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The diagnosis of Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is established by combined clinic-radio-microbiological criteria. Out of the different microbiological criteria, usually a positive serology for Aspergillus-specific IgG levels is the cornerstone of diagnosis . Alternatively, other microbiological evidence can also be employed viz. significantly positive Aspergillus antigen (broncho-alveolar lavage fluid/BALF galactomannan ≥ 1.0), histopathological demonstration of the fungi following lung biopsy or resection, or demonstration of hyaline septate hyphae in direct microscopy resembling Aspergillus spp. or its growth on respiratory specimen. However the role of BALF- GM and the newer BALF-PCR have not been confirmed by studies till date. The study enrolled 210 patients overall of suspected CPA. Of the participants, 88 patients met the criteria for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, whereas 122 patients had an alternative diagnosis. The sensitivity - specificity of AsperGenius® PCR and "in-house” PCR were 52.27(36.69-67.54) % - 33.78(23.19-45.72) % and 36.36(22.41-52.23) % - 39.19(28.04-51.23) % respectively. The sensitivity / specificity of BALF(>1.0) and serum galactomannan(>1.0) were 46.55%(33.34-60.13) / 64.08%(54.03-73.3) and 62.96%(54.7671.17) / 62.96%(54.76-71.17) respectively. The optimal cut-off value for BALF Galactomannan and serum galactomannan in diagnosing CPA was found to be 0.69 (sensitivity: 64%; specificity: 53%) and 0.458 (sensitivity: 67%; specificity: 64%) respectively. Aspergillus PCR from BAL may not be a good “rule-in” test for diagnosing CPA. While the performances of GM in BAL and serum may be better than PCR, it is to be used in conjunction with other clinical, radiological and other microbiological characteristics.

Background and aims The study aims to interpret current knowledge, attitude, perceptions and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine in the Indian population. Methods Eight focus group discussions were conducted. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Key themes were extracted using thematic analysis method. Results There were 19 males and 24 females, with a mean age of 36 ± 11 years. Sub-themes identified were knowledge, attitude, perception and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine, leading to the main theme, i.e., views about the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion People have mixed perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Channelling correct messages may improve people’s willingness to get vaccinated.

Background and aims There seems to be hesitation in the general population in accepting COVID 19 vaccine because of associated myths and/or misinformation. This study is dedicated to develop and validate a tool to interpret vaccine acceptance and/or hesitancy by assessing the knowledge, attitude, practices, and concerns regarding the COVID vaccine. Material and methods Mixed methods study design was used. In phase 1, the questionnaire was developed through literature review, focus group discussion, expert evaluation, and pre-testing. In phase 2, the validity of the questionnaire was obtained by conducting a cross-sectional survey on 201 participants. The construct validity was established via principal component analysis. Cronbach’s alpha value was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. Results The 39-item questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was developed. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the questionnaire was 0.86 suggesting a good internal consistency. Conclusion The developed tool is valid to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and/or hesitancy. It has the potential utility for healthcare workers and government authorities to further build vaccine literacy.

To develop and validate questionnaires to assess the behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental predictors of successful weight loss outcomes.Mixed method study. Questionnaires were developed using 5 steps: item generation by literature review and preexisting questionnaires, expert evaluation, pilot testing, factor analysis, and internal consistency.Adults with obesity recruited via web-based survey hyperlink.One hundred participants with a mean body mass index of 28.7 ± 4.4 kg/msup2/sup.The questionnaires were generated using 221 items. Establishing content, face and construct validity, and internal consistency.Content validity was analyzed using content validity index and content validity ratio, internal consistency through Cronbach α (CA), and structural validity by factor analysis via principal varimax rotation.All three questionnaires had good content validity. The Behavioral Predictor Questionnaire had good internal consistency (CA, 0.7) and excellent structural validity (69.7%). Psychosocial Predictors Questionnaire (CA, 0.8, 67.5%) and Environmental Predictors Questionnaire (CA: 0.8, 72.2%) had excellent internal consistency and structural validity.Questionnaires seem to be practical, valid, and reliable tools for baseline assessment of individual-specific factors related to weight loss success.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The success of the COVID-19 vaccination program is dependent on people's knowledge and attitude regarding the vaccination program. Higher vaccine acceptance can be ensured by strengthening the facilitators and limiting the barriers being observed among the general population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indexed study is a cross-sectional web-based survey using a pre-validated questionnaire to assess knowledge, barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination programme administered on adults across India using a Google online survey platform. RESULTS: A total of 1294 responses (age: 38.02 ± 13.34 years) were collected. Most of the participants had limited knowledge regarding the eligibility of vaccines in vulnerable population groups such as people with allergies (57.89%) and immune-compromised patients (62.98%), pregnant and lactating women (41.89%) and patients with chronic illness (34.78%). Older participants (>45 years) were more willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (p

A qualitative study comprising eight focus group discussions and two in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the social and behavioural changes in young adults during COVID pandemic. Common themes identified were changes in interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, changes in health-related behaviour, lifestyle modifications and impact on academic and professional life.

The accurate estimation of ABO antibody titers is of the utmost importance in organ transplants involving ABO incompatibility. We aim to compare five different methods of titration and analyze the data. Samples of 48 O group blood donors who donated during the month of December 2015 to January 2016 in our institution were subjected to ABO antibody titration by five different methods: immediate spin (IS) tube titer, antihuman globulin phase tube titer, Coomb's gel card titer, gel card titer after dithiotreitol (DTT) treatment of plasma, and the solid phase red cell adherence method. The mean number of titer serial dilution steps in the different titer estimation methods was compared using the paired t-test and McNemar test. A correlation between the methods was tested using Spearman's rho and kappa statistics. The median antiglobulin (AHG) phase tube titers were found to be the highest anti-A (128) and anti-B (192) titers. Significant differences in the ABO antibody titer readings among the five different methods were noted. Titers were reduced by DTT treatment in nearly 50% samples tested for both anti-A and anti-B titers. Average agreements between the DTT-applied AHG phase gel card titers and the solid phase red cell adherence (SPRCA) titers was observed for anti-A (κ = 0.473) and anti-B (κ = 0.530). The AHG phase tube and gel cards titers showed poor agreements. There are differences in the interpretability of the ABO antibody titer among different techniques. Consistent and uniform application of the method for titration throughout the treatment of a patient is highly essential.

Aims To evaluate the dose-effect association between COVID-19 vaccination and probability of turning RT-PCR positive and to assess the correlation between disease severity and vaccination status. Methods A single centre cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 583 individuals presenting to COVID-19 testing clinic and 55 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Vaccination status was assessed by the number of doses and duration since the last dose. Disease severity was evaluated by the requirement of hospitalisation and ICU admission/death. The association between the vaccination status and development of disease and its severity were statistically analyzed. Results The mean age of the population was 36.6 years and 82.6% had no comorbidities. The odds of turning RT-PCR positive was 0.17(95% CI: 0.11–0.27) among the clinical suspects who had taken both doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before (fully vaccinated). The odds of hospitalisation was 0.12(95% CI: 0.03–0.45) and ICU admission/death was 0.07(95% CI: 0.01–0.36) among fully vaccinated individuals. The protective role of vaccination was observed to start 14 days after receiving the first dose. Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination provides dose-dependent protection against the development of the disease. It also lowers the risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission/death in RT-PCR positive patients in a dose-dependent manner.

Background and aims COVID-19 is expected to have a significant impact on the socio-behavioural aspect of citizens’ lives, although the effects are expected to manifest differently in different population groups. The current study was conducted to assess the socio-behavioural impact of COVID-19 among the general population across India between the first and the second wave of pandemic. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15th March −25th March 2021 using a pre-validated validated questionnaire upon the general population using e-survey, telephonic and face-to-face interview. The participants were recruited from the different regions of India by the purposive and snowball sampling technique following the principle of maximum diversity. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to study the association between the various sociodemographic variables and different behaviours. Results A total of 1079 responses were analysed for the study. Almost half of the participants feared contracting the COVID-19 infection. Overall, female participants, elderly people (more than 60 years of age) and urban dwellers reported a greater fear in the survey. More than half of the participants (53.39%) reported significant difficulties due to home confinement. People have become more inclined to adopt healthy lifestyles. There are mixed responses in the area of following preventive practices. Conclusion People have a significant amount of fear and anxiety related to the pandemic, leading to several social and behavioural changes that might have a considerable impact on their everyday lives.

Background: Depression is the commonest psychiatric disorder in the elderly. We attempted to analyze the prevalence and correlates of depression in the north Indian elderly. Methods: An observational study was carried out taking cases from patients attending the geriatric clinic for the first time. Depression was diagnosed by the Geriatric Depression Score short form (≥5). Various epidemiological parameters were assessed in 504 subjects (M = 304, F = 200; mean age = 66.47±13.71 years). Results: Depression prevalence was 45%. A significant correlation was found between depression prevalence and gender (F>M, p=0.011), level of education (p=0.002), marital status (p married, p=0.008) and insomnia (present > absent, p

The accurate estimation of ABO antibody titers is of the utmost importance in organ transplants involving ABO incompatibility. We aim to compare five different methods of titration and analyze the data. Samples of 48 O group blood donors who donated during the month of December 2015 to January 2016 in our institution were subjected to ABO antibody titration by five different methods: immediate spin (IS) tube titer, antihuman globulin phase tube titer, Coomb's gel card titer, gel card titer after dithiotreitol (DTT) treatment of plasma, and the solid phase red cell adherence method. The mean number of titer serial dilution steps in the different titer estimation methods was compared using the paired t-test and McNemar test. A correlation between the methods was tested using Spearman's rho and kappa statistics. The median antiglobulin (AHG) phase tube titers were found to be the highest anti-A (128) and anti-B (192) titers. Significant differences in the ABO antibody titer readings among the five different methods were noted. Titers were reduced by DTT treatment in nearly 50% samples tested for both anti-A and anti-B titers. Average agreements between the DTT-applied AHG phase gel card titers and the solid phase red cell adherence (SPRCA) titers was observed for anti-A (κ = 0.473) and anti-B (κ = 0.530). The AHG phase tube and gel cards titers showed poor agreements. There are differences in the interpretability of the ABO antibody titer among different techniques. Consistent and uniform application of the method for titration throughout the treatment of a patient is highly essential.

Objective The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and causes of ABO typing discrepancies among patients and blood donors at our centre. Background An accurate interpretation of the ABO blood group of an individual is of utmost importance to ensure patient safety and good transfusion practices. Methods A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Transfusion Medicine in our hospital from March 2013 to December 2015. Records of all patient and blood donor samples were retrieved and analysed for ABO typing discrepancies. Results In total, 135 853 patient and 62 080 donor samples were analysed for ABO typing discrepancies. The incidence among patients and blood donors was found to be 0·1% (138/135853) and 0·02% (14/62080), respectively. The mean age for patients and blood donors was 48·4 and 29·2 years, respectively. The most common cause of ABO typing discrepancies was due to cold autoantibodies among the patients (50·7%) and blood donors (57%) causing discrepant results in reverse typing. The various other causes of reverse typing discrepancies among patients were weak/missing antibody (25·4%), cold-reacting alloantibody (4·3%), warm autoantibody (2·2%), anti-A1 antibody (2·2%), Bombay phenotype (1·5%), transplantation (0·7%) and rouleaux (0·7%), whereas in blood donors, the causes were cold-reacting antibody (7%) and weak antibody (7%). The major cause of forward typing discrepancies among patients (12·3%) and blood donors (29%) was ABO subgroups. Conclusion The resolution of ABO typing discrepancy is essential to minimise the chance of transfusion of ABO-incompatible blood.

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies may be detected in blood donors who have either been transfused previously or female donors with previous obstetric events. These antibodies can occasionally cause severe transfusion reaction, if a large amount of plasma or whole blood is transfused, as in massive transfusions and pediatric patients. AIMS: The present study aims to assess the prevalence of red cell antibodies in healthy blood donors at a tertiary care hospital-based blood bank in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82,153 donor samples were screened for irregular red cell antibodies between January 2012 and December 2015 at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. Antibody screening was performed by solid phase method using Immucor Capture–R ready screen (pooled cells) on fully automated immunohematology analyzer Galileo Neo (Immucor Inc., Norcross, GA, USA). Positive tests were further confirmed using Capture-R ready screen (4 cell panel). Advanced investigations to identify the antibody/ies were performed on confirmed positive samples. Antibody identification was conducted using various cell panels (Immucor Capture-R Ready-ID, Panocell-10, Ficin Treated). An advanced technique such as adsorption and elution was performed as per requirement. RESULTS: Screening with pooled cells and 4 cell panel was positive in 227 donors (0.27%), 150 of these donors had autoantibodies, 1 had autoantibodies with underlying alloantibody anti-Jka (0.001%), and 76 had alloantibodies (0.09%) alone in their plasma. Anti-M was the most common antibody (43 donors) identified, followed by anti-D (21 donors). Anti-N was detected in 4; anti-Jka, anti-C, and anti-E in two donors each followed by anti-P1 and anti-Leb in 1 donor. CONCLUSION: Antibodies against red cells can be present in healthy donors detection of which is important in providing safe blood to the patient. The prevalence of red blood cell antibody in healthy donors in this study was found to be 0.27%, while the prevalence of alloantibodies was 0.09%. The majority of alloantibodies were anti-M (56.57%) and anti-D (27.63%).

Large space-occupying middle cerebral artery infarction accounts for 10-15% of all supratentorial infarctions and carries a mortality of 50% to 80%. Hemicraniectomy may be useful when optimal medical management has failed.Between June 1997 and June 2000, 19 patients who fulfilled the clinical and imaging criteria for large middle cerebral artery infarction underwent hemicraniectomy because of impending herniation despite best medical therapy. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessed neurological status on admission and at one week after surgery. At 3 month follow up, The Barthel Index (BI) and Rankin Scale (RS) were used to assess the functional outcome among survivors.There were 15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 46.5 years (range 27-76 years). Ten patients (53%) had dominant hemisphere stroke. The mean interval between stroke onset and surgery was 60.3 hours (range 20-103 hours). The mean NIHSS score before surgery was 20.5 (range 17-26) and 10.5 (range 6-22) after surgery. One patient (5.2%) died due to post-operative meningitis. At follow up, mean BI was 56.4 (range 25-90) and RS revealed severe handicap in 4 patients (21%). Patients under 50 years of age had a significantly better outcome with mean BI of 60.7 as compared to only 41.3 (p=0.048) in older patients. Speech function, especially comprehension improved in all patients with dominant hemisphere infarction.These findings add to previous studies suggesting hemicraniectomy may be a useful procedure in patients with large middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The functional outcome is good in younger patients. A randomised controlled trial is required to substantiate these findings.