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Background: During pregnancy, women undergo various physiological changes and also suffer from some common illnesses like morning sickness, which may increase the prescription and use of drugs. Thalidomide tragedy of 1960 has created the concern regarding the use of medications during the pregnancy. Prescriber should be very vigilant, while prescribing the drugs for pregnant women because health of mother and fetus may be at risk. To prevent the morbidity and mortality of the mother and the fetus, safer and effective drugs have to be selected with utmost care. Aims and Objectives: Main objectives of our study were to determine the drugs used during complicated pregnancies and to assess the safety of drugs prescribed using the World Health Organization prescription indicators. Materials and Methods: After getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, this cross-sectional study was carried out in the obstetric department of tertiary care teaching hospital for a period of 3 months. Case sheets of pregnant women with complications were collected and the details regarding demography and complete prescription were collected in a predesigned proforma. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 160 pregnant women, 71% were multigravida and most of the participants belonged to age group of 20–30 years 84% (134). Disease pattern among pregnant women in our study revealed that common illnesses complicating pregnancy was anemia (51%), followed by pregnancy-induced hypertension, oligohydramnios, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study showed that hematinics, calcium supplements, and protein powders were the class of medications used in most of the prescriptions, and then by antibiotics, antiemetic, and tocolytics agents. Category A of food and drug administration pregnancy drug category was used more, constituting about (45.12%). No drugs from Category X and D were prescribed to pregnant women and 45% of drugs belonged to generic drug. Conclusion: Anemia was the most common condition, complicating pregnancy and common class of drug used were hematinics and protein supplements. Category A drugs, which were the safest class, were prescribed more in our study. No drugs from Categories D and X were used. This indicates that prescribers are well aware of safer drugs in pregnancy.
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COVID-19 caused a catastrophe in human health. People infected with COVID-19 also suffer from various clinical illnesses during and after the infection. The Boerhavia diffusa plant is well known for its antihypertensive activity. ACE-II inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are reported as mechanisms for the antihypertensive activity of B. diffusa phytoconstituents. Various studies have said ACE-II is the virus's binding site to attack host cells. COVID-19 treatment commonly employs a variety of synthetic antiviral and steroidal drugs. As a result, other clinical illnesses, such as hypertension and hyperglycemia, emerge as serious complications. Safe and effective drug delivery is a prime objective of the drug development process. COVID-19 is treated with various herbal treatments; however, they are not widely used due to their low potency. Many herbal plants and formulations are used to treat COVID-19 infection, in which B. diffusa is the most widely used plant. The current study relies on discovering active phytoconstituents with ACE-II inhibitory activity in the B. diffusa plant. As a result, it can be used as a treatment option for patients with COVID-19 and related diseases. Different phytoconstituents of the B. diffusa plant were selected from the reported literature. The activity of phytoconstituents against ACE-II proteins has been studied. Molecular docking and ligand-protein interaction computation tools are used in the In-silico experiment. Physicochemical, drug-likeness, water solubility, lipophilicity, and pharmacokinetic parameters are used to evaluate phytoconstituents. Liriodenine has the best drug-likeness, bioactivity, and binding score characteristics among the selected ligands. The In-silico study aims to find the therapeutic potential of B. diffusa phytoconstituents against ACE-II. Targeting ACE-II also shows an effect against SARS-CoV-2. It can serve as a rationale for designing a drug for patient infected with COVID-19and associated diseases.
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Background: Over the counter drugs (OTC) are the drugs that can be sold by the pharmacist without the prescription of registered medical practitioner. There is an increase in the trend of usage of OTC drugs because of busy lifestyle which can result in adverse drug reactions, drug interaction, abuse, and misuse of drugs. Since medical students are future doctors and play an important role in educating the patients regarding benefits and risks of using OTC drugs, the present study is undertaken to assess the knowledge and practice of OTC drugs among MBBS students. Aim and Objectives: The main objectives of this study was to determine the commonly used OTC drugs and indications for the use of OTC drugs among MBBS students and to assess their knowledge on safety of use of OTC drugs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and questionnaire-based study was conducted during December 2021 among 2nd year MBBS students, after getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Students were explained about the purpose of the study and questionnaire was administered to the students. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In our study, we observed that 75.3% of students practiced self-medication (SM) using OTC drugs for minor illnesses. The most common drugs used for SM were analgesics, antipyretics and antihistamines. The most common reason for using OTC drugs is due to influence from family and friends/seniors (30.2%). Conclusion: Use of OTC is widely practiced among health care professionals, since they are exposed to knowledge of drugs, from 2nd year MBBS itself. Since students are future doctors and play a very important role in communication of knowledge regarding medical therapy including use of OTC drugs to the patients, they should be educated in a larger way regarding pros and consequences of use of OTC drugs.
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Background & objectives: Lung cancer is a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries such as India. The present article describes the epidemiology, and clinical profile of lung cancer in India, based on recent data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Methods: The latest data on lung cancer from the NCRP were collated from 28 population-based cancer registries and 58 hospital-based cancer registries across a five-year (2012-2016) reporting period. Results: The highest age-adjusted incidence rate and mortality (AAMR) was found amongst males and females in the Aizawl district of Mizoram. A significant increase in the annual per cent change of lung cancer incidence was observed in metropolitan cities from 1982 to 2016. About one-third of the cases (36.5%) in males and females (31.7%) were recorded in the age group of 55-64 yr. Adenocarcinoma accounted for about a third (34.3%) of the morphological type in males and half (52.7% ) amongst females. Out of 22,645 recorded lung cancer cases, close to half (44.8%) of the patients presented with distant spread, while over one-third (35.3%) had loco-regional spread of disease at the time of diagnosis. Interpretation & conclusions: Our estimates suggest that the number of cases is expected to rise sharply to 81,219 cases amongst males and 30,109 in females in 2025. The rising incidence and delayed diagnosis of lung cancer in India are grave concerns. The findings of the present study call for scaling up and intensification of lung cancer-specific preventive, early diagnosis and control measures.
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Background: Tzanck smear named after Arnault Tzanck (1886-1954), to evaluate Cytopathology as a quick less invasive method for early diagnosis of bullous lesions. Aim: To determine the diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in vesiculobullous skin lesions, to evaluate the vesiculobullous lesions and correlating the diagnosis with Tzanck smears and histopathological findings and when required with Immmunoflourescence. Materials and methods: 565 patients clinically diagnosed as vesico-bullous skin lesions were included in the present study from July 2011 to July 2018 for a period of 7 years. Tzanck smear preparation and biopsy as well as immunoflouresence tests were done in all 565 patients. Results: Out of the 565 patients with vesiculo bullous lesions, 297 were males, and 268 were females. The concordant results between cytology and histopathology was observed in majority (92.7%) direct immunoflouresence test was done in some which also confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: The Tzanck smear test is an inexpensive, useful, and an easy diagnostic tool for vesiculo-bullous lesions of skin diseases and can be recommended as a bedside first line investigation.
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Background: Benzofuran compounds are shown to have pharmacological properties such as antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, antifungal, and antibacterial activity. Some studies conducted on them have revealed that they are having anti-inflammatory property also. Hence, we carried out this study to know whether the benzofuran compound 3, 4-dihydro 4-oxo-benzofuro (3, 2-d) pyrimidine-2-propionic acid has got anti-inflammatory activity against chronic inflammation. Methods: Wistar albino rats were treated with benzofuran compound under study and phenylbutazone in the dose of 100 mg\kg, orally with 2% gum acacia as suspending agent and the effects were observed in chronic experimental model of inflammation namely, cotton pellet induced granuloma model. Results: In the present study, it was shown that the benzofuran compound under study has got significant anti-inflammatory activity against the chronic model of inflammation. Conclusion: Our experiment shows that the benzofuran compound under study has got significant anti-inflammatory activity and may, as well become an additional anti-inflammatory drug if further studies are conducted in this direction involving human beings.
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PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to investigate the variation of soft palate morphology in different age and gender groups. The correlations of radiographic velar length (VL), velar width (VW), pharyngeal depth (PD), and Need's ratio with soft palate variants were also studied in the North Indian subpopulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 300 subjects aged between 15 and 45 (mean: 31.32) years. The velar morphology on lateral cephalograms was examined and grouped into six types. The results obtained were subjected to a statistical analysis to find the correlation between variants of the soft palate with gender and different age groups. RESULTS: The most frequent type of soft palate was leaf shaped (48.7%), and the least common was crook shaped (3.0%) among both the genders and various age groups, showing a significant correlation. The mean VL, VW, and PD values were significantly higher in males and significantly correlated with the types of soft palate. A significant correlation was observed between the mean VL, VW, PD, and Need's ratio with various age groups, showing an inconsistent pattern with an increase in age. The types of soft palate, gender, and Need's ratio were also significantly correlated, with an overall higher mean value of the Need's ratio among female subjects and the S-shaped soft palate. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of a varied spectrum of velar morphology and the variants of the soft palate help in a better understanding of the velopharyngeal closure and craniofacial anomalies.
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Female , Humans , Male , Palate, Soft , RadiographyABSTRACT
Rhizomucor variabilis is a rare cause of human infections. We report a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis in an immunocompetent host. Although microscopy reveals the fungal aetiology, the need for species identification is highlighted to better understand the species and establish an epidemiological pattern as it is reported from restricted geographical locations.
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Methanol extract of whole plant of Amaranthus caudatus (MEAC) was screened for hepatoprotective potency against paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver damage in Wistar rats.
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After the success of IR8 and TN1, breeders depended heavily on these two rice cultivars for source of short stature led to the narrow genetic base to majority of present day rice varieties, as far as sd1 (semi-dwarf1) gene is concerned. In addition, analysis of genetic lineage of the majority of the cultivated rice varieties in tropical Asia reveals that sd1 from DGWG (Dee-Gee-Woo-Gen) is the major source of dwarfing gene. Such high amount of genetic homogeneity renders rice plants vulnerable to epidemic of diseases and insect pests. In the current study, we made an attempt to identify the alternate sources of DGWG allele of sd1 gene by characterizing 29 induced and 3 spontaneous dwarf accessions employing marker for DGWG allele of sd1 gene and exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3). When occurrence of DGWG allele of sd1 gene and GA3 response were analyzed together, existence of two kinds of dwarfs was noticed viz., dwarf accessions with DGWG allele and dwarf accessions without DGWG allele of sd1 allele exhibiting varying responses to GA3. As many as 22 of 32 dwarf accessions showed absence of DGWG allele of sd1 gene with varying response to GA3 could be used as excellent alternate sources for DGWG allele of sd1 gene. These dwarf accessions could be used for broadening the genetic base for the plant height and thereby minimize the risk of genetic vulnerability. Our strategy of combining molecular and biochemical assays can be efficiently used for identifying alternate dwarfing gene sources to the Green Revolution gene sd1.
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Alleles , Dwarfism/genetics , Oryza/genetics , Genetic Markers/genetics , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information on epidemiological situation of Tuberculosis (TB) in Andhra Pradesh. The DOTS strategy under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was introduced in the year 2000 to cover the entire State by 2005. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of tuberculous infection among children 5-9 years of age and to compute the average Annual Risk of Tuberculosis Infection (ARTI) from the estimated prevalence. METHODS: A cluster-sample house-based tuberculin survey was carried out in a representative sample of children between 5-9 years of age. The clusters were selected by a two-stage sampling procedure. At first stage, five districts were selected by probability proportional to population size (PPS) method. Depending upon child population ratio, 32 clusters allocated to each district were further sub-divided into rural and urban clusters selected by simple random sampling. A total of 3636 children, irrespective of their BCG scar status, were tuberculin tested using one TU PPD RT23 with Tween 80 and the maximum transverse diameter of induration was measured about 72 hours later. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection estimated by mirror-image technique using observed mode of reactions attributable to infection with tubercle bacilli at 20mm was 9.6% (95% CI: 8.0-11.2). The ARTI was computed at 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1-1.6). CONCLUSION: Survey findings indicate a fairly high rate of transmission of tubercle bacilli.
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BCG Vaccine/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Geography , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Risk Factors , Tuberculin Test , Tuberculosis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The study was undertaken to asses the impact of drought on childhood illnesses and nutrition in under five children of rural population using three stage sampling design. The study has been carried out in 24 villages belonging to 6 tehsils of Jodhpur district which was a drought affected desert district of Western Rajasthan in 2003. A total of 914 under five children (0-5 years) could be examined for their childhood illnesses, malnutrition, dietary intake and clinical signs of nutritional deficiency. Childhood illnesses observed at the time of drought were respiratory (7.5 %), gastroentrological (7.5%), and 5.6% fever (viral, malaria and jaundice), higher in males than females. Children suffered from recent and long term malnutrition were 39% and 26% respectively as per National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) standards. The extent of malnutrition was significantly higher in females than in males (p<0.01). Vitamin A & B complex deficiencies were 0.7% and 3/% respectively. The protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was observed in 44.4%. Overall mean calorie and protein intake deficit was observed to be very high (76.0 & 54.0 %). The comparison of present drought results with earlier studies in normal and drought conditions showed higher prevalence of PEM and deficiencies of calories & proteins in their diet. Respiratory, gastroentrological and fever were main childhood illnesses observed and were higher in males at the time of drought. PEM, vitamin A & B- complex deficiencies, anemia along with deficit in calories and proteins in their diet was observed higher in present study as compared to non desert areas, which may be due to the harsh environmental conditions in desert areas and paucity in the consumption of daily food intake. Due to inadequate consumption of daily food, the children were suffering from PEM resulting in several childhood illnesses. Effective measures making availability of adequate calories and proteins to all age groups especially to under five children through the ongoing nutrition programs needs to be ensured.
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Child Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Desert Climate , Disasters , Female , Fever/epidemiology , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology , Respiratory Tract Diseases/epidemiology , Rural Population , Vitamin A Deficiency/epidemiology , Vitamin B Deficiency/epidemiologySubject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Incidence , India/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Risk Assessment , Rural Population , Sex Distribution , Smoking/adverse effects , Survival Analysis , Textile IndustryABSTRACT
Spontaneous mutants resistant to methionine sulfoximine (Msx), methyl alanine (Mal) and methyl ammonium chloride (Mac) were derived from A. chroococcum strain A103. Msx and Mal-resistant mutants expressed 1.73 to 10.98% of the fully derepressed nitrogenase activity when grown in Burk's medium containing ammonium acetate. Mac-resistant mutants did not express nitrogenase activity in ammonium acetate supplemented medium. The mutants excreted ammonia even after 2 days of growth and some mutants excreted more ammonia as compared to the parent. Selected mutants were inoculated on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) under field conditions. Majority of the derepressed mutants increased grain yield of wheat and barley varying from 1.2 to 33.3%. However, host-dependent effects on grain yield were observed with different mutants. Two mutants, Mal 27 and Mac 19 showed significant increase in grain yields of both the crops. The results suggest that metabolic analogue-resistant mutants of Azotobacter have potential for use as a biofertilizer for cereal crops.
Subject(s)
Alanine/analogs & derivatives , Ammonia/metabolism , Azotobacter/drug effects , Edible Grain/microbiology , Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics , Methionine Sulfoximine/pharmacology , Methylamines/pharmacology , Mutation , Nitrogen Fixation , Nitrogenase/geneticsABSTRACT
The paper contains information on infant feeding and weaning practices in the rural communities of a semi-arid district of Rajasthan. The findings have been drawn from a recent survey of 328 rural mothers. The rural women of this area are found to believe in old deep seated beliefs and customs, which in turn deprive their infants from advantages of colostrum (77% discarded colostrum) and nutritionally rich supplements, which otherwise should be supplemented to them at any cost in order to keep them healthy. The practices of prolonged breast feeding and delayed supplementation to infants are rampant in this area. Mean age at weaning (27.1 months) again not only affects the health status of mothers and their children but also leads to the undernutrition among both. The findings of the study necessitate to evolve an exhaustive educative programme dealing with various aspects of infant feeding and weaning practices, keeping in view their traditions, so that the useful practices can be encouraged and harmful ones be prohibited.
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Breast Feeding , Culture , Female , Humans , India , Milk, Human , Rural Population , WeaningABSTRACT
The study assesses the relationship between selected demographic, anthropometeric, radiological, work-history and smoking-history related variables with Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in a sample of 286 sand stone quarry workers from a desert region. Age, height, profusion of radiological opacities, age at beginning of work, duration of work and duration of smoking were found significantly associated with PEFR while duration of exposure to dust, nature of job and number of biries smoked per day failed to establish their significant association. Mean PEFR of these workers was found significantly lower than the same among healthy adults from the study area. The subset of predictors of PEFR only included age, height and profusion of radiological opacities as identified by multiple regression analysis.
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Adult , Age Factors , Dust/adverse effects , Humans , Lung/drug effects , Male , Occupational Exposure , Peak Expiratory Flow Rate/drug effects , Regression Analysis , Silicon Dioxide/adverse effects , Smoking/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Nutritional status of 1044 school age children (6-18 yr) of salt workers in various salt manufacturing sites of Rajasthan, was assessed using anthropometry. Heights and weights of girls were observed to be better than in boys in the menarcheal age groups. Children of the present study showed reduced growth in comparison to National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), World Health Organisation (WHO), well-to-do Indian children and Rajasthan reference values of the same age groups. The prevalence of stunted with severe wasting was 4.5 per cent in the children of salt workers. Higher prevalence of severe wasting was observed in girls than the boys (P < 0.01).
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Adolescent , Anthropometry , Child , Child Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology , Child Welfare , Female , Food Handling , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Nutritional Status , Sodium ChlorideABSTRACT
Partial trisomy of chromosome 10q is a very rare condition with only four cases having been reported int he literature. This report describes a neonate with symmetric growth retardation and multiple dysmorphic features, in whom G-banded chromosomal analysis revealed a partial trisomy of chromosome 10q (q2.4-q ter). The father was diagnosed as a carrier of a balanced translocation with a karyotype of 46, XY t(10.3) (q2.4L : pter). In patients with a bad obstetric history, genetic counselling prior to a new conception cna aid in early prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with recurrent chromosomal abnormalities by means of fetal tissue sampling.