Overcoming Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drug Resistance: Novel Medications and Repositioning Strategies

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, is a global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. This bacterium has earned a reputation as a formidable adversary due to its multidrug-resistant nature, allowing it to withstand many antibiotics. The development of this drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is attributed to innate and acquired mechanisms. In the past, rifampin was considered a potent medication for treating tuberculosis infections. However, the rapid development of resistance to this drug by the bacterium underscores the pressing need for new therapeutic agents. Fortunately, several other medications previously overlooked for tuberculosis treatment are already available in the market. Moreover, several innovative drugs are under clinical investigation, offering hope for more effective treatments. To enhance the effectiveness of these drugs, it is recommended that researchers concentrate on identifying unique target sites within the bacterium during the drug development process. This strategy could potentially circumvent the issues presented by Mycobacterium drug resistance. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics of novel drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also discusses potential medications being repositioned or sourced from novel origins. The ultimate objective of this review is to discover efficacious treatments for tuberculosis that can successfully tackle the hurdles posed by Mycobacterium drug resistance.

Protein Patterning on Microtextured Polymeric Nano-brush Templates Obtained By Nanosecond Fibre Laser

Micropatterned polymer brushes have attracted attention in several biomedical areas, i.e., tissue engineering, protein microarray, biosensors etc., for precise arrangement of biomolecules. Herein, we report a facile and scalable approach to create microtextured polymer brushes with the ability to generate different type of protein patterns. Nanosecond fibre laser was exploited to generate micropatterns on polyPEGMA (poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) brush modified Ti alloy substrate. Surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerisation was employed to grow PolyPEGMA brush (11-87 nm thick) on Ti alloy surface immobilized with initiator having an initiator density (σ*) of 1.5 initiators/nm² . Polymer brushes were then selectively laser ablated and their presence on non-textured area was confirmed by atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Spatial orientation of biomolecules was first achieved by non-specific protein adsorption on areas ablated by the laser, via physisorption. Further, patterned brushes of polyPEGMA were modified to activated ester that gave rise to protein conjugation specifically on non-laser ablated brush areas. Moreover, the laser ablated brush modified patterned template was also successfully utilized for generating alternate patterns of bacteria. This promising technique can be further extended to create interesting patterns of several biomolecules which are of great interest to biomedical research community. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Narrative-based misinformation in India about protection against Covid-19: Not just another "moo-point"

After India's first confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 appeared in late January 2020, misinformation surrounding the outbreak and "cures" for the virus spread across the nation through various platforms. Across the globe, social media applications like WhatsApp and Facebook have played a vital role in the advancement of misinformation; however, in India, the dissemination of inaccurate information has been particularly exacerbated by public figures advancing their conservative ideologies and bringing the "sacred" cow to centre stage. Several influential religious and political leaders were witnessed vehemently supporting their long-held narratives that cow excreta is a "proven" precautionary remedy against most diseases, including coronavirus. Hence, to debunk such claims, the authors, in this essay, first analyse media used to circulate unfounded information concerning coronavirus across the world, followed by citing India-specific events where customary beliefs of Hindus have now taken the form of practices which can worsen the spread, as such practices lack significant scientific backing. Finally, we discuss the impact of such misinformation on human rights, and how states and social media companies can combat the infodemic. Keywords: Coronavirus, cow products, human rights, social-media, misinformation.

A cadaveric study on the rate of strain-dependent behavior of human anterior cruciate ligament

Purpose: Failure of anterior cruciate ligament often occurs in young sports personnel hampering their career. Such ACL ruptures are quite prevalent in sports such as soccer during dynamic loading which occurs at more than one rate of loading. In this work, a structural constitutive equation has been used to predict the forces acting on ACL for different rates of loading. Methods: Ligaments with distal femur and proximal tibia were subjected to tensile loading to avoid crushing of tissue ends and slipping at higher rates of strain. Custom designed cylindrical grippers were fabricated to clamp the distal femur and proximal tibial bony sections. To estimate parameters for the model, eighteen fresh cadaveric femur-ACL-tibia complex (FATC) samples were experimented on by pure tensile loading at three orders of rates of strain viz., 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 s–1. The experimental force-elongation data was used to obtain parameters for De-Vita and Slaughter’s equation. The model was validated with additional tensile experiments. Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated failure stress, Young’s modulus and volumetric strain energy to vary significantly as a function of rate of strain. Midsection failure was observed only in samples tested at 0.03 s–1. Femoral or tibial insertion failure were observed in all other experiments irrespective of rate of strain. Conclusion: Human FATC samples were tensile tested to failure at three rates of strain using custom-designed cylindrical grippers. A structural model was used to model the data for the ACL behaviour in the linear region of loading to predict ligament behaviour during dynamic activities in live subjects.

A cadaveric study on the rate of strain-dependent behaviour of human anterior cruciate ligament

PURPOSE

Failure of anterior cruciate ligament often occurs in young sports personnel hampering their career. Such ACL ruptures are quite prevalent in sports such as soccer during dynamic loading which occurs at more than one rate of loading. In this work, a structural constitutive equation has been used to predict the forces acting on ACL for different rates of loading.

METHODS

Ligaments with distal femur and proximal tibia were subjected to tensile loading to avoid crushing of tissue ends and slipping at higher rates of strain. Custom designed cylindrical grippers were fabricated to clamp the distal femur and proximal tibial bony sections. To estimate parameters for the model, eighteen fresh cadaveric femur-ACL-tibia complex (FATC) samples were experimented on by pure tensile loading at three orders of rates of strain viz., 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 s^-1. The experimental force-elongation data was used to obtain parameters for De-Vita and Slaughter's equation. The model was validated with additional tensile experiments.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis demonstrated failure stress, Young's modulus and volumetric strain energy to vary significantly as a function of rate of strain. Midsection failure was observed only in samples tested at 0.03 s^-1. Femoral or tibial insertion failure were observed in all other experiments irrespective of rate of strain.

CONCLUSION

Human FATC samples were tensile tested to failure at three rates of strain using custom-designed cylindrical grippers. A structural model was used to model the data for the ACL behaviour in the linear region of loading to predict ligament behaviour during dynamic activities in live subjects.

Inhomogeneous superconductivity and quasilinear magnetoresistance at amorphous LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interfaces

We have studied the transport properties of LaTiO3/SrTiO3 (LTO/STO) heterostructures. In spite of 2D growth observed in reflection high energy electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the samples tend to amorphize. Still, we observe that the structures are conducting, and some of them exhibit high conductance and/or superconductivity. We established that conductivity arises mainly on the STO side of the interface, and shows all the signs of the two-dimensional electron gas usually observed at interfaces between STO and LTO or LaAlO3, including the presence of two electron bands and tunability with a gate voltage. Analysis of magnetoresistance (MR) and superconductivity indicates the presence of spatial fluctuations of the electronic properties in our samples. That can explain the observed quasilinear out-of-plane MR, as well as various features of the in-plane MR and the observed superconductivity.

Kicking off a Retropharyngeal Abscess

Aim Retropharyngeal abscesses (RPA) are deep neck space infections that can pose an immediate life-threatening emergency, such as airway obstruction. [1] Methods We describe an atypical presentation of RPA in a three year old girl who attended with a history of post-traumatic Neck pain. Results MB presented to the Emergency department with neck pain and reduced range of motion following a kick to the neck by a sibling. Examination was unremarkable. Cervical spine x-ray showed psuedosubluxation of C2/C3 with a concern regarding facet joint injury. Ultimately, MRI revealed a RPA, which was incised and drained, and the patient treated with antibiotics. MB did not have any classic symptoms and signs of RPA. The history was misleading the treating physicians, and hence a delay in diagnosis. Conclusion This case highlights an unusual presentation of a retropharyngeal abscess and reminds us that trauma can often be a red herring in a patient’s presentation.

Ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified

Ovarian steroid cell tumours are rare virilizing tumours. They are three types of tumours of ovary which are characterized by steroid cell proliferation : Leydig cell tumour, steroid cell tumour, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) and stromal luteoma. Here we present a case of 36 year old female, who presented with history of weight loss since last two and half months. There is history of amenorrhoea and hirsuitism. Her CA was 125: 11.4 IU/ml (0-35 U/mL). Blood Testosterone levels was elevated with value of 150 ng/ml (5.71-77 ng/ml). Serum Inhibin A, Inhibin B, FSH, LH and prolactin were within normal limits. The steroid cell tumour, NOS are mostly benign but few of them behave in malignant fashion. Hayes and Scully gave few histopathological features which favour malignant behavior. These tumours should be differentiated from leydig cell tumour by lack of cytoplasmic Reinkes' crystals as well as from other neoplasms like primary clear cell carcinoma, metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and adrenocortical tumour.

Introduction of an Oral Fluid Challenge Protocol in the Management of Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Regional Hospital Experience

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) remains the ideal first line therapy for acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Our aim was to assess the impact of introducing an Oral Fluid Challenge (OFC) protocol on outcomes such as intravenous fluid use and documentation in our institution. A single centre study with data collected retrospectively pre-implementation (April 2015) of the OFC protocol and post implementation (April 2016). Consecutive sampling of the first 55 patients presenting with GE like symptoms and underwent OFC were recruited. One hundred and ten patients were included in this study with 55 patients per cycle. The rates of IVF use decreased from 22% (12) in cycle one to 18% (10) in cycle two. There was an improvement in documentation by 26% (14) for level of dehydration and 52% (31) for OFC volume from cycle one to two. Overall, the addition of the OFC protocol to the management of patients with uncomplicated AGE would help streamline and improve care.

Disappearance of the hyperdense MCA sign after stroke thrombolysis: implications for prognosis and early patient selection for clot retrieval

Disappearance of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) following intravenous thrombolysis for ischaemic stroke is associated with improved outcome. Debate exists over which radiological thrombus characteristics can predict disappearance of the HMCAS after thrombolysis such as vessel attenuation or extent of thrombus length. Methods Ischaemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis from our hospital were entered into a European registry. Patient demographics, stroke severity pre- and 24 hours post-thrombolysis were recorded. Patients with HMCAS were identified from the registry using records from 2010-2013. Images from the pre and post-thrombolysis computed tomography scan were measured. Thrombus characteristics (length and attenuation), extent of ischaemic change and clinical outcome (stroke severity and 3 month survival) were compared between patients with and without HMCAS disappearance. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of HMCAS disappearance. Results HMCAS was present in 88/315 (28%) of thrombolysed ischaemic stroke patients. 36/88 (41%) of patients had thrombus disappearance 24 hours after thrombolysis. HMCAS disappearance was associated with reduced stroke severity, less radiological ischaemic change, and higher 3 month survival (87% vs 56%). Median thrombus length was shorter in the HMCAS disappearance group (11 vs 17 mm, p = 0.0004), but no significant difference in vessel attenuation was observed (48 vs 51 Hounsfield Units, p = 0.25). HMCAS disappearance occurred in 73% of cases where HMCAS length was > 10 mm, 38% when length was 10-20 mm, and 21% if < 20 mm. Thrombus length was the only independent predictor of HMCAS disappearance (odds ratio 0.90 per mm; 95% CI 0.84-0.96, p = 0.01). Conclusion Disappearance of HMCAS is associated with better clinical and radiological outcomes. A shorter thrombus is more likely to disappear postthrombolysis. The data highlight the limitation of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with longer hyperattenuated vessels, and the potential role for clot retrieval in such patients.

Air Transfer of Obstetric Emergencies to a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Aims: This study was performed to review the places, indications, maternal-perinatal outcomes requiring emergency air transfer to a tertiary level referral center.Methods: A hospital based descriptive study of one year duration, conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), over a period of twelve months. All the women who were air transferred for pregnancy complications were enrolled.Results: There were total 19 airlifted obstetric emergencies to TUTH over one year period:  majority (68%) from hilly areas and others (32%) from mountain region. Out of them, referred cases were 11 [district hospital (5), healthpost (4); Primary Health Center (PHC) (2)]; and rest were from home (8). Two cases were abortion related; septic abortion (1) and incomplete abortion (1). There were three antepartum cases: pregnancy with meningoencephalitis (1), eclampsia (1) and bleeding placenta previa (1); maximum, eleven intrapartum cases, obstructed labor (6),labor dystocia (3), breech in labor (1) and undelivered second twin (1). Rest three were postpartum cases, one each of eclampsia, puerperal sepsis and retained placenta. Maternal morbidities were one each case of uterine rupture, acute kidney injury, retained placenta with PPH and vesicovaginal fistula that developed in the case of shoulder dystocia. Maternal mortality occurred in 2 cases, first women with antepartum eclampsia who had intracerebral bleed and second was a case of pregnancy with meningoencephalitis who later developed brain death. Regarding perinatal outcome 12/14 (86%) had live birth and 2/14 (14%) had IUFD upon arrival.Conclusion: Air lift on personal expenditure, despite economic constraints has proven beneficial in our country’s context with difficult geographical terrain and inadequate health services, whereas anticipation of any critical condition right in the beginning and timely transfer however could have been more advantageous.

Inferior Outcomes on the Waiting List in Low-Volume Pediatric Heart Transplant Centers

Low case volume has been associated with poor outcomes in a wide spectrum of procedures. Our objective was to study the association of low case volume and worse outcomes in pediatric heart transplant centers, taking the novel approach of including waitlist outcomes in the analysis. We studied a cohort of 6482 candidates listed in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for pediatric heart transplantation between 2002 and 2014; 4665 (72%) of the candidates underwent transplantation. Candidates were divided into groups according to the average annual transplantation volume of the listing center during the study period: more than 10, six to 10, three to five, or fewer than three transplantations. We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for waitlist and posttransplantation mortality. Of the 6482 candidates, 24% were listed in low-volume centers (fewer than three annual transplantations). Of these listed candidates in low-volume centers, only 36% received a transplant versus 89% in high-volume centers (more than 10 annual transplantations) (p < 0.001). Listing at a low-volume center was the most significant risk factor for waitlist death (hazard ratio [HR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-5.7 in multivariate Cox regression and HR 5.6, CI 4.4-7.3 in multivariate competing risk regression) and was significant for posttransplantation death (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.0-1.6 in multivariate Cox regression). During the study period, one-fourth of pediatric transplant candidates were listed in low-volume transplant centers. These children had a limited transplantation rate and a much greater risk of dying while on the waitlist.

Changing trends in caesarean deliveries at a tertiary care Centra: a ten year appraisal

Introduction: Over the last few decades, the rise in the rates of Caesarean Sections (CS) has become a global phenomenon. The objective of this study was to follow the CS rates over the last 10 years and to compute the various indications of CS in an attempt to analyze the possible reasons for this changing trend in the institute.Methods: All deliveries that took place between April 13, 2004 to April 14, 2014 (Baisakh 2061 BS and Chaitra 2070 BS) in TUTH were retrospectively collected. Annual total number of deliveries, rates of CS, instrumental deliveries and Vaginal Birth after Caesarian Section (VBAC) along with indications for CS were computed and analyzed.Result: A total of 38,770 deliveries were conducted over ten years with 26,791 (69.10%) vaginal deliveries and 11,979 (24.80%) CS. There was a steep rise in the rates of CS from 21.04% in 2004 to 39.23% in 2014. Rates of instrumental deliveries and VBAC remained low at 0.86% to 3.35% and 0.15% to 0.7 % respectively. Fetal distress was the commonest indication of emergency CS while previous CS was the commonest indication for elective CS.Conclusion: Over the last decade, the global trend of rising CS rates was also found to be mirrored at TUTH. The causes for rise in CS  rates were- increased diagnosis of fetal distress and oligohydramnios, delivery of most breech by Caesarean sections, low rates of VBAC and instrumental deliveries, complicated referrals from all over the country and last but not the least,  threat of malpractice litigations.Journal of Society of Surgeons of NepalVol. 17, No. 2, 2014, Page: 7-11

u-PAR expression in cancer associated fibroblast: new acquisitions in multiple myeloma progression

Background

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy in which clonal plasma cells progressively expand within the bone marrow (BM) as effect of complex interactions with extracellular matrix and a number of microenvironmental cells. Among these, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) mediate crucial reciprocal signals with MM cells and are associated to aggressive disease and poor prognosis. A large body of evidence emphasizes the role of the urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its receptor u-PAR in potentiating the invasion capacity of tumor plasma cells, but little is known about their role in the biology of MM CAF. In this study, we investigated the u-PA/u-PAR axis in MM-associated fibroblasts and explore additional mechanisms of tumor/stroma interplay in MM progression.

Methods

CAF were purified from total BM stromal fraction of 64 patients including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, asymptomatic and symptomatic MM, as well as MM in post-treatment remission. Flow cytometry, Real Time PCR and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the u-PA/u-PAR system in relation to the level of activation of CAF at different stages of the disease. Moreover, proliferation and invasion assays coupled with silencing experiments were used to prove, at functional level, the function of u-PAR in CAF.

Results

We found higher activation level, along with increased expression of pro-invasive molecules, including u-PA, u-PAR and metalloproteinases, in CAF from patients with symptomatic MM compared to the others stages of the disease. Consistently, CAF from active MM as well as U266 cell line under the influence of medium conditioned by active MM CAF, display higher proliferative rate and invasion potential, which were significantly restrained by u-PAR gene expression inhibition.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the stimulation of u-PA/u-PAR system contributes to the activated phenotype and function of CAF during MM progression, providing a biological rationale for future targeted therapies against MM.

Pilot randomised trial of a brief intervention for comorbid substance misuse in psychiatric in-patient settings

OBJECTIVE

This proof of principle study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief motivational intervention, delivered in mental health in-patient settings, to improve engagement in treatment for drug and alcohol misuse.

METHOD

A randomised controlled trial using concealed randomisation, blind, independent assessment of outcome at 3 months. Participants were 59 new adult admissions, to six acute mental health hospital units in one UK mental health service, with schizophrenia related or bipolar disorder diagnoses, users of community mental health services and also misusing alcohol and/or drugs. Participants were randomised to Brief Integrated Motivational Intervention (BIMI) with Treatment As Usual (TAU), or TAU alone. The BIMI took place over a 2-week period and encouraged participants to explore substance use and its impact on mental health.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine in-patients (BIMI n = 30; TAU n = 29) were randomised, the BIMI was associated with a 63% relative odds increase in the primary outcome engagement in treatment [OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.01-2.65; P = 0.047)], at 3 months. Qualitative interviews with staff and participants indicated that the BIMI was both feasible and acceptable.

CONCLUSION

Mental health hospital admissions present an opportunity for brief motivational interventions focussed on substance misuse and can lead to improvements in engagement.

Pyoderma gangrenosum in a renal transplant recipient: A case report and review of literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by multiple cutaneous ulcers with mucopurulent or hemorrhagic exudate. This sterile neutrophilic dermatosis is known to occur in association with malignancy, infection, autoimmune disorders and drugs. Occurrence of PG in a renal transplant recipient, who is already on immunosuppressants, is rare. We hereby report a renal transplant recipient who developed PG 1-month after transplant and responded well to treatment with escalated dose of oral steroid.

Results of open and robot-assisted pancreatectomies with autologous islet transplantations: treating chronic pancreatitis and preventing surgically induced diabetes

For patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), standard surgical procedures (eg, partial or total resections, drainage procedures) are inadequate treatment options, because they do not confer pain relief and they leave patients prone to brittle diabetes and hypoglycemia. The combination of total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT), however, can create insulin-independent and pain-free states. At our center, from August 2009 through August 2013, 61 patients with CP underwent either open or robot-assisted TP-IAT. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The transplanted islet equivalents per body weight ranged from 10,000 to 17,770. In all, 19% of the patients became insulin independent (after a range of 1-24 months); 27% of patients required <10 units of insulin. Moreover, at 12 months after surgery, 71% of the patients were pain free and no longer required analgesics. Our metabolic outcomes could have been even better if most patients had been referred at an earlier disease stage; instead, ∼80% had already undergone surgical procedures, and 91% had abnormal results on preoperative continuous glucose monitoring tests. Only if patients with CP are referred early for a TP-IAT-rather than being subjected to additional inadequate endoscopic and surgical procedures-can insulin-independent and pain-free states be accomplished in most.

An Insight to Burn Related Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Pregnancy

Aims: The aim of this study is to study morbidity and mortality of burn cases during pregnancy and postpartum period. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from April 1998 to July 2014. The data were retrieved from the records in burn ward, intensive care unit and emergency unit. Pregnant women with burn were studied for the nature, degree and the percentage of burn in relation to pregnancy outcome and mortality. Results: There were 32 cases of burn patients with pregnancy. The most common source of burn was kerosene-induced flame (23) followed by domestic firewood (7), boiling water (1) and lightening (1).There were 25 cases of accidental burn and seven were suicidal burn. The age of the patients was ?19 years in 7, 20-24 in 13, 25-29 in 6 and 30-34 in 6 patients. Except for two cases of postpartum burn , all the others occurred during pregnancy between 6-40 gestational week{<12weeks =5, 13-27 weeks =10, 28-36 weeks=4, 37-42 weeks =6 and unknown =7}. There was only one cesarean and three vaginal births and most resulting in stillbirth owing to higher percentage of burn above second degrees. The percentage of burn was <30% in 13, 30- 39% in 3, 40-59 % in 6, 60-69% in 5 and 70-90% in 2 patients. There were nine mortality (28.1%) in women above 30% burn. Conclusions: The most common cause of burn in pregnancy was flame burn. Pregnant women need to be cautioned against flame burn and avoid using kerosene cooking stove to prevent themselves from burn, genuinely necessary steps to be propagated by all healthcare providers and also at the same time counseling against suicide to be done.  

Comparison of Oral Misoprostol with Intramuscular Oxytocin in the Active Management of Third Stage of Labour

Aims: This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of oral misoprostol 600 mcg with intramuscular oxytocin 10 IU in the active management of third stage of labour. Methods: This prospective comparative study was performed in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in the third stage of labour for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. One hundred and twenty women without risk of PPH were randomly allocated to receive either 600 mcg misoprostol orally (Group A) or 10 unit of oxytocin intramuscularly (Group B) within 1 minute of delivery. The efficacy and the safety of these two drugs were analyzed on the basis of percentages fall in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) level from before delivery to 8 completed hours after delivery, need for additional uterotonic agents, need for exploration and uterine evacuation, need for blood transfusion, duration of third stage of labour and the numbers of retained placenta and need for MRP. Results: Oral misoprostol was observed to be equally effective as intramuscular oxytocin in prevention of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). There was no statistical difference in the duration of third stage of labour, need for additional uterotonics, need for uterine exploration/evacuation and need for blood transfusion in the two groups. Conclusions: Routine use of oral misoprostol 600 mcg appears to be as effective as 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin in minimizing blood loss during the third stage of labour.

Survival Outcomes Following Pediatric Liver Transplantation (Pedi-SOFT) Score: A Novel Predictive Index

A prognostic index to predict survival after liver transplantation could address several clinical needs. Here, we devised a scoring system that predicts recipient survival after pediatric liver transplantation. We used univariate and multivariate analysis on 4565 pediatric liver transplant recipients data and identified independent recipient and donor risk factors for posttransplant mortality at 3 months. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing variables. We identified five factors as significant predictors of recipient mortality after pediatric liver transplantation: two previous transplants (OR 5.88, CI 2.88-12.01), one previous transplant (OR 2.54, CI 1.75-3.68), life support (OR 3.68, CI 2.39-5.67), renal insufficiency (OR 2.66, CI 1.84-3.84), recipient weight under 6 kilograms (OR 1.67, CI 1.12-2.36) and cadaveric technical variant allograft (OR 1.38, CI 1.03-1.83). The Survival Outcomes Following Pediatric Liver Transplant score assigns weighted risk points to each of these factors in a scoring system to predict 3-month recipient survival after liver transplantation with a C-statistic of 0.74. Although quite accurate when compared with other posttransplant survival models, we would not advocate individual clinical application of the index.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylated Epoxidized Flaxseed Oil for Biopolymeric Applications

In this study acrylated epoxidized flaxseed oil was synthesized and then characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Triglycerides are the main constituents of flaxseed oil and the carbon-carbon double bond is the reaction site for epoxidation. Flaxseed oil was epoxidized by adding formic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Acrylic acid was then added to produce acrylated epoxidized flaxseed oil (AEFO). The change in the structure of the fatty acids chain after the epoxidation and acrylation reactions was measured and characterized by Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR spectra of epoxidized flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil shows the disappearance of the =C–H (3012 cm−1) and C=C (1654 cm−1) peaks. The FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of AEFO since the presence of hydroxyl group (–OH) was shown by the peak at 3455 cm−1 and the acrylate group (–CH=CH2), which was indicated by the peaks at 1406, 984 and 812 cm−1. The changes in peaks of the 1H NMR spectra also confirmed the formation of AEFO. The number of acrylate groups/molecule of triglyceride was found to be 2.6 from 1H NMR spectra.

Obstetric Hysterectomy and Maternal Survival

Aims: This study was done to analyze the cases of obstetric hysterectomy and maternal complications and survival after that. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from the review of records   of the near miss, maternal mortality, cesarean audit and operation theater record of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu from 2057-2071 BS. Results: Fourteen maternal survival resulted following total of 19 obstetric hysterectomy, subtotal hysterectomy being the procedure of choice in 11 cases, emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) being performed in abundance (18/19) in comparison to an elective peripartum hysterectomy, which was undertaken in a single case of placenta percreta, and inclusive of latter were four cases of morbid placental adhesion, a placenta increta and two placenta accreta. Eight out of 19 cases had vaginal delivery and rest had cesarean section. Among seven cases of cesarean hysterectomy 3 were done for placenta previa with accreta one case each done for abruptio placentae  and placenta accreta and two cases were done for extra placental causes. Among four cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH), which were relaparotomy followed by hysterectomy, three cases were done for complication of cesarean section and one done for uterine atonicity. Four cases of spontaneous vaginal deliveries needed peripartum hysterectomy two of them were complicated by morbid placental adhesion placenta increta (1), placental percreta (1), two cases were vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Seven cases of uterine rupture had undergone peripartum hysterectomy.   Conclusions: Obstetric hysterectomy is a lifesaving surgical procedure for maternal survival whenever necessary and mandates a quick decision making process, however in consideration of younger age and low parity or nulliparity, the best obstetric governance and services must foresee not to let mothers meet such situation necessitating organ removal and to enjoy potential reproductive life cycle.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v9i2.11759    

A clinicopathological study of dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Background: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a form of abnormal uterine bleeding when there is absence of organic disease of the genital tract. The objective of this study was to find out the clinical and pathological aspect of women presenting with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted over a period of one year from April 14th 2010 to April 13th 2011 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Department of Pathology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A complete history, clinical examination, pelvic scan, hormonal status if required and endometrial biopsy were done to diagnose dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Results: A total of 120 cases were included. The age of the patients diagnosed dysfunctional uterine bleeding were ranging from 24 -63 years. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was most common in the age group 40-44 yrs (30%) followed by 45-49 yrs (27.5%). Menorrhagia (41.7%) was the most common presenting sign. Majority histopathology of endometrium revealed anovulatory pattern (61.7%) followed by ovulatory (38.3%). Of the cases with an anovulatory pattern 48.6% was proliferative endometrium, 33.8% disordered proliferative endometrium, 6.8%atrophic, 5.4% weakly proliferative and 2.7% each of simple hyperplasia without atypia and complex hyperplasia with atypia. All cases with ovulatory pattern showed secretory endometrium.Conclusion: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was the most common in the perimenopausal age group and chiefly in the form of an anovulatory endometrium. . Histopathological evaluation of endometrium helps exclude the local causes and establishes the diagnosis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, its types, and clinical correlation to histopathological findings and finally helps to determine the mode of management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i8.11500 Journal of Pathology of Nepal; Vol.4,No. 8 (2014) 635-638

Use of Misoprostol in the Management of Early Pregnancy Loss

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of Misoprostol administered vaginally to assist complete evacuation in early pregnancy losses (incomplete abortion, missed abortion and blighted ovum). Methods: It is a descriptive study conducted in the Department of Ob/Gyn and Emergency Department Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital. All women with clinical/USG diagnosis of incomplete abortion, missed abortion and blighted ovum ≤12 weeks POG either from last menstrual period (LMP) or USG were inserted tab. misoprostol 800 mcg in the posterior fornix. Same dose was repeated when the evacuation was incomplete on day 3 of follow-up. Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) was offered on day 14 if evacuation was incomplete or any complications like excessive bleeding/severe pain occurred during this period. Results: A hundred and thirty three women with incomplete/missed/blighted ovum were reported, of which 112 (84.3%) were analyzed as 21(15.7%) lost to follow up. Among the 112, 51 (45.5%) were incomplete abortion, 34(30.3%) blighted and 27 (24.1%) missed abortion. Complete evacuation was achieved in 98/112 (87.5%) cases [73 (65%) cases with single dose & 25(22.3%) with double doses]. Evacuation was failed in 14(12.5%) cases [incomplete abortion 6 (42%), blighted 7 (50%) & missed abortion 1 (7.1%)]. Failure for complete evacuation (n=14) related to gestational age: 10-12 weeks 9/14(64%), 7-9 weeks 5 (35%) and none in the ≤6 weeks. Although the plan was to evacuate on day 14 of follow-up for incomplete evacuation which was applicable only in 11(78.5%) cases, 3(21.5%) cases were surgically (MVA) treated beforehand (2 for excessive bleeding, 1 for severe pain). No severe complications and side effects requiring treatment were observed. Conclusions: Vaginal Misoprostol is proved to be effective and safe in cases of incomplete abortion, missed abortion and blighted ovum. In the cases that failed to achieve complete evacuation by medical means using misoprostol were subjected to surgical manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) on day 14 of follow-up. DOI: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v7i2.11133   Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 7 / No. 2 / Issue 14 / July-Dec, 2012 / 9-13

Health status and hypoglycaemia with insulin degludec versus insulin glargine: a 2-year trial in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes

Insulin degludec (IDeg) is a new basal insulin with an ultra-long and stable glucose-lowering effect. We compared once-daily IDeg and insulin glargine (IGlar), both in combination with metformin ± dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, in a 52-week, open-label, treat-to-target trial in patients with type 2 diabetes followed by a 52-week extension trial in which subjects [n = 725/1030 (70.4%)] maintained their initial randomised treatment. Health status was assessed at baseline and 105 weeks using the Short Form-36 (SF-36 v2) questionnaire. SF-36 scores were analysed (ITT population) using anova, with adjustments for covariates. At 105 weeks, the overall physical component score was significantly better with IDeg versus IGlar [treatment contrast (TC): 1.1 (0.1; 2.1)95% CI , p < 0.05]. This was largely because of significantly better physical functioning [TC: 1.1 (0.0; 2.3)95% CI , p < 0.05] and bodily pain sub-domain scores [TC: 1.5 (0.2; 2.9)95% CI , p < 0.05]. Improvements in health status with IDeg compared to IGlar were maintained after 2 years.

A comparison of adding liraglutide versus a single daily dose of insulin aspart to insulin degludec in subjects with type 2 diabetes (BEGIN: VICTOZA ADD-ON)

AIM

Two treatment strategies were compared in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on basal insulin requiring intensification: addition of once-daily (OD) liraglutide (Lira) or OD insulin aspart (IAsp) with largest meal.

METHODS

Subjects completing 104 weeks (52-week main trial BEGIN ONCE-LONG + 52-week extension) on insulin degludec (IDeg) OD + metformin with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% (≥53 mmol/mol) were randomized to IDeg+Lira [n = 88, mean HbA1c: 7.7% (61 mmol/mol)] or IDeg+IAsp (n = 89, mean HbA1c: 7.7%) for 26 weeks, continuing metformin. Subjects completing 104 weeks with HbA1c <7.0% continued IDeg + metformin in a third, non-randomized arm (n = 236).

RESULTS

IDeg+Lira reduced HbA1c (-0.74%-points) significantly more than IDeg+IAsp (-0.39%-points); estimated treatment difference (ETD) (IDeg+Lira-IDeg+IAsp) -0.32%-points (95% CI -0.53; -0.12); p = 0.0024. More IDeg+Lira (49.4%) than IDeg+IAsp (7.2%) subjects achieved HbA1c <7.0% without confirmed hypoglycaemia [plasma glucose <3.1 mmol/l (<56 mg/dl) or severe hypoglycaemia) and without weight gain; estimated odds ratio (IDeg+Lira/IDeg+IAsp) 13.79 (95% CI 5.24; 36.28); p < 0.0001. IDeg+Lira subjects had significantly less confirmed and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia, and significantly greater weight loss (-2.8 kg) versus IDeg+IAsp (+0.9 kg); ETD (IDeg+Lira-IDeg+IAsp) -3.75 kg (95% CI -4.70; -2.79); p < 0.0001. Other than more gastrointestinal side effects with IDeg+Lira, no safety differences occurred. Durability of IDeg was established in the non-randomized arm, as mean HbA1c remained <7.0% [mean 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at end-of-trial].

CONCLUSIONS

IDeg+Lira improved long-term glycaemic control, with weight loss and less hypoglycaemia versus adding a single daily dose of IAsp in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with IDeg + metformin.

Mechanisms involved in attenuated cardio-protective role of ischemic preconditioning in metabolic disorders

Myocardial infarction is a pathological state which occurs due to severe abrogation of the blood supply (ischemia) to a part of heart, which can cause myocardial damage. The short intermittent cycles of sub-lethal ischemia and reperfusion has shown to improve the tolerance of the myocardium against subsequent prolonged ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury, which is known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Although, IPC-induced cardioprotection is well demonstrated in various species, including human beings, accumulated evidence clearly suggests critical abrogation of the beneficial effects of IPC in diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. Various factors are involved in the attenuation of the cardioprotective effect of preconditioning, such as the reduced release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the over-expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), impairment of mito-KATP channels, the consequent opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), etc. In this review, we have critically discussed the various signaling pathways involved in abrogated preconditioning in chronic diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. We have also focused on the involvement of PTEN in abrogated preconditioning and the significance of PTEN inhibitors.

Comparison of insulin degludec with insulin glargine in insulin-naive subjects with Type 2 diabetes: a 2-year randomized, treat-to-target trial

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare long-term safety and efficacy of the basal insulin analogue degludec with glargine in insulin-naive subjects with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This open-label trial included a 52-week core period followed by a 52-week extension. Participants were randomized 3:1 to once-daily degludec or glargine, administered with metformin ± dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Basal insulin was titrated to target pre-breakfast plasma glucose 3.9-4.9 mmol/l.

RESULTS

At end of treatment (104 weeks), mean HbA1c reductions were similar for degludec and glargine; estimated treatment difference between degludec and glargine was 1 mmol/mol (95% CI -1 to 3) [0.07% (95% CI -0.07 to 0.22)], P = 0.339 in the extension trial set (degludec 551, glargine 174), comprising subjects who completed core trial and continued into the extension trial. Overall confirmed hypoglycaemia rates (1.72 vs. 2.05 episodes/patient-year), rates of adverse events possibly or probably related to trial product (0.19 events/patient-year), weight gain (2.7 vs. 2.4 kg) and mean daily insulin doses (0.63 U/kg) were similar between treatments in the safety analysis set (degludec 766, glargine 257) comprising all treated subjects. Rates of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia (0.27 vs. 0.46 episodes/patient-year; P = 0.002) and severe hypoglycaemia (0.006 vs. 0.021 episodes/patient-year, P = 0.023) were significantly lower with degludec for the safety analysis set (analysis based on intention-to-treat full analysis set comprising all randomized subjects).

CONCLUSIONS

In Type 2 diabetes, insulin degludec in combination with oral anti-diabetic drugs, safely and effectively improves long-term glycaemic control, with a significantly lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia as compared with glargine.