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Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exhibits immense potential in H2O-related technologies, but its interaction with H2O, especially on rough surfaces, remains unclear. This study unravels the influence of surface roughness and force field selection on hBN wettability using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We leverage quantum mechanical calculations to accurately capture the hBN surface charge distribution and combine it with free energy calculations via MD simulations for the hBN-H2O interfaces. Incorporating surface roughness into the model yields results in close agreement with the experimental contact angle of 66° for H2O using FF-3 force fields, validating the simulation approach. However, this approach can yield an unrealistic water contact angle (WCA) of 0° for FF-2 force fields, highlighting the crucial role of force field selection and realistic surface representations. We further dissect the impact of roughness on the WCA, identifying the individual contributions of electrostatic and Lennard-Jones interactions to the work of adhesion. This research investigates the combined impact of surface roughness and force fields on interfacial properties, providing new possibilities for the advancement and optimization of desalination.
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Interfacial properties, such as wettability and friction, play critical roles in nanofluidics and desalination. Understanding the interfacial properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials is crucial in these applications due to the close interaction between liquids and the solid surface. The most important interfacial properties of a solid surface include the water contact angle, which quantifies the extent of interactions between the surface and water, and the water slip length, which determines how much faster water can flow on the surface beyond the predictions of continuum fluid mechanics. This Review seeks to elucidate the mechanism that governs the interfacial properties of diverse 2D materials, including transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS2), graphene, and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Our work consolidates existing experimental and computational insights into 2D material synthesis and modeling and explores their interfacial properties for desalination. We investigated the capabilities of density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations in analyzing the interfacial properties of 2D materials. Specifically, we highlight how MD simulations have revolutionized our understanding of these properties, paving the way for their effective application in desalination. This Review of the synthesis and interfacial properties of 2D materials unlocks opportunities for further advancement and optimization in desalination.
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Trilateration-based target localization using received signal strength (RSS) in a wireless sensor network (WSN) generally yields inaccurate location estimates due to high fluctuations in RSS measurements in indoor environments. Improving the localization accuracy in RSS-based systems has long been the focus of a substantial amount of research. This paper proposes two range-free algorithms based on RSS measurements, namely support vector regression (SVR) and SVR + Kalman filter (KF). Unlike trilateration, the proposed SVR-based localization scheme can directly estimate target locations using field measurements without relying on the computation of distances. Unlike other state-of-the-art localization and tracking (L&T) schemes such as the generalized regression neural network (GRNN), SVR localization architecture needs only three RSS measurements to locate a mobile target. Furthermore, the SVR based localization scheme was fused with a KF in order to gain further refinement in target location estimates. Rigorous simulations were carried out to test the localization efficacy of the proposed algorithms for noisy radio frequency (RF) channels and a dynamic target motion model. Benefiting from the good generalization ability of SVR, simulation results showed that the presented SVR-based localization algorithms demonstrate superior performance compared to trilateration- and GRNN-based localization schemes in terms of indoor localization performance.
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Algoritmos , Redes Neurais de Computação , Simulação por Computador , Movimento (Física) , Ondas de RádioRESUMO
The complex relationship between BMI, thyroid and its effects on OSA raises a question on how patients with suspected OSA should be evaluated. Some studies have described an association between thyroid disorders and OSA. Whether this is a direct effect of thyroid disorders, or it is indirectly related to BMI values is an important point to ponder. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid disorders in relation to BMI in newly diagnosed patients with OSA (AHI > 5/h on diagnostic Polysomnography) at sleep lab of our tertiary care centre. In addition, we compared baseline characteristics of OSA patients with thyroid parameters. MATERIAL: In this hospital based observational study, recently diagnosed OSA on the basis of PSG showing AHI > 5/ h according to the AASM 2012 scoring rules and age more than 18 years were recruited from OPD and in-patients of SMS Medical College Jaipur. Patients on previous CPAP treatment, mixed or predominantly central sleep apnea, known diabetics and language barriers or cognitive or psychiatric disorders that made informed consent difficult to obtain were excluded. OBSERVATION: During the study period, 65 patients with treatment naïve OSA and a mean age of 52.28±10.92 year, a mean body mass index (BMI) of 34.73±7.20 kg/m2 underwent thyroid function tests. In the OSA patients, the prevalence of newly diagnosed clinical hypothyroidism was 12.3%. In Mild OSA the mean FT3 (ng/ml), FT4 (ng/dl), TSH (mIU/l) and mean AHI score was 3.10±0.71, 1.37±0.58, 3.64±1.37 and 7.74±3.55 respectively. Similarly, mean FT3 (ng/ml), FT4 (ng/dl), TSH (mIU/l) and mean AHI score were 2.97±0.93, 1.46±0.79, 6.33±8.05 and 17.42±88.90 respectively in moderate OSA and 3.32±0.58, 1.23±0.46, 3.55±1.82 and 45.54±21.38 respectively in severe OSA. There was a statistically significant difference between mild moderate and severe OSA regarding thyroid profile as well as BMI with p of <0.05. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypothyroidism was common among patients with OSA and the severity of OSA correlated with thyroid function tests and BMI.
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Hipotireoidismo , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono , Adulto , Índice de Massa Corporal , Humanos , Hipotireoidismo/complicações , Hipotireoidismo/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Obesidade/complicações , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/complicações , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/diagnóstico , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/epidemiologia , TireotropinaRESUMO
Due to superior water permeability, structural stability, and adsorption capability, h-BN nanosheets are emerging as an efficient membrane for water desalination. In order to cater to the demand for potable water, large size membranes are required to maintain a high desalination rate from water purification systems. These large size membranes usually contain polycrystals with an offset in their mechanical properties from pristine h-BN nanosheets. In this article, molecular dynamics based simulations were performed in conjunction with a hybrid interatomic potential (reactive force field, TIP3P, and Lennard Jones) to simulate the mechanical strength of nanoporous single and bicrystalline h-BN nanosheets under water submerged conditions. The interaction between the atomic configuration of grain boundary atoms and nanopores in the presence of water molecules helps in investigating the viability of defective h-BN nanomembranes for underwater applications. Higher dislocation density enhances the mechanical strength of nanoporous bicrystalline h-BN nanosheets containing twin nanopores, which makes them a better substitute for water submerged applications as compared to the pristine nanosheets. The mechanical strength of nanoporous single crystalline h-BN nanosheets deteriorates with an increase in the number of nanopores, whereas a contrasting trend was observed with bicrystalline h-BN nanosheets.
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The aim of this research article was to investigate the effect of grain boundaries (GBs), and hydrogen functionalisation on the fracture toughness of bi-crystalline hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets. Molecular dynamics based simulations were performed in conjunction with the reactive force field to study the crack tip behaviour in single and bi-crystalline h-BN nanosheets. Atomistic simulations help in predicting a positive effect of the GB plane in the near vicinity of the crack tip. The density of 5|7 dislocation pairs significantly affects the fracture behaviour of bi-crystalline h-BN nanosheets. Additionally, the distance of the GB plane from the crack tip, and limited hydrogen functionalisation of GB atoms, further help in improving the fracture toughness of bi-crystalline h-BN nanosheets. Hydrogen functionalisation helps in inducing out of plane displacement at the GB plane, which helps in arresting or retarding the crack propagation. It can be concluded from the results that instead of deteriorating, geometrical defects such as GBs can also be used to tailor the fracture toughness of h-BN nanosheets. This study on the fracture toughness of bi-crystalline h-BN nanosheets helps in complementing the research on using porous h-BN nanosheets as nanomembranes for water desalination and ion separation.
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OBJECTIVE: Phase three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) was carried out at various sites in India. The prevalence of asthma symptoms in school children and the effect of environmental tobacco smoke and traffic pollution on the occurrence of asthma were analysed. METHODS: Two groups of school children, aged 6-7 yr and 13-14 yr, participated according to the ISAAC protocol. Schools were randomly selected and responses to the ISAAC questionnaire were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma was 5.35% in the 6-7 yr age group and 6.05% in the 13-14 yr age group. The odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of asthma in children with exposure to mild, moderate and heavy traffic pollution compared with minimal traffic pollution were 1.63 (95% CI: 1.43, 1.85), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.49, 1.96) and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.78), respectively, in the younger group. Similarly, in the older group, they were 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.36), 1.51 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.75) and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.76). Asthma was associated with maternal smoking [6-7 yr group: OR = 2.72 (2.05, 3.6); 13-14 yr group: OR = 2.14 (1.72, 2.66)] and paternal smoking [6-7 yr group: OR = 1.9 (1.70, 2.11); 13-14 yr group: OR = 1.21 (1.09, 1.34)]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma was lower in the 6-7 than the 13-14 yr age group. Environmental tobacco smoke and traffic pollution were the factors most strongly associated with asthma in Indian children.
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Asma/epidemiologia , Pais , Fumar/epidemiologia , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/estatística & dados numéricos , Emissões de Veículos , Adolescente , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Índia , Masculino , Prevalência , Características de Residência , Sons Respiratórios , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Influenza pneumonia often occurs as epidemics in the Asian countries and have significant impact on the health of world population. METHODS: We studied the association of rain-wetting with occurrence of pneumonia during the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus infection. All patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia during the period 13th September to 10th October 2010 were recruited in the present study. The diagnosis of influenza was established by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The demographic data and clinical profile of the patients were recorded with a special consideration to record of possible risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients studied, 39 (32%) patients had tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) pdm09; 12 (10%) tested positive for influenza A and remaining 72 (58%) patients were negative for influenza virus. Pattern of illness was almost identical in H1N1-positive and-negative groups. History of rain-wetting was present in 48 patients (39%) preceding the onset of illness. Getting wet in the rain was significantly higher in patients with pneumonia than control subjects [odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.301-4.91; p=0.009)]. The number of pneumonia patients was also higher on rainy days and the numbers started declining a week later. CONCLUSION: More pneumonia patients are admitted during the periods of greater rainfall and rain-wetting may be an important risk factor for the occurrence of pneumonia.
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Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H1N1 , Influenza Humana/epidemiologia , Pacientes Internados/estatística & dados numéricos , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Chuva , Adulto , Idoso , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Hospitais Universitários , Humanos , Índia/epidemiologia , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H1N1/classificação , Influenza Humana/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pneumonia Viral/terapia , Pneumonia Viral/virologia , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Estações do Ano , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
DNA from molted feathers is being increasingly used for genetic studies on birds. However, the DNA obtained from such non-invasive sources is often not of enough quantity and quality for isolation of new microsatellite markers. The present study examined the potential of shed feathers of near threatened Painted Stork as a source of its DNA for cross-species amplification of microsatellites. Thirty-one shed feathers of varying conditions ('good' and 'deteriorated') and sizes ('large', 'intermediate' and 'small') collected in a north Indian population were used to isolate DNA by a standard isopropanol method and 11 microsatellite markers already developed in the Wood Stork were screened for amplification. Nine plucked feathers from two dead Painted Storks were also used to compare the DNA yield and amplification success. The DNA yield of feathers varied significantly in relation to the calamus size and condition. Among molted feathers, 'good' and 'large' samples provided more DNA than 'deteriorated' and 'small' ones, respectively. 'Large' plucked feathers yielded more DNA than 'large' molted feathers. DNA was almost degraded in all the samples and ratio of absorbance at 260/280 nm varied from 1.0 to 1.8, indicating impurity in many samples. Independent of DNA yields, all microsatellites were cross-amplified in all kinds of feathers, with > 80% success in different feather categories. It is concluded that the shed feathers can be successfully used to isolate DNA in the Painted Stork and for cross-species amplification of microsatellites.
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Aves/genética , DNA/genética , Plumas/química , Repetições de Microssatélites , Animais , Genética Populacional/métodos , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the control of asthma and the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate the adequacy of treatment in patients presenting to the outpatient department (OPD) across India. The secondary aim was to assess the risk factors associated with poorly controlled asthma and severe COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is the analysis of Phase IV of the multicenter questionnaire-based point prevalence SWORD survey, conducted in May 2018, and designed to capture details on disease control and treatment as per the global initiative for asthma and the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 5,311 respiratory disease patients presenting to the OPD, there were 1,419 and 412 patients with asthma and COPD, respectively, across 290 sites in India. There were 1,022 (72%) patients having well-controlled asthma, 293 (20.6%) patients with partly controlled asthma, and 104 (7.4%) patients with poorly controlled asthma. Of the 412 patients with COPD, there were 307 (74.5%) in A, 54 (13.1%) in B, and 51 (12.4%) in the E category. In spite of poor control or severe disease, 34.8% of asthmatic and 25.7% of patients in the B and E categories of COPD were not using any medicine. Risk factors for partly and poorly controlled asthma included rain wetting (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-2.47) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (AOR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.08-2.10). CONCLUSION: This study identifies a gap in the treatment of both poorly controlled asthma and severe COPD. A substantial number of patients had poorly controlled asthma and severe COPD, and many were either not taking treatment or taking it inappropriately.
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is caused by a variety of environmental agents and may present as occult respiratory illness. HP represents a potentially curable subgroup of interstitial lung disease. This study was designed to examine a group of patients with HP due to a unique mechanism of environmental exposure. Five patients with HP were retrospectively identified, from our hospital records, admitted during the period of March 2007 to February 2011 with history of exposure to dug wells. The mode of exposure was specified as multiple entries into a dug well for different reasons. Other modes of exposure were considered as criteria of exclusion. All of the five patients had subacute HP based on available clinical, radiographic, immunologic, and supportive evidence and exposure. There were additional allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis-like features in one patient who did not have antecedent asthma. The evaluation of patient records indicated a fungal etiology. The air and soil from selected wells were tested for fungal organisms. Both settings grew Aspergillus as the predominant species. This novel mechanism of HP is labeled "dug-well lung" because the disease was attributed to exposure to dug wells. Lung disease may result from exposure to a dug well. Farmers or mechanics, climbing down these damp wells for a multitude of reasons, are prone to develop HP. The public health care personnel and farming community should be made aware of this potential occupation-related health hazard.
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Alveolite Alérgica Extrínseca/diagnóstico , Pulmão/diagnóstico por imagem , Aspergilose Pulmonar/diagnóstico , Adulto , Microbiologia do Ar , Alérgenos/imunologia , Alveolite Alérgica Extrínseca/etiologia , Antígenos de Fungos/imunologia , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Pulmão/patologia , Masculino , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Aspergilose Pulmonar/complicações , Radiografia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Microbiologia do Solo , Espirometria , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Due to the recent pandemic situation that has erupted all around us, healthcare facility design is a must. Healthcare providers and administrators must concentrate on the changes that must be made in existing healthcare facilities. The isolated healthcare facilities are essential because the corona virus is spread mainly through close contact (within six feet), such as handshaking (if someone's hands are infected) or touching contaminated surfaces. Healthcare facilities are most susceptible to the spread of the corona virus due to the high number of symptomatic patients admitted. Coronavirus is the leading cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, if the pandemic situation worsens, new plans and designs for existing healthcare facilities will be required, as well as temporary versions. Societal gains from increased research in this area. In the coming years, healthcare workers will be better trained, and healthcare facilities will be upgraded. This paper proposes new plans and designs to address the issues raised.
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To study the possible association between invasive fungal sinusitis (aspergillosis) and coronavirus disease. An observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre over 6 months, involving all patients with aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses suffering from or having a history of COVID-19 infection. 92 patients presented with aspergillosis, all had an association with COVID-19 disease. Maxillary sinus (100%) was the most common sinus affected. Intraorbital extension was seen in 34 cases, while intracranial extension was seen in 5 cases. Diabetes mellitus was present in 75 of 92 cases. All had a history of steroid use during their coronavirus treatment. New manifestations of COVID-19 are appearing over time. The association between coronavirus and aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses must be given serious consideration. Uncontrolled diabetes and overzealous use of steroids are two main factors aggravating the illness, and both of these must be properly checked.
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The aim of this study was to find out the association of sinonasal candidiasis and Covid-19 infection. A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre from April to September 2021, involving all patients with invasive candidiasis of the paranasal sinuses having a history of Covid-19 infection. A total of 18 patients of covid associated sinonasal candidiasis among the 475 cases of fungal rhinosinusitis were studied. All patients had involvement of nose and sinuses and 2 patients had orbital involvement with no loss of vision, while 3 had intracranial extensions and 1 had pulmonary involvement. Mandible was involved in 1 patient alone, while the maxilla and palate were involved in 5 patients. 15 patients were hypertensive, 12 diabetics and 1 had aplastic anaemia. Cultures showed that 8 patients had C. parapsilosis, 5 had C. albicans, 3 had C. tropicalis and 2 had mixed fungal infections. All patients underwent surgical debridement and antifungal administration. They were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. There was only one mortality (with aplastic anaemia), rest 17 were disease free at the time of writing this article. This is perhaps the first case series of post covid sinonasal candidiasis in the world. Invasive sinonasal candidiasis is a newer sequela of COVID-19 infection. Uncontrolled diabetes and over-zealous use of steroids at the time of Covid-19 are few of the known risk factors. Early surgical intervention and anti-fungal treatment should be sought for management.
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To fulfill the increasing demand for drinking water, researchers are currently exploring nanoporous two-dimensional materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), as potential desalination membranes. A prominent, yet unsolved challenge is to understand how such membranes will perform in the presence of defects or surface charge in the membrane material. In this work, we study the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) and interfacial electrostatic interactions on the desalination performance of bicrystalline nanoporous hBN using classical molecular dynamics simulations supported by quantum-mechanical density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We investigate three different nanoporous bicrystalline hBN configurations, with symmetric tilt GBs having misorientation angles of 13.2, 21.8, and 32.2°. Using lattice dynamics calculations, we find that grain boundaries alter the areas and shapes of nanopores in bicrystalline hBN, as compared to the nanopores in monocrystalline hBN. We observe that, although bicrystalline nanoporous hBN with a misorientation angle of 13.2° shows an improved water flow rate by â¼30%, it demonstrates reduced Na+ ion rejection by â¼6%, as compared to monocrystalline hBN. We also uncover the role of the nanopore shape in water desalination, finding that more elongated pores with smaller sizes (in 21.8- and 32.2°-misoriented bicrystalline hBN) can match water permeation through less elongated pores of slightly larger sizes, with a concomitant â¼3-4% decrease in Na+ rejection. Simulations also predict that the water flow rate is significantly affected by interfacial electrostatic interactions. Indeed, the water flow rate is the highest when altered partial charges on B and N atoms were determined using DFT calculations, as compared to when no partial charges or bulk partial charges (i.e., charged hBN) were considered. Overall, our work on water/ion transport through nanopores in bicrystalline hBN indicates that the presence of GBs and surface charge can lead, respectively, to a decrease in the ion rejection and water permeation performance of hBN membranes.
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Chronic inflammatory disorders of the upper airways are extremely prevalent and they have a major impact on public health.To assess the change in pulmonary function tests in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery pre operatively and post operatively.To evaluate the difference in mean of FEV1, FEV1%, FVC, FVC%, FEV1/FVC in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery.Prospective observational study.From July 2019 to September 2020 in Department of ENT and Head & Neck surgery, SMS Medical College, Jaipur.There was a significant improvement in the mean FEV1, FEV1%, FVC, and FVC% values post-surgically (p < 0.05). In our study, there was also a significant improvement in the FEV1/FVC value at one month postoperatively, reflecting the effect of FESS on relieving the symptomatic lower airway obstruction.Our study concludes that following Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery there is significant improvement in pulmonary function tests reflecting the improvement of asymptomatic lower airway disease in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis.
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BACKGROUND: The Global Burden of Disease data suggest that respiratory diseases contribute to high morbidity in India. However, the factors responsible for high morbidity are not quite clear. Therefore, the Seasonal Waves Of Respiratory Disorders (SWORD) study was planned to estimate the point prevalence due to respiratory diseases in Indian OPD services and its association with risk factors and change in seasons. METHODS: In this point prevalence observational multicenter study conducted during 2017-18, participating physicians recorded information of consecutive patients in response to a questionnaire. The study was conducted on four predetermined days representing transition of Indian seasons i.e., February (winter), May (summer), August (monsoon), and November (autumn). RESULTS: The eligible number of patients from across 302 sites in India was 25,177. The mean age of study population was 46.1±18.1 years, 14102(56.0%) were males and 11075(44.0%) females. The common diagnoses were: asthma(29.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),15.6%, respiratory tract infections (RTIs),11.3%, and tuberculosis(8.7%). All these conditions showed significant seasonal trends (Asthma 31.4% autumn vs. 26.5% summer, COPD 21.1% winter vs. 8.1% summer, RTIs 13.3% winter vs. 4.3% summer, and tuberculosis 12.5% autumn vs. 4.1% summer, p<0.001 for each respectively). After adjustment for risk factors, asthma was significantly associated with exposure to molds (OR:1.12,CI:1.03-1.22), pet animals (OR:1.07,CI:1.01-1.14), recent-travel (OR:1.22,CI:1.13-1.32), and rain-wetting (OR:1.27,CI:1.15-1.40); and RTIs with rain-wetting (OR:1.53,CI:1.34-1.74), and recent-travel (OR:1.17,CI:1.05-1.30). CONCLUSIONS: The SWORD study showed wide seasonal variations in outpatient attendance of patients with common respiratory conditions. Novel risk-factors associated with respiratory diseases were also identified.
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Asma , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica , Transtornos Respiratórios , Infecções Respiratórias , Animais , Asma/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/epidemiologia , Transtornos Respiratórios/epidemiologia , Infecções Respiratórias/epidemiologia , Estações do Ano , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to be associated with mucormycosis in few parts of the world, especially India. It is important to look for reasons for this upsurge of cases so that other countries may take proper steps to prevent it. A prospective clinico-demographic study was conducted in SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India from April to May 2021. All patients (235) with COVID associated mucormycosis (CAM) were studied in detail with reference to their diabetic status and steroid intake during treatment of COVID-19. Steroid usage was in 84.3% of patients with methylprednisolone being the most commonly used steroid (66.8%). Majority of the patients had taken steroids for 7-14 days. Diabetes was found in 204 patients and 42.1% of patients were newly diagnosed during/after COVID-19 treatment. The HbA1c levels of diabetic patients ranged from 6.0% to 16.3%. This is perhaps the biggest study in the world shows that the triad of COVID-19, diabetes and steroid usage is a major contributing factor towards mucormycosis. Proper steps should be taken to prevent CAM.
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BACKGROUND: Sildenafil has been found to improve exercise capacity and haemodynamic parameters in patients with various pulmonary disorders. This study was undertaken to evaluate its efficacy in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study, 37 patients with severe COPD received either sildenafil or placebo for 12 weeks. Distance covered in six-minute walk test (6MWD) was taken as primary end-point. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was measured as secondary end point. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (15 in sildenafil arm and 18 in placebo arm) completed the study. Non-parametric tests were used for comparison. There was significant increase in 6MWD from baseline after three months of follow-up in sildenafil users (median change in distance covered in six-minute walk test (delta6MWD) = 190m) as compared to placebo users (delta6MWD = 0m, p < 0.05). The PAP decreased significantly (chi2 = 14.94, p < 0.05) in sildenafil group after three months, while it did not change significantly among placebo group (chi2 = 3.84, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil improved 6MWD and PAP in patients with severe COPD.
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Inibidores da Fosfodiesterase 5/uso terapêutico , Piperazinas/uso terapêutico , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Sulfonas/uso terapêutico , Idoso , Análise de Variância , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Tolerância ao Exercício/fisiologia , Volume Expiratório Forçado , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Piperazinas/efeitos adversos , Artéria Pulmonar/fisiologia , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/fisiopatologia , Purinas/efeitos adversos , Purinas/uso terapêutico , Citrato de Sildenafila , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Sulfonas/efeitos adversos , CaminhadaRESUMO
AIMS: To study the awareness, attitude and behavior of patients with chronic disease in those who come for follow-up, about nature of their disease, compliance to drugs and precautions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients attending medical outdoor with a prescription documents (discharge cards, pensioner diary, prescription letter etc.) bearing diagnosis of the chronic disease in question based on standard criteria were studied for a period of six month. Patient with chronic disease completed a questionnaire containing questions about nature of disease, important precautions and compliance to the treatment. RESULTS: Of the 63 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients 27 (42.8%) were not aware of having heart disease ever in the life. Twenty nine (44%) CAD patients noncompliant for medicines during last one month. Among 84 hypertensive patients only 58 (69%) knew they had hypertension and 54 (64.2%) compliant with medicine. Only 40 (47.6 %) out of 84 avoided salt in food. Though, out of 36 diabetic patients 34 (94.4%) percent knew they had diabetes, still 19 (52.7%) stopped medicine during last month. Among 29 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients only 6 (20.6%) knew they had COPD and another 17(58.6%) knew they had respiratory problem. Only 5 (17.2%) COPD patients remembered the no-smoking advice. Out of 23 CVA patients 17 (74%) knew that they have paralysis and 8 (34.7%) stopped medication during last month. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that majority of patients were ignorant about their disease, importance of compliance to medicines and about precautions of the disease. CAD patients were most ignorant people among chronic patients. It emphasizes the need of proper patient education