ABSTRACT
To demonstrate viral proteins/inflammatory cytokines in a patient with unilateral keratouveitis. Retrospective case report. A 70-year-old Asian-Indian male presented with acute onset of blurring of vision in the left eye (OS) of 2 days duration. He had was coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive 3 months earlier. He had undergone cataract surgery/retinal laser photocoagulation in both the eyes. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (Snellen) in the right eye (RE) (OD) and left eye (LE) (OS) was 20/20 and 20/80, respectively. OS showed decreased corneal sensation, Descemet’s folds, mild stromal edema, and fine and pigmented keratic precipitates with anterior chamber 1+ flare and 1+ cells. Fundus evaluation showed scattered laser marks in the OD and temporal sectoral laser marks in OS. He was diagnosed with viral keratouveitis in OS. Tear samples were collected on Schirmer’s strips and tear wash for mass spectrometry and cytokines, which had 368 and 451 viral proteins in the RE and LE, respectively, using nano liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, which were more than controls. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and varicella zoster virus proteins were detected. Cytokine analysis using flow cytometer analysis showed higher inflammation in OS as compared to OD. The patient was treated with oral acyclovir and topical steroids and resulted in resolution of his keratouveitis. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were present in the tear sample 3 months after COVID-19. The presence of viral proteins does not indicate causality
ABSTRACT
Objective Multisystem infammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children is a febrile illness that has overlapping presentation with other locally prevalent illnesses. Clinicolaboratory profle of children admitted with MIS-C and dengue were compared to understand their presentation at the outset. Methods This was a retrospective study of children?12 y admitted with MIS-C (WHO defnition) or laboratory-confrmed dengue between August 2020 and January 2021 at a tertiary center in North India. Results A total of 84 children (MIS-C - 40; dengue - 44) were included. The mean (SD) age [83.5 (39) vs. 91.6 (35) mo] was comparable. Rash (72.5% vs. 22.7%), conjunctival injection (60% vs. 2.3%), oral mucocutaneous changes (27.5% vs. 0) and gallop rhythm (15% vs. 0) were seen more frequently with MIS-C, while petechiae [29.5% vs. 7.5%], myalgia (38.6% vs. 10%), headache (22.7% vs. 2.5%), and hepatomegaly (68.2% vs. 27.5%) were more common with dengue. Children with MIS-C had signifcantly higher C-reactive protein (124 vs. 3.2 mg/L) and interleukin 6 (95.3 vs. 20.7 ng/mL), while those with dengue had higher hemoglobin (12 vs. 10.2 g/dL) lower mean platelet count (26 vs. 140× 109 /L), and greater elevation in aspartate (607 vs. 44 IU/L) and alanine (235.5 vs. 56 IU/L) aminotransferases. The hospital stay was longer with MIS-C; however, PICU stay and mortality were comparable. Conclusion In hospitalized children with acute febrile illness, the presence of mucocutaneous features and highly elevated CRP could distinguish MIS-C from dengue. The presence of petechiae, hepatomegaly, and hemoconcentration may favor a diagnosis of dengue.
ABSTRACT
Background: Exposure to high levels of aluminium (Al) leads to neurotoxicity. Hippocampus is one of the preferred sites of aluminium accumulation. Nevertheless, the role of Al in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains controversial and there is little proof directly interlinking Al to AD. Aims: The present study was undertaken to find out the occurrence of AD pathogenesis in Hippocampus under moderate aluminium exposure in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult rats were divided into control (C) and aluminium treated (E) groups having eight animal each. The rats in group E were exposed to aluminium 4.2 mg/kg body weight for three months with due approval from Institute Animal Ethics Committee. The hippocampus was processed for histopathological and electron microscopy observation. Results: Moderate Al intake produces significant reduction in the count of Pyramidal cells in hippocampus identified by shrunken cells as well as pyknosis in cell bodies. The differences between the cell numbers in all groups were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cornu Ammonis (CA) exhibited significantly reduced nissl bodies with a marked reduction in neuronal cell loss. Neurofibrillary tangle and plaques were not seen in the given dose of Al exposure. Electron microscopy from experimental group showed that the majority of neurons were disintegrating, the nuclear membrane has ruptured, and nucleoli appeared significantly distorted. The chromatin condensed and the mitochondria had disintegrated. Many vacuoles and lipofuscin sediment in cytoplasm, as compared to the control group noted. Conclusion: Present data demonstrated that moderate chronic aluminium exposure 4.2mg/kg body weight induced neurodegeneration in hippocampus but not significant for Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.
ABSTRACT
Intolerance to orthostasis encompasses a group of responses on assumption of upright posture. One such response is postural dysautonomia. One of the types of postural dysautonomia is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which is characterised by an increase in heart rate of more than 30 bpm without hypotension along with other features of dysautonomia on attaining an erect posture, either actively or passively. This paper brings out a case of postural dysautonomia in a pilot aspirant in response to Head-up tilt (HUT) test. A 23-year-old female military pilot aspirant reported for evaluation of Syncope and Air Sickness. She gave a history of solitary episode of loss of consciousness on ground while preparing for an early morning sortie. She was diagnosed with a case of neurocardiogenic syncope and was put back to flying training. Subsequently, after about 2 months, she developed features of air sickness while flying and also could not tolerate preliminary motion sickness desensitisation at her unit. A thorough medical evaluation failed to reveal any neurocardiological abnormality. Before commencing the air sickness desensitisation protocol at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, she was subjected to HUT during which she developed signs and symptoms suggestive of postural dysautonomia. A test retest assessment with repeat HUT and passive standing test revealed similar responses.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Exposure of aluminium (Al) to mankind is inescapable, and its dyslipidaemic impact is a possible contributing factor to health hazards like cardiovascular diseases. The health effects due to the metalloestrogenic property of the metal need imperative consideration. The current experimental work was undertaken to explore Al-induced dyslipidaemia due to its metalloestrogenic property. Materials and Methods: To fulfil this objective, prepubertal (PP) and young adult (YA) female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered to two doses of Al [5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight (BW)] once daily for 2 weeks. After the completion of the acute exposure protocol, plasma and hepatic tissue lipid profiles were estimated. Analysis of variance was carried out by the Kruskal–Wallis test and the differences between the groups were analysed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test Results: Increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-LDL cholesterol in plasma were found in YAs treated with both doses of Al in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were not present in PP female rats. Decreased levels of lipid levels were observed in the case of hepatic lipid profile. Conclusion: The study ushers light towards the dyslipidaemic alterations in experimental female rats after acute Al exposure. Impacts of Al on the growth and organosomatic index during the vital developmental days were significantly decided by the pubertal status of the female rats. The results of this study indicate the impact of puberty on the Al-induced modifications in lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.
ABSTRACT
A well-de?ned and well-planned education policy helps a nation's economy and social position grow. Like that NEP 2020 is a progressive thought of the Indian education system. The policy accords the highest priority to achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by all students by Grade 3. This study only analyses the School and Teacher Education reforms concerning NEP 2020 in India. The policy states, "The highest priority of the education system will be to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary school by 2025 and to universalize education from pre-school to secondary level by 2030. It envisions an India-centric education system and the provision of quality education and equitable access to all students in a sustainable manner. The National Education Policy states that by 2030 the minimum educational qualification for teachers would be a four-year duration integrated B.Ed. degree. Though NEP 2020 has new targets to be achieved by 2035.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Quality of life (QOL) has emerged as an important concept in childhood, especially for children with disabilities. CP has an impact on a child’s capacity to do activities of daily living thus affecting QOL of patients and their families. Aims and Objectives: The objective of present study was to assess the QOL in children with CP. Materials and Methods: In this study, 29 children with CP in the age group of 4–12 years were evaluated for QOL was assessed using CPQOL-Child Primary Caregiver Questionnaire (4–12 years). The questionnaire was completed by one of the parents or their caregiver. Scores for each domain of QOL were converted to a scale ranging from 0 to 100 and analyzed. Results: The scores as reported by the parents were low for each of the domains with maximum effect seen in functioning domain and least in pain domain. Girls had better QOL than boys. The QOL scores were negatively related to the severity of CP which was assessed by gross motor function classification system suggesting that severity of disability had negative impact on QOL. Conclusion: QOL of children with CP was found to be poor and was influenced by age, sex and motor functioning
ABSTRACT
Background: Bacterial meningitis is a global public health issue. C-reactive protein (CRP) has suitable diagnostic value in distinguishing between bacterial and aseptic meningitis especially in cases of negative bacterial culture of the blood and spinal fluid. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the serum level of CRP among pediatric meningitis cases with bacterial etiology. Materials and Methods: The hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Eastern India from June to August, 2021 with 150 samples. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for this study after obtaining informed consent. Cerebrospinal fluid sample was collected as per standard guidelines. Phenotypic identification of bacteria including antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by automation (Vitek 2 compact, bioMerieux). Quantitative estimation of CRP was performed in a solid phase and sandwich-format immunometric assay using a gold antibody conjugate. Human rights, welfare, and autonomy were protected as per national ethical guidelines. Results: Median age (Inter Quartile Range) of 150 cases was 3(1–4.5) year. Escherichia coli (60.52%, 23/38) was the commonest isolate (P < 0.00000001 by Binomial test calculation) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (34.24%, i.e., 13/38). A total of 43/150 (28.66%) participants had higher serum CRP. Serum CRP was raised more in Gram-negative bacterial etiology (36 out of 38, 94.73%). Mean serum CRP was higher in Gram-negative cases (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum CRP was found significantly higher in meningitis caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To compare post?operative pain perception using bandage contact lens (BCL) stored at 2–8?C (Cold BCL, CL?BCL) or room temperature (23 – 25?C, RT?BCL) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or corneal collagen?crosslinking (CXL) and determine status of nociception associated factors. Methods: In this prospective interventional study, 56 patients undergoing PRK for refractive correction and 100 keratoconus (KC) undergoing CXL were recruited following approval from the institutional ethics committee with informed consent. Patients undergoing bilateral PRK received RT?BCL on one eye and CL?BCL on the other. Pain was graded by Wong–Baker scoring on the first post?operative day (PoD1). Expression of transient receptor potential channels (TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM8), calcitonin gene?related peptide (CGRP) and IL?6 was measured in cellular content from used BCLs collected on PoD1. Equal number of KC patients received RT?BCL or CL?BCL post?CXL. Pain was graded by Wong–Baker scoring on PoD1. Results: Pain scores on PoD1 were significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced in subjects receiving CL?BCL (Mean ± SD: 2.6 ± 2.1) compared to RT?BCL (6.0 ± 2.4) post?PRK. 80.4% of subjects reported reduced pain scores with CL?BCL. 19.6% reported no change or increased pain scores with CL?BCL. TRPM8 expression was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in BCL of subjects reporting reduced pain with CL?BCL compared to those who did not. Pain scores on PoD1 were significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced in subjects receiving CL?BCL (3.2 ± 2.1) compared to RT?BCL (7.2 ± 1.8) post?CXL. Conclusion: The simple approach of using a cold BCL post?operatively substantially reduced pain perception and could overcome post?operative pain?related limited acceptance of PRK/CXL.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Pediatric cataract is a major cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Although genetic mutations or infections have been described in patients, the mechanistic basis of human cataract development remains poorly understood. Therefore, gene expression of structural, developmental, profibrotic, and transcription factors in phenotypically and etiologically distinct forms of pediatric cataracts were evaluated. Methods: This cross?sectional study included 89 pediatric cataract subjects subtyped into 1) prenatal infectious (cytomegalovirus, rubella, and combined cytomegalovirus with rubella infection), 2) prenatal non?infectious, 3) posterior capsular anomalies, 4) postnatal, 5) traumatic, and 6) secondary, and compared to clear, non?cataractous material of eyes with the subluxated lenses. Expression of lens structure?related genes (Aqp-0, HspA4/Hsp70, CrygC), transcription factors (Tdrd7, FoxE3, Maf, Pitx 3) and profibrotic genes (Tgf?, Bmp7, ?SmA, vimentin) in surgically extracted cataract lens material were studied and correlated clinically. Results: In cataract material, the lens?related gene expression profiles were uniquely associated with phenotype/etiology of different cataracts. Postnatal cataracts showed a significantly altered FoxE3 expression. Low levels of Tdrd7 expression correlated with posterior subcapsular opacity, whereas CrygC correlated significantly with anterior capsular ruptures. The expression of Aqp0 and Maf was elevated
ABSTRACT
Purpose: In cases of eyelid malignancies requiring full thickness excisional biopsy followed by reconstruction of the created defect, the Meibomian glands are lost. Post?operative varying degrees of dry eye disease (DED) are expected in such patients. The aim was to evaluate the objective and subjective statuses of DED in cases of full thickness eyelid reconstruction following excisional biopsy because of malignancies. Methods: This was a cross?sectional pilot study. Objective and subjective dry eye parameters are assessed in cases of full thickness eyelid reconstruction following excisional biopsy because of malignancies in 37 eyes at 6 months post?operative follow?up. Analysis of variance and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: When compared with fellow eye, all the parameters were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0). Subjective assessment of dry eye by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scoring did not corroborate with the objective data (p 0.00). Lower eyelid reconstruction showed a minimum number of dry eye cases (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of post?operative dry eye is more with increasing percentage of full thickness upper eyelid reconstruction. Disparity was found between objective and subjective parameters of dry eye in patients requiring varying percentages of upper eyelid reconstruction because of malignancies.
ABSTRACT
With changes in lifestyle, such as the increasing use of digital screens and rising demand for refractive surgery, dry eye disease has become increasingly prevalent in recent times. While we are equipped with a number of diagnostic modalities and a myriad of treatment forms, ranging from topical medication to procedural therapies, the condition remains an enigma in terms of varied patient satisfaction. An understanding of the molecular basis of a disease may open up new avenues in the customization of its treatment. We attempt to simplify this in the form of a stepwise protocol to incorporate biomarker assays in dry eye management.
ABSTRACT
Understanding the mechanism of information processing in plants remains a challenging task even in the era of machine learning and artificial neural networks. Sir J.C. Bose had demonstrated through his experiments that the various modes of stimulation which effectively initiated nervous impulse in animals led to impulse generation in the excitable plant Mimosa pudica as well. In order to localize the tissue responsible for conduction of excitation in the petiole of Mimosa, Bose had constructed a specialized ‘Electric Probe’ (glass tip electrode). From this experiment, Bose found that there were different intensities of transmitted excitation in different tissue layers of the petiole. In this backdrop, an experimental research has been conducted to comparatively study the pattern of spatial voltage distribution across different tissue layers in both, a non-excitable plant Alternanthera philoxeroides (in stem) and an excitable plant Mimosa pudica (in petiole), by following experimental principles similar to that of Sir J. C. Bose. For the present experimental study, the electrical probes (glass tip electrode), similar to the one designed by J.C. Bose and the whole experimental setup has been constructed and developed completely in the laboratory. The results indicated a striking difference in the spatial voltage distribution pattern between the non-excitable and the excitable plant. Since Mimosa is an excitable plant having specialized mechanoreceptor cells, the change in spatial voltage distribution in the different layers of petiole, following excitation (uniform electrical stimuli) of a sub-petiole has been also studied, as an additional segment of the present research. In the present study a notable difference in the intensities of the transmitted excitation was also found upon electrical stimulation of one of the sub-petioles of the excitable plant M. pudica.
ABSTRACT
Background : Presence of thalassaemia is considered high risk in pregnancy. The present study find out the role of antenatal and intrapartum care to improve the outcome of pregnancy in thalassaemia. Materials and Method : The prospective longitudinal study was carried out on 25 patients. CBC, LFT, Ferritin, Hb electrophoresis, serial USG was done. Chorionic villous sampling was offered to thalassaemic women to decrease the number of babies born with Thalassaemia. Furthermore, management and treatment options provided to mother to overcome the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications during current pregnancy. Results : 44% of thalassaemic pregnant women had HbE ? thalassaemia, 8% ? thalassaemia major and others had thalassaemia carriers, while only 20% of their partners showed ? thalassaemia trait. All patients were anemic and during delivery mean Hb% were 8.42 g/dl, MCH 22.09 pg, MCV 73.56 fl, MCHC 29.86 g/dl and ferritin 241.51 ng/ ml. Third trimester USG exhibited 32% developed IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction). 40% patients received blood transfusion after delivery. ? thalassaemia trait was identified in 20% babies at 6 month. Conclusion : Postpartum haemorrhage is a major complication of thalassaemia in pregnancy. After delivery a thorough neonatal check-up and haematological work-up is important for prevention of neonatal mortality and early detection of thalassaemia.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 patients commonly present with lower respiratory symptoms with other systemic involvement. Haematological manifestation such as low haemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia also common in COVID19 patients. In this study, we investigated prevalence, association with serum ferritin in post COVID-19 anaemic patients, after human umbilical cord blood transfusion in relation to control group. Among 155 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients 36 (23%) was anaemic. In our study 18 patients was transfused human umbilical cord blood, 12 patients were treated with haematinics and 6 patients denied taking any of the above. In most cases anaemia was moderate to severe that may be due to inflammation or due to pre-existing iron deficiency.Umbilical cord blood transfusion to post COVID -19 patients for the treatment of anaemia because of the unique composition of UCB. Haematological analysis and serum ferritin estimation reflecting the treatment out come in post COVID-19 anaemic patients. There was a difference between the dependent variable's serum ferritin (p <.001) in anaemic COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, our result highlight serum ferritin is widely used in diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI), a common bacterial infection managed in general practice, is the second most common cause for antibiotic use in primary care setting. Antibiotic prescription is mostly empirical in UTI and it is imperative to choose one highly sensitive drug against the common pathogens. Aims and Objectives: In this study, it has been tried to find out the magnitude of community-acquired UTI in a rural population of West Bengal, its causative agents, and the sensitivity pattern of urinary isolates to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study over 1 year in a rural tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. Culture and sensitivity reports generated from diagnosed UTI patients from the different OPDs of the hospital were analyzed. Results: Out of 603 reports analyzed, culture-positive reports were 463. Escherichia coli was identified to be the most predominant (61.7%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (17.3%). The sensitivity report of the empirically given antibiotics shows that among the oral antibiotics, nitrofurantoin was the most sensitive one (92%) followed by ciprofloxacin (83.1%) and ofloxacin (66%). Among the injectables, amikacin (84.5%) and ceftazidime (81.8%) were the antibiotics having the highest sensitivity. Conclusion: The sensitivity among the uropathogens to the commonly used antibiotics shows higher resistance rate toward norfloxacin, cephalexin, cotrimoxazole, ampicillin, amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, and cefuroxime. Oral antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin and parenteral antibiotic amikacin have found to be of higher sensitivity among all organisms identified clubbed together.
ABSTRACT
Background: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has reached ample popularity for the management of airway during surgery. Propofol, used as induction agent, causes change in blood pressure and heart rate (HR) while insertion of LMA. Sevoflurane, whereas, has the potential to be a good induction agent as propofol. We have compared propofol and sevoflurane for easy insertion of LMA among adults in minor surgeries. Aim and Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to compare the ease of insertion of LMA and its characteristics related to insertion among adults in minor elective surgeries using intravenous propofol or inhalational sevoflurane. While time taken to set induction and actual event of LMA insertion along with number of attempts, jaw relaxation time, LMA insertion time, apnea time, monitoring hemodynamic changes, and occurrence of complications were taken as secondary objectives. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective and observational study done in Department of Anesthesiology and Operation Theaters of Fortis Hospital, Kolkata, after getting ethical approval. Total 100 patients were recruited by consecutive sampling and divided into two groups - P (propofol) and S (sevoflurane) group. Anesthesia induction time, jaw relaxation time, LMA insertion time, etc. were noted. LMA insertion conditions were assessed by a 3-point scale using six variables, total score was calculated for each group. Hemodynamic parameters and induction complications were also recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic parameters, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, Modified Mallampati Grading, and LMA size, between the groups. LMA insertion time was comparable between the two groups. Regarding complications, there was no incidence of coughing while minor gagging (4%) and laryngospasm (6%) were noted only with sevoflurane. Final summation of scores showed excellent insertion characteristics with propofol (94%) and sevoflurane (84%), respectively, with no significant difference. Conclusion: Inhalational sevoflurane may be regarded as a viable alternative to inj. propofol for insertion of laryngeal mask among adults in minor elective surgeries.
ABSTRACT
Background: Predicting the severity of COVID-19 infection in advance is the key to success of its treatment outcome. Various scoring systems are used to detect the severity of this disease but this study targets three simple scoring systems based on the vital parameters and basic routine laboratory tests. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the predictability of three scoring systems (Quick sequential organ failure assessment [q SOFA], CURB-65, and Early Warning scoring system) for disease severity at presentation in a rural-based tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted at Diamond Harbour Government Medical College Covid Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 to assess the predictability of q SOFA, CURB-65, and Early Warning scoring system for disease severity at presentation. Results: The total number of participants was 561 among total admitted 1367 patients. A short descriptive analysis obtained from the variables to analyze the scorings howed among total sample collected, 57% were male and 43% were female. In this study, 87% of patients were survived and the rest 13% succumbed (death). There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between both genders. Age, pulse rate, and respiratory rate have a significant correlation with the outcome and altered sensorium is also highly associated with mortality. The accuracy was also found to be little higher for National Early Warning score (NEWS) score than CURB-65 scoring and q SOFA scoring (0.919, 0.914 and 0.907). Although all the scoring systems have high sensitivity (>90%) (CURB 65: Most sensitive [0.99]), the specificities of all three scoring systems are below 50%. Among these three-scoring systems, NEWS showed the highest specificity (0.492) than q SOFA (0.423) and CURB 65 (0.394). Conclusion: We suggest NEWS score and CURB-65 as a better predictor for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients as it is significantly sensitive and reasonably specific. It can be recommended in less equipped hospitals where only basic laboratory facilities are available. qSOFA can be utilized where no laboratory facility is available like in safe home and isolation centers.
ABSTRACT
Context/Background: The future of Corona virus disease is still uncertain due to viral mutations. Immuniza-tion against COVID-19 has not yet been introduced for children aged 6-11 years. Parents are instrumental for the success of any immunization programme, being the chief decision makers for their wards. The study aims to assess the perceptions of parents regarding COVID 19 vaccination among children aged 6-11 years in an urban slum of Murshidabad and identify the factors influencing such perceptions among them. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 106 parents in a slum area of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Participants were interviewed using a validated WHO Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Bivariate and multivariable analysis were done using Chi square test and binary logistic regression respectively. Results: Majority of the study subjects instead of parents were unlikely to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The major concern centered around the safety (73.5%) of the vaccine. Higher level of education (p=0.003), previous history of COVID-19 infection in the family (p=0.004) and having a children aged between 6-8 years (p=0.006), influenced such perceptions, with the latter being the single most important predictor (AOR 4.126, P=0.007). Conclusions: The likelihood of parents to vaccinate their child was found to be low. This underscores the im-portance of an effective communication strategy when such programme will be rolled out.
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing in low-middle income countries like India. Built environment features such as walkability can influence weight-related outcomes but data from developing countries are scanty. Objective: To develop population level walkability index in urban Bengaluru, and examine its association with indices of childhood obesity in school children. Study Design: Nested cross-sectional study based on a cohort. Participants: Normal healthy children aged 6 to 15 years from urban schools in Bengaluru. The children were stratified into different land use classification such as residential, commercial and open space based on residential address. Methods: Anthropometric data, body composition data, measured using air displacement plethysmography. Outcomes: Walkability index derived using residential density, street connectivity and land-use mix environment variables. Results: The mean (SD) of age, body mass index (BMI), BMI zscore and percentage body fat (% Body fat) of 292 (50% boys) children were 10.8 (2.9) year, 17.4 (3.3) kg/m2, -0.27 (1.35) and 20.9% (8.8), respectively. The mean (SD) walkability index was 16.5, which was negatively associated with BMI (slope -0.25 and -0.08) and percentage body fat (slope -0.47 and -0.21) for age 5 and 10 years, respectively in children, but the effects decreased with increasing age. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study suggest that the neighborhood walkability may be associated with the obesity indices in younger children. Future longitudinal studies are needed to understand how built environment affects health and body composition of children in India and other low-middle income countries.