bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The system of self-attitude, attitude towards significant people and the world of adolescents who are maltreated in the family
Authors: Zemlianykh Marina V. , Izotova Margarita H.
Published: January 2020

The article is devoted to the study of self-attitude and the attitude towards significant people and the world of adolescents who are exposed to such types of abuse in the family as physical and emotional abuse. 172 adolescents of age 1215 years were studied. The main group consisted of 86 adolescents who are under the school monitoring and defined as the being in a difficult life situation and also adolescents, who are exposed to emotional and physical violence in the family ( the cases were registered by school social service). The control group was formed from 86adolescents who were not exposed to emotional violence and physical punishment in the family. The following research methods were used: empirical (observation, conversation, questioning, testing), questionnaires Self attitude inventory (S.R.Pantileev); Diagnostic of the level of empathy inventory (I.M. Yusupova); aggression status inventory (BassDurkee Hostility inventory); projective method Incomplete sentences (M. Saks, S. Levy), projective drawing technique Myworld (E.S.Romanova, T.I. Cake). Statistical processing was performed using a non-parametric test for two independent variables,U-MannWhitney. As the main psychological consequences, a high degree of dissatisfaction with oneself, negative attitude towards parents to a greater degree towards fathers, weak expression of empathy, high aggressiveness, sensitivity and suspiciousness, negative vision of the surrounding world were revealed.
The Međimurje (Croatia) Earthquake of 1738
Authors: Herak Davorka , Živčić Mladen , Vrkić Iva , Herak Marijan
Published: January 2020

The 30 March 1738 earthquake with an epicenter near Čakovec in Međimurje (Croatia) is the largest known earthquake in the low-seismicity area that includes northernmost Croatia, northeastern Slovenia, southeastern Austria, and southwestern Hungary. So far, it has attracted very little attention in the seismological communities of those countries. It is missing or has wrong source parameters in all of the relevant earthquake catalogs (including the Seismic Hazard Harmonization in Europe (SHARE) catalog, Stucchi et al., 2013), which may influence seismic hazard assessment in this part of Europe, most critically in the Međimurje region itself. We present contemporary historical data shedding some light on the effects that the earthquake had on settlements mostly in Međimurje, but also elsewhere in Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary. We were able to assign intensities to 12 localities surrounding the epicenter and to resolve the confusion about its date of occurrence. The intensity points were inverted for the location of the macroseismic hypocenter and epicentral intensity (I0=7.9 MSK [Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik]). The epicenter is found to lie on the hanging wall of the reverse Čakovec fault, about 6 km from its surface trace, and 8 km north-northwest of the town of Čakovec. The rather small felt area for an earthquake of this maximum intensity implies a shallow macroseismic focal depth of 6 km. These values of intensity and depth correspond to a macroseismic magnitude of MLm 5.1.
Öğrenenlerin Öz-Yönetimli Öğrenme Becerilerinin Kitlesel Açık Çevrimiçi Dersler Bağlamında İncelenmesi
Authors: ARTSIN Murat , KOÇDAR Serpil , BOZKURT Aras
Published: January 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı Kitlesel Açık Çevrimiçi Derslere (KAÇD) katılan öğrenenlerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerilerini incelemektir. Araştırma sorularına yanıt alabilmek için nicel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırma Anadolu Üniversitesi Kitlesel Açık Çevrimiçi Ders Platformu olan AKADEMA katılımcılarından toplanan veriler ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri toplama sürecinde Kendi Hızında Öğrenmeye Dayalı Derslerde Öz-Yönetimli Öğrenme Becerileri Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Uygulanan ölçeğe 2136 katılımcı yanıt vermiştir. Araştırmada cinsiyet, ders tamamlama durumu, eğitim düzeyi ve yaş aralığı değişkenleri fark analizleriyle incelenmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen sonuçlara göre, öğrenenlerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerileri cinsiyete göre farklılık göstermektedir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; kadınların öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerileri erkeklerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerilerinden daha yüksektir. Ayrıca öğrenenlerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerileri ile KAÇD tamamlama durumları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık ortaya çıkmıştır. Buna göre; KAÇD’ı tamamlayan öğrenenlerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerileri KAÇD tamamlayamayan öğrenenlerin öz- yönetimli öğrenme becerilerinden daha yüksektir. Bu duruma ek olarak, öğrenenlerin öz- yönetimli öğrenme becerileri ile eğitim durumları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur. Son olarak, öğrenenlerin öz-yönetimli öğrenme becerileri yaşa göre farklılık göstermiştir. Araştırma bulguları bağlamında öğretim tasarımcıları, eğitimciler, uygulayıcılar, araştırmacılar ve karar vericilere yönelik öneriler sunulmuştur.
Interactional Metadiscourse in Research Articles Written by Turkish and Native Speakers
Authors: ÇAPAR Meral , TURAN Ümit Deniz
Published: January 2020

This study investigates how Turkish non-native speakers and native speakers of English use metadiscourse markers in research articles. With this purpose, a total of 100 research articles on the field of teaching a foreign language were analyzed based on the taxonomy of Hyland and Tse (2004). 50 research articles written by Turkish academic writers and 50 research articles written by American academic writers were collected from prestigious journals. The taxonomy has mainly two components: Interactive and interactional resources. This study focuses on the interactional resources. A qualitative approach was applied. The results of the binomial test showed that there are significant differences in the use of interactional metadiscourse markers between the two groups. American academic writers (AAWs) used significantly more interactional metadiscourse markers (IMMs) in English research articles (ERAs) compared to Turkish academic writers (TAWs). The use of the subcategories of engagement markers were also significantly different specifically in terms of the use of self-mention and questions. This may suggest that the use of IMMs may show cultural preferences, which can be considered as stylistic difference and may not need further instructional intervention. Thus, academic writing courses are suggested to be included especially in MA and PhD programs. Models of academic texts can be used in courses and raising consciousness on both micro and macro aspects of academic discourse can be suggested.
Yaratıcı Problem Çözme Etkinliklerinin Okul Öncesi Dönem Çocuklarının Yaratıcılığına Etkisi
Authors: YILDIRIM Aslı , AKMAN Berrin
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, yaratıcı problem çözme (YPÇ) etkinliklerinin beş yaş çocuklarının yaratıcılığına etkilerini ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmada karma yöntem türlerinden ardışık açımlayıcı desen kullanılmış ve bu doğrultuda önce nitel, sonra nicel veriler toplanmıştır. Veri toplama sürecinin ilk adımında öğretim üyeleri ve öğretmenler için hazırlanan görüşme formları kullanılmıştır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yoluyla elde edilen veriler içerik analizi yoluyla incelenmiştir. Yapılan analiz sonucunda, beş yaş grubuna uygulanacak YPÇ etkinlikleri hazırlanmıştır. Deneysel çalışmanın uygulandığı ikinci adımda öntest-sontest kontrol gruplu desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırmacı tarafından hazırlanan YPÇ etkinliklerinin uygulandığı deneysel süreç öncesi ve sonrasında veriler Torrance Yaratıcı Düşünme Şekilsel Testi (TYDT) A ve B Formu ile toplanmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubunda yer alan çocukların öntest-sontest yaratıcılık toplam puanları arasında anlamlı bir fark olup olmadığını incelemek amacıyla 2x2 karma ANOVA yapılmıştır. Deneysel çalışmanın bulgularına göre, deney ve kontrol gruplarının TYDT Şekilsel Formlardan aldıkları toplam yaratıcılık puanları karşılaştırılmış ve deney grubunun son test toplam yaratıcılık puanlarının, ön test puanlarından anlamlı derecede yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Buna göre, YPÇ etkinliklerinin deney grubu üzerinde etkili olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Matematik Dersi Öğretim Programı Üzerine Meslek Lisesi Matematik Öğretmenlerinin Görüşleri
Authors: BİÇER Fatih , ADA Tuba
Published: January 2020

Ülkemizde farklı okul türlerinde öğrenim gören öğrencilerin matematik başarılarının karşılaştırıldığı çalışmalarda meslek lisesi öğrencilerinin başarılarının diğer okul türlerindeki öğrencilere göre düşük olduğu ve matematik öğrenmede sorun yaşadıkları görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada ulusal ve uluslararası düzeyde yapılan değerlendirmelerde matematik başarısı açısından okul türüne göre diğer okul türlerine nispeten düşük düzeyde başarı gösteren Meslekî ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi matematik öğretmenlerinin dokuzuncu sınıf düzeyinde Matematik Dersi Öğretim Programı üzerine görüşlerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması ve maksimum çeşitlilik örneklemesinden faydalanılmıştır. Çalışma grubu Eskişehir merkezinde görev yapan 14 matematik öğretmeninden oluşturulmuş ve veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre öğretmenlerin program geliştirme sürecinde paydaşlardan görüş alınmasını olumlu değerlendirdiği, programın uygulama aşamasında öğrencilerin bilgi eksikliklerinden kaynaklı sorun yaşadıkları, materyal olarak etkileşimli tahta ve Eğitim Bilişim Ağı (EBA)’nı yoğun olarak kullandıkları görülmektedir. Ayrıca öğretmenler; okulların fizikî ve donanımsal durumunu yeterli bulduklarını, öğrencilerin okula uyum sorunu yaşadıklarını, öğrencilerin matematik başarısının düşük olduğunu ve matematik dersine karşı olumsuz tutum sergilediklerini belirtmektedir. Bu çalışmada öğretmenler, “değerler eğitimi” kapsamında öğretmenlerin rollerinin belirginleştirilmesi, programın okul türlerine göre farklı hazırlanması, ünitelendirilmiş yıllık plan hazırlanmasında öğrencilerin öğrenme eksikliklerinin giderileceği şekilde esneklik sağlanması gibi önerilerde bulunmuşlardır.
Gentamicin and amikacin adversely affect male infertility indicated by pharmacological, andrological and pathological evidence
Authors: Elsawah Hozaifa K. , Kandiel Mohamed M. , Amin Aziza A. , Mokhimar Haitham M. , El Mahmoudy AbuBakr M.
Published: January 2020

Background: Many drugs are implicated in male infertility and screening for medication history is an important for diagnosis and treatment of the problem. The aim is to study amikacin effect on male reproductive system in comparison to gentamicin.Methods: Twenty-five male wister rats weighted 220±20 gm and aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups of five. The first group received gentamicin in dose 18.25 mg/kg/day once daily (OD) (therapeutic dose). The second group received gentamicin with double dose of the first group. The third group received amikacin in dose 54.75 mg/kg/day OD (therapeutic dose). The Fourth group received amikacin with double dose of the third group. However, the fifth group served as a control and received normal saline (NS) OD. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days. On the 15th day, blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from all animals. Testicular tissues were prepared for genetic testing and chemical and microscopical examination.Results: Amikacin and gentamicin negatively affected reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters, serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level relative to control (p<0.05). However, serum testosterone level was only affected with gentamicin (p<0.05). A significant difference between gentamicin and amikacin was found in sperm count, testis and epididymis weights and serum testosterone and LH level (p<0.05). Testicular histopathological changes were also found with the two drugs with different degrees. Effects of both gentamicin and amikacin were dose-dependent.Conclusions: Both gentamicin and amikacin adversely affect andrological function that should be monitored and controlled during application of these drugs.
Assessment of knowledge and reporting of adverse drug reaction in resident doctors in a teaching hospital in North India
Authors: Punj Vaishalee , Hakeem Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: January 2020

Background: This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of residents towards pharmacovigilance in a teaching hospital in North India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, Pathankot (CMC&H). A questionnaire containing 17 questions was distributed to 80 residents of CMC&H, Pathankot. This study was conducted over a period of 3 months from July to September, 2017.Results: 64 out of the 80 residents (80%) responded to questionnaire. Among the respondents, 6% did not know the term adverse drug reaction (ADR) and almost 18% did not witness any ADR during clinical practice. Among those who witnessed ADRs nearly 25% could not ascertain the type of ADR. Those who ascertained ADRs claimed that upto 60% suspected ADRs required short hospitalisation. 6% residents did not consider ADRs avoidable and almost 25% residents did not consider ADRs predictable. 37% residents did not report the ADRs to anyone and nearly 43% did not know whom to report the ADRs. More than 18% claimed that they were not taught about PV in undergraduate curricular practical training teaching. Up to 31% residents claimed that nobody ever discussed with them about ADR reporting during internship.Conclusions: According to this study, residents lack adequate knowledge and practice of reporting ADRs. This study suggests a greater need to create awareness amongst them to promote reporting of ADRs. This study also suggests that incorporation of Pharmacovigilance in medical curriculum will strengthen pharmacovigilance activity.
Effect of short-term naturopathy and yoga intervention on anthropometric variables, lipid profile and thyroid profile in obese hypothyroid patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shetty Geetha B. , Shetty Balakrishna , Shetty Prashanth
Published: January 2020

Background: Hypothyroidism reflects decreased thyroid function and is one of the most common conditions seen in clinical practice. Practice of naturopathy and yoga has shown improvement in anthropometric variables and lipid profile in obesity and other chronic diseases. So, the aim of this study was to find out the effect of naturopathy and yoga in obese hypothyroid patients.Methods: A total of 60 subjects, of which 29 males (age 44.2±7.0 years) and 31 females (age 40.6±7.4 years) with body mass index (BMI), ≥30 were randomly assigned to case group (n=30) and wait list control group (n=30). The subjects of case group underwent naturopathy and yoga intervention for 10 days. Anthropometric variables, viz., body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference, serum lipid profile, and serum thyroid profile were assessed at 1st day (pre), at the end of 10 day (post).Results: The result showed a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, WC, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) along with significant improvement in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in case group compared with control group in independent samples t test. Significant reduction in body weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-C and TSH were observed in case group unlike in control group in student's paired t test.Conclusions: Reduction in the body weight, BMI and improvement in serum lipid profile and serum thyroid profile in case group subjects compared to control group suggest that naturopathy and yoga have therapeutic and protective effects in the management of obese hypothyroid patients.
Evaluation of cytotoxic profile of hydroalcoholic extract of fruit rinds of Garcinia pedunculata on human embryonic kidney and breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Sharma Sukrant , Mundugaru Ravi , Dakappa Pradeepa H. , Naik Pundalik R.
Published: January 2020

Background: The fruit rinds of Garcinia pedunculata has potential medicinal properties and used in many chronic ailments. It has been demonstrated that cytoprotective effects in various experimental research works. But its cytotoxic effect has not been evaluated. The present study was aimed to screen its relative cytotoxic effect on normal and cancer cell lines.Methods: In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Garcinia pedunculata was evaluated on normal human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and M.D. Anderson metastatic breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB 231) using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Results: Higher dose level of hydro alcoholic extract of Garcinia pedunculata (HAGP) (500 μg/ml) has shown considerable increase (112.503) in the percentage viability of HEK-29 whereas; there is a remarkable decrease in the viable cell population (77.490) in MDA-MB 231.Conclusions: Based on the observed results we could conclude that HAGP has potential cytotoxic effect on the cancer cell line without altering the normal cell growth and proliferation. Thus it has potential to develop as a safer chemotherapeutic agent. Further detailed exploration is required to confirm its therapeutic efficacy in different cancer cell lines.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic resistance among undergraduate medical students in the school of medicine at the University of Zambia
Authors: Zulu Annie , Matafwali Scott K. , Banda Michelo , Mudenda Steward
Published: January 2020

Background: The issue of antibiotic resistance has become a global public health concern, with an extensive clinical and economic burden. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic resistance among undergraduate medical students at the University of Zambia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus. A structured questionnaire was administered to 260 randomly selected undergraduate medical students. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Associations between dependent and independent variables were done using a Chi-square test. The statistical significance was done at 95% confidence level (p<0.05). Ethical approval was done by the University of Zambia Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee.Results: The study found that 227 of 260 (87.3%) of the medical students had good knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance. The majority of the medical students 252 of 260 (96.9%) had positive attitudes and 195 of 260 (75%) had good practices towards antibiotic resistance. There was a significant difference between the year of study and the level of knowledge (χ2=16.333, p=0.003). There was no significant difference between the year of study and the attitude of the participants (χ2=4.061, p=0.398). A significant difference was found between the year of study and the practices of the respondents (χ2=10.926, p=0.027).Conclusions: The medical students had good knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practices towards antibiotic resistance. Final year students had higher levels of knowledge and attitude but lower levels of practice compared to other years of study.
A cross sectional study on prescription pattern of drugs in upper respiratory tract infections in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Bade Divya , K. G. Shivashankaramurthy , L. J. Kiran , M. S. Raghuprasada , V. S. Harishkumar , A. N. Pradeep
Published: January 2020

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are one of the leading causes of hospital visits worldwide. Judicious use of antibiotics is challenging for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in developing countries like India. This leads to inappropriate use of antibiotics causing many dreaded conditions like antibacterial resistance among other things. Hence rational use of drugs, mainly antibacterial, is a priority to reduce the burden of treatment failure. The objective of this study is to study the prescribing patterns and rationality of drugs prescribed in the management of URTIs.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from records of 300 outpatients clinically diagnosed as URTIs from SSIMS and RC Hospital, Davangere between January 2015 and June 2016. The prescribing patterns, approval status and listing of drugs in World Health Organization (WHO) essential medicines list/ National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) were analysed. The data was presented as percentages, mean and standard deviations.Results: A total of 300 cases were studied. Among these, acute pharyngitis (29%) and acute sinusitis (26%) are the most common infections. Of the 300 cases studied, 283 (94.3%) were prescribed antimicrobials. Of the total 740 medications prescribed, 393 (53.1%) were fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). A total of 724 medications (97.8%) were approved by Drugs Controller General of India and 248 (33.5%) by Food and Drug Administration. Only 5.8% of the prescribed drugs have been listed in WHO’s and NLEM. The most common class of antibacterials prescribed was Beta-lactams.Conclusions: Oral formulations were preferred over parenteral formulations and FDCs were preferred over single drug formulations. Beta-lactams comprised the major class of antibacterial prescribed.
A study on haloperidol and risperidone induced metabolic derangements in patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia
Authors: Sivagourounadin Kiruthika , Subbiah Vijayalakshmi , Krishnasamy Geetha , Rajendran Priyadharsini
Published: January 2020

Background: The occurrence of metabolic abnormalities in schizophrenic patients has been increased with the rampant use of second-generation antipsychotics. The aim and objective of this study is to compare the metabolic derangements induced by a typical antipsychotic: haloperidol and an atypical antipsychotic, risperidone in patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Out of 60 newly diagnosed schizophrenic patients, 30 patients received tablet haloperidol and the remaining 30 patients received tablet risperidone orally. The anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference was measured and blood investigations like fasting blood glucose level and fasting lipid profile were taken at baseline and at the end of 3 and 6 months of drug therapy. The metabolic derangements induced by the two antipsychotics were compared and analyzed at end of 3rd and 6th month using SPSS software version 16.Results: At the end of 6th month statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in weight, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, fasting triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein level between the haloperidol and risperidone group on following the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) criteria of metabolic syndrome. Risperidone caused metabolic abnormalities in 13.3%, 4 patients whereas none of the patients in haloperidol group developed metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: Hence it is concluded that the atypical antipsychotic risperidone has been associated with an increased risk of causing metabolic abnormalities than the typical antipsychotic haloperidol. Regular and periodic monitoring of the anthropometric and metabolic parameters in schizophrenic patients on antipsychotics especially the atypical antipsychotics is mandatory to prevent further complications.
Efficacy of orlistat in the treatment of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Iranparvar Alamdari Manouchehr , Habibzadeh Shahram , Azami Ahad , Shirinzadeh Babak , Aslanian Roghayeh , Yazdanbod Kiana
Published: January 2020

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a reversible condition of fat accumulation that is associated with liver inflammation and can disrupt the normal activity of the liver. People with a diagnosis of NAFLD have a higher risk of all- cause mortality than the general population. The purpose of the present study was to determine, the efficacy of orlistat in the treatment of patients with NAFLD.Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on 45 fatty liver patients of the gastroenterology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil city in April 2016 to April 2017. Data was collected by a checklist which included demographic and clinical data such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol and result of ultrasound before and after orlistat consumption.Results: The mean decrease in the variables examined was as follows: weight 8.3 kg, BMI 3.5 kg/m2, ALT 31.6 U/l, AST 18.1 U/l, cholesterol 15.5 mg/dl and TG 33.1 mg/dl. All of the upper indexes were decreased significantly following received drug.Conclusions: Orlistat therapy was associated with significant decreases in ALT, AST, TG and cholesterol level. Orlistat is effective in weight loss, body mass index reduction and can be used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Effectiveness analysis of antipsychotics in schizophrenia using psychometric scales: an observational study
Authors: Agrawal Ratna , Rath Bhabagrahi , Shukla Rajni Kant , Mohapatra Sabita
Published: January 2020

Background: Schizophrenia is a commonest and one of the well known psychiatric disorders. Life expectancy of a patient with schizophrenia may be 20 to 30 years shorter than the general population. Long term antipsychotic therapy is usually required for the management of schizophrenia. It is not currently possible to predict which antipsychotic may be optimal for a given patient because there are still many debates about effectiveness and efficacy of atypical drugs over first generation antipsychotics. So, our aim is to assess the effectiveness of various antipsychotics by using various psychometric scales, which will be helpful to bring out better treatment options for schizophrenia patients.Methods: This was an observational questionnaire based study, conducted on patients of inpatient and outpatient Department of Psychiatry and Department of Pharmacology at VIMSAR, Burla, for a period of 24 months (September 2015 to August 2017). Patients of schizophrenia aged 18 years or above were subjected to clinical global impression – severity scale (CGI-S) and clinical global impression – improvement scale (CGI-I) questionnaire after taking informed consent. Then scores were calculated using non parametric test with Graph pad Prism version 6.0.Results: Out of the 90 cases, majority (60) of patients belonged to the middle (25 to 45 yrs) age group followed by 20 younger (<25 yrs) age group and rest 10 were elderly (>45 yrs) patients. Both scales showed significant improvement with atypical antipsychotics as compared to first generation antipsychotics.Conclusions: Based on these findings, we can conclude that atypical antipsychotics are more effective than first generation antipsychotics. But further studies are needed to assist clinicians in making optimum treatment decisions.
A qualitative and quantitative comparison of adverse drug reaction data of anti-epileptic drugs in various sources of drug information
Authors: Kullar Keerat Kaur , Kaur Prabhsimran , Singh Aanandita , Randhawa Gurpreet Kaur
Published: January 2020

Background: It is essential to spread awareness about known adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for identification, prevention and their proper management. The aim of this study is to assess disparities in documented ADRS of antiepileptic drugs in various sources of drug information.Methods: An observational, cross sectional study was done to compare different drug information sources for ADRs. Six sources of information namely: National Formulary India (2011), Drug Today (2018), Current index of medical specialties (CIMS), and some textbooks like Lippincott’s illustrated reviews: Pharmacology (2012), Brenner and Stevens' Pharmacology (2018) and George and Goodman and Gilman's (GG): The pharmacological basis of therapeutics (2018) were critically analysed for ADRs of a total of 34 drugs. Prototype drugs and most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs, were chosen for study. They were categorized according to therapeutic classification and guidelines by Indian Society of Epilepsy. ADRs were categorized according to various body systems, and serious and life threatening ADRs, then were tabulated and compared. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of this data was also done.Results: None of analysed sources mentioned all antiepileptic drugs. GG contained information for maximum number of drugs studied (76.4%) and National Formulary of India gave information for (52.9%) drugs only. There was wide variability among various resources while listing ADRs. CIMS listed maximum number of ADRs (85.5%) while minimum was included in Brenner and Stevens' Pharmacology (13%) for all antiepileptic drugs. The quality of data though limited was relatively better in CIMS, but none of sources studied were found to be complete.Conclusions: No source of information provided complete information about adverse effects of all 34 anti-epileptic drugs. Academicians and policymakers can work towards providing complete ADR information in all sources of information and updating it from time to time. Thus, making drug use safer in patients of epilepsy.
Medication adherence and its determinants amongst anti-hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai
Authors: Badhe Satyendra B. , Yadav Pramila V. , Deolekar Pradnya S. , Badhe Suvarna B. , Aggarwal Mihika
Published: January 2020

Background: Anti-hypertensive drugs can effectively control hypertension, subject to good adherence. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to numerous complications, some even potentially fatal, such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, shock and stroke.Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with the help of a pre-validated questionnaire during the course of 6 months in the medicine outpatient department and the inpatient department (wards) at a tertiary care hospital, Navi Mumbai in 200 hypertensive patients to calculate the correlation of the sociodemographic factors with adherence by the chi-squared test.Results: The overall percentage of adherence to antihypertensive medication was 34.8%. It was the highest (72.1%) in the younger age group, i.e., below 50 years. It was observed that as the age increases, the adherence to treatment decreases. Adherence rates were significantly higher among females and those individuals who had never attended school. Among the employed, 70.3% were adherent to their treatment and among the unemployed, 64.4% were adherent. The percentage of adherence was lower in alcohol consumers (9.5%) as compared to nonusers (76% and 32%, respectively).Conclusions: The clinician advising anti-hypertensive therapy should provide thorough counselling and stress on the issues created due to poor medication adherence as hypertension can be associated with severe outcomes. Treatments should be given in accordance with each patient’s lifestyles in mind such that they may continue taking their medications till the completion of their therapy.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety profile of tamsulosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: R. Praveen , T. N. Kumar
Published: January 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of alpha-1A receptor subtype specific antagonist-tamsulosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods: An open label, non-randomised, prospective, single centred study who were visiting urology department with confirmed diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were included in the study. Thirty patients with BPH were prescribed tamsulosin and were followed up to three months. The initial or baseline data collected were identification of the patients such as international prostate symptom score (IPSS), prostate specific antigen, urine analysis, and ultrasonography of prostate including post void residual urine. The patients were followed up to 3 months to measure clinical and laboratory outcomes (IPSS score, post void residual urine, uroflow rates etc.).Results: In our study, patients receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily showed a significant improvement in post-void residual urine (PVRU), uroflow rates and IPSS score. The improvements in the above parameters were found to be statistically insignificant at first and third month of follow-up.Conclusions: In our study, tamsulosin an alpha-1A receptor subtype specific antagonist showed significant improvement in BPH symptoms and the drug was well tolerated.
Antibiotic regimens utilization in treating community acquired pneumonia of a government practice setting: a prospective observational study in medical inpatients
Authors: Babu K. Leela Prasad , Kareemulla Shaik , Sai Pravalika S. K. , Khan P. Nishad , Venkateswarlu Govindu , Sreeharinadh K.
Published: January 2020

Background: Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection characterized by inflammation of lung tissue accompanied by infiltration of alveoli and bronchioles. Most common type is community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Initial therapy is usually empirical that is designed to treat various pathogens. In CAP cases, antibiotic therapy should begin at the earliest. The objectives of the study include to identify most common causative micro-organisms, to assess risk of developing CAP in patients having co-morbidities, to identify most commonly prescribed antibiotic regimen.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for period of 6 months at RIMS, Kadapa. 120 patients were recruited based on inclusion criteria. Treatment was given according to Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society guidelines.Results: In a total of 120 patients, 77 were males and 43 were females. 69 patients belong to 46-55 & above age groups. 84 patients had social habits and 36 patients are without social habits. Patients with single lobe infiltrations are 105 and patients with multiple lobe infiltrations are 15. In our study, streptococcus pneumoniae and pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common isolated organisms. Monotherapy was given for 7 patients, dual therapy for 97 patients and triple therapy for 16 patients. 33 patients received ceftriaxone (CEF) and augmentin (AUG), 29 patients received CEF and azithromycin (AZI), 7 patients received levofloxacin (LEV), 25 patients received CEF and LEV, 10 patients received CEF and ciprofloxacin (CIP) and 16 patients received CEF, AUG and AZI. 100 patients had less than 8 days of hospital stay.Conclusions: Research study concluded that β lactum antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed class. CEF and AUG was highly recommended drug regimen.
Evaluation of differences in health-related quality of life in patients receiving conventional versus newer anti-epileptic drugs
Authors: Goswami Kavisha S. , Rana Devang A. , Shah Shalin , Malhotra Supriya D.
Published: January 2020

Background: Epilepsy is associated with stigma and bad health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) due to this, and side effects of the drug therapy. Newer anti-epileptics are claimed to be better than the conventional. We evaluated this based on comparison of HR-QOL in patients taking the respective therapy.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, single point study involved 127 consenting patients from Neurology OPD at V.S. General Hospital. Quality of life in epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) questionnaire was used to measure HR-QOL in patients. SPSS software and Graphpad prism were used to analyze the variables.Results: Patients of 20-30 age group were commonly affected (37.80%) with a male predominance (56.69%). 41.73% were unemployed. The difference in HR-QOL between patients and controls in all three domains (epilepsy effects, mental effects, role function domains) of QOLIE-10 was significant (p=0.0002), indicating better HR-QOL in controls. The worst HR-QOL scores were found in Epilepsy effects domain. Metabolic adverse effects (38.58%) were the common ADRs. Sodium valproate was the most effective in controlling seizures (last seizure episode: 15 months). HR-QOL correlation between patients receiving monotherapy and polytherapy was significant (p=0.026) with monotherapy rendering a better HR-QOL. Comparison of HR-QOL between patients taking the conventional and the newer drugs was not significant (p=0.1768).Conclusions: Our study nullifies the claims that newer drugs are better than the conventional since no such benefit was seen in HR-QOL as well as ADRs. Our findings ruled out the belief that cases of epilepsy are better controlled with polytherapy.
Syzygium cumini (jamun) therapeutic potential: a comprehensive review on phytochemical constituents and emphasis on its pharmacological actions related to diabetic intervention
Authors: Asanaliyar Meharban , Nadig Pratibha
Published: January 2020

Syzygium cumini or Eugenia Jambolana Lam is a traditional medicinal plant very native to the Indian and Asian sub-continent. It is commonly known as black plum or jamun. Various plants parts of the tree are known for ethno-medicinal uses, and in particular, the fruits of Jamun tree are well known for medicinal uses and preparation of health drinks. Studies have shown that the berries contain carbohydrates, minerals and the pharmacologically active phytochemicals. The active phytochemical includes flavonoids, terpenes, and anthocyanins. Ayurvedic and Indian Folk Medicine have already mentioned the use of jamun for diabetic treatment even before the advent of insulin. The bark, fruit pulp, seeds and the leaves are evaluated in the crude form as well as extracts in various diabetic models. Further, bioactive phytochemicals are extracted using in vitro assays, some of them such as vitalboside-A, mycominose are also characterized with spectroscopic analysis. This review article is intended to compile Syzygium cumini’s therapeutic potential with special emphasis on the phytochemical constituents and its pharmacological activities related to diabetic intervention through recent studies conducted in last one decade. It also addresses the clinical and toxicological studies.
Effects of dietary energy level on reproductive characteristics in male African giant rat Cricetomys gambianus
Authors: Tsambou Astride Martine Megnimeza , Kenfack Augustave , Vemo Bertin N. , Fonkem Séverin , Fonou Lavoisier Tadiesse , Foda Constant Fopa , Teguia Alexis
Published: January 2020

Background: The study was conducted to assess the effects of the digestible dietary energy level on some reproductive characteristics in African giant rat.Methods: Sixteen young males were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 4 animals each. To each group was attributed randomly one of the 4 dietary energy levels (3600 Kcal/kg, 3800 Kcal/kg, 4000 Kcal/kg or 4200 Kcal/kg). The daily distribution of experimental diets last six months, ie ended when cricetoma were 8 months old. At the end of that period, all animals were sacrificed.Results: Results showed an increase in testes weight with the augmentation of dietary digestible energy level (0.79±0.13, 0.88±0.17, 1.02±0.28 and 1.02±0.16 respectively for 3600 Kcal/kg, 3800 Kcal/kg, 4000 Kcal/kg and 4200 Kcal/kg). The serum testosterone level, the sperm mobility (76.67, 62, 63 and 57%) and count per cauda epididymis (18.25±3.75, 16.38±4.19, 10.83±2.02 and 10.13±2.9) and per gram cauda epididymis (39.09±11.82, 27.01±4.23, 15.41±3.31 and 17.40±7.28) significantly (p<0.05) decreased with the increasing level of digestible energy in the feed.Conclusions: The dietary digestible energy level that gave the higher reproductive performances in male African giant rat was 3600 Kcal/kg DM.
Sensitivity and specificity of prenatal screening methods for detection of risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Juneja Sunil Kumar , Tandon Pooja , Sharma Anjali , Sharma Anshu
Published: January 2020

Background: Babies born with chromosomal abnormalities pose a burden on the family as well as the society at large. Early detection and management of fetal chromosomal abnormalities has become an essential component of antenatal care. Hence pregnant women of all ages are offered screening methods for early detection of chromosomal abnormalities. We intended to study the sensitivity and specificity of prenatal screening methods for detection of risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.Methods: A three-year retrospective study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2017 in 258 singleton pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic and delivering at DMCH. The patients were screened for chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester by NB NT scan along with dual marker and level II anomaly screen scan along with quadruple test in the second trimester. Based on the test results the patients were classified into high risk and low risk pregnant mothers. All the patients with abnormal quadruple test were subjected to amniocentesis for karyotyping. The results of the first trimester and second trimester screening methods were statistically analyzed using chi square test, sensitivity and specificity of the prenatal screening methods was calculated.Results: The sensitivity and specificity of dual marker test for detection of chromosomal abnormality is 50% and 85.94% respectively and that of quadruple test sensitivity is 50%, specificity is 95.3%. The difference was highly significant in the favour of the quadruple marker with P-value of 0.0004.Conclusions: While counseling the patients regarding possibility of having abnormal fetus, obstetrician should keep in mind the false negatives and false positives of prenatal screening and diagnostic methods.
Evaluation of the incidence, risk factors, severity, and outcome of hydrocephalic fetuses in a tertiary healthcare center located in Northern India: a prospective observational study
Authors: Garg Aditi Jain , Najam Rehana , Agarwal Ritika , Rastogi Rajul
Published: January 2020

Background: Hydrocephalus is a heterogeneous disease marked by abnormal dilatation of the cerebral ventricles secondary to varying etiologies. This study was aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, severity, and outcome of hydrocephalic fetuses presenting to a tertiary healthcare hospital located in northern India.Methods: In this prospective observational study, pregnant women visiting the obstetrics outpatient department of our hospital from 01 July 2017 to 31 June 2018 were screened for hydrocephalic fetuses via ultrasonography along with a detailed history, and a comprehensive battery of diagnostic investigations. They were followed up for a minimum period of two months after delivery/termination of pregnancy.Results: A total of 3627 pregnant women were screened, of which 10 had hydrocephalic fetuses in the observed time period. The incidence of hydrocephalus was determined to be 2.75 per 1000 live births. Low socio-economic status was identified as a major risk factor. 50% of the hydrocephalic fetuses were severely afflicted and were discontinued. The remaining 50% were successfully delivered and were managed via a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt or are under close observation in the postnatal period without any adverse outcome.Conclusions: The burden of hydrocephalus is considerably high in India, as compared to western countries. In rural settings, low socioeconomic status and lack of folic acid supplementation have a major influence in the etiopathogenesis of hydrocephalus. Management of hydrocephalus requires a multidisciplinary approach and is tailored according to the severity of the presentation. Severe cases of hydrocephalus and cases with associated anomalies have a poor prognosis.
A comparative study to see the effectiveness of Pap smear, visual inspection with 3-5% acetic acid and its confirmation by cervical biopsy
Authors: Choudhury Mili D. , Ghose Sivaji S. , Dharmamer Milind Y.
Published: January 2020

Background: Cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. The present study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of Pap smear and visual inspection with 3-5% acetic acid (VIA) in screening carcinoma cervix followed by its confirmation by cervical biopsy.Methods: A total of 100 patients with abnormal looking cervices or symptomatic patients having age beyond 30 years, attending the obstetrics and gynaecology OPD at Naval Hospital Powai, Mumbai from 31st December 2015 to 31st December 2017 were selected for the study. Pap smear and VIA was done on consecutive days. In positive cases cervical biopsy were done to confirm the result.Results: The sensitivity of VIA was 100% but at the same time specificity was 41% there will be unnecessary investigation and biopsy in false positive cases. The sensitivity of cytology was 75% and specificity was 97%. Not a single case was missed by Pap smear only one case of severe dysplasia on cytology had squamous cell carcinoma on HPE which was done after 90 days because of delay in patients follow up.Conclusions: Both the Pap smears and VIA is very effective screening tool for cervical cancer and histopathological examination remains the mainstay. But VIA is very cost effective and easy procedure, though it gives false positive reports but is not going to miss any case, rather leads to over diagnosis of the cases with cervicitis and hence treatment starts early and thus the progress of disease can be slowed down or even stopped.
Comparative study of sublingual versus vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor
Authors: Saroha Indu , Thakur Sita , Sood Ajay , Singh Kamal , Karpa Monica , Singh Swarnima
Published: January 2020

Background: Induction of labor done, when the benefits to either mother or fetus outweighs those of continuing pregnancy. Pharmacological methods used for induction includes oxytocin, prostaglandin (E1, E2) and mifepristone. However the ideal dose, route and frequency of administration of misoprostol are still under investigation. Hence we plan to do a comparative study between sublingual and vaginal misoprostol for inducing labor.Methods: A prospective randomized interventional study was conducted on seventy pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. They were explained about the study on admission and were randomized into two groups: Group I (sublingual) and Group II (vaginal). Bishop score at start of induction, number of pelvic examinations, doses required, mode of delivery, induction to delivery interval, duration of different stages of labor and perinatal outcome of the women were recorded followed by statistical analysis.Results: Patients in both the groups were comparable with respect to demographic data, period of gestation, gravidity and parity. There was no significant difference with regard to number of doses, p/v examinations and number of patients required augmentation. Mean induction to delivery interval, average duration of first, second and third stage was almost comparable. Out of 35 women in each group, 29 women (82.8%) in both groups had normal vaginal delivery, one woman in Group I and three women in Group II had instrumental delivery. Emergency LSCS was done in 5 women (14.28%) in Group I and 3 women (8.57%) in Group II.Conclusions: Sublingual misoprostol seems as effective as vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term. Sublingual route represents a valid alternative to vaginal route with the advantage of convenience of administration. In view of limited sample size, we cannot reach definitive conclusions in regard to the preference of sublingual or vaginal route of misoprostol for induction of labor.