability (SLD) is a cognitive neurobiological disorder caused by atypical brain functioning. SLD is recognized when the individual's achievement in school is below that expected for age, schooling, and level of intelligence. Screening millions of students with SLD by health personnel is a logistical impossibility. Awareness and knowledge about learning disorders among schoolteachers may play a major role in the early identification and management of children with these disorders. Therefore, the assessment of teachers' knowledge and perceptions about learning disabilities (LDs) is relevant. Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers in government/government-aided and private schools in Vellore, India. The participants were selected by a simple random sampling method. There was a total of 80 teachers included in the study. Data capture was done using a questionnaire. A Chi-square test was done to test the association and the odds ratio test helped determine the strength of the association. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The majority of the teachers (70%) had adequate general knowledge regarding LDs. When analyzed separately, 82.5% of government/aided teachers and only 57.5% of teachers were having adequate general knowledge regarding LDs. There was a significant association between the type of school and general knowledge regarding LDs. Government/aided teachers had better general knowledge regarding LDs and dyslexia than private teachers. Conclusions: Among 80 teachers, 70% (56) of them had adequate general knowledge regarding LDs. When analyzed separately, 82.5% (33) of government/aided teachers and only 57.5% (23) teachers were having adequate general knowledge regarding LDs. The government/aided schoolteachers had significantly higher levels of knowledge in most domains of the general knowledge section as compared to private schoolteachers. If teachers are having adequate knowledge regarding LDs, it will significantly increase the chances of children with LDs getting detected early and undergoing the treatment they require. Teacher education programs and workshops are needed to be conducted at regular intervals to improve the knowledge regarding SLDs among teachers.

RESUMEN

Removal of recalcitrant lignin from wastewater remains a critical bottleneck in multiple aspects relating to microbial carbon cycling ranging from incomplete treatment of biosolids during wastewater treatment to limited conversion of biomass feedstock to biofuels. Based on previous studies showing that the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Fenton chemistry synergistically degrade lignin, we sought to determine optimum levels of Fenton addition and the mechanisms underlying this synergy. We tested the extent of degradation of lignin under different ratios of Fenton reagents and found that relatively low levels of H2O2 and Fe(II) enhanced fungal lignin degradation, achieving 80.4 ± 1.61 % lignin degradation at 1.5 mM H2O2 and 0.3 mM Fe(II). Using a combination of whole-transcriptome sequencing and iron speciation assays, we determined that at these concentrations, Fenton chemistry induced the upregulation of 80 differentially expressed genes in P. ch including several oxidative enzymes. This study underlines the importance of non-canonical, auxiliary lignin-degrading pathways in the synergy between white rot fungi and Fenton chemistry in lignin degradation. We also found that, relative to the abiotic control, P. ch. increases the availability of Fe(II) for the production of hydroxyl radicals in the Fenton reaction by recycling Fe(III) (p < 0.001), decreasing the Fe(II) inputs necessary for lignin degradation via the Fenton reaction.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Diabetes is a category of metabolic disease commonly known as a chronic illness. It causes the body to generate less insulin and raises blood sugar levels, leading to various issues and disrupting the functioning of organs, including the retinal, kidney and nerves. To prevent this, people with chronic illnesses require lifetime access to treatment. As a result, early diabetes detection is essential and might save many lives. Diagnosis of people at high risk of developing diabetes is utilized for preventing the disease in various aspects. This article presents a chronic illness prediction prototype based on a person's risk feature data to provide an early prediction for diabetes with Fuzzy Entropy random vectors that regulate the development of each tree in the Random Forest. The proposed prototype consists of data imputation, data sampling, feature selection, and various techniques to predict the disease, such as Fuzzy Entropy, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Stochastic Gradient Descent with Momentum (SGDM), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Classification and Regression Tree (CART), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Naïve Bayes (NB). This study uses the existing Pima Indian Diabetes (PID) dataset for diabetic disease prediction. The predictions' true/false positive/negative rate is investigated using the confusion matrix and the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROCAUC). Findings on a PID dataset are compared with machine learning algorithms revealing that the proposed Random Forest Fuzzy Entropy (RFFE) is a valuable approach for diabetes prediction, with an accuracy of 98 percent.

RESUMEN

Magnetic field penetrates type-II bulk superconductors by forming quantum vortices that enclose a magnetic flux equal to the magnetic flux quantum. The flux quantum is a universal quantity that depends only on fundamental constants. In this study, we investigated isolated vortices in the hole-overdoped Ba1-xKxFe2As2 (x = 0.77) by using scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. In many locations, we observed objects that carried only part of a flux quantum, with a magnitude that varied continuously with temperature. We demonstrated mobility and manipulability of these objects and interpreted them as quantum vortices with nonuniversally quantized (fractional) magnetic flux whose magnitude is determined by the temperature-dependent parameters of a multicomponent superconductor.

RESUMEN

Antibodies specific for diverse epitopes of the simian immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein (SIV Env) have been isolated from rhesus macaques to provide physiologically relevant reagents for investigating antibody-mediated protection in this species as a nonhuman primate model for HIV/AIDS. With increasing interest in the contribution of Fc-mediated effector functions to protective immunity, we selected thirty antibodies representing different classes of SIV Env epitopes for a comparison of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), binding to Env on the surface of infected cells and neutralization of viral infectivity. These activities were measured against cells infected with neutralization-sensitive (SIVmac316 and SIVsmE660-FL14) and neutralization-resistant (SIVmac239 and SIVsmE543-3) viruses representing genetically distinct isolates. Antibodies to the CD4-binding site and CD4-inducible epitopes were identified with especially potent ADCC against all four viruses. ADCC correlated well with antibody binding to virus-infected cells. ADCC also correlated with neutralization. However, several instances of ADCC without detectable neutralization or neutralization without detectable ADCC were observed. The incomplete correspondence between ADCC and neutralization shows that some antibody-Env interactions can uncouple these antiviral activities. Nevertheless, the overall correlation between neutralization and ADCC implies that most antibodies that are capable of binding to Env on the surface of virions to block infectivity are also capable of binding to Env on the surface of virus-infected cells to direct their elimination by ADCC.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the childcare industry over the past two years. This study examined how pandemic-related challenges impacted preschool-aged children by disability and obesity status. Participants were 216 children (80% Hispanic, 14% non-Hispanic Black) aged 2 to 5 years in 10 South Florida childcare centers. In November/December 2021, parents completed a COVID-19 Risk and Resiliency Questionnaire, and body mass index percentile (BMI) was collected. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of COVID-19 pandemic-related social challenges (transportation, employment) and child BMI and disability status. As compared to normal-weight children, those families with a child who was obese were more likely to report pandemic-related transportation (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03-6.28) challenges and food insecurity (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.05-6.43). Parents of children with disabilities were less likely to report that food did not last (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07-0.48) and that they could not afford balanced meals (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85). Spanish-speaking caregivers were more likely to have a child who was obese (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19-8.52). The results suggest that COVID-19 impacts obese preschool children from Hispanic backgrounds, while disability was a protective factor.

RESUMEN

The expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a robust immunosuppressant, is significantly induced in macaque tuberculosis (TB) granulomas, where it is expressed on IFN-responsive macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. IDO expression is also highly induced in human TB granulomas, and products of its activity are detected in patients with TB. In vivo blockade of IDO activity resulted in the reorganization of the granuloma with substantially greater T cells being recruited to the core of the lesions. This correlated with better immune control of TB and reduced lung M. tuberculosis burdens. To study if the IDO blockade strategy can be translated to a bona fide host-directed therapy in the clinical setting of TB, we studied the effect of IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-d-tryptophan adjunctive to suboptimal anti-TB chemotherapy. While two-thirds of controls and one-third of chemotherapy-treated animals progressed to active TB, inhibition of IDO adjunctive to the same therapy protected macaques from TB, as measured by clinical, radiological, and microbiological attributes. Although chemotherapy improved proliferative T cell responses, adjunctive inhibition of IDO further enhanced the recruitment of effector T cells to the lung. These results strongly suggest the possibility that IDO inhibition can be attempted adjunctive to anti-TB chemotherapy in clinical trials.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective To study the outcomes in terms of airway, voice and swallowing as well as the economic impact of the trauma on patients' finances and the constrained health infrastructure due to the pandemic. Materials and methods Study design Retrospective study. Setting: Tertiary care teaching hospital. Subjects and methods: A retrospective study was done of the 19 subjects who sustained acute laryngotracheal trauma during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic and was managed at our institution from January 2020 to September 2021. Results Change in voice was the most common presenting symptom and thyroid cartilage fractures were the commonest cartilage injury noted. It was found that 93% (decannulated) of the patients had good functional outcome and 90% of them required financial support to meet the medical expenses. Conclusion During the COVID 19 pandemic, it was not only, early presentation, timely detection and intervention by the treating team, but also the multidisciplinary teamwork and the support system that facilitated the recuperation and restoration of these traumatized individuals back into society with good laryngeal function.

RESUMEN

Here we report the encapsulation of an osteosarcoma stem cell (OSC) potent gallium(III)-diflunisal complex 1 into polymeric nanoparticles, and its delivery into osteosarcoma cells. At the optimum feed (20 %, 1 NP20 ), nanoparticle encapsulation of 1 enhances potency towards bulk osteosarcoma cells and OSCs (cultured in monolayer and three-dimensional systems). Strikingly, the nanoparticle formulation exhibits up to 5645-fold greater potency towards OSCs than frontline anti-osteosarcoma drugs, doxorubicin and cisplatin. The nanoparticle formulation evokes a similar mechanism of action as the payload, which bodes well for future translation. Specifically, the nanoparticle formulation induces nuclear DNA damage, cyclooxygenase-2 downregulation, and caspase-dependent apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that polymeric nanoparticles can be used to effectively deliver an OSC-active metal complex into osteosarcoma cells.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A renal transplant recipient with chronic hepatitis B underwent multiple laser excisions over 4 years for laryngeal keratosis. From the initial histopathology reports of mild to moderate dysplasia, a progression to squamous carcinoma was noted over 4 years. This case report highlights the possible role of immunosuppressants and hepatitis virus in the aetiopathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma.

RESUMEN

We report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti-osteosarcoma properties of a gallium(III) complex (1) comprising of two 1,10-phenanthroline ligands and salicylate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The gallium(III) complex 1 displays micromolar potency towards bulk osteosarcoma cells and osteosarcoma stem cells (OSCs). Notably, the gallium(III) complex 1 exhibits significantly higher toxicity towards OSCs grown in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures than cisplatin, a frontline anti-osteosarcoma drug. Nuclei isolation and immunoblotting studies show that the gallium(III) complex 1 enters osteosarcoma cell nuclei and induces DNA damage. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity studies (in the presence of prostaglandin E2) indicate that the gallium(III) complex 1 downregulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and kills osteosarcoma cells in a COX-2-dependent manner. Further, the mode of osteosarcoma cell death evoked by the gallium(III) complex 1 is characterised as caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: Child care centers (CCC) can be strategic settings to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors through obesity prevention programs. Fidelity to the implementation of such programs is a vital evaluation component, but is often not measured. This study assessed CCC teacher fidelity to the implementation of "Healthy Caregivers, Healthy Children (HC2)", a CCC-based obesity prevention intervention. Methods: CCCs serving low-resource, ethnically diverse families with ≥ 50 children ages 2-to-5 years old that were randomized to the HC2 intervention and that had teacher fidelity data collected (n = 9 CCC) were included in this analysis. The Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool assessed the CCC nutrition and physical activity (PA) environment at the beginning/end of the school year. Fidelity assessments were conducted in CCCs randomized to HC2 in Spring 2016 (n = 33 teachers) and 2017 (n = 39 teachers) by a trained observer. The relationship between teacher fidelity and EPAO was assessed via mixed models. Results: For every-one unit rise in teacher fidelity, EPAO nutrition increased 0.055 points (p =.006). No significant relationship was shown between teacher fidelity and EPAO PA score (p =.14). Conclusion: Teacher fidelity to obesity prevention program implementation may support a healthy CCC obesity prevention and nutrition environment but might require continued support for all components.

RESUMEN

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has transformed our ability to edit the human genome selectively. This technology has quickly become the most standardized and reproducible gene editing tool available. Catalyzing rapid advances in biomedical research and genetic engineering, the CRISPR/Cas9 system offers great potential to provide diagnostic and therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of currently incurable single-gene and more complex human diseases. However, significant barriers to the clinical application of CRISPR/Cas9 remain. While in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo gene editing has been demonstrated extensively in a laboratory setting, the translation to clinical studies is currently limited by shortfalls in the precision, scalability, and efficiency of delivering CRISPR/Cas9-associated reagents to their intended therapeutic targets. To overcome these challenges, recent advancements manipulate both the delivery cargo and vehicles used to transport CRISPR/Cas9 reagents. With the choice of cargo informing the delivery vehicle, both must be optimized for precision and efficiency. This review aims to summarize current bioengineering approaches to applying CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools towards the development of emerging cellular therapeutics, focusing on its two main engineerable components: the delivery vehicle and the gene editing cargo it carries. The contemporary barriers to biomedical applications are discussed within the context of key considerations to be made in the optimization of CRISPR/Cas9 for widespread clinical translation.

RESUMEN

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)/natural products/herbs are frequently used for therapeutic purposes as a homemade remedy in Saudi Arabia. The use of CAMs is rising globally. However, special attention or precaution should be paid when using CAMs along with other drugs. Objective: The current study aims to examine the perception, attitude, knowledge, and awareness of the general population about CAMs and their utilization. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020 in the Dammam region of Saudi Arabia. The study included both the gender participants of the general population of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire contains the following sections including socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and behavior of participants related to CAMs, and the prevalence of CAMs utilization in Dammam. Results: Participants were closely sex-matched (male: 50.93% and female: 49.07%), consisting of 97.1% Saudis and only 2.9% expats. The response rate was 67%; out of 559 participants, only 375 participants completed the questionnaire. Approximately 53% of participants had some knowledge of CAMs. Mass media (media/web/internet, advertisement, and television (TV), academic education, and family friends/relative represented the main source of the CAMs information (50%, 8.8%, and 15.2%, respectively). Among 77.3% of the participants, one of their family members has used some form of CAMs earlier. 90% of the participants or their family members using CAMs reported that olive oil (95.7%), green tea (89.1%), thyme (85.3%), cinnamon bark (84.8%), star anise (84.5%), and black seeds (78.4%) were the most used CAMs. Participants used CAMs for cold (28.3%), cough (14%), constipation (11.97%), ease of menstruation (10.8%), diarrhea (9.87%), and fever (8.62%). Approximately 75% of participants did not observe any side effects. Only 1% of participants reported that the CAMs are not useful therapeutically whereas the majority of the participants reported them as very useful (32.7%), useful (45.5%), and good (20.7%). Conclusion: Current study demonstrates that there is a positive attitude and perception toward CAMs. It is influenced by their traditional use as well. However, a community awareness program is essential for the adverse effects of CAMs.

RESUMEN

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a rapidly emerging non-communicable disease in India. It is associated with many life-long complications and higher rates of hospitalisations. The characteristics and reasons for hospitalisation among individuals with diabetes have not been documented in India. Such a study would direct policy makers in implementing prevention and education strategies and economic changes as needed. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to study the characteristics and causes of admission of patients with diabetes admitted to a secondary care unit in South India. Methods: Aretrospective observation study of inpatient records of patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above admitted between January to December 2019 in a secondary care unit was done. The details of patient demographics, reason and outcome of admission were retrieved manually from paper-based patient records. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 23. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the institution. Results: Among the 479 admissions of patients with diabetes during 2019, the mean age of the admitted patients was 57.75 years. The majority of them had only one admission, 15% had re-admissions in the same time period. Approximately 78% of the admitted patients had one or more co-morbidities, 44.6% had hypertension as a co-morbidity. The principal cause of admission was infections (45%), followed by metabolic and endocrine causes (13.5%), cardiovascular disease (10.9%) and renal disease (7.96%). More than 80% of the admissions had a favourable outcome and were discharged. Conclusion: This retrospective study demonstrated that the most common reason for admission among patients with diabetes to a secondary care unit in South India was infection. Many infections are preventable with effective treatment for diabetes and health education. Patients bear the costs of routine treatment for diabetes which is a fraction of the direct cost of hospitalisation and can drive them to huge economic losses. Therefore, interventions to promote standard treatment by primary and secondary care health professionals and self-awareness among patients need to be done to prevent hospitalisations.