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This study investigated the relationship between dental hygiene and child maltreatment, malnutrition, and overall development. The researchers examined 900 students aged 5-15 years from government schools in Lucknow district, Uttar Pradesh. The study observed nutritional status by assessment of the physiological status of the body based on its height and weight and signs of abuse/neglect. The results showed that 260 abused students had poor dental hygiene, and 236 of them were mild to moderately malnourished. In comparison, 362 non-abused students had dental neglect, and 232 were moderately malnourished. These findings highlight a significant association between dental care neglect, child maltreatment, and malnutrition. It is crucial to address the social stigma surrounding this issue, normalize discussions, and encourage dentists to identify signs of abuse and inform relevant authorities about potential discrepancies.
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Background: Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. India contributes a substantial burden of malaria. It can cause several complications. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the association of parasitemia of current malaria with age of patients, hemoglobin level, liver function test (LFT), platelet count, previous history of malaria, and relapse/recrudescence of malaria up to 1 year. Materials and Methods: An observational study conducted in hospital settings included thin and thick smear preparation with Leishman’s staining to determine the parasitemia as per the WHO guidelines from the blood samples of 280 malaria parasite dual antigen (MPDA) kit positive patients and their details were taken during study period of 2 years. Hemoglobin, LFT, and platelet count were tested and they were correlated with parasitemia. The previous history of malaria was taken and follow-up was done up to 1 year for relapse/recrudescence and their association with parasitemia in current disease was evaluated. Statistical tool R was used for data analysis. Results: Age group 20–40 years was most commonly affected with maximum mean percentage parasitemia. Higher parasitemia was associated with higher grade of anemia, LFT derangement, and thrombocytopenia. Disease severity was maximum for mixed infection followed by falciparum and vivax malaria. About 9.28% of patients with the previous history of malaria developed lower parasitemia in current infection. Relapse rate in vivax malaria –2.325% and recrudescence rate in falciparum malaria–12.5%. Conclusion: Malaria parasitemia should be reported routinely as it carries prognostic importance.
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Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the heart of invasion. EMT associated with cancer progression and metastasis is known as type III EMT. Beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and MMP9 markers of EMT are routinely employed for diagnostic purposes. Aims: We employed these markers to study EMT by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gall bladder cancer (GBC) with respect to depth of tumor invasion, clinical outcome, and disease-free survival. Settings and Design: This was a prospective case-control study. Material and Methods: Seventy gall bladders were included (50 GBC and 20 CC). After detailed histology, immunoexpression was studied in terms of percentage and strength of expression. Statistics Analysis Used: Expression was compared between CC and GBC by Student t test and analysis of variance. Kaplan–Meier was used for survival analysis, and the extent of agreement (“Kappa”) was calculated. Results and Conclusions: The age of incidence of GBC was 49.40 (+11.6) years with female predominance (F:M = 4:1). In 88% (44/50) of GBC, the fundus was involved. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was most frequent [54%; 27/50]. Significant downregulation of E-cadherin (P = 0.022) and beta-catenin (P < 0.001) and upregulation in MMP9 (P < 0.001) were seen in GBC with respect to CC with significant association among them. MMP9 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage but with chemotherapeutic response. Our results display that epithelial-mesenchymal transition type III plays a role in GBC invasion. MMP9 overexpression and loss of membranous beta-catenin may be considered a marker for poor clinical outcomes and advanced disease.
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Neuroendocrine neoplasms are derived from the epithelial lineages mainly of respiratory tract, with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. There are only a handful of documented cases of paranasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SNEC) with primary orbital involvement. Here, the authors describe a 33-year-old male patient with rapidly progressive swelling of the right lower lid with proptosis since 4 weeks. On contrast-MRI orbit, an ill-defined multilobulated mass measuring 3.6 × 3.1 cm with intense homogenous enhancement was seen in the right retrobulbar space involving the right ethmoid sinus. On incisional biopsy, a poorly differentiated mass containing numerous small round blue cells and scanty intervening stroma with prominent necrosis and apoptosis was seen. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for synaptophysin. He was diagnosed as a case of SNEC and received chemotherapy, with good response till date of 9 months of follow up. The authors present a literature review and describe challenges in management of a primary orbital SNEC.
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Background: The ongoing global pandemic due to novel corona virus (SARS-CoV2) has jeopardized our lives from all corners. With the exponential growth of cases, even Medical institutes have curtailed physical classes and shifted to virtual classrooms. The medical graduates have exposure to online education due to vanguard of technology. However, in dwindling of COVID-19 struck economy in a developing country like India, all the medical graduates may not be privileged to have access the android phone or fast-streaming internet. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the impact and impression of online classes among facilitators and students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of biochemistry of Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College after obtaining Institutional Ethical Clearance. The students and faculties who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were given a questionnaire. The responses were recorded in five-point Likert Scale. Results: Both the medical undergraduates and facilitators had a consensus opinion (0.61 and 0.71, respectively) that simultaneous access to multiple website is merit of e-learning. About 81.5% had a strong consensus opinion that there less chances of interaction with the facilitators. About 66.7% of facilitators either agreed or strongly agreed that there are hurdles to motivate the students in virtual platform. The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed interaction with facilitators and easy of assessment is important predictors for successful outcome of online education. Conclusion: The study concluded that scope of interaction and self-motivation of the students remains to be cornerstone for the successful outcome of virtual teaching sessions. The outcome of this study may guide to identify lacunae and advantages of online methodologies in comparison to the physical classrooms.
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Background: Mental health is one of the most important domains of the overall health of an individual and has received a worldwide concern as an important public health issue. In the present times, health professionals have to face a lot of issues regarding the work stress for providing the best healthcare to the needed ones. Hence, the foundation for emerging as an efficient health-care provider starts from the time when one enters into a medical college. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the status of mental health in first medical students. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) scale was provided to the participants who were willing to participate in the study. Percentage of total subjects enrolled was categorized into normal, mild, moderate and severe degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress depending on feedback provided by them based on DASS-21 scale. Results: Mild depression was present in 40% and moderate degree of depression was seen in 50% of total subjects taken. About 70% of students reported a state of moderate anxiety and 20% students reported severe anxiety. Severe stress was seen in 30% of total subjects taken and 60% of subjects reported moderate degree of stress. Conclusion: It was reported that moderate level of depression, anxiety, and stress is present in a significant percentage of 1st year medical students as indicated by the score of DASS-21 scale.
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Background: Post-placental and intra-cesarean insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) is a lucrative family planning method which provides safe, effective reversible, inexpensive, non-hormonal, and long-acting contraception. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the postpartum insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device in terms of awareness, acceptance, safety, efficacy, continuation, and removal rate and its complications in both vaginal as well as intra-cesarean section (CS) insertion. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department GMERS sola for 6 months. Two thousand and ninety-four pregnant women from labor room who delivered vaginally or by CS during study period were asked regarding their knowledge and acceptability for PPIUCD. Results: Total 2094 women evaluated for awareness and acceptance for PPIUCD. About 68.66% were familiar with the concept with 29.99% giving verbal consent for its insertion. About 60.01% women refused for various reasons. Conclusion: This study shows that PPIUCD insertion is a safe and convenient method which requires more population awareness, counseling, and usage.
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@#Introduction: Open tendoachilles injuries are rare and associated with significant soft tissues complications. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome and safety of a simple and minimally invasive technique, with a goal to assess if it may help minimise flap and wound related complications in open tendoachilles injuries. Materials and methods: This prospective study of four years duration included 20 patients with open tendoachilles injuries managed with a simple minimally invasive tunnel technique. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of a major soft tissue complication. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome measured using AOFAS Ankle hind foot score, re-rupture of tendoachilles and need for revision surgery. Results: None of the patients in the present series developed a serious soft tissue complication. Based upon the AOFAS hind foot scoring system, good to excellent outcome was achieved in 19 (95%) patients. All the patients were able to perform tip toe walking at six months post-surgery. None of the patients had a re-rupture of the tendoachilles and no patient needed a revision surgery. The complications encountered include thickening of the tendon at the repair site (15%), superficial wound infection (5%), stitch granuloma (5%) and hypertrophic scar (5%). Conclusion: This technique seems to be promising in reducing the soft tissue complications associated with the surgical management of open tendoachilles injuries. Most patients had a good final clinical outcome. The technique is safe, simple and reproducible. However, further randomised control studies with a larger sample size assessing the technique are recommended.
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@#Introduction: The preferred management of medial meniscus tears has notably moved from meniscectomies towards repair. With a higher volume of meniscal repairs being done all across the world with every passing day, the lack of an objective and definitive sign suggesting the adequacy of its repair is daunting. The purpose of our study was to introduce a unique and novel arthroscopic sign formed after adequate repair of the medial meniscus, the AMR (Adequacy of Medial meniscus Repair) sign. We hypothesised that it is not only the objective end point for repair, but can also form the indicator for excellent clinical, functional, and radiological outcome even in the long term. Materials and methods: This was a multicentric, prospective study initiated by the corresponding author, and the findings validated subsequently by the other authors. Overall, it included 804 patients of isolated medial meniscus tear operated with arthroscopic all-inside technique between January 2014 and December 2017. Patients were segregated into three groups based on whether an S-shaped curve in the free, inner edge of the medial meniscus sign was formed post-repair, lost after further tightening, or not formed upon subjective completion of repair. All the patients were followed-up and evaluated based of medial joint line tenderness, McMurray’s test for medial meniscus, IKDC score, WOMET score, and radiologically using an MRI at the terminal follow-up. Results: The mean terminal follow-up was 42.34±4.54 months. There was significant (p<0.01) improvement in all patients at the terminal follow-up post-surgery, irrespective of the group. The group in which AMR sign was formed and maintained showed a significantly better functional outcome on terminal follow-up as well as lower failure rates compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: AMR sign is an S-shaped fold at the inner, free edge of medial meniscus, formed after an adequate repair of isolated medial meniscus tear, as viewed on arthroscopy. It is an objective sign denoting regained integrity of the collagen architecture of the medial meniscus following repair. It is also a reliable indicator of excellent long term functional, clinical, and radiological outcome and also lower failure rates in patients after arthroscopic medial meniscus repair.
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Context: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging pandemic that is rapidly spreading with more than 114 million confirmed cases and 2.5 million deaths by far. Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) in VTM has been used as the gold standard respiratory specimen for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR (rRT-PCR) tests. But now the virus can also be detected in other clinical specimens like bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, saliva, throat swab, blood, and stool specimens. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic potential of saliva as a sample in comparison to NPS for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 paired samples (NPS and Saliva) received in the Department of Microbiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur over a period of 2 months Methods and Material: NPS from individuals were collected in a sterile tube containing Viral Transport Medium™. Before swab collection, whole saliva was collected by spitting from the suspected patient into a sterile container. Both were stored at room temperature and transferred to the diagnostic laboratory within four hours of collection where extraction was done using Perkin Elmer chemagic extractor and rRT- PCR was performed using NIV, Pune mastermix. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of RT-PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in saliva were 84.26%, 100%, 100%, and 54.05%, respectively. The accuracy of detection of COVID-19 by saliva samples compared to the routinely used NPS samples (considered as the standard reference) for RT PCR was 86.72%. Conclusions: Our results show that saliva as a reliable sample type for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its early detection is critical to improve survival. Breast self-examination is a cheap, basic and non-intellectual method to detect breast cancer. Aims and objectives: 1To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast self-examination2. To explain the various factors which affect the practice of BSE Material and Methods: The present study was carried out among 300 women residing in rural and urban areas of district Ambala using a self-designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In this study 127 (42.3%) of the participants had heard of BSE and 107 (35.7%) of the participants knew how to perform BSE. Overall, 47.7%, 30.3%, and 22% of the study participants had poor (<50%), medium (50–75%), and good knowledge (>75) on BSE, respectively. Educational qualification, knowing the three positions to perform BSE, knowing how often should BSE be done, taught how to do BSE, BSE is a useful tool to detect breast cancer were seen to be significantly associated with practice of BSE. Conclusion: This study elucidates that the knowledge as well as practice of BSE was significantly low in the population. This study provides insights into the various factors which affect the practice of BSE
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A rare kind of squamous cell cancer is called basaloid squamous cell carcinoma occurring in sixth to seventh decade of life with male predilection. It preferentially occurring in upper aerodigestive tract. Rare case reports are presented in the classical age group with a poor prognosis. A 46 year's senior old male patient showed up to otorhinolaryngology department with chief complain of growth on base on left side of tongue and supra-glottic growth. On radiological evaluation by Multislice CT Scanning, a heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion measuring approximately 25×38 mm was noted at the base of tongue. On cytological evaluation of the lesion, highly cellular smear showed malignant morphology of the cells. Histological evaluation reveals a tumour mass in which neoplastic cells were composed of two different cell types – the majority of the cells population consisted of basaloid cells with abrupt association of foci of squamous cells suggesting basaloid variant of Squamous cell carcinoma. We brought this case for acknowledgment due to its rare occurrence, lower age of presentation, poor prognostic value as well as high metastatic potential.
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Background: This study was done to compare the effect of stress on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and body mass index (BMI) in medical and non-medical students. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of stress on PEFR and BMI in medical and non-medical students. Materials and Methods: In this study, stress, PEFR, and BMI comparison were made between 200 medical and non-medical students of S.N.M.C, Agra and Agra College, respectively, aged between 17 and 21 years. To estimate the prevalence of stress, we used perceived stress scale, PEFR was measured using Rossmax Portable Peak Flow Meter, which having a range of 60–800 l/min. BMI was calculated using formula, Quetelet Index. Cutoff for the subjects was taken as 25 as per the revised WHO standards. Results: In this study, moderate and high perceived level of stress was more common in medical students as compared to non-medical students and the result was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). PEFR was 400 ± 102 in medical students and 420 ± 86.77 was in non-medical students. By applying unpaired t-test, significant changes were observed in PEFR among both groups (P < 0.05). BMI was 22.5 ± 3.12 in medical students and 22.6 ± 1.98 in non-medical students. By applying unpaired t-test, insignificant changes were observed in BMI among both groups (P ? 0.05). Conclusion: From the results obtained from our study, incidence of stress was greater in medical students and that of highly perceived grades. Significant changes were observed for PEFR and insignificant change was observed for BMI among both groups.
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Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immune complex mediated type III hypersensitivity reaction seen in patients of borderline lepromatous and lepromatous leprosy. It can be caused by a wide array of triggers and can be seen before, during, or after completion of anti-leprosy therapy. There are multiple well-known triggers for type 2 reactions like the initiation of multidrug therapy, Mantoux testing, vaccination, mental and physical stress, and physiological states like pregnancy. Herein, we report a case of exacerbation of ENL in a middle-aged woman, probably due to COVID-19 vaccine while she was well-controlled on immunosuppressive therapy. The episode was treated with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and oral steroids and the symptoms resolved within 2 weeks. Although causality was highly possible between the occurrence of ENL and COVID-19 vaccine, physicians should be aware that it can be easily managed with proper care and medicines and this should not be a basis for deferring the vaccine.
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Lung cyst is an atypical computed tomography (CT) thorax finding in COVID-19 pneumonia. Cyst in COVID-19 may result independent of mechanical ventilation. The cyst may rupture causing pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax or may get secondarily infected resulting in an adverse outcome in patients. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 19 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with lung cysts detected in CT thorax. A total of 17 (89%) of our patients survived uneventfully and 2 died due to complications unrelated to the cysts.
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Aim: The purpose of this case report is to present a non-surgical treatment of a non-vital immature upper central incisor with a large periapical abscess within 8 months of follow-up. Methods and Materials: A traumatic case was presented in which a paste of calcium hydroxide and iodoform (Metapex�) was placed in the root canal of an immature permanent tooth with a large periapical abscess. Affected teeth were radiographically evaluated periodically over 8 months after paste insertion. At the end of 8 months, this case showed persistent root growth and apexification with no evidence of periapical radiolucency. After that, a normal root canal treatment was performed. Conclusion: In this clinical case, calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste (Metapex�) was found to induce apical closure radiographically and clinically. At 8 months, the periapical abscess was shown to have healed with continued root growth.
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Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) (defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampin) poses a threat to global TB control. Second line drugs are frequently associated with very high rates of unacceptable adverse drug reactions (ADRs), needing frequent interruption and change of regimen. Different studies have stated varying incidence of these adverse effects leading to discontinuation of ATT. Aims and Objectives: This study intends to find out the occurrence of side effects of anti-TB drugs in patients receiving MDR treatment. Material and Methods: The present prospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Drug-Resistant TB Center at Govt. Medical College Kota for a period of July 2018 to June 2019. Patients with adverse events after the introduction of treatment of MDR-TB were included in the study. We monitored the patients with adverse events after starting treatment till the patients were admitted and later followed up by recalling the patients at monthly intervals. Results: Out of total 148 patients majority patients (64.81%) were in the young age group (20–39 years) with male: female ratio 2:1. Out of the 148 patients, 112 patients developed at least one or more types of ADR and a total of 15 types of ADR. Gastrointestinal upset was the most common ADR reported (62.16%) followed by joint pain (41.89%) and headache (36.48%). About 60.74% of all ADRs were managed by symptomatic treatment. 32 (21.62%) patients required change of regimen.Twelve patients (8%) discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. Conclusion: Treatment of MDR-TB with second-line antitubercular drugs is associated with high rate of adverse effects experienced in more than half of patient in this study. Ototoxicity and neuropsychiatric symptoms are major adverse effects lead to important drug withdrawl from the regimen. The health care professionals should be alert during the intensive phase of the treatment, identify symptoms at the earliest and hence help in minimizing morbidity.
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January 30, 2020, marked the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic in India. Various emergency measures were taken to contain the spread of COVID‑19 including extended periods of complete lockdown. The impact of these measures on routine and emergency health services was unforeseen. Hence, we conducted this study to critically analyze the effects of restrictions imposed during the COVID‑19 pandemic (including lockdown) on the utilization of health services, especially emergency services. We compared patient’s attendance in the outpatient department and pediatric emergency department (PED) and changes in clinicepidemiological profiles (before and during COVID‑19) in a tertiary care hospital. We observed a 43% decline in PED visits which decreased to 75% during the period of strict lockdown (P = 0.005). Reduction in emergency department visits was noticed uniformly in all disease categories. This study highlights the urgent need to plan for robust health‑care support system for the delivery of preventive and curative services to vulnerable age groups during any emergency.
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Background: Domestic work being unrecognized as a formal form of occupation in India, workers are often deprived of basic social security, including access to proper health care. Self‑negligence coupled with societal neglect makes them vulnerable to injury and a variety of illnesses. Objectives: We aimed to study the morbidity pattern of women domestic workers residing in a slum area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive cross‑sectional study was carried out by interviewing and clinically examining 106 randomly selected women domestic workers. Results: The majority (82.08%) had health complaints: heart burn being most common (40.57%). Musculoskeletal and dermatological issues were common. Anemia (31.25%) was a common prediagnosed morbidity. Pallor (33.96%) and dental caries (31.13%) were common; 50.94% reported workplace injury. Of those having complaints, 77.36% sought health care, 59.43% of whom relied on health facilities. Lack of time (54.05%), felt need (35.14%) and money (21.62%) affected adequate care seeking. Participants with cardiorespiratory complaints tended to visit health facilities significantly more (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Health vulnerabilities and neglectful behavior among domestic workers are evident, making the need to sensitize them about their health risks and ways to overcome such issues very vital. Awareness should also be generated about government health schemes to encourage timely health checkup and necessary intervention.
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Background: Domestic work being unrecognized as a formal form of occupation in India, workers are often deprived of basic social security, including access to proper health care. Self‑negligence coupled with societal neglect makes them vulnerable to injury and a variety of illnesses. Objectives: We aimed to study the morbidity pattern of women domestic workers residing in a slum area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive cross‑sectional study was carried out by interviewing and clinically examining 106 randomly selected women domestic workers. Results: The majority (82.08%) had health complaints: heart burn being most common (40.57%). Musculoskeletal and dermatological issues were common. Anemia (31.25%) was a common prediagnosed morbidity. Pallor (33.96%) and dental caries (31.13%) were common; 50.94% reported workplace injury. Of those having complaints, 77.36% sought health care, 59.43% of whom relied on health facilities. Lack of time (54.05%), felt need (35.14%) and money (21.62%) affected adequate care seeking. Participants with cardiorespiratory complaints tended to visit health facilities significantly more (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Health vulnerabilities and neglectful behavior among domestic workers are evident, making the need to sensitize them about their health risks and ways to overcome such issues very vital. Awareness should also be generated about government health schemes to encourage timely health checkup and necessary intervention.