Browsing by Author "Mehta, A."
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Item Addressing obesity among females: The need for focused strategies in National programmes(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, India., 2022-06) Jasrotia, A.; Mehta, A.; Saxena, V.Prevalence of obesity is increasing in both developed and developing countries. India is also facing a double burden of malnutrition as already existing malnutrition and increasing prevalence of obesity. Evidence suggests that prevalence of obesity is more in women as compared to men due to consumption of pre-packed energy-dense food, hormonal change during pregnancy and menopause. Obese females are more prone to life style diseases and abdominal obesity increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and is strongly related to poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Obesity’s impact can be seen in the life cycle of women. It not only impacts the physical health of women but on her psychological, social, reproductive and social well-being which hampers her overall health. To address obesity various programmes and interventions have already been formulated by the Government of India. Need is to address the issue of obesity at every stage of women’s life cycle and this can be done by adding some interventions in already existing programmes.Item AI-Driven Insights into Soil Physio-Chemical Properties(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-12) Rani, S; Baloda, S; Dinesh; Mehta, A.AI-driven insights into soil physio-chemical properties are transforming soil management and agricultural practices by leveraging advanced data analysis and predictive modeling. Utilizing remote sensing technologies, in-situ sensors, and historical data, AI systems can efficiently collect and integrate comprehensive soil information, including moisture, pH, and nutrient levels. Machine learning algorithms analyze this data to identify patterns, predict soil behavior, and detect anomalies, enabling precise recommendations for fertilization, irrigation, and soil health management. By integrating AI with technologies such as IoT and GIS, stakeholders can optimize resource use, enhance crop yields, and implement sustainable practices. AI's ability to provide real-time insights and forecast future conditions supports proactive management strategies, risk assessment, and environmental conservation. This synergy of AI and soil science not only advances agricultural productivity but also promotes sustainable land use and soil health.Item Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: Report of two cases, initially construed as sarcoma with unusual clinico-pathological features(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2022-12) Pasricha, S; Durga, G; Sharma, A; Pruthi, M; Kamboj, M; Gupta, G; Jajodia, A; Mahawar, V; Babu Koyyala, VP; Mehta, A.Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumor of uncertain differentiation with low metastatic potential, most commonly occurring in children, adolescents, and young adults, involving extremities. Due to its rare nature and diverse presentation, both clinically and morphologically, it is often misdiagnosed. It becomes important to correctly diagnose this lesion, given its distinct therapeutic implications. Here, we present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings of two rare cases of AFH. Since AFH is a rare soft tissue tumor with low malignant potential, both pathologists and clinicians should be aware of this entity, when encountered with a soft tissue mass in extremities of a child or adolescent, so as to accord appropriate treatment in such cases.Item Challenges faced by clients of RBSK: A mixed method study from Uttarakhand, India(Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, India., 2022-09) Mehta, A.; Saxena, V.; Khapre, M.Background- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram was launched in 2013, to reduce mortality and morbidity in children due to prevalent birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays. The strategy employed is early detection and management of health conditions. Mobile health teams (MHTs) and District early intervention centers (DEIC) are set up for screening, management, and referral of beneficiaries. Methodology – A concurrent mixed method study was conducted in Uttarakhand for exploring challenges faced by clients and to assess client satisfaction regarding services provided under the program. Caregivers of beneficiaries were interviewed telephonically about the challenges they faced while availing the facilities. Result- It was found that out of 41 caregivers of beneficiaries, 13 (31.7%) faced challenges while availing the services, and 2 (4.87%) were dissatisfied with the services. Challenges faced by caregivers were out-ofpocket expenditure on transportation, food and stay, long time in referral and unavailability of beds, unavailability of medicines, and failed treatment. Conclusion- The majority of the caregivers were satisfied with the referral and treatment provided. RBSK provides free-of-cost treatment to children but the indirect cost that the caregivers have to pay for travel, stay and multiple visits pose a challenge for utilization of the services.Item Correlation NKX2.2 IHC and EWSR1 break-apart FISH in the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma: Can combined NKX2.2 and CD99 immunoexpression obviate or minimize the need of FISH testing? First assessment study from Indian tertiary cancer care center(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2023-03) Pasricha, S; Pahwa, S; Pruthi, M; Jajodia, A; Gupta, G; Sharma, A; Durga, G; Kamboj, M; Tiwari, A; Panigrahi, M; Mehta, A.Context: Ewing sarcoma (ES) are malignant small round cell tumors (MSRCT) characterized by rearrangements of EWSR1 gene. Although gold standard for diagnosis is detection of specific fusion genes by molecular testing, these ancillary tests are costly and only available in limited number of settings. There is a persuasive evidence for reliability of NKX2.2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate marker for EWSR1 gene rearrangement in ES. Aims: The aim of this study is to correlate the NKX2.2 immuno-expression with genetically confirmed ES cases and also to assess the reliability and accuracy of NKX2.2 along with combined positivity of NXX2.2 and CD99 in diagnosing ES and differentiating it from other relevant histological mimics. Settings and Design: The present study is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 6-year duration in a tertiary cancer care center. Methods and Material: We evaluated NKX2.2 immunoexpression in 35 genetically confirmed cases of ES and also in pertaining differential entities (n = 58) of ES including rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 20), lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 14), Wilms tumor (n = 10), poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (n = 4), small-cell osteosarcoma (n = 4), neuroblastoma (n = 5), and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (n = 1). CD99 was performed in the category of MSRCTs showing NKX2.2 positivity to evaluate combined specificity for the diagnosis of ES. Results: Of the 35 genetically confirmed cases of ES, 29 cases (83%) showed NKX2.2-positive expression (83% sensitivity). Compared to ES, NKX2.2 was positive in only 05% cases (3/58 cases) of non-ES MSRCT. Only two of five cases of neuroblastomas and one case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma showed NKX2.2 positivity. CD99 positivity was seen in 100% of ES and in the single case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. All five cases (100%) of neuroblastoma were negative for CD99. Conclusions: The presented study, which is the first from an Indian oncology center, showed NKX2.2 IHC is quite reliable in diagnosis of ES in the right clinicopathological context. With remarkable sensitivity and specificity of NKX2.2 IHC for diagnosis of ES, we propose that combined positivity of CD99 and NKX2.2 IHC can obviate or minimize the need of EWSR1 gene rearrangement molecular testing for diagnosis of ES.Item Efficacy and safety of SilverNovaTM skin cream as adjuvant to oral and topical antifungals in treatment of fungal skin infections(Medip Academy, 2023-09) Talathi, A.; Jadhav, A.; Purohit, S.; Mehta, A.Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SilverNovaTM skin cream, composed of SilverSol® (a patented colloidal nano silver technology from American Biotech Labs, USA) with other skin rejuvenators (coconut oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid), as an adjuvant to topical and oral antifungals in the treatment of fungal skin infections like tinea and intertrigo. Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 80 patients with tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea manus, tinea pedis infections, and intertrigo. The patients were randomized to receive either SilverNovaTM skin cream and clotrimazole cream (n=40) or clotrimazole cream (n=40) alone applied topically as an adjuvant to oral antifungal therapy for 14 days. The primary endpoints were the reduction of clinical signs and symptoms of the infection at the end of the treatment and the proportion of patients with therapeutic cures. Results: SilverNovaTM skin cream exhibited better efficacy and safety than clotrimazole cream, though without reaching clinical significance at the end of the treatment. On the 14th day, there was an improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of fissuring/cracking, erythema, maceration, scaling, pruritus, and burning/stinging from baseline in patients with tinea infections, and intertrigo in both the treatment groups. A higher proportion of patients reported therapeutic cures at the end of the treatment, numerically better with SilverNovaTM skin cream group. No drug-related adverse events occurred. Conclusions: SilverNovaTM skin cream is effective and well tolerated as an adjuvant to topical and oral antifungals for the treatment of fungal skin infections like tinea and intertrigo.Item Efficacy and safety of SilverNovaTM skin cream in post-aesthetic skin procedures(Medip Academy, 2023-09) Poojary, S.; Rao, K.; Jadhav, A.; Purohit, S.; Kondadi, P.; Mehta, A.Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SilverNovaTM skin cream composed of SilverSol® (a patented colloidal nano silver technology from American Biotech Labs, USA) with other skin rejuvenators (coconut oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid), in post-aesthetic skin procedure subjects. Methods: In this prospective, interventional, open-label, multicentric study, subjects who undergone post aesthetic procedures were enrolled to receive the application of SilverNovaTM skin cream twice daily. The subjects received the topical application for seven days, after which they were followed up for the next seven days. Endpoints were assessed at baseline and the end of the treatment (EOT). Primary endpoints were the investigator-assessed erythema, edema, dryness/scaling score, and the subject-assessed product tolerability in terms of burning, stinging, itching, and dryness/tightness. Results: A total of 60 subjects completed the study. There was a significant improvement in erythema, edema, and dryness/scaling score (p<0.0001). There was also significant improvement in burning, itching, and dryness/tightness scores. The physician global improvement assessment scale score was reduced from 3.3 to 1.38 (p<0.0001), showing the resolution of the symptom severity post-treatment with SilverNovaTM skin cream. Colorimetric characterization showed significant improvement in values at the end of the study, reflecting the improvement in skin color and erythema reduction. No adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: The application of SilverNovaTM cream in the immediate post procedure period significantly reduced the downtime of the treatment and improved patient acceptance of the treatment. This indicates that SilverNovaTM skin cream is a promising therapeutic option for managing the complications associated with aesthetic skin procedures without any safety concerns.Item Epithelioid haemangioma of bone: A series of four cases with a revision of this contentious entity(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2022-06) Bansal, D; Pasricha, S; Sharma, A; Pruthi, M; Tiwari, A; Gupta, G; Durga, G; Kamboj, M; Mahawar, V; Jajodia, A; Mehta, A.Epithelioid hemangioma of bone is a rare and locally aggressive vascular neoplasm of bone associated with a good prognosis. Because of its worrisome histomorphologic features and aggressive clinicoradiologic findings, at times with multifocal presentation, they tend to simulate malignant tumors. We report a series of four cases of epithelioid hemangioma of bone with their clinicopathologic characteristics. All had adjacent soft tissue involvement and two had multifocal bone disease. Microscopically, all cases had a tumor in lobular configuration, composed of epithelioid endothelial cells with the formation of well-formed vessels or grew in solid sheets. The tumor cells lacked significant cytologic atypia, necrosis, and increased mitosis. All cases were immunohistochemically positive for vascular markers CD34, CD31, ERG1, whereas negative for CK. Two of the cases were treated with excision, and the other two underwent curettage. None had local recurrence or metastasis on follow-up. This study highlights the importance of recognizing histomorphological and clinicoradiological features for distinguishing epithelioid hemangiomas from malignant vascular neoplasms of bone because of their distinct therapeutic implications and clinical outcomes.Item In Vitro And In Vivo Anticancer Efficacy Of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris L. Against Some Selected Human Cancer Cell Lines And On Eac Mouse Model(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2020-05) Ayoub, Z.; Malik, S. B.; Mehta, A.Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as maidenhair fern belongs to family Pteridaceae, has traditionally been used in various medicinal preparations as demulcent, expectorant, emmenagogue, diuretic etc. in the form of oil, paste, decoction and powder. It has also prominent role in hair growing and has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-nociceptive and antioxidant properties of therapeutic interest. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of fractions of ethanolic extract isolated from the aerial part of A. capillus-veneris against some human cancer cell lines such as colon (HCT-116), lung (A549), breast (MCF-7) and pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) and tumor cell proliferation/inhibition was assessed using MTT assay. The in vivo anticancer activity of hexane fraction was also evaluated against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. The results confirmed that all the fractions of ethanolic extract exhibited promising in vitro inhibition of tumor cell proliferation when tested against different human cancer cell lines. Among all, hexane fraction proved to be more effective having IC50 values 21.72, 22.67, 26.25 μg/mL, for HCT- 116, A-549, MCF-7, respectively, but chloroform fraction revealed to be more cytotoxic against Mia-PACA-2 having IC50 value 14.72 μg/mL. Higher cytotoxic activity is found to be associated with lower IC50 values. The findings showed that all five fractions exhibited dose-dependent killing capabilities in various human derived cancer cell lines at 48 h of treatment. Hexane fraction was found to inhibit tumour growth development by 16.95%, 41.12% and 82.07% at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Additionally, this fraction was predicted to be non-toxic at the tested doses. The findings indicate that A. capillus-veneris herb is an antineoplastic agent and suggest that further studies evaluating the isolation of active antitumor compounds from A. capillus-veneris and their mechanism(s) of action are necessary.Item A mixed-method study to evaluate the knowledge and marshalling of untied funds in rural area(Medip Academy, 2023-03) Thakan, S.; Mehta, A.; Verma, D.; Singh, L.Background: NRHM provides health facilities with unlimited flexible funds to improve the quality of care, in addition to funds for the upkeep and improvement of health facilities, human resources (contractual appointments), equipment, supplies, and medicine, training, and capacity building. The Untied Funds (to be used at the discretion of the facility in charge, primarily as a contingency fund). This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the financing strategy, knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to underutilization of untied funds. Methods: A mixed-methods study was carried out to determine the utilisation patterns and knowledge of health workers about untied fund. A qualitative study that used a grounded theory approach to identify the facilitators and barriers to effective use of Untied funds. RHTC-Mandawar and its six subcenters were included in our study. Results: The entire mixed-method study clearly demonstrated the barriers and facilitators observed at the subcenter sites. Because health workers were understaffed and overburdened with work, their knowledge was also alarmingly low. Furthermore, no refresher training was provided to them. Finance, a tricky aspect of this programme, was handled with extreme caution. Conclusions: Before untied funds lapse, they must be reviewed and monitored. Refresher training and detailed guidelines are required before funds can be used to improve the health facility and provide additional services to beneficiaries.Item Molecular stratification of high-grade urothelial carcinoma by immunohistochemistry with its histomorphological and clinical correlation(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2022-12) Gupta, G; Gupta, R; Pasricha, S; Sharma, A; Durga, G; Kamboj, M; Tripathi, R; Mehta, A.Introduction: Urothelial carcinoma poses a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The recent classification of Tumors of Urinary System by World Health Organization fourth edition) has elucidated its molecular subtypes and its associated prognostic significance. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry marker expression (CK5/6, CK20, CD44, EGFR) as a surrogate marker, to stratify 150 cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma into the intrinsic molecular subtypes. A correlation was also done with immunohistochemical markers p53, p21, E-cadherin and Ki-67. Results: On subtyping, 47.3% cases were basal, 42.7% luminal and 10% remained unclassified. We did not find GATA3 useful for molecular stratification in our study. Muscle invasion was seen in 59% of basal and 31% of luminal subtype (P = 0.016). Squamous differentiation was most commonly associated with basal subtype (P < 0.001). EGFR expression was seen in 62% of basal and 38% of luminal subtype (P = 0.014), and thus can be used as an additional marker for molecular stratification. Overexpression of p53 was seen in 64% cases of muscle invasive and 36% of non-muscle invasive high-grade carcinomas (P < 0.0001). An inverse relationship was observed between p53 and p21 immunoexpression (r = –0.494) (P < .0001). The overall survival at 1- and 2-year interval was more in the luminal subtype, suggesting an early mortality in basal group, (P = 0.827), and at 6 years both the groups had almost similar results. Conclusion: High-grade urothelial carcinoma is challenging in terms of therapeutic strategy. Increased understanding of underlying molecular basis helps identifying targetable treatment options, and newer biomarkers will enhance predictive and prognostic stratification.Item Myeloid sarcoma presenting as nasopharyngeal mass: A rare clinicopathological scenario(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2023-03) Diwan, H; Pasricha, S; Jajodia, A; Gupta, G; Agarwal, M; Mehta, A.Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is considered as an extramedullary manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with or without concurrent AML. It can present at any age and any site, however, nasopharynx being an extremely rare site of manifestation. MS may precede AML by weeks, months or years, thereby necessitating an early diagnosis and timely intervention and treatment. We report a case of MS in a young female who presented with nasal obstruction and epistaxis for 3 months. The present case also highlights the significance of judicious use of immunohistochemistry panel while dealing with a hematolymphoid neoplasm devoid of expression of B-cell or T cell specific markers in head and neck region.Item Role of Dietary Management and Physical Activity in Control of Hypertension in Rural Areas of Punjab-A Cross-sectional Study(MRI Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2023-06) Singh, H; Devgun, P; Nagpal, M; Bindra, P; Kaur, M; Mehta, A.Introduction: As reported by WHO, hypertension is the third ‘killer’ disease, accounting for one in every eight deaths worldwide. Many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are found to be associated with the disease. The present study aims to determine the role of dietary management and physical activity in the control of hypertension in a given population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that. Study included all hypertensive patients (290) from the field practice area of a tertiary care institute. A self-constructed, pretested questionnaire was used to enquire about the socio- demographic factors and other risk factors associated with hypertension. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23 and valid conclusions were drawn by using the chi-square test. Results: Out of 290 patients, 204 (70.3%) were females and 86 (29.7%) were males. Univariate analysis identified decreased salt intake, decreased fatty food consumption, physical activity, stress management, and spiritual help as highly significant factors affecting hypertension. On multivariate analysis, physical activity, stress management and spiritual help were found to be significant. Conclusion: The study showed that physical activity, stress management and spiritual help were significantly associated with hypertension control among the elderly. Measures should be taken to create awareness about lifestyle modifications in the control of hypertension.Item Spectrophotometric Analysis of Variation of Fluoride Content in Dentifrices – A Quantitative Study(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-03) Mudaliar, A; Baviskar, M; Kodical, SR; Chaudhary, C; Mehta, A.Background: A dentifrice and a toothbrush are universal armamentariums for oral hygiene maintenance. The presence of fluoride in commercial dentifrices aids in dental caries prevention. The fluoride content and compound are mentioned on the packaging along with the time of manufacture and its shelf life. Aim: To evaluate the fluoride concentration of dentifrices available commercially over a period of time from the date of manufacture. To compare any variations in the fluoride concentration over time to the content present at manufacture. Methodology: This is an In vitro comparative observational study. 8 Standard dentifrices easily available Over the Counter were selected, of which 3 were for adult use, 2 were herbal and 3 were for kids. They were subjected to fluoride analysis and the fluoride content was assessed using spectrophotometric analysis, by a single blinded examiner. The test sample was compared to a standard solution, in a calibration curve to determine the fluoride concentration. Results: On analysis it was seen that adult toothpaste samples had fluoride concentration lower than 1000ppm as mentioned on the label. One herbal toothpaste had fluoride concentration of 1039.62ppm which was higher than that mentioned on the label. One kids toothpaste had fluoride concentration of 905.25ppm which was higher than that mentioned on the label. Conclusion: The toothpastes included in the study had dissimilar fluoride concentrations after analysis than the concentration mentioned on the label. Thus, waranting better laws and standardization methods for toothpastes.