Health status of tribes of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to health-seeking behaviour of uncharted Tharu tribe: A mappingreview

Background & objectives: The tribal population in India is considered as one of the vulnerable groups with respect to their achievements in health and other developmental issues. In this context, this mapping review attempted to understand the health profile of the Tharu tribal community residing in the northern State of Uttar Pradesh, India through literature mining. Tharu tribe is one of the indigenous groups living in the Terai plain on the Indo-Nepal border. In 1967, this tribe was documented as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India. The present review aimed to map the health-seeking behaviour of the Tharu population and review other factors pertaining to their health such as socioeconomic, developmental, employment, education, etc. Methods: Online data search was carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms ‘Tharu’ AND ‘India’. In addition, official reports avaibale in public domain and grey literature was also searched. Results: Twenty seven studies including reviews, articles, books/book chapters were evaluated along with 13 reports (including reports from government organizations and grey literature) were retrieved and analyzed. Of the 27 published reports, 16 were found relevant to Tharu tribe in India. A total of 29 (16 articles + 13 reports ) were included in this review. Interpretation & Conclusions: This mapping review highights the health seeking behaviour of the Tharu tribe in India that can help inform future interventions to improve the health status of the Tharu tribe as well as other aspects of their development.

Isolation of Enterococcus spp. in various clinical sample and their antimicrobial resistant pattern with MIC of vancomycin in patient attending tertiary care centre, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Introduction- Enterococci are part of normal intestinal flora of humans and animals but have also emerged as important pathogens responsible for serious infections in hospital and community acquired infections.it is second most common cause of nosocomial infections in gastrointestinal tract, wound and genitourinary tract. To process all the clinicalAim- samples from various department in our hospital, for isolation of Enterococci spp. To speciate the isolates & to have resistance pattern of the isolates of vancomycin total 926 sample were collected from both outMaterial & Methods- patients and in patient in all clinical departments and transported to microbiology laboratory. specimens were processed by inoculating on to blood agar, MacConkey Agar, nutrient agar, potassium tellurite agar and incubated at 37°C for24-48 hr. Enterococci were identified by their typical arrangement in and salt tolerance test Gram stain, bile esculin test and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by performing Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were identified by tube dilution methods. Result- a total of 926 sample, 645 (69.72%) were culture positive and 281 (30.28%) were culture negative. Among 645 culture positive cases, 81(12.55%) were Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility & MIC done as per standard protocols. The E. Faecalis showed 99% sensitive to Vancomycin. the resistance to vancomycin was 1% & further confirmed by MIC via tube dilution methods. In which MIC was ?32 ?g/ml in one isolate. About 8 of Enterococcal strains showed MIC of 0.0125?g/ml. species level identification of Enterococcus is important forConclusions- epidemiological study and also for analysis of drug resistant pattern. Effective detection of vancomycin resistance helps in reducing the morbidity and mortality of VRE in hospitalized patients

Evaluating The Changing Trends In Emergence Of Multidrug Resistance Among Gram Positive Organisms Isolated From Skin And Soft Tissue Infections From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Jharkhand

Drug resistance among gram positive aerobic cocci poses a significant problem in management of patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI's). S. aureus is the most common organism that causes mild skin and soft tissue infections to serious infections such as sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. Enterococcus and Streptococcus species have also emerged as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections and health care associated infections (HAI's). SSTI's is an inflammatory microbial invasion of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is classified according to the layer of infection, severity of infection and microbiologic etiology. The practice guidelines of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infection classifies SSTI's into five categories comprising superficial and complicated infections which include impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, surgical site infection. Risk factors associated with development of SSTI's include poor hygiene, overcrowding, co- morbidities like diabetes, immunocompromised state, overuse of antibiotics, prolonged hospital stay, burn patients etc. Prompt recognition, timely surgical debridement or drainage with appropriate antibiotic therapy is the mainstay treatment for SSTI's. Empirical therapy includes penicillin, cephalosporins, clindamycin and cotrimoxazole. Multi-Drug resistance is of major concern commonly caused by MRSA (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) which includes CA-MRSA (Community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), HA-MRSA (hospital acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRSA (vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus) & VRE (vancomycin resistant Enterococci). HA-MRSA is generally susceptible to clindamycin, vancomycin, Linezolid & trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole. In contrast, CA-MRSA is usually sensitive to these former antibiotics as well as broader range of oral antimicrobial agents like clindamycin, linezolid, quinolones, daptomycin, tigecycline etc. These empirical therapeutic agents provide coverage for both S. aureus, Streptococcus species and Enterococcus species. Therefore, demographic knowledge of antimicrobial agents and their resistance pattern plays a significant role in management of SSTI's

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AMONG NATIONAL LEVEL KABADDI PLAYERS OF DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS IN INDIA

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics among national level kabaddi players of different geographical regions in India. Another purpose of the study was to ?nd out the physiological characteristics among national level kabaddi players of different geographical regions in India. Methods: The subjects for the study were selected from the 150 male national level kabaddi players. 50 subjects were selected from coastal area, 50 subjects were selected from non-coastal area and while another 50 subjects was selected from hilly area. The age level of subjects was range from 20 to 25 years. All the subjects were residing at different geographical regions in India. A stand and progressive matrices organizational selected physiological characteristic is (Vital Capacity, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate). To ?nd out signi?cant different of physiological characteristics among national level kabaddi players of different geographical regions in India, the one-way analysis of variance was used. The level of signi?cance was set at .05 levels. The result reveals the one-way analysis of variance that there was signi?cant (p>.05) for Results And Discussion: physiological characteristics (Vital Capacity, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate) among national level kabaddi players of different geographical regions in India.

Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Abstract Nanotechnology has been used in the field of medicine and pharmacology for its greater efficacy of drug delivery than crude molecules of drugs. In the present study medicinal mushroom Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized, characterized by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Furior transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum absorbance was recorded at 435nm by UV-Vis. The synthesized nanoparticles of 13.54nm-255nm in size with an average particle size of 58.77nm were analyzed by DLS. FTIR-Spectroscopy provided high transmission at 3606cm-1 corresponds for phenolic capping biochemical. Thus G. applanatum extract can be used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the synthesized nanoparticles may be used for development of future therapeutic agent for treatment of diseases.

The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique for simple and complex fistula-in-ano

Background: Fistula-in-ano is one of the most common clinical condition encountered in a surgical outpatient department. Many treatment modalities have been described with variable outcomes but gold standard surgical treatment is yet to be agreed upon. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in the treatment of simple and complex fistula-in-ano with the primary objective of recurrence rate and broad objective of other postoperative complications during the period of study and after long-term follow-up. Methods: It is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from the patients who havebeen operated for fistula-in-ano using the LIFT technique at our institute from February 2018 to March 2020 and followed-up until September 2020. Results: A total of 56 patients with fistula-in-ano were treated with the LIFT procedure during the study period, of which 20 patients had simple fistula and 36 had complex fistula. A success rate of 83% was obtained with completely healed fistulas in 46 patients. No patient developed postoperative incontinence. Conclusion: Ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract is an effective treatmentmodality for fistula-in-ano with less procedure-related morbidity, but it is associated with a higher recurrence rate in simple fistula than in complex fistula. (AU)

Nesting Preferences of Birds in Relation to Exotic Trees in Ludhiana, Punjab

Birds have very close association with trees. Trees offer a platform to birds for nesting, roosting, foraging, breeding and feeding purposes. The introduction of exotic (non-native) flora can effect or modify inherent species richness, communal alignment and species abundance, as well as species relationships and communal structure. Birds are exclusively sensitive to alterations both in terms of environmental and ecological. Introduction of exotic trees and human disturbance have also affected the bird diversity. The main objective of the present study was to find out the nesting preference of avian species in relation to exotic trees at two selected locations i.e. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Location I) and Gurpal Nagar, Ludhiana (Location II) from June 2018 to July 2019. Five different exotic trees species selected were Safeda (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Poplar (Populus deltoides), Bottle brush (Callistemon viminalis), Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana), Silver Oak (Grivillea robusta). A total 31 nests (6 on Bottle brush tree, 2 on Silver oak tree, 7 on Poplar tree, 16 on Eucalyptus tree) were recorded. Out of these, 5 nests were of Baya weaver Ploceus philippinus, 4 nests were of Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri, 20 nests were of House Crow Corvus splendens and 2 nests were of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. Four bird species were observed nesting at location I while only one was observed at location II. Less bird diversity recorded was at location II (8) as compared to location I (23) because of the anthropogenic activities which disturbed the natural habitat at that location

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The aim of this split mouth, double blinded, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of use of Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontal pockets. Twenty six patients (15 males, 11 females) diagnosed with generalized periodontitis with Pocket Depth > 5mm and plaque index score < 1.5, were randomly allocated by using computer generated random sequence, into two groups, one treated with intra-pocket application of PRGF adjunct to SRP and other with SRP alone. The clinical outcomes like pocket depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL) and sulcus bleeding index (SBI) were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Twenty two patients (44 sites) were analyzed at the end of 6 month follow-up, using SPSS 20.0v software. There was a significant statistical difference observed between both the groups favouring SRP +PRGF group in terms of PD (p = 0.007) and RAL (p = 0.021) at the end of 6 month follow-up. Also there was a statistical significant difference (< 0.001) at all time points compared to baseline, for all parameters in intra-group comparison. Moreover, the sites with PD>4mm necessitating further treatment after 6-month follow-up were significantly lesser for SRP+PRGF group. The use of PRGF technology in non-surgical periodontal therapy, by single intra-pocket application in to periodontal pockets as an adjunct to SRP, in chronic periodontitis patients, was found to be effective in reduction of pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level.

Assessment of long term outcomes after buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty: the impact of chronic kidney disease

ABSTRACT Objectives To compare and assess various outcomes and success of buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMGU) in patients with CKD versus patients having normal renal function. Material and Methods This was a retrospective, single centre study, during period 2013 to 2017. Patients were grouped into two groups. Group 1 had patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)>60mL/min/1.73m2 while group 2 had patients with eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m2. eGFR was calculated according to the MDRD equation. The two groups were compared with regard to various outcomes like length, location of stricture, technique of graft placement, intra-operative blood loss (haemoglobin drop), duration of hospital stay, post-operative complications and recurrence. Results A total of 223 patients were included in study with group 1 had 130 patients and group 2 had 93 patients. Mean age of patients with CKD were higher (47.49 years versus 29.13 years). The mean follow-up period was comparable between both groups (23.29 months and 22.54 months respectively). Patients with CKD had more post-operative Clavien Grade 2 or higher complications (p=0.01) and a greater recurrence rates (p<0.001) than in non-CKD patients. On multivariate analysis, age and CKD status was significant predictor of urethroplasty success (p=0.004) (OR= 14.98 (1.952-114.94, 95% CI). Conclusions CKD patients are more prone to post-operative complications in terms of wound infection, graft uptake and graft failure and higher recurrence rates following BMGU.

A prospective study assessing feasibility of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in chronic kidney disease patients - What factors affect the outcome?

ABSTRACT Objectives To primarily evaluate the functional outcomes of PCNL for bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary functioning kidney with Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). To identify factors affecting the renal replacement therapy following PCNL. Materials and Methods Patients with bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary kidney and CKD (eGFR<60/s.creatinine>2) and Good Performance Status [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG): 0-2] were included in the study. Results A total of 60 patients with CKD who had bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary functioning kidney underwent PCNL. At 6 months, eGFR improved or stabilized in 45 (75%) patients, while in 15 (25%) patients eGFR deteriorated. A total of 5 (14.28%) and 2 (25%) patients of CKD stage 4 and 5 respectively had improvement in eGFR as well as CKD stage. Fourteen (82.35%), 21 (60%), 3 (37.5%) patients of CKD stage 3, 4, 5 had improvement in eGFR but not significant enough to cause stage migration. Again 3 (17.65%) , 9 ( 40%) and 3 (37.5%) patients of CKD stage 3, 4, 5 had reduction in eGFR but not significant enough to cause stage migration. None of the patients had worsening of CKD stage. Preoperative CKD stage and eGFR were compared with measurements made at the final follow up visit (6 months). Conclusion Our results indicate that most patients of renal calculi with CKD show improvement or stabilization of renal function with aggressive stone removal. Improvement is more in patients who have mild to moderate CKD. Aggressive management of comorbidities, peri-operative UTI and complications may delay or avoid progression of CKD status in such patients.

A rare triad of diabetic ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis: a case report

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), Acute Pancreatitis and Hypertriglyceridemia are an unusual and infrequent presentation of Diabetes. Hypertriglyceridemia leading to acute pancreatitis is most commonly encountered in poorly controlled Diabetics. In this case report we have described a young Type 1 Diabetic female presenting with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and hypertriglyceridemia induced Pancreatitis (HTIP). The proposed mechanism is triglyceride excess is hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase resulting in the formation of excess free fatty acids. Excess free fatty acids cause acinar cell injury and capillary leakage in pancreatic vascular beds. Hyperlipasemia frequently occurs in DKA without an underlying acute pancreatitis. Half of the patients with HTIP have falsely low or normal serum Amylase. Imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis. So, high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose this unusual presentation of diabetes.

A case control study to determine the role of vitamin D in the risk of coronary artery disease among type 2 diabetic individuals

Background: Diabetes Mellitus comprises a group of metabolic disorder leading to hyperglycaemia. Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus pathogenesis. Vitamin D appears to affect several metabolisms that have been associated with coronary artery disease. Vitamin D level has been recently considered as an adjustable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, in individuals with type 2 Diabetes.Methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, UPUMS. 100 diabetic individuals with low Vitamin D level were taken as cases and 100 diabetic individuals with normal vitamin D level as control. History and examination with necessary investigations were done. Patients with positive history were subjected to investigations to diagnose CAD.Results: The proportion of case and controls had no significant difference in age distribution. The risk of coronary artery disease was 2.76 times higher among diabetes mellitus patients with vitamin D deficiency (1.36-5.59). The risk of CAD was adjusted for various risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, smoking, physical activity, and lipid profile) Odds ratio was found to be 2.8 (95% CI-1.19-6.94, p-0.018).Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency among diabetes patients was found to be an independent risk factor for CAD after adjusting other risk factors emphasizing that vitamin D can be a potential risk factor for development of coronary artery disease.

Hemoglobin Level and Karyotype Status are Independent Prognostic Parameters for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Pilot Study of 244 Patients

Purpose: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with genetic profiling being the primary prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to examine if routinely acquired parameters may be used to improve the prognosis of AML prognosis. Methods: Karyotyping was performed using bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells of 244 de novo diagnosed AML patients and age, sex, total leukocyte count (TLC), platelet count and hemoglobin (Hb) levels at initial presentation were recorded. The patients were given standard treatment and overall survival (OS) for 1 year and 5 years were recorded. Results: As expected, patients with aberrant karyotype status had poor overall survival. Aneuploidy was strongly associated with poor patient survival; while patients presented with hyperploidy had significantly lower OS at both 1 year and 5 years of time points; hypoploidy was correlated only with poor 1 year OS. Interestingly, 146 patients with Hb levels ≤ 8 g/dl had significantly lower 1 year and 5 years OS compared to 95 patients with Hb levels ≥ 8 g/dl. Combining karyotype status or Hb levels with other parameters did not improve patient prognosis. Conclusion: In summary, our results show that in addition to karyotype status, Hb level is an independent prognostic marker that should also be considered for early identification of patients that may benefit from alternative therapies.

Study of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with the morbidity among adolescent girls of Pune slum area

Background: Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education can influence health and nutritional outcomes, especially in adolescent girls. Aims and objectives of research work was to study of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with the morbidity among adolescent girls residing in slum areas of Pune region.Methods: A cross-sectional study of the urban slum population from October 2011 to September 2012. Adolescent girls of the age group 10-19 years who gave consent and are living in a slum area for more than 6 months were enrolled. Information on health status including morbidity was collected by health examination.Results: Majority of the adolescent girls (54.02%) had to age between 14-16 years. Majority of the adolescent girls (96.4%) were studying and were underweight (41.07%; of which majority 59.78% were in the age group 14-16years). Out of the 41.07% underweight girls, the majority (84.78%) had anaemia (p<0.05). A total 26.34% study subjects were stunted and 12.95% were thin (for both, commonly reported in the age group of 14-16 years). Majority of the girls (48.2%) belonged to class III SES. In class III socioeconomic status group mild, moderate and severe anaemia was reported in 50.45%, 41.51%, and 36.36% cases, respectively.Conclusions: Among the studied sociodemographic factors lower socioeconomic status and overcrowding had an impact on the morbidities. However, we noted a significant impact of morbidity in underweight girls.

Experience with Holter monitoring for evaluation of infant arrhythmia

Background: Arrhythmia is defined as abnormal heart rates. Sometimes they are intermittent and difficult to diagnose on routine ECG. Neonatologist and Pediatrician needs to rapidly establish accurate diagnosis and management for infants suspected to have arrhythmia. Hence Holter monitoring of the infants presenting with symptoms suggestive of arrhythmia is necessary as it provides a continuous record of heart's electrical activity. The aim of this paper is to find out the role of continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in daily clinical practice of Pediatrics.Methods: All infants including neonates, either inborn or brought to the paediatric emergency with risk factors, between January 2016 to January 2018, were included in this prospectively study. Evaluation including chest X-ray, standard 12-lead electrocardiography, 24 hours continuous ECG monitoring using Mortara holter, echocardiography, biochemical and haematological analysis.Results: A total of 73 babies were enrolled in present study. In this study arrhythmia was found in 29 (39.72%) new-borns. The most common arrhythmia observed was supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (41.3%). Other arrhythmia observed were ventricular tachycardia (VT), AV block (34.4%), atria premature beats (3.4%) and ventricular premature beats (6.89%), tachy-bradyarrhythmia (3.4%) and junctional rhythm (3.4%). Of 29 arrhythmia patients four were diagnosed solely by Holter monitoring. None of the babies had long QT syndrome on Holter monitoring.Conclusions: Cardiac arrhythmias are important causes of infant morbidity, and mortality if undiagnosed and untreated. It is important for the neonatologist and paediatrician to be aware of these of arrhythmias and the various diagnostic modalities available for them. A Holter electrocardiogram may be of value in identification of these transient arrhythmic events.

Prevalence of Non Fermenting Gram Negative Bacilli with Their in vitro Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile in RIMS, Ranchi

Background: Non fermenting Gram Negative Bacilli arediverse and complex group of bacteria that possess very fewdefined characteristics. They are aerobic, non-fermentingGram negative bacilli which were initially considered ascontaminants but have come up with life threatening infectionsin hospitals as multidrug resistant organisms posing a threatbecause of their inherent and acquired drug resistance nature.Aims: Isolation and identification of NFGNB in clinical samplesand determination of their antibiotic sensitivity profile.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in theDepartment of Microbiology, RIMS, Ranchi from February2017-July 2017. Various clinical samples reaching theBacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology wereprocessed and NFGNB were isolated and identified usingstandard procedure and their antibiotic susceptibility wasperformed.Results: A total of 3581 samples were received out of which2246 were culture positive and 217 were identified as NFGNB.The isolation rate of NFGNB was 9.6%. Number of malesaffected by NFGNB was 121 and that of females was 96.Analysed by specimen NFGNB were isolated from 91 urine, 74pus, 11 ear swab, 6 sputum, 8 body fluid, 21 blood culture and6 catheter tip samples. Urine was most common specimenaccounting for 42% followed by pus (34%), blood (9%), earswab (5%), body fluid (4%), sputum and catheter tip (3%each).The clinical samples from indoor patients yielded highestpercentage of NFGNB (38%) followed by ICU patients (36%)and outdoor patients (26%). Among the NFGNB isolatedPseudomonaas aeruginosa (51%) was the most commonfollowed by Acinetobacter baumanii (22%), Pseudomonas spp(19%), Acinetobacter spp, Stenotrophomonas maltophila,Burkholderia cepacia (2% each), Ralstonia spp &Sphingobacterium spp (1%). Non fermenters were highlysensitive to Imipenem accounting for 91.5% followed byPiperacillin-tazobactam (71.5%), cefoperazone sulbactam(67.7%) & Amikacin (55.6%) on an average.Conclusion: NFGNB considered being contaminants in thepast have now emerged as important health care associatedinfections. In our setting Imipenem can be used for thepreliminary treatment of infections caused by nonfermenters.As these organisms are important opportunistic andnosocomial pathogens causing infections inimmunocompromised patients, better infection control policiesin our settings and its implementation is a must.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B at Tertiary Care Hospital

The burden of Hepatitis B caused by a hepatotropic virus, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), is a significant public health problem in India, although a cost-effective vaccine is available at each corner of the world. It has been estimated that up to 10% of HBV global burden is shared by India alone. Each year approximately 0.1 million deaths occur due to HBV and its related illnesses in our country. The present study aims to determine actual prevalence of disease by active surveillance at tertiary care hospital. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at tertiary care hospital western UP, from June 2018 to Dec 2018. 2-4 ml of blood sample from each patient was collected and sent to VRDL from different clinical OPDs and IPDs for routine screening of HVB and these all were included in this study. For this routine screening of HBV, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) was used as a marker of infection. The technique used was Chemiluminescence ELISA method. The data was collected on a predesigned patient information sheet. Results: A total of 13613 samples were tested, and of these all, 653 were positive for HBsAg. Hence, the overall prevalence observed in this study was 4.8%. Among all seropositive cases, 341 (50.2%) were males and 312 (47.8%) females with P value of (P >0.05). The majority of cases 50.1% were in the age group of 16-30 years, and among these, females were dominant with 32.8% over 17.3% males. Conclusion: Thus, this study concludes that HBV infection is still a public health problem which should be among the prioritized health problem in our country.

A study of the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight in private and government schools of Meerut city

Background: As per WHO childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century, it is a global problem affecting many low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Childhood obesity affects adulthood and becomes the cause of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Overweight and their related diseases are preventable with early intervention and lifestyle modifications. Here we aimed to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity of school going children of Meerut city.Methods: Four Hundred children from four schools of Meerut city were studied. Age, weight, height, socioeconomic status, food habits, and family history were recorded for further analysis.Results: Out of 400 children, 7% were overweight and 4% had obesity. We observed that obesity was more prevalent in private school going students. Leisure time and fast food are the major causes of obesity.Conclusions: A total of 11% of school going children were overweight and obese which is alarming and should be tackled in a more proactive and urgent manner. This study concludes that there is dire need of awareness against the junk foods at the same physical activities, games, health education and awareness programs should be included in the education system for students, parents, and teachers to understand and fight the obesity.

Computed tomography- guided percutaneous core needle biopsy for diagnosis of intathoracic mass lesions: experience at a tertiary care centre of North India

Background: CT guided core needle biopsy is a less invasive method for initial diagnostic workup in the assessment of intrathoracic masses. This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the procedure as well as to demonstrate the spectrum of various disease in our population.Methods: Present study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a study period of two years. Patients with intrathoracic mass were included and CT guided biopsies were performed following a protocol. The CT guided biopsies received were examined for histological diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry was carried out where ever routine histopathology was not sufficient for diagnosis. Relevant immunohistochemical panels were applied for lung, mediastinal and pleural tumours according to the histological differential diagnosis. Detailed demographic and clinical profiles along with radiological findings were noted.Results: Total of 138 cases were taken for CT guided FNAC procedure and 123 (89.1%) cases yielded diagnostic biopsy. Lung was the most commonly involved organ followed by mediastinum. Bronchogenic carcinoma was the most common lesion reported in lung and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma was the most common mediastinal lesion. Lung collapse was most common radiological feature.Conclusions: CT guided percutaneous biopsy is a valuable diagnostic technique providing for early accurate diagnosis and being minimally invasive procedure. Care should be taken while tissue processing and section cutting of intrathoracic biopsies as the biopsies are small and tissue loss should be prevented so that sufficient material is available for immunohistochemistry.

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiogram of Bloodstream Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital, India

Purpose: Blood stream infections (BSIs) are an importantcause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Continuous orintermittent presence of microorganisms in the circulating bloodis a danger to every organ in the body. BSIs range from selflimiting infections to life threatening sepsis requiring rapid andaggressive antimicrobial treatment.[1] Culture of blood is a vitaltool to diagnose such infections. Antibiotic susceptibilitypatterns help in rationalizing therapy.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine thebacteriological profile and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns ofisolates from blood stream infections.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective studyconducted from February 2018 to January 2019 at a tertiarycare hospital, RIMS, India. Blood samples were asepticallycollected and incubated in BD Bactec system, a fullyautomated blood culture system for detection of aerobic growthand incubated for 7 days at 37°C. Identification of microbialgrowth was done by standard methods (biochemical tests) andantibiotic sensitivity test was carried out by Kirby-Baur discdiffusion method as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Instituteguidelines (CLSI guidelines).Results: A total of 82 (28%) pathogens were isolated from 289bacteremia suspect patient blood specimens. Gram‑positivecocci (65.85%) were predominant organisms recoveredfollowed by Gram‑negative bacilli (34.15%). Staphylococcusaureus, Klebsiella spp and CoNS, were the primary pathogensisolated. Staphylococcus aureus (48%) was the predominantamong all. Glycopeptides, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems,were the most effective drugs for treating bacteremia.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobialtreatment is the basis for the successful treatment of sepsis.The understanding of local bacteriological profile andantimicrobial susceptibility patterns may help the clinician inrationalizing the empirical treatment strategies.