Differences in COVID-19 mortality in males and females: Is estrogen hormone attributing to sex differences?

Objectives: Globally, the case fatality ratio is more in males versus females. Some studies have suggested estrogen hormone decreases susceptibility to SARS CoV-2. We have analyzed the observed sex differences in COVID-19 behavior in males and females and the clinical profiles of females of different age groups of COVID-19 patients and discussed their symptoms, laboratory evaluations, and associated comorbidities. Material and Methods: The patients were tested for COVID-19 through real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay. The data obtained were studied for the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics from their medical records. Results: The mortality rate in females was 12.33% (36/292) whereas mortality in males was 19.63% (84/428). In between group analysis, 8.7% (14/161) of females died in the <40 years age group versus 16.8% (22/131) in more than 40 years age group whereas in males, the mortality was 13.7% (21/153) in <40 years versus 22.9%(63/275). The mortality rate in women older than 40 years was greater than mortality in younger females emphasizing the protection provided by estrogen hormone in them. The proportion of patients who expired due to COVID-19 significantly differs by age cutoff of 40 years, X2 (1, n = 428). The difference is statistically significant at P < 0.05. Males more than 40 years are more likely to expire. Conclusion: Sex-related differences in coronavirus pandemic have been found pointing toward the protective role of estrogen hormone and other differences in immunological behavior in males and females. Downregulation of ACE2 expression, thereby reducing viral entry, might also be contributory to decreasing mortality in females.

Current theories of pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets of COVID-19: What we know so far

In 2019, a new variant of coronavirus emerged that put the whole world on a standstill due to its unprecedented spread and morbidity. Since then, scientists have been working on several theories to explain the origin and pathogenesis of the virus. Over this period of time, it has been observed clinically that individual variation exists in the way this virus infects people, its symptomatology and sequelae. The pathophysiology is still unclear. This review was taken up to consolidate all the available information until date about current theories of etiopathogenesis with an understanding of potential therapeutic targets on the mechanisms. This review also highlights the gray areas that need to be addressed in the future. Research papers published up to December 7, 2020 were included based on a search on PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., to get the latest relevant literature on this topic. Coronavirus expresses differently in different individuals, affecting different organ systems, and having variable severity. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood. Due to the lack of definite curative therapy, it is essential to explore the basic pathophysiology so as to develop more effective and target-based therapies in the future.

Study to evaluate serum free testosterone and hsCRP concentration to predict low hematocrit in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The primary objective of the study was to assess serum free testosterone and high sensitivity c-reactive protein concentrations and their correlation with hematocrit in patients of diabetes mellitus type 2. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a common defect in type 2 diabetes, irrespective of the glycemic control, duration of disease, and the presence of complications of diabetes or obesity. It has been demonstrated that about one third of male patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 have low serum free Testosterone level. Methods: We have included 50 patients of diabetes mellitus type 2 presenting to the department of medicine SMS Hospital Jaipur. Both indoor and out door patients were selected who were free of microalbuminuria and diabetic nephropathy. Primary or secondary hypogonadism, other than diabetes mellitus and anemia of other causes were ruled out. Results: Diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with low serum free testosterone levels have significantly low hematocrit values ( n= 29) (p-value <0.001) and mild anemia compared to eugonadal men ( n= 21). Their correlation was highly significant. Patients with DM type 2 who have low serum free testosterone, also have high hs-CRP concentration. Though hematocrit values were low in patients with high hs-CRP concentration but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: At the end of the study we concluded that both a low serum free testosterone level and high hs-CRP concentration may play an important role in the pathogenesis of mild anemia and low hematocrit values in DM type 2 patients.

A t(X; 18) SYT-SSX2 positive synovial sarcoma in the pelvis of a young adult male: A rare case report with review of literature.

Synovial sarcoma is uncommonly documented in the pelvis. Rarely, such cases have dealt with molecular analysis. A 19-year-old boy presented with pain and swelling in his left lower limb of two months duration. He developed acute urinary retention four days prior to his hospital admission, wherein radiological examination unraveled a large soft tissue mass, displacing his pelvic muscles, along with a lytic lesion involving his right pubic bone. Biopsy showed a cellular spindle cell sarcoma, exhibiting hemangiopericytoma-like vascular pattern with focal necrosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed positivity for vimentin, BCL-2, calponin and MIC 2. Cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) were negative. MIB 1 count was 70% (high). P53 was positive. Diagnosis of a poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma was offered and confirmed with a positive t(X; 18) SYT-SSX2 translocation. This case highlights the value of molecular analysis in diagnosis of a synovial sarcoma at rare sites, especially when IHC results are equivocal and the biopsy material is limited.

A preliminary investigation into maximal expiratory pressures in some village children.

A clinical mercury sphygmomanometer was used to measure Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) in 29 boys (mean age 8 +/- 1.4 yr) and 21 girls (mean age 7.6 +/- 1.5 yr) of a village in interior Maharashtra. The values of 70.6 +/- 13.4 mmHg SD for the boys and 61.9 +/- 18.9 mmHg for the girls were quite comparable to the respiratory pressures reported elsewhere in literature, even though the subjects were apparently poorly nourished. There was no statistical difference between the MEPs of boys and girls. The MEP was positively and significantly (P<0.01) correlated to height (r=0.51) and weight (r=0.05) in the boys. The MEP denoting respiratory muscle strength also correlated positively with handgrip power used to represent non-respiratory muscle strength (r=0.34) (P>0.05). The simple, reproducible method of measuring MEP as described may be useful for measuring this important physiological parameter at the bedside in children whose respiratory muscle function needs to be evaluated.

Lung functions with spirometry: an Indian perspective--II: on the vital capacity of Indians.

Spirometry has been used in India since 1929 to evaluate vital capacity. The mean value for this parameter has changed slightly for the better over about eight decades. It is currently recorded at about 21.8 ml/cm height for males and about 18 ml/cm height for females, the difference between the two sexes being statistically significant throughout the period studied. The vital capacity reaches its peak at about 30 years of age in both Indian men and women and declines there after. There is no significant statistical difference in the vital capacities of subjects from different regions of India. Composite regressions have been generated for use as reference equations for estimating. Vital capacity of Indians is lower than that of Caucasians, but the age related decline is much greater for Caucasians.

Lung functions with spirometry: an Indian perspective--I. Peak expiratory flow rates.

Peak expiratory flow rate is an effective measure of effort dependent airflow. It is relatively a simple procedure, and may be carried out in the field using portable instruments. The average PEFR of healthy young Indian males and females is around 500 and 350 lpm respectively. The PEFR reaches a peak at about 18-20 years, maintains this level up to about 30 years in males, and about 40 years in females, and then declines with age. Common regression equations for Indians enveloping major studies from various parts of the country have been formulated. Indian PEFR values compare favourably with other ethnic groups such as Americans and Europeans.

Prevalence of extended spectrum -lactamase producing klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary care hospital.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to know prevalence of extended spectrum -lactamase (ESBL) in multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from different clinical samples. METHODS: A total of 120 MDR strain of K. pneumoniae were selected for the study, 106 of which were resistant to atleast one of the third generation cephalosporins (3GC). They were studied for ESBL production by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT) and by double disc synergy test (DDST). RESULTS: 88.3% (106) of the isolates were found to be resistant to atleast one of the 3GC tested (cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone) and 72% of the isolates were resistant to all the 3GC tested. ESBL was detected in 30.18% (32) of the K. pneumoniae by PCDDT and in 27.3% (29) by DDST. Among the ESBL producers 6 (18.75%) were sensitive to cefotaxime, 2 (6.25%) to ceftazidime and 3 (9.37%) to ceftriaxone by disc diffusion test. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 3GC for these strains ranged from 2-8 microg/mL while for non ESBL producer sensitive counterparts it ranged from 0.03-1 microg/mL. Resistance to cefotaxime was transferred to recipient E. coli K12 strains J62-1. All the K. pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to imipenem. Resistance against amoxicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and amikacin was found in 93.28, 70, 10.37 and 26.14% of the isolates respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows presence of ESBL producer K. pneumoniae in clinical isolates. The routine antimicrobial sensitivity test may fail to detect ESBL mediated resistance against 3GC and detection of ESBL production should be carried out as a routine in diagnostic laboratories by PCDDT as it is a simple and cost effective test.

Worm infestation and anaemia: a public health problem among tribal pre-school children of Madhya Pradesh.

A study to assess the status of intestinal parasitosis and anaemia was carried out among the pre-school children of Gond tribal community in Kundam block of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 985 pre-school children were covered. The results revealed that 48% pre-school children had intestinal parasitic infections. Common parasites observed among them were Hymenolepis nana, hookworms and roundworms. Mean epg for these parasites ranged from 371.2 to 1221.8. High prevalence of anaemia (86.7%) was also observed among them. This high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and anaemia could be due to indiscriminate defecation, low socio-economic status, ignorance and low standard of personal hygiene. Comprehensive control strategy with specific intervention measures need to be evolved and implemented specially in tribals as serious efforts are being madeby the Govt. for their overall development.

Comparison of respiratory sensations induced by J receptor stimulation with lobeline in left handers & right handers.

We examined the hypothesis that right handers and left handers may differ in sensory perceptions and respiratory responses to J receptor stimulation with intravenous injections of lobeline HCl in incremental doses. The comparison was made between 6 right handers and 9 left handers (all males) for (i) the dose of lobeline required to produce sensory threshold (viz., first appearance of respiratory sensations) and cough threshold (first appearance of cough); and (ii) latency and duration of sensations for sensory and cough threshold. All these comparisons were not found to be significant statistically. The sensation of breathlessness, and feelings of drowsiness, giddiness and headache were perceived in 3 of the 9 left handers, and in none of the right handers, but the difference was not significant. Reflex bradycardia was recorded only in left handers (5 of 9). The time (sec) for cough threshold was negatively correlated to threshold dose of lobeline (r = -0.5, and P < 0.05). The left handers perceived cough at the threshold as more distressing as compared with right handers (VAS P < 0.05). In conclusion, handedness did not influence J receptor responses to i.v. lobeline.

An indirect immunoperoxidase assay for rapid serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.

An easy, inexpensive and rapid indirect immunoperoxidase assay for serodiagnosis of Kala-azar (VL) has been tried using whole promastigotes of L. donovani in dried smear form as antigen. A total of 138 sera were tested including sera from parasite positive cases of VL (32), normal controls from endemic (20) and non-endemic (20) areas, cases of tuberculosis (10), leprosy (10), amoebic hepatitis (10), malaria (10) and tropical splenomegaly (26). All the positive control sera were positive in very high dilutions of serum ranging from 1/500 to 1/64,000. None of the sera with other diseases were positive by this method except 3 cases with tropical splenomegaly were positive in low titres. No other cause could be established in these cases for splenomegaly. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 100 and 95.3% respectively. Predictive values of the negative and positive tests were 100 and 86.5% respectively.