Gender Determination from Maxillary Sinus using Computed Tomography Scans - A Radiographic Study.

Aims and Objective: Purpose of this research was to check the precision of gender identification using computed tomography (CT) head and neck scans and volumetric analysis of the maxillary sinus. Materials and Methods: For 50 patients (25 females and 25 males), left and right maxillary sinus scans were acquired, and linear measurements (width, length, height, and volume) were assessed. Both maxillary sinus measurements' means and standard deviations were computed and contrasted. Results: Males have been found to have considerably larger maxillary sinuses than females. Conclusion: Accurate gender determination is possible with the use of maxillary sinus.

The Effect of Structured Education Training Program on Oral Health Awareness Among School-Going Children of Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background In order to curb the ever-increasing load of diseases related to the oral cavity, there is a call for generating organized school-based oral health education and training programs. It is proposed that there will be an emphasis on the primary care of oral health of school-going children proven, which is often neglected. This will be beneficial for the early detection, intervention and thus prevention of further debilitating conditions of the pathologies pertaining to the oral cavity with the assistance of the structured program suggested in this article. Aim The aim of the study was the evaluation of oral health programs for oral health awareness and knowledge among school-going children in the Central India region. Settings and design This is a cross-sectional study with measurements before and after the implementation of the oral care program.  Materials and methods This cross-sectional study, approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, has been done according to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) checklist. A study based on certain questions was carried out amongst the school-going children of Central India, especially the Vidarbha region. A total of 250 school-going children were enrolled in the study. A survey based on a questionnaire was carried out among the study participants in the age group of 12-16 years of age, which consisted of questions pertaining to knowledge of oral health and hygiene maintenance. The program consisted of presentation slides, role-plays, and demonstrations for inculcating the knowledge. Result A total of 200 study participants responded to the questionnaire. Overall, the baseline mean score of knowledge with scale was 2.80 ± 1.73 SD, which after the intervention was observed to be 10.70 ± 0.54 SD, which showed an increase. There was an aptly 60.4% increase in test scores related to oral health after the specific oral health inculcation program based on questionnaire execution which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion A properly constructed school children-based oral health education and training program induces better results in the oral health-related comprehension of students.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Profile of Congenital Heart Diseases in the 0-12-Year Age Group in a Tertiary Care Medical Institute in Eastern India: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study.

Background This study aimed to determine the clinical and echocardiography profile of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) among admitted children as well as patients presenting to the outpatient department of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, which is a tertiary care and apex institute located in Bihar, India. Methodology A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. In total, 200 patients aged 0-12 were enrolled in the study. The study design was exploratory, with a proforma drafted to study patients with features suggestive of CHDs. All pediatric echocardiography was performed by a trained cardiologist. Records were obtained from the departmental record-keeping register, and reports were available for analyzing the data. For data collection, cardiology and pediatric department registers were reviewed and all CHD data were collected. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of the 200 children with CHDs, 142 were diagnosed to have acyanotic heart disease (ACHD), while 58 had cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Among 200 cases of CHD, ventricular septal defect (VSD) constituted 62 cases comprising 31% of the total CHD cases and 44% of all ACHD cases. Atrial septal defect (ASD) was the second most common CHD comprising 23% of all CHD cases. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) constituted 23 cases accounting for 11.5% of all CHD cases. It was the most common CCHD. Based on the age at the time of presentation, 90 (45%) cases were diagnosed below one year of age. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was most common in ACHD comprising 30% compared to CCHD in which only 7% of cases had CHF. This finding was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Analyzing the symptoms of different CHDs, of both ACHDs and CCHDs, the common symptoms were fast breathing (38%). Conclusions Among ACHD patients, 31% VSD and 21% ASD were noted. In CCHD, TOF was the most common with 11.5% of cases. Respiratory tract conditions were the most common comorbidities encountered. Because this is one of the first studies conducted in Bihar in the pediatric age group, it can help know the prevalence of CHDs in this region and will be useful for developing policies by stakeholders.

Identifying Risk Factors for Lower Reproductive Tract Infections among Women Using Reusable Absorbents in Odisha, India.

A large proportion of women in Odisha, India, use reusable absorbents to manage their menstruation. Yet, the risk factors for lower reproductive tract infections (RTIs) related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) have not been studied among reusable absorbent users. Women of reproductive age attending one of two hospitals from two different cities in Odisha during two separate study intervals were recruited for the study. Laboratory diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) were conducted. A questionnaire was used to collect information on MHM practices, water, sanitation, and socio-demographic factors. Among the 509 women who used reusable absorbents, 71.7% were diagnosed with at least one infection. After adjusting for confounders, women with BV were more likely to identify as being a housewife (aOR: 1.8 (1.1-2.9)). Frequent absorbent changing was protective against BV (aOR: 0.5 (0.3-0.8)), whereas frequent body washing increased the odds of BV (aOR: 1.5 (1.0-2.2)). Women with VVC were more likely to be older (aOR: 1.6 (1.0-2.5)), live below the poverty line (aOR: 1.5 (1.1-2.2)), have a non-private household latrine (aOR: 2.2 (1.3-4.0)), dry their absorbents inside the house (aOR: 3.7 (2.5-4.5)), and store absorbents in the latrine area (aOR: 2.0 (1.3-2.9)). Washing absorbents outside the house was protective against VVC (aOR: 0.7 (0.4-1.0)). This study highlights the importance of improving MHM practices among reusable absorbent users to prevent lower RTIs among women reusing menstrual materials in Odisha.

Arrugas Bone Trephine Assisted Flapless Dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C Versus External Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Hospital Based Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common ophthalmic condition and has conventionally been managed by external dacryocystorhinostomy. However this procedure is time consuming and involves making mucosal flaps. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcome in Arrugas bone trephine-assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C versus conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective non-randomized study of surgical outcome in patients of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent an Arrugas bone trephine assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C (group A) versus those who underwent conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy (group B) in a teaching hospital in North India. Patients with previously failed dacryocystorhinostomy, lacrimal fistula, canalicular and common canalicular obstruction were excluded. Success was defined as patent syringing at the end of one year. Surgical time was calculated from skin incision to skin suturing. RESULTS: There was complete resolution of epiphora with patent syringing in 43 out of 52 patients in group A, while in group B, 47 out of 55 patients had complete resolution of epiphora with patent syringing at the end of one year (p= 0.77). Mean surgical time was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (p=<.05). Scarring and closure of the ostium was the most common cause of failure in both groups (Group A, n=5, 9.6%; Group B, n= 3, 5.45%). CONCLUSION: Arrugas bone trephine-assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C is a viable alternative to conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy with comparable success rate and shorter surgical time and a faster learning curve.

Influence of rs1042713 and rs1042714 polymorphisms of ß2-adrenergic receptor gene with erythrocyte cAMP in sickle cell disease patients from Odisha State, India.

The vaso-occlusive crisis (VOCs) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is often associated with stress. Epinephrine released during stress acts via beta 2-adrenergic receptors (ß2-AR or ADRB2) to stimulate the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the red blood cells (RBCs). Higher cAMP levels promote adhesion of sickled RBCs to vascular endothelium, a major contributor for VOCs. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ß2-AR gene have been reported; two of them at codon 16 (rs1042713) and codon 27 (rs1042714) have been extensively studied for their clinical relevance. Therefore, we assessed the influence of polymorphism at these two sites of the ß2-AR gene on the RBC cAMP concentrations with and without epinephrine stimulation in SCD subjects. We determined the frequency distribution of different genotypes of codon 16 and codon 27 of the ß2-AR gene using the Sanger sequencing method in the SCD subjects. We measured the RBC-cAMP levels at baseline and after stimulation with epinephrine, to ascertain the influence of different genotypes in determining cAMP levels. There was no difference in the socio-demographic and hematological indicators in different genotypes of both codon 16 and 27. In the sham-treated erythrocytes, the cAMP levels were significantly different with three genotypes of codon 16 (F = 3.39, P = 0.036; one way ANOVA) but not with different genotypes of codon 27. A significant increase in cAMP levels was noticed with epinephrine treatment in all genotypes of codons 16 and 27 (P = 0.001; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). However, the extent of increase in the epinephrine-treated cAMP values from the sham-treated (baseline) cAMP values was significantly different between the three genotypes of codon 16 (H = 8.74; P = 0.012; Kruskal-Wallis test) but not in codon 27 genotypes. Polymorphism in codon 16 (rs1042713) of the ß2-AR gene influences cAMP concentrations in the RBC both before and after epinephrine treatment. Higher cAMP levels may lead to increased adhesion of sickle cell RBCs to vascular endothelium and may increase the frequency of VOCs.

Erythrocyte cAMP in Determining Frequency of Acute Pain Episodes in Sickle Cell Disease Patients from Odisha State, India.

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) occurs more frequently during stress in sickle cell disease patients. Epinephrine released during stress increases adhesion of sickled red blood cells (RBCs) to endothelium and to leukocytes, a process mediated through erythrocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased adhesion of sickled RBCs retards blood flow through the capillaries and promotes vaso-occlusion. Therefore, we examined the association of RBC-cAMP levels with frequency of acute pain episodes in sickle cell disease subjects. Using a case control study design, we measured RBC-cAMP levels, fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), α-thalassemia (α-thal) and other hematological parameters at baseline (sham treated) and after stimulation with epinephrine. The cases consisted of sickle cell disease subjects with three or more acute pain episodes in the last 12 months, and those without a single acute pain episode in the last 12 months were considered as controls. Significantly higher cAMP values were found in cases than the controls, in both sham treated (p < 0.001) and epinephrine treated RBCs (p < 0.001) by Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. However, significant association of cAMP values was observed both on univariate [odds ratio (OR): 4.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.51-15.19, p < 0.008) and multivariate logistic regression analyses only in epinephrine treated (OR: 5.07, 95% CI: 1.53-16.82, p < 0.008) but not in sham-treated RBCs. In the covariates, Hb F consistently showed protective effects in univariate as well as in multivariate analyses. Frequent acute pain episodes are associated with higher cAMP levels than those with less frequent pain episodes, only after stimulation with epinephrine but not with baseline level.

Causes of visual impairment in applications for blindness certificates in a tertiary center of Bihar and its role in health planning.

PURPOSE: To analyze applications for blindness certificates to find causes of visual impairment (VI), handicap, and blindness in a tertiary hospital of Bihar. METHODS: Applications for blindness certificates were analyzed over a two-year period. The main cause of blindness, visual handicap, and VI in these applications was ascertained by age group and etiology. VI disability percentages and definitions proposed by Governmen of India (category 0-4; 20-100%) were used to categorize and give percentage to all applicants. Results were compared with data from studies on blindness certificates and population based studies. RESULTS: In total, 203 applicants were reviewed. Mean age was 23.5 ± 7.9 years. Overall, most common cause of visual handicap (40-100% impairment) and blindness (75-100% impairment) was macular pathology (P <.05), while most common cause of overall VI (20-100% impairment) was amblyopia. In age group 0-15 years, most common causes of blindness/visual handicap were congenital globe and hereditary retinal or optic nerve disorders (P = 0.016). In age group 16-30 years, macular pathology was the most common cause of visual handicap [P = 0.007], while amblyopia was the most common cause of VI [P = 0.00]. Between 31 and 45 years of age group, corneal scar in one eye was the most common cause of VI, while macular scar in both eyes was the most common cause of visual handicap. Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy were the most common causes of blindness/visual handicap between 46 and 65 years and above 65 years of age, respectively. Data about causes of VI such as amblyopia, complicated cataract surgery, and one eyed blindness could not be ascertained by analyzing blindness certificate alone. CONCLUSION: Data from applications for blindness certificates provide valuable information regarding different causes of VI that might otherwise not be eligible for blindness certification and provide an insight into the overall trends in disease profile and service delivery.

Association of fetal hemoglobin level with frequency of acute pain episodes in sickle cell disease (HbS-only phenotype) patients.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a Mendelian single gene disorder with highly variable phenotypic expression. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of HbF, alpha thalassemia and other hematological indices to determine their association with acute pain episodes. METHOD: This case control study consisted of SCD subjects with HbS phenotype experiencing three or more acute pain episodes in last twelve months (cases) and without any episode of acute pain during last twelve months (controls). Hematological parameters, HbF, and presence of alpha thalassemia were assessed in all subjects. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference between HbF levels (P < 0.025, χ2 test) and alpha thalassemia (P < 0.008, χ2 test) was observed between controls and cases group. Univariate analysis indicated that increased HbF levels > 25% (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.77, P < 0.008) and presence of alpha thalassemia (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.85, P < 0.009) provided protection, while multivariate analysis revealed significant protection was attributable only by higher HbF levels (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.88, P < 0.025). Significantly higher HbF levels were observed only in the 11-20 age group of cases in comparison to controls (Student's t-test, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher concentrations of HbF are associated with protection against frequent episodes of acute pain crisis in SCD patients.

Association between unhygienic menstrual management practices and prevalence of lower reproductive tract infections: a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Odisha, India.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are associated with poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices has not been extensively studied. We aimed to determine whether poor menstrual hygiene practices were associated with three common infections of the lower reproductive tract; Bacterial vaginosis (BV), Candida, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). METHODS: Non-pregnant women of reproductive age (18-45 years) and attending one of two hospitals in Odisha, India, between April 2015 and February 2016 were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on: MHM practices, clinical symptoms for the three infections, and socio-economic and demographic information. Specimens from posterior vaginal fornix were collected using swabs for diagnosis of BV, Candida and TV infection. RESULTS: A total of 558 women were recruited for the study of whom 62.4% were diagnosed with at least one of the three tested infections and 52% presented with one or more RTI symptoms. BV was the most prevalent infection (41%), followed by Candida infection (34%) and TV infection (5.6%). After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, women diagnosed with Candida infection were more likely to use reusable absorbent material (aPRR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.2-2.0) and practice lower frequency of personal washing (aPRR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.07-1.7). Women with BV were more likely to practice personal washing less frequently (aPRR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.0-1.5), change absorbent material outside a toilet facility (aPRR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.0-1.48) whilst a higher frequency of absorbent material changing was protective (aPRR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.4-0.75). No studied factors were found to be associated with TV infection. In addition, among women reusing absorbent material, Candida but not BV or TV - infection was more frequent who dried their pads inside their houses and who stored the cloth hidden in the toilet compartment. CONCLUSION: The results of our study add to growing number of studies which demonstrate a strong and consistent association between poor menstrual hygiene practices and higher prevalence of lower RTIs.

Higher vaginal pH in Trichomonas vaginalis infection with intermediate Nugent score in reproductive-age women-a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Odisha, India.

A close association between Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported. Some other studies have found association is stronger with intermediate Nugent score than BV. Most studies have used wet mount microscopy, a relatively insensitive method, to detect TV infection. We wanted to study the association of TV infection with BV and with intermediate Nugent score. We undertook a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 1110 non-pregnant women from Odisha state, India, aged between 18 and 45 years, collecting vaginal swabs for diagnosis of BV by Nugent score (NS) criteria and TV by PCR analysis. TV infection was found in 13.3% of women with intermediate Nugent score (NS 4-6) and 13.6% with BV (NS 7-10). Before adjustment, TV infection was associated with BV, intermediate Nugent, vaginal pH ≥ 4.5, and age group between 26 and 35 years. Multivariate analysis confirmed that TV infection was more likely to have raised vaginal pH, either BV or intermediate Nugent. Proportion of TV cases increased sequentially with the increase in Nugent score up to NS 6, after which a decline was observed. Vaginal pH was higher in the TV-infected group than the uninfected group in women with intermediate Nugent, but no difference was noticed in women with BV. TV infection was equally prevalent in women with intermediate Nugent as well as BV. In the intermediate Nugent group women, TV infection was found only when vaginal pH was raised, indicating a crucial role of vaginal pH in determining TV infection.

Synchronous Ipsilateral Wilms' Tumor and Neuroblastoma in an Infant.

Wilms' tumor (WT) and neuroblastoma (NB), the two most common extra-cranial solid malignant tumors, are seldom seen together in the same patient. A 10-month girl presented with a right retroperitoneal mass. A preoperative diagnosis of Wilms' tumor (WT) was made. She was given preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery. At surgery a renal mass (WT) and a suprarenal mass (neuroblastoma - NB) were removed. She finally succumbed to metastatic NB in the postoperative period.

Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney: report of two cases.

Clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK) is an aggressive renal neoplasm. We report two boys aged three and half, and three years with CCSK, one of whom had a disease free survival of four years and eight months. These patients were managed with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One of the patients discontinued treatment early and lost to follow up. Aggressive multimodality therapy is the keystone to improved outcome.

Giant Hydatid Cyst within a Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the Lung.

A case of hydatid cyst within a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the right lower lobe of lung in an 8-year-old girl is reported. Presence of CCAM was confirmed on histopathology of the lung tissue attached to the specimen.

Efficacy of bladder neck incision on urodynamic abnormalities in patients with posterior urethral valves.

PURPOSE: This study aims to study the efficacy of simultaneous endoscopic bladder neck incision (BNI) and primary endoscopic valve incision (PEVI) in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine PUV patients underwent PEVI and BNI over a year. They were compared to nine comparable historical controls that had undergone only PEVI. Trends in renal function tests, urodynamics and changes in the upper urinary tracts were evaluated after 3 months during which no pharmacotherapy was given. RESULTS: The incidence of bladder dysfunction in the two groups was similar-55.5 % in case group and 66.6 % in control group. Hypocompliant, high-pressure bladder was the predominant cystometric finding in both groups. Three patients in the case group and two patients in the control group had high end infusion pressure (EIP) with poor compliance. Detrusor overactivity (DOA) was seen in 23.1 % patients in the case group as compared to 55.5 % patients in the control group (P = 0.3348). Five patients in both groups were later started on anticholinergics due to raised EIP, small capacity bladder and/or DOA. CONCLUSION: Although BNI should theoretically improve the outcome of PUV patients, the current pilot study failed to demonstrate any significant difference. A larger sample size and longer follow-up are required to prove or disprove its efficacy.

Extra hepatic biliary atresia associated with choledochal cyst: a diagnostic dilemma in neonatal obstructive jaundice.

The presentation of extra hepatic biliary-atresia (EHBA) as well as choledochal cyst (CDC) in the neonate may be similar. Since the surgical management and prognosis are entirely different, it is important to differentiate between the two entities. We present a case with co-existing EHBA and CDC which led to a diagnostic dilemma.

Neonatal sacrococcygeal teratoma: our experience with 10 cases.

AIM: To analyse the outcome of neonatal sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) in our setup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records of 10 neonates, who were operated for SCT during 14 years time period, were retrieved and analysed. Letters were sent to 6 parents/ caretakers of children who were lost to follow up; none of them responded. RESULTS: Seven girls and 3 boys with a mean age of 9 days (range 1-30 days) underwent excision of SCT in the neonatal period. Antenatal pickup rates were poor (2/10). Two patients presented with tumor rupture. Though all had an obvious mass at birth, only half of them presented on day 1 of life. The remaining 5 patients came late at a mean age of 11 days. Half of the SCTs were 10 cm or larger in size. One patient was misdiagnosed as meningomyelocoele. All underwent complete excision with coccygectomy by posterior approach in prone position. There were only 2 patients who could be classified as Altman Type II, the rest were all Altman Type I. Histopathology (HPE) revealed mature cystic teratoma (n=8), grade 1 immature teratoma (n=1) and grade 3 immature teratoma (n=1). There was no mortality; and complications were seen in 3/10 patients (1 neurogenic bladder, 1 major wound infection with ventriculitis and 1 minor wound infection). The mean follow up was 25 months (range 1 month to 6 years) in 4 patients with no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal SCTs are usually benign with a good outcome after complete surgical excision with a low complication rate. Although long term follow up has been advocated, the follow up was poor in this series.

Isolated soft tissue cysticercosis involving the trunk in children: report of 4 cases.

Isolated soft tissue cysticercosis of the trunk in the absence of concurrent central nervous system involvement is uncommon and may be difficult to diagnose. We report 4 such cases in the pediatric age group. Preoperative diagnosis of soft tissue cysticercosis was considered only in 1 patient, the rest were diagnosed only after biopsy. Complete excision (without rupture) was done. All of them underwent a CT scan head along with ophthalmic examination to rule out the more common sites of occurrence of cysticercosis. No further treatment was undertaken as the evaluation was negative. In endemic areas like ours we must suspect this entity not only in the limb muscles, but also in the subcutaneous tissues of the trunk. If diagnosed accurately, it can be treated medically, eliminating the need for surgery.

Isolated mucormycosis in a post-pyeloplasty kidney in an immuno-competent child.

A child with isolated renal mucormycosis who was successfully treated with systemic anti-fungal therapy and nephrectomy is reported.