ICAM-1 levels in patients with covid-19 with diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective study in southeast asia

Serum BMP-2 and osteocalcin levels, and CT Hounsfield unit post hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with cleft lip and palate post alveolar bone graft: A case study

Background

This study investigated the levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osteocalcin, and 3D CT Hounsfield units following hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) undergoing alveolar bone grafts to provide a pilot evaluation of the role of HBOT in osteogenesis.

Methods

This prospective, quasi-experimental, pre-post-intervention study evaluated seven patients with CLP receiving HBOT after single-stage reconstructions with alveolar bone grafts. The outcomes included the serum levels of BMP-2 and osteocalcin and the 3D CT Hounsfield units obtained before and after the surgery, and after the five HBOT sessions, to a total of 12 measurements. The data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models using the intervention stage (pre-surgery, pre-HBOT, first to fifth HBOT sessions) as covariates and adjusting for several baseline factors.

Results

A significant difference was found in outcome measures across time (ANOVA p < 0.001 for BMP-2 and osteocalcin, p = 0.01 for Hounsfield units), with mean values appearing to steadily increase once HBOT began. Regression analyses indicated that the effect of HBOT was evident in serum osteocalcin after the 1st HBOT session (adjusted b = 1.32; 95% CI 0.39, 2.25) and in serum BMP-2 after the third session (adjusted b = 6.61; 95% CI 1.93, 11.28). After the fifth session, the HBOT effect was fairly pronounced on the two outcomes: the adjusted increase compared to the baseline was 28.06 ng/mL for BMP-2 and 6.27 ng/mL for osteocalcin. Our mixed-effect models also showed a post-HBOT increase in Hounsfield units.

Conclusion

We found an increase of BMP-2, osteocalcin, and Hounsfield units following the HBOT intervention. These may suggest an effect of HBOT on osteogenesis.

Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant isolated from Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Introduction

This study aimed to perform mutation and phylogenetic analyses of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variants and analyze the characteristic signs and symptoms of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant originated from Makassar during the Delta outbreak.Methods: We collected samples from patients who were infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between June and October 2021. We selected the Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-positive samples with a cycle threshold value of <30 for whole genome sequencing. Total viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from 34 PCR-positive nasopharyngeal swab samples, and whole genome sequencing was performed using the Oxford Nanopore GridlON sequencer. Phylogenetic and maximum clade credibility analyses were performed using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method.

Results

It was found that 33 patients were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in this cohort study, among whom 63.6% (21) patients were female. According to the clinical data, 24 (72.7%), 7 (21.2%), and 2 (6.1%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections. Phylogenetic analysis based on the spike and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes showed that the collected samples were clustered in the main lineage of B.1.617.2 (Delta variant). The Delta variants had a high frequency of distinct mutations in the spike protein region, including T19R (94.12%), L452R (88.23%), T478K (91.17%), D614G (97%), P681R (97%), and D950 N (97%). Other unique mutations found in a smaller frequency in our samples were present in the N-terminal domain, including A27T (2.94%) and A222V (14.70%), and in the receptor-binding domain, including Q414K (5.88%), G446V (2.94%), and T470 N (2.94%).

Conclusion

This study revealed the unique mutations in the S protein region of Delta variants. T19R, L452R, T478K/T478R, D614G, P681R, and D950 N were the most common substitutions in Makassar's Delta variant.

Factors Affecting Outcome in Diabetic Patients with COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease and often found as a comorbid in COVID-19. Poor glycemic control might play a role in worsening of clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients who lead to increase morbidity and mortality. AIM: We conducted a study to evaluate relationship between T2DM with or without macrovascular and microvascular complications and cigarette smoking habit with COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was conducted in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar from May 2020 to August 2020. COVID-19 status was obtained using real-time polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2, T2DM status was obtained using blood glucose or HbA1c, and other characteristic data were obtained. Mortality was the clinical outcome in our study. RESULTS: One hundred and six subjects data were enrolled. Most subjects were male (n = 55; 51.9%), and 55–65 year-old (n = 40; 37.7%). Eighty subjects were survived (75.5%) and 26 subjects did not survive (24.5%). Onset of T2DM ≥ 5 years had a higher mortality rate compared to onset < 5 years (34.9% vs. 17.5%; p = 0.041). Other factors such as gender, age, nutritional status, hypertension, heart disease, smoking habit, and HbA1c did not show significant difference in terms of mortality. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients with onset of T2DM for more than 5 years had a worse outcome compared to the onset of T2DM <5 years.

Full-genome sequencing and mutation analysis of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Introduction

A global surge in SARS-CoV-2 cases is occurring due to the emergence of new disease variants, and requires continuous adjustment of public health measures. This study aims to continuously monitor and mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 through genomic surveillance, to determine the emergence of variants and their impact on public health.

Methods

Data were collected from 50 full-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Mutation and phylogenetic analysis was performed of SARS-CoV-2 from Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis showed that two samples (4%) were of the B.1.319 lineage, while the others (96%) were of the B.1.466.2 lineage. Mutation analysis of the spike (S) protein region showed that the most common mutation was D614G (found in 100% of the sequenced isolates), followed by N439K (98%) and P681R (76%). Several mutations were also identified in other genomes with a high frequency, including P323L (nsp12), Q57H (ns3-orf3a), and T205I (nucleoprotein).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance to identify new viral mutations and variants with possible impacts on public health.

Emergency Operation in Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo and Hasanuddin University Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction : In December 2019, the world was shocked by a respiratory infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus which was later referred to as COVID-19. This virus is transmitted from human to human very quickly through droplets, aerosols, and direct contact with COVID-19 patients. One of the health services suspected of playing a role in the spread of this virus is surgery. Surgical procedures involve much medical personnel and direct contact withpatients causes surgery to be considered. In addition, surgery is also prone to causing nosocomial infections becausegenerally postoperative patients have an increased inflammatory process and decreased immune response. In contrast toelective surgery, emergency surgery has a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality than elective surgerybecause of the limited time to prepare and assess the patient. To find out the number of reactive and positive cases of COVID-19 after emergency surgery at our institution. Method : The type of research conducted is descriptive where this study uses secondary data in the form of medical records of postoperative emergency patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results : A total of 741 medical records were obtained, with 691 of them being COVID-19 negative and 50 being COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: We found 93.3% negative post-operative COVID-19 cases and 6.7% positive post-operative COVID-19 cases in patients underwent emergency surgery procedures.

Coagulation Profile and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral pneumonia infection that spreads rapidly globally (with a number of cases > 15,000,000 worldwide and mortality of ±4%) until it is designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the complications of COVID-19 is the incidence of coagulopathy and thromboembolism. The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, activates inflammatory and thrombotic processes. Coagulopathy and abnormal coagulation parameters are indicated among the most significant biomarkers of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is characterized by a decreased platelet count and the presence of a cytokine storm indicating an extreme hypercoagulable state. This study aims to determine the coagulation profile of moderate-severe patients and outcomes in COVID-19 patients Methods: The study was conducted in a hospital in Makassar: Infection Center RS. Wahidin Sudirohusodo. Medical Record Data for all inpatients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through the RT-PCR test taken from January 2021-August 2021.Statistical tests in the form of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess the Normality of the Data, Chi-Square test, and the calculation of the out ratio (OR) Mann-Whitney test, Independent T-Test. Multivariate analysis was carried out using a Multiple Logistic Regression-Backward Wald Method. The results of the statistical test were significant if the p-value <0.05.   Results: The research subjects were 231 patients with confirmed COVID-19. The mean PT, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen were higher in severe COVID-19 than moderate COVID-19 and had significant results. While PLT did not have significant results against moderate-severe COVID-19. The relationship between groups of coagulation marker variables was found to have a significant relationship with moderate to severe COVID-19. 4.     All coagulation markers were significantly related to the outcome (p<0.05). The mean value of each variable was found to be greater in patients with outcomes who died   Conclusion: There was an increase in all coagulation markers in moderate to severe COVID-19 except for PLT which was not significant. All coagulation markers are significantly related to outcome

Characteristics of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients Pre- and During COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt From a National Referral Hospital in Indonesia

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most terrifying diabetic complications for patients, due to the high mortality rate and risk for amputation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many diabetic patients limited their visits to the hospital, resulting in delays for treatment especially in emergency cases.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with DFU pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study using foot registry data. We compared our patients’ characteristics pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (1 March 2019-28 February 2020) and during COVID-19 pandemic period (1 March 2020-28 February 2021).

Results:

Cohorts of 84 and 71 patients with DFU pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic period, respectively, were included in this study. High infection grade (66.7% vs 83.1%, P = .032), osteomyelitis event (72.6% vs 87.3%, P = .04), leukocyte count (15 565.0/μL vs 20 280.0/μL, P = .002), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (7.7 vs 12.1, P = .008), waiting time-to-surgery (39.0 h vs 78.5 h, P = .034), and number of major amputation (20.2% vs 39.4%, P = .014) were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with DFU had more severe infection, higher proportion of osteomyelitis, longer waiting time for getting surgical intervention, and higher incidence of major amputation.