Our 10-Year Experience with Atrial Myxomas: Is Concurrent Valve Intervention Really Warranted?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary cardiac myxomas are rare tumors. Concurrent valvular lesion is a common finding on evaluation which is thought to be due to annular dilatation secondary to tumor movement across the valve, functional obstruction across the valve, and severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstruction. A common belief among surgeons is that excision of myxoma leads to abatement of symptoms, and further valve intervention may not be warranted. Methods: A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was designed to analyze patients who underwent excision of cardiac myxoma at our center. Data was analyzed regarding presenting features, echocardiographic findings of myxoma and valve morphology, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative outcome with/without valve repair/replacement in all patients. Results: A total of 22 patients underwent surgery for myxoma. Six patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty, two had moderate mitral regurgitation, three had severe mitral regurgitation, and one patient had no mitral regurgitation on preoperative assessment, but moderate mitral regurgitation was found intraoperatively. Four of these patients had no residual mitral regurgitation in follow-up period while two had mild residual mitral regurgitation. One patient had severe mitral stenosis of concurrent rheumatic etiology and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement. Conclusion: Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with mitral valve insufficiency. Mitral valve should be assessed intraoperatively after excision of mass as preoperative assessment might often be insufficient. Concomitant mitral valve intervention might be needed with a case-specific tailored approach, and mitral valve repair with ring annuloplasty offers best surgical outcome in such cases.

Nothing is impossible if you have the right tools and techniques to support

Background: Zonular weakness is a known complication that a surgeon can encounter during cataract surgery. Purpose: The purpose of this video is to make surgeons aware about the different tools and techniques available to handle zonulopathy. Synopsis: This video describes the various causes of zonular weakness and different tools available to manage zonular weakness intraoperatively. The surgical technique of using the tools is also demonstrated in the video. Highlights: Causes of zonular weakness and surgical techniques to handle it intraoperatively.

Timing of Surgery and Pre-operative Physiological Parameters as Clinical Predictors of Surgical Outcomes in Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Fractures and Dislocations / Momento da cirurgia e parâmetros fisiológicos pré-operatórios como fatores preditivos clínicos de desfechos cirúrgicos em fraturas e luxações traumáticas subaxiais da coluna cervical

Abstract Objective To evaluate the risk factors and outcomes in patients surgically treated for subaxial cervical spine injuries with respect of the timing of surgery and preoperative physiological parameters of the patient. Methods 26 patients with sub-axial cervical spine fractures and dislocations were enrolled. Demographic data of patients, appropriate radiological investigation, and physiological parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, PaO2 and ASIA impairment scale were documented. They were divided pre-operatively into 2 groups. Group U with patients having abnormal physiological parameters and Group S including patients having physiological parameters within normal range. They were further subdivided into early and late groups according to the timing of surgery as Uearly, Ulate, Searly and Slate. All the patients were called for follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months. Results 56 percent of patients in Group S had neurological improvement by one ASIA grade and a good outcome irrespective of the timing of surgery. Patients in Group U having unstable physiological parameters and undergoing early surgical intervention had poor outcomes. Conclusion This study concludes that early surgical intervention in physiologically unstable patients had a strong association as a risk factor in the final outcome of the patients in terms of mortality and morbidity. Also, no positive association of improvement in physiologically stable patients with respect to the timing of surgery could be established.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os fatores de risco e os desfechos em indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de lesões subaxiais da coluna cervical em relação ao momento da cirurgia e aos parâmetros fisiológicos pré-operatórios dos pacientes. Métodos O estudo incluiu 26 pacientes com fraturas e luxações subaxiais da coluna cervical. Dados demográficos, investigação radiológica apropriada e parâmetros fisiológicos, como frequência respiratória, pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, pressão parcial de oxigênio (PaO2) e escalas de disfunção da American Spine Injury Association (ASIA), foram documentados. No período pré-operatório, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo instável (I) continha pacientes com parâmetros fisiológicos anormais e o grupo estável (E) era composto por pacientes com parâmetros fisiológicos dentro da faixa de normalidade. Os pacientes foram ainda subdivididos em grupos de tratamento precoce e tardio de acordo com o momento da cirurgia como Iprecoce, Itardio, Eprecoce e Etardio. Todos os pacientes foram chamados para consultas de acompanhamento em 1, 6 e 12 meses. Resultados Cinquenta e seis por cento dos pacientes do grupo E apresentaram melhora neurológica em um grau ASIA e desfecho bom independentemente do momento da cirurgia. Os desfechos em pacientes do grupo I com parâmetros fisiológicos instáveis e submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica precoce foram maus. Conclusão Este estudo conclui que a intervenção cirúrgica precoce em pacientes com instabilidade fisiológica teve forte associação como fator de risco no desfecho final em termos de mortalidade e morbidade. Além disso, não foi possível estabelecer nenhuma associação positiva de melhora em pacientes com estabilidade fisiológica em relação ao momento da cirurgia.

Plaque brachytherapy – Radiating positivity

Background: Plaque brachytherapy is an evolving, yet effective globe and vision-sparing modality for the treatment of intraocular tumors by transscleral irradiation of the tumor base with a radioactive implant. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) along with the collaboration of the international multicenter Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) was assembled to reach a consensus regarding establishing practice guidelines and setting standards of care for intraocular tumors. The advent of plaque brachytherapy has revolutionized the outcomes of intraocular tumors, thus ensuring globe salvage, reducing morbidity and mortality, and avoiding cosmetic disfigurement. A well-planned dosimetry for plaque brachytherapy results in achieving local tumor control and excellent prognosis. Purpose: This technique provides the advantage of focal radiation, thus eliminating the damage to the adjacent structures, minimal periorbital tissue damage, absence of cosmetic disfigurement owing to lack of retarded bone growth as seen in external beam radiotherapy. Thus, it reduces the risk of metastasis, and with the recent advances, it provides a shorter duration of treatment. Synopsis: In this video, we shall display the concept of plaque brachytherapy, the various types of plaques available, different radiations sources, planning dosimetry and calculations, target disease spectrum, surgical placement, and post-radiation outcomes in terms of local tumor control and prognosis. Highlights: This video highlights the history, basic principles and techniques of plaque brachytherapy and provides an understanding of its applications in the world of ocular oncology.

Determination of a cut-off value for the serological diagnosis of scrub typhus by detecting anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi immunoglobulin M

Background & objectives: The diagnosis of scrub typhus (ST) is usually done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) due to its ease of performance and reading objectivity. The cut-off value for ELISA needs to be calculated for each geographical location as it depends on zonal endemicity of the disease. This study was, therefore, undertaken to calculate the pan-India cut-off for anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) immunoglobulin M (IgM) by ELISA. Methods: Samples from cases (cases of ST) and controls (voluntary, consenting, healthy adults) were collected by a network of 29 laboratories across India and tested for anti-OT IgM by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the considered gold standard test. These samples were retested by ELISA for anti-OT IgM and their optical densities (ODs) were used for cut-off estimation by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Anti-OT IgM ELISA ODs from 273 controls and 136 cases were used for the cut-off estimation. The ODs of the anti-OT IgM ELISA on healthy individuals and those of confirmed ST cases ranged from 0.1 to 0.75 and 0.5 to 4.718, respectively. ROC curve-based cut-off for ELISA was calculated as 0.554 at a sensitivity of 95.2 per cent and specificity of 95.1 per cent. A value of >1 was noted to have a specificity of 100 per cent in diagnosing ST. Interpretation & conclusions: The cut-off calculated for India was similar to the previous cut-off that was used until now.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele with ipsilateral hydroureteronephrosis in an adult: A case report

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is very rare in adults and difficult to suspect on clinical examination. ASH is a very unusual presentation of scrotal hydrocele with extension intra-abdominally through the inguinal canal either communicating to the peritoneal cavity or non-communicating. An ASH is a congenital pathology involving a scrotal hydrocele expanding through the inguinal canal and reaching the abdominal cavity. Here, we present the case of a 25-year-old man admitted with a complaint of pain and lump in the left lower abdomen for 2 months and swelling in the left groin for 2 years. Ultrasound and computed tomography suggest left ASH with left-sided hydroureteronephrosis. A left DJ stent was placed and on exploration, a large cystic mass was seen intraperitoneally extending into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. Excision of the abdominal part and partial excision of the scrotal part were done with eversion of the remaining tunica vaginalis sac. Although ASH is a rare entity, it should always be kept on the list of differential diagnoses during the complaint of large abdominal mass in adults.

Prevalence and correlates of social networking addiction and its association with adult ADHD and stress among students of a medical college

Introduction: Repeated use of social network is said to cause addiction. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is disorder found in childhood. Studies have shown that such children continue to have the symptoms of ADHD as adults. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of social networking addiction and Internet addiction and their relationship with ADHD. Also, to assess the relationship between perceived stress and sociodemographic factors with social networking and internet addiction. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students of BMCRI after ethical clearance. Medical students who gave consent were included through stratified random sampling. Those who were taking treatment for psychiatric illness were excluded. Scales like the Young Internet addiction test (IAT); Bergen’s Facebook Reporting Scale, ADHD Self-Reporting Scale, and Wender Utah Brief Rating Scale for ADHD, and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for perceived stress have been used. Results: The mean age was found to be 21.56 ± 3 years. 62.6% were males and 37.33% of were females. The prevalence of Internet addiction was found to be 23.3% (n = 35), with 2% (n = 3) were having severe addiction, 6.6% (n = 10) were having moderate Internet and 14.6% (n = 22) having mild internet addiction according to modified Young’s criteria (2011). The prevalence of social networking addiction as per the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) score was 4.66% and adult ADHD was 15%. There was a strong positive correlation (0.76) between Internet Addiction and Facebook addiction scores and between BFAS score and IAT score. A moderate positive correlation (0.46 and 0.47) between Internet addiction and Facebook addiction with perceived stress and ADHD and IAT score with PSS score and ASRS score, weak positive correlation with PSS score and ASRS score was observed. Conclusion: A significant proportion of medical students develop Internet addiction and minority develops social network addiction. Furthermore, perceived stress and ADHD scores are positively correlated with internet and social networking addiction.

Perception on effect of AYUSH treatment among patients with selected NCDs at life style diseases clinics from six states of India: Lessons learnt and way forward

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.

Tobacco use and its impact on survival in young patients with oral cancer

Background: Tobacco is a major risk factor associaetd with developing oral factor. Recent studies have shown that the age of onset, especially in Asia, is reducing. This study was to determine if tobacco exposure correlated with prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoms (OSCC) based on age at diagnosis. Methods: Six hundred and forty three patients of OSCC treated in our institution were divided into four groups, younger patients (?45 years) with or without tobacco exposure and older patients (>45 years) with or without tobacco exposure, and compared with respect to prognostically relevant variables, disease?free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was performed. Results: The percentage of those with tobacco exposure was comparable in both age groups. Tobacco correlated with known pathological determinants in OSCC; however, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and extranodal extension were significantly more common in the young. On survival analysis, tobacco exposure impacted OS (P = 0.04) and DFS (P = 0.03) in patients ?45 years, and not in older patients >45 years. On multivariate analysis, tobacco exposure in the young was significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.03, hazard ratio (HR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07�94) but not survival. Conclusion: Younger patients with a history of tobacco use have a significantly higher risk of recurrence and mortality due to OSCC, but this difference could not be attributed to any of the known prognostic determinants in OSCC. Younger patients also had more adverse pathological features. Whether this occurs because of altered disease biology or pathways of carcinogenesis in the young wi

OCULAR FINDINGS OF TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS – A CASE REPORT

The term “Neurocutaneous syndromes” also known as Phakomatoses refers to a broadcategory of congenital diseases that includes anomalies of neuroectodermal and occasionallymesodermal development, hence commonly involving the skin, eyes and central nervoussystem. The term Phacomatoses was coined by Van Der Hoeve in 1921. Tuberous sclerosisis one type of Neurocutaneous syndromes. The word "tuberous sclerosis" comes from thedistinctive cortical tubers that Désiré-Magloire first described. Tuberous sclerosis is ahereditary disorder that affects numerous body systems. A 30 year old female diagnosed asTuberous sclerosis was referred by Dermatology Department. Detailed ophthalmicexamination was done. Patient was diagnosed with Adenoma sebaceum of upper eyelids inboth eyes and multiple retinal hamartoma in left eye.

Anesthetic management of a pediatric patient with situs solitus and dextrocardia

Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare heart condition with a genetic predisposition. Although most individuals lead a normal healthy life and usually, it is an incidental finding. Due to their unique anatomical variations and associated congenital variations, they may pose challenges to attending clinicians. We are hereby reporting a successful anesthetic management of the case of a 2.5-year-old child who presented for emergency laparotomy and on investigations, was found to have dextrocardia along with situs solitus.

TRACING THE ROOTS OF AGGRESSIVE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AND APPREHENSION ANXIETY AMONG SPORTS PERSONS: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

gressive violent behavior and apprehension anxiety are two common mental health issues that sports persons often experience. These issues can have negative effects on the sports persons' performance, as well as their overall well-being. This paper aims to explore the roots of these mental health issues and their relationship with sports participation. There are various factors that contribute to aggressive violent behavior among sports persons. One major factor is the intense competition that is inherent in sports. Sports persons often feel pressure to win, which can lead to frustration and aggression. Additionally, some athletes may have a predisposition towards aggression due to genetics or past experiences. Apprehension anxiety is another issue that many sports persons face. This anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear of failure, fear of injury, or fear of public speaking. Sports persons may also experience anxiety due to the high expectations placed on them by coaches, fans, and teammates. Furthermore, social and cultural factors can contribute to these issues among sports persons. The culture of sports may glorify aggression, which can lead sports persons to believe that aggression is necessary to succeed. Additionally, social pressures can lead sports persons to suppress their emotions, leading to increased levels of anxiety and aggression. It is important for sports organizations and coaches to recognize the causes of these mental health issues and to implement strategies to prevent and address them. By addressing these issues, sports organizations can help sports persons to perform at their best while also maintaining their mental well-being.

A cross-sectional evaluation of behavior and attitude of pharmacists toward dispensing non-OTC drugs without prescription in a city of Southern Rajasthan

Background: Over the counter (OTC), drugs are found to be safe and appropriate for use without supervision of a healthcare professional such as physician and they can be purchased by consumers without prescription. The study gains its importance because of the spreading of misuse of antibiotics and various drugs adverse drug reactions in the society. Aims and Objectives: The main aim of the study is to observe as to how many pharmacists/chemists/drug store sellers follow or violate the drug cosmetic act. Materials and Methods: It is an observational and cross-sectional study conducted among pharmacies of Udaipur city, urban areas of Southern Rajasthan. The study includes a sample size of 200 pharmacies selected through convenient random sampling. A detailed semi-structured questionnaire is administered to the pharmacists. The set of questions include types of drugs, reason for dispensing, knowledge, and attitude of pharmacist toward dispensing non-OTC drugs. All the private pharmacies willing to participate were included in the study. Data are entered in Microsoft Excel and statistically analyzed. Results: The results throw light on the behavior and pattern of dispensing habits of the drug store sellers of the city of Udaipur, Southern Rajasthan. It was observed that many pharmacists are in fact in the habit of dispensing non-OTC drugs in almost all the areas. Conclusions: Results give insights about the groups of drugs, logic, behavior, and knowledge level of pharmacists involved in dispensing practices in the city of Udaipur. There should be structured educational campaigns (or use of media, internet, newspaper, radio, television, advertisements, mobiles, etc.) for both pharmacists and public.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Snake Bite Patients from Tertiary Healthcare Center: In Sub-Himalayan Region: A Medical College-based Study

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.

Optimization and evaluation of tear protein elution from Schirmer’s strips in dry eye disease

Purpose: Extraction of tear protein from Schirmer’s strip is a prerequisite for the proper identification and screening of biomarkers in dry eye disease. The study compares different methods of extraction of tear proteins from the Schirmer’s strip. Methods: Reflex tear was collected from healthy controls (HC; n = 12), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS; n = 3) and dry eye disease (DED; n = 3) patients using capillary tube. This tear was used to measure the volume absorbed by Schirmer’s strip per microliter. Different buffers (6) were used to compare the protein yield from the Schirmer’s strip in four different conditions. The tear proteins extracted using the highest protein yield buffer were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Results: A linear relationship between the tear volume and wetting length was observed (r = 0.0.997, n = 6). The highest yield was observed after incubation of the Schirmer’s strip in 100 mM ammonium bicarbonate (ABC) with 0.25% Nonidet P?40(NP?40) at 4°C for an hour (P < 0.00005). The in?solution digestion of tear eluted in the above condition 100 Mm ABC + 0.25% NP?40 with one?hour incubation yielded a total of 2119 proteins in HC, SJS, and DED. The unique protein observed in SJS and DED was 0.6% and 17.9%, respectively. The significantly expressed proteins are associated with innate immune response, proteolysis, wound healing, and defense response. Conclusion: A method for extraction of protein from Schirmer’s strip was optimized for increase in protein yield from the tear sample. SJS and DED tear samples have unique protein signature. The study will aid in better design of tear protein?based experimental study.

Use of complementary and alternative medicines in ENT outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly gaining popularity along with main treatment streams these days. Physicians cannot ignore this fact and should question and counsel patients about pros and cons of CAM for cure of different ailments. Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study was to know about use of CAM among patients visiting Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) outpatient department (OPD) in tertiary care hospital of Southern Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in ENT OPD for 2 months. Two hundred and fifty patients were considered for the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and made to be filled by the patients during their visit to ENT OPD after taking informed consent. Various questions were asked like extent of use of alternative therapies, type of CAM used by the patients, patient’s knowledge about ADRs and drug interactions, reasons for which alternative medicine might have been used. Results: Among 250 patients, CAMs were used by 36 patients. The most common CAMs were either Ayurveda or Homoeopathy medicines or both. The majority of patients obtained their information from family and friends. Maximum patients used these alternative medicines for relief of cough and hoarseness of voice. Conclusion: The study throws light on use of alternative drug therapy and streams of medicine along with routine hospital treatment among patients visiting ENT OPD. This knowledge helps to understand about patients’ alternative approach to diseases, about self-medication, patient’s belief about different types of therapies and also ignorance of possible health hazards, side effects, and complications due to use of concomitant main and alternative medicines for treatment purposes.

Virtual keratoconus monitoring clinic in a tertiary university hospital in the United Kingdom

Purpose: To describe a new pathway for virtual keratoconus (KC) monitoring in the corneal department of a tertiary referral center in the UK during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) pandemic. Methods: A virtual outpatient clinic to monitor KC patients (KC PHOTO clinic) was created. All patients from the KC database in our department were included. At each hospital visit, patients’ visual acuity and tomography (Pentacam; Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) were collected by a health?care assistant and an ophthalmic technician, respectively. The results were virtually reviewed by a corneal optometrist to identify stability or progression of KC and discussed with a consultant if needed. Those with progression were contacted by telephone and listed for corneal crosslinking (CXL). Results: From July 2020 until May 2021, 802 patients were invited to attend the virtual KC outpatient clinic. Of them, 536 patients (66.8%) attended and 266 (33.2%) did not attend. After corneal tomography analysis, 351 (65.5%) were stable, 121 (22.6%) showed no definite evidence of progression, and 64 (11.9%) showed progression. Forty?one (64%) patients with progressive KC were listed for CXL and the remaining 23 patients deferred treatment after the pandemic. By converting a face?to?face clinic to a virtual clinic, we were able to increase our capacity by nearly 500 appointments per year. Conclusion: In pandemic times, hospitals have developed novel methods of delivering safe patient care. KC PHOTO is a safe, effective, and innovative method of monitoring KC patients and diagnosing progression. In addition, virtual clinics can increase the clinic capacity tremendously and reduce the need of face?to?face appointments, which is beneficial in pandemic conditions.