meningitis in a patient with newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from Sikkim, India.

Background And Purpose: infections in India have shifted, with an increase in the incidence rate of invasive candidiasis, particularly due to non- species. The central nervous system infections by are sparsely reported and more understanding and research is needed regarding these infections.

Case Report: This study reported an unusual case of meningitis in a middle-aged female with pulmonary tuberculosis and newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with a low cluster of differentiation 4 count (12 cells/mm).

Do the fathers matter? Paternal perspective of exclusive breastfeeding practices: A community-based cross-sectional study in urban slums of Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Introduction: Although various policies have been framed to improve exclusive breastfeeding outcomes in India, the father's role in breastfeeding is grossly ignored. Gender inequalities are still predominant in several parts of India. Fathers' involvement in breastfeeding decision-making plays a significant role in improving the outcome.

MXene/polymer dot-decorated flexible sensor for cancer cell-responsive hydrogel with tunable elastic modulus, porosity, and conductivity.

This study reports a facile strategy for cancer cell modulated mechanically and electronically tunable hydrogel based on MXene-immobilized hyaluronic acid polymer dot (M-PD). Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as HO in cancer cells cleave MXene owing to the oxygen-titanium affinity of TiCT, altering the physico-mechanical, electrochemical, and fluorescence (FL) properties of the sensor. The HO-induced cleavage of M-PD in the hydrogel causes the quenched FL intensity by the Forster resonance energy transfer effect (FRET) to recover, alongside an increase in pore size, influencing shifts in hydrogen bonding and inducing viscoelastic changes in the flexible sensor.

Electrical and fluorescence in situ monitoring of tumor microenvironment-based pH-responsive polymer dot coated surface.

A boronate-ester structure forming a pH-responsive polymer dot (Plu-PD) coated biosensor between carbonized-sp rich dopamine-alginate [PD(Alg)] and boronic acid-grafted Pluronic (BA-Pluronic) was developed for the electrochemical and fluorescence detection of cancer cells. The reduced fluorescence (FL) resulting from fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mediated by π-π interactions within Plu-PD was successfully reinvigorated through the specific cleavage of the boronate-ester bond, triggered by the acidic conditions prevailing in the cancer microenvironment. The anomalous variations in extracellular pH levels observed in cancer (pH ∼6.

Effectiveness of peer-led intervention in control of non-communicable diseases in rural areas of Khordha district: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: The main contributors to death and disability from chronic illnesses in developing nations are elevated blood pressure (hypertension), blood sugar (diabetes mellitus), and blood cholesterol (dyslipidaemia). Even though there are affordable treatments, the treatment gap for these conditions is still significant. Few pilot studies from industrialized nations discuss the value of peer-led interventions for achieving community-level management of blood pressure and blood sugar.

Spectrum of Population Availing COVID-19 Teleconsultation Services during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center of Eastern India.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a defining situation globally, and the outpatient services were also affected due to the closure of many healthcare facilities. The study was conducted to know the spectrum of the population availing teleconsultation and their needs for consultation. A cross-sectional study conducted in AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India, from May 2021 to June 2021in which the beneficiaries availing of the COVID-19 teleconsultation service were taken as study was participants and a total of 423 participants participated in the study.

Cancer-Cell-Triggered Visible Changes in Mechanical Properties, Electroconductivity, and Adhesiveness of a MnO@PD-Based Mineralized Hydrogel.

Herein, a cancer-specific dopamine-conjugated sp-rich carbonized polymer dot (PD)-encapsulated mesoporous MnO (MnO@PD)-mineralized hydrogel biosensor was developed that offers cancer-induced observable alterations in fluorescence (FL), electrochemical, and mechanophysical properties. Cancer-triggered MnO degradation in the hydrogel, prompted by increased levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as HO, leads to PD release and FL restoration, thereby controlling changes in the pore structure and increasing hydrogen bonding, resulting in physiologically visible alterations in mechanical stretchability, viscosity, swelling behavior, and adhesiveness. The pore size of the matrix increased from 21.

Electrochemical and fluorescent dual-mode sensor of acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibition based on MnO@PD-coated surface.

We developed an electrochemical and fluorescent dual-mode sensor for assessing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and inhibition by taking advantage of the high redox sensitivity of surface-coated mesoporous MnO@polymer dot (MnO@PD) towards AChE. The following phenomena constitute the basis of the detection mechanism: fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect between MnO and PD; catalytic hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh) to thiocholine (TCh) by AChE expressed by PC-12 cells, inducing fluorescence restoration and change in the conductivity of the system due to MnO decomposition; the presence of the inhibitor neostigmine preventing the conversion of ATCh to TCh. The surface-coated biosensor presents both fluorescence-based and electrochemical approaches for effectively monitoring AChE activity and inhibition.

Long COVID following Omicron wave in Eastern India-A retrospective cohort study.

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) or postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is widely reported but the data of long COVID after infection with the Omicron variant is limited. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence, characteristics of symptoms, and predictors of long COVID among COVID-19 patients diagnosed during the Omicron wave in Eastern India. The cohort of COVID-19 patients included were adults (≥18 years) diagnosed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Perception of undergraduate medical students toward stressors and de-stressors during COVID-19 pandemic: Online cross-sectional survey from a medical institute in Eastern India.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected the quality of life of all age groups. Medical education during the pandemic shifted to online mode due to lockdown restrictions. The stress felt by medical students during the pandemic has been studied less.

Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics of Healthcare Workers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection during the First and Second Waves in a Teaching Hospital from Eastern India: A Comparative Analysis.

In this retrospective observational study, we have performed a comparative analysis of the demographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the HCWs affected with SARS-CoV-2 infection during first two waves in India. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs was found to be 15.24% (14.

A time-motion study of the COVID-19 vaccination process in an urban primary health center of Odisha, India.

Vaccination is a critical tool in protecting against COVID-19. It is essential to know the time for each activity in a COVID-19 vaccination process for better management, especially during a pandemic. Thus, we conducted a time-motion study to identify activities that led to delayed/increased waiting time in an urban primary health center in Bhubaneswar, India.

Prevalence patterns and associated factors of elder abuse in an urban slum of eastern India.

Background: The prevalence of elder abuse in various parts of the world has been reported between 2.2 and 90.4%.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine (Covaxin) against breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in India.

India approved COVID-19 vaccine called Covaxin, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Bharat Biotech Ltd. The primary objective of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of Covaxin in preventing breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs). A test-negative matched case-control study was conducted among HCWs of tertiary care hospital in Eastern India.

Adverse events following immunization of COVID-19 (Covaxin) vaccine at a tertiary care center of India.

The study aimed to assess the adverse events following COVID-19 vaccine (Covaxin) immunization at a tertiary care institution and also assess the predictors of the adverse events following immunization (AEFI). The prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care institute among the Covaxin beneficiaries between June 28 and September 6, 2021. A total of 1826 participants were assessed for any local or systemic adverse events after seven days of vaccination.

Knowledge and attitude towards, and the utilisation of cervical and breast cancer screening services by female healthcare professionals at a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are the two leading causes of cancer-specific mortality and morbidity amongst Indian women. Screening methods are cost-effective. However, the uptake of screening methods in India is very low.

Pitfalls in comparison of coronary artery measurements of Indian population with different geographical area studies.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. Coronary artery measurements (CAM) are the most important factor affecting the procedure and outcome of coronary angioplasty (PCI) as well as coronary by-pass operations (CABG). In this study, we aimed to establish a database for the normal CAM as well as for gender difference among the Indian population using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) with an objective of assessing normal coronary vessel morphology of patients with normal coronaries.

Empowering primary healthcare institutions against COVID-19 pandemic: A health system-based approach.

Primary health care institutions (PHCIs) are an essential foundation for the national response to COVID-19 disease in India. With the soaring number of confirmed cases, the health system is currently under unprecedented stress. In this scenario, there is a pressing need for empowering PHCIs in COVID-19 preparedness and response.

Study on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the assessment of the efficacy of albendazole in soil-transmitted helminths in school-going children in East Sikkim.

Background: The problem of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in children is one of the most worrisome problems worldwide. The latest estimates indicate that more than 880 million children are in the need of treatment for these parasites.

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of IPIs in school-going children in East Sikkim, India, and to assess the efficacy of single-dose albendazole (ALB) in children infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs).

Cancer awareness and attitude towards cancer screening in India: A narrative review.

Cancer awareness is the key to early detection and better health-seeking behaviour. Cancer is quite common in both developing as well as developed countries, but awareness is yet poor among the general population. Poor awareness may lead to poor uptake of screening modalities and delay in diagnosis.

Factors Associated With Social Isolation Among the Older People in India.

Objective: To explore the factors associated with social isolation among older people using the data from Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) survey.

Methods: Multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to identify the factors associated with social isolation using data from BKPAI survey. An individual was regarded as socially isolated if the response was "never" to all 4 activities in the last 12 months: (1) attending public meeting, (2) attending any group/club/organizational meeting, (3) attending any religious program, and (4) visiting friends or relatives.

Spatio-temporal assessment of infant mortality rate in India.

Background: Infant mortality rate (IMR) is globally identified by the policymakers as the marker of health of a population.

Objectives: This study aimed to detect the change in hotspots of IMR in Indian states from the year 2000 to 2012, identify hotspots of IMR at district level in selected states from each of the six regions of India and determine the potential predictors of IMR after accounting for spatial autocorrelation.

Methods: Ecological study design was used to analyze state and district level data on IMR of India.

Investigating Mumps Outbreak in Odisha, India: An Opportunity to Assess the Health System by Utilizing the Essential Public Health Services Framework.

AbstractMumps, a highly contagious, viral disease continues to spread in India, despite the availability of an effective vaccine. On November 24, 2014, we came across a suspected case of mumps in a 6-year-old boy in a village of Bhusandapur sector in Odisha. We initiated an outbreak investigation using standard techniques outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

Doctors' Attitude Towards Euthanasia: A Cross-sectional Study Experience.

Objective: Euthanasia is a controversial issue that puts doctors into a dilemma and can have the capacity to end the patients' sufferings. However, it is never an easy decision; hence, this study was planned to find the attitude of practicing doctors of medical colleges in a South Indian city of Mangalore towards euthanasia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in March-April 2010 among the doctors practicing in the four medical colleges of Mangalore city.