Neurosciences

Diet in stroke: Beyond antiplatelets and statins Joe James Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):173-174

Depression, suicidal ideation, and resilience among rural farmers Kabir Garg Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):175-175

Depression, suicidal ideation, and resilience among rural drought-affected farmers: Methodological issues Vikas Menon Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):176-177

Developing normative reference values for nerve conduction studies of commonly tested nerves among a sample Pakistani population Zaitoon Shivji, Anita Jabeen, Safia Awan, Sara Khan Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):178-184 Introduction: Most neurophysiology departments around the world establish their own normative data. However, ethnic differences are not taken into account. Our aim was to establish normal nerve conduction studies (NCS) data for routinely tested nerves in individuals of Pakistani (South Asian) origin and to compare with Western published data. Materials and Methods: One hundred healthy adults' nerves were assessed, using standardized techniques. Individuals were grouped into age groups. Gender differences were assessed. Results: Of the 100 volunteers, 49 were female and 51 were male. Their mean age was 39.8 years. Findings showed statistically significant prolongation of median distal motor latency (DML) and F-wave latency with age and reduction of median, ulnar, and sural sensory amplitudes as age increased. Gender differences showed consistent difference in the normal values for median, ulnar, and peroneal DMLs and respective F-wave latencies, which were significantly shorter in females. Sensory amplitudes of tested upper extremity nerves were significantly lower in males. Comparing with available data, our findings are similar to the Saudi population but significantly different from the American and multiethnic Malaysian populations. Pakistani individuals generally have significantly higher amplitudes and faster conduction velocities with similarities to South Asian studies. Conclusions: We recommend normative NCS parameters for commonly tested nerves for the Pakistani population, using standardized techniques to ensure highest quality testing and outcomes.

Mindbomb Homolog-1 index in the prognosis of high-grade glioma and its clinicopathological correlation Shyam Sundar Krishnan, Shanmugam Muthiah, Shilpa Rao, Suganthi Srinivasan Salem, Vasudevan Chakravarthy Madabhushi, Anita Mahadevan Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):185-193 Introduction: Gliomas are the most common brain tumors in adults originating from the glial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant and frequent among all gliomas. In recent years, the antibody Mindbomb Homolog-1 (MIB-1) has evolved as a measure of the proliferative nature of the glial tumors. This study aims to investigate the MIB-1 index value as an independent prognostic factor in high-grade gliomas and its correlation with outcome and survival. Materials and Methods: Mean MIB-1 index was determined in 51 high-grade glioma tissue samples in formalin. Its correlation with outcome by assessing the clinicoradiological parameters and median survival of patients in months were assessed. Survival analysis was studied by using the Kaplan–Meier bivariate analysis and Cox proportional ratio. Results: Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score, WHO-PS, Neurological Performance Scale, and Mini–Mental Status Examination (MMSE) were statistically significant with respect to outcome and survival, whereas tumor factors such as size and perilesional edema were not. In particular, midline-crossing tumors and deep-seated tumors were significantly associated with high MIB-1 index and by correlation with outcome. There were significantly higher number (P < 0.0001) of patients with Grade IV tumors, with an MIB-1 index value above an arbitrary cutoff of 10% compared to Grade III tumors. In addition, median survival period of patients with low MIB-1 index was longer irrespective of tumor grade. Conclusion: Significant correlation between high-grade glioma and MIB-1 index suggests MIB-1 index to be a good prognostic tool, with MIB-1 index and midline-crossing variables being independent prognostic parameters.

Does universal bypass before carotid artery occlusion obviate the need for balloon test occlusion: Personal experience with extracranial–Intracranial bypass in 23 patients Girish Menon, Sudha Menon, Ajay Hegde Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):194-200 Aim: Carotid artery ligation carries a potential risk of ischemic complications even in patients with good collaterals and adequate cross-circulation. Preoperative assessment through balloon test occlusion (BTO) is technically challenging and not feasible in all patients. We analyze our experience with universal bypass without performing detailed cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) studies in 23 patients before carotid artery ligation. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the case records of 23 patients who underwent cervical carotid artery ligation for various indications since January 2009. Results: The study included 21 patients with cavernous carotid aneurysms, one patient with a large fusiform petrous carotid aneurysm, and one patient with recurrent glomus jugulare encasing the cervical internal carotid artery. The initial 12 patients underwent preoperative BTO with hypotensive challenge. All patients underwent a bypass procedure followed by carotid artery ligation irrespective of the BTO findings. Patients who successfully completed a BTO underwent a low-flow superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass. A high-flow extracranial–intracranial bypass using a saphenous vein graft from external carotid artery to middle cerebral artery was done in all patients who either failed the BTO or did not undergo BTO. We had two operative mortalities and one poor outcome. All the other patients had a good recovery with a Glasgow outcome score of 5 at the last follow-up. Graft patency rates were 81.1% in both the low-flow and high-flow groups. Conclusion: Universal high-flow bypass is safe, effective, and should be preferred in all patients before carotid artery ligation. It obviates the need for detailed CVR assessment, especially in centers with limited resources.

Oral health behavior and treatment needs among drug addicts and controls in Amritsar District: A case-controlled study Preeti Chawla Arora, Komal Gurpreet Singh Ragi, Aman Arora, Ambika Gupta Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):201-206 Background: Substance and drug abuse is associated with severe psychosocial problems, violence and health complications. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status and sugar eating patterns among drug addicts with their age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls. Settings and Design: The present study comprised of two groups-Group A comprised of 100 drug addicts and Group B included 100 controls. The study sample were interviewed and subjected to a comprehensive intra-oral examination. Methods and Material: Standardized methods of evaluation were performed using mouth mirror, dental probe, explorer and WHO probe. Statistical Analysis: The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi Square test and student t-test. Results and Conclusions: CPITN index revealed bleeding in 56% addicts and calculus in 20% addicts. The mean DMFT of group A was 5.71 as compared to 2.45 in group B. The frequency of sugar consumption was found to be high in addicts as compared to the controls. Significant P values (< 0.001) of DMFT index, periodontal status and frequency of sugar consumption were obtained on statistical analysis. The caries status was found to be poor in addicts, but the periodontal treatment needs were similar for both group A and B. Oral health promotion should be undertaken in drug rehabilitation centers for overall success of withdrawl treatment.

Pattern of emergent head computed tomography findings in a tertiary care hospital during off working hours: Retrospective analysis Rajneesh K Patel, Amit Kumar Choubey, Brijesh K Soni, Rajeev Sivasankar, Vikash Chauhan Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):207-211 Introduction: Emergency head computed tomography (CT) is rising exponentially during off working hours due to evidence-based medicine, patient's expectation and desires, easy availability and apprehension of medico-legal cases, thereby raising health-care cost. There is huge gap in demand and supply of radiologist, especially during off working hours. There is need to know the pattern of emergency head findings. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all emergent noncontrast CT head during off working hours in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mumbai, India, which were performed from June 2017 to May 2018. CT findings of 308 patients were analyzed. Results: About 63.6% of total head CT showed no significant abnormality. The most common abnormality was intracranial hemorrhage which was just 9.1% followed by acute infarct which was 6.2%. Extradural hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was only 1% each of total head CT findings. No significant abnormality was detected in 74.65%, 70.21%, 89.13%, 31.37%, 100%, and 69.09% in cases of head injury, seizure, giddiness/dizziness/syncope, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, and altered sensorium, respectively. Conclusion: Pattern analysis of emergent head CT reveals that most of the emergent CT head shows no significant abnormality. There is a need for stringent guidelines for emergent head CT, training of emergency physician as well as CT technician for common findings to bridge the radiologist demand-supply gap for providing effective health care in peripheral hospitals.

Radiological parameters to predict hemorrhagic progression of traumatic contusional brain injury Lal Rehman, Ali Afzal, Hafiza Fatima Aziz, Sana Akbar, Asad Abbas, Raza Rizvi Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):212-217 Introduction: Traumatic intracerebral contusion is a frequent factor culminating in death and disability, and its progression relates to unfavorable outcome. We evaluated the radiological factors associated with hemorrhagic progression of contusions (HPC). Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty-six patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort over a period of 1 year. Contusion volume was quantified using the “ABC/2” technique, whereas progression was considered as >30% increase in the initial volume. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to examine the correlation between the risk factors of interest and HPC. Results: HPC was seen in 110 (44.7%) patients. Binary logistic regression showed in the final adjusted model that multiplicity (relative risk [RR]: 2.24, 95% confidence limit [CL]: 1.00–5.48), bilateral lesions (RR: 2.99, 95% CL: 1.08–8.25), initial volume of contusion (RR: 4.96, 95% CL: 1.87–13.13), frontal location (RR: 1.42, 95% CL: 1.08–3.56), and presence of concomitant intracranial hematoma (extradural-RR: 3.90, 95% CL: 1.51–10.01, subdural-RR: 2.91, 95% CL: 1.26–6.69, and subarachnoid-RR: 2.27, 95% CL: 1.01–5.80) were significantly associated with HPC. The overall mortality was 18.7% and was almost equal among patients with and without HPC. Mortality was significantly associated with Glasgow Coma Scale on admission (adjusted RR: 12.386, 95% CL: 4.789–32.035) and presence of comorbid conditions (adjusted RR: 0.313, 95% CL: 0.114–0.860). Conclusion: Initial computed tomography scan is a good predictor of high-risk group for HPC.

Prevalence of elder abuse and its association with psychiatric morbidity in a rural setting Aseem Mehra, Sandeep Grover, Arun Agarwal, Mohammad Bashar, Ajit Avasthi Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 2019 10(2):218-224 Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of elder abuse in a rural setting. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the association of elder abuse with psychiatric morbidity and demographic factors. Methodology: A total of 125 elderly (age ≥55 years) were evaluated for psychiatric diagnosis as per the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) criteria by the qualified psychiatrist and were evaluated on Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale for elder abuse. Results: More than half (58.4%) of the participants had one psychiatric disorder, with depression being the most common. Elder abuse was seen in more than one-third (41.6%) of the study participants. Those with psychiatric morbidity had significantly higher prevalence of abuse. None of the demographic factors was associated with abuse. Conclusion: Elder abuse is highly prevalent in rural setting, especially among those with psychiatric morbidity. Implications: Considering the high prevalence of elder abuse, there is an urgent need to address the problem. Public awareness, education, and sensitization of people toward the abuse are need of the day.