Government Medical College

This study introduces CTAB-loaded Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) as a highly efficient solution for removing Brilliant Yellow (BY), Reactive Yellow (RY) and Methyl Orange (MO) dye from contaminated water. Synthesized via a co-precipitation and hydrothermal method, these NPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. The Co₃O₄ NPs, with a crystallite size of 11.88 nm and an average particle size of 13 nm, achieved 100% photocatalytic degradation of BY dye (120 mg/L) within 140 min. Additionally, the NPs demonstrated promising photocatalytic activity against RY and MO dyes. The synergy between CTAB and Co₃O₄ NPs enhances dye degradation, positioning them as a cost-effective and efficient solution for wastewater treatment. This work highlights the environmental potential of CTAB/Co₃O₄ NPs in addressing water pollution challenges.

Background: Pulmonary Artery Elastance (PAE) is an echocardiographic value commonly calculated in Heart Failure (HF) patients. It is presumed to be associated with mortality and adverse outcomes. We aim to evaluate pulmonary artery elastance (PAE) as a predictor of all-cause mortality in heart failure (HF) patients Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar from inception till May 2024 for articles relevant to the mortality outcomes in HF patients with respect to pulmonary arterial elastance as one of their predictors. Data were extracted independently by four different reviewers. We used a fixed-effects model meta-analysis model to evaluate and pool the outcomes in association with PAE and all-cause mortality. Further assessment of the outcomes was performed by sensitivity analysis with a one-study removal method and meta-regression analysis. Results: Out of 63 studies, 4 studies with 759 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Mean age ranged from 54 to 65 years. We found there was a statistically significant association between pulmonary artery elastance and all-cause mortality (OR: 1.12, 1.06 - 1.19, p < 0.0001] (Figure 1a). Sensitivity analysis with one-study removal showed overall effects in the meta-analysis still lean towards supporting PAE as the predictor for ACM (Figure 1b). Meta-regression analysis with age (Figure 1c), sex and other supportive variables did not show statistically significant associated confounders. Conclusion: This meta-analysis establishes a significant association between elevated PAE and increased risk for all-cause mortality in HF patients. These results suggest PAE could be a strong predictor for all-cause mortality in HF patients. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the predictive value of PAE for HF patients. The association between PAE and mortality could provide significant insights that could influence clinical practice and improve patient outcomes in HF.

A BSTRACT Background A discrepancy between the true and measured value of stretched penile length (SPL) may be a result of errors that can either be systematic or random. Hence, it becomes important to focus on the quality of measurements to prevent any iatrogenic harm to the patients. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of intra- and interobserver variations in the measurement of SPL with the SPLINT technique. Materials and Methods SPL was measured prospectively in a cohort of 449 boys aged 0–14 years including 68 infants (substratified into Group I: >4 years, Group II: 4–8 years, and Group III: >8 years) with the SPLINT technique by expert (E: E1 and E2) and trainee (T: T1 and T2) surgeons after completing a three-tiered training module. Intra- and interobserver variability was assessed through descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation (ICC), relative technical error of measurement (rTEM), and reliability or R (%). Results Intraobserver variability: the mean difference between the two readings (E1 and E2) is 0.08 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.073–0.087), ICC was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.997–0.998), and intraobserver variability ≤0.1 cm in 85% of the participants ( n = 370 of 433). The rTEM and reliability (%) were 1.82% and 98.1% (Group I), 1.65% and 98.9% (Group II), and 1.09% and 99.7% (Group III), respectively. The intraobserver variability was observed to be inversely proportional to the age of the participants (correlation coefficient = −0.56). Interobserver variability was calculated separately for expert versus trainee and trainee versus trainee (T-vs-T) measurements. For expert versus expert, ICC, rTEM, and reliability (%) were 0.984, 2.4%, and 96.8% (Group 1), 0.992, 2.07%, and 98.3% (Group 2), and 0.997, 1.38%, and 99.05% (Group 3), respectively. A similar pattern of variability was observed for T-vs-T measurements. The reliability (%) of the SPL by experts is consistently more than that of trainees across all age groups; however, the difference ameliorates with the age of participant. Conclusions The study has validated the SPLINT technique by demonstrating a high level of intra- and interobserver reliability. The adequacy of the training modules for SPL measurements described in this study has also been established. Evidence that the SPL can be used as an objective marker of penile dimensions is herewith furnished.

Background Growing antimicrobial resistance represents serious public health threat. With the increasing presence of online/e-pharmacies in India, public access to medicines has increased. Easy access coupled with lack of adequate and authentic drug information can undermine rational antibiotic use. Objectives The present study aimed at exploring the availability of antibiotics for online sale and comparing the e-pharmacies on key characteristics influencing safe and rational use of antibiotics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months using the websites of 10 popular e-pharmacies in India. Availability of antibiotics for online sale was assessed in context of the National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 and WHO-AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) categories. Three separate questionnaires were developed to extract and compare relevant information from e-pharmacies pertaining to their safety and authenticity (in light of the expected standards laid down in draft e-pharmacy rules, 2018), availability of drug product and consumer awareness information for promoting prudent antibiotic use. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Out of the 17 antibiotics studied; antibiotics belonging to all WHO-AWaRe categories i.e. Access (83.33%), Watch (88.33%) and Reserve (78%) groups were available through e-pharmacies. Wide variation exists among the e-pharmacies regarding compliance to studied parameters under three questionnaires. Conclusions Increased access to Watch and Reserve groups of antibiotics can translate into antibiotic misuse. It is therefore crucial that the regulatory gaps concerning e-pharmacies are addressed urgently and consumers are educated regarding safe and rational use of antibiotics.

We report a rare case of multiple benign minor salivary gland tumors in a 60-year-old woman, presenting with progressive left nasal obstruction, intermittent anterior nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed sessile, pale, non-pulsating masses in the left nasal cavity, septum, and nasopharynx. Histopathological examination confirmed ectopic minor salivary glands. The tumors were successfully removed via endoscopic excision, and the patient experienced resolution of symptoms with no evidence of recurrence during follow-up. This case highlights the importance of a systematic approach involving clinical assessment, imaging, and histopathological analysis for accurate diagnosis and management of nasal salivary masses.

Introduction The purpose of the study was to calculate, tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) in cervical cancer patients and to clinically correlate the outcomes with a follow-up period of 24 months. Materials and Methods One hundred and fifty patients were included in the present study who received 46 Gy/23 fractions/4½ weeks of external beam radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy, followed by intracavitary brachytherapy of 3 different fractionations regimens, i.e., 9.5 Gy per fraction of two fractions (50 patients in Arm1), 7.5 Gy per fraction of three fractions (50 patients in Arm2), and 6.0 Gy per fraction of four fractions (50 patients in Arm3). Results The median TCP value for Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 99.6%, 94%, and 98.1%, respectively, ( P < 0.01). The median NTC P value for bladder in Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 0.17%, 0.04%, and 0.07%, respectively, ( P = 0.05). The median NTC P value for rectum in Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 4.73%, 4.35%, and 3.17%, respectively, ( P = 0.052). The overall survival (OS) of 90%, 86%, and 84% was found for Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3, respectively, at 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion TCP, NTCP, and OS rates were found higher in Arm1 as compared to the other two arms. The complications found in all arms were less, low grade, and manageable. Hence, Arm1, i.e., 9.5 Gy per fraction of two fractions can be concluded as the optimum fractionation regime in terms of radiobiological parameters as well as overall patient comfort.

BACKGROUND Recent data are inconclusive regarding the risk of arrhythmias among young cannabis users. Furthermore, many young adults use both cannabis and tobacco, which could add a residual confounding effect on outcomes. So, we studied young men who have cannabis use disorder (CUD) excluding tobacco use disorder (TUD) to understand their independent association with atrial fibrillation (AF) and related outcomes. AIM To study the association of CUD with AF and related outcomes. METHODS We used weighted discharge records from National Inpatient Sample (2019) to assess the baseline characteristics and mortality rates for AF-related hospitalizations in young (18-44 years) men in 1:1 propensity-matched CUD + vs CUD- cohorts without TUD. RESULTS Propensity matched CUD + and CUD- cohorts consisted of 108495 young men in each arm. Our analysis showed an increased incidence of AF in black population with CUD. In addition, the CUD + cohort had lower rates of hyperlipidemia (6.4% vs 6.9%), hypertension (5.3% vs 6.3%), obesity (9.1% vs 10.9%), alcohol abuse (15.5% vs 16.9%), but had higher rates of anxiety (24.3% vs 18.4%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (9.8% vs 9.4%) compared to CUD-cohort. After adjustment with covariates including other substance abuse, a non-significant association was found between CUD + cohort and AF related hospitalizations (odd ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.78, P = 0.15). CONCLUSION Among hospitalized young men, the CUD + cohort had a higher prevalence of anxiety and COPD, and slightly higher proportion of black patients. Although there were higher odds of AF hospitalizations in CUD + cohort without TUD, the association was statistically non-significant. The subgroup analysis showed higher rates of AF in black patients. Large-scale prospective studies are required to evaluate long-term effects of CUD on AF risk and prognosis without TUD and concomitant substance abuse.

Obesity is associated with a broad spectrum of comorbidities, including metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular complications, and socioeconomic impacts. Traditional lifestyle interventions often yield transient results in weight management, while bariatric surgery offers a promising alternative. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and focused on randomized controlled trials comparing bariatric surgery (e.g., Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric banding (AGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)) with non-surgical therapies (drug therapy and lifestyle modifications) in the management of obesity-related comorbidities, particularly hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We comprehensively searched databases like PubMed, PMC, and EBSCO using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to obesity, bariatric surgery, and non-surgical treatments. We included seven studies involving participants aged 18-64 published within the last six years. We rigorously assessed these studies for quality and extracted data to evaluate outcomes such as weight loss, diabetes remission rates, hypertension management, and renal function. The review found that bariatric surgery consistently resulted in substantial and sustained weight loss compared to non-surgical therapies. Surgical interventions significantly improved hypertension control, reduced cardiovascular risks, and enhanced glycemic control in diabetic patients. The effectiveness of bariatric surgery in promoting diabetes remission was attributed not only to weight loss but also to physiological changes in gastrointestinal anatomy, gut hormones, and energy balance regulation. Limitations identified in the literature included variations in study methodologies, follow-up durations, and patient characteristics, which limited direct comparisons and generalizations. Future research should incorporate more extended follow-up periods and standardized methods to further validate these findings' durability and broad applicability across diverse patient populations. In conclusion, bariatric surgery emerges as an effective treatment option for managing obesity-related comorbidities, particularly hypertension and T2DM. While acknowledging the inherent risks and complexities associated with surgical interventions, ongoing research and clinical innovations are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of obesity-related diseases.

Behcet's syndrome is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by a chronic relapsing course and diverse clinical manifestations, prominently affecting young adults along the ancient Silk Road and beyond. The disease pathogenesis involves complex interactions between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulated immune responses, leading to systemic vasculitis and tissue damage. Ocular involvement, a hallmark of Behcet's Disease (BD), significantly impacts morbidity, with uveitis as a common initial presentation that can progress to severe vision-threatening complications like retinal vasculitis and occlusive disease. This review consolidates current knowledge on ocular manifestations in BD, emphasizing the pivotal role of multimodal imaging in diagnostic evaluation and management. Fundus photography serves as a baseline tool for documenting intraocular lesions and monitoring treatment responses. Fluorescein angiography remains the gold standard for detecting acute inflammatory changes and vascular leakage patterns essential for disease staging and prognostication. Recent advancements in imaging, such as ultra-wide field imaging (UWF), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), Doppler ultrasonography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), adaptive optics (AO), and retinal function imaging (RFI), provide unprecedented insights into microvascular dynamics, structural changes, and functional impairments associated with ocular BD. Integration of these advanced imaging modalities enhances early detection of subclinical disease, facilitates precise localization of inflammatory lesions, guides therapeutic interventions, and monitors treatment efficacy. OCT and OCTA, in particular, offer non-invasive, high-resolution assessments of macular edema, vascular perfusion abnormalities, and choroidal thickness alterations critical for optimizing patient care. In conclusion, multimodal imaging represents the cornerstone in the comprehensive management of ocular manifestations in Behcet's Disease, offering clinicians invaluable tools for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term monitoring of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Background: Helicopter parenting,a parental behavior marked by excessive supervision and involvement in children's activities,has generated significant concern,particularly within the realm of higher education.Its influence on medical students who are subject to substantial academic stress,remains insufficiently investigated.This research endeavor aims to elucidate the prevalence of such parenting styles among these students and its implications for their mental wellbeing,with a focus on anxiety and depression.Objective:The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of helicopter parenting among medical students and to establish its correlation with the presence of anxiety and depressive symptomatology. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, encompassing a sample of 300 medical students. The assessment tools employed included the Helicopter Parenting Scale for the quantification of parental involvement, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) for the measurement of anxiety levels, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Additionally, sociodemographic data were collected to contextualize the findings.Statistical analysis was performed to ascertain the prevalence and interrelations between helicopter parenting, anxiety and depression.Results: The study revealed that 45% of the medical student cohort experienced helicopter parenting. Furthermore, a substantial association was observed between this parental behavior and elevated scores on both the HAM-A and HAM-D,indicative of heightened anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of helicopter parenting among medical students is noteworthy, and it appears to be significantly linked with increased levels of anxiety and depression.These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at bolstering mental health support within this at-risk population, considering the unique pressures inherent in medical education and the potential long-term implications of such mental health challenges.

Background Contemporary imaging methods and quickly advancing technologies have increased the number of diagnostic tools available in medicine and orthodontics. The current study aimed to determine three-dimensional (3D) space changes that occurred after the extraction of either the maxillary or mandibular primary molars during the mixed dentition period. Materials and Methods The present study was a longitudinal split-mouth study with a study group and a control group. The sample consisted of 20 children aged between 6 and 9 years. Clinical examination, radiological analysis, and 3D digital images of the plaster casts were used sequentially to gather all the data. The dental cast measurements recorded were arch width, arch length, hemi-perimeter, dental space at the extraction site, and angulation of the first permanent molar. The children were recalled for follow-up after 9 months, and all dental cast measurements were repeated using nondestructive 3D computed tomography software. For repeated measurements, the test applied was a paired t-test, and for independent samples, the test was a Student’s t-test. Results A significant decrease in arch width ( P = 0.001), arch length ( P < 0.001), hemi-perimeter ( P < 0.001), D-space ( P < 0.001), and E-space ( P = 0.001) was observed following extraction. A significant increase in angulation measurements was observed ( P = 0.001). Conclusion The study revealed a comparative reduction in mandibular arch width, a reduction in arch length in both the maxilla and the mandible, a reduced hemi-perimeter of dental arches, loss of dental extraction space, and a change in angulation of the erupted first permanent molars following premature loss of the primary molar.

Purpose Infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly those resistant to antibiotics such as carbapenem, have become a global health crisis with a significant mortality rate. Hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) resulting from the A. baumannii‐calcoaceticus (ABC) complex represent a major clinical challenge. This review aimed to understand the approval process, mechanism of action, therapeutic potential, and future implications of sulbactam‐durlobactam therapy (SUL‐DUR). Methods PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Clinical trials. gov, ICTRP, and CENTRAL were searched for studies on SUL‐DUR for the treatment of hospital‐acquired pneumonia and ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Also, World Health Organization, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites were searched for relevant information. Results SUL‐DUR, marketed as Xacduro, is a novel pharmaceutical combination that functions as a narrow‐spectrum parenterally administered antibiotic. Sulbactam acts as a β‐lactamase inhibitor, whereas durlobactam protects against degradation by A. baumannii enzymes. A phase 1 trial successfully established the safety and tolerability of SUL‐DUR in patients with normal and mild renal impairment. A phase 2 trial demonstrated the safety and tolerability of SUL‐DUR in a larger population with urinary tract infections. A phase 3 trial showed that SUL‐DUR was non‐inferior to colistin in terms of mortality in A. baumannii‐related VAP, HAP, and bacteremia. Conclusion The combination of sulbactam and durlobactam is a promising treatment option for HAP and VAP caused by ABC complex.

This study addresses the critical need for efficient and sustainable methods to tackle organic pollutants and microbial contamination in water. The present work aim was to investigate the potential of multi-structured zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for the combined photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and antimicrobial activity. A unique fusion of precipitation-cum-hydrothermal approaches was precisely employed to synthesize the ZnO NPs, resulting in remarkable outcomes. The synthesized CTAB/ZnO NPs demonstrated exceptional properties: they were multi-structured and crystalline with a size of 40 nm and possessed a narrow band gap energy of 2.82 eV, enhancing light absorption for photocatalysis. These nanoparticles achieved an impressive degradation efficiency of 91.75% for Reactive Blue-81 dye within 105 min under UV irradiation. Furthermore, their photocatalytic performance metrics were outstanding, including a quantum yield of 1.73 × 10–4 Φ, a kinetic reaction rate of 3.89 × 10² µmol g–1 h–1, a space–time yield of 8.64 × 10–6 molecules photon–1 mg–1, and a figure-of-merit of 1.03 × 10–9 mol L J–1 g–1 h–1. Notably, the energy consumption was low at 1.73 × 10–4 J mol–1, compared to other systems. Additionally, the ZnO NPs exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This research underscores the potential of tailored ZnO NPs as a versatile solution for addressing both organic pollution and microbial contamination in water treatment processes. The low energy consumption further enhances its attractiveness as a sustainable solution.