Aqueous deficiency dry eye in post conjunctivitis cicatrization - Effect of deep thermal punctal cautery

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of deep thermal punctal cautery in eyes with post?conjunctivitis cicatrization. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of patients who underwent deep thermal punctal cautery for post?conjunctivitis dry eye (PCDE). The diagnosis was based on a history suggestive of viral conjunctivitis in past followed by the onset of present clinical features of aqueous deficiency dry eye (ATD). All patients underwent a rheumatological evaluation to rule out underlying systemic collagen vascular disease as a cause for dry eye. The extent of cicatricial changes was noted. Best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Schirmer’s test, and fluorescein staining score (FSS; total score of 9) were analyzed pre? and post?cautery. Results: Out of 65 patients (117 eyes), 42 were males. The mean age at presentation was 25.769 ± 12.03 years. Thirteen patients presented with unilateral dry eye. Pre?cautery BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) and Schirmer’s test (mm) improved from 0.5251 ± 0.662 to 0.372 ± 0.595 (P value = 0.000, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.22), and 1.952 ± 2.763 to 4.929 ± 4.338 (P value = 0.000, 95% CI: ?3.79–?2.17); post?cautery, respectively. The pre?cautery FSS of 5.9 ± 2.82 reduced to 1.58 ± 2.38 (P value = 0.000, 95% CI: 3.46–5.17) post?cautery. The mean follow?up was 11.22 ± 13.32 months. No progression in cicatricial changes was noted in any eye during the follow?up. Re?canalization rate was 10.64%, and repeat cautery was performed with successful closure of puncta. Conclusion: Symptoms and clinical signs of ATD in PCDE patients improve with punctal cautery

Dry eye module – An application intelligence platform for diagnosing and monitoring dry eye disease

Dry Eye Module (DEM), a software application, was developed to facilitate the streamlining of dry eye evaluation and documentation, to unify diagnostic jargon, and to analyze data input to generate a dry eye diagnostic report. This diagnostic report generated is based on the current understanding of dry eye diagnostic algorithms (Dry Eye Workshop 2 [DEWS2]/Asia Dry Eye Society [ADES]). Apart from its plausible role in aiding unprecedented multicentric dry eye demographic data collection, the application software can generate a customized referral letter to the rheumatologist, highlighting the salient ophthalmic features to be shared. DEM uses schematic illustrations to depict eyelid, conjunctival, and corneal parameters that impact the ocular surface in dry eyes that can be captured and compared during serial visits. Furthermore, DEM displays a symptom sign trend chart that graphically represents improvement/stability or worsening of the subjective and objective dry eye status. DEM can generate a curated prescription using preloaded advice templates. DEM includes facility for state-of-the-art advanced dry eye diagnostic reporting for super specialty use. The addition of DEM to the dry eye diagnostic armamentarium would help bridge the current unmet needs of dry eye evaluation. These are lack of uniform reporting, lack of multicentric data on a unified platform, the inability to ensure complete evaluation, inability to avoid lacunae during follow-up visits, and the lack of a simple patient-ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist–rheumatologist interface.

E-PIX: An enhanced grading for acute ocular burns

An enhanced online and manual grading system, based on the I’s and E’s, for acute ocular chemical injuries is being proposed. E-PIX is designed to be an online/manual grading system that includes all the parameters that adversely affect the outcome of acute chemical injuries. The importance of addressing the I’s and E’s in chemical burns cannot be underestimated. These include the need for the documentation and management of epithelial defect (E), intraocular pressure (P) (IOP), ischemia (scleral) (I), and exposure (X) (acronym - E-PIX). Epithelial defect includes that involving the limbus (L), along with conjunctival (C), corneal (K), and tarsal (T). These additional parameters are graded and represented as an annotation along with the limbal grade providing a comprehensive grading for the injury. A manual entry sheet and a freely accessible online grade generator are a part of the system. The proposed enhanced grading offers a final annotation that provides a clear understanding of all factors that can lead to vision-threatening complications ensuring their assessment and hence subsequently their addressal to improve outcomes, if abnormal. The prognostication continues to be based on the grade of limbal involvement. The additional annotations impact prognosis and outcome if not addressed. Including the laterality of injury provides, in addition, a futuristic understanding of available options. The grade generator retains the flexibility to be dynamic with changes reflecting upon the healing process in the acute stage. The proposed system aims to provide primary and tertiary caregivers alike with a uniform grading system.

Deformity Correction with Interbody Fusion Using Lateral versus Posterior Approach in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Observational Meta-analysis

This study was designed to systematically review and meta-analyze the functional and radiological outcomes between lateral and posterior approaches in adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). Both lateral (lumbar, extreme, and oblique) and posterior interbody fusion (posterior lumbar and transforaminal) are used for deformity correction in patients with ADS with unclear comparison in this cohort of patients in the existing literature. A literature search using three electronic databases was performed to identify studies that reported outcomes of lateral (group L) and posterior interbody fusion (group P) in patients with ADS with curves of 10°–40°. Group P was further subdivided into minimally invasive surgery (MIS-P) and open posterior (Op-P) subgroups. Data on functional, radiological, and operative outcomes, length of hospital stay (LOHS), fusion rates, and complications were extracted and meta-analyzed using the random-effects model. A total of 18 studies (732 patients) met the inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found in functional and radiological outcomes between the two groups on data pooling. Total operative time in the MIS-P subgroup was less than that of group L (233.86 minutes vs. 401 minutes, p <0.05). The total blood loss in group L was less than that in the Op-P subgroup(477 mL vs. 1,325.6 mL, p <0.05). Group L had significantly less LOHS than the Op-P subgroup (4.15 days vs. 13.5 days, p <0.05). No significant difference was seen in fusion rates, but complications were seen except for transient sensorimotor weakness (group L: 24.3%, group P: 5.6%; p <0.05). Complications, such as postoperative thigh pain (7.7%), visceral injuries (2%), and retrograde ejaculation (3.7%), were seen only in group L while adjacent segment degeneration was seen only in group P (8.6%). Lateral approach has an advantage in blood loss and LOHS over the Op-P subgroup. The MIS-P subgroup has less operative time than group L, but with comparable blood loss and LOHS. No significant difference was found in functional, radiological, fusion rates, pseudoarthrosis, and complications, except for transient sensorimotor deficits. Few complications were approach-specific in each group.

Interferon-gamma release assay has poor diagnostic accuracy in differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease in tuberculosis endemic areas

Background/Aims@#Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) frequently present with a diagnostic dilemma because of similar presentation. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) has been used in differentiating ITB from CD, but with sparse reports on its diagnostic accuracy in tuberculosis endemic regions and this study evaluated the same. @*Methods@#Patients with definitive diagnosis of ITB (n=59) or CD (n=49) who underwent IGRA testing (n=307) were retrospectively included at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (July 2014 to September 2021). CD or ITB was diagnosed as per standard criteria. IGRA was considered positive at >0.35 IU/mL.Relevant data was collected and IGRA results were compared between ITB and CD to determine its accuracy. @*Results@#Among 59 ITB patients (mean age, 32.6±13.1 years; median disease duration, 1 year; male, 59.3%), 24 were positive and 35 tested negative for IGRA. Among 49 CD patients (mean age, 37.8±14.0; median disease duration, 4 years; male, 61.2%), 12 were positive and 37 tested negative for IGRA. Hence, for diagnosing ITB, IGRA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 40.68%, 75.51%, 66.67%, and 51.39%, respectively. The area under the curve of IGRA for ITB diagnosis was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.75). In a subset (n=64), tuberculin skin test (TST) showed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 64.7%, 73.3%, 73.3%, and 64.71%, respectively. IGRA and TST were concordant in 38 (59.4%) patients with κ=0.17. @*Conclusions@#In a tuberculosis endemic region, IGRA had poor diagnostic accuracy for differentiating ITB from CD, suggesting a limited value of IGRA in this setting.

Diabetes prevention through digital therapy for highrisk individuals: Study protocol for the Malaysia Diabetes Prevention Programme (MyDiPP)

@#Introduction: Intervention approaches that integrate human coaching into technology are considered as a convenient, accessible and scalable method to reach a larger population at risk. The objective of this paper is to present the protocol for a randomised controlled trial that evaluates the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention programme via a mobile phone app (MyDiPP), which aims to prevent diabetes among adults at risk of developing diabetes. Methods: MyDiPP intervention is to be delivered for 12 months with multiple approaches (weight loss, dietary modification, physical activity, and quality of life). Eligible adults aged 18-65 years, overweight/obese (body mass index, BMI ≥ 23kg/m2), and at high risk of type 2 diabetes [American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Risk Score ≥5, or haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 5.6-6.2%], will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups (intervention or usual care control groups) in a 1:1 ratio using simple randomisation. Results: Changes in weight and HbA1c level (primary outcomes), and changes in physical activity level, dietary intake, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) will be assessed at 6 and 12 months. Conclusion: This study protocol describes the first digital therapy for diabetes prevention in Malaysia, which will determine whether the effect of this intervention is larger than the effect of usual care in reducing body weight and HbA1c level, and improving dietary intake, physical activity, and quality of life of high-risk individuals. Results from this trial may be useful for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Malaysia.

Serum albumin is the strongest predictor of anti-tumor necrosis factor nonresponse in inflammatory bowel disease in resource-constrained regions lacking therapeutic drug monitoring

Background/Aims@#Evidence on predictors of primary nonresponse (PNR), and secondary loss of response (SLR) to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in inflammatory bowel disease is scarce from Asia. We evaluated clinical/biochemical/molecular markers of PNR/SLR in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). @*Methods@#Inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with anti-TNF agents (January 2005–October 2020) were ambispectively included. Data concerning clinical and biochemical predictors was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Immunohistochemistry for expression of oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor (OSM-R), and interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) were done on pre anti-TNF initiation mucosal biopsies. @*Results@#One-hundred eighty-six patients (118 CD, 68 UC: mean age, 34.1±13.7 years; median disease duration at anti-TNF initiation, 60 months; interquartile range, 28–100.5 months) were included. PNR was seen in 17% and 26.5% and SLR in 47% and 28% CD and UC patients, respectively. In CD, predictors of PNR were low albumin (P<0.001), postoperative recurrence (P=0.001) and high IL-7R expression (P<0.027) on univariate; and low albumin alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.28; P<0.001) on multivariate analysis respectively. Low albumin (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.62; P=0.001) also predicted SLR. In UC, predictors of PNR were low albumin (P<0.001), and high C-reactive protein (P<0.001), OSM (P<0.04) and OSM-R (P=0.07) stromal expression on univariate; and low albumin alone (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.39; P=0.001) on multivariate analysis respectively. @*Conclusions@#Low serum albumin at baseline significantly predicted PNR in UC and PNR/SLR in CD patients. Mucosal markers of PNR were high stromal OSM/OSM-R in UC and high IL-7R in CD patients.

Does BCG Or MMR Or Routine Vaccination Coverage Protect Against COVID Infection And Mortality In India?

Background: The routine vaccinations and acquired immunity by other viral infections were believed to be acting as a protective factor against severe COVID-19 outbreaks in some countries. Objective: This study is overviewing the relationship of routine BCG, MMR vaccinations and reported MMR disease outbreak with reported COVID-19 infection across the Indian states. Methods: The data on vaccination coverage and respiratory disease infection was obtained from Univer-sal immunization program and Integrated disease surveillance project reports. Spearman rank correla-tion has been used to assess the relationship of routine vaccination and COVID-19 infection. Results: The result did not find any relationship of routine vaccination with BCG and MMR or exposure to MMR infection on COVID-19 infections in India. Conclusion: The exposure to BCG or MMR vaccination did not have a non-specific protection against COVID-19 infection. The results imply that a larger proportion of the Indian population is still vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.

Socio-demographic factors, overweight/obesity and nutrients associated with hypertension among rural adults (≥18 years): Findings from National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau survey

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of death throughout the world. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence, determinants and knowledge & practices about hypertension among rural adults in India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in 10 major states of India. Information on socio-economic & demographic particulars was collected and anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist & hip circumference and blood pressure were measured. Foods and nutrient intakes were assessed by 24-h recall method. Analysis was done using SPSS window 22. Results: The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 45.3% (95% CI: 44.6e46.0) and hypertension was 22% (95% CI: 21.5e22.3) (age standardized prevalence; 20.2%) while, overweight/obesity was 22.6% (95% CI: 22.2e23.0) as per Asian cut offs (BMI_x0001_23). The prevalence of hypertension was higher in West Bengal (29.5%) and Kerala (28.9%) and low in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (16e19%). The odds of hypertension was 1.2 times higher among forward communities, businessmen, tobacco users and those consuming alcohol, 2e3 times higher among overweight (CI: 1.87e2.25) and obese (2.65e3.27). The odds of hypertension was 1.2 times higher among those consuming lower tertile of carbohydrates (CI ¼ 1.02e1.41) and zinc (CI ¼ 1.11e1.42). About 76% were aware of hypertension, 21% were old hypertensive & 19% were on treatment. Conclusions: Age standardized prevalence of hypertension was 20% among adults and was associated with age, occupation, overweight/obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, low intake of carbohydrates and zinc. Therefore, increasing awareness and consumption of healthy diet through behavior change communication will help to control hypertension among adults.

Morphometric Evaluation of Mental Foramen of Dry Adult Human Mandibles of South Indian Population and Their Clinical Correlation

Introduction: Morphometric assessment of mental foramina (MF) of the mandible for its variable position is considered to be helpful for the surgeons and dentists for the localized surgical procedures and for the anesthetists to execute nerve block practices. Hence the objective of the present study is to establish the morphometric variability in the position of MF in terms of gender in the mandibles of Southern Indian origin with possible clinical implications. Methods: The shape, size, and location of MF were measured on both sides of the mandible (n=92). Location of MF was established by measuring the distance from MF to the [1] mental symphysis [2] alveolar crest, [3] the base of the mandible, and [4] posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. All the morphometric data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The higher incidence (58.7%) of rounded MF was recorded. There were no cases of MF anterior to the first pre-molar and below the 1st molar. Most of them (45.7%) were below the 2nd premolar. There was a significant association between gender and the position of the MF (p=0.011). But, no association between gender and side as well as the shape was noted. Significant associations were found between gender and the distance from mental foramen to the posterior border of the ramus and also to the alveolar crest. A significant association between the gender and the positions of the MF was noted. Conclusion: The variations observed from previous studies might be related to the feeding habits of different regions which may ultimately, affect the development of mandibles. Prior knowledge regarding the common positions of MF in local populations is helpful in effective nerve blocks and maxillofacial surgeries.

Mental Boost up: Is It Life-Changing for Cancer?

Background: Though human civilization has reached its 21st-century cancer is still considered as the name of a fatal alarm all over the world. More or less, all cancer patients start being haunted by the horror of death from the day of diagnosis. This fear not only weakens their physical and psychological stature; it also has a bad impact on their normal lifestyles. Even this apprehension also affects their treatment as well. However, it is believed that the mind is the driving force of a man, that is, nothing intimidating can happen to a man who possesses a strong mind. Aim of the study: the purpose of this study is to see whether boosting, increasing, or instilling mental strength in cancer patients can bring any further improvement in their treatment and lives.Material & Methods:This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital where 40 cancer patients were included on the basis of some criteria (isolated, silent, mentally shocked, paralyzed, poor PS, patient with severe pain, end-stage disease). They were taken to a silent room and were asked to follow some interesting instructions for 15 minutes with utmost belief in their GOD for successive three days. Data were collected by using a performed questionnaire from both patients and attendants after 14 days.Results:The result was appreciable. Out of 40 patients, females were more than males. Most of them were educated with a mean age of about 45 years. Patients with advanced disease were more (60%). Among them behavioral changes were observed in almost 80% of patients, improvement in mobility was found in almost 75 % of all paralyzed patients, narcotics dependency was reduced in almost 90 % of patients with severe bone pain, and positive attitudes were built in 80% patients. Therapeutic responses were also increased in some patients. Moreover, among most of the patients some interesting findings like improved healing power, decreased CT-induced toxicities, improvement in a familial relationship, improvement in appetite, and improvement in sleep disturbance were observed.Conclusion:Patients with cancer in spite of craving for life, begin counting/her days after being aware of this disease. As a result, this terror of death creates a sense of hopelessness and this psychological breakdown affects the treatment in such a way that even the best medical care does not work as expected. This study has successfully found that if the mental spirit of a patient can be brought to work with all the medical procedures, a certain success is possible. They just have to be made confident enough to believe that “a man”, as Ernest Hemmingway says, “can be destroyed, but not defeated”.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTERO-POSTERIOR SCREW VERSUS POSTERO-ANTERIOR SCREW FOR POSTERIOR MALLEOLUS FRACTURE.

Introduction: Optimal treatment of ankle fractures with posterior malleolus fragment is controversial. Posterior malleolus is signi?cant stabilizer preventing posterior subluxation of ankle. Posterior malleolus fracture have generally been neglected because of these fragment is considered to be reduce spontaneously after open reduction of the lateral malleolus by ligamentotaxis by posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament. Fixation of this fragment is important in the role of ankle mechanics. We Objectives: compare in this study better surgical & functional outcome for this posterior malleolus fracture fixation by AP SCREW and PA SCREW Methods: We prospectively evaluated 30 patients (15 patients for AP screw fixation and 15 patients for PA screw fixation who underwent for fixation by anterior posterior screw by percutaneous method and posterior lateral approach for posterior anterior screw fixation. We assigned alternating patient who received AP SCREW fixation VS PA SCREW fixation based on order in which they presented to our institution.We use American Orthopedics foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score, range of motion of ankle and X-Ray finding. The mean Follow up was 15 Months(Range 12-20 Months). Full union without any loss of reduction was obtained in 27 out of 30 Result & Discussion: patients. As anterior posterior screw is a blind procedure, the risk of injury to anterior tibial artery & nerve, purchase of screws distal threads for fragment is debatable. In posterior plating better visualization of fragment and anatomy will help in better fixation of posterio malleoi fragment. Assessment of treatment outcome using the AOFAS demonstrated significant high score of 97.4 in group with posterior antero screw fixation with posterior lateral approach compare to score of 80 in group anterior posterior screw fixation. In com Conclusions: parison to the anterior-posterior screw fixation,open reduction and fixation of the, posterolateral key fragment of the ankle using posterolateral approach via Posterior anterior screw resulted in a more accurate fracture reduction outcome 12 months after surgery

Influence of Neuropeptide Y and Neuropeptide Y 2 Receptor Variants in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 ACS patients and 278 healthy controls were selected for this study. Four variants in NPY and two variants in NPY2R genes were genotyped using Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify the genotype frequencies. The logistic regression analyses were used for the evaluation of the studied variables. Haplotype analysis was used to evaluate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the variants (p<0.05). Results An association of NPY c.20T>C variant was found with the ACS group when compared to the healthy group. In the analysis between variants and risk factors in the ACS group, NPY c.84G>A was associated with hypertension. The analysis between TIMI risk showed a significance for NPY c.20T>C between the low and intermediate/high TIMI risk groups. In the haplotype analysis, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between the variants NPY c.150G>A and NPY c.-485T>C. Conclusion The NPY c.20T>C variant appears to contribute to the development of ACS. The NPY2R c.-1116A>G variant may contribute to the early development of ACS and the NPY c.84G>A variant appears to contribute to the development of hypertension. In addition, the NPY c.20T>C is associated with a protective effect in ACS severity.

NOS3 gene intron 4 a/b polymorphism is associated with ESRD in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients / O polimorfismo intron 4 a/b do gene NOS3 está associado à DRET em pacientes com doença renal policística autossômica dominante

Abstract Introduction: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) genes have been implicated in renal hemodynamics as potent regulators of vascular tone and blood pressure. It has been linked to a reduction in plasma nitric oxide levels. Several studies have recently been conducted to investigate the role of NOS3 gene polymorphisms and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the results are still unclear and the mechanisms are not fully defined. As a result, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between NOS3 gene polymorphism and ESRD in autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients. Methods: To assess the relationship between NOS3 gene polymorphism and ESRD, relevant studies published between September 2002 and December 2020 were retrieved from the PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effect model. To assess the heterogeneity of studies, we used Cochrane's Q test and the Higgins and Thompson I2 statistics. Results: Our meta-analysis of 13 studies showed that the presence of the two NOS3 gene polymorphisms significantly increased ESRD risk in ADPKD patients with 4a/b gene polymorphism (aa+ab vs. bb: OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.24-3.09, p=0.004). In addition, no significant association was found between the NOS3 894G>T (Glu298Asp) polymorphism and the risk of ESRD in ADPKD patients (GT+TT vs. GG: OR=1.21, 95% CI=0.93-1.58, p=0.157). There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: The findings of the current meta-analysis suggest that NOS3 intron 4a/b polymorphism plays a vital role in the increasing risk of ESRD in ADPKD patients.

Resumo Introdução: Genes da óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS) têm sido implicados na hemodinâmica renal como potentes reguladores do tônus vascular e pressão arterial. Tem sido vinculado a uma redução nos níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico. Realizou-se recentemente vários estudos para investigar o papel de polimorfismos do gene NOS3 e doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET). Entretanto, os resultados ainda não são claros e os mecanismos não estão totalmente definidos. Como resultado, realizamos meta-análise para examinar a relação entre polimorfismo do gene NOS3 e DRET em pacientes com doença renal policística autossômica dominante (DRPAD). Métodos: Para avaliar a relação entre polimorfismo do gene NOS3 e DRET, recuperou-se estudos relevantes publicados entre Setembro-2002 e Dezembro-2020 dos bancos de dados PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science. Calculamos odds ratio (OR) e intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% utilizando modelo de efeitos fixos. Para avaliar a heterogeneidade dos estudos, utilizamos teste Q de Cochrane e estatísticas I2 de Higgins e Thompson. Resultados: Nossa meta-análise de 13 estudos mostrou que a presença dos dois polimorfismos do gene NOS3 aumentou significativamente o risco de DRET em pacientes com DRPAD com polimorfismo do gene 4a/b (aa+ab vs. bb: OR=1,95; IC 95%=1,24-3,09; p=0,004). Ademais, não encontramos associação significativa entre polimorfismo 894G>T NOS3 (Glu298Asp) e risco de DRET em pacientes com DRPAD (GT+TT vs. GG: OR=1,21; IC 95%=0,93-1,58; p=0,157). Não houve evidência de viés de publicação. Conclusões: Achados da meta-análise atual sugerem que o polimorfismo intron 4a/b do NOS3 desempenha papel vital no aumento do risco de DRET em pacientes com DRPAD.

COMPARING AWARENESS ABOUT HIV/AIDS INFECTION AMONG MEDICAL AND NURSING STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 32 million lives so far. Medical and nursing students are future health care workers. Thus, medical and nursing students should be provided with detailed knowledge about HIV and related issues in order to provide high quality, nonjudgmental services that will engage key populations at risk of HIV. Study is done to estimate the awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among medical and nursing students and to compare the awareness associated with HIV/AIDS among medical and nursing students. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 259 medical and nursing students from a tertiary care hospital in Raichur city between 1st October 2019 to 31st January 2020, using a pre-designed, semi- structured questionnaire, after taking consent, the questionnaire was distributed to students which were answered by self administration. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi-square test and independent sample t test. Results: Out of 259 students, majority 160 (61.78%) belong to age 18 years, 147 (56.76%) were male, 212 (81.85%) were Hindus. 197 (76.06%) students were not attended any training programme on HIV/AIDS. Difference was found in medical and nursing students of their knowledge and Practices scores were statistically signi?cant i.e., P < 0.05.Conclusion: The medical students have high knowledge and practice scores compared to nursing students

Comparative Study of Serum LDL And HDL In Alcoholics & Non-Alcoholics

Background : Alcohol abuse is one of the major form of addiction and a major threat to public health in developed as well as developing countries. Alcohol intake is increased in quantity and frequency over last few decades. Alcohol consumption pre-disposes subjects to changes in serum Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) which are associated with cardiovascular risk. Methods : 100 alcoholics were compared with 100 non-alcoholics. Alcohol drinking history was assessed by interview and questionnaire and we measured serum LDL and HDL level. Results : There were significant rise in HDL and LDL in chronic alcoholics when compared with non alcoholics with p value

Vast Potential for Clinical Trial Opportunities; Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Introduction : This is a research innovation that aims to provide an additional therapeutic tool. It will open up a vast panorama of regenerative medicine by application of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs). ADMSCs are selected since a large amount is available for lipoaspiration and a larger percentage (30%) of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) obtainable there from. The applications in clinical practice extend across Mesoderm, Endoderm and Ectoderm layers1. Material and Methods : There are three products that can be derived from the lipoaspirate. They are (1) Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), (2) Islet Cell Aggregates (ICAs) Translated from ADMSCs, (3) and ADMSCs with ~95% purity. They are deployed to illustrate the safety and efficacy in clinical trials for (1) Mesoderm Translation as in Osteoarthritis Knee, (2) Endoderm translation to Insulin-producing Cells as applicable to diabetes, and (3) Ectodermal Translation as applicable on Non-healing Indolent Ulcers on the Skin. Results : All three products are found safe with no adverse side effects. Proof of concept studies along with initial clinical trials for Osteoarthritis, Diabetes Types I and II, and Non-healing ulcer of any aetiology is demonstrated with objective evidence. Discussion : The evidence based on the results of the clinical trials across all three Germinal Layers is cited along with literature support. Results are explained based on a plausible scientific hypothesis. Conclusion : The study enunciates that Autologous SVF and ADMSCs are in futuristic domain for conducting clinical trials across all the three Germinal Layers.

A Study of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Relation to Ankle Brachial Pressure Index

Background : India shares a considerable share of the Global Disease Burden of Diabetes Mellitus which is a major public health concern. Among the many Vascular Complications of Diabetes, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is one and a major cause of Foot Related Disorders in Diabetics. The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is an efficient tool for objectively documenting the presence of lower extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).The present study was conducted to find the prevalence of PAD in Diabetic Patients in a teaching hospital using ABPI.Materials and Methods : A total number of 100 cases of Type 2 Diabetic patients who were more than 40 years of age were included in the study after fulfilment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ankle Brachial Pressure Index was measured in all and used to assess PAD. ABPI value of <0.9 was taken as indicative of PAD. Results : The prevalence of PAD using a ABPI Value of <0.9 was 31%. A significant association of PAD was found with duration of disease, hypertension, smoking and glycemic control.Conclusion : Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is more commonly associated with Diabetes Mellitus than is generally thought. ABPI (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index) is a simple, noninvasive and cost-effective method for early detection of PAD.

The Epidemiology of Intensive Care Unit Readmissions and Proposed Discharge Protocol for a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) readmissions during the same hospitalization are associated with increased hospital stays, morbidity and mortality. Whereas mortality rates in patients admitted to the ICU for the first time may range from 10 to 20% depending on various factors, readmission mortality rates can be up to 50 to 70%. Factors leading to readmission in ICU in Indian Armed Forces Hospitals have not been well studied till date. Methods: This was a record based cross sectional descriptive study conducted at the ICU of a tertiary care Armed Forces hospital. Demographic and clinical data of ICU patients were analysed. ICU admission and discharge data for the duration of last three years were acquired from admission and discharge registers and Hospital Informatics system (HIS) software. The primary outcome was readmission rates to ICU during the same hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included diagnosis at time of index admission (first time admission) to ICU and at readmission, multiple readmissions to ICU and mortality rates in readmitted patients. Results: There were 3021 admissions to the ICU during the study period. 422 patients succumbed to illness during initial admission resulting in a mortality rate of 14%. 198 patients were readmitted to the ICU. The readmission rate to the ICU was 7.8%. The mortality rate in readmitted patients was 31% as compared to the ICU mortality rate of 14%. The triggering factors for readmission were usually respiratory or cardiac decompensations. Conclusion: Readmission to ICU occurred in about 7.8 % of all ICU patients in our study. ICU readmissions increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Objective measures in the form of a discharge protocol incorporating the stability and work index for transfer (SWIFT Score) may help minimizing readmission to ICU. Such protocols must be in place while shifting any patients from ICU so as to improve outcomes in patients of tertiary care hospitals.

Spectrum of Bacterial Pathogens in Critical COVID-19 Patients Admitted in Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital During the First and Second Wave of the Pandemic

Objective: This study intends to compare the clinical characteristics and the prevalence and spectrum of bacterial pathogens in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU during the first and second waves at a tertiary care, teaching and referral hospital of eastern India. Method: This is a hospital-based retrospective study which analysed demographic details, clinical profile and bacterial culture results of severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted in intensive care units (ICU) during April -Oct 2020 (1 st wave) and April –July 2021 (2 nd wave). Result: The patients admitted during the 2 nd wave were comparatively older and had multiple comorbidities compared to the 1 st wave. (23.8%) (45/189) and 50% (173/346) of the COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU developed bacterial infection during the 1 st and 2 nd wave respectively. Overall, there was predominance of multidrug resistant Gram negative bacilli in both the waves. There was increased isolation of intrinsic colistin resistant microorganisms. Conclusion: Multidrug resistant Gram negative bacterial infections, remain a dreaded complication in severe and critically ill hospitalised COVID-19 patients requiring ICU care and high usage of colistin spirals the emergence and spread of pathogens intrinsically resistant to colistin.