Mapping the stability of febrile illness hotspots in Punjab from 2012 to 2019- a spatial clustering and regression analysis.

Introduction: Febrile illnesses (FI) represent a typical spectrum of diseases in low-resource settings, either in isolation or with other common symptoms. They contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in India. The primary objective was to study the burden of FI based on Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) data in Punjab, analyze geospatial and temporal trends and patterns, and identify the potential hotspots for effective intervention.

Mapping national information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure to the requirements of potential digital health interventions in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Digital health can support health care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by overcoming problems of distance, poor infrastructure and the need to provide community practitioners with specialist support. We used five RESPIRE countries as exemplars (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan) to identify the digital health solutions that are valuable in their local setting, worked together with local clinicians and researchers to explore digital health policy, electricity/ICT infrastructure, and socio-cultural factors influencing users' ability to access, adopt and utilise digital health.

Methods: We adopted the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review protocol and followed the Cochrane Rapid Review method to accelerate the review process, using the Implementation and Operation of Mobile Health projects framework and The Extended Technology Acceptance Model of Mobile Telephony to categorise the results.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Breast Requiring a Life-Saving Mastectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the breast is an extremely rare event in routine surgical practice. It is the most aggressive form of soft tissue infection and a real surgical emergency. It is associated with a high risk of mortality if not diagnosed promptly.

Does the pattern of bicuspid aortic valve leaflet fusion determine the success of the Ross procedure?

Background: In addition to being associated with aortopathy, a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has been posed to be a risk factor for the dilation of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic position. The aim of this study is to assess the association between the subtype of native aortic valve leaflet fusion (right and noncoronary leaflets [R/N] vs right and left leaflets [R/L]) and autograft dilation and valve dysfunction after the Ross procedure.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 43 patients with BAV who underwent a Ross procedure in our center from 1993 to 2013.

The Impact of Breast Clinic on the Mastectomy and Axillary Clearance Rates at a Tertiary Hospital in an Eastern Caribbean Nation: A Comparative Study.

Background: Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer in women in Trinidad and Tobago. Traditionally the practice of mastectomy or wide local excision with or without axillary clearance was applied to most of these patients. This is often associated with significant morbidity and a poor cosmetic outcome with both negatively impacting the patients quality of life.

A Case of Surgically Intervened Chronic Tophaceous Gout and Review of Literature.

Background: Gout is a disease of deposition of monosodium urate crystal in the body which commonly presents as an acute arthritis of the peripheral joints but can have varied presentation. It is mostly managed by dietary modifications and drugs, but surgery is rarely required for the management of urate crystals.

Case Report: We present a case of a 66-year-old male who intermittently presented to the outpatient with multiple tophi which was managed with lifestyle changes and medically; initially, the patient eventually required surgical excision for tophi in fingers and heel which improved the pain and morbidity of the patient.

Does the Homograft for RVOT Reconstruction in Ross: Patients Fare Better than for Non-Ross Patients? A Single-Center Experience.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In patients undergoing the Ross procedure, the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduit is inserted in an orthotopic position rather than in the more heterotopic position used in the repair of complex congenital RVOT obstruction. The study aim was to compare the authors' institutional mid-term experience of large-sized homografts (>19 mm) in patients with Ross and non-Ross RVOT reconstructions.

Methods: The outcome was reviewed of all homografts implanted for Ross (n = 72) or non-Ross (n = 64) RVOT reconstruction at a single center between 1993 and 2012.

The Association Between Aortic Valve Leaflet Morphology and Patterns of Aortic Dilation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valves.

Background: Dilation of the aorta is a frequent complication in patients with bicuspid aortic valves. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the subtype of leaflet fusion, right and noncoronary leaflet (R/N) fusion versus right and left leaflet (R/L) fusion, and the patterns of aortic dilation and valve dysfunction in young patients with bicuspid aortic valves.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 642 patients who presented with bicuspid aortic valves between 1994 and 2014.

The Ross-Konno is a high-risk procedure when compared with the Ross operation in children.

Background: For children who require aortic valve replacement, the pulmonary autograft (Ross procedure) may be the ideal substitute. However, performing a modified Konno procedure at the time of autograft implantation (Ross-Konno) may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A retrospective study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of Ross-Konno (RK) and the Ross (R) procedures including the need for reinterventions and long-term survival.

Autograft or allograft aortic root replacement in children and young adults with aortic valve disease: a single-center comparison.

Background: We analyzed the outcome of children and young adults (younger than 40 years) with aortic valve disease who underwent allograft or autograft aortic root replacement (ARR) in our institution and evaluated whether there is a preference for either valve substitute.

Methods: One-hundred fifty patients younger than 40 years underwent ARR between January 1990 and July 2011. Forty-four patients, aged 18.

Decellularized versus standard cryopreserved valve allografts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction: a single-institution comparison.

Background: Standard cryopreserved valved allografts (SCAs) are recognized as the benchmark for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). However, SCAs frequently demonstrate early valve deterioration and elicit an immune response. Decellularized cryopreserved valve allografts (SynerGraft, SG) are less immunogenetic and may be more durable.

Repair of transposition of the great arteries with total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

A 13-year-old Haitian girl presented with complex congenital heart disease consisting of transposition of the great arteries with total anomalous venous return. The patient exhibited clinical findings of long-standing congestive heart failure and cyanosis. She underwent complete repair with resolution of her symptoms.