Association of Dietary and Physical Activity Patterns and Hypertension in Western Rajasthan, 2022

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. HTN affects about 1 billion people globally; by 2025, up to 1.58 billion adults worldwide are likely to suffer from complications of HTN. This study was done to know the diet and physical activity patterns and HTN among the population of three districts of Western Rajasthan. Objectives: To study the dietary and physical activity patterns among the population of Western Rajasthan. and to compare key findings among three districts Pali, Jodhpur and Barmer so that lifestyle changes can be recommended. Methods: A case-control study was done among attendees of NCD clinics of tertiary-level centers in Pali, Barmer and Jodhpur. Hospital Controls were matched to age (± 5 years) and gender Considering the prevalence of HTN to be 20%*, the proportion of exposure in the general population as 0.2, odds ratio to be 2.2, power =80%, alpha=5% sample size is estimated to be 102 cases & 102 controls (from each district). Results: Overall being married (OR= 3.3), having diabetes Cardiac disease (OR= 2.6), excessive salt consumption (OR= 2.7), moderate physical exercise less than 30 minutes (OR=1.9), using oil other than vegetable oil(OR=1.8) , Age >?60 years (OR =1.4) were the key risk factors. It was found that high BMI (BMI>27), consumption of non-vegetable oils (12.7%) was highest in Jodhpur, lack of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes (81%), lack of sports activity (92%) was highest in Pali, least number of days/week of fruits and vegetables consumption (~1.64 days) was seen in Barmer. Conclusions: Change in quantity of salt consumption and incorporation of moderate physical exercise for >30 minutes was most followed in control of HTN among the attendees of NCD Clinics from the multiple advise given.

Prevalence of psychological stress among health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic – A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) exposed to COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing mental health problems. This study aims to access the prevalence of psychological stress among HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of psychological stress among HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of about 100 HCWs who participated in the study were randomly distributed prestructured questionnaire pertaining to sociodemographic parameters and variables related to psychological stress and their responses were graded accordingly. Results: It was found that HCWs showed significant rise in psychological distress with moderate-to-severe elevated levels of anxiety (69%), depression (21%), and insomnia (41%). Nurses were significantly more likely to experience anxiety than other HCWs in our present study and the most of the participants were engaged in some form of stress reduction activities. Conclusion: The high levels of psychological distress were reported in HCWs in hospital dealing with COVID-19 patients. Increase efforts are needed for promotion of mental health well-being of HCWs exposed to COVID-19

Anaerobes in cardiac infections: A decade experience from the tertiary care center

Purpose: Anaerobic infections are common yet life-threatening. They are being recovered from all sites of the body, including the cardiovascular system. This study was aimed to determine the retrospective analysis on the isolation of anaerobes in cardiovascular samples received for a decade-long duration. It helps in knowing the frequency of isolation of anaerobic causes of cardiovascular infection. Methods: All cardiovascular samples from the department of Cardio-thoracic vascular surgery from January 2010 to December 2020 were studied. Results: Of 601 samples received, predominant samples were vegetations and valvular tissues of 258, followed by 98 samples of pericardial tissues, 92 samples of embolus, 90 samples of blood and post-operative collections, and 63 excised aneurysms and vascular grafts. Of the total, 15 samples grew anaerobes where Clostridium species were the predominant isolates. Clostridioides difficile was isolated in 2 samples. Conclusions: Anaerobes in cardiovascular samples are uncommon yet form a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Most infections are from the contiguous spread, penetrating trauma, and hematogenous causing endocarditis or valvular infections. These conditions and samples form the seat of infectious focus and clinical suspicion towards the anaerobic cause of these conditions, especially in conventional routine culture-negative samples. Timely diagnosis of anaerobic infections plays a vital role in the good prognostic outcome of patients undergoing cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

Complementary and alternative medicines use among adults with migraine in a tertiary care hospital: An observational study

Background: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) dates back to being quite pervasive amongst patients suffering from chronic ailments such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and migraine. While data pertaining to the use of CAM among adults with migraine is limited and mostly undercover thereby veiling their effects. Hence, this analysis was taken up to project the paradigm of CAM usage among sufferers of migraine in our domain. Aim and Objectives: To examine various attributes of CAM utility in patients of migraine. Materials and Methods: Following the approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee vide order no. IEC/GMC/2019/767 dated November 26, 2019, this study was performed in migraine patients visiting Medicine out patient department of Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu over a span of 3 months. After receiving their consent, they were confronted with a prevalidated questionary consisting of two sections viz. socio-demographic profile and CAM use aspects. Results: A total of 100 patients were inducted in our research, of which 64 agreed to use various CAM modalities alongwith ongoing conventional migraine therapy. Females (73.43%) belonging to rural setting (57.81%) depicted quite high use of CAM than their male (26.56%) counterparts. Ayurvedic balm/oil massage (56.25%) was the most common type of CAM used with family/friends (59.37%) being major informants about various CAM practices. The less educated patients (46.87%) showed relatively more use of CAM than in illiterates (9.37%). 53.12% of those on CAM proclaimed about its safety, being less costly (18.75%) yet effective (14.06%). Only 29.68% of patients disclosed about their CAM use to their treating doctor while the majority (70.31%) were non-revealers. Conclusion: CAM is prevalent in patients suffering from migraine with more propensity among females of rural strata. Ayurvedic balm/oil massage was the most extensively practiced CAM. Ironically, a vast chunk of patients did not reveal regarding CAM usage to their treating physician. As such there’s a dire need to embolden such patients to divulge regarding CAM to their treating doctor so as to thwart any impending undesired interplay.

Effect Of Photodynamic Therapy In The Management Of Periodontal Disease - A Systematic Review

Background:Periodontitis is multifactorial disease which is initiated with plaque formation that will initiate an inflammatory response which can cause destruction of tissues & tooth supporting structure. If left untreated it will cause gingival recession and bone destruction which will lead to tooth mobility. Sometimes it is difficult to eliminate periodontal pathogens completely from deepest areas of periodontal pockets, to overcome these issues photodynamic therapy (PDT) was used as it is local non-invasive treatment modality without any side effects. Aim:The aim of present study was to investigate the effectiveness of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as an Adjunct To Scaling & Root Planing in the managementOf Periodontal Disease. Material And Methods:Literature was searched systemically and studies were identified based on the-PICO (Glossary of Evidence Based Terms 2007). Electronic database search of Pubmed, Google scholar, Medline and scopus was performed using (MESH) terms-Photodynamictherapy,periodontitis, microbiological assessment. Articles published between year 2009-2019 were reviewed. Patient treated with SRP alone on one side and other side with SRP+ PDT. Recording of Clinical parameters like PPD,CAL,BOP,PS,GR were done from baseline to 3,6 month. Microbiological and biochemical analysis were also evaluated to check level of RANKL/OPG, IL-1?, TNF-?, Aggregatibacter actenomycetocomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia Conclusion::A large evidence suggest that PDT when used along with SRP resulted in significantimprovement in clinical parameters.Significant improvement in biochemical parameters such as IL-1? , Tnf-? , RANKL/OPG were also seen after periodontal therapy along with PDT when compared with SRP alone.

Effectiveness of a “home care model” for oral cancer patients on the home care competency of their caregivers

Background: Cancer can occur to everyone regardless of sex, age, culture, socioeconomic status, and geographical area. Various forms of cancer strike at different age, ethnic, gender groups with severity, and varying frequency. Objective: The study objectives were as follows: (1) To develop and implement a home care model on home care competency of caregivers and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of home care model on home care competency of caregivers. Materials and Methods: For this study, a quantitative research approach was used to develop and implement a home care model on home care competency (knowledge and practice) of caregivers. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was used in the study. The study was conducted in a selected hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study subject. Data were collected from 40 caregivers of oral cancer patients using a structured knowledge questionnaire, structured self-report nutritional practice checklist, and structured observational wound care checklist. Results: The mean post-test practice scores and knowledge scores (18.75, 12.82, and 7.55) were higher than mean pre-test practice scores and knowledge scores (11.95, 8.85, and 4.23) which were found statistically significant at P < 0.05. The mean percentage area-wise distribution of knowledge regarding nutritional management at pre-test was 51% and wound care management was 55%, which was improved for both (81%) at post-test. No significant association was found between knowledge and practice except occupation. Minor correlation was found between post-test knowledge and post-test practice scores. Conclusion: It is concluded that home care competency program was found effective to improve the knowledge and practice of caregivers of oral cancer patients.

Design, Development And Characterization Of Curcumin Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease

Curcumin being component of Curcuma longa is a natural polyphenol. Observing on a chemical level, curcumin is a natural polyphenol which is denominated (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene3,5-dione) which is usually extracted through the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Structurally, it is composed of a trio of chemical identities on a molecular level: dual aromatic ring system. The objective of the research was to design, development and characterization of herbal drug loaded albumin nanoparticles to cure parkinson’s disease for improving and increasing the therapeutic efficacy and also reducing the frequency of dose. The optimized formulations were obtained after applying the design of experiment which was Box Behnken method where three independent variables; polymer concentration, stirring time, crosslinker concentration were selected. Curcumin nanoparticles loaded with albumin were formulated by ph coacervation method in which ethanol was used as desolvating agent along with a cross linking agent (Glutaraldehyde) and albumin as the polymer. The particle size and polydispersity index of curcumin loaded albumin nanoparticles was measured via dynamic light scattering technique. Drug release research conducted using in vitro method over the duration of 24 hours. Ex vivo drug release study of the albumin nanoparticles was performed using nasal membrane of goat. It has been shown that in case of hydrophilic matrices, swelling of polymer occurs followed by release of drug by diffusion which was best explained by Korsmeyer- peppas equation, which indicates drug release through diffusion which occurs by swelling of polymer matrix and remained constant throughout the release of drug in body. By virtue of particle size, the designed nanoparticles effortlessly goes into the nasal mucosa.

Formulation Evaluation And Optimization Of Chitosan Coated Ceftriaxone Loaded Microparticles

Ceftriaxone, a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic is an important antibiotic used in the treatment of invasive infections caused by the certain bacteria such as the penicillin-resistant microorganisms like Staphyloccocus aureus, strains of S. pneumonia, S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae , particularly among E. coli. There is increasing antimicrobial resistance of Ceftriaxone in particular against these strains of bacteria. This study has been conducted to formulate, evaluate and optimize chitosan coated ceftriaxone loaded microparticles with better efficacy and also observes the MIC against strains of bacteria. Emulsion crosslinking method was used for the formulation of microparticles of ceftriaxone by using chitosan as a polymer and glutraldehyde as a cross linking agent which is optimized by using Box-Behnken Design. Three independent variables were taken; effect of drug and the polymer ratio, effect of the stirring speed and effect of crosslinking agent and dependent variables were microparticles entrapment efficiency and the In vitro drug release. Following optimization of the formulations, physical characterization as well as entrapment efficiency and ultimately in-vitro evaluation was performed. Physical characterization include optical microscopy, SEM and DLS to check there physical properties. The method used for the formulation of microparticle had the optimum entrapment efficiency of 61.7% which was increase with the increase in the addition of the more amount of chitosan and glutraldehyde and method also achieved the good in vitro release. MIC studies of microparticles were done against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli and it was found that the formulations showed decrease in MIC.

Interfraction physical dose variations in high-dose-rate brachytherapy for carcinoma cervix based on computed tomography image dataset to find the compatibility of the first fraction plan to treat successive fractions

Context: Due to limited resources and/or affordability by majority of the patients, many centers in low- and middle-income countries are still not able to adapt three-dimensional image-based brachytherapy planning in their routine practice. Aim: The aim of the study was to see the feasibility of using computed tomography (CT)-based plan of the first fraction to treat successive fractions of intracavitary brachytherapy based on the estimation of the physical dosimetric differences between successive applications. Materials and Methods: CT image-based brachytherapy plans of 38 patients who received three insertions of intracavitary application with high-dose-rate brachytherapy have been analyzed. Revised plans for the second and third insertions were generated by adapting dwell time and dwell position of the first insertion plan. The dose to point “A” and maximum doses to 2, 1, and 0.1 cc volumes of the rectum and bladder have been used for dosimetric comparison. Results: The statistical differences of mean point “A” doses were observed insignificant except between original and revised plans for the second insertions. The dosimetric differences between consecutive original and revised plans for the bladder and rectum have not shown any significance except minimum dose to 0.1 cc volume of the rectum for the third insertions. Conclusions: Dosimetric deviation for tumor and organs at risk is within acceptable limit while using CT image-based brachytherapy plan of the first fraction for treating successive fractions

Factors influencing compliance to directly observed treatment, short course therapy and effectiveness of awareness program on knowledge and compliance

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most infectious diseases if not treated properly it may lead to mortality. The directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) therapy is the choice of the treatment of TB. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the factors influencing compliance of persons with TB to DOTS, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness program on knowledge and compliance to DOTS among persons with TB, (3) to find the association between pre-test level of knowledge with selected sociodemographic variables, and (4) to find the association between pre-test level of compliance to DOTS with selected sociodemographic variables. Materials and Methods: An evaluative approach with one group pre-test and post-test design was used as a research design in the study. 50 participants were selected as a sample using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using structured knowledge questionnaire and compliance checklist through interview schedule Results: The study result showed that the mean post-test knowledge score (17.32 ± 1.58) was higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (10.80 ± 2.05) and “t” value is 27.22 at P < 0.05. Similarly, the mean post-test compliance score (8.92 + 0.72) was higher than the mean pre-test compliance score (6.00 ± 1.05) and “t” value is 9.369 at P < 0.05. The sociodemographic variable such as age and educational status was significantly associated with pre-test knowledge score (χ² = 5.993, P < 0.05, and χ² = 11.49, P < 0.05), respectively, and gender was significantly associated with pre-test compliance score (χ² = 4.482, P < 0.05). The main reason for noncompliance to DOTS therapy was difficult to take multiple drugs for a long period and data showed that family support (29.55%) was highly influencing to comply with DOTS therapy. Conclusion: The awareness program was highly effective in increasing knowledge among TB person and compliance to DOTS therapy. Therefore, the knowledge and compliance of the TB person to DOTS therapy can be further improved by providing on-going awareness programs.

Substance abuse amongst the medical graduate students in a developing country.

Background & objectives: Substance abuse is found worldwide including among students. We carried out this study to estimate the prevalence of substance abuse among medical student studying in a medical college in north India. Methods: Using a validated questionnaire a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 230 undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in a private medical college. Results: The prevalence of substance abuse was 20.43 per cent (47/230) among medical students. An increase in substance abuse was observed in the latter years of medical education. A total of 43 of 47 (91.7%) students using these substances were aware of the ill effects. The most common reasons for substance use were relief from psychological stress (34/47, 72.4%) and occasional celebration (34/47, 72.4%). Of the 47 substance users, 28 (59.6%) made past attempts to quit the substance abuse. Interpretation & conclusions: Nearly one-fifth of medical students abuse at least one substance despite knowing the ill effects with the main predisposing factor being the psychological stress.

Assessment of awareness about HIV/AIDS in slum areas of Jodhpur city

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the disease, whose mode of transmission is known and is largely preventable, but due to lack of knowledge and practices in general population causes its continuous spread. Aim and objectives: To assess the awareness level about HIV/AIDS among male and female of 15- 44 years age group residing in slum areas. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at slum areas of Jodhpur city to assess the awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among male and female of 15-44 years age group. Total 741 persons were selected by multi stage sampling method in 254 households from 66 slums and a predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to record the information. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using “Chi square test” of significance. Results: Only 20.1% were aware about the word “HIV” and only 8.7% of these knew the meaning of HIV while 68.8% subjects aware about word “AIDS” and only 12% of them knew the meaning of the word AIDS. Age, sex, religion, caste, literacy and socio-economic status were significantly influenced the knowledge gained (p<0.01). Unsafe sex (heterosexual) was most frequently (52.5%) known route of transmission by the respondents. Conclusion: In spite of having large scale information, education and communication activities, at the national and state level, the knowledge of various aspects of HIV/AIDS was deficient and myths about modes of transmission were prevalent in studied slum population

Knowledge, Awareness and Perception about HIV/AIDS among Primary School Teachers in Bangladesh.

Objective: Information is very important to have accurate understanding of people about the modes of HIV/AIDS transmission and its prevention strategies. Teachers at all levels are always expected to play a foremost role in the provision of information to promote awareness leading to behavioral change among students. Therefore, this article is aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and perception about the deadly disease HIV/AIDS among primary school teachers in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: To do so, about 120 teachers from 28 primary schools, out of 68, in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) areas were interviewed purposively for this study using a self-administered questionnaire. Results and discussion: The results showed that the teachers serving at primary schools level were not too sure of their own knowledge about the issue. They had much misperception about the knowledge of facts, modes of transmission to reduce contamination and the modes of transmission from one person to another of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Government should provide adequate funding to organize and sponsor teachers to attend in training workshops, seminars and conferences related to HIV/AIDS and that the pandemic should be discussed with other for the purpose of awareness.

Synthesis, Spectral Characterization of Cu (Ii) and Ni (Ii) Complexes with Thiosemicarbazones and Semicarbazones Derived from Pyridine-2-Carboxaldehyde.

Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes were synthesized with L1(Pyridine-2-carboxaldehydethiosemicarbazones) and L2 (Pyridine-2-carboxaldehydesemicarbazones). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurements on the complexes in DMSO correspond to non electrolytes nature with L1. The molar conductance measurements with L2 lie in the range 210-226 Ω-1cm2mol-1 indicating the complexes were 1:2 electrolyte thus the complexes may be formulated as [M(L)2]X2 where M= Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes. On the basis of spectral studies an octahedral geometry has been assigned for Ni (II) complexes. A tetragonal geometry suggested for Cu (II) complexes.

Neuropsychological Correlates for Obsessive Slowness.

Aim : To assess the cognitive functioning of a group of patients with OCD and a group of matched normal controls. Method : Patients of OCD were screened for selection criteria. They were assessed on Wisconson Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) for neuro-cognitive impairments and compared the same with matched controls. Conclusions : On WCST, clinical group performed poorly, which is statistically significant. On CPT, the patient groups made significantly more wrong responses, more missed responses and took more time to respond, which is statistically significant.

A Pilot Project on Health Assessment of PAC Jawans.

Objective: To determine if changes in the life style bring any positive changes in various physical and psychological parameters. Material & Methods : An arbitrarily selected group of Jawans (32 in number and ranging in age from 35 to 58 years) were assessed in the Department of Psychiatry and other departments like Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT and Physiology for various baseline investigations. Following this, they were subjected to one month of life style changes including regular exercises, Yoga and dietary modifications. After seventy one days a follow through check-up was done in post- intervention period for the same parameters. Results: The reductions in number of subjects having abnormal BMI(Body Mass Index)71.87% to 46.87%, abnormal GHQ-12 (12 items General Health Questionnaire) score- 37.5% to 21.87%, VC(Vital Capacity)- 15.62% to 6.25%, ECG(Electro Cardio-Gram)- 28.12% to3.12%, S. Total Cholesterol- 50% to 18.7%, and S. Triglycerides- 81.25% to 50% were statistically significant on a repeat check post-intervention. Subjectively 25% Jawans reported a feeling of wellbeing at the base investigations whereas 87.5% reported a reduction in mental tensions and enhancement of positive thinking during the feed back. They also reported benefits in various existing health problems and an increase in the self confidence. With special dietary regimes most of the jawans reported reduction in their obesity and various Gastro-intestinal disturbances. With regular Yoga and Pranayam, most of the jawans reported a benefit in their working capacity and occupation as a whole. All in all it can be inferred that such an intervention brings a positive change in the health status of PAC Jawans and no further deterioration has been observed.

Tobacco Consumption Practices among the School Students.

Research question: What is the prevalence of tobacco consumption in school students of Anand Taluka in Gujarat. Settings: Urban and rural areas of Anand taluka of Gujarat. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: School students of class 11th and 12th of selected schools. Methodology: Sample size taken for the study purpose was 1200 in accordance with the prevalence of tobacco consumption in Kheda district of Gujarat. The study was conducted with the help of pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Urban and rural areas were selected by simple random sampling and school students were selected by systematic random sampling. Results: The prevalence of current tobacco users was found to be 8.2%. Chewing is the most preferable form of tobacco use. Maximum number of users started tobacco use at the age of 11-15. The study showed a lack of knowledge in the students regarding the consequences of tobacco use. Friend’s and teacher’s smoking behaviour is significantly associated with student’s tobacco consumption.

Cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry of extrarenal rhabdoid tumor: A case report with review of literature.

Extrarenal rhabdoid tumor (ERRT) is a rare, aggressive tumor with extremely poor prognosis. We report a case of ERRT with intraspinal extension in a 1.5-year-old child diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and immunohistochemistry. The child presented with a right lumbar region lump of two months duration. Ultrasound guided FNAC was performed and cell block was prepared. Smears were highly cellular and showed a dispersed population of large round cells having abundant pale eosinophillic cytoplasm, centrally to eccentrically placed nucleus with large prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry was carried out on cell block which was positive for epithelial membrane antigen EMA and Vimentin. It was negative for leucocyte common antigen [LCA], wilms tumor 1, WT1, desmin and neuron specific enolaseNSE, thus ruling out other tumors like lymphoma, Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. A final diagnosis of ERRT was given. ERRT is an extremely rare tumor of retroperitoneal area; it should be included in the differential diagnosis of malignant round cell tumor in children. Cell block in this case is mandatory for putting up the panel of immunohistochemistry which can clinch the diagnosis of rhabdoid tumor and treatment can be started as early as possible.

How effective are radio programs in dissemination of health messages to the rural masses?

An 18-episode radio program was broadcasted in 2004 by Government of Madhya Pradesh to disseminate health messages to the community. The program was evaluated for its outreach and level of retention of the key messages by the listeners. In the households with radio sets only 49% listened to radio programs regularly. Among them 34% had listened to at least one episode of the program under study. The retention rate of key messages by the program listeners was found to be around 30 per cent only. Barriers to use of radio for mass communication of health messages have been discussed.