Robust data in favor of clear superiority of 22G fine-needle biopsy (FNB) over 22G FNA for an echoendoscopic-guided sampling of pancreatic masses are lacking. The objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic outcomes and sample adequacy of these two needles. Computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed and restricted to only randomized controlled trials. Summary estimates were expressed regarding risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval. A total of 11 trials with 833 patients were analyzed. The two needles resulted comparable in terms of diagnostic accuracy (RR 1.02, 0.97–1.08; P = 0.46), sample adequacy (RR 1.01, 0.96–1.06; P = 0.61), and histological core procurement (RR 1.01, 0.89–1.15; P = 0.86). Pooled sensitivity in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was 93.1% (87.9%–98.4%) and 90.4% (86.3%–94.5%) with biopsy and aspirate, respectively, whereas specificity for detecting pancreatic cancer was 100% with both needles. Analysis of the number of needle passes showed a nonsignificantly positive trend in favor of FNB (mean difference: −0.32, −0.66–0.02; P = 0.07). Our meta-analysis stands for a nonsuperiority of 22G FNB over 22G FNA; hence, no definitive recommendations on the use of a particular device can be made.

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The limitations observed in achieving the goal of a tobacco-free Himachal Pradesh have necessitated the need to contextualize the existing policy directives in tobacco reduction. Our observation has been that despite having clearly defined policy guidelines and laws, the implementation may not have followed suit. An analysis of the gaps observed had led us to develop an implementation interface framework involving stakeholders from multiple sectors.

Background: The rolling out of the COVID -19 vaccination programme was accompanied by several doubts including the safety and occurrence of adverse effects after the vaccination. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst the health care professionals working in the state of Himachal Pradesh to assess the frequency and types of side effects associated with the administration of Covid-19 vaccines using a semi structured questionnaire floated through a Google form. Result: Of the 187 responses received, after the 1st dose, 37.5% participants reported malaise, 31% myalgia, 36.4% low-grade fever, while 18.5% high-grade fever. Mild reactions at the injection site were reported by 37.5%, headache was reported by 3%, low back ache, drowsiness, giddiness and diarrhea were reported by about 3%. No reactions were reported by 18.5% of the participants. After the second dose, 51.8% did not report any adverse event, 17.1% reported malaise,15.2% reported low grade fever, 3% reported high grade fever, 20.1% reported mild reactions at the site of injection while 4.2% reported drowsiness, breathlessness on exertion, nausea, low back ache and diarrhea. Conclusion: The frequency of adverse events with COVID -19 vaccines is not higher than those observed with other commonly used vaccines.