bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery: a radiographically occult cause of life-threatening hemoptysis
Authors: Agrawal Juhi , Reghunath Anjuna , Paruthi Charu , Mittal Mahesh K. , Sinha Mukul , Thukral Brij B.
Published: June 2020

Unilateral absence or agenesis of pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital abnormality with an estimated prevelance of 1 in 2,00,000 adults. The entity occurs commonly in association with other congenital heart diseases like septal defects or patent ductus arteriosus. The condition usually runs a benign clinical course with patients usually presenting clinically in adulthood with history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Two such patients presented with recurrent respiratory tract infections, breathlessness and hemoptysis. The chest radiograph of first patient was reported as normal in the referring hospital, while that of second patient showed volume loss in left lung. CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) was then performed which demonstrated the absence of right and left pulmonary arteries respectively in the first and second patients. Pulmonary artery branches were reformed distally by multiple collaterals arising from systemic arteries. The entire spectrum, including embryology, imaging features and management of UAPA are discussed. UAPA remains a potential cause for life-threatening hemoptysis, due to extensive collateralization associated with the condition. It is important for radiologists to be aware of this uncommon entity in order to suspect it on a routine chest radiograph, diagnose it and map associated collaterals on CTPA and also embolize the bleeding collaterals.
COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review on legislative and regulatory framework in India for disaster and epidemic
Authors: Sahoo Durgesh Prasad , Alekhya G. , Bhatia Vikas , Parida Swayam Pragyan
Published: June 2020

Public health legislation plays an important role in the containment of any epidemic or pandemic. During a pandemic, it might be necessary to override the existing laws or (individual) human rights for the containment of the pandemic. The objective of the study is to review the legal framework pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic preparedness in India. This study has been done as an unsystematic narrative review where various legislations were assembled from electronic data base, websites from various legislative and Ministries and discussion with experts. Owing to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus Government of India announced nationwide lockdown on 24th March, 2020.  For proper implementation of lockdown measures various legislative laws belonging to different ministries is required. There are two pioneer acts namely The Epidemic disease act of 1897 and The Disaster management act of 2005. Under these two acts the government has laid down various rules and regulations that have to be followed during lockdown. This article describes the need for the law in a crisis like this and various legislations that have been implemented during lockdown.
Knowledge on home management of diarrhea among caregivers of children below five years with diarrhea in Ngandu Location, Nyeri County, Kenya
Authors: Gathogo Leah Wambui , Oluchina Sherry , Mwangi Elijah
Published: June 2020

Background: To prevent dehydration and malnutrition in children with diarrhea, it is important they get good management at home. The caregivers should commence home remedies immediately before they seek medical advice. This study assessed the level of knowledge on home management of diarrhea among caregivers of children below five years with diarrhea.Methods: This research applied descriptive cross-sectional study design. The current study was a household survey targeting caregivers of children below five years with diarrhea. The Cochran's sample size formula was used to calculate a sample size of 345 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to recruit respondents in the study. The study employed a researcher- administered semi-structured questionnaire and use of a checklist. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used in the analysis.Results: The study found that that slightly above half 52.2% (n=180) of the respondents had low knowledge on management of diarrhea. There was a significant relationship (χ2=4.044, df=1, p<0.044) between respondent’s’ level of education and knowledge of home management of diarrhea. Cross tabulation showed that 60.2% of those who had low education also had low knowledge.Conclusions: The study concluded that the level of knowledge on home management of diarrhea among caregivers of children below five years with diarrhea was low. Level of education was a significant predictor of knowledge whereby low knowledge was associated with low education. The study recommends enhanced education of mothers on home management of diarrhea by nurses.
Respiratory symptoms and associated factors among women exposed to biomass fuel smoke in Sri Lanka: cross sectional study
Authors: Jayaweera Gihani U. , Wimalasekera Savithri W. , Goonewardena Sampatha E.
Published: June 2020

Background: Biomass fuel smoke is a leading cause of indoor air pollution. It is a known risk factor for respiratory diseases. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among women exposed to biomass fuel smoke in Sri Lanka.Methods: Women (n=600) were assessed using questionnaires to determine base line data, cooking fuel use, respiratory symptoms (MRC respiratory symptoms questionnaire) and diagnosed respiratory diseases. Kitchen characteristics were determined by direct observation. Sample frequencies were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine the associations.    Results: Majority (64.1%) were biomass fuel users. Their mean age was 47 years ±14 SD. Majority 99.2% were never smokers. Prevalence of cough, phlegm, cough and phlegm, wheeze, breathlessness and diagnosed asthma was 14%, 16%, 9.9%, 22%, 22.3%, and 6.3% respectively. Use of biomass fuel was related to any respiratory symptom (OR=1.9; p<0.05), cough (OR=1.9; p<0.05), phlegm (OR=2.0; p<0.05), cough and phlegm (OR=2.7; p<0.05), wheezing (OR=2.0; p<0.05) and breathlessness (OR=2.0; p<0.05). Use of biomass fuel in an outdoor kitchen was associated with cough (OR=2.8, p<0.05), phlegm (OR=4.6, p<0.05), cough and phlegm (OR=3.1, p<0.05) and breathlessness (OR=2.1, p<0.05). Use of biomass fuel in a kitchen with neither chimney nor windows was associated with phlegm (OR=2.9, p<0.05) and cough and phlegm (OR=3.0, p<0.05).Conclusions: Use of biomass fuel for cooking in an outdoor kitchen and in a kitchen with neither chimney nor windows were positively associated with respiratory symptoms in non-pregnant women exposed to biomass fuel smoke in Sri Lanka.
Efficacy of intramuscular progesterone in prevention of preterm birth in patients with history of preterm birth
Authors: Shahzad Khadija , Farhan Tazeen , Ilyas Sadia
Published: June 2020

Background: Preterm birth is associated with many adverse outcomes and is defined as birth of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. Around 15 million babies born preterm around the world with survival rates at different gestational like less 23 week, 23 weeks, 24 weeks and 25 weeks are 0%, 15%, 55% and 80% respectively. Progesterone has shown to reduce the incidence of preterm birth. Objective of the study was to find out frequency of preterm birth in patients (with previous history of preterm birth) treated with intramuscular progesterone.Methods: It was randomized controlled trial conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit-I, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, Pakistan conducted from October 2017 to April 2018. It included 530 pregnant women with history of at least 1 previous preterm delivery presenting in antenatal clinic between 16-20 weeks of gestation. The lottery method was employed to segregate patients in two groups. Patients received intramuscular progesterone injection proluton depot 250 mg intramuscular weekly from 16-20 weeks till 37 weeks and other group received placebo drug.Results: Mean age was 27.52±4.57 years while the mean gestational age was 17.39±1.38 weeks. The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher among intramuscular group (36.14±2.23 versus 35.07±2.97 weeks; p=0.000). The frequency of preterm delivery was significantly lower in intramuscular group (24.9% versus 39.6%; p=0.000) as compared to placebo group.Conclusions: Frequency of preterm delivery was significantly lower in patients treated with intramuscular progesterone (24.9% versus 39.6%; p=0.000) irrespective of patients age, parity, BMI and number of previous preterm deliveries.
A study on water, sanitation and hygiene practices among the urban slum dwellers of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Chu Justin Q. Y. , John Renita , Balasubramanya Bhavya , Jeyapaul Shalini , Mohan Venkata Raghava , John Ananth , Viola Chelsea , K. Poornima , Reji Aashish , John Sushil , Rebecca Kajini , . Lalrintluangi
Published: June 2020

Background: Water, sanitation and hygiene are global concerns for both WHO and UNICEF. The sustainable development goal had targeted improved water sources, but the target of improved sanitation facilities was missed by almost 700 million people worldwide. The less developed and developing nations (like India) did not meet both the targets.Methods: A community-based cross sectional study was conducted in the urban slums of Vellore using the systematic random sampling method. Data was analyzed using frequency and WASH scoring. Further bi-variate and multivariate analyses was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. A total number of 140 households were surveyed using a semi-structured, pilot-tested questionnaire.Results: It was found that 65% of the study population (n=140) had poor wash score (<8). Among the 12 exposure variables analyzed, it was found that three variables had significant association with a poor WASH score (<8), which were: having more than 4 members in a household; living in a kutcha house, and consumption of municipal water.Conclusions: The study showed that the majority of the people dwelling in urban slums in Vellore do not have sufficient knowledge regarding good hygiene practices. A good knowledge regarding proper hygiene practices and the availability of proper facilities is crucial in improving sanitary conditions in the community.
Assessment of facilities and reasons for settlement in old age homes of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Gupta Anmol , Mazta Salig Ram , Sharma Deepak , Chaudhary Ankit , Chamotra Shaina
Published: June 2020

Background: Ageing though a physiological phenomenon has massive implications on health status of an individual. Once a nation of joint families, India has also seen increase in nuclearization of families. This in-turn has led to increase in old age homes (OAHs) in our country and also increased number of admissions in such institutions. The present study evaluated such facilities in state of Himachal Pradesh and the reasons for the settlement among the occupants.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to capture socio-demographic variables, reasons for settlement, facilities available in such institutions, medical facilities provided and overall satisfaction level among the occupants of all seven OAHs of the state. After taking ethical considerations into account, data was collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques.Results: A total of 145 inmates were included in the study. About 86.2% inmates belonged to rural area and about three fourth of the elderly were illiterate. About 53.8% of the inmates had no children with about 45.5% of participants having lost their spouse. About 19.3% individuals had no source of income. Most common cause for settlement in OAHs was the non-availability of a care giver. About 85% of inmates had satisfaction level of average and above.Conclusions: Considering the increase in elderly population in the country there is a need for increase in number of facilities for elderly too. Moreover there is a need for standardizing such institutions in term of infrastructure, staff and facilities, with more emphasis on medical aspect.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Imphal East, Manipur: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamphasana Thounaojam , Rajkumari Bishwalata , Devi Longjam Usharani
Published: June 2020

Background: Adolescent girls’ understanding of menstruation is characterized by poor knowledge and erroneous beliefs about menstruation. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent schoolgirls and to assess any factors associated with menstrual hygiene.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to April 2019 among 1963 school girls of class 8 to 12 standards in Imphal-East District, Manipur. From the list of schools in the district, schools were selected randomly by lottery method and all eligible girls in the selected schools were included. A predesigned self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM Statistics version 21. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to test for association. A p value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: The mean (±SD) age was 15.45 (±1.59) years. More than half (51.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge regarding menstruation. Majority (60.2%) of the respondents have good attitude regarding menstruation. Studying in higher class AOR (95% CI) of 1.399 (1.157-1.675), Christian by religion AOR (95% CI) of 1.640 (1.038-2.591), higher educational level of father AOR (95% CI) 4.492 (1.492-13.52), studying in private schools AOR (95% CI) of 1.370 (1.031-1.172) and belonging to rural community AOR (95% CI) 1.266 (1.025-1.500) were significantly more likely to have good knowledge about menstruation.Conclusions: More than half of the respondents had good knowledge and three-fifth of them had good attitude. Health education on menstruation and menstrual hygiene should be incorporated early enough in the school curriculum to prepare girls for menstruation.
Hand hygiene in food handlers working in canteens of an educational institution in Eastern India
Authors: Banik Shilpi , Chakrabarty Soma , Das Nibedita
Published: June 2020

Background: Food borne diseases are a worldwide problem of great magnitude in terms of human sufferings and economic cause. One of the important category directly relating to food safety concerns are the food handlers. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and self-reported food safety practices of food handlers regarding food safety and hand hygiene and bacteriological analysis of hand hygiene of food handlers working in the canteen.Methods: The demographic data was collected on a structured questionnaire and the hand swabs were cultures as per standard protocol.Results: The study was conducted on 29 food handlers and 93.1% were males. A positive correlation was observed between the variables ‘knowledge’ and ‘self-reported food safety practices of food handlers with the socio-demographic data. The association between detection of different microorganisms and different knowledge and practices were a significant finding in 95% confidence limit (p<0.001) on applying two tailed Z-test.Conclusions: This study is exploratory in nature and can act as a base study of the relationship between hand sanitation and knowledge attitude and practice of food handlers.
Clinical profile of ocular surface tumours at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kochar Anju , Khan Arif , Khan Nabab Ali
Published: June 2020

Background: Corneal and conjunctival squamous lesions are uncommon but important because of their potential for causing ocular and even systemic morbidity and mortality. The ocular surface tumors can be congenital or acquired and show a broad spectrum ranging from non-neoplastic benign tumours and others demonstrate premalignant or malignant tumours such as Squamous cell carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma or Kaposi Sarcoma. The types and frequency of conjunctival tumours differ with demographic features such as age and race, systemic immune status, and chronic exposures, along with specific location within the conjunctiva. Objectives of this study was to study ocular surface neoplasm in terms of demographics, histopathological and clinical presentation.Methods: This histopathological, prospective biopsy specimen series comprised of 107 patients of either sex and all age groups presenting with conjunctival lesion either benign or malignant. The study was carried out from December, 2017 to December, 2019 in the Department of Ophthalmology, S. P. Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Bikaner in collaboration with Pathology Department. All enrolled cases of conjunctival lesion were screened by consecutive sampling after obtaining written consent.Results: 39.25% patients had nevus followed by ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) (20.56 %). Various ocular surface neoplasia with respect to mean age, age group, occupation was statistically highly significant (p<0.05) whereas gender was statistically non-significant. On histopathological examination most common benign ocular surface neoplasia was nevus and most common malignant tumor was ocular squamous surface neoplasia (OSSN).Conclusions: A large variety of conjunctival lesions may appear in the eye with variable presentation, most common benign ocular surface neoplasia was nevus and most common malignant tumor was ocular squamous surface neoplasia.
Development of a nomogram for predicting recurrence in breast cancer patients using a machine learning method
Authors: Tibrewal Abhishek O.
Published: June 2020

Background: Current breast cancer (BC) recurrence models do not account for treatment modalities, one of the strongest prognostic factors. This analysis was conducted to apply machine learning (ML) algorithm to identify BC patients at a higher recurrence risk.Methods: It is based on a downloadable BC Wisconsin dataset, containing 9 independent (socio-demographic, tumor and treatment-related) and a dependent (recurrence) variable(s). Using training dataset (70% sample), a multivariate LR model was developed using univariate analysis identified variables (p<0.2). The model performance was assessed on test dataset (remaining 30%) using standard statistical measures. A nomogram was developed using model identified variables (p<0.05), and its cut-off score categorized BC patients into a high/low recurrence risk.Results: 277 patients (recurrence (n=81)) were included. In univariate analysis, tumor size (p=0.002), invasive nodes number (p<0.001), node capsule (p<0.001), degree of malignancy (p<0.001) and irradiation (p<0.001) were associated with recurrence. After balancing, both groups included 243 patients. Using training dataset (n=342), invasive nodes (p<0.05), degree of malignancy (p<0.05) and irradiation (p=0.0009) were significant in a multivariate model. The model’s accuracy and area under curve (AUC) were 74% (66-81%) and 0.74 (0.67-0.81), respectively in the test dataset (n=144). The nomogram’s cut-off score of 55 has an AUC of 0.73 (0.66-0.80) for recurrence prediction, indicative fair discriminating ability.Conclusions: The developed nomogram can be a valuable tool in guiding appropriate treatment based on recurrence risk. ML and data mining methods can be the future of clinical decision process.
The role of job and personal resources in alleviating dentists’ emotional dissonance in dental clinics of Hyderabad: a cross sectional study
Authors: Priya S. Vishnu , Anjum M. Shakeel , Hariprasad G. , Sravya T. , Pravalika T. Sai , Jyothi M.
Published: June 2020

Background: ‘Emotional dissonance’ (the discrepancy between the felt and expressed emotions) could occur in dentistry due to the challenge of pacifying patients irrespective of the dentist’s state of mind and could influence their performance. The presence of certain factors could minimize this though. Our aim was to examine the role of ‘optimism’ and ‘relation with colleagues’ in buffering the effect of emotional dissonance on the performance of dentists.Methods: Emotional dissonance’ was evaluated among 390 dentists of Hyderabad using Zapf scale; ‘optimism’ using 3-items adapted from ‘The Life Orientation Test (LOT)’, ‘relation with colleagues’ assessed with a self-constructed 4-item scale and the ‘performance of a dentist’ using 6 items picked from Goodman scale. Regression analysis was done using SPSS 24, to predict the influence of ‘optimism’ and ‘relation with colleagues’ on the ‘performance’ of dentists in dissonance.Results: Emotional dissonance was found to be negatively related to dentists’ performance. ‘Optimism’ (p=0.018) and ‘relation with colleagues’ (p=0.039) significantly predicted their performance when under dissonance, but in the negative direction.Conclusions: The results necessitate the need to identify various resources to handle dissonance owing to its intensity found in the present study.
Disclosure of HIV status by people living with HIV/AIDS in tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra
Authors: Lathwal Sumit , Mahajan Saurabh , Yadav Arun K.
Published: June 2020

Background: Disclosure is a planned and selective behavior that responds to the balance of potential risks and benefits of secrecy and disclosure of the person living with HIV. The disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners, family or friends, has been shown to be a potent stressor, as persons living with HIV/AIDS might fear negative reactions such as blame, rejection or violence. This study was carried out with an aim to study the patterns of HIV status disclosure and the problems related with it among the HIV positive patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, hospital based study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra from 01 October 2008 to 30 September 2010. A total of 92 consenting respondents admitted in the hospital were administered a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data. The results were analysed using SPSS Ver 16.0.Results: Out of 74 married HIV positive individuals who had a chance to disclose their sero-status to spouse, 64 (86.5%, 95% CI-78.7% to 94.29%) voluntarily disclosed their HIV status to spouse while a small number i.e. 10 (13.5%, 95% CI- 05.71% to 21.29%) did not disclose their HIV status to spouse.Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests the need for tailoring interventions for improving disclosure decisions making and outcomes. Institutionalized measures need to be enforced judiciously to assist the HIV positive individuals to reveal their status to their wife and other members of their social group.
Nutritional status among children aged one to six years in tribal area
Authors: Reddy Palle Lokhnath , Anand Chand Aluka
Published: June 2020

Background: Nutrition in children is considered as a major concern for good health and also for normal growth and development. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in 1 to 6 years children.Methods: This was a community based cross sectional carried out in a south Indian tribal area for a period of 5 years among 1020 children. The anthropometric measurements categorization among children was done using world health organization (WHO) guidelines. Data was analyzed using microsoft excel 2010.Results: Out of 1020 children, nutritional status based on underweight, stunting and wasting was 30.80%, 26.8% and 15.68% respectively. Severe degree of underweight, stunting and wasting was observed in 76.4%, 64.7% and 5.49% respectively.Conclusions: Under nutrition was significantly high in infants and it decreased with increasing in age and significantly higher number of female children were stunted and underweight compared to male children.
Are healthcare workers safe? Facility assessment of airborne infection control measures in public hospitals of Kerala
Authors: Krishnan R. Anjali , M. Kamarudeen , Ravindran M. Rekha , K. S. Shinu
Published: June 2020

Background: Nosocomial transmission of airborne infection is a major peril to health care providing community and has been linked to poor adherence to airborne infection control practices. The present study was conducted to assess the gaps in health care facilities and practices for prevention and control of transmission of air borne infections among healthcare workers in government district level hospitals of Kerala.Methods: A cross sectional survey including observation was done in 24 facilities. The tool for the survey and the check list for observation were developed based on national airborne infection control guidelines and assessment tool for prevention and control of infection by centre for disease control. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: The functioning of airborne infection control system was found to be suboptimal in most of the institutions. Implementation of environmental control measures was poor when compared to administrative control and personal protection measures. Adequate ventilation was not present in more than half of the institutions (60%). All institutions had infection control committees in place but were not functioning well. Personal protective equipment’s were not available at point of use in more than half of the institutions (62.5%). Out of the 16 self-reported hospital acquired respiratory infections among the staff, pulmonary tuberculosis was predominant.Conclusions: Several barriers were identified at different levels for prevention and control of airborne infections among healthcare workers. The findings reinforce the need to implement strict guidelines to prevent occupation induced airborne infections among health workers in public health system.
Study on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding biomedical waste management among post graduate residents in a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow
Authors: Sharma Sugandhi , Deori Trideep Jyoti
Published: June 2020

Background: It is estimated that 10-25% of the healthcare waste generated is hazardous and presents physical, chemical and/or microbiological risk to the general population and health-care workers associated with handling, treatment, and disposal of waste. All health personnel are expected to have proper knowledge, practice and capacity to guide others for waste collection and management and proper handling techniques. This study was conducted with the aim to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among 1st year post graduate residents in a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow.Methods: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study carried out in March 2017 on 1st year Junior Residents of King George’s medical University, Lucknow. Data was collected using a structured, self-administrated questionnaire, designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on various aspects of bio-medical waste (BMW) management.Results: Majority (72%) of the residents had an average knowledge about BMW management. About one-fourth of them (27.7%) knew about the maximum time beyond which the waste can’t be stored in the hospital while about half of the residents (56.2%) thought that their knowledge regarding biomedical waste is adequate. It was alarming to note that 11.6 percent of the residents were not vaccinated against Hepatitis B.Conclusions: The residents had average knowledge about BMW management, legislation and color coding. The attitude of residents regarding BMW was good but in practice it was average. There is an essential need for better education to improve the practices of BMW management by well-designed seminars, programs and workshops.
Combating the pandemic of COVID-19 in India: health care worker perspective
Authors: Pathak Barsha Gadapani , Manapurath Rukman M.
Published: June 2020

As the pandemic of COVID-19 intensifies there is a huge burden on the health care system of each country. As predicted by epidemic model, India with 1.3 billion population and only 0.76 doctors per thousand people will have 1 million people affected by COVID-19 needing ventilatory support. This situation focusses on the substantial thrust on health care workers in India while dealing with the pandemic and protection of the health care workers from COVID-19 infection is significant as they are the key-groups in health system to procure win-battle status against COVID-19. Henceforth, after meticulously comparing various countries’ strategies to protect their HCWs this brief study is being prepared and few recommendations has been suggested which may enable the protection of HCWs in India. Un-interrupted supply of appropriate PPE, phenomenon of presenteeism among HCWs, burn-outs among HCWs, front-line department protocol for protection of HCWs, need of constant psycho-analysis among HCWs, stigma in society for HCWs, prophylaxis for HCWs against COVID-19 and HCWs’ family concerns are some of the issues which are being highlighted in this paper.
Pattern of anaemia, determinants and weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme among tribal adolescent girls attending a primary health centre in Wayanad, Kerala
Authors: Bhardwaj Aman , Sreedevi Aswathy , Vasudevan Sanjeev , Vidyadharan Geetha
Published: June 2020

Anaemia is a major cause of concern during adolescence particularly among the persons of tribal origin. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of anaemia, determinants and coverage of the weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) programme among adolescent girls in a tribal area. A cross sectional study was conducted among 196 adolescent girls at a primary health care centre in tribal area of Kerala. Every alternate adolescent girl attending the centre was chosen over a period of three months. Assent and informed consent from accompanying parents was obtained. Haemoglobin was estimated by Sahli’s method and peripheral smear prepared. Three fourths of the adolescent girls had iron deficiency anaemia; of which 48.64% had moderate anaemia 5.40% had severe anaemia and 1.6% had sickle cell anaemia. Adolescents belonging to Paniya tribe and those not consuming Iron and folic acid tablets under WIFS programme were three times (OR 2.95 95% CI 1.38,6.28) and two times (OR 2.5 95% CI 1.24, 5.11) respectively were more likely to be anaemic. Most (80%) of the anaemic girls were unaware about WIFS scheme and the intake of the iron supplementation was significantly higher in school going girls. Strengthening the WIFS scheme by targeting the vulnerable adolescent girls of Paniya tribe and out of school girls are of extreme importance in tackling the problem of anaemia among tribal adolescent girls.
Evaluation of the Nipah epidemic containment and multisectoral involvement in Kerala using an appropriate management framework
Authors: Rahim Asma A. , Muthukutty Sujina C. , Jacob Sabitha R. , Ravindran Rini , Thayyil Jayakrishnan , Thavody Jayakrishnan
Published: June 2020

Kozhikode district of North Kerala, India witnessed an outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV) in the month of May 2018. Two adjacent districts were affected leaving 17 patients dead out of the 19 confirmed. United Nations and WHO lauded the expeditious response of the state’s health system in the diagnosis and containment of the outbreak which was unprecedented. The authors being in the contact tracing and surveillance operation district team, had kept a record of timeline of events and actions at the state level, compiled the news clippings and tracked events. In the absence of an end‑of‑epidemic report for reference, these records served as a valuable tool for the present review. We used the Management science for health frame work tool (MSH framework) to evaluate the district and state coordinated actions which helped in curbing the outbreak. Though NiV outbreak in South India (2018) had similar epidemiological features to previous disease outbreaks, it stands out as the one to be detected and contained in a short span of time. As health personnel working in the government medical college of an affected district and directly involved in contact tracing operations and containment measures, exploring and sharing, what worked and how, in the context of multidisciplinary response and recovery attempts of the outbreak in the state may be beneficial to public health personnel and policy makers. This management framework may be replicated in the national and international context, particularly in South East Asian region under threat of emerging viral infections like COVID-19, lacking specific epidemic management frameworks for outbreak response and containment.
Lockdown- of the people, for the people and by the people
Authors: Jampani Ravitheja , Nayanatara Vasireddy
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 pandemic affected almost all countries in world (except North Korea). Pandemic originated in Wuhan and spread its wings across the world. Many countries started taking war foot measures to control spread of pandemic, isolate its patients and impose lockdown over its population. People from various countries understood and the governments made people understand the effects of pandemic COVID-19. Lock down was implemented several times in history of mankind. The Plague pandemic, Cholera, Influenza pandemic of 1918 and SARS 2002 pandemic are known situations where lockdown was implemented to contain the damage caused. COVID-19 is probably the first time in history of mankind where lockdown was implemented in most of the world countries at same time in a never before seen magnitude. Number of countries under lockdown, number of days of lockdown and number of deaths caused by COVID-19 are never seen in history.
The diffusion of managerial practices in performance perspective: a review of transfer models in health systems
Authors: Ndayishimiye Richard , Niyondiko Dominique , Bigawa Abel Bazira
Published: June 2020

Managerial practices are widely held to be a vital component of efficient organizations, especially in public services where they are being transferred for the last decades. From a performance perspective, health systems of many developing countries were inspired by multiple existing transfer models to introduce these managerial practices according to new public management orientations. However, the used transfer models seem to ignore some action mechanisms as important aspects of this process. This paper aims at presenting the state of the art in transfer models of managerial practices in health systems. Ten main transfer models related to the research theme were identified. We organized the review around a number of questions that are raised explicitly or implicitly by the literature and observation on transfer models. The full implication became clear after using selected transfer models to answer to those questions. We found that existing transfer models highlighted key roles played by different actors involved and the importance of contextual factors in transfer processes. These transfer models lead to failure or success either in the same or in different settings. However, we realized that these transfer models ignore taking into account interactions which exist in transfer processes as well as the evolution of key actors and changes in contextual factors. There is a need to create new models for efficient transfer of managerial practices in health systems. We propose to develop, test, and discuss new transfer models that consider changes in transfer process and where interactions are highlighted in the perspective of performance improvement.
Role of disinfection and hand hygiene: a COVID-19 perspective
Authors: Roy Adrija , Parida Swayam Pragyan , Bhatia Vikas
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) being an acute respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted in most instances through respiratory droplets, direct contact with cases, and also through contaminated surfaces/objects. Though the virus survives on environmental surfaces for varied periods, it gets easily inactivated by disinfectants. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the role of surface disinfection and hand disinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disinfection with appropriate and recommended physical or chemical disinfectants will not only reduce the spread of the disease but also play a significant part in flattening the curve. Alcohol-based disinfectants and other chemical disinfectants play major roles. Ether, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, other chlorine-containing disinfectants, peracetic acid, chloroform used under appropriate concentrations and techniques are necessary to stop the chain of transmission. Hand disinfection using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs are also of equal importance. Irrespective of the importance, the judicious use of disinfectants is also necessary. Therefore, the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to halt or reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 the virus resulting in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is through surface disinfection and handwashing with soap and water and its role in the COVID-19 pandemic is highly important.
Masks: usage during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mukhtar Mohsina , Bhat Suhail N.
Published: June 2020

Overnight, masks have become a symbol of social responsibility. Wearing a face mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that a person won’t get sick. Face masks are crucial for health care providers looking after patients and are also recommended for family members who need to care for someone who is ill - ideally both the patient and caregiver should have a mask.
Effect of metformin on Bax expression in pancreas and testis of normoglycemic albino rat: An immunohistochemical study
Authors: A Hashish Hagar
Published: June 2020

Metformin is a famous drug used to reduce blood glucose level. It could be used in treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Metformin also demonstrated an anticancer activity. Bax, is one of the cellular apoptotic markers. Metformin was documented to increase the level of Bax protein.

Based on the known facts about metformin and its new role as a potential inducer of cellular apoptosis, the current study has been designed to investigate the probable effects of the in-vivo metformin administration on the pancreatic and testicular tissues in normoglycemic rats, and its probable effect on Bax expression as one of the markers of cellular apoptosis

Twenty rats divided in two groups; control and treated. Metformin treated rats were given 400mg/kg /day through oro-gastric tube for one month. After one month, rats in all groups were sacrificed, the pancreas and testis were dissected outto prepare paraffin sections, stained by hematoxylin&eosin, Masson’s trichrome stains and Bax immunohistochemical stain.

Metformin treated group showed reduced pancreatic islets’ size with degenerated cells in both endocrine and exocrine parts, more fibers surrounding pancreatic acini, islets and blood vessels. Bax immunostaining showed intense reaction especially in the islets of Langerhans. The seminiferous tubules (STs) of the testis were irregular with disturbed degenerated spermatogenic cells. Extensive fibers surrounding seminiferous tubules and in the wall of the blood vessels were detected. Bax immunostaining showed intense reaction in the testis germinal cells of the treated group.

: Our study revealed that metformin induced expression of Bax in pancreatic and testicular tissues of normal rats when used for one month, which will affect their viability and function. Its effect on Bax expression might be promising as a possible treatment in case of cancer, however, it should be used with caution.
Correlation between haemoglobin levels and attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai
Authors: Gopi M , Syed Meerasa Semmal , Arumugam Vasugi Gramani , Subhashini  , Buhari
Published: June 2020

The older adults constitute a considerable part of the Indian population and due to advancements in the Medical field this population is fast growing. With the current advancements in treatment modalities there is an increased life expectancy. Low haemoglobin level is a potential contributing factors for cognitive impairment in older adults.

The present study focuses on correlation between haemoglobin levels and attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai.

The present study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Hospital OPD, Porur, Chennai. A total of 304 older subjects were included in this study. Older adults of both male and female were selected from the OPD based on theInclusion criteria - Age [50 to 65 years] matched subjects were selected. The Digit Span test,a subtest from Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale is used to assess the subjects attention and concentration. Ray auditory and verbal learning test (RAVLT) is used to measure learning and memory.

The digit span forward test in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (t= 9.669 and p=0.000). The digit span backward test in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (t= 9.669 and p=0.000).The digit AVLT trial test scores in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (p=0.000)All the scores of normal haemoglobin group were higher than the low haemoglobin group and the results were statistically significant. (p=0.000).

In this study, we were able to observe that lower haemoglobin levels were associated with decreased cognitive functions in the domains of attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai.
Comparison of tactile sensation among blind and sighted individuals
Authors: Vadapalli Kiranmai , D Ravi , Vamsi Krishna D B , Jyothirmai V , Venkata Devarakonda Bhargava
Published: June 2020

Blindness is a highly limiting disability affecting tens of millions of individuals worldwide. One of the current challenges in sight restoration and sensory aids for blind pertains to the possible visual acuity and capacity which can be transmitted through various restoration approaches. Compensation for sensory handicap by blind individual has been a subject of study and debate. Objects can be recognized by using any of our sensory modalities. But, the inputs about physical characteristics of a particular object perceived by vision and touch are unique and complex. Hence, in a blind individual, development of exceptional compensatory abilities in remaining senses in distinction to becoming severely handicapped due to the lack of the calibrating visual modality may look like a distant theoretical possibility.

To compare tactile sensation among blind and sighted individuals.

85 subjects in between age group of 18-27 years. Study Group-Consisted of total 21adventitiously(not congenitally blind) blind subjects. Control Group-Consisted of total 64 apparently healthy sighted subjects.

: Results had been analysed using unpaired test by SPSS version 16.

It was observed that mean values for two point discrimination on horizontal and longitudinal axes, mean values of the time taken for letter identification was significantly lower in the blind group than the sighted group.

Results of the present study showed that the non sighted group outperformed the performance of the sighted group.
Stature estimation using foot measurements in south Indian population
Authors: T Lakshmi , H T Geethanjali , Magadi Amrutha , Shashikala L
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy during the period of August to September 2019 in the Department of Anatomy, MIMS Mandya. The aim of study was to find the correlation between foot measurements and standing height of both males and females and to derive the regression equation for calculating the Stature. This study included 255 subjects (105 males & 150 females) in the age group of 18 to 22 years. After obtaining the consent and recording the demographic profile, foot length and foot breadth was recorded in both sides by a single person(to avoid inter-observer error) in accordance with the directions given in manual of Physical Anthropology. The data was statistically analyzed and was found that foot length provided high correlation with stature (p<0.001) and foot breadth also showed statistically significant correlation with p value <0.05. Regression equation was derived in females as Height = 116.811 - 1.274* (FBR) + 1.827 *(FBL) -1.548 *(FLR) + 3.249 * (FLL) and in males as Height = 118.671 + 0.490* (FBR) + 1.316 *(FBL) - 0.449 *(FLR) + 1.345 * (FLL). In unknown sex as Height = 82.734 -0.306* (FBR) +0.946 *(FBL) + 1.174 *(FLR) + 2.104 * (FLL). In our study there was no statistically significant difference in stature estimation by foot length of right and left sides. This information would be in turn useful to establish partial identity and biological profile of an individual from South Indian population.
Mediación del compromiso afectivo entre las prácticas de gestión humana y las conductas de ciudadanía organizacional en jefes colombianos
Authors: Guevara Bedoya Lina Marcela , Sanín Posada Alejandro , Tobar García Luis Eduardo
Published: June 2020

El objetivo fue identificar si el Compromiso Afectivo (CA) media la relación entre las Prácticas de Gestión Humana (PGH) y las Conductas de Ciudadanía Organizacional (CCO) en una muestra de jefes colombianos. Estudios refieren que las PGH tienen impacto en el compromiso, y este, a su vez, en el desempeño, pero hay menor producción científica sobre el papel mediador del compromiso entre las variables. El estudio fue cuantitativo, no experimental y transversal. Se trabajó con 1037 jefes de 13 empresas colombianas de distintos sectores. Los hallazgos confirman que el CA media entre las PGH y las CCO. Cuando los empleados perciben existencia, calidad y cobertura de las PGH, ello impacta positivamente su vinculación afectiva con la organización y, a su vez, desarrollan mayores conductas en beneficio de esta y de sus compañeros de trabajo, sin que dichos comportamientos se encuentren previamente definidos en su cargo.
Rola sirtuin w naprawie DNA
Authors: Kciuk Mateusz , Kontek Renata
Published: June 2020

Naprawa DNA związana jest z szeregiem procesów mających na celu identyfikację i naprawę zmian powstałych w cząsteczkach DNA. Zdolność komórki do naprawy DNA jest istotna nie tylko dla integralności fizycznej całego genomu, ale również dla integralności informacji genetycznej, a więc i dla prawidłowego funkcjonowania całego organizmu. Naprawa DNA zapobiega szkodliwym wpływom czynników uszkadzających, zarówno będących produktem prawidłowego metabolizmu, jak i pochodzących ze środowiska zewnętrznego komórki. Istotną rolę w prawidłowym funkcjonowaniu systemów naprawczych odgrywają białka o nazwie sirtuiny. Należą one do deacetylaz histonów, które usuwają grupy acetylowe z reszt lizynowych wielu białek, jak również biorą udział w ich potranslacyjnej modyfikacji działając jako transferazy mono-ADP rybozylowe. Wykryte zostały w drożdżach (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), ale ich obecność została potwierdzona zarówna u prokariontów jak i eukariontów. W komórkach ssaków oznaczane są symbolami SIRT1-SIRT7. Konserwatywne ewolucyjnie sirtuiny stanowią istotne ogniwo łączące metabolizm komórki z naprawą DNA, przez co regulują jej wydajność, wpływając jednocześnie na proces transformacji nowotworowej. W niniejszej pracy zebrane zostały informacje dotyczące regulacji aktywności sirtuin, interakcji między nimi a innymi elementami regulacyjnymi komórki oraz roli jakie pełnią w procesie naprawy DNA komórek eukariotycznych. Aktywność sirtuin ma związek z rokowaniem w schorzeniach związanych ze starzeniem, takich jak choroby neurodegeneracyjne, cukrzyca oraz nowotwory.