Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant public health challenge globally, with substantial implications for physical, emotional, and social well-being. Public awareness and knowledge of STDs are critical to prevention and timely treatment, yet stigma and misinformation often hinder efforts to address these diseases effectively. In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, limited data exists regarding public understanding of STDs, necessitating a focused exploration to inform targeted interventions. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to evaluate awareness and knowledge of STDs. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across urban and rural areas, age groups, genders, and educational backgrounds. Data collection was carried out using a pre-validated structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic details, 20 knowledge-based questions, and barriers to STD prevention and care. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: very good, good, fair, and poor. Results: The study included 400 participants, with a balanced gender distribution (52% male, 48% female) and a majority aged 26–35 years (34%). Educational diversity ranged from no formal education (10%) to postgraduate degrees (12%). Most participants (57%) resided in rural areas. The awareness assessment revealed that 80% correctly identified STDs as infections transmitted through sexual contact, and 87% were aware of condoms as a preventive measure. However, knowledge of vaccine availability (73%) and the importance of routine screenings (69%) was moderate. Social stigma emerged as a major barrier for 78% of respondents. Knowledge scores showed that 46% demonstrated very good or good understanding, while 23% and 6% exhibited fair and poor knowledge, respectively. Conclusion: While the study highlights a promising baseline awareness of STDs among the general public in Gandhinagar, significant gaps in technical knowledge and societal stigma remain critical challenges. Comprehensive, culturally sensitive educational campaigns and integration of STD education into school curricula are essential for fostering informed attitudes and proactive behaviors. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions can significantly reduce the prevalence and stigma of STDs, promoting healthier communities.

Tinnitus, a persistent perception of sound in the absence of an external source, has gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its increasing prevalence and severity. This review examines tinnitus incidence before, during and after COVID-19, analyzing global and Indian epidemiological trends. Pre-pandemic, tinnitus affected approximately 10-15% of individuals worldwide, with regional variations. During COVID-19, an increased incidence was reported, with factors such as viral neurotropism, inner ear damage, stress and social isolation contributing to its worsening. Post-COVID-19, many individuals continue to experience persistent tinnitus, highlighting the long-term auditory implications of the virus. This review evaluates various management strategies, including Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which has shown an 80% success rate, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which benefits acute cases but lacks efficacy for chronic tinnitus and alternative approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sound therapy, medications and hearing aids. Disparities in healthcare accessibility, particularly in developing regions, emphasize the need for telehealth interventions and improved tinnitus treatment policies. Future research should focus on the long-term auditory effects of COVID-19, innovative treatment options and enhanced accessibility to evidence-based tinnitus therapies.

Background: Adult vaccination is a crucial yet often overlooked component of public health strategies aimed at preventing vaccine-preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza, Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, and COVID-19. In Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, characterized by predominantly rural populations and evolving healthcare access, there is limited data on community-level knowledge and attitudes toward adult vaccination. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged 18 years and above across rural, semi-urban, and urban settings of Solan district from January to March 2025. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling via online platforms. A pre-validated bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic details, awareness and knowledge about adult vaccines (Hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19 boosters, and HPV), attitudes toward vaccination, and sources of information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 79.5% of participants correctly identified the preventive purpose of adult vaccines, with strong awareness about Hepatitis B (74.0%), COVID-19 boosters (75.8%), and HPV vaccination (65.3%). However, knowledge regarding annual influenza vaccination (62.3%) and government vaccine programs (59.3%) was lower. Misconceptions regarding vaccine safety, eligibility, and strain protection persisted among 20%–35% of respondents. Knowledge classification showed 29.8% had "Very Good" knowledge, 43.5% "Good," 19.8% "Fair," and 7.0% "Poor." A predominantly rural composition (65.3%) emphasized the need for rural-focused interventions to bridge literacy and awareness gaps. Conclusion: While foundational awareness about adult vaccination is growing among the adult population in Solan district, significant knowledge gaps, persistent misconceptions, and uneven awareness of vaccination programs highlight the need for culturally tailored educational initiatives. Strengthening healthcare provider engagement, addressing socio-cultural barriers, and expanding community-based awareness campaigns are essential to normalize adult immunization and improve public health outcomes in the region.

Abstract: Objectives: To identify the etiological profile of bacterial uro-pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among patients with urinary tract infection at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). Material and Methods: Cross sectional study was done from 1st January to 30th September 2021. All urine samples received were inoculated onto Cystine-Lactose-Electrolyte-Deficient agar medium. Clinically significant uro-pathogens were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by conventional or automated method. Bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns were represented as frequency distributions. Results: Out of total 14312 urine samples received; significant growth was observed in 2363 (16.5%) of the cultures. There was female predominance 1249 (53%). Predominant organisms were Gram negative bacilli 1816 (76.8%). Of all the uro-pathogens, Escherichia coli was the predominant organism 1213 (51%) followed by Enterococcus spp. 350 (15%) and Klebsiella spp. (12%). Other gram positive and gram-negative bacteria accounted for 22% of the infections. Sensitivity of E. coli to Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin was 92.1% & 99.6% respectively. High resistance was seen with Ampicillin (82%), cephalosporins (43-66%), Ciprofloxacin (73%), Levofloxacin-71%. Klebsiella was observed to be highly resistant with more than 40% resistant to most of the antibiotics. Enterococcus showed maximum resistance to Ciprofloxacin (82%) and Ampicillin (62%) and the sensitivity was 98.8% and 95.3% to Linezolid and Vancomycin. Conclusion: E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp are the predominant uro-pathogens. For both gram positive and gram-negative organisms’ nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin can be used for empirical therapy. Our study also highlights the need for restricted use of quinolones and third generation cephalosporins.

Background: Background: Reproductive health is central to women's well-being across all life stages, yet awareness and access to accurate information remain inconsistent in many parts of India. In Shimla, socio-cultural norms, terrain-related challenges, and varied access to healthcare contribute to gaps in reproductive health literacy. This study aimed to assess the awareness, perceptions, and misconceptions regarding reproductive health among women aged 13 years and above in the Shimla district. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February to March 2025. A pre-validated bilingual questionnaire was distributed to 400 women across four life stages: adolescents, young adults, reproductive-age, and post-reproductive women. The survey assessed knowledge related to menstruation, contraception, fertility, antenatal/postnatal care, menopause, and sexual health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations in SPSS (version 26.0). Results: Of the 400 participants, 33.5% were reproductive-age women, and 29.5% were post-reproductive. About 60.5% had higher education, and 53.0% resided in urban areas. Awareness of essential topics like menstrual nutrition (76.5%), STI prevention (78.5%), and first gynecological visit timing (80.0%) was high. However, significant misconceptions remained regarding vaginal discharge, menstrual taboos, and STI-related infertility. Knowledge score classification revealed that 17.0% had Very Good knowledge, 36.0% Good, 30.5% Fair, and 16.5% Poor. Conclusion: While many women in Shimla show good awareness of reproductive health, a substantial proportion continue to harbor critical misconceptions, especially in culturally sensitive areas. Life-stage-specific and culturally contextualized education strategies are essential to bridge these knowledge gaps and promote long-term reproductive well-being.

Background: Food safety and nutrition literacy are critical for preventing foodborne illnesses and promoting healthy dietary choices, yet in India, adulteration, inconsistent regulations, and low awareness pose significant challenges, particularly in rural regions like Himachal Pradesh. This study aimed to evaluate consumer awareness of food safety, adulteration, and nutrition label reading, focusing on rural communities, to identify knowledge gaps and barriers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to February 2025, targeting adults aged 18–60 years in Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual (Hindi/English) questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of food safety and adulteration, nutrition label reading, and barriers. Using convenience sampling, 510 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0, with knowledge scores categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%), and Poor (<40%). Results: Participants, primarily aged 18–35 years (72.9%) and female (55.1%), showed moderate awareness: 80.0% recognized expiry date checks prevent illness, 76.9% identified milk adulteration as common, and 85.1% noted knowledge as a barrier to label reading. Gaps existed in label-checking frequency (60.0%), asymptomatic adulteration (63.9%), and label accuracy (62.0%). Knowledge levels were Very Good (27.8%), Good (45.9%), Fair (20.0%), and Poor (6.3%). Limited market access (31.8%) highlighted rural challenges. Conclusion: While awareness of food safety and adulteration is improving, knowledge gaps and barriers like limited market access persist in Himachal Pradesh. Targeted education, regulatory enforcement, and rural outreach are crucial to enhancing consumer safety and dietary choices.

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, marked by hormonal imbalance, irregular menstruation, metabolic disturbances, and psychological challenges. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding PCOS, focusing on symptom recognition, understanding of hormonal imbalances, and knowledge of lifestyle interventions among young women in Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey-based study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 420 women aged 18–30 years residing in various districts of Himachal Pradesh. Participants completed a structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire distributed via social media platforms and institutional networks. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic profiles, PCOS awareness, misconceptions, and sources of information. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations). Knowledge scores were categorized as Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. Results: Among the respondents, 41.7% were aged 18–22 years, and 48.8% held undergraduate degrees. Students comprised 50% of the participants, and 43.3% resided in urban areas. Awareness about key PCOS symptoms was encouraging: 82.1% identified it as an endocrine disorder, and 85.0% recognized skipped periods as a symptom. Lifestyle interventions were acknowledged as effective management strategies by 83.1%, and 86.2% supported specialist consultation for diagnosis. However, knowledge gaps persisted, with only 64.8% knowing that ovarian cysts are not mandatory for diagnosis and 62.1% aware of the associated cardiovascular risks. Overall, 25.7% exhibited Very Good awareness, 49.0% demonstrated Good awareness, 18.6% had Fair knowledge, and 6.7% displayed Poor awareness. Conclusion: Although emerging trends indicate an improving awareness of PCOS among young women in Himachal Pradesh, significant gaps and misconceptions remain, especially regarding disease reversibility, cardiovascular risks, and diagnostic criteria. There is an urgent need for structured, culturally sensitive health education initiatives to bridge these knowledge gaps, enhance early diagnosis, and promote proactive lifestyle management.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) significantly impact patient safety and healthcare costs worldwide, making pharmacovigilance a critical public health function. Despite national initiatives like the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), public awareness regarding ADR recognition and reporting remains low, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions and practices related to ADRs and pharmacovigilance among residents of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025, targeting 400 adult residents across urban and rural areas of Mandi. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured, bilingual questionnaire covering demographics, ADR knowledge, awareness of pharmacovigilance systems and reporting practices. Responses were scored and categorized into Very Good (≥80%), Good (60-79%), Fair (41-59%) and Poor (<40%) knowledge levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The majority of participants were young to middle-aged adults, with a predominance of rural residents (65.3%). While 77.0% correctly identified ADRs and 79.3% recognized their potential severity, only 60.3% were aware of pharmacovigilance and just 59.8% knew that patients could report ADRs directly to PvPI. Knowledge levels were categorized as Good in 42.8% and Very Good in 29.5% of respondents, but 27.8% demonstrated Fair or Poor understanding. Gaps were particularly notable in awareness of reporting channels, the risks of combining herbal remedies with modern medicines and recognizing ADRs among vulnerable populations. Conclusion: Although the Mandi population exhibits encouraging foundational awareness of ADRs, critical knowledge and behavioral gaps persist, especially regarding formal reporting systems and patient-led pharmacovigilance participation. Targeted, community-based education campaigns, integration of ADR counseling in clinical practices and the promotion of accessible, patient-friendly reporting tools are urgently needed to strengthen pharmacovigilance and improve medication safety outcomes in semi-urban and rural settings.

Background: Menstruation is a natural biological process essential to female health, yet it remains enveloped in stigma, secrecy and misinformation, particularly in rural regions like Kangra. Poor menstrual health education, pervasive cultural myths and unhygienic practices contribute to adverse physical, emotional and social outcomes for adolescent girls. This study aimed to assess the awareness of menstrual hygiene practices and the prevalence of menstrual myths among adolescent girls in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and March 2025, targeting adolescent girls aged 13-19 years who had attained menarche. A structured, pre-validated bilingual questionnaire was disseminated via digital platforms, collecting information on socio-demographics, menstrual hygiene practices, product usage and menstrual myths. A total of 400 participants were included through convenience sampling. Responses were scored and categorized into Very Good (≥80%), Good (60-79%), Fair (40-59%) and Poor (<40%) awareness levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: Of the 400 respondents, 58.5% resided in rural areas and 56.0% were enrolled in secondary education. Knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene was generally high, with 83.5% correctly identifying menstruation as endometrial shedding and 87.8% recognizing the role of hygiene in infection prevention. However, awareness regarding modern menstrual products like menstrual cups (63.8%) and tampons (62.5%) was comparatively lower. Encouragingly, 75.0% of participants rejected the notion of ritual impurity and 82.0% disagreed with activity restrictions during menstruation. Overall, 32.5% demonstrated Very Good awareness, 44.0% had Good awareness, 19.0% had Fair awareness and 4.5% had Poor awareness levels. Conclusion: While adolescent girls in Kangra exhibited commendable awareness regarding basic menstrual hygiene, significant gaps remain concerning the use of modern products and persistent myths. Targeted, culturally sensitive educational initiatives integrated within schools and communities are essential to dismantle menstrual stigma, correct misinformation and empower girls to manage their menstrual health safely and confidently.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating effective symptom management strategies. Intra-articular (IA) injections, including corticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and their combination, are widely used to alleviate pain and improve joint function. Objective: This systematic review evaluates and compares the efficacy and safety of IA corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and their combination therapy in patients with knee OA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses assessing pain reduction, functional improvement, and adverse events were included. Results: CS injections demonstrated rapid, short-term pain relief but diminished efficacy over time and potential cartilage loss with repeated use. HA injections provided modest, longer-term symptom relief with a favorable safety profile. Combination therapy leveraging both CS and HA showed superior pain control and functional improvement compared to either agent alone, with comparable safety outcomes. Conclusion: While CS and HA individually offer important therapeutic benefits in knee OA management, their combination appears to enhance both short-term and sustained symptom control. Patient-specific factors and disease severity should guide the selection of IA injection strategies. Further high-quality trials are warranted to optimize treatment protocols.

Background: Abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) is a serious postoperative complication that contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and postoperative care, its incidence remains notable, especially in emergency laparotomies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological profile of adult patients presenting with abdominal wound dehiscence, identify key predisposing factors, and assess postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care center in North India. Fifty adult patients who developed AWD following laparotomy were included. Data regarding demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical indications, operative findings, postoperative complications, microbiology, and mortality were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 50 patients, 74% were males, and the most affected age group was 41–50 years (34%). Emergency surgeries accounted for 68% of cases, predominantly due to perforation peritonitis (40%). Midline incisions and interrupted sutures were commonly employed. Complete wound dehiscence occurred in 60% of patients, most frequently around postoperative day 7. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism (45%). Post-resuturing, wound infections occurred in 30% and incisional hernias in 10% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 14%, with sepsis being the leading cause of death. Conclusion: AWD remains a major surgical complication associated with multiple risk factors including emergency surgery, sepsis, anemia, and poor nutritional status. Early identification of high-risk patients, meticulous surgical technique, effective infection control, and optimized perioperative management are critical to reducing its incidence and improving patient outcomes.

Background: Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are critical for infant survival, nutrition, and development. Despite clear World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among mothers, particularly in diverse socio-cultural settings like rural India. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among pregnant women in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, identify knowledge gaps, and explore the influence of socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 pregnant women residing in Solan district. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling via online antenatal forums and healthcare platforms. A pre-validated bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic information, knowledge regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and sources of information. Knowledge scores were categorized into very good (≥80%), good (60-79%), fair (41-59%), and poor (<40%) levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with descriptive statistics to summarize findings. Results: Of the 400 respondents, the majority (41.0%) were aged 26-30 years, with 65.0% residing in rural areas. Most were in their second (38.0%) or third (38.0%) trimester, and 47.0% were primiparous. Regarding knowledge, 82.0% knew breastfeeding should start within one hour of birth, and 79.0% recognized six months as the exclusive breastfeeding period. Awareness about colostrum benefits (77.3%) and breastfeeding’s role in infection prevention (81.0%) was strong; however, fewer participants demonstrated correct knowledge regarding iron-rich complementary foods (67.0%) and the maternal health benefits of breastfeeding (63.3%). Overall, 31.0% of participants had very good knowledge, 43.0% had good knowledge, 19.0% had fair knowledge, and 7.0% had poor knowledge, indicating the need for intensified antenatal educational efforts. Conclusion: While baseline knowledge regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding among pregnant women in Solan is encouraging, significant gaps persist, especially in nuanced areas such as complementary feeding timing, nutrient adequacy, and breastfeeding during maternal illness. Strengthening antenatal counseling, addressing cultural misconceptions, and promoting structured community-based education initiatives are essential to improving infant feeding practices and maternal-child health outcomes in the region.

Background: Menopause, a natural transition in a woman’s life, is often overlooked and misunderstood-especially in rural India. Many women face it without adequate knowledge or support, increasing vulnerability to unmanaged symptoms and long-term health risks. This study explores awareness and perceptions of menopause among middle-aged women in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and March 2025 among 400 women aged 40–60. A structured bilingual questionnaire assessed demographic data, menopause-related knowledge, attitudes and health-seeking behavior. Responses were scored and categorized into Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor knowledge levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0. Results: While 71.1% of participants showed Good or Very Good knowledge, 29.1% had Fair or Poor understanding-mostly among rural and less-educated women. High awareness was noted for common symptoms like hot flashes (84.0%) and mood swings (72.8%), but fewer recognized osteoporosis risk (60.3%) or hormone replacement therapy (59.3%). Conclusion: Basic awareness of menopause is improving, but gaps remain in understanding long-term risks and treatment options. Targeted health education and community-based interventions are essential to support informed and empowered menopause management in rural areas.

Background: Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major global public health crisis, driven by decades of antibiotic misuse, overuse and poor adherence to prescribed therapies. In India, the problem is exacerbated by easy over-the-counter access, self-medication and widespread misconceptions, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Understanding public awareness and behaviors around antibiotic use is crucial for formulating effective intervention strategies. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed 400 adult residents of Mandi district between January and March 2025 using a structured, bilingual questionnaire. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling across urban and rural settings. Data on demographics, knowledge, perceptions and behavioral practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance were collected via face-to-face interviews and self-administered forms. Responses were analyzed using SPSS v26.0 and knowledge levels were categorized as Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor. Results: The study revealed that 78% correctly identified antibiotics as bacterial infection treatments and 81.5% recognized early cessation of antibiotics as a risk factor for resistance. However, significant misconceptions persisted, with 28.2% believing antibiotics could treat viral infections and only 62.8% aware of resistance impacting future generations. Knowledge scores classified 32.3% as Very Good, 41.8% as Good, 19.0% as Fair and 7.0% as Poor. Unsafe practices such as self-medication and reuse of leftover antibiotics were noted despite high general awareness levels, particularly among rural populations. Conclusion: While awareness of antibiotic use and resistance among Mandi residents is encouraging, critical gaps remain, particularly regarding resistance transmission and societal impact. Rural communities showed lower understanding and riskier practices. Targeted educational interventions, stricter enforcement of prescription regulations and strengthened healthcare engagement are essential to translate knowledge into safer antibiotic behaviors and curb the growing threat of resistance.

Background: Flat foot, a common pediatric condition, can impact children’s mobility if unrecognized or mismanaged. This study assesses parental knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices regarding flat foot and its effects on children’s mobility in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and explores demographic factors influencing awareness. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 540 parents was conducted in Kangra from Jan to March 2025, using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographics, flat foot knowledge and management practices. Knowledge levels were classified as Exemplary (≥80%), Satisfactory (60%-79%), Acceptable (41%–59%) or Inadequate (<40%). Statistical analyses examined demographic associations with knowledge scores. Results: Parents showed moderate awareness, with 38.1% achieving "Exemplary" and 37.8% "Satisfactory" knowledge. While 86.3% identified flat foot as a structural issue and 82.4% recognized supportive footwear as beneficial, gaps persisted: only 66.7% understood its impact on gait and 64.2% knew to avoid tight shoes. Rural and less-educated parents exhibited lower awareness. Conclusion: Despite fair knowledge, significant deficiencies in recognizing flat foot’s implications and preventive measures highlight the need for targeted parental education and pediatric orthopedic outreach in Kangra to enhance children’s mobility and well-being.

Background: Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder often caused by gallstones, is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers a safe and effective treatment option, public awareness regarding the condition and its surgical management remains inconsistent especially in rural and semi-urban populations. This study was conducted to assess the level of public knowledge about cholecystitis, its symptoms, complications, and surgical interventions in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult residents of Kangra. A structured and pre-validated online questionnaire was used, covering socio-demographic data, awareness of cholecystitis and gallbladder surgery, and health-seeking behavior. Participants were selected via convenience and purposive sampling through digital platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify knowledge trends and gaps, with scoring categorized into four awareness levels: very good, good, fair, and poor. Results: The majority of participants (77–84%) correctly identified cholecystitis as gallbladder inflammation and recognized its core symptoms, causes, and surgical treatment. Awareness was particularly high regarding the function of the gallbladder (81%), common symptoms like right upper abdominal pain (84.5%), and the necessity of surgery in severe cases (76%). However, knowledge was moderate concerning disease complications such as recurrence after surgery (66%) and jaundice (67%), as well as preventive lifestyle measures (70–75%). Based on scoring, 40.5% of respondents exhibited very good knowledge, 41.5% good knowledge, while 14% and 4% had fair and poor awareness, respectively. Conclusion: While the general public in Kangra exhibits commendable awareness of cholecystitis and its management, significant gaps remain in understanding complications, post-operative outcomes, and preventive factors. These deficiencies, especially prevalent in rural and less-educated groups, highlight the urgent need for targeted, culturally sensitive educational initiatives. Strengthening community health outreach and integrating gallbladder health education into primary care services can significantly improve early diagnosis and surgical outcomes.

Background: Eye infections such as stye (hordeolum), blepharitis and keratitis are common yet often misunderstood conditions that can lead to serious ocular complications if left untreated. These infections, though preventable and manageable with early intervention, remain under-recognized due to limited public awareness-especially in low-resource settings. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to these infections among the general population of Himachal Pradesh, India, to identify existing gaps and inform future eye health education strategies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 using a structured, validated online questionnaire. The survey included 400 adult participants (aged >18 years) from both urban and rural regions of Himachal Pradesh. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic details, awareness of symptoms and causes, preventive practices and healthcare-seeking behavior related to stye, blepharitis and keratitis. Responses were scored and categorized into four knowledge levels: Very Good (>80%), Good (60-79%), Fair (41-59%) and Poor (<40%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied to explore associations. Results: Of the 400 participants, 51.8% were male and 48.3% female, with a majority aged 26-45 years. Rural residents comprised 59.5% of the sample. While 80.3% correctly identified a stye and 72.0% understood the cause of blepharitis, only 59.8% were aware of vitamin A’s role in preventing eye infections. Although 88.5% recognized keratitis as contagious and 87.3% correctly identified ophthalmologists as the appropriate specialists, fewer respondents identified specific symptoms of these infections. Overall, 40.8% of participants demonstrated  Very  Good  knowledge,  36.8%  Good,  15.5%  Fair and 7.0% Poor. Lower knowledge scores were significantly associated with rural residence and lower educational attainment. Conclusion: The study reveals a moderately high level of general awareness regarding eye infections among the population of Himachal Pradesh. However, notable gaps exist in the recognition of symptoms, understanding of risk factors and adoption of preventive measures-especially in rural and less-educated communities. Targeted, culturally appropriate educational interventions are urgently needed to bridge these gaps, promote early treatment and reduce the preventable burden of eye infections.

Background: Postmenopausal Syndrome (PMS) includes a range of physical, emotional and hormonal changes affecting women after menopause, often impacting quality of life. In India, especially in rural areas, awareness and management of PMS remain inadequate due to stigma, misconceptions and limited access to care. This study assessed the level of awareness and management practices related to PMS among women in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 postmenopausal women (aged 45+) in Kangra from October to December 2024 using a bilingual Google Forms questionnaire. The survey covered socio-demographic data, PMS knowledge and attitudes toward treatment options. Responses were scored and categorized into Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%) and Poor (<40%) knowledge levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Results: Most participants were aged 46–55 (41%) and resided in rural areas (58.5%). Awareness of common symptoms like hot flashes (77%), mood swings (71%) and osteoporosis risk (73.8%) was moderate to high. While 69.5% recognized Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as a treatment, only 66.8% understood its need for medical supervision. Overall, 79.8% demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, though 20.3% still had fair or poor understanding, highlighting educational gaps. Conclusion: While awareness of postmenopausal health is fairly good among women in Kangra, key knowledge gaps persist—especially regarding long-term risks and appropriate management. Culturally sensitive education and improved access to care are essential to support informed decision-making and enhance women’s health in this life stage.

Background: Right atrial myxomas (RAM) are a rare subset of primary cardiac tumors, comprising 10-20% of all cardiac myxomas. Surgical resection remains the gold standard for treatment, with favorable long-term outcomes reported. This study presents a case series of patients with right atrial myxomas managed by surgical excision at the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, focusing on clinical presentation, surgical techniques, and long-term outcomes.Material and Methods: This retrospective case series included 13 patients (10 females and 3 males) who underwent surgical resection of right atrial myxomas between January 2017 and December 2023. The mean age of the cohort was 45.5 ± 14.2 years (range: 22–70 years). Preoperative evaluation included echocardiography and coronary angiography as indicated. Surgical excision of the myxomas was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via median sternotomy. Postoperative care included monitoring for complications and regular follow-up assessments to detect any recurrence of the tumor. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (69.2%), followed by palpitations (46.2%) and chest pain (30.8%). Four patients (30.8%) were asymptomatic. The majority of tumors were attached to the atrial septum (61.5%), with a mean tumor size of 4.3 ± 1.4 cm. Concomitant procedures included tricuspid valve repair (23.1%) and coronary artery bypass grafting (15.4%). There were no early postoperative deaths, and the mean hospital stay was 7.6 ± 2.1 days. One patient (7.7%) developed postoperative atrial fibrillation. During a mean follow-up period of 48.3 ± 18.6 months, no recurrences were observed, and all patients were in NYHA functional class I or II.Conclusion: Surgical resection of right atrial myxomas in this series resulted in excellent clinical outcomes, with no recurrences and minimal complications. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are essential to prevent complications and ensure favorable long-term outcomes. This study reinforces the role of surgery as the standard of care for managing right atrial myxomas.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health challenge characterized by insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and chronic hyperglycemia. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays a key role in insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation. Lower serum adiponectin levels are associated with T2DM, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, but its clinical utility as a biomarker remains underexplored. This study investigates the association between serum adiponectin levels and metabolic parameters in T2DM.Materials and Methods: This observational case-control study included 50 T2DM patients and 50 healthy controls at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, India. Serum adiponectin (ELISA), fasting blood sugar (GOD-POD method), HbA1c (NycoCard), lipid profile, renal, and liver function tests were analyzed using XL-640 autoanalyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, with t-tests and Pearson’s correlation for comparisons.Results: Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients (7.1 ± 6.1 µg/ml) compared to controls (21.4 ± 11.7 µg/ml, p < 0.0001). A significant negative correlation was observed between adiponectin and HbA1c (r = −0.381, p = 0.006), fasting blood glucose (r = −0.259, p = 0.069), and total cholesterol (r = −0.167, p = 0.246) in diabetics. Adiponectin levels also showed a weak negative correlation with age (r = −0.139, p = 0.335), indicating a possible decline in adiponectin with aging. Significant elevations were observed in FBS (183.8 ± 57.5 mg/dl in cases vs. 86.6 ± 7.9 mg/dl in controls, p < 0.0001) and HbA1c (8.9 ± 1.7% in cases vs. 4.9 ± 0.3% in controls, p < 0.0001), reflecting poor glycemic control in diabetics. Among lipid markers, total cholesterol (p = 0.028) and ALP (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in diabetics, whereas triglycerides and HDL differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.181 and p = 0.124, respectively).Conclusion: Low adiponectin levels in T2DM suggest its role in insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Its negative correlation with HbA1c highlights its potential as an early biomarker for diabetes monitoring. Given its anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, adiponectin may serve as a therapeutic target for diabetes management.

Background: Anesthesia is a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling safe and pain-free surgical procedures. However, public understanding of its various forms-especially the distinctions between local and general anesthesia-remains limited, particularly in geographically complex and underserved regions like Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Misconceptions and lack of awareness may contribute to heightened preoperative anxiety, misinformation and poor surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period (October to December 2024) among 400 adult residents of Shimla. Participants were recruited through purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected exclusively through a structured, pre-validated Google Form questionnaire available in Hindi and English. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic details, knowledge and awareness of local versus general anesthesia and healthcare-seeking behavior. Knowledge levels were scored and categorized as Very Good (>80%), Good (60-79%), Fair (41-59%) and Poor (<40%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with descriptive statistics applied. Results: Of the 400 participants, the majority were aged 26-45 years (64.8%), with 52.8% female and 54.8% residing in rural areas. Most participants demonstrated a moderate-to-good understanding of anesthesia, with 38.0% scoring Very Good and 40.8% Good. Awareness was highest for basic concepts-such as the role of anesthesia (81.5%), the function of general anesthesia (77.0%) and the role of anesthesiologists (79.5%). However, knowledge gaps were evident regarding preoperative precautions, the rare occurrence of intraoperative awareness  (64.5%)  and  distinctions  between  anesthesia  types, such as spinal being regional (65.3%). Notably, 21.3% of respondents were categorized as having Fair or Poor knowledge, suggesting   critical   areas    for   intervention.   Conclusion:   Despite satisfactory   overall   awareness,   significant misconceptions and knowledge gaps persist in the public understanding of local and general anesthesia in Shimla. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions-particularly in rural areas and among less educated populations-to improve informed consent, patient safety and surgical preparedness. Community-based awareness efforts and enhanced patient-provider communication are key to strengthening anesthesia literacy and building healthcare trust.
 

Background: Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent, but its clinical utility is often limited by nephrotoxicity and systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in a rat model. Materials and methods: Forty-eight male rats were divided into six groups: control, cisplatin-only, and Cisplatin co-administered with low, moderate, or high doses of Ginger alongside a ginger-only group. Results: Biomarker analysis revealed that Cisplatin significantly elevated urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-6, Caspase-9, and MDA, indicating renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Co-treatment with Ginger reduced these markers in a dose-dependent manner, with high-dose Ginger (1000 mg/kg) demonstrating the most significant nephroprotective effects, restoring biomarkers near control levels. Histopathological analysis further supported these findings, showing reduced kidney tissue damage and enhanced cellular regeneration in ginger-treated groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that Ginger, particularly at higher doses, may serve as a safe and effective adjunct therapy for mitigating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the neonatal period are significant clinical issues due to their association with sepsis and congenital anomalies of the urinary system. They require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications such as renal scarring, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of UTI, identify causative agents, and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity patterns in neonates admitted to a neonatal unit. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-year period in a primary neonatal unit at Children’s Hospitals in Baghdad and private clinics. It included 91 neonates hospitalized with suspected UTI. Data were retrospectively collected from patient files. Urine samples were obtained via bladder catheterization, and significant bacterial growth was defined as a colony count of 10,000–50,000 CFU/mL in the presence of pyuria or ≥50,000 CFU/mL in its absence. Neonates with Mult pathogen growth, prior hospitalizations, or major surgeries were excluded. Ethics committee approval was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences and relationships in the collected data. Results: Among 186 urine samples, 110 (59.13%) from neonates with UTI showed positive bacterial cultures, while 8 (8%) of the 100 control samples were positive. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (27.27%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.18%), and Staphylococcus aureus (12.73%). Dysuria was the most common clinical feature (72.73%), and UTIs were more prevalent in females (65.45%) than males (34.55%). Antibiotic sensitivity patterns revealed that E. coli exhibited high sensitivity to ceftazidime (93.02%) and cefotaxime (86.04%) but resistance to ampicillin (6.97%). S. aureus showed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (88.23%) and oxacillin (88.23%), while K. pneumoniae was most sensitive to amoxiclav (81.48%). Notably, Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated high sensitivity to cefotaxime (86.66%). Conclusions: UTIs in neonates are predominantly caused by Gram-negative bacteria, with E. coli being the leading pathogen. Females and neonates aged 8–28 days are particularly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance patterns highlight the need for careful selection of empiric therapy based on local antibiograms to optimize treatment outcomes.