ABSTRACT
The field of pediatric heart failure is evolving, and the patient population is growing as survival after complex congenital heart surgeries is improving. Mechanical circulatory support and extracorporeal respiratory support in critically ill children has progressed to a mainstay rescue modality in pediatric intensive care medicine. The need for mechanical circulatory support is growing, since the number of organ donors does not meet the necessity. This article aims to review the current state of available mechanical circulatory and respiratory support systems in acute care pediatrics, with an emphasis on the literature discussing the challenges associated with these complex support modalities
ABSTRACT
Background: Reduction of upper airway (UA) dimensions during sleep is contemplated to cause reduced sleep efficiency (SE) but a definitive association is not affirmed. Efficacy of nasopharyngeal appliance (NPA) in management of UA resistance syndrome (UARS) has not been compared with mandibular repositioning splint (MRS). This study intended to assess relation of UA dimensions to SE and effectiveness of NPA. Materials and Methods: Research had two phases: Case–control study to determine association between UA and SE; randomized control trial (with independent concurrent trial groups and double‑blind design) to analyze treatment outcome with NPA. Subjects were categorized to three groups of 20 in each: A control group of healthy subjects (Group A); two “Randomly Assigned” sample groups of subjects with reduced SE (Groups B and C). Preliminary questionnaire for sleep analysis, Final data collection sheet (first and second case sheets) were recorded, cephalometric variables analyzed, and diagnostic overnight polysomnography was done to match and confirm selection criteria. Three‑dimensional computed tomography was done to analyze airway dimensions before and after appliance placement. ANOVA and post‑hoc tests were used for statistical analysis of results. Conclusions: Reduced UA dimension during sleep is associated with reduced SE; NPA gives better improvement for UARS than MRS.
ABSTRACT
The Petroleum ether and Chloroform extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves was investigated for its potential to protect gastric mucosa against pylorus ligation induced ulcer and to find out the anxiolytic action in elevated plus maze model. Chloroform extract at the dose of 200mg/kg protected the gastric mucosa in the pylorus ligation ulcer induction significantly (p<0.001) when compared with that of the standard drug famotidine (10mg/kg) and acts as a potent antiulcer effect. Elevated plus maze results were significant in alleviating the anxiety in the animals’ results in increased time spent and entries into the open arm compared with the standard drug diazepam (1mg/kg).
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A new series of andrographolide analogues were synthesized from andrographolide, the cytotoxic constituent of the plant Andrographis paniculata. The derived analogs (4a-4e) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against lung cancer (H522), leukemia K562, breast cancer (MCF-7/ADR) and prostate cancer (DU145) cell lines. Most of the analogues display significant cytotoxic activity against tested cell lines. The allyl derivative 4c had higher activity than parent compound andrographolide 1, and standard drug cisplatin against tested cell lines.
ABSTRACT
Background. Internship is a phase of training when a new graduate is expected to acquire skills under supervision, so that he/she may become capable of functioning independently. Often, new graduates go through this period without a clear aim. We conducted an orientation programme before fresh graduates started their 1-year internship to familiarize them with their clinical tasks and their role in the community. Methods. Interns were invited to participate in a one-anda- half day programme conducted by faculty members and administrators that included interactive lectures, structured panel discussions, group discussions and role plays. The participants provided feedback using a structured questionnaire and during informal group discussions. They were also evaluated by a pre-test and post-test questionnaire. Results. Of the 41 interns who attended the programme on day 1 and the 28 who completed it on day 2, 19 completed the post-test questionnaire. The post-test score (median 14.5; range 10–18) represented a significant improvement over the pre-test score (median 13, range 3–16). All participants felt that the workshop was successful in achieving its objectives. Conclusion. A brief and structured orientation programme before internship offers a practical means of making the transition of new graduates from students to practising doctors smoother.