ABSTRACT
From the British era, regular medico-legal autopsies have never been done in India after sunset, except for those specially permitted by the law enforcement agencies. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, issued a notification on November 15, 2021, regarding the “Conduct of post-mortem in hospitals after sunset”. This has given rise to much debate on whether post-mortems can be conducted after sunset in an ethical manner. Here, we briefly discuss the various issues related to the carrying out of post-mortems after sunset in India.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: The overall adult prevalence of HIV in India was estimated to be 0.22 per cent in 2019. The HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM), a high-risk group for HIV, was estimated to be 4.3 per cent, which is 16 times higher than the national average. In Delhi, the estimated prevalence among MSM was 1.8 per cent. Despite free HIV testing services being made available by the National AIDS Control Programme for more than two decades, many MSM were not aware about their HIV status. Therefore, newer testing strategies are needed. Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) has proved to be one such promising innovation. At present, there are no programme guidelines on HIVST and oral HIVST kit is not available in India. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived advantages and disadvantages of introduction of oral HIVST strategy among MSM. Methods: MSM who were registered with the selected non-governmental organizations working as targeted intervention sites in Delhi, India, were recruited for focus group discussions (FGDs) between January and May 2021. For the purpose of this study, MSM were defined as males who had anal/oral sex with male/hijra partner in the past one month. A total of six FGDs were conducted using a prepared FGD guide. The FGD guide included questions on problems faced during conventional HIV testing, participants’ awareness, acceptability and perceptions of oral HIVST. The data were manually coded and entered in NVivo release 1.5 and themes were identified. Results: A total of 67 respondents participated in the FGDs. A total of 28.4 per cent MSM were beggars at traffic lights, 12 per cent were sex workers and 11.9 per cent were bar/event dancers. Nearly half (50.7%) of the participants had undergone HIV testing less than twice in the preceding one year. None of the MSM were aware about oral HIVST. Perceived advantages of oral HIVST were ease of use, confidentiality and the non-invasive pain-free procedure. Perceived concerns included lack of post-test counselling, linkage to care, poor mental health outcomes and forced testing. Interpretation & conclusions: Most MSM had positive perceptions about oral HIVST. Therefore, it is likely that the introduction of oral HIVST may result in higher uptake of HIV testing among MSM
ABSTRACT
The ultrasonic velocities U, densities ? of Binary Mixtures of O - Chlorophenol with 1- hexanol, 1- heptanol and 1- octanol from 303.15 to 318.15K. Excess molar volume (VE), deviation in adiabatic compressibility (??ad) and excess intermolecular free length (LfE) have been calculated from the measured experimental data. The values of VE, ??ad and LfEhave been fitted to Redlich – Kister polynomial equation to estimate binary coefficients and standard deviation between the experimental and computed values.
ABSTRACT
Proptosis, the forward protrusion of the eyeball, is a common manifestation of a wide variety of diseases inside the orbit and its spaces. The causes of unilateral proptosis are innumerable and its evaluation requires a multidisciplinary approach. Paranasal sinus mucoceles are epithelium-lined cystic masses usually resulting from obstruction of sinus ostia. The close proximity of paranasal sinus mucoceles to the orbit and skull base predispose patients to significant morbidity. Primary ethmoid mucocele is an uncommon entity, especially in the absence of prior ear, nose and throat complaints, and therefore should remain an important differential when a patient presents with a unilateral swelling causing proptosis. Herein, we report an unusual case of a primary frontoethmoid mucocele in a 35 years old woman who presented with a painless swelling with an obvious displacement of the left eye since 1 year, associated with restriction of ocular movements, thus prompting radio imaging of orbits. The results showed a large well-defined expansile lesion suggestive of Left Eye frontoethmoidal mucocele, prompting an immediate surgical referral.
ABSTRACT
Pituitary adenomas are rare neoplasms with a propensity for unusual presentations and an aggressive clinical course. An 8 years old female child presented to Department of Ophthalmology at SVS Medical College and Hospital Mahabubnagar with the chief complaints of mild ptosis of RE since 1month, associated with fever, headache, vomiting and diplopia since 2 days. On ocular examination, BCVA in BE - 6/9 and anterior segment examination suggested RE mild ptosis with hypotropia and adduction restriction. Fundus examination was normal. There was no palpable mass/ bruit in the orbit. MRI revealed lobulated enhancing soft tissue lesion in sella and parasellar region extending into basifrontal region causing pressure over optic chiasm, 3rd ventricle and cavernous sinuses suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma. Hormonal essays revealed elevated prolactin, beta HCG levels and abnormal thyroid profile. On the basis of clinical examination and investigations a clinical diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma was made. Then the case was referred to department of neurosurgery where transphenoidal resection under GA was planned and after 2days of admission she had a respiratory arrest and could not be resuscitated.
ABSTRACT
The Government of India initiated the COVID-19 vaccination for children in the age group of 15 -18 years on January 3 rd 2022. Although this was a much-awaited phase of vaccination, the parents, health care workers and the organizations dispensing the vaccines had many doubts and concerns regarding consent and liability for adverse effects, especially in this age group. There are no clear cut guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India on this subject. In this article, we elaborate on the various aspects of consent, particularly consent for vaccination, which is being followed in our country. By analyzing the related sections in the Indian Penal Code and prevalent practices in our country regarding consent, we endeavour to answer frequently encountered questions.
ABSTRACT
Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to the development of cutaneous disease as a result of combined effects of a chemical and light. Photosensitivity reactions may result from systemic medications and topically applied compounds. Pirfenidone is known to cause photosensitivity reactions, rash, pruritus and dry skin at high doses. However, similar adverse reactions with low doses of Pirfenidone have not been reported. We report a case of photosensitivity reaction induced by low- dose Pirfenidone in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
ABSTRACT
Coloboma of the eyelids, lens, iris, ciliary body, choroid, retina and/or optic nerve arise from failed or incomplete closure of the embryonic fi ssure during development. A ocular colobomas may extend from the pupillary frill of the iris anteriorly to the optic disc posteriorly. Th e ocular colobomata may be associated with many systemic and ocular congenital anomalies. A coloboma can occur in one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral). People with coloboma may have no vision problems or may be blind, depending on severity. We report a case of unilateral typical coloboma of the iris, retina, and choroid associated with heterochromia of the iris.
ABSTRACT
Morquio syndrome an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharoidosis (MPSs) including Type IVA, a deficiency of N-acetylgalctosamine-6- sulfatase and Type IVB a deficiency of β-galactosidase. Plain films of the entire spine, pelvis, chest, knees, hip, and knees demonstrated the characteristic skeletal changes of this disease. The main abnormalities were platyspondyly, genu valgum deformity. Radiographs are crucial to provide substantial information about evolution of the skeletal and joints changes, and the rehabilitation strategies to be followed. From detailed history, physical examination, investigations, and treatment, different clinical, radiographic and biochemical studies it is clear that Morquio’s disease is an inherited error of MPS metabolism characterized by deficiency of galactose 6-sulfate sulfatase activity.
ABSTRACT
Habitat fragmentation is postulated to be a major factor influencing infectious disease dynamics in wildlife populations and may also be responsible, at least in part, for the recent spurt in the emergence, or re-emergence, of infectious diseases in humans. The mechanism behind these relationships are poorly understood due to the lack of insights into the interacting local factors and insufficient baseline data in ecological parasitology of wildlife. Here, we studied the gastrointestinal parasites of nonhuman mammalian hosts living in 10 rainforest patches of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, India. We examined 349 faecal samples of 17 mammalian species and successfully identified 24 gastrointestinal parasite taxa including 1 protozoan, 2 trematode, 3 cestode and 18 nematode taxa. Twenty of these parasites are known parasites of humans. We also found that as much as 73% of all infected samples were infected by multiple parasites. In addition, the smallest and most fragmented forest patches recorded the highest parasite richness; the pattern across fragments, however, seemed to be less straightforward, suggesting potential interplay of local factors.
ABSTRACT
Character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits were studied in 71 genotypes (15 parents, 54 hybrids and two checks) of sunflower. Analysis of variance revealed that existence of significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied. Seed yield was significant positively correlated with number of filled seeds per head, head diameter, hundred seed weight, seed filling per cent and plant height. Path coefficient analysis indicated that highest direct effects on seed yield were observed in the traits, number of filled seeds per head and hundred seed weight and hence emphasis can be laid out on these traits during selection for further improvement in seed yield in sunflower.
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The present investigation was aimed to explore the potential of proniosomal gel for the topical delivery of fluconazole. Fluconazole-loaded proniosomes were prepared by the coacervation method using different nonionic surfactants (spans and tweens) and evaluated for various parameters like size, shape, stability, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release, ex-vivo skin permeation and retention study. Results showed that proniosomes composed of span 20 (F1), span 60 (F4), span 80 (F7) were more stable compared with tween 20 (F10) and tween 80 (F13) with smaller size, “i.e.” 4.08±0.18 μm, 2.61±0.15 μm, 2.01±0.12 μm, 8.56±0.20 μm, and 7.10±0.31 μm, respectively, along with higher entrapment efficiency (approx. >46%). Ex-vivo skin penetration and retention studies revealed that cutaneous deposition was affected by the nature of surfactant and vesicle size. Therefore the proniosomes containing span 60 having high amount of drug retained in skin, “i.e.” 25.97±1.28 which can help in localized delivery of drug especially in fungal mediated skin diseases, thereby increased efficacy for prolonged period can be achieved.
ABSTRACT
Genetic divergence using D2 statistic of forty genotypes of various agro-climatic region for ten quantitative characters revealed existence of considerable genetic diversity in the material. The genotypes were grouped into eleven clusters. Cluster VIII contained the highest number of nine genotypes followed by cluster V with seven genotypes. The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different geographical location into eleven clusters were random, demonstrating that geographical isolation may not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster VI (112.02) and the lowest was observed for cluster II (6.24). While the highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and X (493.41). Harvest index contributed maximum to diversity. Cluster IX with WGG-66 recorded the highest mean for yield contributing characters viz., plant height, branches/plant, pods/plant and clusters/plant. Therefore it was suggested that more emphasis should be given this genotype as parents for crossing with genotypes of other clusters which may produce novel recombinants with desirable traits.
ABSTRACT
A Field experiment was carried out during 2011-12 rabi to study the spatial distribution of aphid, Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) on safflower. Various indices of dispersion, i.e. variance-mean ratio, dispersion parameter, David and Moore’s index, Charlier coefficient, Index of Lexis and Llyods index of patchiness revealed that safflower aphid followed aggregated distribution throughout the crop growth.