Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has significantly impacted global health systems, prompting widespread diagnostic testing efforts to curb transmission and guide clinical management. Methods: This study analyses laboratory data from RT-PCR testing conducted at the SARS Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (SVRDL) in Government Medical College, Nagpur. A total of 106,178 samples were processed using various RT-PCR kits, including COVIDsure, with results categorized by cycle threshold (CT) values for RdRP, N, and E genes. Results: Among the samples tested, 13,578 were positive for COVID-19. Demographic analysis revealed higher infection rates among males (53.12%) and older age groups, notably 51-60 years. Asymptomatic cases constituted a significant majority (72.11%) of positives, highlighting their potential role in community transmission. Fever emerged as the predominant symptom among symptomatic patients. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of targeted testing strategies, especially among high-risk groups such as older adults, and effective public health interventions to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Understanding the demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients is crucial for shaping future pandemic responses and resource allocation.

Background: Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of cancer affecting women globally. Awareness and knowledge about breast cancer are essential in empowering individuals to engage in proactive health behaviors, such as regular self-examinations and participation in screening programs. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of breast cancer among adults in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, to inform localized health education interventions.Materials & Methods: A descriptive research approach was employed using a cross-sectional survey design. The study was conducted in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, from January 2024 to May 2024. The target population included adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Shimla for at least 12 months. A sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50%, a 5% absolute error margin, and a 5% non-response rate. Data were collected using a Google Form questionnaire covering socio-demographic details and knowledge about breast cancer. Data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 Software for frequencies and percentages.Results: The socio-demographic profile revealed that the majority of participants were young adults (29.5% aged 18-30) with a slightly higher female participation (55.25%). Most participants were Hindu (74.5%) and employed (50.25%) with varying education levels. Knowledge assessment showed high awareness of early detection (79.75%) and regular check-ups (77.75%), but lower awareness of survival rates (45.25%) and genetic predisposition (49.5%). Overall, 29.75% of participants had very good knowledge, 37% had good knowledge, 23% had fair knowledge, and 10.25% had poor knowledge.Conclusion: This study highlights the varying levels of breast cancer awareness among different socio-demographic groups in District Shimla. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance overall awareness. By addressing these gaps, public health initiatives can be more effective in reducing the incidence and improving the early detection of breast cancer in the region.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern with potential for silent transmission and severe outcomes. Timely and accurate detection of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) is crucial for effective management and prevention of transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024 at a tertiary care center in central India. A total of 5439 blood samples were tested for HBsAg using both the rapid ICT method (Mediline-SA HBsAg Combo Rapid Test) and ELISA (Trustwell HBsAg ELISA Kit). Results: Among the samples tested, the rapid ICT method identified 112 HBsAg-positive cases and ELISA detected 105 positives. Using ELISA as the gold standard, the rapid ICT method showed a sensitivity of 99.04%, specificity of 99.85%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 92.85%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.98%, and diagnostic accuracy of 99.83%. Discussion: The study found ELISA to be more sensitive and specific compared to rapid ICT for HBsAg screening. Similar studies reported varying sensitivity and specificity rates for rapid ICT, highlighting the importance of method selection based on diagnostic requirements and resource availability. Conclusion: Despite its lower sensitivity, rapid ICT remains useful in resource-limited settings for initial screening due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. However, for definitive diagnosis and accurate detection of HBV, especially in asymptomatic cases and during blood screening, ELISA is recommended.

Background: Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD), also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is an endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. This condition can lead to complications such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and management are crucial. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of PCOD among the general public in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2024 and May 2024 in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The study included 400 adults aged 18 and above, who had been residents of Shimla for at least 12 months. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire that covered socio-demographic information and knowledge about PCOD. The data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 Software. Results: The study revealed that 26% of participants had very good knowledge of PCOD, 36.5% had good knowledge, 24.3% had fair knowledge, and 13.3% had poor knowledge. High awareness was observed regarding PCOD symptoms (79.5%), risk factors (72.5%), and the importance of regular health check-ups (76.3%). Knowledge gaps were noted in understanding genetic factors (62%) and the impact on mental health (60%). Additionally, while 70% were aware of lifestyle changes to manage PCOD, only 63% understood the role of diet, and 65% recognized the importance of stress management. Conclusion: While a significant portion of Shimla's population is informed about PCOD, there are notable gaps in specific areas of knowledge. Targeted educational programs and public health initiatives are necessary to address these gaps, improve early diagnosis and management, and enhance overall health outcomes for women in Shimla. The study provides a foundation for developing tailored health promotion strategies to meet the unique needs of this region.