Comparative study of computed tomography guided fine needle aspiration cytology and trucut biopsy in diagnosis of lung cancer: a report of 81 cases

Background: Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer related deaths all over the world. CT guided FNAC and/or Biopsy of lung mass is an effective modality to diagnose lung cancer, especially in peripherally situated lesions. This study was planned to compare the role of CT guided lung FNAC and Biopsy in diagnosis of Lung cancer.Methods: This is a cross sectional study, done in department of respiratory medicine of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Rajasthan over a period one year. All the patients with suspected mass lesion on chest X-ray and clinical symptoms suggestive of lung cancer were included in the study. CT guided FNAC and biopsy were done in each patient after explaining the risks.Results: CT guided procedures were done in 81 patients of suspected lung cancer. CT guided FNAC yielded positive results in 75 patients while it was negative in 6 patients. CT guided lung biopsy was positive in all patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was most common type encountered malignancy.  Conclusions: CT guided lung FNAC and Biopsy is a simple and safe method with high diagnostic accuracy for diagnosis of Lung cancer

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF FREEZING RESISTANT INTRAVENOUS FLUID

Objectives: Hemorrhagic or hypovolemic shocks accounts for a large portion of civilian and military trauma deaths due to life-threatening blood loss which requires intravenous fluid infusion to prevent essential deficiencies of fluids. However, at low temperature (-150C) fluid bottles freeze out and can not be used in emergency. In view of that, objective of the present work is to develop a freezing resistant intravenous formulation (FRIV) and its in vivo safety and efficacy evaluation. Methods: FRIV formulations were developed using standardized ringer lactate (RL) formulation protocol, in which varying concentrations of ethanol and glycerol were added to induce desired physiochemical properties. Efficacy of FRIV was evaluated in terms of survival percentage of hemorrhagic animal models (Swiss albino strain mice). Acute toxicity studies were carried out through an infusion at dose levels (0, 20 and 40 ml/Kg b. wt.). Results: In vitro data showed that optimized FRIV (F-10) takes more time (360 ± 21 min) for freezing and less time in thawing (50 ± 4.50 min) in comparison to control which takes (110 ± 15 min) in freezing and (80 ± 7.25 min) in thawing. Formulations were found to be stable and sterile up to six months. In vivo efficacy data showed ≥ 75% survival in animals infused with FRIV as compared to control group in hemorrhagic animal models and no treatment related toxic effects of optimized formulation in terms of hematological, serum biochemistry and histopathological analysis. Conclusion: Pre-clinical safety and efficacy data of the present study indicated that developed FRIV formulation could be used for fluid recovery during the hemorrhagic shocks conditions in the combat scenario

A study of bronchial asthma in school going children in Southern part of Rajasthan

Background: Asthma is a chronic and common inflammatory disease involving mainly large airways of lungs. Childhood asthma is common chronic illness among school going children and is usually underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of the present study was to find out of the prevalence of Bronchial asthma in school going children of age group 6-12 years in southern part of Rajasthan (India), and its relation with gender, socio-economic status and heredity.Methods: A questionnaire-based study has been carried out in 1500 children of 6 to 12 years age group in four schools of Udaipur city (Rajasthan, India) with a response rate of 60.23% (904/1500).Results: The overall prevalence of asthma observed is 4.75% (43/904). The prevalence is higher among boys (5.55%) as compared to girls (3.75%). Further the prevalence is higher in upper (7.18%) and upper middle class (7.14%) children as compared to lower middle (4.84%) and upper lower class (2.01%) socioeconomic status. The children with positive family history of asthma also have higher prevalence (26.31%) of asthma.Conclusions: The prevalence of childhood asthma in Udaipur city is relatively lower and supports the already reported relation with gender, socioeconomic status and heredity.

An Online Survey of the Perceptions of Clinical and Non-Clinical Professionals on Healthcare for Non-Communicable Diseases and COVID-19 Measures During the Pandemic in Malaysia

Objectives: This study assesses the opinions of health professionals in Malaysia on the disruption of non-communicable disease (NCD) services during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to January 2022. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 191 non-clinical public health workers and clinical health service workers in Malaysia from November 2021 to January 2022. Participants were recruited by the Malaysian Ministry of Health using major networks including key experts and practitioners. Secondary respondents were subsequently enrolled through snowballing. Results: The most notable issues raised by the survey participants relate to NCD service disruption, the redirection of NCD care resources, and NCD care being overburdened post-pandemic. Respondents also reported accounts of resilience and prompt reaction from the healthcare system, as well as calls for innovation. Conclusion: Most respondents perceived that the challenges arising from COVID-19 were mostly managed well by the healthcare system, which was able to provide the necessary services to NCD patients during this health emergency. However, the study identifies gaps in the health system response and preparedness capacity, and highlights solutions for strengthening NCD services

An Online Survey of the Perceptions of Clinical Professionals on Healthcare for Non-Communicable Diseases and Covid-19 Measures During the Pandemic in Malaysia

El material suplementario del artículo puede ser encontrado de manera online en: https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605861/full#supplementary-material Este artículo está sujeto a una licencia CC BY 4.0.Objectives: This study assesses the opinions of health professionals in Malaysia on the disruption of non-communicable disease (NCD) services during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to January 2022. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 191 non-clinical public health workers and clinical health service workers in Malaysia from November 2021 to January 2022. Participants were recruited by the Malaysian Ministry of Health using major networks including key experts and practitioners. Secondary respondents were subsequently enrolled through snowballing. Results: The most notable issues raised by the survey participants relate to NCD service disruption, the redirection of NCD care resources, and NCD care being overburdened post-pandemic. Respondents also reported accounts of resilience and prompt reaction from the healthcare system, as well as calls for innovation. Conclusion: Most respondents perceived that the challenges arising from COVID-19 were mostly managed well by the healthcare system, which was able to provide the necessary services to NCD patients during this health emergency. However, the study identifies gaps in the health system response and preparedness capacity, and highlights solutions for strengthening NCD services.Peer reviewe

Exploring key-stakeholder perceptions on non-communicable disease care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya

Este artículo está sujeto a una licencia CC BY 4.0Introduction: over one third of total Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years lost in Kenya are due to non-communicable diseases (NCD). In response, the Government declared significant commitment towards improving NCD care. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden on the already overstretched health systems in Kenya. The aims of this study are to assess whether health care providers perceived NCD care to be optimal during the pandemic and explore how to improve responses to future emergencies. Methods: this cross-sectional online survey included healthcare personnel with non-clinical roles (public health workers and policy-makers) and those delivering health care (doctors and nurses). Respondents were recruited between May and September 2021 by random sampling, completed by snowball sampling. Results: among 236 participants (42% in clinical, 58% in non-clinical roles) there was an overall consensus between respondents on NCD care being disrupted and compromised during the pandemic in Kenya. Detracted supplies, funding, and technical resources affected the continuity of NCDs response, despite government efforts. Respondents agreed that the enhanced personnel capacity and competencies to manage COVID-19 patients were positive, but noted a lack of guidance for redirecting care for chronic diseases, and advocated for digital innovation as a solution. Conclusion: this paper explores the perceptions of key stakeholders involved in the management of NCDs in Kenya to improve planning for future emergency responses. Gaps were identified in health system response and preparedness capacity during the pandemic including the perceived need to strengthen NCD services, with solutions offered to guide resilience efforts to protect the health system from disruption.Peer reviewe

Preparedness among dental professionals towards COVID-19 in India

Introduction: novel corona virus infection has become a public health crisis leading the world to a standstill including dentistry. However, since the dental services cannot be stopped for a long period it is important that dentist be fully prepared before resuming their services. Therefore, the current study was carried out for evaluating knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) along with perceived barriers to practice dentistry during pandemic. Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey questionnaire on dentists of India. Dentists were enquired for demographics, KAP and perceived barriers regarding practicing dentistry during pandemic. The knowledge was assessed based on 16 items in true or false or multiple choice questions format getting score of 1 or 0. The attitude and practices by 8 items each, on 5-point Likert scale and 4 items perceived barriers were enquired. The differences between the median scores among demographic variables were determined by applying student's t-test and keeping level of significance at below 0.05. Results: out of 500 dentists who were approached through email, a total of 296 dentists returned the questionnaire (response rate, 59.2%) among which 22 questionnaires were incomplete and thus excluded making 274 as final study participants. Overall poor median scores of knowledge and practices were obtained whereas for attitude total median score was good. Median practice scores were significantly higher among female respondents (20(6)). Median knowledge and practice scores were significantly better in study participants with age <40 years (6(4) and 19(5), respectively). Conclusion: with the recent claims of authorities that virus is going to stay in world for quite some time it is essential that dentists must be fully prepared before resuming their services and must attain proper awareness to limit the disease spread

Tobacco cessation in India: A contemporary issue in public health dentistry

In India, tobacco use is incredibly linked to poverty and accounts for the high public health costs of treating tobacco-related diseases. Dental public health programs aid in detecting the tobacco-related periodontal diseases, oral cancers, etc., where the majority belongs to the submerged portion of iceberg, which otherwise leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, public health dentists plays a key role in identifying both clinical and subclinical cases and aid in tobacco use cessation through various modes of health education and counseling. Therefore, the community-based measures are deemed to be the most cost-effective tool for tobacco cessation

Insights into Ergonomics Among Dental Professionals of a Dental Institute and Private Practitioners in Hubli–Dharwad Twin Cities, India

Background: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among dental professionals of Hubli–Dharwad twin cities, India. Methods: Investigator-developed, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ergonomics during dental practice was filled in by undergraduates, house surgeons, postgraduates, and faculty members of dental institutions and private practitioners from Hubli–Dharwad twin cities. Results: Data were collected from a total of 250 participants, 50 belonging to each academic group. Overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 52%, 75%, and 55%, respectively. Significant correlation was found for age with attitude (χ2 = 10.734, p = 0.030) and behavior (χ2 = 12.984, p = 0.011). Marital status was significantly associated with all the three domains; knowledge (χ2 = 29.369, p = 0.000), attitude (χ2 = 29.023, p = 0.000), and practices (χ2 = 13.648, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Participants had considerable awareness and behavior toward ergonomics in dental practice. The high attitude score indicates stronger acceptance of ergonomics principles and guidelines during routine dental procedures. The current study highlights the situation of ergonomics in dental practice in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practices

Optimization, characterization, and efficacy evaluation of 2% chitosan scaffold for tissue engineering and wound healing

Objective: To develop a chitosan-based scaffold and carry out a complete comprehensive study encompassing optimization of exact chitosan strength, product characterization, toxicity evaluation, in vitro validation in cell culture experiments, and finally in vivo efficacy in animal excision wound model. Materials and Methods: Developed chitosan scaffolds (CSs) were optimized for tissue engineering and wound healing efficacy by means of microstructure, toxicity, and biocompatibility evaluation. Results: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies revealed that porosity of CS decreased with increase in chitosan concentration. Chemical stability and integrity of scaffolds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared studies. Highest swelling percentage (SP) of 500% was observed in 2%, while lowest (200%) was observed in 1% CS. Reabsorption and noncytotoxic property of optimized scaffold were established by enzymatic degradation and MTT assay. Enzymatic degradation suggested 20–45% of weight loss (WL) within 14 days of incubation. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that scaffolds were noncytotoxic against normal human dermal fibroblast human dermal fibroblast cell lines. Significant cellular adherence over the scaffold surface with normal cellular morphology was confirmed using SEM analysis. In vivo efficacy evaluation was carried out by means of reduction in wound size on Sprague-Dawley rats. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with optimized scaffold showed ~ 100% wound healing in comparison to ~80% healing in betadine-treated animals within 14 days. Histological examination depicted advance re-epithelization with better organization of collagen bundle in wound area treated with 2% CS in comparison to conventional treatment or no treatment. Conclusion: This study, thus, reveals that 2% CSs were found to have a great potential in wound healing