Impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on placental pathology, maternal and neonatal outcome - A cross-sectional study on anemic term pregnant women from a tertiary care hospital in southern India.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy may cause adverse maternal, neonatal and placental outcomes. While tissue hypoxia is often reported in COVID-19 patients, pregnant women with anemia are suspected to be more prone to placental hypoxia-related injuries. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August-November 2021, during COVID-19 second wave in India. Term pregnant women (N=212) admitted to hospital for delivery were enrolled consecutively. Since hospital admission mandated negative RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 virus, none had active infection. Data on socio-demography, COVID-19 history, maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Pre-delivery maternal and post-delivery cord blood samples were tested for hematological parameters and SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Placentae were studied for histology. Results: Of 212 women, 122 (58%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, but none reported COVID-19 history; 134 (63.2%) were anemic. In seropositive women, hemoglobin (p=0.04), total WBC (p=0.009), lymphocytes (p=0.005) and neutrophils (p=0.02) were significantly higher, while ferritin was high, but not significant and neutrophils to lymphocytes (p=0.12) and platelets to lymphocytes ratios (p=0.03) were lower. Neonatal outcomes were similar. All RBC parameters and serum ferritin were significantly lower in anemic mothers but not in cord blood, except RDW that was significantly higher in both, maternal (p=0.007) and cord (p=0.008) blood from seropositive anemic group compared to other groups. Placental histology showed significant increase in villous hypervascularity (p=0.000), dilated villous capillaries (p=0.000), and syncytiotrophoblasts (p=0.02) in seropositive group, typically suggesting placental hypoxia. Maternal anemia was not associated with any histological parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of placental histopathological adverse outcomes showed strong association with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity but not with maternal anemia. When adjusted for several covariates, including anemia, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity emerged as independent risk factor for severe chorangiosis (AOR 8.74, 95% CI 3.51-21.76, p<0.000), dilated blood vessels (AOR 12.74, 95% CI 5.46-29.75, p<0.000), syncytiotrophoblasts (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.36-5.99, p=0.005) and villus agglutination (AOR 9.27, 95% CI 3.68-23.32, p<0.000). Conclusion: Asymptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy seemed to be associated with various abnormal placental histopathologic changes related to placental hypoxia independent of maternal anemia status. Our data supports an independent role of SARS-CoV-2 in causing placental hypoxia in pregnant women.

Anomalous Marginal Insertion of Umbilical Cord in Placentas of COVID-19-Affected Pregnant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim Study the effect of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on the placenta and in turn study its effects on pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Methods In this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in the term pregnant women who underwent delivery, their placentas were collected after delivery along with the mothers' blood and cord blood. Results Among the 212 pregnant women recruited, the prevalence of marginal cord insertion (MCI) in the placentas after delivery, was found to be 23% (n=48). Among these 48 cases (n=48) with MCI, 58.33% (n=28) were COVID-19 positive. The placentas with MCI had significantly lower minimum placental circumference (probability value/p value=0.04) and significantly longer umbilical cord (p-value=0.05). COVID-19 antibodies transfer from the mother to the umbilical cord (C/M antibodies ratio) was observed to be lower, albeit insignificantly. Both the weight of newborns (p value=0.03) and their COVID-19 antibodies levels (p-value=0.05) were observed to be significantly lower in the MCI group. Univariate analysis shows that a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 of the mothers was significantly associated with abnormal MCI. Conclusion The prevalence of MCI was observed to be high in COVID-19-affected mothers in our study. MCI was associated with lower placental size, newborn weight, lesser transfer of COVID-19 antibodies from the mother to the fetus across the umbilical cord, and lower antibody levels in the cord blood when compared to maternal blood.

Validation of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm in the Detection and Staging of Diabetic Retinopathy through Fundus Photography: An Automated Tool for Detection and Grading of Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss globally, and early detection plays a significant role in the prognosis. Several studies have been done on the single field fundus photography and artificial intelligence (AI) in DR screening using standardized data sets in urban outpatient settings. This study was carried out to validate AI algorithm in the detection of DR severity using fundus photography in real-time rural setting. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 138 patients who underwent routine ophthalmic examination, irrespective of their diabetic status. The participants were subjected to a single field color fundus photography using nonmydriatic fundus camera. The images acquired were processed by AI algorithm for image quality, presence and refer ability of DR. The results were graded by four ophthalmologists. Interobserver variability between the four observers was also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 138 patients, 26 patients (18.84%) had some stage of DR, represented by 47 images (17.03%) positive for signs of DR. All 26 patients were immoderate or severe stage. About 6.5% of the images were considered as not gradable due to poor optical quality. The average agreement between pairs of the four graders was 95.16% for referable DR (RDR). The AI showed 100% sensitivity in detecting DR while the specificity for RDR was 91.47%. CONCLUSION: AI has shown excellent sensitivity and specificity in RDR detection, at par with the performance of individual ophthalmologists and is an invaluable tool for DR screening.

A prospective randomized study comparing concurrent chemoradiation with weekly and 3 weekly cisplatin in locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The chemotherapy schedules with cytotoxic dose or weekly regimes are still challenging, weighing the benefits versus toxicities. This prospective randomized study is an attempt to assess the efficacy of two schedules of cisplatin in management of locally advanced HNSCC. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study was to evaluate tolerance, tumour response and toxicities of concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin in weekly and three weekly regimes. METHODS: Locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients fit for concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 (weekly) and 100 mg/m2 (3 weekly) were randomized to Arm A and B concurrently with radiotherapy of 70Gy/35frs/7 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square/ Fisher Exact test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between the groups. The statistical software SPSS 15.0 was used. RESULTS: Between December 2010 and January 2013, 60 patients were enrolled. The median cycles of cisplatin in Arm-A was 5 and 2 in Arm-B. The complete response of 80.9% vs 75% and partial response of 14.3% vs 12.5% was observed in both arms respectively. There was no statistical difference in acute radiation and hematological toxicities between the two groups. With median follow up of 28 months, the 2 and 5 years overall survival was 55% and 58%; 41.6% and 32.3% in arms A and B respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study of locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radical radiotherapy comparing concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin weekly vs 3 weekly had no significant difference in overall response, complete response and acute toxicities.

Inheritance and molecular mapping of Rf6 locus with pollen fertility restoration ability on A1 and A2 cytoplasms in sorghum.

Of the several male sterility cytoplasms available as an alternative to the widely exploited A1 (milo) cytoplasm in sorghum, A2 is more suitable for commercial exploitation. Diversification of genetic and cytoplasmic base of hybrids involving A2 cytoplasm necessitates mapping of fertility restorer (Rf) genes for use in marker-assisted restorer development. We mapped a major male fertility restoration locus on sorghum chromosome 4 tightly linked with SSR markers, SB2387 and SB2388. This new fertility locus, Rf6, was able to restore male fertility on both A1 and A2 cytoplasms. Analysis of the genomic region around the Rf6 locus identified six genes including a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene, Sobic.004G004100. With its similar restoration ability to Rf1, Rf2 and Rf5 loci in sorghum, it is most likely that the Rf6 is a member of the PPR gene family, and the PPR gene Sobic.004G004100 could be a candidate for fertility restoration on A1 and A2 cytoplasms.

Microbiological profile of orbital abscess.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the culture and sensitivity pattern is necessary, for the institution of appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy in orbital abscess. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe culture and sensitivity patterns of specimens from the orbit and surrounding structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively the medical records of 56 cases of orbital abscess were reviewed. RESULTS: Cultures were positive in 38/56 (68.8%) orbital specimens and the organisms included Staphylococcus aureus 18, Streptococci 7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3, 2 each of Enterobactersp, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter sp. and 1 each of Actinomyces israelii, Diptheroids, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Citrobacter freundii, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Four had polymicrobial infection. Culture of purulent nasal discharge, swabs taken from foci of infection on the face, and blood cultures were done in 26/56, and positive cultures were obtained in 16/26 (61.5%) specimens. In 12 patients, there was a concurrence in the organism cultured from the orbit and from cultures from other sites. Gram-negative organisms were associated with increased ocular morbidity. CONCLUSION: Gram-positive cocci, especially S. aureus are the most common organisms isolated from orbital abscesses. Infections by Gram-negative organisms were associated with more complications. Empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy should have a broad spectrum of activity effective against a wide range of Staphylococcal organisms and Gram-negative bacilli.

Association of hyperhomocysteinemia to alcohol withdrawal in chronic alcoholics.

This study is conducted in chronic alcoholics to assess the association of an Individual's level of serum homocysteine with the success of achieving alcohol deaddiction in the patient. The patients' nutrition status is also assessed. 50 chronic alcoholics admitted to a deaddiction center were inducted into the study. Patients underwent an 8 weeks holistic program to promote rehabilitation from alcoholism. All the patients were addicted to alcohol for 8 - 10 years. Of the 50 patients enrolled, 39 of them completed the 8 weeks program including complete abstinence from alcohol during this period. Fasting blood samples were collected on admission and again after 8 weeks of alcohol abstinence for analyses of serum homocysteine and serum prealbumin, transferrin, total proteins and albumin, gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Of the 50 patients enrolled in the study, 39 completed the 8 weeks rehabilitation program. 11 patients discontinued within 2 weeks of admission. During the 8 weeks of complete alcohol abstinence, patients were given a balanced diet and multivitamin supplements. A significant improvement in their nutritional status was noted by the elevation of serum levels of prealbumin, transferrin, total proteins and albumin. Serum homocysteine levels decreased significantly (p<0.002) to normal levels from previous hyperhomocytenemia. This was accompanied by decrease in serum GGT and ALT levels indicating improved liver functions. Serum estimation of homocysteine in chronic alcoholics is important to assess whether the patient will have a successful rehabilitation. Normal homocysteine levels are achieved after dietary changes and abstinence from alcohol. Timely correction of hyperhomocysteinemia also provides successful rehabilitation.

Degradation of the insecticidal toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki by extracellular proteases produced by Chrysosporium sp.

AIMS: Some Cry proteins produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or by transgenic Bt plants persist in agricultural soils for an extended period of time, which may pose a hazard for nontarget soil organisms. The aims of our study were to screen for soil fungi capable of degrading the Cry1Ac toxin and to identify the mechanisms that lead to the inactivation of this protein. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the eight fungal strains screened, only one, Chrysosporium sp., was found to produce extracellular proteases capable of degrading the 66-kDa Cry1Ac at the N-terminal end of amino acid 125 (alanine). The proteolytic products of the Cry1Ac toxin did not exhibit any insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa armigera, in contrast to its high toxicity exhibited in the native form. CONCLUSIONS: Proteases elaborated by the Chrysosporium sp. degrade the Cry1Ac toxin in a way that it looses its insecticidal activity against H. armigera. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Chrysosporium sp., a specific soil micro-organism capable of producing proteases that degrade the Cry1Ac toxin into inactive products under controlled conditions is being reported for the first time. Application of this observation needs to be further tested in field conditions.

Orbital abscess: management and outcome.

PURPOSE: To discuss the diagnosis, management and outcome of various types of orbital abscess. METHODS: The medical records of 13 patients diagnosed and treated for orbital abscess were reviewed. The sources of infection included: paranasal sinusitis (n = 5), odontogenic origin of infection (n = 4), one each, temporal fossa abscess, palatal abscess, furuncle on the nose, and secondary to retrobulbar injection of steroid. Computed tomographic scans revealed the presence of an abscess in all 13 cases. Associated findings on CT scan included: sinus disease (n = 8), cavernous sinus thrombosis (n = 2) and subdural empyema (n = 2). All patients were treated with intensive, multiple, intravenous antibiotics and early surgical drainage. RESULTS: Purulent material collected surgically from the orbit cultured Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), two each Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter species and one each beta-haemolytic Streptococci, Citrobacter frundi and Enterobacter. Final visual acuity was good in 6 patients (6/12-6/6) and no light perception in 6 others. Visual acuity could not be recorded in the infant. The other complications were intracranial abscess (n = 4), cavernous sinus thrombosis (n = 2) and restricted ocular motility (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is necessary, along with early institution of appropriate diagnostic imaging, and aggressive medical and surgical treatment for a favourable outcome in cases of orbital abscess.

Topical diclofenac sodium for treatment of postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug as an alternative to topical steroids for postoperative control of inflammation in cataract surgery. METHODS: The effect of diclofenac sodium 0.1% following cataract surgery was studied and compared to routine corticosteroid, dexamethasone phosphate 1% in a prospective, double-blind randomized study. Both groups were similar in baseline parameters. Postoperative inflammatory response, intraocular pressure and best-corrected visual acuity following standard extracapsular cataract extraction were assessed in both groups in the initial 21 days and the severity of these parameters was graded. The severity of postoperative inflammatory response to the two drugs was graded at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Intraocular pressure and visual acuity at baseline and endpoint were compared and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ statistically in treatment effect for any of the variables including aqueous cells, flare, ciliary congestion, Descemet's folds, visual acuity and intraocular pressure (p < 0.001). However there seemed to be a trend towards quicker improvement with corticosteroid when cells in the anterior chamber were considered. There were no side effects from topical diclofenac, and it was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac sodium is as effective as topical corticosteroid and can be used as an alternative in routine postoperative treatment following uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Ultrasound-induced enhancement of ACh, AChE and GABA in fetal brain tissue of mouse.

Pregnant mice were exposed to continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound of 875 kHz frequency at 1 W/cm2 for 300 and 400 s, spread over five days, starting from the sixth day of pregnancy. The neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and the associated enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels, were estimated in the exposed fetal brains. Enhanced levels, significant at p < 0.001, were observed in the brains excised on day 10, day 15 and day 20 of gestation compared to sham-exposed and cage-control brains.

Enzymatic studies in foetal brain and liver of mouse following in utero exposure to ultrasound.

Lactate, malate and succinate dehydrogenases (LDH, MDH and SDH) were estimated in the foetal brain and liver following in utero exposure of mice to a continuous wave of unfocussed ultrasound. Enzymes in both tissues showed a significant increase (P greater than 0.001), indicating high energy demand due to depletion of oxygen. The increase was recorded even on the twentieth day of pregnancy.