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Background: The importance of prostatic carcinoma and its detection has increased manifold over the last few decades. Total serum acid phosphatase (ACP) was the world’s first emerged clinically useful tumor marker in the 1940s and 1950s in patients with prostatic diseases. With the introduction of the prostatic specific antigen (PSA) test in the 1980s, which performed significantly better in screening and treatment programs bringing disfavor to the advent of ACP. Aims and Objectives: To determine serum PSA and total serum ACP in patients with prostatic cancer and benign prostatic diseases, followed by evaluation of these tumor markers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 30 patients with histologically proven cases of prostatic carcinoma and compared against 30 patients as control with benign prostatic pathology, residing in Punjab who were admitted and treated with symptoms complex of prostatism or retention urine or other urinary complaints as the primary symptoms. PSA and ACP in serum were determined using ELISA test kit and King and Kind method, respectively. Results: The mean level of serum PSA was 81.19 ± 49.02 for cancer prostate and 4.975 for benign prostatic diseases, while the mean level of serum ACP was 5.22 ± 1.70 and 2.52 ± 2.27, respectively, for the cancer prostate and benign prostatic diseases showing statistically difference between study and control groups was highly significant as P < 0.0001. Conclusion: Statistical analysis and results of the present study indicated that although serum ACP has better specificity to PSA, yet later is a very sensitive tumor marker in prostate diseases for screening, diagnosis, and post-treatment follow-up.
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Background: Snake bite and its consequences may be largely prevented with adequate knowledge. Better knowledge can lead to positive attitude and subsequently good practices. Hence, it is of utmost need that people should have adequate knowledge regarding snake bite and its management. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge regarding prevention and management of snake bite among adults in a rural area of West Bengal and to find out any association between sociodemographic profile and knowledge on prevention as well as management of snake bite among the study participants. Materials and Methods: A community-based and observational descriptive study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Medial College, Kolkata, West Bengal for of 2 months. The study participants who were willing to participate in the study and gave written informed consent were included in the study. A pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured data collection form was used. It was developed based on similar type of previous studies and was modified according to the local culture. The data collection form comprised sociodemographic profile of the study participants, their knowledge regarding snake bite, and its prevention and availability of first aid management. Results: A total of 134 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 45.81 ± 8.00 years. It was observed that majority of the study subjects believed in the knowledge that all types of snakes are poisonous (93.2%) and leads to death (90.3%). First aid measures such as application of tourniquet that was seen in only 4.4% of the cases. However, more than half of the study subjects (71.6%) believed in sucking the venom out of the wound. It was noted that higher education status, improved social class had better knowledge score of snake bite prevention and management as compared to their counterparts and this association was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge of the study subjects on snake bite and its prevention is good, but still a large number of participants have inadequate knowledge on snake bite and its prevention. Community-based awareness program on prevention and management of snake bite, use of personal protective measures, and training of peripheral health workers ware specifically recommended.
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Background: Patient satisfaction has been defined as the degree of congruency between a patient’s expectations of ideal care and his/her perception of the real care he receives. It is a multidimensional aspect, represents a vital key marker for the quality of health care delivery and this is an internationally accepted factor which needs to be studied repeatedly for smooth functioning of the health care systems. It has been an important issue for health care managers. Patient satisfaction level is an important and useful indicator for measuring quality in healthcare. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned to assess patient satisfaction with services provided in the study area and to find out whether there is any association between the socio-demographic characters with the satisfaction level from the services provided. Materials and Methods: The study is an observational, descriptive study with cross-sectional study design. An exit interview of 162 adult patients, selected by convenience sampling attending various out-patient department of medical college, Kolkata was conducted over a period of 2 months; using a pre-designed pre-tested semi-structured data collection form. Statistical analyses were done using Chi-square tests, at P ? 0.05 level of significance. Results: The study highlighted that majority (60.5%) of the study participants belonged to 31–60 years age group. It was also noted that majority of the patients were satisfied with overall services available except for ventilation and toilet facilities. Lower educated participants were satisfied with overall behavior of the healthcare providers. Rural participants and those from lower socio-economic status were satisfied with overall availability of general basic facilities. Lower educated participants were less satisfied with overall satisfaction level at various service windows. Gainfully employed participants were satisfied compared to unemployed participants. There was a statistically significant association between the education status and occupation of the study subjects with overall satisfaction level at various service windows. It was found that lower educated participants were less satisfied with overall satisfaction level at various service windows, compared to higher educated participants (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed that majority of the patients were satisfied with the overall services provided at medical college, Kolkata.
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Background: A woman is highly vulnerable to anxiety and stress during her pregnancy causing negative effect in somatic and psychological forms like Intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight and pre-term birth in child. Maternal anxiety not only leads to adverse effect on pregnancy outcome but also de-creases maternal competence in childcare. Aims/Objectives: Determine the prevalence of antenatal anxiety among women attending Ashok Nagar UHC and identify the associated risk factors. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done for 3 months in 320 antenatal women attending antena-tal clinic at Ashok Nagar UHC. Data collection was done using a pre designed and pre tested question-naire. Results: Theprevalence of antenatal anxiety was 31.2%. Among them 30% had mild to moderate anxie-ty and only 1.2% had severe anxiety. Prevalence of anxiety was higher in younger women and with low-er literacy status. Conclusion: Antenatal anxiety is of major public health importance but its effect on mother is not con-sidered to be a serious issue in the society. There is a need for regular antenatal screening, assessment and treatment of antenatal anxiety.
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Lynch syndrome or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is a type of inherited cancer syndrome with a genetic predisposition to different types of cancer. There is an increased predisposition to cancers in the endometrium, colon, stomach, ovary, uterus, skin, kidney, and brain in patients of Lynch syndrome. We are reporting a 48-year-old male who presented with a pea-sized growth in his left arm which was found to be sebaceoma on histopathology. On further detailed history, examination, and genetic study, it was proved to be a familial case of Lynch syndrome. The case is being reported to stress the importance of knowledge about clinical manifestation, associated neoplasms, and molecular genetic profile of Lynch syndrome which will enable physicians and pathologists to provide highly targeted surveillance and management for patients with high cancer risk.
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We report on a 24 year old woman presented with low mood, reduced appetite, disturbed sleep and anxiety for which she was prescribed oral medication from a local practitioner in form of antidepressant(SSRI), anxiolytic(BZD) and upon no improvement, she underwent 8 rounds of successful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on which she responded partially and was discharged on SSRI. A few days after visited the same doctor and reported of having low mood, crying spells, referential and paranoid ideas and an attempt of suicide for which 10 more sessions of ECT were given. She presented in psychiatry OPD with catatonia where she was advised admission and diagnosed as a case of recurrent depressive disorder with catatonia and was managed with suprathreshold doses of SSRI and responded well.
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Background: The pattern of drug use in a hospital setting needs to be monitored intermittently to analyze their rationality. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prescribing pattern as per World Health Organization core drug use indicators. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional, single-center, and observational study. A total of 620 prescriptions were included and analyzed in dermatology outpatient attendees at a tertiary care teaching hospital. A predesigned pro forma was used to collect and compile data. All the statistical analysis was performed with the Microsoft Excel office 2019 version. Results: The average number of drugs per encounter was 4.03. The percentage of encounters with antibiotics was 33.38%. There was no prescription having an injection. The drugs prescribed by their generic names were 16.61%. Drugs prescribed from local institutional essential drugs list were 42.11%. Conclusion: Studies based on drug prescribing patterns are a very important tool not only to guide physicians to improve their prescribing habits but also for hospital administration to recognize the lacunae in drug prescribing and formulate guidelines to facilitate rational drug use.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus family (SARS-CoV-2). There is a rising trend of the pandemic ever since its inception. Although the healthcare workers are already oriented and play a central role in the response to COVID-19, there is very limited information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients attending health facilities toward SARS-CoV-2. Aim and Objectives: Assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention of Novel Coronavirus among patients attending general out-patient department (GOPD) in a Medical College of Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in GOPD of Kolkata for 3 months in 119 adults. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data by interview method. Results: The mean age of study participants was 41.05 ± 15.09 (S.D.) with 49.6% belonging to the age group of 20–40 years. Knowledge regarding prevention of transmission was noted among 70.5% of study participants. About 96.6% followed the good practice of wearing mask while going outside and 70.6% covered both nose and mouth. The various socio-demographic variables were associated with the knowledge and practice of COVID-19 transmission. It was noted that education, occupation, and socio-economic status showed statistically significant association with knowledge and correct practice of using mask during the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a moderately fair level of knowledge concerning SARS-CoV-2 among the general population and a significant association with positive attitudes and practices toward preventive health measures to combat COVID-19.
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This commentary draws attention to the need of taking care of the physical and mental health of the healthcare workers while treating patients with COVID-19.
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Goats are considered as an important animal not in present scenario but also from ancient time. Due to increasing frugal interest of goat farming globally, profound animal husbandry practices are attaining importance under the target of obtaining quality products along with good animal health and welfare. During the transition phase of life, noticeable alterations in the endocrine and metabolic status of the dairy ruminants were registered. Among small ruminants i.e. goat’s hypocalcaemia, hypoglycemia/Pregnancy toxemia and hypomagnesaemia are the common metabolic disorders which normally precipitated during metabolic anxiety phase. The present study was conducted during the period of 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. During this period we had registered total 957 goats at Kalsi, Chakrata areas of district Dehradun, Chorgalia, Kotabagh, Kaladhungi areas of district Nainital and Shetlai, Pantnagar, Bazpur areas of district Uddham Singh Nagar beside this we had also included the concerned cases from Government Veterinary Hospital Outpatient departments (OPDs) of the above said areas in Uttarakhand. In the present study, we had performed a prevalence study over common occurring metabolic diseases of goats like hypocalcaemia, hypoglycemia/pregnancy toxemia and hypomagnesaemia. Besides this, we had also studied the dissemination pattern of common occurring metabolic diseases on the basis of their age groups and parity
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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.
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@#Introduction:Grade 3B/C open tibial fractures with grossly contaminated degloving injuries have poor outcomes, with or without vascular injuries. Treatment decision oscillates between limb salvage and amputation. The standard protocol of repeated debridement and delayed wound cover is a challenge in developing countries due to overcrowded emergencies and limited operating room availability. We present results of our modified protocol involving primary stabilisation with external fixation and immediate wound cover as an aggressive modality of treatment. Material and Methods:Thirty-three patients with severe open tibial shaft fractures were managed using a standardised protocol of emergent debridement, external fixation and immediate wound cover with free distant/local rotational muscle flaps and fasciocutaneous flaps, and with vascular repair in Grade 3C fractures. Intra-articular fractures were excluded. Patients were followed for a minimum of three years, with an assessment of clinical, radiological and functional outcomes. Results: Wound cover was achieved with 24 distant free muscle flaps, four local rotational muscle flaps and five fasciocutaneous flaps. All fractures united with an average time to union of 40.3 weeks (16-88). Fifteen patients (45.4%) underwent only a single major surgery using primary definitive external fixation. Deep infection was seen in four patients (12.1%). Nineteen patients had excellent to good outcomes, six were fair, and eight were poor. Conclusion: “Fix and Flap” in the same sitting, using immediate wound cover and external fixation, has given good results in our hands despite the delayed presentation, the neurovascular deficit and the degloving injury. This may be a better management strategy in overcrowded tertiary care centres of developing countries, with a single surgical procedure in almost half the cases.
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The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. Total of 100 sera samples from azotemic dogs were subjected to Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) using Leptospira culture in Leptospira lab, Department of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.) All the sera samples were tested against L. interrogans: Serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona, canicola, autumnalis, grippotyphosa and javanica. Out of 100 sera samples, 20 (20%) were found positive (+) for different serovars of Leptospira interogans and 3 (3%) were doubtful (±) at an antibody titre ≥1:100. The serovars identified were L. autumnalis (17/100), L. icterohaemorrhagiae (8/100), L. gryppotyphosa (4/100), L. canicola (2/100), L. javanica (2/100) and L. Pomona (1/100). The highest prevalence of Leptospira was observed for serovars L. autumnalis (17%), followed by L. icterohaemorrhagiae (8%) and least for L. Pomona (1%)
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Background: Hypertension(HTN) is a major cardiovascular disease and is a major worldwide clinical problem. The prevalence of hypertension increases in urban and rural areas. The treatment of hypertension began in the 1960s with oral diuretics. The other modalities of treatment of hypertension are beta – blockers, calcium-channel blockers, alphareceptors blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARBs. The better compliance occurs with single-pill combination, and may be even double or even triple pill combination therapy should be used. Also quality of life was improved better with Metoprolol and Telmisartan as compared with Metoprolol and Ramipril. Quality of life was assessed by SF -36 Quiestionnare. Objective: To compare the effect of Metoprolol and Telmisartan versus Metoprolol and Ramipril on BP and quality of life in patients of hypertension. Material and Methods: In this prospective, open, randomized, parallel group, comparative study, 80 patients of hypertension attending the Cardiology Outpatient Department, Govt. Medical College & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala were recruited. This randomized comparative study was done on 80 patients for 4 months. Quality of Life: In my project of Quality of life, I had taken total 80 patients and the patients were divided into two groups and 40 patients each of Metoprolol and Ramipril versus Metoprolol and Telmisartan. To assess quality of life questionnaire SF-36 was administered to the patients. Results: There was a marked decrease in SBP and DBP with the use of Metoprolol and Telmisartan than Metoprolol and Ramipril. There was also no change in demographic parameters. There was significant improvement in the quality of life with Metoprolol and Telmisartan. Conclusion: Metoprolol and Telmisartan was a better choice than Metoprolol and Ramipril in treating hypertension as this combination causes more reduction in BP and little effect on HR.
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Background: Hypertension(HTN) is a major cardiovascular disease and is a major worldwide clinical problem. The prevalence of hypertension increases in urban and rural areas. The treatment of hypertension began in the 1960s with oral diuretics. The other modalities of treatment of hypertension are beta – blockers, calcium-channel blockers, alphareceptors blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARBs. The better compliance occurs with single-pill combination, and may be even double or even triple pill combination therapy should be used. Also quality of life was improved better with Metoprolol and Telmisartan as compared with Metoprolol and Ramipril. Quality of life was assessed by SF -36 Quiestionnare. Objective: To compare the effect of Metoprolol and Telmisartan versus Metoprolol and Ramipril on BP and quality of life in patients of hypertension. Material and Methods: In this prospective, open, randomized, parallel group, comparative study, 80 patients of hypertension attending the Cardiology Outpatient Department, Govt. Medical College & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala were recruited. This randomized comparative study was done on 80 patients for 4 months. Quality of Life: In my project of Quality of life, I had taken total 80 patients and the patients were divided into two groups and 40 patients each of Metoprolol and Ramipril versus Metoprolol and Telmisartan. To assess quality of life questionnaire SF-36 was administered to the patients. Results: There was a marked decrease in SBP and DBP with the use of Metoprolol and Telmisartan than Metoprolol and Ramipril. There was also no change in demographic parameters. There was significant improvement in the quality of life with Metoprolol and Telmisartan. Conclusion: Metoprolol and Telmisartan was a better choice than Metoprolol and Ramipril in treating hypertension as this combination causes more reduction in BP and little effect on HR.
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Background: Indiscriminate use of drugs and cosmetics among a pregnant woman is always a challenge in the antenatal care for health-care providers especially in developing countries. There is a potential risk to the growing fetus due to irrational use of drugs and cosmetics during pregnancy awareness, and adequate knowledge of their use can prevent many drug-induced complications during pregnancy. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the awareness among pregnant women regarding the use and safety of drugs and cosmetics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in various antenatal clinics of the state of Punjab. 500 pregnant women were enrolled in the study and the questionnaire was prepared in the local language to assess the knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: A very few pregnant women had knowledge that drugs have any effect on the fetus and less than half believe that drugs should be taken only by consultation by the doctor. Majority pregnant women believe that sufficient time and attention are not given by a doctor during an appointment. Only 2% of women had the idea of antenatal sessions. More than half of the pregnant women considered alternative remedies to be more safe in pregnancy while a very few had the idea that cosmetics are safe in pregnancy. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the majority of participants in the study have poor knowledge regarding benefits and adverse effects of the use of drugs and cosmetics during pregnancy.
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Background & objectives: Celiac disease (CD) can exist in various forms in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients and can remain undetected, leading to severe complications. This study was aimed to evaluate five commercially available anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) ELISA kits with distinct formats for the detection of CD and potential CD in T1D patients. Clinical and demographic profiles of the patients with different disease subsets were also studied. Methods: Fifty T1D patients with classical and non-classical symptoms of CD and 100 T1D patients without any symptoms of CD were included in this study. Anti-tTG autoantibody levels were estimated by five ELISA kits followed by histological examination of duodenal biopsy. HLA DQ2-DQ8 and DRB1-DQB1 typing was done, and serum levels for transforming growth factor (TGF)-?1 were also estimated. Results: Assay format detecting anti-tTG IgA antibodies against recombinant antigens along with neopeptides of gliadin was most efficient in the detection of CD in symptomatic patients, and assay format detecting IgA+IgG helped in the detection of potential CD in asymptomatic T1D patients. These findings were supported by histological examination and human leucocyte antigen analysis. Patients with potential CD were found to have markedly deranged glycaemic control parameters and also had significantly raised serum levels of TGF-?1, (P <0.05) compared to T1D patients. Interpretation & conclusions: Potential CD can be frequently seen in T1D patients. This can be attributed to the dietary patterns prevalent in the subcontinent and the genetic basis of the disease. Anti-tTG IgA+IgG antibodies can be useful in the detection of these potential CD cases in T1D patients. Early intervention with gluten-free diet can be considered in these patients for better disease management.
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Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the best nutrition for children during the first six months of life. However EBF remains a challenge. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards EBF among lactating mothers. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 mothers using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using 'recall since birth' method. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants and descriptive statistics were conducted. Results: Out of 350 lactating women, maximum women belonged to the age group of 26 to 30 years (31.4%). Maximum of them were from nuclear family (71.7%). 320 lactating mother (91.4%) of study participants had information about EBF. Conclusion: The majority of mothers knew about EBF and had a positive attitude towards EBF but did not know the recommended duration or that EBF is sufficient for six months. Breastfeeding counselling and health education on nutrition to the mother by health workers should be promoted.
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A sebaceous cyst is a retention cyst. The classical management of scrotal sebaceous cysts is complete surgical excision and in the current era and as expected from the patient from the doctor and as the duty of the doctor, excellent outcome, minimal morbidity with good cosmetic results.
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Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the best nutrition for children during the first six months of life. However EBF remains a challenge. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards EBF among lactating mothers. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 mothers using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using 'recall since birth' method. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants and descriptive statistics were conducted. Results: Out of 350 lactating women, maximum women belonged to the age group of 26 to 30 years (31.4%). Maximum of them were from nuclear family (71.7%). 320 lactating mother (91.4%) of study participants had information about EBF. Conclusion: The majority of mothers knew about EBF and had a positive attitude towards EBF but did not know the recommended duration or that EBF is sufficient for six months. Breastfeeding counselling and health education on nutrition to the mother by health workers should be promoted.