ABSTRACT
Introduction: The basic requirements for human survival include air, food, and water; a decrease in quality of which has a deep impact on health. An increase in population with increasing globalization, industrialization, and increased energy demand has led to increased air pollution in cities world over. Multiple national programs to improve air quality have been unsuccessful. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-led lockdown is a large-scale experiment that is unprecedented and could not have been done at regular times. Indirect effects include cutting down emissions from industries, vehicles, and diesel generators. Materials and methods: In this ambispective observational study, we compared the air quality index (AQI) and levels of other pollutants in the two cities of Delhi and Kanpur during the period of the lockdown, the same period during the preceding year, and during the rainy season. Results: It was observed that the cities of India with notoriously polluted air, i.e., Delhi and Kanpur, had unprecedented improvement in air quality during lockdown (Delhi, AQI: 86.91 � 32.38 vs 249.36 � 60.25 and Kanpur, AQI: 81.60 � 38.54 vs 137.06 � 46.74). The improvement was even better than the preceding year's monsoon for Delhi. The AQI was comparable in both cities during the lockdown. Conclusion: The AQI was falling in the 搒atisfactory� range in both Delhi and Kanpur during the lockdown. This may, in turn, favorably unfold a reduction in the incidence, progression, and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. This is an eye-opening change and calls for urgent action to maintain the same. Timely and well-framed steps should be sought; a revolutionary carbon-free and green energy economic model is much needed. Most air pollution is preventable and can be managed by humans if a stringent action plan is rolled out and implemented sternly by government agencies.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hospitals present a complex and challenging environment to resident doctors. The perception of ever-increasing work stress on residents has been the topic for multiple studies previously. In this study, we explore the perspective of resident doctors working in a premier tertiary care hospital in Eastern India about their work stress. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the causes of work stress on residents in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India and to find out the perceived solutions to ease the work stress on residents. Materials and Methods: The study was done in the department of urology at a tertiary health care center in Eastern India. The study comprised of in depth interviews and focus group discussions. The interviews were audio recorded and later transcripted. Data analysis was done through deductive approach. Results were reviewed by all the authors. Results: Work stress on residents was considered to be additional pressure which was in excess of individual capacity and led to work and personal life imbalance and depression among residents. The principal causes were lack of manpower and infrastructure, inadequate time for family, political influence in hospital functioning, and role of media in causing and aggravating patient distrust on doctors. It had a harmful effect on academic learning of residents. A combined and sustained effort is needed to reduce the work stress to improve performance and patient outcomes. Conclusion: Persistent and disproportionate work stress on residents leads to their poor work–life balance and depression and translates into poor performance and patient outcomes. The problem is multi-factorial and solutions can be found out by a concerted effort from the hospital administration, political class, and media. Mutual trust among doctors and patients can play the most important role to reduce resident work stress.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Salmonellosis due to the consumption of contaminated poultry products is a well-known public health concern, and assessing the distribution of Salmonella serovars among poultry becomes important for better prevention and control. The objective of the present study was to assess the distribution of Salmonella serovars among poultry. Methods: The isolates received at National Salmonella and Escherichia Centre during 2011-2016 were subjected to biochemical identification, followed by serological characterization to identify the Salmonella serovars, and the data were presented to exhibit the distribution of Salmonella serovars among poultry. Results: Salmonella was found to be present in poultry in all the regions included in the study. Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Gallinarum and S. Enteritidis were the most prevalent serovars accounting for 96.2 per cent of isolates. Salmonella was identified in poultry from all major egg-producing and egg-consuming States. Other serovars which were scantly identified included S. Infantis (2.7%), S. Montevideo (0.64%), S. Newport (0.26%) and S. Pullorum (0.13%). Interpretation & conclusions: Diverse distribution of Salmonella serovars in poultry in India, with known potential to infect human population and/or other poultry flocks, requires urgent nationwide stringent control measures.
ABSTRACT
A simple, accurate and reproducible spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Telmisartan (TEL) and Amlodipine Besylate (AML) in combined tablet dosage forms. The method involves determination using the simultaneous equation method, the sampling wavelengths selected are ‘TLM’ = 297nm.and ‘AML’ =238nm., over the concentration ranges of 8-48µg/ml for ‘TEL’ and 1-6 µg/ml for ‘AML’ respectively. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and application for assay as per ICH guidelines. The proposed method is simple, economical, accurate and precise, and could be successfully employed in routine quality control for the simultaneous analysis of Telmisartan (TEL) and Amlodipine Besylate (AML).