ABSTRACT
In both biomedical research and medical academia, research publications serve a critical role. There are a huge number of research publications published all around the world. However, only a small percentage of them are good and have any research or academic worth. So, properly evaluating published publica-tions has become vital in this circumstance. This article is intended with medical graduates and post-graduates in mind, in order to clarify them how to critically evaluate research publications. It may also be used to write published research articles in an indirect way. A collection of questions is supplied to cover all aspects of a published research paper. To assess the quality of an article, a score system based on the following questions can be established.
ABSTRACT
Background: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infectious pandemic that has recently emerged. Preventive steps made to curb the spread have far-reaching consequences across all sectors and age groups. Adolescents are the most silent victims. They are not unconcerned about the COVID-19 Pandemic's severe psychological impact. Fears, uncertainty, significant changes in their routines, physical and social isolation, and a high level of parental stress affect them. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic on mental health of adolescent girls. Methodology: Data was collected through an online survey during the month of June and July 2021. In this study, 228 participants were included. The impact of the Corona virus pandemic on participants' mental health was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Result: The study showed that most of the adolescent girls were feeling stressful due to not able to go to school (75%), not able to meet friends (56%) and confined in a house during COVID-19 pandemic. 66% girls showed fear of corona infection, 50% girls were worried, 35% were showed anxiety whereas 25% girls showed restlessness and fear of death due to COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings imply that during the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescent girls are more concerned about government constraints aimed at preventing the virus's spread, and that these concerns are linked to higher anxiety, fear, restlessness, and worry. To avoid the situation from worsening, more research and support should be done.
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major visual morbidities associated with diabetes. This study determined the levels of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with DR and to correlate the estimated levels of serum hs-CRP with the severity of DR and other coexisting factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March 2009 and August 2010 and included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without DR. A detailed fundus evaluation was performed using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. The retinopathies were observed and documented in accordance with the Kanski's system of classification as background DR (BDR), pre-proliferative DR (PPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). Laboratory investigations determined the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycosylated hemoglobin, urine albumin excretion, and serum hs-CRP levels.Results: In total, 80 patients with T2DM were included (DR group, n=40 [BDR, n=22; PDR, n=11; PPDR, n=7]; control group, n=40). Highest serum hs-CRP levels were found in PDR group (6.68 mg/L), followed by PPDR and BDR group (3.2 mg/L and 1.56 mg/L, respectively). The PDR group showed the longest duration of diabetes (16 years), highest FBG (221.8 mg/dL) and HbA1c (6.68 mg/L). The incidence of albuminuria and maculopathy was higher in PDR group (72.7% and 54.54%, respectively). A significant association of hs-CRP levels with DR in patients with T2DM was observed. A significantly (<0.005) positive correlation of hs-CRP was also observed with age, duration of disease, FBG, PPBG, and HbA1c.Conclusions: Patients with severe grades of retinopathy had significantly higher hs-CRP levels than patients with the milder grades
ABSTRACT
There is no single-component excipient fulfills all the requisite performance to allow an active pharmaceutical ingredient to be formulated into a specific dosage form. Co-processed excipient has received much more attention in the formulation development of various dosage forms, specially for tablet preparation by direct compression method. The objective of this review is to discuss the emergence of co-processed excipients as a current and future trend of excipient technology in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Co-processing is a novel concept of combining two or more excipients that possess specific advantages that cannot be achieved using a physical admixture of the same combination of excipients. This review article discusses the advantages of co-processing, the need of co-processed excipient, general steps in developing co-processed excipient, limitation of co-processed excipient, technologies used in developing co-processing excipients, co-processed excipients in the literature, marketed products and future trends. With advantages offered by the upcoming newer combination of excipients and newer methods of co-processing, co-processed excipients are for sure going to gain attraction both from academia and pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, it opens the opportunity for development and use of single multifunctional excipient rather than multiple excipients in the formulation.