bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POSTTRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: THE ROLE OF miRNA
Authors: Ponasenko A. V. , Tsepokina A. V.
Published: September 2019

Congenital heart disease is the most common fetal abnormality resulting in high pediatric disability and mortality. Congenital heart disease is a heterogeneous group of cardiac abnormalities including atrial septal defect, valvular defects and cardiac outflow tract anomalies. Genetic, epigenetic and ecological factors leading to the development of congenital heart defects in each particular case remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, multifactorial and polygenic mechanisms underlying the disease may be suggested. Moreover, advanced genetic technologies including single nucleotide polymorphism testing, copy number variation and next-generation sequencing ensure early detection of genetic causes of heart abnormalities. Recent studies suggested the contributing role of small non-coding RNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of congenital heart defects. miRNA is known to coordinate the development of heart and stimulate such pathological processes like fibrosis, hypertrophy and impaired angiogenesis. Thus, the study of miRNA and its impact on the pathogenesis of various heart diseases has demonstrated its promising potential for therapeutic targets in regenerative medicine. The review presents recent genetic findings, miRNA functions, signaling pathways and evidences on its role in the development of certain congenital heart defects.
Legal Basis for the Creation of a System for Preventing Gene Doping and Countering Genetic Modification in Sport
Authors: Shevchenko O. A. , Vorontsov D. I.
Published: September 2019

The paper is devoted to the study of the key factors underlying the building of a balanced system of legal norms aimed at preventing gene doping and countering the spread of genetic modifications of athletes. The paper explores the goals of countering doping as such and focuses on the dangers and potential harm to the sports of such a relatively new threat as gene doping. The authors discuss approaches to understanding gene therapy, as well as the prospects of embedding resistance to gene doping in existing legal mechanisms, including the possibility of using the mechanism of therapeutic exceptions (TUE). The current approaches to the definition of the essence of doping are studied and it is determined why gene therapy has a significant risk of being recognized as such. The risks and threats to the sphere of sport caused by the ongoing development of genetic technologies and the spread of their application are outlined. The possible consequences of the use of the results of genetic research, as well as the use of gene therapy, which may affect the field of sports, are discussed. The authors study issues of responsibility for the use of gene doping, subjects against which appropriate sanctions can be imposed, as well as the issue of the application of state coercion to individual subjects, without which the use of gene doping would be impossible. At the same time, the paper formulates the problems that need to be solved in the short term to ensure the preventive nature of the fight against gene doping in sport, and identifies the questions that society must answer to form a system of countering gene doping.
Transcription factor genes involved in plant response to abiotic stress factors
Authors: Zaikina Evgeniya A. , Rumyantsev Sergey D. , Sarvarova Elena R. , Kuluev Bulat R.
Published: September 2019

Hypothermia, drought, salinity and heavy metals are the most widespread stress factors negatively affecting plant growth and development. Plants respond to these stress factors on molecular, cellular, and physiological levels through the complicated mechanisms of signal perception and transduction, subsequently inducing various defense mechanisms. Transcription factors controlling the expression of numerous defense proteins are the most significant abiotic stress reaction regulators. Mainly, the negative environmental influence activates the AP2/ERF, WRKY, MYB, NAC, bZIP transcription factors. The numerous transcription factors genes can be used in genetic engineering of agricultural crops resistant to abiotic stress. These genes are also of great interest in marker assisted selection of cultivated plants. This review is dedicated to description of transcription factors and their genes, involved in plant response to hypothermia, drought, salinity and heavy metals.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae killer toxins: synthesis, mechanisms of action and practical use
Authors: Sambuk Elena V. , Muzaev Dmitry M. , Rumyantsev Andrey M. , Padkina Marina V.
Published: September 2019

Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a unique model for studying the molecular mechanisms of exotoxin-mediated antagonistic relationships between coexisting microorganisms. The synthesis of yeast toxins can be considered as an example of allelopathy and environmental competition. The elucidation of the role of allelopathy in the formation of microbial communities is of great interest for modern ecology. Yeast toxins are widely used in medicine, the food industry and biotechnology. The review examines the nature of exotoxins, the mechanisms of inheritance and interaction of the virus and yeast cells, as well as the prospects for their practical application.
Bisphenol a and human diseases. Mechanisms of action
Authors: Dergacheva Natalia I. , Patkin Eugene L. , Suchkova Irina O. , Sofronov Henrikh A.
Published: September 2019

The review describes the molecular mechanisms and biological effects of bisphenol A exposure, which is a chemical (ecotoxicant) that destroys the endocrine system and has epigenetic toxicity.
Circulating Spexin levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes
Authors: Simsir Coskun , Kalem Muberra Namli , Kalem Ziya , Var Turgut , Bakirarar Batuhan , Coskun Bugra , Coskun Bora
Published: September 2019

Background: Several previous studies suggest that SPX plays a role in appetite control and body weight and blood glucose regulation. The aim of this study to determine SPX levels in healthy pregnancies and in gestational diabetes (GDM) and to investigate the association of SPX levels with weight gain and lipid and glucose metabolism in subjects with and without GDM.Methods: A total of 44 women with GDM and 44 women without GDM were randomly enrolled who applied for GDM screening during the 24-28th week of pregnancy. Demographics, blood glucose and lipid profiles and Spexin levels were compared between groups.Results: The mean age, BMI, and weight gain during pregnancy were higher in the GDM group. The LDL cholesterol, Hba1c, SPX and glucose levels in response to OGTT were higher in the GDM group. The SPX levels were correlated with Hba1c and blood glucose levels after OGTT, and were not correlated with the age, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, lipid parameters, and fasting blood glucose levels in the whole study population.Conclusions: SPX levels were higher in the GDM group compared with non-GDM group and SPX levels were correlated with HbA1c levels and post-OGTT glucose levels but not with fasting glucose levels.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting with atypical findings: case study
Authors: Gaur Rakhi , Thakur Kalpana , Mudgal Shiv Kumar
Published: September 2019

PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) is a syndrome characterized by headache, confusion, seizures and altered mental status. A 26 years old woman came to emergency department with a history of hypertension, blurred vision and seizures. She was diagnosed as a G3P2L1 at 29 weeks + 1 day with IUGR with preeclampsia associated with deranged kidney functions later complicated by development of PRES. Patient underwent emergency LSCS and was kept on mechanical ventilator as condition worsened during immediate post-operative period. Dialysis was also done to regulate urea and creatinine levels. Patient was treated with anti-hypertensive, anti-epileptics, antibiotics, intravenous fluids and continuous monitoring of blood pressure. Patient’s condition improved gradually, and her discharge was planned. PRES is a condition, if managed in initial phase can lead to early recovery and reduce mortality.
The pattern of urine cytology among patients with clinical diagnosis of bladder tumor in a tertiary hospital northwest Nigeria
Authors: Umar Ahmed M. , Onwuasoanya Uzodimma E. , Oyibo Emmanuel U. , Dahiru Adamu , Mungadi Ismaila A.
Published: September 2019

Background: Urine cytology is a simple, safe, non-invasive and cheap investigation that is used as adjunct to cystoscopy in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Its low sensitivity is a major limitation against its use as a sole diagnostic test for bladder cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of urine cytology seen in patients with clinical diagnosis of bladder tumour in our practice.Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with clinical diagnosis of bladder tumour that had urine cytology in our centre. The age and gender of the patients, number of urine cytology per patient per year and cytologic diagnosis were analysed using the SPSS 20.Results: During the period under review, a total of 512 urine cytology was done for patients with clinical diagnosis of bladder tumour. The age range of the patients was 6 to 90 years with modal age of 60 years. 457 (89.3%) were males while 54 (10.5%) were females and 1 (0.2%) was unspecified. Male to female ratio was 8.5:1. The highest number of urine cytology was done in 2013 with 64 (12.5%) while the least number was 1 (0.2%) recorded in 2001 and 2003. Only 68 (13.3%) specimens were reported to be malignant while 245 (47.9%) were reported as negative representing the most common cytological diagnosis in the study.Conclusions: Although urine cytology is useful in the diagnostic workup of patients with bladder mass, it is unlikely it would supplant cystoscopy and biopsy in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Clinical and microbiological profile in intra-abdominal infection
Authors: J. Chaithanya , R. K. Ashwini , S. Rajagopalan
Published: September 2019

Background: Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are different from other infections in a surgical patient. One important aspect is the microbiological analyses, especially in the era of broad spread of resistant microorganisms. The study was designed to describe the clinical and microbiological profiles of IAI.Methods: A prospective study was conducted for a period of 1 year (December 2016 to November 2017) in Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore. Patients admitted and operated for acute abdomen/ IAI were included in this study and were analyzed.Results: In 1 year period a total of 112 patients with IAI were assessed. A total of 5 types of micro-organisms were cultured. All the cultures were polymicrobial with aerobic organisms pre-dominantly gram negative bacilli (E.coli). The most common site was appendix. E. coli in this study showed 100.0% susceptibility to imipenem, 86% to meropenem and 77.6% to amoxi-clavulanate.Conclusions: The most common site of IAIs was appendix (50%). E. coli (52%) is the most common organism isolated.
A study on prescribing pattern of cephalosporins utilization and its compliance towards the hospital antibiotic policy in surgery ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India
Authors: John Shinu Mary , Panda Bijoy Kumar , Banerjee J. K. , Soman Nikki
Published: September 2019

Background: Extensive use of antibiotics is prevalent throughout India, and this is a matter of serious concern. There are several reports linking antibiotic usage to resistance. Towards addressing this problem, assessment of current prescribing pattern of antibiotics needs to be undertaken to monitor its appropriate use. This study was meant to assess the utilization of cephalosporins and its compliance towards the hospital antibiotic policy in surgery ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 250 inpatients of surgery ward. The demographic details, lab investigations, clinical diagnosis and current treatment were noted. The collected data was analysed for utilization of cephalosporin using World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators and defined daily dose per 100 bed-days. The hospital antibiotic policy was used as a benchmark for analyzing compliance of therapy.Results: Out of 250 patients, 69% was male and 31.2% was female population with mean age of 42.12±17.33 years. Majority of cases were clean-contaminated (36%) followed by clean (30.4%) and contaminated (17.6%) wounds. The average number of overall antibiotics and cephalosporins per encounter was 2.1 and 1 respectively. Among the total parenteral antibiotics, 63.9% were cephalosporins. Cephalosporins utilization was 2.68 DDD per 100 bed-days. Compliance with all the stated criteria was observed only in 124 (49.6%) patients.Conclusions: The rate of prescribing of cephalosporins has increased evidently which may result in the occurrence of bacterial resistance. A suboptimal rate of compliance recommends a strict monitoring in the usage of cephalosporins with periodical updation of policy.
Study of intestinal stoma: our experience at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital
Authors: A. Veena , T. R. Hariprasad , S. Gopal
Published: September 2019

Background: Stoma is an artificial opening of intestinal or urinary tract to the abdominal wall. The purpose of the present study was to identify indications for commonly performed intestinal stomas and to study complications related to it.Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive observational study carried out in a surgical unit of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore from August 2015 to August 2016. Data was collected by previous record files including age, gender, history of presenting illness, indication, type of stoma, type of surgery, appropriate operative findings and follow up of the cases. The results were collected, analysed and compared with other studies.Results: A total of 25 patients were evaluated age ranged between 20-70 years. Out of 25 patients 17 were admitted in emergency while 8 in out-patient department. The most common type of stoma made was loop ileostomy (44%) followed by end ileostomy (28%), end colostomy (16%) and loop colostomy (12%). Main indication for a stoma formation was enteric perforation (56%) followed by carcinoma colon and rectum (32%), perianal sepsis (21%), Koch’s abdomen (11%), penetrating injuries (11%). Of the various complications encountered with intestinal stoma, peristomal skin Excoriation (16%) was the most common complication observed followed by other complications as mentioned in study.Conclusions: In spite of enormous exposure of general surgeons towards stoma formation the complications are inevitable. Early detection of complication and its timely management is the keystone.
A cross sectional study of quality of life in patients with enterostomy
Authors: Dhamnaskar Suchin S. , Karamshi Gopinath , Baid Anil , Gobbur Nishant , Vasa Dhaval , Satra Dhawal
Published: September 2019

Background: Enterostomy is one of the commonest surgeries performed in general surgical practise. It leads to considerable alteration in life style of patients after surgery in the form of physical, mental, social, spiritual, economic, educational, vocational, marital, sexual problems. We designed study to assess the extent of these affections on quality of life (QOL) and suggest measure to improve it.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional survey using validated City of Hope-quality of life-Ostomy questionnaire questionnaire which was administered to patients following up for routine stoma care in stoma clinic of our hospital. We included patients who have undergone stoma creation between 2 months to 1 year prior to taking the QOL questionnaire. Demographic data and data collected about four main domains of QOL namely, physical, psychological, social and spiritual was statistically analysed for significance, dependence and correlation.Results: Commonest stoma type in our study was temporary ileostomy done for perforative peritonitis. Presence of ostomy makes significant impact on patients clothing style, occupation and sexual activity and suffered depression. Majority of patients (82.5%) fell in fair to average when their scores of QOL were compared. All four domains of life correlated positively to each other.Conclusions: As all domains of life are related to each other intervention to improve any one of them will cause resultant improvement of all domains of QOL. We suggest holistic approach by pre and postoperative counselling, training by trained enterostomal therapists, psychiatrist, treating surgeons and economic and sexual rehabilitation.
Retreival of a migrated and incorporated lumen apposing metal stent from pancreatic body using laparoscopic technique alone
Authors: Reddy Hetish M. , Bagree Rajendra , Gaurav Subhanshu , Imam Syed Gazanfar , Panwar Pradeep
Published: September 2019

Endoscopic or endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUS-GD) has become the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections. Various plastic or metal stents are available to facilitate drainage, amongst which lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) has better efficacy and fewer complications in comparison with others. Though most drainage related complications can be managed non-operatively, stent related complications like stent migration may sometimes require a surgical retrieval. The longer the observation period, the harder the retrieval in rare cases wherein the LAMS migrates and incorporates in the retroperitoneum. When endoscopic retrieval is not an option, laparoscopic approach might be considered as an alternative to open surgery. We report a case of successful laparoscopic retrieval of a LAMS, 5 months after its migration and getting incorporated in the pancreatic head, without endoscopic assistance.
Association between behavioural, metabolic risk factors of non-communicable diseases and socio-demographic factors among Bihari population in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Sabrina , Mansur Ahmed M. S. A. , Banik Palash C. , Mondal Razib , Sen Gupta Pradip K.
Published: September 2019

Background: The Bihari community is an underprivileged group of people, immigrants from Pakistan during 1971 independence war, now living in Bangladesh. This community is considered as vulnerable for not having adequate health care facilities and access to health services. The current study is aimed to determine the association between behavioural, metabolic risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and socio-demographic factors among Bihari community in Bangladesh.Methods: It was a community based cross-sectional study. Total 183 Bihari living in Geneva camp in Dhaka city have been included in the study by purposive sampling. An adopted WHO STEPS questionnaire was used for data collection. A semi structured questionnaire and standardized procedures were used to measure behavioural risk factors and physical characteristics. Data were analysed by using SPSS version 21.Results: Among the respondents the mean age was 44.4±13.2 years with 60.1% men. One-third (32.2%) were current tobacco user, almost all (99.5%) didn’t take sufficient fruit and vegetables, 52.5% were added salt user, 76.0% didn’t perform adequate physical activity but alcohol consumers were negligible (3.3%). More than half (54.6%) were overweight or obese, 33.9% had hypertension, 23.0% had hyperglycaemia and 50.3% had hyperlipidaemia. Sex, age, education, occupation and family income were significantly associated with these NCD risk factors.Conclusions: To our best knowledge this is the first ever study that describes the NCD risk factors and its sociodemographic determinants among the Bihari population in Bangladesh.
True-false analysis reveals inherent flaws in multiple true-false tests
Authors: Puthiaparampil Thomas , Gudum Henry Rantai , Rahman M. Mizanur , Saimon Rosalia , Lim Isabel Fong
Published: September 2019

Background: Multiple true-false tests (MTF), a component of our assessment system, have consistently generated low scores and many failures. This was attributed to the negative marking scheme. However, no study was conducted to explore the issue further. Item analysis revealed that students omitted false options more frequently and answered them wrongly more frequently than true options. The aim of this study was to determine the performance discrepancy between true and false options of MTF tests and the reasons for such discrepancy and the poor performance of MTF in general.Methods: The student performance of past 7 years of year-3 medicine end-of-posting examinations was analysed. The item analysis reports of 23 MTF tests were used to determine the significance of the differences in omission rates, correct-answer rates and the discrimination index of true and false options.Results: There were statistically significant differences in the omission rates, correct-answer rates and discrimination index values of true and false options. This study revealed that the false options consistently let down student performance. Although negative marking could be partly blamed for the situation, no justification could be found for the use of false options to test knowledge.Conclusions: Some publications endorse MTF, but many highlight its drawbacks. The use of false options in MTF was seen as an inherent defect in this instrument. As viable alternatives like VSAQ and Constructed Response Tests are in the horizon, we conclude that MTF ought to be discarded as an assessment instrument.
A study to develop and evaluate a need-based curriculum on addiction for students of madrasahs in a rural block of Hooghly district, West Bengal
Authors: Mallick Nazrul , Sinha Rabindra Nath , Saha Indranil , Dasgupta Aparajita , Pal Bobby
Published: September 2019

Background: Tobacco smoking habit is imbibed at a very early stage of life and once it is taken up it becomes very difficult to give up. In fact the vast majority of tobacco users worldwide begin the use of tobacco during adolescence. Objective of the study was to develop and evaluate a need-based training curriculum on healthy life style in terms of addiction for Madrasah students of rural West Bengal.Methods: It was a school-based health educational intervention study in rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal among 189 Madrasahs students.Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score in study Madrasah was 6.06±2.69 and post test score was 10.83±1.69. The calculated t-value was 24.06 and p value was 0.00 with effect size 2.12 (Cohen’s D). The observed increase in the knowledge of consequences of smoking in the study Madrasah after the health education was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of the control Madrasah on the health consequences associated with cigarette smoking in pre and post-test.Conclusions: As adolescent period is the ideal period to impart life-style related training it is obvious that vital opportunities are being missed due to lack of need-based training on life-style issues for this important population group. So, a well-designed need-based health educational intervention may play active role in bringing desired knowledge and behavior among the population group.
Smoking cessation practices and perspectives among in-patients in a tertiary teaching hospital setting
Authors: Saud Mohammed , Basave Gowda Madhu , Marulaiah Srinath Kenkere
Published: September 2019

Background: The objective of the present study was to assess the in-patient’s perspectives about smoking cessation and the services they received.Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in a hospital attached to a Medical College. An interview schedule was administered in person to in-patients to assess their perspectives towards smoking cessation and services received.Results: Of the 141 in-patients interviewed, 40% were active smokers. Almost 3/4th of active smokers had moderate to high nicotine dependence. About 92% of active smokers reported being asked about smoking status and being advised to quit, but only 23% received assistance, and 8% had a follow-up arranged. Health was the top reason for the willingness to quit. Around 90% of study participants had no awareness about tobacco cessation centres and services.Conclusions: An in-patient setting has a higher proportion of smokers than the general population. These in-patients should be a prime target for cessation programs as there are relatable health reasons and opportunity for the delivery of comprehensive smoking cessation services based on 5 A’s protocol, which is currently lacking. Creating better awareness regarding smoking cessation centres and services available is necessary.
Morbidity profile and anthropometry among the elderly in an urban slum in Mumbai
Authors: Thampi Jerome G. , Hadaye Rujuta
Published: September 2019

Background: Geriatric health is gaining in urgency and importance as the world is moving into the later stages of the demographic cycle. Nutritional status of the elderly is a major determinant of their overall health.Methods: The present study is a healthcare facility-based, cross-sectional study among geriatric patients attending the chronic disease clinic focusing on the morbidity profile and anthropometry. Sample size was 89. The measurements done were calf circumference (CC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and BMI.Results: More than half the study subjects had three or more chronic morbidities. The prevalence of undernourishment based on calf circumference and MUAC were 11.2% and 12.4% respectively. The correlation between BMI, CC and MUAC were all found to be strong and statistically significant.Conclusions: Both CC and MUAC can be adapted for use in primary care settings to rapidly assess nutritional status of the elderly and plan management protocols.
A prospective study of gestational trophoblastic disease profile with special reference to mortality and pregnancy outcome after successful management of the same
Authors: Bhattacharya Abantika , Panja Tanmay Kanti , Bhattacharya Amiya , Baur Baijayanti , Madhwani Kishore P.
Published: September 2019

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells inside a woman's uterus. GTD does not develop from cells of the uterus like cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine lining) cancer do. Instead, these tumors start in the cells that would normally develop into the placenta during pregnancy. GTD is unique because the maternal lesions arise from the fetal tissue as a molar pregnancy. All forms of GTD can be treated. In most cases the treatment produces a complete cure. The study was conducted to assess the various presenting features of GTD and factors associated with it.Methods: It was an observational hospital based prospective epidemiological study. Complete enumeration technique was followed and a total of 305 female patients were included in the sample. A pre-designed and pre-tested interview schedule was used to record different information and detailed history.Results: Of the 305 patients studied, 67.2% were diagnosed with H. mole, 23% patients were diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic tumor, among them 4.9% had choriocarcinoma. Majority were primigravida and of blood group O type. Pregnancy outcome after successful management of GTD were 63.3% had full term pregnancy, 20% cases had repeat molar pregnancy, 10% had spontaneous abortion while 6.7% (2/30) had pre term delivery.Conclusions: Gestational trophoblastic disease is seen most commonly in reproductive age group. If it is not diagnosed on time it can be fatal. This is a highly curable tumor even in the presence of distant metastasis.
Knowledge, attitude and practice among private medical professionals enrolled in public private partnership program for prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in three districts of Karnataka
Authors: H. Jagadish Deepak Murthy , Gudegowda Kishore Shettihalli , Sobagaiah Ranganath T. , Neela Vishwanatha V.
Published: September 2019

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is one of the world’s most serious public health challenges. Nearly all young children newly infected with HIV are infected through mother-to-child transmission. Only about half of the HIV infected mothers received ART and quarter of the babies born through HIV infected mothers receive ARV prophylaxis. This low coverage due to a high proportion of women delivering in private health facilities. Lack of policy for the private sector, inadequate knowledge and fear of occupational exposure are some barriers.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among private practitioners enrolled in parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program in three districts of Karnataka. 175 obstetricians and pediatricians engaged in giving care to HIV infected mother and children were selected randomly and were interviewed using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire and the scores were graded.Results: Mean age of the participants was 38.95 years with SD of 9.12 years. The mean years of experience was found to be 14.36 years with SD of 6.45 years. The knowledge was average scoring 66.56%. The attitude and practice were 69.21% and 64.21% respectively. The mean score for KAP was 28.89 (9.56) out of 43 questions. There was significant association between age of the participants, specialization and years of experience with scoring.Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice among private practitioners were average. To enhance the coverage of PMTCT, there is a need for strengthening private sector with strong political will thus reducing morbidity and mortality of the disease.
Awareness about rabies and health seeking behavior among animal bite victims attending a tertiary care hospital of Jharkhand
Authors: Kumar Chandramani , Soren Santosh Kumar , Singh Surendra , Kumari Neelanjali , Sagar Vidya , Singh Shashi Bhushan
Published: September 2019

Background: Rabies is an acute fatal disease of central nervous system, caused by Lyssavirus Type 1. Rabies in dogs is the source of 99% of human infection. Awareness about rabies and health seeking behavior are crucial determinants of rabies control. Present study was done to assess awareness regarding animal bite and health seeking behavior among affected population.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in central emergency department of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand for a period of four months. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Sample size was 114 using consecutive sampling method. The participants were interviewed after taking informed consent. Data collected were entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 114 subjects participated in the study of which 83 (72.8%) were male and 31 (27.2%) female. Most commonly affected age group found was 21-30 years (35.1%). Majority 101 (88.6%) of them resided in urban areas, and only 79 (69.3%) acquired secondary education and above. Most of the animal bite was caused by dogs 102 (89.5%), unprovoked 79 (69.3%) in nature and most common site involved lower limb 70 (61.4%). Majority 68 (59.6%) of the dog bite wound were of category II. Only 55 (48.2%) of animal bite victims washed their wound with soap and water. Majority 58 (50.9%) of the study participants had no knowledge about consequences of dog bite. Median reporting time to tertiary institute was found to be four hours.Conclusions: There was average level of awareness about rabies among animal bite victims attending RIMS, Ranchi
Assessment of knowledge and practices of biomedical waste management and infection control among health assistants in a rural block of Nadia district, West Bengal
Authors: Pal Jayita , Biswas Mrinal , Nandi Swagata , Biswas Asit Kumar
Published: September 2019

Background: Improper biomedical waste management, inadequate precautions to prevent needle stick injuries and air-borne infections among health care workers can lead to several hazards not only to them, but community can also be in danger due to environmental pollutions or risk of transmission of diseases. Sub-centres are the peripheral most points to deliver health services and health assistants posted there are in a unique position to get infected frequently if they are not adhering to standard protocols to manage these problems. The current study aimed to assess the status of infrastructure of sub-centres, knowledge and practices of the health assistants related to biomedical waste management and infection control.Methods: A cross-sectional study had been conducted in 40 sub-centres of Chakdaha block, Kalyani subdivision, Nadia district, West Bengal, selected purposively. All the health assistants were interviewed after taking informed consent with a pretested predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. An observational checklist had been used to assess infrastructure of the sub-centres and also some practices of the health assistants.Results: More than half of the study population (61.6% and 63%) secured poor score regarding knowledge and practices related to biomedical waste management and infection control respectively. There was no relationship between knowledge and practices of the same (p=0.187).Conclusions: Pre-service and also frequent in-service training should be conducted to improve the knowledge and practices of the health assistants. Regular monitoring, supervision of their day to day work by the higher authority, can improve their attitude and practices related to such an important public health issue.
Comparing infrastructure of anganwadi centres under integrated child development services of urban and rural Bangalore: a cross sectional study
Authors: G. Abhijnana , Thangaraj Selvi , T. S. Ranganath , . Vishwanath
Published: September 2019

Background: Anganwadi centres under integrated child development services is the largest Project in India to improve not only child health but reproductive, maternal and adolescent health. The aim of the present study is to compare the infrastructure of urban and rural anganwadi which is one of the basic need to provide quality services.Methods: A total of 30 anganwadi centres are involved in our study in which 20 are from rural and 10 are from urban field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore. This study employed interview method with anganwadi worker’s and observation of anganwadi centre using pre-designed, semi structured questionnaire and checklist.Results: 85% of rural and 60% urban anganwadi centres have their own buildings to carry out the services. 20% of rural anganwadi centres lack fixed name boards compared to urban anganwadi centres. 55% of rural anganwadi centres and 90% of urban anganwadi centres lack separate storage for raw food materials. 15% of rural anganwadi centres lack functional toilet facility. 40% of rural anganwadi centres lack functional weighing machine.Conclusions: Anganwadi centres are remote contact point of health care system within the community. The infrastructure of anganwadi centre such as type of building, space for cooking and activities, availability of functional equipments ensure the quality service deliveries which in turn are enhanced by timely supervision from higher authorities.
Инструменты формирования инновационной инфраструктуры региона для производства высокотехнологичной продукции
Authors: Борисова Елена Владимировна
Published: September 2019

Статья посвящена проблеме формирования инновационной инфраструктуры региона в решения задачи увеличения инновационными предприятиями региона, включая предприятия оборонно-промышленного комплекса, объемов производства высокотехнологичной продукции. Формирование инновационной инфраструктуры региона, обеспечивающей поддержку и стимулирование высокотехнологичных инновационных проектов, предложено осуществлять на основе компентностно-сетевого подхода, учитывающего особенности функционирования инновационной инфраструктуры региона при производстве высокотехнологичной продукции, который предусматривает компенсацию недостающих у высокотехнологичных предприятий компетенций и организацию сетевого взаимодействия субъектов инновационной деятельности в ходе реализации в регионе различных типов высокотехнологичных инновационных проектов. В статье представлены методические инструменты, позволяющие сформировать адекватную задачам увеличения объемов производства высокотехнологичной продукции инновационную инфраструктуру региона.
Rebels with a Cause? Supporting Library and Academic-led Open Access Publishing
Authors: Deville Joe , Sondervan Jeroen , Stone Graham , Wennström Sofie
Published: September 2019

The authors, who all have experience with academic publishing, outline the landscape of new university and academic-led open access publishing, before discussing four interrelated sets of challenges which are often referred when questioning the viability of such publishing ventures. They are: (1) professionalism, (2) scale, (3) quality, and (4) discoverability & dissemination. The authors provide examples of how, albeit differing in size, form and ambition, these new presses are not just adhering to conventional publishing norms but often innovating in order to surpass them.
Urogenital chlamydia trachomatis treatment failure with azithromycin: A meta-analysis
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Farnaz , Dolatian Ph.D. Mahrokh , Jorjani Masoumeh , D. Pharm , Afrakhteh Maryam , Majd Hamid Alavi , Abdi Fatemeh , Pakzad Reza
Published: September 2019

Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis is one of the most common pathogens transmitted through the genital tract in humans that leads to urogenital infection.
Objective: Given the high prevalence of chlamydia infection and its adverse effects on the health of women and men, the present meta-analysis was conducted to determine the rate of treatment failure with azithromycin.
Materials and Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, ISI - Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct were searched for articles published between 1991 and 2018. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 and Cochrane Q-Test. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to compare the prevalence rates on different levels of the variables.
Results: A total of 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria were ultimately assessed. The pooled estimate of azithromycin failure rate was 11.23% (CI 95%: 8.23%-14.24%). Also, the azithromycin failure rate was 15.87% (CI 95%: 10.20%-21.54%) for the treatment of urethritis, 7.41% (CI 95%: 0.60%-14.22%) for cervicitis, and 7.14% (CI 95%: 10.90%-3.39%) for genital chlamydia. The pooled estimate of failure rate difference was 2.37% (CI 95%: 0.68%-4.06%), which shows that azithromycin has a higher failure rate in the treatment of chlamydia compared to doxycycline and other examined medications. The meta-regression results showed that the patient’s age contributes significantly to the heterogeneity for azithromycin treatment failure rate (β = 0.826; p = 0.017).
Conclusion: Azithromycin has a higher failure rate than doxycycline and other studied medications in treating urogenital chlamydia infections.
Key words: Azithromycin, Chlamydia trachomatis, Urogenital, Treatment failure, Meta-analysis.
Letrozole as co-treatment agent in ovarian stimulation antagonist protocol in poor responders: A double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moini Ashraf , Lavasani Zohreh , Kashani Ladan , Mojtahedi Maryam Farid , Yamini Nazila
Published: September 2019

Background: Ovarian stimulation (OS) for poor ovarian response (POR) patients is still a major challenge in assisted reproductive techniques. Aromatase inhibitors as co-treatment in antagonist protocol are suggested to these patients, but there are controversial reports.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness Letrozole (LZ) as adjuvant treatment in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist protocol in POR patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.
Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Arash women’s hospital. One hundred sixty infertile women with POR based on Bologna criteria were allocated into two groups randomly: LZ + GnRH-antagonist (LA) and placebo + GnRH-antagonist (PA) groups. In the experimental group, the patients received 5 mg LZ on the first five days of OS with 150 IU of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) and 150 IU of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG). The cycle outcomes were compared between groups.
Results: The total number of retrieved oocytes and the metaphase II oocytes in LA-treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p = 0.008, p = 0.002). The dosage of hMG used and the duration of OS and antagonist administration in LZ-treated group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The number of patients with no oocyte, in the control group, was higher than the LZ-treated group, and the clinical pregnancy rate in LA-treated group (25%) was higher than the control group (18%); however, the differences were not significant statistically.
Conclusion: Adding 5 mg of LZ to rFSH/hMG antagonist protocol may improve the in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle outcome in POR patients.
Key words: Letrozole, Ovarian reserve, Primary ovarian insufficiency, Ovulation induction, Fertilization in vitro, Aromatase inhibitors.
DIAGNOSING ESL LEARNERS’ VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE THROUGH MEMORY STRATEGIES
Authors: B R Aravind , V Dr. Rajasekaran
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the study: The present study diagnoses the vocabulary knowledge employed by ESL learners’ through memory strategies. Schmiit’s (1990) Taxonomy of Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLS) questionnaire was adopted and administered to 93 ESL learners. In order to get authenticities about the ESL learners’ memory strategies with vocabulary learning, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 30 participants who completed the questionnaire. The result exposed the subsequent array of memory strategies used by ESL learners from the most frequent to the least frequent strategies, particularly findings revealed that ‘Use new word in sentences’, ‘Study word with a pictorial representation of its Meaning’, ‘Connect word to a personal experience’ are most popular whereas ‘Use scales for gradable adjectives’, ‘Relating word to unrelated items (Peg method)’ were least used memory strategies.

Methodology: Schmitt’s Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) (1997) was favored to diagnose the vocabulary knowledge through memory strategies of 93 ESL learners. Initially the responses were collected through Google Forms. Additionally, 30 ESL learners were randomly selected for interviews in accordance to reassure participants’ comprehension of the subject matters.

Main Findings: The study finds effective result among 93 ESL learners in acquiring vocabulary knowledge while using memory strategies with the assistance of technological modalities. It also listed the most frequent and least frequent use of memory strategies in Schmitt’s Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) (1997).

Applications of this study: The present study is conducted in English Language Laboratory, where ESL learners’ can be benefitted and the learners can use these memory strategies while learning a new vocabulary when encountering a word.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The existing technological modalities will assist the learners to correlate more effectively. Subject and language experts in the field can design the instructional materials and tools to assist ESL learners to improve vocabulary knowledge through memory strategies.
DEPRESSION IN MASTECTOMIZED WOMEM: A BRIEF REPORT
Authors: Silva Carlos César Messias , Ferreira Giovanni Machado , Maia Eron Castro , Oliveira Leonardo Messias de , Do Carmo Hanna Monyelle Ferreira
Published: September 2019

Only in the year 2018, over two million cases of breast cancer worldwide have been reported, often treated through mastectomy, showing the importance of the study of this procedure, in relation to the physical, psychological and spiritual sequelae of the patients. The objective was to evaluate how these sequels favor the development of post-surgery depression. A bibliometric research was developed in the Portal of Periodicals of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, using the following key words ["mastectomized women" and "depression"] 32 articles found. The results were submitted to the "peer-reviewed journals" filter and “Articles in English and Portuguese”, resulting in 10 selected articles that were then merged compiled with information collected from the official WHO and INCA websites to compose this work. Mastectomy aesthetically affects an important component of assertion of womanliness, sexuality and womanhood, post-surgical depression is a common reaction in these patients. Part of these consequences are of a sexual, affective, social and even altered bodily perception. The importance of family, social and professional support in the rehabilitation of these women is also emphasized. The review of these articles allowed us to verify the need to analyze the reconstruction of the breast in mastectomized women as a matter of mental health, and not only as an aesthetic desire for them.
ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF EVEN NUMBERED MONOKETO EICOSANOIC ACID ANILIDES AND SEMICARBAZONES
Authors: ÇELİK ONAR Hülya , ANLAŞ Fatma Ceren , YAŞA Hasniye , ÜSTÜN ALKAN Fulya , HASDEMİR Belma , BAKIREL Tülay
Published: September 2019

This study was undertaken to examine the possible
cytotoxic effect of anilide and semicarbazone derivatives of (4-12) monoketo eicosanoic
acids (3.125 – 100 µM)
on canine mammary tumour cell line (CMT-U27) as compared with doxorubicin.
Among these compounds, 8-semicarbazone eicosanoic acid (3) and 10-keto eicosanoic acid anilide (9) displayed effective cytotoxic potential against CMT-U27 and IC50
concentrations were recorded at 1.952 µM and 54.00 µM, respectively.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL: ANÁLISE DAS MEDIDAS LEGAIS APLICÁVEIS A UMA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA PAULISTA
Authors: Machado Fernando Henrique , Fengler Felipe Hashimoto , De Medeiros Gerson Araujo
Published: September 2019

A Bacia Hidrográfica do rio Jundiaí-Mirim (BH-JM) é o principal manancial de abastecimento público de Jundiaí-SP. Nas últimas décadas o acentuado crescimento econômico e populacional ocasionou inúmeras externalidades, sobretudo àquelas relacionadas à degradação ambiental. À vista disso, políticas públicas ambientais, materializadas por meio de atos normativos, representam importantes instrumentos de análise a fim de avaliar a efetividade da tutela ambiental pelo Estado. Nessa perspectiva, este estudo visou identificar e discutir as políticas públicas ambientais de natureza legal relacionadas à BH-JM. Para este fim, utilizou-se de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, em que foi empregada uma abordagem histórico-descritiva na análise do aparato legislativo ambiental estadual e municipal. Identificaram-se 14 medidas legais em vigor aplicáveis à BH-JM, sendo: 9 normas municipais (8 Leis e 1 Resolução); e 5 estaduais (1 Lei; 3 Decretos; e 1 Resolução). A análise realizada constatou que Jundiaí apresenta um arcabouço jurídico abrangente; contudo, notou-se uma baixa efetividade jurídica na sua implementação quando os requisitos estabelecidos são confrontados com os diagnósticos ambientais existentes. Destarte, observou-se a necessidade de uma maior intervenção do Estado e participação da coletividade visando o efetivo cumprimento das normas estabelecidas. Ademais, diretrizes de gestão a fim de subsidiar um melhor manejo da bacia foram propostas.