Neuropsychological Rehabilitation for Epilepsy in India: Looking Beyond the Basics.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (NR) helps manage cognitive deficits in epilepsy. As internationally developed programs have limited applicability to resource-limited countries, we developed a program to bridge this gap. This 6-week caregiver-assisted, culturally suitable program has components of (1) psychoeducation, (2) compensatory training, and, (3) cognitive retraining and is called EMPOWER (Indigenized Home Based Attention and Memory Rehabilitation Program for Adult Patients with Drug Refractory Epilepsy). Its efficacy needs to be determined. METHODS: We carried out an open-label parallel randomized controlled trial. Adults aged 18-45 years with Drug Refractory Epilepsy (DRE), fluency in Hindi and or English, with impaired attention or memory (n = 28) were randomized to Intervention Group (IG) and Control Group (CG). The primary outcomes were objective memory (Auditory Verbal Learning Test), patient and caregiver reported everyday memory difficulties (Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised), number of memory aids in use, depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31). Intention to treat was carried out for group analysis. In the absence of norms necessary for computing Reliable Change Indices (RCIs), a cut-off of +1.0 Standard Deviation (SD) was utilized to identify clinically meaningful changes in the individual analysis of objective memory. A cut-off of 11.8 points was used for quality of life. Feedback and program evaluation responses were noted. RESULTS: The majority of the sample comprised DRE patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who had undergone epilepsy surgery. Group analysis indicated improved learning (p = 0.013), immediate recall (p = 0.001), delayed recall (p < 0.001), long-term retention (p = 0.031), patient-reported everyday memory (p < 0.001), caregiver-reported everyday memory (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.039) and total quality of life (p < 0.001). Individual analysis showed improvement in 50 %, 64 %, 71 %, 57 %, and 64 % of patients on learning, immediate recall, delayed recall, long-term retention, and total quality of life respectively. Despite improvements, themes indicative of a lack of awareness and understanding of cognitive deficits were identified. Overall, the program was rated favorably by patients and caregivers alike. CONCLUSION: NR shows promise for patients with DRE, however larger studies are warranted. The role of cognition in epilepsy needs to be introduced at the time of diagnosis to help lay the foundation for education and acceptance.

Influence of the severity of periodontal disease on the outcome of non-surgical endodontic therapy: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of severity of periodontal disease on periapical healing after non-surgical endodontic therapy (NSET). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, subjects (n = 45) requiring NSET in a mandibular molar tooth with the diagnosis of pulp necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis exhibiting radiographic periapical index (PAI) score ≥ 3 and concomitant endodontic periodontal lesion (CEPL) without communication were enrolled. After dividing as per the classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions, subjects were equally allocated into three groups. Group I- only endodontic lesion {control: healthy periodontium (n = 15)}, Group II- CEPL having stage I and II periodontitis (n = 15) and Group III- CEPL having stage III periodontitis (n = 15). Standardized two-visit NSET was performed with 2% chlorhexidine gel as an intracanal medicament. Periodontal therapy was instituted wherever required. Subjects were recalled at 6-and 12-months for clinical and radiographic assessment. Chi-square test was performed to evaluate the difference between the groups. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up, all teeth in the three study groups were asymptomatic. On radiographic evaluation of the periapical region, healing was observed in 80%, 47% and 50% of teeth in Groups I, Group II and Group III, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant between the groups (p = 0.150). CONCLUSION: The severity of periodontal disease had no influence on periapical healing after NSET in teeth with concomitant endodontic periodontal lesions without communication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontal disease has significant impact on apical periodontitis however severity of the periodontitis does not negatively impact the apical periodontitis.

Deciphering molecular basis of pesticide-induced recurrent pregnancy loss: insights from transcriptomics analysis.

Recent studies have revealed a notable connection between pesticide exposure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), yet the precise molecular underpinning of this toxicity remains elusive. Through the alignment of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of healthy and RPL patients with the target genes of 9 pesticide components, we identified a set of 12 genes responsible for RPL etiology. Interestingly, biological process showed that besides RPL, those 12 genes also associated with preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease. Enrichment analysis showed the engagement of these genes associated with essential roles in the molecular transport of small molecules, as well as the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption, mineral absorption, ion homeostasis, and ion transport by P-type ATPases. Notably, the crosstalk targets between pesticide components played crucial roles in influencing RPL results, suggesting a role in attenuating pesticide agents that contribute to RPL. It is important to note that non-significant concentration of the pesticide components observed in both control and RPL samples should not prematurely undermine the potential for pesticides to induce RPL in humans. This study emphasizes the complexity of pesticide induced RPL and highlights avenues for further research and precautionary measures.

Global distribution of pesticides in freshwater resources and their remediation approaches.

The role of pesticides in enhancing global agricultural production is magnificent. However, their unmanaged use threatens water resources and individual health. A significant pesticide concentration leaches to groundwater or reaches surface waters through runoff. Water contaminated with pesticides may cause acute or chronic toxicity to impacted populations and exert adverse environmental effects. It necessitates the monitoring and removing pesticides from water resources as prime global concerns. This work reviewed the global occurrences of pesticides in potable water and discussed the conventional and advanced technologies for the removal of pesticides. The concentration of pesticides highly varies in freshwater resources across the globe. The highest concentration of α-HCH (6.538 µg/L, at Yucatan, Mexico), lindane (6.08 µg/L at Chilka lake, Odisha, India), 2,4, DDT (0.90 µg/L, at Akkar, Lebanon), chlorpyrifos (9.1 µg/L, at Kota, Rajasthan, India), malathion (5.3 µg/L, at Kota, Rajasthan, India), atrazine (28.0 µg/L, at Venado Tuerto City, Argentina), endosulfan (0.78 µg/L, at Yavtmal, Maharashtra, India), parathion (4.17 µg/L, at Akkar, Lebanon), endrin (3.48 µg/L, at KwaZuln-Natl Province, South Africa) and imidacloprid (1.53 µg/L, at Son-La province, Vietnam) are reported. Pesticides can be significantly removed through physical, chemical, and biological treatment. Mycoremediation technology has the potential for up to 90% pesticide removal from water resources. Complete removal of the pesticides through a single biological treatment approach such as mycoremediation, phytoremediation, bioremediation, and microbial fuel cells is still a challenging task, however, the integration of two or more biological treatment approaches can attain complete removal of pesticides from water resources. Physical methods along with oxidation methods can be employed for complete removal of pesticides from drinking water.

Nutrition morbidity interactions in pre-school children.

Background & objectives: Research studies in the 1970s reported that in pre-school children, undernutrition increased the risk of infections and infections aggravated undernutrition. Over decades, there has been a reduction in prevalence of undernutrition and improvement in access to healthcare for treatment of infections. A mixed longitudinal study was undertaken to assess whether over time there were any changes from the earlier reported effect of undernutrition prior to infection on the risk of morbidity and effect of morbidity on nutritional status in pre-school children. Methods: Pre-school (0-59 months of age) children from urban low- and middle-income families whose parents were willing to allow their participation in the study were enrolled. Information on sociodemographic profile of the families was collected at enrolment. Weight of all children and length in infants were recorded every month; length/height in children 12-59 months of age was recorded once in three months. Morbidity information was collected through fortnightly visits. Results: 3888 pre-school children were followed up in 74636 home visits. Among these children, underweight and wasting were associated with a small increase in risk of infections. The odds ratio for risk of infection for underweight children was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.16) and for wasting was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.29). The deterioration in Z scores for weight-for-age and body mass index-for-age in children during illness and convalescence was small but significant (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The increased risk of infections in undernourished children living in overcrowded tenements in areas with poor environmental hygiene was not significant, perhaps because the risk of infection in normally nourished children was also high. The deterioration in nutritional status following infection was small because of the ready access to and utilization of health and nutrition care.

Vitamin D status & bone health in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Background & objectives: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism, and liver is the intermediary site of vitamin D metabolism. The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and bone health in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Prospectively, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level were assessed in cirrhotics by chemiluminescence method. Endocrine Society Clinical practice guideline was used to define deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the World Health Organization criteria was used to define osteoporosis and osteopenia. The lowest T score at the left hip neck or lumbar spine was taken as osteoporosis or osteopenia. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh score was used to assess the severity of cirrhosis. Results: Cirrhotics (n=350, male: 278, compensated: 210) were included. Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 8.75 ng/ml. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and low-BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) was 89.4 and 86 per cent, respectively. VDD, insufficiency and osteoporosis was found in 86.7, 11.9 and 33.8 per cent, respectively, in patients with compensated cirrhosis; and 93.6, 3.6 and 40 per cent, respectively, in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Body mass index of >25 kg/m2 was protective for bone health. Interpretation & conclusions: VDD and low-BMD is prevalent in Indian patients with cirrhosis and should be looked for in patients with cirrhosis for its prevention.

Ultrasonography of the neck in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: In resource-limited settings, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often goes undiagnosed as polysomnography (PSG) is expensive, time-consuming, and not readily available. Imaging studies of upper airway have been tried as alternatives to PSG to screen for OSA. However, racial differences in upper airway anatomy preclude generalizability of such studies. We sought to test the hypothesis that ultrasonography (USG), an inexpensive, readily available tool to study soft tissue structures of the upper airway, would have predictive value for OSA in South Asian people. METHODS: Adult patients with sleep-related complaints suspicious for OSA were taken for overnight PSG. After the PSG, consecutive patients with and without OSA were studied with submental ultrasonography to measure tongue base thickness (TBT) and lateral pharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT). RESULTS: Among 50 patients with OSA and 25 controls, mean age was 43.9 ± 11.4 years, and 39 were men. Patients with OSA had higher TBT (6.77 ± 0.63 cm vs 6.34 ± 0.54 cm, P value = 0.004) and higher LPWT (2.47 ± 0.60 cm vs 2.12 ± 0.26 cm, P value = 0.006) compared to patients without OSA. On multivariate analysis, TBT, LPWT, and neck circumference were identified as independent factors associated with OSA. These variables could identify patients with severe OSA with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 76%. CONCLUSION: Patients with OSA have higher tongue base thickness and lateral pharyngeal wall thickness proportionate to the severity of the disease, independent of BMI and neck circumference. These findings suggest that sub-mental ultrasonography may be useful to identify patients with severe OSA in resource-limited settings.

Evaluation of a paraffin-based moisturizer compared to a ceramide-based moisturizer in children with atopic dermatitis: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Moisturizers are first-line therapy for treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Although there are multiple types of moisturizers available, head-to-head trials between different moisturizers are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if a paraffin-based moisturizer is as effective as ceramide-based moisturizer in children with AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized comparative trial of pediatric patients with mild to moderate AD, subjects applied either a paraffin-based or ceramide-based moisturizer twice daily. Clinical disease activity using SCOring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), quality of life using Children/Infants Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI/IDLQI), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline and at follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were recruited (27 ceramide group and 26 paraffin group) with a mean age of 8.2 years and mean disease duration of 60 months. The mean change in SCORAD at 3 months in the ceramide-based and paraffin-based moisturizer groups was 22.1 and 21.4, respectively (p = .37). The change in CDLQI/IDLQI, TEWL over forearm and back, amount and days of topical corticosteroid required, median time to remission and disease-free days at 3 months were similar in both groups. As the 95% confidence interval (CI) of mean change in SCORAD at 3 months in both groups (0.78, 95% CI: -7.21 to 7.52) was not within the predefined margin of equivalence (-4 to +4), the conclusion of equivalence could not be proven. CONCLUSION: Both the paraffin-based and ceramide-based moisturizers were comparable in improving the disease activity in children with mild to moderate AD.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ocular Ultrasonography in Identifying Raised Intracranial Pressure among Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: Role of CT scan, MRI, ophthalmoscopy, direct monitoring by a transducer probe in identifying raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in emergency department is limited. There are few studies correlating elevated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by point of care ultrasound (POCUS) with raised ICP in pediatrics emergencies. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of ONSD, crescent sign, and optic disc elevation in identifying increased ICP in pediatrics. METHODS: Prospective observational study was done between April 2018 and August 2019 after ethics approval. Out of 125 subjects, 40 patients without clinical features of raised ICP were recruited as external controls and 85 with clinical features of raised ICP as study subjects. Their demographic profile, clinical examination, and ocular ultrasound findings were noted. This was followed by CT scan. Out of 85 patients, 43 had raised ICP (cases) and 42 had normal ICP (disease controls). Diagnostic accuracy of ONSD in identifying raised ICP was evaluated using STATA. RESULTS: The mean ONSD in case group was 5.5 ± 0.6 mm, 4.9 ± 0.5 mm in disease control group and external control group was 4.8 ± 0.3 mm. Cut-off of ONSD for raised ICP at ≥4.5 mm had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.67% and 10.98%, while ≥5.0 mm showed a sensitivity and specificity of 86.05% and 71.95%. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation had good correlation with increased ICP. CONCLUSION: ONSD ≥5 mm by POCUS identified raised ICP in pediatric population. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation may function as additional POCUS signs in identifying raised ICP.

Microplastics in landfill leachate: Occurrence, health concerns, and removal strategies.

Landfills are commonly used to manage solid waste, but they can contribute to microplastic (MPs) pollution. As plastic waste degrades in landfills, MPs are released into the surrounding environment, contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water. This poses a threat to human health and the environment, as MPs can adsorb toxic substances. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the degradation process of macroplastics into microplastics, the types of MPs found in landfill leachate (LL), and the potential toxicity of microplastic pollution. The study also evaluates various physical-chemical and biological treatment methods for removing MPs from wastewater. The concentration of MPs in young landfills is higher than in old landfills, and specific polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polycarbonate contribute significantly to microplastic contamination. Primary treatments such as chemical precipitation and electrocoagulation can remove up to 60-99% of total MPs from wastewater, while tertiary treatments such as sand filtration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis can remove up to 90-99%. Advanced techniques, such as a combination of membrane bioreactor, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration (MBR + UF + NF), can achieve even higher removal rates. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of microplastic pollution and the need for effective microplastic removal from LL to protect human and environmental health. However, more research is needed to determine the actual cost and feasibility of these treatment processes at a larger scale.

Cryoconservation of in vitro grown shoot tips of Cicer microphyllum: A crop wild relative of chickpea.

BACKGROUND: Cicer microphyllum Benth. is a crop wild relative (CWR) of chickpea (C. arietinum L.), that possess useful genes for cold and drought tolerance. The species is being conserved in the In Vitro Active Genebank for short- to medium-term conservation. Cryopreservation would be a useful complementary approach for its long-term conservation. OBJECTIVE: The current work aimed to develop an efficient cryoconservation protocol for cryobanking of C. microphyllum shoot tips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro shoot tips excised from 4-month old shoot cultures grown on B5 + 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L NAA + 10 mg/L AgNO3 medium were cryoconserved using a droplet-vitrification technique. Post-thaw regrowth was evaluated after: (i) preculture medium (B5 basal, B5 + 3, 4, 6 and 10% sucrose), (ii) preculture incubation temperature (25 ± 2, 10, 8 and 22/5 degree C), (iii) PVS2 duration (10, 20, 30. 40, 50 and 60 min) and (iv) regrowth medium (B5) supplemented with 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.1 NAA mg/L; 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L NAA + 10 mg/L AgNO3; 0.2 mg/L BAP + 10 mg/L AgNO3; 0.2 mg/L BAP + 20 mg/L AgNO3 and 0.2 mg/L BAP + 30 mg/L AgNO3. RESULTS: In vitro shoot tips grown on B5 + 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L NAA + 10 mg/L AgNO3, precultured on B5 + 6% sucrose at 10 degree C for 3 days, followed by PVS2 treatment for 20 min, unloading solution for 60 min and regrowth on B5 + 0.2 mg/L BAP + 20 mg/L AgNO3 resulted in highest survival (57%) and regrowth (40%) after cryoconservation. CONCLUSION: The standardized protocol was successfully used for cryobanking of in vitro shoot tips of C. microphyllum in the In Vitro Base Genebank of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23610110412.

Evaluation of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an early diagnostic marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill trauma patients.

Background and Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of severe trauma associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an early marker of AKI assessed by RIFLE criteria as reference in trauma patients in intensive care unit (ICU). Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Four hundred and eighteen patients admitted in the trauma ICU with age ≥18 years without known renal diseases were followed-up (serum creatinine, urine output, and estimated glomerular filtration rate) for 5 consecutive days. As per RIFLE criteria, 70 patients were broadly classified as AKI and rest of the patients (n = 348) as non-AKI. Plasma and urine samples of AKI (n = 70) and non-AKI (n = 70) patients were further assessed for 3 consecutive days following admission. Results: Mean plasma NGAL (pNGAL) was significantly elevated in AKI patients as compared with non-AKI patients; on admission: 204.08 versus 93.74 ng/mL (P = 0.01); at 24 h: 216.73 versus 94.63 ng/mL (P = 0.01); and 48 h: 212.77 versus 86.32 ng/mL (P = 0.01). Mean urine NGAL (uNGAL) at 48 h was also significantly elevated: 15.45 ng/mL in AKI patients as compared with 13.48 ng/mL in non-AKI patients (P = 0.01). Plasma and urine NGAL levels were significantly associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: pNGAL had good predictive value on admission (area under the receiver operative characteristic [AUROC] 0.84), at 24 h (AUROC 0.88) and 48 h (AUROC 0.87), while uNGAL had moderate performance at 24 h (AUROC 0.61) and 48 h (AUROC 0.71). pNGAL can be used as an early and potent diagnostic and predictive marker of AKI and mortality in critically ill trauma patients.

Autophagy-associated HMGB-1 as a novel potential circulating non-invasive diagnostic marker for detection of Urothelial Carcinoma of Bladder.

Urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UBC), a highly prevalent urological malignancy associated with high mortality and recurrence rate. Standard diagnostic method currently being used is cystoscopy but its invasive nature and low sensitivity stresses for identifying predictive diagnostic marker. Autophagy, a cellular homeostasis maintaining process, is usually dysregulated in cancer and its role is still enigmatic in UBC. In this study, 30 UBC patients and healthy controls were enrolled. Histopathologically confirmed tumor and adjacent normal tissue were acquired from patients. Molecular expression and tissue localization of autophagy-associated molecules (HMGB-1, RAGE, beclin, LC-3, and p62) were investigated. Serum HMGB-1 concentration was measured in UBC patients and healthy controls. ROC curves were plotted to evaluate diagnostic potential. Transcript, protein, and IHC expression of HMGB-1, RAGE, beclin, and LC-3 displayed upregulated expression, while p62 was downregulated in bladder tumor tissue. Serum HMGB-1 levels were elevated in UBC patients. Transcript and circulatory levels of HMGB-1 showed positive correlation and displayed a positive trend with disease severity. Upon comparison with clinicopathological parameters, HMGB-1 emerged as molecule of statistical significance to exhibit association. HMGB-1 exhibited optimum sensitivity and specificity in serum. The positive correlation between tissue and serum levels of HMGB-1 showcases serum as a representation of in situ scenario, suggesting its clinical applicability for non-invasive testing. Moreover, optimum sensitivity and specificity displayed by HMGB-1 along with significant association with clinicopathological parameters makes it a potential candidate to be used as diagnostic marker for early detection of UBC but requires further validation in larger cohort.

Sympathetic Blocks for Raynaud's Phenomena in Pediatric Rheumatological Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Sympathetic blocks are invaluable to prevent morbidity from Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). RP may occur in children with rheumatological disorders and causes severe pain, discoloration of digits, gangrene, and auto-amputation. We describe the planning and execution of sympathectomy blocks in children with rheumatological disorders presenting with RP. METHODS: With upper-limb involvement, ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (USGB) was given with ropivacaine and clonidine. When all four limbs were involved, intrathecal block with bupivacaine and clonidine was also given. RESULTS: A total of 68 sympathectomy blocks were performed: 28 bilateral USGBs, two unilateral USGBs, and 10 intrathecal injections. Multiple interventions in a single day were frequently required. For safety, all USGBs were performed with an ultrasound with strict adherence to local anaesthetic volume was maintained, with periprocedure monitoring of 2-3 hours. All blocks were performed by an experienced specialist. All children reported immediate pain relief with prevention of major amputation. CONCLUSION: With meticulous planning, monitoring, and precautions, sympathectomy of limbs in pediatric rheumatological disorders with RP can be safely undertaken. Bilateral stellate ganglion block with ultrasound is safe in children, and clonidine is a useful adjunct for vasodilation and prolongation of the effect of sympathectomies in children.

A study on the effect of mobile phone use on sleep.

Background & objectives: Several studies have been conducted globally to assess the impact of usage of mobile phones on quality and duration of sleep as also on day time sleepiness. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of mobile phone usage on the quality and composition of sleep in a sample from Indian population. Methods: The study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in north India from July 2014 to September 2019. A total of 566 participants were recruited in this study from both the centres. Sleep quality was assessed with the help of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Subsequently, actigraphy was done in 96 participants and polysomnography in 95 participants. Results: Of the 566 participants, 128 (22.61%) had PSQI ≥5, reflecting poor sleep quality. A higher use of mobile phone was significantly associated with a poor sleep quality as a component of PSQI questionnaire (P=0.01) and higher overall PSQI score (P=0.01). The latency from sleep onset to N2 and N3 sleep stages was significantly shorter in participants having a higher mobile phone usage as compared to those with a lower usage [Median (range): 13.5 min (1.5-109) vs. 6.5 min (0-89); P=0.02] and [Median (range): 49 min (8.5-220.5) vs. 28.75 min (0-141); P=0.03], respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: This study focused on the maladaptive changes brought on by mobile phone usage on sleep. More studies with larger sample sizes need to be done that may serve to confirm the hypothesis generating findings of our study.

Development of the India COVID-19 vaccine tracker.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Since then, efforts were initiated to develop safe and effective vaccines. Till date, 11 vaccines have been included in the WHO's emergency use list. The emergence and spread of variant strains of SARS-CoV-2 has altered the disease transmission dynamics, thus creating a need for continuously monitoring the real-world effectiveness of various vaccines and assessing their overall impact on disease control. To achieve this goal, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, took the lead to develop the India COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker by synergizing three different public health databases: National COVID-19 testing database, CoWIN vaccination database and the COVID-19 India portal. A Vaccine Data Analytics Committee (VDAC) was constituted to advise on various modalities of the proposed tracker. The VDAC reviewed the data related to COVID-19 testing, vaccination and patient outcomes available in the three databases and selected relevant data points for inclusion in the tracker, following which databases were integrated, using common identifiers, wherever feasible. Multiple data filters were applied to retrieve information of all individuals ≥18 yr who died after the acquisition of COVID-19 infection with or without vaccination, irrespective of the time between vaccination and test positivity. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against the reduction of mortality and hospitalizations was initially assessed. As compared to the hospitalization data, mortality reporting was found to be much better in terms of correctness and completeness. Therefore, hospitalization data were not considered for analysis and presentation in the vaccine tracker. The vaccine tracker thus depicts VE against mortality, calculated by a cohort approach using person-time analysis. Incidence of COVID-19 deaths among one- and two-dose vaccine recipients was compared with that among unvaccinated groups, to estimate the rate ratios (RRs). VE was estimated as 96.6 and 97.5 per cent, with one and two doses of the vaccines, respectively, during the period of reporting. The India COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker was officially launched on September 9, 2021. The high VE against mortality, as demonstrated by the tracker, has helped aid in allaying vaccine hesitancy, augmenting and maintaining the momentum of India's COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Risk factors predicting early in-hospital mortality among underfive children and need for decentralization of pediatric emergency care services.

Background: Lack of pediatric triage and emergency care system in peripheral healthcare centers leads to unnecessary referral of low- and medium-risk patients. This study was conducted to study the risk factors predicting mortality within 48 h of admission in neonates and under-five children referred to the pediatric emergency of a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on children (0-5 years) referred to the pediatric emergency who were enrolled and followed up. The outcome was defined as "survival" or "death" at 48 hours. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictors of early in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 246 consecutive pediatric (62 neonates, 52 young infants, and 132 children aged 1-5 years) referral cases were enrolled; mortality within 48 hours was 20%. Lack of pediatric intensive care (odds ratio [OR] 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0, 8.32, P = 0.02), lack of neonatal intensive care (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.01,4.28, P ≤ 0.001), distance from referral center >20 km (OR 4.61, 95% CI 2.01, 10.58, P = 0.0003), >1 h taken during transport (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.93, 20.46, P < 0.001), lack of ambulance facility (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.009, 0.143, P < 0.0001), very sick condition on arrival (OR 210.1, 95% CI 12.1, 3643.41, P = 0.0002), and unstable temperature-oxygenation-perfusion-sugar on arrival were the independent risk factors predicting in early in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Developing a pediatric triage and monitoring system, tele-pediatric intensive care unit, regionalizing referral-back-referral services with robust interhospital communication, and strengthening pediatric emergency services are the need of the hour to reduce early in-hospital mortality.

Clinical Profile, Treatment, and Outcome of Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical profile and outcome of patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in critically ill patients. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted where critically ill adult patients presenting with fever and bicytopenia were evaluated according to the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria for the presence of secondary HLH. The underlying trigger, clinical profile, treatment, and outcome of patients with HLH were analyzed. Results: Of the 76 critically ill patients with fever and bicytopenia, 33 (43%) patients were diagnosed with HLH. The following triggers for HLH were identified: bacterial infections (23%), fungal infections (10%), viral infections (10%), parasitic infections (10%), autoimmune diseases (13%), and malignancy (8%). A total of 78% of the HLH cases received steroids, but the use of steroids was not associated with improvement in mortality. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HLH in patients presenting with fever and bicytopenia in critically ill adult patients. Infections were identified as the most common trigger of HLH. How to cite this article: Fazal F, Gupta N, Soneja M, Mitra DK, Satpathy G, Panda SK, et al. Clinical Profile, Treatment, and Outcome of Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(5):564-567.

Growth Outcome and Jaw Functions Are Better After Gap Arthroplasty Plus Costochondral Graft Reconstruction Than Gap Arthroplasty Alone in Pediatric Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Patients: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: It is not known if the muscle matrix that becomes functional after gap arthroplasty (GA) in temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA), induces growth of the mandible or the reconstructive arthroplasty with costochondral graft (CCG) is responsible for growth. The study aimed to evaluate the mandibular growth and functional outcome with the use of CCG/GA in the management of pediatric TMJA. METHODS: The investigators designed a cluster randomized controlled trial on pediatric (3 to 16 years) TMJA patients. Treatment applied (CCG and GA), was the primary predictor variable. Patients were divided into CCG and GA groups. The primary outcome variable was growth. Secondary outcome variables included etiology and duration of ankylosis, maximal incisal opening (MIO), reankylosis, occlusion, laterotrusion, chin deviation, facial asymmetry, occlusal tilt, and complications. The distance condylion (Co) to gnathion (Gn) was used to measure mandibular length. Ramal height was measured from Co- gonion (Go). Lower facial height was measured from the anterior nasal spine to Gn. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the regression coefficient adjusted for the cluster. The patient was considered as a cluster and the unit of analysis was joint. RESULTS: Fifty-six {n = 28 in each group, (n = 33 joint in the CCG group and n = 31 joints in GA group)} patients were analyzed. The median follow-up was 33-months (31.93 ± 15.24) in the CCG group and 32-months (32.85 ± 17.84) in the GA group. Intergroup comparison between the CCG and GA group showed a statistically significant difference in mandibular length (CCG = 77.51 ± 9.31 and GA = 66.66 ± 8.32 mm, P < .001), ramal height (CCG = 44.21 ± 7.3 and GA = 31.87 ± 8.4 mm, P < .001), and statistically insignificant difference in lower facial height (CCG = 52.53 ± 6.1 and GA = 50.19 ± 6.3 mm, P = 0.14) at follow-up. Statistically, significant improvement was seen in MIO in both groups (<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study concluded that growth and jaw functions were better in reconstructive arthroplasty with CCG than GA in pediatric TMJA.

Substance use and its associated factors among school students.

Background: . There is lack of comprehensive data on substance use and associated factors among school students in Delhi, India. Methods: . We used a cluster sampling method based on sections of classes in schools to conduct this study in two government-run schools in Delhi. All enrolled students from 8th, 9th and 11th grades participated (n = 405). The WHO Student Drug Use questionnaire was administered in a single session for a class section for assessing substance use. Results: . The participation rate was 90.6%. The rates of past 12 months' use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and inhalants were 22%, 12.1%, 12.1% and 8.6%, respectively, while rates for 'sedatives and tranquillizers' were 4.9%, opium 2.7% and other opioids 1.2%. Lifetime use of heroin was reported by two students and use in the past 12 months by one student. Multiple substance use was high. Higher age was associated with the use of alcohol and cannabis. According to logistic regression model results, use by a family member significantly increased the probability of using tobacco (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 11.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4-37.8) and alcohol (AOR 3.75; 95% CI 5.1-1059.3). Similarly, use by peers significantly increased the probability of tobacco (AOR 7.7; 95% CI 2.0-29.8) and cannabis use (AOR 5.7; 95% CI 1.5-21.5). Having poor harm perception significantly increased the chances of inhalant use by students (AOR 5.5; 95% CI 1.5-20.1). Conclusion: . The study results bring to attention the prevalent and important problem of substance use among schoolchildren. We recommend that (i) intervention strategies for school settings are important and need to factor in the use of illicit substances (cannabis); (ii) psychosocial intervention by trained school counsellors in school settings is the mainstay for intervention for cannabis and inhalants; and (iii) heroin users should be referred to healthcare facilities for detoxification.