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Covid-19 has devastated human lives and stretched the limits of the medical profession and health systems. Using the mixed methods of online survey and online focus group discussions, we assessed how medical students and interns of two medical colleges in South India viewed the profession they had chosen. Of the 900 participants, 571(63.4%) had a positive perception of the medical profession, 77(8.6%) a negative perception and 252(28%) were undecided. The year of study in medical school was significantly associated with their perception of the medical profession, with interns more likely to have a negative perception (p<0.001). An overwhelming 823(91.4%) participants remained confident of their career choice, but a higher proportion of interns were less confident or regretful about their choice of profession compared to first to fourth year students (p<0.001). Most participants experienced moral distress; they acknowledged a duty to care but were troubled by personal risk, inadequate protection, and limited resources. Gaps were identified in medical and ethics training particularly regarding uncertainties and coping with deficiencies of the health system as encountered in the pandemic. The essential role played by doctors with its required competence, care and ethics cannot be assumed or expected without investment in the making of the future doctor through more socially embedded medical education imparting the skills of understanding the public, responding to them and being the advocate for their equitable and optimal care. An ethics of responsiveness emerges as important for healthcare, also for medical education in preparation for future health crises.
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Background: Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult on morphology alone in poorly differentiated tumors and metastatic carcinomas. Appropriate immunohistochemical markers are required for definite diagnosis. In this article, we have analyzed the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of HCC and elucidate the best possible immunohistochemistry (IHC) marker combination by comparing the sensitivity of various markers in different grades of tumor. Methods: A total of 116 consecutive cases were analyzed retrospectively. The hematoxylin and eosin stained sections were reviewed in all the cases. IHC was done using hepatocellular specific antigen (HSA), arginase?1, glypican?3, and polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA). The sensitivity of various immunohistochemical markers individually as well as in combination for different tumor grades was determined. Results: Histologically, the predominant subtype comprised of classic variant (109,93.9%) followed by combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (4,3.4%) and fibrolamellar variant (3,2.6%). Trabecular pattern was the most common histological pattern. On grading, 65,56.03% were moderately differentiated, 34,29.31% well differentiated, and17, 14.65% poorly differentiated. HSA and polyclonal?CEA showed higher sensitivity than arginase?1 and glypican?3 in well and moderately differentiated tumors. In contrast arginase?1 and glypican?3 showed better sensitivity in poorly differentiated HCC. The overall sensitivity increased to greater than 90% if HSA/polyclonal?CEA is combined with either arginase?1/glypican?3 irrespective of tumor grade. Conclusion: Majority of the tumors were classic variants and moderately differentiated. HSA along with either arginase?1 or glypican?3 is the best combination of immunomarker for identification of hepatocellular differentiation irrespective of tumor grade.
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Trauma is a global challenge and India has one of the highest trauma deaths in the world. Despite the United Nations’ target to halve the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030, death tolls from road traffic injuries (RTI) are rising in India. In the pediatric age group, falls from height add to the burden of trauma. Uncontrolled bleeding from exsanguination on scene is estimated to account for nearly 40% of RTI trauma related mortality. Stopping the bleeding in the first few minutes is crucial for meaningful survival and hence the role of training lay public who can reach the scene in minutes. Active bleeding control (ABC) pilot research project to simulation train the bystanders to stop the bleed showed promising outcomes in Hyderabad, India. This paper describes the ABC project and discusses the role of pediatricians in training the public to reduce morbidity and mortality from uncontrolled bleeding at the trauma scene.
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Background: Carcinoma cervix contributes to a major proportion of cancer treatment in tertiary oncology centers. The outcomes are dependent on multiple factors. We conducted an audit to establish the pattern of treatment practiced for carcinoma cervix at the institute and suggest changes thereof to improve the quality of care. Methodology: A retrospective observational study of 306 diagnosed cases of carcinoma cervix was carried out for the year 2010. Data was collected with regards to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Out of 306 cases, 102 (33.33%) patients received only radiation therapy and 204 (66.66%) patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The most common chemotherapy used was weekly cisplatin 99 (48.52%), followed by weekly carboplatin 60 (29.41%) and three weekly cisplatin 45 (22.05%). Disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years was 36.6% with patients of overall treatment time (OTT) of <8 weeks and >8 weeks showing DFS of 41.8% and 34% (P = 0.149), respectively. Overall survival (OS) was 34%. Concurrent chemoradiation improved overall survival by a median of 8 months (P = 0.035). There was a trend towards improved survival with three weekly cisplatin regimen, however, insignificant. Stage correlated with improved overall survival significantly with stage I and II showing 40% and stage III and IV showing 32% (P < 0.05) OS. Acute toxicity (grade I-III) was higher in the concurrent chemoradiation group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This audit was a first of its kind in the institute and threw light on the treatment and survival trends. It also revealed the number of patients lost to follow-up and prompted us to review the reasons for it. It has laid the foundation for future audits and recognized the importance of electronic medical records in the maintenance of data
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Background: Rectal prolapse is protrusion of rectum through anal canal, and proccidentia ~ complete prolapse is the term used when full thickness rectal wall prolapse . 30 patients presenting with Materials and methods: mass per rectum were evaluated & diagnosed clinically as having rectal prolapse were included in the study. The recurrence rate for the abdominal mesh Results: rectopexy is considered to be lower than Perineal Delorme's procedure. There was no recurrence in the rectopexy group. There was 1 recurrence (10%) in Delorme's group. .Better outcomes achieved when treatment individualized to Conclusion: each patient. Abdominal rectopexy for patients who can tolerate laparotomy & significant constipation. .Delorme's considered in young patients with short prolapse but with acceptable recurrence rate.
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Introduction: There is an increased population of elderly globally due to advancement of technology in health care. Elderly individuals are susceptible to various diseases, owing to deficits in nutrition or healthy lifestyle. Serum albumin and C‑reactive protein (CRP) are found to be sensitive to nutritional status as well as inflammation. This study is an attempt to analyze the prognostic value of CRP and serum albumin and analyze its usefulness as a prognostic marker in assessing morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Methodology: One hundred patients above the age of 65 years and were admitted to the emergency care facilities of our tertiary care center were recruited for the study. Serum albumin and CRP estimation was done on the day of admission along with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and was follow-up till discharge. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate relationship between the serum values and CCI scores. Results: It was observed that 83.3% (10/12) of deaths occurred in those with low serum albumin levels, and 91.6% (11/12) with high CRP levels. The hazard ratio shows a 6% increased probability of death with one unit increase in CRP, whereas a one unit increase in serum albumin value decrease the probability of death. Conclusion: The present study concludes that low serum albumin and high CRP levels at the time of admission in the elderly population are associated with high CCI scores, longer hospital stay, and increased risk of mortality, demanding their estimation in the elderly in emergency and acute care facilities.
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Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are an uncommon group of neoplasms. The visceral pleura is the most common site of origin of these tumors. The colonic mesentery is an unusual site of origin of SFTs. A pre-operative diagnosis of SFT is challenging as there are no pathognomonic clinical or radiological signs. Most patients reported thus far were diagnosed post-operatively with the aid of immunohistochemical markers. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for SFTs. Recurrences are uncommon. However, they can occasionally show aggressive behavior. In this report, we describe two cases of rare colonic mesentery SFTs.
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ABSTRACT Introduction Endocarditis is a rare, often fatal complication of rat bite fever caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. Only 39 cases have been reported (including this case) as of 2022. We describe a case and aim to perform this entit's first systematic literature review. Methods We performed a systematic review in CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS. The terms used were terms used were (but not limited to) rat bite fever, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Spirillum minus, and endocarditis. We included all abstracts and articles with patients with echocardiographic or histologic-proven endocarditis. In case of discordance, a third reviewer was involved. Our protocol was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42022334092). We also performed searches for studies on the reference list of included articles. Results We retrieved 108 and included 36 abstracts and articles. A total of 39 patients (including our report) were identified. The mean age was 41.27, and 61.5% were males. The most common findings were fever, murmur, arthralgias, fatigue, splenomegaly, and rash. Underlying heart disease was present in 33%. Exposure to rats was noted in 71.8% of patients, with 56.4% recalling a rat bite. Anemia was seen in 57%, leukocytosis in 52%, and elevated inflammatory markers in 58% that had lab work performed. The mitral valve was most affected, followed by the aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. Surgical intervention was required in 14 (36%) cases. Of those, 10 required valve replacement. Death was reported in 36% of cases. Unfortunately, the literature available is limited to case series and reports. Conclusion Our review allows clinicians to suspect better, diagnose, and manage Streptobacillary endocarditis.
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Background: Coal?fired thermal power plants (TPPs) have a serious impact on soil, air, and water quality resulting in deterioration of health and environment around the plant. Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the respiratory health status of the population around the plant and to measure selected heavy metals in fly ash, air, water, and soil samples. Materials and Methods: The current cross?sectional study was conducted among 3533 adult residents living in two strata within 10 km radius around the TPP in Udupi district of Karnataka state. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire and spirometry and environmental air monitoring by DustTrak aerosol monitor, water, and soil samples were collected for analysis. Results: Majority of the study participants were in the age group of >45 years (41.4%). 70.6% were females and 0.39% were trans?genders. 4.3% were suffering from various respiratory problems. Bivariable logistic regression showed subjects aged 46–65 years and >65 years have 2.91 times and 4.42 times higher odds of respiratory disease as compared to those with age ?45 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed significant association between higher age group (P < 0.0001) and in subjects who had closed window during cooking (P < 0.006). Levels of heavy metals in soil samples and particulate matter 2.5 were well within permissible limits whereas the ground water samples had excess levels of iron, manganese, and copper. Conclusion: The present study has implications for policymaking to protect the environment and health of vulnerable populations in industrial clusters and the vicinity of power plants.
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Nizatidine is an anti-secretogogue and a gastroprotective drug with a half-life of 1-2 h and is well absorbed in the stomach. This study aimed to optimize the process and develop floating microparticles of nizatidine that are based on low methoxyl pectin. Oil-in-oil dispersion method and Taguchi orthogonal array design were employed, and the prolonged residence time of the microparticles in the stomach was demonstrated. The constraints for independent variables, viz. A-polymer, B-internal solvent volume, C-surfactant, D-stirring rate and E-stirring time were set to generate the experimental runs. Particle size, percentage yield, micromeritic properties, entrapment efficiency, in vitro buoyancy and in vitro release were characterized. Surface morphology, zeta potential, in vitro release kinetics and in vivo floating performance of the optimized formulation was examined. The microparticles were free-flowing, irregular in shape and had a mean particle size distribution of 73-187 µ. Low methoxyl pectin played a predominant role in achieving buoyancy and optimum gastric retention for the modified release of the drug, suggesting Korsmeyer-Peppas model as the possible release mechanism. In vivo radiographic study in rabbits revealed that the drug was retained in the stomach for a period of 6 h. These results indicate that nizatidine floating microparticulate system provides modified drug release for the effective treatment of gastric ulcer
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Rabbits , Stomach/drug effects , Nizatidine/antagonists & inhibitors , Efficiency/classification , Solvents/adverse effects , Stomach Ulcer/pathology , In Vitro Techniques/instrumentation , Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage , Kinetics , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared/methods , Drug LiberationABSTRACT
Cerebral vascular malformations constitute one of the key abnormalities in children with PHACE syndrome, which is characterized by Plaque like cutaneous hemangiomas, Posterior fossa abnormalities, arterial Cerebrovascular and Eye abnormalities, with or without Sternal clefts (PHACES when sternal clefts are present), and associated midline anomalies. Both moyamoya arteriopathy and intracranial aneurysms have been reported in children with this syndrome. Herein, we report the successful treatment of a growing left posterior-communicating artery aneurysm arising from an aberrant left internal carotid artery (LICA) with balloon assisted coiling (BAC) in a child with PHACE syndrome. We circumvented the limitations posed by the narrow caliber of the proximal LICA, by successfully navigating a coiling microcatheter from the basilar artery into the LICA via a persistent trigeminal artery. BAC was then achieved using a Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter for aneurysm neck remodelling.
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Cerebral vascular malformations constitute one of the key abnormalities in children with PHACE syndrome, which is characterized by Plaque like cutaneous hemangiomas, Posterior fossa abnormalities, arterial Cerebrovascular and Eye abnormalities, with or without Sternal clefts (PHACES when sternal clefts are present), and associated midline anomalies. Both moyamoya arteriopathy and intracranial aneurysms have been reported in children with this syndrome. Herein, we report the successful treatment of a growing left posterior-communicating artery aneurysm arising from an aberrant left internal carotid artery (LICA) with balloon assisted coiling (BAC) in a child with PHACE syndrome. We circumvented the limitations posed by the narrow caliber of the proximal LICA, by successfully navigating a coiling microcatheter from the basilar artery into the LICA via a persistent trigeminal artery. BAC was then achieved using a Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter for aneurysm neck remodelling.
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Cytorace-3 is a laboratory evolved hybrid lineage of Drosophila nasuta nasuta males and Drosophila nasuta albomicans females currently passing ~850 generations. To assess interracial hybridization effects on gene expression in Cytorace-3 we profiled the transcriptomes of mature ovaries and testes by employing Illumina sequencing technology and de novo transcriptome assembling strategies. We found 26% of the ovarian, and 14% of testis genes to be differentially expressed in Cytorace-3 relative to the expressed genes in the parental gonadal transcriptomes. About 5% of genes exhibited additive gene expression pattern in the ovary and 3% in the testis, while the remaining genes were misexpressed in Cytorace-3. Nearly 772 of these misexpressed genes in the ovary and 413 in the testis were either over- or under-dominant. Genes following D. n. nasuta dominance was twice (270 genes) than D. n. albomicans dominance (133 genes) in the ovary. In contrast, only 105 genes showed D. n. nasuta dominance and 207 showed D. n. albomicans dominance in testis transcriptome. Of the six expression inheritance patterns, conserved inheritance pattern was predominant for both ovary (73%) and testis (85%) in Cytorace-3. This study is the first to provide an overview of the expression divergence and inheritance patterns of the transcriptomes in an independently evolving distinct hybrid lineage of Drosophila. This recorded expression divergence in Cytorace-3 surpasses that between parental lineages illustrating the strong impact of hybridization driving rapid gene expression changes.
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Cytorace-3 is a laboratory evolved hybrid lineage of Drosophila nasuta nasuta males and Drosophila nasuta albomicans females currently passing ~850 generations. To assess interracial hybridization effects on gene expression in Cytorace-3 we profiled the transcriptomes of mature ovaries and testes by employing Illumina sequencing technology and de novo transcriptome assembling strategies. We found 26% of the ovarian, and 14% of testis genes to be differentially expressed in Cytorace-3 relative to the expressed genes in the parental gonadal transcriptomes. About 5% of genes exhibited additive gene expression pattern in the ovary and 3% in the testis, while the remaining genes were misexpressed in Cytorace-3. Nearly 772 of these misexpressed genes in the ovary and 413 in the testis were either over- or under-dominant. Genes following D. n. nasuta dominance was twice (270 genes) than D. n. albomicans dominance (133 genes) in the ovary. In contrast, only 105 genes showed D. n. nasuta dominance and 207 showed D. n. albomicans dominance in testis transcriptome. Of the six expression inheritance patterns, conserved inheritance pattern was predominant for both ovary (73%) and testis (85%) in Cytorace-3. This study is the first to provide an overview of the expression divergence and inheritance patterns of the transcriptomes in an independently evolving distinct hybrid lineage of Drosophila. This recorded expression divergence in Cytorace-3 surpasses that between parental lineages illustrating the strong impact of hybridization driving rapid gene expression changes.
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Midgut malrotation is a congenital anomaly seen usually in childhood. Its presentation as an acute intestinal obstruction is extremely rare in adults usually identified intra operatively. A high index of suspicion is always required when dealing with any case of acute intestinal obstruction. We report a case of young adult who presented with symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction and was diagnosed intra-operatively as cecal volvulus with impending perforation caused by midgut malrotation. Malrotation of the intestinal tract is seen due to aberrant embryology. The presentation of intestinal malrotation in adults is very rare. Contrast enhanced Computed tomography (CT) can show the abnormal anatomy clearly. Anomalies like midgut malrotation can present as an operative dilemma and awareness regarding these conditions can help surgeons deal with these conditions.
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Background: The objective of the study was to validate Amit Jain’s staging system for cellulitis in diabetic and non-diabetic lower limbs and to predict the outcomes associated with cellulitis and surgical procedures done in them.Methods: We conducted a prospective study in department of surgery at Raja Rajeswari Medical College and Hospital Bengaluru, India. The study period was from December 2018 to November 2019. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22 and R environment ver.3.2.2.Results: A total of 36 patients were included in this study of which 21 were diabetics and were in placed in group A and 15 were non diabetics and placed in group B. 83.3% of the patients were males. 73.3% of non-diabetics had stage 1 cellulitis and 33.3% of diabetics had stage 1 and 2 each. 47.2% of patients underwent debridement and it was significantly common in diabetics (p=0.037) and also it was common in higher stages of cellulitis (p=0.001). 8.3% had amputation in this series. All the major amputations were done in stage 4 cellulitis (p=0.002).Conclusions: In this validation study, it can be seen that cellulitis is common in both diabetics and non-diabetics but it is severe in diabetic patients. Stage 3 was more common in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Amit Jain’s staging system of cellulitis is a simple, easy, practical, focal classification that guides therapy and predicts amputation.
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A pre-Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) column derivatization procedure was developed for thesimultaneous quantification of essential amino acids (EAAs) in the solid oral dosage pharmaceutical formulation.This analytical procedure has been validated with the help of the concept of total error. The total error approach (thecombination of systematic and random error) is a decision-making tool for ensuring the performance of the method.Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride was used as a derivatization reagent. The amino acid derivatives were separatedon a C18 column (internal diameter 2.1 × 100 mm, 1.6 µm) by gradient elution with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid andacetonitrile:water (90:10, v/v), respectively, as mobile phase A and B. About 10 EAAs could be detected at 265 nm in35 minutes with a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. The linearity range of each amino acid was between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/ml.The accuracy and risk profiles were considered acceptable across the range. The precolumn derivatization procedureand the concept of the validation of total error could be used as an appropriate strategy to demonstrate the suitabilityof the analytical procedure for the separation and evaluation of EAA in solid oral dosage formulations.
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Background: Varicose veins defined as dilated, tortuous, subcutaneous veins ≥3 mm in diameter, measured in the upright position with demonstrable reflux. Though the history of varicose veins dates prehistorically, the advances in diagnosis and new management modalities gained attention recently. The aim of the present study was to study the clinical profile, risk factors and their association, different types of surgical procedures employed and complications associated with varicose veins.Methods: A one year observational after ethical committee approval was conducted by department of general surgery at ACSR Medical College. Cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were clinically examined and duplex ultrasound colour Doppler was performed for diagnosing the varicose veins and findings of site of incompetence was noted. All the cases were operated and followed up for six months period. The results were tabulated and analyzed in Microsoft Excel for any corrections.Results: Eighty cases with 66.25% males and 33.75% females with mean age of 40.24 years and majority (40%) were in 41 to 50 years group. 60% of cases had varices in right limb and long saphenous vein was involved in 52.5% of cases.85% had dilated veins, perforator incompetence was noted below the knee in 30% of cases. 41.25% of cases saphenofemoral flush ligation with stripping of long saphenous vein. Wound infection was the common postoperative complication.Conclusions: Operative line of management should be the first line of treatment even though conservative management relieves the symptoms but always requires a definitive management.
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Background: Thyroid nodules are a common entity encountered in clinical practice and the prevalence by palpation is only 3-7%, but on ultrasonographic evaluation it is 20-76% with wide variability. Accurate prediction of malignancy with minimal diagnostic modalities and assessing the risk factors in malignancy may help in reducing extensive procedures. The objective of the study is to assess the risk factors associated with development of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules and to find out the percentage of malignancy among the cases of solitary nodules.Methods: A three year prospective study was conducted at ACSR medical college and all cases diagnosed as solitary thyroid nodules were enrolled and institutional ethical approval was obtained. Socio demographic data, clinical history and ultrasonogram findings were collected and entered in a separate data sheet for analysis. Fine needle aspiration cytology, histopathological examination was done and reported findings were noted. Statistical analysis was done in SPPS version 20 and ‘p’ value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: 128 cases of solitary thyroid nodules (STN) with 41 male and 87 female cases and F:M ratio of 2.13:1 with mean age of 46.6±10.8 years was enrolled. 43.75% were euthyroid, 47.66% were hypothyroid and 8.59% were hyperthyroid on hormonal evaluation. Micro calcification was observed in 50.78%, increased vascularity in 38.28% and irregular margins in 34.38% of cases. Colloid goitre was predominant observation on fine needle aspiration cytology (40.6%) and follicular adenoma (32%) on histopathology.Conclusions: Features of micro calcification, solid echogenicity, and associated lymphadenopathy are associated features with increased risk of malignancy among STN.