Profiling of circulating glial cells for accurate blood-based diagnosis of glial malignancies.

Here, we describe a blood test for the detection of glial malignancies (GLI-M) based on the identification of circulating glial cells (CGCs). The test is highly specific for GLI-M and can detect multiple grades (II-IV) and subtypes including gliomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, oligoastrocytomas and glioblastomas, irrespective of gender and age. Analytical validation of the test was performed as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Real-world performance characteristics of the test were evaluated in four clinical (observational) studies. The test has high analytical sensitivity (95%), specificity (100%) and precision (coefficient of variation [CV] = 13.7% for repeatability and CV = 23.5% for within laboratory precision, both at the detection threshold) and is not prone to interference from common drugs and serum factors. The ability of the test to detect and differentiate GLI-M from non-malignant brain tumours (NBT), brain metastases from primary epithelial malignancies (EPI-M) and healthy individual donors (HD) was evaluated in four clinical cohorts. Across these clinical studies, the test showed 99.35% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.44%-99.98%) and 100% specificity (95% CI: 99.37%-100%). The performance characteristics of this test support its clinical utility for diagnostic triaging of individuals presenting with intracranial space-occupying lesions (ICSOL).

Findings of second multicentric follow-up serosurvey among Health Care Workers in government hospitals.

Background: The change in serological status of community may be used as input for guiding the public health policy. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine change in seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: From the baseline multicentric study sample, a subsample was followed up, and a seroepidemiological study was conducted among them between 6 and 22 weeks after the second dose of the vaccination. Multistage population proportion to size sampling was performed for the selection of subsample of HCWs. The serosurvey was conducted using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based IgG antibody test (COVID KAVACH). Results: Follow-up serological testing was done in subsample of 1122 participants of original 3253 participants. The mean age of the participants was 34.6 (8.13) years. A total of 300 (26.7%) participants were females. The seroprevalence was 78.52, (95%CI:76-80.1). Among those who were seronegative at initial test, 708 (77.04%) were seroconverted. Those who were not seroconverted (241 (21.5%)) have longer duration from the second dose of the vaccination (93 (31.4) vs. 56 (38.4); p value < 0.001). The COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with seropositive status and being a medical staff was associated with remaining seronegative on follow-up. The higher age (≥50 years) was found to be significantly associated with seroreversion. Conclusion: Four in five HCWs had detectable antibodies. Seroepidemiological studies carry vital information to control the public health response in the course of the pandemic. The study can also further help as a platform to study the seroconversion and effect of vaccination among HCWs for newer variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Conundrum of re-positive COVID-19 cases: A systematic review of case reports and case series.

BACKGROUND: The systematic review was conducted to summarize and synthesize evidence from all available case series and case reports published on re-positive COVID-19 cases. METHODS: The systematic review was registered with Prospero (CRD42020210446). PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting the systematic review. Inclusion criteria for studies included case reports and case series which have documented cases of positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after a period of clinical improvement or a negative RT-PCR report. Reviews, opinions, and animal studies were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the modified Murad scale. RESULTS: A total of 30 case reports/case series were included in the study, wherein a total of 219 cases were included. In re-positive cases, the age range varied from 10 months to 91 years. The pooled proportion of positive cases after follow-up using random-effects was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 09%-15%). Among the re-positives, a total of 57 cases (26%) had comorbidities. A total of 51 (23.3%) and 17 (7.8%) re-positive cases had been treated with antivirals and corticosteroids, respectively. Only a few studies have confirmed the presence of antibodies after the first episode. Studies that included contact tracing of re-positives did not find any positive cases among close contacts of re-positive cases. CONCLUSION: The systemic review found that reinfection is a possibility within 123 days of a negative RT-PCR test in a small number of cases of COVID-19. This has wider ramifications in framing clinical, preventive, and public health policy guidelines.

Assessment of materno-foetal transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The issue of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the foetus has not yet been resolved. Its main reason is lack of a bigger study to analyse this question. The evidence of the affection of the foetus during antenatal or intrapartum period is limited to some anecdotal reports. To look for the possibility of vertical transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to the foetus, this prospective pilot study was conducted at a tertiary health care COVID-19 designated centre of Armed Forces. METHODS: This study was conducted during 01 June 2020 and 15 October 2020 and included 54 covid-positive pregnant mothers. During delivery, amniotic fluid and cord blood samples were collected in a sterile manner. Amniotic fluid samples were not collected during vaginal deliveries as chances of contamination was very high. These samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 gene by Reverse Transcriptasee Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, and the results were analysed. Newborns were allowed to room in with mother, and they underwent throat and nasal swab RT-PCR testing of covid within 24-48 h of delivery. RESULTS: A total of 1520 pregnant mothers underwent RT-PCR test during the study period. Total positivity rate among our pregnant women was 2.8%. Out of 54 covid-positive women during the study period, amniotic fluid RT-PCR tests were carried out for 43 women, and cord blood was tested for 45 women. CONCLUSION: RT-PCR test of amniotic fluid, cord blood and nasal and throat swab of all newborns delivered by SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women were negative. Based on our study, the possibility of intrauterine vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be unlikely.

Seropositivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among healthcare workers of the Armed Forces medical services, India: A multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Serosurveys provide the prevalence of infection and over time will reveal the trends. The present study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and to analyse various characteristics (risk factors) associated with SARS CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Eight government designated Corona virus disease -19 (COVID-19) hospitals were selected based on the hospital admission of patients with COVID-19 and the local epidemiological situation in the region. Multistage population proportion to size sampling was performed for the selection of HCWs. Serosurvey was conducted using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based IgG antibody test (COVID KAVACH). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression was performed to find out the factor/factors associated with the positive antibody test. RESULTS: Out of 3255 HCWs that participated in the study, data of 3253 were analysed. The seroprevalence was 19.7% (95% confidence interval: 18.5-21.3%). Factors associated were location, category of HCWs, male sex, previously tested positive by the molecular test, training on infection prevention and control, personal protective measures, handwashing technique, close contact with a patient confirmed with COVID-19, use of personal protective equipment and symptoms in the last 30 days. However, in multiple logistic regression, only location, category, previously tested positive by the molecular test and symptoms in the last 30 days were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: HCWs are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. One in five HCWs had detectable antibodies. The presence of antibodies among HCWs may help in their placement and triage. HCWs may be advised to report early in case of any symptoms of COVID-19. Preventive measures may be targeted based on the location, with particular emphasis on ancillary workers and nurses.

Expansile manubriotomy for ventral cervicothoracic junction disease.

Cervicothoracic junction can be approached anteriorly, anterolaterally, posterolaterally, and posteriorly. The anterior approaches in this region best address the ventral vertebral body disease but may cause significant morbidity. Twelve patients with their disease process located ventral to the spinal cord in the cervicothoracic junction underwent expansile manubriotomy and corpectomy. Eleven patients underwent fusion. One patient underwent an oblique corpectomy. All patients had their disease process from T1 to T3 vertebral levels. After dissection, the manubrium was cut open in the midline until the sternal notch. Further manubrial cut was extended laterally to just below the second rib. A self-retaining retractor was placed and opened. This gave an additional exposure of 10 cm from the midline towards the right side. It also opened the thoracic inlet. The superior mediastinum was dissected. Brachiocephalic vessels were looped down and a plane was made between the carotid artery laterally, and the trachea and esophagus medially. The prevertebral fascia was reached and opened to access the vertebral body. The procedure could be carried out successfully in all the patients. A patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease with pyogenic epidural abscess succumbed to her illness after 3 weeks. Expansile manubriotomy is technically feasible, less invasive, and least morbid of all the anterior approaches for accessing the anteriorly located disease process above the T4 vertebral level.

Clinical profile and molecular typing of viral etiological agents associated with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD): A study from Udhampur, Northern India.

PURPOSE: Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious pediatric viral disease caused due to enteroviruses (EV) of the family Picornaviridae. Cases of HFMD were reported from a tertiary care health centre, Udhampur, (Jammu and Kashmir), Northern India. The present study highlights the clinical and molecular virological aspects of HFMD cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases reported during August 2016-September 2017, and clinically diagnosed as HFMD of all age groups were included. Clinical, Biochemical and molecular virology aspects were compared. Clinical samples (n â€‹= â€‹50) such as vesicle swab, buccal and throat swabs were collected for enterovirus detection. EV-RNA was detected by 5'NCR based RT-PCR and genotyping by VP1 gene amplification and cycle sequencing. RESULTS: Of the cases of HFMD enrolled (n â€‹= â€‹50), highest (84%) were of children aged <5 years, presented either or both anathemas and exanthemas with prodromal symptoms (fever, irritability). Clinical presentations involved mainly oral ulcers on lips and tongue (48%). Oral erosions were either single or multiple in numbers. Exanthemas were seen on hand and palm, widely spread up to buttocks, legs, arms and trunk. Of these, six patients were found anemic. Complete blood count (CBC) indicated lymphocytosis and C-reactive protein (n â€‹= â€‹10) in children aged <5 years. EV-RNA was detected in 78% (39/50) of the clinical samples. VP1 gene based typing indicated the presence of CV-A16, CVA6 and EV-A71 types. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights association of EVs in HFMD cases in the reported region. CV-A16, CV-A6 and EV-A71 types were reported for the first time from Udhampur (J&K), Northern India. No differences were observed in the clinical profile of EV strains detected. Circulation of the strains warrant and alarm outbreaks. More focused studies on HFMD and monitoring of viral strains is mandatory.

Nidus delineation and dosimetric comparison in arteriovenous malformation in stereotactic radiosurgery by using MRI and 3DCT angiography.

Purpose/Objectives: Accurate delineation of target is key to any successful radiosurgery. C-arm Dyna CT/ 3DCT angiography (3DCTA) has the potential of improving the accuracy of nidus delineation in intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) due to high temporo-spatial resolution of vessel architecture. Here, we present a comparison of nidus delineation and dosimetric parameters between digital 3DCTA and MRI. Materials/Methods: Ten consecutive patients treated for intracranial AVMs were included in this study. All patients underwent MRI/MRA, and 3DCTA and all images were co-registered. AVM were delineated using 3DCTA (GTV3DCTA) and contrast enhanced MRI/MRA (GTVMRI). Hausdorff distance (HD) matrices and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) matrices were analysed. Stereotactic radiosurgery plans were developed for both the volumes for all patients and statistical analysis were performed with T-test. Results: Mean volumes of GTV3DCTA and GTVMRI were 1.771 cc (SD 1.794cc, range 0.124-4.191cc) and 2.183cc (SD 2.16cc, range 0.221-6.133cc), respectively. Significant deviation (p=0.018) was found when taking GTVMRI as a primary and comparing it to GTV3DCTA (MD=0.723cc±0.816cc). Similar result was observed with GTV3DCTA as primary and GTVMRI as secondary (MD=0.188cc, SD=0.193cc, p=0.024). Maximum HD was in the range of 1.71 to 7.44mm (mean=4.27mm, SD=1.56). For GTV3DCTA based plans, significant deviation was found between GTVMRI and GTV3DCTA in dose coverage and the mean difference was 22.17% (SD 16.73). In GTVMRI based plans, the mean CIRTOG deteriorated from 1.33 to 2.18 for GTVMRI and GTV3DCTA, respectively. Significant deviation was found in CIRTOG (0.005) and mean deviation was 0.86(SD=0.72) when comparing GTVMRI and GTV3DCTA. Highly significant (p=0.002) deviation was found in CIPaddick between GTVMRI and GTV3DCTA for GTVMRI based plans with mean difference of 0.26(SD=0.4, for GTVMRI=0.3, GTV3DCTA=0.46). Conclusion: Nidus volume was significantly altered with the use of 3DCTA compared to that of MRA/MRI images. Multimodality imaging is crucial for accurate target delineation, and successful radiosurgical obliteration of nidus.

Dengue Fever Presenting with Cervicodorsal Acute Spinal Spontaneous Subdural Hematoma-Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Neurologic complications are increasingly being reported in dengue epidemics. Intraspinal hematomas are rare, and those associated with dengue fever are still rarer with only 1 being reported in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of dengue fever presenting with acute-onset quadriparesis (upper limbs Medical Research Council [MRC] 4/5 and lower limbs 0/5) and urinary incontinence. The patient was radiologically diagnosed with cervicodorsal acute to subacute anterior epidural hematoma. On the basis of clinical and radiologic evaluations, the patient underwent an anterior cervical approach via a split-manubriotomy, C6-D4 right anterolateral partial oblique corpectomies for evacuation of the hematoma. Intraoperatively, however, there was no evidence of anterior epidural collection and the dura revealed a bluish hue. A durotomy revealed a subdural hematoma. After evacuation of the hematoma, the patient remained paraplegic and her upper limb power worsened by MRC 1 grade. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed good evacuation and no new bleed; however, the intramedullary T2-weighted signal hyperintensities extending up to C2 persisted. She was on ventilatory support for almost 5 months. For diaphragmatic incapacity she underwent bilateral cervical phrenic nerve stimulation (diaphragmatic pacing). Despite initial improvement, she succumbed to multiple underlying comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Acute spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is extremely rare but should be kept in mind in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever. The radiologic findings could be deceptive and plain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be used as complementary studies to establish the diagnosis of acute spontaneous SSDH. The outcomes of SSDH are guarded, and elaborate patient counseling should be done preoperatively, keeping these in perspective.