The varied clinical and radiological manifestations of contrast-induced encephalopathy following coronary angiography

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare complication of imaging using ionidated contrast media. Its pathogenesis remains unknown, and its clinical presentation is variable. We present two cases of CIE following coronary angiography (CAG) that underscore the multitude of clinical manifestations and imaging findings associated with the disorder. In patients 1, CIE manifested during the CAG with agitation and decreased consciousness, followed by left hemiparesis and visual neglect. Native computed tomography (CT) of the head was unremarkable but CT perfusion (CTP) showed extensive hypoperfusion of the right hemisphere with corresponding slow-wave activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). These findings were more pronounced the next day. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed multiple small dot-like ischemic lesions across the brain. By day six she had fully recovered. Patient 2 developed transient expressive aphasia during the CAG followed by migraineous symptoms. Native head CT showed a large area of parenchymal edema, sulcal effacement and variable subarachnoid hyperdensity in the right hemisphere. He developed mild left side hemiparesis, spontaneous gaze deviation and inattention. Brain MRI showed small dot-like acute ischemic lesions across the brain. The next morning, he had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) after which native head CT was normal, but the EEG showed a post-ictal finding covering the right hemisphere. His hemiparesis resolved within two months. The diversity in clinical and radiographic presentations suggest that CIE involve many pathophysiological processes.

Legal framework in aid of biological diversity and statutory deficiencies in Pakistan

Abstract The traditional perception of mutual rights and obligations in the developing world was practically confined to human beings only. Fortunately, this conventional understanding is growing to include all living beings in the scope of certain basic rights. It is also addressing those creatures which are co-existing with human societies naturally or are associated for their subsistence and interdependence. It means that there should be prescribed body of rules and regulations to regulate human conduct in the society. In Pakistan social awakening for animal rights supported by international campaigns have urged state institutions to make adequate body of rules and regulations for protection of animal rights. Purpose of developing required understanding, at the first place is to clarify what is a right and what is an obligation? Secondly what should be the nature of these rights and obligations. Should these be only specific to human beings or there are other beings who also possess certain rights? If other living beings, species have rights, how these rights are to be conferred and regulated? Who is under obligation to provide these rights? Who is liable and responsible to ensure observance of such obligations? It is becoming clearer that like human beings’ animals do have certain rights as living beings. All most all religions of the world have prescribed certain rights to them which are encrypted in their holy books. Most of the people are aware of basic concept of observing mild and kind behavior towards pet animals only. Today we scientifically know that humanity and animals have co-existing inevitability. By observing mutual behavior and sensation, the world has provided special rights to the animals by making laws and Acts. Implementation of those rights can only be made through mutual understanding of the citizens under the supervision of law enforcing agencies. It is the responsibility of state and citizens of the states jointly to protect the animals when their rights are being violated.

Economic valuation of selected ecosystem services in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan

Abstract Payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a mechanism where a consumer is able and ready to pay for the protection of the precise ecosystem service and there must be a provider such as local societies receiving an economic resource, who in return, must have the ability to maintain that ecosystem service. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services. Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate tourism and carbon stock services of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan. Two forest zones (Chirpine and Scrub) of Islamabad capital territory (ICT) were selected for estimation of carbon stock and their carbon credits and carbon worth, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted for tourism as a payment for ecosystem services. The method for carbon stock assessment was systematic sampling for Chirpine forest whereas random sampling was done for scrub forest. The size of sampling plot was 17.84 m radius, and a total of 93 plots (49 Scrub zone and 44 Chirpine zone) was taken in the study area. The carbon stock of both zones (Chirpine and Scrub zone) is 22556.75 ton/ha (Chirpine 20105.79, Scrub 2450.96) and total carbon dioxide sequestered by both zone is 82557.72 ton/ha (Chirpine 73587.2, Scrub 8970.52), total carbon credits of both zone is 302160.87 (Chirpine 269328.97, Scrub 32831.9) and the carbon worth of both Chirpine and scrub zone is 4532418.92 $ (Chirpine 4039937.09$, Scrub 492481.83$). Similarly, from tourism point of view, in Shakar Parian, 94% tourists were agreed for PES whereas 6% were disagreed for the PES (the 6% tourist were disagreed to contribute for PES, 40% were agreed for Rs.5 contribution and 54% for Rs.10.). moreover, in Lake view Park, 97% tourists were agreed and 3% are disagreed (In Lake View Park 5% tourists were disagreed for the PES contribution whereas 32% were agreed for Rs.5 and 63% were for Rs.10). In Damen e Koh, around 87% tourist were agreed and 13% were disagreed, (24% were agreed for the contribution of Rs.5 and 63% tourists were agreed for the contribution of Rs.10). In Marghazar Zoo, 93% tourists were agreed (22% were agreed for contribution of Rs.5 and 71% tourist were agreed for contribution of Rs.10) and 7% are disagreed for PES whereas 7% tourists were not agreed for contribution. PES may implement to compensate forest and parks manager to ensure better management of the forests and parks. Due to prime location and scenic beauty of the ICT, it has huge potential for implementation of PES mechanism for sustainable forest management and conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that Capital Development Authority (CDA) Islamabad should devise a plan for implementation of PES in forests and parks of ICT for its sustainable management of recreational and forest resources.

Impact of estradiol, testosterone and their ratio on left and right auricular myofilament function in male and female patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

The impact of sex hormones on right and left auricular contractile apparatus function is largely unknown. We evaluated the impact of sex hormones on left and right heart contractility at the level of myocardial filaments harvested from left and right auricles during elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

150 patients (132 male; 18 female) were enrolled. Preoperative testosterone and estradiol levels were measured with Immunoassay. Calcium induced force measurements were performed with left- and right auricular myofilaments in a skinned fiber model. Correlation analysis was used for comparison of force values and levels of sex hormones and their ratio.

RESULTS

Low testosterone was associated with higher top force values in right-sided myofilaments but not in left-sided myofilaments for both sexes (p = 0.000 in males, p = 0.001 in females). Low estradiol levels were associated with higher top force values in right-sided myofilaments (p 0.000) in females and only borderline significantly associated with higher top force values in males (p 0.056). In females, low estradiol levels correlated with higher top force values in left sided myofilaments (p 0.000). In males, higher Estradiol/Testosterone ratio (E/T ratio) was only associated with higher top force values from right auricular myofilaments (p 0.04) In contrast, in females higher E/T ratio was associated with lower right auricular myofilament top force values (p 0.03) and higher top force values in left-sided myofilaments (p 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that patients' comorbidities influence left and right sided contractility and may blur results concerning influence of sex hormones if not eliminated. A sex hormone dependent influence is obvious with different effects on the left and right ventricle. The E/T ratio and its impact on myofilament top force showed divergent results between genders, and may partially explain gender differences in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Association of Chest Pain with Rate Pressure Product and ST-segment Changes after Sub Arachnoid Block in Caesarean Section

When healthy women undergo caesarean section (CS) under sub arachnoid anaesthesia, transient electrocardiographic changes, such as ST-segment depression and T-wave abnormalities, are observed. During an elective caesarean section under sub arachnoid anaesthesia, about one-third of healthy parturient experience chest pain and ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia. To assess the ST-segment and Rate Pressure Product changes with chest pain in patients with elective caesarean section under subarachnoid block. The Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh was the site of this prospective observational study. The study included 86 healthy women between the ages of 20 and 35 who needed an elective caesarean section under a single shot sub arachnoid block and who visited the Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care Medicine at BSMMU in Shahbagh, Dhaka from January 2019 to June 2019. In comparison to the no chest pain group, ST-segment changes among the chest pain group at delivery, 5 minute, 10 minute after delivery and at the end of the surgery were highly significant (p=0.001). Comparatively, Rate Pressure Product changes were found to be significantly higher in the group with chest pain than in the group without chest pain (p=0.001). It is concluded that there is a substantial association of chest pain with rate pressure product and ST-segment changes after subarachroid block in caesarean section.

Protocolized screening and detection of occult alcohol use before and after liver transplant: Lessons learned from a quality improvement initiative

INTRODUCTION

Detection of alcohol (ETOH) use with biomarkers provides an opportunity to intervene and treat patients with alcohol use disorder before and after liver transplant (LT). We describe our center's experience using urine ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and serum phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in alcohol screening protocols.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective review of patients presenting for LT evaluation, patients waitlisted for LT for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and patients who received a LT for ALD over a 12-month period, from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. Patients were followed from waitlisting to LT, or for up to 12 months post-LT. We monitored protocol adherence to screening for ETOH use- defined as completion of all possible tests over the follow-up period- at the initial LT visit, while on the LT waitlist and after LT.

RESULTS

During the study period, 227 patients were evaluated for LT (median age 57 years, 58% male, 78% white, 54.2% ALD). Thirty-one patients with ALD were placed on the waitlist, and 38 patients underwent LT for ALD during this time period. Protocolized adherence to screening for alcohol use was higher for PEth for all LT evaluation patients (191 [84.1%] vs. 146 [67%] eligible patients, p < .001), in patients with ALD waitlisted for LT (22 [71%] vs. 14 (48%] eligible patients, p = .04) and after LT for ALD, 20 (33 [86.8%] vs. 20 [52.6%] eligible patients, p < .01). Few patients with a positive test in any group completed chemical dependency treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

When screening for ETOH use in pre- and post-LT patients, protocol adherence is higher using PEth compared to EtG. While protocolized biomarker screening can detect recurrent ETOH use in this population, engagement of patients into chemical dependency treatment remains challenging.

Quantum dots decorated photoanodes in bioelectrochemical fuel cells: Enhanced electricity generation using green algae

The power performance of the bio-electrochemical fuel cells (BEFCs) depends mainly on the energy harvesting ability of the anode material. The anode materials with low bandgap energy and high electrochemical stability are highly desirable in the BEFCs. To address this issue, a novel anode is designed using indium tin oxide (ITO) modified by chromium oxide quantum dots (CQDs). The CQDs were synthesized using facile and advanced pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique. The combination of ITO and CQDs improved the optical properties of the photoanode by exhibiting a broad range of absorption in the visible to UV region. A systematic study has been performed to optimize the amount of CQDs and green Algae (Alg) film grown using the drop casting method. Chlorophyll (a, b, and total) content of algal cultures (with different concentrations) were optimized to investigate the power generation performance of each cell. The BEFC cell (ITO/Alg10/Cr3//Carbon) with optimized amounts of Alg and CQDs demonstrated enhanced photocurrent generation of 120 mA cm^-2 at a photo-generated potential of 24.6 V m^-2 . The same device exhibited a maximum power density of 7 W m^-2 under continuous light illumination. The device also maintained 98% of its initial performance after 30 repeated cycles of light on-off measurements.

In-hospital mortality risk stratification in children aged under 5 years with pneumonia with or without pulse oximetry: A secondary analysis of the Pneumonia REsearch Partnership to Assess WHO REcommendations (PREPARE) dataset

OBJECTIVES

We determined the pulse oximetry benefit in pediatric pneumonia mortality risk stratification and chest-indrawing pneumonia in-hospital mortality risk factors.

METHODS

We report the characteristics and in-hospital pneumonia-related mortality of children aged 2-59 months who were included in the Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations dataset. We developed multivariable logistic regression models of chest-indrawing pneumonia to identify mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 285,839 children, 164,244 (57.5%) from hospital-based studies were included. Pneumonia case fatality risk (CFR) without pulse oximetry measurement was higher than with measurement (5.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6-5.9% vs 2.1%, 95% CI 1.9-2.4%). One in five children with chest-indrawing pneumonia was hypoxemic (19.7%, 95% CI 19.0-20.4%), and the hypoxemic CFR was 10.3% (95% CI 9.1-11.5%). Other mortality risk factors were younger age (either 2-5 months [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9.94, 95% CI 6.67-14.84] or 6-11 months [aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.71-4.16]), moderate malnutrition (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.87-3.09), and female sex (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.43-2.32).

CONCLUSION

Children with a pulse oximetry measurement had a lower CFR. Many children hospitalized with chest-indrawing pneumonia were hypoxemic and one in 10 died. Young age and moderate malnutrition were risk factors for in-hospital chest-indrawing pneumonia-related mortality. Pulse oximetry should be integrated in pneumonia hospital care for children under 5 years.

Role of vanadium ions substitution on spinel MnCo2O4 towards enhanced electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation

Improving efficient electrocatalysts (ECs) for hydrogen generation through water splitting is of significant interest in tackling the upcoming energy crisis. Sustainable hydrogen generation is the primary prerequisite to realizing the future hydrogen economy. This work examines the electrocatalytic activity of hydrothermally prepared vanadium doped MnCo spinel oxide microspheres (MC), MnV_xCo_2-xO₄ (V_x-MnCo MC, where x ≤ 0.4) in the HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) process. Magnetization measurements demonstrated a paramagnetic (at high temperatures) to a ferrimagnetic (at low temperatures) transition below the Curie temperature (Tc) in all the samples. The magnetization is found to intensify with the rising vanadium content of MCs. The optimized catalyst V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) outperformed other prepared ECs with a Tafel slope of 84 mV/dec, a low onset potential of 78.9 mV, and a low overpotential of 85.9 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm², respectively. The significantly improved HER performance of hydrothermally synthesized V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) is principally attributable to many exposed active sites, accelerated electron transport at the EC/electrolyte interface, and remarkable electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ECSA) value was found ~ 11.4 cm². Moreover, the V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) electrode exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic stability after exposure to 1000 cyclic voltametric cycles and 36 h of chronoamperometric testing. Our results suggest a feasible route for developing earth-abundant transition metal oxide-based EC as a superior electrode for future water electrolysis applications.

A Challenging Case of Atypical Papillary Proliferation of Nipple with Loss of Myoepithelial Layer Cells; a Diagnostic Dilemma

Introduction/Objective

Papillary breast lesions are comprised of a broad spectrum of entities ranging from benign conditions like intraductal papilloma to invasive carcinoma. These lesions account for less than 3% percent of breast tumors and less than 2% of breast malignancies. The wide range and overlap in the clinical, imaging, and histologic characteristics of these lesions can often make them difficult to classify. Here we present a case of a challenging neoplastic nipple papillary lesion with a differential diagnosis ranging from nipple adenoma with atypia to papillary carcinoma.

Methods/Case Report

48-year-old female with history of left nipple mass for 6 months, presented to the emergency department with mild bleeding from the left nipple for two hours. Breast ultrasound showed a group of fine pleomorphic calcifications within a mass arising from the left nipple, highly concerning for Paget's disease. Histopathology revealed papillary proliferation of well-formed round structures within a variably fibrous/hemorrhagic stroma. The nodules exhibited papillary fronds with epithelial hyperplasia of monotonous low-grade cells, and scattered mitoses, forming relatively rigid/luminal structures with polarization. No desmoplasia or conventional infiltrative pattern was seen. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong expression for estrogen receptor (ER). Cytokeratin 5/6, p63 and calponin did not highlight the myoepithelial layer in the papillary elements or around the round structures. A diagnosis of atypical papillary proliferation was rendered to warrant an excision. Subsequently, the patient underwent total mastectomy, which revealed conventional invasive ductal carcinoma with lymphovascular space invasion.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

Atypical papillary lesions of the nipple are difficult to classify in a limited biopsy material. The loss of myoepithelial cell layer makes interpretation even more challenging. Extreme caution should be taken in assigning neoplastic nature to the lesions in biopsy which eventually guide the surgeon in making decision to preserve the nipple or not.

Dynamic right ventricular structural and functional changes in acute decompensated heart failure, new insights from serum sST2 and speckle-tracking echocardiography imaging

Background

Right ventricular (RV) mechanics are affected by volume/pressure overload in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) which can be detected using biomarkers and echocardiography. ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2) is a biomarker of myocardial fibrosis and remodeling, that has been studied in patients with ADHF. Although baseline serum soluble ST2 (sST2) values at ADHF admission have been proved to predict outcomes, serial measurements are even of greater value.

Purpose

To evaluate the right ventricular dynamic structural and functional changes in ADHF patients during hospitalization, using serum sST2 and speckle-tracking echocardiography imaging.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 61 ADHF patients with LV ejection fraction less than 50% and serum NT-proBNP more than 900 pg/ml. All patients received intravenous diuretics and did not require inotropic support during hospital stay. Blood samples were collected to measure serum sST2 levels on hospital admission and discharge. All patients underwent serial conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography on admission, at 48 hours and on hospital discharge. RV speckle tracking echocardiography analysis was done using 2D Cardiac Performance Analysis version 4.6.

Results

Serum sST2 had significant strong positive correlation with serum NT-proBNP on admission (r=0.84, P&lt;0.0001) and showed significant reduction from 2.47 (1.27–4.05) ng/ml on admission to 1.86 (1.06–3.24) ng/dl at hospital discharge (P&lt;0.0001) denoting successful decongestion. There was significant decrease in inferior vena cava diameter (P&lt;0.0001) and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (EPASP) (P=0.002) throughout hospital stay, however this was not associated with significant change in RV dimensions (P&gt;0.05) or contractility assessed by trans-annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (P=0.09) and S-wave velocity at lateral tricuspid annulus (P=0.9). There was significant improvement in RV free wall strain (RVFWS) (P=0.005) assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography which was mainly noticed after the first 48 hours till discharge, but RV 4-chamber strain (RV4CS) did not change significantly (P=0.06).

Conclusions

RVFWS assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography can detect improvement in RV systolic function not detected by other conventional echocardiographic parameters in ADHF patients. Improvement in RVFWS together with decline in serum sST2 levels can be used as marker of improved cardiac mechanics and successful decongestion.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

998 Improving Accuracy of Tumour Site Identification During Colonoscopy; a Retrospective Analysis

Aim

Colonoscopy is essential for accurate pre-operative colorectal tumour localisation. Due to variable colonic length and lack of internal landmarks, tumour site identification can be difficult, posing risks of inappropriate operations being offered. To avoid this, we must correctly identify the tumour site on endoscopy in &gt;95% of patients as per BSG guidelines. In 2019, accuracy levels compared to radiology and histology fell significantly short of this standard. We therefore made improvements to our endoscopy database and displayed relevant guidelines in endoscopy rooms. Here, we evaluate improvement in accuracy of endoscopic tumour localisation after implementation of these initiatives.

Method

Retrospective study of results of all colonoscopies (214) showing suspicious lesions at our trust in 2020, compared to results of counterpart radiology and histology tests, and audited against the BSG standard of &gt;95% accurate identification of tumour position by colonic segment.

Results

Accuracy of endoscopic tumour localisation was 92.2% and 92.3% compared to histology and radiology respectively. Although this does not meet the national standard of &gt;95%, it is a significant improvement from the year prior - 80.2% and 78.8% compared to histology and radiology respectively. The greatest degree of error appears in the rectum, often being confused with recto-sigmoid and sigmoid.

Conclusions

Guideline reminders and database improvements were crucial to increased accuracy. However, clearer definition of colonic territories is required to avoid confusion when attributing localisation. We recommend following the American guidelines in which the term ‘recto-sigmoid’ is abolished in favour of a boundary 15cm from the anal verge that represents the division between rectum and sigmoid.

Genome-Wide Scan for Parent-of-Origin Effects in a sub-Saharan African Cohort With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate (CL/P)

OBJECTIVE

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate (NSCL/P) have multifactorial etiology where genetic factors, gene-environment interactions, stochastic factors, gene-gene interactions, and parent-of-origin effects (POEs) play cardinal roles. POEs arise when the parental origin of alleles differentially impacts the phenotype of the offspring. The aim of this study was to identify POEs that can increase risk for NSCL/P in humans using a genome-wide dataset.

METHODS

The samples (174 case-parent trios from Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria) included in this study were from the African only genome wide association studies (GWAS) that was published in 2019. Genotyping of individual DNA using over 2 million multiethnic and African ancestry-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the Illumina Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array v2 15070954 A2 (genome build GRCh37/hg19) was done at the Center for Inherited Diseases Research. After quality control checks, PLINK was employed to carry out POE analysis employing the pooled subphenotypes of NSCL/P.

RESULTS

We observed possible hints of POEs at a cluster of genes at a 1 mega base pair window at the major histocompatibility complex class 1 locus on chromosome 6, as well as at other loci encompassing candidate genes such as ASB18, ANKEF1, AGAP1, GABRD, HHAT, CCT7, DNMT3A, EPHA7, FOXO3, lncRNAs, microRNA, antisense RNAs, ZNRD1, ZFAT, and ZBTB16.

CONCLUSION

Findings from our study suggest that some loci may increase the risk for NSCL/P through POEs. Additional studies are required to confirm these suggestive loci in NSCL/P etiology.

Admission Plasma Glucose as In-Hospital Outcome Predictor in First Attack of Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Non Diabetic Patient

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death and disability globally. The presentation of Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is heterogeneous, with different risk levels in terms of death, infarction and recurrence of infarction. Current evidence suggests that plasma glucose level or hyperglycemia is a mediator of worse prognosis of MI. The objective of the study was to correlate on admission plasma glucose level in non-diabetic patient with in-hospital outcome of patients after first attack of NSTEMI. This prospective analytical study was conducted among purposively selected 280 patients with NSTEMI admitted in coronary care unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of June 2016 to May 2017. Data were collected from the informant by face to face interview, clinical examination and investigations using a pretested semi-structured case record form. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Patients were categorized into two groups; Group A: NSTEMI with admission plasma glucose level below 7.8mmol/l, (n=150, Male-110, Female-40). Group B: NSTEMI with admission plasma glucose level ≥7.8mmol/l, (n=130, Male-95, Female-35). Group B (n=130) is divided into two subgroups. Subgroup-I: NSTEMI with Hyperglycemia (7.8-9.3mmol/l), n = 67 (male 44, female 23), Subgroup-II: NSTEMI with Hyperglycemia (≥9.4mmol/l), n = 63 (male 51, female 12). All Patients were non diabetic excluded by HbA₁c. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of Group B, Subgroup-II was significantly less than that of Subgroup-I (p<0.05). Correlation between LVEF levels and on admission plasma glucose level showed statistically significant moderate negative correlation, suggesting that the higher was the level of on admission plasma glucose level; the lower was the LV ejection fraction level in first attack of NSTEMI patients. Correlation coefficient between Troponin-I and plasma glucose level on admission of the study population (r=0.030) suggesting that the higher was the level of admission plasma glucose level the higher was the Troponin-I level in first attack of NSTEMI patients. The more was the plasma glucose level, less was LVEF, more was the heart failure and prolonged hospital stay. The study showed a strong predictor of adverse in-hospital outcome in the various levels of plasma glucose and NSTEMI. There was association between the concentration of the plasma glucose and the extent, severity of disease in the means of mean LVEF, the rate of heart failure and duration of hospital stay. The importance of this finding is even clear that RBS is a standard, valuable diagnostic tool for evaluation of severity and prediction of outcome of patients with NSTEMI.

Derivation and validation of a novel risk assessment tool to identify children aged 2–59 months at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality in 20 countries

Introduction

Existing risk assessment tools to identify children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality have shown suboptimal discriminatory value during external validation. Our objective was to derive and validate a novel risk assessment tool to identify children aged 2–59 months at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality across various settings.

Methods

We used primary, baseline, patient-level data from 11 studies, including children evaluated for pneumonia in 20 low-income and middle-income countries. Patients with complete data were included in a logistic regression model to assess the association of candidate variables with the outcome hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality. Adjusted log coefficients were calculated for each candidate variable and assigned weighted points to derive the Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations (PREPARE) risk assessment tool. We used bootstrapped selection with 200 repetitions to internally validate the PREPARE risk assessment tool.

Results

A total of 27 388 children were included in the analysis (mean age 14.0 months, pneumonia-related case fatality ratio 3.1%). The PREPARE risk assessment tool included patient age, sex, weight-for-age z-score, body temperature, respiratory rate, unconsciousness or decreased level of consciousness, convulsions, cyanosis and hypoxaemia at baseline. The PREPARE risk assessment tool had good discriminatory value when internally validated (area under the curve 0.83, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.84).

Conclusions

The PREPARE risk assessment tool had good discriminatory ability for identifying children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality in a large, geographically diverse dataset. After external validation, this tool may be implemented in various settings to identify children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality.

Clinical usefulness of anti-cell membrane DNA autoantibodies in serology negative systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis is dependent on the detection of serum autoantibodies. To date, there is no autoantibody highly sensitive and specific enough to be considered as a gold standard. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic usefulness of anti-cmDNA antibodies which found to be associated with SLE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples from 83 SLE, 86 other connective tissue diseases (OCTD) and 61 healthy subjects were randomly selected for the study. The OCTD cases included 56 rheumatoid arthritis, 12 scleroderma, 10 Sjogren's syndrome and 8 mixed connected tissue diseases. All samples were assayed for anti-cmDNA by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Raji cells as substrate. SLE samples were also tested for antidsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies using enzyme-immunoassays.

RESULTS

Anti-cmDNA positivity was highest in SLE (55.4%) compared to OCTD (9.3%) and healthy subjects (0%). It was 100% specific at differentiating SLE from healthy subjects and 90.7% specific at differentiating SLE from OCTD. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity (55.4%) of anti-cmDNA at differentiating SLE from OCTD and healthy groups. Anti-cmDNA was present in 52.9% of SLE samples negative for standard SLE-specific autoantibodies. It was detected in 7 (36.8%) of anti-dsDNA, 25 (52.1%) of anti-Sm and 5 (31.3%) of both anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA negative samples. Anti-cmDNA positive SLE was significantly associated with arthritis (p=0.019).

CONCLUSION

The high specificity of anticmDNA detection by IFA makes it an excellent diagnostic test for SLE. Anti-cmDNA is also useful for identifying SLE with negative anti-dsDNA or/and anti-Sm antibodies.

13 Risk Documentation in Consent Form of Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

Introduction

Inguinal hernia repair is amongst the most commonly performed general surgical operations. The high case load of groin repair in our hospital has the potential to have high risk of medical legal complications. The importance of discussing these potential complications with patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care, and clearly documenting them during the consent process, is clear.

Aim

We aimed to assess the quality and consistency of consent forms for open inguinal hernia repairs with emphasis on the risks being documented.

Objectives

Measure the compliance of Trust consent forms with (RCS) and British Hernia Society (BHS) 2016 guidelines and European Hernia Society (EHS) International guidelines for Groin Hernia Management (2019).

Method

Retrospective consent form analysis was carried out for all (38) open inguinal hernia repairs done during July-September 2020. The documentation of 13 pre-determined risks, was analysed, some specific to open inguinal hernia repairs, others general surgical complications.

Results

A total of 38 Trust consent forms were audited. Infection (100%) and bleeding (95%) were the most commonly documented risks. The documentation of chronic infection/abscess formation (5%), numbness (60%), testicular atrophy (31%) and scarring (34%) all increased compared to the two previous audit phases, the latter two significantly so. Unfortunately, many of the risks audited (8/13) showed a decrease in compliance with documentation with only two of the examined risks meeting the standard or ‘partially’ meeting it. Notably, recurrence and damage to other structures documentation dropped by over 10% (17% drop and 31% drop, respectively).

37 Risk Documentation in the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Consent Form

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common elective operations performed with a significant risk of complications. GMC guidance on consent clearly emphasises the process of informed consent and shared decision making. Failure to warn patients of a significant complication can lead to potential medico-legal implications. The effectiveness of the consent process is evidenced in fully completed consent form.

Aim

We aim to access the quality of the consent forms for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution with emphasis on the documented risks.

Objectives

Re-audit of quality of records of consent form documentation over one month period for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To measure the compliance of Trust consent forms with GMC guidelines.

Method

Consent forms for all elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures done between July and September 2020 were obtained and retrospectively analysed. The data was collected specifically from the consent forms. A total of 39 consent forms were audited.

Results

A total of 39 consent forms were audited. The majority of the consenting was done by registrars. As with the first phase, bleeding (100%), CBD injury (97.4%), bile leak (69.2%), infection (100%), damage to local structures (79.5%), VTE (94.9%) remained well documented in the written consent. Open conversion was present on 97.4% consent forms.

8 out of 16 risks audited showed a increase in compliance whereas 8 showed an decrease compared to the previous round of the audit phase. In particular, scarring, retained stones, pancreatitis, respiratory complications, diarrhoea, and cardiac complications showed a particularly low rate.

Conclusions

Risk documentation on the consent forms remains quite varied. Education combined with a standardised consent form and patient information leaflet will improve the overall quality of consent forms.

Differential time course of glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

INTRODUCTION

GSK-3 is an immune regulator that plays a role in the modulation of cytokine-producing effector T cells associated with inflammation and demyelination of the CNS in EAE.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment paradigm of a single dose of GSK-3 inhibitor administration at various time courses for the protection of the CNS from EAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of GSK-3 inhibition on intracellular cytokine levels were evaluated from in vitro naïve CD4+ T cell cultures. Immunized C57BL/6 female mice with MOG_35-55 in conjunction with CFA and Ptx were used as a chronic inflammatory EAE disease model. Tideglusib (NP12), a Thiadiazolidinone class, selective, and non-ATP competitive GSK-3 inhibitor, was injected intraperitoneally at pre-EAE, same-day of immunization or disease onset. After 30 days post-immunization, brain, and spinal cord tissues were collected for inflammation and demyelination analysis by H&E and luxol fast blue staining, respectively, whereas cytokine profiles of the serum were assessed by cytokine beads array.

RESULTS

The inhibition of GSK-3 in CD4+ T cells increased IL-10 production. The administration of Tideglusib during pre-EAE and same-day, but not during disease onset, significantly reduced clinical symptoms and delayed disease onset. Histopathological analysis of spinal cord tissues showed a significant decline in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration with a concomitant reduction in demyelination through the blocking of GSK-3, especially during pre-EAE and sameday. Upregulation of IL-10 via GSK-3 inhibition coincided with the downregulation of cytokineassociated effector T cells, including IFN-γ, IL-9, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-23. Increased IL-4 production, however, was only significant in the pre-EAE group.

CONCLUSION

The neuroprotective effects of Tideglusib against EAE are time-dependent. Downregulation of Th1 and Th17 hallmark cytokines by Tideglusib in EAE may be associated with IL-10 production.

Lightwave-driven scanning tunnelling spectroscopy of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons

Atomically precise electronics operating at optical frequencies require tools that can characterize them on their intrinsic length and time scales to guide device design. Lightwave-driven scanning tunnelling microscopy is a promising technique towards this purpose. It achieves simultaneous sub-ångström and sub-picosecond spatio-temporal resolution through ultrafast coherent control by single-cycle field transients that are coupled to the scanning probe tip from free space. Here, we utilize lightwave-driven terahertz scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy to investigate atomically precise seven-atom-wide armchair graphene nanoribbons on a gold surface at ultralow tip heights, unveiling highly localized wavefunctions that are inaccessible by conventional scanning tunnelling microscopy. Tomographic imaging of their electron densities reveals vertical decays that depend sensitively on wavefunction and lateral position. Lightwave-driven scanning tunnelling spectroscopy on the ångström scale paves the way for ultrafast measurements of wavefunction dynamics in atomically precise nanostructures and future optoelectronic devices based on locally tailored electronic properties.

P016 Updated Clinical Practice Guidelines for JIA management adopting Treat to Target approach: the Egyptian College of Paediatric Rheumatology initiative

Background

There is an unmet need from paediatric rheumatologists and rheumatologists, managing children with JIA, for a well formulated guidelines aiming at achieving better outcomes of their patients. To establish adequate and easily adopted guidelines in management of different variants of JIA in a relatively low resources country.

Method

This study was carried out to achieve an Egyptian expert consensus on a treat-to-target management strategy for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis using Delphi technique. The preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 17 key clinical questions according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) approach. An evidence-based, systematic, literature review was conducted to compile evidence for the benefits and harms associated with JIA treatments. The core leadership team identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in JIA management in Egypt upon which Experts were gathered from different governorates and health centres across Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (2-rounds) to reacha consensus on the management recommendations of Egyptian JIA patients. Results: An online questionnaire were sent to expert panel (n = 27), of whom 26 participated in the two rounds. At the end of round 2, a total of eighteen (18) recommendation items, categorized into 4 sections to address the main 4 JIA categories, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 83.2–100% (average 86.8%). Consensus was reached (i.e. ≥75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all the 18 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. Algorithms for the management of JIA polyarthritis, oligoarthritis and systemic JIA have been suggested.

Conclusion

A wide and representative panel of experts established a consensus regarding the management of JIA in Egypt. The developed guidelines provide a comprehensive approach to the management of JIA for ll Egyptian healthcare professionals who are involved in its management for follow up and frequent evaluation of these guidelines.

P050 Consensus based practice guidelines for the management and treatment of Juvenile familial Mediterranean fever: the Egyptian College of Paediatric Rheumatology initiative

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common monogenic auto-inflammatory disease, with the highest prevalence amongst Mediterranean countries including Egypt (where there is high carrier rate of MEFV gene), characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and polyserositis. Mutations in the MEFV gene encoding pyrin has been associated with the disease, which causes exaggeration of the inflammatory response through uncontrolled interleukin production. Issuing updated treatment recommendations are vital for the treating healthcare professionals to get well acquainted with its diagnosis & treatment. To produce consensus-based recommendations to guide the early diagnosis, management and follow-up of patients with FMF.

Methods

The Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) questions were developed and refined by the core team.

A qualitative synthesis of scientific evidence based on systematic review and clinical experience was conducted to compile evidence for the diagnosis and management of FMF.

A consensus process was conducted among the expert panel to generate the final recommendations and grade their strength.

3 rounds of Delphi process were carried out.

Results

Following 3 Delphi rounds, recommendations were developed for: early diagnosis, who to treat, treatment targets, genetic testing and its interpretation in association with clinical presentation, treatment of FMF and dealing with acute attacks, monitoring of management, identify treatment response, systemic affection, persistent attacks or inflammation, resistant cases, protracted symptoms, as well as remission status.

Algorithm for patients’ diagnosis and management is provided.

The final document comprises 12 recommendations, each presented with its degree of agreement (0–10), Level of agreement, grade of recommendation and rationale. The degree of agreement was &gt;7/10 in all instances.

Conclusion

This guideline provides comprehensive approach to the accurate diagnosis and effective management/monitoring of FMF. It also represents a model for the incorporation of medical genetics practice into the more traditional domains of general medicine.

Small Bowel Obstruction as a Rare Complication of Progressive Sclerosing Mesenteritis

Introduction/Objective

Sclerosing Mesenteritis is an uncommon, idiopathic, localized inflammatory syndrome involving the small intestine and colonic mesentery. It is considered a benign condition that commonly occurs in elderly with a gender predilection for males, and its etiology remains unknown. Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) is a rare, unexpected, but detrimental complication of progressive Sclerosing Mesenteritis. Herein, we present a case of an enlarging, progressive Sclerosing Mesenteritis with extensive involvement of the small bowel and mesentery requiring two consecutive major surgical interventions.

Methods/Case Report

A 72-year-old male with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and recent history of loop ileostomy due to distal intestinal obstruction secondary to enlarging Sclerosing Mesenteritis, presented to our institution with non-specific symptoms of worsening abdominal pain and multiple episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Radiographic investigation revealed SBO and he subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy resulting in total enterectomy with excision of mesenteric mass, extended right colectomy, Whipple procedure, and gastrostomy. The specimens were sent to pathology for histopathological evaluation and gross examination revealed several bosselated, tan-white, firm and rubbery, fibrotic lesions with associated lobulated fibroadipose tissue. Microscopic examination showed extensive mesenteric fibrosis with dense bundles of collagen fibers, areas of fat necrosis, mucosal ischemia and calcification involving the small bowel and serosal surface of large intestine and peritoneum. The lesional cells showed minimal atypia, mitoses, and lacked the Beta-catenin nuclear staining seen in mesenteric fibromatosis. Given the clinical history and histopathological findings of the lesion, we favored the diagnosis of Sclerosing Mesenteritis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

N/A

Conclusion

The etiology of Sclerosing Mesenteritis is not well-understood and there are cases of Sclerosing Mesenteritis reported in the literature in association with trauma, surgery, malignancy, and IgG4-related disease. Our patient’s post-operative history was complicated by short gut syndrome, and he is currently requiring small bowel transplant. We report this case for its unusual and aggressive clinical presentation, and to heighten clinical awareness for detrimental consequences of this seemingly benign condition.

Genome-wide Gene-by-Sex Interaction Studies Identify Novel Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts Risk Locus

Risk loci identified through genome-wide association studies have explained about 25% of the phenotypic variations in nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (nsOFCs) on the liability scale. Despite the notable sex differences in the incidences of the different cleft types, investigation of loci for sex-specific effects has been understudied. To explore the sex-specific effects in genetic etiology of nsOFCs, we conducted a genome-wide gene × sex (GxSex) interaction study in a sub-Saharan African orofacial cleft cohort. The sample included 1,019 nonsyndromic orofacial cleft cases (814 cleft lip with or without cleft palate and 205 cleft palate only) and 2,159 controls recruited from 3 sites (Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria). An additive logistic model was used to examine the joint effects of the genotype and GxSex interaction. Furthermore, we examined loci with suggestive significance (P < 1E-5) in the additive model for the effect of the GxSex interaction only. We identified a novel risk locus on chromosome 8p22 with genome-wide significant joint and GxSex interaction effects (rs2720555, p_2df = 1.16E-08, p_GxSex = 1.49E-09, odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.57). For males, the risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate at this locus decreases with additional copies of the minor allele (p < 0.0001, OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.74), but the effect is reversed for females (p = 0.0004, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.60). We replicated the female-specific effect of this locus in an independent cohort (p = 0.037, OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.65), but no significant effect was found for the males (p = 0.29, OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.14). This locus is in topologically associating domain with craniofacially expressed and enriched genes during embryonic development. Rare coding mutations of some of these genes were identified in nsOFC cohorts through whole exome sequencing analysis. Our study is additional proof that genome-wide GxSex interaction analysis provides an opportunity for novel findings of loci and genes that contribute to the risk of nsOFCs.

Serial measurement of global longitudinal strain among women with breast cancer treated with proton radiation therapy

Background

Conventional photon radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer is associated with reduction in global longitudinal strain (GLS), an increase in both troponin and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and incident heart failure. The cardiac radiation exposure with proton-RT is reduced and, thus may be associated with less cardiotoxicity.

Objectives

To test the effect of proton-RT on GLS, troponin and NT-proBNP.

Methods

A prospective observational single center study of 69 women being treated with proton-RT for breast cancer. Serial measurements of GLS, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-I (hs-cTnI), and NT-proBNP were performed at pre-specified intervals (pre proton-RT, 4 weeks after completion of proton-RT and again at 2 months post proton-RT).

Results

The mean age was 46±11 years, BMI was 25.6±5.2 kg/m2, 32% had hypertension and mean radiation dose to the heart and left ventricle (LV) were 0.44 Gy and 0.12 Gy respectively. There was no change in LV ejection fraction (pre proton-RT vs. 4-weeks post proton-RT vs. 2 months post proton-RT, 65±5 vs. 66±5 vs. 64±4%, p=0.15), global GLS (−21.7±2.7 vs. −22.7±2.3 vs. −22.8±2.1%, p=0.24) or segmental GLS from pre-to post proton-RT. Similarly, there was no change in hs-cTnI or NT-proBNP with proton-RT. However, post proton-RT, we found that patients with a history of hypertension had lower GLS when compared to women without hypertension (−21.3±3.5 vs. −24.0±2.4%, p=0.006).

Conclusion

Proton-RT did not impact LV function, or associate with an increase in biomarkers. These data support the potential cardiac benefits of proton-RT compared to conventional RT.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis is associated with a markedly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with ICI-associated myocarditis has not been well characterized.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and risk factors for severe VA in patients with ICI myocarditis.

Methods

The cohort consisted of 202 patients with ICI myocarditis. Ventricular arrhythmias were defined as a composite of sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to test the association between clinical variables and the development of VA.

Results

From a cohort of 202 patients with ICI myocarditis (67±13 years, 35% female, 60% hypertension, 23% diabetes mellitus), 41 (20.3%) developed VA, of which, 33 had VT and 8 had VF. The median time from admission to VF was 144 hours and to VT was 72 hours. A VA occurred in 17.5% of patients with a normal LVEF, and 25% of patients with reduced LVEF. On univariate analysis, a QRS duration &gt;110ms (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.16, P=0.005) and a QTc duration &gt;470ms were associated with an increased probability of VA (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.23, 5.41, P=0.012). The association remained significant after adjustment for age and gender. Additionally, a longer time from admission to initiation of corticosteroids was associated with a higher probability of VA (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13, P=0.027). The association between the time from admission to administration of corticosteroids and probability of VA remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, and LVEF on admission (OR, 1.06, 95% CI 1.00, 1.13, P=0.037) where each 6-hour delay in the initiation of corticosteroids was associated with a 4% increase in the risk for VA.

Conclusions

Ventricular arrhythmias are common in the setting of ICI myocarditis and are observed in patients presenting with both a preserved and a reduced LVEF. Wider QRS and longer QT at presentation and longer time from admission to initiation of corticosteroids were associated with an increased risk of VA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

1315 Improving Efficiency of I&D of Abscesses Pathway

Background

It is not always possible for patients with abscesses to undergo I&D under GA on day of attendance the majority of patients wait for a space to become available on CEPOD or asked to return the next day. In 2017 an abscess pathway was introduced in TWH to help streamline these patients. This was audited and found to improve wait times from 8hr23mins to 3hrs 59mins, with 78% of patient having their operation in &lt; 6hrs.

Method

Retrospective analysis of 3 months trial of the abscess pathway. (August - October 2019). Patients were identified by searching the Theatre Man theatre database for patients with codes relating to incision and drainage of abscess under the care of the Department of General Surgery. Data was collected on time referred to surgeons, time seen by surgeons, decision to admit/or ask to return and time sent for theatres. Additional information was collected on severity of symptoms and overnight stay in hospital

Results

Of those managed on the abscess pathway:78% received their surgery within 6 hours of arrival (25/32) - the other 7 patients had their operations later than 6 hours due to long CEPOD lists and multiple urgent operations at the same time. Average wait time from arrival in surgical assessment unit is to theatre is 4 hours 43 minutes. 32 patients were managed on the pathway, 29 had same day discharge. Two patients stayed overnight due to late time of operation (10 pm) and 1 patient was pyrexial post op

Association of Modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (MSOFA) Score and C-reactive protein (CRP) With the Outcome of Patients under Mechanical Ventilation

Different scoring systems has been discovered in medical practice, more specifically for ICU treatment, are designed to objectively quantify physiologic derangements and comorbid conditions for estimating mortality, length of stay and ICU resource use. This observational and descriptive study was carried out in the ICU, BSMMU, Dhaka, during March 2014 to May 2016, to determine the association of MSOFA score, CRP level with the outcome of patients on mechanical ventilation as well as compare the MSOFA and CRP combined with MSOFA alone. For this purpose, a total of 60 critically ill patients admitted in the above hospital were included in this study. Patients with an ICU stay of less than 48 hours, readmissions not considered, known case of neuromuscular disease, connective tissue disorder, renal disease and pregnancy and Patients refused to give written consent were excluded from the study. Patients who had MSOFA ≥7, their mean duration of ICU stay were 10.9±6.7 days and mean duration of mechanical ventilation 7.63±5.2 days. Patients who had CRP >11mg/L, their mean duration of ICU stay was 10.8±7.2 days and mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 7.35±5.1 days. Patients who had MSOFA score ≥7 and CRP ≥11mg/L with mean duration of ICU stay was 10.82±7.2 days and mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 7.12±5.2 days. 69.2% patients were CRP status positive (≥11) in death group and 33.3% had alive group. 92.3% patients were Positive (CRP ≥7 or MSOFA ≥11) in death group and 14.3% had alive group. MSOFA identified true positive 32 cases for death, false positive 5 cases, false negative 7 cases and true negative 16 cases confirmed by patient's outcome. CRP level identified true positive 27 cases for death, false positive 7 cases, false negative 12 cases and true negative 14 cases confirmed by patients outcome. Combined (CRP ≥11mg/L and MSOFA score ≥7) identified true positive 33 cases for death, false positive 1 case, false negative 6 cases and true negative 20 cases confirmed by patient's outcome. We concluded that there is a positive correlation (r=0.323; p=0.014) between CRP status with MSOFA score, positive correlation (r=0.402; p=0.002) between MSOFA score with MSOFA score and CRP combined and a positive correlation (r=0.999; p=0.001) between CRP level with MSOFA score and CRP combined.

Does tuberculosis screening improve individual outcomes? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

To determine if tuberculosis (TB) screening improves patient outcomes, we conducted two systematic reviews to investigate the effect of TB screening on diagnosis, treatment outcomes, deaths (clinical review assessing 23 outcome indicators); and patient costs (economic review).

METHODS

Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched between 1/1/1980-13/4/2020 (clinical review) and 1/1/2010-14/8/2020 (economic review). As studies were heterogeneous, data synthesis was narrative.

FINDINGS

Clinical review: of 27,270 articles, 18 (n=3 trials) were eligible. Nine involved general populations. Compared to passive case finding (PCF), studies showed lower smear grade (n=2/3) and time to diagnosis (n=2/3); higher pre-treatment losses to follow-up (screened 23% and 29% vs PCF 15% and 14%; n=2/2); and similar treatment success (range 68-81%; n=4) and case fatality (range 3-11%; n=5) in the screened group. Nine reported on risk groups. Compared to PCF, studies showed lower smear positivity among those culture-confirmed (n=3/4) and time to diagnosis (n=2/2); and similar (range 80-90%; n=2/2) treatment success in the screened group. Case fatality was lower in n=2/3 observational studies; both reported on established screening programmes. A neonatal trial and post-hoc analysis of a household contacts trial found screening was associated with lower all-cause mortality. Economic review: From 2841 articles, six observational studies were eligible. Total costs (n=6) and catastrophic cost prevalence (n=4; range screened 9-45% vs PCF 12-61%) was lower among those screened.

INTERPRETATION

We found very limited patient outcome data. Collecting and reporting this data must be prioritised to inform policy and practice.

FUNDING

WHO and EDCTP.

Three new species of Acanthocephala from Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from tinfoil barb fish, Barbonymus schwanenfeldii in Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, Malaysia

This study was carried out in order to identify acanthocephalan species complexes, based on morphological variability, infecting Barbonymus schwanenfeldii from Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, Malaysia. Acanthocephala were fixed in ethanol, stained with aceto-carmine and studied morphologically by using a light microscope. Variation in morphological traits such as proboscis, proboscis receptacle, egg, testes shape and location, number of hooks and cement gland has been traditionally used to diagnose the acanthocephalans species but the delimitations between closely related species are still confusing and are always questionable among taxonomists. Molecular analysis was used for support the identification. Morphological variability prospecting reveals the presence of three different new species complexes from the subgenus Acanthosentis by referring published taxonomic keys. These new species may be distinguished from the other 46 described species of Acanthosentis by having six unique structures: the presence of an anterior parareceptacle structure (PRS); vaginal sleeve structure; a paired lateral, cone-shaped, muscular jacket surrounding the vagina; alternating pattern and size of proboscis hooks, variation in proboscis size and shape; the presence of the circular collar ring around the neck between the proboscis and trunk and lastly the presence of a muscular-like structure attached to the collar ring on the proboscis. These acanthocephalans found in the intestine of B. schwanenfeldii in Kenyir Lake Malaysia represent new species, named Acanthogyrus ( Acanthosentis) kenyirensis n.sp., A. ( A.) terengganuensis n.sp. and A. ( A.) tembatensis n. sp.

Ovarian dynamics, hormone profiles, and characterization of ovarian and uterine blood flow in cycling Sahiwal cows

The objectives were to investigate the ovarian dynamics and hormonal profiles during the oestrus cycle, and to characterize the ovarian and uterine blood flow (OBF versus UBF) indices on the extent of vascular perfusion towards the dominant follicle (DF) or corpus luteum (CL) during the peri-ovulatory follicular wave in Sahiwal cows. In experiment 1, cyclic cows (n = 21) were selected at their spontaneous oestrus (day 0) and subjected to B-mode ultrasonography throughout the oestrus cycle. In experiment 2, cyclic cows (n = 9) were randomly selected at day 0, and categorized according to the intra-ovarian patterns as ovaries with DF (n = 3), CL (n = 3) or both (DF+CL; n = 3) to characterize the OBF and UBF indices using Doppler ultrasonography. The length of the oestrus cycle (days), number of follicular waves (n) and size (mm) of DF and CL were 20.1 ± 0.9, 2.1 ± 0.2, 14.7 ± 0.7 and 15.9 ± 2.5, respectively. The concentrations (ng/mL) of plasma progesterone increased linearly, and a peak was attained at day 12.2 ± 1.0. However, it reduced linearly with the onset of luteolysis at day 16.4 ± 0.3 of the oestrus cycle. The plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations and the diameter of CL correlated throughout the oestrus cycle. The mean OBF and UBF indices did not differ between intraovarian patterns. Taken together, this information on reproductive physiological parameters could be used to develop synchronization protocols to improve reproductive management in Sahiwal cows.