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Introduction: Neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM) is the most devastating complication of late‑onset sepsis with incidence ranging from 12.5% to 61.11% with a mortality rate of 16‑45.5% and disability rate of 25-50%. Objectives: To estimate the clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in outborn neonates with NBM. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out on 150 outborn neonates with late‑onset sepsis and with clinically diagnosed meningitis; and CSF biochemical abnormalities with or without CSF culture positivity at a tertiary care teaching hospital in central India over a period of 2 years. Data on demographic, maternal, neonatal, and socio‑cultural factors were recorded and analyzed using a univariate and multiple regression model. Results: Distance travelled more than 150 km (OR 1.01, CI 1.0‑1.02, P = 0.04), transport duration >3 hrs (OR 4.58, CI 2.07‑10.11, P < 0.0001), premature rupture of membrane >24 hours (OR 9.68, CI 2.14‑43.70, P < 0.0001), transaminitis (SGPT >40IU/L) (OR 0.93, CI 0.88‑0.97, P < 0.003), CSF turbidity (OR 16.70, CI 4.45‑62.70, P < 0.0001), raised CSF protein (OR 8.81, CI 1.45‑53.34, P = 0.018), and low CSF sugar (OR 20.48, CI 4.18‑100.26, P < 0.0001) were independent predictors of mortality in neonatal meningitis on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Anticipation, early recognition, and prompt treatment of maternal, neonatal, socio‑cultural, and laboratory risk factors are important to reduce the mortality of devastating complication of late‑onset sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and accuracy of a previously published risk estimator in predicting Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in a very preterm cohort from India., Methods: A single-center prospective observational study was conducted in preterm neonates born at 23-30 wk of gestation with a birth weight of 501-1249 g. The incidence and risk factors of BPD were evaluated, and the accuracy of BPD prediction at six pre-specified time points using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) BPD risk estimator was assessed by comparing the estimated risk with the observed rates., Results: A total of 310 neonates with mean gestation age of 28.7±1.5 wk and birth weight of 1023.6±171.4 g were enrolled in the study. The study cohort had 49.7% males and 32.3% neonates requiring resuscitation. Any BPD was observed in 54 (17.4%) neonates with severity being mild, moderate, and severe in 29 (53.7%), 17 (31.5%), and 8 (14.8%) neonates respectively. Hundred (32.3%) neonates died before discharge from the hospital. Sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, and blood transfusion were significant risk factors for the development of BPD. The calculator was accurate for the prediction of death or moderate-severe BPD on days 1 and 3 with the area under the curve of 0.82 and 0.77 respectively., Conclusions: The NICHD BPD estimator helped to accurately predict moderate-severe BPD early in Indian preterm infants., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation.)

This study assessed the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT) and free radical damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in saliva of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) compared to 30 healthy controls by spectrophotometry. MDA levels were significantly elevated in the CP group, whereas the SOD, CAT, and GR activities were significantly reduced compared to healthy controls. MDA levels demonstrated a significant direct correlation with all periodontal parameters, whereas all antioxidant enzymes studied (SOD, CAT, and GR) showed an inverse correlation. These findings support the idea that oxidative stress has a role in periodontal disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of bipolar during pregnancy and postpartum is very challenging. The treating clinicians have to take into account various factors like current mental state, longitudinal history of the patient, past history of relapse while off medication, response to medication, time of pregnancy at which patient presents to the clinician, etc. The choice of drug should depend on the balance between safety and efficacy profile. Whenever patient is on psychotropic medication, close and intensive monitoring should be done. Among the various mood stabilizers, use of lithium during the second and third trimester appears to be safe. Use of valproate during first trimester is associated with major malformation and long‑term sequalae in the form of developmental delay, lower intelligence quotient, and higher risk of development of autism spectrum disorder. Similarly use of carbamazepine in first trimester is associated with higher risk of major congenital malformation and its use in first trimester is contraindicated. Data for lamotrigine (LTG) appears to be more favorable than other antiepileptics. During lactation, use of valproate and LTG is reported to be safe. Use of typical and/atypical antipsychotic is a good option during pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar affective disorder in women is a challenging disorder to treat. It is unique in its presentation in women and characterized by later age of onset, seasonality, atypical presentation, and a higher degree of mixed episodes. Medical and psychiatric co‑morbidity adversely affects recovery from the bipolar disorder (BD) more often in women. Co‑morbidity, particularly thyroid disease, migraine, obesity, and anxiety disorders occur more frequently in women while substance use disorders are more common in men. Treatment of women during pregnancy and lactation is challenging. Pregnancy neither protects nor exacerbates BD, and many women require continuation of medication during the pregnancy. The postpartum period is a time of high risk for onset and recurrence of BD in women. Prophylaxis with mood stabilizers might be needed. Individualized risk/benefits assessments of pregnant and postpartum women with BD are required to promote the health of the women and to avoid or limit exposure of the fetus or infant to potential adverse effects of medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India and other developing countries water security and food and nutrition security are intricately connected. Developments in nanotechnology can have significant implications for water resources augmentation, conservation and use. A framework for assessment of the potential of nanotechnology applications for enhancing water security is developed. Water filtration, waste water treatment and remediation, monitoring water quality and soil moisture and irrigation systems are identified as key determinants of water security that have significant implications for food and nutrition security, which can be impacted by developments in nanotechnology. Using literature and patent data, a model to organise and map nanoresearch areas to the water security determinants is developed. The model is based on a specially designed database, which allows identification and prioritisation of nanotechnologies to enhance water security. The potential for commercialisation of some promising nanotechnologies is also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]