Eating behaviours and perception about body shape among adolescent girls of Panjab University, Chandigarh

Introduction: Indians are experiencing nutritional and lifestyle transitions due to globalization and westernization. The study aimed to find out the current eating patterns and body shape concerns and various factors that influence eating behaviors and body shape concerns of late-adolescent girls. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 undergraduate adolescent girl university students from 12 departments in the age group of 17–19 years. Eating attitude and body shape concerns of adolescents were determined by using the standard eating attitude test-26 (EAT-26) and body shape questionnaire (BSQ-34). Results: The duration of the study was 6 months and participants were selected by simple random sampling. The mean age of the study subjects was 18.52 (±0.63) years. The majority of subjects had an urban background (85%). Less than half had an exercise routine (44%) which was followed daily. As per body mass index (BMI) distribution, 19.57% were underweight, 11.3% were overweight and only 2.17% were obese. An unfavorable eating attitude was found in 18% of subjects whereas 38.2% had mild to the marked concern of body shape. There was a significant positive correlation between BSQ with BMI (r = 0.387, P ? 0.01) and BSQ-34 with EAT-26 (r = 0.367, P ? 0.01). Conclusion: Current study shows that late adolescent urban females are susceptible to eating disorders and are body image conscious. Institutional mechanisms should be brought in place to address the need of improving their eating habits and modification of lifestyle.

Effect of double dose plateletpheresis on target yield and donor platelet recovery

Abstract Introduction The demand for apheresis platelets has increased in the recent past and the shrinking donor pool has shifted the trend to collection of double-dose or higher yield of platelets. Objective The present study aimed to determine the effect of double-dose plateletpheresis on the target yield and donor platelet recovery. Methods The study was conducted on 100 healthy plateletpheresis donors, 50 of whom were in the study group, which underwent double-dose plateletpheresis (DDP), and 50 of whom were in the control group for single-donor plateletpheresis. Pre- and post-procedure samples of donors were subjected to a complete blood count. The DDP product was sampled for platelet yield and then split into two parts. Platelet yield, collection efficiency, collection rate, recruitment factor and donor platelet loss were calculated. Results The mean platelet yield in the SDP was 4.09 ± 1.15 × 1011 and in the DDP, 5.93 ± 1.04 × 1011. There was a significant correlation between the pre-donation platelet count and platelet yield. The total of platelets processed for the SDP were 5.42 ± 1.08 × 1011 and for the DDP, 7.94 ± 0.77 × 1011. The collection efficiency was 71.93 ± 25.14% in the SDP and 72.94 ± 16.28% in the DDP, while the collection rates were 0.78 × 1011 and 0.94 × 1011 per minute, respectively. The average recruitment factor observed was 0.98 in the SDP, while it was 0.99 in the DDP. The mean platelet loss observed in the SDP was 35.55 ± 8.53% and in the DDP, 37.76 ± 8.65%. Conclusion The double-dose plateletpheresis supplements the platelet inventory in developing countries where the apheresis donor pool is limited. It is prudent to ensure stringent donor selection criteria for donors donating high-yield platelet products, thus enhancing donor safety and retention.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Medical Students

Objective@#This study investigated the influence of psychosocial factors on medical students’ quality of life (QOL). @*Methods@#A total of 408 medical students participated in this study. We collected data on participants’ sociodemographic details, symptoms of depression and Internet addiction, self-esteem, social support, and QOL. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated form, which has four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment). A stepwise multiple linear regression model was constructed to identify factors’ independent impact on QOL. @*Results@#Higher levels of depression and Internet addiction were associated with lower scores in all domains of QOL, whereas higher levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with higher scores. Being in third-year versus first-year was associated with higher scores in the physical health and environment domains. Living alone or in dormitories, low or middle socioeconomic status, and insufficient or moderate pocket money were associated with lower scores in the environment domain. Additionally, female students displayed significantly lower scores for physical health, psychological health, and environment than male students, but not for social relationships. There were significant differences in certain domains of QOL due to sociodemographic factors. @*Conclusion@#This study demonstrates the psychosocial factors influencing medical students’ QOL. Educational strategies focusing on strengthening self-esteem and social support as well as preventing depression and Internet addiction may contribute to improving medical students’ QOL.

A Rodential Reckoning: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Streptobacillary Endocarditis

ABSTRACT Introduction Endocarditis is a rare, often fatal complication of rat bite fever caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. Only 39 cases have been reported (including this case) as of 2022. We describe a case and aim to perform this entit's first systematic literature review. Methods We performed a systematic review in CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS. The terms used were terms used were (but not limited to) rat bite fever, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Spirillum minus, and endocarditis. We included all abstracts and articles with patients with echocardiographic or histologic-proven endocarditis. In case of discordance, a third reviewer was involved. Our protocol was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42022334092). We also performed searches for studies on the reference list of included articles. Results We retrieved 108 and included 36 abstracts and articles. A total of 39 patients (including our report) were identified. The mean age was 41.27, and 61.5% were males. The most common findings were fever, murmur, arthralgias, fatigue, splenomegaly, and rash. Underlying heart disease was present in 33%. Exposure to rats was noted in 71.8% of patients, with 56.4% recalling a rat bite. Anemia was seen in 57%, leukocytosis in 52%, and elevated inflammatory markers in 58% that had lab work performed. The mitral valve was most affected, followed by the aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. Surgical intervention was required in 14 (36%) cases. Of those, 10 required valve replacement. Death was reported in 36% of cases. Unfortunately, the literature available is limited to case series and reports. Conclusion Our review allows clinicians to suspect better, diagnose, and manage Streptobacillary endocarditis.

Biochemical characterization with kinetic studies of melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase from white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus

In Agaricus bisporus, color is a key determinant for marketability and consumer acceptability. However, postharvest browning has become a major concern, affecting the overall economics of the mushroom industry. In button mushrooms, the tyrosinase enzyme (E.C.1.14.18.1) is responsible for the browning reactions by catalyzing the conversion of monophenols and diphenols into quinones which polymerize to form melanin. Thus, the present study focused on the purification and characterization of tyrosinase from A. bisporus. This enzyme was purified with a final yield of 19.71% and 32.05 purification fold. The study of enzymatic activity over a temperature (5-45°C) and pH range (3-10) showed that the optimum temperature was 35°C with pH 7. The kinetic studies revealed that Km values were different for catechol (0.71 mM) and L-dopa (0.87 mM), which indicated a higher affinity of the enzyme for catechol. Inhibition studies showed that cinnamic acid is a non-competitive inhibitor while salicylic acid is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 43 kDa and different amide regions were reflected by the FTIR spectra of the enzyme. This study may provide valuable insights into the structure, biochemical properties, and inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme for controlling mushroom browning.

Estimation of salivary proteins in early childhood caries before and after treatment using gel electrophoresis

Background: Saliva being an important biological fluid of our body contains both specific and nonspecific protective factors which form an integral part of our immune system. Salivary proteins play a substantial role in protecting humans against infection. Their level in oral cavity is subject to constant variations which is dependent on various factors. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the levels of salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs), glycoproteins, amylase bands, and salivary pH in children with early childhood caries before and after treatment using gel electrophoresis. Materials and Methods: The whole salivary pH, mean protein concentrations, and electrophoretic profiles of the salivary proteins were measured using sodium dodecylsulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in both pre- and posttreatment groups. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 software. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used to further compare the results. Results: The results were statistically significant in all the groups. There was variation in pre- and posttreatment values seen. Conclusion: Salivary proteins (glycoproteins, PRPs, and amylase) establish an imperative defense mechanism as antimicrobial agents.

Prevalence of hearing loss in India

BACKGROUND Despite abundant literature, a clear and coherent understanding of hearing loss (HL) in India is limited by the wide disparity in studies. METHODS We did a review of published peer-reviewed journal articles. Studies reporting the prevalence and degree of HL in India from 1980 to 2020 were included. Information was gathered on the population characteristics, methodology applied and the prevalence of hearing impairment. The data were analysed to identify trends and at-risk sections of population in various categories. RESULTS Four hundred and forty studies were identified after a database search; 29 full-length articles were selected for final analysis. Using a 3-step screening protocol, hearing impairment (abnormal auditory brainstem response/auditory steady state response) in neonates ranged between 1.59 and 8.8 per 1000 births. Among ‘at risk’ neonates, it ranged from 7 to 49.18 per 1000 births. In children the prevalence of HL was 6.6% to 16.47%. Otitis media was the most common cause of HL in children. Community-based studies (all ages) reported prevalence of HL between 6% and 26.9% and prevalence of disabling HL between 4.5% and 18.3%. Rural areas and elderly showed a higher prevalence of hearing impairment. CONCLUSION Despite India’s improving health indices, hearing disability remains persistently high. It is a major contributor to the loss of personal potential and a financial strain for the individual and the country. A large-scale multicentric study to identify the degree and type of HL, social awareness campaigns, widespread neonatal screening, strengthening treatment facilities and well-funded rehabilitation programmes can counter the rising prevalence of hearing impairment.

Post-traumatic thrombotic microangiopathy: What trauma surgeons need to know? / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is characterized by systemic microvascular thrombosis, target organ injury, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and Shiga toxin E-coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome are the three common forms of TMAs. Traditionally, TMA is encountered during pregnancy/postpartum period, malignant hypertension, systemic infections, malignancies, autoimmune disorders, etc. Recently, the patients presenting with trauma have been reported to suffer from TMA. TMA carries a high morbidity and mortality, and demands a prompt recognition and early intervention to limit the target organ injury. Because trauma surgeons are the first line of defense for patients presenting with trauma, the prompt recognition of TMA for these experts is critically important. Early treatment of post-traumatic TMA can help improve the patient outcomes, if the diagnosis is made early. The treatment of TMA is also different from acute blood loss anemia namely in that plasmapheresis is recommended rather than platelet transfusion. This article familiarizes trauma surgeons with TMA encountered in the context of trauma. Besides, it provides a simplified approach to establishing the diagnosis of TMA. Because trauma patients can require multiple transfusions, the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation must be considered. Therefore, the article also provides different features of disseminated intravascular coagulation and TMA. Finally, the article suggests practical points that can be readily applied to the management of these patients.

A high risk unstable case of left main bifurcation lesion treated with simultaneous kissing stents as salvage procedure

Bifurcation treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention is still one challenging task especially the left main bifurcation. And it becomes still more challenging when it is done in emergency situation in a very unstable patients. There are many one-stent and two-stent approaches available to treat the bifurcation lesions but no approach has proven superior to other. Here, we present a case of a 78-year-old male diagnosed with distal left main bifurcation lesion treated with simultaneous kissing stents technique presented with acute coronary syndrome, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with pulmonary oedema in cardiogenic shock.

Anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a secondary health care facility in district Faridabad, Haryana

India confronts a high burden of anemia among pregnant women, that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality for mother and child. Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy launched by Government of India envisages provision of variety of facility-based interventions for management of anemia in pregnancy. Secondary care hospitals prescribe injectable iron treatment for moderate anemia and blood transfusion services for severe anemia. Objective: To estimate the magnitude and severity of anemia among pregnant women when they presented themselves for the first time at the antenatal care clinic of a secondary care hospital so as to forecast adequate supplies of medicines for managing anemia. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study using routinely maintained hospital clinical records during the years 2013–2015. It was conducted in a subdistrict hospital, Ballabhgarh in Faridabad district of Haryana state. Hemoglobin (Hb) level was routinely measured at first visit for all pregnant women using BC-3000 plus autohematology analyzer. Anemia in pregnancy was considered when Hb concentration was <11.0 g/dL. Results: The Hb level at first visit was available for 13,467 women during the study period. The mean Hb level (standard deviation) was 9.3 g/dL (1.3). The proportion of anemic pregnant women was 91.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.8, 91.7). The most common category of anemia was moderate anemia 62.5% (95% CI: 61.6, 63.2). Conclusion: We found a very high prevalence of anemia in pregnant women presenting to a secondary care setting of a North Indian hospital during their first visit to the facility during the antenatal period.

Assessment of Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic disease that improves and remits with time. It may affect parental life style and parent-child relationship. Psychologically, individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis either children or adults have been shown to suffer a higher level of anxiety and lower quality of life. Objectives: To assess the Severity of AD in the children and quality of life in parents of children with AD. To analyse the relationship of severity and treatment of the disease on the quality of life in parents. Methods: The study comprised50 children diagnosed with AD ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years as well as parents of these patients attending Paediatric Dermatology Clinic at Dermatology department, GGS Medical College,Faridkot from February 2017 to February 2018. The quality of life was quantified by the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) Questionnaire. Eczema Severity was assessed using SCORAD Index. These two parameters were evaluated on two occasions 12 weeks apart, meanwhile the patients were managed accordingly. Results & Conclusion: The mean SCORAD and mean DFI Score at the baseline was 32.016 ± 10.78 and 15.14 ± 4.0 respectively. These values decreased to 16.494 ± 6.62 and 12.08 ± 3.34 respectively, at the end of 12 weeks. SCORAD and DFI scores, showed positive correlation which was statistically significant (p=0.04 at both visits), implying that quality of parental life is significantly correlated to severity of AD in the child. Hence, proper management of dermatological illnesses often requires combined evaluation and management of emotional factors as well.

Prospective Study of Management of Solid Organ Injury in Blunt Trauma Abdomen

Blunt injury to abdomen is one of the most common injury caused by road traffic accidents. The advent of newer imaging techniques with high resolution computed tomography scanners (CT scan) has enabled the clinicians to exactly diagnose the extent of the intra abdominal injuries. High grade injuries are commonly managed by surgery but the shift to selective non operative management (NOM) of blunt injuries to abdominal solid organs are one of the most notable trends in the case of trauma. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 patients of blunt abdominal trauma admitted in Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, attached to Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. Patients of all age groups with blunt trauma abdomen were admitted in hospital. Results: In the present study, most common age group affected was 21-40 years (70%); out of which males were more commonly affected (90%); most common mode of injury was road traffic accident accounting for 76% of patients of all age groups. In this study, 2 out of 13 patients expired who were kept on NOM due to liver injuries. Failure to resuscitate these patients was the main cause of mortality. 4 out of 12 operative cases expired. Most common organ injured was liver (50%) followed by spleen (36%). Other organs injured were pancreas and kidney, 6% each. Mortality rate in patients who were receiving NOM was 5.26% while patients who received operative management had mortality rate of 33.3%. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality can be prevented by timely initial resuscitation and correct diagnosis as well as management (non operative or operative) which depends on patient’s hemodynamic stability and findings of imaging studies.

Comparative Evaluation of Serological Tests for Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Bovines with History of Abortion in Punjab

Brucellosis is highly infectious zoonotic disease that causes huge economic losses to livestock farmers by affecting the reproductive potential of animals causing last trimester abortions and infertility. In the present study evaluation of different serological tests to diagnose the seroprevalence of brucellosis in bovines with history of abortion using various serological tests [Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), modified rose bengal plate test (mRBPT), microtitre plate agglutination test (MAT) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA)] was carried out. A total of 134 blood samples of cattle and buffalo with history of abortion were collected from organized and unorganized farms. Seroprevalence by mRBPT, RBPT, MAT and i-ELISA was 75.37%, 67.91%, 72.38% and 72.38%, respectively. In organized farms, prevalence of 78.12%, 81.25%, 78.12% and 81.25% while in unorganized farms prevalence of 64.70%, 73.52%, 70.58% and 69.60% was reported by RBPT, mRBPT, MAT and i-ELISA, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of serological tests by keeping i-ELISA as gold standard were also calculated and the results revealed that sensitivities of RBPT, mRBPT and MAT were 91.75%, 97.94% and 96.91%, respectively, whereas specificities were 94.59%, 83.78% and 91.89%, respectively.

An integrated review on new targets in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain state caused by the dysfunction of somatosensory nervous system, and it affects the millions of people worldwide. At present, there are very few medical treatments available for neuropathic pain management and the intolerable side effects of medications may further worsen the symptoms. Despite the presence of profound knowledge that delineates the pathophysiology and mechanisms leading to neuropathic pain, the unmet clinical needs demand more research in this field that would ultimately assist to ameliorate the pain conditions. Efforts are being made globally to explore and understand the basic molecular mechanisms responsible for somatosensory dysfunction in preclinical pain models. The present review highlights some of the novel molecular targets like D-amino acid oxidase, endoplasmic reticulum stress receptors, sigma receptors, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels, histone deacetylase, Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/Ryk, ephrins and Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, Cdh-1 and mitochondrial ATPase that are implicated in the induction of neuropathic pain. Studies conducted on the different animal models and observed results have been summarized with an aim to facilitate the efforts made in the drug discovery. The diligent analysis and exploitation of these targets may help in the identification of some promising therapies that can better manage neuropathic pain and improve the health of patients.

HPV vaccine programmes: Current scenario and recommendations in India.

Drolet M, Bénard É, Boily MC, Ali H, Baandrup L, Bauer H, Beddows S, Brisson J, Brotherton JM, Cummings T, Donovan B, Fairley CK, Flagg EW, Johnson AM, Kahn JA, Kavanagh K, Kjaer SK, Kliewer EV, Lemieux-Mellouki P, Markowitz L, Mboup A, Mesher D, Niccolai L, Oliphant J, Pollock KG, Soldan K, Sonnenberg P, Tabrizi SN, Tanton C, Brisson M. (Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Canada; Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, The Danish Cancer Society Research Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark; STD Control Branch of the California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA; Virus Reference Department, Public Health England, London, UK; National HPV Vaccination Program Register, Victorian Cytology Service, East Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Interaction of mouse intestinal P-glycoprotein with oral antidiabetic drugs and its inhibitors.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a progressive insulin secretory defect accompanied by resistance to insulin, and thereby making glycemic control a major concern in the treatment of these patients. Oral drug administration, though a popular option for its non-invasiveness, suffer from poor bioavailability. It could be related to the efflux transport of intestinal P-glycoprotein (Pgp). In the present study, we explored the binding interactions of antidiabetic drugs i.e., sulfonylurea drugs (glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide) and rapid acting insulin secretagogues viz., nateglinide, repaglinide and rosiglitazone; and Pgp inhibitors i.e., Generation I (verapamil and tamoxifen), III (tetradrine and tariquidar), and natural inhibitors (fumagillin and piperine) in mouse Pgp model. Our results revealed that fumagillin piperine and verapamil possess maximum interaction energies with Pgp compared to antidiabetic drugs. These observations elucidate the role of fumagillin and piperine as potential natural compounds which could intervene in the efflux action of Pgp in extruding the antidiabetic drugs and may have implications for increasing efficacy of oral antidiabetic therapy.

Introducing Combined Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine in Chandigarh, India: Issues and Concerns.

Cyclical outbreaks of mumps have been noticed across Chandigarh city during winter months. Chandigarh does not provide measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination in the State immunization schedule. Epidemiological shift in age at diagnosis of mumps was noticed with higher incidence in older children and adults. Increased occurrence of complications can be predicted with this age shift. Silent burden of rubella with serious outcomes in newborns further strengthen the case for MMR vaccine inclusion in routine immunization program of Chandigarh.

An analysis of the pattern of blood requisition and utilization in a tertiary care center.

Background: Blood utilization audit helps to formulate guidelines for improving transfusion practice in a health care centre. With increasing demand for blood components being unable to meet the supply particularly in developing countries, there is a need to implement strategies for rational use of blood and its components. The present study aims to evaluate the transfusion practices in a hospital based blood centre. Material and Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted on 1000 blood requisitions and 300 requisitions for fresh frozen plasma and platelets. The requisitions were reviewed for pre transfusion hematological values, utilization trends and appropriateness. Results: Out of 1000 requisitions, 67.8% were for packed red cells and 32.2% were for whole blood. Pre transfusion hemoglobin values were available for 11.1%. The urgency for transfusion and indication was mentioned on 18.1% of requisition forms. The maximum cross match to transfusion ratio was for Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The blood utilization was 41.3%. Out of 300 requisitions for fresh frozen plasma/platelets, 67.33% were for fresh frozen plasma and 32.6% were for platelets. Only 25.66% of requisitions had prothrombin index/platelet count mentioned. Over ordering was seen in 37.33% of requisitions. Conclusion: Retrospective audits help to identify key areas that need interventions to change local guidelines for transfusion. There is need for regular audit to improve transfusion practices in a health care set up. A type and screen policy for routine surgeries and obstetric patients should be implemented to save valuable time and resources in developing countries.