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Background: Multi-morbidity is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. The prevalence of multi-morbidity varies across different populations and settings, but it is particularly common among older adults. It poses substantial physical, psychological, and socio-economic burdens on individuals, caregivers and healthcare systems. In this context, the present study aims to provide an insight on the prevalence and degree of multi-morbidity; and also, on the relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions among a group of slum-dwelling older women. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the slum areas of urban Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It includes total 500 older women, aged 60 years or above. Pre-tested schedules on so-demographic and morbidity profile have canvassed to obtain the information by door-to-door survey. To determine the relationship between the level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions, correspondence analysis has performed. Results: The study revealed three most prevalent morbid conditions- back and/or joint pain, dental caries/cavity and hypertension. The overall prevalence of multi-morbidity was 95.8% in this group of older women. It was highly over-represented by the oldest-old age group (80 years and above). Majority were found to suffer from five simultaneous morbid conditions that accounted for 15.2% of the total respondents. All of the oldest-old women of this study reported to suffer from more than two medical conditions simultaneously. Three distinct groups were formed based on the inter-relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions. The group 1 and 2 represents only 27.8% and 18% of the total sample. Whereas, group 3 comprises the highest level of morbidities (≥ 6) and 52.8% of total sample, and strongly related with general debilities, cardiac problems, asthma/COPD, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism and oral health issues. Conclusion: The findings confirmed the assertion that multi-morbidity in slum living older adults is a problem with high prevalence and complexity. This study proposes an easily replicable approach of understanding complex interaction of morbidities that can help further in identifying the healthcare needs of older adults to provide them with healthy and more productive life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a medicine that has mainly been used to treat malaria. During the recent Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) period, an abrupt spike in the sale of HCQ has been found. The repurposing of this drug in the treatment of COVID-19 was not only found to be ineffective but also showed many side effects. The adverse effects of the enormous exposure to this drug should be unveiled. Aim: To evaluate the acute effect of HCQ exposure on the male reproductive system by analysing the changes in antioxidant enzyme levels in testicular tissue, sperm quality, and histopathological assessment of testicular tissue using male albino rats as the subject model. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was done by using male albino rats as the subject model. It was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Human Physiology at Raja NL Khan Women’s College (Autonomous) in Medinipur, West Bengal, Kolkata, India, from the last week of June 2023 to the first week of August 2023. A total 10 male albino rats were obtained and randomly divided into two groups (n=5 in each group), control and HCQ-treated, and were given plain drinking water and 33 mg/kg/day HCQ, respectively, for six consecutive days through oral gavage. After the treatment tenures, rats were euthanised, and antioxidant enzymatic activity was measured by a spectrophotometer. Sperm quality and testicular histopathology were studied. A two-tailed t-test was used to compare the parameters of the control and HCQ-treated groups. Results: The total testicular weight of the control group was 2.37±0.17 g, in contrast treated group had a significantly lower testicular weight of 1.98±0.19 g. A significant decrease in total testicular protein in the treated group was found, i.e., 28.86±3.03 mg/g of tissue, compared to the control group, i.e., 60.46±2.85 mg/g of tissue. The sperm count of the control group was 4.51±0.06 million/ml of suspension, while the treated group had a significantly lower sperm count, i.e., 2.73±0.11 million/mL of suspension. The percentages of sperm motility and viability in the control group were 86±1.63% and 94±1.33%, respectively, but in the treated group, the percentages were significantly lower, i.e., 22.66±1.35% and 24±1.78%, respectively. The increasing sperm anomalies after HCQ exposure indicate poor sperm quality. Conclusion: Infertility or reduced fertility can result from testicular dysfunction, in continuation, decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, together with abnormalities in sperm morphology, was observed after this exposure. Thus, the present study provides insight into the adverse effects of the use of this drug, which might be associated with male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding the intricate root canal system of mandibular incisors is crucial for successful root canal therapy. Variations in canal anatomy pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning, emphasising the need for comprehensive evaluation methods. Aim: To evaluate and assess the root canal configuration of permanent mandibular incisors based on Vertucci’s classification using periapical radiographs and correlating the same with the gold standard decalcification and dye-penetration technique. Materials and Methods: The current in-vitro study was carried out from December 2018 to March 2019 in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It analysed the root canal morphology of mandibular central and lateral incisors using radiographic examination and decalcificationdye penetration evaluation. Data from 50 central and 50 lateral incisors (100 mandibular incisors) were procured and were assessed and subsequently analysed statistically using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). The study outcome included assessing the various canal types and configurations, types of canals (straight/curved), and the position of the apical foramen (labial/ lingual) by both techniques. The existence of agreement was also tested using statistical analysis by the kappa (κ) coefficient between the two techniques with an alpha level of 5%. Results: The radiological findings of mandibular central incisors revealed a predominant presence of Type-I canals, constituting 66 (66%) cases, according to Vertucci’s classification. Decalcificationdye penetration evaluation of central incisors showed a similar trend, with Type-I canals exhibiting a significantly higher percentage 35 (70%) compared to other canal types (p<0.001). Lateral incisors exhibited similar trends in both radiological findings and decalcification-dye penetration. Type-I canals were significantly more prevalent 29 (58%) compared to other types (p<0.001). Evaluation with the decalcification-dye penetration technique further supported this, with Type-I canals showing a higher percentage 27 (54%) compared to other types (p<0.001). A moderate amount of agreement was detected between the two modalities concerning canal configuration (κ=0.46, p=0.049) and position of the apical foramen (κ=0.43, p<0.001), while an almost perfect agreement was present on canal curvature (κ=0.85, p<0.001). Conclusion: These results collectively suggest a similarity in the radiological characteristics and decalcification-dye penetration patterns between central and lateral incisors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in the young population has begun to rise. There is not enough data regarding the characteristics of young patients with ACS. Aim: To evaluate risk factors, clinical and angiographic profile of young patients with ACS. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from December 2017 to December 2020 at SSWH, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, Kolkata, India among 100 patients. Patients with ACS and aged =45 years were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with and without obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Clinical parameters and coronary angiography data were collected and analysed. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 37.42±5.18 years, and 82 (82%) participants were male. Smoking was the most common risk factor observed in 71 (71%) of the study population, and the majority of these patients had obstructive CAD. The young population suffered more with a high incidence of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), with 37 (56.06%) had Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction (AWMI). When analysed angiographically, Obstructive CAD was most commonly found 82 (82%); among those with obstructive CAD, Single-vessel diseases were predominant in 47 (47%) individuals. The percentage of stable angina was significantly higher among patients with obstructive CAD (53.6%) compared to non obstructive CAD (11.1%), (p=0.001). Conclusion: Two leading risk factors, smoking, and tobacco, were significantly associated with the onset of young ACS. The prevalence of single-vessel disease was higher in young patients with ACS compared to double and triple-vessel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a multicultural society which is inhabited by a diverse population with multitudes of castes and religions, languages, cultures, and racial groups. Ethnic identities in India are apprehensive of being assimilated into the dominant culture leading to the dilution of their cultural heritage. Hence, there is an increase in horizontal solidarity that makes the in-group members more resistant to acknowledge and accept out-group members. The present study follows a convergent parallel mixed method design to examine the impact of ethnic prejudice towards diverse linguistic groups amongst male and female young adults. A sample of 30 participants (m =15, f =15) between the age range of 18 and 25 years, Bengalee, and residing in Kolkata, were selected. Participants responded to a survey using the social distance scale. Then, a semi-structured interview was conducted. Chi-Square test was carried out to test the association between ethnic prejudice towards linguistic groups and the desire to engage in a proximal interpersonal relationship. Additionally, Phi-Coefficient assessed the strength of the association. Further, thematic analysis was carried out to analyse qualitative data. Results indicate a significant association between ethnic prejudice and proximal interpersonal relationships. The Punjabi linguistic group was most favourably appraised followed by Assamese, Marathi, Odia, and Telugu. However, the Bhojpuri linguistic group was least favourably appraised. The qualitative findings revealed the decision to accept or reject ethnic groups in proximal interpersonal relationship was dependent on perceived beauty, perceived traits and perceived similarity of the ethnic groups. The preconceived notions of beauty, trait and similarity that the participants hold for the ethnic groups moderate their evaluation of each group member in determining their level of engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India experiences a growing aging population and prioritizing the comprehension of respiratory health concerns among the elderly becomes crucial. Those in the elderly demographic residing in urban slums confront notable socioeconomic obstacles and encounter restricted healthcare accessibility, heightening their vulnerability to respiratory illnesses. Therefore, examining respiratory health in this specific urban context provides insights into how living conditions impact the health of vulnerable populations. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence of respiratory abnormalities among slum-dwelling elderly women and also to determine the concomitant factors responsible for respiratory abnormalities among them. Material and Methods: The study includes a total of 261 elderly women aged 60 years and above living in slum areas of Kolkata. The standard protocols were followed to collect spirometry and anthropometric data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to satisfy the study objectives. Results: The majority of the participants show forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV0.1) below the predicted level, indicating the presence of mild-to-moderate respiratory abnormality. Chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) was observed in 15.2% of elderly women, significantly higher than the national average. The study identified significant correlations between age and respiratory abnormalities. Factors such as overcrowded living conditions, the absence of a separate kitchen, and the use of certain cooking fuels increased the likelihood of COPD. Body fat percentage was found to be inversely related to FVC, FEV0.1, and COPD. Conclusion: The poor living conditions and a few other associated factors are indicative of developing respiratory problems among elderly individuals. As the global population ages, this study contributes valuable insights for public health strategies, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges faced by elderly women in urban slums in the megacity of Kolkata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue is a vector borne disease with various grades of severity. Pregnancy is a high-risk group and is prone for complications of dengue haemorrhagic fever. Dengue fever has rapidly emerged as the most common arboviral infection globally. Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to assess maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies affected with dengue fever. Materials and methods: It was an institutional based prospective observational study. It was conducted in Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine & Sagar Dutta Hospital, Kamarhati, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. After receiving the clearance from the ethical committee study was conducted from June 2022 to December 2022. All pregnant patients reporting to the hospital with fever and serologically confirmed dengue infection (40 confirmed cases) were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected. The cases were followed up till their delivery to monitor the effect of dengue. The data were entered in MS Excel spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Result: In the present study platelet count of 9 (22%) patients were <25000 lac and platelet count of 13 (33%) patients were 15000 to 50000 lac. In the present study 3 (7.50%) patients need ICU care followed by 9 (22.50%) need platelet transfusion, 7 (17.50%) need C PAP, 8 (20%) need PPH, 7 (17.50%) need abortion and 2 (5%) patients need abruption. In the present study 5 (12.5%) fetals suffered from fetal distress followed by 2 (5%) suffered from Oligohydramnios. In the present study 4 (35%) neonatal were normal. 8 (20%) neonatal need SNCU admission, 2 (5%) neonatal need NICU admission. Conclusion: Pregnancy-related dengue illness progressed quickly and caused serious consequences. For both the mother and the fetus to have a positive outcome, close materno-fetal monitoring and prompt obstetric care are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of various Shigella serotypes isolated from patients with acute diarrhea of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kolkata from 2011–2019. Principal findings: During the study period, Shigella isolates were tested for their serotypes, antibiotic resistance pattern and virulence gene profiles. A total of 5.8% of Shigella spp. were isolated, among which S. flexneri (76.1%) was the highest, followed by S. sonnei (18.7%), S. boydii (3.4%), and S. dysenteriae (1.8%). Antimicrobial resistance against nalidixic acid was higher in almost all the Shigella isolates, while the resistance to β-lactamases, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol diverged. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was found to be linked with various genes encoding drug-resistance, multiple mutations in the topoisomerase genes, and mobile genetic elements. All the isolates were positive for the invasion plasmid antigen H gene (ipaH). Dendrogram analysis of the plasmid and pulsed-field electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles revealed 70–80% clonal similarity among each Shigella serotype. Conclusion: This comprehensive long-term surveillance report highlights the clonal diversity of clinical Shigella strains circulating in Kolkata, India, and shows alarming resistance trends towards recommended antibiotics. The elucidation of this study's outcome is helpful not only in identifying emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shigella spp. but also in developing treatment guidelines appropriate for this region. Author summary: Shigella spp. is one of the WHO-designated "antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens" that is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea among children worldwide. The distribution of Shigella species varies depending on the geographic location, particularly in regions where environmental risk factors like substandard water quality, limited healthcare accessibility, and insufficient sanitation are widespread. The presence of serotype diversity and drug resistance combinations often leads to treatment failures. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the prevailing serogroups and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shigella species in different geographical areas to implement effective treatment strategies. We have identified 535 Shigella positive cases from 9276 diarrheal cases. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella globally requires a profound understanding of its genetic diversity, as there is significant regional variation in MDR strains. In our study, we observed a broad spectrum of resistance among the Shigella strains, with over 53.6% of the isolates demonstrating multidrug resistance. Representative isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial resistance encoding and virulence-associated genes as they enact significantly in disease development and interaction with the host immune system. This report marks the initial presentation of the outcomes from long-term surveillance and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistances in clinical Shigella strains in Kolkata since 2011. The outcome of this investigations will guide in identifying emerging antimicrobial resistance trend, formulating suitable treatment guidelines tailored to the community's needs, and establishing baseline data for comparison with potential outbreak strains in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is a common and deadly malignancy affecting women worldwide. Various immune markers, such as Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2/neu), are commonly used to assess prognosis. Currently, ongoing research aims to evaluate molecular pathways that contribute to invasion and metastasis. One important immunomarker under investigation is CD10, a zinc-dependent Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) that degrades bioactive peptides. CD10 expression in the tumour stroma has been associated with the biological aggressiveness of several epithelial malignancies, including breast carcinoma. Aim: To analyse the association between stromal CD10 expression and different prognostic factors, such as age, histological grade, and status of ER, PR, and HER2/neu markers, in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMC) in Kolkata, West Bengal, India over a period of one and a half years (February 2021 to July 2022). It included 120 cases of breast carcinoma diagnosed through histopathological examination of formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections, which were prepared from trucut biopsies and resection specimens referred from the Department of General Surgery, NRSMC. CD10 expression was assessed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all cases and scored as negative, weak, or strong. The study examined the association between CD10 expression and the following parameters: age, histopathological grade, and the status of ER, PR, and HER2/neu markers. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel (MS) for statistical analysis. The significance of the study was determined using the Chi-square test, and data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (IBM, Illinois, US). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included a total of 120 cases, with 119 cases of female breast cancer (99.16%) and one case of male breast cancer (0.84%). The mean±SD age of the patients was 54±5.038 years (range 44 to 67 years). The majority of cases 102 (85.00%) were diagnosed as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), followed by IDC-special types 18 (15.00%). CD10 expression was evaluated in all cases, and stromal CD10 positivity was observed in 79 out of 120 cases (65.80%), with 39 individuals (49.40%) showing weak positivity and 40 cases (50.60%) showing strong positivity. The remaining 41 cases (34.16%) were CD10 negative. Grade 3 cancers were predominant in this study 62 (51.66%). It was noted that CD10 stromal positivity increased with higher grade. Most of the cancers in this study were negative for ER, PR, and HER2/ Neu (78, 65.00%; 84, 70.00%; and 67, 55.83%, respectively). Stromal CD10 expression showed a significant association with ER (p-value=0.00001), HER2/neu (p-value=0.000089), tumour grade (p-value=0.0012), and an insignificant association with age (p-value0.264) and PR (p-value=0.256). Conclusion: Therefore, CD10 expression is strongly associated with well-established prognostic markers, namely higher tumour grade, HER2/neu negativity, and ER negativity. This indicates that CD10 can not only be used as an independent marker of poor prognosis but also as a target for the development of novel therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS:-To observe the different hematological parameters including coagulation profile, in patients with SARS -CoV-2 infection. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:- To evaluate the various changes in hematological parameters and coagulation profile in SARS- CoV-2 patients during their stay in the hospital. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:- Whether any of these parameters can be used as a prognostic factor and help us to ascertain the course and final outcome of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS:-Hematological parameters and coagulation profile was monitored and tabulated in 160 SARS-CoV-2 patient admitted in a period of one year(April 2020-March 2021) in Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata. CONCLUSION:- There were significant changes in the parameters which even affected the ultimate prognosis (discharge or death). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information technology (IT) has undeniably eased out online teaching in days of social isolation. The sudden closure of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt in academics; later resumed through the inception of e-learning. Pandemics can neither be forecast nor overruled. Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Aims and Objectives: Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 randomly selected nursing students of a Nursing College in Kolkata during August–October 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire with demographic details incorporating a standard scale admeasuring attitude of students was used. Data were analyzed and validated statistically. Results: The majority used mobile set and cellular data as data-source (95 and 99%, respectively). Advantages of e-learning were screenshot of slides (96%), home-stay (94%), and reduced cost of hostel/transport (84%). Disadvantages included internet problems (83%) and inadequate bedside training (74%). Domain means for perceived usefulness, e-learning versus conventional learning, intention to adapt, ease of learning, and learning stresses were more than scale means reverberating higher acceptability. About 62.5% exhibited a favorable attitude toward e-learning. Family income, age, origin, and past experience were significantly associated with domains of e-learning; of which “Intent to get accustomed” was relevant. All domains related to e-learning found having significant positive correlation with each other indicating the strong value of e-learning among participants. Conclusion: As an alternative during the pandemic, 62.5% of prospective nurses showed a positive attitude toward e-learning. It is recommended that e-learning be made student-friendly through IT training making it a vital option for teaching-learning during catastrophic challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts have been made in the present study for ascertaining the concentrations of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using passive biosamplers in preference to conventional air sampling methods. Mechanical stirring, sonication, Soxhlet technique and microwave-assisted Soxhlet extraction (MASE) were employed to extract PAHs from an evergreen plant (Murraya paniculata) leaves (having long life-span) sampled from polluted places of South Kolkata, India, with dense population and heavy traffic. Effects of extraction methods and operational parameters (solvent and time) on the recovery levels of PAHs were also investigated. Purified extracts, acquired through adsorption chromatography, were subjected to GC–MS and HPLC–UV analyses for qualitative and quantitative assessment of PAHs. Spatio-temporal distribution of accumulated PAHs across the sampling sites was monitored over premonsoon, postmonsoon and winter supported by pollutant source characterization. The results displayed that the extraction yields of Soxhlet (272.07 ± 26.15 μg g−1) and MASE (280.17 ± 15.46 μg g−1) were the highest among the four techniques. Conditions of extraction with toluene for 6 h were found to be most favorable for PAHs. In spatio-temporal analysis, total concentrations of PAHs in the foliar samples varied from 200.98 ± 2.72 to 550.79 ± 10.11 μg g−1 dry weight, and the highest values being recorded in the samples of Exide More because of daylong inexorable traffic flow/crowding increasing the burden of ambient PAHs. Widespread changes in meteorology exerted influence on seasonal concentrations of PAHs in plant leaves, and extent of leaf contamination by PAHs was observed extreme in winter followed by postmonsoon and then, premonsoon. Foliar accretion of PAHs differed in the study sites with diverse sources of emission from motor vehicles, fossil fuel and biomass burning along with other human interferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibroadenosis, popularly termed aberrations of normal development and involution (ANDI), is by far the most common female breast presentation to a surgeon. ANDI accounts for the most common breast lumps in women <30 years of age. Mastalgia, a significant spectrum of ANDI, is usually classified as (1) cyclical mastalgia (more common) and (2) non-cyclical mastalgia. Breast nodularity, the other spectrum of ANDI may either present as a predominant feature or coexist with mastalgia. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to comparatively study ormeloxifene and evening primrose oil with respect to regression of fibroadenosis and mastalgia and evaluate their side effects. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata from February 15th, 2021 to February 14th, 2022, after obtaining prior Institutional Ethical Committee Clearance. Two hundred and eighty patients were equally divided into two groups of 140 in each and screened for inclusion in this study. Results: At the start of treatment, Group A (Ormeloxifene) presented with a mean visual analog scale (VAS) score value of 5.71, while patients of Group B presented with a similar mean VAS score value of 5. Group B recorded a VAS score of 4.50 at the end of the 6th month, while Group A recorded a significant downhill slope of negligible mean VAS score value of 0.80 at the of the 6th month. In breast nodularity gradings too, Group A showed significant down staging of grades returning, 95% confidence interval at the end of 6th month as 1.144, while 2.280 was recorded for Group B. Conclusion: Benign breast disease is a common presenting problem in females of reproductive age. Ormeloxifene can be a better alternative to evening primrose oil in both cyclical and non-cyclical types of mastalgia. Larger trials are however required, to finally conclude on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of pain and its complications in postoperative period still a major challenge. Generally, the pathophysiology and treatment of postoperative pain and neuropathic pain have been considered as separate and distinct, though, there is considerable overlap in their pathophysiology. Materials & Methods: The present study was designed as randomized, double blinded, parallel group, open label trial to compare the efficacy of pregabalin and gabapentin as preemptive analgesics in surgery below umbilicus under spinal anaesthesia. This study was conducted under the Department of Anesthesiology, in the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. Sixty two patients, aged between 20-50 yrs, ASA grade I and II, scheduled to undergo infra umbilical surgery, were randomly divided into 2 groups. In group G (n=31) they received 1200 mg gabapentin, in group P (n=31) they received 300 mg pregabalin capsules, orally with sips of water, 1 hour before the induction of anesthesia. Routine monitoring in the form of NIBP, Pulse oxymetry and ECG were instituted on arrival in Operation Theatre. All patients were preloaded with 10 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution before being administered spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was instituted with 3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (15 mg) at L³ – L4 / L4 - L5 level. Results: All the groups were comparable in respect to demographic data, ASA physical status, the mean duration of surgery and the type of surgeries performed between them. In the 24 hrs of post-perative period the mean VAS scores at rest of Groups P was always significantly lower than those of Group G. The time to first dose of rescue analgesic was compared between the groups, as in Group G (gabapentin group) rescue analgesic was given after 9.41±1.84 hrs, while in Group P (pregabalin group) rescue analgesic was required after 15.38±3.52 hrs. Hence, as comparison of pregabalin and gabapentin could be made for these parameters, and it was possible to come to a conclusion as the superiority of pregabalin over gabapentin. Conclusion: In conclusion, a single oral dose of pregabalin given preoperatively provides better postoperative pain control and decreases postoperative rescue analgesic consumption compared to single dose of gabapentin, based on lower mean VAS scores at rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a collection of metabolic illnesses that are defined by hyperglycemia brought on by abnormalities in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, according to the American Diabetes Association. As per recent report of International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes mellitus (DM) affects approximately 415 million people throughout the world today and by 2040 around 642 million people are proposed to be affected by it. Aims: To evaluate short term HRV profile and resting myocardial oxygen consumption among the type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of 18-55 years of age group and to explore the qualitative relationship between sympathetic/parasympathetic over activity as revealed by HRV and myocardial oxygen consumption, if any among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a Cross-sectional. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, R. G. Kar medical college in collaboration with Department of Endocrinology, R. G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata from One and half year (18 months). 80 patients were included in this study. Result: In our result, mean of SDNN shows significantly higher SDNN value in male (36.827 ± 11.349) compared to that of the female (20.643 ± 6.026), but p-value is not significant (1 = 0.253). Further investigation of LF to HF ratio shows that higher LF to HF ratio is observed in female (1.972 ± 1.334) than male (0.961 ± 0.161) with insignificant p-value (= 0.259). Conclusion: Correlation between SDNN and LF/HF indicated that the higher LF/HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Common symptoms include painful and swollen joints, fever, hair loss, mouth ulcers and skin rash most commonly seen on face. Aims: To determine the clinical profile of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients at presentation. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional, observational study of 60 cases of Inpatients and outpatients fulfilling the 2015 SLICC criteria for diagnosing SLE in Vivekananda Institute of Medical sciences (VIMS), Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan (RKMSP), Kolkata, during the period of Jan 2017-Jan 2018. Result: In our study, we found that 43(71.7%) patients had acute/subacute cutaneous lupus rash. 30(50.0%) patients had discoid lupus erythematosus(dle)rash or hyertrophic lupus rash. 24(40.0%) patients had non scarring frank alopecia. 33(55.0%) patients had oral/nasal ulcer. 48(80.0%) patients had joint disease. 19(31.7%) patients had pleurisy and / or pericarditis. Conclusion: SLE is more common among young females in third decade. In our study, most common features were joint and hematological manifestations followed by skin rash, oral/nasal ulcers and frank alopecia. All patients were ANA positive. SLE patients assessed their quality of life as rather low. Increased disease activity was seen among 80% of SLE patients. Measurement of quality of life along with modified SLEDAI 2000 index will help in providing better therapeutic management to SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay brings together J. K. Gibson-Graham's diverse-economies framework and Kalyan Sanyal's postcolonial capitalist development to unpack the heterogeneous economic processes of clay idol making practice in the Kumartuli neighborhood of Kolkata, India. This craft is rapidly getting transformed through state sanctions and corporate funding. Consequently, scholars have identified this encounter as this craftwork's exposure to and absorption within capitalism. This essay unconventionally reads the differences within Kumartuli's seemingly capitalist modes of production to make legible the absence of alternative discourses, thereby teasing out regimes of enterprises, coexisting class processes, and noncapitalist labor relations within a wage-labor setup. The paper examines the financial sector's sponsorship and the postcolonial state's development-driven governmentality, yet at the same time, identifies how they do not fully enroll the sector within capitalist production logic. Craft workers' and women owner-artisans' mundane counterhegemonic politics, which claims socio-economic justice, is seen as disrupting the processes of the accumulation economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) alleviation warrants antimicrobial stewardship (AS) entailing the indispensability of epidemiological surveillance. We undertook a small-scale surveillance in Kolkata to detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the healthy gut microbiome. We found that it was a reservoir of ARGs against common antibiotics. A targeted Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing-based ARGs detection against tetracyclines, macrolides, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, amphenicol, and mobile genetic element (MGE) markers were deployed in 25 fecal samples. Relative abundance and frequency of ARGs were calculated. We detected markers against all these classes of antibiotics. 100% samples carried aminoglycoside resistance marker and int1U. A comparison with our previously published diarrheal resistome from the same spatial and temporal frame revealed that a higher diversity of ARGs were detected in the community and a higher rate of isolation of tetC, msrA, tmp , and sul-2 was found. The presence of common markers in the two cohorts proves that the gut microbiome has been contaminated with ARGs and which are being disseminated among different ecosystems. This is an issue of discerning concern for public health. The study raises an alarming picture of the AMR crisis in low-middle and emergent economies. It emphasizes the strict enforcement of AS in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, poverty alleviation and development are key policy drivers, and ideally these strategies should align with climate change adaptation and resilience as well. This study explores those challenges through an inductive investigation into the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW), the ‘wise-use’ of wastewater, alignment with climate change adaptation, resilience and poverty alleviation. EKW is a 12,500 ha Ramsar site, close to Kolkata Metropolitan Area in eastern India and connected to Sunderban and the Bay of Bengal. While there are illegal demand-driven developments within EKW, the study explores how planning might provide for development while preserving the critical functions of a wetland. The study addresses three topics: (1) the socio-ecological model; (2) planning approaches to the wetland; and (3) how those might contribute to poverty alleviation. This study of EKW centers on the past and present ecological history of the city and includes analysis of future physical and institutional relations between the city and the wetland. The study benefits from participatory mapping exercises involving indigenous fishing and farming communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the stools of 23 patients in Kolkata, who were diagnosed as cholera patients because Vibrio cholerae O1 was detected from their stools by culturing methods, and further explored by metagenomic sequencing analysis. Subsequently, the presence of the gene encoding A subunit of cholera toxin (ctxA) and the cholera toxin (CT) level in these stool samples were examined. ctxA was examined by both metagenomic sequencing analysis and polymerase chain reaction. In these examinations, two samples did not show positive in any of these tests. The metagenomic analysis showed that the genes for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica were present in the stools of these two patients, respectively. Therefore, these two patients were not considered to have diarrhea due to V. cholerae infection. From these results, we predicted that some Kolkata residents harbor a small number of V. cholerae in their intestines as a form of subclinical infection with V. cholerae. Next, we analyzed the stool samples of 22 diarrhea patients from which V. cholerae was not isolated. The results showed that 3 of the patients seemed to have subclinical infection of V. cholerae based on the amount of the genes. These results indicated that subclinical infections with V. cholerae O1 occur in Kolkata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) may be seen in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In many previous studies it was seen that there is reduced heart rate variability in DM patients. Reduced heart rate variability is earliest indicator for the CAN. In different earlier studies, it was found that results of Short-term Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis of five minutes is comparable to standard 24 hours HRV analysis. In DM patients CAN is mostly found to be associated with a longer duration of disease, but according to some studies CAN may be present in newly diagnosed diabetes patients also, but the percentage is lower. Aim: To assess the short-term HRV profile as cardiovascular risks among newly diagnosed T2DM patients and to find the correlation of HRV parameters with duration of disease and biochemical parameters; Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and Postprandial Plasma Glucose (PPPG) for early detection and management of CAN. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from September 2020 to August 2021 on 56 newly diagnosed T2DM (age group 30 to 64 years). Study subjects were grouped according to the Standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (millisecond) value as cardiovascular risk factor. Group 1 was the low risk group, group 2 was the moderate risk group, group 3 was the high-risk group. HRV testing was done with Physiograph Polyrite-D instrument with bio-amplifiers, 4 channels and accessories (RMS latest software-Version 3.0.16) in Autonomic Function Research Laboratory to measure HRV parameters. After collecting data, analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM, SPSS) version 23.0 Unpaired student's t-test, Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, Pearson correlation test were performed and statistical significance of different parameters were evaluated. It was considered statistically significant when p-value <0.05. Results: By assessing HRV parameters as cardiovascular risk factors among newly diagnosed T2DM patients the present study showed there was significantly (p-value=0.0065) high LF/HF ratio in males (1.70±1.19) than in females (0.99±0.69). The SDNN value was significantly highest in low cardiovascular risk group (137.29±25.49 ms) and lowest in high cardiovascular risk group (26.07±12.03 ms) (p-value=0.00001). Low Frequency and High Frequency Ratio (LF:HF ratio) was significantly more in age group of 51-60 years. Among all the patients, 34 (61%) patients had increased parasympathetic activity and 22 (39%) subjects had increased sympathetic activity. Female patients showed significantly more increased parasympathetic 24 (75%) activity than males 10 (41.7%). There was a significant association between SDNN values with the duration of disease (p-value=0.004). Conclusion: The present study showed that cardiac autonomic neuropathy is present even at the time of diagnosis of newly diagnosed T2DM as there was sympathovagal imbalance. Female patients have more parasympathetic drive than males which indicates that females are more cardioprotective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The multidrug resistance Enterobacteriaceae cause many serious infections resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased treatment charges and mortality rate. In this study, we characterized blaNDM-5-positive multidrug resistance commensal Escherichia coli (CE) isolated from diarrheal patients in Kolkata, India. Methods: Three CE strains were isolated from diarrheal stools, which were negative for different pathogroups of diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC). The presence of carbapenemases encoding genes and other antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was detected using PCR. The genetic arrangement adjoining blaNDM-5 was investigated by plasmid genome sequencing. The genetic relatedness of the strains was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) methods. Results: In addition to colistin, the blaNDM-5-positive CE strains showed resistance to most of the antibiotics. Higher MICs were detected for ciprofloxacin (> 32 mg/L) and imipenem (8 mg/L). Molecular typing revealed that three CE strains belonged to two different STs (ST 101 and ST 648) but they were 95% similar in the PFGE analysis. Screening for ARGs revealed that CE strains harbored Int-1, blaTEM, blaCTX-M3, blaOXA-1, blaOXA-7, blaOXA-9, tetA, strA, aadA1, aadB, sul2, floR, mph(A), and aac(6´)-Ib-cr. In conjugation experiment, transfer frequencies ranged from 2.5× 10− 3 to 8.4x10− 5. The blaNDM-5 gene was located on a 94-kb pNDM-TC-CE-89 type plasmid, which is highly similar to the IncFII plasmid harboring an IS26-IS30-blaNDM-5-bleMBL-trpF-dsbd-IS 91-dhps structure. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on carbapenem resistance involving the blaNDM-5 gene in CE from diarrheal patients. The circulation of blaNDM-5 gene in CE is worrisome, since it has the potential to transfer blaNDM-5 gene to other enteric pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups to heat-related illnesses and mortality. In tropical countries like India, where heat waves have increased in frequency and severity, few studies have focused on the level of stress experienced by the elderly. The study presented here included 130 elderly residents of Kolkata slums and 180 elderly residents of rural villages about 75 km south of Kolkata. It used miniature monitoring devices to continuously measure temperature, humidity, and heat index experienced during everyday activities over 24-h study periods, during hot summer months. In the Kolkata slum, construction materials and the urban heat island effect combined to create hotter indoor than outdoor conditions throughout the day, and particularly at night. As a result, elderly slum residents were 4.3 times more likely to experience dangerous heat index levels (≥ 45°C) compared to rural village elderly. In both locations, the median 24-h heat indexes of active elderly were up to 2°C higher than inactive/sedentary elderly (F = 25.479, p < 0.001). Among Kolkata slums residents, there were no significant gender differences in heat exposure during the day or night, but in the rural village, elderly women were 4 times more likely to experience dangerous heat index levels during the hottest times of the day compared to elderly men. Given the decline in thermoregulatory capacity associated with aging and the increasing severity of extreme summer heat in India, these results forecast a growing public health challenge that will require both scientific and government attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study analyses the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of major diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathotypes detected in hospitalized diarrhoeal patients in Kolkata, India, during 2012–2019. Methods and Results: A total of 8891 stool samples were collected from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kolkata and screened for the presence of enteric pathogens. Multiplex PCR identified the presence of DEC in 7.8% of the samples, in which ETEC was most common (47.7%) followed by EAEC (38.4%) and EPEC (13.9%). About 54% cases were due to sole DEC infections. Majority of the mixed DEC infections were caused by the Vibrio spp. (19.1%) followed by Rotavirus (14.1%) and Campylobacter spp. (8.4%). ETEC and EAEC were associated significantly with diarrhoea in children <5 years of age, whereas EPEC and also ETEC were prevalent in patients aged between 5 and 14 years. AMR profile showed high prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) among DEC (56.9%) in which 9% were resistant to antibiotics of six different antimicrobial classes. Screening of the AMR conferring genes of DEC showed the presence of blaCTX‐M3 (30.2%) in highest number followed by blaTEM (27.5%), tetB (18%), sul2 (12.6%), strA (11.8%), aadA1 (9.8%), blaOXA‐1 (9%), dfrA1 (1.6%) and blaSHV (1.2%). Conclusions: These findings highlighted the high prevalence of MDR in major DEC pathotypes that could be considered as the leading aetiological bacterial agent responsible for diarrhoea and suggests a significant public health threat. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study can help to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of DEC infections in patients with diarrhoea. Monitoring of AMR surveillance needs special attention because the DEC isolates were highly resistant to commonly used antimicrobials in the treatment of diarrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With an increasing life expectancy, the population of geriatric age group is increasing in India and all around the world. The population aged above 60 years is 8% as per census 2011 and likely to be 21% of the total population by 2050. People from older age group suffer from mental problems more than their younger counterparts. Few studies have targeted the mental health of elderly in community level, especially in Bengal. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of mental illness among older age group of urban area in Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional, descriptive, epidemiological community-based study was conducted in the Chetla area of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, West Bengal. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Mini-Mental State Examination were administered to 341 participants. Results: We found 36.95% of old age people having mental illness based on GHQ-12. Females have more prevalence of having a psychiatric illness than males. The most common psychiatric disorder was mood disorder followed by dementia. The prevalence of mental illness increased with advancement of age. About 64.7% of people never sought any kind of treatment for their illness. Conclusion: Mental illness is common among elderly people, but they are not well documented. A very significant number of patients do no seek any kind of treatment for their ailments. A comprehensive health-care system to be developed to reduce this treatment gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, efficiencies of eight indigenous plants of Baishnabghata Patuli Township (BPT), southeast Kolkata, India, were explored as green barrier species and potentials of plant leaves were exploited for biomonitoring of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present work focused on studying PM capturing abilities (539.32−2766.27 μg cm−2) of plants (T. divaricata , N. oleander and B. acuminata being the most efficient species in retaining PM) along with the estimation of foliar contents of PM adhered to leaf surfaces (total sPM (large + coarse): 526.59−2731.76 μg cm−2) and embedded within waxes (total wPM (large + coarse): 8.73−34.51 μg cm−2). SEM imaging used to analyse leaf surfaces affirmed the presence of innate corrugated microstructures as main drivers for particle capture. Accumulation capacities of PAHs of vehicular origin (total index, TI > 4) were compared among the species based on measured concentrations (159.92−393.01 μg g−1) which indicated T. divaricata , P. alba and N. cadamba as highest PAHs accumulators. Specific leaf area (SLA) of plants (71.01−376.79 cm2 g−1), a measure of canopy−atmosphere interface, had great relevance in PAHs diffusion. Relative contribution (>90%) of 4–6 ring PAHs to total carcinogenic equivalent and potential as well as 5−6 ring PAHs to total mutagenic equivalent and potential had also been viewed with respect to benzo[a]pyrene. In−depth analysis of foliar traits and adoption of plant−based ranking strategies (air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API)) provided a rationale for green belting. Each of the naturally selected plant species showed evidences of adaptations during abiotic stress to maximize survival and filtering effects for reductive elimination of ambient PM and PAHs, allowing holistic management of green spaces. [Display omitted] • PM and PAHs vitiate ambient atmosphere to a great extent, risking human life. • Urban green belts aid to the deliverance from the hazards of atmospheric pollution. • PM and PAHs accumulation capacities of plants differed with species composition. • Plant adaptive responses involved upregulation of key foliar traits for tolerance. • Plant species are selected based on performance for landscape ecology enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study examined the hypothesis that crow‐borne Campylobacter can function as environmental reservoirs and indicators of antibiotic resistance (AR) determinants circulating in a human population. Methods and Results: Two species of crows from Washington (WA), United States, and Kolkata, India, respectively, were examined for their ability to carry antibiotic resistant Campylobacter. Campylobacter jejuni was the only species isolated by selective agar plating from crow faecal samples. Disk diffusion method used to compare the AR profile of the isolates showed tetracycline (TET) resistance to be the most prevalent (27%) among WA isolates, followed by ciprofloxacin (CIP; 24%). Among Kolkata isolates, nalidixic acid resistance was most common (36%), followed by CIP (27%). The AR profile demonstrated by crow isolates of WA reflects those reported by the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System for human isolates (2007–2011), where resistance to TET was most prevalent (≈45%), followed by quinolones (≈24%). The Kolkata crow isolates reflected the AR profile of human clinical isolates from India, where 97% resistance was shown to quinolones, followed by TET (18%). Multilocus sequence typing of 37 isolates, including 11 water isolates from the crow roost area, showed 24 different sequence types (STs). Seventeen of these were previously found in wild birds, 2 in human diarrhoea, 4 in poultry and 8 in environmental water. One isolate was found in both water and faeces, though from different sites within WA. Conclusions: The results indicate that crows most likely acquire the AR from anthropogenic sources. Although they are colonized by specific STs, rarely isolated from humans, they can facilitate the spread of AR. Significance and Impact of the Study: By studying two areas in different continents, this research demonstrates that Campylobacter borne by crows can function as environmental reservoirs and indicators of AR determinants that circulate in a human population. This information will be of importance to scientists from the medical and poultry industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most widely recognized diarrhoeal pathogens in developing countries. The advancement of ETEC vaccine development depends on the antigenic determinants of the ETEC isolates from a particular geographical region. So, the aim here was to comprehend the distribution of virulence determinants of the clinical ETEC strains of this region. Additionally, an attempt was made to find any correlation with the antimicrobial response pattern. Methods and results: Multiplex PCR was employed to identify virulence determinants followed by confirmatory singleplex PCR. For observation of antibiotic response, the Kirby‐Bauer method was used. Out of 379 strains, 46% of strains harboured both the enterotoxins ST and LT, whereas 15% were LT only. Among the major colonization factors (CFs), CS6 (41%) was the most prevalent followed by CFA/I (35%) and CFA/III was the lowest (3%). Among the minor CFs, CS21 (25%) was most prevalent, while CS15 showed the lowest (3%) presence. Among the non‐classical virulence factors, EatA (69%) was predominant. ETEC strains harbouring CS6 showed resistance towards the commonly used drug Ciprofloxacin (70%). Conclusion: CS6 and elt+est toxin genes co‐occurred covering 51% of the isolates. CS21 was found in most strains with est genes (43%). EatA was found to occur frequently when ST was present alone or with LT. CS6‐harbouring strains showed an independent correlation to antimicrobial resistance. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study would aid in identifying the commonly circulating ETEC isolates of Kolkata, India, and their prevalent virulence determinants. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance patterns would also help in the appropriate use of antibiotics. Furthermore, the study would aid in identifying the multivalent antigens suitable for region‐specific ETEC vaccines with maximum coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clobber of COVID-19 brought a coup-de-grace to humanity in this modern era. New-norms of COVID-19 prevention although appear promising yet often adjunct with non-congruent compliance. The WHO has advocated house-to-house case-linked study to acquire facts on epidemiological and transmissibility traits of COVID-19 in low-income communities. Kolkata experienced the first wave of COVID-19 till November 20, expected second splatter in March 21. Aims and Objectives: Thinking through a probable upswing of COVID-19 in Kolkata, it was felt prudent to study the occurrence of COVID-19 among residents of two different slums inter-alia study allied factors, if any. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two different slums having 395 and 428 members, respectively, in South Kolkata from March 21 to August 21. Sanction was obtained from administrative authority as well from each individual. Questionnaire containing personal details, awareness, and observance of personal protective measures (PPM) on COVID-19 were sent to members through e-mode; those demurred, contacted in-person under new-norm. Data assembled was coded, tabulated and analyzed. Details of COVID-19 (RT-PCR+ve) cases confirmed by Government/private hospitals were incorporated as and when surfaced. Results: Communities studied had comparable socio-demographic attributes including education, employment, and economic stand. About 93% of subjects from each slum knew most of the facets of PPM and stated practiced the same. Occurrence rates of COVID-19 were 15.2 and 16.2 per 1000 people of respective communities during study tenure. Majority of indisposed were smoker male (92%) from the lowest SES (53.8%), educated to primary/middle school (46%), and worked as vegetable seller (53.8%). All afflicted stated followed PPM except social distancing (77%) and sanitizer use (53.8%). All affected were smokers/quid-users and shared tobacco sticks/hand-smothered quid for mutual use regularly. The study unveiled unequivocal heterogeneity of COVID-19 transmission in Kolkata slums because of certain unattended socio-graphics besides optimistic reflective of PPM awareness/observance. PPM proffers protection no doubt but its effective role necessitates consistent conformity in the background of certain contextual considerations. Conclusion: Further research in urban slums is contemplated to enhance the present effort to extricate facts that may lend a hand in COVID-19 prevention tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic pain is an emerging healthcare problem in India. Chronic pain is not physical pain alone it has psychological, social, and economic perspectives. The treatment modalities of chronic pain in India mostly focus on physical pain. It is important to search for an optimal-cost selfhelp therapy that can help the sufferer to live a meaningful life despite the chronic pain. Mindfulness, gaining popularity in the western world maybe a viable option. Aim: To explore the preliminary effects of mindfulness on different outcome variables like pain intensity, chronic pain acceptance, anxiety and depression and World Health Organisation-Quality Of Life (WHO-QOL) in Indian chronic pain sufferers. Materials and Methods: This replicated single-case design study was conducted at Harmony Mindfulness Centre and Kalyani ESI Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from December 2020 to May 2021. The effects of a face-to-face eight-week mindfulness based intervention were studied in six chronic pain sufferers. The quantitative variables like Numerical Rating scale (NRS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), WHO-QOL, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) were studied at three time points; pre-session, immediate post-session and six months after completion of the session. Reliable Change (RC) based on Reliable Change Index (RCI) was calculated and modulus RC i.e., |RC| > 1.96 was considered to be statistically significant with p-value <0.05. Qualitative data was collected post-session by getting written responses to a question "How did you experience the effects of this mindfulness based intervention?" The responses were categorised into five emergent themes to determine which aspect of the programme appealed to the participants the most. Results: The pre-session variables showed significant improvement (p-value <0.05) based on the reliability change index in post-session. The post-session improvement in the variables was maintained even at six months follow-up. Positive mental state was the most common theme marked by participant's post-session. Conclusion: The Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) has a positive impact on pain intensity, chronic pain acceptance, anxiety and depression and QOL of Indian chronic pain sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article takes up the political cartoons printed in newspapers, particularly in Bengali from West Bengal to highlight the popular opinion-base they built in support for Bangladesh and the War of 1971 which perhaps brought a new age in Indian foreign policy where military intervention was upheld as a tool for maintaining peace and security in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies, with few subtypes having a more aggressive outcome and resistance to conventional therapies, Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs) being one such variant. Ki-67 lacks reproducibility and a standardised cut-off. MCM2 (Minichromosome Maintenance 2) has role in DNA repair and replication and its role as alternate marker for prognosis has been studied in this case. Aim: To study MCM2 expression with respect to histologic grade, stage, nodal status and molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma. Also, to look for any correlation between Ki-67 and MCM2 expressions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study conducted on a group of 20 patients who underwent mastectomy in a tertiary center Tertiary Care Center, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, for a total duration of six months. Histologic grading, staging, nodal status was evaluated from Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections. Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks suitable for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were selected and MCM2, Estrogen Receptor (ER), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2), Progesterone Receptor (PR)/neu and Ki-67 were performed. Scores given based on visual examination under light microscope. Analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 software. Results: Most of the subjects belonged to 41-55 years age group. Statistical significance was seen between high MCM2 and Ki-67 expressions (p-value=0.0171) and high histologic grade and TNBCs (p-value= 0.009). High MCM2 and Ki-67 expressions also come with increased risk for advanced disease. High Ki-67 is also a risk predictor for lymph node positive cases. Positive correlation was seen between MCM2 and (R)= 0.4318). Conclusion: MCM2 is a predictor for adverse outcomes in breast carcinoma cases. It may serve as an alternative to Ki-67 as a proliferation marker, to guide clinicians in treatment strategies. Its role as a therapeutic target in aggressive breast carcinomas may be evaluated with larger study population in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholera toxin (CT)-producing Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 cause acute diarrheal disease and are proven etiological agents of cholera epidemics and pandemics. On the other hand, V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 are designated as non-agglutinable (NAG) vibrios and are not associated with epidemic cholera. The majority of NAG vibrios do not possess the gene for CT (ctx). In this study, we isolated three NAG strains (strains No. 1, 2, and 3) with ctx from pond water in Kolkata, India, and examined their pathogenic properties. The enterotoxicity of the three NAG strains in vivo was examined using the rabbit ileal intestinal loop test. Strain No. 1 induced the accumulation of fluid in the loop, and the volume of fluid was reduced by simultaneous administration of anti-CT antiserum into the loop. The volume of fluid in the loop caused by strains No. 2 and 3 was small and undetectable, respectively. Then, we cultured these three strains in liquid medium in vitro at two temperatures, 25°C and 37°C, and examined the amount of CT accumulated in the culture supernatant. CT was accumulated in the culture supernatant of strain No.1 when the strain was cultured at 25°C, but that was low when cultured at 37°C. The CT amount accumulated in the culture supernatants of the No. 2 and No. 3 strains was extremely low at both temperature under culture conditions examined. In order to clarify the virulence properties of these strains, genome sequences of the three strains were analyzed. The analysis showed that there was no noticeable difference among three isolates both in the genes for virulence factors and regulatory genes of ctx. However, vibrio seventh pandemic island-II (VSP-II) was retained in strain No. 1, but not in strains No. 2 or 3. Furthermore, it was revealed that the genotype of the B subunit of CT in strain No. 1 was type 1 and those of strains No. 2 and 3 were type 8. Histopathological examination showed the disappearance of villi in intestinal tissue exposed to strain No. 1. In addition, fluid accumulated in the loop due to the action of strain No. 1 had hemolytic activity. This indicated that strain No. 1 may possesses virulence factors to induce severe syndrome when the strain infects humans, and that some strains of NAG vibrio inhabiting pond water in Kolkata have already acquired virulence, which can cause illness in humans. There is a possibility that these virulent NAG vibrios, which have acquired genes encoding factors involved in virulence of V. cholerae O1, may emerge in various parts of the world and cause epidemics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enteric fever is a severe systemic infection caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (ST) and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A (SPA). Detection of ST and SPA in wastewater can be used as a surveillance strategy to determine burden of infection and identify priority areas for water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions and vaccination campaigns. However, sensitive and specific detection of ST and SPA in environmental samples has been challenging. In this study, we developed and validated two methods for concentrating and detecting ST/SPA from wastewater: the Moore swab trap method for qualitative results, and ultrafiltration (UF) for sensitive quantitative detection, coupled with qPCR. We then applied these methods for ST and SPA wastewater surveillance in Kolkata, India and Dhaka, Bangladesh, two enteric fever endemic areas. The qPCR assays had a limit of detection of 17 equivalent genome copies (EGC) for ST and 25 EGC for SPA with good reproducibility. In seeded trials, the Moore swab method had a limit of detection of approximately 0.05–0.005 cfu/mL for both ST and SPA. In 53 Moore swab samples collected from three Kolkata pumping stations between September 2019 and March 2020, ST was detected in 69.8% and SPA was detected in 20.8%. Analysis of sewage samples seeded with known amount of ST and SPA and concentrated via the UF method, followed by polyethylene glycol precipitation and qPCR detection demonstrated that UF can effectively recover approximately 8, 5, and 3 log10 cfu of seeded ST and SPA in 5, 10, and 20 L of wastewater. Using the UF method in Dhaka, ST was detected in 26.7% (8/30) of 20 L drain samples with a range of 0.11–2.10 log10 EGC per 100 mL and 100% (4/4) of 20 L canal samples with a range of 1.02–2.02 log10 EGC per 100 mL. These results indicate that the Moore swab and UF methods provide sensitive presence/absence and quantitative detection of ST/SPA in wastewater samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scourge of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of public health concern. New-norm preventive life-style like use of mask, repeated hand washing, social distancing and hygienic way of coughing-sneezing often compromise easy life and personal comfort. Earlier studies established certain epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 mostly in high-end societies, but not many conducted on occurrence of COVID-19 in low-middle-income communities to ascertain the trend. Aims and Objective: Considering a possible upsurge of COVID-19 in Kolkata, it was decided to study the occurrence of COVID-19 in the background of preventive awareness and its application among residents in three different communities in Kolkata. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in three different communities located in south Kolkata during Apr 20 to Mar 21. Community 1 and 2 were semi-urban clusters and Community 3, a high profile society; having 266, 282 & 360 adults respectively. Consent was taken from authority as well as individual subjects. Questionnaire was made incorporating personal attributes, knowledge of personal protective measures (PPM) & its application; lastly details of COVID-19 patients. Questionnaire was sent to willing members through e-mode; those declined were contacted individually following new-norm. Data collected was coded for confidentiality, tabulated and analysed. Confirmed COVID-19 (RT-PCR+ve) declared by Govt/private hospitals during Apr 20 to Mar 21 were included. Result: Communities studied had analogous demographic traits. Two communities belonged to low-SES group, while other enjoyed high-end-status. Almost 90% of slum/colony dwellers knew all facets of COVID-19 prevention compared to cent-percent of upper class people. 52% in one and around 93-100% in other two groups followed recommended PPM. Occurrence rates of COVID-19 infection were 11.3, 10.6 & 11.1 per 1000 adult of respective communities during study period. Affected were mostly male (90%) of 30-44 year age with 60% from low SES & 40% from the privileged. Many indisposed used masks (70%), washed hands (100%) and followed social distancing (90%). Study unfurled the explicit distinctiveness of COVID-19 infection irrespective of social stand aside idealistic reflective of preventive awareness/application. PPM though renders protection but its circumventing role needs consistent application in back-lore of certain contextual considerations. Conclusion: Further research is recommended to enrich this endeavour to explore facts that may play vital role in COVID-19 prevention in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In September, 2021, an outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease affected different wards of Kamarhati municipality of West Bengal. An epidemic investigation was conducted with the objective of identifying the time, place and person distribution of the epidemic. Methods: In this institution based cross-sectional study, an epidemic response team of College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital (CoMSDH) visited the patients admitted in the infectious diseases ward of the institute and enquired them using a pre-designed proforma. Stools samples were collected and sent for analysis to National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), West Bengal. The team also visited the affected wards and collected water samples for laboratory investigations. Collected data were collated in Google sheets and requisite analyses were done in Google sheet, online spreadsheet software. Spatial distributions of cases were shown using QGIS v2.38.Results: 208 patients admitted in infectious diseases ward of CoMSDH, Kamarhati, Kolkata in between 2nd - 13th September, 2021 were interviewed. The epidemic curve showed a rapid rise on 07th September, 2021 (57 cases) followed by a gradual fall over next 5 days. Majority of cases were clustered in Ward 1,2 and 3 of Kamarhati municipality. The attack rate was highest among the geriatric age group (≥60 years) followed by 19-60 years age group. Abdominal Pain (35.71%) and vomiting (28.57%) were commonly associated symptoms. Majority of the respondents (172, 87.76%) used intermittent tap water supply from local municipalities, followed by purchased mineral water (20, 10.20%) and water from Tala tank (4, 2.04%) for their drinking purpose. Stool and water samples revealed the presence of Vibrio Cholerae, O139 ogawa serotype. Conclusion:On the basis of the interim analysis, health education was initiated on the domestic treatment of water by boiling or using chlorine solution. Additionally, steps were taken for water treatment at the water treatment plants. This assisted in controlling the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Galectin-3 is a ß-galactoside-binding lectin found in a considerable number of normal tissues and malignant neoplasms. It was found to be expressed in few thyroid tumours particularly follicular and papillary tumours. Lectins were found to be released in circulation and increased concentration was noted in colorectal cancers especially in metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma. Different types of Galectins are expressed in normal colonic and rectal epithelium. Some types do increases in inflammation and cancers of these areas. It was seen that Galectin-3 increases in colorectal tumourigenesis and it bears an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. Galectin-3 seems to have an important role in colorectal cancer. Some studies proved that Galectin inhibitors could reduce tumour progression and metastasis and it may be a therapeutic target in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. Aim: To evaluate colon cancer specimens received for biopsy, for Galectin-3 expression and its relation with tumour stage, lymphovascular space invasion and tumour differentiation. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital from November 2018 to November 2019. It was an immunohistochemistry based assay performed to test the expression levels of galectin-3 in cancer tissues of 62 colorectal neoplasms with the help of galectin-3 primary antibody (mouse monoclonal antibody-clone 9C4). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. Results: Out of 62 cases, 60 cases were colorectal adenocarcinoma and 2 cases were adenoma with age group between 40 to 75 years. Total 46 cases had cancer in caecum and ascending colon and rest were in recto-sigmoid colon. A 36/60 cases (60%) of cancer tissues were positive for galectin-3 expression. Strong association of Lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.046) and depth of tumour (p=0.0078) with galectin positivity in colon carcinoma was noted. Conclusion: Evaluation of Galectin-3 expression is helpful in the assessment of tumour staging and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. It may have a therapeutic implication in the management of colon cancer in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self‐harm has often been thought of as a problem particular to the industrialized world. Poisoning constitutes a major number of hospital admissions among different types of hospital admission cases in India. The pattern & the causes of poisoning are changing day by day. In the past most of the poisoning cases were due to accidental causes but now in the present century the scenario is changing. Several factors like development of science along with invention of strong insecticides and change in life style of human beings added with mental & social stress and easy availability of poisons are few factors responsible for increasing number of poisoning cases. This study is aimed to understand the sociodemographic profile of the deceased died to poisoning to assess any change of such profile which were evident from previous study and if any, then to find out the cause behind it. Method: 74 poisoning cases were studied over a period of one year who were first admitted in NRSMCH and subsequently died at the said Hospital. Brought death and nursing home/other Hospital admission cases/ cases referred from other Hospital and cases where no person accompanied the deceased to provide necessary information is excluded from this study. The study is a prospective, cross sectional and descriptive study. Conclusion: Most of the victims were at the age group of 21-30 yrs (28.4%). Interestingly the sex of the victims was equal (50% male and 50% female). Most of the victims were Hindu by religion (78.4%) and were of rural resident (59.5%). It is important to know that most of the victims were housewife (35.1%) and maximum no of cases the victims were married (60.8%. Considering the Education level of most of the victims was up to VI-XII standard (52.7%). Most of the incidence took place in home (73%) and in the month of July, Aug, Sep maximum (45.9%). Maximum no of incidence took place in between 3-6 PM (33.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age is a datum of identification for any human individual.It is mandatory for an autopsy surgeon to perform autopsy of unknown dead bodies brought by the police, and the dilemma that he or she faces is how to establish the identity of that body.Sternum is the bone which gives a fair idea for the estimation of age in the later decades of life. Method: the aim of the study is estimation of Age from the fusion of different parts of Sternum in a human individual.Dead bodies of ‘Bengalee’ persons sent for Post Mortem examination in the Hospital morgue, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, N.R.S Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. 120 sternums are studied in this study over a period of 1.5 years. Fusion of xiphisternum with the lower end of mesosternum starts above 22 years of age, complete union can be observed above 31 years on the other hand beginning of union can also be seen at 45 years of age. No union or beginning of union was seen in older ages also.Complete fusion between manubrium and upper end of mesosternum was found at as low as 24 years age,yet beginning of union and recently complete union was seen at 40 years and 47 years- 49 years respectively. Older ages also showed no union. There was no significant difference between male and female in respect to the ages showing fusion.The increasing grades of fusion of different sternal segments when compared with increasing ages showed significant statistical correlation. Conclusion: In the ‘Bengalee’ population it can be said that with increasing age the different parts of sternum show increasing grades of fusion, fusion of the sternebrae startsaround puberty and is completed by 17 years- 20 years of age, xiphoid process fuses next and then comes the fusion between manubrium and mesosternum, though exceptions are there, where younger aged individuals showed complete union yet older aged individuals showed no union or beginning of union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sternum is the bone which gives a fair idea for the estimation of age in the later decades of life. It is a well established fact that factors like endocrinal, heredity, climate, diatic habits have certain degree of influence over bony union and it is also proved that epiphyseal union occurs one to two years earlier in females than in males. BMI (Body Mass Index) is defined as person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Methods: The aim of the study is to establish any Correlation of sex and BMI with the fusion of different parts of Sternum in Bengalees.120 sternums are studied in this study over a period of 1.5 years from the dead bodies of ‘Bengalee’ persons sent for Post Mortem examination in the Hospital morgue, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, N.R.S Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. Concussion: There was no significant difference between male and female in respect to the ages showing fusion. When the BMI of the subjects were compared with different grades of fusion between the sternal segments, significant statistical correlation was found between the fusion of sternebrae and the BMI, but fusion of Xiphisternum and Manubrium with Mesosternum did not show any statistically significant correlation. Sexual variation of ages for fusion of sternum was not found in ‘Bengalee’ population. Nutritional status has a significant effect on the fusion of the sternebrae with each other, but no significant effect on the fusion of xiphisternum and manubrium with body of sternum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poisoning constitutes a major number of hospital admissions among different types of hospital admission cases in India. Several factors like development of science along with invention of strong insecticides and change in life style of human beings added with mental & social stress and easy availability of poisons are few factors responsible for increasing number of poisoning cases. The cause and the nature of poisoning cases which are admitting in different hospitals many times remain unknown to us. This problem can be solved by examining different autopsy findings of different poisoning cases & chemical analysis of different organs as early as possible. The main objective of the study is to study both the external and internal autopsy findings in case of death due to poisoning. Methods: 74 poisoning cases were studied over a period of one year who were first admitted in NRSMCH and subsequently died at the said Hospital. Brought death and nursing home/other Hospital admission cases/ cases referred from other Hospital are excluded from this study. The study is a prospective, cross sectional and descriptive study. Conclusion: Corrosive poisoning is the commonest type of poison followed by ophitoxaemia. Face was congested in most cases of death. No significant findings found in most of the victim’s oesophagus. Majority of internal organs were congested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is widely accepted as the gold standard in the treatment of cholelithiasis and this new technique was initially associated with a significant increase in morbidity, and in particular, in iatrogenic biliary injury and arterial haemorrhage, perhaps due to a lack of knowledge of the laparoscopic anatomy of the gallbladder pedicle.The arterial system of human body is often subjected to a good number of variations. Therefore, trying to find out variations in origin of right and left hepatic arteries and also cystic artery will surely be a useful endeavor for an Anatomist and Autopsy Surgeon, moreover such an effort will help the surgeons in planning and operating upon the hepatobiliary system. Method:The present work was carried out in the Department of FMT, NRSMCH, Kolkata in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Kolkata over a period of one year to find out variations ion origin of right and left hepatic arteries and cystic artery. Fifty cadavers of both sexes were subjected to detail dissection method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was prospective, cross sectional, observational, autopsy based study. Conclusion:In 92% cases total number of branches from the HAP were three, four branches were arising from it in 6% cases, whereas >four branches from the HAP in remaining 2% cases.The branching pattern of the HAP at the porta hepatis showed bifurcation in 96 % cases, whereas HAP showed trifurcation pattern at porta hepatis in 4% cases.Any source of origin of the RHA and LHA other than the HAP was recorded as 0%. The percentage of occurrence of accessory or replaced RHA was 0%.This was also the case with LHA. The present study revealed the RHA (92%) being the commonest source of origin of cystic artery. In 8% cases cystic artery represented variant origin. Variant origins of CA were represented by the HAP (6%) and GDA (2%). In 96% of cases, the cystic artery was single. Remaining 4% of cadavers showed presence of more than one cystic artery, the number being two. Most significant finding in this present study according to the researcher is the presence of double cystic arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The arterial system of human body is often subjected to a good number of variations. Therefore, trying to find out variations in relationship of cystic artery with CBD, CHD and Calot’s triangle will surely be a useful endeavor for an Anatomist and Autopsy Surgeon, moreover such an effort will help the surgeons in planning and operating upon the hepatobiliary system. Method: The present work was carried out in the Department of FMT, NRSMCH, Kolkata in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Kolkata over a period of one year to find out relationship of Cystic artery with CBD and CHD and also to check whether Cystic artery was present within Calot’s triangle. Fifty cadavers of both sexes were subjected to detail dissection method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Adult human cadavers above 18 yrs of age were included in this study whereas paediatric cadavers below 18 yrs of age, cadavers above 18 years where dissection cannot be done because of pathology in and around porta hepatis, decomposed dead bodies and dead bodies came for autopsy with gross abdominal injury involving hepato-billiary system were excluded from the study. The study was prospective, cross sectional, observational, autopsy based study. The cystic artery was lying posterior to CHD or CBD in 90% cases where as it was placed anteriorly in 10% of specimens. The cystic artery was lying anterior to CHD in 6% cases whereas and anterior to the CBD in 4% cases. In these 4 % cases CA was also inferior in position with respect to the cystic duct. In 96% of specimens the cystic artery was lying inside the Calot’s triangle whereas the 4% cases showed presence of cystic arteries outside the Calot’s triangle. Conclusion: Because variations are very common in hepatic and Cystic arteries, sound knowledge will allow the surgeons to practice safe laparoscopic or open Cholecystectomy, liver resections and vascular recombination in transplantation and there by avoid errors and patient morbidity. A good knowledge of Calot’s triangle is important for conventional and laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease is a major public health problem in many developing countries. Several rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are available for the detection of cholera, but their efficacies are not compared in an endemic setting. In this study, we have compared the specificity and sensitivity of three RDT kits for the detection of Vibrio cholerae O1 and compared their efficiency with culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Methods: Five hundred six diarrheal stool samples collected from patients from two different hospitals in Kolkata, India were tested using SD Bioline Cholera, SMART-II Cholera O1 and Crystal-VC RDT kits. All the stool samples were screened for the presence of V. cholerae by direct and enrichment culture methods. Stool DNA-based PCR assay was made to target the cholera toxin (ctxAB) and O1 somatic antigen (rfb) encoding genes. Statistical evaluation of the RDTs has been made using STATA software with stool culture and PCR results as the gold standards. The Bayesian latent class model (LCM) was used to evaluate the diagnostic tests in the absence of the gold standard. Results: Involving culture technique as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the cholera RDT kits in the direct testing of stools was highest with SAMRT-II (86.1%) and SD-Cholera (94.4%), respectively. The DNA based PCR assays gave very high sensitivity (98.4%) but the specificity was comparatively low (75.3%). After enrichment, the high sensitivity and specificity was detected with SAMRT-II (78.8%) and SD-Cholera (99.1%), respectively. Considering PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the RDTs remained between 52.3–58.2% and 92.3–96.8%, respectively. In the LCM, the sensitivity of direct and enrichment testing was high in SAMRT-II (88% and 92%, respectively), but the specificity was high in SD cholera for both the methods (97% and 100%, respectively). The sensitivity/specificity of RDTs and direct culture have also been analyzed considering the age, gender and diarrheal disease severity of the patients. Conclusion: Overall, the performance of the RDT kits remained almost similar in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Performance of PCR was superior to the antibody-based RDTs. The RTDs are very useful in identifying cholera cases during outbreak/epidemic situations and for making them as a point-of-care (POC) testing tool needs more improvement. Author summary: Cholera is caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, which induces massive fluid accumulation in the host's gut and secretory diarrhea. Cholera deaths can be prevented by timely diagnosis and early treatment of the patients using rehydration therapy. Outbreaks of cholera are often reported in several countries due to poor quality of drinking water and lack of sanitation. Early diagnosis of cholera outbreaks is highly useful for the enforcement of control measures. In many cholera endemic countries, laboratory resources in detecting the cholera cases are limited. Even though the conventional culture methods of the isolation and identification V. cholerae are useful for cholera diagnosis, its sensitivity is not superior compared to antibody and DNA-based techniques. Several antibody-based cholera rapid diagnostic kits (RTDs) are designed for use as a point-of-care (POC) device or field conditions. Using the diarrheal stool samples, we compared the performance of three cholera RDTs with bacterial culture and PCR assays. Applying culture and PCR results as the gold standards and also in the absence of a gold standard, appropriate statistical analysis has been made for diagnostic test evaluations. We have also considered the presence of other pathogens in the stools and clinical characteristics of the patients in the analysis. Though the cholera RDT kits highly useful for the detection of V. cholerae O1, even in the presence of other pathogens in the stools, they cannot be considered as a POC tool due to lack of required specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 caused a nationwide lockdown in India from 24 March 2020 and was further extended up to 3 May 2020 to break off the transmission of novel Coronavirus. The study is designed to assess the changes in air quality from the pre-lockdown period to the during lockdown period in Kolkata and Howrah municipal corporation, West Bengal, India. GIS-based techniques include the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants using interpolation method, and on the other hand, statistical methods like analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the mean differences two phases and correlation matrix helps to understand the changing association of the pollutants in pre- and during lockdown phases. Significant correlations have been found among the pollutants, ANOVA (Two-Way) has shown the significant mean difference of NAQI between the two phases, F(1,611) = 465.723, p < 0.0001; pairwise comparison for Ballygunge has shown the highest mean difference 108.194 at p < 0.0001 significant level between lockdown and pre-lockdown phase. Significant positive correlation has been found between PM2.5, PM10 (0.99*); PM2.5, NO2 (0.81*); PM10, NO2 (0.81*); CO, NO2 (0.77*) and some negative correlations have also been found between O3, NO (− 0.15); O3 and NH3 (− 0.36) in the pre-lockdown phase. The reduction amount of mean concentration from the pre-lockdown phase to during lockdown of the main pollutants like PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 are ~ 58.71%, ~ 57.92% and ~ 55.23%. Near Rabindra Bharati University constant emission of PM2.5, 10 and NO2 have been recorded due to the nearby Cossipore thermal power station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phages, such as those infecting Bacteroides spp., have been proven to be reliable indicators of human fecal contamination in microbial source tracking (MST) studies, and the efficacy of these MST markers found to vary geographically. This study reports the application and evaluation of candidate MST methods (phages infecting previously isolated B. fragilis strain GB-124, newly isolated Bacteroides strains (K10, K29, and K33) and recently isolated Kluyvera intermedia strain ASH-08), along with non-source specific somatic coliphages (SOMCPH infecting strain WG-5) and indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli) for identifying fecal contamination pathways in Kolkata, India. Source specificity of the phage-based methods was first tested using 60 known non-human fecal samples from common animals, before being evaluated with 56 known human samples (municipal sewage) collected during both the rainy and dry season. SOMCPH were present in 40-90% of samples from different animal species and in 100% of sewage samples. Phages infecting Bacteroides strain GB-124 were not detected from the majority (95%) of animal samples (except in three porcine samples) and were present in 93 and 71% of the sewage samples in the rainy and dry season (Mean = 1.42 and 1.83 log10PFU/100mL, respectively), though at lower levels than SOMCPH (Mean = 3.27 and 3.02 log10PFU/100mL, respectively). Phages infecting strain ASH-08 were detected in 89 and 96% of the sewage samples in the rainy and dry season, respectively, but were also present in all animal samples tested (except goats). Strains K10, K29, and K30 were not found to be useful MST markers due to low levels of phages and/or co-presence in non-human sources. GB-124 and SOMCPH were subsequently deployed within two low-income neighborhoods to determine the levels and origin of fecal contamination in 110 environmental samples. E. coli , SOMCPH, and phages of GB-124 were detected in 68, 42, and 28% of the samples, respectively. Analyses of 166 wastewater samples from shared community toilets and 21 samples from sewage pumping stations from the same districts showed that SOMCPH were present in 100% and GB-124 phages in 31% of shared toilet samples (Median = 5.59 and <1 log10 PFU/100 mL, respectively), and both SOMCPH and GB-124 phages were detected in 95% of pumping station samples (Median = 5.82 and 4.04 log10 PFU/100 mL, respectively). Our findings suggest that GB-124 and SOMCPH have utility as low-cost fecal indicator tools which can facilitate environmental surveillance of enteric organisms, elucidate human and non-human fecal exposure pathways, and inform interventions to mitigate exposure to fecal contamination in the residential environment of Kolkata, India. Phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis strain GB-124 and non-source specific somatic coliphages (SOMCPH) were deployed for identification of fecal contamination pathways in Kolkata, India. Analyses of environmental samples representative of nine different exposure pathways, pooled sewage from shared community toilets and sewage from pumping stations showed the presence of both SOMCPH and GB-124 phages in all the sample types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common disease which is observed in every household of Indian population. The longevity of the diabetic patients is dependent upon the frequency of complication and comorbidity that they encounter. Serum iron and ferritin, both being the aggravators to the oxidative stress accelerating the development of complications, gives us the reason to venture into the territory exploring the possibility of monitoring the body iron stores and taking prevent measures to control such complication. The current study was designed with an aim to knot the relationship between body iron stores and glycemic control in patients of type-II diabetes mellitus. Aims and Objectives: To measure the levels of serum ferritin, serum Iron, transferrin saturation and HbA1C and finding out the relationship between body iron stores and glycemic control in patients of Type-II Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 diagnosed cases of type II DM and 50 healthy controls between the age group of 35-65 years were taken following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Body iron stores were assessed by measuring serum ferritin, Serum iron and Transferrin saturation and Glycemic control was assessed by measuring levels of HbA1C. Results: A significant increase in serum ferritin, serum iron and Transferrin saturation (P<0.001) was noted in diabetic patients as compared to controls. There was a positive correlation between serum iron and transferring saturation in the diabetic patients. Conclusion: The co-morbidities and complications in the Diabetic population can be prevented by monitoring Body iron stores as they can significantly contribute to the oxidative stress leading to the complication and decreased life expectancy. Early detection in the abnormality in the body iron store can help us in employing proper measures for a better management of Type-II diabetic patients and thereby improving their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world population has been greying rapidly over the decades that increases the proportion of individuals with deteriorating functional health. It poses greater old-age dependency; and affect quality of life and overall well-being of elderly people. With this backdrop, the present study attempts to understand the burden of aging and associated risk factors on slum-dwelling elderly women of Kolkata. This study included a total of 511 women of age 60 years and above living in slum areas under Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Self-designed schedules were used to obtain information regarding socio-economic condition, physical activity level and social engagement. Bengali version of General Health Questionnaire-28 was canvassed to evaluate level of psychological distress. Katz and Lawton Activities of Daily Living scales were used to assess functional disabilities in study population. Results depicts that the prevalence of both basic and instrumental functional disability was higher among the study population, 60.7 and 60.7%, respectively. The prevalence remains high among the elders of age above 80 years. The other potential risk factors related to functional limitations are non-involvement in gainful works, lower level of daily activities and distressed psychological health. The risk of disabilities increases several times due to the combined effect of working status and daily activities for bADL, and psychological health status and age for iADL. Therefore, the study suggests that involvement in daily works and psychological health status helps to mitigate deteriorating functional capabilities in old age [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To correlation of AMH with clinical, hormonal and ultrasound findings; and determine the role of AMH as prognostic marker. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study on women attending Gynaecology outpatient department of Medial College and Hospital, Kolkata, from January 2018 to June 2019. Study comprised of 70 newly diagnosed cases of PCOS using Rotterdam criteria 2003. Clinical history included menstrual complaint, hirsutism and weight gain; examination included BMI and Ferriman -Gallwey score; and investigations included FBS, 2hr PPBS, TSH, Prolactin, total testosterone, LH, AMH level and pelvic USG before starting intervention and same parameters were rechecked after 3 months of treatment completion. Results: A total of 70 PCOS patients were included in a study conducted within 1 year time period. The most common Phenotype in our study is Phenotype A (O+H+P) which was almost 85.71%, followed by Phenotype B (O+H) 7.14% and the least we got Phenotype C (H+P) that is 2.86%. There was statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in AMH level following treatment of PCOS (before treatment mean AMH level was 9.63±4.42 and after treatment the level was 5.81±2.77). Conclusions: The most frequent PCOS phenotype in Indian women is A (O+H+P). Therapy in PCOS women with raised AMH reduces the AMH levels. Measurement of serum AMH provides a high specificity and sensitivity by which it can act as a prognostic marker for PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]