ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic started from Wuhan China in December 2019 and involved whole world including India. India has reported 3.48 crores cases and 4.81 lakhs death till December 31, 2021. Madhya Pradesh is among the top ten case load states in India affected by COVID. Initially, there was involvement of urban area of large cities followed by small rural area of Madhya Pradesh. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological determinants of the COVID-19 in Sironj block of Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study which included all laboratory positive COVID-19 cases from first reported case from April 3, 2020 to August 3, 2020 (first wave). The information was collected through predesigned proforma with the help of health workers in health services. MS Excel software used for data analysis. Results: Out of 132 positive cases, the majority of cases were between 15 and 35 years of age group with 2/3 cases of male predominance. More than 58% patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. There were on average 57.39 cases/Lakh population found during the study period while sample positivity rate was 13.73%. Cases were scattered around 41 major areas of Sironj block. Peak cases were observed around past 2 weeks of July 2020 during first wave of COVID-19. Conclusion: The focus must be placed around the ward/village where the number of active cases of COVID-19 is concentrated. It must be reconsidered on time to time basis.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To identify histopathologic features of HSV keratitis and correlate them to their clinical findings following penetrating keratoplasty for suspected HSV keratitis and predict the graft outcome on oral Acyclovir treatment. Material and methods: A clinical study of 20 patients who presented to us with clinical picture suspected of HSV keratitis that underwent penetrating keratoplasty at a teaching hospital situated in rural area of India. Out of 20 patients 18 were primary grafts and in 2 patients repeat penetrating keratoplasty was done following graft failure due to rejection. A detailed review of the histopathology of the excised corneal button was performed to identify associations between clinical data (diseaseactivity, vascularity, graft outcome) and histopathologic data (inflammation, neovascularization, gross). Patients with features of HSV keratitis on histopathology were started on oral prophylactic acyclovir therapy post penetrating keratoplasty. Results: All patients had clinically quiescent disease for atleast 6 months before surgery. The visual outcome was better in 14 patients on oral acyclovir post penetrating keratoplasty in suspected HSV keratitis positive on histopathology including 2 repeat keratoplasty which were not earlier started on oral acyclovir. Histopathology of 12 cases including 2 repeat Penetrating keratoplasty revealed active corneal inflammation with epithelial irregularities along with patchy loss of Bowman’s membrane, infiltration of anterior stroma by lymphocytes, leukocytes and plasma cells. Diffuse fibrosis and neovascularisation of stroma was present which was correlated clinically. No recurrence was seen in these patients on follow up of 1 year. Of the 6 patients without any histopathologic inflammation in their corneas, only 1 experienced an allograft rejection. Conclusion: Histopathological inflammation is a marker for HSV status and its correlation helps in judicious use of acyclovir and reduces the risk of recurrence of HSV keratitis. Oral acyclovir therapy post penetrating keratoplasty acts as adjunct to improve the visual outcome in patients with positive histopathological changes.
ABSTRACT
The discovery of Precambrian microfossils in 1954 opened a new vista of investigations in the fi eld of evolution of life. Although the Precambrian encompasses 87% of the earth’s history, the pace of organismal evolution was quite slow. The life forms as categorised today in the three principal domains viz. the Bacteria, the Archaea and the Eucarya evolved during this period. In this paper, we review the advancements made in the Precambrian palaeontology and its contribution in understanding the evolution of life forms on earth. These studies have enriched the data base on the Precambrian life. Most of the direct evidence includes fossil prokaryotes, protists, advanced algal fossils, acritarchs, and the indirect evidence is represented by the stromatolites, trace fossils and geochemical fossils signatures. The Precambrian fossils are preserved in the form of compressions, impressions, and permineralized and biomineralized remains.
ABSTRACT
The crude extract and saponins of Indian pseudoginseng and saponins of Korean ginseng have been studied using a battery of biological tests in rats and mice. Indian pseudoginseng saponins were found to exhibit better activity than the Korean ginseng saponins in several tests employed. The results indicate a need for in-depth study of Indian pseudoginseng as an adaptogenic agent, after cultivation of the plant under controlled conditions.