bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaffold hopping computational approach for searching novel β-lactamase inhibitors
Authors: Beshnova D.A. , Carolan C. , Grigorenko V.G. , Rubtsova M.Yu. , Gbekor E. , Lewis J. , Lamzin V.S. , Egorov A.M.
Published: December 2019

We present a novel computational ligand-based virtual screening approach with scaffold hopping capabilities for the identification of novel inhibitors of β-lactamases which confer bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The structures of known β-lactamase inhibitors were used as query ligands, and a virtual in silico screening a database of 8 million drug-like compounds was performed in order to select the ligands with similar shape and charge distribution. A set of numerical descriptors was used such as chirality, eigen spectrum of matrices of interatomic distances and connectivity together with higher order moment invariants that showed their efficiency in the field of pattern recognition but have not yet been employed in drug discovery. The developed scaffold-hopping approach was applied for the discovery of analogues of four allosteric inhibitors of serine β-lactamases. After a virtual in silico screening, the effect of two selected ligands on the activity of TEM type β-lactamase was studied experimentally. New non-β-lactam inhibitors were found that showed more effective inhibition of β-lactamases compared to query ligands.
Evaluation of the diversity of random DNA-libraries by the shape of amplification curves for estimation of the efficiency of aptamer selection
Authors: Radko S.P. , Lapa S.A. , Chudinov A.V. , Khmeleva S.A. , Mannanova M.M. , Kurbatov L.K. , Kiseleva Y.Y. , Zasedatelev A.S. , Lisitsa A.V.
Published: December 2019

Using random (combinatorial) DNA-libraries with various degrees of diversity, it was shown that their amplification by polymerase chain reaction in real time resulted in appearance of a maximum on amplification curves. The relative decrease of fluorescence after passing the maximum was directly proportional to the logarithm of the number of oligonucleotide sequence variants in the random DNA-library provided that this number was within in the interval from 1 to 104 and remained practically unaltered when the number of variants was in the interval from 105 to 108. The obtained dependence was used in the course of SELEX to evaluate changes in the diversity of random DNA-libraries from round to round in selection of DNA-aptamers to the recombinant SMAD4 protein. As a result, oligonucleotides containing sequences able to form a site of SMAD4-DNA interactions known as SBE (SMAD-binding element) have been selected thus indicating that the SMAD4-SBE interaction dominates the aptamer selection.
Study of stability of proline-containing derivatives of dopamine and serotonin in the biological media in vitro experiments
Authors: Shevchenko K.V. , Andreeva L.A. , Nagaev I.Yu. , Shevchenko V.P. , Myasoedov N.F.
Published: December 2019

Boc-Gly-Pro-DP, Z-Gly-Pro-DP, LA-Gly-Pro-DP, Boc-Gly-Pro-Srt, Z-Gly-Pro-Srt were synthesized for the first time. The stability of these compounds in the presence of leucine aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase Y, carboxypeptidase B and proline endopeptidase (PEP) was determined. It turned out that the compounds are stable in the presence of aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases. In the presence of PEP, dopamine (DP) and serotonin (Srt) are cleaved from the synthesized preparations. Thus, new proline-containing Srt and DP derivatives were obtained, Srt and DP could be gradually released from them. This suggest the possibility of a prolonged action of these biologically active compounds on the vital activity of cells and, consequently, of the whole organism.
Chlorine e6 in phospholipid nanoparticles with specific targeting and penetrating peptides as prospective composition for photodynamic therapy of malignant neoplasms
Authors: Kostryukova L.V. , Plyutinskaya A.D. , Pankratov A.A. , Korotkevich E.I. , Prozorovskiy V.N. , Tikhonova E.G. , Torkhovskaya T.I. , Teryoshkina Yu.A.
Published: December 2019

Cytotoxic and photoinduced activity of chlorine e6 (Ce6) in phospholipid nanoparticles with specific tumor targeting and cell-penetrating peptides was studied in vitro using human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080. It was shown, that the binding of cell-penetrating peptide R7 – alone or combined with the peptide containing specific targeting motif NGR (Asn-Gly-Arg) – resulted in 3-fold decrease of Ce6 photoinduced activity as compared with that in nanoparticles without peptides (IC50 values were 0.7 μg/ml and 2.1 μg/ml, respectively). The NGR influence was unexpectedly low – less than 20% (IC50 1.7 μg/ml). This suggests the more importance of Ce6 cell penetration in this case, than of NGR-mediated targeting. The effect of inclusion of both peptides on the total cytotoxicity of Ce6 was minimal (10-16 times less than on the specific photoinduced activity). The obtained results – together with earlier shown effects on improvement of the pharmacokinetics of Ce6 in vivo after its embedding into phospholipid nanoparticles – indicate the prospects of using the obtained phospholipid nanoparticles system for photodynamic therapy.
The model of prediction of the inhibition of neuraminidases of influenza A and B based on a reduced set of energy terms
Authors: Mikurova A.V. , Skvortsov V.S.
Published: December 2019

The overall model for prediction of IC₅₀ values for inhibitors of neuraminidase influenza virus A and B has been created. It combines data about IC₅₀ values of complexes of 40 variants of neuraminidases of influenza A (7 serotypes) and B and three known inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir). The model also uses only data of enthalpy contributions to the potential energy of inhibitor/protein and substrate (MUNANA)/protein complexes. The calculation procedures are ported to use software with support of GPU accelerators, that significant decrease the computation time. The corresponding correlation coefficient (R²) for pIC₅₀ prediction was within 0.45-0.58, the SEM values of around 0.7 (the range of used pIC₅₀ data set is from 4.55 to 10.22).
Production of Certified pH Buffer Solutions at National Metrology Institute of Turkey
Authors: LİV Lokman , UYSAL Emrah
Published: December 2019

pH,
a thermodynamic function, is the negative logarithm of the activity of
hydronium ions. It is well-known concept used in many different areas from
science to industry. The widespread use of pH measurements has increased the
need for certified reference solutions in this field. The primary pH
measurement system that was established in Turkey as the first and only was
used for production and certification of reference pH buffer solutions. The
system consists of measurement cell named as Harned cell, Ag/AgCl electrodes,
Pt/Ptblack or Pt/Pdblack electrodes, thermostatic bath,
PT-100 probe and display unit, data acquisition unit and barometer. The
software of primary system was developed and validated in TUBITAK UME. Moreover,
high precision coulometry system has been used to determine the acid molality
utilized at first step of primary level pH measurement system. Homogeneity,
short and long term stability, characterization, certification  and post-production studies were performed
according to ISO Guide 34: 2009, ISO Guide 35: 2006 and ERM Application Note
1: 2010 for the production and evaluation of the results of certified pH
buffer solutions. Thanks to this situation, traceability will be disseminated
through TUBITAK UME directly. Moreover the foreign currency spent for these
solutions, that are generally used for calibration of pH meters and used in
many other areas, will be retained in the country.
Y3Fe5O12 İnce Filmlerin Gd3Ga5O12 Alttaş Üzerine Darbeli Lazer Biriktirme (PLD) Yöntemiyle Büyütülmesi
Authors: YURTCAN Mustafa Tolga , SOYKAN Ümmügülsüm , ATALAY Selçuk
Published: December 2019

Bu çalışmada, Darbeli Lazer
Biriktirme (PLD) tekniği ile (111) yönelimine sahip Gd3Ga5O12
(GGG) alttaş üzerine, basınç ve sıcaklık değerleri değiştirilerek (111)
yönelimine sahip Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) ince film
büyütmek için en uygun büyütme şartı belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Büyütme işlemi
sırasında oluşan plazma bulutunun fiziksel yapısı göz önüne alınarak, 50
mTorr’luk adımlarla 100 mTorr’dan 250 mTorr’a kadar büyütme basıncı
değiştirilmiş ve bu basınç aralığında sıcaklığın etkisini görmek amacıyla 560,
640, 720 ve 800 °C’de büyütmeler yapılmıştır. Büyütmeler sırasında basınç ve
sıcaklık değişkenleri haricinde; atış sayısı, tekrarlama frekansı, ısıtma ve
soğutma hızı, hedef-alttaş mesafesi, lazer uyarma enerjisi ve tavlama şartları
sabit tutulmuştur. Hazırlanan filmlerin incelenmesi için X-Işını Kırınımı (XRD)
ve Taramalı Elektron Mikroskobu (SEM) kullanılmıştır. YIG ve GGG’nin aynı
kristal yapıda olması ve aynı XRD verisine sahip olması nedeniyle, büyütmenin
başarılı olup olmadığının anlaşılması için Enerji Dağılımlı X-Işını
Spektrometresi (EDX) kullanılmıştır. Yapılan analizler incelendiğinde YIG/GGG
filmlerin başarıyla büyütüldüğü görülmüş ve en uygun büyütme koşulunun 100
mTorr ve 800 °C’de elde edildiği görülmüştür.
New sources of arbutin: Onobrychis nitida and Onobrychis galegifolia
Authors: AKŞİT Hüseyin , ŞİMŞEK Samed , ÖZDOKUR Volkan , KÖKSAL Ekrem
Published: December 2019

Arbutin
(4-Hydroxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) is a mono glycosidic form of
hydroquinone and has been widely used in cosmetics for a long time due to skin
whitening and freckle removing properties. In this study, arbutin was isolated
from the methanol extract of Onobrychis galegifolia using flash
chromatography. The structure of arbutin was elucidated by 1H and 13C
-NMR spectroscopy and as well as 2D NMR techniques. In addition, quantitative
analysis of arbutin found in O. galegifolia and O. nitida species
was done using HPLC-DAD. According to the results, the arbutin content of
methanol extracts of O. galegifolia and O. nitida was found
212.02 and 196.46 mg/g extract respectively. In addition, the arbutin content
of cold-water extracts of O. galegifolia and O. nitida was found
128.2 and 99.40 mg/g extract. The amount of arbutin in dry weights was
calculated for about 5.66% to 6.86%.
Research attitude and practices of medical teachers
Authors: . Neeraj , Upadhye Jayshree J.
Published: December 2019

Background: The present study was conducted on medical teachers to evaluate their attitudes and practices towards research.Methods: This study was conducted at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru, Karnataka India. In a cross-sectional study, randomly, 50 medical teachers were selected for evaluation and assessment of attitudes and practices towards research amongst the medical teachers.Results: In this study, 44 (88%) of faculties were interested in research. 36(72%) of faculties said that they were using internet for research regularly while 14(28%) of faculties said that they were using internet for research sometimes. 36(72%) of faculties had attended state conferences, 18(36%) of faculties had attended national conferences while 5(10%) of faculties had attended international conferences. 6(12%) of faculties presented 1-2 papers in Conferences, 8(16%) of faculties presented 3-4 papers in Conferences while 36(72%) of faculties presented 1-2 papers in Conferences. 11(22%) of faculties were involved in research with the aim of purely research.19(38%) of faculties felt that resources are inadequate, 17(34%) of faculties felt that reference material is inadequate, 16(32%) of faculties felt that hospital records were inadequate,Conclusions: In this study, the attitude towards the research was quite healthy. There was a lack of utilization of research facilities and less research output like poster/ paper presentation in academic meets and research publications in the journals by medical faculties.
Serum high sensitivity C reactive protein and lipid profile in obese students
Authors: Trimbake Sangeeta B. , Pratinidhi Shilpa A. , Majithia Yash K.
Published: December 2019

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is progressively increasing in younger and adult population in India. It is a medical problem that increases risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. One of the causes of dyslipidaemia is obesity. High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), is a marker of systemic inflammation and a predictor of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hence it is important to check the relationship of hs-CRP with lipid profiles in obese and non-obese students.Methods: A case control observational study was carried out in 60 students. They were divided in to two groups obese and non-obese based on the BMI ranges. Serum lipid levels, hs-CRP and BMI was estimated in both groups to find out correlation of hs-CRP with lipid profile and BMI.Results: There was a significant rise in serum Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol and a significant fall in HDL-C in obese group as compared to non-obese group. Serum hs-CRP and BMI was significantly increased in obese students as compared to non-obese students. There was statistically significant positive correlation found between hs-CRP and total cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol in obese students.Conclusions: Significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and lipid profile except HDL-C. Serum hs-CRP levels may decrease by treatment of dyslipidaemia. This would minimize the incidence of atherosclerosis and hence decrease the risk for development of coronary artery disease. Hence, improving the quality of life.
Assessing efficacy of diabetes school using diabetes knowledge scale in Turkey
Authors: Taskiran Bengur , Cansu Guven Baris
Published: December 2019

Background: Diabetes education, as an essential component of diabetes management, improves various aspects of diabetes mellitus including lowering Haemoglobin A1c. There is a number of surveys evaluating diabetes knowledge.Methods: The purpose of this study to measure diabetes knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus after a structured group education programme named as diabetes school. This study is an observational study and the design is a cohort study. The study took place in 2017-2018. The duration of follow-up is 4 weeks. Fifty-four patients aged over 18 with a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, who attended to the diabetes school education programme, were included to the study. Twenty-three patients participated in the true-false version of the revised Michigan diabetes knowledge questionnaire before and after the programme.Results: Twenty female and 3 male patients were aged 60.43±9.97 years. The scores improved significantly after the education programme (7.61±4.59 vs 12.39±3.35, p<0.0001). The number of patients correctly identifying more than half of the statements showed a steep increase after the programme (n=6, 26.0% vs n=17, 73.9%). Before education programme 13 had poor knowledge, 9 had moderate, and 1 had good knowledge. After completion 6 had poor knowledge, 11 had moderate, and 5 had good knowledge.Conclusions: Diabetes school is effective in improving diabetes knowledge in patients with diabetes mellitus. Revised Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire can be used to evaluated diabetes knowledge. It may aid to detect the subgroup of patients who are lack knowledge of various aspects of diabetes mellitus.
Limberg flap for reconstruction after excision of multiple conglomerate epidermoid cysts
Authors: Khan Nida , Chedda Karna , Goel Dipesh , Rajakumar Rontgen , Singhal Pragati
Published: December 2019

Epidermoid cysts are common, subepidermal, keratin containing nodules, found anywhere on the body in 3rd and 4th decade of life. Surgical treatment is by complete excision with wall of cyst intact. Author presents a 40-year-old male with multiple sebaceous cysts in close proximity to one another on his left thigh. Individual cyst excision would have lead to a difficult primary closure, need for multiple incisions, with contracture and poor cosmesis due to the close proximity of the cysts. instead, the cysts were excised in mass and limberg flap was used for reconstruction and primary closure. Patient was followed up for 6 months. The objective of this study was to prove that limberg flap yields superior cosmesis and healing by primary intention in reconstruction after excision of multiple epidermoid cysts.
Expanding access to viral load testing in Nigeria; the impact of third party logistics
Authors: Adeiye Ajani Love , Faith Ajani Olumide , Felix Sanni Olaniyi , Paul Abiodun Olaiya , Nwofe Justin Onyebuchi , Rukema Kaniki Freddy , Mallak Shadi Kafi
Published: December 2019

Background: Access to viral load testing in Nigeria remains a key challenge in achieving the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90:90:90 targets in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This study investigates the impact of 3 party logistics (3PL) on expanding access to viral load testing.Methods: This exploratory, case study research was carried out in Abuja in December, 2018, using in-depth interview method. Open-ended questions were used to interview nine staff from the three polymerase chain reaction laboratories in Federal Capital Territory. The audios of interviews were recorded and transcribed on paper. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.Results: This study revealed that the adoption of 3PL services has helped to overcome major challenges of viral load testing such as late delivery of samples, late collection of results, and rejection problems; thereby reduced sample rejection frequencies, increased efficiency, reduced turnaround time and ease viral load testing processes. Though the adoption of 3PL has helped to overcome major challenges of viral load testing, however, the challenges still facing viral load testing include the 3PLs bringing samples at any time-even at closing hours, not delivering results to facilities on time after pickup, poor medical backgrounds and inability of 3PLs to enforce instructions on facilities. However, respondents expressed satisfaction with the services of the 3PLs.Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the adoption of 3PL service into viral load transport logistics has positive impacts on the process. However, only one of the laboratories uses two 3PL providers while other two use only one.
Assessment of knowledge of risk factors and prevention of obesity among school children: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gunagi Praveena R. , Karikatti Shobha S. , Halki Sunanda B.
Published: December 2019

Background: Childhood obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases and is an important determinant of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes etc. This can largely be attributed to the transformation in the lifestyles of children. There is still lack of knowledge about obesity among high school children. Objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of risk factors of obesity among school children and to find out the knowledge of hazards and preventive measures of obesity among school children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students aged between 13-14 years from 9 randomly selected schools. The total sample included 480 students.Results: Out of 480 subjects 70.4% had heard about obesity, 62.3% were aware about the increasing prevalence of obesity among the youngsters, 26.7% thought unhealthy dietary factors and 29% thought mental stress were the main factors leading to obesity and non-communicable diseases. More than 75% students had correct knowledge of dietary factors associated with obesity like eating larger portion of food, eating fried foods, having junk foods. 51-75% of the students responded correctly for the factors i.e. using motorcycle for short distance.Conclusions: More than half of the students had knowledge of specific dietary and physical activity risk factors. Majority of the students identified high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problem as hazards of obesity. Only one third of the students knew preventive measures like adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, limiting unhealthy snacks and limiting screen time to prevent obesity.
Role of mother’s education and antenatal counselling on breast feeding practices among women in coastal Karnataka: a community based cross sectional study
Authors: K. Chethana , Nelliyanil Maria , Anil Manjula , S. Jayaram
Published: December 2019

Background: Breastfeeding has been a universal practice. A number of factors influence the breastfeeding practices of the mothers. This study was conducted to assess the breast-feeding practices and its association with mother’s education and antenatal counselling.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 167 mothers with infants who were residing in field practice area of a medical college. A pretested semi-structured validated questionnaire was administered to assess the breast-feeding practices followed. Towards the end of each interview the investigator observed the mothers as they breast fed their children to assess the appropriateness of positioning and attachment. Chi-square test and Fischer’s exact probability test were used to test the associations.Results: 19.8% of the mothers were illiterate. 64.1% had received antenatal counselling on breast feeding. 62.3% initiated breast feeding within one hour. Colostrum was discarded by 6% of the mothers and 28.7% gave pre-lacteal feeds. 72.3%, 86.1% and 77.3% of them practiced appropriate position of feeding, held their children in the appropriate position and had good attachment to the breast, respectively. Mother’s education had a statistically significant association with pre-lacteal feeds administration, exclusive breastfeeding and breast-feeding position. Antenatal breast-feeding counselling had a statistically significant association with appropriate positioning of the child, attachment and practicing burping.Conclusions: Breast feeding practices in the current study was far from satisfactory. Mother’s education and antenatal breast-feeding counselling had a major role in the feeding practices.
Epidemiological profile of non-urgent patient visits to emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Anbumani Arun , Amos Jegaraj Moses Kirubairaj , Karruppusami Reka
Published: December 2019

Background: Non-urgent visits to emergency department (ED) form a significant proportion of ED visits. The reasons vary from minor injuries, fever of short duration, parental anxiety, and even serious conditions like myocardial infarctions presenting atypically. Non-urgent visits stress the ED services while prolonged waiting affects the patients. The aim was to study the profile of non-urgent visits to emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in South India.Methods: Prospective and descriptive study of patients aged 15 years and above categorized as non-urgent after triage was conducted. Data such as age, gender, reason for visit, time of presentation during the day, duration of ED stay and need for referral were recorded. Quantitative variables were presented as Mean±SD and frequency with percentage for qualitative variables.Results: Non-urgent visits contributed to 47.1% of total ED visits. Reasons for non-urgent visits were fever (15.4%), vomiting (13.9%), breathlessness (7.6%), minor trauma (7.3%), giddiness (7.0%) and dysuria (5.5%). 80.8% of all non- urgent visits were seen by ED doctor within two hours of being triaged. Most patients were treated for their immediate symptoms and 64.8% needed follow-up out-patient appointments. Admission rate was 1.2%. Majority of non-urgent visits (55.7%) were daytime visits and 13% were after-hours.Conclusions: Non-urgent visits contribute to about half of all ED visits and can stress ED. A local triage guideline is necessary to run these services in ED. Extended general practice or family physician run urgent care can relieve the stress on ED while rendering to patients accessible and affordable care.
Assessment of vaccine management in cold chain points of Jashpur and Sarguja districts of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Kamble Nitin H. , Singh Daneshwar , Mendhe Harshal G. , Makade Kiran
Published: December 2019

Background: It has been observed that besides intensification of routine immunization, more strategic interventions are essential to strengthen the different aspects of immunization services like cold-chain management and monitoring/supportive supervision. The present study was considered as a part of ongoing UNICEF funded project on Supportive Supervision of Routine Immunization in Jashpur and Sarguja districts undertaken by the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Rajnandgaon with the objectives to assess the status of cold chain equipment and logistics management practices, knowledge and practice of cold chain handler (CCHs) about cold chain equipment and logistics management.Methods: A cross-sectional facility based study was conducted from August 2017 to February 2018. Among 18 cold chain points (CCPs), 9 from Jashpur and 9 from Sarguja district were considered for analysis using structured questionnaires provided by UNICEF.Results: In 83.33% CCPs cold chain technician or annual maintenance contract/computer-mediated communication service provider visit for preventive maintenance in the last 4 months. Vaccine CCHs carries out the daily and weekly planned preventive measures as per the checklist in 83.33% CCPs during our visit. In all CCPs iced line refrigerator (ILR) and deep freezer (DF) were placed as per specified guidelines. In 66.66% CCPs there was documentation of monthly review of temperature records. In all CCPs visited standard vaccine and logistics stock/issue registers were available.Conclusions: Most of the components of cold chain and logistics management practices were satisfactory while there is a gap in other components which needs to be improved by means of ongoing project of strengthening of SSRI in both districts.
An epidemiological study on diabetes and its determinants among urban slum women of Rajkot city, Gujarat
Authors: Lunagariya Ruchita T. , Patel Umed V.
Published: December 2019

Background: India has the maximum number of diabetic patients in the world and this had given the country the dubious distinction of being the “diabetic capital” of the world. It is evident that the urban poor living in slums and slum like areas adopt a more urbanized lifestyle which places them at a higher risk for non-communicable diseases and have poor access to healthcare, partly related to their poor purchasing ability. Women slum dwellers are particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes. The study was conducted with objectives to assess prevalence, determine factors and know treatment and control status.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted among 405 slum women of age 35 years or more in Rajkot city. Interview, anthropometric measurements and selective clinical examinations i.e., blood sugar estimation were done for all participants.Results: In present study, total 64 (15.80%) women were diagnosed with diabetes. A statistically significant association was found between body mass index, remaining busy in household work, walking, practicing healthy habits, parental history, sibling history and diabetes. Out of 64 women who were diagnosed with diabetes, about half i.e., 36 (56.25%) were aware of their diabetic status. Out of those aware, 29 (80.66%) were on treatment. Among those on treatment, about half i.e., 16 (55.17%) had their blood sugar under control.Conclusions: Studied population high prevalence and inadequate control of diabetes.
Hypertension prevalence and associated risk factors among bank employees working in an urban area of Marathwada region, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shekhar Saket , Holambe Vimal M. M. , Bansode Jagdish D. , Edake Sachin S.
Published: December 2019

Background: Epidemiologic transition of diseases is occurring in recent times throughout the world. The morbidity, disability and mortality burden is now more because of non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are number one killer throughout the world. Hypertension has been found to be an independent and consistent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Bank employee’s job being sedentary in nature and involving cash management related stress makes bank employees a potential occupational group to develop hypertension. So, this study was planned to assess the prevalence of hypertension in bank employees in the urban area of Latur district, Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between January 2016 to December 2016 among all the bank employees working in urban area of Latur, Maharashtra. Approval from institutional ethics committee was obtained beforehand.Results: Total 577 bank employees were surveyed for this study. 32.4% of subjects were found to be hypertensive. Association of higher age group and managerial cadre of employment were found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Bank employees have a higher prevalence of hypertension as compared to general population. Bank employees are an occupational risk group to develop hypertension.
Assessment of health education on knowledge regarding oral antidiabetic drug adherence in urban area, Bengaluru
Authors: Ramegowda Chethana , Hulugappa Lakshmi
Published: December 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a high mortality and morbidity. Knowledge regarding the disease is required for the management of drug adherence in diabetes, hence the present study was taken to assess the effectiveness of health education on knowledge regarding oral anti-diabetic drug adherence.Methods: The study was conducted at urban health training centre of a medical college, Bengaluru from October 2015 to July 2016. A total of 70 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were involved in this descriptive and interventional study. The study subjects included only on oral anti-diabetic drugs and willing to give informed consent. A pre-tested semi-structured proforma was administered and information about socio-demographic profile, and impact of health education intervention on knowledge was obtained.Results: Most of the subjects were female (80%), in the age group of 35-45 years (34%), illiterate (40%), unemployed (67%) with class IV (78%) socio-economic status according to Modified Kuppuswamy classification 2014. The mean±SD age was 52.47±11.06 years. Significant improvement in knowledge regarding adherence to oral anti-diabetic medication was found in study subjects following health education intervention.Conclusions: The study revealed that health education regarding the importance of drug adherence is needed in study subjects and there was significant improvement in knowledge after health education.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in a rural private school
Authors: Bhatt Miti Dwijen , Kadam Deepali Mohan
Published: December 2019

Background: Being a developing country, India is faced with many health problems which can be averted by education and implementation of basic guidelines. Menstrual hygiene is one such topics which is rarely brought to attention but forms an integral part of a women’s life. This topic has been neglected not only in rural areas but in the poor socioeconomic corners of metropolitan cities. This ignorance has taken a great toll on the quality of life of women. Poor hygiene predisposes them to reproductive tract infections which may lead to increased incidence of infertility and mortality. Misconceptions regarding this have also prevented women to seek out professional help. Keeping this in mind the study was undertaken to spread awareness and eliminate the taboo this topic is regarded with.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst adolescent girls in a private school located in Angaon village, Bhiwandi Taluka, Mumbai. A self-administered questionnaire was given to the adolescent girls to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstrual cycle. Percentages were used for statistical analysis.Results: 83 girls (96.51%) were aware of menstrual cycle. 49 (56.98%) girls perceived that menstrual blood is dirty. 72 (83.72%) knew that it is a physiological process. 85 (98.84%) were also aware about menstrual hygiene. 85 (98.4%) felt that girls should be addressed regarding menstrual cycle, hygiene before achieving menarche. 50 (58.14%) girls followed restrictions during menstruation.Conclusions: The findings of the present study emphasize the need to address physiology about menstrual cycle as well as the myths and misconceptions associated with it.
Quality of life of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients attending a tertiary care institute in Kolkata
Authors: Mallick Debjani Basu , Dutt Debashis , Banerjee Bratati , Bhattacharjee Anupam
Published: December 2019

Background: Assessment of quality of life (QOL) helps to find out factors associated with disease progression and response to treatment, identify vulnerable groups. The objective of this study was to assess the QOL (based on physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions) of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 126 oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients attending radio therapy department of Calcutta Medical College. QOL was assessed by using validated Bengali version of two self-administered questionnaires: European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-30 and EORTC-35.Results: Among total 81 patients, most of the patients (45.67%) had stage III diseases. Median global health score (GHS) for all patients were 41.67. GHS deteriorated with advancement of the diseases (p=0.000), GHS significantly improved with increasing level of education (p=0.019). GHS was poorer among female patients (median for male was 45.66 and for female was 36.45; p=0.178) and patients with oropharyngeal cancer (median for oral cancer was 50.00, oropharyngeal cancer was 41.67, p=0.215). As per EORTC-35, pain was the major symptom for both type of cancer and was more among patients with oropharyngeal cancer.Conclusions: QOL deteriorates with advancement of the disease and is poorer among females. Co-morbidity status does not affect the QOL. Pain is a major problem of cancer patients, which is more with oropharyngeal cancer patients. Early detection of the cancer and proper pain management and counselling with special focus on females can improve the quality of life.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of Ramadan fasting on health and disease among pregnant Muslim women in urban health centre of a medical college
Authors: G. Muhammed Muntazeem , B. A. Varadaraja Rao , S. Mane Kusum
Published: December 2019

Background: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan entails abstinence from food, water, smoking and drugs from dawn to sunset. In Islamic religious rule fasting during Ramadan is not mandatory if there is any contraindication such as illness, old age, pregnancy, etc. Many studies have shown that most Muslim women choose to fast during pregnancy because of a sense of religious duty, familial support, positive views on fasting and difficulty in completing the missed fasts at another time.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 124 pregnant Muslim women attending urban health centre for antenatal care during the month of Ramadan at Davanagere city. Data was entered in the Microsoft Excel and presented in the form of frequencies.Results: In this study majority of pregnant women believed that fasting during pregnancy is harmful to mother as well as child. Overall, 80.6% of pregnant women did not observed fasting during pregnancy.Conclusions: In this study majority of the pregnant women did not observed fasting during the month of Ramadan. Health education should be given to all pregnant women and family members regarding adverse effect of fasting on mother and child health.
The role of women self-help groups in reproductive health: an operational research
Authors: Amarnath Vaishnavi Devi Moola , Jeyaraju Anitha Rani , Iyer Ramesh Harihara , Iyer Ramesh Harihara
Published: December 2019

Background: In India, women in the reproductive age group (15-44 years) comprise 53% of women population (according to 2011 census). In spite of continuous evolution to improve reproductive health services in India, there is insufficient progress in decline of maternal mortality rate at 2 percent per annuum. One of the innovative strategies identified in reproductive and child health (RCH) II program and UN millennium declaration was establishment of women self-help groups (SHG’s) particularly in rural regions with high levels of poverty. So this study is aimed to assess the current role of women SHG’s in, maternal health, Family welfare and associated maternity benefit schemes. And also, to find out the constraints in involvement of women SHG’s and to assess the feasibility of enhancing their role in reproductive health services.Methods: It is a population based cross sectional study carried out at Nemam sub centre area of Nemam primary health care centre under Thiruvallur housing and urban development. Women who have been a SHG member for more than 6 months were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively after obtaining informed consent which was approved by institutional ethics committee. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Qualitative data was analyzed using coding techniques.Results: A total of 56 self-help groups from 10 villages resulted in a total study population of 392 individuals. Before identifying their role, their awareness was also evaluated. Ninety percent of the SHG women were aware of most of the components of maternal health services. But the role was good among 58% of the SHG women. This study brings forth the gap in knowledge and their role which is because they were not confident of their knowledge.Conclusions: In a developing country like India, involving the well organized and available grass root volunteers like women SHG’s in reproductive health services will have a great bearing on the maternal health and consequently on health of children and community at large.
Status epilepticus related rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury
Authors: Kula Atay Can , Ulucan Eda , Hoca Emre , Ataoğlu Hayriye Esra
Published: December 2019

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle constituents into the circulation. Creatine kinase levels are typically markedly elevated, and muscle pain and myoglobinuria may be present. Its causes are variable. Acute kidney injury is a common complication of rhabdomyolysis. Our patient is a 51-year-old male who was brought to the hospital with a complaint of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and weakness. His creatine phosphokinase levels increased on the first day of admission to 93,809 U/l. Creatinine level was found to be 9.13 mg/dl in the first biochemistry test. He was diagnosed to have an acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis. Hemodialysis was not performed to patient. Sixteen days after first admission, the patient’s rhabdomyolysis resolved.
Efficacy of viral load suppression on life expectancy of human immunodeficiency virus patients: a literature review
Authors: Kyamakya Moses Bwambale , Niranjan Vikram
Published: December 2019

In a bid mitigate the spread of HIV and AIDS since it was diagnosed, several interventions ranging from palliative care, increased access to HIV treatment to manage opportunistic infections and the current drive of improving clinical outcomes through suppression of viral load are all aimed at prolonging survival of HIV and AIDS patients. The authors endeavour to corroborate the effect of viral load (VL) suppression on ART HIV patients. The authors applied a comprehensive search by merging terms for survival of HIV patients to clinical, demographic and socio-economic factors in NCBI and MEDLINE databases. About 15 articles were considered by outlining research questions, generating key words and search terminologies. Only articles published since 2013 during scale up of VL interventions were considered. It is worth noting that unsuppressed VL clinically decisively causes death in HIV/AIDS patients, propelled by a number of associated causes including opportunistic infections (OIs) Tuberculosis (TB), Non communicable diseases (NCDs), age, sex, income, geographic location among others. Whereas there is marked decline in risk of dying among HIV/AIDS patients resulting from VL suppression, other factors including; early detection and timely treatment, managing OIs, NCDs and TB treatment, tackling socio-economic barriers and multi-pronged community focused interventions like Community Client Led ART Delivery CCLAD, Community Drug Distribution Point (CDDP) interventions enhance survival of HIV/AIDS patients on lifelong ART.
Mudança organizacional x sociedade - O impacto dos serviços educacionais a distância na realidade dos usuários
Authors: Egidio Isabel Virgolino , Oliveira Silva Maria De Fatima
Published: December 2019

Considering Long Distance Education (LDE) and the insertion of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the educational process, as an impactful organizational change promoted by Teaching Institutions, the objective of this research is to describe how long distance education services provided by the Institutions of Itaporanga – PB pole, change the reality of its users. In order to achieve this goal, a field research was conducted, aiming to: Identify and describe the educational institutions that provide LDE services at Itaporanga pole; historicize the process of the inclusion of LDE in the services of these institutions; check the benefits that this organizational change has brought about in people’s lives; highlight the need and importance of access to knowledge that this change has brought to Itaporanga society and neighboring regions. A questionnaire was applied to LDE students who are still taking their courses or the ones who have completed their degrees. It was also used with the Coordination of the Federal university of Paraíba (UFPB), State university of Paraíba (UEPB) and Federal Institute of Paraíba IFPB courses offered in Itaporanga – PB pole. After quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data, results indicated that the LDE is an organizational change promoted by the studied institutions that provides the population of Itaporanga with knowledge. It also promoted a change in the use of this technology.
Literatura na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA): trajetória para a construção de leitores
Authors: Carlos Katyuska  Maria De Souza Maria , Formiga Girlene Marques , Araujo Francilda
Published: December 2019

In the context of readers’ development , it is the School’s responsibility to provide conditions for educating citizens in a critical and reflective way, aware of their presence in the world, especially those who have not been given access to formal education at regular age. In this perspective, this work aims at analyzing both some characteristics and some of the difficulties which permeate literary literacy in Young Adults Education (YAE). In order to establish a dialogue between this teaching modality and the literary literacy, we aim at discussing some of the factors involved in such issue. In addition to that, we aim at pointing out, theoretically, effective Literature Teaching practices, so as to present a possible scenario concerning the promotion of readers’ development process. In order to do so, we based our studies on the work of Cosson (2006a, 2006b, 2009), Lajolo (1993) and Zilberman (2008a, 2008b), among others. Regarding the methodological process, we opted for a qualitativeinterpretative research and underpinned our study on recent literature about the topic. Results show not only the importance of literature in the YAE universe, not only as a key factor for students’ professional and human development, but also a need for constant search for new uses of methodologies which meet the needs imposed by this teaching modality in our country.
Representações Sociais de professores do ensino técnico integrado ao médio do Instituto Federal da Paraíba sobre formação docente
Authors: Barros de Oliveira Freire Madele Maria , Do Nascimento Melo Elda Silva
Published: December 2019

Vocational and Technological Education - EPT, in Brazil, is mainly allocated to the Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology. However, some teachers who work in this type of teaching do not have pedagogical training to teach classes in technical education integrated to high school, despite having consistent training in their areas of knowledge. Given this reality, the need for initial and continuing teacher education of teachers working in EFA has been increasing in the host of these institutions and raising academic debates on the subject. As a way to contribute to this theme, this research aimed to investigate the pedagogical formation of teachers from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba - IFPB and to understand their social representations about teacher education. The theoretical-methodological path that underpinned this research was the precepts about the Theory of Social Representations of Moscovici (1978; 2015) and other authors, and the use of the theoretical-methodological support of the Central Core Theory (ABRIC, 2001; 2003). The research participants consisted of 100 teachers, ten from each of the ten IFPB campuses selected. Data were collected through the application of the Free Word Association Technique - with the inductive term “teacher training is ...”, as well as a questionnaire and on-site observation, recorded in a field diary. Data treatment was performed through Excel, with systematization of the words evoked in a Spiral of Directions. The combination of theoretical and technical concepts related to the research theme and proposition as well as the results presented shows, in their quantitative and qualitative aspects, that the most shared elements which belonged to the central nucleus of social representations, were fundamental as well as knowledge of intermediate element I. This work not only sought to understand the level of the pedagogical formation of the investigated ones, but also apprehended the process of construction of their social representations. It also pointed alternatives to (re) think a teacher formation concatenated with the yearnings and interests of IFPB teachers.
Otimização da captação de metano de um aterro sanitário do Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Santos Gemmelle Oliveira , Ribeiro Eliana Dantas , Pio de Oliveira Francisco Carlos Henrique , Freire Samara Castro , Da Silva Roberto Antônio Cordeiro
Published: December 2019

This research aimed to determine the optimal methane uptake conditions (m3/h) in three horizontal drains of the Sanitary Landfill from Caucaia-CE from adjustments and tests on suction pressure. In the PH335 drain, the highest concentration of methane (63.6%) occurred with 25% valve aperture, i.e. working at -1.5 mb of pressure and capturing 41.0 m3/h. Above 25%, methane concentration decreases and more contaminants (oxygen, nitrogen and other gases) enter the drain, damaging its quality. In the PH361 drain, the highest methane concentration (61.4%) occurred with the valve opened at 75 and 100%, i.e., under -5.9 and -7.1 mb of pressure, capturing 86.1 and 92.2 m3/h, respectively. Unlike the previous drain, the progressive valve opening does not carry contaminants. In the PH363 drain, the highest methane concentration (55.3%) occurred with the valve open at 75%, that is, at -8.2 mb of pressure and capturing 52.2 m3/h. In the PH363 drain, the highest methane concentration (55.3%) occurred with the valve opened at 75%, i.e., at -8.2 mb of pressure and capturing 52.2 m3/h. In this drain, the larger the opening, the greater the input of contaminants. The results show that each drain has unique characteristics, requiring specific vacuum control, the quality of the gases captured depends on the location of the drain.