bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of laparoscopic and conventional (Lichtenstein tension free) inguinal hernia repair in a tertiary care institute
Authors: Dhawan Nitish , Goyal Kirti Savyasacchi , Sodhi Tejinder Pal Singh , Chaudhary Manu
Published: September 2019

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is the most frequently performed operation in general surgery. The standard method for inguinal hernia repair had changed little over a hundred years.Methods: Present study was conducted on 60 patients having inguinal hernia and were operated by two different methods i.e. Lichtenstein tension free inguinal hernia repair (Group A) and laparoscopic hernia repair (Group B). Aim of the study conducted was to compare the various observations and complications in post-operative period.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the age group, side and type of hernia in the two groups. Laparoscopic repair was a longer procedure than Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair and it was statistically significant (p<0.05). Postoperatively urinary retention was the most common complication in Group A. Other complications were genital oedema (13.33%), haematoma (13.33%), seroma (13.33%) and wound infection (6.67%) which led to increased post-operative hospital stay. In Group B, pneumoscrotum was the most common complication. Other complications included subcutaneous emphysema (6.67%) and seroma (6.67%).Conclusions: Lichtenstein tension free inguinal hernia repair is safe, efficient and cheaper procedure with no extra equipment being required while Laparoscopic repair takes more time, laparoscopic equipment and training in minimal access surgery.
Trends in symptomatology of thyroid malignancy in southern India and the efficacy of targeted fine needle aspiration cytology with ultrasonography guidance in diagnosis
Authors: Kailas C. Kiran , Solomon T. Nazareth , Thetraravu Oli Punitha , Jose Sandeep
Published: September 2019

Background: Thyroid cancers are on the rise all over the world. Studies have shown a tripling incidence of thyroid cancer in the United States in the past 35 years. Similar studies from Korea have also shown similar trends of 15 times increase in incidence. This study aims at assessing the recent trends in clinical presentation of thyroid malignancy and the efficacy of ultrasound targeted fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted involving 275 patients with thyroid disorders treated in the department of General Surgery at Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College, Trivandrum, India. Chi-square test was done for statistical test of significance and odds ratio for strength of association.Results: In this study group, 89% of the patients presented with swelling in front of the neck as chief complaint both in benign and malignancy. Swelling in front of the neck is the predominant symptom in thyroid malignancy. 52% of patients presented with the described symptoms of more than 6 months duration. The specificity of USG guided FNAC is 90% in diagnosing malignancy in goitre in this study group.Conclusions: The commonest symptom of thyroid malignancy was a painless swelling in the front of the neck. Most common thyroid pathology presenting as thyroid swelling was multinodular goitre. Nearly half of the patients presenting with symptoms more than 6 months had thyroid malignancy. FNAC under ultrasound guidance is an inexpensive accurate and practical investigation for evaluation of thyroid carcinomas.
Pressure off-loading Mandakini dressing versus conventional wet gauze dressing in the treatment of neuropathic plantar ulcers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sanjeev Sreenivasan , Nelson Thirugnanasambandam , Sureshkumar Sathasivam , Jagdish Sadasivan , Palanivel Chinnakali
Published: September 2019

Background: Plantar ulcers are one of the significant causes of morbidity in diabetic and non- diabetic neuropathic foot and remain a major initiating event for amputation. This randomized controlled trial was carried out to establish the benefits of the 'Mandakini' dressing in comparison with conventional wet gauze dressings, in patients with neuropathic plantar ulcers.Methods: The treatment group received ‘Mandakini’ dressing which was changed every week. Control group received conventional wet gauze dressings. Size of the ulcer, grade of the ulcer and wound surface area was assessed at the end of every week up to 6 weeks in both groups. The percentage of wound covered with granulation tissue, the percentage of wound covered with non-viable tissue and the time taken for healing of the ulcer were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 60 patients were randomized into treatment and control group with 30 patients in each. The ‘Mandakini’ dressing group had a significant reduction in the wound size at 6 weeks compared to the control group (1.29 vs. 2.31 cm2; p ≤0.0001). Time taken for healing of the ulcer was significantly less in ‘Mandakini’ dressing group (4.83 vs. 5.4 weeks; p=0.013).Conclusions: Mandakini dressing significantly reduces the wound size and time taken for the healing of plantar ulcer compared to conventional wet gauze dressing. Patient acceptability, patient satisfaction, quality of life and cost of the total treatment were better in Mandakini dressing group.
A rare case of an asymptomatic mesenteric hemangioma: an incidental finding
Authors: Luster Stephanie A. , Gandhi Mai D. , Reich Michael R.
Published: September 2019

A 60-year-old female patient presented with incidental finding of duodenal mesenteric hemangioma during the work up for a ventral hernia. Our patient presented at the age of 60-years-old with complaints of a ventral hernia. After initial imaging on CT showed an incidental finding of a mesenteric mass, an MRI confirmed the diagnosis, in this otherwise asymptomatic female. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with complete excision of the mesenteric mass. Final pathology shows findings of a mesenteric hemangioma. The finding of a mesenteric mass requires further investigation. While benign and rare, mesenteric hemangiomas should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in patients with radiographic evidence of a mesenteric mass, especially if the patient has symptoms of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The literature on mesenteric hemangiomas is reviewed. Hemangioma of the GI tract mesentery is a rare pathology but should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with an intraabdominal mass.
A rare case of shoulder swelling: epithelioid sarcoma- case report
Authors: Khandalkar Shivmurthy , Ghatnekar Aditya , Athavale Virendra S. , Tonape Trupti , Srilikhitha K. , Patil Kuldip A. , Ranka Miten , Kutty Shweta , Gogineni Jyotsna , Kumar B. Sree
Published: September 2019

Epitheloid sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma classified under tumor of uncertain histogenesis. Incidence being 0.4/million/year, it is divided into proximal variant-where in the proximal parts of the body are more involved and distal variant which is commoner and less aggressive of the two predominantly involving distal parts of upper limb followed by distal lower extremities and proximal upper limb. It has a male preponderance (1.8:1), although females have better prognosis comparatively, also it has a tendency of lymphatic spread with 13% metastasis. Recurrence of 77% is reported. Definitive diagnosis is made only on tissue biopsy. Most common variant is pseudo granulomatous type. This case report is based on a case which presented with a single right anterior shoulder swelling and was found to be of epitheloid sarcoma on biopsy. A 60 years old female patient came to OPD of D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, with complaints of swelling over her right shoulder since 1 month, initially small and gradually increasing in size of swelling. No history of pain and loss of appetite or weight. On examination, a 4 3 cms firm to hard swelling present over anterior part of right shoulder. It was observed to be non-tender, well defined and mobile. Patient has been investigated with x-ray, FNAC, and ultrasound of the swelling. FNAC was significant other giant cell lesion of soft tissue hence taken up for excision biopsy which showed epitheloid sarcoma on histopathology with faint focal positivity for pancytokeratin and EMA and negative for LCA, CK-3 and S-100.
Breast filariasis presenting as breast abscess: a rare entity from an endemic region
Authors: Gopal Vaibhav R. , Kumar Surender , Ahmad Faraz , Bhargav Mithlesh , Jaiswal Riddhi
Published: September 2019

A thirty two year female presented with painless progressive lump in right breast with intermittent high grade fever for 10 days. No other symptoms were present. She was non diabetic, non-hypertensive with insignificant family and menstrual history. On examination there was a tender freely mobile lump of approximately 5×4 cm occupying lower inner quadrant having firm consistency and a centre fluctuant area of 1 cm, the overlying skin was erythematous. A single non tender mobile lymph node was present in the right axilla. Contralateral breast was clinically normal. High resolution sonography revealed cystic lesion from 3-6 O’ clock position and axillary lymphadenopathy. The fine needle aspiration cytology showed microfilariae. Hence, a diagnosis of breast filariasis was made. Fluid aspirated from the cavity came out to be sterile. Patient improved symptomatically on di-ethyl-carbazine citrate (DEC) therapy (6 mg/kg for 2 weeks) and the lump too regressed in size.
Retroperitoneal abscess secondary to the perianal abscess: a surgical dilemma
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra , K. Mohan Kumar , S. Raghupathi , Mittal Amit
Published: September 2019

Perianal abscess accounts for approximately two third of anorectal infection. Perianal abscess spreading retroperitoneally and forming extensive abscess is very rarely encountered. We are presenting a 33 year old newly diagnosed diabetic patient who presented initially with fever, pain in right loin region and burning micturition since 1 week. Patient also took care of pain during defecation. On DRE, boggy swelling was noted in right lateral wall. USG abdomen and pelvis was normal. Patient diagnosed to have perianal abscess and incision and drainage was done. Subsequently patient developed severe right loin pain and continuous high grade fever. CT abdomen pelvis was done which was suggestive of purulent content retroperitoneally extending to right loin for which incision and drainage was done. Antibiotics as per culture report administered and patient improved.
Immunotherapy for head and neck cancers
Authors: Aremu Shuaib K. , Adewoye Kayode Rasaq , Ibrahim Tayo
Published: September 2019

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a frequent tumour which arises from various anatomical areas in the head and neck region. HNSCC has multiple resistance mechanisms through which it evades the immune responses. It is particularly characterized by an immunosuppressive environment which includes the release of immunosuppressive factors, expansion, and expansion of immune cells which have inhibitory activity reduction of tumour immunogenicity. Human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) HNSCC tumours have one of the higher levels of T cells infiltration. Studies which explore this relationship to the prognosis of patients vary, with some showing benefit only with high CD8/Treg ratio as seen with HPV+ diseaseand others showing improved prognosis with a higher number of TIL Treg. High CD8+ TIL seen in HPV + disease has been shown in several studies to confer improved disease-free survival. The most successful vaccination strategy is preventive vaccination for HPV. Investigations using different approaches have been carried out on therapeutic vaccines for HPV-associated HNSCC. Despite immune responses being seen in a number of studies, these vaccines are still not effective for clinical use as of yet.
Premarital sexual activities among adolescents in prostitution circumstance and influencing factors
Authors: Sulistiawan Dedik
Published: September 2019

Background: Lifestyle in globalization era gives negative impacts on adolescent's premarital sexual activities. The wide gap between the age of menarche and marriage encourages an increase in premarital sexual activities, especially in socially vulnerable areas. This research presented premarital sexual activities among adolescents in the prostitution area and the influencing factors.Methods: This study was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design, involving as many as 70 adolescents who lived in the Dolly prostitution area of Surabaya, the second biggest city in Indonesia. The dependent variable in this study was adolescent premarital sexual activities. The independent variables were age, sex, education level, knowledge towards reproductive health, attitude, social-economic status, the onset of puberty categories, closeness to parents, access to sexual media, and peer pressure. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regressions.Results: The results showed that sociosexual behavior (sexual activity with partners) was significantly influenced by knowledge (OR=59.05; 95% CI=1.12-3114.22; p= 0.04). Adolescents who had less knowledge of reproductive health were more likely to engage in sociosexual behavior.Conclusions: The right knowledge about reproductive health is essential for adolescents. The government must implement a more effective intervention in order to increase adolescent’s knowledge about the accurate reproductive health information in socially vulnerable areas.
Objective structured practical examination as a formative assessment tool compared to traditional method for third year M.B.B.S. community medicine students
Authors: Carolin Archana , Venkata Devi Prathyusha Tirupati
Published: September 2019

Background: Assessment of students in medical colleges was done by traditional practical examination for evaluation of practical or clinical skills, which is subjective in nature and suffer from lack of objectivity. So a uniform system of clinical and practical evaluation of medical students is always desirable. An objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is one such method believed to meet the deficiencies of the conventional system of practical/clinical examination. This study is an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of OSPE as a formative assessment tool compared to traditional methods for M.B.B.S. students.Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was carried out on 56 MBBS students in KAMSRC, Hyderabad, Telangana. Students of 3rd year M.B.B.S were subjected to traditional practical evaluation followed by OSPE. A eight station OSPE was conducted one week after the TPE. The scores obtained in both were compared. All the data collected was entered and analyzed with MS excel software 2007.Results: Average marks scored by the students in OSPE (17.78±2.69) were higher as compared to traditional practical examination (15.00±3.49) which was statistically significant. 74.4% of the students strongly agreed that OSPE is fairer in comparison to traditional practical examination. 90.5% students strongly agreed that variability of examiner and patient can be removed to a large extent by OSPE.Conclusions: Based on the observation, OSPE was found to be a more effective assessment tool than traditional method.
A study on self-reported food allergy in young adults from various colleges in Kerala, India
Authors: Dias Renata Ann , Mundodan Jenyz M. , M. V. Sruthi
Published: September 2019

Background: Food allergy is defined as a reproducible adverse immune reaction to food proteins. Food allergies can result in life threatening reactions and diminish quality of life. In the last several decades, prevalence of food allergy has increased in several regions throughout the world.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 321 young adults of the age 17 to 26 years from various colleges in Kerala. The participants were asked to fill out a pretested questionnaire. The data was collected and entered in MS Excel and analyzed.Results: Adverse reactions following food consumption was experienced by 82 respondents (25.5%). Out of these 82 respondents, 38 (46%) had their condition diagnosed by a doctor. 23 respondents had only one episode of such an attack. 41 respondents took medications for the attack. 14 respondents had been hospitalized at least once for such an attack. The most common symptoms following the consumption of food were as follows: vomiting, itching and eczema. The symptoms occur after the consumption of sea food/fish and eggs mostly. 27 respondents had a family history of food allergy.Conclusions: The symptoms of food allergy may vary from minor itching to even anaphylaxis. It is very important to know the causative allergen in the diet to prevent the occurrence of an episode of food allergy.
Assessment of tuberculosis spatial hotspot areas among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending JSS: a tertiary health care centre from Mysore district, South India
Authors: Manthravadi Krishna Karthik , Anantharaj Tejashree , Badveti Satya Sai
Published: September 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of public health concern, with a varying distribution across settings depending on socio-economic status, HIV burden, availability and performance of the health system. In 2017, TB caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths (range, 1.2–1.4 million) among HIV-negative people, and there were an additional 300 000 deaths from TB (range, 266 000–335 000) among HIV-positive people. The current TB program reports are often compiled and reported at higher administrative units and there is limited information about the spatial distribution of the disease. Hence, we aimed to assess the spatial distribution and hot spot areas of the disease among the patients attending a tertiary care centre in Mysore over a period of 3 years.Methods: This is a taluk based study, the spatial analysis and hot spot area identification was done by collecting the demographic data from the smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending JSS a tertiary care centre from Mysore district. Hot spot areas and areas with TB transmission are identified and estimated using GIS software tool. Distribution of TB incidence was mapped with the population density from 2016-2018.Results: Spatial mapping of smear positive tuberculosis revealed that majority of cases were recorded from Mysore city followed by T. N. Pura and Hunsur taluk regions.Conclusions: This study emphasized on finding hot spot areas and local clusters involved in TB transmission.
Knowledge, attitude and treatment seeking behaviour among postmenopausal women in an urban slum area of Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Authors: Kumari Amrita , Panda Meely , Das Sai Chandan
Published: September 2019

Background: In every women life this unique physiological phase that is menopause take place. In developing countries like in India most of women neglected their basic health care which poses the major public health challenges. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude towards menopause and its associated factors among postmenopausal women of urban slum; to explore the treatment seeking behaviour and the barriers for not seeking health care among these post-menopausal women.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted using multistage cluster sampling and house to house visit in randomly selected slums under the UHTC area of KIMS, Bhubaneswar. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used among 220 postmenopausal women.Results: The results of the study show that 60.9% of women have a heard about menopause before attaining menopause but 33.1% women attitude towards menopause is negative. Only 10% of study population were aware of HRT that it treats menopausal symptoms. We found that the awareness of cancer cervix was 19.1% but the screening was done only by 2.7% of study population.Conclusions: There is considerably lack of knowledge and awareness about the effects and the treatment of menopausal symptoms especially in rural and slum women in India. So, such studies help in creating awareness since disseminating health education for postmenopausal women is of prime importance.
Effectiveness of an educational session to sensitise the resident medical officers of a medical teaching institute in Mumbai towards cadaveric organ donation
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Bhate Kamaxi
Published: September 2019

Background: Resident medical officers play a critical role in facilitating conversion of potential deceased donors to actual donors. Since residency is the last opportunity for formal medical training, we contemplated deficiencies in knowledge might originate and a session of sensitization would disseminate updated information about organ donation. This study aims to assess the change in the knowledge and attitude of resident doctors towards organ donation after a programme of sensitization.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in March 2018 among newly inducted resident medical officers of KEM Hospital, Mumbai, after obtaining the institutional ethical approval and written informed consent. Using complete enumeration, 75 newly inducted resident doctors were approached out of which 49 consented to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and perception before and after a programme of sensitization using a pre-test post-test study design.Results: Few numbers (18.36%) of resident doctors were aware of the various terminologies related to organ donation. There are lacunae in knowledge about difference between brainstem death, cardiac death and the organs that can be donated in each case. Moreover, participants who were initially unwilling to pledge for organ donation, were ready to pledge their organs post the sensitisation session (Z=-3.162, p=0.002).Conclusions: Participants knowledge improved over the programme of sensitization.
A study on hospital bed utilisation based on disease wise ICD-10 coding in surgery ward of a rural tertiary care hospital of Darjeeling district of West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Sumanta , Banerjee Sunamika
Published: September 2019

Background: Hospital costs are the largest component of health expenditure and they have therefore been a key focus in the drive for increased efficiency in the health sector.1With the simultaneous menace of ever increasing price rise and population explosion there is dearth of the existing meagre resources and thereby it becomes necessary to allocate and utilise the available resources to the fullest with provisions for minimum wastage. The objective of this study is to find out the pattern of diseases with their ICD-10 codes and the hospital performance indicators in patients admitted at the surgery ward of North Bengal Medical College during the study period.Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study with cross-sectional design was done by complete enumeration of all patients admitted in surgery ward of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Darjeeling district of West Bengal from July 2016 to September 2016.Results: A total of 2227 patients were admitted during the study period with intra-cerebral haemorrhage (I61) being the most common cause of admission followed by abdominal injury (S36) and burn (T29). The bed occupancy rate was 144.21%, bed turn-over rate 14.26 and average length 9.1. Scatter plot indicates hospital utilisation at Region IV as per Pabon Lasso Model of Hospital Utilisation.Conclusions: A high bed occupancy rate and low bed turn-over rate indicates scarcity of hospital beds, preponderance of severe and chronic cases and unnecessary stay in hospital.
Assessment of knowledge on non-communicable diseases and their screening tests among elderly population in an urban area of Bengaluru
Authors: Ramegowda Chethana , Kathali Soubhagya , Rajanna Pushpa
Published: September 2019

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality in most low and middle income countries (LMIC) around the world. Recent estimates shown that about 80% of NCDs deaths occur in LMIC and nearly three fourth of global NCDs related deaths take place after the age of 60. The knowledge of NCDs and their related screening tests among elderly is essential for early detection which reduces further development of the disease and its complications, thereby reducing the burden of health care cost. Hence, the present study was undertaken.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 245 study subject after obtaining informed consent. Using pre-tested structured questionnaire, information was collected regarding knowledge on NCDs and their screening tests. Results were entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: 81.6% of study subjects were aware of common NCDs. Off which only 02% were aware of 6 NCDs (out of 12 NCDs considered in this study). Regarding individual diseases, about 61.6% subjects were aware of Hypertension and 52.7% about DM. About knowledge of screening test, 69% were aware about any screening test and 58.8% were aware of screening test for hypertension and 41.6% for diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: The overall knowledge regarding NCDs and their screening tests is poor among elderly population.
Will outlining neonatal near miss events make a change? A hospital based case control study
Authors: Ninama Nittal H. , Shroff Bhavesh D.
Published: September 2019

Background: In paediatrics and neonatology, the term ‘‘near miss’’ is mostly used in the situation of adverse events during patient care. Another common use of the term is in the perspective of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). No accepted definition of NNM in this setting currently exists. The definition of Neonatal near miss (NNM) used differently, can aid in assessing and improving obstetric and paediatrics practice in different settings. By identifying those neonates that escaped being apprehended as a death statistic, deficiencies in the services rendered to pregnant women may be addressed and this may lead to further improvement in care.1Methods: The unmatched case control study was conceded in Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rukamani Chainani Hospital Vadodara. Newborns admitted in NICU, having any one of criteria like birth weight less than 1500, gestational age less than 30 weeks and Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes, were defined as Near miss in this study.Results: Neonatal mortality rate was 22 per 1000 live births during study period, whereas neonatal near-miss rate was 87.6 per 1000 live births. In study groups average duration of stay in NICU was 10 days for neonates.Conclusions: There must be a scoring system or calculation of infant mortality index events into the system to identify near miss events which help for the restructuring and improvement of care for pregnant women and newborns.
Influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on the attitude of slum dwellers about use of tobacco: a cross-sectional study from Mandya city
Authors: Rudresh Harish B. , Gowda Sudhir
Published: September 2019

Background: As per the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) rules, the anti-tobacco health spots and disclaimers are being provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India. These advertisements are aimed at creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco use. Mass media anti-tobacco advertising campaigns play an important role as part of a comprehensive tobacco control program and are associated with increase in smoking cessation and declines in adult tobacco use prevalence.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the influence of anti-tobacco advertisements among slum dwellers of Mandya city. A self-structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to interview 700 slum dwellers. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, tobacco usage status, questions related to awareness about anti-tobacco advertisements, and influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on attitude toward tobacco use. Frequency distributions and percentages were examined for each item and Chi-square test was used.Results: Out of 700 participants 54.5% were males and 45.5% were females. Nearly 87.7% of males and 70.2% of females had noticed the statutory warning which is shown during tobacco products’ usage on television/movies. Almost 66.4% of males and 68.0% of females had a positive change in attitude toward tobacco use due to influence of anti-tobacco advertisements.Conclusions: There is awareness against use of tobacco and this awareness should be used to motivate them to quit tobacco as well as to stop them from initiating tobacco use.
Prevalence and pattern of substance abuse among male adolescents in urban and rural areas of Dehradun
Authors: Baruah Chetanjit , Gupta Kajal , Gupta Sudhir Kumar , Mishra Pankaj Kumar
Published: September 2019

Background: Substance abuse is a serious problem because it is engulfing the younger generation with serious health, social and economic concern. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of substance abuse among male adolescents and study the habit pattern of substance abusers.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 776 male adolescents residing in urban and rural field practice areas under the department of Community Medicine, through randomly selected house to house visit. Data regarding the current use of alcohol and tobacco was collected in a predesigned and pretested proforma by oral questionnaire method.Results: The prevalence of substance abuse among male adolescents was found to be 22.8% and majority of them used some form of smokeless tobacco, followed by smoking tobacco. Consumption of alcohol or tobacco by adolescents is significantly associated with alcohol or tobacco consumption by their family members.Conclusions: Prevalence of substance abuse was high among the male adolescents and they should be motivated through IEC to give up the habit.
Mosquito density in rural Kerala: a study on the trend of Aedes larval indices over monsoon in a rural area of Thrissur district, India
Authors: Vaz Clint , Harikumar Anjali , Mundodan Jenyz M , Rafi Mohamed , Saju C. R.
Published: September 2019

Background: Dengue is one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world. Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector of dengue and Chikungunya. Entomological surveillance on Aedes mosquito has been standardized on different indices like House index, Container index, Breteau index. Larval indices are important predictors of outbreaks and are valuable in taking preventive measures. The objectives of the present study was to study the trend of larval indices over four months in selected wards of Kaiparambu Panchayat, Thrissur, Kerala, India and to identify the major breeding sources.Methods: A series of surveys were conducted from May to August of 2017 in Kaiparambu Panchayat under the field practice area of Amala Institute of Medical Sciences Thrissur. Houses were selected serially from 4, 5 and 6 wards with roughly 120 houses being covered each month.Results: A total of 489 houses were surveyed over 4 months. Overall, positive containers (with larvae) were present in 375 of 4055 potential containers showing a calculated House index (HI) is 44.4%, Container index (CI) is 11.5% and the Breteau Index is 76.7%. All three indices increased from May to June, peaked in July and dropped by August. Plastic containers were the most common source of breeding.Conclusions: The indices indicate risk even in the pre-monsoon season and there is a marked rise during monsoon. Hence, control measures need to be adopted during the pre-monsoon season so as to reduce the impact of the impending outbreak.
A study of menstrual hygiene among rural adolescent school girls in rural field practice area of a medical college, Davangere- a cross sectional study
Authors: Basavaraju Vidya , Bukanakere Chetan Lakshmikantha , Dsouza Madonna J. , Mallenahalli Ashok Kumar Shivakumar
Published: September 2019

Background: Adolescence in girls signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood; one fifth of world population is between 10 and 19 years old. Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to the females. Menstruation is a monthly occurrence that requires access to appropriate materials and facilities, without which, females suffer from poor menstrual hygiene which restricts their movement and self-confidence. Increased knowledge about menstruation right from childhood may escalate safe practices and may help in mitigating the suffering of millions of women.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 adolescent girls in a rural field practice area of S. S. Institute of Medical Sciences. Data on socio-economic variables and menstrual characteristics were collected using pre-tested questionnaires for a period of two months from September to October 2018.Results: Total of 200 girls was interviewed. 87.6% of the girls were aware about menstruation prior to the attainment of menarche. Mothers were the first informants in about 56.5% girls. Overall 51.5% adolescent girls were using sanitary napkins as menstrual absorbent, while 45.6% were using used cloths. 97.6% girls practiced different restrictions during menstruation. Some of the sociodemographic factors like religion, type of family and mother’s education, SES were significantly associated with menstrual hygienic practices.Conclusions: There is a need to educate the girls about menstruation, its importance and hygiene maintenance; to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life in future.
Depression and its predictors among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: J. Rudramma , Iti Jannatbi
Published: September 2019

Background: HIV infection is one of the raising public health problems. HIV diagnosis is usually associated with stigma and often results in mental illness among the people infected. Depression is the most common mental illness in HIV patients as found by various studies. Hence the present study aimed to determine the proportion of depression and its socio-demographic and clinical predictors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was done among 322 PLHA on Antiretroviral therapy attending ART centre at GIMS Teaching Hospital, Gadag. After taking written informed consent from the patients, a predesigned proforma which included socio-demographic variables, clinical details, and CD-4 count, along with patient health questionnaire (PHQ) 9 was administered to assess depression in PLHA.Results: Out of the 322 people living with HIV/AIDS, 108 (33.5%) had depressed. According to PHQ 9 questionnaire, 19.9% had mild depression, 10.6% moderate depression and 3.1% had moderate severe depression. It was noted that 40.3% of females had depression compared to 24.8% of males. PHLA who were on ART for less than one year had higher proportion of depression (61.1%) compared to those with 5 years duration of ART (28.6%) and it was statistically significant.Conclusions: In the study 33.5% of PHLA had depression. Socio-economic status, gender, duration of ART had significant association with depression whereas age, education, place of residence, CD4 count were not associated with depression. Depression screening among PHLA can be done at regular follows ups at ART centres.
Identifying the dimensions of occupational stress by factor analysis among policemen in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Loganathan Arjun , Govindarajan Perumal Kandasamy , Felix John William
Published: September 2019

Background: Stress can be defined as a physiological response to physical and mental demands. These stresses can negatively influence the performance and wellbeing of the employees. Police officers are a part of unique occupational population who are exposed various stressful conditions daily. This study attempts to explore factors influencing occupational stress faced by Policemen.Methods: The study was a cross sectional conducted among the policemen under three subdivisions of Villupuram, Tamilnadu. Operational police stress questionnaire was used to assess the stress levels with 20 statements which were then extracted into four dimensions by factor analysis.Results: By factor analysis stress was categorized into four factors or dimensions namely social and health related stress, time management stress, emotional stress and work-related stress.Conclusions: This study highlights that the major dimensions causing occupational stress among policemen which will form a framework for planning programs for stress management.
Incidence and association of TCF7, TCF7L2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients of South Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Velayutham Kumaravel , Ramanathan Balaji , Selvan Sivan Arul , Gomathinayagam Rohini
Published: September 2019

Background: The TCF family genes TCF7 (T cell specific transcription factor-7) and TCF7L2 (transcription factor 7 like 2) are increasingly recognized to play a pivotal role in the incidence, pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the prevalence and the influence of these allelic variants in the Indian/south Indian T1DM population is completely obscure.Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood samples of healthy controls, T1DM patients, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), allele specific PCR (ASP), PCR product sequencing strategies were utilized to determine the prevalence of the TCF7 (exon 3, flanking intron 2, 3 regions) and TCF7L2 (intron 4) polymorphisms. Clinical investigations included assessment of the blood glucose/ estimated average glucose levels (EAG) and C-peptide levels.Results: The results indicate that 34.9% and 3.17% of the T1DM patients harbored the TCF7L2 rs7903146 and the TCF7 rs386692598 polymorphisms, respectively. Assessment of biochemical parameters indicated that the rs7903146 positive T1DM patients exhibited significantly lower EAG levels (p<0.05), suggesting that these patients may exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, a milder disease course. The study further demonstrates that PCR based strategies enable reliable molecular diagnosis of T1DM in small scale diagnostic units.Conclusions: T1DM patients from south Tamil Nadu present TCF7, TCF7L2 genetic variations and screening for these polymorphisms will empower physicians to provide appropriate therapy and genetic counselling.
Healthy workplace with ergonomics among software engineers: a review
Authors: Maruthappapandian Jasmine , Chellaiyan Vinoth Gnana , Ali Fasna Liaquath , Avinash Deepak
Published: September 2019

Estimate on the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the software engineers vary widely across globe. The main cause of this work-related musculoskeletal problem is due to improper usage of ergonomics. The objective of this review is to discuss the role or principles of ergonomics on preventing musculoskeletal problem among software engineers. Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar) were searched for studies on the prevalence of musculoskeletal problem among software engineers and the implications of ergonomic interventions on these problems. The studies were prioritized according to validity and quality. Only a few studies were done to identify the knowledge or awareness about the ergonomic positions, practise of the ergonomic principles, its association with the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, do the organisation provides regular ergonomic check of the workstation, do the software professionals have a regular health check-up.
Рынок услуг развлекательных центров: взгляд через призму имиджеобразующих факторов. Часть 3. Особенности эмоционального восприятия
Authors: Закускин Сергей Викторович
Published: September 2019

Представлен анализ рынка развлекательных услуг с использованием подхода, базирующего на интеграции маркетинговых коммуникаций на основе исследования потребительских предпочтений. Описаны особенности эмоционального восприятия развлекательных центров представителями сегментов целевой группы, а также различия восприятия в зависимости от социально-демографических и психографических характеристик представителей целевой группы. Проведено сравнение образов реальных РЦ с идеалом, рассмотрены варианты их улучшения. Сформулированы выводы из проведённого анализа и предложены рекомендации для развития образов РЦ с привязкой к возможным стратегиям продвижения.
Новый подход к оценке мотивации студентов
Authors: Шаповалов Владимир Николаевич , Петрова Ольга Анатольевна , Виноградова Валерия Сергеевна , Нетишинская Марина Олеговна
Published: September 2019

Представлен опыт разработки и применения упрощенной методики оценки мотивов учащихся, созданной при активном участии студентов первого курса, в ходе эксперимента по внедрению проектной формы обучения в вузе. В основу методики положено предположение о взаимосвязи профориентационных и базовых мотивов студентов младших курсов.
Получены результаты оценки базовых мотивов учащихся различных специальностей. Выявлена связь между структурой базовых мотивов и проявлением субъектности членов студенческих команд, а также результатами проектной деятельности.
Разработка нейросетевой модели кластеризации экономики для анализа инвестиционной привлекательности предприятий
Authors: Малов Дмитрий Николаевич , Летягина Елена Николаевна
Published: September 2019

В современной экономической науке большое значение уделяется использованию методов математического моделирования при анализе инвестиционных процессов, определении инвестиционной привлекательности и эффективности инвестиционной деятельности, расчете инвестиционных рисков. В статье представлена модель кластеризации экономики, разработанная с использованием теории и научно-методического инструментария нейросетевого моделирования. Разработанная нейросетевая модель кластеризации позволяет определить инвестиционную привлекательность предприятий разных секторов экономики, их стоимость и чистую прибыль с учетом влияния всех элементов системы экономических отношений. Данная модель может быть использована для оценки инвестиционной привлекательности мезоэкономических систем и принятия управленческих решений инвесторами, собственниками и руководством предприятий, в том числе при их товарной и территориальной диверсификации.
VARIAÇÃO LIMNOLÓGICA E SAZONAL DOS CORPOS DE ÁGUA DO CENTRO DE PISCICULTURA CARLOS EDUARDO MATIAZZE
Authors: De Andrade Lopes Yuri Vinicius , Ruas Medrades Ederson , Vieira Dantas Filho Jerônimo
Published: September 2019

O objetivo com o estudo foi avaliar a variação dos parâmetros limnológicos da água do Centro de Pesquisa em Piscicultura Carlos Eduardo Matiazze, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Presidente Médici-RO. Avaliou-se a qualidade da água da represa de abastecimento, de dois viveiros e do efluente.A Análise dos Componentes Principais (ACP) foi aplicada no intuito de ordenar os pontos de amostragem, a partir da matriz de correlação das variáveis físicas e químicas, sendo que para realizar a ACP utilizou-se os dados das variáveis limnológicas horizontais, adotando-se médias para os períodos estudados, chuva e estiagem. Obteve-se um paralelismo de resultados das análises, porque os parâmetros no período chuvoso nos respectivos locais apresentaram resultados mais elevados que os parâmetros destacados potencial hidrogenionico (pH) e oxigênio dissolvido em água (OD), apresentando características opostas em relação ao período de estiagem, que por sua vez, mostrou um resultado comum de temperatura e condutividade no efluente e na represa. As médias limnológicas da represa e dos viveiros apresentaram-se aceitáveis, no entanto, o efluente apresentou médias de condutividade, oxigênio dissolvido e concentração de matéria orgânica inadequados de acordo com a Resolução CONAMA 357/2005. Sendo assim, há necessidade de continuar estudos na área, ampliando as análises físico-químicas e biológicas, como análise de sólidos totais e o fósforo para se ter o conhecimento da área de influência do cultivo do Centro de Pesquisa e a relação dos sólidos suspensos com os demais parâmetros de qualidade de água, e também, que potencial de prejuízo essas concentrações podem causar às pesquisas científicas da Universidade Federal de Rondônia.
GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO E COMPETITIVIDADE: UM ESTUDO MULTICASO NAS INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR DA CIDADE DE PARNAÍBA-PI
Authors: Vieira Francisco Aurílio , Ribeiro Henrique César Melo
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo teve como objetivo evidenciar a Gestão do Conhecimento e a competitividade nas instituições de ensino superior da cidade de Parnaíba-PI. Sendo um estudo multicaso, teve como objetos da pesquisa três instituições de ensino superior da cidade de Parnaíba, em que os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas feitas com os gestores e em seguida realizou-se duas análises, a primeira intracaso e a segunda intercaso. A partir das análises, observou-se que a IES Pri se destaca com relação à IES P e IES E na adoção das práticas de gestão do conhecimento e ainda que a competitividade é vista de forma diferente na esfera pública e na esfera privada pelos gestores entrevistados. Como resultado, conclui-se que a gestão do conhecimento enquanto estratégia competitiva não é adotada pelas Instituições de Ensino Superior analisadas, entretanto, as práticas já adotadas garantem bons resultados.
POLÍTICA AMBIENTAL BRASILEIRA SOB AS PERSPECTIVAS DA SOCIOLOGIA AMBIENTAL
Authors: Siena Osmar , Campos Érika Paixão de , Carvalho Erasmo Moreira de
Published: September 2019

Este artigo analisa a política ambiental brasileira com base em três lentes teóricas da sociologia ambiental: modernização ecológica, sociedade de risco e modernidade tardia. O estudo adotou perspectivas da pesquisa qualitativa para a abordagem do problema e característica descritiva quanto aos objetivos. As categorias adotadas para análise emergiram do referencial teórico. Foi analisado o conteúdo de 173 textos de legislação, normas e documentos técnicos e científicos selecionados para amostra. De modo geral, a política ambiental brasileira apresenta a busca pela conciliação da proteção ambiental e desenvolvimento econômico por meio do estabelecimento de diretrizes na Política Nacional do Meio Ambiente. As visões da vertente teórica “modernidade ecológica” são as mais presentes. No entanto, as características tanto da sociedade de risco, quanto da modernidade tardia também foram identificadas em alguns atributos como complementares e, em outros, como divergentes.