A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Myths About Covid-19 Vaccination in Selected Rural Area Ratua at Bhopal (M.P.)

Background- COVID-19 is the Pandemic disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. There are many myths regarding COVID-19 vaccine spread by community people at rural area. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about myths of COVID-19, Bhopal Ratua (M.P). The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with global experts, governments, and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread. The urban people have poor attitude regarding myths about Covid- 19 vaccination. Materials & Methods- A Study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding Covid Vaccination among rural community people. 30 rural community people from a selected rural community were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 40 questions was used. Results- Almost all had some pre-test knowledge regarding the myths surrounding Covid-19. Whereas the knowledge was increased post-test. Conclusion- We concluded that such awareness programs may have a positive impact on increasing the knowledge of rural people. After that the vaccine needs to go through a review by the National Regulatory Authority, who will decide if the vaccine is safe and effective.

Aphthous Ulcer: A Case Report

Mouth ulcers are quite common in all age groups. They can be linked to several conditions such as simple injury due to acute trauma or due to a sharp tooth or to an autoimmune disease. There are several medications available on the market to treat mouth ulcers. But do we need to prescribe a medication every time? This report presents a case of a 34-year-old male who presented with an ulcer in the palate and was treated without a prescription

A study on the knowledge, attitude, and practice on adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance among nursing staff

Background: Lack of knowledge of pharmacovigilance and underreporting of adverse drug reaction (ADR) are worldwide problems of big concern. Gross underreporting of ADR in India led to increased hospital admissions, increase in length of hospital stay, and increase in healthcare cost burden. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice on ADR and pharmacovigilance among nursing staff in Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted among nursing staff in a tertiary care Centre. Data were collected in the form of a validated questionnaire comprised of 17 questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing staff toward ADR and Pharmacovigilance. Data were analysis by descriptive statistics and result was computed. Results: Around 33% of respondents were aware of Pharmacovigilance program of India and 99% of them had knowledge about main objective of pharmacovigilance. Out of total filled questionnaire received, only 12% nurses practiced reporting ADR. The major factor discouraging participants from reporting ADR was lack of time to report. The majority of nursing staff had a positive attitude toward awareness of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Conclusion: Our study has shown that there is lack of correct knowledge regarding ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance among staff nurses. Although, the attitude toward ADR reporting was adequate, the actual practice of ADR reporting is unsatisfactory. Hence, it is essential to train staff nurses regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting

Correlation NKX2.2 IHC and EWSR1 break-apart FISH in the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma: Can combined NKX2.2 and CD99 immunoexpression obviate or minimize the need of FISH testing? First assessment study from Indian tertiary cancer care center

Context: Ewing sarcoma (ES) are malignant small round cell tumors (MSRCT) characterized by rearrangements of EWSR1 gene. Although gold standard for diagnosis is detection of specific fusion genes by molecular testing, these ancillary tests are costly and only available in limited number of settings. There is a persuasive evidence for reliability of NKX2.2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate marker for EWSR1 gene rearrangement in ES. Aims: The aim of this study is to correlate the NKX2.2 immuno-expression with genetically confirmed ES cases and also to assess the reliability and accuracy of NKX2.2 along with combined positivity of NXX2.2 and CD99 in diagnosing ES and differentiating it from other relevant histological mimics. Settings and Design: The present study is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 6-year duration in a tertiary cancer care center. Methods and Material: We evaluated NKX2.2 immunoexpression in 35 genetically confirmed cases of ES and also in pertaining differential entities (n = 58) of ES including rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 20), lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 14), Wilms tumor (n = 10), poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (n = 4), small-cell osteosarcoma (n = 4), neuroblastoma (n = 5), and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (n = 1). CD99 was performed in the category of MSRCTs showing NKX2.2 positivity to evaluate combined specificity for the diagnosis of ES. Results: Of the 35 genetically confirmed cases of ES, 29 cases (83%) showed NKX2.2-positive expression (83% sensitivity). Compared to ES, NKX2.2 was positive in only 05% cases (3/58 cases) of non-ES MSRCT. Only two of five cases of neuroblastomas and one case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma showed NKX2.2 positivity. CD99 positivity was seen in 100% of ES and in the single case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. All five cases (100%) of neuroblastoma were negative for CD99. Conclusions: The presented study, which is the first from an Indian oncology center, showed NKX2.2 IHC is quite reliable in diagnosis of ES in the right clinicopathological context. With remarkable sensitivity and specificity of NKX2.2 IHC for diagnosis of ES, we propose that combined positivity of CD99 and NKX2.2 IHC can obviate or minimize the need of EWSR1 gene rearrangement molecular testing for diagnosis of ES.

Epithelioid haemangioma of bone: A series of four cases with a revision of this contentious entity

Epithelioid hemangioma of bone is a rare and locally aggressive vascular neoplasm of bone associated with a good prognosis. Because of its worrisome histomorphologic features and aggressive clinicoradiologic findings, at times with multifocal presentation, they tend to simulate malignant tumors. We report a series of four cases of epithelioid hemangioma of bone with their clinicopathologic characteristics. All had adjacent soft tissue involvement and two had multifocal bone disease. Microscopically, all cases had a tumor in lobular configuration, composed of epithelioid endothelial cells with the formation of well-formed vessels or grew in solid sheets. The tumor cells lacked significant cytologic atypia, necrosis, and increased mitosis. All cases were immunohistochemically positive for vascular markers CD34, CD31, ERG1, whereas negative for CK. Two of the cases were treated with excision, and the other two underwent curettage. None had local recurrence or metastasis on follow-up. This study highlights the importance of recognizing histomorphological and clinicoradiological features for distinguishing epithelioid hemangiomas from malignant vascular neoplasms of bone because of their distinct therapeutic implications and clinical outcomes.

Urban Flood Relief Management in COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Urban floods were addressed as a separate disaster after the historical 2005 Mumbai floods. Urban flood peaks are 2-8 times and volume 6 times when compared with rural floods. We are now handling multiple disasters simultaneously due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The river plains of north India are prone to floods in the monsoon season and geographical location of Prayagraj doubles the damage because it faces wrath from two sides. Very few researches have been conducted on urban floods and evidence needs to be generated from the field. Methodology: This qualitative research was planned with an objective to identify the difficulties faced in operating an urban flood relief camp during superimposed burden of COVID-19 Pandemic and to suggest remedial measures from the public health aspect. We conducted in-depth interviews of nodal officers, health staff and beneficiaries of the identified camps. Informed consent was taken from participant after explaining them about the research. Results: The findings from the interviews were categorized into 3phases of flood relief i.e. before the floods, during floods and lastly post flood. The most crucial work before floods is to spread awareness about do’s and don’ts in detail. Next was identification of the local people actually affected by flood. The space and facilities at few centers was low for the population load. Urban flood management needs a major overhauling of public health infrastructure to handle such disasters in future. Conclusion: The officials were working hard to make the homeless feel as if they are on a picnic. The database of beneficiaries should be strengthened and should also include students and labourers, anyone who is a flood victim and not only local flood victims.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma: Predictors of long-term outcome

Background & objectives: Survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved in the past two decades following use of novel agents and autologous stem cell transplantation. To determine predictors of long-term outcome, data of MM patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at a tertiary care centre in north India were retrospectively analyzed. Methods: Between 1995 and 2016, 349 MM patients underwent ASCT. Patients' median age was 52 yr, ranging from 29 to 68 yr, 68.2 per cent were males. Thirty three per cent patients had international staging system (ISS) Stage III and 68.5 per cent had received novel agents-based induction. High-dose melphalan (200 mg/m2) was used for conditioning; patients with renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate <40 ml/min) received melphalan 140-150 mg/m2. Results: Post-transplant, 317 of 349 (90.8%) patients responded; complete [complete response (CR)] ?213 (61%)], very good partial response (VGPR) ?62 (17.8%) and PR in 42 (12%)]. Induction with novel agents, pre-transplant chemosensitive disease, transplant in first remission and serum albumin (?3.5 g/dl) were predictors of significant response. At a median follow up of 73 months, median overall survival (OS) was 90 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 70.8-109.2], and progression-free survival (PFS) was 41 months (95% CI 33.0-49.0). On multivariate analysis, achievement of CR post-transplant, transplant in first remission, ISS Stages I and II (vs. III), absence of extramedullary disease and serum albumin ?3.5 g/dl were predictors of prolonged OS. For PFS, achievement of post-transplant CR and transplant in first remission were predictors of superior outcome. Interpretation & conclusions: Treatment with novel agents, achievement of complete remission post-transplant, ISS Stages I and II, absence of extramedullary disease and transplant in first remission were predictors of long-term survival for patients with MM.

Synthesis And Anticancer Screening Of Triazine Analogues

Objective: The study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of S-5H-[1,2,4]-triazino (5,6-b) indol-3-yl-3,4-phenylethane-thioate derivatives as epidermal growth factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Methods: In the present study 14 novel triazine analogues were synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, NMR and Mass Spectroscopy. The anticancer activity was performed using MCF-7 (breast cancer) and K-562 (leukaemia) cell lines. Further, molecular docking was carried out using Vlife Molecular Docking Software (MDS) on crystal structure of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to identify the binding mode of interaction with an active site. Results: Compounds MA-7, MA-8, MA-12, MA-13 and MA-14 show potent activity against cancer cell lines in the range of<10 to 84.4 µg/ml. Further molecular docking on EGFR also supports that there is a strong correlation between in silico and in vitro biological activity. The results of this study may be further useful for lead optimization process. Conclusion: The results of this study indicates that the synthesized triazine analogues can give a potential lead as an anticancer agent.

Assessment of Sugarcane Germplasm ( Saccharum spp. complex) Against Red Rot Pathogen Colletotrichum Falcatum

ABSTRACT Red rot, caused by Colletotrichum falcatum Went is the most important disease of sugarcane in India inflicting substantial loss to both cane industry and cane growers. To keep in view the importance of red rot disease of sugarcane, 117 accession of sugarcane germplasm including different Saccharum species and Indian and foreign commercial hybrids were tested against red rot with Cf 07, Cf 08 & Cf 09 (national pathotypes) by plug method of inoculation. Out of 117, 6 were found resistant and 12 were moderately resistant against red rot and rest were moderately susceptible/susceptible/highly susceptible. Theses resistance and moderately resistant accession can be further utilize to produce resistance varieties against the most devastating pathogen of sugarcane.

Characterization and evaluation of apoptotic potential of double gene construct pVIVO.VP3.NS1.

Viral gene oncotherapy, targeted killing of cancer cells by viral genes, is an emerging non-infectious therapeutic cancer treatment modality. Chemo and radiotherapy in cancer treatment is limited due to their genotoxic side effects on healthy cells and need of functional p53, which is mutated in most of the cancers. VP3 (apoptin) of chicken infectious anaemia (CIA) and NS1 (Non structural protein 1) of Canine Parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) have been proven to have oncolytic potential in our laboratory. To evaluate oncolytic potential of VP3 and NS1 together these genes needed to be cloned in a bicistronic vector. In this study, both these genes were cloned and characterized for expression of their gene products and its apoptotic potential. The expression of VP3 and NS1 was studied by confocal microscopy and flowcytometry. Expression of VP3 and NS1 in pVIVO.VP3.NS1 transfected HeLa cells in comparison to mock transfected cells indicated that the double gene construct expresses both the products. This was further confirmed by flowcytometry where there was increase in cells expressing VP3 and NS1 in pVIVO.VP3.NS1 transfected group in comparison with the mock control group. The apoptotic inducing potential of this characterized pVIVO.VP3.NS1 was evaluated in human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) by DNA fragmentation assay, TUNEL assay and Hoechst staning. This double construct was observed to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Perceptions and concerns of women undergoing Pap smear examination in a tertiary care hospital of India.

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the major causes of deaths due to cancer among women in India. Pap smear is one of the best methods to detect early changes in cervix. However, there is lack of data on awareness level of women about Pap smear and various risk factors for cervical cancer. Objectives: To study the awareness about various risk factors for cervical cancer, health-seeking behavior and hygienic practices among women and to assess the distress experienced by these women before the Pap smear examination. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on women coming for a Pap smear examination in a tertiary teaching hospital in New Delhi. A pretested interview schedule was used to get information after obtaining their informed consent. Results: Fifty-seven percent stated that they did not consult a doctor when they noticed the symptoms the first time. Sixty-one percent did not know what a cervical cancer is and a same percentage of women did not know what a Pap smear examination was. Older age group, Muslim and literate women had higher number of abnormal Pap smear results. Women who reported being stressed in their lives had higher number of abnormal smears as compared to women who claimed to lead a stress free life. Poor hygienic practices among these women from urban areas were also associated with abnormal Pap smear results. Conclusion: The study concluded that factors such as poor awareness, shyness, poor hygiene, and old age could be responsible for abnormal Pap smears and this needs special attention in cancer prevention activities of the government.

Synthesis of multiple biologically active 1, 2-dihydro-pyrimido [1, 2-A]-benzimidazole-3- carbonitrile.

A variety of 1,2-dihydropyrimido-[1,2-a]-benzimidazole-3-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized under microwave irradiation using water and acetonitril as solvent system. All the compounds were tested in vitro for α-glucosidase inhibitory and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. 4-Amino-2-(4-flourophenyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimido [1,2-a]-benzimidazole-3-carbonitrile (4c) was found to be a potent intestinal α- glucosidase inhibi tory activity (IC50; 91μM) along with moderate DPPH scavenging property. This compound was further evaluated for cytotoxicity activity against HT-29 colon cancer cell line. The IC50 value for its cytotoxicity activity was found to be 662 μM.

A report on the indoor residual spraying (IRS) in the control of Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar (India): an initiative towards total elimination targeting 2015 (Series-1).

Background & objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar is endemic in Bihar state, India. Current vector control programme in Bihar focuses mainly on spraying the sandfly infested dwellings with DDT. The Government of India in collaboration with WHO has fixed the target 2015 for total elimination of kala-azar. The present study was carried out to see the impact of DDT and improved IEC in the containment of vector density vis-à-vis disease transmission. Methods: Before the start of the spraying operations training was imparted to all the medical and paramedical personnel regarding the methods of spraying operations. Pre- and post-sandfly density was monitored in four selected districts. Incidences of kala-azar cases were compared for pre- and post-spray periods. Social acceptability and perceptions of households was collected through questionnaires from 500 randomly selected households in the study districts. Results: House index in three study districts reduced considerably during post-spray when compared to pre-spray. Kala-azar incidence in many districts was reduced after the DDT spray. Either partial or complete refusal was reported in 14.4%, while 35% were not satisfied with the suspension concentration and coverage; and 46.6% were found satisfied with the spraying procedure. Interpretation & conclusion: Strengthening the IEC activities to sensitise the community, proper training of health personnel, monitoring of spray, good surveillance, proper treatment of cases and two rounds of DDT spray with good coverage in the endemic districts up to three years are essential to achieve the desired total elimination of kala-azar in Bihar state.

Glomerular Diseases in Children - A Review of 27 Cases Recorded at a Single Centre in Eastern Nepal.

Glomerular disease remains an important cause of renal disease in children. We retrospectively assessed the clinical features and histopathological diagnoses in kidney biopsy specimens in children (n=27). The medical records and histopathological diagnoses between 2003 and 2006 were reviewed. In each patient, clinical presentation, age at onset of disease, gender, presence of nephrotic range proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension and histopathological diagnoses were evaluated. SLE nephritis (n= 8) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (n=8) were the most frequent glomerular diseases and nephrotic syndrome (n=21) was the frequent clinical manifestation.

Opinion: Pathophysiological approach to the management of scorpion envenomation.

Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus; MBT) produces lethal stings and is a matter of concern in certain parts of India. MBT envenomation produces multi-systemic involvement, thus presents difficulty in the management. Symptomatic treatment has been practiced earlier that failed to relieve the toxic effects of the venom. Therefore, present manuscript deals with pathophysiologically based approach in the management of toxicity considering the merits and the demerits of treatment protocols so as to evolve a consensus in the treatment strategies of scorpion envenomation.

Primary cardiac sarcoma.

Primary cardiac sarcomas are uncommon entities. The diagnosis of sarcoma is not made preoperatively because of the rarity of the lesion and the nonspecific nature of the signs and symptoms. This is a report of a case of primary sarcoma arising from the left atrium, in a patient who presented with acute dyspnoea; the sarcoma resembled an atrial myxoma on echocardiography.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profiles of Blood Culture Positive Sepsis in Newborns.

Neonatal infections currently cause about 1.6 million deaths annually in developing countries1. Sepsis and meningitis is responsible for most of these deaths. This study was undertaken to determine the clinical presentations, bacteriological profiles and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood cultures of neonates admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Nepal. All blood culture reports (n=103) during January 2006 - February 2007 from newborns admitted in neonatal division at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal were analyzed and antibiotic sensitivity patterns were studied. The positive blood culture was 20% (103/513). Most (97.1%) of the sepsis was caused by single organism, while polymicrobial aetiology was observed in 2.9% cases. Meningitis was documented in 9(8.7%) cases. Staphylococcus aureus (38.8%) and coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) (21.3%) are the commonest isolates in blood culture. Among gram-negative organisms, Klebsiella species (11.6%) and Enterobacter species (9.7%) were the leading cause of neonatal sepsis. Majority of newborns with neonatal sepsis presented with refusal to feeds (42.7%), fever (41.7%) and jaundice (41.7%). Most of the organisms showed sensitivity with amino glycosides (gentamicin and amikacin) and third generation cephalosporins. It is concluded that Staphylococcus aureus, CONS, and Klebsiella species remain the principal organisms causing neonatal sepsis and first line antibiotics like amino glycosides should be first choice of drugs.