COVID-19 and environmental -weather markers: Unfolding baseline levels and veracity of linkages in tropical India

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is rapidly spreading across the globe due to its contagion nature. We hereby report the baseline permanent levels of two most toxic air pollutants in top ranked mega cities of India. This could be made possible for the first time due to the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown emission scenario. The study also unfolds the association of COVID-19 with different environmental and weather markers. Although there are numerous confounding factors for the pandemic, we find a strong association of COVID-19 mortality with baseline PM_2.5 levels (80% correlation) to which the population is chronically exposed and may be considered as one of the critical factors. The COVID-19 morbidity is found to be moderately anti-correlated with maximum temperature during the pandemic period (-56%). Findings although preliminary but provide a first line of information for epidemiologists and may be useful for the development of effective health risk management policies.

Diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF ultra for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in children: a prospective cohort study

The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra is a recent advancement in molecular diagnostics of tuberculosis (TB) with higher sensitivity compared to its predecessor, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Prospective studies evaluating the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in children with suspected TB are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in samples from 156 children, of which one was excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 155 samples, 6·5% (10/155), 21·3% (33/155), 20% (31/155) and 21·9% (34/155) were positive by smear examination, MGIT culture, Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, respectively. The Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra had a similar overall sensitivity of 81·8% (95% CI: 64·5-93) and 84·8% (95% CI: 68·1-94·9), respectively. In suspected pediatric TB patients, the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra had higher sensitivity compared to the Xpert MTB/RIF (72·7 vs 63·6). The AUC (area under the curve) of 0·905 for the Xpert MTB/RIF and 0·893 for the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra indicate similar and good overall performance. Both Xpert assays were found to be equally efficient, however Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra showed better detection rate in suspected TB cases.

Digital workflow for treating comminuted anterior mandibular fracture - A technical note

Comminuted mandibular fracture poses a surgical challenge. Extensive comminution and absence of reference adds complexity particularly in anterior region. In this technical note, we describe a novel application of virtual surgical planning combined with 3D printing which grants precise anatomic reduction in such cases. Computed Tomography data (mandible) of another patient of same age and sex was utilized to create reference model by virtual surgical planning. Virtually created model was 3D printed and utilized for precontouring the reconstruction plate which assisted in achieving satisfactory outcome.

Can costochondral grafts fulfil ramus-condyle unit reconstruction goals in children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis?

The purpose of this study was to analyse whether costochondral grafts (CCG) fulfil temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstructive goals in children with TMJ ankylosis. A total of 23 patients (12 male, 11 female, aged 3-16 years) with unilateral or bilateral TMJ ankylosis operated on between January 2014 to April 2018 were included in the study. Maximal incisal opening (MIO), frequency of reankylosis, and growth of CCG, were evaluated at one month and six months for one year, and after that once yearly. Mouth opening changes with time were assessed by the Friedman test and growth was compared at follow up and analysed using the paired t test. Mean (range) follow up was 18 (12-48) months. Study results revealed follow up MIO at 12 months was highly significant (p=0.001). Out of 27 CCG studied, only one graft had undergone re-ankylosis. Based on the predetermined criteria using condylion to gnathion (Co-Gn) measurement in the posteroanterior cephalogram, CCG were categorised into optimum, sub-optimum, and overgrowth. However, long-standing TMJ ankylosis cases still displayed mandibular asymmetry at the end of the study, even with "optimal growth" radiographically. Overall comparison between the immediate postoperative and last follow up Co-Gn measurements in either unilateral or bilateral cases was not significant. CCG with functional matrix maintained the growth of the mandible and MIO in TMJ ankylosis. It can be concluded that CCG partially fulfils reconstructive goals; however, patients need to be followed up till the end of puberty for a substantive conclusion.

Pembrolizumab and concurrent radiation is an effective regimen for muscle invasive bladder cancer

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Background: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin followed by radical cystectomy is the standard of care in muscle invasive bladder ca. Some patients, usually older patients or those with poor PS with bladder ca are either cisplatin in-eligble or medically unfit for radical cystectomy. We share our experience using a combination of Pembrozulimab and concurrent radiation in cisplatin in-eligible patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods: Patients with muscle invasive bladder ca underwent TURBT followed by treatment with Pembrolizumab 200 mg IV every three weeks for 4 cycles concurrent with radiation treatments. Radiation treatments were started 1 week after starting pembrolizumab. A total of 64-65 Gy was given to the bladder and pelvis. All patients underwent a cystoscopy to assess local response and imaging studies to rule out distant metastases. Results: Between June 2018 and October 2019, 9 patients with locally advanced, cT2-cT4 urothelial ca were treated. Male to female ratio 7 to 2. Median age was 76 years, range was 71-90. Reasons were not using cisplatin were, renal-insufficiency, 7 pts. and pt refusal in 2 pts. ECOG PS was 1 in 6 patients and 2 in 3 pts. All patients finished radiation treatments. All but one patient finished 4 cycles of pembrolizumab. One patient declined the last dose. Grade-3/4 I/O inhibitor AEs were seen in 2 patients, One had pneumonitis and other had elevation of LFTs. None of the patients was found to have distant mets on the scans done after 4 cycles of Pembrolizumab. A complete response, by cystoscopy (histology/cytology) was seen in 7/9 (77%) of the patients. The other 2 pts. with PR declined cystectomy and have continued on immunotherapy without any evidence of progression. Conclusions: A combination of Pembrolizumab concurrent with radiation treatments is an effective option and can be safely administered in cT2-T4 bladder cancer. It is an attractive option for cis-ineligible patients. The feasibility and efficacy of this combination needs to be further explored in larger studies

Loss of Her-2 expression after neo-adjuvant therapy with dual anti-Her-2 agents (Pertuzumab/Herceptin) with chemotherapy in locally advanced Her-2 positive breast cancer

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Background: Conversion of Her-2 positive to negative after neoadjuvant treatments in Her-2 positive breast cancer has been reported. In most of these reports either chemotherapy alone or in combination with a single Her-2 agent (trastuzumab) was utilized. Use of dual anti-Her-2 agents (Pertzummab/Trastuzumab) along with chemotherapy as the neoadjuvant treatment regimen in Her-2 + breast cancer is a standard of care now. We looked at the loss of Her-2 expression after neo-adjuvant regimen consisting of dual anti-Her-2 agents and chemotherapy in locally advanced Her-2 + breast cancer. Methods: We reviewed the records of Her-2 positive patients with T2 or higher or lymph Node+ Her-2 + breast treated at our institution. Patients who had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and dual anti-Her-2 agents, pertuzumab and Trastuzumab were identified for this study. Clinical and pathologic data was collected. Her-2 expression was determined by IHC and FISH. Results: Between Dec 2014 and June 2019, 79 patients for identified. Median age was 47 yrs, range 31-83 yrs. All were females except one. Pre-treatment, 74 pts. were 3 + on IHC and 5 pts. were 2+ on IHC, but positive by FISH. Median Her-2/CEP 17 copy number ratio was 6.2, range 3.6-16.7. Sixty patients were ER positive and 19 were ER negative. Pertuzumab+ TCH was the most common regimen used, 91% of the patients. All patients underwent surgery. Forty five out of 79 patients, 56%, had a pCR. Thirty four pts with residual disease were re-assessed for Her-2 expression. 7/32 (20.5%) patients were Her-2 negative. 6/7 pts. were 0/1+ by IHC and 1 pt. was 2+ by IHC but negative by FISH. Five out of seven pts. (71.5%) converting to Her-2 negative were ER negative at diagnosis and 2/7 (28.5%) converting to Her-2 negative were ER + at diagnosis. All patients converting to Her-2 negative had received Pertuzumab+TCH. Conclusions: Loss of Her-2 expression is observed after neoadjuvant treatments with a dual anti-Her-2 regimen along with chemotherapy. Implications of this change on choosing adjuvant treatments in Her-2 + pts who have had neo-adjuvant therapy and effect on recurrence/survival outcomes needs to be explored in larger studies.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Why every word counts: towards patient- and people-centered tuberculosis care

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern worldwide. To combat the global epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the End TB Strategy in 2016. This strategy advocates patient-centered care. The WHO considers 'patients' as 'people' with interests and needs beyond their illness. TB care models centered around people aim to connect affected persons to health services and give support throughout treatment. Nevertheless, studies have shown that patients continue to experience negative attitudes from providers. The disempowering language used to refer to people with TB often place limits on the care that they receive. Common terminologies applied to patients who interrupt treatment perpetuate the 'blame game'. It is a moral obligation of providers to give care free from prejudice and discrimination, as articulated in the Patient's Charter for Tuberculosis Care. Researchers too have a duty to address underlying system barriers to relieve the unfair burden placed on patients. Lessons learned from the compassionate care provided to people living with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome) offer opportunities to address treatment adherence challenges. People-centered and patient-centered TB programs are necessary to end the epidemic. It is essential that providers and researchers find creative solutions for engaging patients throughout the care continuum and address health system factors.

Loop mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal swabs among symptomatic women from North India

Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common curable sexually transmitted pathogens infecting both men and women worldwide. Unlike traditional methods such as microscopy and culture, nucleic acid amplification tests rapidly detect this agent, assisting in treatment. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and the Xpert TV assay were evaluated using 28 microscopy positive T. vaginalis samples and 125 microscopy negative samples from symptomatic females of reproductive age. The sensitivity of all tests was 100% and the specificity was 100%, 100%, and 99·2% for PCR, Xpert TV, and LAMP, respectively. The inter-rater reliability was excellent for PCR: Xpert TV (kappa-coefficient = 1) and good for LAMP assay: Xpert TV/PCR (kappa-coefficient = 0·98) and conventional PCR: LAMP (kappa-coefficient = 0·98). The study highlights the importance of PCR for screening T. vaginalis in women, particularly in laboratories where the Xpert-TV assay is not available or not affordable. The LAMP assay showed a lower positive predictive value which merits further evaluation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted pathogen associated with considerable morbidity and risk of complications. Due to the limitations of traditional diagnostic modalities, three molecular assays were compared: conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Xpert TV assay, and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detecting T. vaginalis in symptomatic females. All tests had a sensitivity of 100% and the inter-rater reliability was excellent for PCR: Xpert TV, and good for LAMP assay: Xpert TV/PCR. The translational impact of this study lies in the possible use of conventional PCR and LAMP in laboratories where the Xpert TV assay is not available or not affordable.