Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among blood donors during the COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Assessments of the blood donors’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of this infection are essential for controlling the spread of COVID-19. Aim and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the KAP among blood donors towards COVID 19 pandemic and how to increase the number of blood donations during pandemic. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 630 blood donors at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, at a tertiary care center in North India. It was an observational study. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and MannWhitney test. To correlate variables Chi-square test was used. Results: The knowledge score of demographic variables marital status, education & occupation showed a significant association, while its association with age, gender, and religion was insignificant. The entire demographic variables under study showed a significant association with Attitude questionnaire 1. According to univariate analysis, the variables Intercept, Unemployed and Physical Labour showed significant impact on knowledge level with the corresponding effect size 0.10 and 0.022. Conclusions: This study reveals that blood donors have good knowledge with positive attitudes and practices. By improving the knowledge with the help of health education platforms, the number of blood donations will also increase.

Neuroimaging studies in children aged 6 months to 16 years with new onset afebrile seizures

Background: Seizures are the most common pediatric neurological disorder. With this a study was conducted to determine the frequency of abnormal neuroimaging in children aged between 6 months to 16 years with new onset afebrile seizures.Methods: Study was conducted in the department of pediatrics, GSL Medical College. Children aged six months to sixteen years, presented with the symptoms of first episode of afebrile seizures were included in the study. After through clinical examinations, findings were recorded, and all the participants underwent imaging studies such as CT and MRI. And the findings were recorded. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Total of 80 participants were included in the study; in this, 22.5% (18) had simple partial, 41.3% (33) had complex partial and 5% (4) had partial seizures with 20 generalization and 31.3% (25) had generalized seizures. Seizures were more common among non-vegetarians (p<0.05). Bain CT shows localization to the parietal lobe in 54% of these cases.Conclusions: Neurocysticercosis and tuberculoma are common causes of seizures. Although cysticercosis incidence is greater in pork eaters, but vegetarians shouldn't be excluded. Studies on large sample size for long time are recommended.

Aetiopathological evaluation of pleural effusions

Background: Pleural Effusion (PE) is a sign of disease and not a diagnosis itself. Hence an attempt was made to find out the etiological diagnosis of pleural effusion in cases.Methods: Single center, observational, cross sectional hospital-based study. Samples were collected by systematic random sampling method; study was conducted in GSL Medical College. Patients admitted with pleural effusion in medical wards and ICU were taken. The patients >14 years age, both genders were included. All patients were interviewed to obtain detailed history and examined thoroughly as per pre-determined protocol. Chest x-ray, chest ultrasonogram, PF analysis, routine general investigations were conducted for all the participants; and pleural cytology in certain cases. PF was aspirated send for various microbiological investigations such as gram stain, culture.Results: Out of 104 study participants, 78 were men and 26 were women and peak incidence of pleural effusion is 41-50 years. In this study, 58% cases were found to be tuberculoid, 25% malignant, 6% pyogenic.Conclusions: Tuberculosis was found to be commonest and more prevalent cause of pleural effusion. Every case of pleural effusion should be meticulously investigated in order to arrive a diagnosis, whether tuberculous or non-tuberculous to proceed for specific therapy.

Clinical response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients

Background: Lung carcinoma is the most common. With this, a study was conducted to assess the clinical profile of Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and also to evaluate the response to chemotherapy in various stages of NSCLC.Methods: It was a prospective study. All the clinically confirmed cases with NSCLC were taken into consideration. Clinical staging was done, diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological findings. Treatment was given depending on the stage of carcinoma. Patients were evaluated before each cycle of chemotherapy for any progression of disease. Pathological response was evaluated after completion of 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Chi square test was used to find the statistical significance; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Total 153 patients admitted to oncology wing were taken to the study, with mean age 59.07±10.618 years, 2.6 male female ratio. In this 73% were in stage III and the remaining in stage IV NSCLC. Majority (56.10%) of the study subjects in stage III NSCLC showed partial response, Majority (68%) of the subjects in stage IV NSCLC showed partial response; the difference was Statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: NSCLS is common in older people with male dominance due to habits.

Prevalence of coronary artery diseases in type 2 diabetic women

Background: There was increasing evidence that gender differences are important in epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of many diseases, relevant for non-communicable diseases.Methods: Study was conducted in Department of General Medicine, GSL Medical College. Patients who were admitted with type 2 diabetes were recruited in the study. Each patient was interviewed to obtain detailed history and examined thoroughly as per predetermined protocol, national diabetes data group and WHO diagnostic criteria was used. Myocardial infarction was diagnosed by convex ST segment elevation in corresponding leads (early) or QS complexes or abnormal Q waves i.e. Q waves of 0.04 seconds or more in width (or) 25% or more of the voltage of the R wave in the same lead or both in the corresponding leads (late) or T wave inversion in the corresponding leads (late). Statistical analyses were done by using SPSS software version 21.0. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between different categorical variables; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 250 participants, 97 were diagnosed as coronary artery disease (CAD), maximum between 51-60 years age group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The association between dyslipidemia and CAD was statistically significant (p<0.05). Out of 188 post-menopausal cases, CAD was diagnosed in 86 cases; out of the 62 non post-menopausal cases, CAD was diagnosed in 11 cases; The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: In premenopausal women, the prevalence of CHDs are significantly higher when compared to postmenopausal women.

Diagnostic Significance of Uric Acid, C Reactive Protein, Magnesium in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Study was undertaken to note the levels of highsensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum uric acid, serummagnesium levels in acute myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods: This study was conducted in GSLMedical College, study was approved by institutional ethicalcommittee. Participants were recruited by folloing inclusionand exclusion criteria. After getting detailed history ofpatient’s blood samples were taken for hemoglobin, bloodurea, serum creatinine, uric acid, serum electrolytes, hs CRP,serum uric acid, serum Magnesium. All the participants weresubjected to ECG and ECHO cardiography. Fischer’s exactChi square test was to find statistical analysis, P<0.05 wasconsidered as statistically significant.Results: Of the 100 study participants, 39% participants’hs CRP levels were ≤3mg/dl; statistically the differencewas significant. When serum ureic acid considered, 46%patients with uric acid levels were ≤7mg/dl 66% participants’magnesium levels were > 1.4mg/dl; The difference wasstatistically significant.Conclusion: The above findings showed a positive correlationof elevated hs CRP and uric acid; and low magnesium withvarious risk factors of MI.

Correlation between serum magnesium levels and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: In this study, an attempt has been made to find the correlation between Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and serum magnesium in type 2 Diabetic Mellitus (DM) cases.Methods: Study was conducted in the department of General Medicine, GSL Medical College. Study protocol was approved by institutional ethical committee. All the non-critically ill type 2 DM individuals of all ages attended the outpatient services were included in the study. The reference range of Magnesium was taken as 1.7-2.4 mg/dL. Patients with low and normal Magnesium levels were categorized as cases and controls respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software 21, Chi square test was used to compare the different qualitative variables; p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: A total of 163 individuals were included in the study, the mean age was 55.72 years, ranged between 39 to 75 years; male female ratio was 1.12. DR was diagnosed in 54% cases and low magnesium levels were detected in 40% cases; the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05).Conclusions: Estimation of glycaemic levels and serum magnesium can help us predict the onset and progression of DR.

Bacterial flora in the conjunctiva among the patients undergoing cataract surgery

Background: The present study was aimed in identifying the normal organisms found in the conjunctiva of healthy eyes among the individuals undergoing cataract surgery and also antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates. Cataract is the major cause of blindness in the developing countries, cataract surgery is one of the common surgical practices.Methods: Study was conducted in the department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College from May to July 2018. Surgically removed cataract lens was collected in sterile nutrient broth and transported to Microbiology laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. The broths were incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours subcultured on Blood agar, MacConkey agar and Nutrient agar, incubated aerobically at 37ºC for 24 hours and then examined for bacteria growth according to standard protocol. After incubation growth was identified by colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done on Muller-Hinton agar by the disk diffusion method.Results: During the study period, 58 samples were collected; the male female ratio was 1.14. Maximum strains were isolated among female; the male female ration was 0.95. Increase in flora was observed with age. No significant drug resistance was observed.Conclusions: This is a hospital based study which is not true representation of the community. Hence a community based study with large sample by considering the comorbid conditions such as occupation, diabetes, immune status can give the authentic data on the conjunctival flora.

A Study on Correlation of External Auditory Canal Dimensions and Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in a Tertiary Health Care Centre

Introduction: Endoscopic tympanoplasty is a minimalinvasive surgery, causing minimal trauma to healthy tissue.The other advantages are speculum which narrows canal canbe avoided, there is no frequent tilting of head, no seepageof blood into graft bed and no fear of perichondritis. Currentresearch aimed to study the advantages and disadvantagesof endoscopic tympanoplasty and to study the limits andlimitations of endoscopic tympanoplasty in relation to theanatomy and disease.Material and Methods: This study includes evaluating 35cases of endoscopic tympanoplasty with follow up period of 4months study was prospective study performed. Patient of age(18-50years) and both sexes with CSOM inactive stage withconductive deafness who require surgical intervention wereincluded in our study and patients with the External auditorycanal width is less than 6 mm were excluded in this study.Results: In our Study out of 35 patients, 8 (23%) patientsshowed Small Central Perforation, 4 cases showing perforationin antero-inferior quadrant and 4 cases showing perforationin postero-inferior quadrant), 19 (54%) patients showed largecentral perforation and the remaining 8 (23%) showed SubTotal Perforation.Conclusion: The Trans-canal endoscopic tympanoplasty isthe procedure of choice for chronic suppurative otitis mediaof tubo-tympanic type in inactive stage (Inactive mucosalchronic otitis media) with Grade 2 and Grade 3 canals.

Same day sputum smear microscopy approach with modified ZN staining for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a microscopy centre at Rajahmundry.

Background: Sputum smear microscopy is the main‑stay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in many developing countries. To overcome the drop outs, same day diagnosis is ideal. Materials and Methods: In the current study, two spot sputum samples (SS2 approach) are collected within a gap of one hour (same day sputum smear microscopy) in addition to the standard spot morning (SM) approach. The smears were stained with standard Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) and modified ZN staining techniques. Results: Out of 1537 patients, sputum smear positivity (SSP) was 9.43% (146 patients) in SM approach with standard ZN staining. Smear positivity was increased to 9.8% (151 patients) with modified ZN staining. For SS2 approach, SSP was 9.37% (144 patients) and 9.8% (151 patients) with standard and modified ZN staining procedures, respectively. Conclusions: Diagnosis of lung tuberculosis is possible with two spot sputum samples with modified ZN staining.

Production of Halophilic α-Amylase by Immobilized Cells of Moderately Halophilic Bacillus sp. Strain TSCVKK.

Aims: To investigate the effect of cell immobilization on amylase production by the moderately halophilic bacterium, Bacillus sp. strain TSCVKK and to compare the properties of the amylase produced under immobilized conditions with the enzyme produced by the free cells. Study Design: Cell immobilization. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Lab, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between Jan 2009 and March 2009. Methodology: Bacillus sp. strain TSCVKK was immobilized in alginate, agar, polyacrylamide and gelatin. Production of amylase was determined using 3, 5- dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS). Effect of NaCl, pH, temperature on the activity of amylase was determined and compared with the amylase produced by the free cells. Results: Maximum production of 832 mU/ml was achieved with an initial cell load of 1.2% (w/v; wet weight) of 24 h grown cells immobilized in 2% agar of 4 mm3 block size using GSL-2 medium containing 10% NaCl and 1.5% dextrin at pH 8.0 at 30ºC after 36 h of growth. Amylase production was lower when the cells were immobilized in alginate (211 mU/ml) or with the free cells of same biomass concentration as used for immobilization (333 mU/ml). Amylase was not produced when gelatin or polyacrylamide was used as the immobilization matrix. The immobilized cells in 2% agar could be used up to 5 cycles without much reduction in amylase production. Amylase produced through cell immobilization retained all the properties that were shown by amylase produced under submerged fermentation. Conclusion: Agar was the suitable matrix to immobilize Bacillus sp. strain TSCVKK for amylase production. Amylase produced under immobilization conditions retained its temperature, salt and pH requirements. Immobilized cells were used for 5 cycles without much decrease in production.

Same day sputum smear microscopy approach for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a microscopy centre at Rajahmundry.

Background: Sputum smear microscopy is the initial and rapid diagnostic technique for tuberculosis. This requires two (spot and morning SM) sputum sample examinations over two days. Collection of two spot samples (SS2) on the same day would reduce the number of visits, time, money and early initiation of treatment. Methods: We evaluated same day approach (SS2) against standard (SM) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Out of 658 participants, same day approach could identify 62 cases, whereas standard approach could identify 64 cases. Both the approaches are equally effective (p>0.05). Conclusion: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis is possible in one day by examining two spot samples.

In vivo effect of whole grain flour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) on rat dermal wound healing.

Influence of finger millet and kodo millet on rat dermal wound healing was assessed by making a 4 cm2 (2 x 2 cm) excision wound on the shaven back of rats under ether anesthesia. Finger millet or kodo millet flour (300 mg) as aqueous paste was applied topically once daily for 16 days. The granulation tissue formed on day 4, 8 and 12 was used to estimate some biochemical parameters like protein, DNA, collagen and lipid peroxides. There was significant increase in protein and collagen contents and decrease in lipid peroxides. Biophysical parameters like rate of contraction and number of days for epithelialization were also studied. Rate of contraction was 88-90% in kodo millet and finger millet treated rats in comparison to 75% in untreated rats. The number of days for complete closure of wounds was lower for finger millet (13 days) and kodo millet (14 days) treated rats in comparison to untreated (16 days) rats. The results implicate a possible therapeutical role for finger millet and kodo millet in accelerating the process of wound healing.

Immunohistochemical localization of transferrin in human breast cancer tissue.

The present study was planned to detect the iron binding protein, transferrin (TR) in paraffin sections of the human breast tumors. The distribution of transferrin has been studied in 153 cases (63 benign lesions and 90 malignant tumors). The extent of staining reaction was determined by semiquantitative grading (weak, moderate and consistent). Positivity rate for transferrin was higher (92.2%) in malignant tumors as compared to benign breast lesions (28.5%) with significant p value (P = .0001) for both the groups. The intensity was variable in both the groups, being more intense in the malignant tumors. Tumors with higher grade of malignancy presented consistent positive staining along with the lymph nodes involved. The extent of immunoreactivity revealed a significant positive correlation with axillary lymph node status. However, no significant correlation was found with the age of the patients. Thus the study of transferrin in breast tumors besides being of prognostic significance helps in the further management of malignant lesions of the breast.

Immunohistochemical localization of transferrin in human breast cancer tissue.

The present study was planned to detect the iron binding protein, transferrin (TR) in paraffin sections of the human breast tumors. The distribution of transferrin has been studied in 153 cases (63 benign lesions and 90 malignant tumors). The extent of staining reaction was determined by semiquantitative grading (weak, moderate and consistent). Positivity rate for transferrin was higher (92.2%) in malignant tumors as compared to benign breast lesions (28.5%) with significant p value (p = 0.0001) for both the groups. The intensity was variable in both the groups, being more intense in the malignant tumors. Tumors with higher grade of malignancy presented consistent positive staining along with the lymph nodes involved. The extent of immunoreactivity revealed a significant positive correlation with axillary lymph node status. However, no significant correlation was found with the age of the patients. Thus the study of transferrin in breast tumors besides being of prognostic significance helps in the further management of malignant lesions of the breast.

Primary intrapulmonary teratoma presenting as pyothorax.

A female patient presented with empyema thoracis and was planned for decortication. Peroperatively a cystic mass was found in the left lower lobe which was resected and diagnosed as a case of teratoma of lung on histopathological examination. This unusual case of primary intrapulmonary teratoma is being reported here.

Statistical significance of AgNOR counts in FNAC smears and corresponding histopathological sections.

The object of the present study was to determine the statistical significance of AgNOR counts in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears and corresponding paraffin sections by using an one step silver colloidal staining method. Ninety five cases (31 benign and 64 malignant) were taken and a correlation between smears and sections was studied by two different observers. The total number of mean (SD) AgNOR counts was significantly higher in FNAC smears in benign (3.081 +/- .753) and malignant (7.101 +/- 1.544) neoplasms in comparison to paraffin sections in the same group of cases. FNAC smears had a cut off point 4 with proliferation index 1% in benign tumors and 97.5% in malignant tumors. Sections had an overlapping of AgNOR counts (5-7) with proliferation index 3.8 and 82% for benign and malignant groups respectively. The difference in the coefficient of variations was 3% in benign group and 2% in malignant group in FNAC smears while sections had 6 and 8% difference in the coefficient of variations. Smears present a superior staining and accurate number of AgNOR dots in nucleus as compared to paraffin sections. Therefore the results suggest that AgNOR technique can be successfully used in FNAC smears in comparison to paraffin sections to differentiate benign and malignant tumors in routine laboratory diagnosis.

Diagnostic relevance of silver stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNORs) in benign and malignant breast lesions.

The present study is planned to assess the diagnostic relevance of silver stained nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in discriminating benign from malignant lesions of the breast and to ascertain the interobserver variability in the enumeration of AgNOR counts. Forty four specimens of benign and malignant breast tissues were studied and mean number of silver stained nucleolar organizer regions (MNORA) have been counted in paraffin sections. Malignant lesions have a higher number of MNORA than benign lesions. These results also showed correlation between the AgNOR counts and size of the tumor, axillary lymph node status and age of the patient. Our results also indicate a close agreement between the two observers with limits of agreement. However, AgNOR counts are of little diagnostic importance since a broad zone of overlap exists between benign and malignant breast diseases despite significant higher mean counts in malignant lesions. AgNOR sequence could perhaps be of use to differentiate those two histological indistinguishable lesions. The tumor size and axillary lymph node involvement suggested to its prognostic significance also. Interobserver agreement further suggests the utility of AgNOR counts as diagnostic or prognostic discriminants in breast malignancies.

Antiallergic activity of alkyl substituted pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine (compound 88-765).

Compound 88-765 (4-amino-6-methylthio-1-(2', 2'-diethoxyethyl)-1 H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine) has shown potent antiallergic activity in experimental models. The compound inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in rats in dose-dependent manner (5-100 mg/kg, po) by 47 to 87%. In mice it inhibited PCA by 78% at 50 mg/kg, po. It also inhibited mast cell degranulation of normal and passively sensitised rats induced by compound 48/80 and egg albumin, respectively. These effects of Compound 88-765 were comparable with that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). The results suggest that compound 88-765 possesses potent antiallergic activity.