A Systematic Review on the Mental Health Status of Patients Infected With Monkeypox Virus

Objectives@#This study aims to extract and summarize the literature on the mental health status of patients with monkeypox. @*Methods@#This review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using different databases and publishers such as Scopus, Sage, ScienceDirect, PubMed, BMJ, Wiley Online Library, Wolters Kluwer OVID-SP, and Google Scholar. The literature review was based on monkeypox and mental health. The year of publication was 2021–2023, during the monkeypox disease period. Data were extracted from opinions, editorials, empirical studies, and surveys. @*Results@#Based on the literature related to the mental status of patients with monkeypox, the following themes and subthemes were identified: anxiety and depression, self-harm and suicidal tendencies, neuropsychiatric symptoms, mental health, social stigma, sex workers, vaccination, and stress-related diseases. @*Conclusion@#A review of monkeypox virus infection studies reveals that 25%–50% of patients experience anxiety and depression due to isolation, boredom, and loneliness. Factors such as infected people, a lack of competence among healthcare professionals, and shame over physical symptoms exacerbate mental insults. The implications of society include increased self-harm, suicide, low productivity, fear of stigmatization, and transmission of infection.

Effect of Clinician-directed Technical Specifications on Entrance Skin Doses in Neonates

Objectives: To compare the entrance skin doses (ESD) before and after implementation of a radiation safety policy in neonates (RSN), which focused on clinician-directed technical specifications on the digital X-ray machine. Methods: Prospective observations included two sets of X-rays: Before (BRSN) and after (ARSN) implementation of RSN (documented indication for Xray/expected posttest findings, settings of 40 kVp, 0.5 mAs, film-focus distance 100 cm, gonadal-shield, optimal collimation, and post-shoot image-enhancement). Results: 33 and 32 X-rays were analyzed in respective groups. Mean (SD) of calculated and machine-quantified ESD (µGy/m2) was higher in BRSN group as compared to ARSN group (P <0.001). All ARSN X-rays were interpretable for expected post-test findings. Conclusion: Clinicians’ cognizance of ability to make consequential bedside technical specifications, can reduce ESD without affecting interpretability. These single observations could have a larger impact in sick neonates, where multiple X-rays are done.

Cardiorespiratory Adverse Events after First Vaccination in Preterm Neonates With Gestational Age ?30 Weeks

Objectives: To document the adverse cardiorespiratory events following first routine immunization in preterm neonates. Methods: We retrieved records of neonates with gestational age ?30 weeks, and included those who developed cardiorespiratory events after first vaccines before discharge. Our Unit’s protocol is to administer Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), hepatitis B vaccine to those discharged at <8 weeks postnatal age. Hexavalent, BCG, pneumococcal vaccine and rotavirus vaccines are given at 8 weeks of age, if hospital stay is predicted to be longer. Unit compliance to vaccination administration at appropriate ages were also measured. Results: Data of 161 neonates ?30 weeks (17.4% <27 week) who completed care in the unit was studied. Cardio-respiratory adverse events were reported in 21(13.7%). None of these required initiation of invasive ventilation. High flow nasal cannula therapy and caffeine restart were required for these events in 14 (9.3%) and 6 (3.9%) neonates, respectively. Lower gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis were significant risk factors on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, continued need for respiratory support at 4 weeks of age (P=aOR 14.5 (95% CI 5-59.1) was the only independent risk factor for post-vaccination cardiorespiratory adverse events. Of 38 who were not vaccinated at recommended ages by unit policy, 25 were missed opportunities, the rest were deemed unstable for vaccinations at that age by the clinical team. Conclusion: Adverse cardiorespiratory events were uncommon after first vaccinations in very preterm neonates. Administering vaccines in this group before discharge would allow monitoring for these events, especially for those who require long-term respiratory support.

A Case Report on Ayurvedic Management of Secondary Infertility

Secondary Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive following at least one prior conception. Ovulatory dysfunction contributes 30-40% of infertility. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrinopathy typified by oligo/anovulation, signs of androgen excess, and multiple ovarian cysts. In Ayurveda, Vandhyatha (infertility) is considered as a complication of Yoni vyapath and is also considered as Artavavaha srotodushti lakshana. This is a case report of 30 years old lady complaining of inability to conceive a second child, heavy menstrual bleeding and curdy white discharge per vagina associated with itching. On USG, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. She also had severe allergic complaints and skin rashes. In this case treatment was given primarily to correct the Rakta dushti which was causing Artava dushti in the form of excessive bleeding. For that, initially in the bleeding phase, medicines for Rakta sthambana were given and after the stoppage of bleeding, medicines were given for correction of Rakta dushti. After achieving the menstrual regulation, the patient was given medicines for Vata kapha dushti for treating her Upaplutha condition. For the management of Yoni roga, she was given Sthanika karmas (local treatment) Yoni dhawana and Yoni pichu. Also local application of Nalpamaradi keram was done to reduce her vulval itching. The outcome of the treatment resulted in conception and delivered a full term female baby. So the present case signifies the effect of Ayurvedic management in the field of infertility.

SMARCB1 deficient sinonasal carcinoma: An emerging entity with a diagnostic challenge

SMARCB1 deficient sinonasal carcinomas are rare neoplasms, classified under sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas by the fourth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of head and neck tumors. It is characterized immunohistochemically by loss of SMARCB1(INI1) expression. We are reporting the case of a 63-year-old man who was evaluated for nasal stuffiness of 3 months duration in another hospital where a radiological evaluation showed a polypoidal soft tissue lesion in the right maxillary sinus extending to the right nasal cavity and spheno-ethmoidal sinus. He underwent excision biopsy which was reported as non- keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He was referred to our center with residual disease in spheno-ethmoidal recess for which radiotherapy was given. After completion of radiotherapy, the primary site had no residual disease, but while on follow-up he developed left sided neck nodes within 4 months of completion of treatment. Excision of the lesion was done and histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed it to be metastasis from SMARCB1 deficient sinonasal carcinoma and not nasopharyngeal carcinoma as diagnosed from the other center. This case is being reported to highlight the diagnostic challenge associated with this rare entity.

A review of current trends of antibacterial Schiff base complexes: Lower and higher transition metal complexes

@#The development of metal complexes has inspired researchers to progress in this domain due to their extensive applications in the biological field. Regarding the application, binuclear metal complexes are less explored than their mononuclear counterparts. Recent development in transition metal Schiff base complexes was outlined and presented in detail with their respective vast applications, especially antibacterial. The relationship of their structure, functions, properties, and key elements that affected antibacterial activities was demonstrated. This review was aimed to present the latest advancement of numerous lower and higher transition metal complexes, especially mononuclear ones. Moreover, their various properties are highlighted for future work related to binuclear Schiff base metal complexes and to persuade future research in this exciting field.

Association between adolescents who are victims of bullying and weapon possession

Abstract Objective To verify the association between victims of bullying and weapon possession among school adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with 2,296 high school students aged 14-19 years. An instrument containing questions from the validated Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and the National School Health Survey was used. To describe the profile of interviewees, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, and the chi-square test was applied to verify the existence of associations. To test the association of bullying with weapon possession, Poisson logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) was used. The significance level used for all analyses was 5%. Results Among adolescents interviewed, 23.1% reported being victims of bullying. Among victims of bullying, 37.6% (PR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.30 - 2.17) reported having already carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) in the last 30 days, while the reported firearm possession was 38% (PR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.16 - 2.40) and 47.5% of these adolescents carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver or truncheon) in the school environment (PR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.50 - 2.93). Conclusions It could be observed that adolescents who are victims of bullying are twice as likely of carrying some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) to the school environment, and are also more likely of carrying a firearm.

Effect of task-oriented training on hand dexterity, grip strength, and function among institutionalized geriatric population

Background: The hand is the most active and important part of the upper extremity with complex functional biomechanics and anatomy. The decline in hand grip strength and dexterity with age can adversely affect functional activities. Task?oriented training (TOT) is a treatment approach focused on functional activities of daily life. Aim: To investigate the effect of TOT on hand dexterity, grip strength, and hand function in the geriatric population. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen institutionalized geriatric participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to Group A experimental group (nine participants) who received TOT for 4 weeks, 3 days/week along with routine activities and Group B control group (seven participants) who were involved in routine activities only. Gross dexterity was assessed using the box and block test, fine dexterity with nine?hole peg board, hand grip strength with hand dynamometer, and hand function with the Michigan hand outcome questionnaire. The statistical analysis with Student’s t?test was performed using the SPSS software. The significance level kept as P ? 0.05. Results: The analysis expressed significant improvement in gross and fine hand dexterity and grip strength among the experimental group. The hand function did not reveal a statistically significant change. Conclusion: A 4?week TOT program is an effective measure to improve gross and fine dexterity, and muscle grip strength in the geriatric population. For improvement in hand function, a longer training may be required

Stage migration and treatment outcome in carcinoma tongue – A comparison of seventh and eighth AJCC pathological staging systems

Background: The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) for oral cancer has incorporated additional pathological features like depth of invasion (DOI) and extranodal extension (ENE) into T and N staging. The incorporation of these two factors will impact the staging and, hence, the treatment decisions. The aim of the study was to clinically validate the new staging system in predicting the outcome in patients treated for carcinoma oral tongue. The study also examined the correlation of pathological risk factors with survival. Methods: We studied 70 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue who underwent primary surgical treatment at a tertiary care center in the year 2012. All these patients were restaged pathologically according to the new AJCC eighth staging system. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Akaike information criterion and concordance index were calculated between both staging systems to identify a better predictive model. Log-rank test and univariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to find out the significance of different pathological factors on outcome. Results: Incorporation of DOI and ENE resulted in 47.2% and 12.8% stage migration, respectively. DOI less than 5 mm was associated with a 5-year OS and DFS of 100% and 92.9%, respectively, compared to 88.7% and 85.1%, respectively, when the DOI was more than 5 mm. Presence of lymph node involvement, ENE, and perineural invasion (PNI) were associated with inferior survival. The eighth edition had lower Akaike information criterion and improved concordance index values compared with the seventh edition. Conclusion: The eighth edition of AJCC allows better risk stratification. Restaging of cases based on the eighth edition AJCC staging manual resulted in significant upstaging with difference in survival.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in India after the First Phase-Out: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

Background?India rolled out the world's largest vaccination program on January 16, 2021, marking the beginning of an effort to vaccinate a population of 1.3 billion against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, the hesitancy toward safe and effective vaccine against severe infection is a major global health threat. Hence, public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine would be an essential deterrent to the pandemic control. Materials and Methods?A cross-sectional online study was conducted among the Indians from January 1 to January 31, 2021. The online questionnaire addressed several variables, including the sociodemographic parameters, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Results?Out of total 450 participants, majority of them (97.1) were aware about the COVID-19 vaccination drive. Only 66.2% showed their willingness to accept vaccination, 26.0% were still indecisive, and 7.8% did not want to accept it. Conclusion?Despite numerous efforts by various scientific organizations, public health experts, and media outlets, to educate the general population about the COVID-19 vaccine, significant portion of the Indian population may experience vaccine hesitancy, which poses dangers to both the individual and their community. Therefore, we must target these potential candidates, who are indecisive, for intervention to increase vaccine acceptance across the country. In this regard, large-scale study is required to understand the knowledge, expectation, and apprehension covering various economic and occupational strata of the society.

Chromosomal Abnormalities in Embryos

From patients with a poor prognosis of pregnancy, 1620 embryos generated in vitro and chromosomal analysis was performed on these embryos. The result was yielded in 1596 embryos, out of them 536(34%) were euploid and 1060(66%) carried chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, 92% of embryos with multinucleated cells were diagnosed mosaics whereas the 86% of chromosomal abnormalities were associated to the presence of cytoplasmic concentration. For the derivation of the normal embryonic stem cell (ESC)lines and developmental modelling aneuploid embryos have been used. Genetic diagnosis at the cleavage or blastocyst stage could be partly abnormal because during the preimplantation diploid- aneuploid mosaic embryos was most frequently observed. From a single cell of a particular embryo the chromosomal status of that embryo can be determined, thus the prevalence of mosaicism. Detection of aneuploidy in single cells have been developed recently. After conducting research methods, it was confirmed that aneuploidy is a common feature of human oocytes and preimplantation embryos. The detection of segmental aneuploidy is currently considered problematic for embryo diagnosis and patient counselling, so the data are of great relevance for preimplantation genetic testing. The first major milestone in early mammalian embryogenesis was the formation of a totipotence blastocyst which is capable of implantation. The whole chromosomal abnormalities, or aneuploidy, determines whether the human embryos will arrest or reach the blastocyst stage. Certain embryos can still form blastocyst depending on the type of chromosomal abnormalities and that can be morphologically indistinguishable from chromosomally normal embryos.

Assessment of postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatment using rotary and reciprocating file systems: an in vivo study

Background@#Various instrument kinematics used in single-visit endodontics influence the occurrence of pain after endodontic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of pain after mechanical instrumentation with Hyflex EDM (HEDM) and WaveOne Gold (WOG) during single-visit endodontic therapy. @*Methods@#Sixty patients diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis and normal apical tissues in mandibular premolar teeth were included in the study for single-visit root canal therapy. The patients were divided into two groups (n = 30) according to the rotary instrument used during root canal preparation (group A [HEDM] and group B [WOG]). Pain was evaluated after endodontic therapy at 8, 24, and 48 h intervals using the visual analog scale (VAS). Data obtained were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, MannWhitney U test, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. @*Results@#Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (P < 0.001) at 8, 24, and 48 h, with WOG exhibiting less pain than HEDM files. @*Conclusion@#Postoperative pain was lower in the WOG file system than in the HEDM file system after single-visit root canal therapy at 8, 24, and 48 h.

Aberrant right subclavian artery: a series of case reports and discussion of morphology and its clinical and surgical implications / Arteria subclavia derecha aberrante, una serie de informes de casos y discusión de la morfología y sus implicaciones clínicas y quirúrgicas

SUMMARY: Aberrant right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) is a rare embryological abnormality but the most common among aortic arch vascular anomalies. It represents an anatomical variant of right subclavian artery originating as the last branch of aortic arch, passing then retroesophageal to the normal position. It is usually asymptomatic and is found mostly incidentally during imaging examinations. Symptoms are produced when the aberrant artery compresses the nearby structures and the most frequent symptoms are dysphagia and dyspnea. It may be associated with other vascular or heart abnormalities. We are presenting a series of case reports which presented an aberrant right subclavian artery alone or associated with other vascular abnormalities, diagnosed incidentally in adult patients while performing CT examinations for other reasons. Through a literature review we aim to discuss the clinical implications of this vascular anomaly, to point out the importance of being aware of it especially in patients with dysphagia or dyspnea or in patients who undergo operations in the thorax and neck or vascular surgery and endovascular procedures involving the aortic arch and its branches.

RESUMEN: La arteria subclavia derecha aberrante (Arteria lusoria) es una anomalía embriológica rara, pero la más común entre las anomalías vasculares del arco aórtico. Representa una variante anatómica de la arteria subclavia derecha que se origina como la última rama del arco aórtico, pasando luego retroesofágicamente a la posición normal. Por lo general, esta anomalía es asintomática y se encuentra principalmente de manera incidental durante los exámenes de imagen. Los síntomas se producen cuando la arteria aberrante comprime las estructuras cercanas y los síntomas más frecuentes son la disfagia y la disnea. Puede estar asociado con otras anomalías vasculares o cardíacas. Presentamos una serie de informes de casos en los que se presentó una arteria subclavia derecha aberrante única o asociada a otras anomalías vasculares, diagnosticada incidentalmente en pacientes adultos durante la realización de TC por otros motivos. A través de una revisión bibliográfica pretendemos discutir las implicaciones clínicas de esta anomalía vascular, señalar la importancia de conocerla especialmente en pacientes con disfagia o disnea o en pacientes sometidos a operaciones de tórax y cuello o cirugía vascular y procedimientos endovasculares. involucrando el arco aórtico y sus ramas.

A Comparative Study of Problems Faced by the Young- Middle Aged- / Elderly-Adults during COVID Pandemic in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region)

As the pandemic of COVID-19 has hit the globe, the associated uncertainty is progressively testing the psychological resilience of the masses in India too. Accordingly, the global focus has been mostly on scrutinizing, finding a cure and preventing its transmission; people are facing innumerable psychological problems, adjusting to the current lifestyles and also living in fear of the infection from disease. Since there is a severe dearth of research on this issue, it was decided to conduct an online survey to compare the problems faced by young and middle-aged / elderly adults in the society in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) during the lockdown period due to COVID-19. We wanted to analyse and compare the problems faced by young and the middle aged / elderly adults in Delhi NCR during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODSA total of 450 people had given their consent to participate in this survey through a cross sectional survey during the lockdown period in Delhi-NCR region. Two separate questionnaires were created through google forms and were distributed via WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. It consisted of 25 questions each based on the problems faced by the young and the middle aged / elderly adults. RESULTSThe study revealed that the young aged and middle-aged / elderly adults were similarly affected due to the lockdown. It also showed that the young adults were concerned to some extent about the studies in the school, college and university through online classes, not able to mix up with their friends for happy hours, getting bored and spending time watching movies / web series, and faced some mood swings due to the restrictions of COVID-19; whereas, the middle-aged / elderly adults were under a fear of getting infected, isolation, work from home, not able to help their relatives, confusion due to change in their routine, losing jobs, and were also upset with the reduction of their salary. CONCLUSIONSBoth the groups were similarly frustrated and stressed but for different reasons during this lockdown and in order to cope with the psychological stress, they should be counselled and given stress relieving sessions or should indulge in updating knowledge, skills etc. by attending to various online webinars, workshops etc.

A Survey of Tobacco Smoking in University Students of Delhi / National Capital Region (NCR)

The prevalence of smoking amongst university students is common and widespread. Generally, the period of smoking gets triggered with the onset of adolescence. This period is also called student period in which the most behavioural traits are created. Hukkah is also another popular product being used nowadays by students as it provides the extra feature of smoking flavoured tobacco. Hukkah is considered more risk prone than cigarettes due to more carbon monoxide poisoning, tarring heavy metals and carcinogens. A study conducted in Israel also showed that 41% of students were smoking tobacco through Hukkahand in yet another survey conducted among the students of America, it was found that 27% had smoked hukkah,which shows that the prevalence of smoking Hukkah has increased. METHODSThe survey was conducted in one of the universities in Delhi/NCR during the academic year 2019 - 2020 by self-administering a questionnaire among the population of 200 students studying in various departments. The questionnaire included questions to analyse their knowledge, attitude and practice about smoking habits. RESULTSThe analysis showed that there was no significant gender difference in smoking habits and was more or less same i.e. in the range of 80 – 82 %. The trend followed was also same in both the genders. Smoking period ranged from 18 years to 27 years. The reasons for smoking were different in older smokers then new smokers. Older ones used the habit for averting stress whereas new students adopted the habit out of pleasure and get trendy. Hukkah was also seen to be used mostly by new or younger groups during parties. Good part of the study was that a major part of students i.e. 59.5 % had intentions / desire to quit smoking due to its ill-effect on their health and remaining wanted to continue with smoking due to their own reasons. CONCLUSIONSUniversity/college is a place where a student gets attracted to smoking habit due to reasons ranging from societal, physiological, psychological, mental pressures. In order to divert the attention of the students from adopting the habit of smoking, educational lectures among the college students should be organized on regular basis to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on their health as well avoiding a wasteful expenditure of the hard-earned money, which can otherwise be used for maintaining a good health.

Ectopic liver tissue in the left hypocondrium: a case report and a literature review / Tejido hepático ectópico en el hipocondrio izquierdo: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Ectopic liver tissue is a rare developmental abnormality. It is often asymptomatic and is commonly found incidentally, during surgery or autopsy. It has been reported in various abdominal and extra-abdominal sites, most often in the gall bladder. We are reporting an incidentally found mass in the left subdiafragmatic region, diagnosed as ectopic liver in abdominal CT and intraoperatively. We aim to assess the importance of imaging examinations in the differential diagnosis of intraabdominal masses ranging from benign to malignant entities and to point out that despite the low incidence of ectopic liver, it is necessary to be aware of this diagnostic possibility.

El tejido hepático ectópico es una rara anormalidad del desarrollo. A menudo es asintomático y generalmente se encuentra de manera incidental, durante la cirugía o la autopsia. Se ha informado en varios sitios abdominales y extraabdominales, con mayor frecuencia en la vesícula biliar. Reportamos el caso de una masa encontrada en la región subdiafragmática izquierda, diagnosticada como hígado ectópico en la TC abdominal e intraoperatoriamente. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la importancia de los exámenes por imágenes en el diagnóstico diferencial de masas intraabdominales que incluyen masas benignas como también malignas, y señalar que a pesar de la baja incidencia de hígado ectópico, es necesario tener en cuenta esta posibilidad en el diagnóstico.

A Comparison of Demographic Parameters of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Dengue Risk Area at Shah Alam, Selangor

@#Introduction: Aedes albopictus is known for its aggressiveness towards human and recently expanded to more countries outside the native regions. Thus, the demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus are important to determine the characteristics of this species mosquitoes in terms of the reproduction rates and dispersal distance. Materials and Methods: This study, was performed using a Shah Alam strain of Aedes albopictus originally collected in twenty district areas of the central zone of Shah Alam. This research applies field work-study with a cross-sectional design to investigate the demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus. The demographic evaluation of Aedes albopictus was conducted under the control environment in insectarium. Results: Investigation on the demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus clearly showed that there is a significance different observed in the total number of mosquito eggs produced in both high and low incidence rate IR areas (p=0.03). In contrast, other parameters showed insignificant value between high and low IR areas. Conclusion: The key to control the mosquito vectors population is by tracking the vector’s life cycle including its survival. Therefore, the outcome of this study may provide as a baseline to estimate the dengue outbreak in the current episystem.

Effect Of Padahastasana In Improving Hamstring Muscle Flexibility Among Young Adults

CONTEXT: Hamstring muscle is actively involved in various activities of daily living like walking, stair climbing etc. The flexibility of Hamstring muscle is found to be commonly compromised among various age groups. This may be due to ineffective use of the muscle to full extensibility in routine activities. Padahastasana is a yogasana in standing position which induces maximum stretch to posterior structures of thigh including Hamstring muscle. AIMS:This study aims to investigate the effect of Padahastasana in improving flexibility of Hamstring muscle SETTINGS AND DESIGN:Experimental Design with random sampling method conducted among 20 subjects. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Subjects were recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using sit and reach box - a standardized tool to measure Hamstring flexibility. The selected subjects were taught the technique of Padahastasana and practiced for twelve weeks – six times in a day and minimum five days per week. After twelve weeks of practice, hamstring flexibility was assessed using sit and reach box. STATISTICALANALYSIS:Analysis was conducted using't' test Results: The study showed significant improvement (t value – 13.01 at p≤0.05) in Hamstring muscle flexibility by performing 12 weeks Padahastasana practice. CONCLUSIONS: Padahastasana can be recommended to prevent and treat Hamstring muscle tightness

Evaluation of dermatoglyphic patterns using digital scanner technique in skeletal malocclusion: A descriptive study

Skin is the largest human organ, which performs a dynamic role in life. The ectodermal layers of the skin found on the palm with intricate lines are stable throughout life and have grabbed scientific attention. Any disturbances during their formation might possibly have the likelihood of a person developing malocclusion. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the dermatoglyphic pattern with various skeletal malocclusions. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 outpatients reported with an age group of 18–20 years divided into four groups as follows: Group: I – 10 (Class I occlusion), Group: II – 10 (skeletal Class I malocclusion), Group: III – 10 (skeletal Class II malocclusion), and Group: IV – 10 (skeletal Class III malocclusion). The fingerprints were recorded using scanner exclusively designed for diagnostic purpose of the study. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistics software Version 23.0 to find which groups had significant differences. Results and Conclusion: Increased frequency of arch pattern was present in participants with Class I malocclusion, and loop patterns were observed in those with Class I occlusion and Class III malocclusion and whorl patterns in Class II malocclusion with P < 0.05. Dermatoglyphic pattern remains constant throughout life and it can be used as a noninvasive aid in determining the development of malocclusion at a very early age.

Incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery and its pharmacological management

Aim: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most commonly occurring complications after cardiac surgery. The study aims to determine the incidence of POAF and to analyze its pharmacological management in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Methodology: A prospective observational study was carried out for 6 months (October 2016 to March 2017) in cardiothoracic surgery. Drug therapy details by medication chart review and clinical review in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft, mitral valve replacement (MVR), and aortic valve replacement was carried out and analyzed for the incidence of POAF. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: A total of 83 patients were recruited for this study. The POAF incidence was 18.07% with the highest incidence on the 2nd postoperative day. The mean age of patients with POAF was 49.40 ± 12.77 years. Rheumatic heart disease and alcohol were identified as the predisposing factors of POAF. The incidence of POAF was the highest following MVR (80%) than other cardiac surgeries. Patients who developed POAF had a longer length of hospitalization (median 9 vs. 7 days). Amiodarone, metoprolol, verapamil, atorvastatin, clopidogrel, and aspirin were the most frequently prescribed drugs for the management of POAF. Administration of metoprolol, nebivolol, atorvastatin, bisoprolol, metoprolol + atorvastatin + aspirin, and other combinations before cardiac surgery reduced the risk of developing POAF. Conclusion: The overall incidence of POAF was 18.07%. Amiodarone (13.3%), metoprolol (40%), verapamil (66.7%), aspirin (26.7%), clopidogrel (13.3%), and atorvastatin (20%) were found to be safe and effective in the treatment of POAF patients.