Robust expression of LINE-1 retrotransposon encoded proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) results from a series of genetic alteration in squamous cells. This particular type of cancer considers one of the most aggressive malignancies to control because of its frequent local invasions to the regional lymph node. Although several biomarkers have been reported, the key marker used to predict the behavior of the disease is largely unknown. Here we report Long INterpersed Element-1 (LINE1 or L1) retrotransposon activity in post-operative oral cancer samples. L1 is the only active retrotransposon occupying around 17% of the human genome with an estimated 500,000 copies. An active L1 encodes two proteins (L1ORF1p and L1ORF2p); both of which are critical in the process of retrotransposition. Several studies report that the L1 retrotransposon is highly active in many cancers. L1 activity is generally determined by assaying L1ORF1p because of its high expression and availability of the antibody. However, due to its lower expression and unavailability of a robust antibody, detection of L1ORF2p has been limited. L1ORF2p is the crucial protein in the process of retrotransposition as it provides endonuclease and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed on the post-operative oral cancer samples and murine tissues. RESULTS: Using in house novel antibodies against both the L1 proteins (L1ORF1p and L1ORF2p), we found L1 retrotransposon is extremely active in post-operative oral cancer tissues. Here, we report a novel human L1ORF2p antibody generated using an 80-amino-acid stretch from the RT domain, which is highly conserved among different species. The antibody detects significant L1ORF2p expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) samples and murine germ tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We report exceptionally high L1ORF1p and L1ORF2p expression in post-operative oral cancer samples. The novel L1ORF2p antibody reported in this study will serve as a useful tool to understand why L1 activity is deregulated in OSCC and how it contributes to the progression of this particular cancer. Cross-species reactivity of L1ORF2p antibody due to the conserved epitope will be useful to study the retrotransposon biology in mice and rat germ tissues.

Quality of radiochemical purity in multiple samples of various fractionated cold kits: Testing a cost & time effective technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess technical aspects of fractionation of commonly used cold kits in Nuclear Medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 samples (30 samples each) of technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP), 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA III) were taken on various days. The radiochemical purity was calculated of each fraction of these cold kits by using paper chromatography. RESULTS: The mean value of radiochemical purity of 99mTc -MDP, 99mTc -DTPA and 99mTc-DMSA(III) were calculated as ~ 95.12%, 91.43% and 95.68% and standard deviation (SD) were ~ 5.43, 8.36 and 3.88, respectively. Maximum time in which fractionation procedure completed i.e. time required for preparing the fraction or thawing was 10 minutes. All fractionated aliquots were between 1 and 15 days. Radiopharmaceutical bio-distribution was found to be appropriate during imaging in all samples. CONCLUSION: Fractionation of cold kits using standardised technique is a time and cost-effective method and does not deteriorate the quality of labelling in commonly used pharmaceuticals in our study. We have used fractionated aliquots up to 3 days of preparation in patients with clinically usable radiochemical purity. Deep frozen fractions can be used up to 15 days in our experience.

The feasibility and safety of graded adenosine stress test for myocardial perfusion in asthmatic and/or COPD patients.

SUBJECT AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients (M:F::26:14; age range: 37-84yrs; mean: 64.1yrs) with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (ranging from mild to severe), referred for a stress myocardial perfusion study, were included in this study over a period of one year. All patients underwent adenosine stress in a titrated protocol and pre-infusion of short acting bronchodilator salbutamol 2 puffs few minutes prior to start adenosine infusion. In a fraction of 26 patients, pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed and used in addition to clinical examination to classify the severity of pulmonary obstruction. On the basis of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) on PFT, 4 patients had a mild disease (FEV1 60%-80%), 17 had a moderate obstructive disease (FEV1 41%-59%) and 4 had severe COPD/asthma (FEV1 <40%) while 2 patients had normal >95% FEV1. Post-stress questionnaire to assess subjective tolerance and symptoms were undertaken for all patients. RESULTS: The results demonstrated an excellent tolerance to adenosine infusion in this group of patients, with adequate stress achieved in all. None had complaints of severe dyspnoea or respiratory distress requiring medical intervention. Thirteen patients had mild to moderate degree dyspnoea during infusion. The study included a significant number of 23 elderly patients (>65 years), who showed better tolerance than the younger patients. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study in patients with COPD who referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, the feasibility and safety of adenosine in a graded protocol along with a good pre-stress assessment and a short acting bronchodilator treatment was documented.

How a tertiary medical nuclear medicine department at the Himalayan area in India can be established and function in an exemplary manner. Basic rules revisited.

OBJECTIVE: We describe and discuss the various medical, social and financial aspects of setting up, and optimizing, working conditions of a tertiary Nuclear Medicine Department. This department was established in a North Indian state which comprises 93% of hilly area. During the first three years after establishment we have developed infrastructure, cooperation with other departments, improved radiation safety and cost effectiveness of our work and designed future perspectives. The facility was established in a cancer center of a tertiary care hospital where a medical college infrastructure was developed. National guidelines formulated by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) were followed. Our department served a population area of 10.08 million inhabitants. Over the first three years 2,400 patients underwent diagnostic scans and 106 patients underwent low dose radioiodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis. To optimize resources and at the same time, enhance their effectivity, we procured our (99)Mo/ (99m)Tc generator every other week and arranged our daily programme accordingly. Fractionation of cold kits allowed us to perform low cost in-vivo procedures on a daily basis and to save the department's running costs by 30%-50%. We run continuing education nuclear medicine programmes for referring physicians, medical students and paramedical workers which were included in routine practice which led to a consistent growth in patients referral. The need for a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan and high dose treatment department for thyroid cancer was strongly felt. CONCLUSION: Our nuclear medicine department in a peripheral region of a developing country applied better logistics by procuring new generator every fortnight, fractionating the cold kits and by organizing complete teaching programmes.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervention.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal neuropathies are frequently found in diabetic patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to find out the safety, adverse reactions, and long-term effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus plant extract (mastic gum) in diabetic gastroparesis (DG) with respect to sustainable improvement in gastroparesis symptoms (Gastrointestinal Cardinal Symptom Index [GCSI] score) by observational follow-up study of a single-centric double-blind noninferiority randomized control trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals were recruited and equally randomized in two study groups based on GCSI score and TC99 radionuclide gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), i.e. the mastic gum group and the levosulpiride group. After 24 weeks, the GCSI score was recalculated in both the groups, and patients were evaluated for the safety, adverse reactions, and long-term effectiveness of mastic gum and the standard drug levosulpiride. RESULTS: In the extended study, mean GCSI score changes at 24 weeks were statistically significant (P < 0.001) (t-test) between the two groups. In the mastic gum arm, the change in mean GCSI score at 24 weeks was statistically nonsignificant mean ± (standard deviation [SD]) 16.7± (3.81) compared to the GCSI score at 2-month postintervention mean (SD) 16.35± (2.27) (intragroup P = 0.89) (repeated measures ANOVA). It strongly indicates that mastic gum provided a sustainable improvement in DG symptoms in comparison to levosulpiride, with excellent subjective well-being postintervention, without any obvious significant adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Six-month (24-week) interim analysis of patients suggests that mastic gum gives a sustainable improvement in DG symptoms without any obvious adverse effects as compared to levosulpiride.

Efficacy of Pistacia lentiscus Plant (Rumi Mastagi) in Comparison to Levosulpiride in Patients with Diabetic Gastroparesis: A Double-Blind Non-Inferior Randomised Control Trial Study.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal neuropathies are frequently found in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis (DG) is multifactorial. The usual treatment for DG includes dietary modifications, prokinetic and antiemetic agents. There is increasing demand for more effective medicines to treat DG. The current study was conducted on the Pistacia lentiscus stem extract to add to the armamentarium of DG treatment and to find the efficacy of P. lentiscus plant extract (mastic gum) in comparison to levosulpiride in DG for improvement in gastroparesis symptoms and gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) in a single centric double-blind non-inferiority randomised control trial. Methods: Thirty-eight individuals were recruited and equally randomised into two study groups based on Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score and TC99 Radionuclide GES, mastic gum group and levosulpiride group. Both pre and post-intervention (8 weeks) GCSI scores were calculated, GES was performed to quantify the improvement in gastric emptying. Power analysis was performed using G*POWER software version 3.1.9.7 and data analysis using SPSS 23.0, variables measured in mean ± standard deviation (SD). Various statistical tests were used such as independent t-test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, Wilcox Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and posthoc pairwise tests. Results: The mastic gum is found effective in the improvement of 4 h gastric emptying percentage from the mean (SD) 76.60 (± 9.96) to mean (SD) 97.20 (2.17)% (P < 0.001). Mastic gum has the property of HbA1c reduction, which is more significant than that of levosulpiride (P = 0.044). Mastic gum also had significant Low density lipoprotein (LDL) (mg/dL) levels reduction, (P < 0.001), compared to levosupiride. An absolute increase was observed in haemoglobin (HB) level in mastic gum at a 2-month mean (SD) of 1.03 (0.77) (g/dL) (P-value <0.001). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the effect of levosulpiride with mastic gum concerning improvement in diabetic gastroparesis (DG) using GES. In the study, mastic gum was found to have great properties to improve DG with many important pleiotropic effects.

An overview of radiolabeled amino acid tracers in oncologic imaging.

Molecular imaging has witnessed a great progress in the field of oncology over the past few decades. Radiolabeled amino acid (AA) tracers are particularly helpful in the areas where the utility of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography with computed tomography imaging has been limited such as in evaluating brain tumors, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and prostate cancer. Radiolabeled AA tracers such as 6-[18F]-L-fluoro-L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA), 18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine (18F-FET), and 11C-methionine have found wide applications in brain tumors, which, unlike 18F-FDG, concentrate in the tumor tissue to a greater extent than that in normal brain tissue by providing accurate information about tumor volume and boundaries. 18F-FDOPA is also useful in evaluating NETs. Tracers such as 18F-FACBC (Fluciclovine) and anti-1-amino-2-[18F]fluorocyclopentyl-1-carboxylic acid (18F-FACPC) are used in imaging of prostate cancer and provide valuable information of locoregional, recurrent, and metastatic disease. This review highlights AA tracers and their major applications in imaging, viz., in evaluating brain tumors, NETs, and prostate cancer.

Scope of PET imaging in the evaluation of cardiac tumors.

Cardiac and pericardial masses can be categorized as neoplastic (either benign or malignant), non-neoplastic (such as thrombus or pericardial cysts), or normal variants of the cardiac structure. Diagnosing these masses can be challenging, and various imaging modalities are available, with each of them having advantages and pitfalls. Echocardiography is typically the first test used for the evaluation and detection of cardiac masses, as it is widely accessible, portable, and provides a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function and valves without the use of ionizing radiation. However, it may not be helpful in some cases, such as evaluating the extracardiac extension of the mass or characterizing tissue. On the other hand, cross-sectional imaging can provide a three-dimensional data set with excellent spatial resolution. Still, it requires ionizing radiation and intravenous iodinated contrast, and its functional evaluation of the heart may be relatively limited. 18F-FDG PET/CT helps determine 18F-FDG PET/CT is a crucial molecular imaging modality to assess and differentiate benign and malignant cardiac tumors noninvasively and helps in treatment planning and prognostication. Currently, studies evaluating the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cardiac tumors are limited to case reports and single center studies.

Radiation Safety and External Radiation Exposure Rate of Patients Receiving I-131 Therapy for Hyperthyroidism and Remnant Ablation as Outpatient: An Institutional Experience.

Objective Our objective was to study the radiation exposure rate as function of time in the administration of radioiodine iodine-131 (I-131) for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis or Graves' disease and remnant ablation on an outpatient basis at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, and also, to study the impact of revised discharge criteria for radioiodine therapy enforced by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India. Materials and Methods This study included patients who underwent low-dose radioiodine therapy using I-131. Patients were classified into two different groups, that is, group A and group B. Group A included patients receiving low dose I-131 for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, whereas group B included patients receiving I-131 therapy for the ablation of residual thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy. The radiation exposure rate was measured using a radiation detector in milli roentgen per hour (mR/h) at 5 cm distance of stomach and neck levels and with the patient standing at the distance of 1 m after oral administration of I-131 at 0, 1, and 2 hours. Results A total of 134 (17 males and 117 females) patients were included in the study. Group A comprised 102 (14 male and 88 females) patients and group B of 32 (3 males and 29 females) patients. At the neck level, the average exposure rate in group A versus group B after 0, 1, and 2 hours was observed to be 6.9 versus 22.27 mR/h, 33.67 versus 43.39 mR/h, and 41.75 versus 48.90 mR/h, respectively. At the stomach level, the exposure rate was 23.65 versus 71.32 mR/h, 13.27 versus 48.45 mR/h, and 9.91 versus 39.43 mR/h after 0, 1, and 2 hours, respectively. At a distance of 1 m, the exposure rate was 1.31 versus 2.99 mR/h, 1.05 versus 2.58 mR/h, and 0.92 versus 2.21 mR/h, respectively. Conclusion Exposure rate measured for patients treated with up to 1,110 MBq (30 mCi) of I-131 was under permissible limits as per revised discharged limits, that is, 50 µSv/h (5 mR/h) prescribed by AERB, India. The patients undergoing radioiodine therapy I-131 (up to 1,110 MBq/30 mCi) can be discharged safely 2 hours postadministration following good work practice along with providing proper radiation safety instructions to patients.

Percutaneous Fluoroscopy-guided Retrieval of a Fractured Pelvic Drain after Caesarean Section: A Case Report.

Iatrogenic retention of surgical drains following drain entrapment and breakage is a never event and a preventable complication. The traditional approach for removing a fractured drain from the intra-peritoneal cavity involves exploratory laparotomy. However, over the last few decades, minimal access surgery has been a more popular retrieval method for retained surgical items from peritoneal and extraperitoneal cavities. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with a fractured pelvic drain post-caesarean section. Postoperatively, the patient developed the signs of infection and features of bowel obstruction. The mechanical obstruction was ruled out by computed tomography scan. Multiple attempts were made to pull the pelvic drain out but the tube snapped, leaving about a quarter of its length. The drain remnant was retrieved using a non-invasive, inexpensive interventional radiology technique. We could not find any such report in the literature describing this innovative approach for retrieving a fractured pelvic drain. Keywords: case report; drain fragment retrieval; fractured pelvic drain; pelvic drain remnant.

Tibial Stress Fracture and "Shin Splint" Syndrome in the Same Patient Diagnosed on 99mTC-Methylene Diphosphonate Bone Scintigraphy and Single-Photon Emission/Computed Tomography.

We present a case of an 18-year-old male athlete who presented with complaints of right lower leg pain for 10 days following intense exercise. The most likely diagnosis was a possible tibial stress fracture or a ''shin splint'' syndrome. The radiograph did not reveal any significant abnormality in the form of any fracture or a cortical break. We performed planar bone scintigraphy including single-photon emission computed tomography (CT)/CT that revealed the presence of the two concomitant pathologies in the form of a hot spot which corresponded with a bone lesion in the tibial stress fracture and subtle remodeling activity without evidence of significant cortical lesion in the shin splints in bilateral lower limbs (R>L).

Efficacy of prokinetic agents in diabetic gastroparesis comparing symptomatology and scintigraphy - An open-label trial.

Background: It is pertinent to objectively assess the severity of diabetic gastroparesis and tailor treatment accordingly. The current study was planned to document gastroparesis by gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) objectively and see the effect of medications and diet control on clinical and GES after four weeks. Methods: A prospective, open-label randomized trial was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital over twelve months. Type 2 diabetic patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with a case of delayed gastric emptying by gastric scintigraphy were included. All baseline GSCI was recorded, and then they were allotted to 3 groups - Group-1 (Levosulpiride 25mg once daily), group-2 (Cinitapride 1mg thrice daily), and Group-3 (Waitlisted control) by block randomization and followed-up weekly till four weeks. After four weeks duration, if not improved clinically, then Group-3 on diet and diabetic control only, were randomized into Levosulpiride 25mg once daily (Group 1), and Cinitapride 1mg Thrice daily (Group 2) for the next four weeks. Results: Forty confirmed cases with diabetic gastroparesis documented by Gastroparesis Symptom Cardinal Index (GCSI) scoring and later by Scintigraphy (GES) were included in this study. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the Levosulpiride and Cinitapride groups when all symptoms were taken into account. Levosulpiride was significantly more effective than Cinitapride in improving individual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness, and early satiety. Conclusion: Levosulpiride is better than Cinitapride in improving the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis but no significant effect on gastric scintigraphy.

Preclinical and Clinical Use of Indigenously Developed 99mTc-Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid-Bis-Methionine: l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1-Targeted Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Radiotracer for Glioma Management.

A new era in tumor classification, diagnosis, and prognostic evaluation has begun as a consequence of recent developments in the molecular and genetic characterization of central nervous system tumors. In this newly emerging era, molecular imaging modalities are essential for preoperative diagnosis, surgical planning, targeted treatment, and post-therapy evaluation of gliomas. The radiotracers are able to identify brain tumors, distinguish between low- and high-grade lesions, confirm a patient's eligibility for theranostics, and assess post-radiation alterations. We previously synthesized and reported the novel l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT-1)-targeted amino acid derivative in light of the use of amino acid derivatives in imaging technologies. Further, we have developed a single vial ready to label Tc-lyophilized kit preparations of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-bis-methionine [DTPA-bis(Met)], also referred to as methionine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-methionine (MDM) and evaluated its imaging potential in numerous clinical studies. This review summarizes our previous publications on 99mTc-DTPA-bis(Met) in different clinical studies such as detection of breast cancer, as a prognostic marker, in detection of recurrent/residual gliomas, for differentiation of recurrent/residual gliomas from radiation necrosis, and for comparison of 99mTc-DTPA-bis(Met) with 11C-L-methionine (11C-MET), with relevant literature on imaging modalities in glioma management.

Unexpected Metastasis to Breast, Lymph Node, Subcutaneous, Abdominal Wall, Intraabdominal, and Bone in Osteogenic Osteosarcoma: An Unusual Presentation on Bone Scintigraphy.

Osteogenic osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant bone tumor with the tendency for local invasion and early metastases. Radionuclide bone scans play an important role in disease management by identifying other areas of skeletal involvement as well as extraosseous metastases. Osteogenic sarcoma metastasis is known to accumulate bone-avid agents due to their osteogenic potential. Here, we report a case of osteogenic osteosarcoma of distal femur with the absence of pleural effusion but extensive extraosseous areas of metastatic involvement in distant lymph nodes, subcutaneous planes (in the form of nodules), abdominal wall, multiple intraperitoneal deposits, breast, and bone metastases visualized on preoperative Tc-99 m methylene diphosphonate bone scan.

Role of 99mTc-Methylene Diphosphonate Bone Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of the Viability and the Incorporation of the Bone Allograft Used in Orthopedic Reconstruction.

Allogenic bone is the most commonly grafted tissue which provides only osteoconductive property, in which it acts as a scaffold to facilitate the ingrowth of the vessels and migration of host cells capable of osteogenesis. It can be used as a substitute for autografts as the latter is associated with morbidity and limited donor site availability. Its applications are expanding in all aspects of orthopedic surgery, notably in revision hip replacement or surgical treatment for bone tumors or benign conditions. The balance between osteolysis and osteogenesis must be maintained for graft incorporation to occur and thus postoperative imaging is essential for differentiation between grafts and recurrent disease or viability/nonviability. Here, we present three cases, in which bone allografting was done who underwent serial 99 mTc-methylene diphosphonate three-phase bone scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography to assess the viability, integrity, and the incorporation of the graft.

COVID myocardial involvement presenting as left ventricular aneurysm and clot associated with normal coronary anatomy, deep vein thrombosis, and abnormal brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation.

A 40-year-old non-diabetic, non-hypertensive male patient presented with complaints of dyspnea of a few days duration and coronavirus -19 disease (COVID) pneumonia. The electrocardiography (ECG) revealed sinus tachycardia with T inversion in V1 only. The ECG revealed a left ventricular aneurysm with a clot and severe left ventricular dysfunction. He had deep vein thrombosis involving the left lower leg. The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left ventricular posterodorsal aneurysm with a large clot. Computed tomography angiography revealed normal coronaries and no evidence of pulmonary embolism or aortitis. The d-dimer was raised. A brachial artery Doppler revealed severe impairment of flow-mediated dilatation, suggesting endothelial dysfunction. He was stabilized with anti-platelets and anticoagulants, and diuretics.

Nonmalignant Thoracic Disorders: An Appraisal of Fluorodeoxyglucose and Non-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/Computed Tomography Applications.

PET/computed tomography (CT) with fluorodeoxyglucose and nonfluorodeoxyglucose PET tracers has established itself in the management of malignant disorders. Its role in the assessment of nonmalignant conditions, such as infectious and noninfectious inflammatory diseases and other benign conditions, has emerged independently and alongside its role being evaluated in malignancy and continues to evolve. It is evident that PET/CT has the potential to play a significant role in various nonmalignant disorders of the thorax. This review highlights current developments and areas where PET/CT has a potential to impact the clinical management of nonmalignant thoracic conditions with special focus on nonfluorodeoxyglucose tracers.

A Case of Extracranial Metastasis of Glioblastoma Multiforme Seen on Bone Scintigraphy.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. It is known for its devastating intracranial progress thus attributing to its very short survival. Here, we report a case of 37-year-old female with GBM post surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy who presented with pain in right hip region. She was referred to our department for evaluation of skeletal metastasis. Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan revealed an expansile lesion involving the right iliac blade along with extensive lytic bony lesions throughout the axial skeleton.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and raised interleukin-6.

Background: Cardiac injury is associated with high mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection. Electrocardiographic changes can give clues to the underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. Raised inflammatory markers like raised interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with arrhythmia, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. However, past studies have not highlighted the electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 infection with raised IL- 6 levels. This study compared the electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in COVID-19 patients with high and normal IL-6 levels. Methods: A retrospective analysis of ECG of 306 patients with COVID-19 infection was done, out of which 250 patients had normal IL- 6 levels, whereas 56 patients had raised IL-6 levels. IL-6 levels were measured in all the patients. Detailed clinicodemographic profile of all the serial COVID-19 patients admitted with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia was noted from the hospital record section. Electrocardiographic findings and biochemical parameters of all the patients were noted. Results: Out of 56 patients with raised IL-6 levels, 41 (73.2%) patients had ECG abnormalities compared to 177 (70.8%) patients with normal IL-6 levels. This difference was not statistically significant. However, ECG abnormality such as sinus tachycardia was significantly more common in patients with raised IL-6 levels than those with normal levels. Among patients with raised IL-6 levels who were discharged, 5 (16.6%) had sinus tachycardia, 2 (6.6%) had ST/T wave changes as compared to 15 (57.6%), and 10 (38.4%) who had tachycardia and ST/T wave change respectably succumbed to death. This difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: Sinus tachycardia followed by atrial fibrillation and right bundle branch block are common ECG changes in patients with COVID-19 infection with raised IL-6. The possible association of cardiac injury in patients with COVID-19 infection with coexisting raised IL-6 levels should be explored further.

Evaluation of Tetrofosmin Cold Kit Fractionation Using Alternative New Method of Quality Control for Testing Radiochemical Purity.

Objective The aim of this study is to establish a method for the fractionation of tetrofosmin cold kit under different storage conditions and to optimize an alternate chromatography method from the reference method to test radiochemical purity (RCP). Materials and Methods Tetrofosmin cold kit vial was fractionated aseptically in six equal fractions and stored in vials and syringes. To test the stability of the reconstituted solution for a longer duration, the mother vials and syringes were stored at two different temperatures, that is, at 4°C and at -20°C till further used. Radiolabeling of fractionated tetrofosmin was performed as per the standard labeling protocol. Radionuclide purity, radioassay, and pH were tested. Radiolabeling efficiency and RCP were determined by paper chromatography. Results Radionuclide purity of eluate was greater than 99.9%. The pH of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) eluate and Tc-99m tetrofosmin was between 4.5-7.5 and 7.5-9.5, respectively. The deviation in the radioactivity during all measurements was less than 1%. The kits fractioned in glass vials resulted in higher radiolabeling yield and RCP as compared with kits fractionated in syringes. The RCP of glass vial versus syringe was observed to be greater than 95 versus 90% and 95 versus 80% at -20°C and 4°C, respectively. Conclusion Tetrofosmin kit can be used in a cost-effective manner by fractionation. One tetrofosmin vial can be used in six fractions for up to 15 days when stored at -20°C and 4°C freezer temperature. The alternative method to check the RCP of Tc-99m tetrofosmin is safer and less time consuming as compared with the reference method.