Much has been published on the characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with the epidemic of obesity. But relatively little is known about the incidence of lean diabetes, progression of disease and fate of the patients with low-normal body mass index (< 25). Studies in developing countries have shown that the clinical characteristics of these patients include history of childhood malnutrition, poor socioeconomic status, relatively early age of onset and absence of ketosis on withdrawal of insulin. In the United States, recent studies showed that the lean, normal weight diabetes is not rare especially among minority populations. They showed that these patients are mainly males, have higher prevalence of insulin use indicating rapid beta cell failure. They might have increased total, cardiovascular and non cardiovascular mortality when compared to obese diabetic patients. In this review, the epidemiologic and clinical features of lean diabetes are presented. The potential causal mechanisms of this emerging diabetes type that may include genetic, autoimmune, acquired and behavioral factors are discussed. The need for studies to further elucidate the causation as well as specific prevention and treatment of lean diabetes is emphasized.

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Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a systemic disorder with a high mortality, commonly associated with rheumatological conditions, but which can also occur as a complication of several infections. Here we present a case of MAS following Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis. Early institution of therapy with prednisolone, cyclosporine, colistin, and polymyxin resulted in a prompt clinical recovery. There are very few reported cases of Acinetobacter-related MAS that have been successfully treated.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Prior knowledge about temporal bone anatomy and extent of cholesteatoma may help the ENT surgeon to plan the surgery and avoid impending complications. This study aims to evaluate the role of pre-operative high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in cholesteatoma and to compare HRCT findings with intra-operative findings.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A diagnostic evaluation study was performed among 30 atticoantral cholesteatoma cases presenting in the ENT outpatient department of MES Medical College in Malappuram, Kerala over a period of one and half years. The intraoperative findings were considered as the gold standard to which the radiological features were compared and the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of HRCT were determined.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> High sensitivity of HRCT was noted in detecting soft tissue in mesotympanum 94.4% and aditus ad antrum 94.1%. Low sensitivity 59% was noted in detecting stapes erosion when compared to malleus and incus erosions. Except in conditions of soft tissue in epitympanum, dural plate dehiscence and sclerotic mastoid, a high specificity of 100% was noted in all other findings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study reaffirms the usefulness of HRCT in pre-operative evaluation of cholesteatoma-atticoantral type. </p>

Conclusion: Exploring and addressing barriers to potentially curative treatment options may help to improve survival in MPNs. Our population was significant for being primarily white and highly educated, limiting the generalizability. However, we identified many concerns patients have regarding transplant. These results can be validated and explored further in other settings such as focus groups.

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Outcomes in matched sibling donor HSCT is comparable to data in the West, however there are significant challenges associated with haplo-identical transplants in the Indian setting, with a significant mortality secondary to infections.