Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Evaluating anxiety levels and pain perception while administering local anesthesia using conventional, insulin, and deception syringes in 6-12-year-olds

Background@#Injections are one of the most fear-provoking stimuli in dentistry. Painless administration of an injection is a vital step in alleviating anxiety, which in turn leads to good behavior in children. The aim is to evaluate and compare anxiety levels and pain perception using conventional, insulin, and deception syringes during the administration of local anesthesia in children. @*Methods@#Forty-five children aged 6–12 were selected using a standard sample size formula and equally divided into three groups. Local anesthesia was administered using a conventional syringe to Group A participants and an insulin syringe for Group B participants. Group C participants were administered local anesthesia using a deception syringe by showing the patient disposable obturation tips, and eventually a conventional syringe was used for administration of local anesthesia after hiding them from the patient. Anxiety levels were assessed using Venham’s Picture Scale and pulse rate at baseline and after administration of local anesthesia. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale was used to assess pain perception after the administration of local anesthesia. @*Results@#Insulin and deception syringes showed better reduction in anxiety levels and pain perception than conventional syringes, demonstrating a high statistically significant difference. @*Conclusion@#The use of insulin and deception syringes for administration of anesthesia was demonstrated to be effective in alleviating anxiety in children and is therefore recommended as an alternative to conventional syringes.

Indian Guidelines for Indications and Timing of Intervention for Common Congenital Heart Diseases: Revised and Updated Consensus Statement of the Working Group on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases. Abridged Secondary Publication

ustification: A number of guidelines are available for management of congenital heart diseases from infancy to adult life. However,these guidelines are for patients living in high income countries. Separate guidelines, applicable to Indian children, are required whenrecommending an intervention for congenital heart diseases, as often these patients present late in the course of the disease and mayhave co-existing morbidities and malnutrition. Process: Guidelines emerged following expert deliberations at the National ConsensusMeeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on 10th and 11th of August 2018 at the All India Institute of MedicalSciences, New Delhi. The meeting was supported by Children’s HeartLink, a non-governmental organization based in Minnesota, USA.Objectives: To frame evidence based guidelines for (i) indications and optimal timing of intervention in common congenital heartdiseases; (ii) follow-up protocols for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery/catheter interventions for congenital heart diseases.Recommendations: Evidence based recommendations are provided for indications and timing of intervention in common congenitalheart diseases, including left-to-right shunts (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, patent ductusarteriosus and others), obstructive lesions (pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis and coarctation of aorta) and cyanotic congenital heartdiseases (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, univentricular hearts, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Ebsteinanomaly and others). In addition, protocols for follow-up of post surgical patients are also described, disease wise.

Perceived Dark Rim Artifact in First-Pass Myocardial Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Due to Visual Illusion

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that human visual illusion can contribute to sub-endocardial dark rim artifact in contrast-enhanced myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance images.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Numerical phantoms were generated to simulate the first-passage of contrast agent in the heart, and rendered in conventional gray scale as well as in color scale with reduced luminance variation. Cardiac perfusion images were acquired from two healthy volunteers, and were displayed by the same gray and color scales used in the numerical study. Before and after k-space windowing, the left ventricle (LV)-myocardium boarders were analyzed visually and quantitatively through intensity profiles perpendicular the boarders.RESULTS: k-space windowing yielded monotonically decreasing signal intensity near the LV-myocardium boarder in the phantom images, as confirmed by negative finite difference values near the board ranging −1.07 to −0.14. However, the dark band still appears, which is perceived by visual illusion. Dark rim is perceived in the in-vivo images after k-space windowing that removed the quantitative signal dip, suggesting that the perceived dark rim is a visual illusion. The perceived dark rim is stronger at peak LV enhancement than the peak myocardial enhancement, due to the larger intensity difference between LV and myocardium. In both numerical phantom and in-vivo images, the illusory dark band is not visible in the color map due to reduced luminance variation.CONCLUSION: Visual illusion is another potential cause of dark rim artifact in contrast-enhanced myocardial perfusion MRI as demonstrated by illusory rim perceived in the absence of quantitative intensity undershoot.

A Comparative Study On The Effect Of Paraffin Wax Therapy With Manual Mobilization Versus Ultrasound Therapy With Manual Mobilization On Pain, Range Of Motion And Functional Status Of Shoulder In Diabetic Subjects With Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: The shoulder is a complex joint that plays a crucial role in many activities of daily living. Adhesive capsulitis is defined as a painful and disabling condition in which the capsule and the connective tissue surrounding the glenohumeral (GH) joint becomes inflamed, leading to restriction of range of motion in the joint. A wide range of physical therapy interventions are used to improve the joint range of motion in subjects with adhesive capsulitis. Earlier, isolated studies were done on the effectiveness of paraffin wax therapy and ultrasound therapy in subjects with adhesive capsulitis. The need of the present study was to compare the effect of paraffin wax therapy with manual mobilization and ultrasound therapy with manual mobilization on pain, shoulder ROM and functional status in diabetic subjects with adhesive capsulitis. Methods: Subjects for the study were recruited from the outpatient department of endocrinology and physiotherapy. The size of the sample is 80 (eighty subjects) 40 in each group, and study design is an experimental study design (Non-randomized open-label study). The pretreatment values of pain and functional status of the shoulder were assessed using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scale and ROM was assessed using a universal goniometer. The subjects in the paraffin wax therapy group received wax therapy for 10 minutes and undergone manual mobilization. The subjects in the ultrasound therapy group received ultrasound therapy (3MHz) for 10 minutes and undergone manual mobilization. The treatment was given for 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks and post-treatment values were noted for the subjects of both the groups. Results: There was an improvement of ROM of external rotation, pain & functional status of the shoulder in subjects who underwent paraffin wax therapy with mobilization and ultrasound therapy with mobilization. When comparing both the groups, the subjects who underwent paraffin wax therapy with mobilization have better outcomes than ultrasound therapy with the mobilization group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: There was an improvement of ROM of external rotation, pain & functional status of the shoulder in subjects who underwent paraffin wax therapy with mobilization and ultrasound therapy with mobilization. When comparing both the groups, the subjects who underwent paraffin wax therapy with mobilization have better outcomes than ultrasound therapy with the mobilization group.

Psycho-social study of adolescent girls of rural Konkan region (Maharashtra).

Background: Konkan area in Maharashtra, India is rich in Biodiversity and known for its Natural Beauty. At the same time geographical difficulties, poor socio-economical status, superstitial and religious beliefs are some important factors contributing to more Psycho-social problems in this area including Physical Health. We focused in this Study to find out Psychological Problems, Health issues and planning future activities for School going adolescent girls. Methods: The Study was carried out on total no. Of 1290 School going adolescent girls of age group 11-20 years, over the period of six months. The following Psychological and Physical parameters were considered. Mental Status Examination, Higher Mental Functions, Personality, Decision Making capacity. Hemoglobin status, Body Mass Index and Health related factors of Adolescent girls. Results: According to Psychological assessment78.46% had abnormal expression, poor hygiene, low decision making. 72.47% were underweight and 47.22% were anemic. Conclusions: More Active measures need to be taken for care of Psychological and Physical health. Awareness Programme needs to implement for Students, Parents, Teachers and Public.

Pneumococcusuria: From bench to bedside.

The present study highlights six cases of pneumococcusuria during the time period of May 2008 to May 2010. All the patients had a co-existing predisposing factor with the isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine. Five of the six patients having signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI) were treated and cured of the same. It becomes essential to consider pneumococcal UTI in the presence of clinical signs and symptoms associated with urinary tract abnormalities like hydronephrosis and renal stones. S. pneumoniae may be regarded as an emerging pathogen in UTI. Precise microbiological diagnosis must correlate with the clinical signs and symptoms for the administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Sero-prevalence of Anti-HCV in HIV Infected Patients.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to influence the natural history of infections with certain hepatitis viruses and interactions between HIV and hepatitis viruses may potentiate HIV replication. There is high degree of epidemiological similarity between hepatitis B virus and HIV as regard to high-risk group and route of transmission. Limited information is available about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in relation to specific risk factors or about the influence of hepatitis C virus coinfection on survival. Present study deals with the study of concurrent infection of HCV with HIV infection. In the study of 110 HIV seropositive patients, 6 (5.45%) were positive for HCV. The difference was highly significant compared to controls (p value < 0.0001). The studies of association of HCV in HIV cases are rare in India. Therefore the present study was undertaken to look at the prevalence of HCV in different groups and different stages of HIV infected patients.

Serum C3d levels in tropical pulmonary eosinophilia.

Background & objectives: Results of earlier studies to evaluate the possible role of complement system in tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) using classical methods like serum haemolyte component CH50, C3 and C4 levels were inconclusive. In this study we determined levels of serum C3d which is a catabolic fragment of C3, to find out any direct evidence of activation of the complement system in TPE. Methods: The study population consisted of 3 groups. Group A consisted of 37 patients with well characterized TPE. In group B, 26 patients with pulmonary eosinophilia had similar respiratory and haemotological features as in Group A but had associated worm infestation in stool. The control group consisted of 39 healthy volunteers. Serum C3d levels were determined by sandwich ELISA technique. Results: The serum C3d levels in TPE patients were not significantly different from those of the patients of group B or the normal controls. Interpretation & conclusions: Absence of significant change in serum C3d goes against the possibility of complement activation in TPE. Results of our study suggest that complement system is unlikely to play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of TPE.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia with Col-S strains: a successful comeback of colistin!

Emergence of multi and pan-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria causing nosocomial infections in intensive care settings has become a challenge for clinicians. The mortality rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is known to increase when the initial microbiological diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy are inappropriate. We present a case of a 18-year-old man, who after being admitted following an accident, had developed VAP due to multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. and had a downhill clinical course despite broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. The strains were found to be Col-S, as the susceptibility was tested. Colistin was instituted, with remarkable recovery. It is imperative to diagnose VAP with multi-drug resistant strains as early as possible; colistin, the 'last resort' antibiotic, if instituted with proper monitoring at the right time, can be life saving.

Pericardial cyst due to tuberculosis in an adolescent.

Patient with a mediastinal mass may be diagnosed incidentally or following evaluation for the symptoms due to compressive effects on the adjoining structures. Pericardial cysts account to 6% of mediastinal masses. Echocardiography, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging aid in accurate diagnosis and localization of these cysts. Anaesthesia for patients with these cysts may occasionally turn out to be catastrophic during induction or in postoperative period. Surgery is the preferred choice of treatment in these patients.

Microflora of bile aspirates in patients with acute cholecystitis With or without cholelithiasis: a tropical experience

The current study determined the spectrum of biliary microflora with special emphasis on enteric fever organisms in patients with acute cholangitis with and without cholelithiasis or other biliary diseases. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A consisted of patients with acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis; Group B consisted of patients with acute cholecystitis with gastrointestinal ailments requiring biliary drainage and group C consisted of patients with gallbladder carcinoma. Gallbladder, bile and gallstones were subjected to complete microbiological and histopathological examination. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Bacteria were recovered from 17 samples (32 percent) in Group A, 17 (51.4 percent) in Group B and 1 (1.6 percent) in Group C. The most common organisms isolated were Escherichia coli (11, 29.7 percent), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10, 27 percent), Citrobacter freundii (3, 8.1 percent), Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (3, 8.1 percent), etc. The majority of Enterobacteriaceae isolates were susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem. As regards Salmonella spp., S. Typhi was isolated from 2 (3.8 percent) patients in Group A and 1 (16 percent) in Group C. Antimicrobial susceptibility of potential causative organisms, the severity of the cholecystitis, and the local susceptibility pattern must be taken into consideration when prescribing drugs. A protocol regarding the management of such cases should be formulated based on observations of similar studies.

Rare variants of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to coronary sinus-echocardiographic recognition and surgical correction.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) to the coronary sinus is a well-known entity but variations in connection sites are known to occur, the commonest among them is mixed connection. Here we describe two rare variants of TAPVC to coronary sinus. Group I (3 cases) in which there were dual sites of connection and group II (2 cases), TAPVC to coronary sinus was associated with a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC). This was seen in total number of 45 cases of isolated TAPVC and 8 cases of TAPVC to coronary sinus between 2000 and December 2005 in our institute. All patients underwent surgical correction. In both of these groups, surgical correction may pose a challenge, which is discussed.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to azygos vein: echocardiographic recognition of a rare variant.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the azygos vein is a rare congenital malformation in which all the pulmonary veins drain anomalously to the azygous vein. Among 55 consecutive patients diagnosed as isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous connection by echocardiography at our institute between 1995 and January 2005, this anomaly was diagnosed in two patients. The malformation was diagnosed correctly in both the patients by echocardiography and the findings were confirmed on surgery. The importance of differentiating this condition from total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to superior vena cava by echocardiography and the differential diagnosis are discussed here.

Calcified ductal aneurysm with severe aortic regurgitation.

A rare case of calcified aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus with severe aortic regurgitation is presented. We believe this is the first report of such a case in the English literature.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and human papilloma virus infection in renal transplant recipients.

An association between human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has been well established Renal transplant recipients on long term immunosuppression are prone to viral infection. It is possible that there may be an increased prevalence of papilloma virus infection and associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in these women. Prospective study of 42 renal transplant recipients and 41 age and parity matched controls was undertaken to determine whether HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) occurred more often in renal allograft recipients and to assess the relative risk. All women underwent Pap smear, colposcopy, histological examination of biopsy specimen and polymerase chain reaction for HPV 16. Cytology did not pick up HPV infection in any of the women. Colposcopy revealed HPV infection in 15 and CIN in 14 women in the immunosuppressed group and HPV in 7 and CIN in 5 women in control group. Histological evidence of HPV was found in 24 and CIN in 10 women in immunosuppressed group and HPV infection in 13 and CIN in 3 women in control group, giving an odds ratio of 6.1. More women in the immunosuppressed group had CIN of higher degree as well. PCR revealed infection by HPV 16 in 17 cases and 14 controls giving an odds ratio of 1.3. Therefore renal allograft recipients on immunosuppression should be screened by colposcopy and directed biopsy at regular intervals.

Recent developments in the management of malaria.

The last decade has seen in increase in our understanding of the pathophysiology of severe malaria in both adults and children. However, this increased knowledge has yet to be matched by progress in the clinical management of this medical emergency. In the last few years a wide variety of measures have been advocated to lessen the mortality due to severe malaria, but none have shown a significant benefit in terms of mortality or morbidity. In this review we concentrate on aspects of the pathophysiology of malaria which are amenable to intervention at present or in the near future. In the field of uncomplicated malaria problems remain mostly related to the continued spread of drug-resistance and the limited array of available drugs. Outlined are a number of important advances in antimalarial pharmacology and parasite biology that may lead to future improvement in the care of patients with malaria.