Effect of COVID-19 on Menstruation: An Observational Study

Introduction: COVID-19 patients have been reported to have systemic complications. Analyzing its effect on the endocrine system is essential to ensure women’s reproductive health. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of COVID-19 disease on menstruation. Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from October 2021 to April 2022, using a validated questionnaire to collect the data. The study included females (15 to 49 years) who had confirmed COVID infection. Results: A total of 132 females participated in the study. For 29 (22%) patients presenting with menstrual cycle changes, most common change was prolonged cycle (14%). An increase in menstrual volume was reported by 12%, where as 35% of patients experienced more pain during menstruation. Menstrual irregularities were significantly higher in severe infection (p-value 0.04). Conclusion: There were transient changes in menstruation in COVID-19-infected patients, with a higher probability of menstruation abnormalities among severely infected patients.

Relationship between Body Surface Area and Pulmonary Functions in Patients of Silicosis

Background and objective: Silicosis is one of the oldest occupational lung diseases. However, there are very few studies identifying the anthropometric variables associated with silicosis. The present study aimed at studying the association between body surface area (BSA), pulmonary function indices, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in patients with silicosis. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 102 male patients of silicosis. Height and weight were measured to calculate BSA. Spirometry and 6 minute-walk tests were performed. Data were analyzed using EPI info V 7 software. Student's t-test of significance (ANOVA) was applied to test the difference between means. Results: There are no significant changes found in the 6-minute walk distance with years of exposure and BSA. Statistically significant lower values of pulmonary function indices were observed in patients with BSA <1.6 sq m. Statistically significant higher values of forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity were observed in patients with BSA >1.9 sq m in all categories of exposure. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients of silicosis with >1.9 sq m BSA had higher values of pulmonary function indices. Large body size may be of value in protection from developing occupational lung disease.

Effect of spirituality, exercise, music, and engagement with nature on intelligence, stress, and cognition

Background: Spirituality is recognition of a sense that there is something greater than myself. Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances physical fitness and overall health. Music is a universal language to express mind through tone and emotions. Nature is the physical world or the universe. Intelligence is the global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand one’s own emotions and emotions of others. Adversity quotient deals with ability of a person to deal with adversities in life. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to study the effect of different interventions on intelligence, stress and cognitive functions. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed on 144 subjects in age group of 30–39 years. Their basal level of intelligence quotient (IQ), emotional quotient (EQ), resilience score (RS), acute stress score (ASS), perceived stress score (PSS), isometric handgrip (IHG), and stroop tests was recorded. The subjects were divided into four groups of 36 each. Four groups were allotted different interventions of spirituality practices, moderate intensity physical exercise, receptive music, and engagement with nature respectively for 1 month duration. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and post hoc tests along with student t-test were used for computing the results. Results: IQ, EQ, RS, ASS, IHG, PSS, and stroop subtests yielded mixed results with four interventions at different levels of significance. Conclusion: Although every intervention had different and positive impact on parameters, overall spiritual practices exhibited better response on parameters.

Effect of spiritual practices on higher brain functions, psychological health, and stress response

Background: Spiritual beliefs include the relationship to a superior being and recognition of a sense that there is something greater than myself. Psychological health is not just absence of mental disorder but a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope up with normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to analyze the impact of spiritual practices on memory, cognitive functions, psychological health, adjustment level, and stress response. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases on 150 subjects. In the first phase of study, subjects were divided into low, average and high spirituality groups on the basis of spirituality scores. Each group was required to perform memory test, stroop test along-with assessment of psychological health, and adjustment level. Their basal level of stress parameters was recorded. A stressor was introduced and stress parameters were again assessed. Subjects were asked to perform spiritual practices for 1 month duration and the parameters were again assessed. ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for inter group comparison. Student’s t-test was used to analyze data between baseline values and post spirituality values for various parameters. Results: On comparison of parameters in low, average and high spirituality groups, significant and non-significant results were obtained at baseline level and after 1 month practice of spirituality. Conclusion: Spiritual practices have positive effect on parameters studied.

Comparison of clinical utility of Cancer Ratio, CEA, Malignant Cytology in diagnosis of suspected malignant pleural effusion

Introduction: Pleural effusion is one of the manifestation of a malignant disease which may be malignant pleural effusion with demonstrable malignant cells in the fluid or para-malignant pleural effusion which is reactive response or due obstruction of lymphatic drainage rather than invasion of pleural cavity. Various modalities are there to investigate this condition including routine microscopy, cytology, biopsy etc. Objective: To understand and compare the utility of cancer ratio, tumor markers, malignant cytology in cases of suspected malignant pleural effusion. Material and Methods: This Case Control Cross sectional study was conducted among patients attending respiratory OPD at Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, BHU, Varanasi, diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion and non-malignant pleural effusion. Results: Significant association was found between Cancer Ratio-Carcinoembryonic Antigen, CEA (p = 0.0069), CEA-Cytology (p = <0.01801)

Evaluation of immunocytochemistry on destained giemsa stained smears as an alternative to conventional technique

Introduction: Protocol for immunocytochemical (ICC) staining in May-Grünwald Giemsa (MGG)–stained smears has been difficult to establish. It is the need of the hour to be able to use prestained slides for ICC in specific cases to deliver timely diagnoses and reduce inconvenience to patients. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the use of MGG-stained smears for the purpose of ICC, after de-staining and saline rehydration to that of routine standard ICC. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 40 FNAC samples: 25 cases of breast disease and 15 cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia known to express pancytokeratin and leukocyte common antigen (LCA)/CD45, respectively. Air-dried smears of each case were stained by standard MGG stain and after the report was dispatched, one smear was selected and sent for ICC. The smears were analyzed to determine the overall result and grade each smear semi-quantitatively with respect to staining-intensity, stain-localization, staining-uniformity, counter-staining, and background-staining. Observations and Results: The proposed protocol was inferior to conventional ICC in all the parameters, more pronounced in pancytokeratin than LCA/CD45. Only 8% of air-dried smears stained for pancytokeratin showed optimal stain intensity (as opposed to 44% of wet-fixed smears), whereas only 14.3% of air-dried smears were optimally stained for LCA (as opposed to 85.7% of wet-fixed smears). Conclusion: The proposed protocol of de-stained Giemsa smears as an alternative to conventional technique for ICC was unsuccessful in giving satisfactory results.

Does Nutritional Status Affects Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Elderly? A Cross-Sectional Study at A Tertiary Care Health Centre, Rishikesh, India

Aim: Present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of nutritional status on oral health related quality of life using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) among geriatric population attend-ing outpatient department (OPD) of tertiary health care centre in Rishikesh. Settings and Design: Present cross-sectional study was conducted on geriatric male & female partici-pants attending Outpatients Department(OPD) of tertiary care centre, RISHIKESH. Methods and Material:Nutritional assessment was recorded by using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Oral health related quality of life was assessed using pre-validated Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire. Statistical analysis: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test were applied using SPSS 22.0 Software. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out risk factors. Results:A total of 281 participants completed the questionnaire with mean age of 66.89 ± 6.43 years. About three fourth (73%) of total participants were at risk of malnourishment. A statistically significant difference (P=0.005) was observed when the median GOHAI scores were compared with nutritional sta-tus (MNA scores). Conclusions: A statistically significant difference was found between nutritional status and geriatric oral health related quality of life (GOHAI). Nutritional status affects oral health related quality of life among elderly population.

Assessment of knowledge Vis-à-vis Food Labels

Background: Public health initiatives focused on improving food at the community level to reduce the risk of nutritionrelated disorders have gained pace in light of the enormous illness burden associated with chronic diseases connected to nutrition. Delivering straightforward, pertinent, and understandable information regarding the nutritional value of food is the goal of Front of Package Labelling (FoPLs), which are intended to assist consumers in choosing healthier foods at the point of purchase. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out online through a series of webinars using an online survey platform and a feedback-designed questionnaire to ascertain webinar participants' knowledge of front of package labeling. Results: Among the participants, only 75.4% correctly identified the characteristics of packaged foods that increase the risk of obesity. Also, it was found that 84.7% of the participants knew that food labels had to display complete nutritional information. About 93.6 percent of the individuals were aware of public health initiatives that raise awareness of FOPL. Only 38.9% of the individuals were aware that certain food products were free from labelling, in comparison. Conclusion: Front of package labelling (FOPL) regulation goals must be adopted in order to enable consumers to simply, quickly, and accurately identify items containing extra sugars, trans-fats, oils, and sodium. This will help the Government of India comply with WHO recommendations on unhealthy foods.

Experience of quantity and quality of DNA and RNA extraction from limited pediatric blood samples: A comparative analysis of automated and manual kit-based method

Introduction: Optimal DNA and RNA quantity and purity is essential for downstream molecular biology experimentation and to avoid re-processing of sample. Despite availability of different kits and automated systems for nucleic acid isolation there is limited data on their performance evaluation, more so with pediatric blood samples, that are usually compromised in quantity. Hence, we evaluated the performance of automated QIAcube platform using pediatric blood samples in parallel with manual Qiagen extraction kits. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 samples were analyzed based on groups of PBMC and direct blood input. The isolated DNA and RNA were surveyed for quantity and quality tests by spectrophotometric and downstream analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in the DNA quantity (ng/ul) between manual and automated method based on similar sample input but quality (260/280) was significantly better with the QIAcube platform when direct blood and or PBMCs were used for extraction respectively (1.82 ± 004 Vs. 1.84.002; P-0.000008 and 1.859 ± 005 Vs. 1.843 ± 0.003; P-0.02). Moreover, the standard error mean was low for both quantity and quality in the QIAcube method suggesting uniformity. Comparison of quality assessment by spectrophotometer and qubit fluorimeter showed that QIAcube sheared DNA less (P- 0.038) as compared to manual method (P-0.013). Also, time taken to process the samples in QIAcube was 23% less than the kit-based method. Conclusion: Overall analysis of QIAcube platform suggests that it yields more better, uniform, and less-sheared quality of nucleic acid in a relatively less time as compared to manual extraction kits.

Geospatial Epidemiology of chicken-pox disease in India between 2015-2021: A GIS based analysis

Introduction: In this paper, we introduce geographical information systems (GIS) as a tool to study trends in disease spread in time and space. Based on data gathered by the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), we can see where outbreaks of Chickenpox have occurred. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the trends in chickenpox diseases in India between January 2015 and April 2021 using GIS maps. Methods: For the collection of secondary data relating to chickenpox, a free app called collect 5 was used for collecting data weekly from the IDSP website and then storing them in an online server. In this project, variables that needed to be processed with QGIS were combined with table attributes of many shapefiles of India and presented as maps. Results: Between Jan 2015 and May 2021, 1269 chickenpox outbreaks (27,257 cases) have been recorded. Thirty-one deaths have been confirmed, with most occurring in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen states did not report any deaths. According to the seasonally adjusted trend, the number of cases was highest during the months of January and March. Conclusion: In summary, geographic information systems have become an invaluable tool for mapping the hotspots of acute epidemics and planning public health interventions to prevent the spread of these diseases.

Prevalence of incidental and total human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C seropositivity among patients posted for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center in India

Purpose: To study the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) viral seropositive among the patients posted for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center in north India. Methods: It was a cross?sectional study done for 30 months duration. All the patients posted for cataract surgery underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation followed by routine hematological workup, including viral markers for HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and anti?HCV. Data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 20). Results: A total of 7,316 individuals underwent cataract surgery from Jan 2016 to August 2018, 4,073/7,316 (55.7%) were males. The prevalence for HIV was 58/7,316 (0.8%), HBsAg was 151/7,316 (2.1%), and HCV was 11/7,316 (0.1%); 28/58 (48.3%) HIV positives were unaware of their seropositivity till testing, as were 37/151 (24.5%) of HBsAg positives, and 4/11 (36.4%) HCV positives. There was a significant relationship between the mean age in the patients with HIV (P = 0.002) and anti?HCV (P = 0.045). A majority of the seropositive patients were found to be illiterate (45.6%), followed by educated up to high school level (29.1%), and graduate (25.0%). Conclusion: Viral seropositivity was significant among the patients posted for cataract surgery. The eye care providers could refer these patients for counseling and further management for the patient’s and their caretaker’s benefit

Evaluation Of Prevalence And Clinical Profile Of Patients Of Metabolic Syndrome

Background:The metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent condition among the patients with detrimental impact on short-term outcome. Early diagnosis, treatment including lifestyle modification and prevention of the metabolic syndrome may reduce the development of cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction including its complications. So, in this study we tried to find out prevalence of metabolic syndrome and study clinical profile, analyzebiochemical parameters and study risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Material And Methods:A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of medicine of tertiary care teaching hospital, Ahmedabad, India. Between August 2017 to August 2019. A total of 280 patients were selected randomly who visited the medical OPD. Diagnosis of Metabolic syndrome is based on: NCEP-ATP III 2001 (National cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III). A detailed medical history ofthe patient including symptomatology, details of past illness, occupation, habits (smoking and alcohol) was obtained. A complete physical examination and systemic examination was performed. Results were expressed as mean± SD for continuous data and were compared by chi square test between two groups. Result:Out of the 280 cases, metabolic syndrome was present in 184 cases with incidence of 65.72%. 30% of males and 70% of females had metabolic syndrome. Mean age of metabolic syndrome in was 58 (57.84+11.35) years with age of patients ranged from 20 to 85 years with maximum number of cases were in the 51-60 years age group (33.2%). The most common mode of presentation in metabolic syndrome group was chest pain 45 (24.5%), followed by headache, 41 (22.3%), gabharaman, 29 (15.8%), fatigability, 29 (15.8%), and giddiness, 28 (15.2%).31.5%, 22.3% and 22.8% of metabolic syndrome patients had past history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and IHD respectively. In patients with metabolic syndrome, mean values of fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride level, systolic blood pressure were 155.19mg/dl, 179.16mg/dl, 143.43 mm of Hg respectively. In patients with metabolic syndrome mean values of hdl level were 31.29mg/dl and 39.29mg/dl in male and females respectively. The most common biochemical abnormality was found to be increased triglyceride levels followed by increased fasting blood sugar. Conclusion:Early diagnosis, treatment including lifestyle modification and prevention of the metabolic syndrome may reduce the development of cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction including its complications. So, cardiovascular disease patients with metabolic syndrome must be identified and managed aggressively to reduce both morbidity and mortality. In this study,metabolic syndrome was more common amongst women who can be particularly attributed to high BMI, low HDL and increased waist circumference.

Text messaging improves diabetes-related knowledge of patients in India: A quasi-experimental study

Background. Diabetes-related health education promotes patient efficacy for diabetes self-management. However, sub-optimal knowledge of diabetes in people with diabetes is recognized as a challenge in overcrowded public health facilities in India. We aimed to determine the effect of health education through mobile phone text messages (short messaging service [SMS]) on diabetes-related knowledge of patients with diabetes. Methods. From February 2016 to February 2017, we recruited adult patients with diabetes for this quasi-experimental study done in the outpatient setting of a major tertiary care government hospital in Delhi, India. Participants in the intervention group received a text message on diabetes self-care practices every alternate day for 90 days. We evaluated the patients’ knowledge of diabetes using the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes (SKILL-D) questionnaire and a self-designed diabetes knowledge questionnaire. Results. We enrolled 190 men and 160 women, of whom 52 (13.7%) were lost to follow-up. At baseline, mean diabetes knowledge scores were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. After the intervention period of 3 months, the diabetes knowledge scores for SKILL-D and the patient diabetes knowledge questionnaire showed a statistically significant increase in the intervention group (mean difference 0.7 and 0.5, respectively; p<0.001, but there was no increase in the control group). Conclusion. The use of mobile phone technology for diabetes-related health education through mobile text-message (SMS) technology is an effective method for health promotion.

Analyzing the Effect of Lockdown on Weather Parameters Amid COVID-19 Pandemic of Mid Hill Region of Rajouri District of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Territory, India

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.

Effect of Lockdown amid COVID-19 Pandemic on Weather Parameters of Mid Hill Region of Jammu District of J&K, UT

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.

Is there any association between vitamin D deficiency and anti-thyroid peroxidase positive hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and it is believed to have a role as an immune modulator. However, the association between vitamin D levels and anti-thyroid peroxidase positive (TPOAb) hypothyroidism is still controversial. Aim: To elucidate the association between vitamin D levels and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) positive hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: Serum Vitamin D, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and thyroid function test were measured in 105 patients, who were sub-grouped into the TPOAb positive and TPOAb negative hypothyroidism category. Results: Vitamin D level, was found significantly lower in patients with TPOAb positive hypothyroidism as compared to patients TPOAb negative hypothyroidism (13.275.18vs. 17.746.03ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05), as well as between patients with TPOAb positive hypothyroidism and control group (13.275.18vs. 29.669.41 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05). Within the patients' group, there was a significant negative correlation between serum 25 (OH) vitamin D and TSH (r=−0.438, P<0.05), anti-TPO (r=−0.275, P<0.05). Furthermore, insignificant positive correlations were recorded between serum 25 (OH) vitamin D, and each of T3, T4 (r=–0.056, 0.097, P>0.05). Conclusion: The current study observed significant low levels of 25(OH)D3 in TPOAb positive hypothyroid patients.

Organ Weights and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Different Supplements

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

Demographic details, risk factors, microbiological profile, and clinical outcomes of pediatric infectious keratitis cases in North India

Purpose: To study the demographic details, risk factors, microbiological profile, and clinical outcomes of pediatric infectious keratitis cases in North India. Methods: This retrospective case series included review of medical records of pediatric patients (0–16 years) diagnosed with infectious keratitis in a tertiary care center of North India during December 2011 to January 2017 was done. Demographic details, predisposing factors, microbiological investigations, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: In this time period, 104 eyes of 104 children had a diagnosis of infectious keratitis. Culture was obtained for all 104 eyes and was positive in eighty eight eyes (84.2%). The most common causative factor was trauma, seen in 77 eyes (74%). Bacteria was the most common agent isolated in culture (54.2%) followed by fungi (40.8%) and acanthamoeba (2.1%). Successful healing of the keratitis with appropriate medical treatment occurred in 84 (80.7%) eyes, while 13 (12.5%) eyes required therapeutic keratoplasty. Of the 80 eyes with documentation of both preliminary and final visual acuity, improvement of two lines was seen in 35 eyes (43.7%), stayed the same in and worsened in 17 eyes (21%). Mean time to resolution of infection on medical treatment for bacteria was 23.65 ± 4.78 days, fungi 32 ± 5.19 days, and acanthamoeba 53.67 ± 4.78 days. Conclusion: Gram positive organism is the most common etiological agent of keratitis in children in our study population which is in contrast to pediatric infective keratitis study conducted by Aruljyothi et al. in South India (2011--2013). Though less in number than bacterial keratitis, fungus also remains an important causative agent. Along with early diagnosis and immediate medical intervention, it is important to identify regional profile of organisms and risk factors for good visual and anatomical outcome.