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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.
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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.
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Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that most women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. It usually abates at the commencement of the periods. During this period, apart from physical discomfort, some women experience psychological and behavioral changes as well, which can disturb their lives. Various studies have been conducted on PMS and its effect on an individual with respect to body mass index and exercise, but very few studies are available on the association of diet with PMS. Therefore, we are evaluating the relationship between dietary pattern and PMS morbidity. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of PMS and its severity in different age groups of women and compare its association with vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the staff and students of East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Center. Data were collected using a well formulated, structured, and pre-tested questionnaire, which had questions on diet patterns and PMS symptoms. Results: PMS was found to be more prevalent in young women (18–25 years) (57%) compared to older women (26–49 years) (43%), and the symptoms were slightly more severe among vegetarians (9%), compared to non-vegetarians (5%). There was no correlation between severity and body mass index. Conclusion: PMS is one of the most common gynecological complaints in young women. Although PMS is not a serious disorder, it can definitely change the quality of life for many women and affect their mental health and productivity. Creating awareness among young adolescents to lead a healthy lifestyle with changes in their diet and physical activity can improve the condition.
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Purpose: The present study analyzed the existing literature related to COVID 19 and Mental Health by using the technique of bibliometric analysis which may serve as guide-map for future researchers and policy makers. Method: Bibliometric analysis is conducted in the present study by using various techniques like cita-tion analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence of keywords, thematic mapping by using visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer open-source software and R-based bibliometrix. Results: The study highlighted the most significant journals, authors, co-cited authors, institutions, key-words co-occurrence, and most cited articles in the area of COVID-19 and Mental Health on the basis of bibliometric analysis of 149 studies taken from the database of Scopus for the past three years (2020–first quarter of 2022). Also, authors identified few relevant themes such as Economic Effects of COVID-19, COVID-19 and its Impact on Healthcare workers, COVID-19 and its Impact on Patients and General Population as important emerging key areas for further research. Conclusion: We have highlighted significant citations, co-citations and keywords co-occurrence to summarize the literature. The present bibliometric study convincingly confirms the effect of COVID 19 pandemic on mental health and provides enough evidence to advocate formulation of strategies to tackle mental health issues.
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Background of the Study: Thuja orientalis L. is an indigenous medicinal plant belonging to family Cupressaceae found in Darjeeling Himalayan region, Dooars and Tarai region of India. The plant cone has been used traditionally as medicine to treat various diseases, like bronchitis, bacterial skin infection, osteoarthritis, trigeminal neuralgia. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the plant cone for phytochemical constinuents, and in vitro antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Place and Duration of Study: All the experiments were done in the Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734013, India. Methodology: Methanolic extract of T. orientalis cone was analyzed for phytochemicals by various biochemical methods. Antioxidant properties were analyzed by in vitro assays of DPPH, ABTS, NO and H2O2 scavenging. Antibacterial property was analyzed by agar well diffusion method and antifungal assay was monitored by radial growth bioassay. Results: Methanolic extract of T. orientalis cone contained flavonoid, phenol, saponin, tannin, terpenoid and alkaloid. The extract showed significant in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: The study revealed that T. orientalis cone has potential as source of antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Our further study is directed towards the isolation, and characterization of active compound from methanolic extract and evaluation of its potentiality against high blood sugar.
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Background: The occurrence of overweight and obesity coupled with many non-communicable diseases is a major preventable cause of premature morbidity and death. Sexual dimorphism exists in neural regulation of food intake. In spite of less consumption, females are prone to deposit greater amount of fat. Aim and Objective: This study aims to compare the effect of two different diets, high-fat diet (HFD) and sucrose diet with the normal chow eating rats correlating with various biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 adult rats of both genders were selected. They were divided into three groups and each group was given fat diet, sucrose diet, and normal chow diet for 10 weeks. Biochemical analysis was done at the end of 10 weeks. Results: Food intake, body weight, glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol (TC) are significantly greater in males in comparison to females. Triglycerides and G/I ratio are found to be significantly greater in females. Insulin resistance was observed in both sucrose and HFD group but TC was higher in HFD group. Conclusion: Sucrose diet and HFD produce insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and it seems to be more pronounced in males compared to females. Sucrose diet has little effect on lipid parameters.
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Background: Reaction time (RT) is the time interval between the application of a stimulus and voluntary motor response. Both visual and auditory RT reflect the cognitive function of an individual specially in spatial skills. Aims and Objective: This study aims to find the correlation between age, gender, and anthropometric measurements on simple visual and auditory RT. Material and Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers of both the genders (males 52 and females 48) aged between 18 and 50 years were recruited. RT is the elapsed time between the presentation of a stimulus and the subsequent behavioral response to occur. Subjects were presented with red light and 1000 Hz tone sound stimuli for both the genders. In RT there is coordination between the sensory and motor system occurs. The height, weight, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were measured to observe the effects of these measurements on visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART). Results: Statistical analysis of the data by one-way ANOVA with post hoc by Turkey HSD test was found significant with age, gender, and other anthropometric measurements WHR, BSA, and waist circumference) with P-value of 0.027, 0.067; 0.001, 0.125 and BMI 0.135 and 0.200; WHR 0.086 and 0.043; 0.050 and 0.064, respectively. Conclusion: As hypothesis suggests when BMI is increased, there is a significant increase in RT. The VRT and ART both are increased in female than male. RT increases as the age increases especially after 40 years. Objective: The objective of the study was to find the correlation between age, gender, and anthropometric measurements on simple visual and auditory RT.
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Background: Cognitive impairments are fundamental in schizophrenia with verbal memory impairments commonly occurring not only in patients but also in unaffected genetically susceptible individuals. Deficits in verbal memory produce difficulty in problem-solving, emotional distress, and worsening of daily life skills resulting in a poor quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the verbal memory in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients of schizophrenia in comparison to healthy controls as well as patients of schizophrenia in remission and to find correlation to symptom domains. Methods: It was a hospital-based, descriptive, cross-sectional case-control study. Three groups (n=40, each group) of patients, first-degree relatives, and controls were taken. Subjects were screened for mental retardation and remission was ascertained in the patient group by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Rye’s Auditory Verbal Learning (RAVL) test was used to assess verbal leaning. Results: Verbal memory impairments were significant both in patients and unaffected first-degree relatives. Further, these impairments showed a strong correlation to negative symptoms. Conclusion: Significant (p<0.05) verbal learning impairments were noted in patients and first-degree relatives which showed a correlation to negative symptoms.
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Introduction: In this era of technology we cannot imagine our lives without internet. However, excessive internet use may bring curse in life. Aims and objectives: The present study was an attempt to examine the pattern and prevalence of internet use among medical and engineering students. It was also aimed at comparing pattern of internet use, anxiety, and depression of professional students. Further, it was also intended to study the level of anxiety and depression across the subgroups of internet users. Methodology: The study was carried out among 1100 professional students, selected randomly from five institutions of Tripura, India. Out of 1100 students, 659 were medial students and 441 were engineering students. All of them were in the age group of 18-25 years. Internet Addiction Test, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used for assessing pattern of internet use, anxiety, and depression respectively among the professional students. Data was collected from the subjects following group administration method and was analysed quantitatively with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 (SPSS v25). Results: The prevalence of excessive internet use among professional students of Tripura was 7.4%. Medical and engineering students did not differ significantly with respect to their pattern of internet use (except ‘average’ use of internet), anxiety, and depression. However, a significant difference in each of anxiety and depression had been noted across the different patterns of internet use of the study subjects.
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The present paper takes a step towards understanding the confusion that a transgender individual undergoes, while coming in terms with one抯 gender identity. Here, we will be presenting a case study with few anecdotes to put forward concepts of negotiation, self-understanding, and disclosure. We will refer to the individual as 慼im� as the person identifies himself as a male and is in the process of transition. Here, we have introduced the coming out process as a one-way and two-way process.
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Dead and damaged spermatozoa cells present universally in the ejaculates of all eutherian mammals exert toxic effect on contemporary healthy cells mostly through generation of excessive free radicals. This is much more evident during extended period of processing, resulting in poor ejaculate quality. The solution lies in depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from the neat ejaculates itself. Thus the objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of the protocols such as discontinuous PercollTM density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) and glass wool filtration (GWF) for depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from fresh semen in buffalo. Random ejaculates (n=6) of Murrah buffalo bulls were divided into two aliquots after quality assessment: PDGC and GWF protocols (Group I and II, respectively). At the end of the purification protocol, efficiency of the protocols in depleting dead/damaged spermatozoa as reflected by certain quality parameters were evaluated. The mean efficiency (%) of purification protocols based on recovery of spermatozoa was 44.68 and 40.02% for PDGC and GWF, respectively. Moreover significantly (p<0.05) greater values for quality parameters was observed in the Group II (26.4+6.8 vs 68.8+4.4 for acrosome integrity (%); 12.68+6.6 vs 57.7+7.5 for functional plasma membrane integrity (%); 20.3+5.8 vs 80.75+6.7 for viability (%) in Group I and II, respectively). It was concluded that GWF is a better technique than PGDC to filter out dead/damaged spermatozoa from fresh semen with improvement in semen quality and can be a valuable tool in assisted reproductive technology
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Introduction: Pulmonary function testing is the gold standard for physicians to diagnose and manage respiratory problems. An obstructive defect is indicated by low forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, defined as less than 0.7 or below the fifth percentile. If an obstructive defect is present, the physician should determine if the disease is reversible based on the increase in FEV1 or FVC after bronchodilator treatment (i.e., increase of more than 12% and 200 ml in adults). An FVC below the fifth percentile indicates a restrictive pattern based on NHANES III data in adults. If both the FEV1/FVC ratio and the FVC are low, the patient has a mixed defect. Method: A total of 60 patients having respiratory distress, who attended chest OPD underwent a pulmonary function test. Results: In this study out of 60 patients, 32 patients had obstructive airway diseases with low FEV1/FVC (53.33%), 8 of them (13.33%) had restrictive lung diseases, ten patients(16.66%) had mixed features and rest ten patients(16.66%) had normal spirometry. Among those 32 patients of obstructive features, 22 (68.75%) had reversible airway diseases. Severity was measured among the other ten non-reversible obstructive patients according to the GOLD criteria. Conclusion: Pulmonary function test is the fundamental first-line investigation to diagnose obstructive and restrictive lung diseases and also to differentiate between reversible and non-reversible obstruction. It is also a vital tool for determining the severity among non-reversible obstructive airway patients.
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Introduction: Evacuation of empyema which was first performed centuries ago, marked the beginning of thoracic drainage. The subsequent acquisition of a greater knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the pleural space directed the design of thoracic catheters and drainage systems and the development of the methods by which they are used. Thoracic drainage systems are designed to remove air and liquids from the pleural space or mediastinum, which collect there as a result of injury, disease, or surgical procedures. Method: A total of 100 patients who underwent intercostal tube drainage due to various etiologies are followed up for 3 months in the study Results: In this study it was observed that pneumothorax (67%) as the most common indication for chest drain insertion followed by hydro-pneumothorax. During this period 100 patients of different pathologies related to chest underwent chest intubations. Amongst them 88(88%) were male and 12(12%) were female. Subcutaneous emphysema was found to be the most common complication followed by ICD tube blockage. Among the study population 95% patients were successfully treated & unsuccessful outcome was only 5%. Conclusion: Chest tube insertion is a common procedure usually done for the purpose of draining accumulated air or fluid in the pleural cavity. Small-bore chest tubes (≤14F) are generally recommended as the first-line therapy for spontaneous pneumothorax in non-ventilated patients and pleural effusions in general. Large-bore chest drains may be useful for very large air leaks, as well as post-ineffective trial with small-bore drains.
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Background & objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, and its aetiology has been attributed to both genetic and epigenetic factors working in liaison to contribute to the disease. Epigenetic changes especially DNA methylation is involved in the activation or repression of gene functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the DNA methylation pattern and expression profiling of the promoter regions of FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (EPB41L3) and stratifin (SFN) genes in oral cancer within the Khasi and Jaintia tribal population of Meghalaya in North East India. Methods: Quantitative methylation analyses of the selected genes were carried out by MassARRAY platform System, and the relative expression profiling was carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Quantitative methylation results indicated that the level of methylation was significantly higher (hypermethylated) for FLT3 and EPB41L3 and significantly lower (hypomethylated) for SFN in tumour tissues as compared to the adjacent paired normal tissue. Expression profiling was in concurrence with the methylation data whereby hypermethylated genes showed low mRNA level and vice versa for the hypomethylated gene. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings show that hyper- and hypomethylation of the selected genes play a potential role in oral carcinogenesis in the selected Khasi and Jaintia tribal population of Meghalaya. The methylation status of these genes has not been reported in oral cancer, so these genes may serve as promising biomarkers for oral cancer diagnosis as well as in disease monitoring.
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Objective : Gamma radiation induces free radicals with a corresponding alteration in the cell’s antioxidant defense system. The present study thus aimed at determining the role of gamma irradiation in improving the cosmeceutical potential of CEK in terms of antioxidants. Methods : C.emersonii KJ725233 was subjected to low (100 Gy) and high (1000 Gy) gamma irradiation doses and its effect on the chlorophyll content was evaluated. The quantitative alterations in the antioxidant content of CEK were evaluated by phosphomolybdenum assay (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2, 2 - Dipheny-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Also, the corresponding qualitative alterations in the bioactives of CEK were determined by GC-HRMS analysis. Results : A 179.57±2.55% increase in the total chlorophyll content alongwith a 71.76±2.96%, 32.08±2.16%, 11.67±0.89%, 42.85±8.0% and 31.37±3.18% increase was observed in the TAC, FRAP, DPPH radical scavenging, TPC and TFC was observed in CEK irradiated at 1000 Gy. GC-HRMS analysis revealed the induction of Vitamin E on irradiation at both the doses with a corresponding decrease in the phytol content whereas 100 Gy stimulated the induction of phytosterols. Conclusion : The potent intrinsic antioxidant activity of cosmeceutically significant CEK can be elevated with the induction of the most sought after antioxidant in cosmetology – Vitamin E on irradiation.
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Introduction: Lymph nodes are an integral component of the immune system and their enlargement is commonly noted in clinical practice in a wide spectrum of diseases, including infections like tuberculosis and malignancy. FNAC is an important diagnostic tool for rapid evaluation of mainly superficial lesions, especially of lymph nodes. It is cost effective, relatively less traumatic, and enables the pathologist to provide the clinician with a diagnosis in a very short time, and hence is ideal especially for OPD patients. Objectives: 1. To study the age and sex distribution of the patients of FNAC of peripheral lymph node. 2. To study the spectrum of diseases diagnosed on FNAC of peripheral lymph nodes. Methods: Cross-sectional hospital based Observational study. Total 50 patients who had superficial lymphadenopathy were included in this study. Male patients were 21 (42%) and Female patients were 29 (58%). FNAC was performed on this 50 patients. Diagnosis was made by light Microscopy. Result was tabulated and statistical analysis was done. Results: Male patients were 21 (42%) and Female patients were 29 (58%). 50 % patients were in the age group of 21 to 40 years. Reactive hyperplasia was 46% and Granulomatous lymphadenitis was 18%. Cervical lymph nodes were most commonly involved. Conclusion: FNAC is a simple, quick, low cost, minimally invasive and easy diagnostic procedure which is very much helpful in the diagnosis of diseases causing superficial lymphadenopathy in all age groups. Reactive hyperplasia of lymph node was the most common cytological diagnosis followed by Granulomatous lymphadenitis.
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Introduction: MDR-TB is defined as resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin, with or without resistance to other anti-TB drugs. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a health security threat. Kanamycin, is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat multi-drug resistant TB in the intensive phase. Objective: To analyze the patients of MDR-TB with respect to age, sex and presence of comorbidities like diabetes mellitus. Also to study the incidence of hearing impairments among patients of MDR-TB receiving injectable Kanamycin. Methods: 40 patients of MDR-TB diagnosed by sputum culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) have been classified on the basis of age, sex and presence of diabetes mellitus. All have received injectable Kanamycin for 6months in their intensive phase (IP). Patients giving history of auditory impairments underwent pure tone audiometry (PTA) for detection of sensory neural hearing loss, if any. Result: Out of 40 patients of MDR-TB, 30 were males and the rest 10 were females. Age ranges from 12 to 70 years among which maximum patients fell in the age group of 21-30 years (12 patients). 16 patients were diabetic. After getting Kanamycin, 8 patients gave the history of auditory disturbances and only 1 patient found to have severe sensory neural hearing loss confirmed by pure tone audiometry. Conclusion: Prevalence of MDR-TB has been found more among males and in younger age group. Diabetes Mellitus play a major role here. Kanamycin induced hearing loss is not a very serious concern in our study.
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Introduction: Immunoglobulin E dependent mechanisms play an important role in the development of airway inflammation in allergic asthma. Atopic patients with severe asthma frequently have poorly controlled disease. Many have poor asthma control despite intensive treatment. Severe allergic asthma patients frequently treated with oral corticosteroids and therefore may develop serious side-effects. Anti-IgE antibody had been used in severe persistent allergic asthma in Western countries. However, its long-term efficacy in patients in India has not been reported. Objective: To assess the efficacy of anti IgE therapy in patients with severe allergic asthma. Method: 30 (16 male and 14 female) patients, with mean age of 49 having severe persistent allergic asthma, with recurrent exacerbations and on oral/IV steroids, received Omalizumab 150mg/300mg/450 mg for 1 year. Total dose of oral Steroids, use of rescue medications, changes in lung function (FEV1) were recorded at the baseline, 16 weeks & at end of the treatment (52 weeks) and then analyzed. Results: Significant reduction observed in total oral steroid use at 16 week & at 52 weeks. -10.5mg (p<0.003) & 22.5mg respectively. Use of rescue medications decreased by -7.90 puffs(p- <0.001) at 16 weeks and by -13.67 puffs (13.67 (p -<0.001) at 52 weeks. Improvements in lung Function (FEV1) observed with a tune of 700 ml. from Baseline after 52 weeks therapy. Conclusion: Use of anti-IgE antibody for 1 year is well tolerated and led to an overall significant improvement in patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.
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Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable mortalities in many parts of the globe. The rise in geriatric population due to better treatment opportunities has also emerged as a major public health challenge. Both of these health challenges have impacted developed as well as developing countries. Obesity is attributed as a powerful risk factor of a variety of health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, neuropsychiatric diseases and many more. On the other hand, ageing is a natural process involving a gradual decline in physiological functions and is associated with similar co-morbidities as obesity. This review discusses about the commonalities (termed as ‘Obesageing') between the pathological phenomenon of obesity and normal physiological process of ageing. A unique rodent model of obesageing has been developed (WNIN/Ob) that has characteristics of morbid obesity as well as premature ageing. Such a novel animal model would facilitate the understanding of the complex interplay of different mechanisms that are common to obesity and ageing and help to devise strategies in future to tackle the growing burden of obesity and ageing.