A study on menstrual abnormalities among undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

Background: Menstruation is a taboo subject among adolescents girl; lack of knowledge regarding the menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and menstrual abnormalities has significant negative influence on young women. Most of the time menstrual abnormalities were not reported timely resulting in their late diagnosis as well as intervention, burdening adolescents and young adult women physically and mentally. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the menstrual patterns, abnormalities, effects of these abnormalities on the student population in form of social withdrawal, sickness absenteeism, and degrading academic performances. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on menstrual abnormalities among 187 undergraduate students of Medical College Kolkata was conducted to illuminate menstrual problems and its effects on their regular activities. By systematic random sampling technique participants were selected. Questions were related to menstruation, variations in menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhea and its severity, premenstrual symptom, family and medical history in relation to menstrual abnormalities, social withdrawal, monthly sickness absenteeism and degrading of academic performances. Results: The mean age of subjects at menarche was 13.19 ± 0.931 years. Of all the abnormalities, dysmenorrhea was the highest with 84% of prevalence, followed by pre-menstrual symptom with prevalence of 68.4%. Social withdrawal (17.8%), college absenteeism (5.7%), and degrading of academic performance (8.2%) were reported among the students. Conclusion: Menstrual abnormalities must be promptly diagnosed and treated, and students must get counseling addressing these issues if they are to improve their health and quality of life and reduce their chances of developing further illnesses.

A study on mental distress among the undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

Background: Medical students are reported to have high levels of mental distress that includes problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress due to the highly competitive curriculum. In the post-pandemic era with a renewed perspective toward health system and popularization of online classes, current batch of students are exposed to diverse sources of mental distress. Aims and Objectives: Objectives of this study were to find out the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, family background and academic profile of the study participants, and to estimate the proportion of different varieties of mental distress among them, and to examine relationship of mental distress with sociodemographic, behavioral and academic profile. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 649 undergraduate students by census method using depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. Results: The study participants are predominantly Hindu, urban, unmarried, hostelites, males from nuclear families and belonging to upper socioeconomic class according to Modified B.G Prasad Socioeconomic Status Scale (January 2022). The proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants was found to be 49.61%, 58.86%, and 33.13%, respectively. Proportion of mental distress was significantly higher in the age group of 21–24 years. Those who preferred to study more at night were more anxious and stressed. Stress was higher in students with addiction to gadgets too. Participants hailing from rural areas, hostelites, and paying guests were relatively more depressed. Conclusion: There is urgent need for emotional support and provision of personalized counseling for the MBBS students as unchecked mental distress can turn into severe psychological morbidity.

Genetically Modified Crop vs Hybrid Crops and their Impact on Health and Environment

Genetically modified crop (GMC) is a technology which includes transferring Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in plant cells. On the other hand, Hybrid Crops are naturally occurring crops but it also involves manmade crosses to have at least 15-20% higher yield potential over high yielding inbred crop varieties using almost the same level of inputs and also can perform better even under unfavourable environments like drought and saline condition. These days, hybrid crops are one of the most commonly consumed foods for humans. In line with this GM crops have high yield potential and adaptive capability under wide range of environments even under fragile ecosystems. There are different aspects of both these types of crops. Human consumption of these crops has been a highly debatable topic in recent times. In this study, a brief discussion on GM crops and hybrid crops will be presented. Additionally, a comparison between them, in terms of health and productivity, will also be discussed.

Bilateral giant adrenal myelolipoma: A rare scenario

Adrenal myelolipoma is a benign tumor-like growth, composed of mature fat cells and bone marrow elements. We report a case of a 44-year lady who presented with a complaint of pain in the abdomen. The only positive finding was contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) whole abdomen, which was suggestive of heterogeneously enhancing hypodense lesion of size 130 mm × 105 mm with few calcifications and 103 mm × 75 mm with intralesional fat attenuation in right and left adrenals. Rest laboratory parameters were normal. Only a few cases so far have been reported for bilateral adrenal myelolipoma but what stands out in our case is its giant size and bilaterality, managed surgically without any complications.

Allelopathic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of selected trees on germination and seedling growth of rice

Aim: The present investigation aimed to study the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Emblica officinalis, Inga dulcis, Alstonia scholaris, Syzygiumcuminis, Madhuca indica and Azadirachta indica trees on germination and seedling growth of rice.Methodology: The studies on germination and seedling growth was conducted in a BOD incubator. The number of seeds germinated daily was counted to study speed of germination, germination energy and number of days to 50% germination. DMSO was used to extract the chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments of leaves. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were estimated by measuring the optical density through UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Relative watercontent of leaves was determined by soaking of leaves in water followed by oven drying. Results: The effect of leaf extracts (5 and 10%) of Emblica officinalis, Inga dulcis, Alstonia scholaris, Syzygium cuminis, Madhuca indica and Azadirachta indica was studied on two rice cultivars viz. NK-5251 (Hybrid) and Gontra Bidhan-2 (high yielding variety). The experimental findings revealed that leaf extracts of different trees had significant effect on the germination and seedling growth of rice. The leaf extract of most of the trees, except Madhuca indica, reduced germination, chlorophyll content and RWC at higher concentration. The aqueous extracts of Madhuca indica significantly increased germination, seedling vigour, seedling dry weight,germination energy, speed of germination, chlorophyll content and RWC as compared to control. However, 5% extract of Madhuca indica recorded the highest germination percentage, seedling vigour, speed of germination, germination energy, seedling dry weight, chlorophyll content and RWC among all the treatments. Interpretation: The leaf extract of Emblica officinalis, Inga dulcis, Alstonia scholaris, Syzygium cuminis and Azadirachta indica plants at higher concentration reduced germination and early seedling growth of rice. The leaf extract of Madhuca indica plant, however, enhanced the performance. The positive allelopathic effect of Madhuca indica leaf extract may be attributed to the presence of phytohormones and biostimulants

Identification of BLB resistant genes in some rice varieties for development of high yielding bacterial leaf blight tolerant types

Aim: To identify bacterial leaf blight resistant genes in some rice varieties so that these resistant varieties can be used as a good source of donor for BLB resistant genes in genetic enhancement program.Methodology: A total of sixty-one rice genotypes including resistant and susceptible checks were screened in field condition by artificial inoculation using IX020 strain of Xoo for two years (Kharif 2016 and 2017). These varieties were also genotyped for seven SSR markers tagged with major BLB resistant genes, i.e., Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa7. Results: In artificial screening, significant disease development was recorded and the varieties were categorized using disease scoring scale of IRRI, 1996 where seven cultivars exhibited resistance, while twenty-seven were found to be moderately resistant. In genotyping, there was distinct difference in banding position for resistant and susceptible genotypes. Genotypes having resistant disease reaction, carrying BLB resistant genes were identified. Interpretation: Genotypes IR-64, IR-68144-2b-2-2-3-1-127, Ratna, Surjamukhi, Kalinga-2, Azucena and Zheshan-2 expressed bands of RM markers closely linked to Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa7 BLB resistant genes and field testing also confirmed resistant host reaction against pathogens.

A quasi-experimental study of the effects of yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in children with controlled asthma

Background: It has been observed that regular practice of yogic postures (asana) and breathing exercises (pranayama) improves the airway dynamics of healthy persons. This can be helpful for reducing exercise-induced bronchial lability, and thus yoga and pranayama could be used as an effective management strategy for asthma. Objectives: The objective was to study the effect of 12 weeks of regular yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in asthmatic and healthy children. Objectives: The objective was to study the effect of 12 weeks of regular yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in asthmatic and healthy children. Materials and Methods: Thirty asthmatic children attending pediatrics outpatient department were enrolled as cases (Group I) and thirty apparently healthy children who were having no any family history of asthma were enrolled as controls (Group II). Both the groups were further divided into four subgroups namely Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb (Groups Ia and IIa – not practicing yoga and Groups Ib and IIb – practicing yoga). The yoga groups (Ib and IIb) performed yoga regularly for 45 min daily for 12 weeks under the guidance of a yoga expert. Spirometry (lung volume and capacities as well as flow rates) along with exercise-induced bronchial lability testing was done at baseline and at 12 weeks in all participants. The responses to exercise were quantitated as the percentage rise and fall in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) during and after exercise and Exercise Lability Index (ELI). Results: Group Ib (asthmatics, practicing yoga) had significant increases in vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), and PEFR and a decrease in percentage fall in PEFR and ELI at 12 weeks. Group IIb (healthy, practicing yoga) had highly significant increases in VC, FVC, and FEV1 and a significant increase in PEFR and a decrease in ELI at 12 weeks. Conclusions: By improving pulmonary functions and reducing exercise-induced bronchial lability, yoga helps asthmatics as well as healthy children to cope better with vigorous physical activities.

Epidemiology of cervical cancer: A retrospective study in tertiary health-care center in Kolkata over one decade

Background: Globally, cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer and the 4th most common malignancy in women with over 526,000 cases diagnosed in 2015 and 239,000 dying of carcinoma cervix every year. Cervical cancer is more common in areas where women have less access to screening, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and also the second most common cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age and one of the leading causes of cancer mortality, accounting for 17% of all cancer death among women aged between 30 and 69 years. Nearly, all cases of cervical carcinoma can be attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV), and type 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer and precancerous cervical lesion worldwide. It is now well-established fact that persistence of HPV infection is a causative factor for cervical neoplasia. Epidemiological data regarding cervical cancer are lacking in India. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and epidemiology of cervical cancer in our institution. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed carcinoma cervix cases registered at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, between January 2009 and December 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 4082 cases confirmed by histopathological examination included for analysis. Age, parity, age at marriage, residential area, symptoms, stage, and histological types collected from patient’s record file. Staging was done using Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system. Results: About 92% of patients came from rural areas and rest of the patients came from urban areas. Median age of diagnosis is 48 years. Most patients presented in Stage II and Stage III disease (85%). Squamous cell carcinoma found in 85% of patients and most common histology; adenocarcinoma second most common histology (14%). Lymph node metastasis seen in pelvic nodes (48%) followed by para-aortic node (9%) and supraclavicular metastasis in <1% of patients. The most common sites of distant metastasis seen in lung (19%) followed by bone (14%) most commonly to pelvic bone and lumbar vertebra. Conclusion: Most carcinoma cervix patients presented in Stages II and III and squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histology seen in 85% of patients. HPV related and molecular risk factors are needed further investigation in future. Multi-institutional and longer period of study may represent population-based data. Awareness of our society regarding needs for screening of asymptomatic patients and HPV vaccination initiative from government is needed for the reduction of incidence and death from cervical cancer.

Phytochemical Profiling Using Lc-Q-Tof-Ms Analysis And In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Of A Rare Salt-Secreting Mangrove Aegialitis Rotundifolia Roxb. Leaves Extract

Objective: The present work deals with the qualitative study of the phytoconstituents present in Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb., ethanolic leaves extract and evaluate its antioxidant properties in vitro. Methods: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract was performed first using preliminary phytochemical tests and then by liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). The antioxidant properties were investigated comprehensively using seven in vitro models viz., 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging, superoxide (SOD) radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay, reducing power (RP), and total antioxidant activity. Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several important phytochemical groups whereas the LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis detected 25 phytoconstituents in the extract mostly belonging to flavonoids and alkaloids. The test extract showed strong dose-dependent antioxidant activity in all the seven in vitro models, however, the activity of the extracts was slightly lower compared to the reference standard ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The test extract showed strong antioxidant properties which could be possibly due to the phytoconstituents detected in the extract.

Effect of lambda cyhalothrin on rats: An acute toxicity study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of lambda cyhalothrin in rat. Male albino rats were exposed to 80 mg/kg body weight of lambda cyhalothrin by means of gavage. The toxicological manifestations include myocardial hyalinisation, lysis of reticular framework in spleen, and spermatogonial cell degeneration in testes.

Periorbital melanosis is an extension of pigmentary demarcation line-F on face.

BACKGROUND: To date, periorbital melanosis is an ill-defined entity. The condition has been stated to be darkening of the skin around the eyes, dark circles, infraorbital darkening and so on. AIMS: This study was aimed at exploring the nature of pigmentation in periorbital melanosis. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients of periorbital melanosis were examined and investigated to define periorbital melanosis. Extent of periorbital melanosis was determined by clinical examination. Wood's lamp examination was performed in all the patients to determine the depth of pigmentation. A 2-mm punch biopsy was carried out in 17 of 100 patients. RESULTS: In 92 (92%) patients periorbital melanosis was an extension of pigmentary demarcation line over the face (PDL-F). CONCLUSION: Periorbital melanosis and pigmentary demarcation line of the face are not two different conditions; rather they are two different manifestations of the same disease.

Neuro-cognitive functions in patients of major depression.

Earlier studies have shown conflicting results regarding impairment of executive functions in patients of major depression. In the present study, subjects were divided into following groups-Group 1 (19 Males & 11 females, age 18-45 years) consisting of patients of major depression diagnosed on the basis of DSM IV criteria and Group 2 (20 Males & 10 females, age 18-45 years) consisting of healthy subjects who had been screened for any sub-psychiatric illness by standardized hindi version of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (G.H.Q.). All the Group 1 & Group 2 subjects were rated on Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and then administered Neuro-cognitive test battery consisting of Letter Cancellation test, Trail Making test 'A' & 'B', Ruff Figural Fluency test, Forward & Reverse Digit Span test for assessing following cognitive domains: Attention span, visuo-motor scanning, short term memory and executive functions like working memory, information manipulation, set-shifting strategy analysis etc. Results showed significant impairment on all the studied neuro-cognitive parameters in Group 1 subjects as compared to Group 2 subjects, which demonstrate significant impairment of attention, visuomotor speed, immediate verbal memory, short-term retentive capacity and executive functions (strategic planning, attentional set shifting and working memory) in patients of major depression. It may probably be due to the disruption of dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlpfc) and orbito-frontal networks in patients of major depression.

Effect of Sahaj Yoga on neuro-cognitive functions in patients suffering from major depression.

Cognitive functions are impaired in Major Depression. Studies on the effects of Yoga on cognitive functions have shown improvement in memory, vigilance and anxiety levels. 30 patients suffering from Major depression (age 18 to 45 years) were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1: (10 males and 5 Females) Patients who practised Sahaj Yoga meditation and also received conventional anti-depressant medication. Group 2: (9 males and 6 Females) Patients who only received conventional antidepressant medication. Group 1 patients were administered Sahaj Yoga practice for 8 weeks. Neuro-cognitive test battery consisting of Letter cancellation test (LCT), Trail making test 'A' (TTA), Trail making test 'B' (TTB), Ruff figural fluency test (RFFT), Forward digit span (FDS) & Reverse digit span test (RDS) was used to assess following cognitive domains: Attention span, visuo-motor speed, short-term memory, working memory and executive functions. After 8 weeks, both Group 1 and Group 2 subjects showed significant improvement in LCT, TTA & TTB but improvement in LCT was more marked in Group 1 subjects. Also, there was significant improvement in RDS scores in only Group 1 subjects (P < 0.05). The results thereby, demonstrate that Sahaj Yoga practice in addition to the improvement in various other cognitive domains seen with conventional anti-depressants, can lead to additional improvement in executive functions like manipulation of information in the verbal working memory and added improvement in attention span and visuo-motor speed of the depressives.

Observations of hepatic encephalopathy profile in a tertiary care centre.

A study was conducted among 67 patients presenting with hepatic encephalopathy to establish the aetiological diagnosis and record the incidence of acute and chronic liver diseases. They all had undergone thorough clinical and laboratory evaluation. The factor precipitating encephalopathy was also identified. Among 67 patients 19 (28.4%) had acute liver disease and 48 (71.6%) had chronic liver disease. Majority of patients had grade 2 encephalopathy at presentation. Among the acute cases most common aetiology was acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis B and E viruses whereas alcoholic liver disease was the most frequent cause of chronic liver disease. The most common precipitating factor was gastro-intestinal haemorrhage.

Effect of Sahaj Yoga on depressive disorders.

Sahaj Yoga is a meditative technique that has been found to have beneficial effects in some psycho-somatic illnesses. The study was carried out on 30 cases (19 Males, 11 females, age 18-45 years) of major depression diagnosed on the basis of DSM IV criteria. The patients were then randomly divided into two groups: Group 1: (10 Males & 5 Females) Patients who were practising Sahaj Yoga and also received conventional anti-depressants. Group 2: (9 Males & 6 Females) Patients who were only receiving conventional anti-depressants. Training in Sahaj yoga was conducted under the supervision of a trained Sahaj Yogi for 8 weeks. At start of the study, all the patients were subjected to Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A). Above scales were again assessed after two months of treatment. There was significant improvement in HAM-D as well as HAM-A scores in both Group 1 and Group 2 patients (P<0.001). However, percentage improvement in HAM-D scores and HAM-A scores in patients receiving Sahaj Yoga was significantly higher than in Group 2 patients. The number of patients who went into remission after two months of intervention were also significantly higher in Group 1 patients (P=0.02). The present study demonstrates that Sahaj Yoga has got a potential role as a component in the management of depressive disorders.

An el tor cholera outbreak amongst tribal population in Tripura.

An outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease occurred in Dhalai and North Tripura district, Tripura during month of May 2004. An investigation was done to identify causative agent with anti microbial susceptibility pattern and to know the epidemiological feature. Overall attack rate and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 18.8%. and 6.9/1000 respectively. Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor, Ogawa was isolated as sole pathogen in 40% of hospitalized acute diarrhoea patient and from a water samples examined. The strains were sensitive to Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, and Azithromycin. Bad peridomestic sanitation, use of contaminated surface water along with low literacy, lack of personal hygiene, frequent movement might be the factor associated with persistence and spread of pathogen amongst tribal groups leading to outbreak of cholera.

Peripheral plasma FSH concentration in relation to expression of estrus in Sahiwal cattle (Bos indicus).

An experiment was conducted to investigate the changes in peripheral plasma FSH concentrations in relation to expression of estrus in Sahiwal cows. Out of total five estrus, three were accompanied by overt signs whereas rest two were silent estrus. In cows with overt estrus, plasma FSH concentrations during periestrus, early luteal, midluteal and late luteal phase were 1.65+/-0.34, 1.67+/-0.21, 1.58+/-0.18 and 1.69+/-0.31 ng/ml, respectively and the corresponding values in cows with silent estrus being 0.68+/-0.39, 0.50+/-0.12, 0.75+/-0.13 and 0.46+/-0.12 ng/ml, respectively. The overall plasma FSH levels in cows that exhibited overt estrus was 1.63+/-0.82 ng/ml as against 0.64+/-0.55 ng/ml in silent estrus. It was concluded that FSH levels were higher (P<0.01) in cows that exhibited overt estrus compared to silent estrus.

Peripheral plasma progesterone concentration in relation to estrus expression in Sahiwal cows.

The present study investigated the changes in peripheral plasma progesterone levels in relation to expression of estrus in Sahiwal cows. Out of a total of five estrus, three were accompanied by overt signs whereas the remaining two were silent estrus. In cows with overt estrus, plasma progesterone concentrations during periestrus, early luteal, midluteal and late luteal phase were 0.40 +/- 0.02, 0.74 +/- 0.10, 1.94 +/- 0.22 and 0.63 +/- 0.16 ng/ml, respectively and the corresponding values in cows with silent estrus being 0.47 +/- 0.03, 0.94 +/- 0.08, 1.39 +/- 0.13 and 0.95 +/- 0.19 ng/ml, respectively. The overall plasma progesterone levels in cows that exhibited overt estrus was 1.23 +/- 0.99 ng/ml as against 1.08 +/- 0.09 ng/ml in silent estrus. It was concluded that progesterone levels were lower (P > 0.05) in cows that exhibited silent estrus compared to overt estrus.

A localised outbreak of Vibrio cholerae O139 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: An explosive outbreak of diarrhoeal disease which occurred in the Baishnabghata, Patuli area of Kolkata Municipal Corporation during September 28 to October 12, 2000, was investigated by a team from the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, to identify the causative agent and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. METHODS: Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from domiciliary cases and also from patients attending two medical camps that had been set up for the purpose. Stool and water samples were collected for isolation of diarrhoeagenic pathogens. RESULTS: A total of 710 cases of diarrhoea occurred with an attack rate of 7.1 per cent; majority were adults. All 6 faecal samples and 2 water samples collected, were positive for Vibrio cholerae O139. The strains were uniformly (100%) susceptible to the commonly used drugs for cholera such as tetracycline, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole and nalidixic acid but resistant (100%) to furazolidone and ampicillin. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: This is the first localised outbreak of V. cholerae O139 in Kolkata since the devastating epidemic in 1992. Extensive chlorination of all water sources resulted in a dramatic decline of the outbreak. The appearance of resistance in V. cholerae O139 to furazolidone is a matter of great concern since this drug is used for the treatment of cholera in children and pregnant women.