Paving the way for quality assured, decentralised point-of-care testing for infectious disease in primary care - Real world lessons from remote Australia.

Introduction: Decentralized molecular testing for infectious disease diagnosis at the point-of-care (POC) is critical to address inequities in access to timely, informed health care. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand, development and adoption of POC tests for infectious diseases globally. This has provided opportunities to maximize the individual benefits and public health impact of POC testing, particularly in remote and resource-limited primary care settings.

Persistent ENT Manifestations in Individuals who Recovered from COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

 Long coronavirus disease (COVID) refers to the persistence of symptoms long after the recovery from the acute phase of the illness, and it is due to the interplay of various inflammatory mechanisms. This has led to emergence of new deficits, including otorhinolaryngological symptoms, in patients wo have recovered from COVID. The plethora of otorhinolaryngological symptoms associated with long COVID are tinnitus, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), vertigo, nasal congestion, sinonasal discomfort, hyposmia/anosmia, dysgeusia, sore throat, dry cough, dyspnea, dysphagia, and hoarseness of voice.

Small Molecule-Mediated Stage-Specific Reprogramming of MSCs to Hepatocyte-Like Cells and Hepatic Tissue for Liver Injury Treatment.

Background: Derivation of hepatocytes from stem cells has been established through various protocols involving growth factor (GF) and small molecule (SM) agents, among others. However, mesenchymal stem cell-based derivation of hepatocytes still remains expensive due to the use of a cocktail of growth factors, and a long duration of differentiation is needed, thus limiting its potential clinical application.

Methods: In this study, we developed a chemically defined differentiation strategy that is exclusively based on SM and takes 14 days, while the GF-based protocol requires 23-28 days.

Lévy Flight Model of Gaze Trajectories to Assist in ADHD Diagnoses.

The precise mathematical description of gaze patterns remains a topic of ongoing debate, impacting the practical analysis of eye-tracking data. In this context, we present evidence supporting the appropriateness of a Lévy flight description for eye-gaze trajectories, emphasizing its beneficial scale-invariant properties. Our study focuses on utilizing these properties to aid in diagnosing Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, in conjunction with standard cognitive tests.

Angiokeratoma of tongue in the pediatric age group: a rare presentation.

Background: Angiokeratoma is a rare cutaneous presentation with unknown etiology.

Case Presentation: A case of a 10-year male, who was presented to the ENT OPD with a swelling over the posterior aspect of the tongue. The chief complaints included growth on the right side of the posterior third of the tongue which was extending up to the base of the tongue on the same side.

Maternal Chromium Levels in Gestational Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The topic of maternal Chromium (Cr) levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has remained controversial; some studies have found lower levels of Cr in GDM population, whereas others found no significant changes in Cr status in GDM. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively synthesizing past studies to find the relationship of maternal Cr levels with GDM. The study protocol was registered at International prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (ID CRD42021272979).

Trans-septal Suturing Versus Merocel Nasal Packing: A Post Septoplasty Comparison.

It has been observed that nasal packing following septoplasty contributes to co-morbidities like post-operative pain, bleeding and increased duration of hospital stay. Trans-septal suturing has been suggested as a safe and effective alternative with a view to obviate the need for nasal packing and the hence avoid the discomfort associated with it. To compare the outcome of trans-septal suturing technique with merocel nasal packing after septoplasty.

Host nuclear repositioning and actin polarization towards the site of penetration precedes fungal ingress during compatible pea-powdery mildew interactions.

Actin polarization and actin-driven host nuclear movement towards the fungal penetration site facilitates successful host colonization during compatible pea-Erysiphe pisi interactions. Proper nuclear positioning in plant cells is crucial for developmental processes and response to (a)biotic stimuli. During plant-fungal interactions, the host nucleus moves toward the infection site, a process regulated by the plant cytoskeleton.

Modified graphene oxide nanoplates reinforced 3D printed multifunctional scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Successful regeneration of load-bearing bone defects remains a major challenge in clinical orthopaedics. Designing biologically active 3-dimensional scaffolds possessing physiological responsiveness can potentially overcome current limitations. Here, we have described a novel approach to fabricate scaffolds with modified nanosheets reinforced on mechanically customized thermoplastic polymer-based 3D printed constructs.

How have smallholder farmers used digital extension tools? Developer and user voices from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Digital extension tools (DETs) include phone calls, WhatsApp groups and specialised smartphone applications used for agricultural knowledge brokering. We researched processes through which DETs have (and have not) been used by farmers and other extension actors in low- and middle-income countries. We interviewed 40 DET developers across 21 countries and 101 DET users in Bihar, India.

Generation and transplantation of hepatocytes-like cells using human origin hepatogenic serum for acute liver injury treatment.

Liver failure is a critical disease for which regenerative therapies are still being explored. The major limitation in the use of a clinical grade, viable cell-based therapy approach is the scarce availability of sufficient number of in-vitro differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) that can induce regeneration and ameliorate liver injury. Here, we report for the first time an approach to engineer HLCs using sera of hyperbilirubin patients that act as a reservoir of differentiation factor.

Emerging Trends in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Applications for Cardiac Regenerative Therapy: Current Status and Advances.

Irreversible myocardium infarction is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related death and its quantum is expected to grow in coming years. Pharmacological intervention has been at the forefront to ameliorate injury-related morbidity and mortality. However, its outcomes are highly skewed.

Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis During the Second Wave of Covid-19: The Indian Scenario.

Mucormycosis is a life threatening, opportunistic infection often seen in individuals with a weak immune system. With an upsurge of cases of Covid-19, a drastic increase in cases of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis is being witnessed at present. This article has been written with the purpose of understanding the factors responsible for it and the challenges it brings along for the Indian health-care system at present.

Relationship between advanced glycated end products and maternal cognition in gestational diabetes: a case control study.

Objective: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance which manifests during pregnancy. There is lack of literature regarding the study of cognitive functions in GDM. Recent evidences suggests an increase in accumulation of serum Advanced glycated end products (AGE'S) during GDM.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cardiac Regeneration: from Differentiation to Cell Delivery.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are so far the most widely researched stem cells in clinics and used as an experimental cellular therapy module, particularly in cardiac regeneration and repair. Ever since the discovery of cardiomyogenesis induction in MSCs, a wide variety of differentiation protocols have been extensively used in preclinical models. However, pre differentiated MSC-derived cardiomyocytes have not been used in clinical trials; highlighting discrepancies and limitations in its use as a source of derived cardiomyocytes for transplantation to improve the damaged heart function.

Covid-19 and Ear Surgery: Treatment Strategies and Triage during the Post-lockdown Period.

The accumulated disease burden during lockdown period, due to postponement of regular surgeries, is expected to put additional pressure on surgeons during the post-lockdown period. Due to the contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2 and its suspected presence in middle ear mucosa and mastoid, Ear surgeons are bound to face a challenging situation in present times as well as in times to come. Through this article we aim to streamline fresh management strategies particularly for the post-lockdown period keeping in mind that immunity after vaccination may take a few months to develop due to various factors discussed in the article.

Robotic Surgery in Otolaryngology During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Safer Approach?

The COVID-19 outbreak was announced a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The contagious nature of this virus to spread through droplets, puts the ENT surgeon at an added risk of exposure and infection, particularly while performing various aerosol generating procedures of the oral cavity and upper airway. While it is being recommended worldwide to postpone all elective surgeries to a later date, certain emergency procedures must be undertaken promptly but in a manner that minimizes the exposure of the surgeon and health care staff to the SARS-CoV-2.

Meniscal tissue engineering via 3D printed PLA monolith with carbohydrate based self-healing interpenetrating network hydrogel.

Failure of bioengineered meniscus implant after transplantation is a major concern owing to mechanical failure, lack of chondrogenic capability and patient specific design. In this article, we have, for the first time, fabricated a 3D printed scaffold with carbohydrate based self-healing interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels-based monolith construct for load bearing meniscus tissue. 3D printed PLA scaffold was surface functionalized and embedded with self-healing IPN hydrogel for interfacial bonding further characterized by micro CT.

COVID-19 and ENT surgery: a brief review of essential precautions and triage.

Purpose: This study is a brief review of the existing knowledge on the ENT surgeon's approach towards management of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is being recommended to carry out only the emergent procedures and to postpone the non-urgent ones to a later date, this article is meant to provide an insight into triage of the ENT procedures and the various precautions to be taken into account by the ENT surgeons while carrying out a procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The ENT Cochrane, Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched without a time limit using the terms 'COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 in conjunction with ENT surgery.

Organotypic cancer tissue models for drug screening: 3D constructs, bioprinting and microfluidic chips.

Successful translation of potential cancer chemotherapeutic drugs to the clinic depends on sufficient predictability of response in the human system through in vitro simulations. High expenditure and longer duration in preclinical and clinical research urge the enhancement of effective in vitro drug screening. 3D models emulate cell morphology, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and are physiologically more relevant for predicting drug responses for complex heterogenic cancers, widely replacing conventional cultures.

Effect on Quality Of Life of Patients Before and After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Rhinosinusitis is defined as an inflammatory process involving the mucosa of the nose and one or more of the paranasal sinuses. Rhinosinusitis is not associated with increased mortality, but may have an impact on the quality of life (QOL). Current study is aimed at investigating the role of FESS in the enhancement of QOL of the patients with rhinosinusitis.

Evaluation of Role of Mitomycin C in the Cases of Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage Undergoing Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

Dacryocystorhinostomy is a common surgical procedure done for the treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct. Adjunctive use of a wound healing inhibitor like Mitomycin C is considered to minimize the risk of complications and increase the success rate of endoscopic endonasal DCR. The current study is aimed to compare the results of endoscopic DCR without silicon stents with or without Mitomycin C and to see for any complications resulting from the surgery.

Bioengineered smart trilayer skin tissue substitute for efficient deep wound healing.

Skin substitutes for deep wound healing require meticulous designing and fabrication to ensure proper structural and functional regeneration of the tissue. Range of physical and mechanical properties conducive for regeneration of different layers of skin is a prerequisite of an ideal scaffold. However, single or bilayer substitutes, lacking this feature, fail to heal full thickness wound.

Outcome of Endoscopic Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea Repair: An Institutional Study.

Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea is caused by an abnormal open communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. The most common anatomic sites of such abnormal communication are found in the anterior skull base, namely, ethmoid roof, olfactory groove, roof of the sphenoid sinus and the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. It can be classified into traumatic or spontaneous.