bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Candida infection in Covid-19 pandemic: A study from a tertiary care center in Central India
Authors: Saurabh Jayant  , Kamlesh Patel  , Prachi Priya  , Abhilasha Niti Verma  , Singh Bharat , Ranjana Dahariya
Published: January 2025

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections. Candida and mucor are the common fungus encountered during this pandemic. Candida is one of the commonly encountered opportunistic fungi that cause superficial mucosal infections usually, but can invade tissue and produce life threatening infections. Candida species recognized as one of the major agent of hospital Acquired (nosocomial) fungal infections. Keeping this in background the current study was conducted.
Aims and Objective: To estimate the prevalence of candida infection in tertiary care hospital of Indore.
Materials and Methods: The present study was done in the period of one and half year. During this period all received clinical specimens like urine, sputum; high vaginal swab and pus suspected for fungal infection from Covid as well as non-Covid patients were processed according to standard protocol. The specimen was subjected to preliminary tests like wet mount, Gram’s stain, culture on sabourads dextrose agar (SDA) and Hichrome agar, germ tube test, sugar assimilation test and culture on Cornmeal agar (dalmau technique) for candida species were done. For statistical analysis Chi-square test was performed and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of Candidiasis was 0.86%. Non-albicans candida (65.9%) isolates was more than Candida albicans (34.07%). Among non-albicans species, C. tropicalis was 27.4% followed by C. glabrata 16.29%, C. krusei 15.55%,C. parapsilosis 5.92% and C. lusitenia 0.74% were the major isolates. Males were affected more than the females. In both the genders maximum patients were from the age group of >60 years. Maximum number of Candida isolates was from blood followed by urine, pus, sputum, vaginal swab and aural swab. Most common risk factors for candidiasis noted in this study was diabetes mellitus in both Covid as well as non-Covid patients.
Conclusion: Non albicans candida are gradually increasing in India. Speciation of candida play an important role in preliminary treatment because different species is intrinsically resistant to different antifungal drugs and have different antifungal susceptibility pattern.
A case of moderate depression with somatic symptoms and incidental finding of retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst
Authors: Sumit Mukherjee  , Aparupa Bhattacharya
Published: January 2025

Arachnoid cysts are benign space-occupying brain lesions that contain cerebrospinal fluid which is mostly congenital in origin. Cases are mostly detected incidentally on neuro-imaging and neuropsychiatric manifestations are less common and under-recognized. Arachnoid cyst sometimes may be associated with seizure, headache, cranial nerve deficits, hydrocephalus, etc. A 23-year-old married female from rural India presented with headache, insomnia, low mood, lethargy, persisting for the past 6 months without any obvious stress factors. She also informed that she had few episodes of unresponsiveness without any features such as tongue biting, confusion, injury, or involuntary micturition and defecation. Her EEG report was within normal limit and MRI report confirmed the presence of Retro-cerebellar Arachnoid cyst in and around midline. Detail neurological and ophthalmological examination was done and findings were within normal limits. She was treated with Amitriptyline, Pregabalin, and Paracetamol. Psychotherapy was initiated for adequate management of her depressive symptoms and responded well. It can be emphasized that patients who are reporting with symptoms such as headache a detail evaluation should be done to find out organic etiology. Depressive and cognitive symptoms and its association with arachnoid cyst may depend upon the location of the lesion and further research is required to establish its causal relationship.
A comparative study on echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular mass and function in normotensive diabetic and non-diabetic patient
Authors: Tanmay Mukhopadhyay  , Pankaj Sarkar  , Somnath Naskar  , Uttam Biswas  , SK Saidul Islam
Published: January 2025

Background: Cardiovascular complications account for the highest mortality in diabetic patients, mainly due to coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an ominous prognostic sign and an independent risk factor for cardiac events which is frequently present in patients living with diabetes.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the LV mass and function in normotensive diabetes patients without antihypertensive medication.
Materials and Methods: 100 normotensive diabetic patients were in study group and 100 control patients were studied. Hypertension and other known causes of LVH were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed using proper statistical method.
Results: Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) is significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to control population (P<0.001). It was also observed that the means of the left ventricular posterior wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness, and the left ventricular internal diameter during diastole (in all cases P<0.001) were statistically significantly high in diabetic patients in comparison to healthy control subjects. We have found that a significant systolic dysfunction in diabetic group and diastolic dysfunction also very common in diabetic group than the control group. The LVMI also increased in patients who have longer duration of diabetes and poor glycemic control.
Conclusion: LVM is significantly higher in patients of type 2 diabetic without having hypertension, albuminuria, and apparent ischemic heart disease as compared to healthy controls. LVM in diabetic patients increases with duration of diabetes and is positively correlated with HbA1c and blood sugar level.
High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in thyroglossal cyst: Post-surgical histological surprise and dilemmas
Authors: Ravindran Chirukandath  , CR Nimisha  , PJ Babu  , Puthukatt Muraleedharan Arya  , RS Lekshmi  , TV Santhosh
Published: January 2025

Occurrence of malignancy in the TG cyst has been rarely reported, though rare, and papillary carcinoma predominates the common type but squamous cell carcinomas, anaplastic carcinoma, and medullary have been reported rarely. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are most commonly seen in salivary glands, and as per the available literature, there was only two cases reported in thyroglossal cyst. We are presenting a 67-year-old lady presented with a 6×8 cm hard swelling below symphysis menti with no thyromegaly and moving on protrusion of tongue, and on MRI, it was found to be thyroglossal cyst with infiltration of strap muscles. Cytological investigation revealed it to be a TG cyst malignancy. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and radical Sistrunk’s operation. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry revealed it to be a histological examination revealed a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma consistent with origin in a thyroglossal duct remnant it invaded the hyoid bone and adjacent strap muscles. Various diagnostic and treatment dilemmas in the treatment of TG cyst malignancy are discussed with reference to mucoepidermoid carcinoma. We are reporting an usual histological surprise in a thyroglossal cyst malignancy being the only second reported case of TG cyst mucoepidermoid carcinoma this case highlights the importance of removal of thyroglossal duct cysts at an early stage and aggressive surgical approach in high-grade tumors.
A study on evaluation of knee osteoarthritis with MRI and comparing it with CT scan, high resolution USG and conventional radiography
Authors: Singha Raju , Chanchal Kumar Dalai  , Deblina Sarkar
Published: January 2025

Background: Knee osteo-arthritis is widely prevalent in the elderly population in our society and associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Early diagnosis of the condition can enable timely and proper care for the patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT Scan, Ultrasonography and plain radiography are the different modalities of imaging that are commonly used for detection and diagnosis of knee osteo-arthritis.
Aims and Objectives: To find out the early osteoarthritic changes of knee by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and compare those findings with conventional radiography, high frequency USG and CT scan findings.
Materials and Methods: Patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) as per American College of Rheumatology guideline criteria (n=56) underwent imaging of the knee using plain radiography, ultrasonography, CT scan and MRI. The imaging findings studied in the patients were joint space narrowing (JSN), meniscal abnormality, Baker’s cyst, cruciate ligament abnormality, knee effusion, subchondral cyst, and loose bodies. A comparison between radiography, CT scan and USG was done for the imaging findings with MRI as the reference standard. Z-test of proportionality was used to find statistically significant difference for the three imaging modalities. A P<0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 61 years (38 males). The tibiofemoral compartment was most commonly affected. CT scan was more sensitive than radiography in detecting sub-chondral cyst (P=0.018) and loose bodies (P=0.004). USG and MRI were equally sensitive in detecting knee effusion (P=0.22) and synovial thickening (P=0.10). CT scan and MRI were equally sensitive in detecting subchondral cyst (P=1.00) and loose bodies (P=0.22).
Conclusion: While CT imaging was more sensitive for detection of subchondral cysts and loose bodies than conventional radiography, it was as sensitive as MRI in detecting these findings in the study group. Additional study is warranted to assess diagnostic performance of CT scan and MRI in the diagnosis and progression of knee OA.
Necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis due to three cases applying with painful cervical lymphadenopathy
Authors: Yardimci Bulent
Published: January 2025

Necrotizing Histiocytic Lymphadenitis (NHL)is an idiopathic reason of lymphadenopathy which rather affects the young population. In this article, 3 cases which have applied to our Internal Medicine Policlinic with painful lymphadenopathy within four months and which were diagnosed with NHL have been presented and their clinical features discussed.
Cardiovascular outcomes of antidiabetic drugs
Authors: Ranjit Kumar Nath  , Neeraj Pandit  , Ajay Raj  , B.N Pandit  , Vinod Kumar  , Rajeev Bhardwaj  , Ajay Pratap Singh  , Ashok Thakur
Published: January 2025

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Intensive blood glucose reduction with antidiabetic drugs significantly reduce microvascular complications but there is no strong evidence of reduction in cardiovascular (CV) events. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance to demonstrate cardiovascular safety of newer antidiabetic drugs in addition to reduction in blood glucose level. After which a number of CVOTs were conducted involving newer antidiabetic drugs. The newer drugs (e.g. GLP-1 RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP 4 inhibitors) might have potential effects on body weight, lipid parameters and blood pressure, as well as endothelial dysfunctions, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. The current review summarizes the results of the main trials focused on the cardiovascular outcomes of traditional as well as newer antidiabetic drugs.
Persistent left superior vena cava and its clinical correlation - A cadaveric study
Authors: Sachendra Kumar Mittal  , Rekha Parashar  , Pankaj Kumar Singh  , Leena Jadon
Published: January 2025

Background: Presented is a case of persistent left superior vena cava draining into the right atrium through coronary sinus and finally opens into right atrium. Abnormalities of the vascular system are more commonly seen due to its importance in circulation. Persistent left superior vena cava is rare but important congenital vascular anomaly. It results when the left superior cardinal vein caudal to the innominate vein fails to regress.The venous anomaly of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) affects 0.3%–0.5% of the general population. Normally the superior vena cava is a single vascular structure formed by the union of right and left brachiocephalic veins which are in turn formed by the union of internal jugular and subclavian veins of corresponding side, draining the head and neck as well as the superior extremity.
Aims and Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of persistent left superior vena cava and to find out the opening of PLSVC and formations of both SVC.
Materials and Methods: During routine dissection of Thorax, we have opened the thoracic cage and take out the Heart. during that we found separate SVC and then we did the study on this PLSVC in the Department of Anatomy, Jaipur National University Institute for Medical Sciences and Research Centre (JNUIMSRC) Jaipur and National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMS & R).
Results: We found persistent left superior vena cava in two cadavers out of 30 cadavers (6.66%) one was 64-year-old male cadaver and another 72-year-old male cadaver. Both the vena cavae were formed as of brachiocephalic veins of the corresponding side. The persistent left superior vena cava opened into the enlarged coronary sinus that drained into the right atrium between the opening of inferior vena cava and right atrio-ventricular orifice.
Conclusion: It has important clinical implications in certain clinical interventions. It may complicate placementof cardiac catheters or pacemaker leads.
Management of COVID-19 Related Myocarditis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Şahbender Koç  , Yusuf Şener  , Emre Doğan  , Emine Kırdağ  , Emine Altuntaş  , Ömer Bedir  , Efe Edem
Published: January 2025

On January 7 in China, one patient was identified with a new corona virus in throat culture, and World Health Organization called it severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we aimed to summarize overall data for COVID-19 disease related myocarditis and its treatment. In the initial stages, patients developed symptoms of severe acute respiratory infection and afterwards other serious symptoms such as septic shock, metabolic acidosis, coagulation disorders, multiple organ failure problems developed.Complications were mostly associated with pneumonia (91.1%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, the presence of cardiovascular diseases has been found to increase the severity and side effects of primary respiratory syndrome. Since management of COVID-19 related myocarditis is crucial, 114 publications indexed in Pubmed between Dec 10, 2019 and October 16, 2020 were scanned extensively in this review in order to summarize the treatment options of COVID-19 related myocarditis. Analysis of 44.672 COVID-19 cases showed an increased risk of mortality in elderly people (14.8% for patients over 80 years old) and patients with cardiovascular disease (10.5%). Patients with diabetes (7.3%) and hypertension (6%) also demonstrated an increased risk of mortality. The rate of underlying chronic respiratory disease was 6.3%. Arrhythmia was found in 16.7% and acute heart injury existed in 7.2% of 138 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ACE inhibitors or ARBs should be administered in patients with wall motion abnormality or heart failure with reduced EF. Diuretics should be considered in patients with volume overload and torsemide should be preferred as first option. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and cardiac glycosides should be avoided. Physical activity should be restricted until the disease resolved. IVIG and interferon therapy are feasible treatment options with reasonable side effect profile.
Kerosene Oil Pneumonitis
Authors: Singh Ranjan Kumar
Published: January 2025

Radiographic abnormalities in the lungs are very common in an individual positive for HIV antibodies. Majority of lesions are of infective or neoplastic in origin. We present a case of chemical pneumonitis following regurgitation of kerosene oil in a patient positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies. Chemical pneumonitis is diagnosed with a characteristic clinical history of regurgitation of fluid and gravity-dependent infiltration in the lung on chest x-ray. Another condition arising from the aspiration of the fluid/chemical is negative-pressure pulmonary oedema which results from laryngeal spasm following regurgitation of fluid. Chest radiography, however, distinguishes it from chemical pneumonitis. Bilateral infiltration is seen in the former, while lesion at dependent portion of right lung is seen in the latter condition.
Outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural hospitals – A systematic review
Authors: Abdul Razack Farook  , Iyanar Kannan  , Sony Paul
Published: January 2025

There are many studies on the laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural hospitals. It is important to understand whether the advantages of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy are there in the rural hospital set up. The present systematic review of literature aims to find the various outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural hospitals. The study was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The MEDLINE and EMBASE database were used the retrieve the articles. A detailed descriptive analysis was on the various outcomes of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The present systematic review has identified that the laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural hospitals is most preferred as that of urban setting. It not only provides less hospital stay, but also provides economical option for rural patients. However, there are some limitations in many rural settings like lack of instrumental facility and trained surgeon. The outcomes of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy in some rural hospitals are comparatively same as that of urban settings.
Porencephaly and intraparenchymal hyperacute infarct due to bilateral anterior cerebral artery embolism in adult: A rare case
Authors: Suryamin Ricky , Subagia Santosa Sudjono
Published: January 2025

Porencephaly is a very unique rare neurological disease identified by the presence of single or multiple cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cyst inside the brain matter. This is an intra-cranial cyst that rarely occurs in adults. The diagnosis depends on a well-defined CSF fluid space-occupying lesion (SOL) that communicates with the ventricles on a CT scan or MRI of the brain. Cerebral damage during labor or as unknown trauma during infancy can present with porencephaly much later in life. This might be the aftermath of trauma, ischemic, infection or bleeding in the postnatal life. These cysts may be mild enough to show any symptoms or severe enough to cause mental and physical disability. Here we present a case of a 76-year-old female attended in the emergency department with loss of strength in her right arm, four days ago. Porencephaly in adult is a rare neurological disease case. In this case, porencephaly caused by stroke ischemic 4 years ago due to anterior carotid artery embolism.
Thrombosis And Thromboprophylaxis In COVID-19 Patients During Hospitalization And Early Post-discharge Period
Authors: Hosseini Mehr Seyed Pouriya  , Smorzhevskyi Valentyn  , Dzekunova Yuliia  , Dmytrenko Igor
Published: January 2025

While SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to circulate around the world, there are still many uncertainties on how to treat the patients with this potentially deadly virus, and more importantly, for how long!
COVID-19 causes many different symptoms, among which coagulopathy seems to play an essential role in the survival prognosis of patients. While medical centers worldwide have developed various algorithms for preventing thrombosis in COVID-19  patients, there are still no clear guidelines on the length of thromboprophylaxis therapy, target groups who should receive suitable anticoagulant prophylaxis, and even the choice of the most appropriate agent for such treatment.
The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with connective tissue disorders
Authors: Dyna Jones  , Jayashankar Chinnappa Anjanappa  , Sourab Hiremath  , Avinash Siddaraju  , Chandana Kandula Hanumantha Reddy  , Shalini Ashok Sampoornam  , Eashwer Manpreeth  , Seetha Venkata Sai Raghava Prashanthi
Published: January 2025

Background: Abnormalities in thyroid function have been reported in patients with connective tissue disorders. In India many patients suffer from thyroid dysfunction and rheumatological disorders. There is a lack of awareness of thyroid dysfunction in patients suffering from connective tissue disorders. Also, studies regarding the same are lacking in India.
Aims and Objective: The current study was undertaken to estimate the Prevalence of Thyroid dysfunction in connective tissue disorders.
Materials and Methods: It’s a duration based, prospective cross-sectional study including 100 patients. Patients presenting with connective tissue disorders were evaluated for thyroid function clinically and were subjected to serum TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and Anti-thyroid antibodies. The association was analyzed using frequency analysis, percentage analysis, and Chi-Square test.
Results: Of the 100 patients in this study, predilection of connective tissue disorders was seen among females. The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with connective tissue disorder was 41%. 22% of the 100 patients had Anti-TPO antibodies suggestive of autoimmune thyroiditis. Our study showed 42.1% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 45.5% of the patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, 50% of the patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, 27.3% of the patients with Systemic sclerosis, and 42.9% of the patients with mixed connective tissue disorder had thyroid dysfunction.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients with connective tissue disorders and shows a female preponderance, in the age group of 45-65 years. Hence, early screening and intervention will prevent significant morbidity and improve the quality of patients’ life.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: A case report
Authors: Pratima Poudel  , Roushan Jahan
Published: January 2025

Peutz-jeghers syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal dominant disease which is characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of 10 years old female who was referred to us from surgical department for the evaluation of brownish pigmented macules over lips, face, palms and soles. Patient was presented with recurrent abdominal pain along with vomiting and blood mixed stool for a month. Ultrasound of abdomen revealed jejuno-jejunal intussusception for which laparotomy was done during which multiple polyps were visualized. Polypectomy was done and biopsy revealed it to be tubulovillous adenoma. Patient was diagnosed as Peutz-jeghers syndrome as there were multiple polyps in the jejunum along with the characteristics mucocutaneous involvement.
Insomnia as a benign presentation of fatal familial insomnia (FFI). A case report from Malaysia
Authors: Teo Richard Soon Kiat , Law Wan Chung
Published: January 2025

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant prion disease. The chief clinical features include an organic sleep disorder associated with sympathetic overdrive, motor and bulbar compromise as well as progressive cognitive decline. Death ensures in 100% of cases with a mean survival duration of 18 months from time of symptom onset. Treatment strategies in the management of FFI remains largely symptomatic with greater emphasis placed on palliative care services. We report a case of a 31-year old gentleman (Mr G) who presented with insomnia, sleep behavior disturbances, diplopia, myoclonus and transient global amnesia. A family history of a paternal aunt with similar presentation who passed away raised the suspicion of probable FFI, which was subsequently confirmed by genetic testing. Mr G is the first reported definitive FFI case of Malaysian Chinese descent. Standard MRI imaging and CSF analyses are insufficient in the workup of an individual with probable FFI. PET scan, polysomnogram and genetic studies are required for cases with high index of suspicion. In view of the rapid progression of the disease with significant cognitive impairment within months of symptom onset, we advocate for early diagnosis and a biopsychosocial patient-centered treatment approach.
Surgical Treatment of Benign Retrorectal Masses in Adults: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hüseyin Bilge  , Ömer Başol  , Abdullah Oğuz
Published: January 2025

Background: Tumors that occur in the retrorectal space are called retrorectal tumors. These tumors arise from various tissues. Late symptoms may therefore outweigh diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the surgery becomes difficult.
Aims and Objectives: Our study aims to reveal the difficulties in the diagnosis of retrorectal tumors, radiological diagnostic methods, and safe surgical excision surgical techniques.
Materials and Methods: Twelve patients operated for retrorectal tömür between 2014 and 2020 were included in the retrospective study. Demographic features, clinical findings, diagnostic methods, surgical treatment procedures, evaluations of preoperative/postoperative complications, pathological classifications, length of hospital stay, and duration of surgery were studied.
Results: Twelve patients [9 females, 3 males; the mean age was 39.3 ± 11.8 (22-56)] due to retrorectal tumors. All lesions were evaluated preoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). According to the preoperative examination and radiological findings; Surgical resection was performed with an anterior approach to 3 patients, a posterior approach to 4 patients, and a combined approach to 5 patients. The mean tumor size was 8 ± 2.24 cm. Immature teratoma and epidermoid cyst (n = 6) were the most common tumors. We did not have any patients with features of malignancy on final histopathology.
Conclusion: Although retrorectal tumors are difficult to diagnose, it is important to suspect clinically. A good evaluation of the patients with radiological imaging facilitates the resection of the tumor surgically. Surgery of the patient in centers specialized in these tumors increases surgical success.
Leukemic retinopathy, a rare entity: A case report
Authors: Aman Kumar Gupta  , Rakshya Basnet  , Roshan Dev Yadav  , Sweta Singh
Published: January 2025

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), also known as chronic myeloid leukemia, is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by increased proliferation of the granulocytic cell line without the loss of their capacity to differentiate. Consequently, the peripheral blood cell profile shows an increased number of granulocytes and their immature precursors, including occasional blast cells. CML accounts for 20% of all leukemias affecting adults. Retinal lesions are the most common ocular manifestation of leukemia. They are found most often in adults and in patients with myeloid leukemia. Despite the significant efforts made by different groups to optimize treatment and outcome, there are still unmet needs and unanswered questions. Ophthalmologic manifestations are among the therapeutic challenge. Here we present a case of CML (chronic phase) with ophthalmologic manifestations as initial presentation, trying to shed light on this important type of presentation.
Prevalence of depression and anxiety among chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder patients and its impact on the severity of the disease
Authors: B Kamini  , TT Gopinath  , S Balamurugan  , Jayakumar U Arun  , Harish Narayanan
Published: January 2025

Background: There is high prevalence of anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, leading to habits such as smoking.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to relate quantitatively, the contribution of anxiety and depression on prognosis, smoking, and stage of the disease.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months on 50 male COPD patients, aged 40–70 years. Patients were recruited to participate in the study after obtaining informed consent and were administered a questionnaire. They were subjected for detailed clinical examination, chest-X ray. CAT, BODE, GOLD stage, MADRS, and HAM-A were calculated and submitted for statistical analysis.
Results: Depression had more influence on smoking rather than anxiety. There was no contributing influence by age.
Conclusion: Clinicians should be encouraged to concentrate more on addressing depression rather than anxiety.
Unveiling the omicron B.1.1. 529: The variant of concern that is rattling the globe
Authors: Ruby Dhar  , Joyeeta Talukdar  , Arnab Nayek  , Swati Ajmeriya  , Arun Kumar  , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: January 2025

Most viruses–including SARS-CoV-2, seem to have evolved over time. The lack of stringent proofreading mechanisms makes viral DNA/RNA replication error-prone. When a virus replicates, it sometimes changes a little bit, which is called mutations. Any virus with one or more new mutations can be referred to as a “variant” of the original virus. The last 2 years have witnessed the emergence of a large number of variants. Since the pandemic’s beginning, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has mutated extensively, resulting in the emergence of different variants of the virus. One of these is the delta variant (arising from Pango lineage B.1.617.2) that took the word in a storm this year (February-July). The current a variant of concern is the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant reported first from South Africa on November 24, 2021. In recent weeks, infections have been widely reported, along with the increased detection of the B.1.1.529 variant. We reviewed the emergence of the new variant (B1.1.529) and its possible outcomes.
Psychological well-being among college students: A study from Central India
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Tej Pratap Singh  , Richa Sharma  , Jagmohan Singh Dhakar  , Aditi Bharti
Published: January 2025

Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is affected by age, physical health, personality, life experiences, socioeconomic status, and culture. Age is an important social determinant of health and age-based analysis is necessary to rectify one’s health and health care.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the PWB of college students and to determine the correlation between age and PWB aspects.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 college students selected by simple random sampling. Ryff’s PWB scale, a 42-item version used for the assessment of PWB, and data were collected by self-administering questionnaires. Statistical Analysis: Internal consistency of the scale was estimated and descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and regression analysis were applied.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.41±1.69 years and 61% were male. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for internal consistency of Ryff’s PWB scale was 0.814 in this study. The mean of PWB was 205.42±11.04 and ≥20 years scored higher in all the parameters of PWB than <20 years, differences were (t=3.62, P=0.001) significant. Simple linear regression showed that age was a highly significant (P=0.002) predictor of PWB.
Conclusion: The study illustrated that students of 20 years or more had better PWB in terms of all dimensions than <20 years-, and also suggested the need for future research, like, to deepen on the conceptual and relations between age and PWB, and to analyze the impact that social changes have toward age group on PWB.
Effect of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing lower segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Nazima Memon  , Juhi Bagga
Published: January 2025

Background: Lower segment caesarean sections (LSCS) are commonly done under spinal anaesthesia. Although spinal anaesthetic techniques are relatively safe and associated with quick and uneventful recovery, post-operative pain is a major concern after effect of spinal anaesthesia weans off. Other than pain postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the important side effects of spinal anaesthesia. Steroids by virtue of their anti-inflammatory effect is expected to reduce pain consequent upon inflammation and many studies have shown their efficacy in reducing pain as well as PONV in post-operative patients.
Aims and Objectives: Primary objective of the study was to evaluate efficacy of single-dose dexamethasone in reducing post-operative pain. The secondary objectives were to analyse effect of single-dose dexamethasone on hemodynamic stability as well as incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind comparative study in which 60 patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anaesthesia were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group D: 30 patients who received IV dexamethasone 8 mg (2 ml) intravenously just before giving spinal anesthesia. Group N: 30 patients who received Normal saline (2 ml) immediately before spinal anesthesia. In both groups, hemodynamic parameters, respiratory rate, severity of post-operative pain, and incidence of PONV was compared. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: Patients in Group D had significantly less severe post-operative pain (as assessed by the Visual analog scale) and incidence of PONV (P<0.05). Significantly less post-operative rescue analgesia was required in patients who received single dose of intravenous dexamethasone (P<0.05). In terms of hemodynamic stability, both groups were found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference.
Conclusion: Single-dose dexamethasone is effective in reducing post-operative pain as well as incidence of PONV in patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in Nepal
Authors: Esther Budha Magar  , Khushbu Deo
Published: January 2025

Background: Nepal is a landlocked country standing highly vulnerable to unfolding pandemic. As per a UNDP survey in May, three in five employees had lost their job during COVID-19 and most of them were youths. During the first 74 days of lockdown, 16 people committed suicide per day (total 1227 cases). Hence, the main objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 in undergraduate students of Nepal.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among undergraduates of Nepal.
Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduates residing in Nepal through online Google Forms for the conduction of online survey using purposive sampling technique. The participants were called through social media and the process about the use of Google Forms was explained by the researcher. The questionnaires were taken from open-access pre-published article. Univariate and bivariate analyses were applied for assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice and their association with independent variables.
Results: In this study, among the 120 respondent who had agreed to take part in the research study, the overall knowledge level was found to be high toward COVID-19 among Nepalese undergraduates (Mean=0.74, SD=0.16), Majority of the participants, that is, 92.5% of participants had positive attitude regarding improved immunity as a measure to protect from COVID-19 and had good practice to prevent COVID-19 (Mean=0.84, SD=0.28).
Conclusion: The knowledge was found to be high. Furthermore, optimistic attitude and proactive practice was seen among the undergraduates toward the battle against this pandemic. Contradiction to previous studies, significant association of provincial habitat with attitude towards COVID-19 was found.
A study of laryngeal microsurgery for vocal cord lesions
Authors: Shaheen Zafar  , Rohit Kumar
Published: January 2025

Background: A voice disorder occurs when a person’s voice quality, pitch, or volume is out of synch with their age, gender, culture, or location. Moreover,when a person shows concern about an unusual voice that does not satisfy daily necessities, despite the fact that others do not notice, it is considered to have voice problem.
Aims and Objectives: Collection and analysis of data base to determine the impact of microlaryngeal surgery (MLS) on voice outcome.
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, in a tertiary care hospital in Patna Medical College andHospital, from October 2020 to June 2021. Study was performed on 30 consecutive cases of benign lesions of vocal cord diagnosed clinically not responding to medical management.
Results: Voice handicap index was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The results were compared. Preoperatively, 40% (12) of patients showed moderate handicap scoring and 60.0% (18) patients showed severe handicap index. Postoperatively, there was improvement. At 2nd, follow-up 33.3% (10) patients showed moderate handicap scoring, 50.0% (15) patients showed mild handicap scoring and 16.7% (5) patients showed severe handicap scoring. At 6th week follow-up 21, (70.0%) patients showed mild handicap scoring and 30.0% (9) showed moderate handicap scoring. Finally, at 12th week follow-up, we observed 93.3% (28) patients had mild handicap scoring while only 6.7% (2) patients had moderate handicap scoring with significant difference (P≤0.0001).
Conclusion: MLS is an effective procedure to provide improvement in speech among patients with benign vocal cord lesion.
Pregnancy outcome in patients presented with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A five-year study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Lipika Adhikari  , Sandip Sarkar
Published: January 2025

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare type of dilated cardiomyopathy that presents in late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. Although the condition is prevalent worldwide, women with black genealogy seem to have greater risk. Possible other risk factors are elderly maternal age, hypertension, multiparity, multifetal pregnancy etc. Although the pathophysiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy is still obscure, recent studies suggests the important role of vasculo-hormonal pathway along with several other possible factors e.g.  myocarditis, abnormal immune response to pregnancy, abnormal response to increased hemodynamic burden, malnutrition, inflammation and apoptosis .
Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence, risk factors and pregnancy outcome of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients of PPCM admitted in G&O department of RG KAR Medical college were taken. Clinical evaluations, Hematological evaluation, biochemical study, ECG and Echocardiography were done. Patient outcome was also compared between two groups of patients having Left Ventricular ejection fraction less than 35% and more than 35%.
Result: Prevalence of PPCM was 0.09%, maternal mortality was 87 per 1000 live births and perinatal mortality was 43 per 1000 live births. Patients with lower ejection fraction showed poorer outcome.
Conclusion: Patients with higher NYHA functional class, lower ejection fraction and larger left ventricular cavity showed worse maternal and perinatal outcome.
Seroprevalence of anti-streptolysin O antibodies and its clinical correlates in patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital of southern Haryana: A five year retrospective study
Authors: Chanchal Yadav  , Jyoti Sangwan  , Pratibha Mane  , Kirti Lohan  , Kumkum Yadav  , Mukesh Kumar
Published: January 2025

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus, in addition to sore throat is responsible for certain non-suppurative diseases, such as acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which occur weeks after the acute infectious process. Anti-streptolysin-O (ASO) titer determination is one of important test sought by clinician. ASO has been shown to vary with age, geographical location, season, and site of infection.
Aims and Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of ASO antibodies and its clinical correlates in a tertiary healthcare facility of Southern Haryana.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done on 453 samples received in the Department of Microbiology, Shaheed Hassan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, on the blood samples received for the detection of ASO, over a period of 5 years (November 2015–October 2020). The data was analyzed for seroprevalence pattern of ASO and association of the same with clinical symptoms.
Results: The seroprevalence of ASO antibodies in the present study was found to be 11.3%. Females were more positive than males being 60.8% and 39.2%, respectively. The most common age group involved was 11–20 years.
Conclusion: The seroprevalence of ASO antibodies in the present study was found to be 11.3%. Females showed more positivity compared to males. ASO positivity was seen more in the 11–20 years of the age group which could be due to the development of more competent immune system by this age. Arthralgia, fever, carditis, and sore throat were the common clinical presentations. The ASO test is an important investigation being easy to perform even in rural settings providing crucial clue for the diagnosis of post-streptococcal sequelae.
Prognostic relevance of persistence of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody in pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Asish Banerjee  , Meenakshi Mitra
Published: January 2025

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody plays a significant role in demyelination in pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
Aims and Objectives: To assess the prognostic relevance of persistence of MOG antibody in pediatric ADEM.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 3 years. Data were collected from Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care hospital in Durgapur. Neurological examination findings, magnetic resonance imaging brain and spinal cord, electroencephalogram findings, and MOG antibody titer were noted. All patients were followed up for 1 year. MOG Antibody titer was repeated after 6 months of the first episode of demyelination. Data gathered from the patients was documented. Data analysis was performed using fisher’s exact test on graph pad 2×2 contingency table. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: Fifty-three children were diagnosed with ADEM. Among these, 27 children were MOG antibody-positive (51%). One child expired and five children were lost to follow up. Forty-seven children were followed up for 1 year. MOG antibody titer was sent at the time of diagnosis and 6 months after first episode of demyelination. Persistently positive MOG antibody (positive at 6 months after 1st episode of demyelination) was significantly associated with the development of multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (MDEM) (P<0.0001), epilepsy (P=0.0176), steroid dependency (P<0.0001), persistent gait disturbance (P=0.0026), but not with the development of Multiple Sclerosis (P=1.000).
Conclusion: Persistently positive MOG Antibody was significantly associated with development of MDEM, epilepsy, persistent gait disturbance, and steroid dependency.
Effect of B complex vitamins on life quality and neuropathic pain intensity in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: José Eduardo Nogueira Forni  , Ana Carolina Rodrigues  , Amanda Fidalgo Lima  , Bianca de Oliveira Lemos  , Beatriz Arid Rudnick  , Gabriela Modulo Molina  , Narayana Silva Paiva
Published: January 2025

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by chronic pain with a generally strong intensity that leads to limitations regarding activities of daily living.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of B complex vitamins on NP intensity and life quality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial was conducted among hemodialysis patients with clinical diagnosis of NP randomly allocated to two groups: A (gabapentin) and B (B vitamins). DN4, visual analog scale, and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form questionnaire were used to identify NP, measure pain intensity, and assess quality of life, respectively.
Results: A significant reduction in pain occurred after treatment with gabapentin (P=0.003). In the B group, the reduction of pain went from a mean of 7.27 to 5.09 after treatment (P=0.056). In the A group, a significantly poorer quality of life was reported after treatment in the social relations domain (P=0.010). A significant improvement in quality of life and environment domains (P=0.025 and 0.049, respectively) was reported after use of B vitamins.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that B complex vitamins for the treatment of NP in hemodialysis patients should be investigated further, as this form of treatment contributed to a reduction in pain intensity and suffering with no side effects and at low cost.
Comparative microbial analysis and assessment of paired umbilical cord blood culture and peripheral venous blood culture in neonates with high risk factors to detect early onset neonatal sepsis: A study from tertiary care hospital of central India
Authors: Gagandeep Shukla  , Sunil Arya  , Prachi Goyal  , Urvashi Channa
Published: January 2025

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a prime cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Peripheral venous blood (PVB) culture is a gold standard for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Low sensitivity of blood culture in newborn is due to small volume of blood sample and antibiotics given before sampling.
Aims and Objectives: The study aims to compare and analyze the microbial spectrum in the Umbilical cord blood (UCB) culture with PVB culture and evaluation of both for detection of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in high risk neonates and to use appropriate microorganism specific antibiotic for treating the sepsis.
Materials and Methods: About 100 inborn neonates with two or more risk factors for EONS, chosen by sequential sampling method were included in this prospective analytical study. Blood samples were collected from umbilical cord and peripheral vein for culture. Sepsis screen was done to substantiate the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Results: Out of 100 neonates, 21 belongs to sepsis; 14 to probable sepsis; 65 to no sepsis. Among these 27 had UCB culture & 24 had PVB culture +ve. Organisms grown on culture were Klebsiella(m/c isolate), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter, Coagulase-ve Staphylococcus (blood culture contaminant), Pseudomonas and Enterococcus.
Conclusion: UCB culture is simple and convenient method for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis as compared to PVB culture with Sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 93%. Organisms grown are comparable to PVB culture sample (Klebsiella - most common isolate).
Synthetic Biology: The New Era
Authors: Samudra Guha  , Joyeeta Talukdar  , Abhibrato Karmakar  , Sandeep Goswami  , Arun Kumar  , Ruby Dhar  , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: January 2025

Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline of science, at the intersection of biology, engineering, and chemistry that involves redesigning organisms to have new phenotypes and customized abilities. While synthetic biology seems to have originated from genetic engineering, over the years, it has matured as well as diverged from it. It involves not just the transfer of genes from one or cell to another creating some variants, it also involves the assembly of an altogether novel organism or cell created part by part by the assembly of individual components of the desired function in a logical fashion.  In this minireview, we will explore this new discipline and its possible applications and future promises to serve the humanity