bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Radio-contrast Media-Induced Self-Reported Adverse Drug Reactions in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India
Authors: Singh Pushpinder , Gill Manraj Kaur , Kaur Mandeep , Mahajan Rajiv , Kaur Manjot
Published: January 2022

Background:

Radio-contrast media are the agents which are used on daily basis in the radiological practice for either diagnostic or therapeutic purpose. Currently used agents are considered to be safe but not devoid of side effects.

Objectives:

Objectives of the study were to assess the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the patients who receive radiographic contrast media for computed tomography (CT) and intravenous pyelography (IVP), to stratify the ADRs into different types based on their time of appearance and as per their severity.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective and observational study of 1-year duration was done on all the patients who received radio-contrast media (Iohexol) intravenously for CT and IVP in the radiodiagnosis department. Patients who experienced ADRs were recorded for the basic demographic characteristics and types of ADRs. Stratification of ADRs as per their severity was done using common terminology criteria for adverse events scale and Modified Hartwig and Siegel ADR Severity Assessment Scale, and casualty assessment was done using Naranjo's Algorithm.

Results:

Out of the total 3522 patients who were included in the study, eight patients got 12 suspected ADRs with some of the patients having more than one type of ADR. The most frequent ADR was nausea and vomiting (25%), followed by fever, chills, or sweating. Incidence of ADRs was 0.23%. All the ADRs were acute and occurred within 30 min of contrast administration. As per the severity scales used, all the ADRs were mild (75%) to moderate (25%) in nature with none of the reactions to be severe. Causality assessment showed 87.5% of the reactions to be “probable” in nature.

Conclusion:

Low osmolar nonionic radio contrast media are associated with very low incidence of ADRs in the North Indian population.
Pre-University Health Professional Students' Readiness and Perception Toward Interprofessional Education
Authors: Sahoo Rashmirekha , Sahoo Soumendra , Kyaw Soe Htoo Htoo , Rai Sharada , Singh Jaspal
Published: January 2022

Background:

Interprofessional education (IPE) helps preparing the learners in all healthcare professions to work effectively in collaborative teams. This study was undertaken to assess the readiness and perception of IPE of preuniversity health professional students even before they enter their health professional courses.

Methods:

The preuniversity health professional students along with final-year medical and dental students were recruited for the study. The readiness for interprofessional learning scale was used to measure the student's readiness toward IPE before the interprofessional-related activity session. The preuniversity students also completed the IEPS scale after their interaction with final-year medical and dental students.

Results:

Most of the aspiring health professional students during their foundation year expressed positive attitude toward readiness for IPE. Most preuniversity students realized that by learning with various professional students would make them effective member of healthcare team. The students had positive perception toward competence and autonomy, perceived need for cooperation, perception of actual cooperation, and understanding other's value, which were significantly higher from score 3 of somewhat disagree (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Most of the aspiring health professional students in their preuniversity year expressed positive attitude toward readiness for IPE although were not prepared to take roles and responsibility within the interprofessional group. They could well perceive the need for cooperation, perception of actual cooperation, and understanding other's value while working in an IP team.
Immunoglobulin-G Antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus-2 among Health-Care Workers
Authors: Prakash Om , Solanki Bhavin , Sheth Jay , Acharya Hemendra , Acharya Swati , Vinzuda Mital , Patani Hari
Published: January 2022

Background:

Seropositivity among health-care workers (HCWs) may help in better understanding of the immune response after COVID-19 infection.

Objectives:

To estimate seropositivity among HCWs and to compare available variables with seropositivity to understand the factors affecting seropositivity.

Materials and Methods:

A serosurveillance among HCWs was carried out using population proportion sampling during the second half of October 2020 in the city of Ahmedabad using the Covid-Kavach (immunoglobulin G [IgG] ELISA Antibody testing kit). Simple proportions and appropriate statistical tests were used as needed.

Results:

As on October' 2020, HCWs in Ahmedabad demonstrated a seropositivity of 20.84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.00–22.81%). Seropositivity among HCWs was lower than that of the general population (24.20%) which was estimated as part of the same study. Female HCWs had higher seropositivity 22.14% (95% CI 19.74–24.74%) as compared to 18.82% (95% CI 16.06–21.93%) among male HCWs and the difference was statistically not significant (Z = 1.66, P = 0.097). Age groups with increasing age show increasing trend in the seropositivity among HCWs.

Conclusion:

As on October 2020, with 20.84% seropositivity among HCWs in Ahmedabad, one in every five HCW already demonstrate IgG antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome– coronavirus-2. Further scientific studies on seropositivity and the factors affecting the seropositivity may be carried out to uncover more details of immune reaction after COVID-19 infection.
Clinicopathological Aspects of Death due to Wild Mushroom Poisoning
Authors: Mehta Nikhil , Girdhar Pulkit , Bansal Yogender S. , Sharma Navneet , Kumar Senthil , Gupta Shikha
Published: January 2022

Mushrooms are widely cultivated and used as a source of diet and commerce; however, unfortunately, some wild mushrooms are highly toxic to humans. Although the poisonous mushrooms have a characteristic physical appearance, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the poisonous and nonpoisonous variety even by the experts. We report a case of a 23-year-old married female who mistakenly harvested and consumed wild mushrooms along with her family members and subsequently died on the 5th-day postingestion. Due to the medicolegal implications, a forensic autopsy was conducted in this case. Here, we discuss clinical findings along with detailed autopsy findings of this case, including histopathology examination.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Calculated Tumor Volumes and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Predicting Endometrial Cancer Grade
Authors: Kakkar Chandan , Gupta Kamini , Jain Kunal , Narang Vikram , Singh Aminder , Saggar Kavita , Bansal Namita , Cioni Dania , Neri Emanuele
Published: January 2022

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be an accurate imaging technique for the preoperative assessment of local staging of endometrial cancer and for evaluating the depth of myometrial invasion.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-center retrospective study performed on patients with histopathologically proven endometrial carcinoma who underwent an MRI examination of the pelvis between October 2017 and May 2020.

Results:

In the present analysis, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for each histologic grade were 0.72 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2/s (G1), 0.76 ± 0.17 × 10−3 mm2/s (G2), and 0.74 ± 0.12 × 10−3 mm2/s (G3), respectively, showing no significant correlation between ADC values and tumor grade (P = 0.73). Overall, ADC minimum was significant in differentiating grades of endometrial carcinoma (P = 0.02) with the ability to differentiate Grade I and II lesions (P = 0.01). A mean tumor volume of 25.2 cc could differentiate low-grade tumors (Grade I and Grade II) from high-grade tumors (Grade III) with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and specificity of 89%. The tumor volume/uterine volume ratio (TV/UV) differentiates high-grade tumors from low-grade tumors (P < 0.001), however, no significant difference in the ratio was observed among Grade I and II lesions (P = 0.48). The area under the curve of tumor volume was 0.875 (95% confidence interval 0.0–1.00) (P = 0.001), indicating that tumor volume was an effective tool for distinguishing high-grade and low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 88.0% and 89.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Preoperative noninvasive radiological assessment for tumor volume, TV/ UV or tumor volume/uterine volume is important surrogate markers for preoperative prognostication of endometrial carcinoma.
Prescription-Event Monitoring Study on Safety and Efficacy of Levonadifloxacin (Oral and I.V.) in Management of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Mehta Yatin , Sutar Anand R. , Zirpe Kapil , Kothari Jay Narendra , Alapati Chakravarthi , Pathak Manu , Nagvekar Vasant C. , Mehta Kapil Dev , Debnath Khokan
Published: January 2022

Background:

Levonadifloxacin is a novel broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the benzoquinolizine subclass of quinolones. It is available in intravenous as well as oral formulation for the treatment of infections caused by common Gram-positive bacterial pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Patients and Methods:

This study retrospectively assessed the real-world safety and efficacy of levonadifloxacin (oral and/or IV) in the treatment of 1229 patients across various clinical conditions. Study outcomes were clinical and microbiological success at the end of therapy.

Results:

The mean duration of levonadifloxacin therapy was 7.2 days, with a time to clinical improvement averaging at 4 days. Three hundred and three patients received oral therapy, 875 received IV, and 51 received a combination of IV followed by oral therapy. Patients were prescribed levonadifloxacin for skin and soft-tissue infections, diabetic foot infections, septicemia, catheter-related bloodstream infections, bone and joint infections, febrile neutropenia, and respiratory infections including COVID-19 pneumonia. High clinical success rates of 98.3%, 93.7%, and 96.1% with oral, IV, and IV followed by oral levonadifloxacin, respectively, were obtained. Only 11 mild adverse events were reported in 9 patients which included constipation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Overall, 96.3% and 97.3% of investigators rated the efficacy and safety of levonadifloxacin as “good to excellent.”

Conclusions:

An excellent safety and efficacy profile of levonadifloxacin was observed in this study making it a suitable treatment option for management of various bacterial infections, including those caused by resistant Gram-positive pathogens such as MRSA and quinolone-resistant S. aureus.
Utilisation of Evidence-Based Practice and its Associated Factors among Nurses
Authors: Alemayehu Abebaw , Jevoor Prabhu Chandrashekhar
Published: January 2022

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to clinical practice where, nurses integrate current best research evidence with their clinical skill and knowledge to make decisions for a specific client by considering his/her values. Despite the positive effects on patient care, nurses do not consistently utilise EBP in the clinical areas. The present study was aimed to assess the utilisation and associated factors of EBP among Nurses working in South Nations Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia Region Referral Hospitals, South Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2019; 684 respondents were selected using the simple random sampling technique, and out of them, 671 had completed the questionnaire making it 98% of response rate. Good EBP utilisation was found among 369 (55%) (95% confidence interval: 51.2, 58.9) participants. Marital status, knowledge, communication skill, training, Internet access, guideline availability and staff culture were the significant predictors for utilising evidence in practice. Although more than half of the respondents had utilised EBP, it was found to be not adequate. Availing EBP guidelines, Internet access and building nurse's EBP competencies, either by giving separate training or incorporating EBP as part of nursing curriculum would improve its utilisation.
Effectiveness of Structured Pre operative Education on Anxiety Level of Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Christal Vimala T Jeni , Martin Rajesh , Rao Anbu Suresh , Joy Melvin
Published: January 2022

The prevention of anxiety is of prime importance for patients undergoing surgeries. This experimental study was designed to find out the effectiveness of preoperative education on anxiety of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgeries. In this study, 46 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. On the previous day of surgery, the demographic and clinical data were collected with a specially designed pro forma, the pre- and post-operative anxiety level was assessed by using the state-trait anxiety inventory form Y-1 questionnaire and factors influencing anxiety were assessed by a self-developed questionnaire. The mean change in the level of anxiety from pre-operative to the post-operative period in the control group was 8.10 (standard deviation [SD] = 11.12). Whereas in the experimental group this was 9.08 (SD = 15.28). The difference in change of anxiety level from control to experimental group is −0.98 (95% confidence interval:-8.94, 6.98), which is not statistically significant (P = 0.805). There is no significant association between the level of anxiety and demographic variables. The fear about post-operative pain was the factor experienced by most of the patients (78.3%) both in the control and experimental group to cause anxiety. The study concluded that almost all the patients had one or more reasons for anxiety in the pre-operative period. Both control and experimental groups had reduction in anxiety level from pre-intervention to post-intervention. However, the difference in mean anxiety scores was not significant between control and experimental group. Most of the patients in both groups gave positive feedback on teaching, which made them feel at ease and was helpful in overcoming anxiety. The structured education did not produce any unique impact on the post-operative anxiety in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Other factors related to perioperative anxiety warrants exploration.
Adolescence
Authors: Kanthi Esther , Johnson Mary Anbarasi
Published: January 2022

Adolescents are individuals in the age group of 10–19 years. There are about 1.2 billion adolescents worldwide of which 356 million live in India. Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood and involves development and growth in multiple organ systems. MRI studies have revealed that the prefrontal cortex that is responsible for reasoning, regions that process motivation and support higher levels of integration is still maturing during adolescence, and the regions that support emotional and social processing continue to develop even beyond 30 years of age. It is also a time when behaviours that affect present and future health begin. This article reviews the major adolescent physical health problems such as obesity, nutritional deficiencies, pubertal disorders, teen pregnancy, sexual abuse and road traffic accidents and highlights the nursing care of these health problems.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma
Authors: Murkute Ujjwala
Published: January 2022

Pituitary adenomas are the most common type of pituitary disorder. While prolactinoma and non-functioning pituitary adenomas are the most common pituitary tumour, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumours are relatively rare. ACTH-secreting tumour arises from corticotroph cells from pituitary gland and generally presents as Cushing's disease. Thirty-one years old female with recent history of multiple admission to acute care hospital got admitted to general medicine ward with complaints of gastro intestinal disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging and lab studies confirmed the diagnosis of ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma with development of Cushing's disease. The onset of illness was very slow and most of the signs and symptoms remained non-specific until patient developed severe metabolic and hormonal disturbances. Over a period of two years patient had multiple diagnosis like poly cystic ovarian disease, diabetes mellitus, depression and hyperacidity by different medical practitioners and received symptomatic treatment. Patient's condition completely improved after transnasal endoscopic excision of pituitary macroadenoma normalising her hormonal levels with disappearances of bodily changes. Most of her complications were successfully treated except diabetes insipidus which was identified during pre-operative period remained unchanged even after the surgery and patient continued treatment for the same. In this paper the condition of pituitary macroadenoma and the nursing care of the patient with pituitary macroadenoma is elaborated.
Effectiveness of Virtual Learning Module on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Standard Days Method among Public Health Workers
Authors: Kuppuswamy Rajarajeswari , Narayan Dev , Tiwari Jayanti , Koulash Himani , Kaur Amandeep , Gehlot Indra , Lamo Jigmet , Saini Deeksha , Grewal Ankita , Dolma Chhewang , Meena Deepika
Published: January 2022

Standard Days Method (SDM) is an effective, inexpensive, natural, affordable, non-hormonal and modern family planning method that is easy to teach and use. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude about SDM and preference of CycleBeads over CycleBead mobile application amongst accredited social health activist (ASHA) as a public health worker. A mixed-method study was conducted on 140 ASHA workers, allocated into two groups of 70 members each in experimental and control group. A simple random sampling technique was used for quantitative strand and purposive sampling for qualitative strand. A self-structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude scale and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Self-developed virtual learning module (VLM) on SDM with CycleBeads was used as an intervention. In the experimental group, there was a significant difference between pre-existing (5.74 ± 2.05) and post-test (14.64 ± 2.25) knowledge score, whereas the difference between the mean of pre-test (4.32 ± 0.67) and post-test (4.68 ± 0.46) attitude scores was not significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge and attitude scores in the control group. In the qualitative interview, participants expressed their preference for CycleBeads over CycleBead mobile application to teach women about SDM. VLM is useful in improving the knowledge regarding SDM of ASHAs as a public health worker. Public health workers (ASHA) preferred teaching SDM with CycleBeads in person instead of a mobile application for educating the beneficiaries.
Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sharma Khina , Jyoti  , Kaur Ramandeep
Published: January 2022

Mucormycosis is a rare but invasive, fungal infection mainly found in immunocompromised patients, which occurs due to the fungi mucormycetes. It is a rapidly occurring fungal infection with a high mortality rate. Although rare, the cases of mucormycosis have been raised abnormally in COVID-19 patients in India during second wave, in which a severe rise in COVID-19 cases was reported. Many states of India have already declared it as an epidemic, and the sad part is that the medication to treat it is running low. Mucormycosis has been reported in COVID-19-positive patients at any time after COVID-19 infection, either during hospitalisation or several days to weeks after discharge.
The complex conundrum of geriatric depression and dementias
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanchari , Banerjee Debanjan
Published: January 2022

Late-life depression (LLD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia are clinically distinct yet interrelated disease constructs, wherein LLD can be a prodrome, risk factor, comorbidity, or consequence of MCI and dementia. There is considerable prevalence of depression in those with MCI or dementia, and vice versa, with maximum evidence in Alzheimer's disease. These intersections often form one of the most confusing aspects of psychogeriatric practice, leading to under-detection and mismanagement of depression, thus leading to incomplete recovery in most cases. This article focuses on this clinical ambiguity in daily practice, reviews the clinico-investigative pointers for the LLD–dementia intersection, and puts forward clinical and research recommendations in view of the available evidence. Although there is conflicting evidence regarding the cause–effect relationship between LLD, MCI, and dementia, it is likely that these constructs share some common pathological processes and are often associated with each other within a longitudinal clinical continuum. This is a linear yet complex bidirectional association: either the comorbid depression exaggerates preexisting cognitive deficits or chronic persistent depression eventually leads to major neurocognitive disorders, not to mention depression as a part of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, which often impairs quality of life and psychosocial morbidity. Thus, a comprehensive approach, including tailored history, neuropsychiatric examination, and relevant investigations, is necessary for assessing the differentials, with a sound clinical understanding being vital to the process. Depression, if suspected, must be treated adequately with longitudinal neuropsychological reviews. Future research warrants elucidating precision biomarkers unique to these clinicopathological entities.
Potentially inappropriate medication with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and gastrointestinal bleed in an older adult presenting as a psychiatric emergency
Authors: D'cruz Migita M. , Sharma Ankit , Damodharan Dinakaran
Published: January 2022

Geriatric patients are commonly exposed to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medication use, with prevalence increasing over time. We seek to illustrate this risk to older adults through a case report of an older woman presenting with irritability to psychiatric emergency services in the context of potentially inappropriate medication use. On evaluation, the irritability was found to be associated with hip pain due to osteoarthritis and gastric irritation due to the use of analgesics, antacids, and other micronutrient supplements. She was diagnosed with analgesic-induced syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone production with dilutional hyponatremia and hypochloremia, iatrogenic upper gastrointestinal mucosal ulceration with melena and anemia due to blood loss, analgesic-induced coagulation disorder, acute kidney injury, impending hepatic injury, and hyponatremia-induced second-degree atrioventricular block. She recovered with treatment rationalization, pain management, and supportive care. We wish to highlight that an innocuous presentation such as increased irritability in the absence of a mental illness in an older adult may often overlie multimorbidity and potentially inappropriate medication use. We would also like to use this case report to illustrate the barriers to comprehension and compliance that may occur in geriatric patients, with the need for frequent pharmacological assessments including prescription checks and pill counts.
Neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens
Authors: Baweja Varsha , Himanshu  , Tandon Akreti , Goyal Muskan , Mishra Ruby , Deshpande Manasi
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is classified as an age-related neuro-degenerative disorder leading to loss of memory and decline in cognitive abilities, often characterized as dementia. According to the WHO report 2020, out of 50 million people battling with dementia worldwide, 60%–70% cases account for AD. Some researchers have reported two to three times higher incidence of AD among women than men and further confirmed that postmenopausal women are more prone to AD than healthy men of the same age. This hints at the potential neuroprotective role of estrogen hormone, whose level drops to <30 pg/mL postmenopause. Several epidemiological studies also suggest early postmenopausal use of estrogens may contribute to the prevention, attenuation, or even delay in the onset of AD. Collectively, this evidence supports the further development of estrogen-like compounds for the treatment and prevention of AD, with a rising interest in phytoestrogens as potential interventions with lower side effects. This review highlights multiple pathways of estrogen-mediated neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases like AD and discusses the role of selective estrogen receptor molecules mainly phytoestrogens, in AD progression so that latter can be considered and used as an alternate therapy for treating Alzheimer patients.
A study of quality of sleep, quality of life, and cognition in elderly
Authors: Jadhav Samiksha , Subramanyam Alka Anand , Raut Nitin B. , Singh Shipra
Published: January 2022

Background:

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining optimum physical and mental functioning and can be implicated in affecting the quality of life (QOL) and cognition in elderly population. This study aims to assess quality of sleep, QOL and to assess the effect of quality of sleep on QOL and cognition in elderly population

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done in elderly population in which 30 were healthy control, 30 depressed, and 30 with mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD) who were assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Scale-Revised (ACE-R). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software using descriptive methods and Pearson's correlation test.

Results:

Mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score was the lowest and mean WHOQOL-BREF score highest in healthy control compared to elderly with mild NCD and depression, the difference being statistically significant in both cases (P < 0.01). PSQI scores have negative correlation with the ACE-R scores when studied in healthy control group (P < 0.05, r = −0.136) and WHOQOL-BREF domain scores overall (P < 0.01 r = −0.485, −0.497, −0.350, −0.475).

Conclusion:

Quality of sleep in elderly with depression and mild NCD is lower as compared to healthy control. Sleep may affect QOL and cognition in elderly and thus it would be essential to screen and identify sleep-related issues and intervene early.
Loneliness in older people
Authors: Banerjee Debanjan
Published: January 2022

Loneliness is an abstract construct defined in multiple ways. It is a feeling of disconnectedness, emotional isolation, and subjective feeling of lacking social relationships. Research shows loneliness to be common in older people, which, in turn, is a potent risk factor for various physical and psychosocial health conditions. Chronic loneliness is a predisposing factor for suicide, worsens cognitive outcomes, and impairs quality of living. Conventionally, aging is associated with “loss of vitality” and the “desperate need to retain older abilities.” In contrast to these concepts, eastern views center around acceptance, “letting go” and aging with a greater sense of purpose. Traversing loneliness with self-esteem is viewed over a consistent resistance against loneliness. Self-acceptance, wisdom, and understanding the processes of emotional aging can foster hope and resilience which help navigate the inevitable loneliness that may arise in old age due to a multitude of factors. Spirituality has various intersections with mental well-being, however, it is often considered to be an esoteric concept. In this paper, we provide an Indian understanding of accepting and dealing with loneliness through the daily implementation of spiritual practices in life as well as mental health interventions. The four ashramas of Hinduism are discussed with special relevance to Vanaprastha Ashrama (forest-dweller), which signifies renunciation and acceptance associated with aging. The actionable areas with respect to spirituality and its philosophical underpinnings in mitigating loneliness in older people are also highlighted.
Cognitive status of older adults with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia on Hindi Cognitive Screening Test and Saint Louis University Mental State
Authors: Tripathi Rakesh Kumar , Tripathi Shailendra Mohan , Pandey Nisha Mani , Srivastava Anamika , Usman Kauser , Ali Wahid , Tiwari Sarvada C.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Hindi cognitive screening test (HCST) and Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Examination both claim that they are bias-free cognitive screening tests. HCST is highly sensitive and specific in screening Indian older adults. However, SLUMS is more comprehensive in terms of assessing visuospatial and memory functions. The present study presents and compare cognitive status of older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia (DL) on HCST and SLUMS.

Methods:

The sample comprised of 150 older adults ≥60 years included in a consecutive series. Participants and their family members, giving written informed consent, residing permanently in central catchment areas Chowk, Lucknow, constituted the study sample. Semistructured sociodemographic details and medical history proforma, Socioeconomic Status (SES) Scale, General Health Questionaire – 12, SLUMS and HCST were administered. Blood pressure was measured by Medical Research Assistant. Biochemical investigations for DM and DL were carried out. Participants were categorized into two groups: (1) case groups (112): DM only + HT only + DL only and (2) control group (38): Without discernable abnormality of physical illness on the basis of invesigations. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard devitation SD, Chi-square, and t-test.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference on cognitive status between control and DM group on recall, reading, copying (P < 0.05 level), and on writing (P < 0.01) on HCST. A statistically significant difference was also found in writing (P < 0.01) between control and HT group. A statistically significant difference was found between control and DL on recall (P < 0.05) and writing (P < 0.01). According to SLUMS control and DM group differ significantly (0.01) for delayed recall and with HT and DL group on visuospatial function.

Conclusion:

Cognitive status of older adults with DM, HT, and DL was found to be significantly impaired on specific domains as compared to the control group.
Cariprazine for late-life psychiatric illness
Authors: Reddy Mukku Shiva Shanker , Nadella Ravi Kumar , Kornapalli Sumanth Ediga
Published: January 2022

Clinicians often face many challenges in the pharmacological treatment of late-life psychiatric illness especially while choosing an antipsychotic drug. The choice of antipsychotic is mostly guided by the extension of evidence from the adult population and tolerability. In India, based on evidence commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs for older adults are quetiapine (QTP) followed by olanzapine (OLZN) and risperidone. Cariprazine is a newer antipsychotic that was recently launched in India. It is a novel mechanism of action at D3 receptors is known to have antidepressant and procognitive action in addition to the antipsychotic effects which is desirable in geriatric population. It can be a potential option as an add-on drug in late-life depression in addition to the existing aripiprazole and OLZN. The treatment of late-life mania and very late-onset schizophrenia is limited by the paucity of studies, with randomized control studies done only on QTP and amisulpride, respectively. Cariprazine can be considered in late-life psychotic disorders with the evidence available from its efficacy studies in adult patients. Merits of cariprazine are favorable metabolic profile, cardiac safety, and procognitive action. Demerits include extrapyramidal symptoms and fluctuations in blood pressure. Slower titration and monitoring for akathisia are recommended. There is a need for controlled studies in older adults with cariprazine to get better informed about its efficacy and safety.
Life skill training workshop in geriatric mental health for postgraduate students
Authors: Pandey Nisha Mani , Tripathi Rakesh Kumar , Tiwari Samyak
Published: January 2022

Background:

Management of mentally ill elderly is a challenging task. Due to the lack of awareness, training opportunities in the course curriculum, and nil to negligible knowledge/ understanding/ exposures, allied mental health professionals are hardly available in geriatric mental health (GMH). Awareness generating orientation/ skill development workshops/ seminars/ webinars/ conferences may develop the interest in the young generations, which further may help in generating human resources in the subject. The present article aims to provide a snapshot of the Life Skill Training (LST) workshop developed for psychology students and discusses its effectiveness.

Materials and Methods:

The authors had an opportunity to organize and facilitate orientation workshop named as “life skill training in GMH“ for the students of psychology in Varanasi. A total of 86 students had participated in two independent workshops. All participants' self-rated appraisal was obtained on a five-point scale (ranging from very poor to very good) for all ten core life skills as laid out by the World Health Organization. The workshop was conducted by applying the tools such as imagination, reflection, communication, presentation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and sharing. The pre-post assessment was done, and qualitative feedback was received from the participants.

Results:

The results reveal that participants observed betterment in self on each life skill as the obtained value of mean scores after the workshop was found to be slightly more on each of the core life skills.

Conclusion:

The orientation workshop sensitizes the students regarding the issues related to the field, which may allow them to pursue the subject further.
Marked cognitive decline following COVID-19 infection
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Mehra Aseem , Sahoo Swapnajeet , Alam Parvaiz
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has influenced humans in many ways. In terms of mental health outcomes, many studies across the globe have shown a high prevalence of anxiety and depression among persons suffering from the acute COVID infection and during the post-COVID infection phase. Additionally, studies have also shown a high prevalence of cognitive deficits as part of the long COVID. In this report, we present a 63-year-old male who developed marked cognitive impairment after COVID-19 infection.
Cytomorphological Categorization of Thyroid Lesions according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology and Correlation with their Histological Outcome
Authors: Kamboj Meenakshi , Mehta Anurag , Pasricha Sunil , Gupta Gurudutt , Sharma Anila , Durga Garima
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to report the experience of an Indian premiere tertiary care oncology center in reporting fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions according to the Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) given by National Cancer Institute (NCI). These were then correlated with their histopathological outcome, analyzing the level of specificity and sensitivity of the procedure.

Material and Methods:

Aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions, presented during a 5.5-year duration, was reported retrospectively and prospectively, according TBSRTC, and correlated with their histopathologic diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 431 patients were evaluated comprising 289 females and 142 males, with a median age of 52 years. Among the cytological categories 80 (18.6%) were non-diagnostic (ND), 131 (30.2%) benign, 45 (10.4%) follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), 27 (6.3%) follicular neoplasm, 33 (7.9%) suspicious for malignancy (SM), and 115 (26.7%) malignant. Histopathology reports were available in 142 of these cases. Final malignant diagnosis was reported in 11 of 14 ND (78.6%), 5 of 18 benign cases (27.7%); 9 of 17 FLUS (52.9%), 7 of 13 FLUS (53.89%), 19 of 20 SM (95%), and 58 of 60 malignant cases (96.7%). The procedure had sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 61.9%, positive predictive value of 90.3% and negative predictive value of 72.22%.

Conclusion:

TBSRTC provides uniform categorization of thyroid cytology, which also helps in further management. This valid system has helped to streamline the reporting terminologies as well as the clinical management.
Circulating serum amyloid A levels but not SAA1 variants predict long-term outcomes of angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease
Authors: Yeh Kuan-Hung , Hsu Lung-An , Juang Jyh-Ming Jimmy , Chiang Fu-Tien , Teng Ming-Sheng , Tzeng I-Shiang , Wu Semon , Lin Jeng-Feng , Ko Yu-Lin
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Circulating serum amyloid A (SAA) levels are strongly associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and severity. The association between SAA1 genetic variants, SAA levels, inflammatory marker levels, and coronary artery disease (CAD) prognosis has not been fully understood.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 2199 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants were enrolled for a genome-wide association study (GWAS), and the long-term outcomes in 481 patients with CAD were analyzed. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was the combination of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Results:

Through GWAS, SAA1 rs11024600 and rs7112278 were independently associated with SAA levels (P = 3.84 × 10−145 and P = 1.05 × 10−29, respectively). SAA levels were positively associated with leukocyte counts and multiple inflammatory marker levels in CAD patients and with body mass index, hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase levels in TWB participants. By stepwise linear regression analysis, SAA1 gene variants contributed to 27.53% and 8.07% of the variation of the SAA levels in TWB and CAD populations, respectively, revealing a stronger influence of these two variants in TWB participants compared to CAD patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that SAA levels, but not SAA1 gene variants, were associated with long-term outcomes in patients with CAD. Cox regression analysis also indicated that high circulating SAA levels were an independent predictor of both the primary and secondary endpoints.

Conclusion:

SAA1 genotypes contributed significantly to SAA levels in the general population and in patients with CAD. Circulating SAA levels but not SAA1 genetic variants could predict long-term outcomes in patients with angiographically confirmed CAD.
Omega-3 fatty acids for uremic pruritus
Authors: Lu Ping-Hsun , Yao Xiao-Feng , Lin Yang-Sheng , Tzeng I-Shiang , Lu Po-Hsuan , Kuo Ko-Lin
Published: January 2022

Uremic pruritus (UP) is common in the late stages of chronic kidney disease. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment for UP. Limited evidence exists on the therapeutic effect of omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efﬁcacy of O3FA supplements in UP patients. We evaluated the efﬁcacy of O3FA supplements in patients with UP through a systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized control trials retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The included studies were summarized and assessed for the risk of bias, and pruritus assessment results were analyzed. To compared with a controlled group, five articles including 164 participants published between 2012 and 2019 using different pruritus scales reported that patients taking O3FA supplement exhibited no significant decrease in the pruritus score (standardized mean difference [SMD] =1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.70–0.01, P = 0.05), but three articles using same pruritus scale signiﬁcant decrease Duo pruritus score (SMD = −0.85, 95% CI = −1.39 to −0.30, P < 0.05). O3FA supplement could be an appealing complementary therapy for UP patients. More rigorously designed studies are needed before recommending the O3FA supplement.
О некоторых свойствах субкомпактных пространств
Authors: Belugin Vitalii Il'ich , Osipov Alexander Vladimirovich , Pytkeev Evgenii Georgievich
Published: January 2022

Хаусдорфово топологическое пространство $X$ называют
субкомпактным, если на пространстве $X$ существует
более слабая компактная хаусдорфова топология.
П. С. Александровым был предложен следующий вопрос:
какие хаусдорфовы пространства субкомпактны?
Компактное пространство $X$ называют
строгим $a$-пространством, если для любого
$C\in [X]^{\leqslant\omega}$ существует уплотнение пространства
$X\setminus C$ на компакт $Y$, которое продолжается
до непрерывного отображения на все пространство $X$.
В настоящей работе
мы продолжаем исследование классов субкомпактных пространств
и доказываем, что произведение компакта на диадический компакт
без изолированных точек является строгим $a$-пространством.
Библиография: 34 названия.
Новое доказательство результата о полном описании $(n,n+2)$-графов c максимальным значением индекса Хосойи
Authors: Kuz'min Nikita Aleksandrovich , Malyshev Dmitriy Sergeevich
Published: January 2022

Индекс Хосойи - это важный топологический индекс графов, определяемый как
количество их паросочетаний. На настоящее время для любых $n$ и $k\in\{-1,0,1,2\}$
полностью описаны все связные графы с $n$ вершинами и $n+k$ ребрами,
имеющие максимальное значение индекса Хосойи среди всех таких графов
(в случае $k=2$ при $n\ge 15$). В данной работе предлагается новое
доказательство для случая $k=2$ при $n\ge 17$, основанное на разложении
индекса Хосойи по подмножествам отделяющих вершин и порождаемых ими
локальных заменах графов. Данный подход является новым для тематики поиска
графов с экстремальным значением индекса Хосойи, где обычно используется
ряд стандартных приемов. Новое доказательство более комбинаторное и короткое
и менее техническое, чем оригинальное.
Библиография: 9 названий.
Об условиях разрешимости краевых задач
для уравнения высокого порядка с разрывными коэффициентами
Authors: Irgashev Bakhrom Yusuphanovich
Published: January 2022

В работе для уравнения высокого четного порядка
с разрывными коэффициентами изучена задача типа Дирихле.
Дан критерий единственности решения. Решение построено в виде
ряда Фурье по собственным функциям одномерной задачи.
При обосновании сходимости ряда возникает
проблема малых знаменателей.
Получены достаточные условия отделимости знаменателя от нуля.
Показана, что на разрешимость задачи влияет
не только размерность прямоугольника,
но и порядки задаваемых производных
на нижней границе прямоугольника.
Библиография: 23 названия.
О произведениях $\mathrm{F}^*(G)$-субнормальных
подгрупп конечных групп
Authors: Murashka Viachaslau Igaravich
Published: January 2022

Подгруппа $H$ конечной группы $G$ называется $\mathrm{F}^*(G)$-субнормальной,
если она субнормальна в $H\mathrm{F}^*(G)$, где $\mathrm{F}^*(G)$ -
обобщенная подгруппа Фиттинга $G$. В работе исследуется структура групп,
факторизуемых двумя $\mathrm{F}^*(G)$-субнормальными подгруппами,
одна из которых нильпотентна. В частности, если второй множитель метанильпотентный,
то группа разрешима. Более того, если коммутант второго множителя нильпотентен,
то нильпотентная длина группы не больше 3. Установлена сверхразрешимость
произведения $G=AB=AC=BC$ $\mathrm{F}^*(G)$-субнормальных нильпотентной
подгруппы $A$ и сверхразрешимых подгрупп $B$ и $C$.
Библиография: 23 названия.
$G$-Покрывающие подгрупповые системы для класса
всех $\sigma$-нильпотентных конечных групп
Authors: И Сяолан , Xiaolan Yi  , Каморников Сергей Федорович , Kamornikov Sergey Fedorovich , Тютянов Валентин Николаевич , Tyutyanov Valentin Nikolaevich
Published: January 2022

Пусть $\mathfrak F$ - непустой класс групп и
$G$ - конечная группа. Множество подгрупп $\Sigma$ группы $G$
называется $G$-покрывающей подгрупповой системой
для класса $\mathfrak F$
(или $\mathfrak F$-покрывающей подгрупповой системой группы $G$),
если всегда из $\Sigma \subseteq \mathfrak F$ следует
$G \in \mathfrak F$. В работе строится нетривиальное множество
подгрупп группы $G$,
которое является $G$-покрывающей подгрупповой системой
для класса $\mathfrak F$ всех $\sigma$-нильпотентных групп.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Risk Factors for Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis Infection and Association with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction and Linear Growth in Children: Results from the MAL-ED Study
Authors: Palit Parag , Das Rina , Haque Md Ahshanul , Nuzhat Sharika , Khan Shaila Sharmeen , Siddiqua Towfida Jahan , Mahfuz Mustafa , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: January 2022

Despite reports of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) isolation from asymptomatic children, no reports exist regarding the possible association of ETBF with long-term complications such as development of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and subsequent linear growth faltering in childhood. We aimed to establish a potential association between the burden of asymptomatic ETBF infection and EED and linear growth at 24 months of age using the data collected from 1,715 children enrolled in the multi-country birth cohort study, known as the Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health study. Using Poisson regression models, we evaluated the site-specific incidence rate and, subsequently, identified the risk factors and assessed the association between the burden of ETBF infection and EED score and linear growth at 24 months of age. The overall incidence rate of ETBF infections per 100 child-months across all study sites was 10.6%, with the highest and lowest incidence of ETBF infections being reported in Tanzania (19.6%) and Peru (3.6%), respectively. Female gender, longer duration of breastfeeding, and improved water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices, such as improved drinking water source, improved sanitation, and improved floor material in households, along with enhanced maternal education and less crowding in the households were found to be protective against incidences of ETBF infection. The burden of ETBF infections was found to have significant associations with EED and linear growth faltering at 24 months of age across all the study sites. Our findings warrant regular clinical monitoring to reduce the burden of ETBF infections and diminish the burden of enteropathy and linear growth faltering in childhood.
Structural and optical characteristics of poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose/ curcumin nanocomposites
Authors: Ahmed E. , Aboelkhair A. , M. Abdelghany A.
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT. Curcumin nanoparticles (CurNP’s) were successfully synthesized, characterized, and used as a cross-linking dopant of polyvinyl alcohol/ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) semi-natural polymer blend. Synthesized nanocomposite films of (PVA/CMC/CurNP’s) were characterized using Fourier transforms infrared FTIR spectroscopy and tested for their resistance of different bacterial grams. Obtained data shows that studied PVA polymerized and cross-linked with CMC as a result for hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic groups and with the non-substituted hydroxyl groups of the cellulose molecule. The optical energy gap was found to be sensitive for the CurNP’s doping level, and the indirect transition was dominant in the studied samples. The addition of CurNP’s appears to increase the activity index of all samples against both gram-negative and positive bacteria, and their activity increases with increasing dopant level until a specific optimal concentration.

                   

KEY WORDS: Curcumin nanoparticles, Semi-natural polymer blend, Antibacterial, FTIR, Optical energy gap

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(3), 615-624.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i3.12