Search

Anuradha Khadilkar, Chirantap Oza Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, IndiaCorrespondence: Anuradha KhadilkarHirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Block V Lower Basement Jehangir Hospital, 32 Sassoon Road, Pune, 411001, IndiaTel +91 206057004Email anuradhavkhadilkar@gmail.comAbstract: Diabetes is the third most prevalent severe chronic disease of youth. Management of any chronic condition like type-1 diabetes (T1D) during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and physiological changes accompanied by important individuation and socialization processes, constitutes a major challenge for the youth, their family and the health-care team. The increasing prevalence of T1D in the adolescent age group and deteriorating glycaemic control from childhood to adolescence and youth, as well as the secular trend of worsening glycaemic control in youth and young adults with T1D, are a matter of real concern. Lack of monitoring, insufficient self-control, psychosocial factors, lack of family support and parental supervision, inadequate adherence to treatment, pubertal increase in insulin resistance and incompetent transition from paediatric to adult care are likely causes of deteriorating glycaemic control in youth. Efforts to improve insulin sensitivity by using pharmacological agents such as metformin are insufficient in resolving this problem. Interventions such as structured intervention, motivational interviews, development of youth friendly services and organization of diabetes camps for peer support can improve adherence in these individuals. Innovative technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring, comprehensive multidisciplinary teams with effective communication, parental support and supervision with planned transition from paediatric to adult care will not only reduce the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications in young adults with T1D but will also cause significant improvement in their quality of life.Keywords: youth, adolescents, type 1 diabetes, glycemic control

Introduction: Energy metabolism in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is known to be different. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for the largest portion of total energy needs. The objective of our study was to assess resting metabolic rate and its determinants in adolescents and young adults with T1D in comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 97 children and young adults (10–19 years) with type 1 diabetes having a disease duration of at least 1 year. For the control population, 95 age- and gender-matched healthy adolescents were enrolled. Clinical examination and biochemical evaluation of parameters pertaining to diabetes and body composition were estimated, and RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry for both cases and controls. Results: Adolescents with T1D were significantly shorter, and had significantly lower calorie intake, higher RMR and volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) as compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.05). RMR adjusted for weight showed a significant positive correlation with lean body mass (LBM) percentage, and energy intake and a negative correlation with disease duration. Those with a T1D duration of less than 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher RMR, lower body fat percentage, higher LBM percentage, carbohydrate and energy intake/kg body weight and higher calculated insulin sensitivity (IS) as compared to those with greater disease duration. Muscle mass percentage and higher energy intake were found to be significant positive predictors and advancing age/diabetes duration was a negative predictor of weight-adjusted RMR (P < 0.05), whereas IS and male gender tended towards significant negative association (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Indian children with type 1 diabetes had a higher resting metabolic rate as compared to healthy children. Muscle mass, energy intake and diabetes duration were observed to be important predictors of RMR in T1D. Reduction in RMR with advancing age/disease duration may predispose to weight gain and subsequent double diabetes in T1D.

Abstract Background Though rare, benign lesions that usually do not necessitate active intervention, osteomas of the external auditory canal, can be troublesome when they start to produce mass effect and severe obstruction to the external auditory canal. Even more insidious is the rarer phenomenon of canal wall cholesteatomas, which have been known to cause significant canal erosion and if left unchecked and spontaneous destruction of the adjacent anatomical structures, including the facial nerve, temporomandibular joint, sigmoid sinus, and skull base. The occurrence of both these exceptionally uncommon findings in the same canal is an unusual finding and may point to an undetermined interplay in pathogenesis. Case presentation Here, we describe one such case in a 39-year-old gentleman hailing from South India who presented with complaint of unilateral ear block and decreased hearing and how it was managed. Conclusions While osteomas are usually incidental findings in asymptomatic patients, the potential for mass effect and canal obstruction must be kept in mind and patients must be evaluated for development of the more sinister cholesteatoma in the deeper canal.

Abstract Background Depression is a common comorbidity among individuals with otolaryngologic disorders, particularly those with longstanding conditions. This study aims at analysing the sociodemographic profile of depressive disorders in patients with chronic otolaryngology symptoms or conditions, and the correlation with PHQ-9 score. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a hundred patients presenting to the outpatient department with chronic otolaryngology symptoms or conditions. They were requested to fill in the PHQ-9 questionnaire, containing questions based on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Results Median age was 39, male: female ratio was 1.17. Nasal obstruction (29%), ear discharge (25%), and headache (17%) were the common presenting complaints. Mean and median PHQ-9 scores were 5.03 and 4 respectively. Seven patients (7%) had MDD, while eleven (11%) had other depressive disorder; 9% of cases were found to have no significant otolaryngologic problem despite presenting with symptoms, two of which were found to have depressive disorder. Thirty-five (35%) and thirty-six (36%) patients had minimal and mild depressive symptoms respectively, while one (1%) had severe depressive symptoms. Statistical significance was noted for the duration of symptoms (p-value 0.005); high statistical significance was found for occupation and otolaryngology diagnosis (p-value

Abstract Background While statistically rare in comparison to other head and neck tumours, parotid gland swellings are often encountered in clinical practice where one of the primary goals of examination becomes distinction between benign and malignant lesions. Hallmarks of malignancy are characterized by a female preponderance, history of radiation exposure, a positive family history, and clinical features like heterogenous consistency, fixity to skin/underlying tissues and involvement of facial nerve. Case presentation Here we present a case of parotid swelling in a 72-year old gentleman from south India that had a curious amalgamation of both benign and malignant features. Conclusions While benign, the risk of malignant transformation and rare multicentric occurrence indicates a need to keep basal cell adenoma in mind in case of parotid swellings and their surgical management.

Anuradha V Khadilkar, Rubina M Mandlik Growth and Endocrine Unit, Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India Abstract: The number of women with osteoporosis, ie, with reduced bone mass and the disruption of bone architecture, is increasing in India. While data on prevalence of osteoporosis among women in India come from studies conducted in small groups spread across the country, estimates suggest that of the 230 million Indians expected to be over the age of 50 years in 2015, 20%, ie, ~46 million, are women with osteoporosis. Thus, osteoporosis is a major public health problem in Indian women. Low calcium intakes with extensive prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, increasing longevity, sex inequality, early menopause, genetic predisposition, lack of diagnostic facilities, and poor knowledge of bone health have contributed toward the high prevalence of osteoporosis. Bone health may be optimized by creating an environment to achieve peak bone mass during adolescence, maintenance of healthy bone throughout the life cycle, and prevention of bone loss postmenopausal. In Indian women, calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonates are the commonest first-line therapies used. The use of other drugs such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen agonists, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and denosumab is decided as per the affordability and availability of treatment options. Major gaps still remain in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, thus highlighting the need for more structured research in this area. This review focuses on the epidemiology of osteoporosis in Indian women and available treatments. Keywords: osteoporosis, Indian perspective, epidemiology, treatment

Introduction Biallelic PDX1 variants are a rare cause of isolated pancreatic agenesis and neonatal diabetes (NDM) without exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, with 17 cases reported in the literature.Research design and methods To determine the phenotypic variability caused by this rare genetic aetiology, we investigated 19 individuals with NDM resulting from biallelic disease-causing PDX1 variants.Results Of the 19 individuals, 8 (42%) were confirmed to have exocrine insufficiency requiring replacement therapy. Twelve individuals (63.2%) had extrapancreatic features, including 8 (42%) with conditions affecting the duodenum and/or hepatobiliary tract. Defects in duodenum development are consistent with previous Pdx1 ablation studies in mice which showed abnormal rostral duodenum development.Conclusions Our findings show that recessive PDX1 variants can cause a syndromic form of NDM, highlighting the need for clinical assessment of extrapancreatic features in individuals with NDM caused by PDX1 variants.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has introduced numerous health complications beyond its primary respiratory effects. Notably, there is growing concern about its role in avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, a condition where disrupted blood supply leads to bone death. Factors such as hypercoagulability, extensive corticosteroid use, and potential direct vascular effects from the virus may contribute to this association. This article explores the link between COVID-19 and AVN, examining its mechanisms, prevalence, and clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study enrolled 32 patients who had COVID-19 infection and subsequently developed AVN of the femoral head. Various factors influencing AVN development were considered, including the timing of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic’s first and second waves, steroid treatment duration, and alcohol consumption history. The diagnosis was made using X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results: Out of 32 patients, 19 contracted COVID-19 during the first wave, while 13 were infected during the second wave, indicating a higher virulence rate during the first wave. Although 20 patients received short-term steroid therapy, the duration and the dosage were not significant for AVN development. Similarly, the duration and amount of alcohol consumption among 11 patients were not significant enough to cause AVN. Therefore, we feel that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection itself likely plays a key role in AVN development, with factors such as steroid use and alcohol consumption being incidental findings. Conclusions: According to this study, we feel that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection itself likely plays a key role in AVN development, with factors such as steroid use and alcohol consumption being incidental findings.

Abstract Background Increasing dietary diversity is a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Given the large slum population in urban India, double burden of malnutrition, nutritional transition among slum-dwellers, and limited studies focusing on dietary intake and diversity among pregnant slum-dwellers, this study aimed to 1) describe macro- and micronutrient intakes and compare them with guidelines, 2) describe dietary diversity and intake of unhealthy foods and, 3) investigate the sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of adequate dietary diversity among pregnant slum-dwellers in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Methods This study presents cross-sectional data of 454 pregnant slum-dwelling women completing mid-pregnancy visit collected from a larger cohort study. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data were collected at baseline (

Introduction: Bone age (BA) assessment is important in evaluating disorders of growth and puberty; the Greulich and Pyle atlas method (GP) is most used. We aimed to determine the weightage to be attributed by raters to various segments of the hand x-ray, namely, distal end of radius-ulna (RU), carpals, and short bones for rating bone age using the GP atlas method. Methods: 692 deidentified x-rays from a previous study (PUNE-dataset) and 400 from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA-dataset) were included in the study. Mean of BA assessed by experienced raters was termed reference rating. Linear regression was used to model reference age as function of age ratings of the three segments. The root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of segmental arithmetic mean and weighted mean with respect to reference rating were computed for both datasets. Results: Short bones were assigned the highest weightage. Carpals were assigned higher weightage in pre-pubertal PUNE participants as compared to RSNA, vice-versa in RU segment of post-pubertal participants. The RMSE of weighted mean ratings was significantly lower than for the arithmetic mean in the PUNE dataset. Conclusion: We thus determined weightage to be attributed by raters to segments of the hand x-ray for assessment of bone age by the GP method.

Introduction: Recent evidence reveals that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) impairs muscle function (MF) in adolescents. However, despite its importance in physical well-being, data on dynamic MF in Indian children and adolescents (C and Y) with T1DM are scarce. We assessed MF using Jumping Mechanography (JM, a measurement method for motion analysis and assessment of muscle power and force). (1) To assess dynamic MF by JM in C and Y with T1DM as compared to healthy controls (2) To determine predictors of MF in children with T1DM. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study on 266 children (133 – T1DM duration >1 year with no known comorbidities + 133 age and gender-matched healthy controls) aged 6–19 years. Anthropometry, body composition, and MF (maximum relative power Pmax/mass, maximum relative force Fmax/BW by JM) were recorded. The lean mass index (LMI) was calculated as lean mass (kg)/height (m2). HbA1c was assessed in T1DM. Independent sample t-test and linear regression were performed. Results: MF parameters (Pmax/mass 33.5 ± 7.2 vs 38.0 ± 8.6 W/kg and Fmax/BW 10.5 ± 2.9 vs 11.4 ± 4.1 N/kg, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in T1DM group vs controls. Positive association of body mass index and LMI with both MF parameters and negative association of insulin requirement and HbA1c with Fmax was observed in T1DM. Predictors of MF identified were MMI (Pmax/mass:b = 1.6,95%CI = 0.6–2.6; Fmax/BW:b =2.0,95%CI = 1.6–2.4) and HbA1c (Pmax/mass:b = −2.1,95%CI = −4.5–−0.5; Fmax/BW:b = −1.1,95%CI = −2.0–−0.2) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: C and Y with T1DM exhibits compromised muscle function. Poor glycaemic control increases the risk of having decreased MF, irrespective of diabetes duration and may contribute to sarcopenia in adulthood.

Introduction: A good screening tool, such as a growth chart, should distinguish between children with normal growth and those with perturbed growth. Suitability of synthetic Indian growth references for diagnosing growth-related disorders for under-five children has not been evaluated. To assess the validity of World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 standards vs synthetic Indian references (2019) (by comparing weight, height, body mass index (BMI), standard deviation scores (SDS) and the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF)) in differentiating normal children and children with growth-related disorders. Methods: Records of 2188 children (0–60 months) attending a tertiary centre paediatric outpatient department (OPD) were retrospectively studied; 1854 children were healthy and 334 were diagnosed with growth-related disorders as per the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) classification. The anthropometric parameters converted to Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), BMI-for-age (BAZ) and a CIAF were computed using WHO and synthetic charts; Student’s t-test was used for assessing differences and Youden’s index for validity. Results: Disease status of children and anthropometric failure on WAZ, HAZ, BAZ and CIAF on both WHO and synthetic charts had a significant association (P-value

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR) and obesity are common presentations of double diabetes (DD) in subjects with type-1 diabetes (T1D). There is evidence that dietary composition has an impact on developing IR. Objectives were to assess the impact of macronutrient and fibre intake on glycaemic control and the role of macronutrient composition of diet in the development of DD in subjects with T1D. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 77 young adults (10–25 years) with T1D. Data related to demography, anthropometry, biochemistry and body composition were collected. Dietary data was collected by fourteen-day food diary. IR was calculated using eGDR, SEARCH and CACTI equations, and metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation Consensus Definition. Results: Subjects at risk of DD had higher age, leptin levels, percentage carbohydrate consumption in diet and IR. A positive association of insulin sensitivity with fibre intake and %protein intake was noted. Poor glycaemic control, adiponectin/leptin ratio, fibre intake and insulin/carbohydrate ratio were significant negative predictors of IR. Addition of dietary factors to the regression model improved the R square and percentage of subjects identified correctly. Inclusion of dietary parameters significantly improves the prediction of the risk of development of DD in subjects with T1D. Conclusion: Good glycaemic control and increased intake of dietary fibre may prevent the development of IR in subjects with T1D and reduce the burden of DD.

Snakebites profoundly impact the rural population of tropical nations, leading to significant socio-economic repercussions. Polyvalent antivenom (PAV) therapy faces several limitations, including intra-specific variations and poor efficacy against some major toxins and low molecular mass, poorly immunogenic toxins, which contribute to increased mortality and morbidity rates. Innovative strategies for developing novel antivenoms are continuously explored to address these challenges. The present study focuses on designing of 17 epitope-string toxin-specific peptide immunogens from pharmacologically active major and/or poorly immunogenic toxins (snake venom metalloprotease, Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, phospholipase A2, three-finger toxin) from the venom of the ‘Big Four’ venomous snakes and Naja kaouthia (NK) in India. These custom peptide antibodies demonstrated robust immuno-reactivity against the venoms ‘Big Four’ and NK. When these antibodies were supplemented with commercial PAV at a defined ratio (formulated polyvalent antivenom or FPAV), it significantly enhanced the neutralization of snake venom enzymes and in vivo neutralization of lethality and pharmacological activities such as haemorrhage, necrosis, pro-coagulant, defibrinogenation, and myotoxicity of ‘Big Four’ and NK venoms compared to PAV in mice. The present study highlights a promising strategy for developing next-generation antivenoms using synthetic peptide-based immunogens, offering a targeted approach to address the limitations of current antivenom therapy.

Background The physical inactivity pandemic not only has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of children and youth, but it is also a key contributor to the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden, particularly among low- and middle-income countries. The widespread effects of climate change, ranging from extreme weather events to worsening air quality, are exacerbating the physical inactivity pandemic, highlighting the need to undertake holistic interventions to address environmental barriers while promoting physical activity. Despite the potential benefits of active school transportation (AST) on physical activity and the environment, no study has examined the intersection between perceptions of AST, environmental perceptions, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children and youth in India from a child and youth perspective. Methods As a part of this cross-sectional, observational study, digital survey links were administered to 1,042 children and youth aged 5 to 17 (50.3% boys; 49.7% girls). Participants were recruited from 41 schools across 28 rural and urban regions in India. Children and youth provided information on various sociodemographic factors, perceptions of crime and air pollution, and peer support factors. MVPA data were collected using an adapted version of the IPAQ short-form questionnaire. The overall sample was stratified by age, gender, and location, resulting in a total of seven multiple linear regression models to assess the association between AST and MVPA. Results Children and youth who engaged in AST were associated with higher MVPA than those who did not engage in AST (β = 18.020, 95% CI [5.890 to 30.149], p = 0.004), after adjusting for age, gender, and location. In contrast, perceptions of high crime in the neighbourhood (β = − 21.921, CI [−36.195 to −7.647], p = 0.003) and perceptions of air pollution (β = − 12.472, CI [−23.797 to −1.147], p = 0.031) were associated with lower MVPA. Moreover, having active friends was associated with higher MVPA (β = 32.391, CI [9.264 to 55.518], p = 0.006) than not having active friends. AST was significantly associated with higher MVPA in the boys, rural, and aged 13 to 17 models; however, this association was not statistically significant in the girls, urban, and aged 5 to 12 models. Conclusions These findings highlight that promoting AST can potentially promote MVPA and contribute to mitigating the NCD burden among children and youth in India. Future policies and interventions should prioritize initiatives that promote AST, considering diverse sociodemographic factors, and addressing environmental challenges such as perceptions of crime and air pollution.

Background: Trauma is globally associated with significant mortality with developing countries bearing a disproportionately high burden. It represents a major epidemic of non – communicable disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of various fracture and dislocation patterns in patients with extremity injuries and their 1- year mortality rate. Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective study was undertaken to analyse the incidence of fracture and dislocation patterns in patients coming to the Orthopaedics OPD and emergency medicine department in a tertiary hospital during a period of two years from 1st, October 2017 to 30th, September 2019. Overall, 1182 patients were enrolled for the study with a mean age of 43 yrs. Results: Age group 21 – 30 years was most common (17.1%) age to suffer injuries with a male preponderance (67.5%). The most common mode of injury was by road traffic accident (43%). 97.9% of the injuries had unilateral involvement with the lower extremity (57.2%) and the femur (21.2%) being most frequently fractured. Dislocations/fracture-dislocations constituted only 5.5% cases with shoulder dislocation being the most frequently involved joint. Plain radiographs were used in 96.9% cases for final diagnosis. Forty cases (3.4%) were found to not survive in the 1-year follow up after fracture. Conclusion: The present study shows that most of the causes of trauma are preventable. This study could assist in raising the profile of RTI as a public health problem which needs to be addressed as a preventable cause of mortality and morbidity, and planning appropriate interventions for this major challenge.

Background: Hypertrophy of inferior turbinate (IT) may arise from soft tissue and/or bony enlargement and is most related to inflammatory rhinitis. We aimed to study and compare the histopathological changes in the IT mucosa, submucosa, and bone in chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Methods: The specimens of the IT in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and inferior turbinoplasty (ITplasty) were included and studied under the microscope in the high-power field. The changes in the mucosa, submucosa, and bone were studied, graded accordingly, and compared between the 2 groups. Results: In the mucosa, there was no significant difference in the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and lymphocytic counts; however, the eosinophilic count in the mucosa was significantly higher in CRSwNP (P = .001). There was no significant difference in basement membrane thickness or subepithelial oedema. However, the lymphocyte count was higher in CRSsNP (P = .003), and the eosinophilic count was higher in CRSwNP (P = .001). The bone did not show inflammation. The significant osteitic changes in the bone were periosteal thickening with osteoblastic activity (P = .016). Conclusion: The mucosa and submucosa had a significant change in CRSwNP related to the eosinophilic infiltrates. In the submucosa, the lymphocyte count was significantly higher in CRSsNP. The osteitic changes seen were limited to periosteal thickening with minimal osteoblastic activity in both groups, but were significantly higher in CRSsNP. Hence, we can resect only the effected mucosa and spare bone during ITplasty in cases of CRSwNP, and IT bone may be partly resected in CRSsNP patients.