Background Efficacy of vaccines studied in clinical trial settings are likely to be different from their effectiveness in a real-world scenario. Indian Armed Forces launched its vaccine drive against COVID-19 on 16 Jan 2021. This study evaluated the effect of vaccination on mortality amongst hospitalized COVID patients. Methods A cross sectional study was done on all admitted moderate to severe COVID-19 patients at a designated COVID hospital in New Delhi. The primary outcome assessed the association of being fully vaccinated with mortality. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) (with 95% CI) was performed for each predictor. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis and adjusted odds ratios obtained. Results The 1168 patients included in the study had a male preponderance with a mean age of 54.6 (± 17.51) years. A total of 266 (23%) patients were partially vaccinated with COVISHIELD® and 184 (16%) were fully vaccinated. Overall, 518 (44.3%) patients had comorbidities and 332 (28.4%) died. Among those fully vaccinated, there was 12.5% (23/184) mortality while it was 31.45 % (309/984) among the unvaccinated (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5, p<0.0001). In a logistic regression model, complete vaccination status and younger age were found to be associated with survival. Conclusions Vaccination with two doses of COVISHIELD® was associated with lower odds of mortality among hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID.

Hormonal disturbances, psychiatric disorders, raised ICT and SNHL have been found to be more often associated with ES as compared to general population.

Objectives:To explore the quality of life (QOL) and its association with psycho-sociodemographic factors among caregivers of mentally ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in urban India.Materials and Methods:Sample consisted of 100 caregivers attending outpatient services in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using World Health Organization QOL-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The higher score meant a better QOL.Results:Of 100 caregivers, 66% were men, 47% were parents and 64% were literate. 52% of the caregivers were providing care for 1–5 years. The mean total score of QOL of the study population was 13.34 with the highest score 15.15 in the physical domain, followed by 12.75 in social, 12.96 in environmental, and 12.52 in psychological domain. In a multiple linear regression model, caregiver's elderly age was significantly associated most of the domains of WHOQOL.Conclusion:Caregivers of mentally ill patients have diminished QOL levels. Studies measuring QOL among caregivers can help initiate early intervention among the vulnerable caregivers. This study would help in increasing the awareness among the professional health care workers, to identify at risk caregivers. Health workers by providing better health services and better psycho-education to the caregivers can improve their QOL.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes between mini-simple limbal epithelial transplantation (mini-SLET) and conjunctival autograft (CAG) fixation with fibrin glue after excision of pterygium. Methods: Ninety-two eyes with primary nasal pterygium were prospectively randomized into a CAG control arm and a mini-SLET study arm. Follow-up examinations were set at the first and third day, at weeks 1, 2, and 4, and at the third and sixth month after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, whereas the secondary outcome measures were the intraoperative time, postoperative symptoms, and other complications. Results: Eighty-two eyes completed the 6-month follow-up interval. Of the 42 eyes that underwent CAG, 4 (9.5%) exhibited recurrences, whereas only 1 of the 40 eyes (2.5%) treated with mini-SLET had recurrence (P = 0.358). The time taken for surgery in the study group (21.4 minutes) was greater as compared to the control group (15.1 minutes) (P < 0.001). The postoperative median symptom (foreign body sensation, lacrimation, pain, and irritation) score in the CAG group was significantly more for all symptoms on day 1 and day 3; however, on day 7, it was significantly more for pain and irritation only. Except dellen formation (1 in each group), both groups exhibited different other complications, although less in the study group. Conclusions: The study group exhibited a positive trend of less recurrence with reduced postoperative symptoms and other complications. More similar studies are required in future to validate the results.

Background: The use of intravenous (IV) cannulas is an integral part of patient care in hospitals.These intravenous cannulas are a potential route for microorganisms to enter the blood stream resulting in a variety of local or systemic infections. Studies showing the actual prevalence of colonization of peripheral IV cannulas and its role in BSI are lacking. Hence, this study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of colonization of the injection ports of peripheral IV cannulas. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on patients admitted in ICU and wards in an 800 bedded tertiary care hospital. Swabs were taken from lumens of peripheral IV cannulas and cultured. Patient demographic data and practices followed for maintenance of IV line were noted. Results: A total of 196 injection port samples were taken, out of which 11 tested positive for microbial growth (5.61%). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism contributing 64% of the microbial growth. A significant association was seen between presence of local signs, old age and positive cultures. Flushing IV cannula every 6 h was associated with negative cultures. Conclusion: Peripheral IV cannulation has significant potential for microbial contamination and is largely ignored. Most of the risk factors associated with growth of microorganisms in the injection ports of peripheral intravenous cannulas (which has a potential to cause catheter-related blood stream infections) can be prevented by improving protocols for management. To prevent infection from occurring, practitioners should be educated and trained about the care and management of IV.