Prevalence of dementia in India: National and state estimates from a nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: Prior estimates of dementia prevalence in India were based on samples from selected communities, inadequately representing the national and state populations. METHODS: From the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) we recruited a sample of adults ages 60+ and administered a rich battery of neuropsychological tests and an informant interview in 2018 through 2020. We obtained a clinical consensus rating of dementia status for a subsample (N = 2528), fitted a logistic model for dementia status on this subsample, and then imputed dementia status for all other LASI respondents aged 60+ (N = 28,949). RESULTS: The estimated dementia prevalence for adults ages 60+ in India is 7.4%, with significant age and education gradients, sex and urban/rural differences, and cross-state variation. DISCUSSION: An estimated 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years have dementia. The burden of dementia cases is unevenly distributed across states and subpopulations and may therefore require different levels of local planning and support. HIGHLIGHTS: The estimated dementia prevalence for adults ages 60+ in India is 7.4%. About 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years live with dementia. Dementia is more prevalent among females than males and in rural than urban areas. Significant cross-state variation exists in dementia prevalence.

Deep phenotyping and genomic data from a nationally representative study on dementia in India.

The Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD) is a nationally representative in-depth study of cognitive aging and dementia. We present a publicly available dataset of harmonized cognitive measures of 4,096 adults 60 years of age and older in India, collected across 18 states and union territories. Blood samples were obtained to carry out whole blood and serum-based assays. Results are included in a venous blood specimen datafile that can be linked to the Harmonized LASI-DAD dataset. A global screening array of 960 LASI-DAD respondents is also publicly available for download, in addition to neuroimaging data on 137 LASI-DAD participants. Altogether, these datasets provide comprehensive information on older adults in India that allow researchers to further understand risk factors associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.

Use of Ellavi Balloon Tamponade Device for Management of Atonic PPH.

In this manuscript the authors describe the Ellavi balloon tamponade device and its use in the management of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally the manuscript discusses a case in which this device was used.

Carcinosarcoma of Uterus: a Case Report.

Carcinosarcoma is a malignant mixed Müllerian tumor with a highly malignant, biphasic tumor consisting of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. A 59-year-old nulligravida came with postmenopausal bleeding. Hysteroscopy revealed highly vascular polypoidal mass with prominent vasculature. Gross examination of specimen showed a polypoid mass, occupying whole uterine cavity and invading more than half of myometrium. Immunohistochemical analysis showed epithelial component AE1/AE3 and stromal component desi and p16. Tumor cells were negative for ER. As carcinosarcoma is a highly aggressive less common variant of endometrial cancer, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are important to minimize morbidity and overall survival.

Hemosiderin Pigmentation on Hysteroscopy.

Pigmentation on hysteroscopy is a rare finding. The authors describe a case where hysteroscopy revealed hemosiderin pigmentation on fundal endometrium. Hemosiderin pigmentation is a marker of a number of uterine afflictions including Adenomyosis and endometritis among others.

Nordic walking training and nutritional supplementation in pre-frail older Indians: an open-labelled experimental pre-test and post-test pilot study to develop intervention model.

BACKGROUND: Identifying and treating people in a pre-frail state may be an effective way to prevent or delay frailty and preserve their functional capacity. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of, and compliance with, a 12 week individualized nutritional supplementation (INS) and Nordic walking (NW) program in pre-frail older Indians. The primary measure is physical performance, as indicated by Fried's Frailty scale. Other measures include: cognition, as indicated by the Hindi Mental Status Examination; mood, by the Geriatric Depression Scale; and nutritional status, by the Mini Nutritional Assessment. METHODS: This is an open-labeled experimental pre-test and post-test study, which took place from October 2012 to December 2014. The study was approved by Institute Ethics committee (IEC/NP-350/2012/RP-26/2012) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Participants were sixty-six pre-frail elderly, who were randomly allocated into three subgroups, namely: A (NW only), B (INS only), and C (NW and INS). One-way ANOVA was used to statistically assess differences in baseline characteristics for quantitative variables, with the Chi-Square/Fischer exact test utilized for qualitative variables. Paired t-tests were used to assess pre and post intervention difference within the group for quantitative variables, with McNemar's Chi-Square test used for qualitative variables. Kruskal Wallis test was used to assess significant intervention effects among the groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: There was significant effect of intervention in gait speed in group A (p = 0.001) and C (p = 0.002), but not in group B (p = 0.926). While there was no significant change in grip strength in Group A (p = 0.488) and B (p = 0.852), a statistically significant increase was observed in group C (p = 0.013). Mood significantly improved in group B (p = 0.025) and C (p = 0.021). No significant difference was noted in cognitive status across groups. Following the interventions, a total of 18.18% of pre-frail participants were classified as non-frail. CONCLUSIONS: Combining NW and INS provides a simple, pragmatic intervention with efficacy in the management of functionally vulnerable older adults, and allows their maintained independence. Future studies should replicate this readily applicable intervention in a larger cohort with a longer follow-up period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry-India CTRI/2016/05/006937 [Registered on: 16/05/2016]; Trial was Registered Retrospectively.

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence or 'big data' comprises of algorithms which aid in decision making. It has made an impact on a number of professions including obstetrics and gynecology. OBJECTIVE: To make readers aware of where artificial intelligence has a role in obstetrics and gynecology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken to compile a list of instances where artificial intelligence was applied to obstetrics and gynecology. CONCLUSION: Artificial intelligence should be utilized to benefit patient care and assist the physician in providing data for decision making.

Neuroprotection by ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum in Alzheimer's disease like pathology via maintaining oxidative balance through SIRT1 pathway.

The oxidative stress plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Sirtuin (SIRT1) is potential mediator of oxidative pathway. This study explored the role of Syzygium aromaticum on SIRT1 and oxidative balance in amyloid beta induced toxicity. Anti-oxidative capacity of Syzygium aromaticum was performed in Aß25-35 induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells. Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione enzyme activity were determined by the treatment of Syzygium aromaticum. Both recombinant and endogenous SIRT1 activity were performed in its presence. The expression of γ-secretase and SIRT1 were evaluated by western blot. Syzygium aromaticum was capable to scavenge ROS and elevate the percentage of anti-oxidant enzymes. It also activated and elevated the level of SIRT1 and downregulated γ-secretase level. These findings show a holistic approach towards the neurodegenerative disease management by Syzygium aromaticum which could lead to the formulation of new drug for AD. This Ayurvedic product can give a healthy aging with no side effects and also be cost effectives. It may meet unmet medical needs of current relevance.

Second Trimester Medical Termination of Pregnancy with Combined Intracervical and Intravaginal Misoprostol: Comparative Analysis with Intravaginal Misoprostol-A Pilot Study.

CONTEXT: Intravaginal placement of misoprostol has been used extensively to terminate second trimester pregnancies. Intracervical misoprostol is an alternative method of termination of pregnancy for women in this period of gestation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined intracervical and intravaginal misoprostol in the management of mid-trimester medical termination of pregnancy and to compare it with intravaginal misoprostol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB approved prospective study, twenty-two women (mean age 25.4 ± 3.2 years, range 23-32 years; mean BMI 22.3 ± 3.4 kg/m(2); mean parity 2.1 ± 1.4, average gestational age 17.9 ± 2.4 weeks) underwent second trimester termination of pregnancy at our institution. Patient cohort was randomized into two treatment protocols depending on the drug used and route of administration. Induction-abortion interval, need for surgical evacuation, completeness of abortion and side effects if any were documented. RESULTS: Mean induction-abortion interval for intravaginal group and combination group was comparable (t = 7.9 ± 1.8 and 6.5 ± 3.5 h, respectively). Three patients required surgical evacuation for incomplete abortion (n = 2 after vaginal misoprostol and one after intracervical-intravaginal misoprostol). Number of patients aborting within 6 h was more in the intracervical-intravaginal group (36.3 %). Patients with intracervical misoprostol complained of abdominal pain more often than those in other groups. Excessive bleeding and uterine rupture was not seen in any patient. CONCLUSION: Intracervical misoprostol is an effective method of medical treatment of second trimester pregnancy failure. Its short induction to abortion interval and acceptable safety profile makes induction via the cervical route acceptable for second trimester abortion.

Relative Alterations in Blood-Based Levels of Sestrin in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients.

Sestrins (sesn) are highly conserved proteins that play an important neuroprotective role, in part as a consequence of their antioxidative capacity, which prevents reactive oxygen species formation. In this study, we evaluated the concentrations of sesn1 and sesn2 in the serum of 41 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 27 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 60 elderly controls, by surface plasmon resonance, which was validated by using western blot. Moreover, the mRNA level of sestrins in all the study groups was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed significant overexpression of serum sesn2 protein and mRNA levels in the AD group compared to MCI and elderly control groups. A difference in serum sesn2 concentration between MCI and the control group was also evident. ROC analysis showed highly sensitive, selective cutoff values for sens2 in the differentiation of AD, MCI, and controls. No significant difference in sesn1 level was observed among the study groups. This study highlights the important role of sesn2 in the progression of the AD, indicating its potential utility as a protein marker in this devastating disease.

Quantitative characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumor by CT perfusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the distinction of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from metastatic liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTP data from 90 liver tumors (HCC 38, metastasis 52) in 31 patients (16 men and 15 women; mean age 60.3 years) were studied. CTP was performed on a 16/64 multidetector-row CT scanner using a 30-s duration cine acquisition after rapid bolus injection (5-7 ml/s) of 50-70 ml of iodinated contrast medium. The CTP data were analyzed using a deconvolution model. Metastatic tumors were grouped into hypovascular (n = 36) and hypervascular (n = 16) tumors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The hypovascular metastases showed a significantly lower blood flow (BF) and blood volume (BV), and higher mean transit time (MTT) than HCC (all P < 0.0001). BF, BV, and MTT of HCCs were substantially lower than those of hypervascular metastases (P = 0.02, P < 0.0001, P = 0.03, respectively). A receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that BV was a useful marker to distinguish HCCs from hypervascular metastases.

Performance of iterative reconstruction and automated tube voltage selection on the image quality and radiation dose in abdominal CT scans.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) and concurrent application of automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) on image quality (IQ) and radiation dose. METHODS: A phantom was scanned using various computed tomography (CT) parameters (kV, 80-120; mAs, 50-200). Abdomen contrast-enhanced CT (CECTs) in 170 adults were performed using dose-modified protocols: in 145 patients (group I), ATVS was applied (mAs, 111-649); in 25 (group II), the kV was fixed at 120 (reference mAs, 150). In 95 patients, standard-dose (SD) scan was available. Two readers evaluated the IQ of filtered back projection (FBP) and SAFIRE (levels 1, 3, and 5) images. RESULTS: In phantom, nonlinear drop in noise with increasing strengths of IR (levels S1-S5) was noted. The dose-modified IR scan was rated diagnostic in all 170 patients, with IQ score comparable to that of SD-FBP (P = 0.3). Lower kV (100/80) was prescribed by ATVS in 70% examinations in group I. In comparison with SD-FBP, the mean dose in CT dose index in group I (IR, 3.2 mGy; SD-FBP, 13.02 mGy; P < 0.0001) and in group II (IR, 4.8 mGy; SD-FBP, 11.8 mGy; P < 0.001) was 75.4% and 59.3% lower. CONCLUSIONS: Use of SAFIRE and ATVS provides diagnostic quality images at 59.3% to 75.4% reduced dose compared with SD-FBP scan.

Acinar cystadenoma of the pancreas: a clinicopathologic study of 10 cases including multilocular lesions with mural nodules.

Pancreatic acinar cystadenomas (ACAs) are rare cystic lesions showing acinar differentiation with benign outcome. Although debated, ACAs are favored to be neoplastic and potentially the benign counterpart of acinar cystadenocarcinoma. We present the largest single institution series to date comprising 10 cases. The mean age was 49 years with a female predominance (M:F=1:2.3). Abdominal/flank pain was the most common presentation (n=6). Serum amylase/lipase and cyst fluid amylase were often elevated. All lesions had a benign outcome on follow-up (5 to 67 mo). The lesions were unilocular (n=3) or multilocular (n=7) with mean size of 3.8 cm (range, 2.9 to 5.0 cm) and 5.1 cm (range, 2.0 to 7.5 cm), respectively. Eight lesions were unifocal with locations as follows: head (n=2), head/neck (n=2), body (n=1), tail (n=1), predominantly extrapancreatic with a microscopic intrapancreatic component (n=1), and unspecified location (n=1). Two lesions were multifocal, involving the head/uncinate/body and pancreatic head, respectively. Two aspects of ACAs that may represent a diagnostic pitfall include the propensity for acinar epithelium to appear as nondescript flat/cuboidal epithelium (trypsin/chymotrypsin immunopositive) and epithelial heterogeneity, with focal mucinous and squamous epithelium, the latter particularly in multilocular variants. In addition, 2 cases with intracystic nodules were observed. Array comparative genomic hybridization performed on 1 of these cases showed multiple chromosomal gains involving 1p, 3p, 5q, 6p, 7q, 8, 10q, 11, 14, 20, and X. These findings provide preliminary evidence that ACAs represent a cystic neoplastic lesion.

Indirect computed tomography venography of the lower extremities using single-source dual-energy computed tomography: advantage of low-kiloelectron volt monochromatic images.

PURPOSE: To study the performance of dual-energy indirect computed tomography (CT) venography from single-source dual-energy CT in the assessment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 110 patients suspected to have pulmonary embolism (PE) underwent dual-energy CT venography on a single-source dual-energy CT scanner as a part of CT pulmonary angiography protocol at 3 minutes after injection of contrast material. Two radiologists evaluated 50-kiloelectron volt (keV) and 70-keV monochromatic images reconstructed from a dual-energy CT scan for image quality, image noise, venous contrast, and confidence level in interpretation for DVT using a scale of 1-5. In addition, a combined 50-keV and 70-keV data set was assessed for confidence level in image interpretation. Attenuation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and objective noise were measured in bilateral common femoral and popliteal veins. Data were analyzed using Student t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Radiation dose was measured for dual-energy CT venography protocol. RESULTS: A diagnosis of DVT was made in 8 of 110 patients (7.27%). The subjective image quality was comparable between 50-keV and 70-keV images (4.3 vs 4.5; P > .05). The subjective venous contrast opacification (4.7 vs 3.5; P = .0036) and confidence (4.8 vs 3.9; P = .0028) in image interpretation were superior at 50 keV. Confidence level for interpretation on combined 50-keV and 70-keV series (score 4.7) was similar to that for 50-keV series (score 4.8). Compared with 70-keV data, 50-keV data yielded 90% increase in intravascular CT attenuation (207.4 Hounsfield units [HU] ± 39.0 vs 106.8 HU ± 7.6; P <.0001) and higher CNR (10.7 ± 4.07 vs 7.2 ± 4.1; P = .0001) of the deep veins. However, objective noise at 50 keV was higher (14.8 HU vs 6.5 HU; P = .0031). Because of inadequate contrast opacification, 6% of CT venography studies were deemed suboptimal for rendering a diagnostic interpretation on 70-keV images, but these images were considered acceptable at 50 keV. The mean effective radiation dose for the dual-energy CT venography examination was 4.2 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal image quality with substantially higher venous attenuation is provided by 50-keV monochromatic images from dual-energy CT venography acquisition compared with 70-keV images. The 50-keV monochromatic images increase the confidence in the image interpretation of DVT and decrease the number of indeterminate studies.

Impact of iterative reconstruction on image quality and radiation dose in multidetector CT of large body size adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare image quality and radiation dose using Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR) and Filtered Back Projection (FBP) in patients weighing ≥ 91 kg. METHODS: In this Institution Review Board-approved retrospective study, single-phase contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT examinations of 100 adults weighing ≥ 91 kg (mean body weight: 107.6 ± 17.4 kg range: 91-181.9 kg) with (1) ASiR and (2) FBP were reviewed by two readers in a blinded fashion for subjective measures of image quality (using a subjective standardized numerical scale and objective noise) and for radiation exposure. Imaging parameters and radiation dose results of the two techniques were compared within weight and BMI sub-categories. RESULTS: All examinations were found to be of adequate quality. Both subjective (mean = 1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6, P < 0.05) and objective noise (13.0 ± 3.2 vs.19.5 ± 5.7, P < 0.0001) were lower with ASiR. Average radiation dose reduction of 31.5 % was achieved using ASiR (mean CTDIvol. ASiR: 13.5 ± 7.3 mGy; FBP: 19.7 ± 9.0 mGy, P < 0.0001). Other measures of image quality were comparable between the two techniques. Trends for all parameters were similar in patients across weight and BMI sub-categories. CONCLUSION: In obese individuals, abdominal CT images reconstructed using ASiR provide diagnostic images with reduced image noise at lower radiation dose. KEY POINTS: • CT images in obese adults are noisy, even with high radiation dose. • Newer iterative reconstruction techniques have theoretical advantages in obese patients. • Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction should reduce image noise and radiation dose. • This has been proven in abdominopelvic CT images of obese patients.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thyroid nodule core biopsy: clinical utility in patients with prior nondiagnostic fine-needle aspirate.

BACKGROUND: Five percent to 20% of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples are nondiagnostic. The objective of this study was to determine whether a combination of FNA and core biopsy (CFNACB) would yield a higher proportion of diagnostic readings compared with FNA alone in patients with a history of one or more prior nondiagnostic FNA readings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 90 core biopsies (CBs) performed in 82 subjects (55 women and 27 men) between 2006 and 2008 in an outpatient clinic. RESULTS: CFNACB yielded a diagnostic reading in 87%. The diagnostic reading yield of the CB component of CFNACB was significantly superior to the concurrent FNA component, with CB yielding a diagnosis in 77% of cases and FNA yielding a diagnosis in 47% (p<0.0001). The combination of CB and FNA had a higher diagnostic reading yield than either alone. In 69 nodules that had only one prior nondiagnostic FNA, CB was diagnostic in 74%, FNA was diagnostic in 52%, CFNACB was diagnostic in 87%, and CB performed significantly better than FNA (p=0.0135). In 21 nodules with two or more prior nondiagnostic FNAs, CFNACB and CB were diagnostic in 86%, FNA was diagnostic in 29%, and CB was significantly better than FNA (p=0.0005). Clinical, ultrasound, or histopathologic follow-up was available for 81% (73/90) of the CFNACB procedures. No subject with a benign CFNACB reading was diagnosed with thyroid malignancy in the follow-up period (range 4-37 months, mean 18 months), although one subject had minimal increase in nodule size and was awaiting repeat sonography at study conclusion. CONCLUSION: Thyroid nodule CFNACB is safe and clinically useful in selected patients when a prior FNA reading is nondiagnostic. CFNACB is superior to either CB or FNA alone. CFNACB should be strongly considered as an alternative to surgery in individuals with two prior nondiagnostic FNAs.

Physico-chemical quality of drinking water in villages of Primary Health Centre, Waghodia, Gujarat (India).

16 water samples were collected to study the physical and chemical quality of water of main source of drinking water in the villages of Primary Health Centre, Waghodia of Vadodara district of Gujarat. The values recommended by Indian Standard for Drinking Water (IS 10500:1991) were used for comparison of observed values. The study indicates that the contamination problem in these villages is not alarming at present, but Waghodia being industrial town, ground water quality may deteriorate with passage of time, which needs periodical monitoring. The study provides the local area baseline data which may be useful for the comparison of future study.

Low-dose MDCT and CT enterography of patients with Crohn disease: feasibility of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of low-dose MDCT and CT enterography with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) in the evaluation of Crohn disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (20 men, 28 women; mean age, 33.3 years; range, 17-83 years) with known or suspected Crohn disease who underwent low-dose MDCT and CT enterography with ASIR between December 2008 and December 2009 were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients had previously undergone standard-dose 64-MDCT and CT enterography with filtered back projection (FBP), and those images were used for comparison. The weight-based i.v. contrast protocol and scan parameters (120 kVp, 5-mm section thickness, 0.5-second rotation, pitch of 1.375, 64 × 0.625 mm detector configuration) were constant for the two techniques except for a higher noise index (×1.3) in the ASIR group. Two blinded readers reviewed 75 randomized MDCT-CT enterographic scans of 48 patients to assess image quality and diagnostic performance in the evaluation of Crohn disease, and the radiation dose for the studies was estimated. RESULTS: All 75 MDCT and CT enterographic scans had acceptable quality for diagnostic interpretation. Findings of Crohn disease were seen on 63 of 75 scans (84%). Low-dose scans in the ASIR group had optimal image quality and were rated comparable to or better than standard-dose FBP images (mean score, 4.2 vs 3.87; p = 0.007). The subjective image noise score (mean, 1.43 vs 1.58; p = 0.2) and objective image noise measurements were lower for ASIR images (p < 0.001). Low-dose studies with ASIR allowed average dose reduction of 34.5% compared with standard-dose scans with FBP (volume CT dose index for ASIR, 7.7 ± 2.1 mGy; for FBP, 12 ± 5.5 mGy; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Low-dose MDCT and CT enterographic studies reconstructed with ASIR were of appropriate quality for confident evaluation of the manifestations of Crohn disease while allowing approximately 34% dose reduction in comparison with FBP technique.