Clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease: six months results from a single centre study

Background: The study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), to identify the factors associated with clinical outcomes and survival among such patients, to explore the procedure related complications, and to assess restenosis and stent thrombosis rates following PCI.Methods: This retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in India, which included patients with CAD undergoing PCI from January 2016 to December 2016. Angiographic and clinical success and complications related to both procedural and vascular access were noted. Patient were followed-up for clinical outcomes up to 6-months. Primary outcome of the study was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were cardiovascular mortality, and event free survival, angina, cardiovascular events and restenosis and stent thrombosis.Results: A total of 831 patients were included of which majority were males (83.5%). Smoking was found in 33.7%, diabetes in 35.6%, and hypertension in 37.7%. At 6-months, follow-up was obtained for 711 patients. The clinical composite endpoint seen in 9.8% of patients. Angina (13.2%), acute coronary syndrome (3.1%), stent thrombosis (1.0%), in-stent restenosis (3.9%), cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (2.7%), heart failure (7.3%) and stroke (1.7%) were reported at 6-months follow-up.Conclusions: The PCI in a tertiary-care centre leads to low rates of periprocedural events and low rates of clinical outcomes at 6-months follow-up. Moreover, left ventricular ejection fraction was shown to be major predictor for cardiovascular mortality in post-PCI patients. Hypertension was significantly associated with stroke post-PCI

Harnessing Technological Advancements for Enhanced Crop Management: A Study on Capsicum Phenology and Automation in Agriculture [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background Current advancements in communication and information have important impacts on the agricultural sector. Technology has been instrumental in developing innovative approaches to enhancing farming productivity and efficiency while also addressing environmental concerns. With the aid of technology, researchers can collect and analyze vast amounts of agricultural data, enabling a deeper understanding of farming practices and facilitating more informed decision-making through cutting-edge techniques. Methods The study on Capsicum phenology introduces a nuanced approach by integrating statistical analysis specifically t-test and ANOVA to examine environmental parameters across various growth stages. This methodology offers a more detailed understanding a factors like temperature, humidity and soil moisture influence Capsicum development, providing a statistical foundation for adaptive crop management strategies. Results The results demonstrated substantial variability in these parameters, emphasizing the importance of tailored crop management strategies. Conclusion This research bridges a gap in Capsicum specific phenological studies and also sets a precedent for integrating statistical analysis with a smart agricultural technology paving the way for the development of autonomous crop management system that adapt to specific crop needs, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture

Contact tracing for COVID-19 in a healthcare institution: Our experience and lessons learned

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic contact tracing was used to control spread of the disease. It played a key role in health care institute which continued to work even during lockdown. In this piece of work, we share the lessons learnt from the contact tracing activity done in the health care institution during April to July 2020. The training needs of persons involved in contact tracing, the follow of activities, use of technology, methods to fill the missing gaps were the key lessons learnt. Its documentation supports in setting up contact tracing activity for any emerging infectious disease outbreaks in future

Effects of subcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin on diameter, palpability, ease-of-puncture and pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery during transradial coronary angiography

AbstractBackgroundThe success of transradial catheterization depends on meticulous access of radial artery which in turn depends on palpating a good radial pulse.ObjectivesOur objectives were to analyze the effects of subcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin on diameter of radial artery, palpability of radial pulse, ease-of-puncture and pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery during transradial coronary angiography.MethodsPatients undergoing transradial coronary angiography were randomized to Group NL or Group SL. In Group NL, 3 ml of solution containing nitroglycerin and lignocaine was infiltrated subcutaneously at the site intended for puncture of radial artery. Similarly, saline and lignocaine were infiltrated in Group SL. Diameter of radial artery was objectively assessed by ultrasonography. Measurements were performed at baseline and repeated at 1 min after injecting the solutions. The ease-of-puncture was evaluated by the number of punctures and the time needed for successful access of radial artery.ResultsBoth groups had 100 patients each. Baseline diameter of radial artery was similar between two groups. The post-injection diameter of radial artery increased by 26.3% in Group NL and 11.4% in Group SL. Nitroglycerin significantly improved the palpability of radial pulse, reduced the number of punctures and shortened the time needed for successful access of radial artery. Pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery occurred in 1% of Group NL and 8% of Group SL.ConclusionsSubcutaneously infiltrated nitroglycerin leads to significant vasodilation of radial artery. This avoids pre-cannulation spasm of radial artery, enhances palpability of the radial pulse and thus makes the puncture of radial artery easier