bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants nitrazepam and thiocolchicoside in Albino mice
Authors: Sayana Suresh Babu , Sampathirao Yamuna , Munge Baswaraj , Moorthy Sachidananda , Burli Kodandaramu
Published: May 2018

Background: Skeletal muscle relaxants are a heterogeneous group of drugs. As a group, they are structurally and pharmacologically diverse. Skeletal muscle relaxants are usually used as adjunct therapy when initial therapy fails. They are commonly used to treat fibromyalgia, low back pain, neck pain, tension head ache, myofascial pain and muscle spasm.Methods: There were 28 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, each group consists of 4 mice. Group 1(Control): Mice were treated with normal saline and placed on rotating rod with a speed of 18 rpm (ideal speed). Group 2 (Standard-S1): Mice were treated with Nitrazepam at the dose of 2mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod. Group 3 (Standard-S2): Mice were treated with Nitrazepam at the dose of 3mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod. Group 4 (Standard-S3): Mice were treated with Nitrazepam at the dose of 4mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod. Group 5 (Test-T1): Mice were treated with Thiocolchicoside at the dose of 2mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod. Group 6 (Test-T2): Mice were treated with Thiocolchicoside at the dose of 3mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod. Group 7 (Test-T3): Mice were treated with Thiocolchicoside at the dose of 4mg/kg body weight and placed on rotating rod.Results: In this model inter drug comparisons were carried out with nitrazepam and thiocolchicoside. It was found that both nitrazepam and thiocolchicoside produced central muscle relaxant effect when assessed by rotarod. On iter drug comparision of nitrazepam and thiocolchicoside it was found that by increasing concentration of drug, increased the muscle relaxant property.Conclusions: When assessed by rotarod, it was found that both nitrazepam and thiocolchicoside demonstrated muscle relaxant property but with increased doses of thiocolchicoside produced more muscle relaxant property than the increase in doses of nitrazepam.
Review of new medical devices approvals by USFDA during the period of 2010 to 2014
Authors: Limaye Rewati , Fortwengel Gerhard
Published: May 2018

Medical devices are health care products distinguished from drugs for regulatory purposes in most countries based on mechanism of action. Unlike drugs, medical devices operate via physical or mechanical means and are not dependent on metabolism to accomplish their primary intended effect. Developing new medical devices requires clinical investigations and approval process goes through similar process like drugs. Medical device approvals in the period of 2010 to 2014 were searched from USFDA website. Disease burden data in the similar period was searched from centers for disease control and prevention website. Collected data was analyzed to know number of approved devices, top therapy areas, and mechanism of action of these devices. Out of a total of 200 medical devices approvals in the time period of 2010 to 2014, maximum number of devices (51; 25.5%) were approved in the year 2011, cardiovascular (78; 39%) was the top therapy area. Highest number (180; 90%) of approved medical devices belonged to the category III and maximum number (73; 36.5%) of approved medical devices had “mechanical” mechanism of action. The top 3 causes of deaths in USA during 2010 to 2014 were heart disease, cancer and followed by respiratory infection. There was a match between the top diseases and the medical device approvals for top 2 diseases in USA i.e. heart disease, and cancer. With respect to respiratory infections and ailments which was the 3rd leading cause of death only one device was approved out of 200 approvals in total.
A clinical study on non-resolving pneumonia in tertiary care centre
Authors: P. M. Ramesh , M. Saravanan
Published: May 2018

Background: Non-resolving pneumonia is a problem not only for the patient but also to the treating physician because establishing the cause for the non-resolution of pneumonia takes time and requires invasive investigations. The present study was done with the aim to evaluate the etiology and clinical outcome of non-resolving pneumonia by using fibre-optic bronchoscopy (FOB).Methods: This prospective study was done on 45 patients with symptoms and signs of non-resolving pneumonia attending the Govt. Thiruvotteeswarar Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, Otteri, Chennai, a tertiary care teaching centre, during the period January 2016 to December 2016. All the patients were investigated systematically to find out the etiological factors for non-resolution pneumoniaResults: Males preponderance was seen in the study (80%). Patients of age group 51-60 years are more affected (26.6%). Bacterial pneumonia not responding to empirical antibiotics (42.2%) was the most common cause followed by pulmonary tuberculosis (28.8%) and malignancy (24.4%). On FOB, inflammation with secretions was noticed in most of the patients (66.6%).Conclusion: The findings of the study concluded that apart from bacterial pneumonia not responding to empirical antibiotics, tuberculosis and malignancy were found to be the major causes of non-resolving pneumonia. Hence, it is necessary to observe every patients for the adequate response to treatment and to utilize other modalities of investigations like FOB,CT guided FNAC/biopsy whenever required to offer exact management to the patients.
Clinical profile and treatment outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ananth P. Vijai , Prakash V. , Selvaraj D. , Mathimaraiselvan T.
Published: May 2018

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is one of the major cause of in-hospital mortality rates globally. The current study was conducted to study the etiological profile, severity and management of   acute kidney injury.Methods: The study was a prospective observational study, conducted in the department general medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical college and Hospital, Permabalur, Tamil Nadu. The study population included all the patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with acute Kidney injury (AKI) between January 2015 to December 2016. All the study participants were recruited to the study by convenient sampling. Descriptive analysis was carried out by frequency and proportion for categorical variables.Results: A total of 100 subjects were included. Participants were almost uniformly distributed in each of a decadal age group till above 60 years. Males (57%) were slightly higher than females (43%). Oliguria was present in 88% of the study population. The most common etiology was acute diarrhoeal disease (44%), followed by multiple infections in 12% and Sepsis in 10% of the subjects. As per RIFLE criteria 46% participants were at risk, 26.0% had injury, 28% had failure. All at risk people were treated conservatively, among injury category, 38.5% were treated by haemodialysis and 3.84% by peritoneal dialysis. In failure group, 60.71% and 3.57% were treated by haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis respectively.Conclusions: Acute kidney Injury (AKI) can be a consequence of varied aetiologies and all the age groups and both the genders at risk of developing it. RIFLE criteria may be a useful tool in guiding the management.
Clinical and biochemical profile of malaria: retrospective observational study from a tertiary centre
Authors: Meti Kirankumar , Parakh Rajendrakumar , Aithal Kiran , G. Hemamalini
Published: May 2018

Background: Malaria is one of the common causes of acute febrile illness in tropical countries. Malaria presents with varied manifestations. This retrospective study carried to know the clinical profile and laboratory abnormalities seen in malaria patients.Methods: The data was collected retrospectively from 1st January to 31st December 2017. Inclusion criteria: all fever cases above 15 years of age of both the sexes diagnosed as malaria by peripheral smear examination and malaria card test. Exclusion criteria: combined malaria with other fevers such as dengue, chikangunya. Fever cases negative for malaria tests. Malaria cases with history of chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis of liver, chronic viral hepatitis, liver abscess, and chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. The data regarding the clinical presentation of patients and laboratory values such as hemoglobin, total leukocytecount, platelet count, total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, albumin values collected and analyzed with tables and percentage.Results: A total of 57 malaria cases were analyzed, 71.9 % males, 28.1% were females. The commonest age group was between 15- 30 years (61.4%). 29 patients (50.9%) had P. vivax, 20 patients (35.1%) P. falciparum and 8 patients (14%) mixed infection. The most common clinical presentation was fever with chills (100%) followed by vomiting (68.4%), splenomegaly (56.1%), headache (45.6%), pain abdomen (43.9%).19 cases (33.3%)  had hemoglobin less than 10gm/dl; 42 cases (73.6%) had thrombocytopenia; 46 cases (80.7%) had urea ≥30mg/dl; 14 cases (24.6%) had creatinine ≥1.4; 26 cases (45.6%) had total bilirubin >1.2mg/dl ; 17 cases (29.8%) had SGOT >45 IU; 33 cases (57.9%) had SGPT > 45 IU and 32 cases (56.1%) had albumin level ≤3.5gm/dl.Conclusions: In the study malaria due to P. vivax was more common than P. falciparum, malaria affected young adults, males more than females. Reduced hemoglobin and platelet count, deranged liver and renal function and reduced serum albumin seen commonly in malaria.
Peripheral venous catheter related blood stream infection in intensive care unit
Authors: Dalai Satish Kumar , Padhi Sanghamitra , Padhi Abhishek , Parida Banojini
Published: May 2018

Background: Peripheral venous catheter related blood stream infections (PVC-BSI) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Most of the catheter related blood stream infections occurs due to lack of proper aseptic measures. This study points out the risk factors microbial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates associated with PVC-BSI. The common organisms causing Catheter related BSI are Staphylococcus aureus (41.1%), and Klebsiella species (17.6%) followed by CONS and Enterococcus species. Objective of present study was to isolate and identify the organisms causing PCV-BSI, perform antimicrobial sensitivity testing of isolated organisms and to identify the associated risk factors and preventive measures that should be used.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of one year from August 2015 to July 2016 in the Department of Microbiology. Study group comprised of all the patients with peripheral venous catheterization who developed signs and symptoms of septicemia after 48 hrs of insertion of PVC. These patients were followed up from the time of catheterization till discharge. Peripheral venous catheter tip was collected under aseptic condition along with peripheral blood samples from a site other than the catheterized one. Samples were collected from patients at any point of time who developed signs and symptoms of septicemia after 48 hrs of catheter insertion. The length of time for which the PVC was in place was recorded.Results: In total, 87 cases were included in the study with mean catheter duration of 4.8 days accounting for 418 catheter days. Out of these 87 cases, 17 cases developed PVC-BSI (19.5%) and 34 cases developed colonization (24.1%). Staphylococcus species (41.1%) was the most common isolate.Conclusions: PVC-BSI has a significant role in hospital acquired infections and more studies are needed to establish this.
Study on emerging risk factors of acute myocardial infarction patients in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Gupta Ashu , Joshi Arun , Kumar Ashok , Singh Paramjeet
Published: May 2018

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major global health problem reaching epidemic proportions. Along with the developed nations, underdeveloped and developing countries are now facing this burden. Keeping this in mind various emerging risk factors in patients with documented evidence of acute myocardial infarction attending a tertiary care hospital in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand were studied.Methods: This study is a prospective study done in the department of Medicine, Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani over a period of 2 years. Patients were enrolled from the Medical Emergency/ OPD who had documented evidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Informed consent was taken from each study subject.Results: The mean age was 54.27 years (SD- 13.062). Among the risk factors, high triglyceride is significantly higher in younger patients as compare to older patients. Lipid profile distribution when they compare to any addiction, it has been found in the study that LDL is significantly higher in those who were having any addiction. Hypertension was significantly higher in patients who smoke (p=0.04). The major contributing risk factor was any addiction (smoking, alcohol, tobacco consumption in any form) followed by dyslipidemia.Conclusions: The challenge is to develop appropriate strategies to prevent coronary artery diseases and promote healthy lifestyles.
Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD: prospective observational study
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Vora Chitralekha , Madan Tarun , Garg Pankaj , Vagde Monalisa , Bisnoi Suresh , Chaudhary Minesh
Published: May 2018

Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has considerable cardiovascular risk. Various cardiovascular diseases are common during exacerbations. Both diseases share several similarities such as older age of the patient, smoking as a common risk factor and symptoms of exertional dyspnea. Knowledge regarding the magnitude of underlying cardiovascular diseases during AECOPD is limited. Authors performed this study to assess the presence of different associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients hospitalized for AECOPD and its effect on the outcome.Methods: It was a prospective observational study involving 436 patients of AECOPD divided to Group 1 (AECOPD with CVD- 137 (31.4%) patients) and Group 2 (AECOPD without CVD 299 (68.6%) patients). All the patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, chest X-ray, spirometry, ECG and echocardiography.Results: COPD patients in exacerbation with CVD, were significantly more likely to have longer duration of hospital stay (p < 0.0001), high CRP level (p<0.001), more frequent mechanical ventilations (p < 0.001), two or more exacerbations per year (p <0.0001) and the mortality was (p<0.0001). Also, they have GOLD grade III/IV severe (43.5%) and very severe (19.5%) air flow limitation. The high percentage of them had (64.8%) pulmonary hypertension, (37.3%) systemic arterial hypertension, (31.5%) arrhythmia, (27.8%) ischemic heart diseases and (21.3%) heart failure.Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients hospitalized for COPD was high. Age, sex and CVD trends, as well as life style changes, should be considered when prevention and control strategies are formulated.
Job satisfaction among nurse‘s in public and private sector in Dhaka City of Bangladesh: a comparative study
Authors: Khatun Ratna , Akter Nahida , Muhammad Faisal , Chowdhury A. B. M. Alauddin
Published: May 2018

Background: Nursing is a recognized noble profession that has relations with the healing ability and a sense of reflection to serve humanity. Variations in health care sectors including reorganization, redesigning, intensifying the roles of health care professionals are the cause of nurses to extend their responsibilities. The study was aimed to analyze the level of job satisfaction among nurses in public and private sector in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional type of study was carried out among the nurses of the selected hospitals, data was collected using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and it was analysed using SPSS.Results: In this study the mean age of the respondents from public hospital was 34.61±7.79 years. On the other hand from private hospital the mean age was 29.33±5.91 years more than half (56%) of the respondents from public hospital had diploma in nursing, while most (45%) of the respondents from private hospital had B.Sc. in nursing. Slightly above six-tenths (61%) of the respondents were satisfied with their present job and the rest of the respondents were not satisfied.Conclusions: The finding of this study revealed that the respondents who are working in the public hospital were more satisfied than their counterpart.
Hand washing knowledge and practices among public primary schools in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Dajaan Dubik S. , Addo Henry O. , Ojo Luke , Amegah Kingsley E. , Loveland Fiagbe , Bechala Banewel D. , Benjamin Begyele B.
Published: May 2018

Background: Hand washing is very effective in preventing communicable diseases. Hand washing is particularly important for children, as they are more vulnerable to infections gained from unwashed hands and also due to their unhealthy behaviour. The study was conducted to determine the availability of hand washing facilities, hand washing knowledge and practices among public primary schools in Kintampo Municipality.Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 300 children and 10 headmasters in 10 selected schools. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation checklist regarding socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of hand washing, hand washing practices and availability of hand washing facilities in the selected schools.Results: All the children indicated that it was important to wash their hands with water and soap. About (37.67%) washed their hands in order to prevent diseases, 53.33% had never been educated on how to wash their hands. Only 23.33% of the children demonstrated correctly on how to wash hands, a little over 15% washed their hands under clean running water whiles 23.33% wipe their hands using handkerchiefs. Forty-three percent indicated after visiting toilet as necessary to wash hands whiles 42.33% cited lack of water as the barrier to hand washing. About 39.88% always washed their hands with soap after using the toilet; about 60% of the schools had hand washing points. Only 30% of the schools have clean running water.Conclusions: There is the need for effective hand washing education in the schools to help improve hand washing knowledge and practices. Hand washing facilities in the schools were found to be inadequate.
An epidemiological study of asthma and its risk factors in school going children in Bhavnagar city, Gujarat, India
Authors: Tundia Mohnish N. , Thakrar Dhara V.
Published: May 2018

Background: Asthma is a common disease worldwide with significant ethnic and regional variations. This study will provide evidence about the prevalence of asthma and will highlight level of problem in community. The objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of asthma and determine the presence of environmental risk factors among children with asthma.Methods: This study was conducted in school-going children of standard 5 to 8 in Bhavnagar city in 2015. Sample size was 1428. All schools of Bhavnagar city were listed and required number of schools were selected randomly and approached for consent.  Study forms were filled up by personal interview and physical examination followed by house to house visits. Data entry and analysis were done using software Epi info 7. Chi square test was calculated. Multiple logistic regression was carried out by backward step-wise Likelihood Ratio (LR) method.  Adjusted OR for significant variable was then calculated.Results: Total prevalence of asthma was 9% (129/1428). Out of these, 61.18% were female and 38.82% were male children. It was found 36.43% in age group of 11 years and 47.3% in children of lower socio economic class. The adjusted odds ratio for male gender was 0.631 and for smoking were 2.353.Conclusions: Female children are 1.58 times more likely to develop asthma than male children. Children whose family members smoke are 2.35 times more likely to develop asthma.
Study to assess internet usage patterns and prevalence of internet addiction among medical and engineering students of Bengaluru city
Authors: D. R. Sunil Kumar , Debata Ipsita
Published: May 2018

Background: Internet has become today, one of the most powerful tools for everybody, playing major roles in the life of adolescents. In tandem with the splurge in access to the Internet globally, with the rise of new-generation gadgets, the risk of “internet addiction” is emerging as a significant behavioral addiction pandemic to be tackled worldwide.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 200 medical and engineering students, with 100 selected from each course. Data on internet usage patterns was collected by administering a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Prevalence of internet addiction was estimated by using Young’s internet addiction scale.Results: The mean age of the participants was 18.85±0.197 years, among which 52% were females and 48% were males. While assessing internet usage patterns, it was found that the frequency of years of internet usage for 1-5 years was 80% (160) and that of internet use per day for 0-2 hours was 50.5% (101). Both these factors were significantly associated with internet addiction. Most common location of internet access was hostel, i.e. 51.5% (103). 93.5% (187) of students used Mobile phones and social media was found to be the main purpose for internet use which was 60% (120). Totally 67% (134) of medical and engineering students had internet addiction.Conclusions: The present study highlights the vulnerability of professional college students for internet addiction. Large scale epidemiological studies should be undertaken to assess the real problem and thereby take appropriate steps to tackle the growing problem.
Donor and tissue profiling at the time of eye donation at a tertiary care hospital in western India
Authors: Gohel Devdatta J. , M. Atul Kamath , Bhosale Dhananjay A. , Gadhavi Binita N.
Published: May 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyse the donor and tissue profiling of eyes donated at a tertiary care center in western India.Methods: Eye bank records were analysed for the period December 2014- December 2016. Variables studied included donor demographics (age, gender, ethnicity) cause of death of donor, consent for donation, whether the donation was voluntary or motivated, death to preservation interval, preservation to utilization interval, corneal suitability for transplantation and corneal tissue utilization.Results: During this study period, 200 corneal tissues were retrieved from 100 donors (male: female= 33: 17). The mean age of donors was 63 years (range: 18-91 years). Most common age group of donors belonged to 70-79 year age group. Most of the donors belonged to the class III of socio-economic status (35%). The most common cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest (63%). Majority donors were voluntary (71%). Most consent for eye donation was given by sons (51%) or daughters (17%). Most of the donations were done at the deceased houses (64%). Mean death to preservation interval was 2.8 hours. Total corneas suitable for transplantation were 43% out of which 20% were utilised with the most common cause for disuse being septicaemia (23%) and poor quality of tissue (57%). Majority of patients had comorbidities with hypertension being most common (76%).Conclusions: With fairly less corneal tissue utilization, there is need for awareness among people in order to know the proper technique of preservation of eyes once death occurs and to increase motivational donations.
Evaluation of husband–wife communication regarding family planning among the couple of reproductive age group in the field practice area of Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar
Authors: Gayathry Dasari , Ramsagar Reddy M. , Rammana B. V.
Published: May 2018

Background: Fertility decisions occur within specific social contexts and social norms therefore restrict individual decisions on fertility and behaviors related to family planning such as spacing and limiting of births and using contraception which reflects the importance of effect of inter-spousal communication on the contraceptive method choice and future intention of method use. Hence the objective of present study is to evaluate the husband wife communication and contraceptive use, method choice and timing of initiation of discussion among couples in study area.Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted during February 2013 - January 2014 among couples residing in the field practice study areas. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, questions related to awareness, sources and decision making towards family planning was administered to 406 couples of study area.Results: It has been observed that regarding decision making, about 39.4% of the men had taken a decision on the use of contraceptive methods, and only 21.7% wives had autonomy of using contraception of their choice. Around 67.5% of the men had discussion with their wives about the family planning and more than half (57%) of the time the discussion was initiated by men.Conclusions: Husband was the decision maker in nearly half of the couples and family planning was discussed among majority of respondents. Family planning education should be encouraged through effective IEC programs and strategies for promoting husband wife communication should be considered inorder to increase family planning adoption.
Health problems and risk factors prevailing among garment workers in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
Authors: P. Ravichandran Sreesupria , Shah Pankaj B.
Published: May 2018

Background: Garment workers are susceptible to various health problems by virtue of their workplace and working conditions. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of certain health problems and to assess association between socio demographic factors, occupational factors and certain health problems among garment workers.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among garment industry workers, at Tirupur. Interview was conducted using a structured pretested questionnaire including information on visual problems, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, American thoracic society, and division of lung disease –78 adult respiratory questionnaires. Clinical examination was done to assess body mass index and blood pressure was recorded. Visual acuity for distant and near vision was tested. Haemoglobin estimation was performed. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 15 software. Chi-square test was used as a test of significance.Results: In this study, 87.4% of the workers reported any one health problem. The common problems reported were musculoskeletal problems (77.6%) followed by anaemia (57%), visual problems (51.6%), symptoms of respiratory problems (31.3%), hypertension (12.9%), diabetes (6.6%) and obesity (2.1%). 49.7% of the workers had any one symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in the last 7 days. The study has shown a possibility of older age, sewing work, sitting posture, and increased work experience as potential risk factors in the development of various health problems.Conclusions: Garment workers probably need long term on site awareness programs, continuous motivation and health education to prevent and treat these problems at an earlier stage.
Evidence based practice: knowledge, attitude and practice among undergraduate and postgraduate medical students of a medical college in North Karnataka, India
Authors: R. Manjula , Srivastava Anjani Kumar , Dorle Ashok S.
Published: May 2018

Background: Evidence based practice (EBP) is based on the integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise to facilitate clinical decision making. Those patients who receive evidence-based therapies have better outcomes than those who do not.Evidence-based medicine is becoming a specialty in its own right, and it's an area that medical students should pay close attention to when determining their path. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding evidence based practice among the undergraduate and postgraduate students of a medical college in North Karnataka.Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance from institutional ethical committee, this cross-sectional study was conducted in a Medical College in North Karnataka from November 2016–January 2017. All the interns and postgraduates studying in the College were included in the study. After obtaining informed consent, data was collected through pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Data was compiled and tabulated by using MS Excel and was analyzed.Results: Overall, majority of the participants hold positive attitudes toward EBP but lack sufficient knowledge and skills for implementation. The main barriers to implement EBP are insufficient time to read scientific research articles and the cost to its access.Conclusions: More focus should be given to EBP from the medical school itself, either through continuing medical education or various workshops, it can even be included in the curriculum so that all the undergraduate medical students can be sensitized to it from a very initial stage.
Seroprevalence and trends of transfusion transmitted infections in blood donors of rural tertiary care hospital blood bank: a 3 year retrospective study in Chamba (HP)
Authors: Arora Ishan , Singh Shairoly , Singh Shireen
Published: May 2018

Background: Timely transfusion of blood saves millions of lives, but unsafe transfusion practices puts millions of people at risk of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Blood transfusion carries the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIVI&II), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), malaria and syphilis. With every unit of blood there are 1% chances of transfusion associated diseases.Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 3 years (1stJanuary 2015-31st December 2017) at hospital blood bank of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba (H.P). The study was conducted on both voluntary and replacement blood donors who came to our blood bank and voluntary blood donation camps in and around Chamba. Statistical analysis used. Collected data was analyzed using appropriate statistical softwares such as EPI-INFO and MS-Excel.Results: In our study, we observed a total of 2616 donors over a period of 3 years. In the present study, 847 (32.37%) were voluntary donors and 1769 (67.62%) were replacement donors. Out of 2616 blood samples, 8 were HBsAg positive, 1 HCV positive.Conclusions: Our study shows that the number of blood donors is increasing every year. In our study, the seroprevalence of HBsAg was 0.3% and Hep C was 0.03% in total blood donors. The knowledge of current infectious disease pattern and trends in donor population can help in planning of future blood transfusion related health challenges.
Prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among office employees working at BSNL and LIC offices of Bhopal city
Authors: Dubey Manju , Choudhary Yachana , Bhatia Padma , Naik G. P.
Published: May 2018

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of the global burden of disease. In India, the prevalence of hypertension is 33.8% in urban areas and 27.6% in rural areas. Hypertension is fairly common among white collar workers, owing to long working hours, sedentary lifestyle and due to lack of physical activity. This study was carried out among the office employees, who constitute one type of white collar workers. The aims and objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of hypertension among office employees and to find out the various risk factors associated with hypertension among them.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 240 employees of two offices of Bhopal city from September to November 2016. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics and various risk factors was collected. Measurement of blood pressure, height and weight of all participants were taken.Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 53.33%, out of which 25.7% cases were newly diagnosed. Hypertension was positively associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, adding extra salt to food.Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension among office workers is alarmingly high (53.33% hypertensives and 25% prehypertensives) which calls for implementation of some interventional measures by the concerned authorities.
Level of awareness about pregnancy danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal care, Chidambaram
Authors: Felix A. John William , R. Devi , M. Manobharathi
Published: May 2018

Background: Delay in seeking health care is one of the key factors leading to maternal death, which can be associated with lack of awareness about obstetric danger signs. So, it is essential that pregnant women should be aware about danger signs of obstetric complications so that they can seek timely healthcare. This study aims to assess level of awareness about danger signs of pregnancy among ANC attendant pregnant women and to assess the factors associated with it.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 170 pregnant women. The level of awareness about danger signs were assessed by administering pre tested proforma to the participants. The collected data was entered in Microsoft excel 2010 and the data was compiled analysed usingSPSS version 21.Results: Of the total participants, only 29.3% had good awareness and about 69.3% had fair awareness about danger signs of pregnancy. It was found that increasing maternal age had significant association with awareness about danger signs whereas other factors like type of family, education, residence, order and duration of pregnancy, number of an visits, previous risk pregnancies had no significant association with level of awareness about danger signs.Conclusions: Level of awareness about danger signs among pregnant women was average. Thus, provision of health education, empowering women and improving the quality of health services can be the recommended interventions.
Availability and utilization of sanitation facilities amongst the tea garden population of Jorhat district, Assam
Authors: Bora Parash Jyoti , Das Bishnu Ram , Das Netri
Published: May 2018

Background:Globally, 2.3 billion people still do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines. Inadequate sanitation is estimated to cause 280 000 diarrhoeal deaths annually. Tea garden population belonging mostly to lower socio economic class, often lacks access to basic safe drinking water and sanitation. This study aims to assess the availability and utilization of sanitation facilities amongst the tea garden population. Methods:A Community based descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among the people residing in the lines of tea gardens of Jorhat district. Using multistage cluster sampling a total of 540 eligible subjects were selected for our study and they were interviewed using a pre-designed pre-tested schedule. Results:In our study, sanitation facilities were available in 58.9% households of which 83.1% were sanitary type and 69.7% latrines were functional. Out of the 318 respondents who have latrine, 61.1% reported that they use latrine regularly while 64.1% study respondents had the practice of open air defecation. Conclusions:The availability of sanitation facility and latrine utilization rate of the households were not satisfactory. This reflects that various schemes related to sanitation that are planned and implemented by Government have not been reached to the majority of tea tribe population. So an urgent call has to be made to all stakeholders to work in close collaboration to ensure access and utilization of sanitation facilities among the vulnerable tea plantation community.
Risk factors for dietary deficiency and their probable role in elderly morbidities: a cross sectional study among elderly residing in rural field practice areas of S.N. Medical College, Bagalkot, North Karnataka
Authors: Desai Sachin , Agarwal Sidharth , Mannapur B. S. , Dorle A. S.
Published: May 2018

Background:Nutrition is an important element of health, among the elderly. They are prone for dietary deficiencies and thus suffer from a plethora of nutritional deficiency disorders due to various factors, prevalent from region to region. Estimating the risk factors for nutritional deficiencies, dietary patterns and their role in elderly morbidities is of utmost importance. Methods:140 Elderly, with the help from their caregivers, were screened for nutritional deficiencies by a detailed general physical examination and for signs of nutritional deficiencies namely: water soluble B-complex vitamins. Elderly were examined for the anthropometric measurements like height, weight, BMI, mid arm circumference, calf circumference and nutritional deficiency disorders. Elderly malnutrition was assessed using mini nutritional assessment (MNA)scale score, body mass index (BMI)and weight loss >10% of body weight. Results:Of the total elderly, 45 (32.1%) of elderly are underweight and 42 (30.0%) of elderly were obese. 63 (45%) each, had a waist hip ratio value of >0.95 in men and >0.85 in women. 69 (49.3%) of the elderly were having a Mid-arm circumference of <24 centimeters. 1 (43.6 %) elderly, was having 12-14 points (normal nutritional status) 76 (54.3 %) had a score of 8-11 points i.e. at risk of Malnutrition 03 (2.1%) had a score between 0-7 patients were malnourished. Conclusions: Dietary patterns of the elderly decreases with age and is affected by multiple determinants like psychosocial stress, dementia, delirium, poor economic status, poor dentition, chronic debilitating illnesses, smoking and alcohol, which play a vital role in elderly malnutrition.
A cross sectional study on cervical cancer and its prevention among women of age group 25- 50 years in a rural area of south Tamilnadu, India.
Authors: Nelson Sudhir B. , Viswanathan Naveenkumar , Jenifer Nisha A. , B. Priyanka
Published: May 2018

Background:Cancer of uterine cervix is one of the common carcinoma among females. India accounts for about 20% of cervical cancers. Prevention of cervical cancer, whether primary or secondary requires active participation of the community. For this they need knowledge about the disease & its prevention. Hence a study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding cervical cancer and its prevention was undertaken. Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a panchayat area of Kanyakumari district, South Tamilnadu. A sample of 100 women aged 25-50 years was taken by multistage random sampling. Results:Only 68 women were aware of the existence of cervical cancer & Health workers were the most common source of information (41.2%). Those who were employed had more awareness though the differences were not statistically significant. Only 8 women (11.76%) knew that there is a vaccine to prevent cancer cervix. Among those who were aware of cervical cancer, only 47 (69.1%) knew about the existence of a screening test to detect cancer cervix. Only 8 women had undergone PAP smear. Among those willing to reveal the reason for not undergoing PAP smear, lack of time (15.38%), embarrassment (10.26%) and no facility (2.8%) were the reasons. Women who were employed were more likely to be aware about screening for cervical cancer (75%). Conclusions: The existence of cervical cancer has reached the awareness of majority of the women in our area. But specific knowledge about cervical cancer & its prevention is still lacking.
A comparative study of menstrual hygiene management among rural and urban adolescent girls in Mangaluru, Karnataka
Authors: Senapathi Pradeep , Kumar Hemant
Published: May 2018

Background: Menstruation is a completely normal biological process. Yet women and girls, the world over, face numerous challenges and taboos which often portray them as inferior to men. Poor hygiene and sanitation facilities in schools cause girls to experience menstruation as shameful and uncomfortable. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the status of menstrual hygiene management among rural and urban adolescent school girls.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 01 September 2016 to 31 October 2016, among 244 adolescent school girls, in urban and rural field practice areas of A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences of Research, Mangaluru, Karnataka.Results: A total of 244 adolescent school girls participated in this study. Out of these, 54.17% girls were from rural, while 45.83% were from the urban school. Mean age of menarche of all the respondents was 12.61±0.81 years. Overall, 69.67% girls were aware of menstruation prior to attainment of menarche. The awareness was found to be more among urban school girls (72.32%) as compared to rural girls (67.42%). The study brings out that 49.24% of the girls in the rural school and 65.17% of the girls in urban school were using sanitary pads. ‘High cost’ was cited as the main reason for not using the sanitary pads.Conclusions: Menstrual hygiene management was found to be sub-optimal among both, urban as well as rural adolescent girls.
A study of effectiveness of nutritional interventions on children with severe acute malnutrition admitted in nutrition rehabilitation centers of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Saxena D. M. , Pathak Akshat , Ram Mahor Ganga , Mahor Ramniwas , Agarwal Anil
Published: May 2018

Background: The prevalence of under-nutrition among under-five children is high and varies widely. Children with severe acute malnutrition require immediate attention along with proper nutritional rehabilitation not only to decrease mortality but also to achieve full potential after recovery. Nutrition rehabilitation centres (NRCs) were started to control severe malnutrition and decrease the prevalence of severe malnourished children to less than 1% among children aged 1–5 years.Methods: The present study was conducted from July 2016 to June 2017; 500 children admitted to five different NRCs in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh were observed during their stay at NRCs and children were followed up during a period of 6 months after discharge from NRCs. Mothers of the children were interviewed on various health issues of children and feeding practices at the NRCs using a predesigned and pretested interview schedule.Results: The study group consisted of 252 boys and 248 girls; 51.20% were between 13 and 36 months of age. All 500 children were analysed for anthropometric indicators. A statistically significant difference was obtained between the weight of children at admission, discharge and follow up (ANOVA=106.2, p<0.001); difference of mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) at admission, discharge and follow up was also statistically significant (ANOVA=24.02, p<0.001). The average weight gain during the stay at the centers was 8.95±3.59 g/kg/day. The mothers of the children lacked adequate information on health issues and composition and preparation of nutrient rich diets for their children.Conclusions: The NRCs were effective in improving the condition of admitted children, but the effects were not well sustained following discharge due to lack of adequate parental awareness and action.
Oxidative stress/PERK/apoptotic pathways interaction contribute to tramadol neurotoxicity in rat cerebral and cerebellar cortex and thyme enhances the antioxidant defense system: histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Sarhan Nahla Reda , Taalab Yasmeen Mohamed
Published: May 2018

Background: Tramadol is an opioid analgesic with several adverse reactions. Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses have been involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying tramadol neurotoxicity. Importantly, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) is a key ER-downstream pathway that mediates apoptosis. We aimed to determine the cellular stresses interaction that mediates PERK-induced apoptosis in tramadol-treated rats and to assess the effect of thyme in enhancing the antioxidant defense system in the face of such stresses.

Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups. Control group, thyme group received thyme extract (500 mg/kg/day) orally. Tramadol group received tramadol HCL (40 mg/Kg/day) dissolved in saline orally. Tramadol + Thyme group received tramadol and thyme extract. After 30 days, frontal motor and cerebellar cortex specimens were biochemically assessed for oxidative stress biomarkers and evaluated for histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes.  

Results: Tramadol group showed a significant elevation in malondialdehyde level with a reduction in superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. Histologically and ultrastructurally, there were remarkable degenerative and apoptotic changes in the neurons and glial cells. In parallel, we detected a significant increase in integrated density for PERK immunostaining and number of caspase-3 positive cells/HPF compared to control. Tramadol + Thyme group showed improvement in oxidative stress parameters, histological and ultrastructural changes. Moreover, integrated density for PERK immunostaining and number of caspase-3 positive cells/HPF were significantly lower than Tramadol group.

Conclusions: Oxidative and ER stress-mediated PERK/apoptosis axis corroborates to the tramadol-induced neurotoxicity. Therapeutic strategies enhancing antioxidant activity and/or blocking ROS-mediated ER stress pathway may resolve tramadol neurotoxicity.
Knowledge and attitude towards voluntary blood donation among students from Mumbai University
Authors: Limaye Dnyanesh , Naik Pooja , Varekar Tejal , Salunkhe Priyanka , Shah Chaitali , Sydymanov Arlan , Limaye Vaidehi , Pitani Ravi Shankar , Sathe Sushama , Kapadi Atul , Fortwengel Gerhard
Published: May 2018

Background: Blood is scarce; its demand far outweighs the supply. In addition to limited supply, the issue of safety especially with regard to the risk of transfusion transmissible infection is also an issue of utmost concern especially in the developing countries. Blood transfusion services in India have gained special significance in recent years and forms a vital part of national health care system. Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD) is the safest of all types of blood donations. One of the potential sources that can be tapped for blood donation is the young and physically fit students from educational institutions across India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students from Mumbai University, India during May–June 2017. Two hundred and fifty students were approached to participate in the study of which 201 agreed to participate (males: 104; females: 97). Pretested questionnaire was distributed and collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.  

Results: High number of participants agreed about encouraging general public about voluntary blood donation (96%; 193/201), lack of awareness about VBD in general public (82%; 164/201). But not a single participant was able to respond to the knowledge part of the questionnaire with 100% accuracy. Almost all the participants had correct knowledge about blood groups (98%; 196/201) and blood matching need (195/201; 97%).

Conclusions: Participants showed good attitude but demonstrated poor knowledge about voluntary blood donation. Details about blood donation should be incorporated in the undergraduate curriculum and periodic awareness programs should be organized for students.