Double trouble - dual outflow tract obstruction in congenital heart disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Double chambered right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease that is characterised by the presence of an anomalous muscle bundle that divides the right ventricle into a low pressure superior (distal) chamber and a high pressure inferior (proximal) chamber. It is found in association with a ventricular septal defect in 90% cases with other associations being tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great vessels, atrial septal defect and Ebstein's anomaly. On the other hand, subaortic membrane is a form of discrete subaortic stenosis that is characterised by a membranous diaphragm in the subvalvular location of the left ventricular outflow tract. Both of these entities are responsible for causing subvalvular outflow tract obstruction. The occurrence of double chambered right ventricle in association with subaortic membrane is an extremely rare entity with only a few case reports available in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old male child with history of chest pain and palpitations presented to the outpatient department of a tertiary care center. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a subaortic membrane producing a pressure gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract with dilatation of the right atrium and right ventricle which could not be fully evaluated on echocardiography. Cardiac computed tomography was then performed which additionally revealed an anomalous muscle bundle coursing across the right ventricle from the septum to the subinfundibular region creating a double chambered right ventricle. The patient was then taken up for reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract and resection of subaortic membrane. CONCLUSION: Right and left outflow tract obstructions are rare congenital lesions which when seen in combination, become even more infrequent. Echocardiography is a robust tool that detects turbulent flow to identify such lesions. However, poor acoustic window may sometimes result in missing these lesions and computed tomography in such situations can play an important role in detection as well as complete preoperative imaging evaluation.

Severity and mortality associated with COVID-19 among children hospitalised in tertiary care centres in India: a cohort study.

Background: It is critical to identify high-risk groups among children with COVID-19 from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to facilitate the optimum use of health system resources. The study aims to describe the severity and mortality of different clinical phenotypes of COVID-19 in a large cohort of children admitted to tertiary care hospitals in India. Methods: Children aged 0-19 years with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (real time polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test positive) or exposure (anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody, or history of contact with SARS-CoV-2) were enrolled in the study, between January 2021 and March 2022 across five tertiary hospitals in India. All study participants enrolled prospectively and retrospectively were followed up for three months after discharge. COVID-19 was classified into severe (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), severe acute COVID-19, 'unclassified') or non-severe disease. The mortality rates were estimated in different phenotypes. Findings: Among 2468 eligible children enrolled, 2148 were hospitalised. Signs of illness were present in 1688 (79%) children with 1090 (65%) having severe disease. High mortality was reported in MIS-C (18.6%), severe acute COVID-19 (13.3%) and the unclassified severe COVID-19 disease (12.3%). Mortality remained high (17.5%) when modified MIS-C criteria was used. Non-severe COVID-19 disease had 14.1% mortality when associated with comorbidity. Interpretation: Our findings have important public health implications for low resource settings. The high mortality underscores the need for better preparedness for timely diagnosis and management of COVID-19. Children with associated comorbidity or coinfections are a vulnerable group and need special attention. MIS-C requires context specific diagnostic criteria for low resource settings. It is important to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological and health system-related risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 and mortality in children from LMICs. Funding: Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India and Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Aging, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose: A Novel Pharmacological Agent for Killing Hypoxic Tumor Cells, Oxygen Dependence-Lowering in Covid-19, and Other Pharmacological Activities.

The nonmetabolizable glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has shown promising pharmacological activities, including inhibition of cancerous cell growth and N-glycosylation. It has been used as a glycolysis inhibitor and as a potential energy restriction mimetic agent, inhibiting pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Radioisotope derivatives of 2-DG have applications as tracers. Recently, 2-DG has been used as an anti-COVID-19 drug to lower the need for supplemental oxygen. In the present review, various pharmaceutical properties of 2-DG are discussed.

Critical appraisal of knowledge, attitude and practice studies for blood donation in India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A critical appraisal of the literature helps to assess the strength and weakness of the research and suggests ways to improve future research. Our aim was to critically appraise the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) studies conducted in India for blood donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 70 articles identified in our search on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, 32 were assessed for quality using an appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS) and questionnaire items. RESULTS: Quality assessment revealed that only 6 of 32 studies had acceptable reporting (≥80% score on the AXIS tool). The most frequently identified shortcomings were failure to address the non-responders, lack of justification for sample size, assessment of outcome variables and demographic results for the survey. Our evaluation of questionnaires revealed that knowledge for need for blood donation, its benefits and site/place for blood donation were assessed by very few studies. With this, issues such as parental/family consent, religious beliefs, and indifference to blood donation process were amongst the common reasons for non-donation. Many studies also failed to ask questions related to procedural information/instructions, which are necessary for promoting voluntary blood donations. CONCLUSION: Most published KAP studies for blood donation in India were not appropriately described, especially the methodology and result section. These deficiencies could have led to suboptimal interpretation of the prevalent issues. Use of an open-ended and validated KAP questionnaire with a problem-based approach and inclusion of participants from various socio-cultural backgrounds is required for good quality of evidence.

Functionalized Benzothiadiazole Non-Fused A-D-A'-D-A Small Molecules for Effective Electron Mobilities and Metal-free Photocatalysis.

Three non-fused A-D-A'-D-A π-conjugated metal-free small molecules BT-IT1, BT-IBT2 and BT2F-IBT3 have been synthesized and their absorption characteristics and redox properties, as well as charge carrier mobilities have been investigated. The resultant molecules exhibited broad absorption in the range of 325-600 nm in solutions and in thin films the absorption range is 350-700 nm. These new conjugated small molecules showed low-lying HOMO energy levels (-5.49 to -5.50 eV), deep LUMO energy levels (-3.67 to -3.69 eV) and narrow bandgaps of (Eg CV ) ∼0.79 eV. Appreciable electron mobilities for compounds BT-IBT2 and BT2F-IBT3 were 4.56×10-3 and 1.12×10-3  cm2 V-1 s-1 , respectively, obtained by space-charge limited current (SCLC) measurements. Additionally, excellent photocatalytic performances of BT-2T (6), BT2F-2T (10), BT-IT1, BT-IBT2 and BT2F-IBT3 for highly selective oxidation of thioanisole to desired sulfoxides under visible light irradiation were observed.

Association of blood donor's biological characteristics on outcomes of cardiac surgery patients receiving red blood cells transfusion.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association of blood donor variables on the outcome of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who had cardiac surgery between January 2018 and December 2020. Blood donor characteristics such as age (≤ or >30 years), sex, and body mass index (BMI) (≤ or >25 kg/m2) were analyzed for association with patient outcomes (length of hospital stay (LOS), mortality, and readmission). Sex matching was done as fully match, fully mismatch, and partial mismatch. Cox regression and Linear regression models were used to study the association with mortality and readmission, and LOS. RESULTS: During the study period, 5788 patients had cardiac surgery; receiving a total of 20,348 red cell units. Of which, 522 (9%) died, 531 (9.2%) re-admitted and median LOS was 11 days (IQR 7-18). BMI >25 kg/m2 (ß, 2.96; p = 0.000), female to male transfusion (partial mismatch: ß, 4.42; p = 0.001; fully mismatch: ß, 9.0; p = 0.02) negatively affected LOS. BMI >25 kg/m2 (HR, 2.07; p = 0.00) and partial mismatch transfusion to male patients (HR, 1.60; p = 0.01) increased mortality. Fully mismatch transfusion to female patients (HR, 1.24; p = 0.01) and partial mismatch to male patients (HR, 1.86; p = 0.01) increased readmission. No association of donor age on patient outcome was observed. DISCUSSION: Blood donor sex, and BMI can influence mortality and LOS in cardiac surgery patients. The use of computer tools to match the patient's and donor's characteristics can assist to eliminate these types of adverse consequences.

Epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 antibodies in healthy blood donors and their follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic/presymptomatic COVID-19 affected individuals who may appear healthy during blood donor screening can donate blood despite being infective. Most blood donors in India are relatives/friends/acquaintances of patients, who under peer pressure overlook the donor selection process, which can significantly impact the transfusion safety. AIMS: The prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among blood donors was assessed, along with the possible transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 virus in transfusion recipients of blood components prepared from sero-reactive blood donors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible blood donors from November-2020 to April 2021. METHODS: 1500 blood donors were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Sero-reactive donors were followed-up telephonically to inquire about risk factors prior to donation or appearance of COVID-19 related symptoms postdonation. Patients transfused with blood components from seroreactive donors were also followed up for posttransfusion symptoms suggestive for COVID-19. Descriptive analysis was done for the donor and patient follow-up data. RESULTS: A total of 452 (30.1%) donor were reactive, with median S/CO ratio of 2.8 (interquartile range 1.5-5.5). Risk factors such as travel, contact, or quarantine were significantly higher among reactive donors. History of diabetes and/or hypertension was associated with seroreactivity. Total 516 patients were transfused with blood components from these seroreactive donors. Three patients developed fever after transfusion, one of which was found to be PCR positive after 4 days of transfusion. CONCLUSION: Sero-reactivity rate among blood donors was lower than the general population. Optimum blood donor screening strategies can help decrease the possibility of blood collection from infected blood donors.

Diagnosing rare intraductal biliary neoplasms - Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: A case report with typical imaging findings.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPN-B) is a rare preinvasive intraductal pathology of the biliary tract. It should be differentiated from other more common benign or malignant causes of biliary obstruction and dilatation such as calculi or cholangiocarcinoma because the management and prognosis of this condition differs significantly. This case report describes a case of IPN-B in a 45-year-old female patient who presented with non-specific complaints of chronic abdominal pain without jaundice for three months.

Assessment of knowledge of use of electronic cigarette and its harmful effects among young adults.

BACKGROUND: The practice of young adults smoking e-cigarette may have been adopted as a way of smoking cessation or just to follow a trend. Most people still remain unaware of the detrimental effects of e-cigarette. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of the habit of smoking e-cigarette and the awareness of its harmful effects among adults aged 18-23 years. METHODS: A questionnaire adopted from a study conducted in Italy was used in the study following due permission. After taking their consent, participants were requested to fill the survey irrespective of their smoking status. RESULTS: In total the study comprised 710 participants aged 20.7 ± 1.7 years (females = 412 and males = 298) from six countries. Most respondents were from India followed by the USA and then the UK. The most common mode of information for the participants on the existence of e-cigarette was from the family members, friends followed by Internet search engines and TV/newspaper advertisements. Among the participants, e-cigarette had a prevalence of 5.63%. Among these, 26 participants were using e-cigarette for less than 1 year and 2 participants for more than 5 years. E-cigarette smokers also experienced sore throat, cough, headache, dizziness and sleeplessness. CONCLUSION: Majority of the young population was unaware about the use and harmful effects of e-cigarette.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to multiple alloantibodies in pregnancy.

Immune hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is a condition in which there is the premature destruction of fetal or neonatal red cells due to maternal alloantibody against red cell antigen inherited from father. We report the case of Hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) due to anti-E and anti-Fya antibody. Blood grouping was done using the conventional tube technique. Rh and Kell phenotyping of the patient and her husband performed by column agglutination and Duffy phenotyping were done by the conventional tube technique. Direct antiglobulin test was performed by column agglutination technique. Antibody screening and identification were done. Anti-E and Anti-Fya were identified with titer of Anti-E: 1:64 and Anti-Fya: 1:256. The patient's neonate developed jaundice. Phototherapy was given. Bilirubin stabilized and discharged on the 12th day.

Role of Faith healers: A barrier or a support system to medical care- a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Faith healing is a method of treating illnesses through the exercise of faith rather than medical methods. The current study was done with the objective to find out demographic variables of faith healers, various conditions for which the people approach them, various practices and processes used and to look for scope of integrated approach to healthcare with faith healers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: RHTC village was a sub center village of PHC Morad. Hence, for the study, all the villages which comes under PHC Morad were selected. The design of the study was a cross-sectional study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The study was a cross sectional study where faith healers were interviewed based on a semi structured questionnaire comprising of both close and open-ended questions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Absolute numbers. RESULTS: Different reasons for which the persons usually came for ranged from supernatural possession, unemployment, family problems etc., and various different processes were used by these healers to solve the problems included giving charms and amulets, personal sacrifices like "baddha" (Nischay/praan) and many others. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that faith healers in many conditions and situations became the first point of contact as the faith of the community in these faith healers is deeply rooted.

Successful Management of Peri-Implantitis Using a Titanium Brush and a Doxycycline-Saline Slurry for Surface Detoxification With Guided Bone Regeneration: A 5-Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: The inflammation associated with peri-implantitis lesions can be difficult to manage and regeneration of lost bone is unpredictable. Unfortunately, opinions vary on the best method(s) for elimination of inflammation and restoration of residual osseous defects. This report describes the successful surgical management of a peri-implantitis lesion with reduction of inflammation and maintenance of nearly completely regenerated horizontal and vertical bone over 5 years. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old healthy, non-smoking, African-American female presented in 2013 with inflammation and >25% bone loss at implant site #18. Probing depths ranged from 6 to 13 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). She was diagnosed with peri-implantitis. She reported a history of routine scaling every 6 months since implant and crown placement 3 years earlier (2010). Initial periodontal treatment consisted of non-surgical scaling and implant debridement. Deep pockets and BOP persisted at re-evaluation. Surgical treatment consisted of full thickness flap, soft tissue curettage with titanium curets, and detoxification of the implant surface with a doxycycline and sterile saline slurry using a titanium brush. Mineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft in a 50:50 ratio was placed and covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. All postoperative visits were uneventful. Maximum probing depths around the treated implant at the 5+-year follow-up (2019) were 4 mm with no BOP and nearly complete bone fill. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that it is possible to successfully eliminate clinical inflammation associated with peri-implantitis, regenerate bone, and maintain health for >5 years.

Effect of noise stress on autonomic function tests.

The study was carried out in 200 male volunteers. They were divided into two groups. The study group was exposed to noise levels of more than 80 dB(A) for more than 8 hours a day for a period of 6 months, working in the steel and hammer industry, whereas the control group was working under normal conditions. The mean age of subjects was 33.33 + 0.867 years and the mean noise level to which they were exposed was 90.34 + 0.781 dB(A). Various autonomic function tests were carried out in both the groups and results were analyzed using Z test. Heart rate was recorded on cardiofax ECG machine and blood pressure (BP) was recorded using sphygmomanometer. The tests depicted significant increase in the mean resting heart rate and the heart rate response to standing (P=0.000), 30:15 ratio (P=0.002), the valsalva ratio (P=0.017), the % change in diastolic BP response to standing (P=0.000) and valsalva maneuver (P=0.000), the systolic BP and diastolic BP after cold pressor test (P=0.000) in study group as compared to the control group. The significant higher results in study group may be attributed to increased sympathetic activity. Thus, noise presents as a significant health hazard. It is recommended that maximum allowable duration of exposure should be reviewed and strictly followed.