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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a devastating disease that affects preterm infants. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors have been shown to reduce the severity of NEC, but the optimal compound has yet to be identified. We hypothesized that oral H2S-Mesalamine (ATB-429) would improve outcomes in experimental NEC, and its benefits would be dependent on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathways. NEC was induced in 5-day-old wild-type (WT) and eNOS knockout (eNOSKO) pups by formula feeding and stress. Four groups were studied in both WT and eNOSKO mice: 1) breastfed controls, 2) NEC, 3) NEC + 50 mg/kg mesalamine, and 4) NEC + 130 mg/kg ATB-429. Mesalamine and ATB-429 doses were equimolar. Pups were monitored for sickness scores and perfusion to the gut was measured by Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI). After euthanasia of the pups, intestine and lung were hematoxylin and eosin-stained and scored for injury in a blind fashion. TLR4 expression was quantified by Western blot and IL-6 expression by ELISA. P < 0.05 was significant. Both WT and eNOSKO breastfed controls underwent normal development and demonstrated milder intestinal and pulmonary injury compared with NEC groups. For the WT groups, ATB-429 significantly improved weight gain, reduced clinical sickness score, and improved perfusion compared with the NEC group. In addition, WT ATB-429 pups had a significantly milder intestinal and pulmonary histologic injury when compared with NEC. ATB-429 attenuated the increase in TLR4 and IL-6 expression in the intestine. When the experiment was repeated in eNOSKO pups, ATB-429 offered no benefit in weight gain, sickness scores, perfusion, intestinal injury, pulmonary injury, or decreasing intestinal inflammatory markers. An H2S derivative of mesalamine improves outcomes in experimental NEC. Protective effects appear to be mediated through eNOS. Further research is warranted to explore whether ATB-429 may be an effective oral therapy to combat NEC.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease that impacts the intestine of premature infants. Sildenafil has shown benefit in colitis and ischemia/reperfusion models but has not been adequately studied in NEC. Sildenafil's best studied mechanism involves augmenting nitric oxide induced vasodilation. We hypothesized that sildenafil would improve outcomes during experimental NEC in an eNOS dependent manner.NEC was induced in five-day old mouse pups with gavage formula feeds plus intermittent hypoxia and hypothermia. Using wild type (WT) mice, the route of sildenafil administration was studied in the following groups: (1) breastfed controls, (2) NEC + oral (PO) sildenafil, (3) NEC + PO vehicle, (4) NEC + intraperitoneal (IP) sildenafil, (5) NEC + IP vehicle. The eNOS KO groups studied included: (1) breastfed controls, (2) NEC + PO sildenafil, (3) NEC + PO vehicle. Data were tested for normality and compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney with a p-value0.05 considered significant.In WT mice, oral and IP sildenafil resulted in improved clinical outcomes compared to their respective vehicle group. Only orally administered sildenafil significantly improved perfusion to the intestine and protected it from macroscopic and histologic injury. When repeated in eNOS KO mice, oral sildenafil improved clinical scores and attenuated intestinal injury scores, despite no effect on intestinal perfusion.Sildenafil, when administered orally, improves clinical outcomes and protects the intestine in a murine model of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis. While sildenafil requires eNOS to impact mesenteric perfusion, it does not appear to be dependent on eNOS to attenuate intestinal injury.

A number of guidelines are available for management of congenital heart diseases from infancy to adult life. However, these guidelines are for patients living in high income countries. Separate guidelines, applicable to Indian children, are required when recommending an intervention for congenital heart diseases, as often these patients present late in the course of the disease and may have co-existing morbidities and malnutrition. Guidelines emerged following expert deliberations at the National Consensus Meeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on 10th and 11th of August 2018 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The meeting was supported by Children’s HeartLink, a non-governmental organization based in Minnesota, USA. To frame evidence based guidelines for (i) indications and optimal timing of intervention in common congenital heart diseases; (ii) follow-up protocols for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery/catheter interventions for congenital heart diseases. Evidence based recommendations are provided for indications and timing of intervention in common congenital heart diseases, including left-to-right shunts (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and others), obstructive lesions (pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis and coarctation of aorta) and cyanotic congenital heart diseases (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, univentricular hearts, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Ebstein anomaly and others). In addition, protocols for follow-up of post surgical patients are also described, disease wise.

Background & Aims Psychological stress is a trigger for the development of irritable bowel syndrome and associated symptoms including abdominal pain. Although irritable bowel syndrome patients show increased activation in the limbic brain, including the amygdala, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating visceral nociception in the central nervous system are incompletely understood. In a rodent model of chronic stress, we explored the role of microglia in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in controlling visceral sensitivity. Microglia are activated by environmental challenges such as stress, and are able to modify neuronal activity via synaptic remodeling and inflammatory cytokine release. Inflammatory gene expression and microglial activity are regulated negatively by nuclear glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which are suppressed by the stress-activated pain mediator p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Methods Fisher-344 male rats were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 1 hour per day for 7 days. Microglia morphology and the expression of phospho-p38 MAPK and GR were analyzed via immunofluorescence. Microglia-mediated synaptic remodeling was investigated by quantifying the number of postsynaptic density protein 95–positive puncta. Cytokine expression levels in the CeA were assessed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a Luminex assay (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA). Stereotaxic infusion into the CeA of minocycline to inhibit, or fractalkine to activate, microglia was followed by colonic sensitivity measurement via a visceromotor behavioral response to isobaric graded pressures of tonic colorectal distension. Results WAS induced microglial deramification in the CeA. Moreover, WAS induced a 3-fold increase in the expression of phospho-p38 and decreased the ratio of nuclear GR in the microglia. The number of microglia-engulfed postsynaptic density protein 95–positive puncta in the CeA was increased 3-fold by WAS, while cytokine levels were unchanged. WAS-induced changes in microglial morphology, microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment in the CeA, and visceral hypersensitivity were reversed by minocycline whereas in stress-naïve rats, fractalkine induced microglial deramification and visceral hypersensitivity. Conclusions Our data show that chronic stress induces visceral hypersensitivity in male rats and is associated with microglial p38 MAPK activation, GR dysfunction, and neuronal remodeling in the CeA., Graphical abstract

Tetralogy of Fallot is a cyanotic heart disease wherein aortopulmonary collaterals serve as source of pulmonary blood flow to maintain oxygenation. We report an incidentally detected isolated left subclavian artery supplying a compensatory ductus in a child with Tetralogy of Fallot that effectively contributed as a de novo palliative systemic to pulmonary artery shunt. Clinically, the entity could not be suspected, as the child did not have symptoms suggestive of arterial insufficiency of the left arm or weak pulses or neurological symptoms. The child underwent successful intracardiac repair with a reimplantation of left subclavian artery to left common carotid artery.

Aneurysms of descending thoracic aorta following surgical repair of coarctation have been reported in literature. Almost always, they are seen in repairs involving prosthetic patch aortoplasty. We report a neonate who underwent resection and an extended end to end anastomosis repair of coarctation and subsequently developed a huge pseudoaneurysm at a 3-month follow-up. He underwent a repair of the same through a sternotomy approach under hypothermic low flow cardiopulmonary bypass. An autologous pericardial patch aortoplasty was done successfully.

We report a series of four patients with CHD who tested positive for COVID-19, got treated, and underwent cardiac surgery in the same sitting. All had an uneventful perioperative course similar to COVID-19-negative patients. We conclude that children with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 disease may be subjected to surgery as early as within 1 week since COVID-19 negative.

Introduction: A number of guidelines are available for management of congenital heart diseases from infancy to adult life. However, these guidelines are for patients living in high-income countries. Separate guidelines, applicable to Indian children, are required when recommending an intervention for congenital heart diseases, as often these patients present late in the course of the disease and may have co-existing morbidities and malnutrition. Process: Guidelines emerged following expert deliberations at the National Consensus Meeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on the 10th and 11th of August, 2018 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Objectives: The aim of the study was to frame evidence-based guidelines for (i) indications and optimal timing of intervention in common congenital heart diseases and (ii) follow-up protocols for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery/catheter interventions for congenital heart diseases. Recommendations: Evidence-based recommendations are provided for indications and timing of intervention in common congenital heart diseases, including left-to-right shunts, obstructive lesions, and cyanotic congenital heart diseases. In addition, protocols for follow-up of postsurgical patients are also described. Keywords: Congenital heart disease, Intervention, Surgery

Aorto-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare congenital anomaly with extracardiac channel connecting ascending aorta to the ventricle. It presents early in life due to congestive cardiac failure. We present a case of ALVT with unusual morphology in an 11-year-old male child with palpitations and dyspnea. We also describe the transesophageal echocardiography evaluation of ALVT.

Congenital heart surgery was born in the USA and then spread all over the world in the second half of the twentieth century. The speciality was brought to India by foreign-trained Indian surgeons as well as American and Canadian missionary surgeons. The first generation Indian surgeons were trained in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In this article, an attempt is made to explore how the pioneer surgeons established this speciality in India by reviewing the published literature, visiting institutions of historical significance, and also interviewing few surgeons who took the key role in both laying the foundation as well as training the next generation surgeons.

Background The benefits of surgical correction of adult tetralogy of Fallot are well known. The current recommendation is for total correction regardless of age. This study analyzed perioperative factors affecting early outcome after corrective surgery in adulthood in the current era. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients over 18 years of age who underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot from September 2006 to June 2013. Patients with pulmonary atresia and absent pulmonary valve were excluded. The mean age at surgery was 26.60 ± 8.69 years (range 18–49 years). Results The mean intensive care unit stay was 3.30 ± 2.29 days (range 0.75–12 days) and hospital stay was 9.97 ± 3.39 days (range 7–22 days). Mortality was 5% (2/40). Multiple parameters indicating immediate postoperative outcomes and their relationships to selected pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors were analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative right ventricular dysfunction had a significant influence on mortality ( p Conclusions Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot is a safe option for presentations as late as adulthood. The protective effect of zero-balance ultrafiltration on postoperative morbidity needs to be reassessed in larger studies.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining technique which is universally used for joining of aluminium alloys in marine, aerospace, automotive and many other applications of commercial importance. In this present study, the effect of FSW parameters on the weldability of dissimilar aluminium alloys such as AA2014 and AA6061 were investigated. The two plates were aligned perpendicular to the rolling directions and the welding was carried out. The main objective of the experiment is to find out the maximum tensile strength. The experiments were conducted on a milling machine. Three factor three levels Central-Composite matrix in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to carry out the experimental investigation. The “Design Expert 8.0”, software was used for regression and graphical analysis of data collected. ANOVA was used to check the validity of the model. A designed FSW experiments were carried out to get a high strength welding by controlling the rotational, welding speed and tool pin diameter. The tensile tests were carried under tension at room temperature in order to analyze the mechanical response.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return is a congenital anomaly in which some of the pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium or one of its venous tributaries. Although excellent long-term results have been described for the classic two-patch technique repair in older patients, The Warden procedure has an important role in smaller and younger patients and those patients in whom the superior vena cava (SVC) may be small and the right-sided pulmonary veins may connect high, at or above the azygos vein. In addition to prevention of early and late sinus node dysfunction, the Warden procedure helps to avoid systemic or pulmonary venous obstruction if care is taken to ensure a tension-free Warden anastomosis. Patch extension or interposition of prosthetic grafts with no growth potential have been used in instances of high partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) to SVC. We report three cases of high PAPVC to SVC using an innovative technique of incorporating the azygos vein into the Warden anastomosis for a tension-free suture line.

Absent superior vena cava (SVC) is an asymptomatic congenital systemic venous anomaly which is rarely detected and compatible with normal life. Undiagnosed absent SVC may cause problems during cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery. We present our surgical experience in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot who had undiagnosed absent SVC.

In this supplement, we build on work previously published under the Human Connectome Project. Specifically, we seek to show a comprehensive anatomic atlas of the human cerebrum demonstrating all 180 distinct regions comprising the cerebral cortex. The location, functional connectivity, and structural connectivity of these regions are outlined, and where possible a discussion is included of the functional significance of these areas. In part 8, we specifically address regions relevant to the posterior cingulate cortex, medial parietal lobe, and the parieto-occipital sulcus.

A four-year-old girl presented with superior vena cava (SVC) type of sinus venosus defect, right upper pulmonary vein draining into right SVC-right atrium junction, left upper lobe pulmonary veins draining into the lower part of persistent left SVC (LSVC), and a patent ductus arteriosus. The anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to LSVC was overlooked in the preoperative evaluation and was found intraoperatively. Warden procedure was performed for right-sided veins. Lower LSVC draining the anomalous pulmonary veins was anastomosed to the left atrial appendage. The short stump of LSVC was diverted to left pulmonary artery. Anomalous pulmonary venous connections to LSVC are rare. Embryology of venous development is analyzed with respect to this rare anomaly, and options for surgical correction are discussed.

Objective Reconstruction of branch pulmonary arteries (PAs) can be challenging in redo congenital heart surgeries. Treatment options like percutaneous stent implantation and surgical patch angioplasty may yield suboptimal results. We present our experience with hybrid intraoperative stenting which may be an effective alternative option. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of all patients with PA stenosis who underwent intraoperative PA branch stenting in our institution between January 2011 and December 2012. Results Ten patients [6 females, median age 10 (1.4 to 37) years], underwent hybrid stenting of the PA. Primary cardiac diagnoses were pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD) in three patients, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in two, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in one, Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with pulmonary stenosis (PS) in one, complex single ventricle in two and VSD with bilateral branch PA stenosis in one patient. Concomitant surgeries were revision/reconstruction of RV-PA conduit in 4, Fontan completion in 4, repair of TOF with conduit placement in 1 and VSD closure in 1 patient. The left PA was stented in 7, the right in 2 and both in 1, with a total of 11 stents. There were no complications related to stent implantation. Two early postoperative deaths were unrelated to stent implantation. At mean follow-up period of 14.8 (12–26) months, stent position and patency were satisfactory in all survivors. None of them needed repeat dilatation or surgical reintervention. Conclusion Hybrid stenting of branch PA is a safe and effective option for PA reconstruction in redo cardiac surgeries. With meticulous planning, it can be safely performed without fluoroscopy.

Background Various techniques have been described for preserving pulmonary valve function in tetralogy of Fallot repair. In selected substrates, the pulmonary valve can be bicuspidized and preserved using polytetrafluoroethylene pericardial membrane. Methods This study was a retrospective review of 20 patients aged 11 months to 31 years with tetralogy of Fallot and a bicuspid pulmonary valve (with anteroposterior cusps) who underwent intracardiac repair from August 2010 to January 2013. The anterior cusp was augmented using polytetrafluoroethylene pericardial membrane to preserve the valve hinge. A transannular patch was used in all cases. Data relating to surgical outcome, intensive care unit course, pulmonary regurgitation, and right ventricular outflow tract gradient were collected. Results There was no mortality. Predischarge pulmonary regurgitation was ≤grade 2 in 18 (90%) patients. One patient had an outflow gradient >40 mm Hg. On follow-up of 3–24 months, there was no increase in outflow gradient; 18.7% had progression of pulmonary regurgitation. Conclusion In selected substrates, this technique is associated with minimization of pulmonary regurgitation and an excellent functional outcome. The utility of this technique needs to be validated over a longer time scale in a larger series.

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Congenital pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare and interesting condition. This disease was classically believed to have an exceptionally bad prognosis. This article reviews the pathophysiology of the disease and advancements in diagnosis and management

Fruit crops play a vital role in Indian Horticulture because of their high economic returns. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a favorite table fruit. In India, it is grown in Maharashtra followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat states. The total area under pomegranate is 88,500 ha with a production of 568.20 thousand metric tons. Pomegranate is generally propagated by hard wood stem cuttings which root easily. However, the percentage of rooting varies with the cultivar and vagary of climatic conditions does not permit propagation of disease free planting material throughout the year. Hence, under greenhouse conditions it is possible to protect them from unfavorable climatic conditions and also produce disease free quality planting material with remunerative profit. The present study was structured to examine the cost efficiency of propagation of pomegranate under different greenhouse structures by estimating the benefit cost ratio under different propagating structures. The results showed a maximum benefit:cost ratio of 1.51:1 with a medium cost greenhouse structure with misting followed by 1.42:1 with medium cost greenhouse structure with humidifier and fans compared to high cost greenhouse structure with misting (1.21:1). A low benefit:cost ratio of 1.14:1 was obtained in open conditions.

Coarctation of the descending aorta is associated with significant cardiac lesions in up to 50% of the patients. Under such circumstances, surgical management requires consideration of the nature of the associated lesion which usually requires a median sternotomy for surgical correction. Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is, therefore, rarely associated with lesions that are amenable to surgical correction through a thoracotomy incision. In this case report, we report a case of COA with significant associated cardiac disease that was repaired through a left thoracotomy incision. A 13-year-old boy was found to have COA and also partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the left upper pulmonary vein to the innominate vein. Both the lesions were surgically corrected simultaneously through a thoracotomy.