Background: Hearing impairment and tinnitus are common otological manifestations found in the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Hearing loss and tinnitus have been documented among coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, these clinical manifestations were rarely investigated among pediatric patients with COVID-19 infections. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of hearing impairment and tinnitus among children with COVID-19 infection at a teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study where 192 children with COVID-19 infections were evaluated for hearing loss and tinnitus. There were 44 (22.91%) children with COVID-19 infections presenting with hearing loss and tinnitus. All of the children were confirmed as COVID-19 infection with the help of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal swab. Detailed history taking and clinical examination of the ear were done for the assessment of hearing loss and tinnitus and its outcome was analyzed. Results: Out of 44 children, 20 (45.45%) were presented with tinnitus, 16 (36.36%) were presented with hearing loss, and 8 (18.18%) were presented with both hearing loss and tinnitus. Out of 44 pediatric patients with hearing loss and/or tinnitus, 26 (59.09%) were males and 18 (40.90%) were females with a male child to female child ratio of 1.44:1. The mean age of the participants was 9.16 years with an age range from 5 to 18 years. The sporadic type of tinnitus is more common than any other type. Conclusion: This study showed that the presence of subjective neurological features like hearing loss and tinnitus can be found in children with COVID-19 infection. More studies are required to confirm the exact pathophysiology mechanism underlying this subjective symptom in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection.

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Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) have become hubs of nosocomial infections worldwide. There has been a continuous rise in the development of antimicrobial resistance among ICU-acquired infections. Particularly, the Gram-negative bacteria implicated in ICU-acquired infections have become resistant to the majority of the antibiotics leading to a critical therapeutic problem. The present study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of microorganisms causing nosocomial infections (ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP], central line-associated bloodstream infection [CLABSI], and catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI]) in a multidisciplinary ICU. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included the patients with ICU stay ≥ 48 h and any of the ICU-acquired infections: VAP, CLABSI, or CAUTI. The appropriate specimen was collected as per the standard procedure and cultured. The antimicrobial susceptibility of all the bacterial isolates recovered from the samples was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The antimicrobial resistance data were analyzed using WHONET Microbiology Laboratory Database software 5.6 (WHONET 5.6). Results: Gram-negative microorganisms were the principal pathogens causing various infections in the ICU, out of which Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia were the commonest. Most of the Gram-negative bacteria showed a high degree of resistance to the majority of the antibiotics. Colistin was observed to be the most effective antimicrobial for Gram-negative pathogens followed by doripenem, meropenem, and tigecycline. The majority of Staphylococcus aureus isolates (71.4%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus; however, all were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci constituted 43% of Enterococcus isolates and were sensitive to linezolid and tigecycline. Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance was very high among the pathogens causing nosocomial infections in the ICU, especially Gram-negative bacteria demonstrated a substantially high degree of resistance to the majority of the antibiotics. Antibiotic stewardship will help control the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbes.

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Pentatrichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoan parasite that resides in the digestive tract of humans and is generally nonpathogenic. Although parasites of diarrheal etiology are widespread, neonatal infection with P. hominis is an uncommon incident. This case report depicts an instance of active P. hominis in an 8-month-old child with complaints of fever, vomiting, and loose stools. Stool examination was done with saline and iodine wet mount that showed motile trophozoites of P. hominis with a jerky movement. Treatment with metronidazole was effective as no parasite was found on repeated stool examinations. Pentatrichomonas hominis should be recognized as a cause of diarrhea in neonates, despite being rare.

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Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a form of lymphatic hamartoma, which mainly involves the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The mucosa of the mouth, tongue, groin, trunk, and axilla are the most common locations of LC, and the scrotum is a rare site of occurrence. Here we report a case of LC of scrotum occurring in a 58-year-old man without any history of surgery and radiation. The man was presented with multiple small vesicles containing clear fluid in the scrotum and subsequent histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. We are presenting this case for its rare presentation.

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Uterine malformations can result from various alterations in the normal development of Mullerian ducts that make up a diverse category of congenital anomalies. In most cases, the defect remains undiagnosed and exhibits the normal number of chromosomes. Very few malformations require any intervention after thorough investigations. The most frequently used classification by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine is comprehensive, but does not include cervical or vaginal malformations. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has postulated a consensus that precisely shows independent cervical malformations.

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Background: Although there has been growing awareness on the need for professional assistance at delivery, and this has improved health-seeking behavior and the use of antenatal care (ANC) of pregnant women, presenting for ANC does not directly imply that a woman would use a skilled birth attendant (SBA) at delivery. This study analyzed the trend in the use of SBAs at delivery among Nigerian reproductive women from 2007 to 2017. Materials and Methods: The study used the United Nations Children’s Fund, Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys data for the years 2007 (n = 1021), 2011 (n = 2927), and 2016/2017 (n = 4155). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the use of SBAs and demographic characteristics of women aged 15–49 years in Nigeria. Results: There was a significant decline in the utilization of SBAs at delivery from 82.7% in 2007 to 71.8% in 2016/2017 (P < 0.001). There was a decline in the proportion of doctors and nurses/midwives as birth attendants from 28.3% and 54.4% in 2007 to 22.8% and 49.0% in 2016/2017, respectively (P < 0.001), whereas the use of traditional birth attendants increased from 5.2% to 8.0% during the periods (P = 0.003). Urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.18–1.47, P < 0.01], higher maternal age (AOR=1.49, 95% CI=1.30–1.70; P < 0.01), and education attainment (AOR=3.78, 95% CI=3.39–4.22; P < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of the utilization of SBAs. Conclusion: There is a need for intervention programs for women in rural areas and women with a low level of education and lower maternal age. This will further reduce the maternal mortality ratios of the country.

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Background: We studied the real-life experience with Methylene blue administration among the moderate and severe cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Covid-19 infection with the standard of care. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective, single-center study including 103 hospitalized patients conducted in a tertiary healthcare center from June 2020 to July 2021. The route of administration of Methylene blue was through nebulization (0.5 mL 0.5% solution of Methylene blue + 2.5 mL of distilled water) three times a day as long as the patient was admitted. An ampoule of 10 mL of Methylene blue with 90 mL of potable water through oxygen port was administered as long as they needed oxygen. About 2 mg/kg body weight of Methylene blue in 300 mL of N.S. over 3 h was given once a day for 5 days. Results: Approximately 103 patients were seen with a mean age of 56.49 years. The most prevalent comorbid condition was diabetes. The SpO2 improved by 7.827%. On post-Methylene blue administration, the serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer were reduced in comparison to pre-Methylene blue administration. Also, the average total length of stay was 14 ± 4.20, 13 ± 5.66, and 14 ± 3.50 days in 26.78% of patients in intensive care unit, 17.51% of patients in high dependency unit, and 58.71% of patients in Covid general ward, respectively. About 86.4% of the patients recovered and got discharged post-Methylene blue administration. The all-cause mortality was 13.59%, which could be due to underlying comorbidities and complications of Covid-19 infections. Conclusion: Methylene blue administration accelerated recovery in our patients with moderate and severe Covid-19 disease by controlling the hyperimmune response. The clinical improvement was seen by decreased levels of inflammatory markers, improved oxygen saturation, reduced length of hospital stay, and clinical improvements. Methylene blue administered in nebulization form, through oxygen port, and through intravenous infusion in the dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 5 days and improved patients’ recovery, so it can be considered as a therapeutic option in moderate and severe Covid-19 disease.

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Background: The numbers of severe COVID cases and COVID-related deaths on the African continent are lower than expected. We hypothesize that this paradox may be due to the achieved immunity in black Africans. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on Angolan people who performed the Panbio Abbott COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test in a health unit in Luanda. One hundred randomly selected subjects in those with positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) underwent the serological mini VIDAS BIOMERIEUX test. Results: In our population study (2409 subjects), 791 (32.83%) had positive IgG at the Panbio Abbott COVID-19 test. One hundred were randomly selected. The mean age was 39.55, and 96% were males. The positivity to IgG was validated in 72 subjects at the mini VIDAS BIOMERIEUX test. Conclusion: These results support our hypothesis that in the Angolan/African population a previously achieved immunity may be one of the reasons why this continent was not affected by COVID-19 as expected.

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Introduction: Ivabradine is a heart rate lowering agent by inhibiting Iƒ current in sinus node. It is approved for use in patients with angina and heart failure for heart rate control. Recently, the concern has grown over increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with Ivabradine. Aims: We observed critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, treated with Ivabradine alone versus Ivabradine plus a β-blocking agent, and compared the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Settings and Design: This was an observational, single-center study. Materials and Methods: We observed 40 patients who were divided into two groups. One group of patients was treated with Ivabradine (no other heart rate-controlling agent) and the other group was treated with Ivabradine plus a β-blocker drug. We studied the incidence of atrial fibrillation in an observation period of 7 days in the intensive care unit along with other patient characteristics. We used appropriate analytical protocol to compare the two groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Student’s unpaired t test and Fisher’s exact probability test were applied. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Although one patient treated with Ivabradine (and no other rate/rhythm controlling drug) had new-onset atrial fibrillation, there was no statistically significant increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients (during the observation period) treated with Ivabradine versus Ivabradine plus β-blocker drug. Conclusion: Our preliminary research suggests the use of Ivabradine for heart rate control in critically ill patients is not associated with an increased incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation. However, we recommend a further larger study on this subject.

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Introduction: This study aimed to develop a model utilizing the data from the top 10 countries (as of August 22, 2020) with the maximum number of infected cases. These countries are the United States of America, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Spain. The model is developed using the newly infected cases, new deaths, cumulative infected cases, and cumulative deaths due to COVID-19 starting from the day on which the first infected cases of COVID-19 in each of these countries is diagnosed to the date August 19, 2020. Materials and Methods: This study includes data such as the newly infected cases, new deaths, cumulative infected cases, and cumulative deaths due to COVID-19 starting from the day on which the first infected case of COVID-19 in each of these countries is diagnosed to the date August 19, 2020, in the top 10 most affected countries. The data were obtained from World Health Organization (WHO) website. To fit the data into a regression model, IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 was used. The linear, logarithmic, quadratic, and cubic curves were fitted to the newly infected COVID-19 cases and daily deaths due to COVID-19. In choosing the best-fitted model, the coefficient of determination (R-square) was used. Results: Cubic regression model is the best fit model for new infected COVID-19 cases as well as COVID-19 deaths. It has the highest R-square value as compared to the linear, logarithmic and quadratic. Conclusion: To control the spread of infection, there is a need for aggressive control strategies from the administrative departments of all countries.

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Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) poses threat to the quality of life among women. To prevent HMB, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a well-known nonsurgical, long-performing, and alternative method. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of LNG-IUS in women with HMB through an analytical observational study. Materials and Methods: This study was performed among 60 patients who visited the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient department (OPD) at the Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (IPGMER and SSKMH), Kolkata, West Bengal, India from May 2019 to April 2020 due to HMB. The mean demographic and clinical profiles were evaluated, and comparative analysis was performed for hemoglobin (Hb), spotting, pain, and endometrial thickness on day 0 and follow-up 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.77 ± 4.58 years was obtained. The Hb level was significantly (P < .001) increased, whereas pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score, endometrial thickness, spotting, and pain were significantly (P < .01 and P < .001) reduced. The majority of patients had pallor, but the rates of spontaneous expulsion and hysterectomy were observed lower after using LNG-IUS among studied patients. Conclusion: the usage of LNG-IUS is potential in the treatment of HMB in women, which may lead to a better quality of life. This can be the alternative to hysterectomy and oral pills for long-term use. It is suggested in a future study with larger sample size and multicentric approach to minimize hospital biasness.

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Background: Though coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a life-saving surgery and a standardized procedure, the aim of the surgery is survival with quality of life (QOL). The extended role of the nurse was well recommended in community and clinical settings with the support of multidisciplinary team for safe care. The Extended Nursing Care Model (ENCM) provides the framework to facilitate early recovery and thereby improve the QOL and overall productivity after CABG. Aim and Objective: The aim of this article is to compare the difference in QOL of CABG patients with and without ENCM. Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental Time Series Design with Comparison Group was used to study the effectiveness of ENCM. Among CABG patients enrolled on the day of admission with non-probability purposive sampling technique, 140 patients were randomly and equally distributed in the study and control groups on the day of discharge for recovery management. Generic EQ-5D-5L scale and MacNew Heart Disease-related QOL (MNHDRQOL) questionnaire were used to collect data at frequent intervals. The data obtained successfully from 69 patients in the study group and 63 patients in the control group were analyzed by using SPSS-21 Statistical Software, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: There was an improvement in the EQ-5D-5L score and MNHDRQOL score from baseline (before surgery) to 6th week and 12th week after surgery. This difference is statistically higher in the study group than in the control group (P <0.05) in all five domains of Euro QOL and all three domains of MNHDRQOL. Conclusion: Nursing care provided by using ENCM is effective in improving the QOL of CABG patients.

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Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus have a major health impact because of their high prevalence worldwide. Obesity is a common risk factor for both OSA and type 2 diabetes mellitus in middle-aged persons. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the risk of OSA in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at the tertiary care center of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India. Type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated to assess the risk of OSA using the STOP-BANG sleep apnea questionnaire (consisting of eight questions). Results: Of the 150 type 2 diabetic patients, 53.8% had low risk, 28.6% had intermediate risk, and 17.6% had a severe risk for OSA based on questionnaires. Patients with comorbid conditions like hypertension (odds ratio 1.5) and obesity (odds ratio 1.06) have a high risk of OSA. There was a significant relationship between the type of medication and the risk of developing OSA (P < 0.05) in diabetic patients. The patients taking both insulin and oral drugs have a high-risk OSA as compared to those taking only insulin or only oral drugs. Conclusion: The prevalence of OSA is much higher in diabetics than in the general population, the risk is increasing with comorbid conditions like obesity and hypertension, patients who are receiving both oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. The screening of OSA among diabetic patients is necessary to identify those at high risk and manage this problem, which may remain undiagnosed in many patients.

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Introduction: 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first reported in Wuhan, in China, rapidly spread to other parts of the world forming a global pandemic. Secondary fungal or bacterial infections or coinfections are important challenges increasing the patients’ morbidity and mortality in COVID infection patients. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to increases in the cases of mucormycosis in India; rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is considered the most common type of mucormycosis, which is acquired by inhaling fungal spores in the paranasal sinuses. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the clinical and demographic profile of the patient with mucormycosis admitted to Government Medical College, Jalgaon and to identify the risk factors observed in the admitted patient with mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the patients admitted for the treatment of mucormycosis in Government Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, Maharashtra. A total of 91 patients admitted from April 15, 2021 to June 15, 2021 were enrolled as study participants. Result: More than half of the study participants were having complaints of swelling and pain over the cheek and face at the time of admission, whereas 20% were having pain in the nose, growth/swelling, and discharge from nose followed by toothache and loss of teeth in 13% of the study participants. More than 50% of patients were diabetic and 91% have a history of steroid use for the treatment of COVID-19. 57% of the study participants were having a history of diabetes. Conclusion: The physician should be more attentive for mucormycosis among the post-COVID-19 patients with diabetes patients and/or presenting with pain in the facial or orbital region or blackish or bloody nasal discharge.

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Background: Facial nerve palsy is a common intra-temporal complication of untreated chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) causing erosion of the fallopian canal and its pressure effects leading to facial weakness. There is a less favorable outcome in patients of CSOM with diabetes as they are more prone to neural degeneration. In such patients, early surgical decompression of the facial nerve helps in resolving facial palsy to some extent. In our study of 22 patients, we analyzed the prognosis and advantage of doing early surgical facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy in patients of unsafe CSOM with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective study of 22 patients with a squamosal type of CSOM with diabetes mellitus who came to the outpatient department, from June 2019 to March 2021, with complaints of ear discharge and facial palsy grades 3–5, in whom we did early surgical facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy. We observed the incidence of facial palsy and recovery after facial nerve decompression with limited use of steroids in patients with diabetes mellitus. Results: In our retrospective study of 22 patients with squamosal type of CSOM with diabetes mellitus with complaints of facial palsy, 10 were males and 12 were females. Patients were assessed clinically using House–Brackmann grading: 55% are of grade III, 31% are of grade IV, and 14% are of grade V. About 82% of the patients from our study had lesions at the tympanic segment, 9% patients had lesions at the vertical segment, 4.5% patients had lesion at the first genu, and 4.5% patients had lesion at the second genu. In our study, 95% of the patients from the study improved with early facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy, 55% of the patients improved to grade I, 36% of the patients improved to grade II, and 9% of the patients improved to grade III. Conclusion: In squamosal-type CSOM patients with facial palsy, early facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy within 12 weeks of development of facial palsy provides better results than just modified radical mastoidectomy as it increases recovery rate and reduces the need for post-operative steroids which is an advantage in diabetics.

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Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies in female patients. In recent years, immunohistochemistry (IHC) has emerged as an important tool in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. The study aimed to assess estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), Her-2-neu, and Ki-67 by IHC in surface epithelial ovarian tumors and to correlate the findings with different variables. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Oophorectomy/salpingo-oophorectomy/cystectomy specimens were included in this study. IHC was done on 10% neutral buffer formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections by using Dako FLEX Ready to use mouse monoclonal antibodies and DakoEnvision^TM FLEX/HRP detection reagent. Results: The study includes 81 cases of surface epithelial ovarian tumors (a benign serous tumor [20], a benign mucinous tumor [18], a borderline mucinous tumor [5], low-grade serous carcinoma [8], high-grade serous carcinoma [19], mucinous carcinoma [7], endometrioid carcinoma [2], borderline Brenner tumor [1], and malignant Brenner tumor [1]. ER had higher expression in malignant cases (51.33%) than in benign cases (15.8%). PR had higher expression in malignant tumors (54.05%) incomparable to benign (18.42%) and borderline tumors (16.66%). PR had higher expression in high grade. Expression of Her-2-neu positivity was found to be 29.7% out of the total 81 cases. Her-2-neu was found in 11 high-grade tumors among 31 malignant cases. CA-125 levels were significantly higher in malignant ovarian tumors (P = 0.0143). Proliferation activity was considered low if proliferation index (PI) <10% and high if PI >10%. The study showed high PI in malignant tumors. Conclusion: Expression of these marks in adjunct to H&E diagnosis may prove beneficial in differentiating benign, borderline, and malignant cases, in which a diagnosis of borderline cases based on sole H & E is doubtful.

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Background: Enrollees’ knowledge, behavior, and perception of health insurance substantially influence a decision about the uptake of sustainability of the program. This study assessed enrollees’ knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) uptake in Benue State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive survey conducted among hospital clients enrolled in the formal sector program of the health insurance scheme in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect respondents’ demographic information and data related to the knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the uptake of NHIS in Nigeria. IBM-SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: The study comprised 53.2% males, and 46.8% were females. The majority (82.9%) of the enrollees were aware of the objectives of the NHIS, but only 33.4% were aware of their benefits as enrollees and only 56.0% were satisfied with NHIS services. Factors that significantly influenced enrollees’ satisfaction include sex, age, education level, income, and knowledge of enrollees’ entitlements (P < 0.05), but the family size and knowledge of the objectives of the NHIS were not significantly associated with the level of satisfaction (P > 0.05). The most common barriers to the uptake of the NHIS include cultural and religious norms (67.4%) and poor social infrastructures (60.6%). Conclusion: This study revealed that the enrollees had poor knowledge of their entitlements for enrolling in the NHIS and a low level of satisfaction. There is a need for more awareness interventions across Nigeria to sensitize citizens of the scheme’s importance, objectives, and benefits.

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Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality burden in the developing world. Indians have been associated with a more severe form of CAD that has its onset at a younger age group with a male predominance. Reperfusion of the occluded coronary artery at the earliest is the most important aim of management of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aim: The aims of this work were to (1) study the changing trends in patients presenting with STEMI, (2) the outcomes of patients undergoing thrombolysis in a tertiary care hospital, and (3) the increasing trend of CAD in young (CADY). Materials and Methods: A total of 500 patients undergoing thrombolysis between January 2017 and December 2019 were studied retrospectively. We studied the age of presentation, sex, agents used for thrombolysis, their angiography findings, and their management and outcome. Results: CADY in less than 45 years of age was noted in 26.2% in our study. It was more common in men. Left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was the most common artery to be involved in single-vessel coronary artery disease (SVCAD) patients followed by the right coronary artery (RCA). Door to needle time in our study was 28 min. Conclusion: The prevalence of CADY Indians in our study was significantly high. The most common age group of men presenting with STEMI was 51–55 years, followed by 45–50 years. The most common age group of women presenting with CAD was 61–65 years.

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Pulse arrival time is the time elapsed between the R-wave of electrocardiogram and systolic peak in peripheral pulse obtained by any of the plethysmographic methods. Similarly, differential pulse arrival time, also known as pulse transit time, is the time elapsed between systolic peaks of proximal and distal peripheral pulse recordings in an extremity. Distance between the proximal and distal site in the extremity (in meters) divided by differential pulse arrival time (in seconds) gives arterial pulse wave velocity in the limb segment. Differential pulse arrival time has been used to discriminate between an aortic or arterial block from generalized atherosclerosis in aortic and arterial occlusive diseases for nearly four decades. All along there have been efforts to monitor beat-to-beat blood pressure with the help of these time intervals and other pulse parameters. Encouraging correlation has been observed with that obtained by Finapres. Recently pulse arrival time has been explored for the prompt detection of sudden hypertensive episodes during laryngeal microsurgery, for detection of mental stress, monitoring of baroreflex sensitivity, and real-time monitoring of blood pressure. This paper briefly describes the measurement technique of pulse arrival time and an overview of its clinical applications.

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The burden of morbidity and mortality among infants is the highest in developing countries. The future economic growth of a country depends upon the well-being of the infants of today; hence, infants need the utmost attention of society through organized medical care and social activities. Feeding infants and young children properly are essential for their growth, development, nutritional status, health, and survival. Improper feeding practices may lead to irreversible outcomes like malnutrition, infectious diseases, attention deficit, memory failure, lower IQ, and lifelong poor cognitive and behavioral development. This review was taken to assess the cause, prevalence, and impact of various morbidities during infancies. The literature search covered both conceptual and specific literature. The specific literature search was on the assessment of morbidities among infants. Morbidities were further classified into diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), and fever. Factors affecting each morbidity during the first year of life were classified as International and Indian studies. The studies were further categorized based on methodology as cross-sectional, prospective studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. We conclude that the incidence of morbidities specifically ARIs, diarrhea, and fever have a debilitating effect on the growth and development of infants. Further research is required to assess the impact of morbidity on growth and development in children.

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