bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitude and perception of COVID-19 vaccines in healthcare workers
Authors: Ubale Milind R. , Bagle Tushar R. , Gaikwad Sunita , Baviskar Pooja A. , Nanoty Vaibhavi A.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Till date, there is no particular medicine that has shown minimum impact on COVID-19 cases and mortality and prevention by vaccination remains the only option.

Objective:

This study aims to explore knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) toward COVID-19 vaccine.

Material and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study done on HCWs. Both online (Google forms) and offline, the study questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire was validated and consisted of knowledge, attitude, and perception about COVID-19 questions.

Results:

A total of 300 HCWs were included in the study. A total of 144 (48%) of the HCWs were aged between 18 and 30 years. In addition, 191 (63.34%) participants were willing to take any COVID-19 vaccine while 20 (6.67%) are not sure of taking vaccine. A total of 208 (69.34%) felt that COVID-19 vaccine will limit the spread of infection to family members. Furthermore, 225 (75%) felt that family physicians’ decision is important to take a decision on vaccination, whereas 199 (66.33%) avail COVID-19 information from government sources. Moreover, 264 (88%) felt that success will depend on general peoples’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, 77 (25.67%) said that they will not be taking COVID-19 vaccine because of side effects, 229 (76.33%) felt that vaccine safety is important, and 144 (48%) are not sure if vaccination will end the COVID 19 pandemic.

Discussion:

Challenges to motivate HCWs, family physician, and general population needs to be undertaken by focusing on factors like information and education, vaccine side effects, and availability of the vaccine. These all should be highlighted so that maximum population gets immunized.
To study the association between various levels of cord serum albumin (CSA) and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring interventions like phototherapy or exchange transfusion
Authors: Pathak Apeksha , Siddalingesha R , Prasad Kamal N. , Kamal Nibha , Sinha Archana , Ghosh Ananya , Singh Bhuwan K. , Kumar Pankaj , Surekha R
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Hyperbilirubinemia is most common normal physiological phenomenon in neonates affecting almost one third of newborn.it may lead to neuro disability leading to deafness and cerebral palsy which can be prevented if detected and treated as soon as possible. Albumin is produced in seventh week of intrauterine life and it can be measured by cord blood and in this study we can establish serum albumin with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and can be treated by phototherapy or exchange transfusion.

Material and Method:

The study consists of 55 randomly selected eligible term neonates delivered at Rajendra Institute of Medical sciences from March 2019 to August 2020.

Conclusion:

In this study, in term neonates, level of serum albumin in umbilical cord less than 2.8 g/dl has no correlation with occurrence significant hyperbilirubinemia, so a level <2.8 gm/dl of serum albumin in umbilical cord blood can be used as critical value indicator in triaging predict the risk of occurring of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.level >3.4 gm/dl is considered safe in neonates who are the candidates for early discharge in the absence of other risk factors.
Rabies can be a disease of puppyhood
Authors: Singhai Monil , Jaiswal Rekha , Siddiqui Cordelia , Tiwari Simmi , Gupta Naveen , Bala Manju , Singh Sujeet K.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

This brief report documents an interesting and a rare case of 10 week old male puppy who suddenly showed a change in his behavior (irritable, agitated, anorexic, and refusing feeds), bitten six humans, and was laboratory-confirmed as died due to rabies (Rapid antigen test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction positive for rabies at the National Rabies Reference Laboratory, WHO collaborating Centre for Rabies Epidemiology, Centre for Arboviral and Zoonotic Diseases, National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi). All animal bite victims were timely provided postexposure prophylaxis for rabies who had shown sufficient seroconversion by IgG antirabies antibody using enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) and have been reported healthy. This case report reinforces the role of veterinarians/primary care physicians for strong suspicion of rabies encephalitis in puppies with behavioral or neurologic abnormalities and timely/appropriate rabies immunization of the animal bite victims. Shreds of evidence also focus that rabies in puppies younger than 3 months of age is grave and the risk of human beings contracting rabies from young puppies is of public health importance because of fatal consequences. Continuing medical education for primary care physicians and veterinarians, and outreach community public awareness campaigns should be regularly done to promote knowledge of pre-exposure/post-exposure prophylaxis, preventive measures, and animal bite management.
Association between maternal undernutrition among Sudanese women and newborn birth weight
Authors: Ahmed Abdel B. A.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Maternal undernutrition is a major health problem in developing countries. It is associated with maternal and perinatal morbidity, such as low birth weight (LBW), as well as mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal undernutrition among pregnant women in Sudan on newborn birth weight.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study carried in the labor ward of Medani Maternity Hospital in central Sudan between June and December 2019. Data on the mothers’ sociodemographic and obstetrics characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard procedures for both mothers and newborns. Linear logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with birth weight.

Results:

Three hundred thirty-nine pairs of pregnant women and their newborns were enrolled in the study. Half of the women were primiparas (n = 170, 50.1%). The birth weight range was 1,330–4,640 g, and the mean (standard deviation (SD)) was 3,029.4 (613.0) g. The 10th and 90th centiles were 2,450 and 3,790 g, respectively. There was no significant difference in the birth weights of male (n = 160, 3,086.2 614.0 g) and female (n = 179, 2978.6 611.0 g; P = 0.107) newborns. In the linear regression, parity (43.1, P = 0.045), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) (39.3 cm, P = 0.001), gestational age (75.6 weeks, P = 0.017), and body mass index (BMI) (0.4 kg/m2, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with birth weight. There was no significant association between age, employment, a history of miscarriages, antenatal care, sex of the newborn, interpregnancy interval (IPI), and birth weight.

Conclusion:

The main finding was a significant association between parity, gestational age, MUAC, BMI, and birth weight.
Prevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis: A 3-year retrospective study at a tertiary care Hospital in Western India
Authors: Palewar Meghna S. , Joshi Suvarna , Choudhary Geetanjali , Das Rashmita , Sadafale Ashish , Karyakarte Rajesh
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Context:

Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015, a number comparable to the deaths caused by tuberculosis and higher than that caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are important causes of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and acute liver failure (ALF). Due to the paucity of data, the exact burden of the disease in western India is not established.

Objective:

Considering this background, the present study aims to determine the prevalence, epidemiology, and biochemical correlation in AVH due to HAV and HEV.

Setting and Design:

It was a retrospective observational study conducted over 3 years from January 2018 to December 2020 in a tertiary care hospital of Western India.

Material and Methods:

The study population included 1,807 patients (outdoor and hospitalized) having clinical features of AVH. All serum samples from these patients were tested in duplicate for immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The liver function tests (LFTs) were also monitored.

Results:

Of the 1,807 specimens processed from the patients with AVH, 120 (6.70%) were positive for IgM anti-HAV antibodies and 154 (8.5%) were positive for IgM HEV antibodies. A total of 11 patients (0.60%) were positive for both anti-HAV IgM and anti-HEV IgM antibodies indicating HAV-HEV coinfection. Our study shows that the HAV infection was more prevalent in the pediatric age group. The HEV infection was seen in all age groups and more prevalent in the age group of 20–30 years. The infection was more prevalent from June to October, that is, during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Total serum bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated at 85.84, 86.79, 91.5, and 83.96%, respectively, in HAV-infected and elevated at 78.12, 93.75, 67.18, and 57.03%, respectively, in HEV-infected patients. The patients with HAV-HEV coinfection had all deranged LFTs indicating more severe disease.

Conclusion:

The present study emphasizes the importance of screening all hepatitis viral markers (A, B, C, E) for early diagnosis and curtailment of outbreaks and epidemics by the public health sector reducing morbidity and mortality.
Social participation among Iranian community-dwelling older adults: A grounded theory study
Authors: Amini Raziyeh , Shahboulaghi Farahnaz Mohammadi , Tabrizi Kian Norouzi , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Iran is among the countries whose older adult population is increasing rapidly. The social dimension of health in older adults affects their other existential dimensions. Social participation is a key determinant of health for older adults. This study aimed to explore the process of social participation among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods:

This is a qualitative study with the grounded theory approach. The study population consisted of eligible community-dwelling older adults. The participants were initially selected by purposeful sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The time and place of the interviews were arranged in discussion with the participants in advance. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used to assess the scientific accuracy and validity of the study. The university ethics committee issued the ethics code for the study. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss approach.

Result:

The results of interviews with 15 participants, in this study, led to the emergence of 12 main categories and 32 subcategories with the core concept of “older adults’ desire to stay active”. Social participation of older adults was a concept clarified with the efforts of older adults to stay active in the community. Categories are fully described in the manuscript.

Conclusion:

Staying active is one of the main concerns regarding the concept of older adults’ social participation. The existence of conducive underlying factors, such as a participation-seeking older adult, family, and society, assists in the development of social participation at various levels and multiple forms among older adults.
Village health, sanitation, and nutrition committee: Do the village level functionaries aware of their roles?
Authors: Varshney Akash , Bahurupi Yogesh , Jain Bhavna , Goel Aadit , Singh Mahendra , Aggarwal Pradeep
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

National Health Mission intended to achieve decentralization and community participation through creating and supporting Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs). The services offered through VHSNC include maternal and child health, family planning, sanitation, communicable diseases and health promotion, and nutrition. The study was carried out to assess awareness on the implementation of the functioning of VHSNC implementation among village-level functionaries in the Dehradun district.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Doiwala and Raipur blocks of Dehradun district from June 2019 to July 2019. Members of VHSNC with at least 3 months of membership were included in the study. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables and questions about their awareness and responsibilities in implementing VHSNC. Data were collected by personal interviews using Epi-Collect and analyzed by SPSS 23.

Result:

Out of 69 members, 64 (92.4%) had formal education until high school. Only around 50% of members knew about the essential documents related to the VHSNC. Sixty-five members (98.48%) believed that the committee had the primary role in health-related services in the village, 54 (81.82%) members also marked providing safe drinking water as a function, 48 (72.73%) were in favor of access to clean public toilet and sanitation facilities while some others added role in Public Distribution System.

Conclusion:

Around half of the members were partially or completely aware of the functioning of VHSNCs. Providing them with further awareness is required.
Intussusception – A common entity but seldom diagnosed (lesson learnt from case series for family physicians)
Authors: Basra SS , Grewal Darshan Singh , Hiremath Ravishekar N , Verma Vishal , Chawla Vikas , Ghodke Sandhya , Chourey Niraj
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Intussusception is one of the common causes of acute abdomen in paediatric age bracket with ileocolic type being the most prevalent. This happens when a proximal segment of bowel (intussusceptum) telescopes into the lumen of the adjacent distal segment (intussuscepiens). Here we report six cases of intussusception in which five were in paediatric age group and one was adult. All children were admitted, resuscitated well, USG abdomen was done to confirm the diagnosis, written and informed consent for surgery and anaesthesia, was taken from parents. However, all were managed successfully by hydrostatic saline reduction under sedation. Only one child had recurrence after one year who was again treated conservatively. Adult case was managed by means of laparotomy by excision of benign polyp being the pathological lead point. We present this case series to analyse the spectrum of presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic options available with review of literature. Since primary care providers and family physicians are first responders, this case series would help them for differential diagnosis and prompt referrals for further management.
Compliance to iron and folic acid tablets among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Agartala Government Medical College
Authors: Choudhuri Paramita , Debbarma Asis , Debbarma Siddhartha , Reang Taranga
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Anemia is a public health problem worldwide, and in pregnancy, the main cause of anemia is nutritional. Non-compliance to iron and folic acid supplement plays a role in the high prevalence of anemia in pregnant women.

Objectives:

The objectives were to find out the proportion of compliance to iron and folic acid tablets (IFA) among pregnant women and to determine factors associated with it.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Agartala Govt. Medical College, from 15th June to 14th September 2019. Subjects were recruited through consecutive sampling. A pretested, predesigned, semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to find out the association of compliance with independent variables. P value of < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:

Majority (56.3%) of the participants were in the age group of 20–29 years and were housewives (92.1%), Hindu (93.8%), and completed secondary education (34.6%). The proportion of compliance to IFA among pregnant women was 52.5% (n = 126), and the reason for non-compliance (n = 114) in the majority was side effects of IFA (35.09%), followed by forgetfulness (28.07%). Factors like age, religion, education, socio-economic status, birth order, number of antenatal visits, or number of IFA consumed daily have not shown any significant association with this compliance.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted that only around half of the pregnant women are compliant with IFA, and this situation demands for information education and communication activities to generate awareness.
Evaluation of personality disorders in patients with Gender Identity Disorder (GID): An update
Authors: Meybodi Azadeh M. , Jolfaei Atefeh G.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Gender dysphoria (GD) could cause various mental illnesses, but its main cause is unclear. GD patients also suffer from different personality disorders that increase the risk of side effects among them. The present review study is aimed to investigate the most recent studies on comorbid personality disorders in patients with GD.

Materials and Methods:

Online databases were searched using related keywords for collecting any related articles. After precise reviewing the abstract of all collected articles, those with more appropriate content were included in our study.

Findings:

The prevalence rate of personality disorders in GD patients has been reported to be from 15% to 80% by different studies. In line with the data from previous studies, it was revealed that borderline personality disorder is one of the most prevalent disorders among GD patients. Available comorbid personality disorders cause a wide range of side effects on the normal function of patients.

Conclusion:

The majority of studies carried out on the comorbidity of personality disorders have revealed that the possibility of personality disorders in GD patients is high. Anyway, further studies are required to understand the exact effect of psychological care on personality disorders in these patients.
Dietary and lifestyle changes among Pakistani adults during COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Yasmin Farah , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib , Sahito Abdul Moiz , Savul Subhan , Iqbal Afridi Muhammad Sohaib , Ahmed Maham Jawaid , Shah Syed Muhammad Ismail , Siddiqui Sarush Ahmed , Nauman Hamza , Khattak Abdullah Khan , Qazi Saba , Ullah Irfan
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

During the pandemic, sedentary behaviors, anxiety, and boredom caused by confinement at home could affect lifestyle patterns, degrade diet quality, and promote overconsumption. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the impact of lockdowns on lifestyle behaviors among Pakistan’s population and changes in the nutritional and eating patterns.

Materials and Methods:

This is an online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. The study collected demographic information, dietary habits, and lifestyle patterns. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe data, and Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used for associations.

Results:

Most respondents were females (82.1%) aged 18–29 years (98.1%). 90.3% of them were students. 16.0% were overweight pre-pandemic, which increased to 20.0% during the pandemic. The majority ate more during the pandemic (P < 0.001). 47.9% reported a physical activity duration of 0.5–2 h pre-pandemic, and 50.6% reported decreased physical activity during the pandemic, with increased food intake (P = 0.007). Screen time was <4 h for most (48.8%) participants pre-pandemic, and the majority (89.7%) of respondents reported an increased screen time during the pandemic, associated with a higher food intake (47.9%, P = 0.029).

Conclusion:

The pandemic has negatively impacted lifestyles and diets, including a significant decrease in physical activity, increased food intake, and increased screen time.
SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies among participants presenting to a voluntary testing facility in Srinagar, Kashmir
Authors: Kousar Rafiya , Sabah Iram , Qazi Tanzeela B. , Haq Inaamul , Qurieshi Mariya A. , Salim Khan Shahzada Muhammad
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

The tide of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has scoured the global community with India, from 30 January 2020 to 30 September 2021, reporting 33,739,980 confirmed cases and over 448,090 deaths from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection among the general public will provide essential information regarding the risk of infection. So, the present study was conducted to provide relevant information on the proportion of people who hadexperienced either a recent or past infection.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults >18 years in the Department of Community Medicine, Government medical college, Srinagar. Blood samples of the participants were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-based serologic test.

Results:

A total of 2,107 participants took part in the study. The overall unadjusted seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in our study was 49%. The age-adjusted seroprevalence was 52%.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study suggested that not only a large proportion (49%) of the participants had been infected with COVID-19 infection but many were also susceptible to infection. Therefore, infection control measures still need to be followed properly.
Prevalence of anemia among reproductive-age females in the Tharu tribe of the Indo–Nepal border region
Authors: Singh Bhupendra , Verma Shailendra P. , Chauhan Aparajita S. , Verma Durga P.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

India shares the largest number of anemia patients globally. Anemia in reproductive-age female, affects not only the maternal mortality and morbidity but inversely affect the pregnancy outcome also. Tribals in India are geographically isolated and most of them belong to very low socio-economic status. Regarding Tharu tribes, to date, there is no study to find the prevalence of anemia in this community.

Aim:

We aim to find the prevalence of anemia in the reproductive-age female of the Tharu community. Additionally, we also accessed the severity and possible causes of anemia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 440 reproductive age females from the Tharu community were recruited in this study from Tharu predominant Tulsipur tehsil of Balrampur district on 8 December 2019. CBC of each sample was performed by a 3-part basic hematology analyzer.

Results:

The mean (SD) hemoglobin level of the study group observed was 11.11 (±1.96) gm/dl with a median value of 11.3 gm/dl. Prevalence of anemia was noted in 283 (64.32%) participants. Amongst the anemic subjects, mild, moderate, and severe anemia was noted in 33.57%, 57.24%, and 9.19%, respectively. Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia was noted in 53.00%, 44.88%, and 2.12%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of mild and moderate anemia in reproductive-age women is a matter of concern and should be dealt with priority. Community-based screening for hemoglobinopathies is also needed to evaluate the actual cause of anemia.
Sero-epidemiological survey of SARS-Cov2 in urban slums of a capital city: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Nirala Santosh K. , Naik Bijaya N. , Chaudhary Neha , Ranjan Alok , Mahto Mala , Pandey Sanjay , Singh Chandra Mani , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Slums are the most vulnerable settlements for COVID-19 infection due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine the level of seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection among slum dwellers.

Material and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted at several slums of Patna over four weeks, that is, January 20–February 20, 2021. A total of 650 participants were recruited in the study by applying a two-stage random sampling technique.

Results:

Seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody was found to be 31.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 27.9–35.1). The seropositivity prevalence was found to be statistically higher among participants belonging to the age group of 18–30 years (41.1%), male gender (67.9%), high-risk occupation (70%), below poverty line (BPL) economic status (62.1%), and residing in a hut (51.2%) and kutcha house (42.4%). Further, 262 participants reported having COVID-like symptoms in the preceding 1 month of the survey, which was found to be significantly associated with the seropositivity status.

Conclusion:

The finding of the study reflects that a moderate seroprevalence level of COVID-19 infection was acquired in the slum settings of Bihar. Unchecked spread in these informal communities will pose a serious threat to the rest of the bigger sections of urban populations. This indirectly calls for early intervention in the form of preference in the roadmap of COVID-19 vaccination.
A retrospective assessment of the dental malpractice cases filed in Riyadh from 2009-2015
Authors: Abomalik Ali M. , Alsanea Jamal A. , Alkadhi Omar H.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Malpractice is one of the most significant hazards to patient safety in healthcare and is considered the second factor associated with the overall quality of the healthcare system.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malpractice in dentistry and its possible causes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2009-2015.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the dental complaints filed by the patients in the general directorate of forensic medicine centers in Riyadh was reviewed, and the data was collected. Descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentages were calculated using the collected data. The Chi-square test for categorical variables was performed with a significance level set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The Riyadh region reported 168 (14.5%) dental malpractice cases during 2009- 2015. The highest number of malpractice cases was reported in 2010 (18.45%), and the least number of cases was reported in 2011 (10.1%). Prosthodontic specialty had the highest number of lawsuits (32.4%), followed by orthodontics (20.2%) and endodontics (15.8%). The Chi-square test showed no association between the different specialties and types of malpractice (P = 0.881) and between compensation and the type of malpractice (P = 0.832). Among the 114 cases, financial compensation was the most common retribution.

Conclusion:

Dental malpractice prevalence was high in the private sector, followed by the government and military sectors, with the highest number of cases registered against the prosthodontic specialty. Dental malpractice is a serious concern that can be prevented by fair and honest policies and thorough patient education.
Clinico-pathological profile of pancytopenia patients in a single health care centre of northern India
Authors: Bhushan Divendu , Shukla Rahul , Roy Ranjini , Agarwal Mukta
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Pancytopenia is a clinical outcome of various pathological conditions ranging from bone marrow suppression, bone marrow infiltration, infections, hypersplenism, haemolysis, and haematological malignancies. As such is the most common cause in drug induced (chemotherapy) bone marrow suppression. As most of these patients first contact their primary care physicians, a quick workup will resolve many diagnosis and can give a hint towards a life threatening condition too.

Material and Methods:

We included all patients admitted with pancytopenia at our tertiary care centre except those who were drug induced. They were evaluated and given appropriate treatment.

Results:

We observed 73 patients in a year, after excluding drug-induced pancytopenia, and showed aplastic anaemia was the foremost cause (31.5%) followed by vitamin B12 deficiency (19.2%), infections (13.7%), hypersplenism and haematological malignancies.

Conclusion:

Majority of adult patients admitted with pancytopenia are diagnosed to have curable cause like vitamin deficiency and infections but significant number was also of aplastic anaemia, a condition that requires specialist care.
Acceptance and adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination among the health care workers at a health care centre in the most backward district of India
Authors: Sharma Amita , Jain Megha , Vigarniya Monika
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Researchers have evaluated many repurposed drugs for treating COVID-19 in terms of both efficacy and safety in the past several months. It has been seen that vaccination is an effective way to stop the pandemic from spreading further. Being frontline workers dealing with COVID-19 patients, the healthcare workers (HCWs) in public and private sectors were prioritized to get vaccinated first. Also, HCWs are a reliable source of information on vaccination to patients; therefore, their acceptance or otherwise of COVID-19 vaccines may influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the acceptance and adverse effects following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs of Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College (SHKM GMC), a tertiary healthcare centre located in the district of Nuh Haryana.

Result:

In our study, more than half of the respondents (63.8%) experienced mild–moderate anxiety while the rest of the respondents experienced mild anxiety or moderately high levels of anxiety prior to the first dose, which is indicative of hesitancy towards the vaccine. Two-thirds of respondents in our study reported mild and common symptoms following vaccination while the remaining one-third did not report any symptom. More than half of the respondents (67.3%) claimed not taking the first dose even after two months after the initiation of vaccination drive at SHKM GMC, stating fear of some kind of reaction or side-effects, safety concerns regarding vaccine, reservations concerning the success of vaccination, and the efficiency of the vaccine.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlighted reasons for hesitancy among HCWs regarding COVID-19 vaccination along with the adverse effects encountered after the first dose. COVID-19 vaccine concerns among the HCW population should be addressed so that HCWs can be empowered to lead communication campaigns to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the general population. Thus, it is important to hold such surveys.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health: A study from rural population of Haryana, India
Authors: Chhabra Parul , Mehta Rachna , Bansal Himanshu , Kumar Vijay , Mittal Riya
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, a global threat has largely affected the country’s economic and social values. Moreover, the mitigation strategies being used to counterattack the pandemic attributes a lot of unrest and stress in the masses which has led to several mental health problems like anxiety, depression, sleep loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.

Objective:

In this study, the impact of lockdown on mental health and its related disorders was observed.

Method:

A total of 367 patients from 69 villages of Narwana sub-division, Haryana, India was included in this study and their mental health status was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results:

Out of the 367 mental health-related patients, half of them (~ 48%) showed the signs of depression ranging from mild to severe. Also, 40% of the patients showed signs and symptoms of anxiety, fear and stress and (~15%) showed signs of sleep loss. Women (~58%) were significantly found to be more prone to mental illness and psychiatric disorders than men (~42%). This study also reports the increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period. The study presents a clear understanding that although lockdown and social isolation helps in achieving the goal of reducing infections, a restricted access of social support systems leads to loneliness and various mental issues including anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:

We conclude that COVID-19 is a big threat to women safety and health especially in rural population and as the crisis evolves and continues, it is very essential to raise awareness and psychological counseling among the masses.
Drug utilization study of antiepileptic drugs in the pediatric department, tertiary care hospital, Bangalore, India
Authors: Khoshdel Zahra , Tomas Shibi , Jafari Marziye
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The main objective of the present study is to find out the loose links between prescription of medication and its utilization in the pediatric department, especially with drugs that belong to the antiepileptic medication category.

Methodology:

This prospective observational study was carried out for 6 months in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangalore. The study was conducted on 100 patients receiving antiepileptic medication. The patient demographics and all medically relevant information were noted in a predefined data collection form.

Results:

The study showed that the maximum number of patients receiving antiepileptic medication belongs to the age group of 2–6 years. While comparing the prevalence of ADR levetiracetam, phenytoin and clobazam were identified which are associated with ADR. The highly prescribed drug was valproic acid and carbamazepine. The ADRs documented were loss of appetite, vomiting, anemia, and Steven–Johnson syndrome. Evaluation of prescription was performed, which is a major factor in drug-related ADRs. In the discussion part, various methods of improvement in the prevention of ADRs due to prescription error have been suggested which can improve drug utilization and precaution. An economic study was done in the end to put a light on the cost-effective treatment therapy which might improve patient adherence.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that valproic acid was a highly prescribed drug and carbamazepine was the second-most prescribed drug. It was found that majority of prescription was without a generic name and with inappropriate abbreviations.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in northern India tertiary care: Prevalence, risk factors and clinical characteristics
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Dinkar Anju , Gupta Poonam , Atam Virendra
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to a diversity of symptoms and affects many systems. It is often overlooked or sometimes even misdiagnosed in clinical practice.

Aims and Objectives:

The purposes of this study were to report the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, the spectrum of clinical features and to draw attention to the possibility of rare hidden characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a multicenter, retrospective, and prospective conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital and multispecialty hospital. All cases of vitamin B12 deficiency of either sex or age attending the Medicine Department were enrolled in this study from Aug 2015 to Dec 2020. Parenteral vitamin B12 was given, and cases were evaluated for the response on follow-up for more than three months.

Results:

Of 220 cases, 52.27% were males. Maximum cases were reported from the age group 50 to 65 years (27.27%) and belonged to urban areas (59.1%). The majority were strict vegetarian (86.36%). Among comorbidities, diabetes (20.91%) followed by malabsorption (10.45%) were most common. The cutaneous manifestations were revealed at 38.18%. The most frequent neurological manifestation was paraesthesia (98.18%). Head heaviness/ache was the most frequent (95%) psychiatric manifestation. Anemia was revealed in 87.73% of cases with 88.64% macrocytosis. Axonal sensorimotor (52.63%) neuropathy was a prevalent finding of NCV study.

Conclusions:

A high index of clinical suspicion is needed in cases with vague manifestations, especially in the pure vegetarian population. Early recognition can prevent further damage as most of its related disorders are generally reversible with treatment.
Organizing a Health Camp in the Post-COVID Era – Opportunity for Establishing a Public Reconnection
Authors: Panda Prem Sagar , Kanyari Suneeti , Kar Ansuman , Senapati Tapas Ranjan
Published: June 2022

In India, 60% of the population lack basic medical facilities, so health camps which provide short-term medical interventions for target communities may be beneficial. Health camps are mobile and are conducted in different locations by qualified doctors, nurses, and paramedics and community health workers. In most cases, these health camps are funded by non government organisations (NGO' s), trusts or renowned hospitals. In the post-COVID era, the Department of Community Medicine Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, organized a health camp at the rural health training center (RHTC), Kalarabanka, on the eve of World Stroke Day on October 29, 2021. A total of 60 people attended the camp. The department of community medicine provided consultation to the villagers of Kalarabanka with the help of faculties, postgraduates, interns, and staffs of RHTC. The majority of patients were males and of the age group 15–59 years. Organizing a health camp provides an opportunity for the need assessment of the community, also helps in finding the disease burden of the community. It also helps the community in availing quality primary health-care services at their doorstep. Furthermore, the residents who conduct the camp develop organizational and communication skills apart from clinical skills.
Body composition and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Babaei Zeinab , Parsian Hadi , Korani Bahare , Mostafazadeh Amrollah , Moslemi Dariush
Published: June 2022

Background:

Available data suggest that obesity is related to changes in the several adipocyte-derived proteins levels, which are involved in cancer recurrence. The purpose of this work was to investigate the correlation between obesity with metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), adiponectin and adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels by comparing serum levels of MMP-9, AMPK in normal weight and obese breast cancer survivors.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 30 normal weight breast cancer survivors (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-25 kg/m2) and 30 obese breast cancer survivors (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were investigated. Anthropometric parameters and serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK were compared between the two groups.

Results:

No differences were detected in the serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK in obese patients and normal weight patients (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK levels with anthropometric measurements in two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

We found that there was a lack of correlation between obesity measures and serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK. In breast cancer survivors, it seems that circulating levels of adiponectin, AMPK, and MMP-9 do not change in obesity state.
Need for revision
Authors: Ghooi Ravindra Bhaskar
Published: June 2022

The New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (NDCTR) came in force in 2019, these brought in some changes, but certain earlier parts, such as Rule 122 DAB, were incorporated unchanged. A few sections of the NDCTR are problematic and need revision for the smooth conduct of clinical trials in India. Training of Ethics Committee (EC) members and other stakeholders is a very important driver for clinical research but has not been defined clearly. In addition, some processes of EC review need a relook. Compensation formulae were finalized in 2013; now, the altered economic situation has eroded the value of money. Hence, for the protection of research participants, an urgent review of the compensation formula is suggested.
New Onset of Mania in COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Nagalingam Nithya , Chai Yee Chin , Tan Cai Shee
Published: June 2022

Background:

Those who have infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), experience a range of symptoms, from mild and self-resolving respiratory illnesses to severe respiratory complications, as well as a range of the emotional symptoms of fear, guilt, anger, or anxiety due to the need of quarantine isolation. Clinical cases with a new onset of psychiatric symptoms in the acute stage or aftermath of COVID-19 have also been described in the literature. The impact of COVID-19 on psychological health across all stages of illness has become an area of interest in psychiatry.

Methods:

We at Johor Bahru, Malaysia, would like to report two patients without any history of any known psychiatric illness, who had their first manic episodes during the acute stage of COVID-19 infection.

Results:

Patient A was a 29-year-old married female patient, had a COVID-19 infection which were treated smoothly. But unfortunately, the devastating news of her husband's hospitalization for COVID-19 infection and the death of her sister-in-law due to the deadly virus came on the day of her discharge. Since she developed a picture of a manic episode with as elated mood, irritability, talkativeness, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, spending spree, reckless driving, excessive ideas concerning COVID-19 infection, and excessive sexual drive. She subsequently responded to treatment and was discharged with daily 600 mg of oral lithium carbonate, 200 mg of oral chlorpromazine, and 1,000 mg of sodium valproate Chrono. Patient B was a 31-year-old married homemaker and she presented herself to the emergency department for stage COVID-19 infection and witnessed resuscitation and eventual deaths of several patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. She was so frightened that she had become easily distracted, increasingly irritable, and talkative. Having reduced need for sleep at night, she would repeatedly call her friends and family around the clock to check if they had COVID-19 infection. She claimed to have the power to heal bone fractures with naked eyes. Furthermore, she started to see supernatural creatures around her at home. She subsequently responded to daily 750 mg of lithium carbonate and 1,000 mg of amisulpride during a 14-day inpatient stay.

Conclusion:

We content that our two patients had a new onset of manic episode after COVID-19 infection. We suggest that manic symptoms may have been triggered through an episode of COVID-19.
Further evidence for the East Coast fault system and faults associated with the Summerville restraining bend and their possible relationship to the 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake, USA
Authors: Marple Ronald T. , Hurd, Jr. James D.
Published: June 2022

The integration of aeromagnetic, LiDAR, and previously acquired seismic-reflection data and surficial geologic maps supports the existence of the East Coast fault system ( and faults associated with its 12⁰ Summerville restraining bend beneath the South Carolina Coastal Plain. Aeromagnetic data revealed a 10- to 15-km-wide zone of subtle, 22- to 35-km-long linear magnetic anomalies trending ~N10°E across the southern meizoseismal area of the 1886 Charleston earthquake that we postulate are associated with Cenozoic low-displacement brittle faults in the crystalline basement west of Charleston. We hypothesize that lineaments ML4 and ML5 represent the principal displacement zone along the southern end of the ECFS because they coincide with steeply dipping, west-side-up buried faults interpreted from previously acquired seismic-reflection profiles and a ~320-m dextral offset in the Brownsville Pleistocene beach ridge deposit. The alignment of the NNE-SSW-oriented Edisto dome, uplift along releveling line 9, gently upwarped longitudinal profiles along the Caw Caw and Horse Savanna swamps, local incision along the Ashley River, and exposures of the early Oligocene Ashley Formation near the incised part of the Ashley River support Quaternary uplift along the southern ECFS. The 12⁰ change in trend formed by lineaments ML4 and ML5 supports the existence of the Summerville restraining bend in the ECFS, east of which are numerous ENE-WSW- to NW-SE-oriented LiDAR lineaments that we postulate are surface expressions of faults that formed to compensate for the increased compression produced by dextral motion along the bend. Sinistral displacement along one of these proposed faults associated with the ~40-km-long, east-west-oriented Deer Park lineament may have produced the main shock of the 1886 Charleston earthquake.
Note on the discovery of Carboniferous amber associated with the seed fern Linopteris obliqua, Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Mastalerz Maria , Zodrow Erwin L.
Published: June 2022

We report on a discovery of amber from the Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada. The amber occurs in the form of droplets and as a linear feature and ranges in colour from light brown to dark purple. The amber was found in situ in siltstone above the Middle Pennsylvanian Hub coal seam, where it was associated with abundantly abscised pinnules of the seed fern Linopteris obliqua. The amber specimens were analyzed by infrared spectrometry and their spectrochemical characteristics were compared with those of other fossil ambers. This discovery not only expands the inventory of amber to as old as ~300 million years, but also documents that Carboniferous seed ferns were able to utilize biosynthetic mechanisms to produce resinous exudates.
Management of Physical Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Cancer during the Last Weeks and Days of Life
Authors: Azhar Ahsan , Hui David
Published: June 2022

Patients with advanced cancer are faced with many devastating symptoms in the last weeks and days of life, such as pain, delirium, dyspnea, bronchial hypersecretions (death rattle) and intractable seizures. Symptom management in the last weeks of life can be particularly challenging because of the high prevalence of delirium complicating symptom assessment, high symptom expression secondary to psychosocial and spiritual factors, limited life-expectancy requiring special considerations for prognosis-based decision-making, and distressed caregivers. There is a paucity of research involving patients in the last weeks of life, contributing to substantial variations in clinical practice. In this narrative review, we shall review the existing literature and provide a practical approach to in-patient management of several of the most distressing physical symptoms in the last weeks to days of life.
Lercanidipine Intoxication in A 16-Year-Old Adolescent
Authors: Bayar Volkan
Published: June 2022

Lercanidipine is a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. For severe toxicity, treatment modalities are based on a restricted range of evidence and clinical experience. This case report describes our clinical experience regarding the treatment of Lercanidipine overdose in a 16-year-old girl. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case overdose of lercanidipine.