ABSTRACT
Purpose: To study the imaging and clinical perspectives of a recent epidemic of rhinocerebral mucormycosis during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic in India. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included clinical and imaging data of 24 diagnosed cases of acute rhinocerebral mucormycosis who were presented to our hospital in May 2021. The clinical profile and imaging data of the patients were documented. Results: 18 patients (75.0%) had moderate to severe COVID-19 illness with a history of oral or intravenous corticosteroid intake. 19 patients (79.2%) had presented with hyperglycemia at the time of admission. Nasal discharges with or without black crusts and facial swelling (79.2%) were the most commonly reported complaints, followed by headaches or facial pain (62.5%). All cases demonstrated the involvement of one or more paranasal sinuses in imaging, with predominantly unilateral involvement. Extra sinusoidal involvement was commonly seen, with abnormalities seen in retromaxillary and masticator space, orbit, face, oral cavity, pterygopalatine fossa, and deep spaces of the neck, cavernous sinus, and brain. Conclusion: An upsurge of mucormycosis cases during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be closely related to uncontrolled hyperglycemia and corticosteroid therapy. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are invaluable in establishing an early diagnosis, defining the extent of disease, and helping in immediate surgical planning.
ABSTRACT
Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop a duplex endpoint PCR assay for rapid detection and differentiation of Leptospira strains. METHODS: Primers were designed to target the rrs (LG1/LG2) and ligB (LP1/LP2) genes to confirm the presence of the Leptospira genus and the pathogenic species, respectively. RESULTS: The assay showed 100% specificity against 17 Leptospira strains with a limit of detection of 23.1pg/µl of leptospiral DNA and sensitivity of 103 leptospires/ml in both spiked urine and water. CONCLUSIONS: Our duplex endpoint PCR assay is suitable for rapid early detection of Leptospira with high sensitivity and specificity.
Subject(s)
DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , DNA Primers , Leptospira/classification , Species Specificity , Sensitivity and Specificity , Leptospira/isolation & purification , Leptospira/geneticsABSTRACT
Thorough knowledge of root canal morphology is a prerequisite for successful root canal treatment. Although the possibility of finding three root canals in the mandibular second premolar is relatively small, it should not be overlooked. The aim of this paper was to report a five-year follow-up of a root canal treatment performed on a mandibular premolar with two roots and three root canals