bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of blood donation among selected tertiary college students in Homa Bay County Kenya
Authors: Okuthe James O. , Muitta Esther W. , Odongo Alfred O.
Published: February 2022

Background: Globally blood donation rate is low. 31.5 donations per 1000 people in high income countries and 5.0 donations per 1000 people in low-income countries. Donors aged 16-25 years are ideal target for recruitment efforts. The study aimed to assess determinants of blood donation among students of selected tertiary institutions of Homa Bay County Kenya.Methods: Cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from 424 study participants, three focused group discussions and three key informants between April 2021 and July 2021.Data collection tools included structured questionnaire and interview guide. Data analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 21.0, Pearson’s correlation calculated for reliability. Percentage agreement calculated with values>75% being acceptable. Chi square (X2) test and Logistic regression were used to determine association and strength, while qualitative data coded thematically.Results: Most respondents were male 221 (60.5%) and 159 (43.6%) of respondents were of 19-21 years age group. Majority were blood donors 199 (54.5%). Reliability result was significant, r (39)=(.82), p=(.000) with simple percentage agreement of 78%. The study revealed that sex OR=0.493 p=0.013 and rare blood type, A (OR) 8.597 p=0.0.009, and O+ (OR) 2.189 p=0.012 of the students were significant socio- characteristics factors associated with blood donation.Conclusions: Sex and blood type were significant socio-demographic characteristics associated with blood donation.
Community-based mutual aid for improving financial access tos healthcare: case study of 150 community-based organizations in Cameroon
Authors: Fouakeng Flaubert , Njoumemi Zakariaou , Mbacham Wilfred F. , Angwafo III Fru
Published: February 2022

Background: Financial access to health care has been sharply reduced in Africa following the introduction of cost recovery recommended by the Bamako initiative of 1987. Like in many countries in the world, in Cameroon, community-based organizations (CBO) which assist their members in the event of a financial crisis, death, funeral, birth, marriage, etc. added financial assistance in case of illness to alleviate this situation. This study aimed to determine models of financial assistance practiced by these organizations to rescue their members in event of illness.Method: Study was based on a sample of 150 CBO selected for convenience in 3 zones, including 50 in urban areas, 50 in semi-urban areas, and 50 in rural areas. Previously trained interviewers organized group discussions to collect data from these organizations using structured interview guide. The analysis of data collected was done manually.Results: The results show that 82.66% of organizations practice the "rescue quest model", 10.67% the "lump sum health assistance model", 2.67% "health tontine model", 2% "sickness deposit model", and 2% "subcontracting model" with an insurance company. The analysis shows that the "health tontine" and "sickness deposit" models are more forward-looking because they can make money available in time, before seeking care/before  disease worsens.Conclusions: The systematization of these models could make it possible to mobilize funds on a community basis to extend the coverage of the financial risk linked to the disease to the populations of the informal and rural sector.
Comparative study of the prevalence of depression between the XI and XII class students of medical stream from urban schools of Punjab
Authors: Gill Gurshan S. , S. Avneet , Goyal Sandeep K.
Published: February 2022

Background: Adolescence is considered a stressful period due to physical, psychological, sexual changes and is also influenced by maturity. Purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of depression among XIth and XIIth class students of medical stream in urban schools of Ludhiana, Punjab.Methods: Present study was Cross-sectional study, conducted in in students, studying in urban schools of Jamalpur area of Ludhiana city. The investigator personally visited all the seven schools and went to both the class XI and XII and administered the study tool to each student of medical stream.Results: 253 students from medical stream of 11th and 12th class were considered for present study. Almost equal number of students in medical stream were studying in class XI and class XII, with slight over-representation (52.9%) of students in class XI. Majority (71.1%) of the students were females, and about half of the total students were of 16 years of age.  Out of total students 84.6% students were suffering from depression with 17.8% having severe depression.  Out of 134 students in Class XIth 81.3% had depression while 88.2% of 119 students in class XIIth were depressed, difference was not statistically significant. As the age increases the severity of depression in students also increases. At 15 years of age students suffering from moderate to severe depression is 31% whereas at 18 years of age 57% students were suffering from moderate to severe type of depression. There was a significant difference of prevalence of depression in between males and females, with females (89.4%) outnumbering males (72.6%).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of depression in our study was 84.6% and it is a prudent reminder of the extreme pressure the adolescent face in this particular age. Compared to other studies the percentage is alarmingly high.
Human factor issues in relation with personal protective equipment during COVID-19 pandemic: a survey
Authors: Henry Kalaivani , Singh Neha , Shetty Asha P. , . Mahalingam
Published: February 2022

Background: Personal protective equipment is used to reduce the danger that causes serious injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Alongside, continuously wearing PPE may also create some hazards. This study explores the human issues in relation to PPE among health care workers.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 283 health care workers who are wearing PPE for taking care of COVID-19 patients from October 2020 to January 2021. 283 valid responses were received. The structured questionnaire was developed in the google form and the link was shared among various groups. Data were organized and analysed by using IBM SPSS 20.0 software.Results: Participants were uncomfortable in wearing with PPE, they reported safety glasses over spectacles (48.8%) safety goggles (32.9%) not comfortable, nearly half of them reported tough to read and operate equipment due to continuous wearing of safety glasses (46.3%). Around 77% of the participants have reported that they were facing communication problems and were using sign language also.Conclusion: There are various issues with PPE including fit, comfort, communication & operating ability. This can cause significant discomfort which leads to fatigue, negatively impacting the user’s physiological and psychological wellbeing. Poor fit PPE also puts HCWs at risk of exposure. Females face more issues than males so, we suggest to come up with the wider distribution of sizes like, small, medium and large to improve the fitness and comfort during working. Longer duration may further lead to physical and psychological stress.
The occurrence of adverse events following immunization after first and/or second dose of Covishield or Covaxin vaccine at a tertiary care hospital: An observational study
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Kashyap Vandana , Shenoy A. G.
Published: February 2022

Background: With the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, many cities of India are reporting minor, mild, and severe AEFI cases during half an hour of observation and after that. No vaccine can protect everyone receiving it and is safe too for everyone. Effective vaccines could produce a few unwanted side effects mainly mild and clear up frequently.Methods: After the COVID-19 vaccination, everyone was asked to wait for 30 minutes in the observation room to check for any type of AEFI. While waiting, all second dose beneficiaries were asked to fill a printed case record form with all demographic details, including AEFI events experienced after their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Phone calls were made to all 500 beneficiaries after seven days of vaccination to know about the type of AEFI experienced after the second dose.Results: Safety of product is of paramount importance and in this study, we actively captured adverse events post-vaccination. Fever, headache, weakness, body pain, were the most common adverse events along with pain at the injection site. In our study, the younger age group was associated with minor AEFIs. However, we did not find any supporting evidence for high reactogenicity among women, and this may be due to an almost similar proportion of men and women in our sample.Conclusions: The advantages of immunization in disease prevention have significantly exceeded the risks of immunization-associated adverse events. COVID vaccines have their largest potential to end the COVID-19 pandemic if they are widely accepted and used. As we all want to get rid of the diseases which are not curable easily and spread with very large intensity, now is the time to get vaccinated and control them.
Modified advanced oxidation technology for toilet sanitation at world largest human gathering Kumbha mela 2019-an eco-friendly technology
Authors: Senthilvel Sivasakthivel , Natarajan Nandini
Published: February 2022

Background: In India, world biggest Hindu gathering event “Kumbh mela” will be organised every twelve years in Prayagraj city where sanitation and hygiene was one of the biggest challenges. The present research made an attempt to suggest the cost-effective sanitation solution to prevent disease transmission at public toilets, bathing area at Kumbh mela area. Methods: Modified advanced oxidation aqueous solution (MAOS) were developed using peroxide and ozone with iron oxides as a catalyst which enhances the hydroxyl radicals. Biocide activity of MAOS were carried out on faecal originated bacteria. Impact of MAOS on volatile organic compounds (VOC) were carried out at public toilets and determined using VOC sampler and GC method. After the detailed investigation on MAOS, the present technique were transferred to field application during Kumbh 2019.Results: Biocide test of MOAS on Faecal originated microorganism showed that 99.6% of test organisms were deactivated rapidly. Impact on volatile organic compounds in public toilets indicates that the volatile organic compounds were decreased after the application of MAOS, controlled the filthy odor. The MAOS technique were applied to the field in public toilets and successfully achieved the odor free environment during Kumbh 2019. The hospital record showed that the diseases infection burden decreased from 33% to 21% respectively.Conclusions: The detailed laboratory investigation and field observation revealed that modified advanced oxidation solution (MAOS) removed the volatile organic compounds in the toilet pits and successfully achieved the odor free Kumbh 2019 which is cost effective and eco-friendly technology for toilet sanitation at any human gathering event.
Screening extended families for identification of β-thalassemia carriers: an experience from north Maharashtra region
Authors: Ismail Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Background: Beta thalassemias are group of autosomal recessive disorders of hemoglobin synthesis affecting many people worldwide. The study was undertaken to identify carriers of β-thalassemia through extended family screening in communities with high preference of consanguineous marriage.Methods: Ninety families consisting of 130 index cases (β-thalassemia major) with 3466 living family members were approached for testing, of these 1702 were tested. All carriers and couple at risk received counseling and followed for three years.Results: A total of 629 carriers were identified out of 1702 tested members. Of these 310 were married couples and 319 were unmarried. Of the 310 married couples 116 couples were at high risk for producing affected child as both the partners were carriers. There have been four new marriages and seven engagements. Of these no any new married couples were at risk but one engaged couple was at risk as both being a known carrier.Conclusions: Following index cases is reliable and feasible way to study the inherited hemoglobin disorder in high-risk communities and in communities with high preference of consanguineous marriages. High numbers of carriers and couples at risk were identified by screening a very small number of populations.
Assessment of adherence to COVID appropriate behavior among post-vaccinated individuals in rural practice area of Raja Rajeswari medical college and hospital, Bengaluru
Authors: Nizam Jinsa , Parasuramalu B. G. , Manjunatha Shashikala
Published: February 2022

Background: As per observations related to the highly mutant corona virus, being vaccinated does not mean that people can avoid COVID preventive rules and guidance and put themselves and others at risk. The study aimed to assess adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour (CAB) among COVID vaccinated individuals in the rural field practice area of Raja Rajeswari medical college and hospital, Bengaluru.Methods: Community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from 1 September to 31 November. A semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer administered tool was used.Results: Out of 2285 study participants, the mean age of participants was 42±16 years. About 56% of participants were female and majority belonged to middle class. The most common measure adhered by the study participants was proper use of mask 94% and 70% before and after COVID vaccination respectively.Conclusions: Of 17 CAB practices, the adherence found to be reduced after vaccination among study participants.
Stress among doctors doing residency: a cross sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Vijayapura, Karnataka
Authors: Tellur Laxmi , Yadavannavar M. C. , Sorganvi Vijaya , Patil Shailaja
Published: February 2022

Background: Young budding doctors doing residency is a very stressful period. There is growing concern about stress in doctors working in hospitals. So, this study was carried out to study the proportion of stress and associated factors influencing stress among resident doctors at a tertiary care hospital in Vijayapura, Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in BLDE (Deemed to be University), Shri B. M. Patil medical college, hospital and research centre, Vijayapura from July 2019 to December 2019. The perceived stress scale, 10-item self report questionnaire was used to assess the level of stress. analysis was done using SPSS 16. Results: A total of 207 post graduate residents were interviewed.90% of postgraduate students responded and all were above the age of 24 years. 52.7% were males and 47.3% were females. Of all postgraduates 91.3% were Hindu, 5.3% were Muslim by religion. Our study has revealed more stress among 2nd year resident doctors.Conclusions: Fixed duty hours, counselling and social support can help in improving the physical and mental well-being of these young doctors, who are an integral part of the health care system. Stress should be evaluated to get better future health consultants.
CanSupport palliative care in India: commentary article
Authors: Awasthi Supriya , Akinola Ajoke , Sedeqi Ahmad M.
Published: February 2022

India is home to one of the largest palliative care organizations in Asia. Palliative care is specialized medical care for the well-being of the patients and their families facing challenges related to serious disease and deadly sickness. The aim of this communication is to reveal patients' palliative care for cancer treatment following a comprehensive assessment approach through the patient's physical, psychosocial, and spiritual symptoms. By visits of patients, we found the response of patients that palliative care is very helpful for cancer patients to minimize and manage their symptoms and assist in relieving their pains and manage other problems. Can support organization is the largest palliative care organization in India. This organization helps cancer patients especially those living in poverty. They try to reduce the symptoms and give support mental, physical, and psychological support to the patients and their families.
Steps toward behavioural weight loss and maintenance: a daily practice
Authors: Adam Gareeballah O.
Published: February 2022

Obesity is an increased fat accumulation to the levels that affect health and wellbeing. Body mass index (BMI) categorizes people as normal, overweight or obese depending on arithmetic equations. Obesity is a global epidemiological problem, affecting more than 30% of the world population. The main hazard is that the obesity prevalence still escalating. Human behavior plays a major role in the causes of obesity. In addition, other factors are also contributing to bodyweight increase such as, genetic, endocrine and metabolic factors. Nevertheless, obesity can be controlled and ideal weight can be achieved. Some measures and practices were suggested in this mini-review through which a one-day human life cycle was set up as a model that can be followed to ensure proper weight and maintain it thereafter. These measures include regular sleep/wake-up pattern, strict timing of meals, practicing exercise, drinking at least 2.5 liters of water and early going to bed. However, the fundamental mechanisms of weight loss and increase were not addressed in this mini-review.
Headgear in prevention of sports related concussion- A literature review across various sports
Authors: Vijayan Vishnu , Mallick Anirban , Dande Jahnavi
Published: February 2022

Sports related concussion (SRC) remains a challenge for sports physicians to identify because of varied presentation and lack of diagnostic tool. Keeping in mind its long term effect various sports bodies introduced different preventive strategies to reduce incidence of SRC. Commercial headgear is currently being used by players of all ages and skill levels in certain sports to protect themselves from heading and direct impact, even though the protective effect on concussion has not been conclusively demonstrated and limited research has been done. Electronic databases and grey literatures were used to search the evidence using Medical Subject Headings sports headgear, concussion, helmet, cricket, soccer, American Football, boxing for the available research studies from 1990 up to April 2020. The wide variety of prospective surveillance as well as lab studies made the case even more confusing as the simulation model may not actually replicate the on field scenario. Moreover the type and component of the headgear need to be subjected based on sports specific demand. Hence this literature review is aimed at available evidences in different sports to find any consensus between use of headgear and prevention of SRC.
Assessment of severity of stroke by NIHSS in comparison with infarct size in stroke
Authors: Ambresh Ayyali , K R Madhu
Published: February 2022

Stroke is the second leading causes of death worldwide and one of the leading causes of disability. The most common cause of stroke is represented by cerebral ischemia and approximately 80% of strokes are due to ischemic cerebral infarction and 20% due to brain haemorrhage. Diabetes Mellitus is a very common metabolic disorder and it is an independent risk factor for stroke and is associated with 2 to 6 fold increased risk compared with non-diabetic subjects and worsens survival of patients with acute stroke. Glucose intolerance or even fasting hyperglycemia may follow an acute vascular event, and ensuing physical inactivity and poor food intake may lead to continued glucose intolerance. Thus, glucose intolerance in a stroke patient may or may not reflect glycemia prior to the event. Measurement of HbA1C rather than glucose as an indicator of prior glycemia offers a new perspective. The rate of non-enzymic glycosylation of hemoglobin is believed to depend largely or solely on plasma glucose concentration. Hence this study is to correlate HbA1c levels with clinical profile and Infarct size in patients with Acute Ischemic stroke.

To see the levels of HbA1c in Acute Ischemic stroke patients. To calculate the infarct size and severity of stroke in Acute Ischemic stroke patients. To estimate the HbA1C levels and correlate HbA1C levels with clinical profile and size of infarct in Acute ischemic stroke patients.

This a cross sectional descriptive study.

This is an cross sectional study including 64 patients. Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 60 – 69 years, with mean age of 63.59±12.59 years. The male to female of 1.37 : 1. There were 25 patients (39.1%) well controlled Diabetes patients,16(25.0%) fairly controlled and 23 (35.9%)were poorly controlled Diabetic patient. The common risk factors were Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, Rheumatic heart disease and Retroviral disease. The NIHSS score increased as the infarct size increased from well controlled to poorly controlled diabetes.Increased severity of stroke is seen in poorly controlled diabetes which correlates with the infarct size.

HbA1c levels, NIHSS score correlates well with the infarct size.

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes were found to have increased NIHSS score and increased severity of stroke. Severity of the stroke worsened from well controlled diabetes to poorly controlled diabetes. HbA1c should be considered as an independent risk factor for poor clinical outcome and worse prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes including lifestyle modification and periodic monitoring of HbA1c levels may reduce the development of stroke and morbidity and mortality associated with it.
Clinical profile of acute ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ambresh Ayyali , K R Madhu
Published: February 2022

Stroke is the second leading causes of death worldwide and approximately 80% of strokes are due to ischemic cerebral infarction and 20% due to brain haemorrhage. Diabetes Mellitus is a very common metabolic disorder and it is an independent risk factor for stroke. Glucose intolerance in a stroke patient may or may not reflect glycemia prior to the event. This study is to assess the clinical profile of Acute Ischemic stroke in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

To evaluate the clinical profile of acute ischemic stroke in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This a cross sectional descriptive study.

This is an cross sectional study including 64 patients.Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 60 – 69 years, with mean age of 63.59±12.59 years.The male to female of 1.37:1. There were 25 patients (39.1%) well controlled Diabetes patients, 16(25.0%) fairly controlled and 23 (35.9%) were poorly controlled Diabetic patient. The common risk factors were Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, Rheumatic heart disease and Retroviral disease.HbA1c should be considered as an independent risk factor for poor clinical outcome and worse prognosis.Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes including lifestyle modification and periodic monitoring of HbA1c levels may reduce the development of stroke and morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Commonest clinical presentation was motor weakness (100%), cranial nerve dysfunction(45.3%), altered sensorium (29.7%), language disturbances (45.3%), sensory impairment(26.6%).
A study on health status of women faculty in Madurai
Authors: Krishna K U Pavitra , Dhas E Siva
Published: February 2022

Woman has lots of responsibilities and work in her daily life. The study aimed to identify high risk health factors to consider lifestyle modification and increase knowledge in regard to health and wellness and also it forms a base for future research.

Health related physical fitness includes this aspect of physiological function that offers protection from diseases resulting from sedentary lifestyle. It can be improved or maintained through regular programme of physical activities.

With this context, study of the health status of 50 women faculty in Arul Anandar College is carried out.

In this regard the Demographic profile, socio economic background, life style pattern, medical history of women faculty were assessed and provide awareness about life style modification and stress free life.

The results reveled most of them belonged to nuclear family and had four members in their families. Majority were in the age group of 35-44 years. Nearly 24 per cent were doctorates. Most of them were married, lives in rented houses and belongs to Middle income group. Major part of their income is spend on food. About 34.3 per cent were not doing any exercises due to lack of time. Most of them walk as their regular physical activity. Regarding bevarages consumption, majority consume tea. Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, backache and weakness were found. Some have obesity in their heredity most of them preferred allopathic treatment.

To improve the health status of women facultylife style modification is essential.
A study on performance evaluation, roles and challenges faced by the DOTS providers in treatment adherence of TB patients in Tumkur city an untouched area
Authors: Rani B.B Savitha , Vidhya G S  , Vinay K S  , Vanya Mounika , Gopinath S
Published: February 2022

Non-governmental personnel such as Anganwadi workers, Asha workers and community volunteers have been used as directly observed treatment (DOT) providers in the revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), challenges faced by them were not addressed, which is important to improve their performance.

A cross-sectional study conducted using semi structured questioner which contains Socio-demographic characteristics of the DOTS provider and the questions to evaluate the performance of DOTS provider, his role in treatment adherence and also the challenges faced by him/her. DOTS providers are traced by information obtained from DTC. Data will be entered and analysed in SPPSS version 16.0

About 99% of DOTS providers have received training regarding TB and DOTS. About 70% believed that the reason of failure was due to incomplete treatment and 15% believed that the failure was due to incomplete treatment and failure of preventive measures. 98% of them trace the patients when they don’t come to take DOTS. About 91.1% of them had no history of TB in their families and 7.9% of them had a history of TB in their family. About 53.5% of DOTS provider handled the drug reaction. About 38.6% of them were cured and declared sputum negative. About 94.1% of them had no defaulters and 4% of them had one defaulter under them. About 11.9% of them had one relapse. About 93.1% of them had no failures, 5% of them had one failure and 1% of them had 2 failures. About 95% of them used counseling as an aid to motivate patients.

Educating and creating awareness regarding disease and its prevention plays a major role in reducing the burden if disease, addressing the barriers and difficulties of dots provider helps them to give better service and care to patients.
A study to assess impact of COVID-19 on trends of TB prevalence in Tumkur district
Authors: Rani B Savitha , Gopinath S  , Gowda Cheluve , Kumar Sanath , Nair Greshma C , Iyengar Krishna
Published: February 2022

: Tuberculosis (TB) still continues to be endemic in various regions of the world, with 26% of the global TB cases are from India. In 2020, a total of 1.8 million cases reported as against 2.6 million in the previous year. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic derailed the momentum gained and the routine TB related services were adversely affected across the country due to COVID containment measures. The rapid and unexpected surge in demand for diagnosis, treatment, and care of COVID-19 patients has interfered with routine TB services. We assess the impact of Covid-19 on trends of TB prevalence in Tumkur district.

By convenient sampling technique the secondary data was drawn from Nikshay portal in district TB centre Tumkur. All TB patients from last 3 years data was entered and analysis done in MS excel to compare testing rate, diagnostic tools, treatment groups, comorbid and treatment outcome.

3719 patients were enrolled for treatment during the year 2020-21 as against 6719 in the previous years. The co morbid percentage is similar across both groups and the rapid diagnostic test was used more during pandemic for microbiological confirmation of TB. Extra pulmonary tb made up to 30% of total cases during the pandemic with low contract tracing during the period.

The case notification and treatment outcome are drastically reduced during the pandemic. With limited resources, less infrastructure it’s hard for middle income countries like India to cope up pandemic crisis.
Sociodemographic status of elderly & pattern of health care utilization for respiratory diseases in NCR
Authors: Gupta Sonisha , Asthana Smita , Kumar Gupta Atul
Published: February 2022

Elderly population is increasing progressively all over the world. Diseases of respiratory system are important cause of morbidity & mortality in elderly. Health-care utilization is an important element of health care.

Cross-sectional study of elderly aged 60yrs & above was conducted in urban & rural area of NCR & Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. First part included socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported co-morbidities. This first part screened out suspected respiratory cases and they were asked questionnaire regarding health care utilization.

In urban 282/1522(18.5%) & in rural. 298/1503 (19.8%) were found to be suffering actually from respiratory illness. For chronic respiratory illness allopathic services were used by 91.8% (259/282) urban & 75.5% (225/298) rural elderly. Urban area were utilizing services of private health care providers most commonly. In our study 36.6% (109/298) & 20.5% (61/298) rural elderly were taking over the counter treatment from medical stores or going to a quack for acute & chronic respiratory illness respectively. During acute illness 60.7% (181/298) rural elderly choose health care service due to belief but during chronic illness only 51.3% (153/298) elderly stated it as a reason for choosing health care service. Affordability as a reason for selection of particular health service increased from 23.2% (69/298) in acute illness to 36.9% (110/298) in chronic illness.

Majority of elderly are illiterate & dependent on family for support. Private health care services are preferred especially by urban elderly. Public healthcare services are used more for chronic illness than acute illness.
Dengue fever with encephalitis: An uncommon presentation of common illness
Authors: Phalswal Uma , Seval Manoj
Published: February 2022

The dengue virus is a type of Flavivirus that causes dengue fever. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical countries, with Southeast Asia bearing the brunt of the disease burden. The virus can affect a wide range of organ systems, and the disease can range from a mild flu-like illness to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. We present a case of a 21-year-old female who presented with dengue fever with neurological manifestations. Findings from a brain MRI, electroencephalogram, CT scan, and some routine investigations were supported our diagnosis of dengue encephalitis. Conservative and supportive care was provided, including intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, antivirals, antiseizure medications, and corticosteroids. The patient's GCS gradually improved with treatment, and physical therapy was also provided. Treatment that is both effective and timely can reduce associated morbidity and result in complete recovery.
Utility of FNAC in diagnosis of thyroid lesions and to correlate histopathological studies
Authors: Reddy M Ruchika , Rajyalakshmi S , Indira V , Bindu M Hima , Reddy C Mallikarjuna
Published: February 2022

The Incidence and prevalence of Thyroid lesion is gradually increasing and has become common among women. Thyroid cancer is most common cancer of endocrine system and occurs in all age groups including children. Fine needle aspiration cytology is the first line diagnostic method of Thyroid nodules and is rapid, cost effective and a minimally invasive procedure. Therefore it is widely accepted and more thyroid cases are diagnosed at an early stage. The aim of this study is to assess the Diagnostic accuracy of FNAC by correlating its results with histopathological findings.

FNAC procedure was performed on 50 patients with thyroid swellings under aseptic conditions after taking consent of the patient. The results obtained by FNAC were compared with Histopathological findings.

: Out of 50 cases, 47 were female and 3 were male. The age of presentation ranged from 16 to 71 years in our study with the mean age being 43.5. Most of cases were of Nodular goiter (23%) followed by Multi Nodular goiter(21%) followed by Hashimoto thyroiditis (18%). Sensitivity of our study was 73.91% and Specificity of our study was 80.95% and diagnostic accuracy was 75%.

: Awareness and understanding of thyroid lesions is of great importance as most of these disorders can be treated medically or by surgical intervention. FNAC, which is simple, minimally invasive and rapid procedure, has low false positive rate for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy at an early stage. It can be used as first line method in assessing the nature of lesion.
A study of Iron store in Bone marrow and its correlation in various anemia
Authors: Patel Prashant R , Patel Kuntal , Hathila R.N
Published: February 2022

incidence of anaemia is a very common but prevalence of anaemia is disproportionately high in developing countries. With proper clinical history, haematological and bone marrow examination findings proper evaluation and management of patients with anaemia can be made. Microscopic examination of bone marrow aspirate is the gold standard for assessing marrow iron store. However, conventional Gale’s method assesses iron in marrow fragments alone which provides little valuable information about functional iron deficiency seen in many chronic diseases.

Thisstudy is conducted to measure iron grading using perl’s Prussian blue staining in various hematological conditions.

A descriptive study of Perl’s Prussian blue stained bone marrow aspirate smears of 130 patients with anaemia. A CBC, Reticulocyte count and Bone marrow iron was assessed by the Gale’s method in this study.

After excluding 9 cases of dry tap, 121 cases were evaluated in our study. 78.57% of cases (61 cases) diagnosedas microcytic anaemia had iron store very low (grade 0 and 1). In patients with megaloblastic anaemia (15 cases), 46.7% of cases (7 cases) had iron store grade was normal, but in 8 cases iron grade was low. In patients with dimorphic anaemia (23 cases), 78.3% of cases (18 cases) had iron store grade was normal.

Bone marrow aspiration with application of Prussian blue stain is useful to investigate patients with suspected iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease, megaloblastic anaemia and acute leukemia.
Assessment of Hematological and Coagulation profile of patients diagnosed as Tuberculous lymphadenopathy on cytology: A cross sectional study in Industrial belt in Northern India
Authors: Menia Reetika , Raychaudhuri Sujata , Yadav Poonam
Published: February 2022

: Study of the hematological and coagulation parameters in cytologically diagnosed cases of tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

: A cross sectional study of 60 newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis on cytology was done. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA and Citrate vacutainers. XN 1000 fully automated hematology analyzer and Vesmatic were used for hematology parameters and ESR respectively. Stago analyzer was used for coagulation studies. Hematological and coagulation parameters were studied and were analyzed using t test with significance level of 5%.

: 60 cases presenting with tuberculous lymphadenopathy on cytology were analyzed which showed a M: F of 1.2 :1. Anemia was noted equally in both sexes. ESR and WBC count was raised in 92% and 45% of cases respectively. Prothrombin Time was raised in 87% of cases while Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time was raised in 45% of cases. Platelet count was normal in 88% of cases. Lymphocytosis was noted in 85% of cases while 52% cases revealed neutrophilia. Smoking and literacy rate had positive correlation. Paired t test shows positive correlation between age and WBC count (p<0.001) and age and Hemoglobin value (p<0.001).

: Tuberculosis is a hypercoagulable state with alteration in the hematological profile. These simple blood tests with no additional cost can serve as guide to physicians in establishing the early diagnosis along with clinical findings and ancillary investigations. Such Pilot studies can be extended to larger populations and corporate setups to start early treatment and reduce the morbidity and mortality.
Uterine angiomyolipoma: A case report of an unusual entity
Authors: Pol Jaydeep N , Pol Vaishali J , Bhosale Anand A
Published: February 2022

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare benign mesenchymal neoplasm composed of a variable mixture of smooth muscle cells, adipose tissue and anomalous blood vessels. It belongs to the family of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas). It is quite common in kidney but is rare at the extrarenal sites. In the uterus, only a few cases have been reported. We describe a case of uterine AML without evidence of tuberous sclerosis (TS). It was clinicoradiologically mistaken for fibroid. The clinical presentation of uterine AML is similar to more common uterine leiomyomas. AML can be suspected on the imaging but histopathology establishes a confirmed diagnosis. The case is presented for its rarity and likelihood of mistaking it for some other mesenchymal tumors. Overall, just 36 cases of Uterine AML have been reported in the English literature prior to this and this is only the second Indian case.
Malakoplakia in sclera of the left eye- A rare case report
Authors: S Sowmya , Katiyar Sakshi , Anandraj
Published: February 2022

“Malakoplakia” comes from Greek words malakos (soft) and plakos (plaque). It is a rare histiocytic disease that may occur in all organs, most frequently involving GU tract, particularly bladder. Other organs involved are gastrointestinal tract (most commonly colon, followed by stomach and duodenum), central nervous system and female genital tract. Malignancy and other forms of immunosuppression are predisposing factors. Malakoplakia in eye and orbit region are extremely rare and are usually appraised by the pathologist on histopathology sections with a few mimickers as differential diagnosis. Histopathological features showed. Collections of histiocytes with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm accumulated beneath the surface epithelium. Few cells showed round, concentrically layered intracytoplasmic inclusions known as Michaelis–Gutmann (MG) bodies which are characteristic of malakoplakia. The MG bodies are basophilic and are demonstrated by Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS) stain and stains for iron and calcium. Rare histiocytic disease that can simulate a neoplasm. Gross appearance: Single or multiple white-yellow soft raised plaques on the mucosal surface. Pathological diagnosis/entity rather than a clinical impression and warrants special stains to arrive at the histological conclusion.More common in immunocompromised (HIV, renal transplant recipients) and women Noted in > 50 years of age Malakoplakia is presently regarded as a defect in the host macrophage (phagolysosomal) response to a bacterial infection, usually from gram-negative coliformbacilli. Malakoplakia should be kept as one of the differential diagnosis by the pathologist when dealing with ophthalmic specimen.
Mucinous cystadenoma of the Thymus presenting as a mediastinal mass in a child
Authors: Jacob Sheba S K , Parameswaran Ashok , Santosham Rajan , Santosham Rajiv
Published: February 2022

This is the first case report of a mucinous cystadenoma of the thymus. So this case is reported for awareness that mucinous cystadenomas can occur in the mediastinum with a review of literature and the need for complete surgical excision.

A twelve year old girl with a cystic mediastinal mass, presented with dry cough for three weeks. The mass was completely excised as it was huge and causing pressure symptoms. On light microscopy, there was thymic tissue with a mucinous cystadenoma. This is the first report of a mucinous cystadenoma in the thymus. Mucinous cystadenomas can grow into large sizes and become symptomatic due to pressure or rupture prompting investigation.

Complete surgical excision is advised as mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the thymus has to be ruled out by adequate sampling and careful analysis of the morphology.
Secondary malignant giant-cell tumor of bone
Authors: Jagtap Sunil V , Jagtap Shubham S , Billawaria Sonam , Singh Ramnik
Published: February 2022

Malignancy in giant cell tumor of bone (MGCTB) is extremely rare condition. We reported a case of 45 year female, with gradually increasing swelling over left wrist of 6 months. She was known case of giant cell tumor (GCT) of left radius operated 20 months back. Now on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan showed well defined mass lesion at distal end of forearm suggestive of recurrence of GCT. The excision of mass was done. On histopatholgical examination reported as secondary malignant GCT. We are presenting this case for its clinical, radiological and histopathological findings.
Reboot of Canada’s Policy towards China after the 2021 Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Volodin Dmitry
Published: February 2022

After the parliamentary elections in September 2021 J. Trudeau's government began to reboot Canada's policy towards China. Despite extensive and extremely beneficial economic ties with China, the value of relations with the United States for Canada is much higher. A sharp rise in anti-Chinese sentiment in Canadian society, which took place during 2018-2021 due to the detention of two Canadian citizens in a Chinese prison, is also affecting this reboot. The statements and actions of the Trudeau government in the fall of 2021 indicate Canada's readiness to support and participate in the US strategy of containment of China.
Welfare in U.S. under Biden’s Presidency (nutrition assistance)
Authors: Lebedeva Liudmila
Published: February 2022

Pandemic has shown the growing importance of the cash, food, housing and medical care for the lower-income households. The supplemental nutrition assistance program, formerly known as the food stamps, for low-income American households, mainly with children; seniors, people with disabilities, is of special attention because of growing number those who worry a great deal about hunger and homelessness. In each state there’re its own application rules, but eligibility for benefits, income of potential recipients, household composition, and other aspects must be documented. Being the primary source of nutrition assistance for millions of Americans this program has become extremely needed during pandemic when food hardships were growing on especially among people of color; and according to the official data the number of households in need for enough food became three times more than pre-pandemic levels. Additional investments to food assistance programs are aimed to meet the challenge of those people in need; widen supplemental nutrition program for women, infants; help children by providing benefits in summer when they are out of school programs, etc. The second pandemic year level of food hardship still is remaining higher than pre-pandemic. It,s pointed out that huge part of the added during pandemic benefits are addressed for American households who’s income is less than half of the federal poverty level. So the Biden administration’s plans are connected not only with additional emergency benefits, but also with improving programs facing new challenges.
Desenvolvimento de planilhas eletrônicas para dimensionamento geométrico e estrutural de uma fundação superficial por sapatas
Authors: Andrade João Lucas Vilar , Bello Maria Isabela Marques da Cunha Vieira , Silva Jefferson Pedro Da
Published: February 2022

Um projeto de fundações superficiais por sapatas compreende as etapas de interpretação dos dados geotécnicos, o cálculo da capacidade de carga e tensão admissível, o dimensionamento estrutural e geométrico das fundações e estimativa dos recalques imediatos da sapata. As planilhas eletrônicas desenvolvidas no Microsoft Excel mostram-se excelentes ferramentas para automatização desses cálculos, uma vez que possibilitam otimizar o tempo e reduzir as falhas humanas. Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de planilhas eletrônicas para dimensionamento geotécnico e estrutural da fundação superficial por sapatas. As planilhas foram validadas utilizando os dados de um projeto de referência apresentado por Albuquerque e Garcia (2020) e Bastos (2019) a fim de verificar sua aplicabilidade. Todos os resultados obtidos por meio das planilhas eletrônicas foram similares aos resultados apresentados no projeto de referência e se mostraram importantes ferramentas para uniformizar as soluções obtidas, realizar cálculos em um tempo mais curto do que se fossem realizados manualmente, além de permitir diferentes cenários para uma mesma situação. Com interface simples, as planilhas deste estudo podem ser utilizadas tanto para fins acadêmicos como profissionais, além de serem úteis para o desenvolvimento de análises paramétricas de concepção estrutural através de ferramentas estatísticas.
Análise das manifestações patológicas nas edificações do município de Guadalupe, Piauí
Authors: Leite Danilo Martins , Tavares Jennef Carlos , Henriques Glauco Fonsêca , Bessa Carlos Vinicius Damasceno
Published: February 2022

No Brasil, o surgimento de novas construções aumenta constantemente, e as novas tecnologias, elementos e materiais que acompanham esse crescimento podem, indiretamente, induzir o surgimento de problemas patológicos, visto que a indústria da construção e seus usuários não estão acostumados a utilizá-los. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as manifestações patológicas nas edificações históricas na cidade de Guadalupe, estado do Piauí. A execução deste trabalho se deu com visitas nos locais de estudo, realização de inspeções visuais, elaboração de um diagnóstico e prognóstico, e, por último, a aplicação da Matriz GUT, método de inspeção utilizado para classificar as manifestações patológicas encontradas. Os resultados revelaram incidências provocadas pela umidade, como manchas e bolores. Os problemas mais críticos foram encontrados na estrutura das edificações, entre eles a corrosão da armadura nos pilares da Igreja Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe e da estrutura metálica na cobertura do ginásio poliesportivo da Unidade Escolar João Pinheiro. Diante desse quadro, a segurança e durabilidade dessas edificações podem ficar comprometidas com o tempo, devido ao alto nível de criticidade das manifestações analisadas. Por fim, destaca-se a necessidade da elaboração de um plano de manutenção para a reparação das edificações estudadas. 

anomalias mais críticas segundo a metodologia aplicada, foram referentes a parte estrutural das edificações, como a corrosão das armaduras expostas nos pilares da Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe e a corrosão da estrutura metálica na cobertura do ginásio poliesportivo da Unidade Escolar João Pinheiro. Desse modo, a segurança e durabilidade dessas edificações podem se agravar com o tempo, devido alto nível de criticidade dos problemas patológicos analisados. Por fim, conclui-se a necessidade da elaboração de um plano de manutenção periódicos para reparação das edificações estudadas.