Dissemination of Misinformative and Biased Information about Prostate Cancer on YouTube

YouTube is a social media platform with more than 1 billion users and >600 000 videos about prostate cancer. Two small studies examined the quality of prostate cancer videos on YouTube, but did not use validated instruments, examine user interactions, or characterize the spread of misinformation. We performed the largest, most comprehensive examination of prostate cancer information on YouTube to date, including the first 150 videos on screening and treatment. We used the validated DISCERN quality criteria for consumer health information and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, and compared results for user engagement. The videos in our sample had up to 1.3 million views (average 45 223) and the overall quality of information was moderate. More videos described benefits (75%) than harms (53%), and only 50% promoted shared decision-making as recommended in current guidelines. Only 54% of the videos defined medical terms and few provided summaries or references. There was a significant negative correlation between scientific quality and viewer engagement (views/month p = 0.004; thumbs up/views p = 0.015). The comments section underneath some videos contained advertising and peer-to-peer medical advice. A total of 115 videos (77%) contained potentially misinformative and/or biased content within the video or comments section, with a total reach of >6 million viewers.

Coincidence or reality behind Mucormycosis,diabetes mellitus and Covid-19 association: A systematic review

Mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality and is difficult to diagnose. Mucormycosis, is a severe but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. Diabetes, use of corticosteroids, metabolic/diabetic acidosis and Covid-19 mediated immunosuppression are reported in more than 70% of cases in mucormycosis patients. Coexisting mucormycosis, Covid-19 along with diabetes mellitus increase the likelihood of mortality. Despite its occurrence since the beginning of the pandemic, there are still unanswered concerns regarding the origin of this fungal infection and mortality rate and/or relation with diabetic patients. In this review, we describe the detailed view of causative pathogens responsible for mucormycosis, diabetes mellitus and Covid-19 association along with the morbidity cases during the latest Covid-19 crisis. In the case of mucormycosis diagnosis, imaging, histopathological confirmation, fungal culture and molecular identification methods should be considered. Once mucormycosis is diagnosed, a combined treating method consisting of antifungals administration like amphotericin B, surgical intervention is needed for the reversal of the underlying condition. Early detection of this potentially life-threatening infection and timely care is needed in lowering mortality rates.     

Absence of Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis-specific IS900 sequence in intestinal biopsy tissues of Indian patients with Crohn’s disease

Background and Objective  

The role of Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis (MAP) in the etiopathology of Crohn’s disease (CD) remains controversial, because of conflicting reports demonstrating the presence of MAP-specific insertion sequence from intestinal biopsy tissues of patients clinically diagnosed for the disease. The present study was carried out to investigate the presence of MAP DNA in the intestinal tissues of CD patients to ascertain the relevance of MAP in Indian patients with CD.     

Paraganglioma of the Oropharynx

Paraganglioma is a rare tumor in head and neck region. A 35 years male presented with huge swelling of tonsillar region occupying a large portion of oropharynx. Tumor had been dissected out transorally. HPE showed extra-adrenal paraganglioma. It is being reported because of its rare clinical presentation and unusual surgical approach.     

Investigation of an outbreak of scrub typhus in the himalayan region of India

In Indira Gandhi Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, India, during autumn of 2003 (September-November), more than 100 cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO) were reported with 15 ensuing deaths. In addition to all routine investigations and cultures, the Weil-Felix test was incorporated for the investigation of these cases. Antigen was procured from the Central Research Institute, Kasauli. Forty-six percent (45/96) of the cases demonstrated a > or =1:80 titer of agglutinins against OXK antigen. A team from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi, confirmed the antibodies for scrub typhus in some of the serum samples tested for leptospirosis, dengue fever, and rickettsial infections. Twelve blood samples positive for OXK antigen were sent to the Defense Research Development Establishment, Gwalior, for polymerase chain reaction studies, but none of the samples were positive, as all of the patients were already on broad-spectrum antibiotics and had reported to our hospital after 7-10 days of fever. At our institute, the Weil-Felix test has now been rountinely introduced for the investigation of cases of FUO, and the results until April 2004 (150 cases) revealed the presence of other rickettsial infections prevalent in the region. To evaluate the epidemiology and magnitude of the problem, further prospective studies are required.