Wastewater Surveillance for Influenza A Virus and H5 Subtype Concurrent with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Outbreak in Cattle and Poultry and Associated Human Cases - United States, May 12-July 13, 2024.

As part of the response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus outbreak in U.S. cattle and poultry and the associated human cases, CDC and partners are monitoring influenza A virus levels and detection of the H5 subtype in wastewater. Among 48 states and the District of Columbia that performed influenza A testing of wastewater during May 12-July 13, 2024, a weekly average of 309 sites in 38 states had sufficient data for analysis, and 11 sites in four states reported high levels of influenza A virus. H5 subtype testing was conducted at 203 sites in 41 states, with H5 detections at 24 sites in nine states. For each detection or high level, CDC and state and local health departments evaluated data from other influenza surveillance systems and partnered with wastewater utilities and agriculture departments to investigate potential sources. Among the four states with high influenza A virus levels detected in wastewater, three states had corresponding evidence of human influenza activity from other influenza surveillance systems. Among the 24 sites with H5 detections, 15 identified animal sources within the sewershed or adjacent county, including eight milk-processing inputs. Data from these early investigations can help health officials optimize the use of wastewater surveillance during the upcoming respiratory illness season.

Lactate levels: A reliable tool to predict mortality in acute type A aortic dissections?

Lactate levels are surrogate markers of malperfusion in patients presenting with type A aortic dissections. Lactate measurement is simple, easy to perform, universally available, and thus can be an important tool for predicting mortality. However, the discriminatory power varies between studies and no cut-off point has been defined that can determine outcomes in the most reliable fashion. The risk prediction based on lactate levels can be improved when combined with other clinical and laboratory prognostic factors. Further studies with a much larger sample size, need to be carried out using serial measurements at well-defined time points to try and identify a cut-off value. The addition of lactate values to existing risk prediction scores or developing a new score based on it should be the subject of future research.

Determinant of outcome in late presenting type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Early repair is recommended in type A aortic dissection repair, however, this is not often possible. The aim of this study was to assess the time delays, examine the effect of timing and malperfusion on outcomes, and identify other independent risk factors for mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on data collected prospectively. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was adverse postoperative outcomes. All patients who arrived at the hospital with a type A aortic dissection, irrespective of the timing, were included in the study. Univariate as well as multivariate analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients presented to our institution during the study period. Half the patients got operated within 86 h of symptom onset and 75% were operated within 183 h. With regards to malperfusion, 6 (8.8%) patients had cerebral malperfusion, 10 (14.7%) had features of myocardial ischemia, and 13 (19.1%) had renal malperfusion. One (1.5%) patient had mesenteric ischemia and 9 (13.2%) had limb ischemia. The duration between symptom onset and operative repair was longer in survivors (152 ± 167 vs. 75 ± 102, p = .29). A total of 29 (42.6%) patients presented with features of one or more organ malperfusion and the mortality in these patients was significantly higher at 10 (34.5%) versus 5 (12.5%); p = .04. Multivariable logistic regression identified CPB time as an independent risk factor in our cohort for 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.007-1.06). CONCLUSION: In cases of predominantly delayed presentation and operative repair, the outcome is significantly influenced by presence of malperfusion. Surgical repair still produces satisfactory outcomes and should be undertaken at the earliest in most cases.

Aortic valve repair in patients with ventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate early and late clinical outcomes of patients undergoing the aortic valve repair in patients associated with ventricular septal defect and to analyze whether age is a risk factor predicting repair failure. METHODS: All patients who were underwent aortic valve repair with concomitant ventricular septal defect closure from 2006 to 2018 were included and divided into two groups: less than 10 years (Group 1) and more than or equal to 10 years (Group 2). RESULTS: About 159 patients were included (Group 1 = 92; Group 2 = 67). Overall median age was 8 years, 70% were males. The most common ventricular septal defect was perimembranous in both groups. Two patients in Group 2 had to undergo aortic valve replacement subsequently which resulted in early mortality. Univariable analysis showed prolonged ventilation (p < .001), postoperative intensive care unit stay (p = .019) as significant factors for early mortality. Estimated survival was 97.6% ± 2.4 at the end of 5 years and 10 years in Group 1 and 93.6% ± 3.6 in Group 2. Freedom from residual aortic regurgitation more than or equal to moderate at 5 years and 10 years was 85.6% ± 4.9 and 55% ± 13.8 in Group 1 and 76.9% ± 6.7 and 47.4% ± 12.2 in Group 2, however, it was not significant (p = . .084). CONCLUSION: The aortic valve repair in patients with ventricular septal defect provides satisfactory early and late results in terms of mortality and need for reintervention in all age groups.

COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities - 19 States, April 2020.

Congregate work and residential locations are at increased risk for infectious disease transmission including respiratory illness outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is primarily spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Nationwide, the meat and poultry processing industry, an essential component of the U.S. food infrastructure, employs approximately 500,000 persons, many of whom work in proximity to other workers (1). Because of reports of initial cases of COVID-19, in some meat processing facilities, states were asked to provide aggregated data concerning the number of meat and poultry processing facilities affected by COVID-19 and the number of workers with COVID-19 in these facilities, including COVID-19-related deaths. Qualitative data gathered by CDC during on-site and remote assessments were analyzed and summarized. During April 9-27, aggregate data on COVID-19 cases among 115 meat or poultry processing facilities in 19 states were reported to CDC. Among these facilities, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 4,913 (approximately 3%) workers, and 20 COVID-19-related deaths were reported. Facility barriers to effective prevention and control of COVID-19 included difficulty distancing workers at least 6 feet (2 meters) from one another (2) and in implementing COVID-19-specific disinfection guidelines.* Among workers, socioeconomic challenges might contribute to working while feeling ill, particularly if there are management practices such as bonuses that incentivize attendance. Methods to decrease transmission within the facility include worker symptom screening programs, policies to discourage working while experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, and social distancing by workers. Source control measures (e.g., the use of cloth face covers) as well as increased disinfection of high-touch surfaces are also important means of preventing SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Mitigation efforts to reduce transmission in the community should also be considered. Many of these measures might also reduce asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission (3). Implementation of these public health strategies will help protect workers from COVID-19 in this industry and assist in preserving the critical meat and poultry production infrastructure (4).

Role of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Phenytoin Influenced Gingival Overgrowth in Children and Young Adults. A Preliminary Clinical and Immunohistochemical Study.

Objectives: To prove the role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of phenytoin influenced gingival overgrowth (PIGO) in children and young adults. Study design: Thirty male individuals who are to start with oral phenytoin therapy were recruited for the study. All the 30 individuals underwent full mouth scaling and root planning and were then followed up for a period of one year at intervals of 3 months each. Based on the clinical gingival status they were divided into group1 (responders) individuals who showed gingival overgrowth (GO) and group 2 (non responders) individuals who do not show any GO. Gingival tissue samples were obtained from both the groups at the end of 1 year and subjected to immuno histochemical analysis for E-cadherin expression and histo-pathological for alteration in the basement membrane and confirmation of the fibrosis. Results: Decrease in expression of E cadherin, loss of basement membrane integrity and fibrosis were noted on responder group when compared to non responder group at p<0.001. Fibrosis was seen in the epithelial connective tissue junction. Conclusion: Decrease in cell adhesion, degradation of basement membrane and presence of fibrosis could suggest the role of EMT in the pathogenesis of PIGO.

Repair of an aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch in an infant with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Aortic aneurysms in childhood are rare disease entities and are usually seen in patients with genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfans, Ehler-Danlos, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). Patients affected with LDS present early in life and have a rapid disease progression. We report a case of repair of an ascending and aortic arch aneurysm in an infant with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Salivary Alkaline Phosphatase as a Noninvasive Marker for Periodontal Disease in Children with Uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether salivary alkaline phosphatase levels can be a non invasive marker for early inflammatory periodontal disease in children with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: 10 healthy children (group 1), 10 children with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (group 2) and 10 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus for more than 4 years (group 3) were recruited for the study. All three groups were matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status. Periodontal health was assessed by plaque index, gingival index and probing pocket depth. Metabolic status was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin levels, salivary alkaline phosphatase levels were determined by spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation method. RESULTS: Salivary alkaline phosphatase levels correlated significantly with the periodontal parameters in the diabetic group. An increase in salivary alkaline phosphatase levels increased with increased values of gingival index and probing pocket depth. Group 3 showed greater correlation than group 2 and group 1. At p value p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The glycemic status of the children affects the periodontal disease parameters. Salivary alkaline phosphatase levels could be a useful tool in analyzing periodontal status of children with uncontrolled type I diabetes mellitus.

Mobile Critical Care in Resource-Limited Settings: An Unmet Need.

Care of the critically ill in resource-limited areas, inside or outside the intensive care unit (ICU), is indispensable. Murthy and Adhikari noted that about 70% of patients in low-middle income (LMIC) areas could benefit from good critical care. Many patients in resource-limited settings still die before getting to the hospital. Investing in capacity building by strengthening and expanding ICU capability and training intensivists, critical care nurses, respiratory therapists, and other ICU staff is essential, but this process will take years. Also, having advanced healthcare facilities that are still far from remote areas will not do much to alleviate distance and mode of transportation as barriers to achieving good critical care. This paper discusses the importance of mobile critical care units (MCCUs) in supporting and enhancing existing emergency medical systems. MCCUs will be crucial in addressing critical delays in transportation and time to receive appropriate lifesaving critical care in remote areas. They are incredibly versatile and could be used to transfer severely ill patients to a higher level of care from the field, safely transfer critically ill patients between hospitals, and, sometimes, almost more importantly, provide standalone short-term critical care in regions where ICUs might be absent or immediately inaccessible. MCCUs should not be used as a substitute for primary care or to bypass readily available services at local healthcare centers. It is essential to rethink the traditional paradigm of 'prehospital care' and 'hospital care' and focus on improving the care of critically ill patients from the field to the hospital.

Wunderlich Syndrome: A Seldom Presentation of a Relatively Ubiquitous Tumor.

Wunderlich syndrome (WS) is characterized by spontaneous renal or perinephric hemorrhage in the absence of known trauma. WS is much rarer than haemorrhage caused by iatrogenic or traumatic conditions. The classic WS presentation of Lenk's triad of acute onset flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock is seen in less than a quarter of patients. The majority of patients present with only isolated flank pain and are frequently imaged in the emergency department with an unenhanced computed tomography (CT). The underlying aetiology varies, with the majority of cases attributed to neoplasms, vascular disease, cystic renal disease, and anticoagulation. We hereby present a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with severe discomfort in her left flank for three days in the absence of trauma. The patient was brought in a state of hypovolemic shock. After a thorough evaluation, a diagnosis of WS secondary to angiomyolipoma was made, for which selective angioembolization of the left renal artery was performed. However, due to further deterioration, a left nephrectomy had to be performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and showed no deterioration on follow-up. The treatment modalities are vivid depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient, ranging from conservative management to operative intervention, and should be tailored to the vital state on admission.

Jejunal Diverticulosis: An Atypical Lead Point for Small Bowel Volvulus.

The occurrence of small intestinal diverticula is relatively infrequent compared to its counterpart in the large bowel. Duodenal diverticula exhibit a significantly higher prevalence within the small intestine compared to jejunoileal diverticula, with a ratio of five to one. The occurrence of jejunoileal diverticula exhibits considerable variability and has been documented to range from 0.5% to 2.3% in radiographic series, while autopsy studies have reported rates as high as 7%. We present the clinical details of a 65-year-old male patient who sought medical attention due to a constellation of symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation. After adequate resuscitation with IV fluids and preoperative preparation, the patient was transported to the operating room for an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Multiple jejunal diverticuli were identified in the proximal jejunum at the antimesenteric border, less than three feet from the duodenojejunal (DJ) junction. The terminal ileum was found to be 360° rotated counterclockwise around the small bowel mesentery, causing the small intestine to appear congested; however, after clockwise de-rotation, the small bowel regained its normal color. Adhesiolysis and small bowel decompression were performed, and the patient had an uneventful recovery.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Masquerading as a Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Rare Case Report.

Despite their relative rarity, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common type of mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we describe a rare case of a 62-year-old hypertensive female presenting with abdominal pain and a palpable mass, initially suspected to be a pancreatic pseudocyst based on radiological findings. Subsequent histopathological (HPE) examination following surgical resection revealed a large cystic lesion originating from the stomach, characterized as a malignant epithelioid GIST. Based on these findings and taking into consideration the symptomatology of the patient, the decision was made to post the patient for an upfront, open surgical exploration without pre-operative biopsy studies. Frozen section facilities were kept on standby considering the differential diagnosis. Since the frozen section revealed a gastric GIST, a decision was made to perform subtotal gastrectomy, followed by gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and jejunojejunostomy (JJ). In addition, the part of the cyst adherent to the left lobe of the liver was dealt with with a non-anatomical wedge resection. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed positivity for Cluster of Differentiation 117 (CD117) with negativity for Cluster of Differentiation 34 (CD34), Desmin, and Discovered On Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors 1 (DOG-1). The tumor exhibited aggressive features, including high mitotic activity, i.e., >5/10 high power field (hpf), hemorrhagic areas, and infiltration into the liver parenchyma. The patient then received adjuvant imatinib-based chemotherapy and was maintained on strict follow-up.

Multiple Tubercular Intestinal Perforations: A Case Report.

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a frequently encountered pathology by surgeons all over India. There exists a vast body of knowledge about this disease; however, a detailed understanding of its presentation as well as surgical management is essential for every Indian surgeon, given its rampant nature. This report discusses the case of a 28-year-old female presenting with severe left upper abdominal pain, non-bilious vomiting, and fever, who was ultimately diagnosed with small bowel TB leading to perforations. Despite a history of pulmonary TB treated a year prior, the patient exhibited significant clinical and imaging findings, including pneumoperitoneum and peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple tubercular perforations in the mid-jejunum and a stricture causing proximal jejunal dilatation. Surgical intervention involved resection of the affected segment and end-to-end anastomosis. Histopathological analysis confirmed TB as the cause. This case underscores the importance of considering TB in the differential diagnosis of small bowel perforations and highlights the critical role of timely surgical intervention and comprehensive management in improving patient outcomes.

The Impact of Thyroid Surgery on Calcium and Magnesium Homeostasis: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Total thyroidectomy constitutes one of the bread-and-butter procedures of surgeons all over the world. Like with any surgical procedure, complications form a part and parcel of the postoperative course in the hospital. Hypocalcemia represents one such prevalent complication post-total thyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of total thyroidectomy on calcium and magnesium levels and to assess the role of magnesium in postoperative hypocalcemia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study was carried out at a tertiary health center over a two-year period from 2022 to 2024. It involved 100 participants with thyroid conditions (benign/malignant) who required total thyroidectomy. Patients with pre-existing conditions affecting calcium levels (e.g., chronic renal failure, medullary carcinoma thyroid, etc.) were expressly excluded. Preoperative calcium, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were recorded. Intraoperative parameters such as time and fluid volume were also measured. Postoperatively, serum calcium and magnesium levels, PTH levels, and complications like hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia were monitored. The descriptive statistics were computed to delineate the study sample. After completion of data collection, data analysis was achieved using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The chi-squared test of significance was utilized to establish statistical correlations between calcium and magnesium levels post-total thyroidectomy. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study analyzed 100 total thyroidectomy patients. The mean age of patients in our study was 50.7±8.86 years, with 97 females and three males. The most common pathology indicating total thyroidectomy was diffuse colloid goiter (46%), followed by multinodular goiter (38%). Only a single patient had preoperative biochemical hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia, but none exhibited symptoms. After total thyroidectomy, 15% (n=15) developed hypocalcemia, and 11% (n=11) developed hypomagnesemia. Postoperative mean PTH levels slightly decreased to 28.8±11.75 pg/dl, indicating similar variability to preoperative levels. Patients who underwent intra-capsular dissection had a mean postoperative ionic calcium level of 4.89±0.54 mg/dl, while those who underwent extra-capsular dissection had a slightly lower mean ionic calcium level of 4.72±0.76 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: Hypocalcemia is one of the most prevalent complications associated with total thyroidectomy. The role of magnesium in maintaining calcium homeostasis after thyroidectomy should be further explored to improve the management of hypocalcemia. Additionally, the type of capsular dissection performed during the surgery can impact the occurrence of hypocalcemia, and using intra-capsular dissection whenever possible may help reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia.

Lemmel Syndrome: A Surgical Enigma.

A periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is the most common type of duodenal diverticula found in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract assessments. Even while PAD typically does not manifest any symptoms, it can nevertheless be a source of obstructive jaundice in the absence of a tumor or choledocholithiasis, a condition known as Lemmel's syndrome. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with abdominal discomfort and multiple episodes of vomiting. After comprehensive clinical examination and investigations, a provisional diagnosis of Lemmel's syndrome was made, leading to initial conservative management for diverticulitis, followed by an exploratory procedure. This case underscores the importance of recognizing Lemmel's syndrome as a differential diagnosis for obstructive jaundice when duodenal diverticula are present, to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely, appropriate treatment.

Analysis of Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objective This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, acquired risk factors, and treatment outcomes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at a tertiary care center in India. Materials and methods Conducted from 2022 to 2024, the study included 100 patients diagnosed with lower extremity DVT. The study subjects included patients visiting the general surgery, vascular surgery, surgical gastroenterology, general medicine, emergency medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology departments with symptoms suggestive of DVT. The primary objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy as well as to assess the various acquired risk factors for DVT. Patients underwent comprehensive clinical and biochemical evaluations, including venous Doppler ultrasound, and were treated based on their clinical presentations. The study's primary end outcome was early recanalization rates on day 14 post-initiation of treatment and occurrence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Secondary outcome measures included duration of hospital stay, time taken to return to work and early complications. Results The highest incidence of DVT was in individuals in their forties, with a mean age of 44.84+/-11.71 years and a female preponderance of 58% (n=58). Key acquired risk factors identified included hypertension (25%; n=25), diabetes mellitus (20%; n=20), obesity (16%; n=16), and smoking (34%; n=34). Obesity (16%; n=16), a history of DVT (25%; n=25), trauma/immobilization (9%; n=9), pregnancy (10%; n=10), smoking (34%; n=34), and cancer (20%; n=20) were also identified as important acquired risk factors contributing to the occurrence of DVT. Amongst the study participants, 28% (n=28) had femoro-popliteal segment involvement, 36% (n=36) had calf vein thrombosis, and the remaining 36% (n=36) showed femoro-iliac segment thrombosis. Conventional anticoagulation was administered to 69% (n=69) of patients, while 31% (n=31) received thrombolytic therapy. Both treatments showed similar recanalization rates, but thrombolytic therapy was associated with a longer hospital stay (8.61+/-1.65 days; p=0.024; p<0.05) and return to work period (14.65+/-2.31 days; p=0.012; p<0.05). Post-thrombotic syndrome was less common in the thrombolytic therapy group (3%; n=3). Three patients died in the study, with the cause being pulmonary embolism. The descriptive statistics were computed to delineate the study sample. After completion of data collection, data analysis was achieved using SPSS for Windows, Version 16 (Released 2007; SPSS Inc., Chicago, United States), and the correlations sought after were achieved using the chi-square test of significance. Conclusion The study underscores the importance of recognizing and managing acquired risk factors for DVT, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality. Understanding these factors and employing effective treatment strategies are crucial for better management and prevention of DVT, enhancing patient outcomes.

Comparative Outcomes of Monopolar and Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: An Institutional Perspective.

Objective This prospective comparative study aimed to highlight and compare two types of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), namely M-TURP (monopolar) and B-TURP (bipolar), in the endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods and materials This research was conducted between 2022 and 2023 at a tertiary care health center. Included in the investigation were 100 consenting study participants undergoing M-TURP and B-TURP at our center. All referred patients presenting with clinical, ultrasound, or uroflowmetry features of BPH and those with failed attempts at medical management were included in the study. Patients with carcinoma of the prostate were excluded from the study. Post-operatively, the endpoints for comparison included maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), prostate volume, duration of hospital stay, duration of catheterization, drop in serum sodium concentration, and drop in hemoglobin levels. Descriptive statistics were computed to delineate the study sample. After the completion of data collection, data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and the correlations sought were achieved using the Chi-square test of significance. Results The peak incidence of BPH was seen in the sixth decade of life: the M-TURP group was 65.16 ± 7.07 years (mean ± standard deviation), while that in the B-TURP group was 62.32 ± 8.16 years (mean ± standard deviation). Nine percent of the study participants did not show any comorbidities. The most frequent symptom of BPH at presentation was a poor urinary stream (78%, n = 100), followed by nocturia (67%, n = 100). In our study, patients undergoing M-TURP had a mean serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.31 ± 1.03 ng/mL, while patients undergoing B-TURP had a mean serum PSA of 4.24 ± 0.99 ng/mL (p = 0.820; p > 0.05). The study found that patients undergoing M-TURP had a mean prostate size of 35.04 ± 3.57 cc, while those undergoing B-TURP had a mean prostate size of 35.72 ± 3.22 cc (p = 0.765). For the B-TURP group, the mean decrease in postoperative serum sodium concentration was 4.3 mEq/L, while for the M-TURP group, it was 6.4 mEq/L (p = 0.903). In the M-TURP group, there were three cases of transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome, while the B-TURP group had only one case. Conclusion BPH is a common problem affecting the quality of life of several male patients. Both M-TURP and B-TURP are comparable in their efficacy in treating BPH, with the exception of a higher incidence of hyponatremia and TUR syndrome in the M-TURP group.