bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel device to contain aerosols during phacoemulsification
Authors: Fathima Allapitchai , Shivkumar Chandrasekaran , Meenakshi Ravindran , Venkatesh Rengaraj , Rajesh Vedachalam , Ramakrishnan Rengappa
Published: June 2021

We herein describe a novel device to contain droplets and aerosols during phacoemulsification. We modified the silicon phaco test chamber into an aerosol containment chamber (ACC) by shortening the chamber and making a pear-shaped opening at one aspect of its tip. The ACC was fitted over phaco tip such that 4-5 mm of phaco tip and sleeve was exposed. When the phaco tip and irrigation port are inside the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification, the portion of the modified chamber remains around the clear corneal tunnel in an enclosing manner that contains aerosols and droplets.
Pre-Operative SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction: A conundrum in surgical decision making
Authors: K Kiran Kumar , UC Sampritha , Maganty Vandana , Prakash Akshata A , Basumatary Jessica , Adappa Karishma , S Chandraprabha , TG Neeraja , N S Guru Prasad , B Preethi , Gangasagara Suresh Babu , B L Sujatha Rathod
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Since the eye is in close proximity to the oro-nasal cavity, transmission of SARS CoV-2 is higher during ophthalmic surgical procedures, it is vital to ensure the safety of the healthcare team by pre-operative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS CoV-2 viral RNA of all patients planned for elective or emergency surgery. Hence, understanding the profile of pre-operative RAT and real-time RT-PCR among patients planned for various ophthalmic procedures, will help us make better decisions for future guidelines, for optimal planning of ophthalmic elective or emergency surgeries, keeping in mind the current scenario.

Methods:

This is a prospective descriptive study conducted on patients planned for elective or emergency ophthalmic surgeries, who had no COVID-19-related symptoms pre-operatively and were subjected to preoperative RAT and real-time RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal and throat swabs for SARS CoV-2 viral RNA. Data was compiled and statistically analysed.

Results:

204 patients underwent pre-operative RAT and RT-PCR testing; of which, 85 were females and 119 were males. Mean age of the study population was 51.44 ± 16.501 years. Among the 204, 2 tested positive for SARS CoV-2 with Rapid Antigen testing as well as RT-PCR and 10 patients tested positive via RT-PCR after a negative RAT result of the same sample.

Conclusion:

Pre-operative testing for COVID-19 disease is indispensable as there is a high chance of transmission from patient to healthcare workers. RAT has the advantage of quick results and may play a role in case of emergency procedures. However, it is prudent to perform the more sensitive real-time RT-PCR before any elective, non-emergency procedures or surgeries to avoid any undue risk to the healthcare team.
Regulation of long non-coding RNAs XIST and ROR induced by homeodomain protein TGIF2LX in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tabarestani Fatemeh Omrani , Akbari Abolfazl , Karizi Shohreh Zare , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah
Published: June 2021

Background:

Homeodomain protein transforming growth factor beta-induced factor 2 like, X-linked (TGIF2 LX) has been demonstrated to act as a transcription factor and regulate cancer cell proliferation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known as molecular regulators of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and biological significance of TGIF2 LX and its effect on lncRNAs regulator of reprogramming (ROR) and X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) expression in CRC cells.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six CRC tissues and 22 adjacent normal colorectal tissues were subjected to RNA extraction and analysis of TGIF2 LX gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The human SW1116 cell line was transfected with cDNA for the TGIF2 LX gene. Microscopic analysis, reverse transcriptase PCR, and western blotting were used for confirming at transcriptional and translational levels. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and colony formation assays were applied for evaluating the in vitro cell viability and colony-forming ability, respectively. LncRNA expression analysis was carried out using qRT-PCR.

Results:

The results showed that the expression levels of TGIF2 LX were significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.032). Furthermore, the overexpression of TGIF2 LX could reduce the CRC cell line proliferation. The gene expression analysis revealed a significantly reduced level of lncRNA ROR and lncRNA XIST in TGIF2 LX-transfected SW1116 cells compared to nontransfected cells.

Conclusion:

Our findings provided evidence of molecular mechanisms by which TGIF2 LX may interact with lncRNAs ROR and XSIST to regulate CRC development by acting as a tumor suppressor. Thus, this protein may potentially be a promising option for CRC gene-based therapeutic strategies.
Prevalence and contributing factors for adolescent obesity in present era
Authors: S Seema , Rohilla Kusum K. , Kalyani Vasantha C. , Babbar Prerna
Published: June 2021

Background:

Adolescent obesity is a very common issue in our culture. Recent studies have shown that this is a form of global burden that may predispose factors in advanced life for many other diseases. Adolescents are a positive force for a country, responsible for their future prosperity and also for their nations.

Objectives:

The main objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of obesity among adolescents and its diverse contributing factors.

Methods:

The analysis was a cross-sectional sample method and was carried out using a sampling methodology which was not possible. Through using standardized questionnaires and using validated and calibrated heighometers and weighting devices, data was obtained from 385 participants. Body mass index (BMI) scale of the World Health Organization (WHO) has been used to create a category for obesity. BMI values greater than + 1 SD fall in the range of overweight, and levels of obese greater than + 2 SD.

Results:

It was found that 6.8% of adolescents were obese and that about 17.1% were overweight. Remaining 53.8% percent had normal category of BMI and 22.3 percent were category of underweight. A significant association of gender, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, chocolate eating habits, mode of transportation to school, sports participants, physical activity, and screen time. Adolescents who were athletic enthusiasts and those who did physical activity had a good BMI. The teens who watched more than 2 h of screen time were more obese, and these were only a few reasons that were responsible for teenage obesity.

Conclusion:

Health care practitioners and policy makers need to be aware of the prevalence and contributing factor to teenage obesity. Adolescents will embrace practices such as healthy eating habits, avoiding smoking and physical inactivity. This obesity may increase their risk of developing chronic illnesses in adulthood and later life stage.
Effect of supplementation of vitamin D and calcium on patients suffering from chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Goyal Vrinda , Agrawal Mukta
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective:

Despite abundant sunshine, India is a country with high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. It has been suggested that vitamin D deficiency could be a potential cause of chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of vitamin D and calcium on patients suffering with chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain.

Methodology:

The experimental trial was a pre-post study conducted on 50 hypovitaminosis D patients aged 30–60 years visiting a local orthopedician or physician with complain of chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain. Oral supplementation with vitamin D and calcium was given for 3 months. Before the intervention trial, pain, physical activity, serum vitamin D, serum calcium, body mass index and waist to hip ratio (WHR) of the respondents were assessed, which was statistically compared with post-intervention data of the same parameters. Assessment of pain was carried out using visual analog scale. Physical activity levels were compared pre and post the intervention. Also, fatigue, mood alteration, and sleep were compared.

Results:

Ninety percent of the subjects had vitamin D deficiency. Thirty-six percent of the subjects had severe chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain, whereas 56% had moderate chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain. The mean pain score prior to intervention was 6.22 which significantly decreased to 3.52. Mean vitamin D levels significantly rose from 17.38 ng/ml to 39.40 ng/ml. Serum vitamin D, serum calcium, and physical activity levels increased, whereas pain, weight, BMI, and WHR decreased significantly post-intervention.

Conclusions:

Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium decreases chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain.
Quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Northern India
Authors: Sharma Sugandhi , Mohan Uday , Singh Shivendra K. , Deori Trideep J. , Misra Arvind K.
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and progressive metabolic disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there is “an apparent epidemic of diabetes, which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change.” Objective of the study was to assess the quality of life of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and factors associated with quality of life.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 patients with diabetes mellitus. Quality of life was assessed using a generic instrument SF 36. The data was analyzed using SPSS, version 24.0. An independent t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the means of each domain of quality of life within groups of various independent variables.

Results:

The mean age of respondents was 52.5 ± 11.0 years. The majority (87.4%) of the patients were married, Hindu by religion (88.8%), and belonged to upper socio economic class (28.8%). The mean duration since diagnosis of diabetes was 7.82 ± 6.0 years, and 80.4 percent of patients were on oral hypoglycemic agents. Hypertension was found to be the most common (24.6%) comorbidity. Age, education, socioeconomic status, duration of diabetes, type of treatment, complication of diabetes, comorbidities, and body mass index (BMI) were found to be significantly associated with various domains of SF-36.

Conclusions:

Diabetes has an adverse effect on quality of life of patients with diabetes. The most affected domain in male and female patients was vitality domain followed by general health domain of quality of life.
Developmental delay among children under two years of age in slums of Burdwan Municipality
Authors: Gupta Sukanya , Shrivastava Prabha , Samsuzzaman Md , Banerjee Niladri , Das Dilip Kumar
Published: June 2021

Context:

Development is an ongoing process through which an individual acquires competence to function adequately. Developmental delay is said to occur when a child fails to reach the age-appropriate anticipated milestones. This imparts long-term direct as well as indirect effects on the health of a community obviating routine measurement of its prevalence especially in high-risk populations.

Aim:

To find out the prevalence and correlates of developmental delay among children under two years of age in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal.

Settings and Design:

A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methods and Materials:

This study was conducted between September-November 2019 among 240 study subjects selected by multistage simple random sampling. Data were collected by interviewing the respondents using a predesigned, pretested schedule. Developmental status was assessed by applying Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC). Chi-square test and logistic regression was done to find associations.

Results:

Prevalence of developmental delay was 6.6%(95%CI 3.6-9.8) and proportion was more among male infants. Chi square test revealed gender (p = 0.03), mothers' education (p = 0.00), socio-economic status (p = 0.00), parity (p = 0.02), birth spacing (p = 0.01) birth weight (p = 0.00) to be significantly associated with developmental delay and multivariable analysis showed all the factors to be significant predictors except gender, parity and birth spacing. Gestational duration, maternal age at delivery, mode of delivery was not found to be significantly associated with developmental delay.

Conclusion:

Developmental delay is considerably high in the study area. A larger study using appropriate tool and follow-up may elicit the burden and associated determinants.
Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding rubella infection among medical professionals seen in IGIMS, Bihar
Authors: Prasad Dipali , Prasad Nidhi , Kumari Kanchan , Singh Varsha , Mishra Urvashi , Goel Neeru
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

In developing countries like India, the comprehension of rubella virus illness, its consequences, and vaccine are nominal. Rubella virus infection occurring during pregnancy could lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Aim:

The study aimed to know the awareness among young women healthcare practitioners of the reproductive age group towards rubella virus illness, its impacts, and vaccination.

Method:

The research had been carried out on 200 medical practitioner women of reproductive age category between 18 and 40 years. A restructured questionnaire-based interview has been conducted to check their comprehension about it.

Result:

Nearly all women of reproductive age did not know about the occurrence of rubella virus disease, its consequences, and vaccination.

Conclusion:

The research shows the absence of knowledge of rubella virus disease and demands for awareness programs to advertise properly in Bihar.
Assess and evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of first aid management of epistaxis among general population in Aseer region
Authors: Al-Shehri Ali Maeed Sulaiman , Alzahrani Abdulbari Ahmed , Alqhtani Abdussalam Mohammed A , Alqhtani Mozoon Mohammed S , Alshehri Sarah Hassan A , AlGhris Nasser Abdullah N. , Al-Mudhi Mohammed Mushabab , Al-Jahash Najla Ahmad Saeed
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Epistaxis or nose bleeds is one the most common reported emergencies in the ear, nose and department. Causes of epistaxis varies from being trivial such as nose picking or dry air or trauma to concerning such as infections or elevated blood pressure to life threatening condition such as malignancies.

Methods:

The purposely constructed questionnaire was used for this research. The questionnaire was constructed by the panel of experts, language, psychological, doctors and subject specialist was there in the team. Internal consistencies of the questionnaire was measure through cronbach alpha.

Results:

Cronbach alpha = 0.84. Mean ± S.D of age of the respondents were 27.8 ± 9.8. 71.6% were females, 91.5% were belongs to Aseer region, 86.6% were living in village, 77.0% have intermediate level of education, 59.2% were single, 41.6% having health care profession. 51.1% having income less than 5000SAR.

Conclusion:

Most of them rely on internet and social media to gain knowledge regarding home management of epistaxis. This has limitations as they do not get a hands-on experience. Therefore, we recommend that first aid camps and workshops in management of epistaxis should be organized in order to properly educate the general population regarding its home management.
Knowledge, attitude, and health seeking behavior on leprosy among urban adults in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu
Authors: S Gopalakrishnan , Grace G Angeline , P Sujitha , Eashwar V. M Anantha
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Although various measures are taken to create awareness about the epidemiological features of leprosy and encourage health-seeking behavior, they have seldom been able to tackle the high incidence of new leprosy cases in India.

Objective:

To determine Leprosy-related knowledge, attitude, and health seeking behavior among the urban population in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods:

This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample size of 640 people above 18 years of age residing in the study area, selected by multistage random sampling. A structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection, and the data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.

Results:

Among the study participants, 54.7% of the participants had adequate knowledge and 23.3% had favorable attitude towards leprosy. With regard to knowledge, 66% of the participants believe that leprosy is a serious disease, and 71.2% of them were aware of transmission of leprosy from person to person. With regard to attitude, 57.7% were afraid of being diagnosed with leprosy, and 57% felt compassion and desire to help those diagnosed with leprosy. With regard to health-seeking behavior, around 83% preferred treatment from government hospitals and allopathic treatment. Male sex, occupation, education, and marital status were found to be having statistically significant association with knowledge, while the latter two were found to be associated with favorable attitude towards leprosy.

Conclusion:

Unfavorable attitude and inadequate knowledge regarding leprosy was found among the study participants. Behavior change communication programs have to be enhanced at community level to improve the knowledge and attitude regarding leprosy among the population.
A community-based cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude, and perceptions about asthma among healthy adults in rural South India
Authors: Daniel Jefferson , Inbaraj Leeberk Raja , Jenkins Sam , Ramamurthy Prashant Hanumanthappa , Isaac Rita
Published: June 2021

Background:

Evidence suggests that proper knowledge and perceptions about asthma result in a positive correlation with compliance with medications and regular medical follow-up. Assessing the level of knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) in the community is essential for planning public health interventions. There is a lacuna on community-based KAP study on asthma in rural India, as most of the existing evidence is from hospital-based studies in an urban setting.

Methods:

We interviewed 280 healthy adults from 14 villages in South India using the Chicago community asthma survey-32 (CCAS-32) questionnaire. We noted the frequency distribution of responses to the questions and scored KAP on symptoms, triggers, and treatment, and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

The mean age was 37.7 years ranging from 18 to 62 years. Almost half of them (47%) had primary or middle school education. 40.7% and 57.9% believed severe headache and tightness of chest were symptoms of asthma, respectively. Similarly, 38.2% and 48.4% thought asthma was a hereditary and contagious disease, respectively, whereas 41.8% of perceived asthma medications could be addictive. Having witnessed “patients with asthma” was associated with KAP on symptoms and triggers while younger age and having a relative with asthma were associated with KAP on treatment independently. Participants who had relatives with asthma were three times [(OR 3.04; 95% (1.5–6.1)] more likely to have good KAP compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion:

Asthma knowledge and perceptions are sparse in rural India. Adequate investments in public awareness are the need of the hour.
Study to identify predictor of hypoxia in COVID-19 infection
Authors: Rai Deependra K. , Thakur Somesh
Published: June 2021

Background:

Given the limited availability of critical care resources in our country, it is important to identify reliable predictors of hypoxia in patients with COVID-19 infection. We thus sought to compare differential predictive values of demographic, clinical, and laboratory measures and identify predictor for hypoxia in COVID-19 infection.

Materials and Methods:

This is single-center retrospective analysis of patient admitted at AIIMS Patna between 15th June and 15th Aug. All the patients who had oxygen saturation less than 94% grouped under hypoxic group while ≥94% in non-hypoxic group at room air. Statistical analysis: Logistic regression model used to determine the predictor of hypoxia in COVID-19 infection.

Results:

Total 73 were used for analysis. Study patients had a mean age of 55.05 ± 12.7 year, of whom 78.08% were male (57/73). 39 (53.42%) patients were found hypoxic at time of admission while 34 (46.56%) were non-hypoxic. Presence of dyspnoea significantly found more frequently in hypoxic patients (P = 0.0003). Patients with O2 saturation of less than 94% have more likely to have diabetes (P = 0.002) and hypertension (P = 0.02). Analysis of laboratory variables showed that leucocytosis (P = 0.007) and neutrophilia (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in hypoxic group compare to non-hypoxic group. Univariate regression model showed patient with any one comorbidities, diabetes, or hypertension was found as strong risk factor for hypoxia after COVID-19 infection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to identify predictor of hypoxia in COVID-19 infection. Patient with any one comorbidities, diabetes, or hypertension was found strong risk factor for hypoxia after COVID-19 infection. Among lab variable, leucocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, and CRP (>27.5 mg/L) were found as predictor of hypoxia in COVID infection.
Prolonged hyperglycemia in three patients with type 2 diabetes after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Downes Jessica M. , Foster Jennifer A.
Published: June 2021

Three independent cases of adult patients are described who had relative control of their type 2 diabetes prior to infection with COVID-19. Each of the described patients had different levels of severity of COVID-19 but all experienced significant and prolonged hyperglycemia for at least 1–2 months after resolution of their COVID-19 infection. Two of the three patients required intensifying insulin regimens for two months after COVID-19 infection. The case study helps to inform primary care providers about the possible need for the intensification of antihyperglycemic medications for several weeks to months after the resolution of COVID-19 infection to minimize prolonged hyperglycemia.
Clinical audit on assessment of non-glycemic parameters in diabetic patients by physicians
Authors: S Ramya , Anand Arjun , Bhaskar Swapna , Prasad Shankar
Published: June 2021

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem in family practice causing multiple micro and macrovascular complications; the prevention of which should be the main aim of treating physicians. Lack of proper assessment can hasten the complications and a meticulous screening system is a prerequisite in every diabetic patient's evaluation.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of screening for non-glycemic parameters in type 2 DM patients by physicians in an outpatient setting.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital during December 2019. A total of 254 patients with type 2 DM without any complications were randomly selected for screening as per the criteria developed by RSSDI [Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India].

Results:

Complete history and physical examination were done by physicians in all the participants. Measurement of blood pressure at every visit was done in about 95% of patients and 90% of them were counseled for cessation of smoking. But only about 60% or less of patients were screened for microalbuminuria, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. Advice on comprehensive foot care was also not a regular practice among physicians.

Conclusion:

This clinical audit showed that 90% of the patients had undergone only 4 of the 9 RSSDI recommended screening. The other parameters had been carried out in only among 40 to 60% of the patients. Thus, primary care physicians have to emphasize on the subtle but important criteria like ophthalmic examination, peripheral neuropathy and microalbuminuria during regular outpatient visits.
Mobile phone use while driving
Authors: Almansoor Laila Abdulrahman , Jahan Saulat
Published: June 2021

Background:

Globally, motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) cause around 1.35 million deaths annually. Distracted driving, a risk factor for MVA, includes diversion of attention from driving because of use of mobile phone.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of mobile phone use and to explore task management strategies, risk perception and attitude towards mobile phone use while driving among Qassim University students.

Methods:

An online cross-sectional survey among 212 randomly selected medical (n = 83) and engineering students (n = 129) of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, through semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, designed using Google forms. The survey was conducted from February to March 2020.

Results:

The overall prevalence of mobile phone use while driving was 93.4% (medical students: 96.4%; engineering students: 91.5%). Around 49.5% participants 'often' or 'always' used mobile phone while driving. Among task management strategies, 169 (79.7%) participants were 'likely' or 'very likely' to lower their driving speed while 90 (42.5%) were 'likely' or 'very likely' to increase control over the steering while using mobile phone during driving. Regarding risk perception, 173 (81.6%) participants thought that they were 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to have MVA on looking at phone continuously for more than 2 s, and 185 (87.3%) participants thought that they were 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to have MVA by texting or browsing while driving. Thirty-six (17%) participants reported MVA because of distraction by mobile phone use while driving.

Conclusion:

High prevalence of mobile phone use during driving and low perceived risk of experiencing MVA because of mobile phone use was found among Qassim University students. Creating awareness on risks of mobile phone use while driving is recommended.
Clinico demographic profiling of the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infected children admitted in tertiary care hospital in North India
Authors: Singh Charu , Angurana Suresh Kumar , Bora Ishani , Jain Neha , Kaur Kanwalpreet , Sarkar Subhabrata
Published: June 2021

Background:

Acute bronchiolitis is fatal disease involving lower respiratory tract of infants and children of paediatric age group. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for causing more than 70% hospital admissions of children aged less than 2 years thus making a necessity for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Aims:

The main aim of study was clinicodemographic correlation of RSV positive children presenting to our tertiary care hospital.

Setting and Design:

It is a retrospective study done between December to January 2018.

Materials and Methods:

Detection of RSV antigen from nasophyrangeal aspirates using Mouse Monoclonal anti RSV Antibody (by Novatetra) and Goat Anti Mouse Antibody conjugated with FITC as secondary antibody.

Results:

A total of 147 samples were received in the laboratory and 20 were tested as positive for RSV Antigen. Totally, 19/20 children were aged less than 1 year and with a male predominance. The most common symptom was cough and respiratory distress. Eight percent of the children showed wheezing and 18/20 required assisted ventilation. The clinical course in one child deteriorated leading to death of that patient.

Conclusions:

The timely diagnosis and management of RSV infected children is utmost needed to prevent morbidity and mortality. The premorbid conditions can assist to differentiate the viral from bacterial pneumonia and thus enable speedy recovery of the child.
Oral pain and infection control strategies for treating children and adolescents in India
Authors: Kaul Rahul , Sandhu H. S. , Talwar Brijinder Singh , Chengappa DMM , Bali Atul , Koul Rishu
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Oral and dental health form an integral part of complete well being of an individual and society at large. Promoting oral health and societal progression go hand in hand.

Aim:

To investigate dentists' attitudes about pain and infection control while treating children and adolescents by assessing their recommendations of pre- and postoperative analgesics and antibiotics, and use of local anesthesia (LA) for definitive treatment in different clinical scenarios.

Materials and Method:

A total of 400 dentists, both general dental practitioners (GDPS) as well as specialist dentists, were surveyed over a period of 2 months by using a pre-tested close-ended questionnaire. The data was statistically analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test and backward logistic regression analysis for analysis of categorical variables and independent variables, respectively. Level of significance was set at 5%.

Results:

It was found that there was a gross overuse of antibiotics and analgesics and under use of LA by GDPs compared to specialist dentists. Postoperative antibiotics and analgesics were used more commonly than preoperative antibiotics and analgesics. These strategies were used more often in permanent teeth than primary teeth except the use of LA, which was used with equal frequency in both primary as well as permanent dentition.

Conclusion:

Dependence on antibiotics and analgesics for achieving pain and infection control in children has to be minimized and focus has to be shifted on judicious definitive treatment involving use of LA, aseptic techniques, and behavior management techniques.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of health care professionals on laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Tapasyapreeti , Relan Jay , Subramanian Arulselvi , Lathwal Amit
Published: June 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global public health concern. Thorough knowledge of diagnostics of COVID-19 amongst health care professionals (HCPs) is critical for timely and accurate diagnosis. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among HCPs related to the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on KAPs regarding COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated and categorized based on the number of correct responses. Predictors of knowledge and practice scores were identified by logistic regression analyses.

Results:

In all, 347 HCPs participated. Most participants had an average knowledge score and suboptimal practice score. Independent predictors of getting an average knowledge score were being indirectly involved in laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 (odds ratio, OR: 2.591; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.106–6.070), and having a government website as a major source of information (OR: 6.184; 95% CI: 1.185–32.286). Of all, 66.3% thought that testing rate for COVID-19 detection in India is unsatisfactory and 67.2% feared getting infected at work due to delays in test results. Most participants (90.5%) felt that more training programs related to laboratory diagnosis are needed. Practice scores significantly differed among HCPs of opposite sexes, different professions, and different information sources.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight the need for planning constructive strategies to improve KAP among HCPs related to the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. Timely dissemination of correct information to HCPs by the health authorities is critical to win this battle against COVID-19.
Bariatric metabolic surgery
Authors: Bhandari Vinod , Kosta Susmit , Bhandari Mohit , Bhandari Mahak , Mathur Winni , Fobi Mathias
Published: June 2021

Background:

Bariatric metabolic surgery is evolving as an option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with obesity and T2DM, warranting more studies on the efficacy of bariatric metabolic surgery on T2DM.

Objective:

To determine T2DM remission in patients with obesity and T2DM with up to two years follow-up after bariatric metabolic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of prospectively maintained data was undertaken to identify patients who had T2DM and underwent bariatric surgery at a single centre in 2016. Data collected included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1c, hypertension, (HTN), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), initial weight and the weight at intervals of 6, 12, and 24 months. Data on the treatment of T2DM before the surgery was also collected. The criteria of the American Diabetes Association were used for the definition of T2DM remission. Only the data on patients in this study who had more than 12 months’ follow-up information was analysed.

Results:

Two hundred and eighty patients with T2DM were identified. 191 patients had more than 12 months’ follow-up information. Mean age and BMI were 49.58 ± 10.64 years and 44.03 ± 7.86 kg/m2 respectively. There were 29 patients on insulin, 21 (10.9%) on insulin only and 8 (4.2%) on insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA). One hundred and forty-six patients (76.4%) were on OHA, 134 on a single OHA and 12 on more than one OHA. Twenty-six patients (13.6%) were newly diagnosed with T2DM when they came in for bariatric metabolic surgery. One hundred and fifty-six patients (81.7%) achieved complete remission. 14 (7.3%) of these patients used to be on insulin with or without OHA and 142 (74.3%) were patients either on OHA or no OHA. There were 12 (6.4%) patients in partial remission. There was improvement in 23 (12.04%). Eight patients were on insulin but at lower doses and 15 were on a single OHA. The average percentage of total weight loss at 6, 12 and 24 months was 29.7%, 33.9% and 35.6% respectively. Patients with shorter duration of T2DM had higher remission rates as compared to patients with longer duration (r = −0.874, P = 0.001). There was also a significant resolution of HTN (81.8%) and OSA (82.3%) after bariatric metabolic surgery.

Conclusion:

This study collaborates reports that there is significant remission of T2DM after bariatric metabolic surgery in patients with obesity and T2DM. There is a need for prospective, multi-centre, and long-term studies on bariatric metabolic surgery to treat patients with obesity and T2DM.
Impact of environmental factors on COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Kutikuppala Lakshmi Venkata Simhachalam , Jonna Sadhana , Kashif Momin S.
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 disease as a pandemic after the first cases from China were reported in December 2020. COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome), spreads by contact with infected droplets. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days with initial symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, malaise, and breathlessness. In patients with co-morbidities and the elderly, it progresses to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multi-organ failure. Regarding the impact of the environment on the spread of the corona virus, more research is going on. Environmental factors including atmospheric temperature, ventilation, climate change, and humidity have been studied to understand the effect of these factors on COVID-19 spread. We have evaluated studies to date related to the environmental effect on COVID-19 and summarized them for better understanding.
Novel active pharmaceutical ingredients from India
Authors: Ghosh Prasanta Kumar
Published: June 2021

India has made a mark by discovering at least 16 novel synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, this number is quite small when compared with the number of APIs invented the world over in the allopathic system of medicines, the numbers of which according to the estimate of the author stand at more than 5000, of which presently nearly 3000 numbers are in therapeutic use against human diseases/ailments. In India, nearly 2200 numbers of these APIs are presently in use. India has made a mark in the supply of branded generic and generic formulations for use in the country and abroad in an environment of cut-throat competition. To maintain and improve the mark, India needs to carry out R&D not only for process innovation but would also have to invest and invent novel APIs. The analysis shows that the present investment in R&D and the policies followed for promoting research for new drug development are not adequate for the country to be dominant global player. Suggestions have been made to improve the present situation.
Impact of video-assisted teaching programs regarding hand hygiene among oncology nurses
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Pareek Shatrughan
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives:

Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures in reducing the transmission of infectious agents in health-care settings, and it assists in the prevention of infection in patients with surgical intervention. The aims of the present study were to assess the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding hand hygiene and to evaluate the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching programs on knowledge regarding hand hygiene.

Materials and Methods:

A quantitative approach and pre-experimental research design were found suitable for the study. The investigator assessed the existing knowledge among staff nurses regarding hand hygiene for the prevention of infection in patients with cancer undergoing surgery by using a structured knowledge questionnaire; they found an association between knowledge and selected demographic variables.

Results:

The majority (63.30%) of the sample were female. Nearly half of the participants belonged to the age group 21–30 years. In professional education, most (55.00%) of the samples had a diploma in nursing. Further, the mean pretest knowledge score was 15.5 ± 3.735 whereas the posttest knowledge score was 24.38 ± 4.446. Therefore, the t-test was statistically significant (P = 0.0001) and it revealed that the video-assisted teaching program was effective in enhancing the knowledge of the nurses about hand hygiene. In addition, there was a significant association between age, source of information, working experience, and area of working but no significant association was reported between gender and professional qualification.

Conclusion:

The intervention was significantly effective in enhancing the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding hand hygiene. Therefore, administrators have to implement such educational programs to increase the knowledge of nurses.
Regional Variation of Family Planning Services in Nigerian Health Facilities
Authors: Onoja Johnson A. , Sanni Olaniyi F. , Ogedengge Chris O. , Onoja Sheila I. , Abiodun Paul O. , Abubakar Aisha
Published: June 2021

Background:

Availability and accessibility of family planning (FP) services are the major factors affecting the fertility pattern and population growth rate in low-resource settings. This study aimed at assessing the availability of contraceptive methods in Nigeria health facilities offering FP services.

Materials and Methods:

This study compared survey data on FP services available from each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The study was a descriptive analysis of variations in the availability of FP services and contraceptive methods across the regions.

Result:

Out of the 767 facilities surveyed, 375 (48.9%) were located in rural areas and 392 (51.1%) in urban areas. The Northwest had the highest male condom availability of 96.2%. The emergency contraceptive method was being offered by 35.8% of the total 636 facilities reportedly offering the service. The proportion of the facilities offering the oral contraceptive method was higher in the Northeast (100.0%), Northwest (94.9%), and South-South (92.0%) than other regions (P = 0.002). While only 9.3% of facilities in the Northeast and 10.0% in the North-Central were offering sterilization for males, higher proportions, 17.7% of South-East and 32.7% of South-South facilities were offering it. The level of stockout of at least one FP method on the day of this survey was high across all regions, with the Northeast (60.8%) and North-Central (59.9%) having the highest proportion and the Northwest having the least stockouts (46.1%).

Conclusion:

This study found inconsistent FP services across all the six regions. Also, the proportion of facilities that had a stockout of at least one contraceptive method is unacceptably high and deserves improvement interventions.
Targeting epigenetic alterations in the treatment of glioma
Authors: Okechukwu Chidiebere Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

A glioma is a kind of tumor that initiates in the glial cells of the brain or the spinal cord. High rates of complications and mortality are leading features of gliomas, a glioma can be treated through a surgical procedure, radiation, and chemotherapy. This short communication aimed to analyze the crucial role of epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of gliomas and the possible treatment of gliomas by manipulating epigenetic mechanisms. The pathogenesis of glioma is associated with key epigenetic mechanisms, which are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, abnormal microribonucleic acid (RNA), chromatin remodeling, and histone modifications. Alterations and mutations in genes are often seen in gliomas. Alterations and mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are commonly found in gliomas; mutant IDH1 facilitates the maintenance of genomic stability in tumors by increasing the DNA damage reaction. Moreover, therapeutic modification of epigenetic alterations connected with the development of gliomas is of utmost clinical significance; comprehensive knowledge of epigenetic aberrations that lead to the formation of glioma will help in the design and development of epigenetic drugs for the treatment of gliomas. Some medications that target epigenetic alterations such as inhibitors of mutant IDH, bromodomain and extraterminal motif inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitor, DNA methylation inhibitors, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors are presently used to tackle glioma.
Knowledge, acceptance, and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers in Nigeria
Authors: Robinson Ebbi Donald , Wilson Peace , Eleki Beneboba Jenewari , Wonodi Woroma
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Health Care Workers are major influencers in vaccination, thus their acceptance or hesitancy to the covid-19 vaccine would either aid its acceptance among the populace.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire from December 15, 2020 to January 10, 2021 among healthcare providers living in Nigeria. The questionnaire was made up of segments that include demographics information, knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine, its acceptance or hesitancy. The questionnaire was fashioned using Likert scale multiple questions of three options: YES, NO, and I Don’t know (No opinion) and Aware, Somewhat aware, and Not aware. Data collected were entered into the spreadsheet using IBM SPSS version 22.0 statistical software and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results were presented as percentages, frequency, tables, and figures.

Results:

A total of 1094 responses were retrieved. The majority are males (56.67%) with 36.93% of the respondents aged 30–39 years. PHC Worker forms 14.90% of the respondents and social media was the greatest source of information. A percentage of 45.74% have no confidence in the vaccine and 39.68% rejecting, the majority been males (47.38%). The reasons for hesitancy are concerns of effectiveness, side effects, fear of the unknown, and safety. The highest rejection was by Dental Technicians (53.03%) while the highest acceptance was Medical consultants (72.22%).

Conclusion:

The study shows that about 3 out of every 10 health workers showed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for various reasons. The study recommends effective education, training, and public enlightenment to change the narrative.
Deciphering and manipulating the epigenome for the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Okechukwu Chidiebere Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Precision medicine intends to tailor medical practice with a focus on the individual, built on the utilization of genetic tests, the identification of biomarkers, and the development of targeted medicines, and this can be achieved by having a complex knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-linked neurodegenerative disease that affects majorly individuals above 65; there is a growing indication that epigenetic disruption and dysregulation in the expression of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) arise in PD. Genome-wide association studies discovered a straightforward consequence of the methylation status of α-synuclein in the pathogenesis of PD. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of neurodegenerative disease, epitomized by memory loss. The dysregulation of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic aberrations have been identified in AD. This narrative review aimed to elaborate on the potential epigenomic treatments for PD and AD. About 199 scientific articles written in English, which reported on novel epigenomic-based treatment for PD and AD, were selected for this review from the PubMed database. Full articles and relevant data were extracted. Treatments targeting DNA methylation or miRNAs appear to show promising outcomes for PD and AD. Moreover, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein 9 is a potential genome editing tool for deciphering and manipulating the epigenome for the treatment of PD and AD.
A Challenging Case of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following a Routine Cesarean Section
Authors: Deo Kirti , Deshmukh Kalyani Milind , Deoghare Shreya , Kothari Rohit
Published: June 2021

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic inflammatory skin condition which affects up to ten cases per million people per year. It mostly presents in the second to sixth decades of life with female preponderance. There are only a few reports of this condition following obstetric and gynecological procedures. The current article aims to highlight that PG should be kept as a differential in case of a nonhealing surgical site wound, misdiagnosis of which results in physical and psychological morbidity.