Helicobacter pylori Infection among Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative gut bacterium associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer, whose prevalence is still common in developing countries. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard, first-line investigation for evaluating gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre among the patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 5 January 2020 to 5 January 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 99% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 1,975 patients, Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 561 (28.41%) (25.79-31.03, 99% Confidence Interval). The indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was mostly dyspepsia 256 (45.68%) followed by abdominal pain 205 (36.54%). The most common endoscopic finding was gastritis 445 (79.32%) followed by hiatal hernia 93 (16.58%). The commonest biopsy finding was chronic active gastritis 478 (85.20%). Conclusions: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings. The persistence of H. pylori emphasizes the need of continuous research to address ever evolving H. pylori infections and resistance that are developing against available treatment modalities. Keywords: endoscopy; Helicobacter pylori; upper gastrointestinal tract.

Non-Targeted Metabolomics Reveals the Effects of Different Rolling Methods on Black Tea Quality.

A non-targeted metabolomics approach and sensory evaluation, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis, systematically uncover the impact of the rolling time on the quality parameters of black tea. GC-MS analysis reveals that a moderate extension of rolling time favorably contributes to the accumulation of characteristic aroma components in black tea. The volatile components reach their highest concentration in black tea samples processed during an 80-min rolling period. UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis demonstrates a substantial decrease in the contents of catechins and flavonoids with an increase in rolling time. Simultaneously, the production of theaflavins, coupled with the degradation of green bitterness volatiles (GBVs), significantly contributes to the formation of endogenous aroma components in black tea. These findings underscore the close relationship between rolling time control and black tea quality, emphasizing that a moderate extension of the rolling time fosters the development of improved black tea flavor quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation indicates that the optimal duration is 80 min. However, the initial 0 to 20 min of rolling is a crucial phase for the genesis and transformation of black tea quality. This study offers valuable insights into the influence of rolling time on black tea quality, potentially enhancing future studies of rolling technology. It provides theoretical guidelines for optimizing the processing of Gongfu black tea.

Systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease and myocardial infarction: a case report.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder that causes fibrosis due to an accelerated inflammatory response. One of the most frequent co-morbidities with SSc is interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is also one of the biggest killers among SSc patients. Case presentation: The authors present a rare case of diffuse SSc with ILD and myocardial infarction having a history of Raynaud phenomenon, skin thickening, and shortness of breath. Antinuclear antibody and antitopoisomerase antibody tests were positive. The patient was managed medically and the condition of patient is improving. Clinical discussion: SSC can affect the skin as well as other organs, with the lungs being the most frequently involved and seriously impacted. SSc patients can have multiple organ involvement like the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Because ILD is the leading cause of death among people with SSC, early diagnosis and high suspicion of lung involvement can reduce mortality. Conclusion: The mortality rate for SSC associated with ILD is extremely high. Even though ILD is common in SSc, it might be difficult to identify and detect early for which a high-resolution CT scan can be used. In SSc patients, heart involvement can coexist with ILD.

Ebstein's anomaly with pericardial effusion in a 55-year-old lady: A case report.

Introduction: and importance: Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by apical displacement of the tricuspid valve associated with atrialization of the right ventricle. Most of the cases are diagnosed in childhood but asymptomatic cases may remain undiagnosed and survive until old age. Case presentation: We present a rare case of Ebstein's Anomaly with pericardial effusion which was diagnosed for the first time in her mid-fifties when she developed atrial fibrillation and right heart failure with severe tricuspid regurgitation, which was managed medically. Clinical discussion: The patient with Ebstein's anomaly can be found even at an older age with variable presentation and the association with pericardial effusion although very rare can present in such patients. Conclusion: Ebstein's anomaly despite being a rare congenital condition can present clinically even beyond the age of fifty without any previous diagnosis and surgical intervention for the condition. It usually presents with features of heart failure and arrhythmia but can also have a rare association like pericardial effusion.

Successful thrombolysis with low dose thrombolytic agent in a patient with acute life-threatening massive pulmonary thromboembolism: A case report.

Introduction: and importance: Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent management to decrease mortality. Although the standard dose of systemic thrombolysis with alteplase is 100 mg, half the dose of alteplase can be used to break up clots successfully, especially if bleeding is a concern. Case presentation: We report a case of massive pulmonary thromboembolism presenting with cardiopulmonary arrest, successfully managed with advanced cardiac life support, anticoagulants, and low-dose thrombolytics. Clinical discussion: Management of massive pulmonary thromboembolism includes medical thrombolysis along with maintenance of hemodynamic stability. Our patient was successfully managed with low-dose thrombolytics and was continued with standard oral anticoagulants for 6 months. Conclusion: In patients of acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism, a low dose of the thrombolytic agent can achieve complete resolution of the thrombus with less bleeding risk.