A Pilot Study to Detect Balance Impairment in Older Adults Using an Instrumented One-Leg Stance Test.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether parameters from an instrumented one-leg stance (OLS) on a force plate could provide relevant information related to fall risk in older people. Forty-two community dwelling older people including 17 fallers and 25 nonfallers, and 25 young subjects performed a OLS while standing on a force plate, with parameters related to transferring weight onto one leg and postural sway in singe-leg stance evaluated. No differences were observed between older fallers and nonfallers and the younger participants for any of the weight transfer parameters. The younger participants were able to reduce their postural sway during the OLS test after the first 0-2 s period, unlike older participants who swayed the same amount throughout the test. The older fallers swayed significantly more than both nonfallers and younger participants throughout the 10-s of OLS evaluated. When the tests were used to classify older participants as fallers, the instrumented OLS achieved 100% accuracy, compared to 69.0% classification accuracy for the five times sit-to-stand test, 61.9% for the standard OLS, and 47.6% for the timed-up-and-go test. These findings suggest that the standard OLS test might not be suitable to detect fall risk. In contrast, an instrumented version of the OLS could provide valuable additional information that could identify older fallers. Future work will include a prospective study of the instrumented OLS in a larger population of older people.

Discovery of a Novel Yadav-Kunal Reflex in Context of Upper Motor Neuron Lesions: A Report of Three Cases.

Introduction: Numerous reflexive responses have been documented as alterations to the Babinski sign within upper motor neuron lesions. However, scant attention has been given to reflexes beyond these, which exhibit independence from the extensor plantar response. These reflexes predominantly form polysynaptic arcs, with nociceptive stimuli acting as afferents. Case Report: The reflex was serendipitously discovered in an 18-year-old female patient who presented with spastic paraplegia with bowel and bladder involvement, as a consequence of an aneurysmal bone cyst of the D3 (dorsal) vertebrae, and the same was named after the authors as "Yadav-Kunal reflex" which can be defined as: "In individuals with spastic paraparesis, forcibly plantarflexing the toes will result in sudden jerky flexion of the knee and hip on the same side." This novel reflex was further investigated and validated in two additional patients with spastic paraplegia: one, a 45-year-old female with D9-D10 Pott's spine and bowel and bladder involvement, and the other, a 65-year-old male with D10-D11 compressive myelopathy and bowel and bladder involvement. This reflex was meticulously tracked until the abatement of spasticity following surgical intervention. Notably, its manifestation was evident in individuals experiencing spastic paraparesis, dissipating concomitantly with the resolution of spasticity - a direct clinical correlation. Conversely, the reflex was conspicuously absent in cases of flaccid paraplegia. Conclusion: Spasticity, characterized by an increase in muscle tone on swift stretching movements, is a manifestation of a stretch reflex disorder. This condition is primarily induced by lesions affecting upper motor neurons. The activation of muscle spindles in toe dorsiflexors (primarily governed by the L5 nerve) occurs during forceful elongation caused by plantarflexion.

Lung cell transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a major cause of death with few treatment options. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy for lung fibrosis of adult lung cell transplantation using a single-cell suspension of the entire lung in two distinct mouse systems: bleomycin treatment and mice lacking telomeric repeat-binding factor 1 expression in alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells (SPC-Cre TRF1fl/fl), spontaneously developing fibrosis. In both models, the progression of fibrosis was associated with reduced levels of host lung progenitors, enabling engraftment of donor progenitors without any additional conditioning, in contrast to our previous studies. Two months after transplantation, engrafted progenitors expanded to form numerous donor-derived patches comprising AT1 and AT2 alveolar cells, as well as donor-derived mesenchymal and endothelial cells. This lung chimerism was associated with attenuation of fibrosis, as demonstrated histologically, biochemically, by computed tomography imaging, and by lung function measurements. Our study provides a strong rationale for the treatment of lung fibrosis using lung cell transplantation.

Sacrococcygeal chordoma-illustrative cases and our experience.

Chordoma is an uncommon malignant bone tumour of low metastatic potential, the commonest site of which being sacrum. We intend to report two cases of giant sacrococcygeal chordoma managed surgically. The first patient presented with natal cleft swelling since past 3 years which on examination had a size of 12*10*14 and was mildly tender, non reducible, non pulsatile and non fluctuant. The swelling had a variegated surface and extended from sacral region till 2 cm above anal verge. The second patient presented with low backache with radiation to the left lower limbs along with numbness in posterior aspect of left thigh. Physical examination in the second patient was near similar to that in first case except the decreased perianal sensation with otherwise normal neurology in the second patient. The imaging and histopathology was consistent with sacroccocygeal chordoma in both cases. Both patients underwent wide margin resection with preservation of both S2 and right S3 roots. Effective management of sacrococcygeal chordoma requires early diagnosis, accurate preoperative staging, definitive and adequate surgical resection with proved tumour-free cut margins while in those declining surgery, radiotherapy can be considered as an alternative.

Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Ankle in a Child: A Rare Case Presentation and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Synovial chondromatosis is not a common condition and involvement of the ankle joint is quite rare. We found only one case of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle joint among the pediatric population. We present a case of a 9-year-old boy with synovial chondromatosis of the left ankle. Case Report: A 9-year-old boy had synovial osteochondromatosis in the left ankle joint, which caused pain, swelling, and restriction of movement of the left ankle. Radiological examinations showed variable size calcific foci adjacent to the medial malleolus and medial ankle joint space with mild soft-tissue swelling. The ankle mortise space was well-maintained. The magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint revealed a benign synovial neoplastic process and a few focal marrows containing loose bodies. The synovium was thick, and there was no articular erosion. The patient was planned and underwent an en bloc resection. A lobulated pearly white mass arising from the ankle joint was observed intraoperatively. Histological examination also showed attenuated synovium with osteocartilaginous nodule with binucleated and multinucleated forms of chondrocyte typical of osteochondroma were appreciated. Endochondral ossification, mature bony trabeculae with intervening fibro adipose tissue, was noted. The patient had remarkable relief of clinical complaints and was almost asymptomatic at the time of the first follow-up. Conclusion: Synovial chondromatosis may present with diverse clinical manifestations according to the different stages of the disease as described by Milgram; like joint pain, limitation of movements, swelling due to the close proximity of important structures including joints, tendons, and neurovascular bundles. A simple radiograph with a characteristic appearance is usually sufficient in confirming the diagnosis. In pediatric patients, overlooking these conditions may result in growth abnormality, skeletal deformities, and several mechanical problems. We suggest that when dealing with the case of swelling in or around the ankle, the differential diagnosis should include synovial chondromatosis.

Study of foetomaternal outcomes in COVID-19 afflicted parturients who underwent operative delivery - A retrospective analysis.

Background and Aims: Parturients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are increasingly presenting for operative delivery. The aim of this study was to outline the foetomaternal outcome in COVID-19-afflicted pregnant women who underwent lower segment caeserean section (LSCS). Methods: Data of all COVID-19 positive pregnant females who underwent caesarean section surgery between 1 April and 30 June 2021 was collected. Clinical parameters, including oxygen requirement, laboratory investigations, treatment measures, complications, length of hospital and intensive care unit/neonatal intensive care unit stay, and outcome of parturients and neonates, were collected and analysed. All patients were followed up either during their visits to the obstetric outpatient department or by making phone calls between 1 and 2 months of discharge. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software 16.0 was used for analysis. Independent group t-test or Mann-Whitney test was used for mean of continuous data. Chi-square test or Fisher's test was used for proportion of categorical data. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 71 parturients delivered by caesarean section. 36.51% had mild COVID-19, and 87.5% had moderate COVID-19 at admission. One each with mild and moderate disease expired. The median (interquartile range) length of hospital stay was 7 (5-5.9) days for those with mild disease, and it was significantly longer for those with the moderate disease at 14 (9.5-17.5) days. Our study found that after a mean of 41.72 days of follow-up, of the 69 surviving mothers, 17 complained of fatigue, five complained of myalgia and one needed intermittent supplemental oxygen. Out of 74 babies born, seven died, which is 94.6 per 1000 live births. Conclusion: COVID-19 parturients delivered by LSCS stand a higher risk of maternal and neonatal mortality and adverse effects, including more hospital stay and increased mortality.

Mechanical thromboprophylaxis for hip fractures in elderly patients: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures, most common in the geriatric age group, can develop proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is no consensus regarding the ideal method or duration of prophylaxis, particularly in a trauma patient. This study bridges this lacuna in data by making a random comparison between mechanical prophylaxis alone vis-a-vis combined with mechanical and Enoxaparin-based chemoprophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 75 Elderly hip trauma patients from January 2019 to October 2020 at a single tertiary care center were randomly allocated into two groups using the sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope method (SNOSE): one (n=44) receiving Enoxaparin and Mechanical prophylaxis and another (n=31) receiving Mechanical prophylaxis alone. All patients underwent CT (computed tomography) venography to screen for proximal DVT between days 5 to 10 of injury. The primary outcomes were the incidence of proximal DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), and safety outcomes (wound complications and adverse systemic events) were recorded during the treatment. RESULTS: No symptomatic or asymptomatic proximal DVT and death incidence was reported in either group. One case of pulmonary embolism was seen in the combined prophylaxis group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the above-mentioned parameters mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the incidence of proximal DVT between mechanical alone and combined chemical-mechanical prophylaxis in elderly patients sustaining hip trauma. The incidence of proximal DVT can be reduced by mechanical prophylaxis alone. It was efficacious and safer than combined mechanical and enoxaparin prophylaxis in preventing venous thromboembolism in elderly hip trauma patients.

Perioperative anesthetic concerns in postcovid mucormycosis patients posted for surgical intervention: An observational Study.

Background: COVID 19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 has proven to be the deadliest pandemic till date. Multiple covid waves have hit people hard on each part of the continent throughout the world. The second wave in India turned out to be highly infectious and virulent. Sudden surge in cases of mucormycosis after recovery of COVID surprised many clinician. Mucormycosis being a rapidly progressive and fulminant fungal infection required surgical debridement of necrotic tissue on emergency basis. The fatal combination of immunocompromised status, multisystemic involvement, and difficult airway in these patients pose numerous new challenges regarding anesthetic management. The present study was conducted to outline major concerns and the anesthetic management of patients undergoing surgical resection for rhinoorbital mucormycosis (ROM). Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in our institute for a duration of 2 months (June and July 2021). The data of all the cases posted for ROM was collected from the ENT and Anesthesia record register. Total 70 patients presented with mucormycosis, for surgical debridement out of which 25 patients were posted for surgery under general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, duration of COVID illness, treatment taken during COVID (oxygen therapy/steroid intake), hemodynamic parameters, monitoring methods, and surgical procedures were recorded for each patient. Statistical Evaluation: SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis. Mean and SD were used to analyze the difference in mean values, and independent Student's t-test were utilized to compare the quantitative variables. Frequency distribution and percentage were used for qualitative parameters. Significant difference was accepted at P ≤ 0.05 with 95% CI (confidence interval) in the study. Results: Demographic data were comparable with respect to age, gender distribution, and ASA status. Mean duration of Covid illness was (12.18 ± 3.68) days. The mean HbA1C measured was (10.8 ± 1.42). Strong correlation was found between steroid intake and raised HbA1c in all patients (r = 0.77). Regarding the comorbidities, 24 (96%) patients had associated type 2 diabetes mellitus, 16 patients (64%) had pneumonitis, and 1 patient had pulmonary TB and hepatitis. Conclusion: Considering the perioperative risk associated with high HbA1C and pneumonitis, MAC was preferred in majority of cases. Strict hemodynamic monitoring, perioperative glucose control, difficult airway cart, metabolic and electrolyte balance and vigilant peri-operative monitoring are cornerstone for better outcome and short length of hospital stay.

Septic arthritis of knee due to Burkholderia pseudomallei: a case report.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an important cause of sepsis in certain parts of Asia and northern Australia. It usually causes abscess in the lungs, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle and parotids, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. In India, musculoskeletal melioidosis has rarely been reported. We report such a case with septic arthritis of the knee, diagnosed on the basis of a positive pus culture. After being treated by arthrotomy and surgical debridement followed by a combination of intravenous ceftazidime (acute phase = three weeks) and oral doxycycline and co-trimoxazole (eradication phase = five weeks) for two months, the patient recovered completely with no recurrence.

A Comparison of Four Approaches to Evaluate the Sit-to-Stand Movement.

The sit-to-stand test (STS) is a simple test of function in older people that can identify people at risk of falls. The aim of this study was to develop two novel methods of evaluating performance in the STS using a low-cost RGB camera and another an instrumented chair containing load cells in the seat of the chair to detect center of pressure movements and ground reaction forces. The two systems were compared to a Kinect and a force plate. Twenty-one younger subjects were tested when performing two 5STS movements at self-selected slow and normal speeds while 16 older fallers were tested when performing one 5STS at a self-selected pace. All methods had acceptable limits of agreement with an expert for total STS time for younger subjects and older fallers, with smaller errors observed for the chair (-0.18 ± 0.17 s) and force plate (-0.19 ± 0.79 s) than for the RGB camera (-0.30 ± 0.51 s) and the Kinect (-0.38 ± 0.50 s) for older fallers. The chair had the smallest limits of agreement compared to the expert for both younger and older participants. The new device was also able to estimate movement velocity, which could be used to estimate muscle power during the STS movement. Subsequent studies will test the device against opto-electronic systems, incorporate additional sensors, and then develop predictive equations for measures of physical function.