Global Warming and Health

Author: P S Shankar
Affiliation: Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and KBN University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. E-mail: drpsshankar@gmail.com
Abstract: Human activities are associated with deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. There is an anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases resulting in global warming. High temperature and heat waves cause an increase in mortality from cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases. There is disruption of water supplies and the sewage system. There are outbreaks of floods, droughts, or devastating fires in different regions. There is an increased accumulation of ground-level ozone. Global warming causes an increase in arthropod-borne diseases; heavy rainfall results in water-borne diseases. There is an urgent need to reduce emissions and to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.

An Overview of Immunology

Author: H Aparna Latha¹, Vatsalya Kommalapati², Thota Roger Paul³, Rajasekar Bandela⁴, Bhumi Reddy Likitha⁵
Affiliation: 1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, Navodaya Dental College, Raichur, Karnataka, India
2 Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology Nizamabad, Telangana, India
3 Associate Professor, Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
4 Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
5 Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nizamabad, Telangana, India
Abstract: The study of the immune system, its components, biological processes, physiological functioning, types, disorders, and much more are all covered by the field of biology known as immunology. By defending our body's cells, tissues, and organs from invasive infections through a variety of lines of defence, the immune system serves as the body's defence system. In general, the immune system fights off disease-causing microbes and other foreign antigens by recognising and eliminating them. Our immune system can become weakened or stop working under certain circumstances, which can cause various infectious diseases like the flu and fever, as well as deadly conditions like cancer and AIDS. In order to understand the immune system, its various components, functions, and other significance of immunology, this article focuses on a detailed examination of immunology.

An Attempt to Find Alternative Stains for Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin

Author: Ram Kumar Tirandas^1*, Akhila CNV²
Affiliation: 1 Dentist at Aarogyasree Health Care Trust, Government of Telangana, Telangana, India
2 General Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, GPRDCH, Kurnool, AP, INDIA
Abstract: Background: Universally accepted stains for the routine histopathological examination are Hematoxylin and Eosin. There are even special stains that would specifically stain the individual tissue architecture, such as stains for microorganisms, nucleic acid stains, lipid stains, connective tissue stains, etc. In certain conditions, hematoxylin, eosin and other special stains might not be readily available for histopathologic staining. Thus an attempt was made to find an alternative stain that is economic, user friendly and readily available. Method: The study included commonly available stains such as Mehendi stain, Tobacco stain, Textile dye, Disclosing agent, Sarasaparilla root extract, Beta vulgaris, Genus Vitis extract, Xerox tonor, washing dye, Pure extracts of Vitis vinifera, etc. Paraffin embedded, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma tissue block was freshly cut using a semi-automated tissue processing unit. The samples were taken from the ribbon sections and fixed on to the microscopic slides. The microscopic slides with the tissue samples were kept on the slide warmer to remove the impregnated wax and kept in xylene for clearing. After clearing, staining of the microscopic slides was carried with the above mentioned individual stains. Results: Among the selected stains, few showed good microscopic diagnostic value and few stains were of poor diagnostic value. Conclusion: Tissue specific stains are in demand for histopathological examination. Though hematoxylin and eosin is a gold standard stain, the thirst and hunger for tissue specific stains among pathologists is high. Especially the stains that detect the cancerous cells or atypical cells at the early stage are more useful from the pathology point of view. Immediate diagnosis would help in faster treatment and better prognosis. The present study would open the door for further research on alternative stains and alternative staining methods.

Gram Negative Bacilli (GNB) Isolated from Sputum Samples of Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and the Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Β Lactamase (ESβl) Enzyme Producing Strains

Author: Puranik VS^{1 *}, Pavitra T² , Fouziya² , Nirmala N L³
Affiliation: 1 Department of Microbiology, St. Alphonsa Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Microbiology, Cauvery Institute of Health Sciences, Mysuru, India
3 Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, St. Alphonsa Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Abstract: Background: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) are a common infectious disease of the respiratory tract that are prevalent worldwide affecting all the age groups. This includes a broad description of infections like pneumonia, acute bronchitis and has been one of the important cause of morbidity and mortality. The common gram negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from sputum samples were Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, Haemophilus influenzae. Extended Spectrum β Lactamase (ESβL) is an enzyme produced by GNB like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, P. mirabilis that acquire the ability to degrade third and fourth generation cephalosporins and monobactams. Methods: Early morning sputum sample was collected from patients diagnosed with LRTI. The sample collected was transported to the laboratory immediately and processed as per the standard operative procedure for sputum sample processing. Special reference was given to gram negative bacilli isolated from the samples. Antibiotic susceptibility test using Kirby Bauer’s method was performed and ESβL production was noted by disc approximation method. Results: A total of 50 samples from patients diagnosed with LRTI were processed, out of which 18% exhibited growth. K. pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated organism (77%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%). Out of the seven isolates in K. pneumoniae, five were ESβL producers. The prevalence of LRTI was highest in patients above 65 years and least in patients aged 25-45 years. Conclusion: Increased incidence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) & ESβL strains necessitates bacteriology research, diagnostic capacity and surveillance of antibiotic resistance. Routine screening for ESβL production and strong infection prevention strategies are very important in health care settings.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Immunization at a Tertiary Care Centre

Author: Geetha Ganesan
Affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Villupuram Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract: Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare services worldwide, impacting routine childhood vaccinations, thereby posing the danger of vaccine preventable infections in the near future. Aim: This study aimed to assess the occurrence and frequency of delayed vaccinations during the pandemic at a tertiary care center in India. Methods: This descriptive record-based study analyzed immunization records of children aged 0-15 years attending the out-patient clinic from March 2019 to August 2021. The study period was divided into pre-COVID, lockdown 1 & 2, and unlock 1 & 2 phases. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: Vaccination rates significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the pre-COVID phase, particularly during the lockdowns. Maximum reduction was observed with optional vaccines. Unlock phases also showed decreased vaccinations, suggesting continued impact of fear and limited accessibility even with easing of restrictions. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted childhood immunizations. Aggressive catch-up vaccination campaigns with effective communication, safety precautions and outreach campaigns to the missed communities are necessary to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Author: Sujata M Jali ^{1 *}, Mallikarjun V Jali² , Sridhar Gagagane³ , Jyoti Wasedar⁴ , Prachi Patil⁵

Affiliation: 1 KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, J N Medical College, KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
2 KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Diabetes Centre, KLE Cancer Hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
3 Dr Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre, (KAHER), Belagavi, Karnataka, India
4 Paediatric Diabetes, Diabetes Centre, KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
5 Diabetes Centre, KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Abstract: Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents as a severe chronic disorder affecting 5-10% of diabetes cases, typically emerging earlier in life compared to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite advancements, the global incidence of T1D continues to rise, posing significant short-term and long-term implications. Characterised by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, T1D results in absolute insulin deficiency, with most cases attributed to autoimmune-mediated loss of beta cells (type 1a) and a minority stemming from idiopathic beta cell destruction or failure (type 1b). Although traditionally perceived as predominant in children and adolescents, T2D diagnoses in youth are increasingly prevalent. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on thirty-one individuals diagnosed with T1D and seeking treatment at the KLES Diabetes Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India. A single fasting blood sample (approximately 10 mL) was collected from each participant via peripheral venipuncture. According to the manufacturer's instructions, serum C-peptide levels were measured in all samples using a validated Chemiluminescent Immuno-Assay (CLIA) kit. Results: The mean C-peptide levels were significantly higher (1.12 ng/mL) in participants with disease onset between 11 and 15 years than in those with onset between 0 and 5 years (0.57 ng/mL). The participants had a mean disease duration of 6.93 years, ranging from 3 to 15 years, with 14 (45.1%) having a disease duration of 0-5 years, 7 (22.8%) with 6–10 years, and 10 (32.2%) with 11–15 years of type 1 diabetes. Conclusion: This study investigated the relationship between C-peptide levels, disease duration, and age at onset in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Our findings suggest a potential link between later disease onset (10-15 years) and higher C-peptide levels, which might indicate a slower disease progression in older individuals diagnosed with T1D. However, a longer disease duration was positively correlated with a gradual decline in C-peptide levels.

Author: Varun Y Raju^*, Kalpana S, Preethi G

Affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Abstract: Background: Vision plays an important role in children’s learning. Uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of avoidable visual impairment in children and can be corrected effectively with early diagnosis and treatment. Screening for vision in school children is essential as most of the refractive errors manifest after 10-12 years of age. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of astigmatism among children visiting the Headache clinic at a tertiary hospital, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Devanahalli, Bangalore. Methods: The visual acuity of 300 children who visited the Headache clinic was measured using a LogMAR (Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution) chart. The children with reduced visual acuity were checked for astigmatism using a streak retinoscope. Results: The age of all the randomly enrolled 300 children ranged between 5 and 16 years. Astigmatism was recorded in 30 students [18 females (10.34%) and 12 males (9.52%)]. Conclusion: The astigmatism prevalence among children who visited a tertiary Headache clinic in rural Karnataka was estimated as 10% in the present study.

Author: Vinod Uplonkar^*, Siddaling Chengty, Navyashree N M, Mohammed Moinuddin

Affiliation: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Khaja Banda Nawaz University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
Abstract: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a condition characterized by the herniation of abdominal contents into the chest, leading to respiratory distress shortly after birth. In the present case, along with bowel herniation, spleen herniation was also noted, which is a very rare occurrence. This case was diagnosed antenatally, and the diagnosis was further confirmed postnatally with a chest and abdominal X-ray, as well as a chest ultrasound. The baby was stabilized and shifted for surgical intervention, where the patient underwent a laparotomy, revealing a diaphragmatic defect with herniation of the ileum, colon and spleen. Surgically the defect was closed, and the bowel and spleen were reduced back into the abdomen for proper opening of the lung. No complications were noticed during the postoperative period. Therefore, we believe that this rare case of spleen herniation, which was managed promptly, as a valuable contribution to the existing literature.

Author: Kumar Saket¹, Manjunath Bijapur², Ashalata Roy³, Vasant Kattimani⁴

Affiliation: 1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubbali, Karnataka, India
3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, JN Kapoor, DAV (c) Dental College, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India
4 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, District Health and Family Welfare Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Abstract: Foreign objects found in the oral and maxillofacial region, a common encounter for surgeons specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), often result from incidents of assault, trauma, or insufficient postoperative assessment. Identifying these objects can pose a diagnostic challenge for trauma surgeons. It mainly depends on factors such as, the size of the object, difficulty of access, and its anatomical proximity to vital structures. Dealing with such injuries requires a sequential and multidisciplinary approach, beginning with the trauma unit responsible for ensuring airway maintenance and hemodynamic stabilization and if deemed necessary, conducting evaluations related to neurology, ophthalmology and vascular concerns. The given case report describes an injury in which a 7 cm long piece of toothbrush was lodged in the left infraorbital area as a result of an accident. The patient presented with signs of local inflammation, periorbital edema and paresthesia of the concerned region. The patient was treated under general anesthesia and made a full recovery post-operatively.