bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean platelet volume: An economical diagnostic marker of cardiovascular risk assessment in altered fasting blood glucose levels
Authors: Shivali Kapoor  , Manjit Kaur  , Amrit Pal Singh Rana  , A Suryanarayan
Published: January 2025

Background: Platelets with altered morphology or large size are more thrombogenic and are likely to be associated with increased risk of vascular disease. Platelet parameters especially high mean platelet volume (MPV) has been reported in diabetic patients as major contributing factor. The aim of the present study was to find correlation between fasting blood glucose value and hematological variables (PC and MPV), not only in diabetics, but also in the normoglycemic subjects and patients with impaired fasting blood glucose levels.
Materials and Methods: In the present study 3471 subjects were analyzed retrospectively and categorized into three groups based on the fasting blood glucose levels as Group I - normoglycemics (FBG ? 109 mg/dl, n = 1158), Group II- impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG ? 126 mg/dl, n = 1158) and Group III – Diabetics (FBG ? 127 mg/dl, n = 1155).
Results: We found progressive increase in value of MPV with the increasing FBG levels, in the following order: G1 (8.44 ± 0.842 fl), G2 (8.98 ± 0.898 fl), G3 (9.31 ± 0.967 fl). The platelet count however, did not show much statistical significance with rising glucose levels.
Conclusions: MPV increased proportionally with increasing plasma glucose levels. Although the variation between the normoglycemics and impaired fasting group was not very significant, the parameters still showed progressive increase with rising sugar levels significant in diabetic group.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 30-33
A study on assessment of HbA1c level as a diagnostic criterion of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Agnibha Dutta  , Ashish P Dudhe  , Subhasish Deb  , Somnath Dasgupta  , Amit Sarkar
Published: January 2025

Aims and Objectives: We compared performance of HbA1c in diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with that of fasting plasma glucose and tried to determine cut off point of HbA1c for optimum sensitivity and specificity in a population of eastern India both from urban and rural background.
Materials and Methods: The analysis was conducted in persons aged between 40 and 80 years, visiting our institution, who are newly diagnosed as diabetic and non-diabetic attending hospital for some other reason, who underwent FPG and HbA1c testing, in the time period January 2013 to August 2014.
Results: From 100 individuals (mean age 54.6 years) HbA1c ? 6.5% produced sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 72%, positive predictive value 76.27% and negative predictive value 87.80% when compared to FPG ? 126 mg% as standard. By ROC curve, optimum cut off point for HbA1c was found to be 7.05% for diagnosis of diabetes.
Conclusion: Using a cut off value of HbA1c of 7% may optimise detection of diabetes mellitus and ensure proper patient care.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 49-52
Correlation of Iodine content of mother’s milk and urine with their child’s TSH level
Authors: Singh Shruti , Madhab Lamsal  , Nirmal Baral  , Nisha Keshary Bhatta  , Dhruba K Uprety
Published: January 2025

Background: Iodine deficiency is still a significant public health problem. In the rural plains of Nepal, it remains a mild-to-moderate public health problem among pregnant and lactating women despite the availability of iodized salt. To date, only limited attention has been paid to breast-milk iodine content despite its importance in the intellectual development of infants.

Objectives: (i) To determine iodine content in mother’s urine, mother’s milk and to measure their respective child’s TSH level. (ii) To correlate iodine content of mother’s urine with child’s TSH level and also mother’s milk content with child’s TSH level.
Setting and Design: cross sectional study in human using consecutive sampling technique
Materials and Methods: Mother’s urinary and milk iodine level was measured by Ammonium Persulfate Digestion Microplate method using Sandell-Kolthoff reaction in a sealing cassette (Hitachi, Japan) and child’s TSH by ELISA commercial Kit from Eliscan (RFCL, India) based on classical sandwich technique.
Statistical analysis used: Spearman’s correlation was performed in quantitative variables. A p-value less than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered statistically significant and highly significant respectively
Results: The median mother’s urine was 174.96 µg/L(97.39-215.43)  and their respective median child TSH level was 3.86 mIU/L(2.66-4.80). Median mother’s milk iodine was 129.90 µg/L (94.14-165.94).There was significant negative correlation between mothers’ urinary iodine content and their child’s TSH (r2= -0.391, p = 0.005) and between mother’s urinary iodine and their child’s TSH (r2= -0.471, p = 0.001). There was positive correlation between mother’s milk iodine and mother urinary iodine but not statistically significant ((r2= 0.261, p = 0.067).
Conclusion: Mothers urinary iodine, mother’s milk iodine and child TSH are interrelated with each other.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 40-48
Toxic and essential metals in placenta and its relation with lipid peroxides/glutathione status in pre-term and full-term deliveries
Authors: Laxmi Singh  , Priyanka Agarwal  , Anand Madhu , Ajay Taneja
Published: January 2025

Aims and Objectives: Pre-term birth is worldwide problem, little is known about oxidative stress in placental tissue due to metals exposure of women during pregnancy. To seek correlation between concentration of metals and redox status in placental tissue of women with pre-term delivery and compared with those of women with the full-term delivery.
Materials and Methods: A hospital based case–control study was conducted, total 80 pregnant women were selected for this study i.e., 30 females who delivered pre-term babies (gestational age <37 week) serve as study group and 50 females who delivered full term babies (gestational age > 37 week) serve as control group. Concentrations of metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and (Cu), malondialdehyde (MDA) end product of lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) were measured in placenta of study group and control group. Data were analyzed using Students t- test, chi square and linear regression.
Results: In preterm cases level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and metals (Cd and Pb) were significantly higher, while level of GSH and some metals (Fe, Zn and Cu) were significantly lower in pre-term cases when compared to full-term cases. There were significant positive correlations of placental metals (Pb and Cd) with MDA (p<0.05), suggests that metals might have influenced pre-term deliveries.
Conclusions: The results showed that elevated level of placental Cd and Pb induced oxidative stress which might implicate in pre-term deliveries and higher concentration of Zn and Cu may be concerned with the defence against oxidative stress in placental tissue of full-term cases.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 34-39
Burden of Tuberculosis in females in rural area at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Sarita Yadav  , Shikha Goel  , Anand Agrawal
Published: January 2025

Backgroud: Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death worldwide amongst communicable diseases. TB kills approximately 1 million women every year and is responsible for more deaths in women in the reproductive age group.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to delineate the burden of disease in women in rural area.
Results: High incidence of TB is reported in females of reproductive age group.
Conclusion: Routine TB screening should be incorporated into maternal and child health programs in countries where TB is endemic. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) should mobilise interventions at rural level to eliminate stigma and ultimately eliminate TB’s impact on women.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 108-110
Multiple recurrent cerebral hydatidosis: A case report with review of literature
Authors: P Nikhita  , HN Vani  , P Dattatreya  , N Nijaguna
Published: January 2025

Echinococcisis is an emerging  zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide and  is a significant health burden among developing nations.  Cystic hydatidosis is more commonly found in lungs  and liver but  rarely cerebral involvement  can occur. Multiple hydatid cysts of brain are uncommon and may be wither primary or secondary. Hydatid cyst shoud  be considered as a differential diagnosis for cystic lesions of the brain. Here we are reporting a 8 year old boy with  multiple cerebral hydatid cysts recurring within three months after surgical rupture of a primary large cerebral hydatid cyst.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 105-107
Intra uterine insemination: Limitations in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Rekha Rani  , Maruti Sinha  , Ratnaboli Bhattacharya  , Ridhima Gupta  , Gurcharan Kaur
Published: January 2025

Aims and Objectives: Infertile couples need expert guidance to be able to choose an appropriate therapy relevant to their sub-fertility where one in seven couples have infertility. The present study has been designed to study the clinical effectiveness of IUI in enhancing pregnancy rates in cases of unexplained infertility and to compare it with other modalities of expectant treatment. We enumerate our experience with IUI at Kasturba Hospital with a special effort to assess any limitations in performing this procedure in tertiary care centres like ours.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study with observational analysis of data on sub fertile couples who underwent COH and IUI as a part of the management protocol in our hospital- Kasturba Hospital, New Delhi. The period of study extended from 2007 to 2014. Infertility work up of all the registered couples was done on a standard investigation protocol. The male partner was also assessed by a detailed history and semen analysis.
Results: Average females were less than 30 years of age at 48.1% Majority of couples were having primary infertility (82.28%) whereas only 17.72% had secondary infertility. Pregnancy rates achieved with single IUI (22.55%) was more than that achieved in double IUI (11.11%). Pre rupture IUI resulted in higher pregnancy rates (23.08%) than post rupture ones (15.12%). Out of pregnancies that occurred from IUI cycles, term deliveries were 21.52% and there were 6.33% spontaneous miscarriages. Only 2.53% had twin pregnancies.
Conclusion: In a resource deprived country like India where low per capita income make IVF-ET an unaffordable option to most of the patients, IUI has found wide acceptance with much lower costs. However the biggest limitation in offering IUI is that most of the tertiary care centres in India are yet to eqiup itself with standard IUI Laboratories to thus make Intra Uterine insemination widely available at affordably low cost.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 76-81
Filum terminale paraganglioma a diagnostic dilemmas- A case report
Authors: Mithilesh Kumar Pandey  , Debajit Ray Barman  , Sibaji Dasgupta  , Kaushik Roy  , Suniti Kumar Saha
Published: January 2025

Filum terminale paraganglioma is a rare tumour with usual short segment spinal involvement (one or two segments) as described in various literatures. It can also present with long segment spinal involvement as in our case, the tumour has involved L4 to S1 segments. Prognosis of filum terminale paraganglioma is excellent after total excision as it is classified under WHO grade I tumor. Nonetheless, after subtotal removal, tumour recurrence can occur. Even such an extremely rare entity with a larger spectrum of presentation can be treated successfully by total removal of the tumour. Here we present a fi lum terminale paraganglioma which was diagnosed after histopathology and immuno-histochemistry. Patient made a full recovery after tumour removal.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 104-106
Vagal schwannoma in parapharyngeal space -anatomical perspective
Authors: Suniti R Mishra  , Shailendra Singh  , Harendra Kumar Gautam  , Ashutosh Singh  , Chayanika Pantola  , Sushobhana Kumar  , Rahul Singh  , Jigyasa Passey
Published: January 2025

A rare case of Schwannoma of Vagus nerve in Parapharyngeal Space was admitted in Otolaryngology department of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Schwannoma is a rare tumor in the Parapharyngeal Space.  The   patient was a 32 yr old male with  chief complaints of difficulty in swallowing and swelling in the neck since last 4 years. On examination there was a firm swelling on right side of neck and uvula was deviated towards Left Side. On CT & MRI examination a heterogenous mass was seen in Parapharyngeal space. The case was diagnosed as a case of vagal schwannoma in parapharyngeal space. The tumor was surgically excised. Histopathological Examination revealed the Tumor as Schwannoma. 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 100-103
Gastric mucosal biopsies in non ulcer dyspepsia: A histopathologic study
Authors: Priya Singh  , KC Goswami  , Bharat Bhushan Gupta
Published: January 2025

Background: Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is a major health problem and one of the most common causes of morbidity and economic loss. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of gastric mucosal histopathologic alterations and frequency of Helicobacter pylori in patients with NUD.
Materials and Methods: Patients presenting to Gastroenterology Out Patient Department over a period of one year with symptoms of dyspepsia but without any endoscopic lesion were taken up for the study and evaluated by obtaining two gastric mucosal biopsy specimens each from antrum and body mucosa. The specimens were processed and examined histologically using the updated Sydney system.
Results: Gastric biopsies from 102 patients (63 females and 39 males) with NUD were studied. Histological examination of gastric mucosal biopsies showed that 82.3% of NUD patients had histopathological features of gastritis. Chronic infl ammation was present in 84 (82.3%), activity was seen in 63 (61.7%), glandular atrophy was seen in 10 (9.8%) and intestinal metaplasia was seen in 4 (3.9%) patients with NUD on gastric biopsy. Maximum number of patients with NUD had Sydney score of less than 5 (68.6%).H pylori were identifi ed on gastric mucosal biopsies in 49 (48.0%) patients with NUD based on H & E and Geimsa stained sections.
Conclusion: NUD is a clinical problem which occurs in both sexes in all age groups; prevalence being low below 20 years of age. Patients with this condition have a high frequency of gastric mucosal inflammation and H pylori infection.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 80-84
Etiology of bloodstream infection and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates
Authors: Prashubha Bhandari  , Sarita Manandhar  , Basudha Shrestha  , Nabeen Dulal
Published: January 2025

Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a signifi cant cause of morbidity and mortality. In Nepal, very few studies on BSIs have restricted the understanding of their cause, prevention and treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted to isolate BSIs causing pathogens and determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in patients visiting Kathmandu ModelHospital during December 2012 to May 2013.
Materials and Methods: Standard laboratory procedure was used to screen, isolate and identify the bacteria from 1,205 patients. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern (AST) was analyzed by modifi ed Kirby Bauer technique and data were analyzed using SPSS version-16.
Results: Out of 1,205 blood samples, 186 (15.4 %) were culture positive. The most common bacteria isolated were: Salmonella spp., Escherichiacoli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and CoNS. Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant causes of BSIs. Salmonella Typhi was isolated in 71 % cases of bloodstream infection followed by Salmonella Paratyphi A in 16 %, Escherichia coli in 5.3 % and Klebsiella pneumonia in 0.5 %. The gram-positive organism responsible for causing BSI was coagulase-negative staphylococcus in 7 % cases. There was no significant association between bacteremia and gender of the patients. During ASTs, Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to Chloramphenicol with only 0.5 % resistivity. Salmonella Typhi (85.6 % of isolates) showed resistance to Nalidixic acid. Gram-positive bacteria showed 100 % sensitivity towards Chloramphenicol and Gentamicin and were least sensitive to Amoxicillin.
Conclusion: Salmonella spp., was major cause of BSIs. Increase in antibiotic resistivity for BSI causing pathogens has necessitated continuous monitoring of the susceptibility of organisms towards antibiotics.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 71-75
Retrospective study of outcome in patients with scorpion sting using prazosin with/without dobutamine
Authors: L Venugopal  , H Anilkumar  , Dilip M Ram Pure  , L Suresh Kumar  , G Rajashekharappa
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Scorpion sting is a major public health problem in India with severe life threatening complications. Toxin can cause autonomic overstimulation leading to hypertension, arrhythmias and pulmonary edema with left ventricular dysfunction. Prazosin has been the ideal antidote for patients with mild to moderate envenomation. In patients with severe envenomation, dobutamine is found to be very useful to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was done on patients admitted from March 2011 to November 2013 with a history of scorpion bite and adults aged between 20-60 yrs were included. All the patients were subjected to grading of envenomation as mild, moderate and severe degree. Prazosin was given to all 80 patients and dobutamine was given to those who did not show response to prazosin.
Results: Majority of patients were in the age group of 31-40 years followed by 21-30 years. Mean age was 31.23±7.23 years. Fifty four patients (67.5%) were male and twenty six (32.5%) were female. 28 patients had mild envenomation, 36 had moderate envenomation and 16 had severe envenomation. 83.33% of patients responded to dobutamine infusion in prazosin resistant cases in our study.
Conclusion: Early use of dobutamine should be considered in patients with severe envenomation with left ventricular dysfunction to prevent morbidity and mortality. 2D echo has to be considered to assess left ventricular dysfunction and need for early use of dobutamine.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 61-63
Severe iron deficiency anaemia following bariatric surgery
Authors: Robin George Manappallil
Published: January 2025

The human body stores energy in the fat cells as triglycerides, which when needed gets released as free fatty acids. This physiologic system enables humans to withstand starvation for several months. But this system may get interrupted by genetic factors and sedentary lifestyle, leading to increase adipose energy stores and morbidity or mortality. Obesity is a chronic condition, which may be difficult to treat with therapeutic lifestyle modifications alone, that is diet and exercise. In such cases, bariatric surgery (BS) is an option to lose weight, in order to prevent serious health issues. However, nutritional deficiencies following this surgery have been of great concern. This case report is regarding a young lady who developed severe iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) within 6 months of BS despite taking nutritional supplements.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 110-112
Pancytopenia following rituximab therapy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: Could filgrastim be a temporary solution?
Authors: Robin George Manappallil
Published: January 2025

Rheumatoid  arthritis  is  a  chronic  inflammatory  disease  affecting  the  peripheral  joints  and  can  also  have  extraarticular  manifestations.  The  introduction  of  biological agents  have  opened  new  windows  to  the  treatment  of  rheumatoid  arthritis.  Rituximab  is  a  monoclonal  antibody  directed  against  CD20  cells,  thereby  reducing  the  inflammation.  There  have  been  reports  of  neutropenia,  but  pancytopenia  is  an  uncommon  incident.  Filgrastim, a  human  granulocyte  colony  stimulating  factor,  can  stimulate  neutrophil  production.  The  patient  being  described  is  a  case  of  rheumatoid  arthritis,  who  developed  severe  pancytopenia  following  rituximab  therapy.  She  was  given  filgrastim  injections,  which  temporarily  normalized  her  leucopenia  and  neutropenia.  This  report  emphasizes  the  possibility  of  developing  pancytopenia  following  rituximab  injection  and  the  need  of  regular  follow  up  of  complete  blood  counts.  In  such  cases,  filgrastim  may  be  a  temporary  solution. Also  special  consideration  should  be  given  to  the  increased  risk  of  infections  after  taking  rituximab.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 138-141
A case of wet purpura due to etoricoxib induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Robin George Manappallil  , Vinod Krishnan
Published: January 2025

Etoricoxib  is  a  selective  cyclo-oxygenase  2  inhibitor,  commonly  used  in  treatment  of  rheumatoid  arthritis,  gout  and  back  pain.  Pretibial  edema  and  erythema,  gastric  irritation  and  risks  of  cardiovascular  and  cerebrovascular  thrombotic  events  are  some  of  the  reported  adverse  effects  due  to  etoricoxib.  This  case  report  is  regarding  a  patient  who  presented  with  wet  purpura  following  etoricoxib  intake.  Drug  induced  thrombocytopenia  is  an  unreported  side  effect  of  etoricoxib.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 135-137
Neuromyelitis optica in a 9 year old girl: A case report
Authors: Soutrik Seth  , Tanmoy Biswas  , Rajib Das  , Atanu Roy
Published: January 2025

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an acquired demyelinating disorder affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord either simultaneously or sequentially. Prognosis is guarded particularly for the optic neuritis.We report here a case of first attack of NMO occurring in a 9 year old girl child coming from a rural area of Burdwan.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 132-134
Ethno medicinal knowledge of plants used by irula tribes, nellithurai beat, the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: SM Dhivya  , K Kalaichelvi
Published: January 2025

Background: The study of local knowledge about natural resources is becoming increasingly important in defining strategies and actions for conservation. In recent years, work in ethnobotanical knowledge worldwide has increased especially in some parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. India, a country with a rich culture and traditional knowledge, has contributed a major share of the world’s ethnobotanical work.
Aims and Objectives: The main objectives behind this study was to record the plants used for medicinal purposes in Nellithurai Beat through regular field visits because there is no previous reports on the documentation of medicinal plants from Nellithurai Beat, Karmadai Range, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.
Materials and Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted from January - 2016 to March – 2016. The information on ethnomedicinal uses of plants was obtained through direct field interviews and designed questionnaire. Their vernacular name, family, mode of preparation and medicinal uses were recorded by interviewing the locals of different age groups.
Results: During the present study plant species belonging to 36 families were documented. Of the 40 plant species documented 14 were Shrubs,12 Trees, 10 Herbs, 3 Climbers and 1 Epiphyte. Leaves and whole plants are the most widely (50% and 23%) used plant part of the reported medicinal plants and decoction are the most widely (48%) used mode of preparation.
Conclusion: The study revealed that tribal community have a great faith in the traditional healing system and they rely on medicinal plants for treatment of various diseases. Due to continuous loss of vegetation, it is necessary that suitability requirements are needed in order to protect the traditional knowledge in a particular area with reference to medicinal plant utilization and the study will be useful for future ethno-pharmacological research for the discovery of new drugs.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 124-128
Should MRI replace mammography as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women aged 18 – 45 years at high risk of developing breast cancer? A systematic review
Authors: GM Akpaniwo  , S Boynes  , M Danfulani  , NI Chigozie  , A Umar
Published: January 2025

Background: Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although it is more prevalent among women. Mammography is generally the diagnostic imaging modality of choice, but it is limited in the detection of breast cancer in young women, aged 18-45 years due to the dense nature of their breast tissue.
Aims and Objectives: This review explores whether MRI should replace mammography as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women, aged 18-45 years at high risk of developing breast cancer. 
Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. A search of Medline, Pubmed central, Cinahl and Google scholar for English language literature from 2004 to 2015 was undertaken. Also a review of reference lists, author searching and review of NICE evidence base for exiting guidelines was done. Included studies were assessed for bias using STARD quality assessment tool and data were extracted systematically using a purposefully designed data extraction form. 
Result: From the seven included studies, 179 participants of the total population had breast cancer and a total of 199 breast cancer was detected by both modality used. MRI detected a total 148 breast cancers compared to 78 detected by mammography, and 10 interval cancer was reported. Sensitivity estimate from the included studies ranged from 25% to 100% while specificity ranged from 79% to 99%. MRI detected more breast cancer but had a moderate specificity compared to mammography as reported in the literature. 
Conclusion: In the absence of contraindication and accessibility, MRI should be used as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women aged 18 – 45 years, at high risk of developing breast cancer. 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 1-9
A case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Klebsiella following local application of steroids
Authors: Suhaib Rehaman Abdul  , Robin George Manappallil
Published: January 2025

Klebsiella organisms are known to cause a wide range of clinical syndromes in human beings which include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, abdominal infection, surgical site infection, soft tissue infection and infection of intravascular devices. The incidence is higher among immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic debilitating diseases like diabetes, alcoholism etc. This case report is regarding an elderly diabetic male who developed necrotizing fasciitis of leg following local application of steroids. The causative organism was Klebsiella, which is an unusual pathogen.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 97-99
Comparison of performance in physiology subject assessed by short essay type questions and multiple choice questions of first year medical students
Authors: Pradeep Kumar  , JP Ghildiyal  , Ravindra Singh Rajpoot  , Sanjeev Kumar
Published: January 2025

Background: Assessment and evaluation in the curriculum of medical education plays an important role to enhance the learning ability of medical students and should provide the level of actual performance as well as the capacity to improve overall performance.
Aims and Objectives: In the present study, the performance of medical students in Physiology was assessed by conventional type short essay questions (SEQ) and multiple choice questions (MCQ).
Materials and Methods: This prospective (observational) study was conducted in the subject of Physiology, A total of 380 samples were taken from students enrolled for the 1st year medical curriculum in year 2013 to 2015. The subjects were divided in two groups: subjects of this group-I was assessed with two theory papers consist of short essay question (SEQ), practical exam without OSPE. The subjects of group-II were assessed their theory part only by MCQs and maximum part of practical exam by objective structured practical examination (OSPE).
Results: The theory performance was significantly higher (p<0.05) in group-II students assessed by totally MCQ based two system tests and one terminal exams as compared to conventional type (SEQ). While the marks obtained in practical was assesses by six lab leaving tests, one terminal practical exam (OSPE) was also significantly high (p<0.005) as compared to group-I. Our data showed that the performance of two problem solving tests (one long clinical case) and grant viva (oral) was significantly less in group-II(table-I).
Conclusion: The objectivity of questions prefers over short essay questions  by students as they scores well in theory as well as in practical exams , while they poorly performed in clinical exam (the assessment of higher cognitive functions). The objectivity may eliminate the subjective difference in conventional type of evaluation.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 82-84
Omental infarction: An uncommon aetiology for acute abdomen
Authors: Robin George Manappallil  , Chinganthara Cleetus Suresh  , Adarsh Chand  , Jishnu Jayaraj
Published: January 2025

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 104-104
Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Parathyroid adenoma presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Tarun J George  , Pughazhendhi Thangavelu  , S Zahir Hussain  , MP Kumaran  , Kini Ratnakar  , Alwin James
Published: January 2025

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to parathyroid adenoma presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis is a rare entity. A 17-year-old male presented with recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and was found to have elevated serum calcium and Parathyroid hormone levels, 11.9mg/dL (8.5-10.2 mg/dL) and 396 pg/ml (10-65pg/ml) respectively. USG neck showed a 1.1 x 0.9 cm hypoechoic nodule in the superior aspect of left thyroid lobe. Parathyroid scintigraphy findings were consistent with parathyroid adenoma. After recovery of pancreatitis, surgical excision of the adenoma was done and the histopathological findings confirmed parathyroid adenoma. There were no further recurrence of pancreatitis following the excision.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(1) 2017 98-100
Incidence and impact on prognosis of heart failure in Middle Eastern patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Ayman J Hammoudeh  , Dalal Al-Natour  , Yousef Khader  , Imad A Alhaddad  , Ramzi Tabbalat  , Eyas Al-Mousa  , Akram Saleh
Published: January 2025

Background:  Heart failure (HF) is a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that adversely impacts survival and quality of life.  
Aims and Objectives: We sought to study the incidence of HF in Middle Eastern patients undergoing PCI and its impact on prognosis.
Materials and Methods: The first Jordanian PCI Registry was a prospective multicenter study of PCI patients who were followed for one year. Patients who developed heart failure during hospitalization had their clinical and coronary angiographic profiles and adverse outcomes compared with those in patients who did not develop HF. 
Results: Of 2425 patients who had PCI, 194 (8.0%) developed HF during the hospital stay. Compared with patients who did not develop HF, those who developed HF were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, prior history of myocardial infarction (MI), elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers, ST-segment elevation MI and multivessel or left anterior descending coronary artery disease (all p values<0.05). Cardiac mortality was significantly higher among patients who developed HF compared with those who did not (5.2% vs. 0.4%; p<0.0001) and at one year (11.2% vs. 1.2%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that HF during hospital stay was an independent predictor of one-year cardiac mortality (Odds ratio 6.1, 95% CI 3.3-11.1, p<0.001) . At one year, readmission rates for HF and ACS were higher among HF patients. 
Conclusions: Certain clinical and angiographic features were associated with higher incidence of HF among Middle Eastern patients who undergo PCI. HF was associated with higher risk of death and other adverse cardiac events during hospital stay and one year of follow up.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 20-28
Eating disorder/and or eating behavior researches from West Bengal, India: Suppressing the facts??
Authors: Arup Ratan Bandyopadhyay
Published: January 2025

The present attempt is to review the research articles concerning to eating disorder/ and or eating behavior on anthropological approach from West Bengal, India. The review, concentrated on the five published research work (between 2014 and 2016) including a review article (funded by University of Calcutta) mostly funded from Biological Anthropology unit of the Statistical Institute, Kolkata India.  Most of the studies, concerned with socio demographic concomitants particularly, without addressing the major issues related to the well known insight of genetics of eating disorder /and or eating behavior.  Moreover, the review article (2016) on Eating Behaviours and Body Weight Concerns among Adolescent Girls attempted to find out the probable factors which are devoid of any genetic study on eating behaviours and body weight concerns among the adolescent. Most of the research article miserably failed either to justify the research article title or ended up with much known facts. Under this circumstances, the present review is the dual endeavor firstly, earnest plead to the researcher to avoid the over simplification concerning research on eating disorder /and or eating behavior and on the other hand, to sketch a probable direction of the research for the scholars, who might have inclination to undertake such an important research issue in this century.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 14-19
Major histocompatibility complex and its importance towards controlling infection
Authors: Langamba Angom Longjam  , Dipmala Das
Published: January 2025

It is well documented that infectious pathogen burden and infected cell mass determine the clinical severity of infectious diseases, however, the ability of the host to recognize and process antigens to produce antibodies or the cellular immune response during infection could be under genetic control. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) or Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system is the most intensively studied of all genetic systems because of its influence to many important traits, including resistance to infectious diseases, autoimmunity and immunological self or nonself compatibility. This is understandable in the light of the evolutionary pressure so that we are equipped to face the multitude of infectious challenges. Infectious diseases are a major selective pressure;and genes involved in the immune response are the most numerous and diverse in the human genome; reflecting the evolutionary advantages of a diverse immunological response to a wide range of infectious pathogens.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 1-13
Nonketotic hyperglycemia: The culprit behind refractory seizures in a case of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Robin George Manappallil  , Ramesh Naga Supreeth
Published: January 2025

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 101-102
Hepatic amyloidosis - primary AL type, sub nephrotic proteinuria and budd chairi syndrome – A nugget
Authors: Arun Kumar Narayanan  , Satish Balan  , Sandeep Patil  , Praveen Murlidharan  , Ajith Krishnan Nair  , Shabeerali Thudikkodan Usman  , Manoj Krishnan Sarojam  , Venogopal Bhaskaran Pillai  , Ramdas Pisharody
Published: January 2025

We describe a case of 62-year-old gentleman presenting with abdominal pain associated with loss of weight, nocturia, oedema of feet, constipation, altered sleep rhythm and dyspepsia. On evaluation he had hepatomegaly with raised alkaline phosphatase and raised GGT levels with normal transaminases and bilirubin. On imaging he had diffuse enlargement of liver with heterogeneous contrast uptake in liver. His viral marker and autoimmune markers were negative. Liver biopsy depicted deposition of amorphous eosinophilic substance within the sinusoids which revealed apple green birefringence on polarizing microscopy after Congo red staining; Congophilia persisted even after treating with KMnO4. Abdominal fat pad was negative for amyloid deposit. Cardiac evaluation was unremarkable and renal evaluation showed Subnephrotic proteinuria and microhematuria. Serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis showed positive kappa, lambda and gamma globulin. Immunoperoxidase staining for serum amyloid associated protein for secondary amyloidosis was negative from liver biopsy. Here we report a case of primary hepatic amyloidosis that presented with features of hepatic vein obstruction. The association of Budd-Chiari's syndrome, with amyloidosis may be related to the increased risk of thrombosis observed in the latter disease also due to loss of anticoagulants due to significant proteinuria. Patient could not be treated either with chemotherapy or with surgery. We lost him for progressive liver failure.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 97-100
Unilateral accessory muscles of forearm-and its clinical implications
Authors: Kosuri Kalyan Chakravarthi
Published: January 2025

An accessory or aberrant musculature may stimulate a ganglion or a soft tissue tumour or if in close proximity to a nerve, it may cause pressure neuritis. Identification of these variations is important in defining the anatomical features for clinical diagnosis and surgical procedures. During routine cadaveric dissection of the forearm in the department of anatomy, we observed an accessory muscle in the flexor compartment and additional extensor carpi radialis longus muscle in the extensor compartment of the forearm in left upper limb of a middle aged female cadaver. The accessory muscle belly has taken its tendinous origin from the medial surface of the ulna deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis and crossed the median nerve from medial to lateral, when traced below in the carpal tunnel it merged with the tendon of the index finger of flexor digitorum superficialis. An additional extensor carpi radialis longus muscle with unusual course of radial nerve in the extensor compartment of the forearm was found on the medial side of brachioradialis and superficial to extensor carpi radialis longus and its tendon ended by getting inserted into the base of the dorsal surface of the second metacarpal bone. Although many anatomical variations of flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscle were reported in the past, we describe a rare case, first of its kind, which to our knowledge has not been mentioned in the literature till date. Such variations are clinically significant in the anatomical, surgical and radiological procedures. 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 94-96
Appraisal of an innovative word game to release stress by positional shift
Authors: Asit Ranjan Ghosh
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
Askin tumour following traumatic rib injury in a young adult
Authors: Mele Chelakkoth Sabir  , Robin George Manappallil  , Neena Mampilly  , Ramna Abdurahman
Published: January 2025

Askin tumour is a form of primitive neuroectodermal tumour arising from the thoracopulmonary region. The patient being reported is a young adult who initially presented in dyspnoea and was found to have hemothorax following chest wall injury. About one year later, he again presented in dyspnoea. But this time he was found to have a mass arising from the previous traumatic site, which was diagnosed as Askin tumour. Such a scenario of Askin tumour arising from a traumatic site is uncommon. Moreover, Askin tumour itself is a rare presentation in adults.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 84-86
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of eastern region of Nepal – A retrospective, laboratory based study
Authors: Baral Ratna , Pramod Jha  , Ritu Amatya  , Basudha Khanal
Published: January 2025

Background: Intestinal parasitosis still constitutes one of the major causes of public healthproblems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Nepal is a small, impoverished country prevalent to infectious diseases, including intestinal parasitosis. Poverty, lack of awareness, failure to practice proper hand washing after defecation, practice of open defecation, unsafe drinking water and use of improper toilets are some of the reasons causing of parasitic infections.
Aims and Objective: To determine the types of intestinal parasites in stool samples of patients attending to hospital. Materials and Methods: Stools specimens collected in standard stool vial were submitted in microbiology (2006-2010) unit at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital (BPKIHS) were examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and lugol’s iodine (0.5%).
Results: A total of 11,791 stool samples (2928 in 2006, 2238 in 2007, 2151 in 2008, 2344 in 2009 and 2130 in 2010) were submitted to the Parasitology section of Department of Microbiology BPKIHS were included in the analysis. Of these, 675 (5.72%) were positive intestinal protozoa and 289 (2.45%) for intestinal helminths. Giardia intestinalis accounted for the most prevalent parasitic infection (3.34%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.96%) and Hookworm (0.97%). A parasitic infection was observed to be highest among 20-50 years of age group and lowest in the less than 5 years group of subjects.
Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis is a common problem. Amoebiasis, giardiasis and the common intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura were prevalent in our settings.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 55-59
Synoviology: a new chapter entitled to joints care
Authors: Beniamino Palmieri  , Thierry Conrozier  , Maria Vadalà  , Carmen Laurino
Published: January 2025

In order to extensively investigate on the synovial membrane – related diseases, we outlined a specific medical branch named “Synoviology”, targeted to the physiopathology and therapy of synovial membrane dysfunction. We searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms “synovial disease”, “therapy”, “synovial membrane”, “joints” and “drugs”, alone and combined. Selected papers from 1960 to 2015 were chosen based on their content (evidence-based quality and reliability). Clinical and experimental articles were included. Viscosupplementation with structurally different hyaluronic acid compounds, for restoration of the synovial membrane, and cartilage. The impact of other old and new medical treatments either locally or systemically administered was also included. Synoviology integrates biological, clinical and biochemical info for the progress of new therapeutic options in osteo-articular pathology.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 1-10
Staphylococcus schleiferi coinfection in dengue fever
Authors: Robin George Manappallil
Published: January 2025

This is a Letter to Editor
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 62-63
The survival story of a diabetic ketoacidosis patient with blood sugar levels of 1985 mg/dL
Authors: Manoj Gopalakrishnan  , Robin George Manappallil  , Dipu Ramdas  , Jishnu Jayaraj
Published: January 2025

No abstarct
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 60-61
Association of hypokalemic periodic paralysis with cystic Kidney disease- A case report
Authors: Ricken Mehta  , David Mathew Thomas  , Vedavathi Ramakrishna  , Sanjay Senaba Chikkananjaiah  , Chandrashekhar Hosadurga Rudraswamy
Published: January 2025

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) is a rare heterogenous neuromuscular disorder presenting with acute weakness. Though most cases are known to be familial or primary there are other underlying secondary causes which require evaluation and if not corrected could lead to recurrent episodes.Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is one such association which has been described. Type 1/Distal RTA is known to cause renal potassium wasting thereby leading to hypokalemia. Patients with Distal RT A are unable to acidify their urine. The causes of Distal RTA can be hereditary, congenital, acquired or idiopathic. Severe hypokalemia with RTA has been described along with Medullary sponge Kidney and other cystic lesions in the kidney. There have been previous reports of hypokalemic paralysis occurring secondary to RT A precipitated by cystic kidney disease. We hereby report one such of hypokalemic periodic paralysis secondary to distal RTA which was associated with cystic kidney disease.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 57-59
Impact of formative assessment on the outcome of summative assessment – a feedback based cross sectional study conducted among basic science medical students enrolled in MD program
Authors: Sanjib Das  , Kusai M Alsalhanie  , Samal Nauhria  , Vivek R Joshi  , Safeer Khan  , Vishal Surender
Published: January 2025

Background: Assessment is an integral part of all forms of learning. Formative assessment in different forms have evolved as a mean to find the learning gaps (what students already know in compare to what they need to know). As a result it becomes possible to give appropriate feedback to the students to close this gap. Summative assessment on the other hand is purposefully designed to make judgments about students’ performance and produce grades.
Aims and Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to explore students’ view with regards to the impact of formative assessment on the outcome of summative assessment in basic science MD program.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 142 students of an International medical school. A questionnaire was designed, pretested, and finally used to record different opinions of the students and data was collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
Results: Majority of the respondents (78%) favored that the feedback collected from formative assessment remains important for them as it helps to fill their learning gaps. Respondents by large (76.8%) also agreed that formative assessment helps the faculty to identify student’s weak point. A huge percentage (80.8%) of respondents was in agreement that formative assessment inspires them for deep learning and regular study. However, a fair number of respondents (36.4%) thought that frequently scheduled formative assessment impede their independent learning thus negatively impact their performance in summative exam.
Conclusion: Formative assessment if scheduled properly can have a positive impact on the summative assessment.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 38-43
Thyroid dysfunctions and renal status: implications in hyponatremia
Authors: Sibasish Sahoo  , Suprava Patel  , Anirban Ganguly  , Rachita Nanda  , Eli Mohapatra
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder which has been linked to the development of hyponatremia. However, the data supporting the development of hyponatremia is inadequate and confusing.
Aims and Objectives: Therefore this study was conducted to investigate an association between hypothyroidism and hyponatremia and to correlate it with other related parameters like renal function status.
Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of laboratory records of one hundred fifty individuals with TSH level above the normal served as cases and one hundred fifty one individuals with normal TSH served as controls.
Results: Hyponatremia(<135mEq/L) was observed in only twenty-one percent of cases of hypothyroidism. Although patients of hypothyroidism had a significantly lower sodium levels than controls, this was not evident with severity of disease. A high creatinine level evident in the overt cases did not affect the sodium level, although the chloride level was reduced.
Conclusion: The present study showed that hyponatremia is not a commonly associated with hypothyroidism and screening for hyponatremia is not essential  in such patients.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4) 2017 6-10