Community-based study to describe the epidemiology of dengue infection in a large cantonment during one transmission season.

Background: Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne disease in India. It has been linked to monsoons when mosquitoes breed profusely in containers. No study exists in Armed Forces wherein a community-based sero-survey has described the epidemiology of dengue.

Spectrum of Hemophagocytosis in Bone Marrow Aspirates: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

Background: Hemophagocytosis refers to the engulfment of hematopoietic cells by histiocytes. It can be seen in various conditions but is usually reported in the setting of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Optimal interpretation of hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow in relation to the underlying disease significantly contributes to correct patient management.

Hairy Cell Leukemia: Hematological and Immunophenotypic Profile of 13 Patients.

Introduction: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of the mature B-cells, mostly seen in men, and is characterized by cytopenia, splenomegaly, myelofibrosis, and the presence of atypical lymphoid cells showing the cytoplasmic hairy projection in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleen. The immunophenotypic (IPT) profile shows the clonal expansion of B-cells with CD19, CD20, and CD22 showing bright expression. The diagnosis requires two hairy cell markers out of CD103, CD123, CD25, and CD11c to be positive.

Detection of focal lesions in the clot section with negative bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy-A series of 5 cases.

Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsies are commonly used procedures in clinical practice. The practice of making a clot section by using the leftover blood from the bone marrow aspirate material is not a commonly followed practice across centers. A clot section has the advantage of studying the added material with an increased possibility of detecting focal lesions such as myeloma, lymphoma, granuloma, and metastasis in the bone marrow.

Health technology assessment of varicella vaccine in the Armed Forces.

Background: The Indian Armed Forces, on entry, vaccinates all cadets and recruits with varicella vaccine for the prevention of varicella. This health technology assessment (HTA) report puts forth evidence for HTA of varicella vaccination in the Armed Forces in various domains namely clinical, societal, ethical, economic, and legal.

Methods: The policy question under each domain has been developed according to best-practice methods for HTA.

Outbreak control of hospital acquired varicella infection amongst health care workers in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: Adult and immunocompromised patients suffering from varicella (chicken pox) are potential source of infection to healthcare workers. An outbreak of varicella among healthcare workers in a tertiary care centre was investigated, and preventive measures were implemented.

Methods: Cases of chicken pox between 05 Feb 2017 and 11 Feb 2017 in a tertiary healthcare establishment were investigated.

CorMatrix Anterior Leaflet Augmentation of the Tricuspid Valve: Midterm Results.

Background: Tricuspid annuloplasty is the most common surgical approach to correct tricuspid regurgitation (TR). In some patients, however, anterior leaflet patch augmentation may be necessary to optimize tricuspid competence. We reviewed our center cohort over the midterm and long term.

Health technology assessment of fixed-dose combination regimen in treatment of newly diagnosed smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis.

Background: Evidence-based policy decision-making is introduction of newer technology that it is 'not inferior' to existing technology. Multiple randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on tuberculosis (TB) treatment have shown mixture of favourable, unfavourable and non-significant changes in outcomes with the use of fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimens. The aim of this study was to assess clinical effectiveness of FDC regimen as compared to the use of separate drugs in anti-TB treatment.

Histopathological Spectrum and Immunohistochemical Profile of Lung Carcinomas: A 9-Year Study from a Tertiary Hospital in North India.

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Diagnostic bronchoscopic or percutaneous biopsies are usually small. However, judicious use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) helps in accurate subtyping, which forms the basis for molecular tests and treatment.

In the search of a 'fitness gene': an analysis of ACTN gene polymorphisms in serving soldiers.

Background: Genetic polymorphisms in the exon 15 and exon 16 of the ACTN3 gene are believed to be associated with athletic performance. Paratroopers are some of the fittest soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces. This study was taken up to assess if there was a significant difference in the genetic profile between paratroopers and non-paratroopers.

A systematic review and cost-effectiveness analyses of the new World Health Organization guidelines for the treatment of HIV-positive adults in India.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013 has revised its guidelines on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults and further updated it in 2016. Based on the WHO recommendations, in May 2017, National AIDS Control Organisation, India recommended initiation of ART treatment for all people living with HIV, regardless of CD4 count, clinical stage, age, or population. This systematic review aims to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost implication of the new guidelines for India.

Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Influenza A Virus Infection.

Influenza A associated with rhabdomyolysis has become more commonly recognized in recent years. It requires prompt recognition and treatment in order to prevent heme pigment-induced acute kidney injury. Here we report a 50-year-old female without a significant past medical history who presented with a one-week history of fevers, chills, fatigue, and generalized body aches.

Patterns of vascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease and calcific uremic arteriolopathy.

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy or calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially fatal condition, which manifests as skin ischemia and necrosis, usually seen in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is frequently associated with vascular calcification visible on plain radiographs, which can occur in various patterns.

Medullary nephrocalcinosis in idiopathic hypercalciuria.

Idiopathic hypercalciuria is a metabolic abnormality characterized by excessive calcium excretion in the urine with normal serum calcium levels and is a common risk factor for formation of kidney stones and/or nephrocalcinosis. These patients benefit from a normal-calcium, reduced-animal protein, and low-salt diet, along with a thiazide diuretic.

Association between intimate partner violence & HIV/AIDS: Exploring the pathways in Indian context.

Background & Objectives: Violence against women cutting across diverse socio-economic classes is an under-recognized human rights violation in the world. This analysis was undertaken to examine the prevalence along with predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Indian ever-married women.

Methods: The data obtained from 2005 to 2006 third round of National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) were used in this study.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a fibrosing disorder seen in patients with renal dysfunction, commonly precipitated by administration of gadolinium contrast. There is no consistently successful treatment, but oral steroids, topical dovonex, extracorporeal photopheresis, and plasmapheresis have been tried [http://www.icnfdr.

Predictors of first line antiretroviral therapy failure and burden of second line antiretroviral therapy.

Background: As HIV steps into the third decade, there are more number of patients living on lifelong (antiretroviral therapy) ART and facing the threat of drug resistance with subsequent treatment failure. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of first-line ART failure with the objectives to estimate the burden of 2nd line ART.

Methods: A retrospective 5-year cohort of HIV patients who were initiated on first line ART in 2008-09 was studied.