bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between serum selenium levels and febrile seizures in Indian children: a case control study
Authors: Khadria Sadia Syeda , M. D. Jaidev , K. Vidya
Published: February 2017

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures. Children are at particular risk for selenium deficiency. There was various hypothesis about the co-relation between selenium levels and febrile seizures. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there were any changes in serum selenium levels in children with febrile seizures when compared to children with febrile illness without seizures.Methods: This was a hospital based prospective case control study, consisting of 40 children (20 cases and 20 controls) aged between 6 months to 60 months. The serum selenium level was measured in each of them by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by using frequency percentage and pearson’s chi square test.Results: Out of the 40 children included in the study, serum selenium level was lower in febrile seizure group (80%) when compared to controls (20%) which was statistically significant (P value: 0.003). Also, there was no statistically significant difference between males and females.Conclusions: In the present study, we found significantly low serum selenium levels in children with febrile seizures as compared to the children with febrile illness with no seizures. Decreased levels of selenium in children with febrile seizures may be the result of oxidative damage, occurring in the neuronal cells. In our study, a significant co-relation between low levels of selenium and febrile seizures have been observed in children. However, since the numbers are small, further studies with larger sample size are recommended.
A study of dermatoses in patients attending pediatric OPD in a tertiary care hospital of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Authors: Gunjana Geet , Upadhyay Nisha
Published: February 2017

Background: Skin diseases in paediatric population are common all over the world. There is a wide variation in the presentation of Dermatoses in various studies. The variation among dermatoses can possibly be due to region of study, prevalent environmental factors, type of population studied, and hygiene and nutritional status and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to study prevalence, pattern of presentation and aetiologies of various dermatoses in paediatrics.Methods: A prospective, observational, single center study involving 500 patients of Dermatoses was carried out in a pediatric outpatient department. Detailed history, clinical presentation and other relevant parameter were recorded in a case record form and analyzed.Results: Majority of patients with dermatoses (39.40%) belong to age group of 6 - 16 years with male preponderance. Etiological analysis showed infections and infestations were most common dermatoses. Bacterial infection (184, 36.80%) was most common followed by viral (87, 17.40%), parasitic (51, 10.20%) and fungal (25, 5.00%) infection. Dermatitis was present in 30.6% patients. Diaper dermatitis (19 patients) was the commonest dermatitis present in infants while eczema and urticaria were the commonest dermatitis in school going children.  Pyoderma was the commonest dermatoses in this study, present in 111 patients (22.20%) followed by varicella (14.40%), impetigo (12.80%); scabies (10.20%), eczema (10.20%) and urticaria (7.60%).Conclusions: Dermatoses in children are a wide spread problem which are responsible for significant morbidity in children. The high incidence of infections and infestations are possibly due to poverty, overcrowding, undernutrition, poor hygiene and lack of health education. Skin of the young children is more prone to develop skin disease.
Effectiveness of baby friendly hospital initiative implementation on timely initiation of breast feeding - a comparative study
Authors: Jacob Sujamol , Seetha Simi Prasadchandran , Sujatha Yesodha
Published: February 2017

Background: Breast milk is unquestionably the best milk for new born baby. As per UNICEF and WHO, immediate initiation and exclusive breast feeding for six months are essential for reducing infant and neonatal mortality and malnutrition and improving young child survival. In a study conducted by Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP) in 2009 showed that there has been an alarming decline in breast feeding practices over years. This created great concern and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare decided to revive the BFHI programme, a global movement that aims to give every baby the best start in life by creating a health care environment where breast feeding is the norm. We, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala conducted a study to compare the breast-feeding practices prior to and after implementation of BFHI programme.Methods: This was a comparative study done in 2013 -14 among 320 post-natal mothers delivered at SAT hospital before and after BFHI implementation to study the improvement in Breast feeding practices.Results: The revamping programme of BFHI brought significant change in timely initiation of breast feeding within one hour of delivery. Knowledge of mothers increased in the post implementation group. Proactive approach from the part of health workers also showed significant improvement.Conclusions: The campaign has initiated a positive response highlighting the benefits of breast feeding and dangers of bottle or animal milk feeding. A well-organized community awareness programme involving obstetrician, pediatrician and other health personnel will help in promotion of breast feeding through periodic review of the status and progress of the programme.
Pattern of eye diseases among participants of free eye screening program in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Abraham Emem G. , Megbelayin Emmanuel O.
Published: February 2017

Background: Vision screening can help discover some problems hitherto unknown to the patient but it is also a fact that many other disease conditions may also be missed during screening depending on the qualification and skill of those carrying out the test and the available instruments for screening. Eye diseases differ from country to country and even within the same country from community to community and knoweledge of the disease pattern in a given environment is critical for planning of appropraite intervention programs.Methods: Free eye health intervention program was carried out and patients were inially screened by optometrists and ophthalmic nurses for cataract, presbyopia and other minor ophthalmic problems. Patients that had other problems including complicated cataract were referred for further consultation with the ophthalmologists in the field..Results: Of the 547 who were further screened by the ophthalmologists in the field 243 (44.4%) were males and 304 (55.6%) were females with male to female ratio of 1: 1.25. The age range was 1-87 years. The mean(SD) age was 51.27years, median 53years, and mode was 60 years. Cataract and its related problem was the commonest condition139(25.4%), followed by glaucoma 78(14.3%). Age related macular degeneration(AMD) was the commonest posterior segment finding 27(4.9%)  while corneal opacity 11(2.0%) was the commonest anterior segment finding and 19(3.5%) were bilaterally blind.Conclusions: The eye health indices of the people as shown by the disease prevalence and the number of those bilaterally blind are still very poor.
Health services rendered through Accredited Social Health Activists to rural Uttar Pradesh, India: community’s perception
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Garg Rajesh , Siddiqui Haroon Ali , Roy Rupali
Published: February 2017

Background: To reduce infant and maternal mortality in India, the Government of India (GOI), under its flagship program, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), in 2005, introduced a new village based health functionary named Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) to act as a bridge between rural population and health care delivery system. To a large extent the actualization of the goals of NRHM depends on the functional efficacy of ASHA as a grass root health activist.Methods: The Study was conducted in a Chiraigaon Block of District Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh., India from October 2008 to September 2009. A total of 270 beneficiaries comprising of mothers, who have delivered during the study period or within last six months since initiation of the study were enrolled and interviewed. Apart from that, 20 Multi Purpose Health Workers- Female (MPHW-F), 30 elected village Heads and five Medical officers were interviewed independently to know their opinions about work performance of ASHA.Results: This study revealed that 80 % of beneficiaries availed Ante Natal Care (ANC) check up. A total of 97% of the beneficiaries had received 100 tablets of Iron Folic Acid (IFA), 72% of the beneficiaries were counseled for nutrition during pregnancy and the child immunization coverage was more than 80%.  About 75% of multi purpose Health Worker-Female (MPHW-F), 83 % of the village heads and 80% of the Medical Officers were of the opinion that the maternal and child health (MCH) services have improved after ASHAs introduction. Conclusions: Overall, ASHA’s impact in the form of counseling on health services utilization by beneficiaries was observed to be statistically significant.
Utilization of antenatal health care services and its impact on birth weight of newborn in rural area of Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Uppadhaya Sandeep Kumar , Agrawal Neha , Bhansali Suman , Garg Kapil , Singh Mahendra
Published: February 2017

Background: Antenatal care is an important component of reproductive and child health but has not been utilized to the full extent in India. The study is aimed to assess the utilization of antenatal health care services by mothers and its impact on birth weight of their newborn.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A total of 198 women of study area who have delivered between 1st July 2013 to 30thJune 2014 (12 months period) were interviewed by pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire by door to door approach.Results: Present study showed that 100% of mothers registered their pregnancy in any health facility and 56.6% were registered in 2nd trimester. Only 32.8% mothers had received four or more antenatal visits. Only 26.26% mothers had utilized full antenatal care (minimum four antenatal visits, minimum one TT and minimum 100 IFA tablet taken) during pregnancy. The prevalence of low birth weight was 12.6%. Proportion of LBW babies was more (15.9%) in mothers who had not availed of full antenatal care. This difference was statistically significantly (P<0.05).Conclusions: The important factors related to low utilization of Antenatal services were lower socioeconomic status, lower literacy of mothers, working mothers, parity and nuclear family. The findings of this study may be utilized by the health managers and health care providers to address the problem of low ANC coverage.
A study on utilization of antenatal care services in urban slums of Amritsar city, Punjab, India
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , H. V. Kiran Kumar , Devgan Shivesh
Published: February 2017

Background: Rapid urbanization in India is fuelling a growth in urban poverty, particularly in the urban slums where the quality of life is extremely poor. There have been limited efforts to capture the health of population living in urban slums and most severely affected are the women of childbearing age and children. So the present study was carried out to assess the utilization pattern of antenatal care and to identify the factors affecting it in urban slums of Amritsar city.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1600 houses selected randomly in four slum areas of Amritsar city in which 659 married women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years who had at least 1 child and had delivered the last child in the last 3 years were found. Total 659 women were interviewed using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma.Results: 58.4% of respondent women attended at least one antenatal visit during last pregnancy. Maximum (43.4%) attended 2 antenatal visits. Majority (64.4%) had their first antenatal visit in 2nd trimester. Majority (57.1%) consumed <100 IFA tablets. Majority (65.6%) were fully immunized with 2 doses/booster of TT. Lack of knowledge about ANC services was the reason given by most of the women (31.0%) for not attending any antenatal visit. The utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services by women was found to be significantly associated with their age, education, birth order, socio-economic status and husband’s education.Conclusions: The utilization of antenatal care services was found to be poor in the study population. Important barriers to service utilization were found to be lack of awareness and lack of felt need. This shows the need for intensive efforts to be made in slum areas to create awareness among women by Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities.
Lay perspectives on causes and complications of hypertension; and barrier to access health care by known hypertensive patients: a qualitative study from a rural area of South India
Authors: Newtonraj Ariarathinam , Arun Sugumaran , Bazroy Joy , Tovia Stephen
Published: February 2017

Background: Global prevalence of hypertension in the year 2000 was estimated to be 26% with approximately 1 billion people affected by it. By 2025 this has been projected to increase to 29% increase to 29%, expecting greater proportion of population will be consists of elderly people. Limited qualitative studies on hypertension are available in India. We intended to conduct a qualitative study on the perception about hypertension causes, complications and barrier to get medications, among known hypertensive patients residing in rural area or south India.Methods: A qualitative study has been undertaken in August 2016 by the interns posted in Rural Health Training Centre of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (RHTC-PIMS). The study was completed after conducting in depth interview among 40 randomly selected known hypertensive patients. All the interviews were audio taped. Verbatim were done from the recording in local language (Tamil) and then translated to English. Coding and thematic analysis was done by analysis team consisting of one Assistant Professor in Community Medicine, one medical social worker (MSW) and three interns.Results: There is a huge lack of awareness about the causes of hypertension among the patients. There is also a huge lack of awareness about the complications of hypertension, among hypertensive patients. This may result in poor adherence to medication and prevention of complications. Almost all the patients reported that they were following Allopathic medications and getting medications from government primary health centre. There is a need to visit the health centre every week, as the medicines provided to them are only weekly basis.Conclusions: There is a huge lack of knowledge about hypertension among known hypertensive patients. There is a need for a holistic approach in managing hypertensive patients in rural area in India.
Perception and practice towards alcohol consumption among a government boy’s pre-university college students-a cross sectional study
Authors: Basagoudar Shashidhar S. , R. Chandrashekhar , Hatanoor Shivappa , Kirte Rahul C.
Published: February 2017

Background: Harmful use of alcohol consumption can lead to various health hazards and pre-university students are vulnerable for abuse of substances like alcohol. Hence this study was aimed to find out the prevalence and perception towards alcohol consumption among students of government boy’s college and to find out some factors affecting alcohol consumption among students.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among purposively selected students of government pre-university (PU) college for boys. Data was collected through pre-structured questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was assessed by self-reporting through questionnaire.Results: In the present study 7% students have consumed alcohol at least once in their life time. Mean age of initiation of alcohol consumption was 14.89 years. 23.7% of students said that alcohol consumption can lead to cancer and 13.3% students knew it leads to liver damage, 18.1% felt it leads to heart problems. Among the current alcohol consumers 41.7% said they have driven the vehicle under influence of alcohol. Among the current alcohol consumers 75% have thought to quit the alcohol consumption at least once. Having family history of alcohol consumption was significantly associated with alcohol consumption among students.Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the pre-university college students and family history is a major risk factor for the alcohol consumption. Many alcohol consumers have driven the vehicle under the alcohol consumption in spite of the legal prohibition. Parental and peer involvement is crucial in reducing the prevalence of alcohol consumption among PU students.
Assessment of risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders among working women
Authors: Shettar Deepti , Sherkhane Mayur S.
Published: February 2017

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 33% of all work-related illnesses and are the most frequent cause of all health-related absence from work. Working women particularly are at more risk of developing MSDs since they are involved in household activities and childcare along with office work. Psychosocial stress and comfort level at work also play a major role in development of MSDs. So, this study was done to assess the risk factors for the development of MSDs.Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among 60 women clerical staff of a tertiary care hospital, who participated on voluntary basis. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Information on MSDs was collected using Nordic scale. Descriptive statistics, chi square and odds ratio was used for data analysis.Results: Mean age of study participants was 33.88±6.97 years and mean BMI was 23.74±4.15 kg/m2. 81.7% were working 6-8 hours per day, 36.7% working in static posture for longer periods and 28.3% had sleep disturbances. Majority of women had low back pain both in last seven days (56.7%) and twelve months (35.0%). Those who complained of sleep disturbance were nine times and seven times at higher risk of developing pain in last seven days (p=0.015, OR=9.48) and twelve months (p=0.005, OR=7.85).Conclusions: Low-back pain was commonest among MSDs, significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Counseling sessions should be conducted regarding work ergonomics and Occupational Health Departments should be established to avoid untoward events that develop in their productive life.
Attitudes and practices of medical students regarding video-games: should community medicine educationists get serious about serious games
Authors: Malhotra Varun M. , Kabra Pratyush R. , Malhotra Ritika
Published: February 2017

Background: Present medicos belong to a generation called ‘Millennials’ or ‘Net Generation’. They spend less time reading, and are more comfortable in image-rich environments provided by New Media.  The objective of the study is to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical students regarding video-games, with the aim of prompting community medicine teachers to consider serious games as a teaching-learning tool.Methods: The study was conducted among undergraduate medical students who self-administered a structured questionnaire eliciting their practices and attitudes regarding video-games, perceptions regarding impact of video-gaming on their academic performances and acceptability of serious games as a learning tool in community medicine.Results: A total of 255 medical students participated in the study, out of which 242 (94.9%) were current video-gamers. The students started playing video-games at a mean age of 11.72+3.63 years. Mobile phones were the commonest platform for video-gaming. The median duration of video-gaming was 150 minutes/week, with semi-inter-quartile range of 255 minutes.  57.4% of students reported that video-games helped them relax, while 26% felt that video-gaming increased their skills.  The study revealed that 43.6% students were aware of serious games and 22.7% had used them as a learning tool in last three months. Moreover, about 95% of medicos welcomed learning of community medicine through serious games.Conclusions: The study reveals that contemporary medical students are spending considerable time playing video-games. It also shows that the learner is willing to learn community medicine through serious games. The study prompts community medicine educationists to consider serious games as a teaching-learning tool.
Prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among youth in Central Kerala, India
Authors: Raphael Lucy , Raveendran Rini , M. V. Sajna
Published: February 2017

Background: Substance abuse in various forms has been a social problem in various forms for many centuries. Kerala shows a high prevalence in alcoholism and is ranked top in India. This study is aimed at finding the prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among youth in central part of Kerala in South India.Methods: A community based study was done with 402 college student participants using a self- administered pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data was entered into microsoft excel and analysed using Epiinfo3.5.3.Results: Out of 402 students, 31.8% used or abused any one of the substances (alcohol, smoking, pan chewing) irrespective of time and frequency in lifetime. Age, gender, place of residence, attitude towards ban were significantly associated with substance abuse.Conclusions: The alarming trend of substance abuse among the youth reveals the urgent need to curb the menace. Adolescent counselling sessions might ensure preventing such behaviour from being inculcated in early adolescence.
Characteristics and utilization of ante natal care services amongst women of rural Punjab, India- a community based study
Authors: Garg Rajesh , Deepti Shyam Sunder , Singh Tejbir , Padda Avtar Singh
Published: February 2017

Background: India has high maternal and infant mortality. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India (2013) was 167 per 100 000 live births and infant mortality rate (IMR) was 40 per 1000 live births. In rural Punjab, the MMR and IMR were 155 and 26 respectively. Ante natal care (ANC) services are crucial in reducing MMR and IMR but still there are barriers to the reach and utilization of ANC services. The objective of present study is to assess the characteristics and utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in rural areas of Punjab, IndiaMethods: A total of 820 women were interviewed in a community- based analytical cross sectional study from 20 villages of Amritsar, Punjab (India) in 2005-06 by standard cluster sampling.Results: About 93% respondents had received at least one ANC during last birth. Almost 92% of women received injection tetanus toxoid (TT) and 56.34% received iron folic acid (IFA) tablets as ANC services. But only 49.75 % of the respondents had at least ≥3 ANC visits. 59.15% respondents did not receive any health advice from health worker during pregnancy.Conclusions: The majority of respondents, although availed the ANC services, but did not availed the full ANC package. The literacy of women has significant bearing on utilization of ANC. Health education is observed to be the most neglected aspect. The role of local health workers and community participation would be crucial in improving the utilization of ANC services at ground level.
An epidemiological study of postnatal depression among women availing maternal health services in rural areas of Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Authors: K. Kruthika , Udayar Sharavanan Eshwaran , Mallapur M. D.
Published: February 2017

Background: Postnatal depression is an important public health issue exhibiting the strongest link to adverse child outcomes and also maternal morbidity. Objectives were to study the prevalence of Postnatal depression among mothers and to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms among post-natal mothers.Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted from January 2016 to June 2016 in two rural areas among 300 women attending immunisation clinics in the Primary health centre with postpartum period less than 3 months were included in the study. Edinburgh Postnatal depression scale was used to for identifying mothers at risk of postnatal depression. A score of ≥13 was considered as positive for depressive symptoms.Results: The prevalence of Post-natal depression 41 (13.6%). Factors like age, literacy status, socio economic status, gravidity, sex of newborn, mode of delivery and unplanned pregnancy were significantly associated with the prevalence of postnatal depression.Conclusions: Early screening of the women and counselling of women and their family will reduce the maternal morbidity and adverse child outcomes.
Association between passive smoking and respiratory illness: a case control study
Authors: S. Sreevishnu , M. Jesha Mohammedali , Haveri Sheela P.
Published: February 2017

Background: The adverse effect of passive smoking on human health and quality of life is a debatable matter. There is high risk of respiratory illness among spouses of smokers due to exposure to passive smoke. The objective of present study was to find an association between second hand smoke exposure and risk of developing respiratory illness in the last six months among married women aged 20 years and above and currently living together.Methods: A case-control study was conducted during a 6-month period (January to June 2016) among married women aged 20 years and above, who have been currently living with their husband for at least past two years in Perinthalmanna. Women with known respiratory disease such as bronchial asthma and tuberculosis were excluded. The sample size was calculated to be 87 cases and 87 controls. The cases were selected from the out-patient department of MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India. The controls were selected from ward 28, Perinthalmanna. From each house only one female was interviewed.Results: The major symptoms in the cases were headache (35%), morning cough (34%) and chest pain (25%). The odds of having a respiratory illness when the husband is a smoker is 1.527 (95% C.I. 0.804 to 2.899) and the odds ratio increases to 4.7 (95% C.I.2.11 to 10.86) if the husband smokes at home.Conclusions: The study showed that the risk of having respiratory illness is higher in females when the husband is a smoker and the risk increases four times if the husband smokes at home.
How to evaluate the medical certification of death in a hospital: an analysis of 53 death certificates at AIIMS, Bhopal, India
Authors: Patel Narendra , Patel Sweta , Vidua Raghvendra Kumar , Arora Arneet , Tamaria K. C.
Published: February 2017

Background: The AIIMS Bhopal has been established under PMSSY to provide the quality health care services. However, since the inception of hospital services from November 2014 till the month of October 2016 a total of 53 patients died due to various causes. The objective was to find out the different causes of death and its documentation at a tertiary care hospital in order to establish common causes of mortality and reporting errors in standard documentation of the death and feedback in this regard.Methods: This is a retrospective study with evaluation of death certificates in 53 deaths. The errors were analyzed as per the Haque’s scale and the scale devised by the authors.Results: The major cause of death reported was multiorgan failure where more than one system was affected As per the Haque’s scale the errors reported were for Grade 0 in 0%, Grade 1A in 31.03%,Grade 1B in 100%,Grade II in 79.31%,Grade III in 68.97%,Grade IV in 79.31% and Grade V in 62.07% of total death certificates.Conclusions: The certifying doctors must be adequately trained and/or fill the death certificate under the supervision of experts to ensure proper entries to avoid any kind of contraventions, confusion and conflicts.
An epidemiological study into risk factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among young and adult population in rural Pondicherry, India
Authors: Datta Shib Sekhar , Kanna R. Rupesh , Rangaswamy Surendar , S. Rajkumar
Published: February 2017

Background: Suicide is one of the major public health problems in low and middle income countries. However, information about causes and risk factors are insufficient. Objectives of the study were to find out prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among young and adult population in rural Pondicherry and to analyse the risk factors qualitatively.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 18-44 years’ population in rural Pondicherry during January to June 2012. Total 200 subjects were interviewed by house to house visit. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, concurrent illness, family and personal history were obtained. Factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempt were collected through FGDs, free listing and pile sorting exercise. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Qualitative data analyzed using Anthropac 4.98.1/X software.Results: 8% subjects had ever attempted and 7.5% had ideas of suicide. Suicidal ideation/ attempt were more among males and 36-45 years group. Physical disability, infertility/sterility and chronic illness were significantly associated with suicidal ideation or attempt. Family dispute, history of beaten by spouse and family history of suicide/attempt was significantly associated with ideation. Alcoholism, failed relationship, physical abuses were strongly associated with ideas of suicide or attempt. Risk factors for males include failed relationships, more than one wife, family dispute, alcoholism etc. Risk factors for females include failed relationship, poor performance in exam, quarrel with friends, unemployment, alcoholic husband, pressure for dowry, extramarital relationship by husband etc.Conclusions: Suicidal attempt and ideation rates were high in study area and demand population based mental health interventions to reduce population suicide rates.
Relationship of dental caries and BMI among pre-school children of Bangalore city, India: a cross sectional study
Authors: N. Vanishree , Narayan Rosa R. , N. Naveen , M. Anushri , D. Vignesh , M. P. Neethi Raveendran
Published: February 2017

Background: Dental caries in young children is commonly untreated representing a public health problem and has also reported to affect their anthropometric outcomes, but the evidence is conflicting. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental caries and BMI in pre-school children of Bangalore City.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 208 healthy preschool children with the age range of 3-5 years recruited from nursery schools of Bangalore City. The Anthropometric measurements, weight and height were evaluated by calculating the z-scores using WHO Anthro software to elucidate the subject’s status on the age- and sex-specific growth chart. Every Child who has received two Z-scores under the normal value (<-2) was considered as abnormal (deficient). The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. The statistical tests used were t-test and correlation analysis.Results: Dental caries prevalence was 65.7% with a mean dental caries score of 2.24±2.57. Among the study participants 32.7% were underweight (WAZ score), 46.6% had height deficiency (HAZ score) and 47.6% had BMI deficiency (BAZ score). There was significant positive correlation found between dental caries experience and children’s WAZ (Weight for age) [r=0.102, p=0.040] and BAZ (BMI for age) [r= 0.761, p= 0.032].Conclusions: This study showed that lesser percentage of the participants had deficient height, weight and BMI. As the weight and BMI increased there was a significant increase in the number of caries and fillings among the participants.
Adolescent friendly health services: where are we actually standing?
Authors: Dixit Grishma T. , Jain Shikha , Mansuri Farzana , Jakasania Arjun
Published: February 2017

Background: Services for adolescents are highly fragmented, poorly coordinated and uneven in quality. Adolescent-friendly services (AFHS) should be able to attract young people, meet their needs comfortably and with sensitivity, and retain young clients for continuing care. With this background, the present study was carried out to study the implementation status of Adolescent friendly health services and to determine compliance with quality standards.Methods: Present cross sectional study was carried out at 10 Urban Health Centers of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Study population comprised of adolescents (10 to 19 years). All adolescents aged 10 to 19 years (n=99) and all health care providers present at the time of visit at the facility were interviewed. Data was collected using WHO quality measurement tools. Data was analyzed using WHO scoring sheet for data analysis.Results: Relative score for confidentiality, privacy, equitability, accessibility and knowledge gap in adolescent is 58.3%. Relative score for health care providers’ competencies to work with adolescents and to provide them with required services is 42.6%. Relative score for Observation tool used for facility inventory is 45.6%. Overall relative score is 47.3% of maximum possible score.Conclusions:As the score is near to the lower limit of class interval of 40% to 80%, it implies need of improvement.
An analysis of trends in maternal mortality at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Western Rajasthan, India: a four year retrospective study
Authors: Agrawal Neha , Uppadhaya Sandeep Kumar , Hakim Afzal , Mittal Manish
Published: February 2017

Background: Maternal mortality reflects not only the adequacy of health care services of any country or state but also the standard of living and socio-economic status of the community. India is among those countries, which has a very high maternal mortality ratio; the state of Rajasthan having the third highest maternal mortality in the country. This study was done to assess the maternal mortality in a tertiary hospital situated in Jodhpur, a city in Western Rajasthan where large numbers of patients are referred from rural parts in and around the city.Methods: This study was done to assess the trends in maternal mortality at a tertiary medical college hospital situated in Western Rajasthan. A retrospective hospital based study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Ummaid hospital, Dr S. N. Medical College situated in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India over a period of 4 years from July 2010 to June 2014.Results: During the study period spanning 4 years, there were in total 84,746 live births with 195 maternal deaths. The mean maternal mortality ratio for the four year period was found to be 230.1 per lakh live births.Conclusions: The maternal mortality was quite high than the national average.
Tibial tunnel positioning on lateral radiographs in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a single surgeon experience
Authors: Duarte Silva Luís , Maia Bruno , Ferreira Eduardo Cruz , Pires Filipa , Camarinha Luís
Published: February 2017

Background: Accurate tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is one of the cornerstones for its success. However, it is still controversial and target of disagreement within the orthopedic literature. Therefore, it was aimed to evaluate the tibial tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgeries of a single orthopedic surgeon.

Methods: The postoperative knee sagittal radiographs of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knees from a single surgeon were retrospectively collected. To assess the tunnel positions was used predefined criteria (in percentage and in millimeters) within the intervals found in the literature (41-43 percent and 21-23 millimeters).

Results: There were no significant differences between the number of results (% and mm), within and without the intervals that were considered acceptable for this measure (P >0.05). It was found significant differences in the absolute deviation (%) throughout non-consecutive years (P <0.05). There was no correlation between the absolute deviations and the years of experience (r =-0.080, P =0.663).

Conclusions: Significant differences were found in the absolute deviation (%) throughout non-consecutive years, suggesting variations in the tunnel position throughout the years. 
A clinical study of closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children
Authors: Asimuddin Mohammad , Kulkarni Raju H.
Published: February 2017

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common fracture pattern of the elbow in children. Displaced supracondylar fractures are notorious for difficulty in reduction, maintenance of reduction and frequent involvement of neurovascular structures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of stabilization of these fractures by closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation.

Methods: Thirty cases of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were included in the study. The mean age of the patient was 8.3 years [ranges from 4-14 years]. The male to female ratio was 2:1 and left side was involved in 23 cases whereas 7 had right sided injuries. All fractures were of extension type [Gartland’s type III]. Posteromedial displacement was noted in 22 cases whereas 8 fractures were posterolaterally displaced. In 20 cases, lateral entry wires alone were used whereas in 10 cases one lateral and one medial K-wire were used. K- wires were removed after 3 weeks post-operatively and follow-up was done at 6 weeks,12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, when they  were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria.

Results: Results were graded using Flynn’s criteria. Excellent results were achieved in 18 [60%], good in 6 [20%] fair in 4 [13.3%], while poor results were seen in 2 [6.7%] patients.

Conclusions: Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires is a safe and efficient method for fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. 
A comparative study of 70 cases of inter-trochanteric fracture femur treated with dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nailing
Authors: Singla Gaurav
Published: February 2017

Background: Inter-trochanteric fracture femur is a common and grievous injury, mostly suffered in elderly people. It accounts for approximately half of hip fractures in elderly and out of this, more than 50% of fractures are unstable. In old age, it occurs mostly due to trivial trauma. Various procedures of internal fixation had been proposed as a treatment. DHS considered to be the standard procedure for comparison of outcomes. The advantage of proximal femur nailing fixation is that it provides a more biomechanically stable construct by reducing the distance between hip joint and implant. The goal of this study is to compare the clinical and radio-graphical results of the DHS and PFN for the treatment of Intertrochanteric hip fractures (load bearing vs. load sharing).

Methods: Seventy patients (more than 55 years old) presented to Adesh Hospital from March 2015 to November 2015 with trochanteric fracture femur. Patients were treated with osteosynthesis with dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nailing (PFN). The clinical results were compared between the dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nailing groups of 35 patients each. All surgeries done on traction table and were followed up at regular intervals of 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and at 1 year.

Results: We observed no statistically significant difference between two groups in view of late & early complications and time to union. We observed significantly better outcomes in PFN group for unstable inter-trochanteric fractures and in unstable fractures reduction loss is significantly lower in PFN group.

Conclusions: We concluded that PFN may be the better fixation device for most unstable inter-trochanteric fractures. 
Indigenous Federation: The Case of Borana Oromo, Ethiopia
Authors: Chala Dejene Gemechu
Published: February 2017

This article draws attention to the Borana Oromo gadaa system as an Indigenous federation. Gadaa is an Indigenous democratic political system used by the Oromo in which leaders are elected and their term in office is strictly fixed. Data for this research were generated through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. The findings of this research indicate that the Borana have three gadaa councils at two levels: one at the center for the entire Borana and two named after two Borana clans. The later have relative autonomy under the cardinal law of the Borana gadaa. This structure has been serving as a means of managing conflict, maintaining internal unity, and ensuring better governance and power devolution. Finally, suggestions are made on how to support Indigenous governance systems, which in this case includes acknowledging the values and principles of the gadaa system, as well as designing a legal framework that retains and protects the integrity and legitimacy of the system.
An improved method of cigarette quality in-spection
Authors: Chen Ming , Shen Miao-jie , Lin Yi-zhen , Li Jie , Liu Rui-dong , Zhou Jin-ning , Zhang Min , Lu Hai-hua , Shen Dong-hui , Chen Zan-zan
Published: February 2017

The current domestic mainstream of cigarette making equipment is the PROTOS70 model from German Hauni Company. The cigarette unit is equipped with capacitive detection means, which is used to determine the capacitance of cigarette whether is a loose-end cigarette or not based on different materials in the field of electric capacity through various principles. Capacitive sensor is a contact-type detector which is vulnerable to abrasion, temperature changes, humidity and other environmental factors that affect the accuracy. The photoelectric detection technology and bus transmission technology were used to improve loose-end cigarette detection accuracy, improve immunity to interference detection apparatus for the purpose of a novel method for quality testing of cigarettes, this design approach improve the accuracy of detection of short cigarettes and reduce the waste of raw materials, to achieve the purpose of energy saving.
The Discussion on Fire problems of large urban complexes and Countermeasures
Authors: Gu Xiaochu
Published: February 2017

The fire danger in large urban complexes and fire problems for design review and daily supervision to bring proposed targeted countermeasures for future large-scale urban complex design review and supervision to provide an effective solution methods and measures.
Research on Site Coverage Distribution of Beijing Based on Geographic Information System
Authors: Li Lihua , Zheng Xinqi , Xiang Weining
Published: February 2017

Site coverage is an important index to learn spatial development pattern of the city. In this paper, with the help of spatial analysis functions of GIS, buffer and sector analysis are imposed in pursuit of finding possible spatial distribution rules of Beijing taken flagpole in Tian’anmen square as center. The results of sector analysis indicate that the building densities in such superior geographical condition areas as southeast and south are higher. Building densities of northern and western areas are low because of their bad terrain. The results of buffer analysis indicate the density of city center is the highest and have a negative relation with the augment of distance. That is to say, the average building density of center areas (buffer 1, 2 and 3, about 7.5km away) is about 26%. The average building density of transition region of city and countryside (buffer 10~20, about 25~50km away from center) is about 9%. The average building density of exurbs (after buffer 20~50km away from center) can't reach to 3%.
Study on Energy-saving Insulation Materials in the Building’s Exterior
Authors: Zhang Yang , Hu Yazhi
Published: February 2017

Construction industry has been one of China's energy guzzlers, if we can reduce the energy consumption of the building industry through the use of new materials or new technologies, which will have a significant impact on the development of economy and society. The status quo of China's construction industry, high energy consumption, paper use energy-saving technologies in the field of construction works to expand the analysis, discusses the necessity of the construction industry currently uses energy-saving insulation materials and analyzes the current energy field of construction engineering technology application status, on the basis of focus on the application of energy-saving insulation materials in construction, particularly in the new system and the new glass curtain wall insulation material in construction applications, which further enhance the energy-saving technology within the field of construction engineering the application level has a certain reference.
A Discussion on the Building’s Exterior Wall Insulation Technology and Energy-saving Materials
Authors: Zhou Haojiang
Published: February 2017

Hereby discussed on the most commonly used building’s exterior insulation technology and energy-saving materials. Promote positive building’s exterior wall technology, be sure to strengthen the development and utilization of new energy-saving materials, so that the EEB (Energy Efficiency Building) get implemented.
Study on Optimization Seismic Design of Tall Building Structure
Authors: Yang Lei
Published: February 2017

The heavy casualties and property losses caused by the earthquake this huge disaster, making high-rise building seismic become the focus of attention. Our new building seismic design code (GB50011-2001) (hereinafter referred to as "Seismic Design Code”) continue to be used (GBJ-89) specification to determine the "three earthquake performance objectives, two-stage design step" seismic design, and made many important supplement and perfect. The new seismic design of buildings in terms of requirements for introducing means as constraints optimization design, optimization design closer to engineering practice.
Study of the Construction Cost Management in Building Structure Design
Authors: Diao Hongjun , Wang Zhanhong
Published: February 2017

Cost reduction is the goal of building engineering cost control and the main way to effectively increase corporate profit gains. In this paper, a brief discussion on the contents of engineering cost control in the building structure design is presented. It aims to make enterprises truly recognize the important role of engineering cost control through preliminary analysis and discussion and improve overall strength by a series of improvement measures.
Discussion on Key Point of Architectural Landscape Design
Authors: Wang Hongliang
Published: February 2017

With the improvement of people’s quality of life and living environment of the building requirements, architectural landscape design should continue to improve the building use group's satisfaction and increase the intensity of ecological architecture landscape construction, in order to ensure efficiency and utility of architecture landscape planning. This is so that the living personnel can fully experience the beautiful architectural landscape, thereby improving people's satisfaction of the building. Currently, since there is an increasing trend of people’s move towards green ecological direction, and the ecological architecture landscape planning design is becoming important, hence creating the green eco-building environment is the inevitable development direction of architecture landscape in future. Based on work experience, starting from the ecological architecture landscape design principles, this paper will present the key point of current ecological architecture landscape design, in order to provide some ideas for building landscape design development.