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Histoid leprosy is an uncommon variant of leprosy with characteristic clinical, immunological and bacteriological features and is considered to be a polar variant of lepromatous leprosy. Coexistence of other immunologically diverse forms of leprosy in histoid end of spectrum is very rare. We report a rare case of histoid leprosy on multi-drug therapy for last 7 months shifting to borderline tuberculoid spectrum in type 1 reaction or Wade’s contamination, spectral shift
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Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem, an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the behavioral risk factors of HBV infection and its association with HBsAg positivity among residents of Kaza sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Material & Methods: The study was carried out by the Gastroenterology, Community Medicine, and Microbiology Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla at Kaza, a subdivision of Lahaul & Spiti. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 4000. Forty clusters were chosen using a probability proportionate to size sampling method, and 100 research participants were added to each cluster using a simple random sampling method. The data was gathered using a pre-tested interview plan. A blood sample of 5ml from each study participant was obtained, and its HBsAg content was examined. Results: In our study, 2.7% of the interviewed respondents’ parents were positive for hepatitis B and 3.7% reported one positive family member. Injectable drug use was reported by 1.6 (68/4231). Among these users 8.8% (6/68) shared needles with other IDUs in last 12 months and 35.3% (24/68) used a common container to draw up drug solution. Sexual intercourse was reported to be experienced by 15.5 (655/4231) and 12.2% either did not disclose or were children. Out of those who ever experienced sexual/penetrative intercourse 38.3% (251/655) had reported it with someone else other than a spouse. Majority of these had two partners other than a spouse (30.3%; 76/251). Around 30% (195/655) reported of using a condom in their last intercourse. Body piercings or a tattoo from someone who doesn’t sterilize his or her equipment, including local treatment from lamas, was prevalent among 16.3% of the population (689/4231). Acupuncture was taken as a remedy for any medical condition by 9% of participants. Regression analysis also revealed that one infected family member emerged as an independent factor associated with HBsAg positive test after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Our study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B risk factors in this tribal group. Health education about behavioral risk factors among this tribal population should be the main intervention that might help limit the spread of these blood-borne infections.
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Healthcare fires have always been one of the major internal hazards and an oxygen-rich environment further aggravates these threats. The present case study reports such a fire incident in an Advanced Trauma Centre of a tertiary care hospital in North India wherein a tiny spark generated while handling an oxygen cylinder a health care worker got caught in a fire blaze. Fortunately, the flare was controlled within no time due to prompt action by a fellow HCW, and a major unexpected incident was averted. A formal investigation conducted by a team of experts ascertained that oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment, improper handling, and repeated striking of cylinder regulator by the spanner which attained the required threshold temperature was the probable cause for the onset of a flare. Henceforth, to miti-gate such incidents users shall follow manufacturer recommendations, and ensure only safe and suitable components are used as part of a compressed oxygen system. Maintenance of cylinders, valves, and regu-lators should be done periodically to mitigate the risks of such incidents. All hospitals shall carry out risk-assessment exercises and provide oxygen safety training to all healthcare staff.
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Objectives: The map topography analysis gives an idea of temporal dynamics of electric fields, which is reference independent, making the results unambiguous. These topographic maps remain stable for 80 to 100 milliseconds, abruptly shifting to a new topographic map configuration and remains stable in that state are called the ‘functional microstates’ as described by Lehmann et al (1987). There has been no study done in the resting state eye closed and eye open conditions showing the microstate maps in healthy Indian subjects in resting eyes open and resting eyes closed condition using 128 channel EEG. So our study aim was to assess the microstates in resting eyes closed and eyes open condition. And to compare the microstate parameters such as mean duration, global explained variance (GEV) and time coverage between eyes closed and eyes open condition. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study on 20 indian subjects (Mean age- 26.65 and (SD) - 2.78 years) was done on resting eyes closed and eyes open conditions. After EEG acquisition using 128 channel EEG machine, EEG was preprocessed and microstate analysis using CARTOOL software was performed on the EEG data. Results: After microstate analysis four maps topography were obtained. There was statistically non-significant difference observed in microstate maps between resting eyes closed and resting eyes open condition for the all parameters i.e. mean duration, time coverage and GEV. Conclusion: Our findings suggests that, both eyes closed and eyes open conditions were similar to each other in terms of stability and predominance of Maps
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Background: Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) was identified as a cause of a disease outbreak in 2019 that originated in China. An infection without a cure makes the people, especially health care workers more vulnerable to get affected because of insufficient knowledge and unhealthy practices. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions among medical students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021 among the undergraduates and interns. The study was adapted from the current interim guidelines and information provided by Ministry Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (MOHFW, GOI) and Indian Council of Medical Research. Results: There were a total 355 participants. The majority (90.4%) of students had adequate knowledge. Only 9.5% had partial or no knowledge, the majority >90% of them showed a positive perception of COVID-19 prevention and control. In fact, majority 98.30% of students also got vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusion: As there is no specific cure against COVID-19, it is essential to improve knowledge and belief among general public to prevent the spread. Medical students can, therefore, play a significant role by making community people aware about the seriousness of this pandemic.
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Synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinoma is a rare instance and it accounts for 50 to 70% of all synchronous female genital tract tumors. However, it is very rare to find synchronous endometrial carcinoma and ovarian sex cord–stromal tumor (thecoma). The present case is a 75-year-old woman with a complaint of post-menopausal vaginal bleeding. Radiologically, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pelvis revealed altered signal intensity mass in the uterus. Frozen section and routine histopathological examination were done on radical hysterectomy. Microscopically, serous carcinoma involving uterine corpus and left Fallopian tube was identified along with the unusual finding of contralateral ovarian sex cord–stromal tumor (thecoma), which was confirmed on immunohistochemical examination. It is a very rare association and is first reported in the present study after a thorough search of the published literature. Their relationship based on a high level of estrogen produced by the hyperactive ovary is controversial as serous carcinomas are less hormone-dependent.
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Background: Breastmilk is the natural and safest first food for the newborn. It has nutritional, immunological, behavioural, and offers mother-infant bonding. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of mothers towards breastfeeding. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 950 postnatal mothers attending the immunization clinic and paediatric OPD with their children for vaccination and treatment of other minor illnesses from April 2018 to November 2019 in selected hospitals of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Mothers were face-to-face interviewed using structured knowledge, preference, practices, and attitude questionnaires about newborn breastfeeding. Tools were validated and tested for reliability. Results: The average knowledge scores (11.72±1.78) indicated that mothers have good knowledge about breastfeeding. Most mothers (81.45%) fed their babies with colostrum, and 82% were exclusively breastfeeding. It was also reported about top feeds like honey, coconut water, grape water, ghuttee, lactogen among about 20% of the participants. The average score of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) (58.11±6.44) lay in the range of neutral attitudes related to breastfeeding practices among the mothers. Conclusion: Breastfeeding practices were adequate among many mothers, but there were practices of throwing colostrum, topfeed baby and early initiation of weaning. Thus, it is necessary to create awareness among the mothers and their families about the correct practices of feeding the newborn baby; eventually, the attitude will change.
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Budd-Chiari syndrome [BCS] is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the triad of abdominal pain, ascites, and hepatomegaly (with or without jaundice). There will be an underlying disorder in most cases. The diagnosis, as well as management of the case, requires a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment should aim at reducing the presenting symptoms as well as removing the underlying pathology. Here we explain a case report of a 21-year-old male patient in the subacute stage of BCS with its complications and considered as a candidate for liver transplantation. His liver enzymes, PT/INR, D- dimer, and homocysteine values were above normal levels. The arterial oxygen saturation level was subnormal, and he was on supportive oxygen supplement. Inferior venacava [IVC] Doppler revealed a non-obstructive intrahepatic thrombus. The patient was treated with Homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album and Arnica montana, given as an adjuvant to conventional treatment.
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Humans , Thrombosis/prevention & control , Budd-Chiari Syndrome/diagnosis , HomeopathyABSTRACT
Galantamine is an active constituent obtained from Galanthus nivalis L., a traditional herb known for its pharmacological properties, particularly nootropic effect. Folic acid is a dietary supplement that enhances neuronal activity. Effect of galantamine and folic acid on human neuronal cells is well known. In the present study, we explored the protective effect of galantamine and folic acid, both independently as well as in combination, over antioxidant defence system and nootropic effects on human neuroblastoma cells IMR-32. The treatment galantamine, folic acid and their combination was given for 24 h and cytotoxicity study was carried out by trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were observed using Propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst double staining method. Biochemical assays viz. total protein, protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation and glutathione were analyzed along with super oxide dismutase and catalase. Result of cytotoxicity showed dose dependent increase in percent viability and significant decrease was observed in apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, exposure to Galantamine, Folic acid and their combination significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation along with the enhancement in antioxidant defence mechanism. Findings of these dose reliant toxicity study of Galantamine , Folic acid and their combination suggest that these has higher potency when given together and shows synergistic effect. They also causes repair of human neuronal cells IMR-32 cells enhancing the cell viability and consumption of Galantamine and Folic acid together will help in prevention of CNS disorders and neurodegeneration.
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India is one of the world抯 worst affected countries due to COVID-19 pandemic. The world is struglling to fight agaisnt centuries pandmemic. Globally goverments have been imposed lockdown and restrictions to control situation and minimise spread of infection. Social media was found the most practical and efficiant mediam to share information and opnions about pandmemic. At time of social distancing, social media helped people to share their feelings and find support. Same time overuse of social media palteform created panic and misinformation across countries. People sharing unconfirmed information about covid pandmemic and goverments were found it difficult to handle
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The Covid pandemic brought a hard time for sexual and reproductive health. Lockdown and covid restrictions made it difficult to maintain healthy sexual life and relationship. Although Covid is not a sexually transmitted disease and but can get a transfer into others by close contact with suspected or confirmed positive partners. Sexual health is essential for couples to maintain trust, intimacy, and love in their relationships. Reportedly sexual practices of couples changed accordingly to avoid any possible risk of transfer of deadly Covid infection. This paper is a review of studies published during past two years of pandemic. Even when people showing high levels of resilience, the negative aspects of pandemic and lockdown could affect their quality of sexual life. We are witnessing a century抯 crisis where the whole world is under threat of rapidly spreading the new infection COVID -19 and the overall global impact of this new pandemic is yet uncertain.
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@#Cestode infections is widely reported in rodents, however species identification remains problematic due to the genetic or interspecies variation. Therefore, this study was aimed to verify the Cyclophyllidean parasites recovered from wild rats captured from different forest types using molecular based methods. Maximum-likelihood (ML) and neighbour-joining (NJ) trees were constructed inferred from 18 small subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (18SrDNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit one gene (COX1) sequences of cestode worms recovered from 124 individuals from four rat species. Sequences obtained from both Hymenolepis diminuta and Hydatigera parva represents the first records in Malaysia. All the sequences were successfully amplified with product with total length of 205 and 1202 base pairs (bp), respectively. Three cestode species from the Family Hymenolepididae (Hymenolepis diminuta) and Family Taeniidae (Hydatigera parva; Hydatigera taeniaeformis) were successfully characterized using phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networking. Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. diminuta, Hydatigera parva (Hy. parva) and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Hy. taeniaeformis) formed its own monophyletic clade in 18SrDNA analyses. Results also showed that Hy. taeniaeformis shared the same haplotype group with Hy. taeniaeformis from China (COX1) and linked with Hy. taeniaeformis from Japan (18SrDNA) while the Malaysian H. diminuta clearly formed a separate haplotype and networked with other regions. The Malaysian Hy. parva isolation, on the other hand, appeared to be genetically distinct from the European Hy. parva (Spain) strain, but closely linked to the local isolates. Molecular methods employed successfully improved in the detection of complex species in this group. The findings showed that molecular data can be useful to deeply study intra-specific variation in other cestode worms.
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A study was conducted in mid hill region of Rajouri district, J&K, India to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters. Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly from 1st March to 30th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge, and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers and values were compared with data from 2017-2019 and normal. After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that within the period of lockdown, the change in day temperature was -6.66% from normal mean value, however night temperature was least affected as it changes 10.33% and rainfall pattern was 19.27% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth in lockdown was -4.65%, 3.74% and 2.65% as compared to year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -5.14%, -11.30% and 0.3% from year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) depicting a slow change in values. With the significant sustainable pattern observed in day and soil temperature parameters and rainfall it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in reducing speed of climate change in future.
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Aim: A study was conducted in mid hill region of Jammu district, J&K to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters so as to define it as a tool to mitigate the pace of climate change. Methodology: Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly during 22nd March to 10th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, relative humidity from dry and wet bulb thermometers in stevenson screen, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge, evaporation readings from pan evaporimeter and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers. Results: After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that after the implementation of lockdown and with the beginning of unlock down the change in day temperature was -8.07% from normal mean value, night temperature was -4.44% from normal mean value, rainfall pattern was 30.00% more from normal mean value, Relative Humidity (morning) pattern was 6.94% more from normal mean value, relative humidity (evening) pattern was 20.94% more from normal mean value, evaporation pattern was 7.66% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth was -3.46%, -3.84% and -7.23% as compared to year 2019 (22nd March to 10th June 2019) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -7.69%, -6.31% and -4.14% from year 2019 (22nd March to 10th June 2019). Conclusion: With the variable significant pattern observed in almost all parameters, it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in mitigating pace of climate change in future.
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Background: The present study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India to know the profile of epilepsy.Methods: Total of 210 patients were selected during the period August, 2017 to July 2018 who attended outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Detailed clinical history was taken, general physical examination, and routine blood examination were carried out.Results: Of all the cases, sex ratio (male:female) was 2.39:1. A high proportion of cases (43.3%) were from lower-middle socio-economic group. 76.7% patients had generalized seizures. For 38.6% patients, frequency of seizures was more than 8 in the past 6 months. 71.9% of the patients were using only one anti-epileptic drug.Conclusions: Patients with seizures comprise a significant burden in inpatient department of developing countries.
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Present study was conducted in 240 day-old broiler chicks to assess the effect of condensed tannins (CT) containing guava leaf meal (GLM) supplemented diet on nutrient composition, litter metabolites viz. pH, moisture and ammonia concentration) and microbial counts after completion of feeding trial of 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments, with 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each pen in a completely randomized block design (CRD). Chicks were fed basal diets supplemented with GLM @ 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 percent, in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, while, T0 group fed only basal diet. Litter materials of chicks showed good nutrient profiles and properly sterilized litter material act as alternative feed ingredient for ruminants feed. Supplementation of GLM in the diets of chicks significantly (P<0.05) reduced moisture, pH, NH3 concentration, harmful Eschericia coli and Clostridia spp. counts in the litter materials and reduced environmental pollution. The litter material of GLM supplemented (T1, T2 and T3) chicken showed significantly higher (P<0.05) CP contents as compared to un-supplemented control. It can be concluded that properly sterilized litter material of GLM supplemented chicks act as cheaper alternative feedstuffs for ruminant’s ration and reduce environmental pollution by lowering NH3 concentration, harmful E. coli and Clostridia counts in broiler litter material
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Present study was conducted in 120 day-old unsexed broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) supplemented with leaf meal mixture (LMM) of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava@ 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % of diet, respectively of 30 birds per treatment, each having 3 replicates (10 chicks per replicate) in a complete randomized block design (CRD). Significantly (P<0.05) higher mean body weight was observed in T1 as compared to T2, T3 and T4 groups. Carcass yields viz. live weight, de-feathered weight, slaughtered weight and eviscerated weights (in gram and % LWt.) were statistically non significant (P>0.05) with and without LMM supplemented diets. However, weights of spleen and liver were significantly (P<0.000, P<0.026) higher in LMM supplemented groups as compared to un-supplemented control (T1). Dietary supplementation significantly reduced abdominal fat content in T4 compared to T1, whereas, T2 and T3 have an intermediate values between T1 and T4 and increased the net profit, it ranged from ` 30.41 to 34.24 per bird
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The present study was evaluated the effect of dietary inclusion of various feed supplements and their combination on the performance index, glucose and serum cholesterol for 6 weeks. Day-old broiler chicks (n=252) were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups, each with 3 replicates. The first treatment was designated as control (T0) in which no supplement was added to the feed, while in treatments T1; organic mineral mixture (Organomin forte), T2; organic mineral mixture (Vannamin), T3; probiotics (Microguard), T4; enzyme (Brozyme -XPR) and probiotics, T5; emulsifier (Lipigon) were provided through feed. In the T6 group, 3 percent less energy was given through feed. The weight of vital organs viz. heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the feed supplements of which were in the normal range. The gut morphology was also favorably altered due to feed supplementations. This indicates that the organic mineral mixtures, probiotics, enzymes and emulsifiers, and their combinations can be used as a growth promoter in broiler diets and can improve gut health. These products show promising effects as alternatives for antibiotics as pressure to eliminate growth-promoting antibiotic use increases
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Drug resistance in bacteria is becoming an alarming problem in recent years. Post-antibiotic era is not so far. The need for novel antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents and agrochemicals are utmost. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside in the tissues of living plants which are relatively unstudied and are potential sources of novel natural products for exploitation in medicine, agriculture and industry. The endophytes of medicinal plants participate in biochemical pathways and produce novel bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and to assess antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria from leaves of Acacia catechu. 18 endophytic bacteria had been isolated and identified by sequencing 16S rRNA gene. The isolated endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus humi. Considerable in vitro antibacterial activities against a panel of human pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) were recorded. Among 18 isolates, 15 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium and 10 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae
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Increasing demand and rapid depletion of fossil fuels have together prompted the researchers of many countries to look for alternate renewable fuels. This study is an attempt to test the feasibility of rice bran oil as fuel in C. I. engine in its original and in its refined form. It is generally produced from rice bran which is a by-product produced during paddy processing. Its viscosity though relatively higher than diesel can be reduced by natural sedimentation process. In this attempt, the performance and emission characteristics of rice bran oil and its refined form were studied and compared with diesel by employing them as a fuel in a single cylinder, direct injection, 4.4 KW, air cooled diesel engine. The performance characteristics revealed that the brake thermal efficiency of the rice bran oil was higher than its refined form and were marginally lower than that of diesel. Emission measurements were carried out using MRU Delta 1600L gas analyzer and the soot concentration was measured with AVL smoke meter. It was found that though blends of rice bran oil with ethanolexhibited greater soot concentration characteristics than rice bran oil and diesel at all loads, it exhibited desirable characteristics for other emissions such as lower CO, HC, NOx emissions and lower exhaust gas temperatures with increasing load.