COVID-19 infections among health care workers at a university hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection among health care workers (HCWs) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study of HCWs confirmed to have COVID-19 infection from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 746 HCWs were diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients' age ranged from 22 to 60 years with a mean ± standard deviation of 37.4 ± 8.7 years. The infection was community-acquired in 584 (78.3%) HCWs. The vast majority (82.6%) of the infected HCWs had no comorbidities. Nurses (400/746 or 53.6%) represented the largest professional group, followed by physicians (128/746 or 17.2%), administrative staff (125/746 or 16.8%), respiratory therapists (54/746 or 7.2%), and physiotherapists (39/746 or 5.2%). Symptoms included fever (64.1%), cough (55.6%), sore throat (44.6%), headache (22.9%), runny nose (19.6%), shortness of breath (19.0%), fatigue (12.7%), body aches (11.4%), diarrhea (10.9%), vomiting (4.4%), and abdominal pain (2.8%). Most (647 or 86.7%) patients were managed as outpatients. Four (0.5%) HCWs died. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs face a dual risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, both from community exposure and within the hospital setting. Comprehensive infection control strategies are needed to protect HCWs both inside and outside the hospital environment.

Card9 Broadly Regulates Host Immunity against Experimental Pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans 52D Infection.

The ubiquitous soil-associated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans causes pneumonia that may progress to fatal meningitis. Recognition of fungal cell walls by C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) has been shown to trigger the host immune response. Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (Card9) is an intracellular adaptor that is downstream of several CLRs. Experimental studies have implicated Card9 in host resistance against C. neoformans; however, the mechanisms that are associated with susceptibility to progressive infection are not well defined. To further characterize the role of Card9 in cryptococcal infection, Card9em1Sq mutant mice that lack exon 2 of the Card9 gene on the Balb/c genetic background were created using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology and intratracheally infected with C. neoformans 52D. Card9em1Sq mice had significantly higher lung and brain fungal burdens and shorter survival after C. neoformans 52D infection. Susceptibility of Card9em1Sq mice was associated with lower pulmonary cytokine and chemokine production, as well as reduced numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells in the lungs. Histological analysis and intracellular cytokine staining of CD4+ T cells demonstrated a Th2 pattern of immunity in Card9em1Sq mice. These findings demonstrate that Card9 broadly regulates the host inflammatory and immune response to experimental pulmonary infection with a moderately virulent strain of C. neoformans.

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Presenting as an Intra/Extracranial Mass.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are highly malignant tumors, with distinct reciprocal chromosome translocation (11;22)(p13;q12). Intracranial metastasis is a very rare complication of this tumor, with only a few cases reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the only case presenting an extracranial extension of intracranial metastasis of DSRCT. A 33-year-old man was diagnosed with DSRCT in the pelvic cavity. He presented with a scalp lump and right-sided weakness. A biopsy showed metastasis from DSRCT. Metastatic DSRCT to the brain is extremely rare. Surgical resection followed by adjuvant treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, is indicated as it has a poor prognosis. Moreover, aggressive treatment is warranted to prevent progression and relapse.

Natural history of post-operative non-functioning pituitary adenomas - a single centre cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: To study behaviour of endonasally operated non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and propose a cost-effective stratified follow-up regimen. METHODS: A single centre retrospective cohort analysis from June 2009 till December 2019. All endonasally operated pituitary adenomas were identified with sub-analysis of the NFPA's. Patients of all age groups with radiological follow-up more than 30 months were included. Patients with any kind of cranial intervention performed < within 30 months of surgery were excluded. The post-operative MRI for this cohort was evaluated until either any intervention was performed or until the last follow-up. The maximal tumour diameter in any plane (mm) was measured from the MRI scans. The annual growth rate and the statistical relationship between age, sex, IHC, Ki-67, resection %, residual tumour was calculated. RESULTS: Out of 610 pituitary adenomas identified in the dataset, 116 patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up period ranged from 30 to 142 months (mean 78.5 months). A strong relationship existed between predicting tumour progression with first post-operative residue size (p = .001). A statistically significant relationship was found to be present between tumour growth and a residue of less than 10 mm diameter and 11-20 mm in diameter (Log rank p value .0216). On average, each patient with a residue < 5mm had MRI scans costing 976 £. CONCLUSION: Based on statistical analysis and internal validation of the growth rate of the residue, we have proposed MRI follow-up scans. These recommendations have the potential to save more than 300 £per patient towards MRI costs and can lay down a marker for defining time interval of serial scans for post-operative NFPA's.

Undergraduate health sciences students' response regarding COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a major health problem, and its influences may persist with emerging viral variants. The current work was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction of health sciences students (HSS) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February 2021 to 20 March 2021. Participants were undergraduate HSS at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire has been generated and distributed via online form. The questionnaire used was based on previous studies and included demographic information and knowledge, attitudes, perception, and learning satisfaction related to the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed to eligible students, the current study included a total of 330 HSS (82.5% response rate) from colleges of medicine (25.5%), dentistry (11.8%), pharmacy (33.6%), and Applied Medical Sciences (29.1%) of participants. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction attained by students were 5.63 ± 0.65 out of 6, 4.22 ± 1.01 out of 5, and 11.28 ± 2.9 out of 19, respectively. Results show an association between the knowledge score of students and their age-group and specialty-college. Students with chronic diseases reported lower attitude scores and rate of COVID-19 vaccine-willingness. Younger HSS had a higher learning satisfaction score than the older participants. CONCLUSION: Overall, participants show high knowledge level and positive attitude toward COVID-19 but fair learning satisfaction during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to improve the learning satisfaction and attitude of HSS in the future.

Intracranial Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumour with EWSR1-ATF1 Fusion Sans Myxoid Stroma - Report of A Newer Entity with Brief Review of Literature.

Intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumors (IMMTs) are a relatively new group of tumors, first described in 2017. We report this rare variant in a 27-year-old female which was initially suspected to be a high-grade glial neoplasm. Next-generation sequencing confirmed the presence of fusion between the FET and cAMP response element-binding (CREB) family of genes. This fusion is diagnostic of IMMT, with only 19 such cases reported so far. The authors would like to highlight the need for genomic sequencing for the diagnosis of this tumor, its propensity to recur locally, and its relatively better prognosis as compared to high-grade gliomas.

Skeletal Mets From Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Limb: A Case Report.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide and one of the most capable of metastasis. The bone is a common metastatic site of cancers, which is a major cause of morbidity, with an estimated 350,000 people dying yearly from bone metastases. However, bone metastasis from an SCC in the lower limb is rarely reported in the literature and the role of systemic chemotherapy is not well established. We report a case of a 72-year-old gentleman with an SCC metastasis of the bone. This patient received six cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy with no surgical or radiation intervention.

The IL-1 Receptor Is Required to Maintain Neutrophil Viability and Function During Aspergillus fumigatus Airway Infection.

Aspergillus fumigatus airway infections are associated with increased rates of hospitalizations and declining lung function in patients with chronic lung disease. While the pathogenesis of invasive A. fumigatus infections is well studied, little is known about the development and progression of airway infections. Previous studies have demonstrated a critical role for the IL-1 cytokines, IL-1α and IL-1ß in enhancing pulmonary neutrophil recruitment during invasive aspergillosis. Here we use a mouse model of A. fumigatus airway infection to study the role of these IL-1 cytokines in immunocompetent mice. In the absence of IL-1 receptor signaling, mice exhibited reduced numbers of viable pulmonary neutrophils and increased levels of neutrophil apoptosis during fungal airway infection. Impaired neutrophil viability in these mice was associated with reduced pulmonary and systemic levels of G-CSF, and treatment with G-CSF restored both neutrophil viability and resistance to A. fumigatus airway infection. Taken together, these data demonstrate that IL-1 dependent G-CSF production plays a key role for host resistance to A. fumigatus airway infection through suppressing neutrophil apoptosis at the site of infection.

Spinal Nerve Root Extradural Melanocytoma Progressing to Malignant Melanoma: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

Melanocytomas are rare benign pigmented tumors arising from the leptomeninges with a very remote chance of progressing to malignant melanoma. They have a predilection for occurring in the posterior fossa or in the intradural extramedullary region of the cervical spine. We report the first case of malignant transformation of a nerve root (extradural) melanocytoma wherein immunotherapy has been added for its treatment. Only four such cases of malignant transformation of central nervous system melanocytoma have been reported in the literature. Definite diagnosis in such cases is based on immunohistochemistry evaluation. Surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and immunotherapy is the recommended treatment.

Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery for Suprasellar Meningiomas.

AIM: Endoscopic trans-nasal surgery has evolved a long way from the days of narrow corridors with high rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak to the present state of HD optics with better tissue differentiation, extended approaches, and use of vascularized flaps for defect closure. Trans-nasal approach is an established technique for pituitary tumors practiced worldwide. However, trans-nasal endoscopic excision of suprasellar meningiomas provides a tougher challenge in terms of instrument manipulation, tumor excision with good visual outcome, and a robust defect closure to prevent CSF leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 83 cases of midline anterior cranial fossa meningiomas operated over 14 years, our experience in 12 cases of suprasellar meningiomas for radical resection via the trans-nasal endoscopic route is discussed. RESULTS: Amongst these, six were excised via primary extended endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery, four cases had a residual lesion or recurrence after primary transcranial surgery, and two cases involved a combined transcranial and extended endoscopic approach. Visual improvement along with resolution of headache was seen in all patients postoperatively. None of the patients had CSF leak requiring further repair. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone was found in one patient, which was transient and easily corrected. CONCLUSION: Trans-nasal endoscopic surgery for suprasellar meningiomas is an effective technique that provides results of tumor excision comparable to the transcranial approach in suitable cases. Visual outcome was found to be superior, and rates of CSF leak were remarkably reduced with vascularized flap. However, each case must be assessed individually and lateral extension beyond the optic canals with internal carotid artery encasement must be considered before planning surgery.

Surrogate Humane Endpoints in Small Animal Models of Acute Lung Injury: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study of Researchers and Laboratory Animal Veterinarians.

OBJECTIVES: In many jurisdictions, ethical concerns require surrogate humane endpoints to replace death in small animal models of acute lung injury. Heterogenous selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints render interpretation and generalizability of findings between studies difficult. We aimed to establish expert-guided consensus among preclinical scientists and laboratory animal veterinarians on selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints, monitoring of these models, and the use of analgesia. DESIGN: A three-round consensus process, using modified Delphi methodology, with researchers who use small animal models of acute lung injury and laboratory animal veterinarians who provide care for these animals. Statements on the selection and reporting of surrogate endpoints, monitoring, and analgesia were generated through a systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase. Participants were asked to suggest any additional potential statements for evaluation. SETTING: A web-based survey of participants representing the two stakeholder groups (researchers, laboratory animal veterinarians). Statements were rated on level of evidence and strength of support by participants. A final face-to-face meeting was then held to discuss results. SUBJECTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-two statements were evaluated, and 29 were rated as important, with varying strength of evidence. The majority of evidence was based on rodent models of acute lung injury. Endpoints with strong support and evidence included temperature changes and body weight loss. Behavioral signs and respiratory distress also received support but were associated with lower levels of evidence. Participants strongly agreed that analgesia affects outcomes in these models and that none may be necessary following nonsurgical induction of acute lung injury. Finally, participants strongly supported transparent reporting of surrogate endpoints. A prototype composite score was also developed based on participant feedback. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a preliminary framework that researchers and animal welfare committees may adapt for their needs. We have identified knowledge gaps that future research should address.

Neuroendoscopy in the Surgical Management of Lateral and Third Ventricular Tumors: Looking Beyond Microneurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular tumors pose a surgical challenge because of the difficulty in reaching their deep location through safe corridors and their adherence or proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Although microneurosurgery is the mainstay of surgical management, neuroendoscopy aided by adjuncts, namely, navigation and ultrasonic aspirators, has made a great contribution to improving surgical results. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the experience of a neurosurgical unit with endoscopic procedures for intraventricular tumors. The current indications, benefits, and complications of neuroendoscopy are described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of lateral and third ventricular tumors tackled either purely with an endoscope or with its assistance over 19 years in a single unit at Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai. RESULTS: Of a total of 247 operated patients with intraventricular tumors, 85 cases operated using an endoscope were included. The majority of the patients had a tumor in the third ventricle (n = 62), whereas 23 patients had tumor in the lateral ventricle. The most common pathologies were colloid cyst and arachnoid cyst (n = 18). An endoscope was used for microsurgical assisted excision of tumors in 31 cases, biopsy in 24, cyst fenestration in 23, and pure endoscopic excision in seven cases. CONCLUSION: Microsurgery remains the gold standard for the removal of giant, vascular intraventricular tumors. However, endoscopic fenestration or excision of cysts and biopsy have become better alternatives in many cases. Endoscope-assisted microsurgery affords safety and helps in achieving a more complete excision.

Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Presenting with Thoracic Spinal Cord Compression in a Young Adult with Thalassemia Major: A Case Report.

Background: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) refers to the production of blood cellular components at sites other than the bone marrow, namely liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The common sites associated with this condition are the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes whereas the common conditions associated with it are myelofibrosis, myelodysplasia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and polycythemia vera. Case Description: This report describes a young male with thalassemia major, who presented with symptomatic cord compression due to a thoracic intraspinal lesion. It was surgically excised and diagnosed as a case of EMH. The boy recovered fully and has been asymptomatic for six months now. Conclusion: The occurrence of EMH in the thoracic spine is uncommon, whereas symptomatic cord compression as a result of it is even more unusual. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic imaging of choice and treatment options that can be offered are surgical decompression, radiotherapy, hydroxyurea, and transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCs).

Experience with Management of Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographics, clinical presentation, and surgical outcome of intracranial arachnoid cysts and to review the surgical options. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of 56 cases of symptomatic arachnoid cysts among all age groups treated between 2004 and 2020 at the Bombay Hospital, Mumbai. Endoscopic fenestration, microsurgical cyst excision, and shunt insertion were the interventions performed. Clinical presentation, cyst reduction post-intervention, and complications were studied. The follow-up period varied from 1 month to 16 years. Statistical analysis was done for 43 patients with a minimum of 3 years' follow-up. RESULTS: In all, 75% of patients were <18 years of age. Of these, the majority were between the age of 1 and 10 years. There were 14 cases of temporal, 13 cases of retrocerebellar, 10 cases of quadrigeminal cistern, and 7 cases each of interhemispheric and suprasellar arachnoid cysts. The most common clinical presentation was headache and vomiting. Concomitant hydrocephalus was seen on imaging in 24 cases. Endoscopic fenestration of cyst was the most routinely performed procedure (35 cases). Four patients of endoscopic fenestration underwent a redo endoscopic procedure on follow-up. Post-operative reduction in cyst size was found to be significantly better after endoscopic fenestration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Though the best available treatment for arachnoid cysts remains controversial, surgery has been found to be beneficial in symptomatic cases. Endoscopic fenestration is considered the first-line surgical option and it may be followed by shunt, if necessary. Shunts may be preferred in very young children where there is associated hydrocephalus/macrocephaly.

Giant extradural spinal schwannoma in a non-neurofibromatosis child-case report and review of literature.

Spinal schwannoma is a rare occurrence in non-neurofibromatosis (NF) pediatric patients, especially in the extradural space extending beyond two vertebral levels. Within this age group, the common extradural tumors are either soft tissue sarcomas or metastasis, often with vertebral bony involvement. Spinal schwannomas are usually benign, slowly progressive, well-defined, intradural extramedullary lesion showing homogenous contrast enhancement on imaging. Though its clinical presentation may be with marked neurological involvement, timely surgical excision usually leads to a quick recovery of the deficits in the young age.This case report describes a giant, spinal, benign schwannoma in a 6-year-old boy which was extradural in location. The lesion was resected completely, and since then, he has been asymptomatic, tumor-free for over 3 years.

Scedosporium Apiospermum: Rare Cause of Brain Abscess in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Scedosporium apiospermum is a filamentous fungus causing a broad spectrum of clinical diseases especially in those who are immunocompromised. The common sites involved are lungs, skin, sinuses, eyes, bones, joints, and central nervous system (CNS). CNS is involved in invasive Scedosporiosis in the form of a cerebral abscess. An antecedent event of either near-drowning or history of some trauma is present in the majority of the cases where the patients' immune response remains intact. Prognosis is generally poor since the majority of the patients have coexistent medical morbidity. Surgical drainage followed by adjuvant antifungal, i.e., voriconazole therapy offers the best possible chance for survival in these patients. This case report discusses a rare event of brain abscess caused by S. apiospermum in an immunocompetent patient without any preceding precipitating factor.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Craniovertebral Junction in Asymptomatic Central Rural Indian Population.

Objectives Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a unique, mobile and complicated component of our spine which necessitates specific study pertaining to its structure as well as pathologies. This study aims to report the normative data detailing the CVJ anatomy among the rural population of Central India which would help us in understanding the joint dynamics. Materials and Methods A retrospective observational study was undertaken in the Department of Neurosurgery and Radiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Maharashtra, from December 2018 to May 2019. A total of 255 head injury patients with a normal CT brain cervical spine were included in this study. Anterior and posterior atlantodental interval (AADI/PADI), clivus length (CL), foramen magnum diameter (FMD), Boogard's and basal angle (BOO & BA) were measured and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2016. A web-based, open source application known as OpenEpi.com (version 3.01) was used for applying unpaired t -test. Results This study had a mean age of 42.9 years. The difference in mean value of AADI between male and female population was not found to be statistically significant, while in case of PADI, CL, FMD, BOO and BA, it was found to be significant ( p < 0.05). On comparison of cases with age ≤ 20 years and > 20 years, we found the difference in values of ADI, CL and FMD to be statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Although there are some similarities, namely, AADI measurements as compared with other studies, there are differences in cutoff values of other parameters. Being a major draining reference center for rural population in India, this data can be extrapolated to a similar population for reference.

Evolution of Pituitary Surgery.

Pituitary tumors may well be the most common brain tumors with a mean incidence of 16.7%. Even small tumors become symptomatic when they arise from functioning cells and produce devastating effects on the body. The nonfunctioning tumors may become quite large before producing symptoms due to raised intracranial pressure or mass effect on the surrounding structures, most commonly, the optic apparatus. Many of them remain asymptomatic through life. Evolution of pituitary surgery is testimony to the advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques in neurosurgery and improved understanding of 360° of surgical skullbase anatomy as well as the need to provide not only immediate good postoperative results but also a long-lasting relief. Despite considerable advances in medical treatment as well as focussed radiation techniques, surgery remains the primary treatment in many of these tumors. Visual improvement, hormonal cure, avoidance of hypopituitarism, and neurological deficit remain immediate goals of surgery. Long-term cure or remission may require a multidisciplinary approach.

Evaluation of the Evan's and Bicaudate Index for Rural Population in Central India using Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Evans index (EI) and Bicaudate index (BCI) are practical markers of ventricular volume and are helpful radiological markers in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Worldwide, variation exists in normative studies for both these indices. Most of the studies conducted for EI and BCI are based on the Western population data. No study has been performed on the rural population of Central India. The purpose of this study is to develop normative data on EI and BCI that can be extrapolated for future reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted from December 2018 to May 2019 in MGIMS Hospital, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India, which is a rural hospital in Central India. All patients with either a head injury or neurological complaints although with normal computed tomography (CT) brain were included in the study. Patients with diagnosed neurological disorder, clinical features suggesting hydrocephalus, or intracranial pathology on CT brain were excluded from the study. Five hundred and eleven patients were selected for this study, and EI and BCI was calculated for them. RESULTS: The mean value of EI and BCI in our study was 0.2707 and 0.1121, respectively. Both indices showed a statistically significant difference between males and females. The value of both indices increased with age. CONCLUSION: Although our study is in agreement with the cutoff value of EI to diagnose dilated lateral ventricles as 0.3 for age <70 years, cutoff value of EI for the older population should be reconsidered to 0.34.