Search

Introduction: Ethanol is a traditional cytofixative which is widely used for oral exfoliative cytology. Due to its limitations, a search of better, eco-friendly, and cost-effective fixative was explored. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of 10%, 20%, and 30% processed honey as a cytofixatives, and was compared with that of 95% ethanol. Materials and Methods: Four oral smears were obtained from each individual (n = 80) by gently scraping the buccal mucosa. One slide was fixed in ethanol (95%) and the other in various grades of processed honey (10%, 20%, and 30%), and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Two separate pathologists who were kept in blind for the fixative used evaluated the slides based on the five parameters (cell morphology, nuclear and cytoplasmic staining, clarity, and uniformity of staining). Results: In the present study, it was observed that 20% of processed honey showed overall good results, followed by (95% alcohol) and (10% honey). However, poor results were observed in (30% honey). When compared, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Conclusion: The present study offers an innovative application using honey as a cytofixative. Honey in lower concentration is an excellent alternative to ethanol as a cytofixative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports on the findings from an ICMR supported Research Project on the mental health consequences and service needs of the population of an urban slum in Delhi affected by an intermediate fire disaster. The study was aimed at examining the prevalence, the pattern and the predictors of mental health morbidity in the disaster affected population. Modified cohort design was used , with a control group, and two stage assessments for the prevalence of psychiatric disorder at two years after the disaster, with GHQ-12 and SCAN based clinical interview with ICD-10-DCR.. The data were analysed using r2 test and independent 't' test for inter group comparison and stepwise logistic regression for finding predictors of psychiatric morbidity and psychological ill health. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was significantly higher (78/1,000 v/s 22/1,000), and the prevalence of psychological ill health was also higher (232/1000 v/s 50/1000), as compared to the control group. The commonest psychiatric disorders were Depression, Substance Use Disorders, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Somatoform Disorders. The commonest symptoms of psychological ill health were suggestive of depression. Age and participation in relief work were found to be strong predictors, and physical injuries were found to be a weak predictor of mental health morbidity. The findings have important implications in the service delivery and research on mental health aspects of disasters, which are highlighted and discussed.