bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pharmacovigilance study in patients of chronic non-infective respiratory diseases attending outpatient department of pulmonary medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Gaidhane Saket S. , Khobragade Akash A. , Joshi Abhijeet , Chavan Monisha S. , H. V. Likith , Chaware Akshay A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are the known dangers of any medicinal therapy. They are not only responsible for increasing the mortality and morbidity but also for multiplying the health care expenditure. It is important to monitor the adverse effects of the drugs in the patients on treatment for chronic non-infective respiratory diseases attending OPD of pulmonary medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospitalMethods: The study was single-centric, non-randomized and observational hospital-based study which was carried out for a period of 1 and a half years in JJ Hospital. The patients who were included in the study suffered from either of the 4 diseases-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis or interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Data were analyzed by using Microsoft excel sheet. Based on the outcome of modified Hartwig and Siegel severity assessment scale, ADRs were grouped into various severity categories.Results: One hundred and thirty-two number of ADRs were seen in 69 out of 352 patients (19.6 %) of the study population. The occurrence of ADR was found slightly higher in males i.e., 53.62% as compared to females i.e., 46.38%. The patients who were on treatment for ILD showed highest percentage of ADRs i.e., 57.89% which is followed by bronchiectasis (17.39%), COPD (16.17%) and lastly asthma (10.26%). The ADRs belonging to GIT system were highest in number i.e., 80. The most frequently occurring ADR in the study was palpitation which occurred in 14 cases i.e., 20.29%. Out of 132 ADRs observed, 96 i.e., 72.73% belonged to the mild category and 36 ADRs i.e., 27.27% belonged to the moderate category. Not a single severe ADR was found in the study.Conclusions: It was found that 19.6% of the patient population suffered from ADRs, which is a considerable number. It is essential that health care professionals should support ADR monitoring process for the safety of the medicinal product. Proper implementation of ADR monitoring will help to reduce the harmful effects by early detection of drug safety problems in patients, assessing the risk-benefit in an individual and the population, improving the selection, rational use of drugs through the provision of timely warning to healthcare professionals.
Association between vitamin B12 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case control study in Katra Jammu
Authors: Sharma Chandan , Badyal Ashima
Published: May 2021

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries and obesity contributing maximum to the disease load. A reduction in the energy content of diet, alone, may not prevent NAFLD, nor could alleviate it. Recent studies are bringing to light the association, importance and role of dietary vitamins and liver fat accumulation. Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body. It is a cofactor in DNA synthesis and in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Still, the influence of vitamin B12 deficiency on NAFLD has not been studied much.Methods: A case control observational study was conducted in the department of medicine, community health center, Katra during the period of August 2018 to July 2019. The study was conducted on 150 NAFLD patients and 50 aged and gender-matched healthy controls. Patients showing ethanol consumption, liver cirrhosis, DM, pancreatitis, renal failure or cancer were excluded.Results: Patients and controls almost matched in all clinical examinations like fever, jaundice, nausea, but vitamin B12 levels were significantly low among cases and stood at 377.60±181.43 pg/ml as against 548.28±285.70 for controls, but still remained within the reference range. Vitamin D levels were also found to be lower among cases. B12 deficiency is extremely common in India with an estimated prevalence of 47% and more males tend to have NAFLD than females.Conclusions: For better management of the disease, vitamin B12 levels should be assessed in all NAFLD patients.
Advancing indigenous fruits consumption to promote self-management in ill-health: a critical narrative review
Authors: Osunu Patricia Tonbra , Nwose Ezekiel Uba
Published: May 2021

Most African communities consume various edible fruits, which are important to their well-being. Some of these edible fruits are indigenous and were well-known to the rural communities. These indigenous fruits can be collected from the wild or planted in home gardens and also as intercrops with staple crops. Some indigenous fruits, wild collection is still practiced, especially in parts of eastern, western and southern Africa. However, some fruits are still imported. A casual verbal survey indicated that many people in the general population do not know that actual differences in nutritional values between these fruits. Therefore, this study was a critical review of some fruits using the USDA database. Results show, for instance, that guava has over 250% vitamin C relative to orange. Avocado yields more calories than banana and this is very likely due to the fat/fibre ratio difference. Further, the imported cucumber and watermelon do not seem to have any advantage over the indigenous products. It concluded that the hidden potential of these indigenous fruits needs to be advanced and exploited to improve their consumption as they play a pivotal role in health economics of healthy dietary habit and self-management of ill-health.
A phytochemical and pharmacognostic approach of Ficus hispida Linn: a review
Authors: Choudhury Asif , Jha Deepak Kumar , Rajashekhar U.
Published: May 2021

Herbal plants are arguably poised for a comeback as like sources of ethnic health products in the main due after their vast desire in accordance with synthesize complicated combinations on structurally diverse compounds, which ought to furnish a safer than more holistic approach in conformity with disease cure and prevention. Ficus hispida (FH) Linn belonging to the family Moraceae, who have various pharmacognostic properties. The class Ficus constitutes a necessary crew on trees, now not solely concerning their extensive medicinal virtue however also of their growth habits yet religious significance. Almost every part over those plants is ancient as a traditional belief on treatment because of the treatment on a variety of ailments through Indian traditional healers. The goal on the existing instruction is to accumulate competencies over ethno-medicinal and pharmacognostic importance about FH. FH includes extensive sorts on bioactives compounds as alkaloids, proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, sterols, phenols, glycosides, gums and mucilage, saponins and terpenes. Multiple scientific researches have been published to establish the scientific foundation over common medicinal values attributed in conformity with FH of terms on ayurvedic usage the plant for blood disorders, anemia, dysentery, hemorrhoids, stomatorrhagia, jaundice and ulcers. The crop fruits are used namely aphrodisiac, lactagogue, emetic and tonic. Furthermore, pharmacological activities like anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory have been additionally acknowledged recently. Till now, no action has been published in conformity with elaborate the pharmacognostic functions of FH Linn. The existing decrial is, therefore, an endeavour to relinquish a clear estimate of its pharmacognosy and phytochemistry and a considerable survey over its pharmacological activities.
Postgraduate pharmacology curriculum in current scenario and future prospects: an educational forum
Authors: Kushwaha Virendra , Agrawal Pooja , Tripathi Mangesh K. , Shukla Vipul
Published: May 2021

In India Doctorate of Medicine (MD) pharmacology is primarily knowledge oriented based on teaching, seminars, lectures and research related activities including animals and paper-based experiments and day to day management of undergraduate classes. MD pharmacology student should be competent of both clinical and experimental pharmacology. So, the postgraduate pharmacology curriculum should be competent to meet all the job requirements. Therefore, medical council of India (MCI) has introduced new post graduate curriculum which is based on knowledge, practical, clinical skills, thesis skills, and attitudes including communication and training in research. In India demand for skilled clinical research professionals is increasing day by day for growing pharma industries and good academician. So, there is an urgent need for the experienced and skilled pharmacologist to fulfil the requirements. MD pharmacology students should get posting in different clinical departments and observatory posting in industry, clinical research organization (CRO), regulatory body and research organisations. The course of MD Pharmacology should be like that fulfil all the skills that a pharmacologist must have.
A study of profile of meconium aspiration syndrome in relation with birth weight and gestational age of newborns and their immediate outcome
Authors: Uniyal Preeti , Kalra B. P. , Wasim Sanober
Published: May 2021

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is one of the common causes of neonatal respiratory distress. Overall frequency of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) ranges between 5 to 25%.Methods: Observational study was conducted on 96 newborns over a period of one year in the department of pediatrics, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. All newborns, inborns and outborns with MSAF admitted in NICU of our hospital were taken.  Results: Out of 876 babies those had MSAF, 96 babies developed MAS with 10.95% incidence. Common maternal risk factors noted with MAS was maternal diabetes mellitus in 11 (15.71%) cases. Babies born via LSCS developed MAS in 51 (53.12%) and in babies delivered vaginally 45 (46.87%). MAS occurred mainly in term with mean gestational age of 38 weeks with SD of 1.85 weeks. The mean birth weight of newborns with MAS was 2794 g with 524 g SD. Most common complication was birth asphyxia in 36 (37.5%). Mortality occurred in 11 (11.4%). Mean gestational age and birth weight of mortality in MAS was 38 weeks with 2.5 weeks SD and 2800 g with 723 g SD respectively. Statistically significant association noted between mortality due to MAS and birth weight as p value<0.05, but no significant association noted between mortality and gestational age.Conclusions: MAS is a common cause of respiratory distress in newborns born through MSAF. With judicious use of available modes of ventilation and adjunctive therapies, infants with even the most severe MAS can usually be supported through the disease, with an acceptable burden of short-and long-term morbidity.
Study on prevalence of maternal risk factors, morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight neonates
Authors: Keskar Ujjwala S. , Parekh Anjali H.
Published: May 2021

Background: Very low birth weight babies with respiratory complications are the commonest reason for admission in NICU. We wanted to identify maternal risk factors associated with it and ways to prevent it. The objective of the current study was to study the prevalence of maternal risk factors, morbidity and mortality in VLBW babies admitted in tertiary care hospital NICU.Methods: Cross sectional observational study performed on all very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital attached with Smt. Kashibai Navale medical college, Pune from January 2019 to March 2020.Results: In our study VLBW babies were 2.2% (78/3545). Mean gestational age was 31.15±3.21 weeks; mean birth weight was 1226.24±250.95 grams. Small for gestational age (SGA) babies were 41% and 96% were preterm. Maternal risk factors were present in 61.53% of deliveries, commonest were anaemia in 30.06 % and preeclampsia in 24.35%. Resuscitation at birth was required in 30.76% babies. Morbidity profile showed respiratory distress syndrome in 46.15%, neonatal sepsis in 19.23% and patent ductus arteriosus in 16.66% babies. Overall survival was 74.35%. Prematurity and its complications like RDS requiring surfactant therapy and mechanical ventilation were significant contributors for mortality but only 23.07% mothers were found to have received antenatal steroids in the hospital .Conclusions: Anaemia and preeclampsia were commonly found risk factors present in 61.53% of mothers of VLBW babies. Use of antenatal steroids in mothers should be made compulsory to decrease mortality in VLBW preterm newborns.
Serum vitamin D and immunoglobulin E levels in children of allergic rhinitis: a case-control study from Central India
Authors: Sachdeva Payasvi Baweja , Joshi Sheloj , Anand Shweta
Published: May 2021

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the commonest type of non-infective rhinitis. Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development of the disease. Researchers are having interest in knowing the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of allergy. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is integral to the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. However, the relationship between serum IgE levels and AR is still a matter of debate. Thus, this study aimed to know serum IgE and serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patients with clinically diagnosed AR and control group.Methods: A case-control study was performed from May 2019 to October 2019 in LNMC and JK hospital. All 54 children with physician diagnosed AR aged 12 to 18 years of both genders who have come in the OPD (total enumeration sampling) during the above mentioned period were enrolled into the study and their 54 healthy counterparts are taken as controls. Other parameters such as age, gender, occupation and region of residence were also compared between the groups.Results: This study found highly significant difference in the mean serum IgE levels while there is a significant difference in the mean serum vitamin D levels between two groups.Conclusions: The study group with AR had significantly higher mean level of serum IgE and lower mean serum vitamin D levels as compared to control groups. However, upon stratification of vitamin D levels, the differences were insignificant. Further studies should be conducted to know the value of IgE as a prognostic factor of AR severity and to throw more light on association of vitamin D with AR.
Magnesium sulphate nebulization in acute bronchiolitis in infants: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Janakwade Shivhar K. , Pandit Sadbhavana , Dhawan Neeraj
Published: May 2021

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is a disorder of the lower respiratory tract that occurs mostly in between 1 month to 24 months. There are limited numbers of studies on magnesium sulphate nebulization in acute bronchiolitis. There is a desperate need for a standard treatment which can reduce the morbidity and mortality in acute bronchiolitis. The goal was to study the efficacy of magnesium sulphate nebulization in infants with acute bronchiolitis.Methods: It was a prospective open labelled randomized controlled study. Children in age group of 2-12 months admitted with clinical diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis in paediatric emergency ward, GMSH-16, Chandigarh. Study group patients were treated with 40 mg/kg magnesium sulphate nebulization diluted with 2-3 ml normal saline in addition to supportive treatment as oxygen and IV fluids, three doses of medication were given at 1 hour interval and it was not repeated after three doses. Control group patients were treated with oxygen therapy, IV fluids, symptomatic treatment for fever and supportive care.Results: Respiratory distress assessment instrument score and length of hospital stay was significantly lesser in study group as compared to control group. SpO2 was significantly more in study group as compared to control group.Conclusions: Magnesium sulphate nebulization is effective in improving respiratory distress and oxygen saturation, it also reduces duration of hospital stay in infants with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.
Quality of life among cancer patients approaching healthcare facilities in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jarrah Omar , Al Maatooq Halah S. , Hamadeh Dana A. , Ghoul Majed Al , El Shawish Salma M. , Sharbatti Shatha Al , Bennini Nouri
Published: May 2021

Background: The main aim of the study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients and healthy adults according to different domains.Methods: The study was conducted in Gulf medical university, Tawam hospital, Al Ain and Thumbay hospital, Ajman from March 2018 until January 2019. In addition, our study was a cross sectional study that included 250 cancer patients and 250 healthy adults. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire were used. The research was conducted in Tawam hospital, Gulf medical university and Thumbay hospitals/clinics over a period of 9 months. SPSS version 24 was used for analysis. F test and t test were used to assess the difference between mean QOL levels in various groups.Results: The highest mean score for healthy subjects accounts for the social domain followed by physical, then psychological and the lowest is the environmental domain with values of (73.9, 70.7, 70.3 and 68.9 respectively). While the highest mean score of QOL for cancer patients was related to psychological domain followed by environmental, then social and lastly the lowest domain is associated with physical accounting for values of (66.6, 66.5, 66.2 and 60.6 accordingly). Over all the mean scores regarding all the domains of healthy adults with is higher than in cancer patients.Conclusions: Healthy adults had higher mean QOL score levels than cancer patients. Moreover, cancer patients have a 1.65-fold risk of having poor QOL. It has been concluded that the highest mean score for healthy subjects accounts for the social domain (73.9) followed by physical (70.7), then psychological (70.3) and the lowest is the environmental domain (68.9).
Epidemiology study of cardiac arrest in the Fokidas geographical region
Authors: Karnava Thaleia , Karanasiou Eleni Apostolos , Rizothanasi Konstantina
Published: May 2021

Background: Cardiac arrest is a challenge for the healthcare professionals in the community, as there is a strong request for timely and specialized treatment by well-trained rescission purpose of this research is to present the epidemiology of cardiac arrest in the geographical region of Fokida.Methods: This is a retrospective study for the elaboration of which records from the Amfissas general hospital were used. With permission of the scientific committee of the hospital, the study started in March of 2017 until February 2018. The research was based on 85 cases of cardiac arrest that occurred from 2010 to 2015 (6 years overall).Results: According to the study it was found that the average age of the patients has been 69, 18 (9.40) years old. The outcome of CPR has been successful in 29, 4% of cases (25 patients). The incidents of cardiac arrest have quadrupled during the research period, and from 15/100,000 population in 2010 they reached 60/100,000 in 2015. In the age group of 50 to 59 years old, there has been an outcome for the 42% of the occurred incidents, whilst there has been a reduction of 7,7 % in the age group over 80 years old, that is this is a statistically significant difference (X2=4.697, p = 0.030). At the same time, co-morbidity burdened the prognosis. In all cases the CPR started within the hospital.Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in the incidents of cardiac arrest in recent years, and the success rates are satisfactory. Organizational weaknesses do not allow the early initiation of CPR before the patient arrives at the hospital.
Trends in uptake of early infant diagnosis for HIV: implementation results of the Ugandan military PMTCT program
Authors: Lubega Paul , Lawoko Stephen , Akatukunda Filbert , Seruwagi Gloria , Ninsima John Bosco , Gahurra Lydia , Lugada Eric , Akao Juliet , Asiimwe Evelyn , Wamundu Cassette , Ssemmanda Robert , Kikaire Ben , Rwegyema Twaha , Bwayo Denis
Published: May 2021

Background: Early infant diagnosis (EID) is an important strategy of the Prevention of Mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and when implemented in combination with other strategies could eliminate HIV MTCT. We implemented a series of strategic interventions intended to improve EID at 9 Military facilities in Uganda and evaluated their impact on uptake of EID.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was adopted, following-up HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) at the study sites over a 2 year period, and using a data extraction tool to capture4 indicators of EID namely; number of HIV-positive mothers, number of HEI enrolled, number of PCR and rapid tests performed on HEI, and number of HIV-positive results of HEI. Scatter plots and simple linear regression were applied to demonstrate trends in EID uptake and estimate intervention impact over time. Statistical significance was assumed at p<0.05.Results: We established incremental trends in numbers of first PCR (f [1,6]=2.8; p=0.15),third PCR (f [1,6]=8.4; p<0.05), rapid tests (f [1,6]=16.1; p<0.05) performed on HEI, and a modest decline in HIV-positivity among HEI over the study period. The intervention improved retention in PMTCT cascade to 80%, when contrasted with the national average of 70%.Conclusions: We have demonstrated that interventions invoking pre-booking HIV-positive pregnant mothers during antenatal care, follow up of mother-baby pairs using telephone and mentor mothers and integrating EID in immunization programs can improve uptake of EID in a relatively short period, and with a positive impact on EID indicators.
Comparison of the knowledge level of individuals living in rural and urban areas about skin cancer and sun protection
Authors: Erdogan Elif , Toraman Aynur Uysal
Published: May 2021

Background: Among the types of cancer, skin cancer stands out due to its increasing incidence rate both in Turkey and around the world. This study was conducted to compare the knowledge level of the people living in rural and urban areas about skin cancer and sun protection.Methods: The study was conducted with 384 people living in Kirazlı village (rural area) and Türkmen district (urban area) in Kuşadası. Kuşadası town is located in Turkey's western region. Individual’s skin cancer and sun protection knowledge levels were evaluated with Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale consisting of 25 items.Results: As a result of this evaluation, the median values were 12.5 for the people living in rural areas and 15 for the people living in urban areas. It was found that there was a statistically meaningful difference between skin cancer and sun knowledge scale points of the people living in rural and urban areas (U=9419.5, p<0.01).Conclusions: This study concludes that individuals from urban populations were more knowledgeable than the ones from rural populations in the field of skin cancer and the sun protection behavior.
Ethno-medicinal practices among the Toto tribe in Alipurduar, West Bengal
Authors: Sardar Akrom , Paul Suvankar , Mondal Priyabrata
Published: May 2021

Background: Ethno-medicinal practices has been widely using by the people of every corner of the world. Tribes are not exceptional from this. Totos are residing at the Alipurduar district of the state West Bengal. They strongly believe the natural resources of the earth like wind, water, fire and forest. They living totally forest oriented life. Ethno-medicine also somehow depends upon the natural resources as well as various types of plants.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design has been employed for this present study. The study has been done among the 152 families. Apart from this the data regarding various types of diseases and their curing system has been gathered through interview and observation methods. Schedule and questionnaire method has been also employed to collect data of disease pattern and their treatment system.Results: It has been observed that 15.13%, 53.29% and 31.58% families believe on ethno-medicine, both ethno-medicine as well as modern medicine and only modern medicine accordingly.Conclusions: Basically, the people called Ojha who practices ethno-medicine among the Toto tribe. There 5 ethno-medicinal practitioners are present who tremendously struggle to cure the patients as soon as possible by their skill and medicinal plants.
Effectiveness of deep breathing and walking exercise in reducing menopausal symptoms among post-menopausal women of Tripura, India
Authors: Deb Koyel , Gurumayum Dolly
Published: May 2021

Background: Menopause is the part of women’s life. Menopausal symptoms refer any feeling of illness or physical or mental change caused by menopause. Purpose of the study; to evaluate the effectiveness of deep breathing and walking exercise in reducing menopausal symptoms among post-menopausal women in selected community, Tripura and to find out the association between the pre-test menopausal symptoms among post-menopausal women with their selected demographic variables.Methods: A quantitative Quasi experimental research approach with short interrupted time series study design was used. The researcher selected 40 post-menopausal women as a sample by non-probability sampling technique. Data were collected with structured interview schedule on symptoms checklist and deep breathing and walking exercise practice checklist.Results: The study results show that the pre-observation of post-menopausal symptoms in the experimental group were; 12 (60%) post-menopausal women belong to Moderate group, 8 (40%) belong to severe group and nobody belong to mild group. Post-observation of post-menopausal symptoms of the experimental group were; 1(5%) post-menopausal woman belong to mild, 19 (95%) belong to moderate group and nobody belong to severe group. The pre-observation of post-menopausal symptoms in the control group were; post-menopausal women belong to Mild, Moderate and Severe group were 2 (10%), 13 (65%) and 5 (25%) respectively. Post-observation of post-menopausal symptoms of the control group were; 2 (10%) post-menopausal women belong to mild, 15 (75%) belong to moderate and 3 (15%) belong to severe group.Conclusions: The finding of present study revealed that breathing and walking exercise improved the post-menopausal symptoms in experimental group.
An epidemiological study of type-2 diabetes mellitus among adults of 30 years and above in urban Meerut
Authors: Kanaujia Anglica , Kumar Arun , Jain Seema , Singh Ganesh , Mittal Chhaya
Published: May 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a group of metabolic disorders that share the common feature of hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90-95% of all people with diabetes. Aim and objectives of the study was to know the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated risk in an urban population of Meerut.Methods: The present study was conducted in the field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre, LLRM Medical College, Meerut by house to house survey among adults 30 years and above.Results: Prevalence of DM in the present study was found to be 13.1%. Among the total diabetics, 10% were known diabetics 3.1% were newly diagnosed diabetics. Socio-demographic factors associated with diabetes are age, socio-economic status, educational status and marital status while factors such as gender, religion, caste and type of family were found to be statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Risk factors like family history, hypertension and behavioural factors like alcohol consumption and smoking were associated with diabetes prevalence.
Knowledge and perception of massive open online courses among medical students of Perambalur district, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Rajesh S. , Kanna K. Rajesh , Sujin S. Rohit
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronavirus outbreak has forced a prolonged closure of educational institutes all over world including India which have affected the regular classroom studies and skill acquisition by students. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and perception regarding mass open online courses (MOOC) among medical students.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study using google form survey tool was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Questions were asked on demographic information, use and accessibility of information technologies, awareness and utilization of MOOC and barriers and motivations for course enrollment and completion.Results: Overall 224(54.9%) of medical students had ever heard about MOOC. Out of them, only 31.6% students had actually enrolled for any online course. Further, course completetion rate was only 11.6%. Age and year of study was significantly associated with enrolment to MOOC. Important motivation for enrolment were learning new thing, learning medicine and for better career prospects while common barriers were low internet speed and lack of time. Among those who completed the course, most of them had a satisfactory or very satisfactory level of satisfaction with regard to overall experience, quality of presented material, technology used, and video lectures.Conclusions: There is poor awareness and utilization of MOOC among medical students which can hamper their learning particularly in absence on regular classroom teaching. There is need of blended curriculum harnessing the advantages of MOOC platform which will aid students continue learning in difficult times.
Pattern of hygiene practices among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a tertiary health care experience from Central Kerala
Authors: John Susan , Subrahmanian Suremya A. , Xavier Rina T.
Published: May 2021

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the relevance of following hygiene practices across all sectors of healthcare workers. Disparities in the correct practices among clinical and para clinical cadres of HCWs predispose to increased risk of infection. A survey was conducted to assess the hand and respiratory hygiene practices across the hospital.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire across an online platform with questions on hand hygiene, mask and surface contamination related practices. Staff were grouped as clinical and para clinical for comparison of these practices.Results: Among the 501 respondents, 83.4% were females with a mean age of 30.78±8.48 years. Nursing staff were the majority (57.88%) followed by nonclinical and para clinical staff (20.77%). Of the study population, 96.6% performed hand wash and 97.2% refrained from giving handshakes in the previous hour. Over 60% maintained proper face mask practices. Undoing the lower tie of the mask first, was answered by 76.67% while 7.2% felt the sequence was irrelevant. Touching common surfaces were avoided by 46.3% of them, while 95% immersed their hospital attire in soap and water for 15 minutes. It was seen that a greater proportion of clinical staff had better practices when compared to para clinical and the difference statistically significant. There was no significant variation of practices with age.Conclusions: Focussed monitoring and motivation can help in improving hygiene practices among all cadres of HCWs.
A comparative study of cardiovascular disease risk among bus drivers and bus conductors of a state transport corporation in North Goa
Authors: Vernekar Shefalee Pai , Shah Hemangini Kishore
Published: May 2021

Background: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move aboutBackground: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move about in the bus. The aim and objectives of the study were to identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors; to estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score and to study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study was a comparative cross-sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and lipids was used to compare the CVD risk.Results: Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8% bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7% bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS- lipids, 65.7% bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3% bus conductors.Conclusions: The behavioral risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors. in the bus. Aims and objectives: 1) To identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors 2) To estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score 3)To study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study is a comparative cross sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa.  A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and Lipids was used to compare the CVD riskResults:Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8 % bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7 % bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS-Lipids, 65.7 % bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3 % bus conductors.Conclusion: The behavioural risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors.
Awareness and attitude of medical students over the misuse of topical steroids- Prospective study in 3rd year medical students in a Medical college, Tamil Nadu
Authors: K Dhanalakshmi , Teenu Pious Marriette , Sudarvizhi A. , Jennifer Gladius
Published: May 2021

Topical corticosteroid’s anti-inflammatory action is the common property that induces the misuse of the topical steroids. Most of the time, even a medical graduate is misguided about the steroidal molecules in the combination formulation for the treatment of infections which gives temporary relief of symptoms such as itching and lightening effect in short term, But on long term will lead onto local adverse reactions such as dryness, burning sensation and striae etc.

To analyse the knowledge of the medical students towards topical steroids and bridges the gaps in the knowledge.

6 semester students who gave consent for the inclusion in the study were enrolled and a pretested validated questionaries were given to be filled. After the pretest, a video presentation of the topic was presented and the post test was given with the same format after 3 months. Results were analyzed using SPSS software.

75% of the students heard about the topical steroids, out of which 57% were irrelevant steroid combination and 36% were Kligman’s formula. On comparing the pre and post test results, there is significant increase in the awareness regarding long term use of topical steroids (P<0.02) and the knowledge of the adverse events (P<0.01) and also the knowledge regarding the potency and area of application (P=0.003).

Precise and adequate knowledge regarding topical steroid should be initiated in the early clinics in undergraduate curriculum and should be propagated or reinforced throughout the curriculum to prevent the misuse of topical steroids.
Histopathological study of cutaneous non-neoplastic lesions in punch biopsies
Authors: Chinnathambi P Sakthidasan , Burra Anitha
Published: May 2021

Skin being the largest organ of the body, is subjected to constant environmental insults through direct and indirect targets. Non-neoplastic lesions of skin comprise a vast array of diseases, which are usually approached by pattern based method in histopathology for microscopic diagnosis. This study was undertaken with an intention to learn such diseases by a simple minimally invasive punch biopsy procedure.

A 2 year retro-prospective study of 82 punch biopsies which were documented as non-neoplastic lesions of skin were studied with respect to their demographical and histopathological profile. Simple descriptive statistics was applied in Microsoft Excel software.

Out of the 82 cases studied, 46(56%) were males and 36(44%) were females. Maximum number of cases (n=23) were seen in 21-30 years of age. Most prominent site of lesions biopsied were from lower limb (23 cases) with legs being the commonest among them. Cutaneous infections (n=25) was the most common clinical category, with Mycobacterial lesions as the prominent subcategory (n=16). Granulomatous reaction constituted the most common major tissue reaction pattern among other patterns with a total number of 17 cases out of 82. Panniculitis was the most common minor reaction pattern observed.

The pattern based approach in routine histopathological analysis proves a valuable descriptive tool for reaching an accurate diagnosis in cutaneous non-neoplastic lesions.
Ring within a ring appearance: A confounding manifestation of erythema annulare centrifugum
Authors: Roja Renuka Sane , Sanket Sanjay Nehete , NR Vignesh , D Manoharan.
Published: May 2021

Erythema annulare centrifugum is one of the figurate erythemas which clinically presents by annular, polycylic, erythematous plaques which is characterized by scaling behind the progressing edge. It is considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to an antigen. Various etiological factors like cutaneous or systemic infections, drugs, malignancy, pregnancy are considered. Hereby we report a case of erythema annulare centrifugum which was treated for long period of time considering to be a dermatophytosis. This report highlights the need to be vigilant for diagnosing this condition in patients presenting with erythematous annular plaques.
MODFAT: Moving Object Detection by Removing Shadow Based on Fuzzy Technique with an Adaptive Thresholding Method
Authors: Mohankumar Shilpa , Thimmaiah Gopalakrishna Madigondanahalli , Chikkaguddaiah Naveena , Gowda Vishruth B.
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, in this technology centric world, gadgets have become handy due to miniaturization. Especially cameras are widely used device for many aspects, one of the common applications is human behavior identification and intelligent video surveillance. In a such application moving object detection in complex dynamic scene is a tedious task due to various challenges such as occlusion, background illumination variation and shadow. Shadows are created in light occlusion in the object it has major impact in accurate object detection. In this paper, object detection with elimination of shadow is addressed. Many existing methods have failed in discriminating the actual moving object from shadow object very accurately. In order to overcome the limitations of existing methods, an improved fuzzy technique rule is used for shadow removal and an adaptive fuzzy thresholding is used for segmenting a foreground object in background. The proposed techniques are experimented with standard and our own datasets and also, it is compared with other existing approaches. Results of proposed method shows improved reliability.
Pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi): capacidade antioxidante, aplicação em hambúrgueres de tilápia e sistema de produção
Authors: Da Silva Tatiana , De Oliveira Vanessa , Barbosa Maria Ivone , Saldanha Tatiana
Published: May 2021

O presente estudo avaliou extratos da pimenta rosa preparados em etanol e acetona quanto ao teor de fenólicos totais e a capacidade antioxidante (métodos DPPH e FRAP). Visando a possível aplicação da pimenta rosa como antioxidante natural em alimentos, investigou-se o efeito da adição da pimenta rosa frente à oxidação lipídica em hambúrgueres de tilápia preparados termicamente (grelha, forno convencional, micro-ondas e cozimento em água). Para tal, foi realizada a quantificação de malonaldeído, produto secundário da oxidação lipídica, pela análise de TBARS (substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico).  O extrato em etanol apresentou o teor de 137,73 ± 6,63 mg AGE/g, o qual foi superior ao determinado no extrato em acetona (61,01 ± 6,09 mg AGE/g). Ambos extratos apresentaram capacidade antioxidante para os métodos utilizados; entretanto, diferenças significativas foram observadas para os diferentes solventes extratores (p<0,05).  A adição de pimenta rosa aos hambúrgueres reduziu a formação de malonaldeido nas amostras grelhadas e nas amostras preparadas em micro-ondas (p<0,05), sugerindo o efeito protetor da pimenta rosa sob a degradação de hidroperóxidos durante os processos oxidativos. Tais resultados destacam a possível aplicação deste fruto como aditivo natural em alimentos, representando uma alternativa para a substituição de antioxidantes sintéticos. Entretanto, estudos futuros são necessários para avaliar parâmetros como a dose-efeito e os aspectos sensoriais para a aplicação industrial. Mediante o potencial tecnológico da pimenta rosa e as perspectivas promissoras para a geração de renda de agricultores familiares, as características do sistema de produção da pimenta rosa também foram discutidas.
DIVIDEND POLICY, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND EARNINGS QUALITY: A CASE OF NON-FINANCIAL LISTED FIRMS OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Afzal Tehmina , Siddiqui Atif Atique , Khan Shiraz , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Huseen Nader
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: This research empirically examined the impact of the dividend policy and corporate governance attributes (board size, board meetings, audit quality, nomination committee, board independence, remuneration committee, and CEO duality) on earnings quality (EQ) of the firms in Pakistan.

Methodology: The study used secondary data of 148 non-financial listed companies of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) with 1450 firm-year observations over 10 years from 2010 to 2019. Earning quality was assessed by the earnings management, while the values of the discretionary accruals were used to measure earnings management by employing the Modified jones model (1995). Panel regression analysis examined the impact of independent variables (dividend policy & characteristics of CG) on the dependent variable (EQ).

Main Findings: Results revealed that the dividend policy showed no significant impact on earnings quality. Also, the results indicated that the audit quality and remuneration committee have a significant negative impact on earning management and a positive impact on earning quality. However, the results illustrate that the large board size, board meetings, CEO duality, firm size, and leverage have a positive influence on earnings management and a negative impact on earnings quality. Overall the study found that the corporate governance characteristics, firm size, and leverage influence the earnings quality of the firms in Pakistan.

Applications of this study: The empirical results of the study will help to improve the understanding of dividend policy & corporate governance attributes in relationship with the EQ. Second, as dividend is considered one of the most important factors influencing investment decisions, so this endeavour will clarify to the investors and regulators that whether dividend will predict the quality of earnings in Pakistani firms.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study extends the literature of earnings quality that is very thin in Pakistan.
Determinação voltamétrica da capacidade de complexação de águas das sub-bacias do rio Turvo Sujo e do ribeirão São Bartolomeu na Zona da Mata Mineira
Authors: Dutra Rita Aparecida , Reis Efraim Lázaro , Reis César , Custódio Gislene , Damasceno Odilaine Inácio de Carvalho
Published: May 2021

Substâncias húmicas são formadas através da decomposição de plantas e de tecidos de animais produzindo estruturas químicas complexas. São os componentes orgânicos principais do meio ambiente, apresentando a habilidade de complexar metais pesados presentes em águas naturais, tornando estas espécies químicas menos tóxicas que as não complexadas. A capacidade de complexação associada com a matéria orgânica tem um grande impacto ambiental, podendo ser utilizada como um indicador da qualidade da água. Assim a capacidade de complexação e a constante de complexação condicional das substâncias húmicas dissolvidas em águas naturais foram determinadas por titulação voltamétrica. Volumes apropriados das amostras coletadas nas sub-bacias do rio Turvo Sujo e do ribeirão São Bartolomeu na Zona da Mata Mineira foram tituladas através de sucessivas adições de solução de Cu(II). As sub-bacias abrangem os municípios de Viçosa, Coimbra, Cajuri e Teixeiras e são importantes para esta região em termos de abastecimento de água para a população, pecuária e agricultura. Os valores das capacidades de complexação e das constantes de complexação condicional determinadas apresentaram valores compatíveis com aqueles encontrados na literatura para águas naturais.
PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ COGNITIVE CONSTRUCTS REGARDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES ACADEMICIANS
Authors: Ramazanoğlu Mehmet
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on revealing and modeling the cognitive constructs of pre-service teachers regarding the characteristics of a good IT academician. The research was carried out via the exploratory sequential design with the participation of 42 volunteer pre-service teachers enrolled in the Department of Computer and Instructional Technology. The data were obtained through the structured interview according to the repertory grid technique. The data obtained were analysed by taking into consideration similarities and common features. 426 cognitive constructs were found. Cognitive constructs were collected under 11 sub-categories. These categories were also divided into three main categories: attitudes and values, professional knowledge, and professional skills. As a result, essential constructs within the model of a good academician include the relationship among students, knowledge of field education, and field knowledge. The model revealed a whole set of characteristics rather than a few characteristics of a good IT academician. The model can be used to evaluate IT academicians and to explain the relationship among their characteristics.
Инфографика или визуелно приповедање: перспективе у библиотекарству
Authors: Јовин Јелена
Published: May 2021

У раду се анализирају и истичу предности инфографике, све утицајније технике за визуелно сажимање статистичких података, рекламирање, образовање и графичко приповедање различитих прича са друштвено одговорном тематиком. Разматра се њена примена у библиотекарству кроз описе неколико одабраних примера инфографика које ефектно представљају конкретне аспекте деловања библиотека на порталу Pinterest. Као прво, издвојено је графичко решење статистичког годишњег извештаја, затим једно упутство по фазама о информационој писмености за студенте и друго о коришћењу лисног каталога из 1930-тих година, а потом плакати који указују на појаву плагијаризма, промоцију сарадње библиотека са наставним кадром и корисну технику звану „пажљиво читање”. За библиотекаре који се заинтересују за дизајн инфографике понуђене су смернице за израду ефектних решења по мишљењу три експерта: Едварда Тафтија, Рендија Крума и Истока Павловића. Указује се и на потребне алате и бесплатне платформе за дизајн. Циљ рада је да подстакне библиотекаре да размишљају о визуелним мотивима репрезентативности и маркетингу библиотека, буду креативни, а пре свега аутентични.