Ayurveda and in silico Approach: A Challenging Proficient Confluence for Better Development of Effective Traditional Medicine Spotlighting Network Pharmacology / 中国结合医学杂志

Coalescence of traditional medicine Ayurveda and in silico technology is a rigor for supplementary development of future-ready effective traditional medicine. Ayurveda is a popular traditional medicine in South Asia, emanating worldwide for the treatment of metabolic disorders and chronic illness. Techniques of in silico biology are not much explored for the investigation of a variety of bioactive phytochemicals of Ayurvedic herbs. Drug repurposing, reverse pharmacology, and polypharmacology in Ayurveda are areas in silico explorations that are needed to understand the rich repertoire of herbs, minerals, herbo-minerals, and assorted Ayurvedic formulations. This review emphasizes exploring the concept of Ayurveda with in silico approaches and the need for Ayurinformatics studies. It also provides an overview of in silico studies done on phytoconstituents of some important Ayurvedic plants, the utility of in silico studies in Ayurvedic phytoconstituents/formulations, limitations/challenges, and prospects of in silico studies in Ayurveda. This article discusses the convergence of in silico work, especially in the least explored field of Ayurveda. The focused coalesce of these two domains could present a predictive combinatorial platform to enhance translational research magnitude. In nutshell, it could provide new insight into an Ayurvedic drug discovery involving an in silico approach that could not only alleviate the process of traditional medicine research but also enhance its effectiveness in addressing health care.

Cathepsin S as an early biomarker for cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients / Catepsina S como um biomarcador precoce para doença cardiovascular em pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract Introduction: A high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and premature mortality is observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, new biomarkers that may help predict the development of CVD in early stages of CKD are being investigated along with other traditional risk factors. Objective: To investigate cathepsin S as an early biomarker for CVD in patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 64 patients with CKD were included and classified into 2 groups: CKD patients with established CVD and CKD patients with non-established CVD. All patients were submitted to routine investigations including complete blood count, random blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine, total protein, total albumin, calcium total, phosphorous, uric acid, vitamin D, parathormone, lipid profile, liver function test, measurement of serum cathepsin S (Cat S), and 2D Echo of the heart. Results: The level of serum Cat S was increased in CKD patients with CVD (p <0.05) as well as in later stages of CKD (p <0.05). CVD was also more common in patients in early stage CKD. In early stages CKD, Cat S and CVD were positively correlated. Conclusion: These findings suggest that serum Cat S might be useful as an early biomarker for CVD in CKD patients.

Resumo Introdução: Uma alta incidência de eventos de doença cardiovascular (DCV) e mortalidade prematura é observada em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Assim, novos biomarcadores que podem ajudar a prever o desenvolvimento de DCV nos estágios iniciais da DRC estão sendo investigados juntamente com outros fatores de risco tradicionais. Objetivo: Investigar a catepsina S como um biomarcador precoce para DCV em pacientes com DRC. Métodos: Um total de 64 pacientes com DRC foram incluídos e classificados em 2 grupos: pacientes com DRC com DCV estabelecida e pacientes com DRC com DCV não estabelecida. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a investigações de rotina incluindo hemograma completo, glicemia aleatória, hemoglobina glicada (HbA1C), eletrólitos séricos, ureia, creatinina, proteína total, albumina total, cálcio total, fósforo, ácido úrico, vitamina D, paratormônio, perfil lipídico, teste de função hepática, medição da catepsina S sérica (Cat S), e Eco 2D do coração. Resultados: O nível de Cat S sérica esteve aumentado em pacientes com DRC com DCV (p <0,05), bem como em estágios posteriores da DRC (p <0,05). A DCV também foi mais comum em pacientes com DRC em estágio inicial. Em estágios iniciais da DRC, a Cat S e a DCV foram positivamente correlacionadas. Conclusão: Estes achados sugerem que a Cat S sérica pode ser útil como um biomarcador precoce para DCV em pacientes com DRC.

Pharmacognostical Study of Bark of Shimshapa (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb)

Purpose: Pharmacognostical evaluation of bark of Dalbergia sissoo is done for identification in field and differentiates from other species of Dalbergia. Methods: Drug is studied taxonomically and its macroscopic, microscopic features were studied including powder microscopy of bark with suitable instruments. Results: Macroscopic study reveals on drying bark is flat curved inward with presence of cracks color reddish brown outer surface rough warty while inner surface was tough, longitudinally striated whereas microscopic study reveals outline of transverse section (TS) exposed rhytidome covering the upper part of section. It was continue with cork cells followed wide zone of secondarycortex. Concentric rings of fibres were present throughout the secondary phloem. The detailed TS showed dark coloured rhytodome cells followed by multilayered cork cells. Secretory cells containing tannin was present in secondary cortex zone. Presence of calcium oxalate crystals present in rays cells and parenchyma cells of cortex. Starch grains were present throughout the parenchyma cells. Powder was dark red in colour, bitter .taste , fruity odor. Powder microscopy reveals fragments of cork cells, stone cells, septate fibres, Pitted medullary ray cells, Prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple starch grains and fragments of fibres found present. Conclusion: Finding of this study will falicitate pharmacognostic standardization of plant material and become an aid for identification as well as preparation of herbal monographs for the species and to enjoy the Ayuvedic classical claims.

Generalized anxiety and sleep quality among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary healthcare institution in Eastern India

With the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare professionals (HCPs) have experienced high levels of stress and anxiety because of the high risk of infection for themselves and their families. This has led to acute sleep problems for HCP. This study was designed to assess the anxiety and sleep quality of HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 370 HCPs employed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna over 3 months, using the standard Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) for suspected GAD and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality. Results were tabulated and multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of poor sleep. Significance was attributed to p<0.05. Results: Of the 370 HCPs screened, 52 (14.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8%–18.1%) were found to have GAD and 195 (52.7%; 95% CI, 47.5%–57.9%) were found to be poor sleepers. The presence of any addictive habit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.833; 95% CI, 1.12–2.8), unprotected contact with COVID-19 cases (AOR, 1.902; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3), and the presence of GAD (AOR, 5.57; 95% CI, 2.5–12.4) were found to be predictors of poor sleep quality among HCPs. Conclusion: A significant proportion of HCPs were found to have suspected GAD and were poor sleepers. This highlights the need for measures to confront this problem.

Awareness and Practices of Sanitary Latrine Usage and Environmental Cleanliness in Rural Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

The Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to achieve adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and ending open defecation by 2030. Construction of household toilets does not always translate into its usage in rural areas, as open defecation has become a long-ingrained habit. The Swachta Status Report 2016 states that the majority of people in India (52.1%) practiced open defecation, 24.4% of households disposed of garbage in the nearby agricultural field, while 15.1% threw garbage around the house.METHODSIt was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in four villages of a selected block of the district. A total of 150 households were included in the study. Data was collected using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire and information was collected regarding their background characteristics, awareness, practices of sanitary latrine usage, and environmental cleanliness.RESULTSOut of a total of 150 participants, 54% practiced open-air defecation. The drainage system of most households was an open pucca type (73.3%), while garbage was disposed of at a common spot outside the homes in 48.7%. Most respondents were unaware that diseases can be caused by inadequate sanitation (55.3%). A higher age group was found to be significantly associated with the usage of sanitary latrines. (p=0.016). Sanitation practice was found to be significantly related to awareness of the mode of spread of disease (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSBehavioural change communication is required to motivate people to break the habit of open defecation and remove the barriers which limit the use of sanitary latrines.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Tephrosia purpurea in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Hepatotoxicity ultimately leads to liver failure. Conventional treatment options for hepatotoxicity are limited and not safe. Aim: The present work has been designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of the root of Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The plant roots, T. purpurea, were collected from the local area of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and verification was done by Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and a herbarium specimen was deposited in BSI with No. LMC/PM/PD-001. All other reagents and chemicals were of suitable analytical grade and were used as received. Results: On the basis of statistical analysis, both the doses (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt) of the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root shown significant hepatoprotective activity compare to negative control. The dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt showed better reduction in serum enzyme level compare to 200 mg/kg b.wt dose of the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root. Results were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA non-parametric) followed by Dunnett’s test with P < 0.01 considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it may be concluded that the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root has a significant protective effect on liver injuries

Awareness and behavior patterns regarding road safety measures among undergraduate medical students of western Uttar Pradesh: a cross-sectional study

Background: More than 1.2 million deaths occur each year on the world's roads. In India, the number of motor vehicles on the road is increasing with the population and economic growth. It has been estimated that if effective and immediate action is not taken, deaths due to road traffic accidents will become the fifth leading cause of deaths by 2020. Objectives was to assess the level of awareness and behavior regarding road safety rules among undergraduate medical students.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a Medical College of western Uttar Pradesh. In the present study 200 final and pre-final year, undergraduate medical students were selected with the help of simple random selection, who drive/use vehicles either of their own or others. The study period was from June 2019 to August 2019.Results: About 29 percent of participants responded that they do not follow lane rules while driving. Study showed that 72.1% and 42.0% were aware that what documents to be carried with them while driving among those who attend and did not attend any program on road safety measures respectively. About 58.1 % and 38.2% were aware that penalty for driving without a helmet can be imposed among those who attend and did not attend any program on road safety measures.Conclusions: Awareness of road safety measures among participants was satisfactory, but the gap was also seen between awareness and behavior patterns regarding road safety measures.

Vaginal Graft Substitution Urethroplasty For Female Urethral Strictures: A Good Alternative To Lingual/Buccal Mucosal Graft

Post-menopausal sub meatal stenosis used to be common in elderly ladies, but urethral strictures were not so common. With more frequent urethral manipulations and indwelling catheterization incidence of stricture has increased. Lingual or buccal mucosal substitution urethroplasty has become standard treatment option for female urethral stricture with good long-term result. Acceptance of this procedure in female is guarded due to donor site morbidity.We used vaginal graft for substitution in 11 patients after thorough evaluation with follow-up ranging from 3 months to 2 years with satisfactory outcome and no donor site morbidity.

A prospective randomized controlled double-blind study comparing auscultation and lung ultrasonography in the assessment of double lumen tube position in elective thoracic surgeries involving one lung ventilation at a tertiary care cancer institute / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: As lung ultrasound (LUS) can be used to identify regional lung ventilation and collapse, we hypothesize that LUS can be better than auscultation in assessing lung isolation and determining double lumen tube (DLT) position. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted in tertiary care cancer institute from November 2014 to December 2015, including 100 adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgeries. Patients with tracheostomy, difficult airway and pleural-based pathologies were excluded. After anesthesia induction and DLT insertion, patients were randomized into group A (auscultation) and group B (LUS). Regional ventilation was assessed by experienced anesthesiologists using the respective method for each group. Final confirmation of DLT position with a bronchoscope was performed by a blinded anesthesiologist. Contingency tables were plotted to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for each method. RESULTS: Data from 91 patients were analyzed (group A = 47, group B = 44). Compared with auscultation, LUS had significantly higher sensitivity (94.1% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.010), PPV (57.1% vs. 35.5%, P = 0.044), NPV (93.8% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.018), accuracy (70.5% vs. 48.9%, P = 0.036) and required longer median time (161.5 vs. 114 s, P < 0.001) for assessment of DLT position. Differences in specificity (55.6% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.101) and area under curve (0.748; 95% CI: 0.604–0.893 vs. 0.554, 95% CI: 0.379–0.730; P = 0.109) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to auscultation, LUS is a superior method for assessing lung isolation and determining DLT position.

A prospective randomized controlled double-blind study comparing auscultation and lung ultrasonography in the assessment of double lumen tube position in elective thoracic surgeries involving one lung ventilation at a tertiary care cancer institute / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#As lung ultrasound (LUS) can be used to identify regional lung ventilation and collapse, we hypothesize that LUS can be better than auscultation in assessing lung isolation and determining double lumen tube (DLT) position.@*METHODS@#A randomized controlled study was conducted in tertiary care cancer institute from November 2014 to December 2015, including 100 adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgeries. Patients with tracheostomy, difficult airway and pleural-based pathologies were excluded. After anesthesia induction and DLT insertion, patients were randomized into group A (auscultation) and group B (LUS). Regional ventilation was assessed by experienced anesthesiologists using the respective method for each group. Final confirmation of DLT position with a bronchoscope was performed by a blinded anesthesiologist. Contingency tables were plotted to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for each method.@*RESULTS@#Data from 91 patients were analyzed (group A = 47, group B = 44). Compared with auscultation, LUS had significantly higher sensitivity (94.1% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.010), PPV (57.1% vs. 35.5%, P = 0.044), NPV (93.8% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.018), accuracy (70.5% vs. 48.9%, P = 0.036) and required longer median time (161.5 vs. 114 s, P < 0.001) for assessment of DLT position. Differences in specificity (55.6% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.101) and area under curve (0.748; 95% CI: 0.604–0.893 vs. 0.554, 95% CI: 0.379–0.730; P = 0.109) were not significant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared to auscultation, LUS is a superior method for assessing lung isolation and determining DLT position.

Hemophilia A: an anesthetic challenge

Hemophilia A is a congenital bleeding disorder with low factor VIII levels in the blood. We report the anesthetic management of a hemophilic patient presenting with trauma in the left forearm. Patient received Factor VIII perioperatively with no excessive blood loss intraoperatively. We stress that adequate preoperative preparation and a planned anesthesia leads to a successful management of hemophilic patients

Epidural bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine or clonidine in infraumbilical surgeries: a comparative evaluation.

Background: Alpha-2 agonist are being extensively evaluated as an alternative to neuraxial opoids, as an adjuvants in regional anaesthesia The faster onset of action of local anaesthetics, rapid establishment of both sensory and motor blockade, prolonged duration of analgesia into postoperative period, dose sparing action of local anaesthetics and stable cardiovascular parameters make these agents a very effective adjuvant in regional anaesthesia. Methods: Our study had 45 patients, all patients belonged to ASA Grade-I or II, between 20 and 55 years of age with an average height of 150 and 170 cm and have ideal body weight requiring neuraxial blockade for lower abdominal surgeries. All the patients were randomly allocated into two groups Group-I: Epidural bupivacaine 0.5% (16 ml) + clonidine 75 μgm (1 ml) Group-II: Epidural bupivacaine 0.5 % (16 ml) + Dexmedetomidine 50 μgm (1 ml) Patients were monitored for sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic parameters, rescue analgesia, sedation and adverse effects in perioperative period. Results: The time of onset of sensory block at T10 and time to reach maximum sensory block (T6) in group-I was significantly longer as compared to group-II. The complete motor blockade (grade-3) was achieved much later and time taken for recovery to grade-0 was significantly shorter in group-I. The time for rescue analgesia in group-I was significantly shorter as compared to group-II. Hypotension was the most common side effect in both the groups. Dry mouth is a known side effect of alpha-2 agonists. Epidural dexmedetomidine produced profound sedation. Conclusions: We conclude from this study that dexmedetomidine is a better adjuvant than clonidine for providing early onset of sensory analgesia, superior sedative properties and prolonged post-operative analgesia.

Role of Moringa oleifera in regulation of diabetes-induced oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) young leaves by in vivo as well as in vitro assays.@*METHODS@#In vitro study included estimation of total phenolic, total flavonol, total flavonoid and total antioxidant power (FRAP assay). In addition, in vivo study was done with the identified most effective dose of 200 mg/kg of its lyophilized powder on normal and diabetic rats. Its effect on different oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes,viz, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxide (LPO) contents were measured.@*RESULTS@#Significant increase in activities of SOD, CAT, GST while, a decrease in LPO content was observed. Whereas, total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents in the extract were found to be 120 mg/g of GAE, 40.5 mg/g of QE and 12.12 mg/g of QE, respectively. On the other hand, FRAP assay results of M. oleifera leaves was (85.00 ± 5.00) μM/g of extract powder.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The significant antioxidant activities of M. oleifera leaves from both in vivo as well as in vitro studies suggests that the regular intake of its leaves through diet can protect normal as well as diabetic patients against oxidative damage.

Comparative analysis of fecal microflora of healthy full-term Indian infants born with different methods of delivery (vaginal vs cesarean): Acinetobacter sp. prevalence in vaginally born infants.

In this study fecal microflora of human infants born through vaginal delivery (VB) and through cesarean section (CB) were investigated using culture-independent 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing approach. The results obtained clearly revealed that fecal microbiota of VB infants distinctly differ from those in their counterpart CB infants. The intestinal microbiota of infants delivered by cesarean section appears to be more diverse, in terms of bacteria species, than the microbiota of vaginally delivered infants. The most abundant bacterial species present in VB infants were Acinetobacter sp., Bifidobacterium sp. and Staphylococcus sp. However, CB infant’s fecal microbiota was dominated with Citrobacter sp., Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile. The intestinal microbiota of cesarean section delivered infants in this study was also characterized by an absence of Bifidobacteria species. An interesting finding of our study was recovery of large number of Acinetobacter sp. consisting of Acinetobacter pittii (former Acinetobacter genomic species 3), Acinetobacter junii and Acinetobacter baumannii in the VB infants clone library. Among these, Acinetobacter baumannii is a known nosocomial pathogen and Acinetobacter pittii (genomic species 3) is recently recognized as clinically important taxa within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii (ACB) complex. Although none of the infants had shown any sign of clinical symptoms of disease, this observation warrants a closer look.

Janani Suraksha Yojana: the conditional cash transfer scheme to reduce maternal mortality in India – a need for reassessment.

Alongside endorsing Millennium Development Goal 5 in 2000, India launched its National Population Policy in 2000 and the National Health Policy in 2002. However, these have failed thus far to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by the targeted 5.5% per annum. Under the banner of the National Rural Health Mission, the Government of India launched a national conditional cash transfer (CCT) scheme in 2005 called Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), aimed to encourage women to give birth in health facilities which, in turn, should reduce maternal deaths. Poor prenatal care in general, and postnatal care in particular, could be considered the causes of the high number of maternal deaths in India (the highest in the world). Undoubtedly, institutional delivery in India has increased and MMR has reduced over time as a result of socioeconomic development coupled with advancement in health care including improved women’s education, awareness and availability of health services. However, in the light of its performance, we argue that the JSY scheme was not well enough designed to be considered as an effective pathway to reduce MMR. We propose that the service-based CCT is not the solution to avoid/reduce maternal deaths and that policy-makers and programme managers should reconsider the ‘package’ of continuum of care and maternal health services to ensure that they start from adolescence and the pre-pregnancy period, and extend to delivery, postnatal and continued maternal health care.

District level coverage gap in maternal, newborn and child health care services in India

India has the highest number of maternal [2010] and child [2009] deaths in the world suggesting a poor coverage in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health [MNCH] care services. This study assessed the coverage gap in MNCH care across districts in India using a robust aggregate Coverage Gap Index [CGI] developed by the 'Countdown 2008 Equity Analysis Group'. The north-south divide in MNCH care coverage gap is apparent. The results derived from this study emphasise the need for focused intervention in 210 districts which have a coverage gap of >/= 50%

Hypolipidaemic & hepatoprotective effects of Psidium guajava raw fruit peel in experimental diabetes.

Background & objective: The study evaluated the hypolipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects of unripe Psidium guajava fruit peel aqueous extract in streptozotocin (STZ) induced severely diabetic rats by assaying their triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), asperate amino transeferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and creatanine (CRTN) levels. Method: Severely diabetic albino Wister rats of same age group were treated orally once a day upto 3wk with a dose of 400 mg/kg bw of lyophilized extract. TG, TC, HDL, ALKP, AST, ALT and CRTN were estimated. LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were calculated from the above measurements by using Friedwald formula. Results: A significant decrease in TG (P<0.01), TC (P<0.01), HDL (P<0.001) VLDL (P<0.001) and LDL (P<0.01), ALKP (P<0.01), AST (P<0.05), ALT (P<0.05) and CRTN (P<0.001) levels were observed after 21 days treatment of aquous extract of raw fruit peel compared to pre treatment levels. Interpretation & conclusion: The extract showed significant hypolipidaemic activity in addition to its hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity. In view of its relative non-toxic nature P. guajava raw fruit peel may be a potential antidiabetic agent.

Needle stick injuries among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital of India.

Background & objectives: Percutaneous injuries caused by needlesticks, pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Their incidence is considerably higher than current estimates, and hence a low injury rate should not be interpreted as a non existent problem. The present study was carried out to determine the occurrence of NSI among various categories of health care workers (HCWs), and the causal factors, the circumstances under which these occur and to, explore the possibilities of measures to prevent these through improvements in knowledge, attitude and practice. Methods: The study group consisted of 428 HCWs of various categories of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, and was carried out with the help of an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire structured specifically to identify predictive factors associated with NSIs. Results: The commonest clinical activity to cause the NSI was blood withdrawal (55%), followed by suturing (20.3%) and vaccination (11.7%). The practice of recapping needles after use was still prevalent among HCWs (66.3%). Some HCWs also revealed that they bent the needles before discarding (11.4%). It was alarming to note that only 40 per cent of the HCWs knew about the availability of PEP services in the hospital and 75 per cent of exposed nursing students did not seek PEP. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study showed a high occurrence of NSI in HCWs with a high rate of ignorance and apathy. These issues need to be addressed, through appropriate education and other interventional strategies by the hospital infection control committee.

Prevalence of psychiatric disorder in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic cancer patients on treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cancer not only affects organ systems physically but can also affect the mind as a psychiatric disorder. Appropriate treatment can be clinically efficacious and cost-effective. With this background, a study was conducted in a regional cancer center to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorder amongst cancer patients and correlate it with socio-demographic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic cancer patients on active anticancer treatment, fulfilling inclusion criteria, were served psychiatric assessment questionnaire. The demographic and the medical data were obtained from subjects and their medical records. Correlation of prevalence of psychiatric disorder with socio-demographic parameters was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients returned the questionnaire duly filled. Of them, 24 (63%) had some psychiatric disorder. All these 24 patients were suffering from depression--15 (63%) from major depression and 9 (37%) from minor depression. Only 6 (25%) patients had anxiety disorder. The prevalence of psychiatric disorder in patients aware of the diagnosis and prognosis was 58 and 55% respectively. This was significantly higher as compared to the patients who were not aware of their diagnosis and prognosis (P-value 0.019 and 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of psychiatric disorder, especially depression, amongst the cancer patients--particularly in those who were aware of the diagnosis and prognosis. A majority of these disorders are eminently treatable. Routine psychiatric evaluation of all cancer patients is a matter of debate that needs to be addressed in larger prospective surveys.