A cross-sectional study of knowledge, taboos, and attitudes towards menstruation.

BACKGROUND: The level of knowledge and comprehension surrounding puberty and menstruation. It can substantially impact women's overall health. This cross-sectional study is conducted to get insights about menstrual knowledge, attitudes and taboos among college and university female students in Haryana. METHODS: A survey was conducted to investigate the experiences of menstruation among female students from government universities and colleges. Respondents were categorized on the basis of age, education qualification, and background setting. Random sampling was used to ensure participation from six administrative zones. The chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance, and the analysis was built around the p-value. RESULTS: The data reveals that there is no significant association between the age of the participants and their awareness of menstruation, scientific knowledge related to menstruation, or their personal relationships with mother, father, or family members. Similarly, there is no significant association between the participants' scientific knowledge and their level of education. However, there is a significant association between participants' personal relationships and level of education (p = .025). Additionally, a significant association was observed between taboos and level of education (p = .025). CONCLUSION: Age, residential area, and educational levels do not seem to significantly impact participants' awareness and knowledge. This study highlights the influence of personal equations and education on attitudes and beliefs surrounding menstruation. The significant association between personal relationships and education underscores the importance of a supportive family. The persistence of menstrual taboos among undergraduates suggests that there is still a need for comprehensive and inclusive menstrual health education. This study also addressed the sustainable developmental goals for good health and well-being. Future studies should focus on exploring cultural factors such as religious beliefs and cultural norms in more detail to develop interventions that may help improve menstrual health outcomes among college and university students.

Green synthesis of CuO nanomaterials and their proficient use for organic waste removal and antimicrobial application.

Copper oxide (CuO) nanomaterials (NMs) of different size and morphology were synthesized by Chemical precipitation, Microwave irradiation and Hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM, BET, FTIR, XRD and EDX analysis. As synthesized CuO NMs were utilized for elimination of harmful dyes viz. Direct Red 81 (DR-81) and Coomassie Brilliant blue R-250 (BBR-250) and pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Owing to their morphology, smaller size and relatively high surface area (40.320 m2 g-1), CuO NMs prepared by chemical precipitation method were observed to show better adsorption capacity for both the dyes (68.70 (DR-81) and 73.04 (BBR-250) mg g-1). The influence of different experimental conditions was studied by the methodical assessments of various parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, concentration and contact time. Moreover, different adsorption isotherms and pseudo-second order kinetic model were applied to understand the adsorption mechanism. Langmuir model was found to be best fit thus confirming the monolayer adsorption process. To ensure the practical utility of CuO NMs for organic waste removal, the adsorption studies were performed in the presence of different inorganic ions and real water samples. In addition, recovery of the dye and NMs were also carried out effectively by simple method, thus avoiding the secondary pollution. CuO NMs were observed to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against the human pathogenic bacteria. These studies demonstrated that synthesized CuO NMs showed good adsorption efficiency for the removal of harmful dyes and antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria, which vary as a function of size and surface area.

Morphological, histological, and molecular description of Myxobolus ompok n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae), a kidney myxozoan from Pabdah catfish Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) (Siluriformes: Siluridae) in India.

In a parasitological survey of freshwater fishes near Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, myxozoan infections in Pabdah catfish Ompok pabda Ham. (Siluriformes: Siluridae) were found. Round plasmodia and scattered spores of Myxobolus ompok n. sp. were found in the kidney of the host. Plasmodia measuring 150-200 µm were located in the renal interstitium. Spores of Myxobolus ompok n. sp. were elongated pyriform, 13.6-14.4 (14.8 ± 0.42) µm long, 5.6-6.4 (6.5 ± 0.33) µm wide, and 5.2-6.4 (5.9 ± 0.43) µm thick with two equal polar capsules measuring 8.0-8.5 (8.2 ± 0.2) µm in length and 1.5-2.4 (1.8 ± 0.33) in width having six filamental turns. Both the morphology and DNA analysis of the 18S rRNA gene revealed that Myxobolus ompok n. sp. is distinct from previously described species of Myxobolus and shares no significant similarity with any other Myxobolus deposited in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis inferred that this species showed the closest similarity to Myxobolus miyarii (KT001495). This is the first record of any Myxobolus sp. from O. pabda in India.

Implementation of Enhanced Anesthesia Recovery Program (EARP) for improving Anesthesia Related patient care outcomes & enhancing early recovery.

The Enhanced Anesthesia Recovery Program (EARP) is a unique patient-centered, Anesthesiologist-led quality improvement initiative designed to reduce postoperative anesthesia-related complications and to accelerate recovery. Anesthesia-related complications are known to be associated with poor patient outcomes and higher morbidity/mortality. This project was designed to develop protocols to improve anesthesia recovery and thereby the quality of patient outcomes. A detailed review of national & international guidelines was carried out and EARP pathways were designed to incorporate changes in perioperative management, as per recent clinical research findings, to improve the patient surgery experience, ensuring better postoperative cognitive function and a reduction in postoperative morbidity. Following project implementation, a remarkable improvement was seen in Anesthesia Related patient care outcomes, benefitting around 6233 patients. The median Length of Stay in PACU was reduced from 26 minutes to 18 minutes. Early Return of Cognitive Functions (Early Recovery) was evident by a reduction in the time for a post-operative return of cognitive functions, from 10 minutes to 3 minutes. The percentage of people requiring oxygen supplementation was reduced from 20% to 5%. The unplanned tracheal re-intubation Rate was reduced from 0.05 to 0.02. The percentage of patients experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting was reduced from 8% to 3%. This initiative also resulted in about a 50% reduction in spending on anesthetic agents for patients.

Occurrence and First Molecular Characterization of Spinitectus notopteri Karve et Naik, 1951, Infected Bronze Featherback (Notopterus notopterus) in India.

PURPOSE: The nematode genus Spinitectus Fourment, 1883, comprises species that are mainly parasitic on freshwater and marine fishes. However, our knowledge of the distribution and molecular identification of Spinitectus spp. in the Indian region is rather limited. This study aims to fill this gap in our knowledge using molecular data as evidence for Spinitectus species characterization. METHODS: Bronze featherback were obtained opportunistically from the fish markets of district Muzaffarnagar (29.4727° N, 77.7085° E), Uttar Pradesh, India. Nematode species collected from the gastrointestinal tract were characterized morphologically and molecularly. Partial sequences of the ribosomal 18S rRNA gene were used for molecular characterization of the present specimens. RESULTS: The current study represented molecular analysis that determined the presence of the species Spinitectus notopteri Karve et Naik, 1951. The sequences obtained were closely related to representatives of the family Rhabdochonidae. CONCLUSION: This first molecular exploration of S. notopteri Karve et Naik, 1951, in the GenBank database and for any species of Spinitectus from India indicates a lack of genetic data for parasitic nematodes.

PCR primer design for mitochondrial cox-1 gene from Clinostomum complanatum towards diagnosis.

Metacercariae of Clinostomum Leidy, 1856 are frequently encountered in freshwater fish. Clinostomum complanatum is a digenetic zoonotic parasite harbouring the intestine and body cavity of the fishes. 19 human incidences of Clinostomum complanatum infection have been reported to cause pharyngitis and lacramalitis from Japan, Thailand and Korea. Hence, adequate yet effective diagnosis is an issue. Designing primers used in the amplification of genes with adequate specificity and efficiency is of help in diagnosis. Hence, we describe primer design for cox-1 gene from the helminth parasite, Clinostomum complanatum parasitizing the intestine of fish Channastriata (Snakehead murrel). Thus, these designed primers set will be of further use in the wet lab for amplification of concerned gene or DNA fragment.

Retrospective analysis of use of buccal fat pad as an interpositional graft in temporomandibular joint ankylosis: preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of buccal fat pad as an interpositional graft in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 10 patients with TMJ ankylosis (9 unilateral and 1 bilateral) was performed with follow-up of 6 months to 2 years. RESULTS: In the present study, patients had a maximum interincisal opening of 32 to 41 mm (mean, 35.1 mm) at the latest follow-up. Mean deviation to the affected side on mouth opening was 1.6 mm (range, 0 to 4 mm), but chewing function was good and all the patients were satisfied. No major occlusal changes were observed and all the patients had satisfactory occlusion at the follow-up periods. No facial paresis of temporal and zygomatic branch of facial nerve was observed in any case. Periodic panoramic radiographs showed well-maintained intra-articular space because of the interposed tissue, with no signs of relapse. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed the short-term successful management of TMJ ankylosis using buccal fat pad as an interpositional graft.

Description of the Metacercaria of Cardiocephaloides sp. (Digenea, Diplostomoidea), Newly Recorded from the Brain of Gangetic Leaffish (Nandus nandus) and Its Genetic Characterization in India.

PURPOSE: Cardiocephaloides comprises strigeid trematodes that represent a small genus. In this study, metacercaria identified as Cardiocephaloides sp. was collected from the Gangetic leaffish Nandus nandus from the Ganga River at Bairaj, Bijnor (29º01'N, 77º45'E) in the state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India. Partial DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and 28S gene of nuclear ribosomal DNA were generated and compared with available sequences of Cardiocephaloides species from Genbank database. METHODS: Encysted metacercariae of Cardiocephaloides sp. were collected from Nandus nandus were processed, identified and documented using morphological methods. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 cluster and 28S gene of ribosomal DNA of metacercariae were also sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The infections of brain parasites are poorly understood in India and if studies are available, they are not properly described. During this study, the species collected were found belongs to the genus Cardiocephaloides. Metacercariae of Cardiocephaloides sp. is distinguished morphologically from others that also harbor brain by the presence of having an egg shape cyst and body elongate oval in shape with well-developed anterior part. The metacercariae are identified by matching of molecular sequence data and is compared to other species of Strigeidae. CONCLUSION: This is the first record of metacercaria of Cardiocephaloides sp. from India. This molecular data from the present study will provide future comparative insights into species of Cardiocephaloides and its close affiliation to other congeners from different geographical areas.

A short note on predicted motifs in the Thaparocleidus wallagonius genome.

Thaparocleidus wallagonius is a monogenean parasite and a fish-borne pathogen with a worldwide distribution. The genome for Thaparocleidus wallagonius is known. Therefore, it is of interest to report the DNA motif analysis data in the 18S rDNA of Thaparocleidus wallagonius collected from the fish Wallago attu in India. This data forms a framework for an in-depth analysis of the parasite biology and development, immune evasion strategies, virulence and long-term survival within the definitive host.

Efficacy of homoeopathic treatment for diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy: A multicentric randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In course of diabetes, some 20-90% of individuals eventually develop diabetic neuropathy. Looking at the disease burden research studies in Homoeopathy were conducted and have shown positive results. These studies were not robust enough to prove the efficacy of individualized homoeopathy. OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicines in management of DDSP. METHODS: A multi-centric double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial was conducted by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy at six centres with a sample size of 84. Based on earlier observational studies and repertorial anamnesis of DDSP symptoms 15 homoeopathic medicines were shortlisted and validated scales were used for evaluating the outcomes post-intervention. Primary outcome measure was change in Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6) from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in peripheral nerve conduction study (NCS), World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) Score at 12 months. RESULTS: Data of 68 enrolled cases was considered for data analysis. Statistically significant difference (p<0.014) was found in NTSS-6 post intervention in the Verum group. Positive trend was noted for Verum group as per the graph plotted for DNE score and assessment done for NCS. No significant difference was found between the groups for WHOQOL-Bref. Out of 15 pre-identified homoeopathic medicines 11 medicines were prescribed in potencies in ascending order from 6C to 1M. CONCLUSION: Further studies must be taken up with larger sample size and defined parameters for NCS to assess the effectiveness of homoeopathy.

First Report of Molecular Characterization of Oochoristica hemidactyli Johri, 1955 (Cestoda, Linstowiidae) from the Common Wall Lizard, Hemidactylus brooki Gray, 1845 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) Along with Morphological Redescription.

INTRODUCTION: During an investigation, a rare cestode species belonging to the genus, Oochoristica were found in Meerut, UP, India, from the intestine of the host, Hemidactylus brookii Gray, 1845 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae). The tapeworms were found to be similar in their morphological characters with Oochoristica hemidactyli Johri, 1955 (Cestoda: Linstowiidae). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The host Hemidactylus brookii used in this analysis was caught from May to July 2018 from Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India. Parasites were examined by microscopy. 18S and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of ribosomal RNA were sequenced and analyzed for the molecular study. RESULTS: This paper provides the first trustworthy confirmation about the occurrence of O. hemidactyli inferred with molecular data using ribosomal 18S and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene cluster DNA sequences. Molecular analysis shows that the studied specimens were clustered separately and did not show a close relationship with any other cestode spp., represented in the GenBank. CONCLUSION: This is the foremost molecular characterization of any species of Oochoristica and of O. hemidactyli after 64 years of its original description that contributing to the systematic analysis of the helminthological biodiversity of reptilian hosts. These results provide a reference for future molecular study of species of Oochoristica.

First molecular evidence of Thelohanellus wallagoi Sarkar, 1985 (Myxozoa) from economically important food fish, freshwater shark Wallago attu (Siluridae) in India.

The freshwater shark Wallago attu (Bl. and Schn.) is a frequent silurid in the River Ganga and one of the most commercially exploit fish in India. In a survey on its infection with myxosporeans, spore type belongs to Thelohanellus species was found in the gills, kidney and intestine respectively. Through morphological and molecular investigations, we identified the spore as Thelohanellus wallagoi Sarkar, 1985. They were pyriform in valvular view and slim in sutural view, and had one pyriform polar capsule with four to five turns. The spores measured 8.0 × 4.0 × 2.3 µm. T. wallagoi developed in small cysts in the gill lamellae, whereas cyst and scattered spores of T. wallagoi were also found in the kidney and intestine respectively. The 18S rDNA sequence of T. wallagoi isolates recovered from gills, kidney and intestine were found similar to each other and differed from any other Thelohanellus species available in GenBank and validated its status after 32 years of original description. Phylogenetic analysis signified that T. wallagoi was placed sister to Myxobolus species in the clade that indicated the polyphyletic nature of the genus Thelohanellus.

Trigeminal schwannoma.

Schwannoma is a benign tumor of the nerve sheath arising from the perineural schwann cells. The nerves most commonly involved in schwannomas of the head and neck are the vagus and the cervical sympathetic chain. Trigeminal schwannomas are rare tumours. A 17 year old male patient with a chief complaint of swelling on face was diagnosed as suffering from bening tumor extending from cranial base (from foramen ovale) to the parapharengeal space. Mandibular access osteotomy was done to expose the tumor. Surgical excision of the tumor was done along with the preservation of the nerve. Schwannomas can occur along the pathway of any somatic or sympathetic nerve. Superficial schwannomas require simple exposure and excision but the one which are deep and large, may require complex access osteotomies. Careful surgery is required to preserve the nerve function. Once completely excised, the prognosis is excellent.

Surgical site infection rates in six cities of India: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections are a threat to patient safety. However, in India, data on their rates stratified by surgical procedure are not available. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2011, the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) conducted a cohort prospective surveillance study on surgical site infections in 10 hospitals in 6 Indian cities. CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) methods were applied and surgical procedures were classified into 11 types, according to the ninth edition of the International Classification of Diseases. RESULTS: We documented 1189 surgical site infections, associated with 28 340 surgical procedures (4.2%; 95% CI: 4.0-4.4). Surgical site infections rates were compared with INICC and CDC-NHSN reports, respectively: 4.3% for coronary bypass with chest and donor incision (4.5% vs 2.9%); 8.3% for breast surgery (1.7% vs 2.3%); 6.5% for cardiac surgery (5.6% vs 1.3%); 6.0% for exploratory abdominal surgery (4.1% vs 2.0%), among others. CONCLUSIONS: In most types of surgical procedures, surgical site infections rates were higher than those reported by the CDC-NHSN, but similar to INICC. This study is an important advancement towards the knowledge of surgical site infections epidemiology in the participating Indian hospitals that will allow us to introduce targeted interventions.

Cryopreservation of shoot tips of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth, an indigenous endangered medicinal plant, through vitrification.

The cryopreservation of shoot tips of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (IC 266698), an endangered medicinal plant of India was investigated. Shoot tips (about 1 mm in length) excised from four-week-old proliferating shoot cultures were precultured on MS medium supplemented with various osmotica before dehydrating with PVS2 solution at 0 degrees C. The dehydrated shoot tips were directly immersed in LN2. Following cryopreservation, and after rapid rewarming at 45 degrees C, shoot tips were quickly washed with 1.2 M sucrose solution and then plated on solidified shoot culture medium. Shoot tips were successfully cryopreserved by vitrification, when they were precultured on medium supplemented with 5% DMSO at 4 degrees C for two days before dehydrating in PVS2 for 10-20 minutes at 0 degrees C. Average survival in terms of normal shoot formation after 4 wks of plating was about 20% without callus formation. Cold hardening of shoot cultures for four weeks at 4 degrees C significantly improved the survival and shoot regeneration of cryopreserved shoot tips to 70% and 35%, respectively.

Association of umbilical coiling index by colour Doppler ultrasonography at 18-22 weeks of gestation and perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) and perinatal outcome. METHODS: 600 primigravidas with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies had an ultrasonography between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation for aUCI by colour Doppler. The aUCI was calculated as the reciprocal of the distance between a pair of coils. It was then correlated with the following pregnancy outcomes: birth weight, mode of delivery, meconium staining of liquor, Apgar scores and gestational age. The results were statistically analysed by χ(2)-test. RESULTS: The mean aUCI was 0.41. Undercoiling was associated with spontaneous preterm delivery (47.87 %), low Apgar score (52.13 %), LBW (52.59 %), FGR (21.28 %) and NICU admission (76.34 %). Overcoiling was associated with preterm deliveries (65.38 %), increased caesarean sections (61.54 %), meconium staining of liquor (67.31 %), low Apgar score (63.46 %) and NICU admission (72.55 %). There was a positive strong correlation between aUCI and birth weight (r = +0.426). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal coiling is strongly correlated with low birth weight.

Evaluating the applicability of a biodegradable osteosynthesis plating system in the management of zygomatico-maxillary complex fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and analyze the efficacy of bioresorbable plates and screws in internal fixation of zygomatico-maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures and to evaluate the incidence of complications associated with the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A total of 14 patients with isolated ZMC fractures were included, and exclusion of grossly comminuted, pathological, and infected fractures was done. Open reduction internal fixation was done with biodegradable plates and screws. All patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically at regular follow-up. Occlusion, stability of fracture segments, anesthesia or paresthesia of the infraorbital nerve region, and various complications were assessed periodically. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with 34 fracture sites were included in the study. Intraoperatively, there were 2 incidences of screw head fracture. As observed clinically, there was complete stability of fracture segments, and no maxillomandibular fixation was required postoperatively. Paresthesia of the infraorbital nerve was present in 5 patients, but the sensation recovered completely in the first 3 months after surgery. The mean pain score was 3 on a visual analogue scale. In 1 case, ectropion developed, and dehiscence occurred in another patient in the early postoperative period. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the accuracy of fracture reduction and stability of fixation. CONCLUSION: The biodegradable osteosynthesis system exhibits adequate strength and has negligible complications. This system is technique sensitive with satisfactory results in the management of mild to moderately displaced ZMC fractures.

Topical Treatment of Dermatophytic Lesion on Mice (Mus musculus) Model.

Antidermatophytic potential of three weed plants viz. Tridax procumbens L., Capparis decidua (forsk) Edgew and Lantana camara L. were explored and experimentally induced dermatophytic lesion was topically treated in mice. Microbroth dilution method was carried out for determination of MIC and MFC of different extracts of selected plants. In animal studies, mice were experimentally inoculated with Trichophyton mentagrophytes and infected animals were topically treated with 5 mg/g terbinafine and two concentrations, i.e., 5 and 10 mg/g of test extract ointment. Complete recovery from the infection was observed on 12th day of treatment for reference drug terbinafine (5 mg/g) and 10 mg/g concentration of test extract ointment whereas 5 mg/g concentration of test extract ointment showed complete cure on 16th day of treatment. Fungal burden was also calculated by culturing skin scrapings from infected animals of different groups. Test extract ointment successfully treated induced dermatophytosis in mice without any disease recurrence incidences, thereby indicating efficacy of test extract as an excellent topical antifungal agent for the cure of dermatophytosis.