Is chromium from stainless steel utensils responsible for epidemic of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes prevalence is rising rapidly in developing world especially in India in last few decades. 'Thrifty phenotype' and 'westernization of lifestyle' is used to explain this epidemic. Chromium is an important modulator in insulin and glucose metabolism.

Chronic umbilical cord entanglements causing intrauterine fetal demise in the second trimester.

Entanglement of the umbilical cord with fetal body parts is known to occur in early pregnancy. This can potentially compromise the cord blood flow and cause fetal demise. We report 3 instances of intrauterine fetal deaths in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy with longstanding cord entanglement.

Declining HIV infection rates among recently married primigravid women in Pune, India.

Background: A single recent study has suggested a decrease in HIV risk for women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in southern India. Yet, some have questioned the validity of the Indian national surveillance data and analyses. Previous studies suggest that the only major HIV risk factor for married Indian women is the risk behavior of their husbands.

Clinically significant anemia in HIV-infected pregnant women in India is not a major barrier to zidovudine use for prevention of maternal-to-child transmission.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia (serum hemoglobin <10 g/dL) and assess zidovudine use and toxicity in HIV-positive pregnant women in India.

Methods: From 2002 through 2006, 24,105 pregnant women in Pune were screened for HIV and anemia. As part of an infant prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) trial, enrolled HIV-positive women (n = 467) were assessed for anemia and associated outcomes, comparing women receiving zidovudine for >or=2 weeks versus no zidovudine.

Infant feeding practices of HIV-positive mothers in India.

Exclusive breast-feeding is widely accepted and advocated in India; however, clinicians are now faced with advising women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) about the risks and benefits of other infant feeding options. This study assessed factors that influence the infant feeding decisions of HIV-infected mothers in Pune, India. From December 2000 to April 2002, HIV-positive (HIV(+)) pregnant women (n = 101) from a government hospital antenatal clinic were interviewed prepartum about infant feeding intention, feeding practice immediately postpartum and feeding after a minimum of 2 wk postpartum.