bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care providers in a tertiary care centre, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Rajesh Eshwar , Mathivanan Sankarmani R. , Subramaniam Sudarshini
Published: May 2022

Background: The only way to reduce a person's likelihood of contracting COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death from it is to get vaccinated. Healthcare providers are indefinitely exposed to the virus and are also a source of knowledge about the sickness and vaccination. However hesitancy towards vaccination among healthcare providers persists. To estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers and to assess its predictors.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer administered pretested semi-structured questionnaire adapting 5C vaccine acceptance/hesitancy questionnaire among 310 healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, multipurpose workers, support and paramedical staffs and students in a Tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu selected by multistage random sampling from March to April of 2021. The collected data was analyzed by using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.Results: The results showed that overall, 29.35% (n=91) of healthcare providers had hesitancy towards vaccination. 48.7% of the total respondents were not vaccinated against COVID-19 (n=151) and 24.5% of them were unwilling to be vaccinated. The mean of 5C questionnaire score was taken as cut off and the psychological antecedents of COVID-19 vaccination were compared between those vaccinated and not vaccinated. Among those vaccinated, it was observed that they had high confidence in vaccination, collective responsibility and calculation.Conclusions: To battle misinformation and poor vaccination rates in future COVID-19 vaccination program, interventional educational efforts focusing on mitigating the constraints and complacence is urgently needed.
eHealth - information seeking behaviour among school going adolescents through internet
Authors: Thakan Somya , Mehta Aditya , Singh Lakhan
Published: May 2022

Background: Health literacy implies the achievement of a level of knowledge, personal skills, and confidence to take action to improve personal and community health by changing personal lifestyles and living conditions. Thus, health literacy means more than being able to read pamphlets and make appointments. Poor literacy can affect people’s health directly by limiting their personal, social, and cultural development, as well as hindering the development of health literacy.Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going adolescents. From six in-depth interviews and a brief paper-and-pencil questionnaire with seventy-nine adolescents. These adolescents were primarily presented with and fulfilled nutrition information needs informal settings such as school.Results: Average age of school-going adolescents was 12.67 years with a majority of 96% having internet access. The majority of them had sought the help of the internet to gather nutrition information.Conclusions: Overall, for these adolescents, the nutrition information-seeking process was not an engaging, iterative process. Their nutrition information-seeking behaviours indicated that these adolescents were only at a basic level finding and making sense of nutrition information.
Salivary urea and uric acid levels as biomarkers in dental caries: in vivo study
Authors: Raj Gagan , Kumar Dhananjaya , B. S. Suma , Mangal Garima
Published: May 2022

Background: A new approach in caries research is focused on the fact that salivary Substrates, like urea and uric acid, may play an important role in biofilm pH, homeostasis and in inhibiting dental caries and thus act as biomarker. Methods: A clinical in vivo study was conducted in Dental college of Patna among simple random sample of 30 dental students (10 caries active and 20 caries free based on DMFT index) and of age group 18-25 years after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Unstimulated saliva samples of dental students were collected at Coachman position using draining technique and salivary urea and uric acid estimation done at private pathology laboratory, Patna.Results: The mean for urea level was higher among Caries free Group (61.15±18.85) as compared to Caries group (9.91±3.64) while the mean uric acid level was higher among Caries group (10.19±2.16) as compared to caries free group (5.25±2.78). The caries experience when assessed by correlating the DMFT Score with salivary urea and salivary uric acid concentration, it was found that the DMFT Score is in negative correlation with urea level (r=-0.790) and positive correlation with uric acid level (r=0.751) suggesting when salivary urea level increases there was decrease in caries rate and vice versa.Conclusions: Thus value of salivary urea and uric acid in adolescence can serve as a parameter for determining the risk of caries, thus acting as biomarkers in dental caries and this, in turn, can be used in the planning and implementation of appropriate caries preventive measures.
Epidemiological profile of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and its association with diabetes in tertiary care center in Northern Kerala
Authors: A. Shamseeda , A. K. Jayasree
Published: May 2022

Background: India accounts for 24% of the global TB burden and 29% of deaths. Although HIV is considered the most potent risk factor for TB, the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the world and its effect on TB burden is greater than HIV infection. DM is common in the south Indian state of Kerala with a prevalence of 16% to 20%. Objectives of current study were to describe the epidemiological profile of EPTB cases diagnosed in a tertiary care center in northern Kerala and to find the association between EPTB and DM cases.Methods: A record-based descriptive study. All TB cases from first January 2019 to December 2021 at the Government medical college Kannur Pariyaram were the study population. Data was collected from the Nikshay portal, treatment register and CBNAAT register maintained in DOTS center, Pariyaram. The data were analysed using MS Excel and SPSS 26. The Chi-square test was applied to find an association between variables. p<0.05 is considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 882 cases included in the study, 476 (53.96%) were having PTB and 406 (46.03%) were having EPTB. Among males PTB (358, 59.3%) and among females EPTB (160 ,57.6%) were more prevalent (p<0.001). In the younger age group EPTB and in the older age group PTB were more reported (p<0.001). Among EPTB, the majority of the cases (66.5%) belong to the age group 21-60 years. Smokers among PTB and EPTB were 78 (16.4%) and 33 (8.1%) respectively.Conclusions: Female gender and younger age were more associated with EPTB compared to PTB.DM and smoking were more associated with PTB compared to EPTB. Common sites of EPTB were the lymph node, abdominal, pleural, and spine.
Effectiveness of nurse-led educational intervention package on back pain and activity of daily living in primigravidae women with back pain
Authors: Rakhecha Ghanshyam , Vyas Himanshu , Shekhar Shashank , Gonnade Nitesh M.
Published: May 2022

Background: The primigravida women often have more complaints of back pain during pregnancy. Pregnant women reported that back pain might affect the activities of daily routine e.g. walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and women may expect help from family members.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was directed on primigravidae women visiting antenatal outpatient department (OPD) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur. An absolute of 60 primigravidae women (30 in each experimental and control group) were incorporated through the non-probability consecutive sampling method.Results: The pre-test score uncovered that the majority of the women (70%) in the experimental group and (60%) in the control group revealed moderate pain. The post-test score uncovered that (56.6%) in the experimental group detailed mild pain and 53.3% of women in the control group reported severe pain. When compared with the pre-test, the pain score of members in the experimental group was diminished and in the control group, the pain score was increased in post-test (p≤0.000). No critical contrast was found in the activity of daily living in the experimental and control group. For analysis, paired and unpaired t-test, x2, and Fisher exact tests were used.Conclusions: The majority of primigravidae women had back pain during pregnancy and participants recognized prolong sitting as the most well-known aggravating factor. It was discovered that there was a significant distinction in pain scores between pre-test and post-test in the experimental and control group.
Scrub typhus outbreak in rural area of Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India in 2021
Authors: Biswas Dilip K. , Orang Sima , Debnath Manashi , Deb Lily M. , Ain Ahana
Published: May 2022

Background: Scrub typhus is a reemerging zoonotic disease with no definite preventive measures. Mild to severe clinical manifestation of scrub typhus are occurring in tropical countries. We conducted investigation to confirm the outbreak and vector survey to ascertain transmission of scrub typhus.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Sahid Matangini block of Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India between November’ 2020 and January’ 2021. All suspected scrub typhus cases were included for investigation. Environmental and vector survey was also conducted in affected villages.Results: Among total 71 cases, 51 cases were tested for scrub typhus and positivity rate was 13.72% (7/51). Positivity rate was higher in women 9.80% (5/51) than men. Cases found in adult women in the age group of 19-45 years were 35.21% (25/71) and in the children below the age of 15 years were 23.94% (17/71). All the patients developed fever followed by headache, myalgia, cough, rash & eschar. Outbreak started in November’ 2020 and maximum cases were found in December’ 2020. Dumping of household waste inside house was 93%, agriculture fields close to residential houses were 80% and pet animals in household were 69% of total case patients. Trap positivity was 37.5% (3/8) and after examination in laboratory ectoparasites such as adult mites were identified.Conclusions: This was an outbreak of scrub typhus. Mites were found in peri-domestic areas. Household waste is to be dumped away from the residential houses. A clean and vegetation free household environment with proper washing of feet and hand may decrease the risk of scrub typhus.
Esthetic and functional rehabilitation of hypomineralized first permanent molars using prefabricated versus custom made zirconia crowns: a 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Rawal Sakshi , Srivastava Nikhil , Rana Vivek , Kaushik Noopur
Published: May 2022

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralisation is defined as “hypomineralisation of systemic origin, presenting as demarcated, qualitative defects of the enamel of one to four first permanent molars frequently associated with affected incisors. MIH is also considered as a public health issue since it leads to pain, poor esthetics and has a negative impact on the quality of life. Thus, managing patients with MIH requires a variety of patient management approaches, materials, and techniques ranging from Intracoronal to extracoronal full or partial coverage restorations. To evaluate the efficacy of prefabricated zirconia crowns and custom-made zirconia crowns used on hypomineralised molars and to compare their efficacy in terms of gingival health, surface integrity, retention, parental satisfaction, time and cost over a time period of baseline (1day), 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.Methods: Twenty-six hypomineralized first permanent molars from children aged 7-12 years indicated for full coverage restorations were randomly selected from the Out Patient Department. The selected teeth (molars) were then randomly allocated into two groups (13 each) according to the type of crown used, namely Group A-prefabricated zirconia crowns (n=13) and group B-custom-made zirconia crowns (n=13). Tooth preparation was done according to the crown selected and all the crowns were cemented using resin-based cement. Patients were recalled and the follow-up was done by single trained examiner.Results: Clinical success for both the crowns were similar with no statistical difference between them.Conclusions: Both the crowns proved to be clinically successful.
Efficacy of intracanal biological and fiber posts in the rehabilitation of grossly mutilated primary incisors: a clinical study
Authors: Kansal Vedant , Rana Vivek , Srivastava Nikhil , Kaushik Noopur
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of conventional fiber posts with biological posts followed by strip crowns in the restoration of grossly mutilated primary anterior teeth.Methods: A total number of 10 patients with 20 grossly mutilated primary anterior teeth were selected. After pulpectomy, samples were randomly divided into 2 groups, group I and II, post space was prepared in both the groups, followed by placing conventional fiber posts and biological posts in group I and group II respectively. Finally, samples in both the groups were then restored with strip crowns. Patients were recalled for follow up examination at 3, 6 and 9 months intervals by an independent operator who was blinded about the procedure to assess longevity, gingival health, color change of crowns and parents’ acceptability of restorations.Results: After 9 months follow up period 100% of the biological posts survived while only 60% of the conventional fibre posts were able to survive (p>0.05). Only 20% of the cases in group I showed mild gingival inflammation around the post while no gingival inflammation was seen in group II. Non - significant results were found on comparing color change of crowns and parents acceptance at 6 months follow up.Conclusions: Both conventional fiber post and biological proved to be clinically successful in terms of their survival, gingival health, parents’ acceptability and color stability of crowns. Biological restorations proved to be a viable alternative for the restoration of grossly mutilated primary anterior in terms of longevity, gingival health, parents’ acceptability and color change of crown.
Impact of COVID pandemic on lifestyle changes among college students of a tertiary care institution in Puducherry: an explanatory mixed method study
Authors: Thakkar Vallabh , Mahalakshmy T. , Lakshminarayanan Subitha
Published: May 2022

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed our lifestyle-related habits mainly physical activity, sedentariness, sleep, dependence on social media and dietary habits. To study the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle changes before and during the Pandemic in terms of physical activity, sleep, diet, screen time and to explore the barriers and facilitating factors to it.Methods: The study is an explanatory mixed method study which involved quantitative data collection among 453 young adults followed by qualitative data exploration of their views and experiences through focus group discussions among 12 young adults selected using maximum variation sampling. Integration of findings were done using joint displays to provide more insights.Results: During COVID-19, the quantitative results revealed a drop in physical activity levels by one fifth. There was decrease in consumption of unhealthy food and number of main meals, while duration of sleep and screen time increased significantly. Qualitative findings revealed lack of motivation, poor access to healthy environment, threat of COVID-19 infection and dependence on social media as barriers while cues to action, shift towards healthy habits, local adaptations, supportive environment as facilitators for the healthy lifestyle behavior.Conclusions: Three-fourth of the students were in moderate to high physical activity but there was an overall decrease in levels during the pandemic. There was reduction in the intake of unhealthy foods and increase in sleep during the pandemic. However, the use of social media and digital aids was found to have increased, resulting in more screen time.
Assessment of self-medication practice for oral health problems among people of Varanasi, Uttar-Pradesh, India
Authors: Dubey Pragati , Mittal Neelam
Published: May 2022

Background: Self medication has been practiced for centuries in both industrialized and under developed countries. There are lots of literatures indicating people awareness regarding abuse of medicines and antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, but there has not been much study conducted for dental illness. The present study aimed to gather information about self-medication pattern among people of Varanasi, Uttar-Pradesh and to identify the measures to curb these life-threatening practices.Methods: An observational based cross-sectional study was carried out in OPD of Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. The sample size comprised of 500 respondents. The SPS software was used to code, input, and analyze all descriptive data. Descriptive data analysis was performed and the results were provided as frequencies and percentage.Results: The response of survey received a perfect score of 100%. The prevalence rate of self medication was found to be 56.2%. The main reason for engaging in such life threatening practice was lack of time and ignorance. Analgesia was the most commonly utilized type of medication. Out of 281, 84 patients sought basic care from a pharmacist, whereas 49.2% patient approached to visit dentist only when their problem continued.Conclusions: The prevalence rate was higher in male than female. Controlling self-medication requires patient health awareness initiatives, community pharmacist help, and pharmacist continuing education. There is a need for intervention planning to encourage rational self-medication through mass media such as newspapers, magazines and TV.
Spatial prevalence and its contextual determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in cases of C-section deliveries in India: a study based on National Family Health Survey-4, 2015-2016
Authors: Ghosh Koustav , Panchal Nilam V. , Chakraborty Atreyee S.
Published: May 2022

Background: Delayed early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) between 2 to 23 hours has increased 1.3 times risk of neonatal and it goes up double when it crosses more than 24 hours. Babies who were born through caesarean section (C-section) were less likely to initiate early breastfeeding as compared to normal vaginal delivery.Methods: The present study has utilized 14774 weighted samples of C-section delivered women from National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) (2015-2016). Spatial analysis software i.e. ArcGIS 10.8 and STATA 14 including logistics regression has been utilized to show the spatial prevalence and contextual determinants of EIBF on C-section birth babies in India.Results: In India, around 31.8% of C-section mothers breastfeed their children within one hour of delivery. The prevalence of EIBF is highest in Goa and lowest in Rajasthan. The central part of India mostly from the empowered action group (EAG) states practices a very low level of EIBF practices whereas, the north-east region represents the highest prevalence for the same. The odds of logistic regression shows that mother’s higher education (OR: 1.38), everyday mass media exposure (OR: 1.66), and initiation of postnatal care (PNC) within one hour (OR: 1.79) help to increase the practices of EIBF. On the other hand, delivery in the private hospital (OR: 0.61).Conclusions: The study shows remarkable geographical variations in EIBF and its correlates in the country. It recommends that the public health programmes need to target the states with less practice of EIBF (i.e. EAG state or central part of India) F among C-section delivery mothers. By increasing the level of mothers’ education status, mass media exposure and early PNC care can improve the EIBF practices among C-section mothers in India.
Standard operating procedure for the management of hypertensive urgencies in a community health centre in rural Tamil Nadu: a quality improvement project
Authors: Menezes Anna Rachel
Published: May 2022

Background: Hypertension is one of the heaviest health care burdens in rural India where less than 1/10th of patients has blood pressures under control. This sheds limelight on community healthcare centers to proactively prevent, manage and treat hypertension and its complications. St. Ann’s Hospital is one such CHC located in the Elathigiri subdisrtict of Tamil Nadu. We formulated a standard operating procedure at the CHC for the effective prevention and treatment of hypertensive urgency- one of the easily treatable but highly impactful complications of hypertension. We then strengthened its usage using plan-do-study-act cyclesMethods: An SOP was formulated using international and national guidelines, contoured to the low resources present at the center. Healthcare workers were trained to follow the SOP. Sequential PDSA cycles were then used to evaluate and control the step-ladder of barriers in effective management. The results were analyzed using indicators and compared to baseline values established at the start of the study.Results: A rise of 41.4% was seen in correct SOP execution at the end of PDSA-2. At the end of the study, there was a 22% increase in the percent of patients correctly diagnosed, 19% increase in patients stabilized in the first hour and 14% increase in patients returning for follow up visits (p<0.05).Conclusions: Our SOP could significantly reduce the burden of HU at the CHC. We encourage its usage in similar low resource centers and promote PDSA cycles as a method to ensure its efficient utilization.
COVID-19 infection among nursing personnel: a retrospective survey in Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors: Adhikari Uma Rani , Gupta Shampa , Bhattacharjee Soumi
Published: May 2022

Background: During this COVID-19 pandemic the health care workers are at greatest risk of exposure and subsequently developing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple factors determine the severity of illness and its prognosis. This study aims to assess the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection among the nursing personnel in Kolkata, West Bengal and determines the factors in severity of COVID-19 infection in the reported positive case.Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 858 nursing personnel in Kolkata, West Bengal from April 2021 to March 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected through semi structured questionnaire and they were tested for validity and reliability before data collection.Results: Result showed that 12.9% nursing personnel are COVID-19 affected. 66.7% belonged to the age group 18-25 years, 100% female and 73% were single. Out of 111 COVID-19 affected, 36.9% were fully vaccinated and 8.1% were partially vaccinated before COVID-19 infection, 16.2% were having comorbidity. Exposure source was not known for 74.8% and from the 25.2% known exposure cases 53.6% developed symptoms in <1 week. 45.9% suffered 2-3 weeks and 33.3% were having some post COVID-19 health problem. Data revealed that severity of illness was significantly associated with comorbidity (X2=5.820) and vaccination status (X2=7.058). Post COVID-19 health problem was significantly associated with age (X2=12.586), comorbidity (X2=12.538) and vaccination status (X2=17.838).Conclusions: Occurrence and severity of COVID-19 infection is less in vaccinated cases. Age, comorbidity and vaccination are the important factors in severity and developing post COVID-19 health problem.
Poshan Sanjha Chulah approach: impact on nutrition status of children aged 6-59 months in urban slum of Bhopal city
Authors: Chand Harish , Brahmane Smita
Published: May 2022

Background: The National Family Health Survey-5 reveals the prevalence of stunting 35.5%, underweight 32.1%, and wasting 19.3% among under 5 children. Madhya Pradesh reported stunting, underweight, and wasting 37.5%, 33%, and 19% respectively which is higher than national average.Methods: A community based approach “Poshan Sanjha Chulah (PSC)” was introduced to address underweight among the children of Bhopal Urban slums, Madhya Pradesh. PSC programme aimed at achieving weight gain by 400 gm in a month and 900 gm by the end of 3rd month. Additional energy 600-800 kcal, protein 25-27 gm, and iron-10 mg and other nutrients were provided during this programme. The counselling visits were made to children in every 15 days until 3 months followed by monthly visits until 12 months by community health workers.Results: The PSC Programme was implemented in the communities with the prevalence of underweight children more than 30 percent. This study was conducted on 224 children which includes 39 (7.5%) severe underweight and 185 (35.5%) moderate underweight children. At the end of the PSC programme the mean weight gain was 328 gm for all children. In a period of 6 months, the boys and girls gained mean weight of 2325 gm and 2225 gm respectively. The highest weight gain was observed in the age group of 13-24 months on the 12th day. At the end of 6th month 164 children (73.2%) graduated to normal nutrition category (≥-2 SD).Conclusions: Underweight has become a major concern of public health particularly in developing countries. Prevalence of underweight not only indicates the poor nutritional status of children but also reflects the poor socio-economic condition of the families.
Post-exposure prophylaxis of rabies during pregnancy: safety and other concerns
Authors: Khan Imran Ahmed , Bashar Mohammad Abu , Joshi Hari Shanker , Upadhyay Shailendra
Published: May 2022

Rabies is a 100% fatal disease caused mainly due to animal bites but can easily be prevented through timely vaccination in case of its potential exposure. Pregnancy is a special condition in which vaccination against rabies in case of its potential exposure may pose questions on its safety owing to its effect on the growing foetus. Through, this short review, we aim to explain the safety of rabies vaccines during pregnancy and its potential harms. Currently available evidences show that both vaccines and immunoglobulins against rabies are completely safe in pregnancy and adverse effects profile similar to non-pregnant state. Further, both the vaccine and immunoglobulins against rabies have no adverse effect on the growing foetus and therefore may safely be given to pregnant women in case of potential exposure.
Development of simulation based medical education in India
Authors: Raja V. Pragadeesh , Lenin Dharani
Published: May 2022

Medical education has undergone various changes in the last decades in India. From 2019 competency based medical education has been implemented as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines and there was various modifications made in teaching learning methods, assessment method. The new CBME curriculum stress the importance of proficiency in several clinical skills by medical graduates rather than mere gaining of knowledge. As per NMC regulations 2020 skills lab is compulsory in medical colleges. Need of skills lab now practically realized after the COVID 19 pandemic so NMC advised to start separate skills lab for COVID 19 called COVID 19 skills lab in all medical colleges and mentioned the list of the 42 topics and to train and cover all the level of health workers.
To compare the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC with histopathology in benign and malignant breast lumps
Authors: Sharma Himanshu , Bisht Dayal Singh , Sharma Dev Jyoti , Upadhyay Vivek
Published: May 2022

A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in which the cytological diagnosis of palpable lesion of breast was compared with histopathological diagnosis to see the accuracy of cytology for both benign and neoplastic lumps in breast. A total number of 101 fine needle aspiration cytology was performed over a period of two years in cases of breast lump. The cytological and histological correlation was found in 51 cases (50%) out of 101cases. The commonest benign lesion was fibroadenoma, which was noted in age group of 15-35 years and the commonst malignant lesion was infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which was noted in the age group of 50-70 years. Thus the present study revealed that FNAC had Sensitivity of 50%, Specificity of 100%, Positive predictive value 100%, Negative predictive value 95.9% and the overall accuracy of the study was 96.1%.
Clinicopathological analysis of sinonasal lesions
Authors: Thokal Mansi , Kulkarni Medha , Sidhewad Shital , Gosavi Alka
Published: May 2022

The sinonasal tract is exposed to a variety of infections, chemical irritants, antigens and trauma giving rise to diverse inflammatory as well as neoplastic lesions.

The aim was to study the clinicopathological profile of lesions of nose and paranasal sinuses in this area of western Maharashtra.

The study included 59 biopsies/resection specimens received in the department during Jan 2015 to June 2019. Clinical and pathological details were analysed.

There were 33 females and 26 males. Out of 59 cases, 46 were nonneoplastic and 13 neoplastic, with 10 benign and three malignant. The most common nonneoplastic lesion was sinonasal polyp (42 cases). Other nonneoplastic lesions included three cases of mucormycosis and one case of rhinosporidiosis. In the benign neoplasms, there were three cases of hemangiomas, two hamartomas, two inverted papillomas with one case each of hidradenoma, angiofibroma and schwannoma. We had three malignant tumors, one case each of, melanoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and squammous cell carcinoma.

Nonneoplastic lesions were much more common than neoplastic ones in the sinonasal tract. Histopathological examination plays an important role in correct diagnosis and management.
To study HPV and EBV in squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract by immunohistochemistry markers
Authors: Raya Gorantla Vamshi Vasantha , Manjunath G V
Published: May 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is one of the predominant causes of mortality and morbidity in a developing nation like India. The major risk factors being tobacco usage and alcohol. Besides these there are certain viruses like high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Epstein Bar Virus (EBV). Which have a potential role in the etiology of SCC. More over these HPV positive tumors have better prognosis compared to HPV negative ones due their radiosensitivity. There are several methods employed in identification of these viruses of which IHC is cost effective, reliable with high sensitivity and specificity.

In the present study, we identified 30 cases of SCC in UADT sent to Pathology department. Expression of p16 for HPV and LMP1 for EBV was performed on the tissue blocks manually.

p16 was positive in around 17% (5/30 cases) whereas LMP1 showed 0% (0/30 cases) positivity. Majority of patients with p16 positivity in SCC of UADT are in the older age (above 50 years), showed moderately differentiated (Grade II) SCC, had nodal metastasis at the time of presentation.

Some studies showed the association of HPV of SCC in UADT in younger population have better prognosis compared to HPV negative ones. In the current study HPV was identified (17%) in older population (above 55 years) and none of the cases showed positivity for LMP1(EBV).
Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease: Unusual histology in children- A report of 3 cases
Authors: Keskar Reshma S , Ghodke Ratnaprabha K
Published: May 2022

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of adrenocorticotropin independent Cushing Syndrome. Majority cases are diagnosed in second or third decade of life. Presentation of PPNAD in early childhood is very rare. It is characterized by adrenocorticotrophic hormone [ACTH] independent, hypersecretion of cortisol by multiple, pigmented nodules of hyperplastic adrenocortical cells. The histology varies with age, the pigmentation increasing with age. More than ninety percent of reported cases of PPNAD occur as one of the manifestation of Carney’s complex.
Unusual presentation of calcinosis cutis: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Jain Pooja , Trivedi Shalini , Singhal Udita , Kumar Rohit
Published: May 2022

Calcinosis cutis is a rare disorder with abnormal deposition of insoluble amorphous calcium salts under the epidermis in various parts of the body. This syndrome is divided into four types. Here we described two cases of calcinosis cutis at rare sites which were misdiagnosed clinically. In the first case, a 12 years old male child presented with a grey-white nodule in the left upper eyelid, and in the second case, 27 years old man presented with solitary growth on his left scrotum. In both cases, the Provisional diagnosis was misleading. On histopathological examination, a confirmatory diagnosis of Calcinosis cutis was made.
Anaplastic transformation in a recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Prabhu S A Chitra , Sowmya B U  , Veena R  , Tejaswini B N
Published: May 2022

Recurrence of well differentiated thyroid carcinomas with anaplastic transformation has been a challenge to the clinicians and is life threatening to the patient. Transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma to the anaplastic variant in the metastatic foci is very rare.We report a case of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma with anaplastic transformation metastasizing to larynx. The challenge for pathologists is to identify this transformation, so that treatment may be tailored appropriately.
The struma with a twist: an uncommon case report
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Banushree Chandrasekhar , Senthilarasu Soundarya , Pulavarthi Sabita , Bhat Ramachandra V
Published: May 2022

Strumaovarii, monodermal ovarian teratoma with incidence of 0.3%. Complications of struma ovarii includes torsion, rupture, infection and malignant transformation.

We present you a unusual case of struma ovarii undergoing torsion without any clinical features of thyrotoxicosis in a 45year old postmenopausal women presented with lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging study showed Right ovarian cyst and her thyroid function test, tumor markers(Ca-125, Ca 19-9) are within normal limits. It was histopathologically proven as Torsion struma ovarii.

A solid cystic ovarian tumour diagnosed as Struma ovarii undergoing torsion as a complication.

Even though struma ovarii is a rare ovarian tumor, we should keep in mind the complications which can happen with this type of tumor including the malignant transformations.
Mandibular metastasis of a silent papillary thyroid carcinoma: A rare case presentation
Authors: Shehwar Durre , Siddiqui Bushra , Sadia Haleema , Faridi Shahbaz Habib , Mazumder Mastakim A
Published: May 2022

Papillary carcinoma is the most common malignancy of thyroid accounting for about 80-90% of thyroid cancers. The most common site of metastasis is lung and bone. Distant metastasis is associated with poor prognosis in thyroid cancers in terms of decreased survival rates. Metastasis to mandible is a rare occurrence in thyroid cancers and very few cases have been reported in literature. Here we present a case of 45-year-old female who presented with complaints of pain and swelling in right side of mandible for past 10 months. On examination, a 3x3 cm hard, non-mobile growth on right side of mandible was seen. Microscopy revealed features of metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma, which were later confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Mandibular metastasis of thyroid cancer is exceedingly rare, however in cases presenting initially with jaw swelling it must be kept as a differential diagnosis.
Isolated extra nodal soft tissue Rosai-Dorfman disease, masquerading as soft tissue neoplasm: A rare entity
Authors: Rajeshwari B  , Salapathi S  , Ghosh Mitra
Published: May 2022

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, nonmalignant disorder of histiocyte proliferation which usually involves the cervical lymph nodes. Isolated extranodal RDD is rare which mimics other neoplastic processes thus causing diagnostic difficulties to the clinicians and radiologists. Here we report a case of 32 year old lady who presented with swelling in right thigh, clinically diagnosed as soft tissue neoplasm. Histopathology revealed pathognomonic findings of RDD showing sheets of large pale histiocytes showing emperipolesis along with dense lymphplasmacytic infiltrate. In extranodal RDD the typical histological findings of RDD are less common and there is pronounced fibrosis compared to nodal disease. The pathological diagnosis may be challenging in such cases. The surgical pathologist should have a high index of suspicion in such cases so that aggressive therapy can be avoided. The course of extranodal disease is generally less indolent and can be aggressive if vital organs are involved.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Imago-Therapy and Transactional Analysis in Improving Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution and Rejection Sensitivity of Couples Referred to Masjed Soleiman Counseling Centers
Authors: Jalili Massoumeh , Eftekhari Saadi Zahra , Pasha Reza , Asgari Parviz , Hafezi Fariba
Published: May 2022

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Imago-Therapy and Transactional Analysis in improving communication skills, conflict resolution, and rejection sensitivity of couples referred to Masjed Soleiman counseling centers. Methods: The method of this experimental study was pre-test and post-test, with follow-up, on an experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this study included all couples who referred to Masjed Soleiman counseling centers in 2019. Four counseling centers were selected randomly from the statistical population, and then 20 couples (40 persons) were randomly assigned into two experimental groups (10 couples for each group). Experimental groups were trained for ten 1.5 hour sessions. To collect the data, Quinn Dam Communication Skills Questionnaire, Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), and Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) were used. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Findings: The results of the analysis showed that Transactional Analysis was more effective on the variables of communication skills, conflict resolution and rejection sensitivity than imago-therapy (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, it can be said that imago-therapy and transactional analysis effective on communication skills, conflict resolution, and rejection sensitivity of couples, but transactional analysis was more effective than imago-therapy.
Presenting a Structural Model for Predicting Psychological Well-being based on Family Performance, Optimism and Resilience Mediated by Social Adequacy and Academic Self-efficacy in Students
Authors: Lotfnejad Afshar Sima , Khakpour Reza , Doukanei Fard Farideh
Published: May 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to present a structural model for predicting psychological well-being based on family performance, optimism and resilience mediated by social adequacy and academic self-efficacy in students. Methods: The method of this study was descriptive-correlation with structural equation model. From the students of Allameh Tabatabaei Campus in Urmia (women’s branch) and Shahid Rajaei Campus in Urmia (male’s branch) using convenient sampling method, 250 individuals were selected and psychological well-being questionnaires (Reef, 1989), McMaster family performance (Epstein et al., (1990), complemented optimism (life orientation) (Shearer and Carver, 1985), resilience (Connor and Davidson, 2003), social adequacy (Flanner, 1990), and academic self-efficacy (Patrick et al., 1997) were administered. Findings: The results showed that the structural model has an acceptable fit with the collected data. Resilience, optimism, social adequacy and academic self-efficacy were positively and significantly and family performance was negatively and significantly (p <0.01) predicting psychological well-being. Social adequacy and academic self-efficacy mediate positively and significantly (p <0.01) the relationship between resilience and optimism, and negatively and significantly (p <0.01) the relationship between family performance and psychological well-being. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that the educational vitality of the educational program can be a good executive strategy to increase academic self-efficacy, psychological well-being, optimism, resilience and social adequacy of students.
Studying the Mediating Role of Core Self-Evaluation in Relationship between Personality and Career Adaptability
Authors: Sharifi Shiva , Sadeghi Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the role of core self-evaluation as a mediator between personality and career adaptability among all University of Isfahan’s bachelor students who were in the last two years of their education. Methods: The method applied was a correlational study analyzed by the structural equation modeling approach. Total of 401 participants were selected through stratified sampling (considering the gender and population of each field of study) among all University of Isfahan’s bachelor students who were in the last two years of their education. The Career adaptability scale (Savickas and Profeili, 2012), the core Self-evaluation scale (Judge & Durham, 2003), and the big five personality traits questionnaire (Mc-Crae & Costa, 2004) were applied to collect data. Results: Results indicated that core self-evaluation partially mediated the relationship between conscientiousness (p<0/001) and extraversion (p<0/001) with career adaptability. On the other hand, the relationship between career adaptability with openness to experience (p<0/05) and neuroticism (p<0/001) was indirect, and a direct relationship was noticed between career adaptability and agreeableness (p<0/02). Conclusion: Results of the current study confirm the importance of conscientiousness, extraversion, and core self-evaluations’ roles on increasing career adaptability of the students who will graduate in the upcoming years. Furthermore, it seems that it is necessary to plan for the programs which enhance students’ core self-evaluation that increases their career adaptability. Also, in planning these programs, individual's big five personality traits should be considered.
The Effectiveness of Hope-Therapy on the Dimensions of Life Quality and Self-Esteem of Depressed Adolescent Girls
Authors: Hashemian Maedeh , Namdari Kourosh , Abedi Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Aim: The research aimed to study the effectiveness of hope therapy on dimensions of quality of Life and self-esteem in depressed adolescent girls. Methods: For this purpose, a quasi-experimental pretest, posttest with control group was used. The statistical population included all adolescent girls studying in the academic year 2016-2017 in Isfahan, from which 24 depressed girls (12 in the experimental group, 12 in the control group) were selected through cluster sampling and according to the selection criteria. The intervention method included 8 sessions of hope therapy that was implemented for experimental group. In order to assess variables, Beck Depression Inventory 2 (Beck, 1996), Quality of Life Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 1996) and Self-Esteem Questionnaire (Coopersmith, 1967) were used. The data analysis conducted by multivariate analysis of covariance with pretest, posttest, and control groups. Finding: The findings showed a significant increase in the mean scores of dimensions of quality of life including physical health (F= 0.36, p<0.05), mental health (F= 0.30, p<0.05), social relations (F= 0.35, p<0.05), and perception of living environment (F= 0.32, p<0.05) in depressed girls. Also, the result showed a significant increase in the mean scores of academic self-esteem (F= 0.44, p<0.05), and self-esteem (F= 0.40., p<0.05) in these students. Conclusion: Therefore, hope therapy is effective in increasing self-esteem and quality of life in depressed adolescent girls and can be used in schools and counseling centers to reduce depression by designing educational and cultural programs focusing on hope, preventing depression in adolescents, and improving their quality of life and self-esteem.
Elite universities in Chile: Between social mobility and reproduction of inequality
Authors: Quaresma María Luisa , Villalobos Cristóbal
Published: May 2022

The Chilean Higher Education System can be considered an exemplary case of massification based on the privatisation and heterogenisation of universities. These processes have created a dual system, with a large group of universities for mass education versus a small group of universities focused on educating elites. In this context, this paper aims to analyse the ethos and missions of elite universities and programmes, their selection mechanisms, and students’ socioeconomic and cultural background. Eight case studies were selected, and different data collection techniques were used: interviews with academics, non-participant observations, students’ survey and secondary data analysis. Results show that these elite universities (characterised by overrepresentation of students from the upper and middle-upper classes, high levels of excellence and prestige, and academic selection processes or high fees) respond to their own market niche’s needs, differentiating themselves not only from ‘mass universities’ but also from each other. To achieve this, each elite university has its own vision, set of values and practices. Despite these differences, all the elite universities and programmes seek to face the current tertiary massification scenario by opening up to student social diversity ensuring, however, that these changes do not structurally modify their sociocultural composition or their institutional mission.

Received: 4 December 2020Accepted: 20 April 2022
Learners’ attitude towards outcomes-based teaching and learning in higher education
Authors: Ortega-Dela Cruz Ruth A.
Published: May 2022

As outcomes-based education (OBE) is now being pursued in the Philippine higher education, learners have expressed their varied sentiments to this new approach. This cross-sectional study on the undergraduate and postgraduate learners sought answers as to what attitudes they may foster towards the success of implementing outcomes-based teaching and learning approach in a State University. It also aimed at determining the relationship between learners’ demographics, and their attitude towards OBE. Findings reveal that learners have positive attitude towards OBE. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between learners’ demographics, and their attitude towards OBE. Analysis of variance reveals significant differences in the attitude of learners across degree levels. As the values formation seems to be a source of dispute among the learners of this new approach, it may also be the source of hope for its brighter future. Taking positively, it simply demands both the learners and educators the kind of character that will help them achieve their goals. For it is within the values of everyone to continue with what the implementers have started while waiting to reap its fruit towards excellence in higher education.

Received: 12 January 2021Accepted: 11 January 2022