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Objectives: Capsaicin, the most pungent constituent of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), is known to alter the physiological activity of the gut. Capsaicin mediates its action through a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel. The action of capsaicin on gut smooth muscle varies from segment to segment in different species. The earlier studies were carried out in adult animals only, and its status in the neonate gut, which is in a development stage, is not known. Objective: Therefore, the present study was done to assess the effect of capsaicin on the large gut of neonates. Materials and Methods: In an organ bath preparation, isometric contractions were recorded from segments of dissected rat colon and rectum. The gut segments were exposed to cumulative concentrations of capsaicin (0.01 nM–3 µM) and a capsaicin-induced contractile response was observed. TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine (1 µM) and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (100 µM), were used to assess their blocking effect on capsaicin-induced contractile response. Results: Capsaicin raised contractile tension in the colon and rectum of adult rats but not in neonate rats. In adult rats, capsazepine pre-treatment (1 µM) failed to block the capsaicin-induced response in the colon, but in the lower concentrations, it increased contractile tension in the rectum. Pre-application of L-NAME (100 µM) potentiated capsaicin-induced response in the adult rectum and neonate’s colon but had no effect in the neonate rectum and adult colon. Capsaicin with a low concentration (0.01 nM–0.01 µM) increased contractile frequency in both the colon and rectum of adult rats. However, the effect of capsaicin on frequency was abolished at higher concentrations (0.01 µM–3 µM). A capsaicin-evoked change in contractile frequency in adult rats was blocked by capsazepine and L-NAME. At lower concentrations (0.01 nM–0.01 µM), capsaicin did not show any change in frequency in the neonatal colon, while a decrease in contractile frequency was observed with the higher concentrations (0.1 µM–3 µM) of capsaicin. In neonates, capsazepine pre-treatment produced changes in frequency for both the colon and rectum. However, pre-application of L-NAME decreased frequency in the neonate rectum but not in the colon. Conclusion: Capsaicin-induced changes in contractile activity may or may not involve TRPV1 or the Nitric Oxide (NO) pathway, depending on the part of the large gut and developmental maturity.
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Background: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues its deadly reign all over the world. Devising effective strategies for detecting and controlling the infection has become ever more critical. Effective prevention and control of the pandemic is entirely dependent on human behavior in terms of practicing preventive and curative measures. During the second wave of COVID-19, people’s perceptions of preventive and curative measures changed. Objective: To study healthcare-seeking behavior of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: Hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 in the month of March, April and May of 2021 were included in the study. Their attendants/close relatives were contacted telephonically to know about the admitted patients’ healthcare-seeking behavior. Verbal consent was taken from attendants before the commencement of the interview, followed by informing them about the purpose of the interview. Results: Amongst the subjects, there were more males than females (67.5 vs 32.4%), age ranged between 18 to 88 with a mean value of 56.61 ± 14.7 years. Self-medication was significantly associated with study subjects’ mortality (p=0.03). Conclusion: Elderly people were having higher mortality rate than their younger counterparts. People were hesitant to visit primary care physicians after having symptoms of COVID-19.
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Background: Healthcare workers at the forefront of the battle against COVID 19 are not only putting their own health and lives at risk but are also fighting to keep their own worries and emotional stress at bay. Aim & Objective: To evaluate emotions, perceived stressors, and factors that helped in reducing stress of healthcare workers who worked during a COVID19 pandemic. Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted among Health Care staff involved in COVID 19 duty in tertiary care hospital of Gujarat. Methods and Material: Google form link was shared though what’s up and mail. The questionnaire was completed online. Consent for voluntarily participation was also obtained through online Google form. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered and analysed through Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Total 106 participants responded to the questionnaire. It was extremely stressful for health care workers to see their colleagues getting infection, as well as the fear that they could transmit the disease to their families or friends. Main factors that helped to reduce the stress were positive attitude from colleagues, improvement of patients conditions and availability of protective equipment. Conclusions: Personal safety, the protection of family members and unpredictability of pandemic were the main concerns. Hospitals should prioritise stress monitoring for health care workers and provide targeted psychological guidance for HCWs during the pandemic.
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Introduction: Optimal DNA and RNA quantity and purity is essential for downstream molecular biology experimentation and to avoid re-processing of sample. Despite availability of different kits and automated systems for nucleic acid isolation there is limited data on their performance evaluation, more so with pediatric blood samples, that are usually compromised in quantity. Hence, we evaluated the performance of automated QIAcube platform using pediatric blood samples in parallel with manual Qiagen extraction kits. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 samples were analyzed based on groups of PBMC and direct blood input. The isolated DNA and RNA were surveyed for quantity and quality tests by spectrophotometric and downstream analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in the DNA quantity (ng/ul) between manual and automated method based on similar sample input but quality (260/280) was significantly better with the QIAcube platform when direct blood and or PBMCs were used for extraction respectively (1.82 ± 004 Vs. 1.84.002; P-0.000008 and 1.859 ± 005 Vs. 1.843 ± 0.003; P-0.02). Moreover, the standard error mean was low for both quantity and quality in the QIAcube method suggesting uniformity. Comparison of quality assessment by spectrophotometer and qubit fluorimeter showed that QIAcube sheared DNA less (P- 0.038) as compared to manual method (P-0.013). Also, time taken to process the samples in QIAcube was 23% less than the kit-based method. Conclusion: Overall analysis of QIAcube platform suggests that it yields more better, uniform, and less-sheared quality of nucleic acid in a relatively less time as compared to manual extraction kits.
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Background: In the absence of treatment and unclear prognosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) itself, and public health measures like lockdown enforced by the government to limit the spread of the virus poses a threat to the psychological health of the general population. Aim: To assess the psychological status of the Indian population during the initial phase of lockdown. Method: It was a cross-sectional online survey where the questionnaire was disbursed by snowballing. The link to the survey was shared in different social networking platforms between 6th and 22nd of April 2020. The questionnaire collected responses related to the sociodemographic variables, exposure history, precautionary measures used, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) score. Results: A total of 541 participants responded to the questionnaire. Only 422 respondents’ responses from 23 states of India who completed the questionnaire were included for assessment. The mean age of the participants was 30.5 (SD=10.9) years. Female constituted 60.4% (n=255) of the respondents. The pre-existing medical illness that the respondents had were diabetes mellitus, four per cent (n=17), hypertension, five per cent (n=21), thyroid dysfunction, nine per cent (n=38), and mental illness, five per cent (n=21). The median (IQR) of the DASS-21 item scale was found to be 16 (4-32). The percentage of the respondents who reported stress was 35.5% (n=149), anxiety, 32% (n=135), and depression, 34.7% (n=146). Respondents with sociodemographic variables like being single, student status, competed education till graduation, homemakers, working in public sector, and history of mental illness were more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. A majority of the respondents were practicing hand hygiene and social distancing. Respondents who were unaware of their exposure status were more likely to have depression. Conclusion: The Indian population is experiencing the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may increase with the spread of the infection. India needs to gear up to face mental health consequences. People with a pre-existing physical and psychological illness needs extra care and precaution to prevent any relapse or development of complications.
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Present study was undertaken to study the neurotoxicity of oral acrylamide (ACR) and its amelioration using α-tocopherol, reduced glutathione (GSH) and hot aqueous extract (HAE) of Ocimum sanctum. Forty five male Wistar rats were divided into 12 groups. The study showed a significant reduction in the body weight of the rats fed with ACR in comparison to the other groups while body weight was restored in the rats fed with α-tocopherol and HAE. Neurotoxicity in rats fed with ACR was evident with the results of histopathology and oxidative stress (high MDA and decreased activities of GSH, SOD, GST and CAT in brain). Co-administration of α-tocopherol and HAE lowered these changes however, there was no marked improvement seen in neural damage but improvement was evident in behavioral as well as physiological changes at a marked point. Histopathology of brain in ACR alone fed group showed extensive neural degeneration and massive deposition of fibrin which was substantially decreased and ameliorated with the co-administration of α-tocopherol and HAE. These results support the oxidative stress results as well. Our results suggests that α-tocopherol and HAE can be useful for protecting brain tissue against ACR induced neurotoxicity through minimizing the free radical mediated oxidative stress
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Spermatozoa undergoes array of signaling and intracellular pathways and ultimately become competent enough to accomplish fertilization. Hormones, ion channels and signaling molecules in both male and female reproductive tract show bidirectional cross play. The recent discovery of endocannabinoids and their receptors in male and female reproductive system opened new vistas for their research in regulating sperm function. Interestingly, endocannabinoids regulate sperm motility, capacitation, hyperactivity and eventually acrosome reaction. However, their complex intracellular pathways are still to be understood in regulating spermatozoa function. The present review highlights the major breakthrough research in the area of endocannabinoids in male reproduction and in more specific in sperm cells, and their association with regulation of sperm fertilizing competence
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Childhood blindness causes significant social and economic burden. Even though pediatric eye care has gained priority under Vision 2020, it continues to come under the purview of tertiary care centers due to lack of knowhow and facilities at primary and secondary level. Currently, India does not have standard guidelines on pediatric eye examination, refraction, and amblyopia management and therefore these are being managed inadequately or inappropriately. In view of this, an expert group of pediatric ophthalmologists from across the country met under the aegis of All India Ophthalmological Society, and deliberated to reach a consensus on the correct method of pediatric eye examination, treating refractive error in children and managing amblyopia. The purpose of the consensus statement was to enable all ophthalmologists to have a broad set of guidelines, which can form the basic framework for managing common pediatric eye conditions, in most ophthalmic setups. The consensus statement is divided into three broad categories: Pediatric eye examination, pediatric refraction, and amblyopia management. The pediatric eye exam subsection discusses the recommended clinical history, which should be taken and the essential components of an ophthalmic examination including pediatric vision assessment. Additionally, it discusses the role of special tests and investigations such as imaging and electrophysiology. The section on pediatric refraction emphasizes the correct use of cycloplegia and prescribing glasses in the Indian context. The final section on amblyopia management presents the various options of treating amblyopia and provides standard guidelines for the use of occlusion therapy and its weaning over time.
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Aim: The present study was performed to evaluate the genotoxic effect of 4-nonylphenol after acute and subchronic exposure in spleen tissue of Channa punctatus, recovery in DNA damage was also ascertained after 30 days of cessation of exposure.Methodology: Tail length (TL), tail intensity (TI), tail moment (TM), Olive tail moment (OTM) was used as biological indicators of DNA damage. The fish were exposed to different sublethal concentrations of 4-NP for 96 hrs (acute exposure) and for 90 days (sub chronic exposure). Results: Exposed groups showed significantly higher DNA damage in both acute and sub chronic exposure as compared to control groups. In the case of acute exposure, the highest damage was observed at 24 hr of exposure followed by a decline in the value of all the parameters, while in the later hours of exposure these value further increased. On the other hand, in the case of sub-chronic exposure, the highest damage was observed after treatment with 0.10 mg l-1 concentration of 4-NP at 90 days of exposure. Recovery experiment showed a decrease in the values of all the parameter’s studied, however, a significant decrease was observed only at the highest concentration. Interpretation: The results conclude the DNA damaging potential of 4-nonylphenol and highlighted the usage of spleen tissue for genotoxicity testing
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Aim: The objective of the study was to develop and characterize the properties of sago (sabudana) from cassava based reconstituted dry starch with addition of pre-gelatinized starch and wet starch as binders.Methodology: The dry starch was soaked for 12 hrs at 30 % concentration and then sago was prepared at 40% moisture content with addition of pre-gelatinized starch and wet starch as binders in different treatment combinations. Results: The sago developed from the combination of reconstituted dry starch (75%) and wet starch (25%) had an optimal commercial size (3.36 mm) and shape (sphericity value, 76 %). The swelling power (5.98%) was high in reconstituted dry starch sago and solubility (13.42 %) was high in wet starch sago without the addition of any binders. The increase in cooking time (10.37%) and decrease in cooking loss (1.73%) were observed for sago developed with pre-gelatinized starch as binder. The lowest oil absorption index (0.45 g g-1) was noticed for sago prepared with wet starch as a binder. The storage modulus was comparatively lower for sago paste prepared using wet starch and thus the sago gel behaved like a dilute solution with increase in storage modulus and phase angle. Interpretation: The physico-functional properties of the cassava -based reconstituted dry starch sago can be improved by adding wet starch as a binder due to less retrogradation rate. Further, the addition of pre-gelatinized starch as a binder with reconstituted cassava dry starch can reduce the cooking loss in sago.
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@#Novel coronavirus disease, the latest world pandemic is one of the most contagious viral infections to date. There has been a lack of uniformity on recognizing this condition clinically because of poorly understood pathophysiology and clinical nature. Also due to ongoing clinical trials, its management is also varied. This is a systematic review from evidence-based studies until March 1st, 2020, covering an update on its clinical features and management. This study shows the multisystem involvement of COVID-19 with dominant respiratory features followed by the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal system and others. The clinical features varied from asymptomatic to severe forms. Major causes of fatality were acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, acute cardiac injury, acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, and arrhythmia. Major modalities of management included supportive, antiviral and antibiotic therapy. There was no direct relationship between the specific treatment and the outcome.
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Purpose: To describe the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) features of regressed macular retinoblastoma (RB). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 13 patients with regressed macular RB with good fixation in at least one eye. Fundus photography and SS-OCT were documented. High-resolution scans with good signal strength were selected. The types of clinical regression and SS-OCT characteristics of the regressed lesions (presence of vitreous detachment, intratumor schisis/cavitation, calcification, foveal dip, and OCT pattern) were noted. Results: Of the 13 eyes, 7 (53%) were group B, 4 (30%) were group C, and 2 (17%) were group D. Lesion involving fovea was seen in seven eyes (53%). On SS-OCT, the lesion was isodense to hyperdense in all cases. Three patterns of regressed RB were noted on OCT. Intralesion calcification was noted in eight cases. Subretinal fluid was not detected in any of the cases. Conclusion: SS-OCT is a useful technology to image and analyze cases of regressed macular RB including large lesions. SS-OCT system helps in successful imaging even in smaller children.
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Background: Tobacco use is one of the major preventable causes of deaths globally. Although India responded early to combat this global problem by implementing Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), there is a need to evaluate its implementation. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the compliance and awareness of the tobacco vendors to Section 5 (Point of sale advertisements of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products) and Section 6 (Prohibition on sale to minors and within 100 yards of educational institutes) of COTPA. Materials and Methods: The present study was a community-based cross-sectional study. All tobacco selling stores located within 100 yards distance from 58 educational institutes in urban Ludhiana were assessed for compliance to Section 5 and 6 provisions of COTPA. The study also assessed awareness regarding COTPA legislation among the tobacco vendors available in these tobacco selling stores. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questions were asked to determine the level of awareness of COTPA among the tobacco vendors. Results: Around 42.0% of the educational institutes had tobacco stores located within 100 yards and only around 25.0% of educational institutes had mandatory signage prohibiting ban on selling tobacco products displayed outside institutions. Most of the tobacco outlets (77.7%) were permanent, exclusive tobacco sellers (72%) and had displayed the products enabling easy access to minors. Majority (89%) of the vendors knew about an act regarding tobacco products. However, only 19.4% and 25% of vendors were aware of ban on selling tobacco products within the radius of 100 yards of educational institutions and to minors, respectively. Conclusion: Strict enforcement of the provisions of COTPA around educational institutes to reduce easy access of tobacco products to minors and strengthening awareness generation activities by involving key stakeholders is needed.
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Multiple transposition procedures have been described for management of lateral rectus palsy. However, relative effect and indications of each procedure are unclear. This systematic review was planned to evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes of vertical rectus transposition (VRT) surgery in patients with lateral rectus palsy. We searched databases in English language, namely, MEDLINE, PubMed Central, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Index Copernicus without any date restrictions in electronic searches, using the search words 'vertical rectus transposition for lateral rectus palsy,” “vertical rectus transposition for abducens palsy,” “superior rectus transposition,” “inferior rectus transposition,” and “Hummelsheim procedure.” References of the selected publications were also searched to find any relevant studies. We searched for studies that provided data on single VRT and double VRT surgeries for lateral rectus palsies. Three authors independently assessed the related studies gathered from electronic and manual searches. We found 27 studies which were relevant to the review question. As there were no randomized control trials (RCTs) available related to our study question, nonrandomized studies were used to arrive at summarization of outcomes of different transposition procedures. There is a need for prospective RCTs to investigate the different types of transposition procedures for lateral rectus palsy.
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Background: India is home to the largest number of underweight and stunted children in the world. While several studies have focused on the determinants of child’s nutrition status in India, little attention has been given to the aspect of rural-urban variation in child’s nutritional status. Bearing in mind that around 70% of India’s population resides in the rural area, the study of rural-urban divergence in nutritional status as indicator can be appreciated naturally. Objective: The objective of the study is to compare the feeding practices of children in the initial six months of life in rural and urban setting and to find out any relation between early feeding practices and nutritional status of young children. Materials and Methods: A community-based study was conducted for 2 months in the field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital. Multistage random sampling technique was used for the selection of study subjects. A total of 117 under-five children were studied equally from rural and urban area. A pre-designed pre-tested proforma was used to assess the feeding practices. Stunting and underweight were used to proxy the child nutrition status. Data were evaluated on SPSS version 17. Chi-square test was used to compare the feeding practices and to find out their association with nutritional status in the two areas. Results: Undernutrition was found in children who initiated early artificial feeds, i.e., in the first 6 months of life, were given over diluted milk, were bottle fed, and had inappropriate weaning practices in both the areas. Conclusions: Faulty feeding practices were found in both areas, but some of the parameters were still better in urban areas. Faulty feeding practices were found to be a significant predictor for undernutrition.
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Background: Dexmedetomidine attenuates the hemodynamic stress response tolaryngoscopy and intubation more effectively compared with Lignocaine without any deleterious effects. To study the efficacy of Lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg & Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg in attenuating the hemodynamic pressure response to laryngoscopy & intubation. Material and Methods: A total of 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II patients aged between 18 and 50 years undergoing elective surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients posted for elective surgery were randomly selected and divided into two groups. Group L = 50 Patients had given 1.5mg/kg Lignocaine; Group D = 50 Patients had given 1µg / kg Dexmedetomidin. Results: In Dexmedetomidine group, HR, SBP, DBP and MAP showed significant decrease throughout the study period, as compared to Lignocaine group. The statistical analysis shows that, in Dexmedetomidine group, HR, SBP, DBP and MAP showed significant decrease throughout the study period, as compared to Lignocaine group. Conclusion: Newer agents like Dexmedetomidine, a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist suppresses reflex sympathetic stimulation caused by laryngoscopy & intubation more effectively than Lignocaine. Thus, it is concluded that Dexmeditoedine is a better drug compared to Lignocaine in attenuating pressure response to laryngoscopy & intubation.