Frequency of Hyponatremia in Adults with Acute Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease. Bacterial meningitis patients are prone to develop acute hyponatremia. In the central nervous system infection hyponatremia could be due to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti Diuretic Hormone secretion. The frequency of hyponatremia in adults with acute bacterial meningitis patients was seen in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Internal Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from February 2016 to July 2016. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study by purposive sampling. Among 50 acute bacterial meningitis patients, 33 (66%) were diagnosed as hyponatremic state. The mean serum sodium level of 33 hyponatremic bacterial meningitis cases was 130.66±2.95 mmol/L. Most of the cases (78.79%) were mild hyponatremic state (130 mmol/L-135 mmol/L) whereas 18.18% were revealed as moderate hyponatremia (125 mmol/L-129 mmol/L). Only 3.03% of cases were presented as severe cases (≤124 mmol/L). The result revealed that a large number of patients with acute bacterial meningitis were suffering from hyponatremia and in the majority of cases were mildly hyponatremic.

Age, Gender, and Liver Enzyme Impact Hospital Stay in COVID-19 Minority Patient with Cancer in the USA: Does Race Matters in the Pandemic?

Patients with cancer are known to have a poor prognosis when infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed in this study to assess health outcomes in COVID-19 patients with different cancers in comparison to non-cancer COVID-19 patients from different centers in the United States (US). We evaluated medical records of 1,943 COVID-19 Cancer patients from 3 hospitals admitted between December 2019 to October 2021 and compared them with non-cancer COVID-19 patients. Among 1,943 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 18.7% (n=364) have an active or previous history of cancer. Among these 364 cancer patients, 222 were African Americans (61.7%) and 121 were Caucasians (33.2%). Cancer patients had significantly longer hospitalization compared to controls (8.24 vs 6.7 days). Overall, Lung cancer is associated with high mortality. Patients with a previous history of cancer were more prone to death (p=0.04) than active cancer patients. In univariate and multivariate analyses, predictors of death among cancer patients were male sex, older age, presence of dyspnea, elevated troponin, elevated AST (0.001) and ALT (0.05), low albumin (p=0.04) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.001). Patients with a previous history of cancer were more prone to death when compared to active cancer COVID-19 patients. Early recognition of cancer COVID-19 patients' death-associated risk factors can help determine appropriate treatment and management plans for better prognosis and outcome.

RNA- and ATAC-sequencing Reveals a Unique CD83+ Microglial Population Focally Depleted in Parkinson's Disease

All brain areas affected in Parkinson's disease (PD) show an abundance of microglia with an activated morphology together with increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that neuroinflammation may contribute to the neurodegenerative process in this common and incurable disorder. We applied a single nucleus RNA- and ATAC-sequencing approach using the 10x Genomics Chromium platform to postmortem PD samples to investigate microglial heterogeneity in PD. We created a multiomic dataset using substantia nigra (SN) tissues from 19 PD donors and 14 non-PD controls (NPCs), as well as three other brain regions from the PD donors which are differentially affected in this disease: the ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia inominata (SI), and hypothalamus (HypoTs). We identified thirteen microglial subpopulations within these tissues as well as a perivascular macrophage and a monocyte population, of which we characterized the transcriptional and chromatin repertoires. Using this data, we investigated whether these microglial subpopulations have any association with PD and whether they have regional specificity. We uncovered several changes in microglial subpopulations in PD, which appear to parallel the magnitude of neurodegeneration across these four selected brain regions. Specifically, we identified that inflammatory microglia in PD are more prevalent in the SN and differentially express PD-associated markers. Our analysis revealed the depletion of a CD83 and HIF1A- expressing microglial subpopulation, specifically in the SN in PD, that has a unique chromatin signature compared to other microglial subpopulations. Interestingly, this microglial subpopulation has regional specificity to the brainstem in non-disease tissues. Furthermore, it is highly enriched for transcripts of proteins involved in antigen presentation and heat-shock proteins, and its depletion in the PD SN may have implications for neuronal vulnerability in disease.

Vulnerable newborn types: analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 541 285 live births in 23 countries, 2000-2021

OBJECTIVE

To examine prevalence of novel newborn types among 541 285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021.

DESIGN

Descriptive multi-country secondary data analysis.

SETTING

Subnational, population-based birth cohort studies (n = 45) in 23 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) spanning 2000-2021.

POPULATION

Liveborn infants.

METHODS

Subnational, population-based studies with high-quality birth outcome data from LMICs were invited to join the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We defined distinct newborn types using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight, LBW [<2500 g], nonLBW) as ten types (using all three outcomes), six types (by excluding the birthweight categorisation), and four types (by collapsing the AGA and LGA categories). We defined small types as those with at least one classification of LBW, PT or SGA. We presented study characteristics, participant characteristics, data missingness, and prevalence of newborn types by region and study.

RESULTS

Among 541 285 live births, 476 939 (88.1%) had non-missing and plausible values for gestational age, birthweight and sex required to construct the newborn types. The median prevalences of ten types across studies were T+AGA+nonLBW (58.0%), T+LGA+nonLBW (3.3%), T+AGA+LBW (0.5%), T+SGA+nonLBW (14.2%), T+SGA+LBW (7.1%), PT+LGA+nonLBW (1.6%), PT+LGA+LBW (0.2%), PT+AGA+nonLBW (3.7%), PT+AGA+LBW (3.6%) and PT+SGA+LBW (1.0%). The median prevalence of small types (six types, 37.6%) varied across studies and within regions and was higher in Southern Asia (52.4%) than in Sub-Saharan Africa (34.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigation is needed to describe the mortality risks associated with newborn types and understand the implications of this framework for local targeting of interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs.

A comprehensive photovoltaic study on tungsten disulfide (WS2) buffer layer based CdTe solar cell

Transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMCDs)-Tungsten disulfide (WS₂) exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties such as suitable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, good conductivity, high carrier mobility, etc. to be used as a photovoltaic material for thin-film solar cells. In the present work, we have replaced the traditional buffer CdS and ITO/ZnO window layer in CdTe solar cells with the non-toxic, earth-abundant WS₂ buffer and SnO₂ window layer, respectively. The SCAPS-1D solar simulator is used to investigate the potentiality of WS₂ as buffer material in CdTe solar cells. This numerical study provides a comparison of the performances between the proposed structure: SnO₂/WS₂/CdTe/Au and the baseline structure: ITO/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Au. The impacts of the charge carrier generation rate, spectral response, current-voltage characteristics, bulk defect density, defect density at buffer/absorber interface, operating temperature, and capacitance-voltage characteristics on the solar cell performance parameters have also been analyzed. The tolerance level of defect density in WS₂ bulk and WS₂/CdTe interface are found to be 10¹⁷ cm^-3 and 10¹² cm^-3, respectively. The temperature study reveals the poor structural robustness and thermal stability of the proposed cell. The conversion efficiency of the proposed cell has found to be 20.55% at the optimized device structure. Nevertheles, these findings may provide an insight to fabricate viable, environment friendly, and inexpensive CdTe thin-film solar cells.

Impact of pre-existing vascular disease on clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment myocardial infarction: a nationwide cohort study

Aims

Little is known about the outcomes and processes of care of patients with non ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who present with “polyvascular” disease.

Methods

We analysed 287,279 NSTEMI patients using the Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP) registry. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analysed according to history of affected vascular bed; coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), with comparison to a historically disease-free control group; comprising 167,947 patients (59%). Further analyses compared cumulative number of affected beds with our control.

Results

After adjusting for demographics and management, vascular bed disease was associated with increased likelihood of MACE (CAD OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12, P=0.02) (CeVD OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12–1.27, P&lt;0.001) (PVD OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13–1.33, P&lt;0.001) and in-hospital mortality (CeVD OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.16–1.32, P&lt;0.001) (PVD OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.21–1.46, P&lt;0.001). Patients with no vascular disease were less likely to be discharged on statins (PVD 88%, CeVD 86%, CAD 90% and control 78%), and those with moderate (EF 30–49%) or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) (EF&lt;30%) were less likely to be discharged on ACE inhibitors (CAD 82%, CeVD 77%, PVD 77%, control 74%). Patients with polyvascular disease were less likely to be discharged on DAPT (PVD 78%, CeVD 77%, CAD 80%, control 87%).

Conclusion

Polyvascular disease patients had a higher adjusted incidence of in-hospital mortality and MACE. Patients with no history of vascular disease were less likely to receive statins or ACE inhibitors/ARBs, but more likely to receive DAPT.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Vascular access in complex high-risk but indicated percutaneous coronary interventions (CHiP) types, trends, and outcomes

Background

Radial access improves the safety of PCI; however, its role in Complex, High-risk but indicated Percutaneous coronary interventions (CHiP) remains poorly studied.

Objectives

To examine CHiP types, clinical and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes according to vascular access.

Methods

Data was obtained from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society. We compared the baseline characteristics of 125,662 CHiP procedures performed electively between 2006 and 2017 stratified by access site. Multivariate regression analyses was used to investigate the access site specific odds for in-hospital death, bleeding, and major cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE).

Results

Overall, 61,825 CHiP procedures (49.2%) were performed via transradial access (TRA) and 63,837 (50.8%) via trans-femoral access (TFA). TRA use increased over time (14.6% in 2006 to 78.4% in 2017). The patients who had PCI through TRA were older (Median age: TRA, 71.2 vs TFA, 70.2 years). Cardiovascular risks were more prevalent in the TRA than TFA (stroke: 5.3 vs 4.3%; hypertension: 67.4 vs 64.3%; peripheral vascular disease: 7.2 vs 6.7%; smoking: 9.6 vs 8.9% respectively; p&lt;0.001 for all). TRA patients had higher rates of multi-vessel PCI than TFA (two or more vessel PCI: 27.2 vs 24.2% respectively; p&lt;0.001) and longer lesions (median stent length: 24mm vs 23mm). TFA group had higher rates of diabetes (26.6 vs 25.8%), previous myocardial infarction (44.2 vs 40.2%), previous PCI (38.7 vs 37.1%), heart failure (10.3 vs 9.3%), respectively (p&lt;0.001 for all) suggesting operators' tendency to choose TFA in patients with greater cardiometabolic burden. TRA adoption was more prevalent in most CHiP types (elderly (54%), chronic renal failure (55.7%), poor LV function (51.4%), left main PCI (51.2%), treatment for severe vascular calcifications (53.1%)). Following adjustment for differences in clinical and procedural characteristics, TFA was independently associated with increased odds for mortality (aOR: 1.4 (1.1–1.8), p=0.004), bleeding (aOR: 2.9 (2.4–3.5), p&lt;0.001), and MACCE (aOR: 1.2 (1.1–1.3), p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

Over the 12 years, TRA has become the predominant access site used in CHiP PCI and is associated with significantly lower mortality, major bleeding and MACCE odds than TFA. Addressing the cardiometabolic burden-treatment paradox by preferentially selecting TRA as the baseline cardiovascular burden increases may potentially improve CHiP clinical outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): An unrestricted educational grant from Abbott supports Warkaa Shamkhani's salary. However, the company had no role in the study design, manuscript preparation, or access to the manuscript's contents before submission. The authors are solely responsible for this study design and conduct and all analysis, drafting, and editing of the manuscript and its final content.

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

Prevalence of intestinal nematodes infection in school children of urban areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan

Abstract Intestinal parasitism is the main cause of disease all over the world and described as a significant community health problem. The current study intended to find out the occurrence and identification of hazard factors linked with IPIs among 4-12 years aged shool-age children residing in Lower Dir district, Pakistan during 2019 - 2020. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a pre-arranged pre-tested survey. Anthropometric data and stool collection were done to obtain the findings. The direct wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods was used for stool examination. Data were investigated using the GraphPad Prism 5. A total of 400 children studied (mean age of 8.6±3.6 years) the total incidence rate for the intestinal parasitic disease was established to be 71.75%. Of the 400 children studied, the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to 71.75% Ascaris lumbricoides (33.1%), Trichuris trichiura (1.04%), E. vermicularis (1.39%), Hookworm (19.86%) were identified in children living in the study area. We concluded that there is a mass scale campaigns were required to generate alertness about health and sanitation in children and the need for the development of effective poverty control programs because deworming (killing of worm with drugs) alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Genetic variations and phylogenetic relationship of genus Uromastyx from Punjab Pakistan

During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan's reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

SP5.1.7 What did we miss? A 5 - year retrospective cohort study calculating the endoscopy miss rate for UGI cancers in a Scottish district general hospital

Aims

Despite the widespread use of endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers still present at an advanced stage. As survival is closely linked to stage and time of diagnosis, failure to detect subtle precancerous changes at endoscopy may compound poor prognoses. This study calculates the miss rate of UGI cancer over a 5-year period at a district general hospital.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with UGI cancer between January 2015 - December 2019 were identified from a prospectively collected cancer registry. Electronic health records and Unisoft GI reporting tool were used to identify patient demographics and previous UGI endoscopies. ‘Missed cancers’ were defined as patients who had a normal endoscopy within 3 years of their cancer diagnosis.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 72.2 years (age range 24 - 98, n = 408) with a male predominance of 2:1 (66.6% male vs 33.4% female) in keeping with UK statistics.

Within this 5 year study period, there were 22 missed cancers (5.4%, n = 408).

A year by year break down shows miss rate in 2015 of 3% ( 3,n=100), 2016 of 4.2% (5,n=120), 2017 5.5% (5,n=91), 2018 6.4% (6,n=94) and most recently in 2019 3.2% (3,n=94).

Conclusions

In 2014, a meta-analysis by S.Menon et al recorded a miss rate of 11.3%. More recently published UK studies report miss rates between 6% - 7.3%, more in keeping with our local rate of 5.4%. Further assessment is required to assess whether the 2017 BSG and AUGIS UGI endoscopy quality standard statement will improve this rate.

Association of quality indicators for acute myocardial infarction and mortality: feasibility and validation study using linked nationwide registry data

Background

Quality indicators (QIs) have been increasingly used as tools to assess and improve the quality of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it is not known if it is feasible to use the 2020 iteration of international AMI QIs using routinely collected data and, if so, whether higher performance is associated with improved outcomes.

Objective

To investigate if routine data are available to measure care quality against the 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) QIs for AMI, investigate whether higher performance is associated with reduced mortality, and to report quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Cohort study of linked data from the AMI and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) registries in England and Wales with outcome data from the Civil Registration of Deaths Register between 2017 and 2020 (representing 236 743 patients from 186 hospitals). Baseline ischaemic risk was estimated using the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. The likelihood of attainment for each QI based on GRACE risk was quantified using logistic regression and the association with mortality at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year and long-term (maximum 1243 days) was obtained from Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 26 QIs, 17 (65.3%) could be directly measured using nationwide registry data and were each inversely associated with risk-adjusted 1-year and long-term mortality. At 30 days, the measured QIs with exception of early invasive coronary angiography for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, were associated with improved survival, and the QIs that had the greatest magnitude for a reduction in mortality were the prescription of secondary prevention medications at discharge; hazard ratio 0.13 (95% CI 0.12–0.14) for statins, 0.16 (95% CI 0.15–0.18) for adequate P2Y12 inhibition, and 0.18 (95% CI 0.17–0.20) for dual antiplatelet therapy (Figure 1). The magnitude of association between the composite QI (CQI) and survival attenuated over time, with greater long-term survival gains observed for the high GRACE risk compared with low- and intermediate-risk (Figure 2). During the first UK lockdown there was an improvement in the attainment for 62.5% of the measured QIs compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic, with a higher attainment for the CQI (43.8% to 45.2%, odds ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10).

Conclusion

Care quality for AMI may be evaluated using routinely collected clinical data from the national registries, whereby higher performance is associated with reduced mortality. Such QIs will have a role in monitoring hospital care as demonstrated for COVID-19.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

1016 The Impact Of COVID-19 On Prostate Cancer: Is This the Calm Before the Storm?

Aim

Cancer treatment targets were halted in the COVID-era due to a major re-organisation of services and coincided with a drop in prostate cancer (PCa) referrals, investigations, and diagnoses. This study measures the impact of the pandemic on a PCa diagnostic pathway in a major cancer centre.

Method

Data was collected during the onset of COVID-19 (March to June 2020) and the same months in 2019 for urgent suspected prostate cancer (USPC) referrals. All referrals, PSA tests, multiparametric MRI's of prostate (mpMRI-P), and TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate (TBP) were recorded.

Results

USPC referrals reduced by 65% from a mean 315 referrals per month to 110 during the pandemic. During March-June 2019 a total of 10,404 PSA tests were conducted in the healthcare trust, which reduced by 39% during COVID-19. Multiparametric MRI of prostate was reduced by 45%. TRUS biopsies were down by 65%, from a mean of 31 to 11 biopsies per month, with only 3 biopsies being conducted in April 2020.

Conclusions

The reduction in PCa referrals and workload in our centre in the COVID-era has been significant. The uncertainty associated with such a drop in demand poses concerns for meeting future cancer targets when prostate cancer referrals return to baseline.

HDL associates with insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in South Asian families at risk of type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Dyslipidemia precedes type 2 diabetes (T2D) and worsens with increasing glucose intolerance. First degree relatives of T2D patients have an increased risk to develop dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the development of dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance in first-degree relatives of T2D patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting lipoprotein profiles were determined by density gradient ultracentrifugation in T2D patients and their first-degree relatives (42 Caucasians and 33 South Asians), and in 29 normoglycemic controls from non-T2D families. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and insulin disposition index (DI) were assessed by an extended, frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and fractional insulin synthesis rate (FSR) was measured by ¹³C-leucine enrichment in urinary C-peptide during the OGTT.

RESULTS

Of the first-degree relatives, 40, 16 and 19 had NGT, prediabetes and T2D, respectively. NGT family members had lower plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) (1.34 ± 0.07 vs 1.58 ± 0.06 mmol/L; p = 0.015), HDL₂-C (0.41 ± 0.05 vs 0.57 ± 0.05 mmol/L; p = 0.021) and HDL₃-C (0.62 ± 0.03 vs 0.72 ± 0.02 mmol/L; p = 0.043) than controls. HDL₂-C levels tended to decrease with increasing glucose intolerance state. In South Asians, buoyant LDL-C levels decreased with increasing glucose intolerance state (p = 0.006). In South Asian families, HDL-C correlated with both ISI and DI (β 0.42; p = 0.04 and β 0.53; p = 0.01, respectively), whereas HDL₂-C and HDL₃-C levels correlated with DI (β 0.64; p = 0.002 and β 0.57; p = 0.005, respectively). HDL₂-C and plasma triglyceride correlated with FSR (β 0.48; p = 0.033 and β -0.50; p = 0.029, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Low HDL₂-C and HDL₃-C levels are present in NGT first-degree relatives of T2D patients, and HDL₂-C tend to decrease further with increasing glucose intolerance. In South Asian families HDL₂-C and HDL₃-C levels linked predominantly to deteriorating beta cell function.

"Osteomyelitis of mandible"-a rare presentation of osteopetrosis

Osteopetrosis is a rare metabolic disease. Dental abnormalities may be attributed to the pathological changes in osteopetrosis. Patients with disease seem to be especially susceptible to osteomyelitis of mandible. A 9 yrs old girl presented with complaints of jaw swelling on left side with multiple discharging sinuses since last seven months. The radiograph of left mandible (oblique lateral view) showed periodontal involvement of associated molars with loss of lamina dura with small sequestrum with irregularity and erosions of the mandibular cortical margins. The patient was diagnosed as a case of osteopetrosis with superadded mandibular osteomyelitis.

Interspecific variations in external and internal egg quality among various captive avian species from Punjab, Pakistan

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p<0.05) variations were recorded in egg weight, egg length and egg width between ostrich, ducks, chicken, turkey and quail eggs. Significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight, egg length and egg width was observed for ostrich eggs while the same was lowest for grey francolin eggs. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) greater shape index and egg volume values were observed for ostrich eggs while lowest shape index values were recorded for turkey eggs and egg volume was lowest for grey francolin. Significantly, higher (p<0.05) values of egg density were noted for eggs of the quail and the same were lowest for ostrich eggs. Non-significant variations in egg density values were observed between eggs of the ducks, chicken, turkey and grey francolin. It has been concluded that the positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.

487 Reducing Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Radiation Exposure in Orthopaedic Theatres at A Trauma Centre

Introduction

Intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging in orthopaedic trauma surgery subject’s theatre staff and patients to increasing radiation exposure and its detrimental health effects. This audit cycle uses a target maximum for total number of intraoperative fluoroscopic images taken, as defined by recently published reference values, to reduce intraoperative radiation exposure.

Method

This is a two-phase audit cycle retrospectively reviewing all trauma operations over a 12-month period (456 cases) and a 10-month period (256 cases) after disseminating the target standards through posters and focused training. Audit standards describe target maximum total intraoperative images taken for 5 commonly performed procedures, applicable to 33% of total cases. Operative notes, total intraoperative image count and radiation dose report were reviewed through ORMIS and PACS.

Results

Audit standard compliance improved/remained at 100% in 4/5 of the investigated ‘common procedures’: from 2/5 procedures &lt;80% compliance and 1/5 procedures =100% compliance initially, to 0/5 procedures &lt;80% compliance and 2/5 procedures =100% compliance target upon re-audit. This translated to an improvement in mean radiation risk (DAP Gy.cm^2) in 3/4 common procedures (one exclusion due to dissimilar cohort characteristics).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates employing a target maximum total image count limit reduced radiation exposure in trauma theatres.

Particulate Emission Characteristics from Palm Fibre and Shell Combustion with Alumino-Silicate Based Additives

Malaysia is one of the largest palm oil producers in the world with a continuous increment in worldwide demand. The palm oil extraction process leaves palm fibre and shell (F&S) as waste. The palm F&S are biomass fuels that have been utilized in many palm oil mills to generate energy through the combustion process. The release of harmful particulates from the combustion process is the main concern in this research. A few studies had shown that the PM2.5 particulate matters cannot be filtered by the Air Pollution Control System (APCS); thus, it can pollute the environment. In this research, the utilization of additives inside biomass fuels is studied. The effect of additives towards the particulate size of the ashes and determination of the best additive are the two main objectives of this research. The proximate and ultimate analysis was done the determine the combustion profile of the samples. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was done to determine the size of particulates inside the ashes.

Verification and Validation of Digital Pathology (Whole Slide Imaging) for Primary Histopathological Diagnosis: All Wales Experience

Aims:

The study is aimed to verify Aperio AT2 scanner for reporting on the digital pathology platform (DP) and to validate the cohort of pathologists in the interpretation of DP for routine diagnostic histopathological services in Wales, United Kingdom.

Materials, Methods and Results:

This was a large multicenter study involving seven hospitals across Wales and unique with 22 (largest number) pathologists participating. 7491 slides from 3001 cases were scanned on Leica Aperio AT2 scanner and reported on digital workstations with Leica software of e-slide manager. A senior pathology fellow compared DP reports with authorized reports on glass slide (GS). A panel of expert pathologists reviewed the discrepant cases under multiheader microscope to establish ground truth. 2745 out of 3001 (91%) cases showed complete concordance between DP and GS reports. Two hundred and fifty-six cases showed discrepancies in diagnosis, of which 170 (5.6%) were deemed of no clinical significance by the review panel. There were 86 (2.9%) clinically significant discrepancies in the diagnosis between DP and GS. The concordance was raised to 97.1% after discounting clinically insignificant discrepancies. Ground truth lay with DP in 28 out of 86 clinically significant discrepancies and with GS in 58 cases. Sensitivity of DP was 98.07% (confidence interval [CI] 97.57–98.56%); for GS was 99.07% (CI 98.72–99.41%).

Conclusions:

We concluded that Leica Aperio AT2 scanner produces adequate quality of images for routine histopathologic diagnosis. Pathologists were able to diagnose in DP with good concordance as with GS.

Strengths and Limitations of this Study:

Strengths of this study – This was a prospective blind study. Different pathologists reported digital and glass arms at different times giving an ambience of real-time reporting. There was standardized use of software and hardware across Wales. A strong managerial support from efficiency through the technology group was a key factor for the implementation of the study.

Limitations:

This study did not include Cytopathology and in situ hybridization slides. Difficulty in achieving surgical pathology practise standardization across the whole country contributed to intra-observer variations.

Acute myocardial infarction in several mental illness: a nationwide analysis of prevalence, management strategies and outcomes

Background

Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, it is unclear whether SMI patients are just as likely to receive guideline-recommended therapy for AMI as those without mental illness.

Purpose

To examine national-level estimates of the prevalence, management strategies and in-hospital clinical outcomes of SMI patients presenting with AMI.

Methods

All AMI hospitalisations from the United States National Inpatient Sample were included, stratified by mental health status in to 5 groups: no-SMI, Schizophrenia, “Other non-organic psychoses” (ONOP), Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was performed to examine the association between SMI subtypes and receipt of invasive management and subsequent in-hospital clinical outcomes, expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Out of 6,968,777 AMI hospitalisations between 2004 and 2014, a total of 439,544 (6.5%) had an SMI diagnosis. The prevalence of SMI amongst the ACS population doubled over the study period (from 4.5% in 2004 to 9.5% in 2014), primarily due to an increase in Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder diagnoses. All SMI subtypes were less likely to receive coronary angiography and PCI, with the Schizophrenia group being at least odds of either procedure (aOR 0.46 95% CI 0.45, 0.48 and aOR 0.57 95% CI 0.55, 0.59, respectively). Although patients with Schizophrenia and ONOP experienced higher crude rates of in-hospital mortality and stroke compared to those without SMI, only Schizophrenia patients were associated with increased odds of mortality (aOR 1.10 95% CI 1.04, 1.16), while ONOP were the only group at increased odds of stroke (aOR 1.53 95% CI 1.42,1.65) following multivariate adjustment. Patients with ONOP were the only group associated with increased odds of in-hospital bleeding compared to those without SMI (aOR 1.11 95% CI 1.04,1.17).

Conclusion

Patients with SMI are less likely to receive invasive management for AMI, with women and schizophrenia diagnosis being the strongest predictors of conservative management. Schizophrenia and “other non-organic psychoses” are the only SMI subtypes associated with adverse clinical outcomes after AMI. A multidisciplinary approach between psychiatrists and cardiologists could improve outcomes of this high-risk population.

Odds of management and clinical outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Phenotypic Variation in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Age: A Multicentre Prospective Inception Cohort Study of the Canadian Children IBD Network

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] in Canada is among the highest worldwide, and age of onset may be decreasing. In a multicentre nationwide inception cohort study, we examined variation in phenotype of IBD throughout the paediatric age spectrum.

METHODS

Children aged ≥2 years [y] and <17y [A1 age at diagnosis], with new onset IBD, were systematically evaluated at sites of the Canadian Children IBD Network. Prospectively recorded phenotypic data were compared between age groups.

RESULTS

Among 1092 children (70% Caucasian; 64% Crohn's disease [CD], 36% ulcerative colitis/inflammatory bowel disease unclassified [UC/IBD-U]; median age 13 y, interquartile range [IQR] 11-15 y), 210 [19%] were diagnosed before the age of age 10 y [Paris A1a] and 43 [4%] before age 6 y (very-early-onset [VEO-IBD]). CD was less common in younger children [42%, 56%, 66%, respectively, of VEO-IBD, A1a; A1b]. Colon-only IBD [UC/IBDU or CD-colon] was present in 81% of VEO-IBD and 65% of A1a; ileal disease increased progressively, reaching plateau at age 10 y. CD location was ileocolonic [L3] in 53% overall. Ileitis [L1] increased with age [6% of VEO-IBD; 13% of A1a; 21% of A1b], as did stricturing/penetrating CD [4% of A1a; 11% of A1b]. At all ages UC was extensive [E3/E4] in >85%, and disease activity moderate to severe according to Physician's Global Assessment [PGA] and weighted Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index/Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index [wPCDAI/PUCAI] in >70%. Heights were modestly reduced in CD [mean height z score -0.30 ± 1.23], but normal in UC/IBD-U.

CONCLUSIONS

Paris classification of age at diagnosis is supported by age-related increases in ileal disease until age 10 years. Other phenotypic features, including severity, are similar across all ages. Linear growth is less impaired in CD than in historical cohorts, reflecting earlier diagnosis.

National Clinical Guidance for the Management of Cardiovascular Intervention in the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI)

Since the first recorded case of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh on 8th March 2020, COVID-19 has spread widely through different regions of the country, resulting in a necessity to re-evaluate the delivery of cardiovascular services, particularly procedures pertaining to interventional cardiology in resource-limited settings. Given its robust capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential of being a nosocomial source of infection, the disease has specific implications on healthcare systems and health care professionals faced with performing essential cardiac procedures in patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The limited resources in terms of cardiac catheterization laboratories that can be designated to treat only COVID positive patients are further compounded by the additional challenges of unavailability of widespread rapid testing on-site at tertiary cardiac hospitals in Bangladesh. This document prepared for our nation by the Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI) is intended to serve as a clinical practice guideline for cardiovascular health care professionals, with a focus on modifying standard practice of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure continuation of adequate and timely treatment of cardiovascular emergencies avoiding hospital-based transmission of SARS-COV-2 among healthcare professionals and the patients. This is an evolving document based on currently available global data and is tailored to healthcare systems in Bangladesh with particular focus on, but not limited to, invasive cardiology facilities (cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology & pacing labs). This guideline is limited to the provision of cardiovascular care, and it is expected that specific targeted pharmaco-therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 be prescribed as stipulated by the National Guidelines on Clinical Management of Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) published by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh.

Correction: Exome sequencing of Pakistani consanguineous families identifies 30 novel candidate genes for recessive intellectual disability

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P681Acute Myocardial Infarction in patients with Leukaemia: A national analysis of prevalence, predictors and outcomes in United States hospitalisations (2004 to 2014)

Background

Patients with leukaemia are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. There is limited outcomes data for patients with a history of leukaemia who present with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Purpose

To examine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with leukaemia presenting with AMI, and evaluate differences in clinical outcomes according to the subtype of leukaemia in comparison to patients without leukaemia.

Methods

We analysed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004–2014) for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI and concomitant leukaemia, and further stratified according to the subtype of leukaemia into 4 groups; AML; ALL; CML; and CLL. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify the association between leukaemia and major acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of mortality, stroke and cardiac complications) and bleeding.

Results

Out of 6,750,927 AMI admissions, a total of 21,694 patients had a leukaemia diagnosis. The leukaemia group experienced higher rates of MACCE (11.8% vs. 7.8%), mortality (10.3% vs. 5.8%) and bleeding (5.6% vs. 5.3%). Following adjustments, leukaemia was independently associated with increased odds of MACCE (OR 1.26 [1.20,1.31]) and mortality (OR 1.43 [1.37,1.50]) without an increased risk of bleeding (OR 0.86 [0.81,0.92]). Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was associated with approximately three-fold risk of MACCE (RR 2.81 [2.51, 3.13]) and a four-fold risk of mortality (RR 3.75 [3.34, 4.22]) (Figure 1). Patients with leukaemia were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (CA) (48.5% vs. 64.5%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (28.2% vs. 42.9%) compared to those without leukaemia.

Figure 1.Relative risk of adverse events

Conclusion

Patients with leukaemia, especially those with AML, are associated with poor clinical outcomes after AMI, and are less likely to receive CA and PCI compared to those without leukaemia. A multi-disciplinary approach between cardiologists and haematology oncologists may improve the outcomes of patients with leukaemia after AMI.

P3611The effect of concomitant AF on in-hospital clinical outcomes of NSTE-ACS related hospitalizations in the United States: an analysis of rates, trends and predictors from 2004 to 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Purpose

We sought to examine the rates, trends, and clinical outcomes of non-ST Elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) related hospitalisations in the United States in patients with AF compared to those with sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods

We analysed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2004 to 2014 for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of NSTEMI or UA, and further stratified the cohort on the basis of diagnoses into SR and AF groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the association between AF and MACCE (composite of mortality, stroke and cardiac complications), mortality, stroke, and bleeding.

Results

A total of 4,668,737 NSTE-ACS admissions were included in our analysis. The proportions of SR and AF groups were 82.4% (3,848,202) and 17.6% (820,535), respectively. The incidence of AF increased significantly over time from 16.5% in 2004 to 19.3% in 2014 (p<0.001). The AF group was at a greater risk of adverse outcomes with higher overall rates and adjusted relative risk of MACCE (12.9% vs. 5.3%; RR: 1.74 [1.72, 1.75]), mortality (6.5% vs. 3.3%. RR: 1.12 [1.11, 1.13]), stroke (2.7% vs. 1.5%; RR: 1.32 [1.30, 1.34]) and bleeding (14.7% vs. 8.8%; RR: 1.42 [1.41, 1.43]). The AF group was less likely to receive coronary angiography (47.1% vs. 58%) and PCI (18.7% vs. 32.6%) and more likely to undergo CABG (13.9% vs. 7.6%) in comparison to SR.

Figure 1. Crude rates of adverse events

Conclusion

The prevalence of concomitant Atrial Fibrillation amongst patients presenting with NSTE-ACS has increased over a decade. However, this high-risk group remains less likely to receive invasive coronary management for NSTE-ACS than patients with sinus rhythm, independent of their comorbidities, and are associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Genetic Alterations in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is rare but fatal thyroid cancer responsible for majority of thyroid cancer related mortality. ATC may originate de novo or from preexisting differentiated thyroid cancer. Complex interaction between different gene mutation has been suggested to be the main causative factor for origin of ATC in both pathways. Mostly affected pathways are MAP kinase and PI3CA kinase. Hence, we decided to study the frequent alterations in both the pathways in ATC patients.

METHODOLOGY

Clinico-pathological data of 34 ATC patients were collected retrospectively and Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks were taken out for genetic analysis. DNA and RANA were isolated from FFPE tissues. BRAF V600E mutations were screened by RFLP PCR method and confirmed by sequencing. RAS, PI3CA and p53 mutations were checked by sequencing. RET/PTC translocations were screened by Real Time PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients were studied: Mean age 58.6+ 11.6 years with F:M- 1.8:1, 60% had history of goiter. Most common presenting symptom was rapidly growing thyroid mass followed by dyspnea, dysphasia and hoarseness of voice. Extent of disease was local, locoregional and metastatic in 32%, 35% and 33% respectively. 57.6% were euthyroid, 20.5 % were hyperthyroid while functional status were not available in 11.7%. FNAC was suggestive of ATC only in 52.9% cases. 15 (44%) were operated. BRAF V600E mutations were observed in 10/34 (29.4%). Interestingly, all three ATC patients with DTC components had previous history of goiter with rapid increase in size and BRAF V600E mutation, while BRAF was positive only in 7/31 (22.5%) of patients with no DTC component. Mean survival of 3.5 months in BRAF positive cases in comparison to 5.5 months in BRAF negative ATC. RAS mutations were found to be positive in 5.8%, and none had RET-PTC/PI3CA mutations. P53 mutation was positive in 7 patients. 3 patients presented with history of rapid increase in size of previous goiter while rest 4 patients presented with rapidly increasing thyroid swelling of 1 to 3 months. At presentation 2 patients has disease localized to thyroid, 4 has loco-regional disease and one patient presented with metastasis. 5 out of these 7 patients were operated (Total thyroidectomy:3, thyroidectomy with neck dissection:2). Mean survival was 4 months (1-6 months).

CONCLUSION

BRAF V600E was the commonest mutation followed by p53 of the 5 genes tested and BRAF was more common in patients with previous history of longstanding goiter or differentiated thyroid cancer. This provides an indirect evidence of neoplastic transformation of PTC to ATC.

Gallbladder polypoid lesions are inaccurately reported and undermanaged: a retrospective study of the management of gallbladder polypoid lesions detected at ultrasound in symptomatic patients during a 36-month period

AIM

To investigate whether gallbladder polypoid lesions (GPL) are accurately reported and managed by radiologists, sonographers, general practitioners (GPs) and surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive abdominal ultrasound examinations indicating GPL in symptomatic patients performed during 2011-2013 were captured and analysed. The study comprised 244 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of the ultrasound reports retrieved, 238/244 reports (98%) erroneously described the polypoid lesions as polyps. One hundred and thirty-two of the 244 (54%) reports recommended follow-up, 5/244 (2%) recommended no follow-up, 35/244 (14%) deemed the findings insignificant, and 72/244 (30%) did not comment. Regarding GP referral, 57/184 (31%) patients were correctly referred to general surgeons, 20/184 (11%) to gastroenterologists, and 107/184 (58%) were not referred to secondary care. Forty-three of the 244 patients (18%) underwent cholecystectomy. Regarding subsequent biliary presentations, 63/244 patients (26%) presented at a later date with biliary symptoms; 13/63 (21%) of these eventually had cholecystectomies with 2/13 (15%) experiencing potentially life-threatening pancreatitis episodes. Regarding the surgical approach, differences were observed in the way individual surgeons managed polypoid lesions, with some veering towards cholecystectomy, others towards follow-up ultrasound, and some towards discharge.

CONCLUSION

GPL tend to be misreported by radiologists and sonographers, unappreciated by GPs, and variably managed by surgeons. These factors delay definitive therapy and seem to contribute to future biliary presentations. A fresh educational approach is required to raise awareness among radiologists, sonographers, and GPs regarding the clinical relevance and possible representations of GPL, and a uniform strategy is needed for managing GPL.

Critical care usage after major gastrointestinal and liver surgery: a prospective, multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.

RESULTS

Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P<0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

Defining metabolically healthy obesity in children: a scoping review

We conducted a scoping review to identify definitions of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), describe gaps in the literature, and establish a universal definition of MHO in children. We searched electronic databases from January 1980 to June 2017 and grey literature. Experimental, quasi-experimental, or observational studies were eligible for inclusion if they (i) included a definition of MHO that identified risk factors, cut-off values, and the number of criteria used to define MHO, and (ii) classified 2-18 year olds as overweight or obese. Two reviewers independently screened 1,711 papers for relevance and quality; we extracted data from 39 individual reports that met inclusion criteria. Most (31/39; 79%) definitions of MHO included an absence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Heterogeneity across MHO definitions, obesity criteria, and sample sizes/characteristics resulted in variable prevalence estimates (3-80%). Finally, we convened an international panel of 46 experts to complete a 4-round Delphi process to generate a consensus-based definition of MHO. Based on consensus (≥ 80% agreement), our definition of MHO included: high density lipoprotein-cholesterol > 40 mg/dl (or > 1.03 mmol/l), triglycerides ≤ 150 mg/dl (or ≤ 1.7 mmol/l), systolic and diastolic blood pressure ≤ 90th percentile, and a measure of glycemia. This definition of MHO holds potential universal value to enable comparisons between studies and inform clinical decision-making for children with obesity.

Mode of presentation and mortality amongst patients hospitalized with heart failure? A report from the First Euro Heart Failure Survey

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is heterogeneous in aetiology, pathophysiology, and presentation. Despite this diversity, clinical trials of patients hospitalized for HF deal with this problem as a single entity, which may be one reason for repeated failures.

METHODS

The first EuroHeart Failure Survey screened consecutive deaths and discharges of patients with suspected heart failure during 2000-2001. Patients were sorted into seven mutually exclusive hierarchical presentations: (1) with cardiac arrest/ventricular arrhythmia; (2) with acute coronary syndrome; (3) with rapid atrial fibrillation; (4) with acute breathlessness; (5) with other symptoms/signs such as peripheral oedema; (6) with stable symptoms; and (7) others in whom the contribution of HF to admission was not clear.

RESULTS

The 10,701 patients enrolled were classified into the above seven presentations as follows: 260 (2%), 560 (5%), 799 (8%), 2479 (24%), 1040 (10%), 703 (7%), and 4691 (45%) for which index-admission mortality was 26%, 20%, 10%, 8%, 6%, 6%, and 4%, respectively. Compared to those in group 7, the hazard ratios for death during the index admission were 4.9 (p ≤ 0.001), 4.0 (p < 0.001), 2.2 (p < 0.001), 2.1 (p < 0.001), 1.4 (p < 0.04) and 1.4 (p = 0.04), respectively. These differences were no longer statistically significant by 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

There is great diversity in the presentation of heart failure that is associated with very different short-term outcomes. Only a minority of hospitalizations associated with suspected heart failure are associated with acute breathlessness. This should be taken into account in the design of future clinical trials.

Biogenic fabrication and characterization of silver nanoparticles using aqueous-ethanolic extract of lichen (Usnea longissima) and their antimicrobial activity

Background

Biogenic fabrication of silver nanoparticles from naturally occurring biomaterials provides an alternative, eco-friendly and cost-effective means of obtaining nanoparticles. It is a favourite pursuit of all scientists and has gained popularity because it prevents the environment from pollution. Our main objective to take up this project is to fabricate silver nanoparticles from lichen, Usnea longissima and explore their properties. In the present study, we report a benign method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous-ethanolic extract of Usnea longissima and their characterization by ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Silver nanoparticles thus obtained were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria.

Results

Formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the appearance of an absorption band at 400 nm in the UV-vis spectrum of the colloidal solution containing both the nanoparticles and U. longissima extract. Poly(ethylene glycol) coated silver nanoparticles showed additional absorption peaks at 424 and 450 nm. FTIR spectrum showed the involvement of amines, usnic acids, phenols, aldehydes and ketones in the reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Morphological studies showed three types of nanoparticles with an abundance of spherical shaped silver nanoparticles of 9.40–11.23 nm. Their average hydrodynamic diameter is 437.1 nm. Results of in vitro antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Corynebacterium xerosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (gram positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneuomoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative bacteria) showed that it was effective against tested bacterial strains. However, S. mutans, C. diphtheriae and P. aeruginosa were resistant to silver nanoparticles.

Conclusion

Lichens are rarely exploited for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. In the present work the lichen acts as reducing as well as capping agent. They can therefore, be used to synthesize metal nanoparticles and their size may be controlled by monitoring the concentration of extract and metal ions. Since they are antibacterial they may be used for the treatment of bacterial infections in man and animal. They can also be used in purification of water, in soaps and medicine. Their sustained release may be achieved by coating them with a suitable polymer. Silver nanoparticles fabricated from edible U. longissima are free from toxic chemicals and therefore they can be safely used in medicine and medical devices. These silver nanoparticles were stable for weeks therefore they can be stored for longer duration of time without decomposition.