Case Report: Multiple Metastatic Primary Multidrug-Resistant Tubercular Abscesses.

This case report presents an atypical manifestation of tuberculosis in a 21-year-old male who presented with multiple subcutaneous swellings in the bilateral heel, left elbow, and base of the left third finger for the previous 6 months. The patient also experienced loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. Despite initial suspicion of bacterial abscesses, antibiotics did not lead to significant improvement. Further investigations revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and findings suggestive of osteomyelitis on imaging. Gene Xpert testing confirmed multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the causative agent. The patient was prescribed a bedaquiline-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimen, which resulted in reduction in swelling size. This report highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing complex cases of primary multiple tubercular abscesses, especially with drug-resistant strains, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for successful outcomes.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular block versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt to improve laparoscopic surgery. Lower pressure causes lesser inflammation and better hemodynamics. There is a lack of literature comparing inflammatory markers in LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODOLOGY: This was a single institutional prospective randomized control trial. Participants included all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stone disease. Participants were divided into 2 groups group A and B. Group A-Low-pressure group in which pneumoperitoneum pressure was kept low (8-10 mmHg) with deep Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and Group B-Normal pressure group (12-14 mmHg) with moderate NMB. A convenience sample size of 80 with 40 in each group was selected. Lab investigations like CBC, LFT, RFT and serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, TNF alpha levels were measured at base line and 24 h after surgery and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Other parameters like length of hospital stay, post-operative pain score, conversion rate (low-pressure to standard pressure), and complications were also compared. RESULTS: Eighty participants were analysed with 40 in each group. Baseline characteristics and investigations were statistically similar. Difference (post-operative-pre-operative) of inflammatory markers were compared between both groups. Numerically there was a slightly higher rise in most of the inflammatory markers (TLC, ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNFα) in Group B compared to Group A but not statistically significant. Albumin showed significant fall (p < 0.001) in Group B compared to Group A. Post-operative pain was also significantly less (p < 0.001) in Group A compared to Group B at 6 h and 24 h. There were no differences in length of hospital stay and incidence of complications. There was no conversion from low-pressure to standard pressure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed under low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB may have lesser inflammation and lesser post-operative pain compared to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum with moderate NMB. Future studies with larger sample size need to be designed to support these findings.

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation of T6 Dermatome on Appetite and Weight Reduction in Obese Individuals: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous work demonstrated the beneficial effect of T6 dermatomal stimulation by the percutaneous method in managing obesity. However, a simple, cost-effective, and feasible intervention stimulating the dermatome can be a potential solution for obesity care. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to find the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of T6 dermatome on appetite and weight loss in obese individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective single-arm experimental study, 20 obese patients received TENS treatment of T6 dermatome for 30 min, once a week and for 12 weeks. Outcome measures such as appetite level in the visual analog scale (VAS), weight in kg, and basal metabolic index (BMI) in kg/m2 were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks -post-intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in all the variables was found from baseline to 12 weeks of intervention (P < 0.001) and maintained till 8 weeks of follow-up. From pre- to post-treatment, the effect size for appetite reduction was large (>1) while for weight and BMI loss was (0.14, 0.16), respectively small. Additionally, a weak correlation was found between pre- and follow-up appetite and weight loss (r = 0.25, P = 0.294). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of TENS treatment of T6 dermatome showed a positive effect in reducing appetite with sustained reduction up to 8 weeks of follow-up even after completion of the intervention. However, in the absence of dietary modification, TENS treatment was associated with low effect sizes weight and BMI loss.

Diagnosis of mucormycosis from nasal swabs using commercial PCR platforms; a feasible alternative?

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is linked to uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, iron overload, corticosteroid therapy, and neutropenia. This study evaluated a commercial real-time PCR system's effectiveness in detecting Mucorales from nasal swabs in 50 high-risk patients. Nasal swab PCR showed 30% positivity, compared to 8% with KOH microscopy. Despite its improved sensitivity, nasal swab PCR has limitations, highlighting the importance of established sampling methods in mucormycosis diagnosis. Participants were predominantly male (64%), with diabetes (78%) and amphotericin B use (96%). Prior COVID-19 was 42%, with 30% positive for Mucorales by PCR, compared to 8% with KOH microscopy.

Linking Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity With Metabolic Syndrome Features: An Integrative Study on Clinical and Radiological Fronts.

Introduction Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widespread cause of chronic liver disease, ranging from simple steatosis to severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Despite its similarity to alcohol-induced liver damage, NAFLD affects individuals with no significant alcohol consumption. This study explores the association between NAFLD, bone mineral density (BMD), insulin resistance, and subclinical inflammation, focusing on the Asian Indian population. The primary objective was to investigate the relationship between NAFLD and BMD, insulin levels, and markers of subclinical inflammation, hypothesizing that patients with NAFLD exhibit lower BMD, possibly linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. Methodology A cross-sectional study with 100 subjects aged 18-50 years (50 cases with NAFLD and 50 controls) was conducted. Exclusion criteria included excessive alcohol consumption, drug-induced fatty liver, severe organ dysfunction, infections, pregnancy, and acute or chronic illness. Data were collected through clinical examinations, anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations, ultrasound diagnosis of NAFLD, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans for BMD assessment. Statistical analysis employed the chi-squared tests, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results NAFLD patients had higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and markers of insulin resistance and inflammation compared to non-NAFLD controls. DEXA scans revealed significantly lower BMD in NAFLD cases, along with a higher prevalence of osteopenia. Positive correlations were observed between BMD and insulin resistance. The study contributes to understanding the link between NAFLD and lower BMD in the Asian Indian population, emphasizing the impact of insulin resistance and inflammation on bone health. The literature review supports the relevance of exploring NAFLD as an independent risk factor for low BMD. Conclusion This case-control study underscores the significant association between NAFLD and lower BMD in the Asian Indian population. Despite limitations, the findings highlight the importance of further research with larger samples and comprehensive assessments to elucidate the interplay between NAFLD, metabolic factors, and bone health.

Evaluation of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay in Diagnosing Tuberculous Meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Resource-limited settings like India need a simple, quick, and temperature-independent point-of-care diagnostic test that can diagnose tuberculous meningitis (TBM) at the earliest. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care center in North India wherein 50 subjects suspected of TBM were recruited and followed up for six months between January 2019 and December 2020. The aim was to evaluate the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) in diagnosing TBM as compared to a composite reference standard (CRS), mycobacteria growth indicator tube 960 (MGIT 960) culture, and GeneXpert®. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients, 32 were TBM cases (64%), and 18 were non-TBM cases (36%). The sensitivity of TB-LAMP and GeneXpert® for TBM diagnosis against CRS was 53% (17/32) for both, and the specificity was 78% (14/18) and 89% (16/18), respectively. On comparing TB-LAMP against GeneXpert® for TBM diagnosis, the two methods had almost perfect agreement (Cohen's kappa=0.83) with statistical significance (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The performance of TB-LAMP assay is comparable to GeneXpert® in diagnosing TBM, and it may be used as a substitute for CSF GeneXpert® in resource-limited settings.

Red Blood Cell DNA Capture and Delivery Drives Host Responses During Polymicrobial Sepsis.

Red blood cells (RBCs), traditionally recognized for their role in transporting oxygen, play a pivotal role in the body's immune response by expressing TLR9 and scavenging excess host cell-free DNA. DNA capture by RBCs leads to accelerated RBC clearance and triggers inflammation. Whether RBCs can also acquire microbial DNA during infections is unknown. Murine RBCs acquire microbial DNA in vitro and bacterial-DNA-induced macrophage activation was augmented by WT but not TLR9-deleted RBCs. In a mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis, RBC-bound bacterial DNA was elevated in WT but not in erythroid TLR9-deleted mice. Plasma cytokine analysis revealed distinct sepsis endotypes, characterized by persistent hypothermia and hyperinflammation in the most severely affected subjects. RBC-TLR9 deletion attenuated plasma and tissue IL-6 production in the most severe endotype. Parallel findings in human subjects confirmed that RBCs from septic patients harbored more bacterial DNA compared to healthy individuals. Further analysis through 16S sequencing of RBC-bound DNA illustrated distinct microbial communities, with RBC-bound DNA composition correlating with plasma IL-6 in patients with sepsis. Collectively, these findings unveil RBCs as overlooked reservoirs and couriers of microbial DNA, capable of influencing host inflammatory responses in sepsis.

Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Versus Conventional Open Thyroidectomy: Interim Results From Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We determined whether endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) is associated with better health-related quality of life (QoL) compared with open thyroidectomy. METHODS: We randomly assigned 28 patients aged older than 18 years, Bethesda IV or less on cytology and gland volume of <40 mL to undergo hemithyroidectomy through either open or endoscopic (axillo-breast approach/bilateral axillo-breast approach) technique. The primary outcome was QoL scores on the Short Form-36 and Thyroid-Specific Questionnaire at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, hospital stay, and pain scores. RESULTS: The generic QoL scores based on Short Form-36 were statistically nonsignificant between the two groups. QoL scores based on Thyroid-Specific Questionnaire were statistically significant ( P < 0.05) favoring open thyroidectomy in the following domains: (1) numbness at 2, 6, and 12 weeks ( P = 0.04, 0.004, and 0.005, respectively), (2) shoulder impairment at 2 weeks ( P = 0.017), and (3) favoring ET in cosmesis at 6 and 12 weeks ( P = 0.037 and 0.02, respectively). ET has longer operative time (104.6 ± 25.4 vs 123 ± 8.9 min; P = 0.03), longer hospital stays (2.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.4 ± 0.5; P = 0.056) and higher pain scores at 2 and 6 weeks ( P = 0.007 and 0.012, respectively) but decreased intraoperative bleeding (33.5 ± 6.4 vs 29.1 ± 3.7 mL; P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: ET has higher cosmetic satisfaction, increased numbness, and shoulder movement impairment during short-term postsurgery follow-up. Both techniques are similar in impacting general physical, mental, and social health-related QoL. (Clinical Trials Registry of India, Reg. No. CTRI/2020/07/026374).

Evaluation of Tools to Assess Symptoms and Symptom Severity in Patients With Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

A substantial portion of patients presenting to healthcare settings exhibit physical symptoms lacking clear, demonstrable organic causes. Accurate assessment of symptom severity is crucial for documenting outcomes and establishing treatment efficacy. This systematic review and narrative synthesis aims to provide researchers with insights into available and validated tools for assessing medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). It involved comprehensive searches across electronic databases, including PubMed, Wiley, and Cochrane, adhering to PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines. The study comprised two phases: Phase 1 systematically reviewed tools for assessing MUPS symptoms and severity, while Phase 2 conducted a narrative synthesis of their measurement properties, focusing on validity and reliability. Out of 14,459 records, 191 articles were identified, leading to the recognition of 16 validated tools for assessing MUPS symptoms and severity. Most tools demonstrated excellent internal consistency and structural validity. However, the majority lacked cross-cultural validity. The choice of tools for the assessment of MUPS will assist clinicians and researchers in determining the severity of MUPS and developing a tailored treatment plan to improve the physical and psychological functioning of these patients.

Knowledge and Skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Effect of Simulation Training on it among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center in India.

Aim and background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is associated with improved patient outcomes, but healthcare workers (HCWs) may be frequently undertrained. This study aimed to assess baseline knowledge and skills among HCWs about basic and advanced life support and the effect of simulation-based training on it. Methods: It was a single-center prospective quasi-interventional study among resident doctors and nurses at a Tertiary Center in New Delhi, India. A questionnaire-based assessment was done to assess baseline knowledge. The participants then underwent simulation-based training followed by questionnaire-based knowledge assessment and skill assessment. A repeat questionnaire-based assessment was done 6 months post-training to assess knowledge retention. Results: A total of 82 HCWs (54 doctors and 28 nurses) were enrolled. The participants scored 22.28 ± 6.06 out of 35 (63.65%) in the pre-training knowledge assessment, with low scores in post-cardiac arrest care, advanced life support, and defibrillation. After the training, there was a significant rise in scores to 28.32 ± 4.08 out of 35 (80.9%) (p < 0.01). The retention of knowledge at 6 months was 68.87% (p < 0.01). The participants scored 92.61 ± 4.75% marks in skill assessment with lower scores in chest compressions and team leadership roles. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.35) between knowledge and skills scores (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There is a progressive decrease in baseline knowledge of HCWs with the further steps in the adult chain of survival. The simulation training program had a positive impact on the knowledge of HCWs. The training programs should focus on defibrillation, advanced life support, post-cardiac arrest care, and leadership roles. How to cite this article: Agarwal A, Baitha U, Ranjan P, Swarnkar NK, Singh GP, Baidya DK, et al. Knowledge and Skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Effect of Simulation Training on it among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center in India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):336-342.

Development and Validation of a Symptom Scale for Indian Patients With Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms.

Introduction Patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) account for a substantial proportion of patients visiting the outpatient department. Diagnosis of MUPS is a challenge for most physicians. An accurate diagnosis relies on obtaining a detailed history from patients regarding the nature of their symptoms, their onset, and any associated aggravating or relieving factors. This study aims to develop a symptom scale for Indian patients with MUPS. Methods The study had a mixed-method study design. Phase 1 involved designing the questionnaire using qualitative techniques, such as literature reviews, focus-group discussions, expert evaluation, and pre-testing of a Hindi and English language Likert-rated interviewer-administered scale. In phase 2, the construct validity of the questionnaire was established using quantitative approaches among 116 patients diagnosed with MUPS. Results The final questionnaire consists of 38 items, with good internal consistency (Cronbach 𝛂 = 0.916). Confirmation sampling adequacy for factor analysis was done using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO value = 0.792) and Bartlett's test of sphericity (p < 0.001). The newly developed scale showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.568 (p < 0.001) with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-15 scores. Conclusion A reliable and valid tool has been developed to assess patients' symptoms with MUPS in English and Hindi languages. This questionnaire can be used for assessment, screening, and diagnostic purposes as well as to chart longitudinal changes in patients with MUPS.

Spectroscopic insight into breast cancer: profiling small extracellular vesicles lipids via infrared spectroscopy for diagnostic precision.

Breast cancer, a leading cause of female mortality due to delayed detection owing to asymptomatic nature and limited early diagnostic tools, was investigated using a multi-modal approach. Plasma-derived small EVs from breast cancer patients (BrCa, n = 74) and healthy controls (HC, n = 30) were analyzed. Small EVs (n = 104), isolated through chemical precipitation, underwent characterization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Validation involved antibody-based tests (TSG101, CD9, CD81, CD63). Infrared spectra of small EVs were obtained, revealing significant differences in lipid acyl chains, particularly in the C-H stretching of CH3. The study focused on the lipid region (3050-2900 cm-1), identifying peaks (3015 cm-1, 2960 cm-1, 2929 cm-1) as distinctive lipid characteristics. Spectroscopic lipid-to-lipid ratios [(I3015/I2929), (I2960/I2929)] emerged as prominent breast cancer markers. Exploration of protein, nucleic acid, and carbohydrate ratios indicated variations in alpha helices, asymmetric C-H stretching vibrations, and C-O stretching at 1033 cm-1. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully differentiated BrCa and HC small EVs, and heatmap analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluations underscored the discriminatory power of lipid ratios. Notably, (I2960/I2929) exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity, highlighting its potential as a robust BrCa sEV marker for breast cancer detection.

The Lung Microbiome.

Although the lungs were once considered a sterile environment, advances in sequencing technology have revealed dynamic, low-biomass communities in the respiratory tract, even in health. Key features of these communities-composition, diversity, and burden-are consistently altered in lung disease, associate with host physiology and immunity, and can predict clinical outcomes. Although initial studies of the lung microbiome were descriptive, recent studies have leveraged advances in technology to identify metabolically active microbes and potential associations with their immunomodulatory by-products and lung disease. In this brief review, we discuss novel insights in airway disease and parenchymal lung disease, exploring host-microbiome interactions in disease pathogenesis. We also discuss complex interactions between gut and oropharyngeal microbiota and lung immunobiology. Our advancing knowledge of the lung microbiome will provide disease targets in acute and chronic lung disease and may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Quantitative Proteomics of COVID-19 Recovered Patients Identifies Long-Term Changes in Sperm Proteins Leading to Cellular Stress in Spermatozoa.

Following an initial recovery, COVID-19 survivors struggle with a spectrum of persistent medical complications, including fatigue, breathlessness, weight loss, hair loss, and attention deficits. Additionally, there is growing evidence of adverse effects of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system. This investigation seeks to understand the long-term ramifications on male fertility by examining hormonal profiles, semen parameters, and sperm proteome of recovered COVID-19 patients compared to controls. The serum hormone profiles between the two groups showed minimal variations except for prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone levels. Testosterone levels were slightly lower, while prolactin and cortisol were elevated in COVID-19 cases compared to controls. Though semen parameters exhibited no significant disparities between the COVID-19 and control groups, quantitative proteomics analysis revealed changes in sperm proteins. It identified 190 differentially expressed proteins, of which 161 were upregulated and 29 downregulated in COVID-19 cases. Western blotting analysis validated the differential expression of serpin B4 and calpain 2. Bioinformatics analysis signifies cellular stress in the spermatozoa of COVID-19 recovered patients and thus, SOD and MDA levels in semen were measured. MDA levels were found to be significantly elevated, indicating lipid peroxidation in COVID-19 samples. While the effects of COVID-19 on semen parameters may exhibit a potential for reversal within a short duration, the alterations it inflicts on sperm proteome are persisting consequences on male fertility. This study paves the path for further research and emphasizes the significance of comprehending the complex molecular processes underlying the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on male reproductive health.

Effectiveness of cognitive retraining intervention on weight loss and lifestyle-related behaviours among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The review explores the potential benefits of cognitive retraining interventions in improving healthy lifestyle-related behaviours, and its possible use as an alternative or complementary approach to traditional weight loss interventions. METHOD: Studies were selected using different electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase), to identify RCTs published in the last 23 years on cognitive retraining interventions for weight loss. A total of 12 studies were finalized for systematic review and six for meta-analysis based on the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed by the two reviewers independently using the criteria outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for RCTs. The R software was used to perform meta-analysis. RESULT: The overall effect estimates slightly favoured the intervention group, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of -0.26 [95% CI (-0.58- 0.06) P < 0.05; I2 = 0.00%]. This suggests that although the effect was not statistically significant, cognitive retraining interventions may have a small effect on weight loss. The findings of the systematic review revealed that cognitive retraining interventions may be effective in modifying lifestyle behaviours and these changes may contribute in achieving and maintaining weight loss in the long run. CONCLUSION: Interventions exhibited a positive effect on weight loss. These interventions demonstrated promise in modifying lifestyle behaviours, suggesting a potential role in achieving and sustaining long-term weight loss. Further research is warranted to refine and validate these findings.

A comprehensive evaluation of predictors of obesity in women during the perimenopausal period: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity during perimenopausal transition can be attributed to various factors. Identifying these factors is crucial in preventing obesity and developing effective strategies to manage weight during this phase. This review aimed to systematically understand predictors of obesity during menopausal transition. METHODS: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched databases like PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Cochrane Reviews. Cohort and cross-sectional studies in English language assessing obesity among menopausal women were included. The methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Checklist for critical appraisal. Risk of Bias (RoB) was generated using Review Manager 5.4.1 (RevMan). Identified predictors were assessed for overall quality of evidence using adopted Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: This review encompassed 42 studies, (21 cross-sectional and 21 cohort) with sample ranging from 164 to 107,243 across studies. Higher parity( ≥ 3 children) emerged as a strong predictor of obesity across seven studies, with good-quality evidence. Lower physical activity was another predictor, supported by eight studies with good-quality evidence. Sociodemographic factors like lower education(<8 years or < than college degree), socioeconomic background, menopausal transition, and older age at menarche showed associations with weight gain, with moderate-quality evidence. Lifestyle factors (high-fat consumption, sedentariness, active smoking status, and psychological difficulties) also showed moderate-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the multifaceted factors associated with obesity during the perimenopausal transition. Identifying these factors will be helpful in prevention and management of obesity among these women.

Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular blockade versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a non-inferiority randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt at improving laparoscopic surgery. However, it has the issue of poor working space for which deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may be a solution. There is a lack of literature comparing LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB. METHODOLOGY: This was a single institutional prospective non-inferiority RCT, with permuted block randomization of subjects into group A and B [Group A: LPP; 8-10 mmHg with deep NMB [ Train of Four count (TOF): 0, Post Tetanic Count (PTC): 1-2] and Group B: SPP; 12-14 mmHg with moderate NMB]. The level of NMB was monitored with neuromuscular monitor with TOF count and PTC. Cisatracurium infusion was used for continuous deep NMB in group A. Primary outcome measures were the surgeon satisfaction score and the time for completion of the procedure. Secondarily important clinical outcomes were also reported. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients screened, 181 participants were enrolled [F: 138 (76.2%); M: 43 (23.8%); Group A n = 90, Group B n = 91]. Statistically similar surgeon satisfaction scores (26.1 ± 3.7 vs 26.4 ± 3.4; p = 0.52) and time for completion (55.2 ± 23.4 vs 52.5 ± 24.9 min; p = 0.46) were noted respectively in groups A and B. On both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis it was found that group A was non-inferior to group B in terms of total surgeon satisfaction score, however, non-inferiority was not proven for time for completion of surgery. Mean pain scores and incidence of shoulder pain were statistically similar up-to 7 days of follow-up in both groups. 4 (4.4%) patients in group B and 2 (2.2%) in group A had bradycardia (p = 0.4). Four (4.4%) cases of group A were converted to group B. One case of group B converted to open surgery. Bile spills and gallbladder perforations were comparable. CONCLUSION: LPP with deep NMB is non-inferior to SPP with moderate NMB in terms of surgeon satisfaction score but not in terms of time required to complete the procedure. Clinical outcomes and safety profile are similar in both groups. However, it could be marginally costlier to use LPP with deep NMB.

Efficacy of Rifaximin in Patients With Abdominal Bloating or Distension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal bloating is a common complaint in patients with functional and organic bowel disease. Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic, has been tried for the treatment of this disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the efficacy of rifaximin in abdominal bloating and distension in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). METHODS: We accessed 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials that utilized rifaximin in FGID. We excluded observational studies, those including patients with organic bowel disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases, or those in which rifaximin was given for other indications, such as hepatic encephalopathy. RESULTS: A total of 1426 articles were available, of which 813 articles were screened after removing duplicates and 34 articles were selected for full-text review. Finally, 10 trials (3326 patients) were included. Rifaximin was administered in doses ranging from 400 to 1650 mg per day for 1 to 2 weeks. Rifaximin therapy led to a higher likelihood of improvement in symptoms of bloating (44.6% vs. 34.6%, RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11, 1.35; n=2401 patients) without significant heterogeneity. However, daily doses less than 1200 mg/day were similar to placebo ( P =0.09). Bloating was quantified subjectively in 7 studies, and rifaximin led to a greater reduction in bloating scores compared with placebo (standardized mean difference -0.3, 95% CI -0.51, -0.1, P =0.04) but carried significant heterogeneity ( I2 =61.6%, P =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Rifaximin therapy is associated with an increased likelihood of improvement in bloating and distension, as well as reduces the subjective severity of these symptoms in patients with FGID.

Commensal Oral Microbiota, Disease Severity and Mortality in Fibrotic Lung Disease.

RATIONALE: Oral microbiota associate with diseases of the mouth and serve as a source of lung microbiota. However, the role of oral microbiota in lung disease is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine associations between oral microbiota and disease severity and death in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: We analyzed 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing data of buccal swabs from 511 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the multicenter CleanUP-IPF trial. Buccal swabs were collected from usual care, and antimicrobial cohorts. Microbiome data was correlated with measures of disease severity using principal component analysis and linear regression models. Associations between the buccal microbiome and mortality were determined using Cox additive models, Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Greater buccal microbial diversity associated with lower forced vital capacity (FVC) at baseline [mean diff -3.60: 95% CI -5.92 to -1.29 percent predicted FVC per 1 unit increment]. The buccal proportion of Streptococcus correlated positively with FVC [mean diff 0.80: 95% CI 0.16-1.43 percent predicted per 10% increase] (n=490). Greater microbial diversity was associated with an increased risk of death [HR 1.73: 95% CI 1.03-2.90] while a greater proportion of Streptococcus was associated with a reduced risk of death [HR 0.85: 95% CI 0.73 to 0.99]. The Streptococcus genus was mainly comprised of Streptococcus mitis species. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing buccal microbial diversity predicts disease severity and death in IPF. The oral commensal Streptococcus mitis spp associates with preserved lung function and improved survival.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of 505 Postpartum Women to Assess Lifestyle-Related Behaviour, Barriers, and Myths Affecting Postpartum Weight Retention and Its Management.

Background/Purpose: This study aims to assess lifestyle-related factors such as diet, physical activity and sleep along with common myths, beliefs, and barriers to a healthy lifestyle and resultant postpartum weight retention. It has also explored the association of the aforementioned factors with socio-demographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a comprehensive pre-validated questionnaire on a convenience sample of postpartum women using a telephonic interview schedule. Results: A total of 505 postpartum women were recruited with median postpartum weight retention of 5 kg. More than half of the participants had incorrect dietary practices with less than one-tenth of women indulging in low/moderate-intensity physical activity. Postpartum women had poorer diet (p < 0.05) and sleep (p < 0.01) in the initial phase postpartum as compared to late postpartum. These women were also less physically active in the initial months and as the postpartum period progressed their physical activity also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Socio-demographic variables such as socio-economic status, education, and employment status were significantly associated with unhealthy lifestyle practices. Common barriers were lack of knowledge, time constraints, lack of childcare support and cultural myths and beliefs. Conclusion: The findings of the study will help in developing a comprehensive women-centric weight management module focusing on practical guidelines for lifestyle, breastfeeding and other confounding factors associated with postpartum weight management.