Evaluating the Virology and Evolution of Seasonal Human Coronaviruses Associated with the Common Cold in the COVID-19 Era.

Approximately 15-30% of all cases of the common cold are due to human coronavirus infections. More recently, the emergence of the more severe respiratory coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have highlighted the increased pathogenic potential of emergent coronaviruses. Lastly, the current emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated not only the potential for significant disease caused by emerging coronaviruses, but also the capacity of novel coronaviruses to promote pandemic spread. Largely driven by the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, significant research in coronavirus biology has led to advances in our understanding of these viruses. In this review, we evaluate the virology, emergence, and evolution of the four endemic coronaviruses associated with the common cold, their relationship to pandemic SARS-CoV-2, and discuss the potential for future emergent human coronaviruses.

Comparison between pre-emptive oral tramadol and tapentadol for attenuation of catheter-related bladder discomfort and surgical stress response in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate: A prospective, randomised, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Surgical interventions involving urinary catheterisation often lead to catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). With a very high incidence rate of 47%-90%, CRBD often leads to a distressing and painful recovery after surgery. Although many opioids have been used for the treatment of CRBD, the search for the best is still going on. This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of oral tapentadol and tramadol on postoperative CRBD. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomised double-blind study. 100 patients, undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate were randomly assigned into two groups to receive tramadol 100 mg (Group A) or tapentadol 50 mg (Group B) orally 1 h before surgery. CRBD was evaluated on a 4-point severity scale in the post-operative area at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h. Pain and adverse effects were assessed postoperatively. Serum cortisol levels before and after the procedure were noted. Statistical analysis was done with the analysis of variance, t test. RESULTS: Postoperative CRBD, 2 h after surgery was significantly reduced in group B than group A (P = 0.012). Cortisol levels, postoperatively were significantly lower in Group B (113 ± 65.45) (P = 0.001) than group A (162.64 ± 118.84 ng/dL). Dry mouth was seen in four, nausea in eight and sedation in six patients in group A while none in group B. 14 patients in Group A and one patient in Group B needed intravenous paracetamol (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with tapentadol was more effective in reducing CRBD and pain postoperatively. The surgical stress response and side effects were significantly reduced with tapentadol.

The Effectiveness of Gelfoam as the Sole and Primary Embolization Agent in the Management of Hemoptysis: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Gelfoam as an effective embolizing agent in patients with hemoptysis presenting to a tertiary care center in developing nations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from 30 patients treated by Interventional radiologist at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, India, was performed. The study included 22 males (73.3%) and 8 (26.65%) female patients. Gelfoam was used as the sole embolizing agent and arteries with features of abnormal blush and hypertrophy were targeted. Analysis of the etiology, immediate, and short-term outcome and complications, when present, was performed. The median follow-up period was 45 days following an embolization procedure at this center. RESULTS: A high short-term efficacy was noted following embolization procedures with Gelfoam as the sole agent. Twenty-eight out of 30 procedures were deemed successful, and post-tubercular changes were noted to be the cause for hemoptysis in 23 patients. The high short-term efficacy (93.3%), evidenced by a complete stoppage of hemoptysis, along with a relatively low rate of complications (spinal cord ischemia in only 2.3%), strengthens the position of Gelfoam as the sole embolizing agent in a resource-limited setting. CONCLUSION: In an economically constrained setting, Gelfoam proves to be a useful first choice single embolization agent, while polyvinyl alcohol particles coupled with microcatheter systems remain within reach of only those who can afford them.

Maternal stress in neonatal intensive care unit very often overlooked by health professionals.

CONTEXT: Admission of a neonate in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be very stressful for the mother, which often remains unattended by health-care professionals. Early identification of maternal stress, environmental stressors, and providing remediation will prove instrumental in providing a holistic family-based patient care. AIMS: The aim of the study was to analyze the stress levels among mothers whose babies were admitted to NICU. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional question-based observational study conducted in the pediatric department of a peripheral hospital in Pune, Maharashtra. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational, hospital-based study. Maternal stress level was assessed using the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (PSS: NICU) questionnaire among 73 mothers. Stress score was quantified using Likert scale as low (1-2.9), moderate (3-3.9), and high (4-5), respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Simple descriptive statistics method with frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation was used as applicable. RESULTS: NICU environment is moderate to highly stressful for mothers. The mean score for each domain of PSS: NICU was as follows: sights and sounds, 2.60 (±0.43); looks and behavior, 3.47 (±0.31); and parental role alteration, 3.94 (±0.24), respectively. Maternal stress level remained high irrespective of age at delivery, educational level, occupation, mode of delivery, and number of living children. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of NICU-admitted babies are under significant stress, which needs to be identified early along with care of the sick neonate, so as to give a holistic care to the family.

Role of pre-emptive Huff's manoeuvre and acupressure in reducing the incidence of fentanyl induced cough; a risk factor for postoperative nausea vomiting in female patients: A prospective randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fentanyl-induced cough is found to occur more often in females and it has been observed to be a risk factor for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We studied the effect of pre-emptive Huff's manoeuvre and acupressure in reducing incidence of PONV in patients who had fentanyl-induced cough (FIC). METHODS: This prospective, experimental and randomised study was conducted on 336 patients who were randomly divided into three groups. Group A (n = 112): acupressure was applied, Group B (n = 112): Huff's manoeuvre was performed and Group C (n = 112) was the control group. Thereafter the patients were given a rapid bolus of injection fentanyl at a dose of 2 µ/kg before induction of anaesthesia. Any episode of cough within 60 seconds of fentanyl administration was classified as FIC, and the severity was graded based on the number of coughs (mild 1 - 2, moderate 3 - 4, and severe 5 or more). The occurrence of PONV was recorded. Statistical analysis done using ANOVA test, Kruskal Wallis. RESULTS: Incidence of FIC was 8%, 7.1%, and 25.9% in Acupressure, Huff's and control group respectively. The incidence of PONV was found to be higher in patients who had FIC rather than the patients who did not have FIC. CONCLUSION: We conclude that use of Acupressure and Huff's manoeuvre have been demonstrated to be efficacious in reducing FIC and also have an impact in reducing PONV.

Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Added to Ropivacaine Infilteration on Postoperative Pain following Spine Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled study.

CONTEXT: With modern lifestyle, there has been a steep increase in the number of low back pain patients in clinical practice. Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed for this problem. Postoperative pain management is extremely important aspect of such advanced surgical technique among which wound infiltration is an efficient method. AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine verses plain ropivacaine following wound infiltration in terms of pain scores, requirement of rescue analgesia, and related adverse effects. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind study over a period of 1 year in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for lumbar discectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received wound infiltration with 30 ml 0.2% ropivacaine before wound closure and Group B received wound infiltration with 1ug/kg dexmedetomidine added to 30 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine before wound closure. Data retrieved were demographic data, visual analog scores, postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesia by patient controlled analgesia pump, recovery profile, and adverse effects. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 22. Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Chi-square test were used as applicable. RESULTS: Demographic data were comparable between the groups. Requirement of rescue analgesia was significantly less in Group B where combination of dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine was given. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine provided effective postoperative analgesia and reduced fentanyl consumption when administered in wound infiltration with ropivacaine.

A case report of renal papillary necrosis due to tuberculosis-CT urogram and static MR urogram findings.

The urinary tract is a common site of tuberculosis, which causes significant morbidity in the form of chronic renal disease. T uberculosis is not only common in developing countries but with the spurt in the number of immune-suppressed patients and the increasing incidence of drug -resistant strains, an increase in the number of patients suffering from genitourinary tuberculosis is expected even in developed countries. Genitourinary tuberculosis occurs owing to haematogenous dissemination of tubercular bacilli. Urinary tract tuberculosis can result in complications such as ureteric stricture, chronic pyelonephritis and papillary necrosis, resulting in compromised renal function. This renal compromise makes it prudent to avoid contrast- enhanced studies if other alternatives are available. There is a dearth of-cases of papillary necrosis reported on static MR urogram. The authors report a case of tuberculosis complicated by papillary necrosis on both CT urogram and static MR urogram.

Breast Filariasis Diagnosed by Real Time Sonographic Imaging: A Case Report.

A 30-year-old woman presented with a palpable subcutaneous nodule in the areolar region of the left breast. Sonomammographic examination revealed 2 cystic lesions showing typical "filarial dance" as vigorous twirling movement of multiple curvilinear echoes with mixed red blue color Doppler signals that was non-rhythmic, nonpulsatile, and the characteristic pulse Doppler trace due to irregular worm movement. Real time sonographic demonstration of these typical features is pathognomonic for filariasis, especially in endemic areas and treatment should be initiated without delay on the basis of ultrasound.

In Spinal Anaesthesia for Cesarean Section the Temperature of Bupivacaine Affects the Onset of Shivering but Not the Incidence: A Randomized Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative shivering is a frequent event after cesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Shivering is uncomfortable for the patient and may interfere with monitoring. The exact aetiology of shivering is unknown and therefore has no definite treatment. AIM: The temperature of injectate affects the spread of drug and so its effect. Therefore the aim of this study was to compare the effect of temperature of bupivacaine on post-spinal shivering in cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial 105 ASA-I/II pregnant women scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were selected and randomized into three groups of 35 each. In all pregnant women spinal anaesthesia was achieved with 2.2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine given either at L3-L4 or L4-L5 interspace. The temperature of bupivacaine was adjusted to 4°C (group T4), 22°C (group T22) and 37°C (group T37). Shivering characteristic, onset and incidence was noted. All three groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), adverse effects was compared using chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis H-test. The p-value < 0.05-considered as significant and p-value <0.01-considered highly significant. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups regarding age, weight, height, amount of fluid used and blood loss. The incidence of shivering was 51.42%, 51.42% and 45.71% in group T4, group T22 and group T37 respectively, this difference in the incidence was statistically not significant (p=0.858). However, the onset of shivering was earliest (9.87±1.82 min) in group T4 as compared to 14.27±3.02 min and 12.16±2.89 min in group T22 and group T37 respectively and this difference in the onset was highly significant (p= 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In spinal anaesthesia for cesarean section, the temperature of bupivacaine does not influence the overall incidence of post spinal shivering; however cold bupivacaine can provoke early onset of shivering.

Intrathecal clonidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine administered as a mixture and sequentially in caesarean section: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mixing adjuvants with hyperbaric bupivacaine in a single syringe before injecting the drugs intrathecally is an age old practice. In doing so, the density of the hyperbaric solution and also of the adjuvant drugs may be altered, thus affecting the spread of drugs. Administering local anaesthetic and the adjuvants separately may minimise the effect of the changes in densities. We aimed to compare block characteristics, intraoperative haemodynamics and post-operative pain relief in parturients undergoing caesarean section (CS) after administering hyperbaric bupivacaine and clonidine intrathecally as a mixture and sequentially. METHODS: In this single-blind prospective randomised controlled study at a tertiary care centre from 2010 to 12, 60 full-term parturients scheduled for elective CSs were divided into two groups on the basis of technique of intrathecal drug administration. Group M received mixture of clonidine (75 mcg) and hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (10 mg) intrathecally, whereas Group B received clonidine (75 mcg) followed by hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (10 mg) through separate syringes. Observational descriptive statistics, analysis of variance test, Wilcoxon test and Chi-square test were used as applicable. RESULTS: Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group B (474.33 ± 20.79 min) in which the drug was given sequentially than in Group M (337 ± 18.22 min). Furthermore, the time to achieve highest sensory block and complete motor block was significantly less in Group B without any major haemodynamic instability and neonatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: When clonidine and hyperbaric bupivacaine were administered in a sequential manner, block characteristics improved significantly compared to the administration of the mixture of the two drugs.

Efficacy of premixed versus sequential administration of clonidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally in cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Density of the drugs injected intrathecally is an important factor that influences spread in the cerebrospinal fluid. Mixing adjuvants with local anesthetics (LA) alters their density and hence their spread compared to when given sequentially in seperate syringes. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal administration of hyperbaric bupivacaine (HB) and clonidine as a mixture and sequentially in terms of block characteristics, hemodynamics, neonatal outcome, and postoperative pain. SETTING AND DESIGN: Prospective randomized single blind study at a tertiary center from 2010 to 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety full-term parturient scheduled for elective cesarean sections were divided into three groups on the basis of technique of intrathecal drug administration. Group M received mixture of 75 µg clonidine and 10 mg HB 0.5%. Group A received 75 µg clonidine after administration of 10 mg HB 0.5% through separate syringe. Group B received 75 µg clonidine before HB 0.5% (10 mg) through separate syringe. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Observational descriptive statistics, analysis of variance with Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Time to achieve complete sensory and motor block was less in group A and B in which drugs were given sequentially. Duration of analgesia lasted longer in group B (474.3 ± 20.79 min) and group A (472.50 ± 22.11 min) than in group M (337 ± 18.22 min) with clinically insignificant influence on hemodynamic parameters and sedation. CONCLUSION: Sequential technique reduces time to achieve complete sensory and motor block, delays block regression, and significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia. However, it did not matter much whether clonidine was administered before or after HB.

Plasma profiling determinants of matrix homeostasis in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Dilated cardiomyopathy is an important cause of cardiac failure in both children and adults, but is more progressive in children. In adult dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular remodelling is associated with changes in the plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases. Plasma matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase changes in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy have not been examined. This study developed a low blood volume, high-sensitivity assay to test the hypothesis that unique and differential plasma matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase profile exist in patients with paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS/RESULTS: A systemic blood sample (1 millilitre) was obtained from seven children aged 8 plus or minus 7 years with dilated cardiomyopathy and 26 age-matched normal volunteers. Using a high-throughput multiplex suspension immunoassay, plasma levels were quantified for collagenases (matrix metalloproteinase-8), gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9), lysins (matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -7), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, -2, and -4. The matrix metalloproteinase to tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases ratios were also calculated. The plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2, -7, -8, and -9 levels were increased by greater than twofold in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy than normal patients (with p less than 0.05). Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy also had significantly higher tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 and -4 (298% and 230%; with p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These unique findings show that a specific plasma matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase profile occurs in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy when compared to the cases of normal children. These distinct differences in the determinants of myocardial matrix structure and function may contribute to the natural history of dilated cardiomyopathy in children and may provide a novel biomarker platform in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy.

Metabolic syndrome does not impact survival in patients treated for coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of metabolic syndrome (a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease) on survival in patients with established coronary artery disease. METHODS: Survival was determined for 2886 patients with coronary artery disease diagnosed by cardiac catheterization performed between 1990 and 2005 at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Variables obtained from the computerized medical record were evaluated in multivariate analysis by Cox regression. The analysis was performed for the entire population; separate analyses were performed for patient cohorts treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and medication (n=1274), coronary artery bypass grafting and medication (n=1096), or medication alone (n=516). RESULTS: Although age (odds ratio 0.948; P<0.000), left ventricular function (odds ratio 0.701; P<0.000), serum creatinine (odds ratio 0.841; P<0.000), and smoking (odds ratio 0.873; P=0.019) were all strong predictors of mortality. Metabolic syndrome had no independent effect irrespective of diabetic status. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome does not impact survival patients with coronary artery disease treated by revascularization and/or medical therapy.

Imaging manifestations of blastomycosis: a pulmonary infection with potential dissemination.

Pulmonary blastomycosis is an uncommon pathologic condition that is endemic to Canada and the upper Midwest of the United States. Blastomycosis has a variety of radiologic manifestations, including airspace consolidation, focal masses, intermediate-sized nodules, interstitial disease, miliary disease, and cavitary lesions. Affected patients may be asymptomatic or may present with clinical manifestations ranging from mild chronic cough to acute respiratory distress syndrome-like symptoms. Patients with acute symptoms are more likely to have airspace consolidation, whereas chronic manifestations may be associated with masslike lesions. Intermediate-sized nodules with accompanying airspace consolidation, particularly in the upper lobes, should raise suspicion for fungal disease. Lymphadenopathy and pleural effusions are quite uncommon, and calcification is not often seen. Blastomycosis may be aggressive and require treatment. Dissemination from the lung is not unusual and can involve any organ. Diagnosis is often delayed because blastomycosis can mimic many other disease processes, including bacterial pneumonia, malignancy, and tuberculosis. Radiologists can best contribute to the care of patients who live or travel in endemic areas by maintaining a high degree of suspicion for blastomycosis and being familiar with its myriad manifestations.

Should LSIL with ASC-H (LSIL-H) in cervical smears be an independent category? A study on SurePath specimens with review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Cervical smears exhibiting unequivocal features of 'low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion' (LSIL) are occasionally also admixed with some cells suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, 'high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion' (HSIL). Only a few studies, mostly reported as abstracts, have evaluated this concurrence. In this study, we evaluate the current evidence that favors a distinct category for "LSIL, cannot exclude HSIL" (LSIL-H), and suggest a management algorithm based on combinations of current ASCCP guidelines for related interpretations. METHODS: We studied SurePath preparations of cervical specimens from various institutions during one year period. Cytohisto correlation was performed in cases with cervical biopsies submitted to our institution. The status of HPV DNA testing was also noted in some LSIL-H cases with biopsy results. RESULTS: Out of 77,979 cases 1,970 interpreted as LSIL (1,523), LSIL-H (146), 'atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL' (ASC-H) (109), and HSIL (192) were selected. Concurrent biopsy results were available in 40% (Total 792 cases: 557 LSIL, 88 LSIL-H, 38 ASCH, and 109 HSIL). Biopsy results were grouped into A. negative for dysplasia (ND), B. low grade (HPV, CIN1, CIN1 with HPV), and C. high grade (CIN 2 and above). The positive predictive values for various biopsy results in relation to initial cytopathologic interpretation were: a. LSIL: (557 cases): ND 32% (179), low grade 58% (323), high grade 10% (55); b. LSIL-H: (88 cases): ND 24% (21), low grade 43% (38), high grade 33% (29); c. ASCH: (38 cases): ND 32% (12), low grade- 37% (14), high grade- 31% (12); d. HSIL (109 cases): ND 5% (6), low grade 26% (28), high grade 69% (75). The patterns of cervical biopsy results in cases reported as LSIL-H were compared with that observed in cases with LSIL, ASC-H, and HSIL. 94% (32 of 34) of LSIL-H were positive for high risk (HR) HPV, 1 was negative for HR HPV but positive for low risk (LR), and 1 LSIL-H was negative for HR and LR both. CONCLUSION: LSIL-H overlapped with LSIL and ASC-H, but was distinct from HSIL. A management algorithm comparable to ASC-H and HSIL appears to be appropriate in LSIL-H cases.