Sexual Practice and Perception of HIV/AIDS And Health Seeking Behaviour Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hyderabad

Introduction: The Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) are a vulnerable population and need special at-tention in fight against the HIV/AIDS. The HIV trend has been an increasing trend among MSM. Methodology: It’s a facility based cross sectional study undertaken in the Targeted Intervention sites in Hyderabad, Telangana. A total of 300 Men who have Sex with Men who are above 18 years of age and registered were included. All the MSM visiting the TI centers during the study period were interviewed by using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi structured and pre-coded proforma. Results: Majority of participants 119(39.66%) had their first sexual encounter at the age of 15-17 years. 130(43.33%) visited the Target Intervention centers 1-2 times during the last month. About half of the participants i.e., 141(47.00%) belongs to Kothi Group and most of the MSM i.e., 198(66.00%) used con-dom during the sex with male last time. Conclusions: Stigma and cultural intolerance of same-sex relations are often largely to blame for rising epidemics, and until these issues are addressed it will be difficult to make headway in reducing HIV in-fection levels among MSM - which, in turn, will hinder the wider global efforts to manage HIV and AIDS.

A clinical study of retinopathy of prematurity in neonates in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease process mostly reported in preterm neonates with a wide spectrum, ranging from mild, transient changes in the retina with regression to severe progressive vasoproliferation, scarring, detachment of retina and blindness. India shares 20% of the world childhood blindness. Besides congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma and ocular injuries, ROP is emerging as one of the important causes of childhood blindness in India.Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken among all neonates born between 28-34 weeks of gestation admitted in NICU, who are under oxygen, screened for ROP. Babies with ocular disorder which interfere with fundus examination, babies who did not complete follow up till complete vascularisation of retina and babies with congenital retinal abnormalities were excluded from the study.Results: About 13.3% of male children and 18.0% of the female children had retinopathy of prematurity. Among the infants born before 30 weeks, 46.7% had retinopathy of prematurity. In the children with gestational age between 30- 32 weeks, 15.4%, 8.5% in the 32-35 weeks and none among those born between more than 35 weeks. About 27.9% of the newborns with birth weight of less than 1.5kgs and 5.8% of those who had birth weight of 1.5-2.5kgs had retinopathy of prematurity.Conclusions: This study had shown a significant association of retinopathy of prematurity with the low gestational age, birth weight and oxygen therapy. Reducing subsequent post-natal risk factors depends on optimal perinatal and postnatal care, as well as adhering to strict ROP screening guidelines. Recognizing and treating ROP in a timely fashion is critical for achieving the best visual outcome.

Relationship of conventional and fluorescent microscopic technique to assess in vitro semen quality status of murrah buffalo males

In vitro fertility assessment using fluorescent technique is a better predictor of fertility status of bulls as compared to traditional semen quality assessment techniques, therefore, the study was planned to assess in vitro fertility status of bulls based on conventional and fluorescent techniques. Seventy-three ejaculates were collected from 12 Murrah buffalo bulls maintained at Artificial Breeding Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, India for the experiment and subjected to statistical analysis using SYSTAT. The mean values of ejaculate volume [ml], mass activity, individual motility [%], sperm concentration [millions/ml], live sperm [%], total abnormalities [%], HOST [%] and acrosomal integrity [%] were 2.70 +/- 0.28, 2.8 +/- 0.14, 63.8 +/- 2.16, 1749.7 +/- 122.24, 77.3 +/- 2.48, 6.2 +/- 0.51, 75.1 +/- 1.81 and 84.5 +/- 2.26, respectively. The repeatability estimates were significant [P<0.05] for ejaculate volume [0.34 +/- 0.137], acrosomal integrity [0.29 +/- 0.134] and live percentage [0.28 +/- 0.133], indicating sufficient bull to bull variation for the parameters. The mean values of seminal attributes of fluorescent based criteria of CMA3 [Chromomycin A3], SYBR-PI and FITC-PNA [fluorescent isothiocynate-conjugated peanut agglutinin] were 5.25 +/- 0.41, 67.91 +/- 1.24 and 82.00 +/- 1.25 percent, respectively. Bulls were ranked on the basis of expected producing ability [EPA] for semen characteristics assessed by conventional and fluorescent criteria. Rank correlations were found to be significant for FITC with most of the parameters evaluated by conventional methods. In conclusion, among the conventional criteria, individual motility [%] revealed ranking of bulls almost similar to that of fluorescent criteria

Design of a controlled release liquid formulation of lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is a broad spectrum anticonvulsant drug widely used as mono- or adjunct- therapy in adults and children. The aim of this study was to develop controlled release liquid formulation of lamotrigine to improve bioavailability and compliance of pediatric and geriatric epileptic patients. Multiple [w/o/w] emulsion was prepared using one step emulsification technique. It was evaluated for entrapment efficiency [EE], morphology, zeta potential [ZP], polydispersity index [PI], rheology, thermal property, in vitro drug release behavior and stability. In vivo studies in albino mice were carried out using maximal electroshock seizure [MES] test and strychnine induced seizure [SIS] pattern test and results were compared with marketed formulation. The EE of the formulations varied from 84.37% to 98.11%. The ZP and PI values of the prepared batches were in the range of+23.46 to +28.07 and 0.256 and 0.365, respectively. Microscopic observation clearly indicated the stability of the emulsions during the storage period. All batches exhibited controlled in vitro drug release up to 12 hrs. Batch C11 exhibited significantly longer duration of protection of seizure in mice against MES and exhibited comparable efficacy in SIS as compared to the marketed formulation. Multiple emulsion of lamotrigine compared to the marketed tablet showed plasma drug concentration within therapeutic range for longer time and comparable efficacy

Distribution behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in roadside soil at traffic intercepts within developing cities

A study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pollution in roadside soil was conducted in developing city environment of northern India during autumn and winter season to ascertain the contamination levels and their distribution behavior in soil. The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was determined at ten locations of Jalandhar city, Punjab in India at 1, 2 and 3 m distances from roadside in soil covering all the major traffic intercepts within city. The samples were extracted in acetone and dichloromethane [1:1] using soxhlet extraction. The extracts were then filtered on a silica gel micro column to remove impurities and elute was subjected to GC-FID. The total average concentration [city average] was found to be 4.04 micro g/g and 16.38 micro g/g during winter and autumn respectively. DiBenzo [ah] Anthracene and Benzo [a] Pyrene were the individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in highest concentration at all the intercepts ranging between 0.008 to 28.4 micro g/g during winter and 0.01 to 252.55 micro g/g during autumn. Average concentration of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during winter and autumn was found to be 2.1 and 6.4 and 4.74 and 35.08 micro g/g respectively. The average ratio of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons was found to be 1:3 during winter, and 1:7.6 during autumn at most of the intercepts. Total carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentration was found quite high [80%] in comparison to non-carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [20%] at most of the intercepts

Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology: comparison of results in Tabriz Imam Khomeini Hospital and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

It is more than 60 years that Fine Needle Aspiration [FNA] has been used for diagnosing palpable breast masses and has been known as an effective method for several years in Europe. In this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of FNA with open biopsy in Tabriz and Shiraz, Iran. We studied 100 patients with breast lesions in Tabriz Imam Khomeini Hospital from late September 2003 to late July 2004. FNA and open biopsy were done for all patients, FNA results were studied by pathologists in Tabriz imam Khomeini hospital and Shiraz University and pathological and cytological results were compared. According to cytology, 44% of samples were benign, 15% were suspicious, 33% were malignant and 8% were insufficient in Tabriz. These figures were 25%, 10%, 27% and 37%, respectively in Shiraz. Sensitivity of FNA was higher in Tabriz [89.79% vs. 69%] but specificity did not differ significantly in two groups [93.47% vs. 80.95%]. Positive and negative predictive values were 97.77% and 89.36% in Tabriz and 100% and 60.6% in Shiraz, respectively. FNA accuracy was higher in Tabriz than in Shiraz [93.47% vs. 80.95%]. If done by experts, FNA can be a reliable replacement for open biopsy in palpable breast masses. Evaluation of FNA samples during aspiration can decrease insufficient samples. FNA [at least in deprived areas] can be the first line of diagnosis in women with breast masses and is helpful to increase health standards and clinical supervision of patients

Breast metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: FNA findings

A 25-year-old woman, a known case of vulvar rhabdomyosarcoma presented with bilateral breast nodules. Fine needle aspiration was performed. The smears revealed numerous round malignant cells, positive for malignancy. Histopathologic and immunocytochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The cytological findings of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the breast are rarely reported. The clinical history and immunocytochemical study contributed to the diagnosis of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

effect of silver nitrate, chloroformic garlic extract, and normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in rabbits

To evaluate the effects of 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline in induction of sclerosing cholangitis in the bile ducts of rabbits. During a-6-months period from April to September 2006 in Shiraz University Laboratory Animal Research Center, we selected 3 equal groups of rabbits. We injected 0.5% silver nitrate, 20% chloroformic garlic extract, and 0.9% normal saline into the bile ducts of each group. The animals were euthanized, and autopsied after 4 months and the liver and bile ducts were removed and studied histopathologically. Cholangiography was undertaken to evaluate the presence and extent of any sclerosing cholangitis. Animals showed sclerosing cholangitis in silver nitrate group [7 [58%]], one [8%] in chloroformic garlic extract group and one [7%] in normal saline group. The difference between silver nitrate and chloroformic garlic extract groups were statistically significant and similar results were noticed between chloroformic garlic extract and normal saline groups. Twenty percent of chloroformic garlic extract had fewer complications such as sclerosing cholangitis, compared to other materials

relationship between blood group type and visceral leishmaniasis in Iran

Visceral leishmaniasis [VL] or Kala-azar is still a common parasitic infection among children in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between blood group type and VL among Iranian patients. were enrolled. The bone marrow materials of 249 children who were clinically suspected for VL were provided from the posterior iliac spine by Jamshidi`s needle. LD bodies were identified in all cases and diagnosed as VL. The distribution of blood group type of all infected patients was compared with that of a control group of normal donors [2490]. There were 198 males and 51 females among VL patients. In both the VL and control groups, the maximum percentage was found in blood group O and minimum in blood group AB. Our results showed that the blood group was not a risk factor in the occurrence of VL. The ABO-Rh blood groups were not associated with the occurrence of VL in Iranian patients

Implementation and evaluation by formal assessments and term end student feedback of a new methodology of clinical teaching in surgery in small group sessions

The existing clinical teaching in small group sessions is focused on the patient's disease. The main dual limitation is that not only does the clinical skill testing become secondary but there is also a slackening of student involvement as only 1 student is evaluated during the entire session. A new methodology of small group teaching being experimented shifted the focus to testing students' clinical skills with emphasise on team participation by daily evaluation of the entire team. The procedure involved was that the group underwent training sessions where the clinical skills were taught demonstrated and practiced on simulated patients (hear-see-do module). Later the entire small group, as a team, examined the patient and each student was evaluated for 1 of 5 specific tasks--history taking, general examination, systemic examination, discussion and case write-up. Out of 170 students, 69 students (study) and 101 students (control) were randomly chosen and trained according to the new and existing methods respectively. Senior faculty (who were blinded as to which method of teaching the student underwent) evaluated all the students. The marks obtained at 2 examinations were tabulated and compared for tests of significance using t-test. The difference in the marks obtained showed a statistically significant improvement in the study group indicating that the new module was an effective methodology of teaching. The teaching effectiveness was evaluated by student feedback regarding improvement in knowledge, clinical and communication skills and positive attitudes on a 5-point Likert scale. Psychometric analysis was very positively indicative of the success of the module.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of intraocular, orbital and eyelid lesions

Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology [FNAC] is used for diagnosis of intraocular, orbital and eyelid lesions. In this study we evaluated the outcome and the accuracy of using this technique in diagnosis of benign or malignant behavior of lesions. FNAC was performed on 26 specimens obtained from 25 patients with intraocular, orbital and eyelid tumors and the results were compared with the histopathologic findings in a prospective double-blind observational study. In 22 specimens [85%] a concordant definitive diagnosis was established that comprised five retinoblastoma, four basal cell carcinomas, four inflammations and two dermoid cysts. All specimens were diagnosed as benign or malignant with reasonable concordance. Definitive cytologic diagnosis was also made in two rare, if ever reported, conditions namely orbital fibrous histiocytoma and eyelid leishmaniasis. FNAC seems to be a simple, rapid, relatively safe and cost-effective technique with considerable diagnostic value in the assessment of selected ophthalmic lesions, especially when sampling and interpretation are performed by experienced personnel

Value of fine needle aspiration in diagnosing abdominal and retroperitoneal masses of children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of abdominal and retroperitoneal masses in children on this study. In 53 cases of childhood abdominal and retropertioneal massess within a 4 year period [1998-2001] preoperative finer needle aspiration was done under the guide of CT scan. 2 pathologists reviewed fine needle aspiration smears. In all of the cases the gold standard for diagnosis was the tissue specimen, which showed 37 malignant, 2 benign neoplastic and 12 nonneoplastic diseases. This study showed that the sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of malignancy and benignity [positive or negative for malignancy] is 97.2% and 81.2% respectively. It was 100% accurate for the diagnosis of cell type in neuroblastoma-ganglioneuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma and Wilm's tumor, 77% accurate for lymphoma and 57% for germ cell tumors. There was no complication in any of the cases after fine needle aspiration. So fine needle aspiration is a reliable and sensitive method for the preoperative diagnosis of malignant pediatric abdominal and retroperitoneal masses and we recommend doing FNA cytology as a routine method for the diagnosis of such cases

Surgical experiences of hyperparathyroidism

This retrospective article reports the diagnostic experiences of forty six cases of hyperparathyroidism confirmed by operation and pathologic examination. From 1976 to 2002, all the patients who had conventional neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism were investigated. Eleven surgeons performed the operations by doing only 1 up to 18 procedures. Experience of surgeon and the result of frozen section were determined adequacy of procedure and completeness of operation. The clinical presentation was divided into four types: 24 cases [52.17%] with bone resorption; 15 cases [32.60%] with bone lesions plus urinary calculus; 4 cases [8.69%] with urinary calculus and 3 cases [6.52%] with asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The mean age of 46 patients [35 women, 11 men] was 44 [range 1 month to 67] years. Mean preoperative serum calcium was 13 [range 10.5 to 30] mg/ 100ml. Two patients in one family had neonatal primary hyperparathyroidism. One patient had chronic renal failure. Neck sonography was done in 18 and parathyroid [Sestamibi] scan was done in 3 with accuracy of 66.66% and 100% subsequently. The pathological diagnosis was parathyroid adenoma in 37, hyperplasia in 5, parathyroid carcinoma in 1 and negative exploration in 3. The clinical picture of PHPT in south of Iran is similar to that recognized previously in west. We are expecting routine measurement of serum calcium and high suspicioun by the physician in patients with symptoms of musculoskeletal system or renal stone can lead to early diagnosis. By using parathyroid scan and sonography of neck localization of most parathyroid adenoma is possible. Therefore minimal access adenomectomy can be replaced by conventional neck exploration

Diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis: ultrasound imaging or countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis?

Cystic echinococcosis is a major zoonotic diseases in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This study was carried out in 3 general hospitals in Shiraz. We examined the records of all 1227 surgical patients with a surgically-proven diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis for the 20-year period 1978-98. The results of countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis were compared with pathology and ultrasound reports to determine whether serological tests could be helpful for diagnosis. Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis could detect only 62.0% of cases, whereas the pathology and ultrasound results were positive for 96.3% of cases. This study confirms the usefulness of ultrasound and suggests that only in doubtful cases would countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis be useful for diagnosing cystic echinococcosis

Primary cardiac lymphoma

A 4-year-old boy referred to our clinic with fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. He had a muffled heart sound and increased Jugular venous pressure on physical examination and cardiomegally on the chest X-ray. Echocardiography showed a mass in the right ventricular outflow tract. A biopsy from the mass revealed primary cardiac lymphoma. He did not respond to chemotherapy and died

Primary pericardial thymoma in a child: case report

We report on a primary pericardial thymoma in a 9-year-old child, presenting with shortness of breath, and finally, cardiac tamponade. With a cardiopulmonary bypass, the mass was resected via a median sternotomy

Crush preparation cytologic findings of CNS tumors: a study of 199 cases

Crush preparation cytology technique was used during the operative procedure for the diagnosis of 199 CNS tumors. This technique is simple, easy to perform, rapid, and inexpensive. The cytomorphologic findings were excellent and helped achieve a rapid and correct diagnosis. This technique was used on the tiny, small specimens which were not suitable for frozen sectioning. The results were compared with biopsy reports. The overall diagnostic accuracy by this technique was about 97.7%