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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Patterns of infections among blood donors in a tertiary care centre: A retrospective study.

Background. Transfusion-transmitted infections continue to be a threat to safe transfusion practices. We analysed the prevalence and patterns of co-infections among voluntary and replacement donors. Methods. Blood donations collected over a 5-year period were studied for the type of donation (voluntary or replacement), number of seroreactive cases and the number, type and distribution of co-infections. Results. Of the 42 439 units of blood collected over a 5- year period, 19 118 (45%) were from voluntary and 23 321 (55%) from replacement donors. There were 1603 seroreactive cases (3.8%). These included 250 with HIV (0.6%), 734 with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; 1.7%), 337 with hepatitis C virus (HCV; 0.8%) and 282 (0.7%) with VDRL (Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory) reactivity. Twenty-three (0.05%) of these had >2 seroreactive infections; 20 of these were in replacement donors and only 3 in voluntary donors and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.005). Among HIV seropositive donors, there were 4 seroreactive for syphilis and 5 for HBsAg. Among HIV seronegative donors, 5 were seroreactive for HBsAg and VDRL, 4 for HCV and VDRL, and 2 for HBsAg and HCV. One person was seroreactive for HIV, HBsAg and VDRL. The multiple infection rate showed a decreasing trend over the years. Conclusion. Multiple infections pose a small but definite risk to the recipients of blood products. Voluntary donations are safer as compared with replacement ones and need to be encouraged.

Impact of health education intervention on knowledge and community action for malaria control in Delhi.

Malaria affects millions of people in India despite decades of efforts to control it. It has acquired greater importance in last two decades due to emergence of vector resistance, poor quality of care and low utilization of services. The study was conducted to improve the management of malaria by IEC and training activities in slum areas of Delhi. The baseline and post intervention data on knowledge, attitude, behavior and practices (KABP) regarding malaria was collected from 601 and 593 subjects respectively from two zones of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). At the same time, knowledge and skills regarding management of malaria were assessed among 15 health workers working in these two zones of MCD. An intervention package in the form of health education material for the community and training modules for the workers were designed and implemented. Post intervention data were collected. The knowledge about cause of malaria, season of malaria and breeding places of mosquito increased among community members after the intervention, which was found to be statistically significant. Similarly, more people were aware about the methods of prevention of mosquito breeding after the intervention. Methods like mosquito coil (post-64.92% vs pre-55.41%) and bet nets (post-24.96% vs pre-14.47%) were used by more people in post intervention phase. The Interval between onset of symptoms and seeking treatment decreased after the intervention from 1.66 days to 1.37 days. Among the workers, knowledge and skills regarding malaria management improved after the intervention. More blood slides were made, side effects of the treatment were explained to the patients and better compliance to treatment was observed in post intervention phase. IEC activities using attractive pamphlets to the community and on-job training of workers improves management of malaria and should be used more frequently more so in the slum areas for the success of the National Anti-Malaria Program.

Beliefs and perceptions about cancers among patients attending radiotherapy OPD in Delhi, India.

The prevalence of beliefs and myths amongst cancer patients is a reflection of the level of knowledge in the community regarding cancer. Such beliefs influence the health seeking behaviour of patients and may lead to delay in seeking medical care. The present study revealed that myths and misconceptions are widely prevalent among cancer patients in India. The perception regarding causation of cancer among cancer patients varied from curses, evil eye and spirits to past sins. Only one third of the patients believed that cancer can be detected in its early stages and that it can be cured. The average time taken by patients to report to a doctor after suspecting their disease was 2 years. The majority of patients held fatalistic views about the outcome of cancer. Most (60%) were being discriminated against by their family and society. All these findings highlight that despite considerable medical knowledge of risk factors and treatment modalities, possible social-behavioral strategies for the prevention and control of cancer have not been adequately addressed, especially among South Asian patients.