IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTY OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS (LINN.) G. DON. VAR. ROSEA†AND ALBAâ€

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial property of crude, aqueous and organic solvent extract from leaf, stem and root parts of two different var. of Catharanthus roseus (i.e. rosea†and albaâ€) under in vitro conditions on various human pathogenic bacteria.Methods: Antibacterial activity of crude (fresh), aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic and equimolar (1:1) mixture of ethanolic dried leaf extract of variety rosea†and alba†was evaluated against various pathogenic bacteria viz. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by disk diffusion method under in vitro conditions.Results: Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more susceptible than Gram-negative. Dried extracts of root, stem and leaf of C. roseus var. rosea†and alba†plants showed maximum antibacterial potency against all the test microorganisms. The equimolar mixture of ethanolic dried leaf extracts of species rosea†and alba†exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against B. subtilis, E. coli and S. aureus as compare to extract prepared from individual parts. The findings of the ethanolic mixture of dried leaves of the two varieties on the tested bactera confirm that the effect is potentiating which may be synergistic or additive.Conclusion: From the findings, it could be inferred that C. roseus var. rosea†and alba†could be efficiently used in the development of new life-saving drugs against bacterial pathogens.Â

Dry eye syndrome in patients of diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can lead to Diabetic retinopathy. Dry Eye Syndrome is commonly seen in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was assessment of dry eye in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Ophthalmology and Rural and Urban centres of Community Medicine, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar. All cases of Type 2 diabetes mellitus over six months period were considered for the study. The diabetic patients were divided into two groups, one with diabetic retinopathy and others without diabetic retinopathy. All patients were subjected to McMonnie’s questionnaire and clinical evaluation including tear film studies like Schirmer’s test and Tear Film Break Up Time (TBUT).Results: 60 diabetic patients were enrolled for the study, 30 had evidence of diabetic retinopathy while 30 had no evidence. The most common dry eye symptom reported was foreign body sensation (96.7%). All Signs of dry eye disorder were found more commonly in patients with diabetic retinopathy as compared to those without diabetic retinopathy. Mcmonnie’s scores correlates well with both Schirmer’s basic secretion test (BST) and TBUT.Conclusions: Dry eye syndrome must be diagnosed in diabetic patients. Periodic screening of diabetic patients should be carried out to evaluate diabetic retinopathy and its complications.

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and outcome of SARS-COV-2 cases in Uttar Pradesh: descriptive analysis

Corona virus is one of the major pathogens that primarily target the human respiratory system. Previous outbreaks of corona viruses include the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV which have been previously characterized as agents that are a great public health threat. In late December 2019, a cluster of patients was admitted to hospitals with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia of an unknown etiology. These patients were epidemiologically linked to a sea food and wet animal wholesale market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In India on 30th January 2020 first positive case in a student from Kerala of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, who was studying in Wuhan University and had travelled to India, tested positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As of 15th March 2021, in India total confirmed cases 94,61,901 recovery 88,47,600 death 1,37,582 have been reported from 32 states/union territories in U.P. state has 6,05,290 confirmed cases, resulting in 8,746 deaths and 595,637 recoveries. The case fatality rate in Uttar Pradesh was stands at 1.4%. Among different districts of U.P., the Lucknow was listed as first with 82,213 cases, 80,740 recovered and 1,190 deaths. Next states were Kanpur; 33,111 cases, and 839 deaths, Prayagraj 29,436 cases, and 409 deaths, Meerut; 22477 cases, and 442 deaths, Ghaziabad 26902 cases, 26694 recovered, 102 death and Gorakhpur 21510 confirmed case 21115 recovered and 366 deaths till 15th March 2021

Incidence of HIV infection in eastern Uttar Pradesh: HIV counseling and testing services record based retrospective study

Background: India has approximately 2.4 million of people living with HIV and out of these two thirds live in rural areas. This study may yield significant data to understand epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in this region that would help in designing techniques for effective implementation to prevent this infection.Methods: The present study was a comprehensive retrospective hospital-based investigation of the HIV infection in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India based on a large number of clinical samples at HCTS centre, representing different geographic regions and has been functional since 2002, conducting HIV tests, counselling of patients as well as maintains proper records.Results: A total of 444 HIV positive clients were registered in this retrospective study. The male and female ratio among all positive clients was 1.67:1 and the most common age group for both the genders was 35-49 years. Among 444 HIV positive clients, HIV-TB co-infection found in 72 (16.21%) cases. Out of 444 clients, 177 (40%) and 167 (38%) found extremely immunocompromised with low CD4 cells count in range between of 0-100 cells/mm3 and >100-350 cells/mm3 respectively. Mortality was seen in 72 (16%) out of 444 HIV positive clients.Conclusions: There is an urgent need of information, education about this disease and by providing suitable occupation or to make them aware, which will markedly help in preventing the spread of HIV pandemic in this geographical region

Bacteriological profile of acute bacterial meningitis at a tertiary care hospital of North India

Background: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is one of the most severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. It is defined as an inflammation of the meanings, globally distributed as either sporadic or epidemic forms. ABM remains a major cause of mortality and long-term neurological sequel worldwide. Objective of the present study was undertaken to evaluate the bacteriological analysis in term of pathogens frequency and their sensitivity pattern in the cerebrospinal fluid of acute meningitis patients at a tertiary care hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.Methods: The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital from June 2014 to November 2015 irrespective of age group. A total of 3803 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from clinically suspected cases of meningitis were subjected for bacteriological analysis.Results: During the study period, a total of 3803 CSF samples were studied. Out of these, 343 were confirmed as bacterial meningitis based on Gram staining and or culture showing 9.01% incidence. ABM was more common in paediatric patients than adults. The most common organisms were Gram positive (66.18%) bacteria.Conclusions: Acute bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and making an early diagnosis and providing early and accurate treatment, are lifesaving and to reduce morbidity. This study may play an important role in the diagnosis and more accurate treatment for the ABM patients

Role of Phage Therapy in COVID-19 Infection: Future Prospects

The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Wuhan City, China, in 2019. After that, the outbreak has grown into a global pandemic and definite treatment for the disease, termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is currently unavailable. The slow translational progress in the field of research suggests that a large number of studies are urgently required for targeted therapy. In this context, this hypothesis explores the role of bacteriophages on SARS-CoV-2, especially concerning phage therapy (PT). Several studies have confirmed that in addition to their antibacterial abilities, phages also show antiviral properties. It has also been shown that PT is effective for building immunity against viral pathogens by reducing the activation of NF kappa B; additionally, phages produce the antiviral protein phagicin. Phages can also induce antiviral immunity by upregulating expression of defensin 2. Phages may protect eukaryotic cells by competing with viral adsorption and viral penetration of cells, virus mediated cell apoptosis as well as replication. Moreover, by inhibiting activation of NF-κB and ROS production, phages can down regulate excessive inflammatory reactions relevant in clinical course of COVID-19. In this chapter, we hypothesize that the PT may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of COVID-19

Measuring Retailer Store Image: A Scale Development Study

Abstract This paper aims at developing a reliable and valid measure of retailer store image. Scientific scale development process has been followed. Survey methodology was used to collect data. The results are tested for reliability and validity using confirmatory factor analysis. The study conceptualizes a retailer's image as a reliable and valid multidimensional construct, explained in eight dimensions. The scale can be used to measure the perception of customers with regard to these eight factors and would provide directions to managers for retailing strategies

Perception of medical interns and residents about specialty of microbiology and the role of microbiologists during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The speciality of microbiology is closely associated with keeping people healthy and disease free by accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. In spite of this, awareness about the speciality seems to be scarce. In the present scenario, public perception about microbiology has been changed a lot. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of microbiologists in the health care system. The aim of this survey was to determine the perceptions of medical interns and residents regarding the specialty of microbiology and the role of microbiologists in maintaining and promoting health of people.Methods: On-line survey using google form to identify perception of medical interns and residents about the speciality of microbiology.Results: A total 298 valid responses were obtained response rate 26.02% from the participants among them 167 (56.0%) were male and 131 (44.0%) females. Though, the attitude of medical interns and residents were found positive for the speciality of microbiology, they even recognize the importance of medical microbiology in their future role as medical practitioners, but only few (3.48%) wished to opt it as their career.Conclusions: The risks and responsibilities of a microbiologist involved in managing patients seldom get due acknowledgement. Adequate measures need to be taken to enlighten the authorities about microbiology and various responsibilities of microbiologists. The health care providers and medical teachers needed to appreciate the perception of young medical students regarding current and future trends in specialty choice and take concrete steps to meet the unmet need of health care

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic and mental health problems of Indian medical health workers: a cross sectional study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had burdened tremendously health, economic and social status of all. Populations across globe and MHW are also affected physically, economically and mentally too. The primary aim of this study was to assess the psychiatric and mental health issues. Methods: A face-to-face interview and cross-sectional study were carried out in hospitals associated to Dr. SNMC Jodhpur from April 2020 to July 2021. Evaluation and assessment of insomnia, anxiety and depression was done using insomnia severity scale (ISI); generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and depression on patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale. A total number of 218 persons participated. Results: Compared with non-medical health workers (n=82); medical health workers (n=136) had higher score for insomnia (8.26±7.28 verses 6.35±5.29; p=0.039); generalized anxiety (8.26±6.25 verses 6.32±4.76; p=0.016) and depression (8.45±5.96 verses 6.18±4.72; p=0.035). Similarly higher prevalence rate in medical health workers was found for insomnia (23.3% versus 14.6%); generalized anxiety 31% versus 19%) and depression (14.7% versus 3.66%). These psychiatric symptoms were found in higher intensity (moderate to severe type) in all groups. Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic medical health workers are exposed to severe type of insomnia, generalized anxiety and depression. It requires more attention and recovery programs to combat the symptoms