bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pelvic floor muscle strength in women with diabetes
Authors: Jeslin G.N.  , Kamalakannan M.  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem with increasing prevalence linked to the alterations in the lifestyle, growing obesity rates and ageing. Women with insulin resistance (IR)/high insulin levels have worse electromyographic activity in the PFMs than women without IR/high insulin levels which prove the effect of IR/high insulin levels on PFMs. This study aimed at assessing and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles in women with diabetes and urinary incontinence.

Materials and Methods: The subjects were diabetic women of age group 45-55 with urinary incontinence assigned to one of two groups namely the group A (experimental group) and the group B (control group) which consisted of 30 patients each. The strength of the pelvic floor muscle was measured by vaginal examination prior and after the treatment and a Kegels Perineometer was inserted to measure the Strength of contraction (MOS), Length of hold (s), Repetitions (n) and Fast contractions (n) for both the groups. Experimental group was advised to do pelvic floor strengthening exercises in various positions with differing durations and increasing repetitions while control group received the regular physiotherapy care.

Results: The results revealed that there was significant increase in the pelvic floor strengths in both the groups but while comparing the post test results of both the groups there was a significant higher strength of contraction, length of hold, repetitions and fast contractions scores in experimental group.

Conclusion: It is evident from the study that performing the pelvic floor strengthening exercises in various positions as in the experimental group exhibited more improved post test results which proved to show reduced symptoms of urinary incontinence and improved quality of life than that of the subjects in the control group.
Effect of lifestyle intervention in Type II diabetes
Authors: Vijayashankar Uma , Rajalakshmi R.  , Ramya C.M.  , Bhanu Kumar  , Smitha M.C.  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Sedentary habits, unhealthy dietary patterns and psychological stress are the major potential problems for the advancements of a various life style disorders like Diabetes mellitus. Yoga is a lifestyle intervention, an effort to keep the condition under control and ameliorate overall quality of life. The idea of this research study among Type II diabetics is to assess the effectiveness of metabolic control with life style intervention (yoga) for 6 months.

Materials and Methods: 200 subjects aged 30–60 years of either gender recently diagnosed with Type II diabetes were randomized into 4 groups and were given 6 months intervention which included supervised regular yoga practice, diet and educational sessions. Weight, BMI, glucose, HbA1c, Insulin and lipid profile were measured before commencement, and after 6 months of the intervention. The statistical methods‘t’ test and ANOVA were applied to assess the “mean and difference” at p value 0.05.

Results: Alterations in the life style of Type II diabetics with the intervention of yoga, diet and educational sessions showed a significant profitable impact on weight, BMI, fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and lipid profile.

Conclusion: Short term interventions produced positive modest changes in metabolic control. These lifestyle modifications with the intervention of yoga and diet counselling is effective in the management of weight loss, glycemic control, plasma Insulin and lipid profile levels which on longer duration may yield a better effective result along with constant motivation.
Stress among medical students and its impact on academic performance
Authors: Pratima Khatake  , Havilah Twinkle  , Akshay Salgar  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Stress is the response given by the human body to various changes which needs physical, mental or physiological adaptation. The inordinate stress during medical education incline students in solving social conflicts, dropped attention, reduced mindfulness, decreased neutrality, increased errors and misconduct like negligence which leads to decrease in academic performance. Hence, this study was undertaken to know the prevalence and impact of stress in medical students’ academic performance.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study organized by the Department of Physiology, Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital, Srikakulam (AP). All medical students pursuing their 2nd and 3rd MBBS were included in the study. Students on any antipsychotic medicine; not willing to participate were excluded. Informed written consent was taken from subjects. Approval was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee prior to the study. Data were collected using K-10 questionnaire for stress and academic performance.

Results: The prevalence of stress was mild, moderate, severe among 12%, 69%, 19% subjects respectively. Statistically significant negative association was found between stress and academic performance (p<0.05).

Conclusion: A high prevalence of stress was found amongst medical students. Poor academic performance was seen in students associated with higher level of stress.
Hematological profile of COVID-19 patients in Ramanagar district, Karnataka - A cross sectional study
Authors: Anil Kumar H.  , Archana Shetty  , Prashanth Kumar M.  , Veena C N  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which rapidly evolved into a pandemic infecting humans all over the world. Whether hematologic and immunologic responses play a crucial role in progression of COVID-19 is still not clear. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that abnormalities in routine hematological tests, have the potential to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection in an economical way. Major laboratory changes indicating systemic inflammation and multi-organ impairment including hematopoietic system leading to lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, mild thrombocytopenia and ratios derived from these hematological parameters indicated severe disease and/or fatal outcomes. The aim was to study the hematological profile of Covid-19 patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital at Ramanagar district.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 260 confirmed cases of Covid-19 diagnosed at a tertiary health care centre. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were extracted from the institutional electronic medical records after obtaining permission from the concerned authorities. From CBC test results obtained neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was derived.

Results: The present study revealed that majority of Covid positive patients presented with lymphopenia. While a significant association was observed between N/L ratio and disease severity, no significant association was seen between platelet count and severity of the disease.

Conclusion: Since the results of the present study features lymphopenia among large proportion of patients and elevated N/L ratio among critically ill patients these markers could be utilized as useful prognostic indicators during the initial assessment of disease severity and thus appropriate management can be planned for such patients before the condition of the patient deteriorates.
Studies on the safety profiles of a Siddha preparation -Thirithodamathirai
Authors: R. Madhavan  , N. J. Muthukumar  , C. Savariraj Sagayam  , C. Davidraj  , S. Sriram  , Perumal Rajalakshmi , P. Brindha  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Thirithodamathirai (TTM)is aherbo metallic formulation of Siddha system of medicine also called as Veeramathirai or Mukkutra mathirai. Therapeutically it is recommended for all types of fever, delirium, and lung infections. It has only two ingredients namely veeram(Mercuric chloride,20%)and pepper seeds (80%). In this study, Veeram was detoxified and the test sample Thirithodamathirai prepared as per the instruction given in the classical siddha text Siddha vaithiyathirattu. It is a highly poisonous substance and if prepared improperly will have toxic effects.

Materials and Methods: Plant materials used to detoxify the toxic effect of veeram are bitter gourd, milk, lemon juice and tender coconut. In the present study, the method using lemon juice was used in the detoxification procedure. After detoxification, veeramwas used in preparing the mathirai. This research work focuses on studying the safety profiles of Thirithoda mathirai by carrying out in vivo single dose toxicity studies in female Wistar rats. Thirithoda mathirai was dissolved in purified water, was administered to the experimental animals at a dose level of 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and were observed for 14 days.

Results:Single dose oral administration of the mathirai at a dose of 50 mg/kg caused no harmful toxic effects on the body mass / body weight changes and food intake in Thirithodamathirai treated female rats. Dose levels of 300 and 2000 mg/kg showed 33.3 and 100% mortality respectively.

Conclusion:The acute oral LD50 of Thirithodamathirai for Wistar rats was observed to be 500mg/kg body weight.
Correlation between six-minute walk test and sit-to-stand test in COPD patients
Authors: P. M. Anbumaran  , S. Swetha  , Prasanth G.  , Sakthi Sangeetha V.  , V. Gangadharan  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and spirometry are commonly used tests to assess the functional status of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) patients. However, many other simpler tests like Sit to Stand Test (STST) are also available. This study is done to assess the utility of STST in comparison to 6MWT to evaluate the functional status of COPD patients in our hospital.

Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective and an observational study conducted on 50 COPD patients. Each patient underwent spirometry and subjected to 6MWT and STST. Quadriceps femoris muscle powers are measured for every patient before start of study. During the test, dyspnoea grade, Pulse rate, respiratory rate, saturation and blood pressure were measured.

Results: In this study group mean age was 60.38±11.09 years, mean FEV1 55.24% ±16.18% and then 6MWT and STST were correlating with each other. On comparing parameters hemodynamic parameters before and after performing 6MWT and STST for 30 seconds. There is significant correlation between 6MWT and STST using Pearson’s correlation. However, there is a negative correlation between FEV1 and both 6MWT and STST.

Conclusion: Sit to stand test is less time consuming, repeatable and easy to perform. STST can also determine the functional status of COPD patient similar to Spirometry and Six-minute walk test. Hence, STST can be an alternative test for Spirometry and 6MWT in COPD patients in a limited resource facility.
Construction of Rajini Samuel diagrammatic representation method for ABG interpretation
Authors: A. Jamuna Rani  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: The advancement in the field of diagrammatic representation for diagnosis of acid base disturbances is not significant. A graphical tool was published by Rajini Samuel for ABG interpretation using standard base excess, the ratio (HCO3 - Std HCO3) / H2CO3 and parameter (pCO2- 40 mm of Hg) in a four quadrant graph. In the present study this diagrammatic representation is constructed and utilized for the diagnosis of acid base disorders.

Materials and Methods:One hundred and fifty arterial blood gas samples were classified into various acid base disturbances and the respiratory and metabolic disorders are again subdivided into uncompensated, partially compensated and fully compensated based on compensatory mechanisms. A four quadrant graph was constructed to analyse the various acid base disorders.

Results:This diagrammatic representation appears to be easier and much simpler to be widely utilized at the bed side in clinical practice.

Conclusion: ABG interpretation plays an essential role for aquicker and easier interpretation may help in saving the life of the patients. This diagrammatic representation method may serve as an useful diagnostic tool to interpret the results easily.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare ethics among final year medical and nursing students at a college in South India
Authors: Ashwini K.Shetty  , Ravi Vaswani  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: The basic knowledge about health care ethics is very much necessary for both medical and nursing students before they start dealing with patients. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge of, attitude and practice of health care ethics among final year medical and nursing students and to compare the same among these students. Methodology: The cross sectional study was done using a validated questionnaire on 75 students each from final year MBBS and nursing. The collected data was interpreted using appropriate statistical methods like percentages, proportions. Chi square test was used for comparison, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The medical and nursing students included in our study had significant knowledge about medical ethics like autonomy where there is respect to patient and his decisions regarding treatment plans. The students lacked sensitivity on issues of paternalism. Majority of respondents also felt that any wrong doing by health care professional should be conveyed to the patient. Respondents had inclination towards learning ethics and wanted it in their respective curriculum. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the paucity in knowledge of health care ethics among medical and nursing students. Respondents had an inclination to study ethics of health care.
Prevalence and socioeconomic status of osteoarthritis among adult population in and around Chennai: A case study
Authors: Raja Lakshman Raj , Giridharan Bupesh , Sakthivel Vasanth , Pandian Tamizharasi 
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: One of the more common degenerative illnesses in the adult population is osteoarthritis (OA). Many etiological agents are responsible for this common disorder like aging, calcium deficiency, inflammatory syndromes, etc.,With reference to this, preventive measures can be adopted by proper diagnosis and treatment at the right stage. The goal of this research was to evaluate the causes of osteoarthritis of the knee in adults and to identify the inflammatory biomarkers.

Materials and Methods: A population?based, case study among 600 adultsattending local hospitals inChennai and Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, India, was cross-examined from January 2017 to December 2018. All the data related to the study were collected by the postgraduate students, skilled health workers according to thedirection of thecorresponding author. Printedquestionairesand informed approval were obtained from all study participants. Diagnosing criteria for OA wereadopted from the Rheumatology College of America, and it was confirmed and verified in the region.

Results: Around 600 adult patients were questioned, with 27.1 % having knee OA.The following measures like age, tobacco habit, illiteracy, lower socioeconomic class, positive family history of OA, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be highly linked with OA knee significantly in age greater than 50 in females (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The risk of OA was high in this area and serum biomarkers were evaluated. In the present study, the IL-2,IL-5,IL-6, and IL-10 were considered as biomarkers for osteoarthritis in acute and chronic stages. As a result, an effective preventative approach is required to reduce this burden.
Deciphering the association between Covid vaccine side effects and menstrual cycle
Authors: S.A. Priya , Sinha Nimisha , Mehta Prisha , Malenahalli Chandrashekarappa Smitha 
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: In light of the ongoing pandemic Covid -19 and vaccination drive, our study intended to observe the association of reported side effects of Covid vaccine to menstrual cycle. There is no research done about covid vaccine effects on menstrual cycle.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted on females aged between 18-45 years who had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. The google form containing the questionnaire adhered to the CHERRIES guidelines for online surveys, was circulated for 10 days and had 14 questions on the menstrual cycle, Covid vaccines and their side effects. Out of the 886 responses obtained, 129 did not meet our inclusion criteria and hence, 757 responses were considered for statistical analysis. The data were subjected to descriptive, Chi-square tests.

Results: The data showed a significant (p=0.027) association of age with side effects of the Covid vaccine, with the younger age group experiencing more side effects than the older age group. The side effects of the Covid vaccine did not show association (p=0.34) to menstrual cycle phases nor there was significant (p= 0.87) disturbance to the menstrual cycle post-vaccination.

Conclusion: As there were no association of Covid vaccine effects to menstrual cycle, our study may allay apprehension in women who are going to take Covid vaccine and update guidance to health professionals during vaccination drive.
Molecular characterization of Dr/Afa genes prevalent among multi drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections
Authors: Asmaa Samir Mohsin  , Haider Alsakini Ali , Munim Radwan Ali  
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Escherichia coli strains are derived from several phylogenetic groups and have an array of virulence factors such as fimbrial adhesins, which are expressed by the Dr/Afa gene clusters and contribute to overcoming diverse defense mechanisms, resist drugs, and causing disease. The study sought to ascertain the prevalence of the Dr/Afa genes and resistance patterns among E. coli isolated from patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, a maximum of 500 mid-stream urine samples were collected from UTI patients identified at medical centers in Baghdad, Iraq. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the resistance pattern and gene distribution among isolates, respectively, as well as biochemical tests to diagnose isolates.
Results: Research data revealed that recurrent urinary tract infections were associated with the pathogen E. coli (43.88%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.82%). The results demonstrated significant antibiotic resistance patterns among isolates associated with recurrent UTIs and the most common antibiotic resistance was observed with penicillin (81.4%), followed by 81 (68.6%) sulfonamides and 63 (53.4%) fluoroquinolones. Molecular studies of the Dr/Afa operon using polymerase chain reaction, revealed several genotypes for genes within the operon. Among isolates studied the prevalence of the gene draA gene was 62 (52.5%), draB 41 (34.7%), draC 66 (55.9%), draD 65 (55.1%), draE 64 (54.2%), and draP 95 (80.5%). Furthermore, XDR and MDR-resistant phenotypes were significantly prevalent in isolates harboring hetero Dr/Afa fimbriae.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate an inverse correlation between the presence of antibiotic resistance patterns and the prevalence of Dr/Afa genes wherein, the isolates with fewer fimbrial adhesion genes were found to be highly resistant. This study implies the Dr/Afa genes involvement in developing UTIs, suggesting that they might be associated with antibiotic resistance and recurrent UTIs.
Doxycycline inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro
Authors: Yethindra Vityala , Tagaev Tugolbai , Imankulova Asel , Kaliev Marat , Orozalieva Bakyt , Niyazalieva Mira , Zhumabekova Altynai , Krishna Priya Kanteti  , Kuruva Poojitha Sai 
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: We examined the effect of pre- and/or post-infection doxycycline on human nasal epithelial cell viability and SARS-CoV-2 (clinical strain IHUMI-3) replication in vitro.
Materials and Methods: Human nasal epithelial cells, an in vivo SARS-CoV-2 target, were derived from healthy donor nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells via in vitro differentiation. The cells were exposed to doxycycline at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 ?M before and/or after IHUMI-3 inoculation to determine the optimal inhibitory concentration. Viral replication was evaluated using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and doxycycline 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) were calculated. The peak serum concentration (Cmax) resulting from typical oral (100 or 200 mg) or intravenous (100 mg) doxycycline doses was estimated, and the Cmax/EC50 ratio was calculated as an index of potential clinical utility.
Results: Doxycycline exhibited low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 ?M) in human nasal epithelial cells and inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication (EC50: 5.2 ± 3.3 ?M) in a dose-dependent manner when administered pre- and/or post-infection. Reasonable oral or intravenous doses will help achieve effective concentrations in vivo.
Conclusion: Early administration of this well-characterized, safe, and accessible drug may limit person-to-person transmission and prevent progression to severe coronavirus disease.
Geospatial analysis and hotspots of diarrheal cases among under-five children within a rural district of Karnataka, India
Authors: D' Mello Mackwin Kenwood , Badiger Sanjeev , Sudeep Kumar  , Kumar Nanjesh , D'Souza Neevan , Purushothama Jagannath 
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Aim: Diarrhea is a significant public health problem, resulting in nearly 16% of child deaths below the age of five, globally. This study was undertaken to find the relation between geographical variance in diarrheal prevalence and spatial dependence among under-five children of Karkala taluk of Karnataka State, India, between 2015 to 2018.

Materials and Methods: Data on registered diarrheal cases among under-five children between April 2015 and March 2018was obtained from the State Department of Health and Family Welfare. The thematic maps were prepared for the study area using data available at the village level. The GeoDa software was used to carry out spatial data analysis and spatial autocorrelation. Spatial dependence was analyzed through the Global Moran's Index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA).

Results: Three thousand eight hundred ninety-four under-five children were recorded with diarrhea in Karkala taluk with a mean annual rate of 123.6/1000 diarrheal cases. There was an increase in diarrheal incidence during the study period with peak trends being seasonal. Global and Local spatial correlation analysis detected several hot and cold spot clusters among villages in Karkala taluk.

Conclusion: Diarrheal incidence among under-five children is highly seasonal and spatially clustered. The spatial analysis helps decide preventive measures for identified clusters and determines the observed heterogeneity of diarrheal infection.
Asymptomatic pancreatic heterotopia in an incidental Meckel's diverticulum – A rare case report
Authors: Abena Hidangmayum  , Kishan Prasad H. L.  , Jayaprakash Shetty K.  , Shreesha Khandige  
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic heterotopia is a rare, unusual finding where pancreatic tissues are found out of the normal anatomical location. Various studies have documented an incidence of 0.5 to 13% in autopsy. The reports on pancreatic heterotopia presence is rare, with an incidence estimated to be around 0.2% of all upper gastrointestinal surgeries. The heterotopic pancreas occurs frequnetly in the stomach, duodenum and proximal jejunum. Remote cases of pancreatic heterotopia in Meckel's diverticulum is a rare finding. These heterotopias are often clinically silent and are an incidental findings upon pathological examination or autopsy.