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Σάββατο 5 Ιανουαρίου 2019

Osseointegrated Auditory Devices

Osseointegrated auditory devices (OADs) are hearing devices that use an external receiver/processor that stimulates bone conduction of sound via a titanium prosthesis that is drilled into the bone of the cranium. Since their introduction in 1977, OADs have undergone substantial evolution, including changes in manufacturing of the implant, improvements in the external sound processor, and simplification of implantation techniques. Expansion of criteria for patient candidacy for implantation has occurred corresponding with changes in the implants and processors.

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Electroacoustic Stimulation

Electric acoustic stimulation (EAS), also known as hybrid stimulation, is indicated for individuals with intact low-frequency hearing and profound high-frequency hearing loss. Although low frequencies contribute to speech perception, these individuals are usually only able to detect vowels, but few or no consonants, and thus have difficulty with word understanding and hearing in noise. EAS uses the cochlear implant electrode array to stimulate the high frequencies within the basal turn of the cochlea coupled with a hearing aid to convey the low frequencies at the apical turn in the same ear.

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Clinical Thyroidology®Top-Read Articles

FREE ACCESS through January 17, 2019
Read Now:

Levothyroxine Replacement for Primary Hypothyroidism Can Be Given Between Meals with Similar Effectiveness at Various Times of the Day
Charles H. Emerson

Most "Recurrences" of Thyroid Cancer Represent Persistent Rather Than Recurrent Disease
Martin Biermann, Katrin Brauckhoff 

Surgery for Hyperthyroidism Lowers Cardiovascular Mortality Compared with Radioactive Iodine
Andrew J. Day, Michael W. Yeh, Masha J. Livhits 

No Benefit of Levothyroxine Among Pregnant Hypothyroid and/or Hypothyroxinemic Women on Offspring IQ at Age 9 years
Angela M. Leung 

Current ATA Thyroid Cancer Guidelines Are Poor Predictors of the Extent of Thyroidectomy
Tracy S. Wang 

Using the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Will Decrease the Number of Thyroid Nodule Biopsies While Improving Diagnostic Accuracy
Stephanie A. Fish

Levothyroxine Treatment Does Not Reduce Risk for Premature Delivery Among TPO-Negative Pregnant Women with a TSH of 2.5 to 10.0 mIU/L
Elizabeth N. Pearce 

Methimazole Has a Dose-Dependent Association With Congenital Malformations, but Switching to PTU in the First Trimester Seems Too Late
Tim I.M. Korevaar 

The post Clinical Thyroidology<sup>®</sup>Top-Read Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.



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Cancer Stem Cell based molecular predictors of tumor recurrence in Oral squamous cell carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2019

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Simple Mohanta, Samanta Sekhar Khora, Amritha Suresh

Abstract
Objective

This study aimed to identify the cancer stem cell specific biomarkers that can be effective candidate prognosticators of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Design

Microarray-based meta-analysis derived transcriptional profile of head and neck cancers was compared with the cancer stem cell database to arrive at a subset of markers. This subset was further co-related with clinico-pathological parameters, recurrence and survival of oral cancer patients (n = 313) in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and in oral cancer (n = 28) patients.

Results

Meta-analysis in combination with database comparison identified a panel of 221 genes specific to head and neck cancers. Correlation of expression levels of these markers in the oral cancer cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 313) with treatment outcome identified 54 genes (p < 0.05 or fold change >2) associated with disease recurrence, 8 genes (NQO1, UBE2C, EDNRB, FKBP4, STAT3, HOXA1, RIT1, AURKA) being significant with high fold change. Assessment of the efficacy of the subset (n = 54) as survival predictors identified an additional 4 genes (CDK1, GINS2, PHF5 A, ERBB2) that co-related with poor disease-free survival (p < 0.05). CDK1 showed a significant association with the clinical stage, margin status and with advanced pathological parameters. Initial patient validation indicated that CDK1 and NQO1 significantly co-related with the poor disease-free and overall survival (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This panel of oral cancer specific, cancer stem cell associated markers identified in this study, a subset of which was validated, is of clinical benefit subject to large scale validation studies.



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Assessing the educational quality of ‘YouTube’ videos for facelifts

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2019

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

Author(s): Adeeb Derakhshan, Linda Lee, Prabhat Bhama, Eric Barbarite, David Shaye

Abstract
Objectives

Facelifts are among the most common facial plastic procedures performed. Given the existence of a variety of surgical approaches and the proximity of key anatomical structures, the development of proper surgical skills and knowledge is necessary to ensure positive outcomes. Many surgical learners utilize YouTube videos as supplemental tools in their education. Our aim was to gauge the quality and quantity of available YouTube videos describing the surgical approach to rhytidectomy.

Methods

The YouTube video platform was searched using predefined keywords. Videos meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed and scored by 3 practicing facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Thirteen different intraoperative, pre/postoperative, and video quality characteristics were scored on a binary scale by each grader. Descriptive statistics were obtained and interrater reliability was assessed using Kappa's coefficient.

Results

Thirteen videos met criteria for analysis. A high degree of interrater reliability was confirmed using Kappa's coefficient, with κ values = 0.73, 0.75, and 0.59 for each combination of scorers. In general, YouTube videos were found to be deficient in discussing key criteria of rhytidectomy, particularly with regards to pre/postoperative points such as indications, patient selection, and possible complications. Intraoperative benchmarks were also lacking, with 8/13 videos not discussing the facial nerve and 8/13 failing to demonstrate an appropriate facelift incision.

Conclusions

YouTube instructional videos depicting rhytidectomy lack discussion of key tenets of successful facelift surgery. Until improvement in the educational quality of such material occurs, surgical trainees should implement discretion when choosing YouTube videos to complement their learning.

Level of Evidence: Not Applicable.



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Recomendaciones de la Guía de Práctica Clínica de la exploración de la vía aérea superior para pacientes adultos con sospecha de síndrome de apnea-hipoapnea obstructiva del sueño (versión reducida)

Publication date: Available online 5 January 2019

Source: Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española

Author(s): Eduard Esteller, Marina Carrasco, Miguel Ángel Díaz-Herrera, Javier Vila, Gabriel Sampol, Joan Juvanteny, Ramon Sieira, Alex Farré, Isabel Vilaseca

Resumen

En noviembre 2014 la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología, la Sociedad Española de Sueño y la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Maxilofacial propusieron y avalaron la elaboración de una Guía de Práctica Clínica sobre la exploración física de la vía aérea superior en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño.

La Guía ha seguido de forma estricta en toda su elaboración las recomendaciones del manual de elaboración de guías de práctica clínica del Sistema Nacional de Salud 2007 y 2009 y el manual de la Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) 2015.

El documento final puede ser altamente útil para los fines que se propuso inicialmente: ser un referente para unificar las regiones que deben ser exploradas en los pacientes con síndrome de apnea-hipoapnea obstructiva del sueño, mediante qué tipo de exploración y cómo gradarla, y expresada para todos los ámbitos asistenciales a los que estos pacientes pueden acudir.

Las conclusiones y recomendaciones están basadas en una revisión exhaustiva y actualizada de la bibliografía con alto nivel de evidencia, además de la experiencia y conocimientos demostrados de todos los integrantes del grupo de elaboración.

Dicho grupo se constituyó pensando siempre en la transversalidad del proyecto, y, por tanto, han participado especialistas de todos los ámbitos implicados (cirugía maxilofacial, medicina de familia, neumología, neurofisiología clínica, odontología y otorrinolaringología). Con la misma idea se seleccionaron los revisores externos del texto final.

Abstract

In November 2014 the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, the Spanish Sleep Society and the Spanish Society of Maxillofacial Surgery proposed and endorsed the development of a Clinical Practice Guideline on the physical examination of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

The Guideline strictly followed the recommendations of the manual for the preparation of clinical practice guidelines of the National Health System 2007 and 2009 and the manual of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) 2015.

The final document could be highly useful for the purposes that were originally proposed: to act as a reference to unify the regions that should be explored in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome, the type of examination and how to grade it, and specific to all the care areas to which these patients have access.

The conclusions and recommendations are based on a thorough and up-to-date review of the literature with a high level of evidence, as well as the experience and knowledge demonstrated by all the members of the drafting group.

This group was formed bearing in mind at all times the transversality of the project, and, therefore, specialists from all the involved areas participated (maxillofacial surgery, family medicine, pneumology, clinical neurophysiology, odontology and otolaryngology). The external reviewers of the final text were selected along the same lines.



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Application of Implantable Hearing Aids and Bone Conduction Implant System in patients with bilateral congenital deformation of the external and middle ear

Publication date: Available online 5 January 2019

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Yiqing Zheng, Junfeng Lin, Suijun Chen, Huasong Zhang, Haiwen Ye, Hao xiong, Zhigang Zhang, Maojin Liang, Xueyuan Zhang

Abstract
Objective

To determine the efficacy of the application of the Implantable Hearing Aids and Bone Conduction Implant System in patients with bilateral congenital deformation of the external and middle ear.

Methods

twenty patients with bilateral congenital malformation of the external and middle ear were included in the study. Implantable Hearing Aids implantation was performed in ten patients, and Bone Conduction Implant System implantation was performed in ten patients. Audiometric tests, including pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination in the free field were performed pre-operatively and post-operatively.

Results

Implantable Hearing Aids and Bone Conduction Implant System implantation were performed successfully in all patients. The mean pure-tone threshold improvement with Implantable Hearing Aids or Bone Conduction Implant System activation in the free filed pure tone audiometry was 25 dB and ranged from 0.25 to 4 kHz. Mean free field speech discrimination in quiet was 80% at 65 dB compared to 18% pre-operatively. The mean pure-tone threshold improvement with Bone Conduction Implant System was 25.5 dB better than 18.2 dB with Implantable Hearing Aids. The mean free filed speech discrimination in quite improvement with Bone Conduction Implant System was 66% better than 58% with Implantable Hearing Aids.

Conclusion

Implantable Hearing Aids or Bone Conduction Implant System are effective options for improving hearing in patients with bilateral congenital deformation of the external and middle ear. The procedure is safe and effective, and its indications are wider than those of tympanoplasty for such cases. Furthermore, the Bone Conduction Implant System is better than Implantable Hearing Aids, tympanoplasty and hearing aids.



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Immediate versus Delayed Surgery in Congenital Choanal Atresia: A Systematic Review

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2019

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Scott Murray, Lindy Luo, Alexandra Quimby, Nick Barrowman, Jean-Philippe Vaccani, Lisa Caulley

Abstract
Objectives

To evaluate immediate versus delayed surgical intervention on treatment outcomes in the management of congenital choanal atresia.

Methods

This study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines in reporting a systematic review of the literature. OVID Medline, EMBASE and Pubmed databases were searched using relevant key terms. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining immediate versus delayed primary surgery for congenital choanal atresia. Timing of surgery was classified as immediate or delayed based on median age of intervention stratified by type of obstruction. Primary outcomes were primary treatment failure, respiratory function and mortality rates.

Results

A total of 2765 abstracts were identified and screened by 2 independent reviewers. Of the 688 articles reviewed in full text, 23 articles met the study criteria and were subjected to quality assessment. The full study assessment and quality control measures yielded 23 studies (representing 362 patients) for pooled patient-level analysis in the systematic review. Primary treatment failures occurred in 24.8% of patients that underwent immediate surgery and 42.6% of patients that underwent delayed surgery for bilateral choanal atresia (p=0.01). There were no differences in mortality rates (5.6% vs 4.2%; p=1.00) or qualitative measures of respiratory function. There were no difference in treatment outcomes for patients with unilateral choanal atresia (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Through an analysis of pooled individual patient data, this systematic review of the literature demonstrated that there was significantly higher rates of treatment failure in patients that underwent delayed surgery for bilateral choanal atresia. Clinical trials and large prospective cohort studies investigating outcomes following immediate and delayed surgical intervention will provide further insight into treatment strategies.



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Soft Palate Subacute Necrotising Sialadenitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Subacute Necrotising Sialadenitis (SANS) is a self-limiting, inflammatory disorder of minor salivary glands of unknown etiology. Minor salivary glands over soft and hard palate are most commonly affected. SANS shares considerable clinical features with necrotizing sialometaplasia, which is also the commonest differential diagnosis. We present an intriguing case of soft palate SANS in a 55 year old lady.



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Soft Palate Subacute Necrotising Sialadenitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Subacute Necrotising Sialadenitis (SANS) is a self-limiting, inflammatory disorder of minor salivary glands of unknown etiology. Minor salivary glands over soft and hard palate are most commonly affected. SANS shares considerable clinical features with necrotizing sialometaplasia, which is also the commonest differential diagnosis. We present an intriguing case of soft palate SANS in a 55 year old lady.



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Immunologic mediators of outcome for irradiated oropharyngeal carcinoma based on human papillomavirus status

Publication date: February 2019

Source: Oral Oncology, Volume 89

Author(s): Jessica Meshman, Maria A. Velez, Pin-Chieh Wang, Elliot Abemayor, Maie St. John, Deborah Wong, Sunita Bhuta, Allen M. Chen

Abstract
Purpose

To investigate the prognostic value of pre-treatment immune parameters including white blood cell count (WBC) and circulating lymphocyte count (CLC) among patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated by radiation therapy.

Methods and Materials

A total of 136 consecutive patients were treated by radiation therapy for locally advanced (stage III/IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx with known human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients with documented pre-treatment laboratory bloodwork. The Kaplan-Meier method and linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between pre-treatment CBC and CLC values with survival endpoints.

Results

One hundred and eleven patients satisfied inclusion criteria. Median age was 62 years (range, 22–91). Eighty-four patients were HPV-positive (76%) and 27 (24%) were HPV-negative. There was no difference in WBC and CLC mean values at baseline between HPV-positive and HV-negative (p > 0.05, for both). Trends were detected in the HPV-positive cohort favoring patients with higher CLC, with respect to 2-year local-regional control (93% vs. 82%, p = 0.06) and distant control (88% vs. 82%, p = 0.10) using the median CLC as cut-off. HPV-positive patients with CLC values in the lowest quartile had inferior local-regional control compared to those in the upper 3 quartiles (69% vs. 89%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Low pre-treatment CLC was correlated with local-regional recurrence and distant failure among HPV-positive patients. These associations were not observed in the HPV-negative cohort.



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Editorial Board/Aims & Scope

Publication date: January 2019

Source: Oral Oncology, Volume 88

Author(s):



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Unexpected response with palliative conventional therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after anti‐programmed death‐1 progression

Abstract

Background

The application of anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) therapies for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has found promising results. It is the first "second‐line therapy" in this setting to impact on prognosis. The studies demonstrated overall response rates in the range of 20%. Therefore, HNSCC showed 60%‐80% progression at first evaluation with better overall survival, suggesting regained efficacy of treatments given thereafter.

Methods

We report three clinical cases treated with anti‐PD‐1 after platinum‐based chemotherapy.

Results

Our case reports achieved an unforeseen response to conventional therapies supporting the hypothesis of restored responses to conventional therapies after immunotherapy.

Conclusions

We believe that the inhibition of the PD‐1/PD‐ligand 1 checkpoint may synergize with both chemotherapy or radiotherapy through immunologic interplay, reversing the HNSCC‐induced immune suppression.



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Cetuximab‐associated pulmonary toxicity in concurrent chemoradiation for the treatment of a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Background

Cetuximab is a common EGFR monoclonal antibody used with radiotherapy to treat head‐and‐neck cancer. Severe pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), caused by cetuximab is rare.

Methods

We describe a patient who developed ILD and acute respiratory failure after concurrent chemoradiation with cetuximab for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and review the literature.

Results

A patient developed acute respiratory failure 2 months after starting concurrent chemoradiation with cetuximab and was hospitalized in intensive care after a procedure for progressive respiratory distress. Cultures and serology were negative for infection and radiologic findings were consistent with drug associated pneumonitits. Steroids were administered until the patient was stabilized. The patient fully recovered 1 month after the onset of respiratory distress, although he died of recurrent disease 10 months after completing treatment.

Conclusion

Although severe pulmonary toxicity caused by EGFR inhibitors has been well described in the literature, ILD caused by cetuximab, an EGFR monoclonal antibody, is rare and not well‐documented. Given its life‐threatening effects, awareness of this potential side effect and early diagnosis is critical.



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Family and Community Medicine

A profile of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, sleep, and dietary habits of Saudi college female students
Hana A Alzamil, Manan A Alhakbany, Nora A Alfadda, Sarah M Almusallam, Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):1-8

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported valid comprehensive data on lifestyle habits of Saudi college females. In addition, studies on sedentary behaviors (SBs) and the duration of sleep of Saudi college students are rare. Saudi females appear to be less physically active and therefore, at a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate lifestyle patterns of Saudi college females, including physical activity (PA), SBs, duration of sleep, and dietary habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among females attending health science colleges of King Saud University, using multistage stratified cluster sample (n &#61; 456). Weight, height, PA, SB, sleep, and dietary habits were all assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly half of the college females were physically inactive. Females exercised mostly at home or alone at no specific time of day. Their activity was for health reasons (43.4&#37;) for weight loss (28.7&#37;); lack of time (71.2&#37;) was the primary reason for inactivity. The majority (&#62;85&#37;) of females spent more time in sedentary activity (&#62;3 h/day) while 95&#37; of females had insufficient sleep (&#60;8 h/night). Over 40&#37; of the participants consumed breakfast or vegetables 5 days or more per week, whereas the corresponding proportions for fruit and milk/dairy products intake were 19.4&#37; and 58.4&#37;, respectively. The proportions of college females who consumed less healthy foods for 3&#43; days/week were fairly variable, ranging from 21.1&#37; for French fries to 60.4&#37; for chocolates/candy. The predictors of total PA time were increased the duration of sleep and reduced intake of French fries/potato chips. CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy lifestyle habit appears prevalent among Saudi college females. Efforts toward promoting PA, decreasing SB, and insufficient sleep and improving dietary habits in Saudi females are needed to reduce future risks of NCDs.


Consistency of child self-reports with parent proxy reports on the quality of life of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Riyadh, 2016
Dina M Al-Habib, Fatima A Alhaidar, Ibrahem M Alzayed, Randa M Youssef

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):9-16

BACKGROUND: The quality of life (QoL) of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been addressed in Saudi Arabia despite the considerable attention it has on account of its prevalence, duration of illness, and sociopsychological effects. The aim of this study was to report on the QoL of children with ADHD and test the concord between children&#39;s and parents&#39; reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the generic PedsQL&#8482; (version 4.0) from both children&#39;s and parents&#39; perspectives, a cross-sectional study of 112 children was conducted on children aged 5&#8211;18 years with an established diagnosis of ADHD attending child psychiatry clinics of three referral hospitals in Riyadh between December 2015 and May 2016. RESULTS: A total of 112 children with an established diagnosis of ADHD were recruited from the Child Psychiatry Clinic of Al Amal Mental Health Complex (41.1&#37;), Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), (33&#37;), and King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), (25.9&#37;). The majority were boys (74.1&#37;) and Saudi nationals (93.8&#37;). The mean age of children with ADHD was 10.45 &#177; 3.06 years (Range 5 - 18 years). One-fourth of the mothers of children with ADHD had completed high school and 41.1&#37; had a diploma, university, or postgraduate degree. One-third of the fathers of these children had completed high school (34&#37;) and 38.4&#37; had a diploma, university, or postgraduate degree. The intra-class correlation coefficients between the scores of children and parents were good for physical functioning, fair for social functioning, but moderate for school, emotional, and psychosocial functioning. Children rated themselves significantly better than their parents for emotional, social, school, and psychosocial functioning. The standardized response means indicated a small difference for social functioning and medium differences for the other three domains. The only significant discrepancy was observed in social functioning in relation to the child&#39;s age. CONCLUSION: Parents mirrored adequately the observable physical component of the QoL of their children. The QoL report of children with ADHD with respect to communications and intellectual abilities should be taken into account whenever possible and their parents&#39; report also should be sought to provide a more comprehensive view of the child&#39;s status.


The association between waiting time and patient satisfaction in outpatient clinics: Findings from a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia
Rasmah S Al-Harajin, Sara A Al-Subaie, Ahmed G Elzubair

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):17-22

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator for assessing the quality of health care because it affects the timely, efficient, and patient-centered delivery of quality health care, and patient satisfaction is associated with the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between waiting time and patient satisfaction in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at family medicine and other specialized clinics. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed to patients seen at the outpatient clinics. Variables collected were sociodemographic information and patient satisfaction scores to evaluate the association between waiting time and satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients participated in the study. Half of the patients reported being satisfied with the waiting time, while the remaining were dissatisfied (mean satisfaction score 38.4 &#177; 6.63). Family medicine clinic scored better in waiting time than other specialized clinics; between arrival and registration (P &#60; 0.01), between registration and consultation (P &#60; 0.01), consultation time (P &#60; 0.01), and overall waiting time (P &#60; 0.01). Patients treated at the family medicine clinic were more likely to be satisfied than those seen in other specialized clinics (61.2&#37; vs. 40&#37;, P &#60; 0.01). CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction was lower than shown in previous literature. Gender and clinic type were significantly associated with satisfaction score; those who attended the family medicine clinics were more satisfied than those attending other specialized clinics. Findings may be used to inform researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers&#39; decisions on quality improvement programs.


The impact of using the term "Diabetic Ear" for the patients with skull base osteomyelitis
Abdulaziz S AlEnazi, Salma S Al Sharhan, Laila M Telmesani, Nasser A Aljazan, Bander M Al Qahtani, Mohamed A Lotfy

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):23-29

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and ear disease are some of the most widespread health concerns. The focus here is on the impact of using the term &#8220;Diabetic Ear&#8221; for patients with skull base osteomyelitis (SBM) in the context of malignant otitis externa (MOE). The aim of this study was to discover the awareness of general practitioners (GPs), residents, specialists, and consultants at Primary Health Care Centers about necrotizing otitis externa (NOE), also known previously as malignant external otitis (MOE), assess their deficiencies and provide solutions; also assist them for the early detection and possible prevention of diabetes- related ear diseases and their complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of physicians (residents, specialists, and consultants) working at the Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Khobar and Dammam cities of the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: The total number of medical practitioners was 84. Their mean age was 33.97 (&#177;9.55). The proportion of females was higher than males, only 28.3&#37; of the participants responded correctly when asked about MOE. Similarly, very few were aware of the risks of MOE (2.5&#37;), complications associated with it (17.3&#37;) and the necessary procedures for managing patients (24.2&#37;). The awareness of doctors in the primary health clinics about MOE was significantly better than those in hospitals (P &#61; 0.002). CONCLUSION: There was a significant deficiency in the knowledge of GPs on MOE. Therefore, health education and awareness programs on MOE are recommended. Furthermore, we recommend that it is necessary to encourage the use of the term &#8220;Diabetic EAR &#8220;to increase the level of awareness of physicians about MOE.


Effect of Zamzam water on blood methemoglobin level in young rats
Ahmed Badar, Abdullah O Bamosa, Mohammed Salahuddin, Abdullah Al Meheithif

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):30-35

BACKGROUND: Methemoglobin (MetHb) level in blood indicates exposure to nitrogenous compounds. Acquired methemoglobinemia as a result of exposure to nitrates in drinking water is primarily an issue for infants. The amount of nitrates in Zamzam water is said to be on the high side. This study was designed to determine the effect of prolonged use of Zamzam water on MetHb in rat pups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rat pups (n &#61; 52, 3 weeks old) were divided into four equal groups. All of them were given normal laboratory chow. The groups differed only in the exclusive source of water, that is ordinary bottled water, standardized mineral water, old Zamzam water (stored since 2008) or fresh Zamzam water. MetHb level was checked (using Avoximeter 4000) at the baseline, and then every week for 4 weeks from blood obtained from retro-orbital sinus. Other parameters tested were total haemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin. ANOVA was used to compare the means between the groups. RESULTS: None of the rats in any of the four groups showed any sign of methemoglobinemia or toxicity. Both groups on Zamzam water showed higher increments in their total hemoglobin by the end of the study compared to their baseline (22&#37;) than the ordinary water (9&#37;) and the mineral water (5&#37;) groups. None of the groups showed any significant difference in MetHb levels on intergroup comparison at any of the weekly readings and at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Prolonged use of Zamzam water did not induce any significant difference in MetHb concentration in rat pups, which might indicate that it is safe for infants.


Determinants of energy drinks consumption among the students of a Saudi University
Mahmoud H Alabbad, Mohammed Z AlMussalam, Ahmed M AlMusalmi, Mohammad M Alealiwi, Ali I Alresasy, Haidar N Alyaseen, Ahmed Badar

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):36-44

BACKGROUND: Energy drinks contain stimulants mainly caffeine. The use of these drinks by university students is on the rise despite concerns about their safety. This study identified the determinants of the consumption of energy drinks in a cohort of Saudi university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia. The students who volunteered to participate (n &#61; 1255) were asked to complete a pretested questionnaire soliciting information on gender, marital status, class and college of study, pattern of energy drinks use, reasons for use, any benefits as well as any untoward effects experienced. Data was analysed using IBM-SPSS (version 21) to determine frequencies and compare various categories of the energy drink users. Logistic regression analysis were performed to identify determinants of energy drinks consumption. RESULTS: Out of 1255 participants, 245 reported using energy drinks. Out of a total 1255 students, 903 (72&#37;) were from medical and 352 (28&#37;) from nonmedical colleges of the university. There were 890 junior and 365 senior students. The female participants were significantly more among both senior and junior medical students. The age of the participants (mean &#177; SD) was 20.2 &#177; 1.9 years. The frequency of energy drinks users was higher in the male nonmedical students (both senior and junior) compared to the medical students. The most significant determinants identified were male gender (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95&#37; confidence interval [CI] &#61;3.34, 6.12), and being single (OR &#61; 2.8, CI &#61; 1.98, 4.24). In addition, being in non-medical field of study (OR &#61; 1.3, 95&#37; CI&#61;0.61-2.13) was also found to have a reasonable association with energy drink consumption. CONCLUSION: We report male gender, unmarried status, and studying in nonmedical colleges of the university as the main determinants of the consumption of energy drinks by university students. Scrutiny of the patterns and reasons for the consumption of energy drinks might help in developing educational interventions to ensure the appropriate use of energy drinks by young adults.


Medical students' perception of their educational environment at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Soban Q Khan, Mohammad Al-Shahrani, Abdul Khabeer, Faraz A Farooqi, Abdullah Alshamrani, Abdulrahman M Alabduljabbar, Ahmed S Bahamdan, Mohammad A Alqathani

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):45-50

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate students&#39; perception of the educational climate in a medical school in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The difference in the perception of preclinical year students and clinical year students was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2nd to 6th year students at the medical college of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. &#8220;Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure&#8221; (DREEM) was used to evaluate the educational environment. RESULTS: Out of 518, 238 students participated in the study; participation rate of 45.9&#37;. The average DREEM score was 112.38 with a SD of 22.4. Students&#39; perception of atmosphere got the highest score (27.1 &#177; 6.7) of the five DREEM subscales. The 3rd year had the highest DREEM score compared to students of other levels, while the DREEM score of preclinical students was significantly higher than that of the clinical year students. CONCLUSION: Perception of medical students about the educational climate was more positive than negative. Although the DREEM score and its subdomains showed a positive educational environment, students still mentioned some problematic areas that need to be addressed. Findings of this study could encourage other medical colleges in the KSA to focus on weak areas and address the issues raised by students, especially clinical year students.


Prevalence of patients with epilepsy unfit to drive
Esra&#39; H Al Zaid

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):51-56

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus among medical experts as to whether patients with epilepsy (PWEs) should be permitted to drive. PWEs who have had uncontrolled seizures in the past year are at an increased risk of road traffic accidents, often leading to the destruction of property, injury, or death. Currently, there is no clear policy on whether PWEs can drive in Saudi Arabia. Existing policies attempt to balance the potentially harmful and beneficial aspects of the issue. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of PWEs who are unfit to drive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected by interviews, a structured validated questionnaire, and a review of the medical records of 140 PWEs, with a response rate of 84&#37;. RESULTS: Fifty four percent of PWEs were found unfit to drive. Of the 118 participants, 17.7&#37; did not drive and 97 (82.3&#37;) drove. Of the 21 patients who did not drive, 14 (11.8&#37; of the total sample) never drove and 7 (5.9&#37; of the total sample) stopped driving because of epilepsy. Of the 104 patients who drove, 45 (43.2&#37; of the total sample) had a history of seizures while they drove. These incidents had resulted in the involvement of 28 patients (26.9&#37; of the total sample) in motor vehicle accidents and 17 (16.3&#37; of the total sample) patients being admitted to the emergency room. CONCLUSION: Structured regulation and licensing procedures are necessary for PWEs to drive safely. Regulations in other countries demand that seizures be controlled for 1 year before epileptic patients are allowed unrestricted driving. Such regulations would improve road safety in Saudi Arabia.


Immune's-boosting agent: Immunomodulation potentials of propolis
Mohammed Al-Hariri

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):57-60

With a concomitant increase in immune-related diseases such as allergic diseases, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-related responses such as immunodeficiency, various infectious, diseases, vaccines, and malignancies, it has become very important to have a well-balanced and properly functioning immune system for the maintenance of human health. Recent scientific research has strongly suggested propolis as one of the most promising immunomodulation agents. This review describes recent findings with respect to propolis and its ingredients that show potential in this respect and evaluate their potential mechanisms. The author believes that propolis or/and its ingredients alone and in combination could be promising in manipulating the immune response and inducing immunomodulation. Further exploratory studies are needed to support large clinical trials toward further development of propolis.


Chest pain as a possible side effect of pitavastatin (Livalo)
Nada R AlZahrani, Amna F Yassin

Journal of Family and Community Medicine 2019 26(1):61-63

Coronary heart disease is a serious complication of dyslipidemia. Pitavastatin is a more commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Here, we report the case of a 37-year-old female, a known patient with well-controlled bronchial asthma. She was recently found to be dyslipidemic and started on pitavastatin calcium 4 mg once a day (OD). On the 10th day of treatment, she began to have crushing chest pain and was admitted to the hospital. All investigations for coronary heart disease came out negative. Her symptoms improved dramatically when pitavastatin was stopped. Pitavastatin is reported to cause myalgia and muscle spasm, especially at higher doses. There is evidence in literature that this medication might cause chest pain in old obese ladies if taken at high doses. We report this case as a possibility of chest pain even in younger females.



Παρασκευή 4 Ιανουαρίου 2019

Neurosciences in Rural Practice

Migraine and mood disorders: Prevalence, clinical correlations, and disability
Sita Jayalakshmi, Sudhindra Vooturi

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):1-2



A new era in stereotactic brain biopsy: Frameless navigation-based system
Murat &#350;akir Ek&#351;i

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):3-3



Anxiety, depression, and its relationship with migraine
Vimal Kumar Paliwal

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):4-5



Central nervous system tuberculosis – The gray area in tuberculosis treatment
Joe James

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):6-7



Utilization of "Screening brief intervention and referral to treatment" approach for tobacco addiction in day-to-day clinical practice in India: The need of the hour
Roshan Bhad

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):8-9



Geographical disparity and traumatic brain injury in America: Rural areas suffer poorer outcomes
B Brown Joshua, Kheng Marin, A Carney Nancy, M Rubiano Andres, Puyana Juan Carlos

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):10-15

Introduction: Significant heterogeneity exists in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. In the United States, TBI remains a primary driver of injury-related mortality and morbidity. Prior work has suggested that disparity exists in rural areas; our objective was to evaluate potential differences in TBI mortality across urban and rural areas on a national scale. Methods: Age-adjusted TBI fatality rates were obtained at the county level across the U.S. from 2008 to 2014. To evaluate geography, urban influence codes (UIC) were also obtained at the county level. UIC codes range from 1 (most urban) to 12 (most rural). Metropolitan counties are defined as those with an UIC &#8804;2, while nonmetropolitan counties are defined as an UIC &#8805;3. County-level fatality rates and UIC classification were geospatially mapped. Linear regression was used to evaluate the change in TBI fatality rate at each category of UIC. The median TBI fatality rate was also compared between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. Results: Geospatial analysis demonstrated higher fatality rates distributed among nonmetropolitan counties across the United States. The TBI fatality rate was 13.00 deaths per 100,000 persons higher in the most rural UIC category compared to the most urban UIC category (95&#37; confidence interval 12.15, 13.86; P &#60; 0.001). The median TBI rate for nonmetropolitan counties was significantly higher than metropolitan counties (22.32 vs. 18.22 deaths per 100,000 persons, P &#60; 0.001). Conclusions: TBI fatality rates are higher in rural areas of the United States. Additional studies to evaluate the mechanisms and solutions to this disparity are warranted and may have implications for lower-and middle-income countries. 


Vitamin D deficiency in children with psychiatric illness in a tertiary care hospital in North India
Nidhi Chauhan, Susanta Kumar Padhy, Ruchita Shah, Savita Malhotra

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):16-20

Background: Vitamin D is increasingly recognized as important for brain health, apart from its role in endocrine and bone health. There is a growing recognition of worldwide &#8220;epidemic&#8221; of Vitamin D deficiency, and growing data from adult population illustrate the association between Vitamin D deficiency and psychiatric disorders. In children, its role is implicated in brain development, function, and psychiatric disorders. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the extent of Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Methodology: Retrospective chart review of participants, who had attended the psychiatry outpatient department, was conducted to ascertain the extent of blood Vitamin D level requisition and its level. Results: Out of 836, 60 participants had received the requisition for blood Vitamin D level, and results were documented for 40 participants (males &#8211; 28; females &#8211; 12). No specific reason was cited for getting Vitamin D level done. The mean Vitamin D level was in the deficient range, i.e. 13.34 ng/ml with 80&#37; of the sample having Vitamin D deficiency and 13&#37; having insufficient Vitamin D level. More males had Vitamin D deficiency, however, the small number of females in the study limits the generalizability of the results. Among the diagnostic categories, neurodevelopmental disorders had lower mean Vitamin D level, with lowest Vitamin D for autism, i.e., 10.9 ng/ml. Conclusion: The cause-effect relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders could not be derived from the study. However, it provides important initial data for the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders from India. 


Role of decompressive laminectomy without instrumentation in the management of nurick Grade 4 and 5 cervical compressive myelopathy
Sunil Malagi, Subhas Konar, Dhaval P Shukla, Dhananjaya I Bhat, Nishanth Sadashiva, Bhagavatula I Indira Devi

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):21-27

Introduction: Cervical laminectomy is a very well-known posterior decompressive procedure for cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Our objective is to evaluate the functional effect of posterior decompressive laminectomy for poor grade CCM. Methods: This study was an observational retrospective study carried out on patients with poor-grade CCM who underwent decompressive laminectomy from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients with Nurick Grades 4 and 5 (walking with support or bedbound) were included in the study. Clinical data and radiological information were collected from medical records, and objective scales were applied to compare the surgical outcome between preoperative score and postoperative score. Results: A total of 69 patients who underwent decompressive laminectomy for poor grade CCM were included. The mean age was 54.9 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 5.3:1. Ossified posterior longitudinal ligament comprised 52.6&#37; cases. The follow-up data of at least 6 months&#39; duration after surgery was available for 57 (82.6&#37;) cases. On comparing with preoperative Nurick grade at follow-up, 40 of the 57 patients (70.2&#37;) were found to have improvement following surgery by at least one grade. The remaining 17 (29.8&#37;) had either remained the same or had deteriorated further. The mean preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 8.4 &#177; 2.8, and the mean follow-up score was 11.8&#177;0.3 (P &#61; 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the number of levels of laminectomy, postoperative deterioration, and anesthesia grade were predictors of outcome. Conclusion: Decompressive laminectomy for poor grade myelopathy is effective in improving functional outcome. 


Migraine and mood disorders: Prevalence, clinical correlations and disability
K Rammohan, Shyma Manikkoth Mundayadan, Soumitra Das, C Velayudhan Shaji

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):28-33

Introduction: Both migraine and mood disorders are prevalent disorders with many studies demonstrating that they are comorbid with each other with increased migraine-related disability in such patients. Aim: The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that mood disorders are comorbid with migraine with increased disability and to identify any clinical features in migraineurs which may be associated with mood disorders. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with complaints of headache to the Neurology Outpatient Department of a Tertiary CARE Hospital from August 01, 2016 to February 28, 2017, were subjected to International Classification of Headache Disorder 3 beta criteria to satisfy a diagnosis of migraine and were assessed in detail as to headache characteristics. Mood disorders were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and migraine-related disability was assessed by Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire. Patients with serious medical complaints, known previous psychiatric disease, other types of headaches and recent prophylactic drug intake were carefully excluded. Results: A total of 133 patients were studied. The duration and frequency of migraine headaches were found to correlate with the presence of mood disorders and the migraine-related disability in patients with comorbid mood disorders was significantly higher. Factors such as total duration of migraine, aura, vomiting, phono, and photophobia were not found to be statistically correlated with mood disorders. Conclusions: Rates of depression and anxiety in migraine vary widely in various studies due to variations in study criteria, population characteristics and various scales used. We found a prevalence of 16.54&#37; of anxiety and 9.02&#37; of depression in migraineurs, a rate comparable to or less than many studies in international literature and a significantly increased disability in individuals with comorbid mood disorders and migraine. Routinely including questionnaires such as HAD in screening patients with migraine to rule out comorbid mood disorders may be warranted. Because we have carefully excluded all other primary (especially tension and medication overuse headaches) and secondary headaches and selected prophylactic drug na&#239;ve patients, we contend that this study provides a clear clinical profile of migraineurs with mood disorders. 


Is crush cytology of central nervous system lesions relevant in surgical practice today?
Krishan Kumar Yadav, Rashmi Bhatti, Nikhil Moorchung, Deepti Mutreja, Ajay S Carvalho

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(1):34-38

Background: Intraoperative crush cytology is a useful tool for diagnosing the lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). However, because of the development of newer and better imaging techniques, it is important to evaluate if crush cytology is still relevant in neurosurgical practice. Aims: We evaluated the crush cytology smears in a series of cases where neurosurgical intervention was performed. We studied the role of crush cytology in the intraoperative diagnosis. We report a series of cases where intraoperative crush cytology helped the surgeon revise the surgery during the operation. Materials and Methods: A small portion of all CNS lesions was taken intraoperatively and the tissue was crushed between two slides. The slide was stained using the toluidine blue, Leishman stain, Pap stain and a routine H &#38; E stain. The slides were the evaluated. Results: We evaluated the 50 cases of CNS lesions. We found that intraoperative crush cytology is particularly important in differentiating between neoplastic and nonneoplastic CNS lesions. It may also help in differentiating lymphomas from high-grade gliomas. Finally, crush cytology may help the surgeon in delineating the lesions during surgery. Conclusion: We conclude that crush cytology remains relevant in neurosurgical practice today and it should be adopted in all neurosurgical centers as a routine diagnostic technique. 


EDITORIALS 

Migraine and mood disorders: Prevalence, clinical correlations, and disabilityp. 1
Sita Jayalakshmi, Sudhindra Vooturi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_323_18  
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A new era in stereotactic brain biopsy: Frameless navigation-based systemp. 3
Murat Şakir Ekşi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_281_18  
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Anxiety, depression, and its relationship with migrainep. 4
Vimal Kumar Paliwal
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_321_18  
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Central nervous system tuberculosis – The gray area in tuberculosis treatment Highly accessed articlep. 6
Joe James
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_229_18  
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Utilization of "Screening brief intervention and referral to treatment" approach for tobacco addiction in day-to-day clinical practice in India: The need of the hourp. 8
Roshan Bhad
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_271_18  
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ORIGINAL ARTICLESTop

Geographical disparity and traumatic brain injury in America: Rural areas suffer poorer outcomesp. 10
B Brown Joshua, Kheng Marin, A Carney Nancy, M Rubiano Andres, Puyana Juan Carlos
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_310_18  
Introduction: Significant heterogeneity exists in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. In the United States, TBI remains a primary driver of injury-related mortality and morbidity. Prior work has suggested that disparity exists in rural areas; our objective was to evaluate potential differences in TBI mortality across urban and rural areas on a national scale. Methods: Age-adjusted TBI fatality rates were obtained at the county level across the U.S. from 2008 to 2014. To evaluate geography, urban influence codes (UIC) were also obtained at the county level. UIC codes range from 1 (most urban) to 12 (most rural). Metropolitan counties are defined as those with an UIC ≤2, while nonmetropolitan counties are defined as an UIC ≥3. County-level fatality rates and UIC classification were geospatially mapped. Linear regression was used to evaluate the change in TBI fatality rate at each category of UIC. The median TBI fatality rate was also compared between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. Results: Geospatial analysis demonstrated higher fatality rates distributed among nonmetropolitan counties across the United States. The TBI fatality rate was 13.00 deaths per 100,000 persons higher in the most rural UIC category compared to the most urban UIC category (95% confidence interval 12.15, 13.86; P < 0.001). The median TBI rate for nonmetropolitan counties was significantly higher than metropolitan counties (22.32 vs. 18.22 deaths per 100,000 persons, P < 0.001). Conclusions: TBI fatality rates are higher in rural areas of the United States. Additional studies to evaluate the mechanisms and solutions to this disparity are warranted and may have implications for lower-and middle-income countries.
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Vitamin D deficiency in children with psychiatric illness in a tertiary care hospital in North Indiap. 16
Nidhi Chauhan, Susanta Kumar Padhy, Ruchita Shah, Savita Malhotra
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_169_18  
Background: Vitamin D is increasingly recognized as important for brain health, apart from its role in endocrine and bone health. There is a growing recognition of worldwide "epidemic" of Vitamin D deficiency, and growing data from adult population illustrate the association between Vitamin D deficiency and psychiatric disorders. In children, its role is implicated in brain development, function, and psychiatric disorders. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the extent of Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Methodology:Retrospective chart review of participants, who had attended the psychiatry outpatient department, was conducted to ascertain the extent of blood Vitamin D level requisition and its level. Results: Out of 836, 60 participants had received the requisition for blood Vitamin D level, and results were documented for 40 participants (males – 28; females – 12). No specific reason was cited for getting Vitamin D level done. The mean Vitamin D level was in the deficient range, i.e. 13.34 ng/ml with 80% of the sample having Vitamin D deficiency and 13% having insufficient Vitamin D level. More males had Vitamin D deficiency, however, the small number of females in the study limits the generalizability of the results. Among the diagnostic categories, neurodevelopmental disorders had lower mean Vitamin D level, with lowest Vitamin D for autism, i.e., 10.9 ng/ml. Conclusion: The cause-effect relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders could not be derived from the study. However, it provides important initial data for the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and childhood psychiatric disorders from India.
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Role of decompressive laminectomy without instrumentation in the management of nurick Grade 4 and 5 cervical compressive myelopathyp. 21
Sunil Malagi, Subhas Konar, Dhaval P Shukla, Dhananjaya I Bhat, Nishanth Sadashiva, Bhagavatula I Indira Devi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_254_18  
Introduction: Cervical laminectomy is a very well-known posterior decompressive procedure for cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Our objective is to evaluate the functional effect of posterior decompressive laminectomy for poor grade CCM. Methods: This study was an observational retrospective study carried out on patients with poor-grade CCM who underwent decompressive laminectomy from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients with Nurick Grades 4 and 5 (walking with support or bedbound) were included in the study. Clinical data and radiological information were collected from medical records, and objective scales were applied to compare the surgical outcome between preoperative score and postoperative score. Results: A total of 69 patients who underwent decompressive laminectomy for poor grade CCM were included. The mean age was 54.9 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 5.3:1. Ossified posterior longitudinal ligament comprised 52.6% cases. The follow-up data of at least 6 months' duration after surgery was available for 57 (82.6%) cases. On comparing with preoperative Nurick grade at follow-up, 40 of the 57 patients (70.2%) were found to have improvement following surgery by at least one grade. The remaining 17 (29.8%) had either remained the same or had deteriorated further. The mean preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 8.4 ± 2.8, and the mean follow-up score was 11.8±0.3 (P = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the number of levels of laminectomy, postoperative deterioration, and anesthesia grade were predictors of outcome. Conclusion: Decompressive laminectomy for poor grade myelopathy is effective in improving functional outcome.
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Migraine and mood disorders: Prevalence, clinical correlations and disabilityp. 28
K Rammohan, Shyma Manikkoth Mundayadan, Soumitra Das, C Velayudhan Shaji
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_146_18  
Introduction: Both migraine and mood disorders are prevalent disorders with many studies demonstrating that they are comorbid with each other with increased migraine-related disability in such patients. Aim: The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that mood disorders are comorbid with migraine with increased disability and to identify any clinical features in migraineurs which may be associated with mood disorders. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with complaints of headache to the Neurology Outpatient Department of a Tertiary CARE Hospital from August 01, 2016 to February 28, 2017, were subjected to International Classification of Headache Disorder 3 beta criteria to satisfy a diagnosis of migraine and were assessed in detail as to headache characteristics. Mood disorders were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and migraine-related disability was assessed by Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire. Patients with serious medical complaints, known previous psychiatric disease, other types of headaches and recent prophylactic drug intake were carefully excluded. Results: A total of 133 patients were studied. The duration and frequency of migraine headaches were found to correlate with the presence of mood disorders and the migraine-related disability in patients with comorbid mood disorders was significantly higher. Factors such as total duration of migraine, aura, vomiting, phono, and photophobia were not found to be statistically correlated with mood disorders. Conclusions:Rates of depression and anxiety in migraine vary widely in various studies due to variations in study criteria, population characteristics and various scales used. We found a prevalence of 16.54% of anxiety and 9.02% of depression in migraineurs, a rate comparable to or less than many studies in international literature and a significantly increased disability in individuals with comorbid mood disorders and migraine. Routinely including questionnaires such as HAD in screening patients with migraine to rule out comorbid mood disorders may be warranted. Because we have carefully excluded all other primary (especially tension and medication overuse headaches) and secondary headaches and selected prophylactic drug naïve patients, we contend that this study provides a clear clinical profile of migraineurs with mood disorders.
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Is crush cytology of central nervous system lesions relevant in surgical practice today?p. 34
Krishan Kumar Yadav, Rashmi Bhatti, Nikhil Moorchung, Deepti Mutreja, Ajay S Carvalho
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_222_18  
Background: Intraoperative crush cytology is a useful tool for diagnosing the lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). However, because of the development of newer and better imaging techniques, it is important to evaluate if crush cytology is still relevant in neurosurgical practice. Aims: We evaluated the crush cytology smears in a series of cases where neurosurgical intervention was performed. We studied the role of crush cytology in the intraoperative diagnosis. We report a series of cases where intraoperative crush cytology helped the surgeon revise the surgery during the operation. Materials and Methods: A small portion of all CNS lesions was taken intraoperatively and the tissue was crushed between two slides. The slide was stained using the toluidine blue, Leishman stain, Pap stain and a routine H & E stain. The slides were the evaluated. Results: We evaluated the 50 cases of CNS lesions. We found that intraoperative crush cytology is particularly important in differentiating between neoplastic and nonneoplastic CNS lesions. It may also help in differentiating lymphomas from high-grade gliomas. Finally, crush cytology may help the surgeon in delineating the lesions during surgery. Conclusion: We conclude that crush cytology remains relevant in neurosurgical practice today and it should be adopted in all neurosurgical centers as a routine diagnostic technique.
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Economic cost of schizophrenia in a Nigerian Teaching Hospitalp. 39
Ibidunni Olapeju Oloniniyi, Adesanmi Akinsulore, Olutayo Olubunmi Aloba, Boladale Moyosore Mapayi, Olakunle Ayokunmi Oginni, Roger Makanjuola
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_210_18  
Objective: This study evaluated the economic cost of schizophrenia in Nigerian patients and identified factors that influence cost. Methods: A total of 100 participants with schizophrenia were assessed using the modified economic cost questionnaire, the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview, the positive and negative syndrome scale, the Liverpool University Neuroleptic side-effect rating scale, and the global assessment of functioning scale. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, illness-related variables and direct, indirect, and total costs of schizophrenia were assessed. Results: The average annual total, direct, and indirect costs of the treatment were $818.48, $349.59, and $468.89, respectively, per patient. The direct cost constituted 42.7%, while the indirect cost was 57.3% of the total costs of treatment. Hospitalization was the leading contributor to the direct cost, while productivity loss was a major component of the indirect cost. Conclusion: Schizophrenia is an expensive disease in Nigeria, measures to reduce hospitalization could significantly reduce the cost of illness to the patient and their relatives.
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To compare diagnostic ability of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional T1-SPACE with three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and three-dimensional T1-magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo magnetic resonance sequences in patients of meningitisp. 48
Sudesh Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Mukesh Surya, Anjali Mahajan, Sanjiv Sharma
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_157_18  
Aims: The aim of this study is to compare postcontrast three-dimensional (3D) T1-Sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions, 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and 3D T1-magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequences in patients of meningitis. Settings and Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, IGMC Shimla for a period of 1 year from June 1, 2016, to May 30, 2017. Subjects and Methods: A total of 30 patients suspected of meningitis underwent magnetic resonance imaging evaluation with postcontrast 3D T1-MPRAGE, 3D T1-SPACE, and 3D FLAIR sequences. The abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement was noted by two radiologists together on these sequences and scores were given to the abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement. Statistical Analysis Used: The sensitivity of 3D T1-SPACE, 3D T1-MPRAGE, and 3D FLAIR was calculated and compared. The level of agreement between these sequences was assessed by kappa coefficient. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: 3D T1-SPACE shows superiority in meningeal enhancement along basal cisterns, Sylvian fissure and along cerebral convexities. It is also found to be better in delineating parenchymal lesions. 3D FLAIR failed to demonstrate enhancement along cerebral convexities however found to be better than 3D T1-MPRAGE in delineating enhancement along basal cisterns and Sylvian fissures. 3D T1-MPRAGE has shown subtle enhancement in basal cisterns, Sylvian fissure and along cerebral convexities. 3D T1-SPACE, 3D FLAIR, and 3D T1-MPRAGE has sensitivity of 91.67%, 66.67%, and 54.17%, respectively. Conclusion: Postcontrast 3D T1-SPACE sequence is an excellent tool than postcontrast 3D T1-MPRAGE and 3D FLAIR sequences in the evaluation of meningeal enhancement and depiction of additional lesions in brain parenchyma.
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Caregiver's psychosocial concerns and psychological distress in emergency and trauma care settingp. 54
TR Kanmani, Birudu Raju
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_129_18  
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) will be the third largest killer by the year 2020 in the world. It creates the great amount of morbidity, disability, mortality, and reduces the psychosocial well-being of the patients and their caregivers. Hence, the current paper aimed to explore the psychosocial distress and caregivers' concerns in emergency and trauma care (ETC) setting. Methodology: This study adopted qualitative research design. All caregivers of TBI survivors were considered as a universe of the study. A total of 50 caregivers were recruited, and the predesigned questionnaire was administered. Depression, anxiety, stress scale was used to identify the caregivers' depression, stress, and anxiety. The simple thematic analysis was used to derive the themes from the verbatim data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS South Asia Pvt.Ltd, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India). Results: In the quantitative analysis, caregivers' mean age was found to be 45 (mean = 45.00 ± 13.83) years. Caregivers had experienced mild depression (13.36 ± 3.07), moderate anxiety (13.70 ± 3.03), and minimum stress (13.66 ± 2.98) levels. Qualitative results identified the following themes: difficulty in accessing timely care, uncertainty about the prognosis and future, family concerns and financial constraints, personal feelings and personal needs, and supportive care. Chi-square test revealed that there was no significant association between gender and depression (χ2 = 2.381 P < 0.12), anxiety (χ2 = 0.01 P < 0.92), and stress (χ2 = 0.235 P < 0.61) levels of caregivers. Conclusion: To accomplish, providing psychosocial care in ETC setting, the role of psychiatric social workers is pivotal.
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Patterns of illness behaviors and its correlates in patients with chronic nonorganic painp. 60
Geetha Desai, Thennarasu Kandavel, Santosh K Chaturvedi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_199_18  
Background: Illness behaviors if abnormal can have significant influence in presentations of chronic pain. The aim of the study was to derive the patterns of illness behaviors and its correlates in subjects with chronic nonorganic pain. Methods: Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) was administered to 301 adult individuals with chronic nonorganic pain. Factor analysis was performed on the IBQ, and relationships of the dimensions of illness behavior with clinical and demographic variables were computed. Results: Majority of the sample consisted of women (n = 208; 69%) with 43% from rural background and 58% from below poverty line status. Principal axis factoring resulted in four factors, namely health concerns, affective inhibition (AI), bodily distress, and affective distress with psychosocial problems. The three factors excluding AI had significant intercorrelation among them. There was significant difference in mean scores of factors, bodily distress and affective distress in patients from urban and rural background. Conclusions: Illness behaviors in chronic nonorganic pain can be understood as three interrelated factors-health concerns, affective distress with psychosocial problems, and bodily distress. AI might be an independent factor for presentation of chronic nonorganic pain.
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The pattern of psychiatric morbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional, Case–Control study from a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, North India Highly accessed articlep. 65
Shabir Ahmad Dar, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Naveed Nazir Shah, Syed Bushra Imtiyaz
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_244_18  
Introduction: Psychiatric morbidity has an increased prevalence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients overall psychosocial status plays an important role in the development of depression which, when major, is said to occur in 19%–42% of cases of COPD. We aimed to study patterns of psychosocial issues in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 6 months in an Outpatient Department of Government Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar. A total of 100 COPD patients and 100 sex- and age-matched controls were included in this study and compared. The diagnosis of COPD was assessed by spirometry. Patterns of psychiatric morbidities were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results: The frequency of psychiatric comorbidities was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in COPD patients (47%) as compared to controls (12%). The highest frequency of psychiatric morbidities in COPD patients was major depressive episode in 28% in comparison to 9% of controls. Other morbidities include panic disorder, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidality. Conclusion: The frequency of psychiatric morbidities is increased in COPD patients as compared to controls. We recommend that all patients with COPD should be screened for psychiatric morbidity as there is enough scope for psychiatric services to be made available to these patients.
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Clinical spectrum of central nervous system tuberculosis and the efficacy of revised national tuberculosis control program in its managementp. 71
E Uma Maheswari, RM Bhoopathy, K Bhanu, Heber Anandan
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_163_18  
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global problem and poses a threat which is of considerable magnitude, with an estimated one-third of the population infected with TB bacillus. Aim: The aim of this study is to study the treatment outcomes in patients with various forms of neurological TB treated with the standardized Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP), directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS). Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed to have TBM, tuberculoma with or without spinal arachnoiditis (central nervous system tuberculosis-TB [CNS-TB]) were categorized as per the RNTCP guidelines and received DOTS Category I or Category II thrice-weekly intermittent treatment as deemed appropriate. Results: The outcome of management with the standard RNTCP DOTS regimen was that a success rate (treatment completed) of 75%, the default rate of 6.6%, and a mortality of 3.3%. The target fixed by the RNTCP is to achieve a cure rate of 85%. We were able to document successful completion of treatment in 75% which is close to the target fixed by RNTCP. The default rate is 6.6% which quite negligible when compared to the unsupervised therapy which has a default rate of 50%. Conclusion: The most important factor in predicting the outcome of treatment in CNS-TB is early diagnosis and the timing of initiation of antituberculous treatment. Early initiation of treatment is associated with better treatment outcomes.
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Diagnostic yield and complication of frameless stereotactic brain biopsyp. 78
Chin Taweesomboonyat, Thara Tunthanathip, Sakchai Sae-Heng, Thakul Oearsakul
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_166_18  
Background: With the advancement of neuronavigation technologies, frameless stereotactic brain biopsy has been developed. Previous studies proved that frameless stereotactic brain biopsy was as effective and safe as frame-based stereotactic brain biopsy. The authors aimed to find the factors associated with diagnostic yield and complication rate of frameless intracranial biopsy. Materials and Methods: Frameless stereotactic brain biopsy procedures, between March 2009 and April 2017, were retrospectively reviewed from medical records including imaging studies. Using logistic regression analysis, various factors were analyzed for association with diagnostic yield and postoperative complications. Results: Eighty-nine frameless stereotactic brain biopsy procedures were performed on 85 patients. The most common pathology was primary central nervous system lymphoma (43.8%), followed by low-grade glioma (15.7%), and high-grade glioma (15%), respectively. The diagnostic yield was 87.6%. Postoperative intracerebral hematoma occurred in 19% of cases; however, it was symptomatic in only one case. The size of the lesion was associated with both diagnostic yield and postoperative intracerebral hematoma complication. Lesions, larger than 3 cm in diameter, were associated with a higher rate of positive biopsy result (P= 0.01). Lesion 3 cm or smaller than 3 cm in diameter, and intraoperative bleeding associated with a higher percentage of postoperative intracerebral hematoma complications (P = 0.01). Conclusions: For frameless stereotactic brain biopsy, the size of the lesion is the essential factor determining diagnostic yield and postoperative intracerebral hematoma complication.
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Surgical experience in pediatric patients with Chiari-I malformations aged ≤18 yearsp. 85
Ghanshyam Das Singhal, Shakti Singhal, Gunjan Agrawal, Deepti Singhal, Vipin Arora
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_160_18  
Objective: The objective of this study was to retrospectively study Chiari I malformation patients (<18 years) treated surgically. Materials and Methods: Chiari I malformation patients (<18 years) treated surgically at our institute were retrospectively studied. Results: During the study period between January 1999 and June 2011, fifty patients, aged ≤18 years with Chiari malformation, were treated surgically and formed the basis for this series. There were 21 female children (42%) and 29 male children (58%), with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1. At the last follow-up, oropharyngeal symptoms were improved in 33% (n = 3/9). Headache/neck/back pain improved in 69.56% of children (n = 16/23). Upper-extremity pain/weakness/numbness improved in 73.91% of children (n = 17/23). Ataxia improved in 66.66% of children (n = 4/6). Lower-limb weakness/hyperreflexia improved in 83.33% of children (n = 5/6). At follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging for patients with syrinx was available for 75% of patients (n = 30/50) and not available for 25% of patients (n = 10/40). Syrinx was diminished in size or resolved in 66.33% of patients (n = 19/30) and the remaining was same for 36.66% of patients (n = 11/30). Conclusions: The main goal of surgery is to arrest the progression of neurological deficits. Foramen magnum decompression with a lax duroplasty is the surgical procedure of choice.
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Construct validation and reliability assessment of tamil version of epworth sleepiness scale to evaluate daytime sleepiness among adolescents in rural Puducherry, South India Highly accessed articlep. 89
Yuvaraj Krishnamoorthy, Gokul Sarveswaran, Manikandanesan Sakthivel, A Kalaiselvy, Marie Gilbert Majella, Subitha Lakshminarayanan
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_168_18  
Background: Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) has been used widely in the assessment of daytime sleepiness for research and clinical purposes. Hence, this study was done to translate the ESS in Tamil and to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Tamil version among adolescents in rural Puducherry, South India. Materials and Methods: Translation of the ESS by native language experts and pilot tested with subsample of adolescents. Final Tamil version was administered among 789 Tamil-speaking adolescents in the selected villages of rural Puducherry (union territory in South India). Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis through principal component method. Confirmatory factor analysis was done to obtain the goodness-of-fit. Reliability of questionnaire was assessed through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: Two factor structures were obtained with Eigenvalues of 3.49 and 1.09, respectively. Both factors accounted for about 57.4% of the variance. Two-factor model assessed by confirmatory factor method found Chi-square value of 215.57 (P < 0.001). Goodness-of-fit revealed acceptable comparative fit indices (0.91). The reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) for complete ESS was 0.81. Factor-based analysis showed that the Cronbach's reliability coefficient was 0.83 and 0.75 for the first and second factor, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the ESS questionnaire is internally valid and consistent with good reliability coefficient for application in Tamil-speaking rural adolescents. However, further research can be done to content validate the questionnaire with standard diagnostic tool.
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Serum interleukin-6 is not linked with sleep-quality, restless legs syndrome, and depression, but with 6-month survival in hematological malignanciesp. 94
Smita Chandra, Vibha Gupta, Harish Chandra, Mohan Dhyani, Aarti Kotwal, Sanjiv Kumar Verma, Ravi Gupta
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_159_18  
Background: Serum interleukin (IL)-6 has been found to be associated with sleep quality, mood, and survival in patients with solid tumors. Results in these studies were confounded by knowledge of diagnosis to study subjects. Moreover, such data among subjects with hematological malignancies and data regarding restless legs syndrome is limited. The present study was, therefore, conducted to assess the sleep quality, depression, and restless leg syndrome in hematological malignancies and to study if there is any role of IL6 associated with it. Methods: Sixty-six subjects having hematological malignancy were included in this study after excluding the potential confounders. Sleep quality was examined using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, depression by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Diagnosis of RLS was made through clinical examination. Serum for measurement of IL-6 was collected at baseline and after 1 month of initiation of chemotherapy. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: Average age of study subjects was 50.16 years with male predominance. Nearly 22.7% had clinical depression, 28.8% had poor quality sleep, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) was reported in 6.1% cases. Nearly 22.7% patients died at 6 months. Disturbed sleep at baseline was associated with depression (odds ratio [OR] =7.89) and poor 6 months survival. Serum IL-6 did not show any association with sleep quality, restless-legs-syndrome, and depression. However, baseline high level of serum IL-6 (OR = 26.06) and low level after chemotherapy (OR = 0.03) were associated with poor survival at 6 months. Conclusion: Poor quality sleep, depression, and RLS are prevalent among adult subjects with hematological malignancies. Sleep disturbance, high pretreatment inflammatory and lowering of inflammatory load after chemotherapy increase likelihood for poor prognosis. Serum IL-6 did not show any association with sleep quality, restless legs syndrome and depression.
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Collaborative tele-neuropsychiatry consultation services for patients in central prisonsp. 101
Preethi Pansari Agarwal, Narayana Manjunatha, Guru S Gowda, MN Girish Kumar, Neelaveni Shanthaveeranna, Channaveerachari Naveen Kumar, Suresh Bada Math
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_215_18  
Background: Tele-medicine helps to provide clinical care comparable to in-person treatment in various clinical settings. It is a novel system of healthcare delivery in both low-resource settings and sites where adequate medical care continues to pose greatest challenge like in prison's in India and worldwide. Aim: To study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients from Central Prisons, having received collaborative Tele-Neuropsychiatric Care. Methodology: Psychiatry, neurology, and neurosurgery specialists provided tele-neuropsychiatry consultation through Specialist–Doctor–Patient model as part of the state-run program for the two central prisons from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016. A retrospective file review was done of the tele-neuropsychiatry case records at Tele-Medicine Centre, Located at Tertiary Neuro Psychiatric centre of South India. Results: A total of 53 patients were provided tele-neuropsychiatric consultation over 2-year period. Of these, 48 (90.6%) were male and 34 (64.1%) were aged more than 30 years. In total, 20.7% of them had severe mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia and mood disorders, 20.7% with substance use disorder (alcohol and cannabis), 17% had anxiety disorders while 17% with seizure disorder. Nearly 81.1% of patients (inmates) were advised pharmacotherapy while 18.9% were suggested further evaluation of illness and inpatient care at the higher center. Conclusion: The collaborative care was successful in delivering psychiatry, neurology, and neurosurgery consultation with a Specialist–Doctor–Patient model to prison inmates.
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Nonadherence to antiepileptic medications: Still a major issue to be addressed in the management of epilepsyp. 106
Azra Zafar, Rizwana Shahid, Saima Nazish, Danah Aljaafari, Fahd Ali Alkhamis, Sadiq Alsalman, Amir H Msmar, Badaruddin Abbasi, Abdulla A Alsulaiman, Majed Alabdali
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_136_18  
Context: Medication nonadherence is a significant barrier in achieving seizure freedom in patients with epilepsy. There is a deficiency of data about the reasons for nonadherence in Saudi population. Aims: The aim of this study is to prove the existence of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with epilepsy and identify the responsible factors. Setting and Design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study carried in the Department of Neurology at King Fahd Hospital of the University affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Subjects and Methods: Patients of all ages diagnosed to have epilepsy as mentioned in their medical record and taking antiepileptic medications were interviewed using a questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Statistical significance was defined as two-tailed with a P ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 152 participants, 52.6% were male and 47.4% were female. Mean age of the patients was 28 ± 14.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years. Of 152 patients, 48.7% were found to be nonadherent to their AED therapy. The most commonly identified factor was forgetfulness. Nonadherence was significantly associated with poor seizure control (P = 0.002). Conclusion:Nonadherence to the AED is common among patients with epilepsy and affects seizure control adversely.
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TECHNICAL NOTETop

Burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: Biophysically and evidence-based technique improvementp. 113
Martin Májovský, David Netuka, Vladimír Beneš, Pavel Kučera
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_167_18  
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. Despite ongoing efforts, recurrence and reoperation rates after surgical treatment remain high. We synthesize scientific evidence on the treatment of CSDH with biophysical principles and then propose a simple and effective surgical technique aiming to reduce the recurrence rate. Under local anesthesia, one burr hole is placed in the area above the maximum hematoma thickness. One drain is inserted into the dorsal direction to the deepest point of the hematoma cavity, and a second drain is inserted frontally into the highest point. Next, saline is gently instilled to the dorsal drain to eliminate air from the hematoma cavity through the frontal drain. Once saline has filled the frontal drain, the frontal drain is removed. The dorsal drain is left in situ for 48 h, and the pressure within the cavity may be adapted hydrostatically. We implemented evidence-based conclusions of previous studies and modified the classical burr-hole technique to reduce the recurrence rate. As a result, we developed a straightforward surgical procedure that is possible to perform under local anesthesia, suitable for everyday practice in rural and remote areas while working with limited resources. The novelty of this technique is in the purposeful reduction of postoperative pneumocephalus, a known independent factor of recurrence. Subdural air is eliminated during surgery using a two-drain system. Safety and efficacy of the technique need to be evaluated in future clinical trials.
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Commentaryp. 118
Matteo Zoli, Alessandra Serracchioli, Diego Mazzatenta
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_316_18  
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Commentaryp. 120
Keyvan Tayebi Meybodi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_306_18  
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Commentaryp. 120
Ryota Mashiko
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_313_18  
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Commentaryp. 121
Murat Sakir Eksi
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_301_18  
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IMAGES IN NEUROSCIENCESTop

Thalamic hamartoma presenting with tremorp. 123
Niraj Kumar, Deepak Kumar
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_276_18  
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Os Odontoideump. 125
Arthur Robert Kurzbuch, Jean-Yves Fournier
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_252_18  
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CASE REPORTSTop

Osmotic demyelination syndrome - Evolution of extrapontine before pontine myelinolysis on magnetic resonance imagingp. 126
Prerna Garg, Abhisht Aggarwal, Rajeev Malhotra, Sanjay Dhall
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_240_18  
Osmotic demyelination syndrome is a rare entity characterized by noninflammatory demyelination afflicting the central pons, basal ganglia, thalami, peripheral cortex, and hippocampi. Histopathologically, there is a destruction of myelin sheaths sparing the underlying neuronal axons due to the susceptibility of oligodendrocytes to rapid osmotic shifts often encountered in chronically debilitated patients. We present the temporal progression of signal abnormalities on sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a middle-aged male initially presenting with altered mental status due to severe hyponatremia and subsequently developing rigidity, diagnosed as osmotic demyelination syndrome based on typical imaging findings and supportive laboratory parameters. This case demonstrates the importance of diffusion signal abnormalities as the first indicator of osmotic demyelination, evolution of extrapontine before pontine signal changes and the relative lack of correlation between patient's clinical profile and the extent of MRI signal abnormalities.
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See-saw relationship and its reversal after immunotherapy in a case of Graves' disease with coexisting myasthenia gravisp. 136
Sathish Kumar Mallikarjuna, S Sakthi Velayutham, PR Sowmini, Malcolm K Jeyaraj, S Arunan
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_150_18  
The unique association of myasthenia gravis (MG) with Graves' disease in clinical practice emphasizes that one autoimmune disease can coexist with another or many. The relationship between these two entities has remained controversial till date. Some authors have reported a see-saw relationship between these two entities, MG waning with hyperthyroidism and waxing with treatment of hyperthyroidism. Treatment of both these disorders concurrently may be challenging at times as treatment for one entity may worsen the other. The use of beta-blockers and steroids for Graves' disease may worsen myasthenic weakness. Antithyroid drugs can worsen myasthenia probably by immunomodulatory effects. We report a case of Graves' disease coexisting with MG in a reciprocal relationship which was subsequently reversed after immunotherapy.
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Complete femoral nerve transection with sural nerve cable graft in a 21-month-old childp. 139
Pranati Pillutla, Evan Nix, Benjamin Wallace Elberson, Laszlo Nagy
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_235_18  
Severe peripheral nerve injury occasionally requires urgent nerve grafting especially with significant separation of the proximal and distal ends of the injured nerve. Proper reinnervation to provide continued sensory and motor function is essential especially in the pediatric population. These patients would suffer lifelong disability without correction, yet have significantly improved regenerative capacity with prompt and effective management, making nerve grafts an ideal choice for complete nerve transection. This case report describes the successful sural nerve cable graft reinnervation of a transected femoral nerve in a 21-month-old male. This procedure was made difficult by severe trauma to the surrounding area with laceration of the femoral artery, significant separation of the femoral nerve ends, and the compact anatomy of such a young patient.
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Regrowth of a large intracranial aneurysm after on-label use of the pipeline embolization devicep. 142
Ching-Jen Chen, M Rao Patibandla, Min S Park, M Yashar Kalani
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_273_18  
Despite the widespread use of the pipeline embolization device (PED), no complete aneurysm regrowth after its placement has been reported in the literature. We report the first case of aneurysm regrowth after the initial follow-up angiography demonstrating near-complete occlusion of the aneurysm and remodeling of the vessel with on-label PED use for a large 20 mm × 24 mm × 22 mm (width × depth × height) cavernous segment internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. The patient was treated with two overlapping PED (4.5 mm × 20 mm and 5 mm × 20 mm). Follow-up angiogram at 4 months after treatment demonstrated remodeling of the ICA with a small residual component measuring approximately 7 mm × 8 mm × 7 mm. However, at 10 months after treatment, there was a complete regrowth of the aneurysm with interval growth, now measuring 25 mm × 28 mm × 18 mm. Despite the high aneurysm occlusion rates reported with the PED, persistent aneurysm filling and aneurysm regrowth, although rare, should not be overlooked.
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Wake-up sleepyhead: Unilateral diencephalic stroke presenting with excessive sleepinessp. 145
R Pradeep, Dhananjay Gupta, Anish Mehta, R Srinivasa, Mahendra Javali, PT Acharya
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_258_18  
Altered sleep architecture and stroke share a reciprocal relationship. More than half of the stroke patients display sleep abnormalities including hypersomnia, insomnia, parasomnia, periodic limb movements, or sleep-disordered breathing. Conversely, one of the major causes of severe organic hypersomnia is acute brainstem strokes, involving thalamic infarctions, which may be reversible over 6–12 months. Here, we report a patient with increased lethargy and drowsiness who was diagnosed to have a right thalamic and hypothalamic ischemic stroke.
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Infratentorial epidural abscess secondary to furunculosis: Case report and a review of the literaturep. 148
Ricardo Horacio Menéndez, Santiago German Erice, Emmanuel Alejandro Vázquez, Karina Breitburd
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_165_18  
The authors describe a case of infratentorial epidural abscess caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in a patient with a recent history of cutaneous furunculosis. This 29-year-old male presented with an occipital headache associated with fever, vomiting, and neck stiffness. Admission magnetic resonance imaging showed a retrocerebellar epidural abscess. Antimicrobial therapy was started, and the patient underwent craniectomy for evacuation of the abscess. Cultures of the surgical specimen were consistent with CA-MRSA. Postoperatively, the patient's condition improved with the resolution of symptoms, and he was discharged home with indication of 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Furunculosis is a very rare cause of intracranial epidural abscess but should be considered as a source of infection in an immunocompetent patient.
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Chance fracture in an unbelted rear seat passengerp. 151
Abiodun Idowu Okunlola, Augustine Abiodun Adeolu
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_164_18  
Chance fracture occurs from flexion-distraction injury in motor vehicle road crash usually when the patient is on a seat belt. It is often associated with intra-abdominal injuries. We managed a 22-year old female unbelted rear seat passenger of a bus which was involved in a lone accident. We highlighted the possible mechanism of chance fracture in an unbelted passenger and satisfactory spinal stability on conservative care with neither internal nor external fixation.
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Clinical case presentation on absence seizures diagnosis and treatment care services and outcomes in an adult patientp. 154
MS Umashankar, A Bharath Kumar
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_191_18  
Absence seizures are often associated with impaired or loss of consciousness clinically proved to have an impact on motor and cognitive abnormalities of the nerve cells of the brain. Seizure admits several etiopathophysiological events leading to several neurofunctional changes in the reticulothalamocortical circuitry zones of the central nervous system. This paves the episodes of absence seizure events. A clinical case report of absence seizure in a 25 years age adult patient came to the hospital with impaired consciousness. The brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning of the patient detected a small focal flair hypertensive area in the right parasellar region close to cavernous sinus with mild flair hypersensitivity in the left cavernous sinuses, right maxillary, and ethmoid sinusitis. The electroencephalogram of the brain showed normal waves with electrode artifacts was observed. The patient was confirmed with absence seizures, and he was treated with oxcarbazepine 150 mg twice daily. The patient was recovered from seizure and discharged with medications. He was called for follow-up examination once in 3-month period.
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Rare case of sellar and suprasellar metastasis from ewing's sarcoma of tibiap. 158
Vinita Gupta, Kirti Aggarwal, Prateek Nishant, Rajnish Kumar Arora
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_139_18  
We hereby report a case of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma presenting with rapid-onset total ophthalmoplegia, optic atrophy, and right temporal hemianopia. Comprehensive ophthalmic and neurological evaluation with targeted radioimaging revealed a tumor mass centered over the sella, compressing optic chiasma, extending to involve the left cavernous sinus and the left orbital apex. Whole-body imaging revealed the evidence of multifocal lung and mediastinal metastasis with focal lytic defect in the left femoral head. Histopathological evaluation of transnasal punch biopsy from the nasopharyngeal extension of the tumor revealed small round-cell tumor with strong CD99 positivity, supporting the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma. Rapid, aggressive extensions of the metastatic tumor into vital structures despite the initiation of chemoradiation of the extensive intracranial tumor led to unexpected demise of the patient. Our case is an unusual case of Ewing's sarcoma metastasis manifesting as a sellar mass and mimicking a pituitary adenoma radiologically, with a rapid progression within 2 weeks to cause massive extension of tumor into suprasellar, infrasellar, and left parasellar area, indicative of highly malignant nature of the tumor.
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Commentaryp. 162
Jonathan Douglas Santoro, Taylor Nicole Santoro
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_255_18  
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORTop

Subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst: An unusual complication of ventriculoperitoneal shuntp. 164
Batuk Diyora, Bhagyashri Bhende, Gagan Dhall, Hanumant Kamble, Naren Nayak
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_142_18  
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Commentaryp. 166
Guru Dutta Satyarthee
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_262_18  
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Commentaryp. 167
Wail Mohammed
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_253_18  
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Infected internal pulse generator of a spinal cord stimulator device treated successfully without removal: A case reportp. 168
Aristedis Rovlias
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_206_18  
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Takayasu arteritis with cerebral hypoperfusion: An unusual casep. 170
Rajeev Chauhan, Ankur Luthra, Sachin Mahajan
DOI:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_268_18  
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