Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease: A rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare and generally self-limiting disease of uncertain etiology that presents with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy in both the pediatric and adult populations. Here, we present the case of a 5-year-old male who presented with acute onset of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy which was initially diagnosed and managed as staphylococcal lymphadenitis. He underwent an excisional biopsy when symptoms persisted, which confirmed the diagnosis of KFD and was managed conservatively. This case study emphasizes awareness of this entity in the differential diagnosis of fever with persistent lymphadenopathy. Due to its characteristic overlap with other disorders such as tuberculous lymphadenitis, and lymphoma, KFD remains an arduous diagnosis for physicians. Therefore, awareness about its symptoms helps in minimizing potentially harmful unnecessary evaluations and thereby preventing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Terapia a laser de alta intensidade para rigidez muscular dos isquiotibiais: fundamentação e desenho do estudo para estudo controlado randomizado simples-cego / High-intensity laser therapy for hamstring muscle tightness: rationale and study design for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

CONTEXTO: Sentar-se por muito tempo e um estilo de vida sedentário podem resultar em encurtamento dos isquiotibiais. Um declínio na atividade física regular pode levar a uma diminuição da flexibilidade do músculo em um adulto mais jovem. Aumentar a flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais pode diminuir as possibilidades de lesões e prevenir a dor lombar. A aplicação da terapia a laser de alta intensidade (TLAI) tem demonstrado inúmeros benefícios para diversas condições. No entanto, até o momento, não hápesquisas publicadassobre a eficácia dessaterapia para melhorar o comprimento dos músculos isquiotibiais em adultos jovens saudáveis. Este artigo descreve o protocolo de estudo para investigar os benefícios do TLAI no tratamento da rigidez muscular dos isquiotibiais em adultos jovens. MÉTODOS: 136 indivíduos jovens saudáveis serão recrutados, pelo método de amostragem intencional, para participar de um estudo randomizado, simplescego e controlado por simulação. Os participantes recrutados serão divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, o grupo TLAIativo e o grupo TLAI placebo. A duração do tratamento será de 8 a 10 minutos por sessão em ambos os membros inferiores, em dias alternados, durante duas semanas. O teste de extensão ativa do joelho e o teste de sentar e tocar são as medidas de resultado que serão registradas na linha de base, no final do período pós-intervenção de 2 semanas. O valor de p ≤0,05 será considerado estatisticamente significativo. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados do estudo fornecerão os dados para determinar se aTLAI seria uma futura intervenção não farmacológica não invasiva para reduzir a tensão muscular dos isquiotibiais em adultos jovens. REGISTRO DE ENSAIO: Registro de Ensaios Clínicos NCT05077761.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle may result in hamstring shortness. A decline in regular physical activity could lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the muscle in a younger adult. Increasing hamstring muscle flexibility could decrease the possibility of injuries and prevent low back pain. The application of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has proved to be innumerable benefits for many conditions. However, to date, no published research is available on the effectiveness of this therapy in improving hamstring muscle length in healthy young adults. This article describes the study protocol for investigating the benefits of HILT in treating hamstring muscle tightness among young adults. METHODS: 136 healthy young individuals will be recruited, by purposive sampling method, to participate in a randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled study. Recruited participants will be randomly divided into two groups, the active HILT group, and the sham HILT group. The treatment duration will be 8-10 minutes per session, on both lower limbs, for alternate days a week, for two weeks. The active knee extension test and sit-toe and touch test are the outcome measures that will be recorded at baseline, end of the 2-week post-intervention period. The p-value ≤0.05 will be considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The study findings will provide the data to determine whether HILT would be a future non-pharmacological non-invasive intervention to reduce hamstring muscle tightness among young adults. TRIAL REGISTRY: Clinical Trials Registry NCT05077761.

A Rare Case of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Maxilla: Findings on F‑18 FDG and Ga‑68 DOTANOC PET‑CT / 대한핵의학회잡지

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin that most commonly involves the pleura but can be found anywhere in the body. SFT can range from indolent benign tumors to aggressive malignant tumors, and pre-operative diagnosis is based mainly on imaging. In this case report, we describe an extremely rare case of SFT of left maxilla on F-18 FDG PET-CT and Ga-68 DOTANOC PET-CT. Very few cases of PET-CT findings in SFT are reported in literature; and to our knowledge, none involving the maxilla. By highlighting the findings on F-18 FDG and GA-68 DOTANOC PET-CT, we aim to further add on to the role of both the tracers in the diagnosis and management of this tumor group.

Posterior polar cataract: Hydrodissection and nucleus rotation in manual small-incision cataract surgery not a taboo with proper fluidics

A posterior polar cataract is a discoid posterior polar plaque-like cataract with a thin and fragile to absent posterior capsule with adherent acellular opacity to the capsule reported in the literature. It is a stationary or slowly progressive opacity. A higher risk of complications such as posterior capsular tear and nucleus drop makes this a challenging surgery. The techniques described in the literature include bimanual irrigation aspiration, leaving the plaque for later Yag, bimanual micro phaco, Lambda technique with dry aspiration, Phaco if opacity <4 mm and soft nucleus, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), pars plana lensectomy (PPL) if opacity >4 mm and soft nucleus, intra-capsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) if opacity >4 mm with the hard nucleus, viscodissection, 3 ports PPL, PPV, low parameters phaco, modified epinucleus removal, inverse horse-shoe technique, standard phacoemulsification, chip and flip for soft cataracts, stop and chop for hard cataracts, layer-by-layer phacoemulsification, standard lens aspiration, pars plicata posterior vitrecto-rhexis, manual small-incision cataract surgery, and conventional extracapsular extraction. A posterior capsule rupture rate of 0 to 36% is reported in different series for cataract extraction. To prevent this dreaded complication, surgeons used many modifications. Minimal hydrodissection in posterior polar cataract extraction was described by Fine et al. The authors describe a technique of low flow manual small-incision cataract surgery with minimal hydrodissection and nucleus rotation with no associated posterior capsule rent. This demonstrates that if the fluidics is understood and corrected, then minimal hydrodissection and nucleus rotation is not taboo in posterior polar cataract extraction by manual small-incision cataract surgery.

Tunnel-floor entry continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis technique: Rhexis in a controlled and stable anterior chamber always

Continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) was demonstrated independently by Thomas Neuhann, Kimiya Shimizu, and Howard Gimbel in the 1980s and it finds mention in the landmark paper by Gimbel and Neuhann. The authors describe a technique of achieving the rhexis in a stable, viscoelastic-filled anterior chamber using the tunnel floor as the entry. This gets covered by the roof of the tunnel postoperatively and, therefore, does not leak. There is no oar-locking or striae even when cystitome goes beyond the edge of the tunnel. As there is no escape of the viscoelastic substance, there is no change in the pressure or shallowing of the anterior chamber. It is a useful technique for beginners. It is of great help in difficult cases like intumescent cataracts, shallow anterior chambers, hyperopes, nanophthalmos, pseudoexfoliation, small non-dilating pupils, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), and phacomorphic glaucoma.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Dental Students and Faculty Members Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines in Dental Colleges of Haryana, India - A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among dental students and faculty members regarding COVID?19 vaccines in dental colleges in Haryana, India. Objectives: To assess knowledge level, attitudes, and beliefs differences among BDS, MDS students and faculty members and find association between knowledge and COVID?19 vaccine inoculation among study participants. Materials and Methods: A cross?sectional study was carried out among students and faculty members of dental colleges in Haryana, India. Data collection was done via an online questionnaire based on questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding COVID?19 vaccines. Results: The present study comprised of 270 study participants, where majority, i.e., 81.5% have reported COVID?19 vaccine inoculation. The mean knowledge score of the participants was reported to be 5.54 ± 2.19. A significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score of faculty members (7.81 ± 1.69), MDS (6.72 ± 1.49), and BDS (4.39 ± 1.68) students. COVID?19 vaccine inoculation was found to be significantly associated with average knowledge score of participants (OR = 6.1, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Dental professionals have an adequate degree of knowledge and attitude level regarding COVID?19 vaccines and are generally optimistic about resolving the pandemic situation with the immunization.

The Role of Tranexamic Acid in the Prevention and Management of Blood Loss in Total Joint Arthroplasty / O papel do ácido tranexâmico na prevenção e gerenciamento da perda de sangue na artroplastia total de articulação

Abstract Objective To collect data on the role played by tranexamic acid in the prevention and management of blood loss in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Methods In the present prospective, comparative study, 30 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups with 15 patients each. Tranexamic acid was administered by intravenous and topical routes in the study group, but it was not administered in the control group. Preoperative blood parameters, intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, and need for blood transfusion were noted. Statistical analysis was performed using the chisquared test and the independent t-test. Results The study group had statistically significant higher postoperative hemoglobin values (p = 0.03), less difference between pre and postoperative hemoglobin value (p = 0.046), less difference between pre and postoperative packed-cell volume (p = 0.06), less intraoperative measured blood loss (p = 0.015), and less volume of blood collected in the drain (p = 0.0291) compared with the control group. There was also reduced frequency of blood transfusions in the study group (p = 0.0008). Conclusion Tranexamic acid is associated with reduced intra and postoperative blood loss and reduced frequency of blood transfusions in patients undergoing THA/TKA.

Resumo Objetivo Coletar dados sobre o papel desempenhado pelo ácido tranexâmico na prevenção e gerenciamento da perda de sangue em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ) e à artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ). Métodos Neste estudo prospectivo e comparativo, 30 pacientes submetidos à ATQ ou à ATJ foram alocados aleatoriamente em 1 de 2 grupos com 15 pacientes. O ácido tranexâmico foi administrado por rotas intravenosas e tópicas no grupo de intervenção, mas não foi administrado no grupo controle. Foram observados parâmetros sanguíneos pré-operatórios, perda de sangue intrae pós-operatória e necessidade de transfusão de sangue. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se teste do qui-quadrado e o teste-t independente. Resultados O grupo de intervenção apresentou hemoglobina mais elevada no pósoperatório de forma estatisticamente significante (p = 0,03), menor diferença entre concentração de hemoglobina pré- e pós-operatória (p = 0,046), menor diferença entre volume de células embaladas pré- e pós-operatório (p = 0,06), menor perda de sangue intraoperatória medida (p = 0,015) e menor volume de sangue coletado na drenagem (p = 0,0291) em comparação com o grupo controle. Também houve redução da frequência de transfusões de sangue no grupo de intervenção (p = 0,0008). Conclusão O ácido tranexâmico está associado à redução da perda sanguínea intraoperatória e pós-operatória e à redução da frequência de transfusões de sangue em pacientes submetidos à ATQ/ATJ.

Knowledge, attitude and practices among sanitation workers regarding SARS-CoV-2 prevention – A cross-sectional study

Aim: To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices among sanitation workers regarding SARS?CoV?2 prevention during hospital waste management. Materials and Methods: A cross?sectional study was conducted among 426 sanitation workers using an interviewer?administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the study participants. The unpaired t?test and Spearman’s correlation were used to find the mean difference and correlation among different study variables. Statistical significance was set at 5% (confidence interval 95%). Results: The mean knowledge score of the participants was found to be 7.15 ± 2.02. About 93.7% of the participants had good knowledge about COVID?19. About 64.3% of the participants strongly agreed that COVID?19 is a life?threatening disease. Regarding practices, a majority reported (69.7%) that they washed hands frequently using water and soap. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge, attitude, practices and education, indicating a favourable work environment in hospital settings. Conclusion: More than half of the sanitation workers and housekeeping staff had adequate knowledge of COVID?19, and their attitudes were found to be favourable. They also had satisfactory practices, which may be a result of the prompt training and sensitization of sanitation workers by the authorities. Clinical Relevance: Sanitation workers come under the essential services category and their knowledge, attitude and practices needed to be assessed and updated in the concerned area for their protection and better management of biomedical waste, especially in the current pandemic situation.

Safety and efficacy of ayush rasayana A and B in improving functionality of the elderly – A single-arm multicenter study

Background: As per Ayurvedic classics, Ras?yana is a term used for unique therapeutic measures intended to improve cognition, memory, physical strength and delay the degenerative processes. Ayush Rasayana A & B are developed from extracts of herbs pertaining rasayana property. Aims & Objectives: To assess the safety and effectiveness of ‘Ayush Rasayana A and B’ in improving physical endurance, quality of life and cognition of elderly. Materials and Methods: This is an open label, single arm, multi-centre study among 256 apparently healthy elderly between 60?75 years. Ayush Rasayan A was given for 6 days and Ayush Rayana B for 180 days. The effect of the trial drug was seen on functional capacity, quality of life and cognitive function and, safety of the intervention was assessed through haematological and biochemical tests, clinical examination and incidence of adverse events. Results: Significant improvement in 6 minute walk test and HMSE score was observed at 187th as compared to baseline (p<0.0001). Quality of life of the participants especially in domains of physical health, social relationship and environment also improved at the end of intervention period (p<0.0001). The haematological and bio-chemical parameters showed no significant changes as compared to baseline and no adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusion: Ayush Rasayana A and Ayush Rasayana B, both were well tolerated by all the participants. This ayurvedic intervention can be safely given to apparently healthy elderly to improve their functionality, quality of life and cognition. However, a randomized controlled trial is warranted to substantiate the efficacy of this drug.

A Cross Sectional Study on Nutritional Status and Risk Factors Associated With Malnutrition among Elderly Population in Hyderabad

Introduction: The elderly population is growing much faster. Ageing is a global phenomenon and it is expected that by 2050 every country in the world will have substantial increase in population aged 60 years and above. Malnutrition is common among older people over 60 years of age. They are likely to experience morbidity, premature mortality, poor quality of life and reduced functional ability than normally nourished persons. Malnutrition increases health care costs, reduces productivity, and slows economic growth, which can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and ill-health. Hence combating malnutrition in all its forms is one of the greatest global health challenges. Objectives: 1) To assess the nutritional status among elderly population in Hyderabad. 2) To assess the risk factors which are associated with malnutrition among elderly population. Method: A Cross sectional study was conducted in July - September 2021 among elderly persons aged 60 years and above residing in urban slums of Hyderabad. Considering the estimated prevalence of malnutrition among elderly population to be 14.5%, the sample size was calculated as 198 and was rounded off to 200. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.6. A predesigned, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Malnutrition was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Results: Among 200 participants, 52.5% were females. The mean age of the study population was 68.3 years. Among them 18% of the study participants were malnourished, 27% were at risk of malnutrition and 55% had normal nutritional status. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of elderly people at high risk for malnutrition may improve their nutritional status and prognosis

Terapia a laser de alta intensidade (Class IV) e fonoforese em gel de ibuprofeno para o tratamento de osteoartrite de joelho entre pessoas que vivem em terreno montanhoso: um protocolo de ensaio multicêntrico, duplo-cego randomizado / High-intensity laser therapy (Class IV) and ibuprofen gel phonophoresis for treating knee osteoarthritis among people living in hilly terrain: A randomized, double blind, multi-centre trial protocol

INTRODUÇÃO: Pessoas que vivem em terrenos íngremes com carga cíclica anormal podem levar à degeneração da cartilagem óssea. A terapia a laser de alta intensidade (TLAI) e a fonoforese trazem inúmeros benefícios aos pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho (OAJ). No entanto, ainda não está claro qual tratamento é eficaz entre eles na reabilitação de pacientes com OAJ. OBJETIVO: Verificar se a TLAI de 8 semanas não é pior que a fonoforese em gel de ibuprofeno (FGI) no tratamento de pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho que vivem em terreno montanhoso. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Um total de 108 indivíduos com OAJ serão recrutados por amostragem aleatória simples para participar de um estudo randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado. Os indivíduos recrutados com OAJ serão divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, grupo TLAI (grupo experimental) e grupo FGI (grupo controle). A duração do tratamento de TLAI e FGI será de 8 minutos em uma sessão/articulação do joelho para cada dia, por 3 dias/semana até 8 semanas, além de seus exercícios convencionais por 30 minutos. O Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index, o algômetro digitalizado de pressão de dor e o questionário de 36 itens Short-Form Health Survey são as medidas de resultado que serão registradas ao término, no final do período pós-intervenção de 8 semanas. PERSPECTIVAS: Os resultados deste ensaio contribuirão para recomendações baseadas em evidências para a implicação clínica de que o TLAI não é pior que o FGI juntamente com a intervenção de exercício para tratar indivíduos com OAJ que vivem em terreno íngreme.

INTRODUCTION: People living in hilly terrain with abnormal cyclic loading could lead to bone cartilage degeneration. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and Ibuprofen gel phonophoresis (IGP) have innumerable benefits for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, it is still unclear which treatment is effective among them in rehabilitating patients with KOA. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether 8-week HILT is no worse than the IGP in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis living in hilly terrain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 individuals with KOA will be recruited by simple random sampling to participate in a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Recruited individuals with KOA will be randomly divided into two groups, the HILT group (experimental group) and the IGP group (active control group). The treatment duration of HILT and IGP will be 8 minutes in one session/knee joint for each day for 3 days/week up to 8 weeks in addition to their conventional exercises for 30 minutes. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Digitalized pain pressure algometer, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire are the outcome measures that will be recorded at baseline, end of the 8-week post-intervention period. PERSPECTIVES: The results from this trial will contribute to evidencebased recommendations for the clinical implication of whether HILT is no worse than IGP, along with exercise intervention for treating individuals with KOA living in hilly terrain.

Estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua para melhorar o desempenho matemático em crianças discalculia de desenvolvimento em idade escolar: um único grupo pré-teste-pós-teste, estudo quase experimental / Transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance mathematical performance in school going developmental dyscalculic children: A single group pretest-posttest, quasi experimental study

INTRODUÇÃO: A discalculia do desenvolvimento (DD) lida com o desempenho matemático prejudicado e afeta as atividades educacionais e do dia a dia das crianças. Há evidências de que a estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) aplicada ao córtex parietal posterior facilita a estrutura neuronal hipoativa e melhora o desempenho matemático em indivíduos com DD. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar se tDCS adjuvante com treinamento convencional de numeramento (CNT) aumentaria as habilidades matemáticas de crianças em idade escolar afetadas com DD. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Treze crianças em idade escolar afetadas com DD receberam tDCS e CNT três sessões por semana por até 2 semanas. Foi dada estimulação anódica esquerda e catódica direita na região P3 / P4, com intensidade de 2mA, combinada com CNT por 30 minutos em um dia. O inventário de diagnóstico de deficiência de aprendizagem (LDDI) foi usado como uma medida de resultado e coletado no início e no final da intervenção de 2 semanas. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora significativa no desempenho matemático de crianças em idade escolar. Os resultados mostram uma melhora estatística e clinicamente significativa após 2 semanas de intervenção. CONCLUSÕES: tDCS combinado com CNT é eficaz para melhorar as habilidades matemáticas de crianças em idade escolar afetadas com DD. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem uma nova perspectiva para a reabilitação de crianças com DD em idade escolar.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental dyscalculia (DD) deals with impaired mathematical performance and affects children's educational and day-to-day activities. There is evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the posterior parietal cortex facilitates the hypoactive neuronal structure and improves mathematical performance in individuals with DD. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate whether tDCS adjuvant with conventional numeracy training (CNT) would enhance the mathematical abilities of school-going children affected with DD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen school-going children affected with DD received tDCS and CNT three sessions per week for up to 2 consecutive weeks. Left anodal and right cathodal stimulation at P3/P4 region with 2mA intensity combined with CNT for 30 minutes in a day was given. Learning disability diagnostic inventory (LDDI) was used as an outcome measure and collected at baseline and the end of the 2-week intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the mathematical performance of school-going children. The results show statistically as well as a clinically significant improvement after the two weeks of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: tDCS combined with CNT effectively improves the mathematical abilities of school-going children affected with DD. The findings of this study provide a new perspective for the rehabilitation of school-going DD children.

Reabilitação funcional em unidades de terapia intensiva para pacientes pós-craniotomia: protocolo de estudo / Functional rehabilitation in intensive care units for post craniotomy patients: study protocol

INTRODUÇÃO: A craniotomia torna mais fácil a compreensão e abordagem do cérebro, mas acompanha as doenças. As unidades de terapia intensiva são equipadas com fisioterapeutas profissionais treinados para lidar com esses efeitos deletérios após este programa cirúrgico, mas falta um protocolo progressivo, definido e apoiado por evidências para esses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade do protocolo de neuro-reabilitação elaborado para pacientes pós-craniotomia durante sua internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) para melhorar seus resultados funcionais e reduzir seu tempo de internação (LOS). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Será um ensaio de quase viabilidade pós-teste de pré-teste de grupo único. Quinze pacientes submetidos à craniotomia serão recrutados para o estudo e serão processados com protocolo de Neuro-reabilitação por 60 minutos do primeiro dia da cirurgia até o 15º dia da cirurgia. O resultado primário será a Escala de Habilidades Funcionais Precoces (EFA) para medição de resultados funcionais como nível de consciência, habilidades sensório-motoras, habilidades cognitivo-perceptuais e habilidades oromotoras de pacientes que serão avaliadas no primeiro dia após a craniotomia. Os resultados secundários incluirão Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS), Escala de Recuperação de Coma - Revisada (CRS-R), Técnica de Reabilitação de Avaliação de Modalidade Sensorial (SMART), Escala de Ashworth modificada modificada (mMAS), Pontuação de Avaliação Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA) e Conselho de Pesquisa Médica Escala (MRC). As avaliações serão feitas no primeiro e no décimo quinto dia pós-operatório. PERSPECTIVAS: Espera-se que este protocolo melhore os resultados funcionais e reduza a incidência de ocorrência de comorbidades em pacientes após craniotomia em UTI.

INTRODUCTION: Craniotomy makes insight and approach towards the brain easier but accompanies ailments. Intensive care units are equipped with trained professional physical therapists working over these deleterious after-effects of this surgical program, but a progressive, defined, and evidence-supported protocol for such patients is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a Neurorehabilitation protocol devised for post-craniotomy patients within their stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to improve their functional outcomes and reduce their length of stay (LOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It will be a single group pre-test post-test quasi feasibility trial. Fifteen patients undergoing craniotomy will be recruited for the trial and will be rendered with Neuro-rehabilitation protocol for 60 minutes from the first day of surgery up to 15 days of surgery. The primary outcome will be the Early Functional Abilities (EFA) Scale to measure functional outcomes like conscious level, sensorimotor abilities, cognitive-perceptual abilities, and oro-motor abilities of patients, which will be assessed first-day post craniotomy. Secondary outcomes will include Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Sensory Modality Assessment Rehabilitation Technique (SMART), Modified Ashworth Scale (mMAS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score (MoCA), and Medical Research Council Scale (MRC). Assessments will be taken on the first and fifteenth days post-surgery. PERSPECTIVES: It is expected that this protocol might improve functional outcomes and may reduce the occurrence of comorbidities in patients after Craniotomy in ICUs.

Association of insight, avoidance behavior, indecisiveness, and inflated responsibility with other clinical characteristics in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Objectives: Although the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) includes ancillary symptom dimensions - insight, avoidance, degree of indecisiveness, inflated sense of responsibility, pervasive slowness/disturbance of inertia, and pathological doubting -, we know little about their clinical/scientific utility. We examined these ancillary dimensions in childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and tested their associations with clinical characteristics. Methods: Treatment-seeking children and adolescents (n=173) with a DSM-5 OCD diagnosis were recruited from six centers in India and evaluated with a semi-structured proforma for sociodemographic/clinical details, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, the CY-BOCS, the Children's Depression Rating Scale, and the Family Interview for Genetic Studies. Regression analysis was used to study the associations between ancillary dimensions (independent variables) and clinical variables (dependent variables). Results: 87.9% of the sample reported at least a mild-moderate severity of ancillary dimensions, which were highly intercorrelated. Multiple ancillary dimensions were correlated with illness severity on the CY-BOCS. On regression analysis, only insight and avoidance retained significance. There were few differential associations between OCD symptom and ancillary dimensions. Conclusion: Ancillary dimensions are more a feature of illness severity than differentially associated with individual symptom dimensions in childhood OCD. Insight and avoidance should be considered for inclusion in the assessment of illness severity in childhood OCD.

Níveis de conscientização da comunidade rural, desafios e estratégias adotadas para combater o COVID-19: uma e-survey transversal / Rural community awareness levels, challenges and strategies adopted to combat COVID-19: A cross-sectional E-survey

COVID-19 tem um efeito generalizado nas economias rurais em todo o mundo. Tem afetado a renda familiar e os negócios em todos os setores das economias rurais. O lockdown devido ao surto de COVID-19 limita a atividade física regular e ao ar livre, e ainda pode levar a um risco aumentado de condições crônicas de saúde. A atividade física e a ioga desempenham papel vital para quebrar o tédio causado pelo lockdown e, assim, podem melhorar a qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Identificar o nível de consciência e desafios enfrentados pelas pessoas de comunidades rurais devido ao surto COVID-19. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Um total de 36 participantes foram recrutados pelo método de amostragem de conveniencia de cinco aldeias diferentes no Distrito, Ambala, Haryana, Índia. Os questionários da pesquisa eletrônica foram distribuídos por meio do aplicativo móvel de mensagens WhatsApp. O questionário foi elaborado incorporando a escala Likert de três pontos com três domínios, 1) Conscientização, 2) Desafios e, 3) Estratégias e 12 itens. A validação do questionário foi realizada pelos juízes por meio do método Delphi survey até S-CVI / Ave > 0,8. A tendência central e a dispersão da variável contínua idade foram expressas em média com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Os dados categóricos foram relatados em frequências, porcentagem (%) e tamanho da amostra (n). Os níveis de significância foram estabelecidos em 0,05 para minimizar o erro Tipo 1. RESULTADOS: Índice de validade de conteúdo do questionário, S-CVI / Ave = 0,90. Ao entrar em contato com 36 participantes em potencial, um total de 27 respostas da pesquisa foram registradas. Consequentemente, a taxa de resposta (RR) foi encontrada em 75%. A média com IC de 95% de idade foi de 30,8 (27,3; 34,3) anos. Um total de 94% (n = 25) dos moradores estavam cientes do COVID-19, 88% (n = 24) estavam enfrentando desafios e 86% (n = 23) dos participantes estavam adotando as melhores estratégias que incluem, de zona de contenção, uso de máscara artesanal composta de roupas, consumo de fitoterápicos tradicionais como potenciadores de imunidade para profilaxia e envolvimento em atividade física regular e ioga . CONCLUSÃO: As populações rurais que está ciente de COVID-19 e ter conhecimento adequado sobre COVID-19. Eles estavam enfrentando desafios devido ao COVID-19 e preparados com as melhores estratégias / métodos de combate ao COVID-19.

COVID-19 has a widespread effect on rural economies all over the world. It has affecting household incomes, and businesses in every sector of rural economies. Lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak limiting the outdoor and regular physical activity, and further can leads to increased risk of chronic health conditions. Physical activity and yoga play a vital role in breaking the boredom due to COVID-19 lockdown and thereby, improves the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To identifying the level of awareness and challenges faced by the people of rural communities due to the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 participants were recruited by convenient sampling method from five different villages in District, Ambala, Haryana, India. E-survey questionnaires were circulated through WhatsApp messaging mobile-based application. The questionnaire was formed incorporating the three-point Likert scale with three domains, 1) Awareness, 2) Challenges and, 3) Strategies and 12 items. The questionnaire validation was carried out by the experts through Delphi survey method until S-CVI/Ave > 0.8. The central tendency and dispersion of continuous variable age were expressed in mean with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Categorical data were reported in frequencies as a percentage (%) and sample size (n). The levels of significance were set at 0.05 to minimize Type 1 error. RESULTS: The content validity index of the questionnaire, S-CVI/Ave = 0.90. By contacting 36 potential participants, a total of 27 survey responses were recorded. Hence, the response rate (RR) was found to be 75%. The mean with 95% CI of age was 30.8 (27.3 to 34.3) years. A total of 94% (n=25) of villagers were aware of COVID-19, 88% (n=24) were facing challenges, and 86% (n=23) of participants are adopting the best strategies which includes, sealing of containment zone, usage of homemade mask made up of clothes, consuming traditional herbal medicine as immunity boosters for prophylaxis and involving in regular physical activity and yoga. CONCLUSION: The rural populations were aware of COVID-19 and having adequate knowledge about COVID-19. They were facing challenges due to COVID-19 and prepared with the best strategies/methods to combat COVID-19.

Experience of management of abdominal cysts

Benign intra-abdominal cystic masses in children are rare and they have diverse etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation. The present study highlights the experience in the management of benign intra-abdominal cysts pertaining to the diverse etiologies associated with these lesions. The medical records of our hospital between November 2016 to November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with cystic abdominal masses were studied with respect to less different clinical presentations, localization of masses, diagnostic tests, surgical aapproaches, histopathological examinations and outcome. Out of the 55 cases, most common lesion was a choledochal cyst. Miscellaneous diagnosis includes an omental cyst, urachal cyst and a pedunculated bile duct cyst. All the cystic lesions of the abdomen need to be considered as close differentials in clinical practice due to the common presentations and similar symptoms produced by these lesions. All the lesions were managed by exploratory laparotomy except two ovarian cysts which were managed with laparoscopic approach.

A study on obstetric patients with corona virus infection requiring critical care

Background: Coronavirus cause respiratory tract infection that can range from mild to lethal like cold, fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, nausea, diarrhoea, pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock and death. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations of obstetric patients with COVID-19 infection requiring critical care, their 02 requirements, complications, co-morbidities associated and mortality related to it.Methods: A study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cama and Albless hospital, Mumbai including 31 patients with SARS CoV-2 infection requiring critical care. Necessary information such as their detailed clinical, and obstetric history, clinical examination, investigations was noted.Results: In our study, the most common symptoms were shortness of breath, followed by fever. PIH was the most common co morbidity associated and pneumonia as most common complication. Anemia, thrombocytopenia and NLR>4 were found more common in intensive care unit (ICU) admitted patients as compared to non-ICU admitted patients. 77.4% of patients had abnormal chest X-ray with 25.8% requiring mechanical ventilation.Conclusions: COVID 19 infection is affecting pregnant women resulting in mild to lethal disease. Most of pregnant women are asymptomatic or have mild disease but some of them require critical care. These women should be monitored carefully to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.

Ensaio clínico randomizado: padrão ouro de desenhos experimentais - importância, vantagens, desvantagens e preconceitos / Randomized clinical trial: gold standard of experimental designs - importance, advantages, disadvantages and prejudice

Ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) são o padrão ouro para desenho experimental de estudo ou ensaio clínico. Apenas por meio de uma investigação do tipo ECR é possível avaliar e demonstrar a relação de causa-e-efeito entre um conjunto de variáveis independentes e dependentes. O ECR adicionou vantagens em relação aos outros modelos experimentais, principalmente devido à presença de um grupo controle. Existem várias críticas à validade interna das pesquisas em saúde, incluindo preconceitos e desvantagens que são apontadas para seu descrédito. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo é informar características, vantagens, desvantagens e desvios deste método científico. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Análise crítica de método científico com base em revisão narrativa da literatura. Foi consultada a base de dados Medline por meio dos portais PubMed e Scopus, sem data de início e até julho de 2020, para extração das informações relativas aos ECR. Apenas artigos de língua inglesa foram incluídos, usando as palavras-chave "estudo randomizado controlado", "ensaio clínico randomizado", "projeto experimental" e "estudo experimental", intercaladas pelos operadores booleanos "AND ," "OR" e "NOT". Anais de conferências e resumos não foram considerados para a análise dos dados. RESULTADOS: Dos ECR selecionados, foram extraídas características, vantagens, desvantagens, importância e vantagens dos controles em pesquisa, o princípio de equilíbrio, ensaios clínicos randomizados na população pediátrica, ECR na população geriátrica, ameaças à validade interna e medidas para minimização de viéses e preconceitos em ECR. CONCLUSÃO: Tópicos relevantes dos ECR foram explicados nesta revisão que devem guiar pesquisadores clínicos.

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard of experimental design or clinical trial design. Only by RCT in research, the cause-and-effect relationship between a set of independent and dependent variables could be demonstrated. RCT has added advantages over other experimental designs due to the presence of the control group. The importance of control in health research trials and its advantages to be elaborated. Though various threats to internal validity in health research trials could be minimized by RCT, various biases in RCT and disadvantages add to its discredit. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present narrative review is to brief the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and various biases in RCT. METHODS: This review does not follow the PRISMA statement, as it was a narrative review. Two databases, namely, Medline through PubMed and Scopus, were searched from inception to July 2020 for the information pertaining to RCTs and included in this narrative review. Only English language articles were searched with the keywords, "Randomized controlled trial," "Randomized clinical trial," "experimental design," and "experimental study." These keywords are linked together by the Boolean words, "AND," "OR" and "NOT." Conference proceedings and only abstracts were not considered for the review. RESULTS: RCTs were explained under characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, importance, and advantages of controls in research, the principle of equipoise, RCTs in the pediatric population, RCTs in the geriatric population, threats to internal validity and steps to minimize them and various biases in RCTs. CONCLUSION: The narrative presentation of RCTs under various important topics have been explained in this review.

Parathyroid Adenoma with Unusual Clinical Features

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon disease with an incidence of 21 cases per 100,000 per year (approximately).1 Symptoms produced by hyperplasia of the parathyroid are classified into three categories: a) those due to skeletal changes, b) due to urinary changes c) due to hypercalcemia itself.2 They may also be due to the mechanical effect of the tumour such as dysphagia or a feeling of fullness in the neck.3 While symptoms due to pressure per se are rare, it is possible for the tumour to be located such that constant irritation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve may set up local triggers, which when stimulated produce several episodes of coughing and sneezing followed by weakness and at times, syncopal episodes.

Study of clinical profile of accidental poisoning in children

Background: Accidental poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Poisoning is one of the medical emergencies encountered in the emergency department. Accidental poisoning is common in toddlers and pre-school children. Aim of this study was to determine the agents of poisoning and demographic distribution of children brought to Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital with a history of accidental poisoning.Methods: The study method was descripitive study done in pediatric department at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital for 18 months, from 1 December 2017 to 31 May 2019. 25 cases were of accidental poisoning. Data was analysed by statistical analysis.Results: The prevalence of accidental poisoning was 0.1%. There was male preponderance, 16 cases were male (64%) and 9 were female (36%), hydrocarbon (40%) was the most common household agent causing poisoning, followed by pyrethroid (24%), followed by NSAID’S (8%). Most common symptom was vomiting. The mean time elapsed to reach hospital was 97.80 minutes. In majority of the cases, hospital stay was for 2 days in (13 cases (52%)).Conclusions: Children become victims of accidental poisoning. Most common agents of poisoning are household products and medications.