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Delusional parasitosis also known as Ekbom抯 syndrome, is a fixed, firm, false belief about a parasitic infestation of skin despite absence of evidence. Non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) is the deliberate and direct change leading to destruction of healthy body tissues e.g. skin cutting, scratching, burning, hitting of oneself and even enucleation of eye and amputation of body parts. We present a case of a 35-year-old male patient with delusional parasitosis for the past 3 months, referred from dermatology, who resorted to cutting himself on his arm and abdomen. He was treated successfully with anti-psychotics and had no further intention of self-harm.
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Background: Anxiety disorders are characterized by a central theme of intense subjective distress and apprehension of impending danger. Dissociation has been frequently associated in such patients, where it acts as a defense mechanism that allows temporary relief. Previous studies have also shown that more number of life events and higher perceived stress are seen in patients of anxiety disorder, which may even act as predictors of developing the disease. Addressing these factors may contribute to improved understanding of underlying psychopathology and better treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, 1 year time bound study. As per calculation from prevalence, 161 participants were selected as sample population with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Socio-demographic data was collected, appropriate scales were administered to assess the required parameters and statistical analysis was carried out thereafter. Results: We found that 21.74% patients had dissociative experience, 40.37% patients had perceived stress during last month, 53.4% had less/moderate stress and 39.1% patients had severe stress. Most frequently occurring life event was financial loss or problem. Statistically significant association was found between total life events score and socio-demographic variables. Mean dissociative experience scale score was positively correlated with total perceived stress scale score and total life event score. Total perceived stress scale score was also positively correlated with total life event score. Conclusions: Anxiety disorder patients had high levels of dissociation, perceived stress and life events, and these three parameters were also correlated with each other.
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Tic is rapid recurrent non-rhythmic motor movement or vocalization; movement of limbs or other body parts is known as motor tic and involuntary repetitive sound like grunting sniffing throat clearing is known as a vocal tic. Tic is a neurodevelopmental disorder and has its onset in the developmental period. According to diagnostic and statistical manual of mental illnesses (DSM) 5, tic should have its onset before 18 years of age and can resolve with proper treatment. In this case, a 23-year-old female presented with recurrent abnormal throat clearing and excessive loud sounds which started for the last 1 year. Initially, she was diagnosed with psychogenic hiccup in another department and was treated with Baclofen 30 mg for 1 month but as no improvement was observed later she was referred to psychiatry outpatient department (OPD) for further treatment where she was diagnosed with adult onset vocal tic with a premonitory urge for tics scale (PUTS) score of 27 on admission and she was treated with tablet Risperidone 2 mg and after 4 weeks of treatment all symptoms subside and PUTS score came to be 6 at the time of discharge.
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The pressure on agricultural food production to produce high-quality and sustainable food has increased dramatically as a result of global urbanization, population growth and climate change. Food shortage and population expansion are two of the world's major challenges to long-term sustainable development. So, in recent years technological development such as smart farming has resulted substantial changes in the agricultural production allowing for 3rd green revolution and progression in farming methods. Smart farming (SF) is a method of agricultural production that integrates information and communication technologies to maximise resource efficiency. Smart farming technologies such as automated tractors, artificial agricultural intelligence (AAI), automated irrigation and weather forecasting, Internet of Things (IoT), kisan drones and remote sensing (GIS and GPS) can provide realistic solutions to the world's challenges. The accurate application of this technology in conjunction with the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to be a beneficial for the farmers to improve their living standards through increased production and profit which is a good indicator for sustainable food security. However, due to lack of internet access, high costs and lack of application knowledge there are still barriers to the adaptation and conversion of smart farming. As a result, more research is needed in this area.
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The field of agronomy is undergoing a seismic shift towards sustainability, driven by an increasing understanding of the long-term benefits and a global urgency to act against climate change. It aims to explore the multifaceted realm of sustainable agronomy, scrutinizing its practices, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. It delve into the types of sustainable practices currently in use, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation tillage, highlighting their positive impact on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. We also offer a comparative analysis, contrasting these sustainable practices with conventional methods in terms of yield, economic benefits, and environmental impact. Also, dedicated to policy implications, discussing existing government policies that support sustainable practices and offering recommendations for further policy interventions. Case studies from India and abroad serve to demonstrate the practical application and success of these methods. The transition to sustainable agronomy is fraught with challenges. Technological needs, such as the requirement for advanced machinery and analytics tools, can be a hurdle, especially for small-scale farmers. Educational gaps also present a significant challenge, as current agronomy curricula in many parts of the world are not geared towards sustainable practices. Financial constraints, often exacerbated by inadequate support systems, add another layer of complexity to the transition. Despite these challenges, the review identifies multiple avenues for future research, including the development of cost-effective technologies, educational reforms, and alternative financing models to support farmers.
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Biocontrol techniques represent a vital avenue in the quest for sustainable agricultural practices. This approach, integrating ecological intelligence with modern scientific advancements, is seeing increasing adoption in various regions, notably in India. Drawing inspiration from nature's own mechanisms, biocontrol employs specific organisms or their biological derivatives to manage and mitigate pests, thereby decreasing the dependency on chemical agents. Through an in-depth exploration of biocontrol applications, this study places a special emphasis on India's initiatives and contrasts them with global endeavors. Noteworthy examples include the innovative use of parasitic wasps to combat the papaya mealybug menace in Tamil Nadu, the strategic application of fungi like Trichoderma for disease control in Maharashtra, and the successful introduction of parasitoid wasps to manage olive flies in regions like California. Rooted in foundational ecological principles, these methodologies exhibit potential benefits that span improved crop yields, economic viability, and most importantly, reduced environmental adversities. Effective deployment and scaling of these techniques require an integrated approach, emphasizing collaboration among researchers, farming communities, and industry stakeholders. By presenting a detailed analysis of these synergistic efforts, this review accentuates the transformative potential of biocontrol. As the global community faces the dual challenges of an expanding population and the unpredictable impacts of climate change, the promise of biocontrol looms large, offering a sustainable pathway for the agriculture of the future.
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Crude formulations of sesame and mustard oil at 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% concentration with or without the addition of cow urine were assessed against red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) in the laboratory. Efficacy tests on oviposition rate, egg hatchability, mortality of nymph and adult mites proved that sesame oil 1%, with or without the addition of cow urine was found to be effective in reducing the rate oviposition and egg hatchability of mites and was at par with the formulation prepared from commercial neem (1 : 1500). Formulations of sesame oil at the rate of 0.75% and 1% with or without cow urine were found to be highly effective for mortality of nymphs and adults of red spider mite respectively which were at par with the formulation prepared from commercial neem.
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Background: Adequate understanding of side effects and infections is essential for family caregivers to ensure proper management for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The present paper describes the family caregivers' awareness of the symptoms of possible side effects and infections during chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Family caregivers were identified through the lodging facilities near the cancer treatment centres in Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. The cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured interview schedule formulated in the Kobo-collect toolbox and analyzed using IBM-SPSS-Statistics-25. Results: Among the 217 family caregivers aged between 19 to 76 years, 83% were close relatives of the patients. The majority of the family caregivers were able to identify conditions such as hair loss (95%), appetite change (88%), and nausea/vomiting (88%) as side effects of chemotherapy. At the same time, participants recognized the symptoms of infections were less. Unusual vaginal discharge/irritation (57%) and burning/pain with urination (55%) were the commonly recognized symptoms of infections. From the list of symptoms, more than six out of the thirteen side effects and more than three out of seven infections were correctly identified by 82% and 42% of family caregivers, respectively. Conclusions: The family caregivers were largely aware of side effects but not much about infections. Since chemotherapy is an immune suppressive treatment, infection awareness among family caregivers is essential to avoid any serious complications during the treatment period. Communication with family caregivers on 'the symptoms and management' of 'side effects and infections' and when to seek treatment is crucial for cancer treatment success.
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Background: To understand the usage pattern of ticagrelor in real-life clinical experience in Indian patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after discharge from a tertiary care setting. Methods: A retrospective multicentric observational study conducted across Indian healthcare centers having medical records of adult patients with ACS. Patients prescribed with ticagrelor post-discharge for at least 1 month were included. The study endpoints were to determine the clinical effectiveness of ticagrelor in post-ACS patients and adverse events reported during the study period. Results: A total of 1910 patients with ACS with a mean (SD) age of 58.2 (11.3) years were enrolled in this study. The median (IQR) duration of treatment was 30.0 (30.0-90.0) days. More than half of the patients (n=1115, 58.4%) were managed with interventional therapy. The most common comorbid conditions were type-2 diabetes mellitus (46.9%), followed by hypertension (36.8%). A total of 9.7% of patients reported complaints after treatment with ticagrelor. Among them, weakness, giddiness, and body pain were the most common (3.2%). Conclusions: This real-world study revealed that ticagrelor had been used widely in patients who underwent different management strategies. History of diabetes and hypertension were the most common risk factors. There were no major adverse events reported during the follow-up, indicating ticagrelor is well-tolerated in Indian patients with ACS.
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Background: Lockdown had hindered persons’ ability to engage in regular physical activity. Our study analysed bone trauma patients who visited the orthopedic department based on the mode of injury, kind of extremity involved, and the bone implicated. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients visiting the orthopedic surgery department of a North Indian tertiary health care centre. Patient data was recorded from the case sheets. Results: A total of 792 patients’ data was collected, out of which 250 patients were those of during lockdown, and 542 patients were of non-lockdown phase. During the lockdown phase, the patients who have undergone RTA were 37 (14.8%), those admitted for domestic trauma were 128 (51.2%), and those for miscellaneous causes were 85 (34%). During the non-lockdown phase, RTA were 145 (26.739%), domestic were 318 (58.608%) and miscellaneous were 79 (14.652%). During lockdown, the site of injury was upper limb in 59 patients, lower limb in 154 patients, vertebrae in 37 patients. In the non-lockdown phase, the upper limb was injured in 95 patients, lower limb in 377 patients, vertebrae in 52 patients and hip bone in 17 patients. Femur was the most affected bone. Conclusions: There was a decrease in the number of instances during the lockdown. During both the periods, the majority of geriatric patients were from rural areas. Domestic trauma cases were most prevalent in the older age range, and the most common extremity implicated appeared to be the lower limb, with the femur being the most involved bone in both stages.
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Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, have taken an epidemic form. With a huge population and existing sedentary lifestyle, in developing countries like India, there exists a struggle to deliver quality chronic care. A reorganization of systems in healthcare service delivery is crucial to improve primary healthcare. We have reported our model to address primary healthcare service delivery in rural settings. The SPARSH team-based care approach is designed with the objective of improving adherence to anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medications to improve blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar (BS) control among hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Methods: This is a descriptive study describing a model and array on interventions delivered through a team-based care approach from 2016 till 2020 by Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad across three districts in Gujarat. Data was collected on case record forms and later was analysed using Microsoft excel. Results: From the financial year of 2016 till 2020 patients enrolled in SPARSH increased from 932 till 1920 for availing treatment and ongoing care. A total of 108 training sessions were conducted and facilitated by a senior member of SPARSH. Average monthly cost of treatment for hypertensive, diabetic and patients with both conditions was Rs. 38, 78 and 130 respectively. Conclusions: Our model described here can be tested for effectiveness through a rigorous community trial focusing on objective outcome measures such as BP control and glycemic control.
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With the use of integrated nutrient management, cauliflower the growth and yield can be boosted. Due to their complementing effects, the ideal combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may significantly boost cauliflower growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments viz. T1= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha (Recommended dose of NPKS as control), T2= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T3= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T4= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T5= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T6= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T7= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T8= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T9= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T10= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T11= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T12= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) and T13= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having single factor with three replications. Data were recorded on growth, yield components of cauliflower and significant variation was observed for most of the studied characters. Under this investigation, it was revealed that the highest yield (36.34 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 524202) and BCR (3.59) was obtained from T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) treatment. On the other hand, the lowest yield (13.50 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 137869) and BCR (2.04) was obtained from T1 (N120P60K100S20 kg/ha) treatment. So, economic analysis revealed that T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio-fertilizer (5 kg/ha) treatment appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth, yield and economic benefit of cauliflower.
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Background: Stroke is defined as an abrupt onset of a neurologic deficit lasting for more than 24 hours that is attributable to a focal vascular cause. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are often documented in stroke patients. Elevated CRP level is independently associated with the excessive risk of ischemic stroke. Aim and Objectives were to evaluate the glycemic status, lipid profile and c-reactive protein level in stroke patients admitted in a teaching institute of north-east India. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in the department of medicine, Agartala Government Medical College and GBP hospital, within a period of January 2020 to June 2021. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 15 using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among 200 patients of stroke, 50% was found to be pre-diabetic, 40% known diabetic and 10% newly diagnosed diabetic. 60% were hypertensives. Among them, 80% had ischaemic stroke and 20% hemorrhagic stroke. 70% of the patients had hypercholesterolemia, 60% had hypertriglyceridemia. 80% had raised serum LDL and 57% decreased serum HDL. Out of 200 patients, 60% was found to have raised serum CRP level. 55% of ischaemic stroke patients and 5% of hemorrhagic stroke patients had raised CRP level. Conclusions: Prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes are highly prevalent in patients with stroke or TIA. As the prevalence of prediabetes is growing rapidly, prediabetes might become one of the most important modifiable therapeutic targets in both primary and secondary prevention. Early detection of dyslipidemia and treatment with drugs along with dietary modifications and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of stroke. Since, it was a cross-sectional study, these results need to be validated by further long-term prospective studies.
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IgG4-related sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disease of mesentery of an unknown etiology which shows a constellation of histopathologic findings of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation with IgG4-positive plasma cells and marked fibrosis. This chronic inflammatory condition of mesentery forming an abdominal cocoon has never been described before to the best of our knowledge. Here, we report a patient with a history of subacute small bowel obstruction who was found to have an intra-abdominal encapsulating mass in the right iliac fossa and was finally diagnosed as IgG4-related sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) based on peroperative findings, histology and immunohistochemistry.
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The study aims at evaluating the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding leprosy and its management among patients, their caregivers (relatives), and future healthcare providers (medical interns). Question- naire-based study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee and participants were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Validated Questionnaire (face-validity and content-validity, content-validity- ratio cut-off 0.75) was used after pilot-testing for reliability (Chronbach's alpha>0.8 accepted). Vernacular- version of the questionnaire was developed by translation and back-translation. The questionnaire administered to clinically-diagnosed cases of leprosy, their caregivers (relatives), and future healthcare providers (medical interns) of BS Medical College Bakura, (a tertiary care rural medical college hospital). The calculated sample size was 88 for patients and their caregivers, considering 95% confidence interval, 10% allowable error and 35.67% response rate. The figures regarding knowledge about leprosy, and its treatment ranged between 71.6% to 26.1% among patients and between 85.2% to 37.5% among their caregivers for different knowledge domains. Lack of proper knowledge was also found in upto 52% of medical interns. Myths prevailed in upto 12.5% of patients, 23.9% caregivers, 6.7% of medical interns. There was attitudinal crisis and stigma in upto 45.5% of patients, 56.8% of caregivers, and 33.3% of medical interns. The stigma resulted in 33.4% of patients losing their job, 25% separated in their own home and 16.7% divorced. Awareness about leprosy is still lacking among patients and their caregivers despite repeated public health campaigns by NLEP. The absence of knowledge regarding leprosy among a few medical interns and even the presence of myths in their minds is an ominous sign. More effective awareness programmes and counseling involving the general population are necessary to eliminate stigma from the society
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Dedifferentiated endometrioid carcinoma or dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (DEAC) is defined by the presence of undifferentiated carcinoma with endometrioid carcinoma. Undifferentiated component can be misinterpreted as solid component of high-grade endometrioid carcinoma or sarcomatous component of malignant mixed mullerian tumor. We present two cases of DEAC. Two postmenopausal women underwent hysterectomy for vaginal bleeding. Microscopically, sections from the endometrial tumors showed a biphasic growth consisting of an undifferentiated component and a glandular component with sharp transition between the two components. The undifferentiated component showed focal positivity for cytokeratin and vimentin, while glandular component was diffusely positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin expression.
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Objective: In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the shelf life of the Snuhi latex which is frequently used in fresh condition for the preparation of Ksharasutra, a medicated thread, used in Ayurveda. Methods: The latex of E. antiquorum, E. caducifolia, E. nivulia and E. tirucalli were collected individually and stored in air tight glass vials during the month of May, 2018. Physical attributes like Colour, odour, appearances, pH and microbial load of all four samples were assessed as per standard protocol. Assessment was made every day, 9 AM, for 7 d in room temperature and for 10 d in refrigerated samples. Results: Result shows that, pH range (start-end day) was 4.25-5.18, 4.79-5.12, 4.48-4.76 and 4.40-5.42 in case of E. antiquorum, E. caducifolia, E. nivulia and E. tirucalli at room temperature. It was found that, Aspergillus niger was found in Euphorbia antiquorum, Euphorbia caducifolia whereas Candida albicans was found in Euphorbia tirucalli latex in fungal culture on the 7th day after collection, when the samples were stored at room temperature. All the samples were free from microbial growth up to 10thday when stored at 4-5 °C in a refrigerator. Conclusion: Temperature, and moisture affects the quality of fresh snuhi latex. The latex remains free from microbial growth up to six days in room temperature and up to 10 d under at refrigerated temperature (4-5 °C).
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Background: Globally, vector-borne diseases account for 17% of infectious disease burden. In India, despite accelerated efforts, both malaria and dengue are major public health concern. Understanding local community perspectives is essential to strengthen ongoing program activities. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the community perceptions and risk reduction practices toward prevention and control of malaria and dengue at slums of Chetla in South Kolkata and to explore the perspectives of relevant local stakeholders in this regard. Methods: This cross-sectional study with mixed-method design was conducted from June to September 2018. Quantitative data were collected in 288 sampled households through face-to-face interview of respondents and environmental checklist, whereas, qualitative exploration was done with five key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 Software. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using “cut and sort” processing technique. Results: In household survey, majority had unsatisfactory knowledge (68.4%), attitude (64.2%), and practices (62.8%) regarding diseases prevention/control, which was further substantiated by qualitative findings. The use of electric fans (79.5%), mosquito repellents (53.8%) were predominant practices; however, only a few used bed nets regularly (26.0%). Reportedly, “heat” and “poor ventilation” were key reasons behind reluctance to use bed nets. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that increasing age, proximity to a nearby canal, and unsatisfactory knowledge significantly predicted unfavorable attitude, whereas, respondents' gender and unfavorable attitude significantly predicted poor practices. Conclusions: Intensified social behavior change communication with active community participation is the need of the hour to prevent malaria and dengue occurrence and future outbreaks.
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Rice blast is one of the most serious diseases in the world. The use of resistant cultivars is the most preferred means to control this disease. Resistance often breaks down due to emergence of new races; hence identification of novel resistance donors is indispensable. In this study, a panel of 80 released varieties from National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack was genotyped with 36 molecular markers that were linked to 36 different blast resistance genes, to investigate the varietal genetic diversity and molecular marker-trait association with blast resistance. The polymorphism information content of 36 loci varied from 0.11 to 0.37 with an average of 0.34. The cluster analysis and population structure categorized the 80 National Rice Research Institute released varieties (NRVs) into three major genetic groups. The principal co-ordinate analysis displays the distribution of resistant and moderately resistant NRVs into different groups. Analysis of molecular variance result demonstrated maximum (97%) diversity within populations and minimum (3%) diversity between populations. Among tested markers, two markers (RM7364 and pi21_79-3) corresponding tothe blast resistance genes (Pi56(t) and pi21) were significantly associated and explained a phenotypic variance of 4.9 to 5.1% with the blast resistance. These associated genes could be introgressed through marker-assisted to develop durable blast resistant rice varieties. The selected resistant NRVs could be good donors for the blast resistance in rice crop improvement research.