To study the effect of 'Covishield' vaccination on pre-donation platelet counts of plateletpheresis donors

ABSTRACT Introduction: Approximately 55.52% of the Indian population had been fully vaccinated by Jan. 2022, since its first roll out on January 16, 2021. A few concerns were raised concerning the Covishield vaccination related to thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Apheresis-derived platelet concentrates are frequently required in a plethora of clinical situations and post-vaccination decrement of platelet counts might lead to increased deferral of the plateletpheresis donors. Objectives. The aim of the study was to discover the effect of the Covishield vaccination on deferral rates of plateletpheresis donors. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the potential platelet donors for the completion of the standard questionnaire for the complete blood count. The data collected were tabulated in the MS Excel spreadsheet and the biostatistical analysis was performed with the SPSS v23. A p-value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. We compared this data with age-and sex-matched controls. Results: The mean age of cases and controls was 29.69 ± 8.57 and 30.15 ± 7.11, respectively. There was a significant difference in platelet counts of cases (188496.35 ± 72065.66/cumm) and controls (269524.50 ± 53981.60/cumm). Furthermore, donors who received one dose had higher platelet counts of 248676.47 ± 80075.24/cumm than those who received both doses of vaccine (179970.83 ± 66773.73/cumm). The difference in deferral rates between the two groups was remarkable (34.7% vs. 0.9%, with the p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Vaccination certainly increased the deferral rates of plateletpheresis donors due to low platelet counts. Average platelet counts were low in fully vaccinated individuals, however, the platelets returned to normal counts as the post-vaccination days progressed.

Removal and identification of a subconjunctival parasite by light and scanning electron microscopy

Background: Ophthalmic dirofilariasis is an uncommon zoonotic parasitic infection caused by species of Dirofilaria, a dog tapeworm that is transmitted to human by mosquitoes. Man is a dead?end host for the parasite. Ophthalmic involvement is rare and includes periorbital, subconjunctival, subtenon, and intra?ocular involvement. We report the removal of a subconjunctival worm and identification by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Purpose: A 62?year?old female presented with complaints of redness, discharge, and foreign body sensation with difficulty in opening eyes in the left eye for the last 3 days. The patient is a non?vegetarian. On examination, her best corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 20/20. On slit lamp examination, there was a long, thin, round, coiled white subconjunctival live worm in the left eye superiorly. The rest of anterior segment evaluation, intra?ocular pressure, and fundus was normal in both eyes. The parasite was removed under local anesthesia from subconjunctival space [Video]. External surface morphology under LM revealed fine transverse cuticular striations with tapered cephalic and caudal ends. Uterus was long and coiled with indistinguishable masses inside. The finding was also confirmed by SEM. Synopsis: A subconjuctival parasite was removed and identified as Dirofilaria repens by characteristic LM and SEM findings. Highlight: Dirofilaria species may lodge in many tissues of human bodies including eye and adnexa. Dirofilaria is a natural parasite of carnivorous animals, mostly dogs, cats, and foxes.[1] The most common mode of transmission to human is usually by bite of mosquitoes like Culex and Aedes, which are considered as vectors, and it is often thought that parasitemia is because of accidental conduction.[1] Simple surgical removal of the worm is curative. After removal, the worm should be visualized directly under LM. All the internal structures of the transparent worm could be seen and compared with those under SEM.

Association of sunlight exposure with visual impairment in an Indian fishing community

Purpose: Indian fishermen belong to a marginalized population and are continuously exposed to extreme occupational hazards and sunlight. A high prevalence of visual impairment (VI) is reported in the coastal fishing community. We aimed to investigate the association between VI and sunlight exposure measurement (SEM). Methods: In this cross?sectional observational study, 270 eyes of 135 participants were enrolled from a coastal fishing village. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, which included best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior and posterior segment examination. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and SEM questionnaire were administered to estimate the level of dry eye and ultraviolet?B (UV?B) exposure, respectively. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] > 0.3). Results: The mean age and spherical equivalent were 50.56 ± 11.72 years (range: 18–80 years) and 0.36 ± 1.68 diopters (D) (range: ?7.0 to +3.0 D), respectively. Age, SEM, OSDI, fishing as an occupation, and cataract were significantly associated with higher odds of VI in univariate analysis. Refraction, gender, education level, smoking status, amblyopia, systematic, and other ocular diseases were not significantly associated with VI. In the multivariate analysis, age, SEM, and presence of cataract remained significantly associated with a higher risk for VI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for age and SEM scores demonstrate a fair index of discrimination for the detection of VI. Conclusion: SEM level is directly associated with a higher risk of VI among fishermen. The fishing community might benefit from regular eye examinations and awareness about the harmful effects of sunlight exposure and preventive measures.

Correlation between Colposcopic Findings and Histopathological Results from Colposcopy Directed Biopsy in VIA(+VE) Cases

Background: Cervical cancer is a major global health problem, with a high burden in developing countries. Early detection and management of precancerous conditions, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), can help to prevent the development of cervical cancer. Colposcopy, which involves the visualization of the cervix through optical instruments, is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of cervical abnormalities. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between colposcopy findings and histopathological results in cases where visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) was positive. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Institute of Child and Mother Health, Matuail, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study duration was 1 year, from November 2017 to October 2018. Participants were recruited from the hospital’s gynecology outpatient department and included 95 women who had a positive VIA test. A Purposive consecutive sampling method was followed for the selection of the participants. Results: The study included 95 patients in Bangladesh who had a positive VIA test. The age distribution of the patients ranged from 25 to 60 years, with a mean age of 35.89±8.88 years. The majority of patients (85.3%) had acetowhite areas, followed by 11 (11.5%) punctuation and 3 (3.2%) mixed (acetowhite area and mosaicism). Histopathological findings revealed that one-third (33.6%) of patients had chronic cervicitis, with 36 (378.8%) having moderate dysplasia, 16 (16.8%) having mild dysplasia, 7 (7.5%) having invasive carcinoma, and 4 (4.2%) having chronic cervicitis with sq. metaplasia. Among the cases, the comparison between colposcopy-directed biopsy results and Colposcopy findings. It was observed that more than one-fourth of 24(29.7%) patients were chronic cervicitis in pure acetowhite area, 8(72.7%) in punctuation, and all patients were mild dysplasia in mixed (acetowhite area and mosaicism). Among 81 patients 53 patients presented with pre-cancerous lesions. The difference was statically significant (p<0.05) in the study patients. Conclusion: Colposcopy, which involves the visualization of the cervix through optical instruments, was found to be an effective tool for the diagnosis of cervical abnormalities in these cases. These findings highlight the importance of colposcopy as a diagnostic tool for cervical abnormalities, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to other screening methods may be limited.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Infertile Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is the preferred term for the condition that was previously referred to as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure. The condition differs from menopause in that there are varying and residual ovarian functions. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of infertile women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Material & Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the OPD of Impulse Fertility Center, Impulse Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was conducted for a period from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 23 patients who received outdoor treatment during the study period were purposively selected as sample size. A purposive sampling technique was followed in this study. After approval by the Ethics committee of the Hospital, informed consent from the respondents was obtained after explaining the purpose of the study to them. To be included in the study, respondents should have met the classical definition of infertility defined by the WHO as the inability of a sexually active non-contraceptive using woman to have a live birth after 12 or more months of regular sexual intercourse without a malefactor. Women who had male-factor infertility were excluded. In this study live birth was used as a measure of proven fertility (Because couples desire children, not simply pregnancies, infertility affects couples regardless of whether the etiology lies in conception or the progression of the pregnancy). All the necessary laboratory investigations were done. A questionnaire was developed and data were collected by interviewing the patients and some data were collected from the laboratory results. Data were processed and analyzed by SPSS 19 version. Results: All patients had normal puberty, and menarche occurred at ages 11–15, followed by a regular menstrual cycle. Women who presented with oligomenorrhea were younger than patients with infertility. The mean period of oligomenorrhea before diagnosis was 0.9 years in the oligomenorrhea group and 1.8 years in the infertility group. The mean age when the infrequent periods started was 28 years in the group with oligomenorrhea and 29 years in the group with infertility, and their anthropometric characteristics were not different. In most patients, the FSH levels on day 3 of their menstrual cycle were less than 25?mU/ml. FSH levels >25?mU/ml were confirmed in two patients with oligomenorrhea and five patients in the infertility group. AMH levels were low than 1.0?ng/ml (considered to be in poor ovarian reserve ranges: from 0.13 to 1.0?ng/ml in patients with oligomenorrhea and from 0.13 to 0.9?ng/ml in the infertility group. Transvaginal ultrasound-determined AFC on menstrual cycle days 4–8 was accessed in all patients. We consider AFC?<?6 small follicles (diameters 3–9?mm) as a low ovarian reserve indicator. The lowest AFC (one small follicle) was noted in one infertile patient with oligomenorrhea. Conclusion: This study concluded that the subjects usually present with menstrual irregularity (oligomenorrhea) or infertility, and after proper evaluation, their poor ovarian reserve can be confirmed and an occult form of POI established. women who presented with only oligomenorrhea were younger than infertile patients; therefore, menstrual irregularity may be the earliest clinical symptom of occult POI.

Squatting Facets and Trochlear Extensions of Talus Bone in Indian Population

Introduction:The talus is a tarsal bone articulated with the tibia, fibula, navicular, and calcaneus bones to form supratalar, pretalar, and subtalar joints, respectively. A squatting facet is a kind of anomaly that forms on the surfaces where the tibia and talus articulate. The squatting facet states the daily activities and living style of society. Squatting is described as the hyperflexion of the hip and the knee and the movement of hyperdorsiflexion between the leg and the ankle. Materials and Methods: In the present cross‑sectional study, 600 dry adult human tali were taken from the osteology laboratory in the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, UP, Lucknow. Each talus was examined for the presence of various patterns of articular facets on the neck of the talus and extensions of its trochlear surface. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, as reference code: 121 ECMIIA/P3. Results: In our study, we observed that the lateral, medial, and combined squatting faces are 282 (47.64%), 49 (8.28%), and 22 (3.72%), respectively. Lateral, medial, and continuous trochlear extensions are 126 (21.12%), 120 (20.58%), and 31 (5.36%), respectively, in the Indian population. Conclusion: Modifications of the neck of the talus (squatting facets and trochlear extensions) are the result of prolonged squatting positions, which is a common habit of the Indian population, and incidences of these variations can be used as an anthropological marker for racial and regional differentiation of unidentified bones.

Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis following COVID-19 infection with microbiological and molecular biological correlation – A report of two cases

This case report describes three eyes of two patients, who were diagnosed to have endogenous fungal endophthalmitis post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Both patients underwent vitrectomy with intravitreal anti-fungal injection. Intra-ocular samples confirmed the fungal etiology by conventional microbiological investigations and polymerase chain reaction in both cases. The patients were treated with multiple intravitreal and oral anti-fungal agents; however, vision could not be salvaged.

Visual outcome in pediatric uveitis: A retrospective data review in 277 children

Purpose: The research activity in pediatric glaucoma (PG) was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using a scientometric approach. Methods: The “Web of Science” database was accessed for primary bibliometric data regarding PG using search terms “pediatric glaucoma,” “paediatric glaucoma,” “congenital glaucoma,” and “childhood glaucoma.” The data was analyzed for total research productivity, citations, and scientific output in terms of journals, countries, institutions, and authors. The results were further characterized for coauthorship links and visualized by VOS viewer software. Also, the top 25 cited articles were reviewed with the above bibliometric characteristics. Results: One thousand two hundred and sixty?nine items were obtained from our search query from 1955 to 2022; these received 15,485 citations, originated from 78 countries. The top?3 contributing countries were the United States of America (n = 369), India (n = 134), and China (n = 127). LV Prasad Eye Institute (n = 58), Duke University (n = 44), and King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital (n = 42) were the top?3 productive institutes. The top?3 prolific authors were Mandal AK (n = 53), Freedman, SF (n = 36), and Sarfarazi, M (n = 33). Journal wise, “Investigative Ophthalmology” (n = 187), “Journal of Glaucoma” (n = 92), and “Journal of AAPOS” (n = 68) were the journals in which the most articles were published. The top?25 cited documents received 3564 citations and were published between 1977 and 2016. The key areas of interest were basic sciences (genetics of childhood glaucoma) and surgical management. Conclusion: United States of America, LVPEI, Mandal AK, and “Investigative Ophthalmology” were the top rankers as far as the productivity and publications related to PG are concerned. Articles on molecular genetics in PG have received interest among the ophthalmology community.

Clinical profile and management with immunosuppressants and biologics in Behcet’s uveitis: A cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India

Purpose: To report the clinical profile of Behcet’s disease and its management with immunosuppressants and biologics in a cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Records of 45 eyes of 25 patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital database. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by the rheumatologist with appropriate investigations had been done. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Males (19, 76%) were found to be more affected than females (6, 24%). Mean age of presentation was 27.68 ± 11.08 years. Twenty patients had bilateral involvement (80%), and unilateral involvement was seen in five patients (20%). Seven eyes of four patients (16%) had isolated anterior uveitis, out of which one patient had unilateral and three patients had bilateral involvement. Twenty?six eyes of 16 patients (64%) had posterior uveitis, out of which six patients had unilateral and 10 had bilateral involvement. Twelve eyes of seven patients (28%) had panuveitis, out of which two patients had unilateral and five had bilateral involvement. Hypopyon was seen in five eyes (11.1%) and posterior synechiae in seven eyes (15.55%). Posterior segment findings included vitritis (24.44%), vasculitis (17.78%), retinitis (17.78%), disc hyperemia (11.11%), and disc pallor (8.89%). Steroids alone were given in five patients (20%) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given in four patients (16%). Immunosuppressive agents along with steroids were given in 20 patients (80%), of which azathioprine alone was given in seven patients (28%), cyclosporin alone was given in two patients (8%), mycophenolate mofetil alone was given in three patients (12%), combination of azathioprine and cyclosporin was given in six patients (24%), and combination of methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil was given in one patient (4%). Biologics were given in 10 patients (40%) – adalimumab in seven patients (28%) and infliximab in three patients (12%). Conclusion: Behcet’s disease is an uncommon uveitis in India. Addition of immunosuppressants and biologics to conventional steroid therapy gives better visual outcomes.

Etiology of Hoarseness of Voice Based on FOL

Background: Hoarseness (dysphonia) is the reason for about 1% of all consultations in primary care. Numerous conditions can cause hoarseness, ranging from simple inflammatory processes to more serious systemic, neurologic, or cancerous conditions involving the larynx. Evaluation of a patient with hoarseness includes a careful history, physical examination, and in many cases, laryngoscopy. This study aimed to analyze the etiology of hoarseness of voice based on a fiberoptic laryngoscope (FOL). Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of ENT, in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital, Faridpur for 2 years; from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 75 subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled as study subjects. Data were processed and analyzed using the software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 11.5. Results: In this study, most of the patients (18, 24.0%) belonged to the age group of 41-50 years, followed by 16 (21.33%) patients in the 61-70 years of age group, and then 15 (20.0%) patients were in 21-30 years of age group. None was from 0-10 years and only 2 (2.66%) patients belonged to the 11-20 years age group. Concerning the sex of the patients, 62 (83.0%) patients were male and the rest 13 (17.0%) were female indicating male predominance. 40 (53.33%) respondents had a smoking habit, and the rest 35 (46.66%) patients did not have a smoking habit. Regarding occupation, most of the patients (24, 32.0%) were farmers, followed by 19 (25.33%) were businessmen, and 10 (13.33%) patients were service holders. Concerning the findings, most of the patients (20, 26.66%) had growth of larynx, followed by 11 (14.66%) patients had polyp/cyst, 10 (13.33%) patients had paresis, 8 (10.66%) patients had nodule, 6 (8.0%) patients had edema, 4 (5.33%) patients had chronic laryngitis, 3 (4.0%) patients had keratosis/leukoplakia and another 3 (4.0%) patients had a phonatory gap. Conclusion: Hoarseness of voice is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and therefore warrants a careful determination of the underlying cause in every case. Fiber optic laryngoscopy was an excellent tool for the diagnosis of hoarseness. Causes of hoarseness included growth in the larynx, polyp/cyst, nodules, edema, chronic laryngitis, keratosis/leukoplakia, and phonatory gaps in this study.

Prevalence of antibiotic resistant UTI in immunocompromised patients

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common bacterial infections, affecting about 150 million individuals per year.Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases in human societies which occur in women more than men. Women of all ages are more likely to experience such an infection than men, while half of them may be affected by a uropathogen once in their lives, and 25-30% may develop recurrent UTIs not associated with any functional or anatomical abnormality. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infections in immunocompromised patients. Material & Methods: This was a retrospective observational study and was conducted in the Department of Medicine of Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital, and National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from June, 2021 to June, 2022. We included 70 immunocompromised patients with UTI. Results: In our study we found 44% patients were aged between 18-30 years old and 83% of our patients were female. Among all respondents, 58 patients were culture positive. We found 38% & 62% and 33% & 67% had history of upper & lower UTI in female and male patients respectively, 29% & 36% and 17% & 25% had urethritis & cystitis in female and male patients respectively. We found culture positive patients with E. coli (41%), Klebsiella spp.(19%), Enterobacter spp.(16%) and 12% with Pseudomonas spp in our study. We found amoxicillin showed resistance to E. coli (58.3%), Staphylococcus (75%), & Klebsiella (36.4%) and amikacin showed resistance mostly to E. coli(50%), Klebsiella (54.5%) & Pseudomonas (42.9%). Conclusion: In our study, we found the most common MDR pathogen among patients with UTI in our institution was E. coli & Staphylococcus. We discovered that being above 40 years old, having DM, CKD and previously received antibiotic medication inappropriately were risk factors for the development of MDR infection. Given the high prevalence of multidrug resistant uropathogens among immunocompromised patients, the growth in Penicillin resistance is alarming. We discovered the significant incidence of MDR bacterial strains, adherence to currently suggested empiric therapy is extremely challenging and is linked with high failure rates.

Posterior Urethral Valve: Factors Affecting the Renal Outcome

Background: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract obstruction in male children with associated sequlae. Different factors, such as age at presentation, initial and nadir serum creatinine, renal parenchymal echogenicity on initial USG, vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) , recurrent UTI, bladder dysfunction and the presence or absence of pop-off mechanism like VURD have significant impact on ultimate renal outcome. The main aim of the study was to observe the effects of different prognostic factors like age of presentation and preoperative VUR of the PUV respondents on postoperative long term renal outcome as well as changes of renal function status on the basis of initial and postoperative serum creatinine level in our settings. Material & Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study and conducted in the Department of Pediatric urology of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka. We enrolled 58 male children of different ages having posterior urethral valve, who were admitted in the pediatric urology department from July,2018 to Dec,2021. Results: Total 58 patients included in our study. Among all patients 53.4% were aged between 1 month to 1 year, 39.7% of them were more than 1 year old and 6.9% of them were neonates. Among 31 respondents, 32.3 % had poor renal function & 35.5 % of them also had moderately impaired renal function. Again, out of 23 respondents, 30.4% had poor renal function & 6% had moderately impaired renal function. The relation between age category and postoperative renal function status (On the basis of postoperative eGFR) of the posterior urethral valve respondents were statistically not significant. Patients who had no VUR, 66.7% of them had normal renal function, 25% had moderately impaired renal function and 8.3% had poor renal function. Respondents who had bilateral VUR, 55% of them had poor renal function and 35% had moderately impaired renal function. Among respondents who had unilateral VUR, 28.6% of them had poor renal function and 28.6% had moderately impaired renal function but 42.9% had normal renal function. The relation between preoperative VCUG findings and postoperative long term renal function status of the PUV patients were statistically significant. 7 (100%) respondents who had preoperative abnormal renal function, more than 71.4% of them had returned to normal renal function after operative procedure. But abnormal renal function was present in 2 (28.6%) patients during follow up. In our study we found 29.3% of our patients had poor renal outcome and 29.3% patients had moderately impaired renal function within the mean follow up period of 19.33±12.38 months (ranges from 9months to 4 years). Conclusion: Our research highlights the significance of age at presentation, despite its statistically negligible effect on long-term renal outcomes. However, among the children with PUV following valve ablation and with a long-term follow-up, beginning serum creatinine and the presence of various types of VUR on initial VCUG had a significant effect (p.05) on postoperative renal function on the basis of serum creatinine.

An Inter District Analysis of Public Healthcare Infrastructure Disparities in Assam.

Background: Sufficient and quality healthcare services are basic requirement for overall development of a nation. Public healthcare infrastructure is one of the major determinants of health outcomes in a country, and public healthcare services have a considerable impact on people's health status. The rural population primarily relies on public healthcare services. Assam is not an exception in this regard, where the insufficiency of public healthcare services is still an issue. 86 % of the population of Assam lives in rural areas. Objectives: The present work attempts to study the inter-district variation regarding public health infrastructure in 33 districts of Assam. Methods: The Inter district variation is estimated with a composite index of public health infrastructure. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is adopted to construct a composite index using nine health infrastructure indicators. Results: The study has observed variations in health infrastructure among the various districts of Assam, reflecting the shortage of health infrastructure-physical and human in rural and remote areas of the state. The study finds inter-district variations in the state.

A Series of Ocular Tuberculosis Cases from A Rural Tertiary Care Center in West Bengal

Tuberculosis in Eye can have diverse presentations leads to diagnostic difficulty. If no extra-ocular tubercular lesions are found then it becomes a challenge to diagnose & treat. Here authors present 6 cases of Ocular Tuberculosis without any associated extra-ocular tubercular lesions. One case of tubercular anterior uveitis, eales disease, solitary Choroidal Tuberculoma, bilateral multiple Choroidal Tuberculoma, multifocal & serpiginous like Choroiditis are presented here. All of them were resolved with first line anti-tubercular regimen and corticosteroids. Authors recommend initial visual assessment for all Tuberculosis cases to diagnose & treat hidden cases of Ocular Tuberculosis which may be sight threatening.

Study of Hindrances in Sustaining � Body Donation Programme in COVID-19 Era

Rationality : During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been widespread confusion regarding the acceptance of donated bodies, especially those of COVID-19 unknown status. The present study aims to (1) quantify the fall in the body donation in COVID pandemic times & (2) explore the perception of the recipients of body donation (Anatomy faculties) and the facilitators of body donation (NGO members), regarding the problems they faced. Materials and Methods : A cross sectional study using a pre designed study schedule was conducted over period of two months. 30 Anatomy faculties from 3 Medical Colleges in Kolkata and 20 members from 2 NGOs were interviewed. The actual numbers of the body donation received has been documented from record in Anatomy Departments and actual numbers of the body donation facilitated by NGOs has been obtained from record maintained in NGO office. The responses were analysed accordingly. Results : There was significant decline in body donation activity in all the Medical Colleges during COVID times. 80% Anatomy faculties and 60% NGO members recommended posthumous RTPCR tests for COVID-19 unknown bodies. 93.33% faculties and 60% NGO members also wanted the Government to publish directives for posthumous RTPCR tests in donor抯 body. Most faculties (83.33%) were unsure as to whether embalming fluid can neutralize COVID-19 virus or not. Conclusion, Limitation & Future Scope : This study explored the hesitations, its causes and remedial measures of hindrances in body donation program in COVID times. Being an ICMR STS project, authors needed to wrap up it by only two months time; but it can be used as the pilot to continue same in larger scale. Further researches are required to assess the lethality of embalming fluid on COVID-19 virus in this perspective

Clinical profile and management of granulomatosis with polyangiitis–associated scleritis from a tertiary care hospital in South India

Purpose: To describe the clinical features and management of patients with scleritis associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) at a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: The clinical profile and management of patients presenting to a tertiary eye care center in South India with scleritis secondary to GPA from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Scleritis was classified into anterior diffuse, nodular, and necrotizing scleritis with inflammation according to Watson and Hayreh’s classification. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, anti?neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity, treatment response, ocular complications, and status at the last follow?up were analyzed. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: Nineteen eyes of 17 patients (15 cytoplasmic staining ANCA [c?ANCA], two p?ANCA positive) were included. Fifteen eyes had necrotizing scleritis, two had diffuse anterior scleritis, and two had nodular scleritis. Remission was induced using a combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide or rituximab. Maintenance therapy was instituted using tapering steroids and immunosuppressants like cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, or rituximab. Three eyes required a scleral patch graft. Fourteen patients had good anatomical and visual outcomes, and three were lost to follow?up. Conclusion: GPA is a rare disease, while it is the most common ANCA?associated vasculitis with scleritis. As scleritis may be the presenting sign of the disease, ophthalmologists must be aware of the various features suggestive of GPA. GPA?associated scleritis can have a good prognosis when diagnosed promptly and managed aggressively in the acute stage, and remission is maintained with adequate systemic immunosuppression.

New Onset Facial Nerve Palsy : A Part of Post COVID Mucormycosis Disease Spectrum — A Descriptive Observational Study

Introduction : COVID Associated Mucor (CAM) is a well known entity with defined symptomatology. Cranial Nerve Palsy involving II, III, IV, V, VI th Nerve is common. Facial Nerve involvement is an out of tract presentation. The study was aimed to find the incidence of Facial Nerve involvement in CAM and document their route of involvement. Material and Method : Descriptive observational study was done in an Apex Centre for CAM in West Bengal between April, 2021 to January, 2022. CAM having Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) and new onset Facial Palsy were considered. Participants were included following stipulated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Collected data was analysed. Observations : Total 11 patients of new onset Facial Palsy in COVID-19-Associated ROCM were included. 81.8% had coexisting other Cranial Nerve involvement. Facial Palsy was one of the primary presentations in the patients of ROCM. Discussion : CAM is angioinvasive and can cause concomitant hypoxic neural damage due to involvement of the vasa nervorum. Skull base involvement can be hypothesized to be the predominant route of Facial Nerve involvement. Facial palsy can be an important initial presentation of CAM. Conclusion : Facial Nerve Palsy may be a part of the spectrum of disease presentation in CAM.

A bioinformatics approach to characterize a hypothetical protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV

Characterization as well as prediction of the secondary and tertiary structure of hypothetical proteins from their amino acid sequences uploaded in databases by in silico approach are the critical issues in computational biology. Severe acute respiratory syndrome–associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which is responsible for pneumonia alike diseases, possesses a wide range of proteins of which many are still uncharacterized. The current study was conducted to reveal the physicochemical characteristics and structures of an uncharacterized protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV. Following the common flowchart of characterizing a hypothetical protein, several sophisticated computerized tools e.g., ExPASy Protparam, CD Search, SOPMA, PSIPRED, HHpred, etc. were employed to discover the functions and structures of Q6S8D9_SARS. After delineating the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein, some quality evaluating tools e.g., PROCHECK, ProSA-web etc. were performed to assess the structures and later the active site was identified also by CASTp v.3.0. The protein contains more negatively charged residues than positively charged residues and a high aliphatic index value which make the protein more stable. The 2D and 3D structures modeled by several bioinformatics tools ensured that the proteins had domain in it which indicated it was functional protein having the ability to trouble host antiviral inflammatory cytokine and interferon production pathways. Moreover, active site was found in the protein where ligand could bind. The study was aimed to unveil the features and structures of an uncharacterized protein of SARS-CoV which can be a therapeutic target for development of vaccines against the virus. Further research are needed to accomplish the task.

Multiple xanthoma tuberosum in a case of familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#A 15-year-old, Indian, female child of a second-degree consanguineous marriage, presented with polymorphic yellowish-brown nodular cutaneous lesions over the dorsal aspect of both elbows, knees (Figure 1A) and buttocks (Figure 1B). These were suggestive of xanthoma tuberosum and were first noted at 4 years old. There were no spots over the eyelids, acanthosis, skin tags or tendon xanthomas. Arcus juvenilis was not noted. A bilateral carotid bruit was appreciated.

Role of amniotic membrane transplantation in treating acute ocular manifestations in Steven–Johnson syndrome and its long-term impact

Background: Steven–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious disorder affecting the skin and mucous membrane, causing multiple flaccid bullae and purpuric rashes with sheet?likeepithelial detachment including the ocular surface. The long?term outcomes following SJS are dismal and manifest as corneal vascularization, lid?wiper keratopathy, and severe dry eyes. The disease course can be modified if amniotic membrane graft is performed at the first week of disease, and the above?said complications can be avoided. This procedure thus not only decreases the morbidity but also improves the quality of life. Purpose: This video discusses the long?term sequelae of SJS which can be modified with timely intervention during the acute stage and thus significantly decreases morbidity. Synopsis: The video demonstrates the simple technique of amniotic membrane transplantation in the acute stage in SJS and its impact in long run. Highlights: There should be a low threshold for doing early amniotic membrane transplantation in patients with SJS with ocular surface involvement. Early intervention can change the disease course and decrease disease morbidity significantly.