Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Barriers of E-Learning among medical students : A Cross-Sectional Study

A learning system based on formalized teaching but with the help of electronic resources is known as E-learning. Countries around the world had imposed large-scale physical distancing measures and movement restrictions often referred to as ‘lockdowns’, to slow COVID?19 transmission by limiting contact between people. Students around the country had to undergo E-learning. The study is conducted to assess the knowledge and perception about E-learning among medical students, to assess the factors which act as a barrier to effective learning via E-learning platforms. A pre-tested questionnaire is sent to the undergraduate students of Osmania Medical College. 117 students were included in the study. Data was collected in Google Forms and analyzed using Google sheets. 91.5% of students had adequate knowledge and only 43.6% of students had a positive attitude towards E-learning. There is no significant difference between men and women in knowledge and attitude.

Study of urinary uric acid and creatinine ratio as a marker for perinatal asphyxia

Background: Perinatal asphyxia refers to an impairment of the normal oxygenation during parturition and the ensuing adverse effects on the fetus/neonate.' In India, due to birth asphyxia, between 250,000 to 350,000 infants die each year, mostly within the first three days of life. Low APGAR score is commonly used to as a indicator of asphyxia in infants, but it may often be not available and may be reduced in premature infants. In present study we evaluated urinary uric acid and creatinine ratio as a marker for perinatal asphyxia, at our tertiary care hospital.Methods: Present study was a observational, case-control study, conducted in department of paediatrics, in case group consisted of 40 full-term neonates who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia. The control group consisted of 40 healthy full-term newborns.Results: Male to female ratio was 1.5:1 in case group as compared to 1.22:1 in control group. Mean gestational age in case group was 286'10.32 days, while in control group it was 274'7.310 days. Mean birth weight was 2.72'0.51 kg & 2.88'0.49 kg in case & control group respectively. In 52.5 % neonates from case group, signs of intrapartum fetal distress were noted. A statistically significant difference (p<0.005) was noted in Apgar 5 min, Arterial blood pH, pO2 (mm Hg), pCO2 (mm Hg), Urinary uric acid (mg/dl) and Urinary uric acid/ creatinine ratio. Authors did not noted any significant difference in Urinary creatinine (mg/dl) values of cases and control group. Urinary UA/CR ratio is significantly higher in case group when compared with control group with t=11.19; P<0.001.Conclusions: The ratio of urinary uric acid to creatinine helps in rapidly recognizing asphyxia and assessing its severity, so it can be a good, simple screening test for early assessment of neonatal asphyxia.

Histopathological Study of the Relationship of Columnar Cell Lesions to Carcinoma Breast

Introduction: Columnar cell lesions (CCLs) of the breastcomprise a spectrum of benign to atypical entities that have incommon variably dilated terminal duct lobular units lined bycolumnar epithelial cells with prominent apical cytoplasmicsnouts. They are increasingly being encountered in breastbiopsies because their associated microcalcifications aredetected on mammographic screening. Current study aimed toknow the proportion and significance of columnar cell lesionsseen along with carcinoma breast.Material and methods: Excision biopsy specimens of thebreast which included both lumpectomies and mastectomieswere studied in the department of pathology. Postchemotherapy specimens were excluded from the study.5sections each were taken from adjacent breast tissuesand studied for columnar cell lesions after staining withhematoxylin, and eosin.100 cases were included in this study.Results: Majority of the cases were diagnosed as IDC grade 2.One or the other columnar cell lesions were seen in the majorityof invasive ductal carcinomas. CCLs may be characterized bya single layer of columnar cells (columnar cell change [CCC]),multiple layers with stratification and apical tufting (columnarcell hyperplasia [CCH]), or monomorphic cells with cytologicatypia (flat epithelial atypia [FEA]). The differentiationbetween CCC, CCH, and FEA is clinically significant: CCCand CCH are considered benign lesions, whereas FEA canbe associated with, and even a precursor to, low-grade ductalcarcinoma in situ and atypical ductal hyperplasia. Of the total12 cases of grade 2 IDC, 8 cases (66.6%) showed columnarcell change, 4 of them showed columnar cell hyperplasia(33.3%) and 9 of them showed both flat epithelial atypia andductal carcinoma in-situ changes (75%).Conclusion: A consistent correlation exists between columnarcell lesions and Carcinoma Breast which is evidenced by thepresence of such lesions in diagnosed cases of carcinoma.Since columnar cell lesions represent a significant precursorfor carcinoma breast, a multidisciplinary modality of approachwill help to detect these lesions much earlier and will proveworthwhil

Mesenchymal dysplasia of placenta.

A rare case of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) in a 26-year-old patient is reported. Ultrasound scan at 17 weeks of gestation showed placenta with multiple cystic spaces and a normal appearing fetus. Following delivery of a term live baby, histological examination of the placenta was suggestive of PMD. The early recognition of this rare condition by characteristic ultrasonographic fi ndings is herein emphasized and hence that PMD is distinguished from molar pregnancy.

Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis – A Case Report.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a medical emergency which presents with muscular weakness, hypokalemia and features of thyrotoxicosis. Urgent treatment is very important; since, very low potassium levels can lead to cardiac complications. Here, we present a case where features of hyperthyroidism were missed on initial assessment and were picked up subsequently in the second presentation of paralysis. This emphasizes the importance in recognizing the subtle features of hyperthyroidism from both history and clinical examination. Acute management consisted of administering intravenous potassium chloride and then treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Casting made simple using modified sprue design: An in vitro study.

Background: Success in dental casting restorations for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) depends on the castability. Castability is described as the ability of an alloy to faithfully reproduce sharp detail and fine margins of a wax pattern. The goal of a prosthodontist is to provide the patient with restorations that fit precisely. Regardless of the alloy used for casting, the casting technique should yield a casted alloy, which should possess sufficient mass, surface hardness and minimal porosity after casting. Materials and Methods: Twenty patterns for casting were made from three‑dimensional printed resin pattern simulating a 3 unit FPD and casted using modified sprue technique. Later test samples were cemented sequentially on stainless steel model using pressure indicating paste and evaluated for vertical marginal gap in eight predetermined reference areas. Marginal gap were measured in microns using Video Measuring System (VMS2010F‑CIP Corporation, Korea). A portion of the axial wall of the cast abutments depicting premolar and molar were sectioned and embedded in acrylic resin and tested for micro hardness using Reichert Polyvar 2 Met Microhardness tester (Reichert, Austria) and porosity using Quantimet Image Analyzer (Quantimet Corporation London, England). Results: The results obtained for marginal gap, micro hardness, and porosity of all test samples were tabulated, descriptive statistics were calculated and the values were found to be within the clinically acceptable range. Conclusion: The new sprue technique can be an alternative and convenient method for casting which would minimize metal wasting and less time consuming. However, further studies with same technique on various parameters are to be conducted for its broad acceptance.

Concurrent validity of the malay version perceived stress scale (PSS-10)

This study aimed to assess the concurrent validity of the Malay version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) PSS-10 item. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted among all students in a medical faculty in Malaysia. The questionnaire included three parts; socio-demographic correlates, PSS-10 and the validated Malay version of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 item (DASS-21). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used in the analysis. Stress subscale of DASS -21 correlated positively with the total score of PSS-10 (r= +0.50, p<0.001), positively with the negative subscale of PSS-10 (r=+0.36, p<0.001) and negatively with the positive subscale of PSS-10 (perceived coping) (r= -0.33, p<0.001). Conclusion: The Malay Version of PSS-10 has fair correlation with the stress subscale of DASS-21. This confirmed the concurrent validity of this scale, which further strengthened the previous evidence that the Malay version of PSS-10 was a valid tool to measure stress in Malaysian university students. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January – June 2014: 8-13.

Psychological Morbidity And Sources Of Job Stress Among Doctors In Yemen

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and factors contributing to psychological morbidity among doctors in Sana’a city, Yemen. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 442 Yemeni doctors. The (GHQ12) was used as a measure of psychological morbidity. Sources of job stress were determined using a 37-item scale questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of psychological morbidity was 68.1 %. Gender, age range of 30 – 39 years old, chewing Khat, type of residence and income were significantly associated with psychological morbidity (p<0.05). Five stressors out of 37 were significantly associated with psychological morbidity. On multivariate analysis, the significant predictors of psychological morbidity were being 30 – 39 years old, patients not trusting doctors, not chewing Khat, uncertainty and insecurity. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological morbidity in Yemeni doctors was higher than those reported internationally and it was associated with many important job stressors.

Response: Prevalence and Correlates of Disordered Sleep in Southeast Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes (Diabetes Metab J 2012;36:70-6)

No abstract available.

Prevalence and Correlates of Disordered Sleep in Southeast Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with diabetes. Patients with diabetes have higher rates of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and increased incidence of restless leg syndrome. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence and determine the predictors of sleep dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes in a southeast Asian Indian population. METHODS: We enrolled 120 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended an endocrinology clinic in a tertiary-care hospital. After we collected their demographic data, we recorded their anthropometric measurements. Fasting, postprandial blood glucose values and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values were then obtained. Quality of sleep was evaluated in all the patients through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is a questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances over a monthlong period. A Global Sleep Quality score > or =5 discriminates between good and poor sleepers. RESULTS: The mean global PSQI score was 7.08 (standard deviation, 3.89), which suggested poor sleep quality in this population. Sixty-nine percent of patients had a global PSQI score > or =5, indicating that they were "poor sleepers." The global PSQI score positively correlated with the duration of diabetes and was also independent of other variables such as age, gender, body mass index, HbA1c, or medications. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of sleep dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. We also found a significant correlation between duration of diabetes and quality of sleep, independent of other variables. It is important for physicians to address the quality and duration of sleep in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase from clinical isolates in Davangere.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzymes (ESBLs) are enzymes that have the ability to hydrolyze oxyiminocephalosporins and infections by isolates producing them are often difficult to treat. A study to detect the presence of these enzymes in isolates was conducted by our hospital. A total of 207 non repetitive isolates were screened for resistance to any of five screening agents. Those with suspicious profiles were checked for ESBL production by double-disk approximation or a synergy test. The isolates were also subjected to a phenotypic confirmation test as recommended by CLSI (formerly NCCLS). Various cephalosporins-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations were also tested. Of the 204 (98.5%) screen-positive isolates, only 126 (61.7%) were identified as ESBL producers. Of these, 26.1% of the isolates were positive by using the double-disk synergy test (DDST) method alone, 13.4% were positive using the method recommended by CLSI, and 60.3% of the isolates were positive by both the DDST and CLSI methods. We also report a high percentage of resistance to cefoxitin (96.8%) indicating changes in porins.

A profile of HIV infection / AIDS related knowledge among female students of Kanpur district, India.

INTRODUCTION: HIV/AIDS, a social disease took pandemic form within a short span of time affecting 40 million people through the globe. Adults of the developing countries are the main victim of the disease contributing to 95% of the total world's HIV infection and 90% death. In the absence of effective cure to this disease, it can be very easily prevented by IEC activities regarding behavioural changes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the misconceptions associated with it among girl students of Kanpur district. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: This is a baseline cross-sectional, questionnaire based study conducted among female students of technical and non-technical institutions of Kanpur district UP in 2001. RESULTS: Though the causative agent and correct mode of acquiring infection was not known to most of the students yet significant proportion had adequate knowledge about the vulnerable age group that is youth as stated by (72.90%) of the respondents. Knowledge regarding correct modes of transmission of infections (82.78%), high risk groups (82.88%) and common symptoms of disease (80.11%) was satisfactory. DISCUSSION: The finding of the present study was satisfactory and consistent with previous research findings. In paradox to their knowledge, deeply rooted misconception related to transmission of infection also surfaced and was more prevalent in technical than non technical students. These misconceptions need to be corrected to prevent the spread of the infection. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the study group was quite satisfactory for most of the variables like vulnerable age, modes of transmission, sexual and behavioural practices and common symptoms of the disease. However, misconceptions were also very high and almost equally present in technical and non-technical students. Though, as already stated, the technical students had better knowledge than non-technical ones.

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope-optical coherence tomography [SLO-OCT]: review of a newly emerging imaging technique

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope-optical coherence tomography [SLO-OCT] a combined innovative technology provides high-resolution, in depth images of the retina and SLO scans the retina to locate the area of the disease using a single source. The two scanning modes has enabled in better understanding of the extent of disease and aid physician with diagnostic challenges. It is useful in localizing accurately subtle pathology with enhancement of vitreo-retinal interface. The coronal scans are particularly useful to study the retinal pigment epithelial - choriocapillary interface pathology and verify subtle lesions noticed on cross sectional scans. Its ability to scan in undilated pupils is another advantage but requires utmost patient's cooperation. Little ocular movement causes difficulties in obtaining the image, also inability to scan in high myopes. The ability to fuse with other imaging system in future would make SLO-OCT a versatile compact diagnostic tool in the management of posterior segment pathology

Adult atretic parietal cephalocele.

Atretic parietal cephalocele is a congenital anomaly of childhood with poor prognostic value. The authors report an adult with associated brain malformations (interhemispheric cyst, partial corpus callosum agenesis) - but, interestingly, without any clinical symptoms related to the entity.