Factors affecting the participation and utilization of breast cancer screening services among health care workers Kolar: a qualitative study

Background: India is going through epidemiologic transition with a shift of disease burden from communicable to non-communicable diseases. There is no organized screening programme for breast cancer in the country. Hence, a large proportion of women with cancer of the breast present in advanced stages of cancer. The integrated cancer control programme calls for early detection of cancer, opportunistic screening and cancer outreach camps that are to be promoted and carried out by health care providers. The objective of this study was thus designed to understand the various factors preventing the participation and utilisation of breast cancer screening. Methods: It was a qualitative method with two groups. The study was conducted between two taluks out of 6, Kolar and Bangarpete. All Angawadi workers and helpers aged more than 30 years were invited and those who have history of breast cancer and family history of breast cancer were excluded from the study. All the subjects who did not attend the screening were included to elicit the reasons for non-attendance. Results: The theme ‘barriers to screening uptake’ were broadly divided into three main categories- namely ‘worry’, ‘transport’ and ‘work commitment’. The sub-category ‘anxiety’ (31.9%) was reported to be the highest barrier and least was in the sub-category ‘no replacement’ (4.3%). The frequency of response categorized into different sub-categories. Conclusions: The reasons were identified by using ‘single question’ interview guide, and were categorized into ‘worry’, ‘transport’ and ‘work-commitment’. Barrier in ‘worry’ category was found to be highest.

Effect of Rhizobium Coating on Physical and Engineering Properties of Chickpea Seed

The Rhizobium bio fertilizer coating may influence on the physical and engineering properties of chickpea seed. The metering mechanism, hopper design and hose pipes of seed drill was designed based up on the physical and engineering properties of Rhizobium coated seeds. The study was conducted to determine the physical and engineering properties viz., length, breadth, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, seed weight, bulk density, angle of repose and coefficient of static friction of uncoated, and bio-fertilizer coated chickpea seeds for design of Aqu-ferti seed drill. The hopper of seed drill was designed based up on the angle of repose and coefficient of static friction of biofertilizer coated chickpea seeds. The physical properties of chickpea seeds plays very important role in design of hopper, hose pipe and metering mechanism of seed drill The physical properties viz., Length, breadth and thickness of the uncoated and bio-fertilizer coated chickpea seeds were 9.01±0.62 mm, 7.059±0.69 mm, 6.57±0.54 mm and 9.06±0.44 mm, 7.144±0.90 mm, 6.9±0.22 mm, respectively. Roundness and sphericity of uncoated and bio-fertilizers coated chickpea seeds were 87.23 ±2.13%, 87.36±2.72% and 81.6±3.07%, 82±4.15%, respectively. Bulk density of uncoated and bio fertilizer coated seeds were 0.629±0.02 g/cc and 0.641± 0.03 g/cc, respectively. Geometric mean diameters of uncoated and coated seeds were 7.32±0.45 mm and 7.33±.45 mm, respectively. The hopper of seed drill was designed based up on the angle of repose of mild steel which influences on free flow of sesds. The angle of repose for mild steel surface was observed as 26.9±5.61 and 29.51±4.23 degree for uncoated and bio-fertilizer coated chickpea seeds, respectively.

Comparison of Stalk Volume by Water Displacement Method and Calculation Method for Stalk Weight Determination and Its Relevance to Single Cane Weight in Sugarcane Clones

The present study was conducted to identify the association of non-destructive rapid estimation of stalk volume by calculation method with water displacement method and to predict the single cane weight by stalk volume. The stalk volume by water displacement method (SVWM) and stalk volume by calculation method (SVCM) were compared for the efficacy of stalk weight determination in sugarcane clones. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods (r2 = 0.9092, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent stalk volume measurements; however, the stalk volume calculation method is preferred for its quick evaluation of a large number of stalks in a rapid way besides its non-destructive nature. The calculation method saved more than 70 seconds for each sample. The stalk weight has shown a significant correlation of r=0.71***, 0.83***, 0.94***, 0.99*** with SH, CD, SVCM and SVWM respectively, while the stalk density (SD) was observed with a negative correlation (r=-0.27ns) with stalk weight. The stalk volume-based predicted stalk weight estimation was observed with high degree of correlation (>0.88***) with the original single cane weight by both the studied methods, thus, measurements of stalk volume based on calculation method which provide simple, rapid, non-destructive field phenotyping of single cane weight in sugarcane crop may be recommended for the sugarcane research.

Rapid Assessment of Rind Hardness in Sugarcane and Its Association with Biochemical Traits

Rind hardness in sugarcane plays a major role in lodging resistance, and internode borer resistance,screening of sugarcane for rind hardness is essential for reducing yield loss. In order to identify the suitability of soil penetrometer for rapid rind hardness measurement, the rind hardness testing was carried out in two sugarcane clones of different rind hardness variability viz., Co 13003 (hard rind type) and Co 14002 (soft rind type). The investigation was carried out by three methods viz., pendulum type impact test rig, texture analyzer,and soil penetrometer and theresults revealed that thehard rind type Co 13003 sugarcane clone was observed with significantly greater hardness. Significant correlation between the three methods for the rind hardness trait and among the three methods the soil penetrometer method of determination of rind hardness is easy and rapid. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis of studied biochemical traits has revealed a better classification of hard-rinded and soft-rind sugarcane clones. The Co 13003 was recorded as least susceptible to borers with high rind hardness (>200 psi), along with better fibre. The NG 77 a hard rind type clone was also observed with high lignin compared to soft rind Gungera.

Histomorphological-study-of-mucormycosis-in-covid19-patients-with-special-reference-to-rhinoorbital-region-in-a-tertiary-care-center

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. The patients with comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus, lung disease are prone to a wide range of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Aims And Objectives 1. To know the frequency of mucormycosis in Covid-19 patients. 2. To describe histomorphological pattern of mucormycosis and other fungal infections in Covid-19 patients. Materials And Methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2021 to August 2021 for four month period with a sample size of 57 at a tertiary care hospital in south India. All the patients who were diagnosed with and or recovered from COVID-19 infection and came back with the fungal infection symptoms were subjected to surgical debridement were included in the study. All the demographic and clinical data were obtained from requests. In the presentResults: study we got 57 cases of covid-19 patient with suspected fungal infections.We examined the biopsy taken from different sites of rhinoorbital area with H&E and GMS stain. Out of 57 cases 36 cases were found to be having mucormycosis. Conclusion: Since Covid-19 is a risk for many opportunistic infections, its association with invasive fungal infection is dangerous and must be given serious consideration

A rare cause of pediatric respiratory distress: pulmonary embolism

Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a very rare condition as compared to adults. However, the incidence of pulmonary embolism in children is increasing as a result of accurate and timely diagnosis. Authors hereby reporting a 7-year-old female child who presented to us with acute onset respiratory distress and hypotensive shock, with no other significant illness in the past. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made based on chest x ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography. After ascertaining the diagnosis of PE, child was started on unfractionated heparin infusion along with other supportive measures. But the child went into refractory shock followed by asystole, could not be revived. Pulmonary embolism is a rare and potentially fatal, condition that often goes unrecognized among the pediatric population. There should be high index of suspicion on PE in a child who presented with sudden onset respiratory distress with other supportive radiological, 2d echo and lab findings.

Prospective observational study for appropriateness of blood and blood components therapy in children up to 16 years of age admitted in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Blood component therapy is a rational replacement therapy of proven clinical value and efficacy, but it is a double-edged sword as it is associated with many hazards of transfusion reaction. Because of ease of availability and gap in the knowledge of medical professional's blood products are being used very liberally leading to huge mismatch in the demand and supply of life saving blood product.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional observational study was done over a period of 1 year in a tertiary hospital, in western part of India. 225 events of blood component therapy were studied in neonates (<1month) and pediatric (1month-16years) age groups. Indications and reactions to blood components therapy were studied in both the groups. Each component therapy was considered as one event and its indication was compared with standard guidelines for terming it as appropriate or inappropriate.Results: Out of total 225 events of transfusions, most commonly used was PRBC (48.9%) followed by FFP (24.9%), platelet (16.0%), IVIG (9.8%) and whole blood (0.4%).' Authors found that overall 17.3% of the component therapy' were inappropriate( neonates 10.2%' and 7.1% in the rest). Most commonly misused blood product was FFP (37.5%) followed by IVIG (22.7%), platelets (16.7%) and PRBC (6.4%).Conclusions: Regular audit of blood and its component usage is essential to assess the blood utilization pattern and set ideal policies in all the medical specialties to make it appropriate, ensure availability and save patients from its hazards.

CHOKING IN A PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT - A CASE REPOR

Choking is one of the important types of asphyxia deaths. The incidences of which are not uncommon. The choking in children could be due toys, coins, marbles, nuts and any other small hard object or even sometimes due to stuffed in plastic bags whereas in adults most of the times food bolus or hard parts of food like bone pieces are responsible. It is mostly accidental in nature. It can cause coughing or sometimes airway obstruction leading to death. We present a case wherein a mentally ill person accidentally choked to death after consumption of food.

Radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of three Parmotrema species from Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.

Western Ghats are one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. The present study was conducted to determine antibacterial and radical scavenging potential of three Parmotrema species viz., P. tinctorum, P. grayanum and P. praesorediosum from Maragalale and Guliguli Shankara, Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The powdered lichen materials were extracted using methanol. Antibacterial activity of lichen extracts was tested against three Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria by Agar well diffusion assay. Radical scavenging activity of lichen extracts was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic content of lichen extracts was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method. The lichen extracts showed dose dependent antibacterial activity. Overall, the lichen extracts were more inhibitory to Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. P. grayanum displayed high inhibitory activity against test bacteria. Scavenging of DPPH radicals by lichen extracts was concentration dependent. Among the lichen species, P. grayanum showed higher scavenging potential as indicated by lower IC50 value. Total phenolic content was also high in P. grayanum. Thin layer chromatogram revealed the presence of Lecanoric acid, Orsellinic acid, Protolichesterinic acid, Chloroatranorin, Protopraesorediosic acid and Praesorediosic acid in lichen samples. The observed bioactivities of lichens could be ascribed to the presence of secondary metabolites. These lichens can be considered as suitable candidates for development of bioactive agents active against pathogenic microbes and oxidative damage.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of a macrolichen Usnea pictoides G. Awasthi (Parmeliaceae).

Lichens are self-sufficient symbioses between an alga and a fungus. In the present study, we have determined total phenolic content, antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy of a macrolichen Usnea pictoides G.Awasthi (Parmeliaceae) collected at Mullayanagiri, Western Ghats of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India. The lichen was powdered and extracted sequentially using solvents of increasing polarity viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. Total phenolic content of solvent extracts was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method. Antimicrobial activity of solvent extracts was tested against two bacteria viz., Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aerugionsa and two fungi viz., Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans by Agar well diffusion assay. Antioxidant activity of solvent extracts was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing assay. Thin layer chromatogram showed the presence of usnic acid. The total phenolic content was highest in methanol extract followed by ethyl acetate, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts. S. aureus and C. neoformans showed high susceptibility to solvent extracts among bacteria and fungi. A dose dependent scavenging of DPPH radicals by solvent extracts was observed. The scavenging potential of methanol extract was higher than other extracts. In ferric reducing assay, methanol extract showed stronger reducing power than other extracts. Overall, extracts containing high phenolic contents exhibited stronger antioxidant activity. The inhibitory potential of the lichen extracts might be attributed to the presence of usnic acid. The radical scavenging and ferric reducing potential of solvent extracts could be attributed to the phenolic compounds. A positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of lichen extracts. The lichen U. pictoides can be a potential candidate for the development of bioactive agents.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of flowers of Wendlandia thyrsoidea, Olea dioica, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Bombax malabaricum.

Flowers of higher plants have been used for centuries for several purposes such as medicine, food and garnishing food in many parts of the world. In the present study, we have determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of flowers of Wendlandia thyrsoidea (Roemer & Schultes) Steudel (Rubiaceae), Olea dioica Roxb. (Oleaceae), Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (Lythraceae) and Bombax malabaricum DC. (Bombacaceae). Antioxidant efficacy of various concentrations of flower extracts was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing assay. Antimicrobial activity was determined against four bacteria and two fungi by agar well diffusion method. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and Aluminium chloride colorimetric estimation methods respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging effect of flower extracts was concentration dependent and was higher in case of extract of L. speciosa followed by W. thyrsoidea, B. malabaricum and O. dioica. In ferric reducing assay, it was shown that the absorbance of reaction mixture at 700nm increased on increasing the concentrations of flower extracts indicating reducing power of extracts. The reducing ability was also highest in L. speciosa extract. Extract of L. speciosa displayed marked inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi than other flower extracts. Gram positive bacteria have shown more susceptibility than Gram negative bacteria. Among fungi, C. neoformans was more inhibited than C. albicans. Extracts of B. malabaricum and O. dioica were not effective against C. albicans. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in L. speciosa and O. dioica respectively. A positive correlation has been observed between total phenolic content of flower extracts and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The flowers can be employed as a remedy for treatment of infectious diseases and oxidative damage. Further, isolation of active components from flower extracts and their biological activity determinations are under progress.

Anticariogenic Activity of Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg, Pothos scandens L. and Elaegnus kologa Schlecht.

The present study was conducted to estimate total phenolic and flavonoid content and to determine anticariogenic efficacy of methanol extract of Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg (Thymelaeaceae), Pothos scandens L. (Araceae) and Elaegnus kologa Schlecht (Elaeagnaceae) leaves. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of leaf extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method and Aluminium chloride colorimetric estimation method respectively. Anticariogenic activity of leaf extracts was assessed against 13 clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans by Agar well diffusion technique. The contents of total phenolics and flavonoids were higher in G. glauca followed by P. scandens and E. kologa. The extract of G. glauca showed greater inhibition of cariogenic isolates than P. scandens and E. kologa as revealed by wider inhibition zones. The study revealed a correlation between the amount of phenolics and flavonoids present in the extracts and the anticariogenic activity of the extracts. The plants used in this study could be used against dental caries.