ABSTRACT
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has a catastrophic effect on the world resulting in more than 25 million deaths worldwide. In India on 30th January 2020 rst positive case in a student from Kerala of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 can cause serious clinical complications, especially in elderly patients and in those with co-morbidities, especially diabetes obesity; cancer and digestive, endocrine, nervous and respiratory systems pathologies. The elevated biomarkers level was noticed in severe COVID 19 cases compared to non-covid 19 patients, revealing that D-dimer, CRP, ferritin, LDH, are signicantly correlated to COVID-19 severity. This review study aims to identify the most effective biomarker among C- reactive protein, IF6, D-dimer and ferritin to predict disease severity. This review intends to outline the biochemical laboratory tests that are useful in disease monitoring and assessment of severity in conrmed cases of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the prevalence of hypertension in children with infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and its association with dyslipidemia, and end organ damage including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), at relapse and after steroid induced remission. Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in 83 children aged 1-12 years with IRNS, presenting in relapse. Blood pressure, fundus examination, blood and urine investigations were done at relapse and then at 4 weeks of therapy. Echocardiography at 4 weeks was performed for assessment of LVH and relative wall thickness (RWT) for concentric geo-metry (CG). Results: 27 patients (32.5%) developed hypertension, out of which 21 patients (25.3%) had stage I hypertension. Hypertension in first episode (63.0%, P<0.01) and in previous relapses (87.5%, P<0.001) was significantly associated with hypertension in the current episode. 12 patients had a positive family history of hypertension, of which 8 (66.7%) were classified under the hypertensive group (P=0.016). Concentric geometry (CG) was found in 28% of hypertensive and 5.5% of non-hypertensive children (P=0.011). On regres-sion analysis, a lower Up:Uc at the time of relapse was found to have a protective role for development of hypertension. Conclusion: One third children with IRNS had hypertension at relapse and a high proportion of hypertensive patients had CG pattern on echocardiography.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To report age?related variations in corneal stress–strain index (SSI) in healthy Indians. Methods: It was a retrospective study where healthy Indian individuals aged between 11 and 70 years who had undergone corneal biomechanics assessment using Corvis ST between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters and corneal SSI were abstracted from Corvis ST and compared across different age groups using one?way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the association between age and SSI. Results: Nine hundred and thirty?six eyes of 936 patients with ages between 11 and 77 years with mean ± SD intraocular pressure (IOP) and pachymetry of 16.52 ± 2.10 mmHg and 541.13 ± 26.39 ?s, respectively. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters such as deformation amplitude ratio max at 1 mm (P < 0.001) and 2 mm (P < 0.001), biomechanically corrected IOP (P = 0.004), stiffness parameter at A1 (P < 0.001, Corvis biomechanical index (P < 0.018), and SSI (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly different as a function of age group. We noted a statistically significant positive association of SSI with age (P < 0.001), spherical equivalent refractive error (P < 0.001), and IOP (P < 0.001) and a significant negative association with anterior corneal astigmatism (P < 0.001) and Anterior chamber depth (ACD) (P < 0.001). Also, SSI was positively associated with SPA1 and bIOP, whereas negatively associated with integrated radius, max inverse radius, and Max Deformation amplitude (DA) ratio at 1 mm and 2 mm. Conclusion: We noted a positive association of corneal SSI with age in normal healthy Indian eyes. This information could be helpful for future corneal biomechanical research.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM)?flap technique on the visual outcome and anatomical recovery for small (<250 ?), medium (<400 ?), and large (>400 ?) macular holes (MHs). Methods: Retrospective study included consecutive idiopathic MH cases operated on using the inverted ILM?flap technique. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic medical records (EMRs), surgical videos, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) machines. Eyes with axial length >25 mm, coexisting macular diseases, and follow?up <6 weeks were excluded. Data included the presence or absence of ILM flap and restoration of External Limiting Membrane (ELM), Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) lines. Mean visual improvement and structural recovery were compared between eyes showing ILM flap and those showing no flap in three MH size groups. Results: Forty eyes of 38 patients with a mean age of 62.7 ± 10.1 years and a mean MH diameter of 348 ± 152 ?m were included. The mean follow?up was 527 ± 478 days with anatomical closure observed in all eyes. Mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly from 0.87 ± 0.38 to 0.35 ± 0.26. ILM flap was visible in 29 (72.5%) all MHs, 7 (53.8%) small MHs (n = 13), 8 (61.5%) medium MHs (n = 13), and 14 (100%) large MHs (n = 14). The mean BCVA change was 0.47 ± 0.34, 0.53 ± 0.48, and 0.56 ± 0.20 in large, medium, and small MHs, respectively, and the difference between eyes showing ILM flap versus no flap in each MH size group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, for medium MHs, it was higher in the ILM flap (0.66 ± 0.52) group compared to the no flap (0.32 ± 0.37) group. One eye with small MH developed significant gliosis resulting in reduced BCVA. ELM was restored in all eyes with small and medium MHs. Conclusion: We observed that the ILM flap did not adversely affect anatomical and visual outcomes for MHs <400 ?m. Restoration of ELM suggests minimal interference in structural recovery by an ILM flap.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The AYUSH system of medicine is effective in the case management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a pilot program in 2016 integrating AYUSH with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke for community-based screening and management of NCDs. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of AYUSH treatment with Yoga practices in project districts in terms of the adoption of a healthy lifestyle besides relief from NCDs. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in six districts from six states, namely Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat), Gaya (Bihar), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), and Lakhimpur-Kheri (Uttar Pradesh) with a total sample of 56 lifestyle disease Clinics and 1790 beneficiaries. Results: The results show that 75% of patients were currently doing yoga and 60%–80% of patients experienced various benefits of yoga. These benefits were relief from pain (82%), improvement in appetite (72%), reduction in weakness (72%), and sickness (71%). The study also found that after taking AYUSH treatment, overall 73% of patients reduced dosage of allopathic medicines, 52% had reduced side effects of allopathic medicines, 24% stopped allopathic medicine, and 50% got faster recovery. Conclusion: Low cost and fewer side effects are considered merits of AYUSH medicine that drive its acceptance in the community and could be prioritized under preventive care. The dual form of medicine is the new form emerging option to the existing modern medicine.
ABSTRACT
Aims and objectives: To study the dermatoglyphic patterns in healthy and Type II diabetes mellitus subjects. To study the arches, Ulnar loop, Radial loop and Whorl patterns The present study was conducted i Methods: n the Department of Anatomy, Index Medical College, Indore (M.P.), India. Subjects of the age group 35-65 years was chosen from North Indian Population. Patients and controls were selected randomly from Index Medical College and Hospital, Indore (M.P.) India. The bilateral rolled finger and palm prints of 100 Diabetes Mellitus II patients were compared to 100 controls. Results: Shows that the comparison of right ulnar loop, right whorl, left ulnar loop, left radial loop, and left whorl in male between healthy subjects and type II diabetes mellitus patients, which are statistically significant. (p <0.001). whereas right arch, right radial loop, and left arch is not statistically significant. Fingertip ridge count of right ulnar loop, Conclusions: right radial loop and left ulnar loop, is increased in healthy male subjects as compared to type II diabetes mellitus. While right arch, right whorl, left arch, left radial loop, and left whorl is decreased.
ABSTRACT
The main focus of this research paper is to make a comparative analysis of one of the leading IT Company by market capitalization named Infosys Ltd. The nancial status of this company has been analyzed by leveraging out various nancial ratios such as liquidity, protability, solvency and activity ratios. For the purpose of conducting our research, the data has been collected from secondary sources such as company's annual reports, journals, etc. The study covers a time period from FY18 to FY22. Sampling technique adopted for the purpose of carrying out this research is purposive sampling method. We also used trend analysis to forecast the future growth in sales and protability of the business. This research also uses simple correlation technique to compute the relationship between liquidity and protability of the company. More interestingly, this paper also considers the outputs of regression analysis so as to nd the cause - and - effect relationship among variables.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with high-risk patients requiring effective management to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. Bempedoic acid is a novel therapeutic agent recently approved as an add-on therapy to statins in patients with uncontrolled LDL-c. Bempedoic acid inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which ultimately reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients with uncontrolled LDL-c (Previously on moderate or high-intensity statins) with a high risk of CVD in real-world settings. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study on the data of high-risk-CVD patients collected from Bempedoic Acid on Efficacy and Safety in patients (BEST) Registry. The clinical data of 140 patients who were already on statin therapy and were receiving Bempedoic acid at a dose of 180 mg, along with measurements of the level of LDL-c, HbA1c, HDL, TG, TC, PPPG, FPG, AST, ALT, serum creatinine was taken into consideration. The primary outcome includes a change in LDL-c level, and secondary outcomes involve a change in the level of HbA1c, HDL, TG, TC, PPPG, FPG, AST, ALT, and serum creatinine at week 12 and 24. Adverse events were reported at both time points. Results: A total of 140 patients were included in the present study with a mean age of 51.8 ± 9.2 years and had primary confirmed diagnosis of dyslipidemia with uncontrolled LDL-c. The mean levels of LDL-c decreased from the mean baseline value of 142.67 ± 46.49 mg/dL, to 106.78 ±33.92 mg/d; a statistically significant reduction by 23.23% (p < 0.01) at week 12. Similarly, at week 24, the mean LDL-c value reduced to 90.39 ± 38.89 mg/dL. A 33.38 % decrease was observed (p < 0.01). Other parameters such as non-HDL, FPG, PPPG, AST and serum creatinine also showed statistically significant reduction at week 12 and week 24. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that bempedoic acid is an effective add-on medication in lowering LDL-c levels in high-risk CVD patients with uncontrolled LDL-c.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Oral cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide constitutes a major public health problem and is one of the leading cancer sites among men and women in India. Increased uptake of glucose in cancer cells are mediated by glucose transporters. Among 14 isoforms of glucose transporters, Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) isoform expression predominate Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Aim: To emphasize the expression of GLUT-1 in OSCC and to assess its role in tumor progression and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Hand searching and electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Google scholar and Science- Direct were done for mesh terms such as OSCC, GLUT-1, prognosis, tumor markers, prognostic marker and risk predictor. Studies were pooled and relevant articles were evaluated. Results: Final analysis identified thirteen articles after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies evalu- ated 926 OSCC cases and 70 healthy controls for GLUT-1 immunoexpression. The data was extracted and evaluated manu- ally. GLUT-1 expression was found to be elevated in OPMDs and OSCC than in healthy controls. The pattern of expression of GLUT-1, its correlation with clinico-pathological features, role in tumour progression and prognosis, expression in tumor invasive front, correlation with other markers and role in therapeutics are also discussed in detail
ABSTRACT
Objective: Identifying clinical and laboratory indicators that differentiate multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) apart from other febrile diseases in a tropical hospital setting. Methods: Review of hospital records done in a tertiary care exclusive children’s hospital for children admitted from April, 2020 till June, 2021. Laboratory values, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) serological status, and clinical signs and symptoms of patients with MIS-C, and those with similar presentations were analyzed. Results: 114 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria (age group of 1 mo-18 y) for whom a diagnosis of MIS-C was considered in the emergency room based on the clinical features. Among them, 64 children had the final diagnosis of MIS-C, and the remaining 50 children had confirmatory evidence of infections mimicking MIS-C such as enteric fever, scrub typhus, dengue and appendicitis. Conclusion: Older age group, presence of mucocutaneous symptoms, very high C-reactive protein, neutrophilic leukocytosis, abdominal pain and absence of hepatosplenomegaly favor a diagnosis of MIS-C.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Barrett toric calculator (BTC) is known for its accuracy in toric IOL (tIOL) calculation over standard calculators; however, there is no study in literature to compare it with real?time intraoperative aberrometry (IA). The aim was to compare the accuracy of BTC and IA in predicting refractive outcomes in tIOL implantation. Methods: This was an institution?based prospective, observational study. Patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification with tIOL implantation were enrolled. Biometry was obtained from Lenstar?LS 900 and IOL power calculated using online BTC; however, IOL was implanted as per IA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis, ORA, Alcon) recommendation. Postoperative refractive astigmatism (RA) and spherical equivalent (SE) were recorded at one month, and respective prediction errors (PEs) were calculated using predicted refractive outcomes for both methods. The primary outcome measure was a comparison between mean PE with IA and BTC, and secondary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), postoperative RA, and SE at one month. SPSS Version?21 was used; P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Thirty eyes of 29 patients were included. Mean arithmetic and mean absolute PEs for RA were comparable between BTC (?0.70 ± 0.35D; 0.70 ± 0.34D) and IA (0.77 ± 0.32D; 0.80 ± 0.39D) (P = 0.09 and 0.09, respectively). Mean arithmetic PE for residual SE was significantly lower for BTC (?0.14 ± 0.32D) than IA (0.001 ± 0.33D) (?0.14 ± 0.32D; P = 0.002); however, there was no difference between respective mean absolute PEs (0.27 ± 0.21 D; 0.27 ± 0.18; P = 0.80). At one?month, mean UCDVA, RA, and SE were 0.09 ± 0.10D, ?0.57 ± 0.26D, and ?0.18 ± 0.27D, respectively. Conclusion: Both IA and BTC give reliable and comparable refractive results for tIOL implantation.
ABSTRACT
Background: India accounts for (4%) of all malaria cases worldwide. The World malaria report 2017 showed that, by 2016, global progress against malaria had stalled and was off track to meet the Global Technical Strategy milestones for 2020. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess knowledge of rural medical officers (RMO) and health workers on malaria epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment as per National Vector Borne Disease Control Program of India guidelines. Materials and methods: A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was done among government health personnel’s using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In the present study, 258 health personnel’s participated comprising multipurpose health workers female (MPHW-F), multipurpose health worker male (MPHW-M), and RMO. The standardized score on knowledge of vector biology and epidemiology was 72% and 54% for RMO and (MPHW-M), respectively. On malaria diagnosis, MPHW-M has got median score (53%) as compared to RMO (46%). On national malaria drug policy, there is a marginal difference between median score of RMO (42%) and MPHW-M (40%). Overall, there is incomplete and poor knowledge of treatment of malaria among all health personnel’s with lack of concept about presumptive treatment. Training showed some positive impact on the knowledge of MPHW-F but no impact on MPHW-M. Graduates and experienced workers have got better knowledge than undergraduates and MPHW-M have more knowledge than MPHW-F. There is poor knowledge of reporting formats, and usage of rapid diagnostic kits among all the health personnels. There was no significant impact of education qualification, in service training and work experience on the knowledge of Male health workers. Conclusion: Training needs to be suitably tailored as there is a lot of scope of improvement in the knowledge regarding malaria diagnosis and treatment among health workers.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Snake bite is an emergency in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a neglected disease and is most commonly seen in rural setups, where people are ignorant about the venomous snake bites. It results in increased mortality and morbidity because precious time is wasted, either in consulting traditional healers or waiting for the development of signs and symptoms of envenomation. Then only the patient is shifted to a health center. Here we studied the clinical profile, management, and outcome of snake bite patients. Materials and methods: This study was done by retrieving the records of patients with snake bites admitted to the Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla, from 1st January 2017 through December 2019. The recorded data was entered in a precoded performa, and analysis was done with respect to various variables. Result: We evaluated the records of 190 patients. The incidence of the bite was higher among females, 62.1% (n = 118). The commonest age group involved was 21–50 years, 70.1% (n = 34). In 55.8% (n = 106), the site of the bite was the upper limb. The daytime bite was present in 54.7% (n = 106). The maximum incidence of snake bites was found during the rainy season, 81.5% (n = 155). 28.4% (n = 54) of patients presented within 6 hours of the bite. Coagulopathy [whole blood clotting test (WBCT) of >20 minutes] and neurotoxicity were seen in 77.9 and 7.9% of patients, respectively. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was given to 87.8% (n = 167) of patients. In 80% (n = 152) of the cases, hospital stay was up to 3 days. Mortality was seen in only two (1.05%) cases. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among the community, particularly in rural areas, about snake bite envenomation and early transportation of victims to the nearest health center. Training of health professionals is also needed to manage cases of snake bites efficiently and judiciously, thereby reducing morbidity and morbidity.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To study ocular surface signs, symptoms, and tear film composition following prophylactic thermal pulsation therapy (TPT) prior to refractive surgery, and to compare these outcomes with those who underwent TPT after refractive surgery. Methods: Patients with mild?to?moderate evaporative dry eye disease (DED) and/or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) undergoing refractive surgery were included. Group 1 patients received TPT (LipiFlow) prior to laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK; n = 32, 64 eyes), and Group 2 patients received TPT three months after LASIK (n = 27, 52 eyes). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer’s test (ST1, ST2), Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), meibography, and tear fluid were obtained preoperatively and at three months postoperatively in Groups 1 and 2. Additional postoperative evaluation was performed three months after TPT in Group 2. Tear soluble factor profile was measured by multiplex enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using flow cytometry. Results: Postoperative OSDI score was significantly lower and TBUT was significantly higher when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 1 participants. On the other hand, the postoperative OSDI score was significantly higher and TBUT significantly lower when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 2 participants. TPT significantly reduced the postoperative elevation in OSDI and significantly reduced the postoperative reduction in TBUT in Group 2 participants. Tear Matrix metalloproteinase?9/ Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP?9/TIMP1) ratio was significantly higher, postoperatively, when compared with matched preoperative levels in Group 2. However, MMP9/TIMP1 ratio remained unaltered in Group 1 participants. Conclusion: TPT prior to refractive surgery improved postsurgical ocular surface signs and symptoms and reduced tear inflammatory factors, thereby suggesting the plausibility of reduced post?refractive surgery DED in patients.
ABSTRACT
To encompass a quantitative evaluation of phytochemical analysis and HPLC analysis of ethanol extracts of Senna hirsuta ; Indigofera linnaei; Crotalaria angulata and Momordica cymbalaria leaves were experimented to have broad analysis on presence of bioactive components. The phytochemical tests showed the bioactive compounds in Senna hirsuta ethanolic extracts with Steroids, Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Saponins Glycosides, Flavonoids and Terpenoids. In Indigofera linnaei, ethanolic extracts of this plant contain Steroids, Glycosides, Saponins, Glycosides and Terpenoids, Anthraquinones, Tannins, Flavonoids and Saponins are absent for this plant. Test for Steroids, Anthraquinones, Tannins and Terpenoids are strongly present in the plant of Crotalaria angulata . The strong presence of Steroids, Glycosides, Tannins, Terpenoids, Saponins foam in the plant of Momordica cymbalaria . The effects of ethanolic extracts of Anti-Bacterial activity of S.hirsuta and Indigofera linnaei with some of bacteria pathogenic strains such as Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis were experimented . The antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extracts were compared favorably with that standard antibiotic (Chloramphenicol). The Ethanolic extract of leaf showed a maximum zone of inhibition (11 mm) against Escherichia coli, a Gram negative bacteria. In Indigofera linnaei, the ethanolic extract, show a maximum zone of inhibition (19 mm) to Salmonella typhi . In chromatographic technique, the separation and movements of biomolecules has been investigated. Hence, these bio-techniques play a significant role in finding of important material for pharmaceutical industry and have substances that induce a great interest due to their versatile applications . The paper chromatographic technique showed the Rf value at chlorophyll ‘a’ is 0.569 and ‘b’ value 0.123 present in plant Crotalaria angulata . The Rf value at chlorophyll’a’0.569, and ‘b’ value is 0.353 present in the plant Momordica cymbalaria . HPLC analyses allow for the identification of samples of Momordica cymbalaria with peak value of 1676436 and Retention time is 4.092. This particular study revealed the strong quantitative phytochemicals in Crotalaria angulata and Momordica cymbalaria and the same has been found to be the most effective free radical quencher. As a culmination, these plant extracts can be a safe alternative to chemical drugs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic debilitating condition which significantly impairs quality of life. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of apremilast and methotrexate compared with methotrexate monotherapy in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis. Also, to study the impact on treatment on the Dermatology Life Quality Index and Palmoplantar Quality of Life Index. Methods: A total of 64 patients were randomised to two groups in a 1:1 ratio - Group A received both methotrexate and apremilast in combination, while Group B received only methotrexate, for 16 weeks. The primary endpoints were the mean score of Modified Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at week 16, the proportion of patients achieving modified palmoplantar psoriasis area severity index-75 and/or Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment score 0/1 at week 16. Results: A significantly higher proportion of patients in Group A achieved Modified Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index-75 at week 16 (43% in Group A vs 30% in Group B). The Modified Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was significantly lower in the combination group at week 16 (4.03 ± 2.05 in Group A and 5.89 ± 2.31 in Group B, P-value = 0.002). About 80% of patients in the combination group with baseline Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment ?3 achieved Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment 0/1 compared to 60% in Group B. The combination group showed a significantly higher reduction in Dermatology Life Quality Index and Palmoplantar Quality of Life Index scores compared to the methotrexate alone group (P-value = 0.025). No notable adverse events were observed. Limitation: The limitations of the study were single blinding, small sample size and a lack of longer follow up to assess the rate of relapse. We did not account for attrition during sample size calculation. Also, due to the paucity of data regarding the use of apremilast in palmoplantar psoriasis, definitive comparisons could not be made with previous studies. Conclusion: The combination of apremilast and methotrexate has superior efficacy and a similar safety profile as compared to methotrexate monotherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe palmoplantar psoriasis
ABSTRACT
The solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) of the pancreas is a relatively uncommon entity. The aim of the present study was to summarize our experiences with regard to diagnostic dilemma, surgery, postoperative follow-up, and management. This retrospective data were collected during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A total of four patients (three females and one male) were identified within an age range of 13 to 25 years. All the patients were presented with nonspecific symptoms such as abdomen lumps, swelling in the abdomen, and abdominal pain. To reach a definite diagnosis, imaging studies were conducted along with endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and biopsy. After confirmation of SPEN on biopsy, all the patients underwent surgery without any complications. Patients are on follow-up, and to date, no metastasis has been detected. SPEN is a rare pancreatic tumor with unusual pathological features leading to a diagnostic dilemma. The pathologist should be familiar with SPEN and its salient histological characteristics that differentiate it from other look-alike pancreatic tumors and can help in timely surgery and management.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is here to stay. Nonpharmacological interventions such as hand hygiene, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene have remained the mainstay to curb the spread of the virus, and these are sustainable. To understand the information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts undertaken during previous pandemics and successful behavior change strategies that may be applicable to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a narrative review of articles using PubMed search on September 11, 2022. The results highlighted that reinforced IEC is the need of the hour in efforts against COVID-19 pandemic. The communication strategy during a pandemic should be of three stages aligned to the objectives of building a basic understanding and knowledge in the target population: building an awareness of the threat; personal actions to minimize the impact; and reinforcing the need for appropriate actions to minimize disease transmission, in that order. An innovative strategy of displaying IEC on the daily essential products can result in a sustainable solution that might result in a “felt need” in the community to follow COVID-19 appropriate behavior. A broad base of stakeholders' engagement with civil bodies, nongovernmental organizations, private sectors with well-defined responsibilities and accountability would offer an enabling environment for these efforts in ultimately curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To analyze the correlation between the mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness with axial length and refractive errors among children aged 5–15 years. Methods: This cross?sectional, observational study was done on 130 eyes of 65 consecutive subjects with refractive errors. The patients were evaluated for RNFL thickness and macular GCL thickness using spectral domain? optical coherence tomography. Results: One hundred and thirty eyes of 65 subjects aged between 5 and 15 years were divided into three groups based on their spherical equivalent in diopters (D). The children with a spherical equivalent of ??0.50 D were considered myopic, ??0.5 to ?+0.5 D were considered emmetropic, and ?+0.50 D were considered hypermetropic. RNFL thickness and GCL thickness were correlated with age, gender, spherical equivalent, and axial length. The mean global RNFL thickness was 104.58 ?m ± 7.567. Conclusion: There exists a negative correlation between RNFL thickness and macular GCL thickness with increasing severity of myopia and increase in axial length, and the possible reason could be stretching of the sclera, which further leads to stretching of the retina, resulting in thinner RNFL and macular GCL thickness
ABSTRACT
Background: Prevalence of undernutrition among infants <6 months are very high in India. WAZ is the most sensitive predictor of mortality among infants <6 months as compared to other anthropometric parameters. However, taking weight and calculating z-score in the community setting have many challenges. Taking mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) is more feasible in a field setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 419 infants <6 months in a tertiary care hospital in India to identify appropriate MUAC cutoffs for identifying underweight (WAZ<-2) and severe underweight (WAZ<-3) among infants <6 months by calculating sensitivities, specificities and Youden indices. Cohen kappa coefficients were calculated to assess agreements between MUAC and WAZ cutoffs. Results: The MUAC cut-offs for underweight and severe underweight were calculated as 11cm (Youden Index: 0.503; sensitivity: 83.4%; specificity: 66.9%) and 10.9cm (Youden Index: 0.504; sensitivity: 76.3%; specificity: 74.1%), respectively. Kappa coefficients to diagnose underweight with MUAC<=11cm was highest at 0.48. Conclusions: The MUAC cut-off of 11cm could reliably be used to screen infants <6 months with underweight and severe underweight for providing appropriate care in the Indian settings.