COVID
Jun 30, 2021
COVID-19.
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has spread worldwide and led to ongoing global concern. The pandemic prompted researchers to examine the impact of COVID-19 on human organs. The heart is one such organ. This study investigates the possible prediction of heart condition using some biochemical markers of particularly critically ill patients referred to an intensive care unit (ICU). Results of various serum biomarkers of patients infected with COVID-19 receiving treatment in the ICU, Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were extracted and compared with healthy individuals using the Mann–Whitney U test. The study showed a distinguished increase in total Serum creatine phosphokinase-Total (CPK-Total), Serum creatine phosphokinase-MP (CPK-MP) levels among COVID-19/ICU patients. But, this increase was not statistically significant. Besides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels revealed a statistically significant increase in the infected group compared with controls. Examination of electrolytes showed a reduction in calcium median value in COVID-19/ICU patients. Data revealed a possible influence of COVID-19 on the heart. Herein, we observe significant parameters that may reflect cardiovascular injury elicited by the virus. These biomarkers possibly used to monitor the severity of disease on the cardiovascular system.
COVID
Jun 30, 2021
COVID-19.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pandemic infection that emerged in December 2019 leading to an outbreak worldwide. We aimed to investigate the hematological parameters and coagulation profiles specifically for the referral of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of illness to determine a pathognomonic association of infection severity and the hematological markers. The pathognomonic markers could assist physicians in better management of the infection to reduce mortality and morbidity. Thirty patients infected with COVID-19 who were receiving treatment during November and October 2020, in the ICU at Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were recruited. The age of patients ranged between 30 and 90 years old. COVID-19 patients in the ICU displayed a statistical reduction in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HBG), and hematocrit (HCT). Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytopenia were significant in ICU COVID-19 patients. Hematological parameters and coagulation profiles may be used as signs to predict the severity of the coronavirus infection. COVID-19 cases in the ICU showed a dramatic change in hematological parameters and coagulation profiles, indicating that the virus may interfere with hemoglobin, platelet, and immune cell functions through either inhibition or stimulation, leading to severe complications.
Original Research Article
Apr 30, 2021
Orthopaedics.
Management of infected gap non-unions of long bones has always been a challenging undertaking. Issues like compromised vascularity of bone, poor soft tissue envelop, persistent infection along with bone gap makes treatment complex. Staged treatment with fibular graft is a promising method for bridging the gap in bone defects created by debridement and sequestrectomy. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the outcome of non-vascularized fibular strut grafting in the management of infected gap non-union of long bones in paediatric patients. The prospective study included patients ≤ 14 years, with an infected gap non-union of long bones due to haematogenous osteomyelitis. Non-unions due to trauma, tumour, or other causes were excluded. Pre-operative evaluation of the patient included age, sex, anatomic site, and size of the bone gap. Staged treatment protocol for adequate healing of the infection as well as non-union was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was bone healing which was defined as complete fracture union with fibular graft incorporation and hypertrophy. Secondary outcome measures were mal-union, delayed union, peri-implant fracture, and re-activation of infection. Nine patients underwent staged treatment for infected gap non-unions with a mean age of 5.78 years. The average size of the bone gap was 5.83 cm. The average time between stage I and II surgeries was 3.56 months. The mean follow-up was 32 months. The most common bone involved was the femur (n = 6). Successful eradication of infection and consequent healing of non-union occurred in 7 (77.8%) patients. Non-union was seen in two (22.2%) patients. Stable fixation of graft with plate resulted in better outcome. Average time of radiological union was 6.5 months (range 5 - 9 months). Hypertrophy of fibula was evident radiologically at one-year follow-up in all of the patients, except two with graft failure. Delayed union and reactivation of infection were seen in one patient each. Limb-length discrepancy (mean = 5.5 cm) was seen in all patients with lower-limb involvement. Regrowth of the fibula was seen in all patients, and no patient developed common peroneal palsy. The use of non-vascularized fibular graft as a staged procedure for the treatment of infected gap non-union in children is a promising technique, which brings forth predictable and reproducible outcomes in all hands without the need for any microsurgical expertise. In addition, it has a minimal complication rate. Finally, the role of stable fixation in graft incorporation warrants further study.
Case Report
Mar 31, 2021
Urethral Stricture.
Urethral calculi are uncommon diagnoses. Large urethral stones with peculiar shapes have been reported. Management of such large stones depends upon size, shape, position, and associated abnormality of the urethra. We present a case of dumbbell-shaped large calculus secondary to bulbar urethral stricture. The patient was managed with Suprapubic cystotomy, antibiotics. Retrograde-urethrogram and micturating cystourethrogram showed bulbar urethral stricture. Trans vesical removal of stone was attempted; however lower part of the calculus was impacted. Perineal retrieval of the calculus was done, followed by stage 1 urethroplasty with perineal urethrostomy. After three months, stage 2 urethroplasty was done.
Original Research Article
Feb 26, 2021
Overseas Medical Treatment.
More and more Sri Lankans reach for overseas medical treatment with the raising standards of living in the country. However, it is largely an unexplored area. Economic burden of overseas medical treatment is largely an out-of-the-pocket expenditure. Considering the economic burden and low health insurance penetration among Sri Lankans, healthcare decision-makers should explore the clinical dynamics of this subset of patients to improve the services within the country. The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and cost of medical treatment by medical travellers for treatment overseas. A descriptive study was carried out by a team of experts analyzing the data of estimated overseas medical expenditure recorded at the President Fund, a body established to assist Sri Lankans who need financial assistance for the said purpose. The team studied the deidentified databases for 2018 and 2019. Of the 60 patients studied, liver transplant, treatment for scoliosis, and bone marrow transplant topped the list by the number of cases and the estimated cost for the procedure overseas. Advance cancer treatment, cardiac surgery, and brain and spinal cord surgery also contributed significantly to the burden. Highest estimated unit cost per procedure has been recorded by the liver and bone marrow transplant surgeries. In conclusion, the healthcare decision-makers should liaise with relevant professional bodies to establish liver and bone marrow transplant services, advance brain and spinal cord surgery including treatment of scoliosis, and advance cancer treatment and cardiac surgeries. Considering the lack of data sources on the economic burden of overseas medical treatment, authorities should act promptly to capture nationwide details of this important group of patients.
Original Research Article
Jan 30, 2021
Injury Surveillance Systems in Hospitals.
Injury surveillance is of critical importance in health care. Quality and timely surveillance data are required to evaluate the success and cost- effectiveness of strategies for injury prevention and management. The study was conducted in a state hospital in Sri Lanka with the aim of assessing the in-patient data components of the injury surveillance system. Focus Group Discussions, Key informant interviews, and review of secondary data from Bed Head Tickets and filled Injury Surveillance Forms were carried out. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Coverage and timeliness of injury surveillance were not satisfactory and there were gaps in the process of surveillance including a lack of room for utilizing gathered data at the institutional level.
COVID
Jan 30, 2021
COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that rapidly developed into a pandemic status. This deemed a need for new strategies to carry out routine health care activities. The recent practices and adaptations of the system as a response to the pandemic status were called a new normal situation. The aim of the study was to describe principles for adaptation to a new normal context for health care settings in COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review of literature was conducted based on policy documents, guidelines, and public notices issued by the government and other key policymakers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Canada between June 15, 2020, and July 15, 2020, available on their government websites. The study revealed several principles, namely, enhanced surveillance, phasedown strategy for restoring routine services, vulnerability, dynamics of the service demand, new principles in human resource management, infection control measures, supply and usage of personal protective equipment, demand for intensive-care unit bed capacity, coordination and collaboration internally and externally, promotion and utility of remote care, ensuring equity, pre-hospital communication and assessment before reaching service facility, enhancing clinician participation in local-level decision-making, and risk assessments within all levels of service facility. The results of this study exposed new principles that facilitated managerial decision-making to the adaptation of new strategies. This new normal context created many challenges for resource management, which needed to consider dynamics of demand of services, prevention of spreading infections, and readiness for surge of cases while safeguarding quality and safety.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Hymenopteran Insect Pollinators.
Studies were undertaken on hymenopterans insect pollinators, visiting the crops of agricultural and horticultural importance in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir. A total of 12 species of insects belonging to order Hymenoptera comprising of 5 families i.e., Apidae (Apis cerana indica, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, Bombus haemorrhoidalis, Bombus lepidus, Ceratina hieroglyphica); Vaspidae (Vespa velutina, Vespa affinis, Polister wetti.); Formicidae (Camponotus sp.); Halictidae (Halictus sp.) and Xylocopidae (Xylocopa violacea) are recorded. The diagnostic features of these pollinating species are also incorporated.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Survival Of Adults And Development Of Eggs Of Estigmena chinensis Hope. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).
Estigmena chinensis Hope (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been recorded damaging green standing bamboos in natural stands and plantations. The borer damage is frequent in solid bamboos of small dimensions and solid parts or thick walls of large hollow bamboos. The effect of temperature and relative humidity on the development of eggs and survival of adults was studied in the laboratory. Results revealed that the population of bamboo borer E. chinensis is greatly affected by the variations in temperature and relative humidity. At 30°C temperature and 70% relative humidity mean longevity of males and females was 11.5±0.23 and 13.5±0.20 days respectively. The study also concluded that the development of eggs was most favorable at 30°C temperature and 70% relative humidity.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Growth And Yield Of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.)
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2013 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj to evaluate the response of row orientation, sowing time, and levels of zinc on growth and economics of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata). The experiment consisted of twelve treatments comprising of three-row orientations (control, East–West and North-South orientation of sowing), two dates of sowing (22nd October and 06th November) and two zinc levels (20 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha), which were laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The experimental findings reveal the highest plant height, number of leaves/plant, dry weight accumulation, and Crop Growth rate under the treatment T11 (East–West orientation of sowing on 22nd October and applied with 30 kg/ha of Zn/ha). Similarly, the highest number of cobs/plant, cob weight (g), number of grains/cob, and stover yield (t/ha) were recorded under the same treatment T11.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Consumption Pattern Of Fuelwood And Fodder.
Fuelwood and fodder consumption pattern was studied in natural resource-based three villages of Western Nayar Watershed at Pauri district of Uttarakhand, India. It was observed that Fuelwood collection in the villages started during October and finished by April end. Extensive Fuelwood collection and storage were in February, March, and April. The occasional collection was also found around the year except during rains. It was assumed that the inhabitants on average collect Fuelwood for about 180 days/year. The total green fodder consumption in Khaira village during summer was found 27.076 ± 5.873 kg/day/household from the forest, 6.892± 2.069 kg/day/household from the agriculture field. Total dry fodder consumption was found maximum for Khaira village during summer was 9.620 ± 2.634 kg/day/household from the forest and 7.046 ± 2.642 kg/day/household from the agriculture field.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Alternative Rice Establishment Method.
Water and labor for agriculture are becoming increasingly scarce resources in many rice production areas. The share of water in agriculture is declining because of its increased demand in other non-agriculture sectors. Groundwater is being depleted at an alarming rate, especially in South Asia and the same is the case in India mainly because of its heavy use for rice production. Similarly, labor availability for agriculture is declining because of increased demand in non-agriculture sectors associated with rapid economic growth in many Asian countries. These factors provide incentives for farmers to shift to direct seeding, which requires less water and labor. Direct seeded rice production system gives a similar result with respect to growth and yield as found in transplanted puddled rice. However, due to the lower cost of cultivation B:C ratio is higher in direct seeded rice as compared to transplanted rice.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 30, 2020
Nanosensors
Agriculture provides food for humans in a straight line and in a roundabout way. As planet inhabitants are rising; it’s obligatory to use contemporary technology such as biological tools and nanotechnology in agriculture sciences. In the present study, we have explored the utility of nanotechnology in crop growing sciences.
10.18639/RABM.2020.1234556
Cardiovascular Disease
Dec 30, 2020
Electrical Injuries.
Cardiac manifestations are the effects of an electrical injury that could be life-threatening. Although it is rare, arrhythmias and myocardial tissue injuries are the two major cardiac complications that can happen after electrical injury. Lack of recommendation and review makes it confusing to physicians in managing electrical injury patients with cardiovascular complications. This article provides an overview of electrical injuries, the cardiac manifestations that can occur, and management of electrical injuries that focus on cardiac effects.
10.18639/RABM.2020.1233416
Cancer and Oncology
Dec 30, 2020
Pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a fatal type of cancer with an increasing incidence rate in North America. The only curative procedure of this disease is the Whipple procedure, which is restricted only to those that received an early diagnosis. The remainder of the patients is informed of a dismal prognosis and undergo palliative care through systemic chemotherapy. Multiple modalities are involved in the staging and diagnosis of this disease. However, there seems to be a controversy regarding a gold standard or whether a gold standard exists. Additionally, various emerging techniques warrant heightened sensitivity and specificity in their designated modalities. Transabdominal ultrasound that is most commonly used as the first line of imaging for patients with epigastric pain is found to be virtually insensitive to neoplasms that have a size of 2 cm or less, limiting its application. However, sonographers could resort to contrasts and elastography to increase the conspicuity of the neoplasms. Moreover, endoscopic ultrasound has shown to be a promising imaging modality with an unprecedented degree of sensitivity to tumors with a diameter of less than 1.5 cm. The sensitivity and specificity values of MDCT, MRI, and PET were found to be comparable. The main conclusions consist of the fact that EUS is a highly sensitive test that should be accompanied by MRI, MDCT, PET, or TUS to increase its specificity. Lastly, empathetic communication is vital not only for patient comfort but also to improve the quality of the imaging assessment.
