Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Hypertension among adult Population of Letang Municipality, Morang District, Eastern Nepal

Introduction:Hypertension has been identified as one of the major public health and medical challenges with 1/4 adults worldwide estimated to have high blood pressure (BP).Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hypertension and to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hypertension among adult population.Methods:The cross-sectional study was conducted among the 335 adult populationsin Letang Municipality of Nepal. Semi-structured questionnaire wasused for data collection. Chi-square test was applied to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hypertension.Results:Majority of the respondents (67.2) have knowledge about the meaning of hypertension and symptoms of hypertension (52.2%). Mostof the respondents think that regular physical activity (83.9%) and reduce salt intake (84.2%) can be prevent hypertension.Almost 73.4% of respondents didn’t know their blood pressure and never checked their BP regularly(66.6%). Almost 12.8% of the study population sufferingfrom hypertension. The adult Population with age group of 41-60years (62.6%) was seen significantly good knowledge in comparison to other age groups. The study population having educational level SLC and above was seen significantly good knowledge,attitude and practice regarding prevention of hypertension in comparison to below SLC and illiterate. The study population belong to above poverty line had significantly good knowledge,attitude and practice regarding prevention of hypertensionin comparison to below poverty line.Conclusions:We conclude that majority of the study population of Letang Municipality had higher knowledge and positive attitude toward prevention of hypertension but the level of practices was poor.

Impact of salivary stimulation on tear film function in dry eye subjects

Purpose: Dry eye is a common condition affecting people worldwide. It causes ocular discomfort by reducing the quality of vision and impacts daily activities. To overcome such ocular discomfort, artificial tears are used but it is difficult to use artificial tears every time to protect eyes from dryness. There is a need to explore other treatment options, which can be used during work hours. The aim was to study the effect of salivary stimulation on tear film functions among dry eye subjects. Methods: Thirty?three subjects were enrolled in this prospective experimental study. Tear film function tests such as tear break up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and Schirmer’s I and II tests were conducted. For dry eye subjects, salivation was induced by giving a tamarind candy (a soft slightly sour tamarind pulp mixed with sugar) for 5 min. Tear film function tests were carried out within a few seconds (2 to 3 s) after finishing the candy and then after 30 and 60 min of the induction of salivation. The pre? and post?tear film function measurements were recorded and analyzed. Results: TBUT, TMH, and Schirmer’s II tests showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase immediately and after 30 min of stimulation of salivation for all tests in both eyes. However, the difference was insignificant after 60 min of stimulation of salivation. Schirmer’s I showed statistically significant changes in the left eye, but not in the right eye immediately after stimulation of salivation (P = 0.025). Conclusion: The quantity as well as the quality of tear film improved after the stimulation of salivation among dry eye subjects.

Factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate their preschool children against COVID-19: a crosssectional survey in urban area of Jakarta, Indonesia

Purpose@#We reported a survey-based study assessing the parental intention to vaccinate children of 5 to 7 years old against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study is to assess factors influencing the parental intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. @*Materials and Methods@#This study adopted a cross-sectional design, held at the public health center of Senen district, Jakarta, Indonesia from November 1–30, 2022. The off-line questionnaires were distributed via the school administrator to all eligible parents. Factors associated with intention to vaccinate were analyzed with the regression logistic models. @*Results@#Of the 435 parents in this study, 215 had already vaccinated their children against COVID-19 (49.4%), and the overall intention of the participants to vaccinate was 69.7%. Factors associated with intention to vaccinate the children against COVID-19 were parental employment status, parental COVID-19 vaccine status and concern of contracting COVID-19. Parents who are employed, had completed vaccines with COVID-19 booster vaccine, and had concern of their children contracting COVID-19 were more likely to vaccinate their children (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–3.69; p=0.011; OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.21–3.83; p=0.013; OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.34–4.30; p=0.004, respectively). Concern on the vaccine’s side effects was negatively associated with the willingness to vaccinate. @*Conclusion@#This study showed that childhood COVID-19 vaccine only covered half of the population, with parental intentions for childhood COVID-19 vaccination being high, reaching almost two-thirds of the study participants. Factors influencing parental intentions were employment status, parental COVID-19 vaccine status, concerns about COVID-19 and concerns about vaccine side effects.

Hypertension maligne à l'hôpital Fousseyni Daou de Kayes, au Mali: aspects épidémio-cliniques et pronostiques / Malignant hypertension at the Fousseyni Daou hospital in Kayes, Mali: epidemiological and prognostic aspects

L'hypertension artérielle maligne (HTAM) est un problème de santé publique en Afrique subsaharienne. L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire le profil épidémio-clinique et les facteurs pronostiques de l'HTAM à Fousseyni DAOU de Kayes. Méthodes. Nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective et descriptive du 1er janvier 2016 au 31 juin 2022 à l'unité de néphrologie de l'hôpital Fousseyni Daou de Kayes. Étaient inclus, les patients hypertendus ou normotendus sous traitement hospitalisés avec une rétinopathie hypertensive (RH) de stade II ou III (selon la classification de Kirkendall) associée à une ou plusieurs autres atteintes viscérales et ayant un dossier médical complet. Résultats. Au total 117 cas d'HTAM ont été enregistrés sur 7011 dossiers examinés, dont 53,8% d'hommes (63 cas). L'âge moyen était de 39,47 ans. La moyenne de la pression artérielle à l'admission était de 187/114 mmHg. La RH était de stade II et III dans 59,8% et 40,2% des cas. L'insuffisance rénale était retrouvée chez 93,1% des patients (109 cas) dont 63,7% d'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) contre 36,7% d'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA). L'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche a été retrouvée dans 80,4% des cas. L'issue globale des patients a été favorable dans 59% (69 cas) contre 31,6% (37 cas) de décès et 9,4% (11 cas) de sortie contre avis médical. Les facteurs associés au risque de décès étaient surtout la RH stade III, la dyslipidémie, l'IRC terminale et l'hyponatrémie. Conclusion. L'HTAM reste un problème de santé publique au Mali et touche préférentiellement les sujets jeunes avec une morbi mortalité élevée

Sleep attenuates body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and its effect on blood pressure in young adolescents: The cross-sectional lifestyle, biomarkers, and early risk of hypertension

Background: From the past few decades, disturbed sleep pattern has grown to be a hallmark of modern-day society among the adolescents and in adults. Both are having disturbed sleep patterns with average sleep duration of 7 h per night. Smartphones, tablets, and television which are the remarkable source of information and entertainment have robbed sleep time and have led to voluntary sleep restriction as self-reported by them and it has become a serious barrier to health development. Along with-it, high blood pressure (BP) levels are influenced by high body mass index (BMI) and low cardiorespiratory fitness which are among the most important cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, how sleep attenuates the individuals BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness and BP in adolescents are uncertain. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze whether the disturbed sleep pattern is a mediator between body composition, Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and BP levels in young adolescents. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study which involved students of MMIMSR (n = 500), of which 250 male and 250 female participants were recruited. Initial explanation about the aim and purpose of the study, test procedure, method of testing, and instruction of how to perform the test was given. All the participants were examined under similar laboratory conditions. Detailed history with thorough clinical examination were done. All basal parameters such as heart rate, BP, and respiratory rate were also measured. Results: In our study, disturbed sleep patterns were highly significantly (P < 0.01) associated with high BMI which acted as a mediator between low CRF and high BP in both the participants. Our results highlighted the importance of a sleep in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, CRF and to prevent hypertension in young adolescents. Conclusion: The findings of our study are consistent with the hypothesis that disturbed sleep might be one of the reasons which influence BMI and long-term cardiovascular health.

Obesity: A mediator between cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported sleep pattern among future physicians

Background: Obesity in relation to physical fitness is of major concern nowadays, as the prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide and India is no exception to it. Lack of fitness results in stress as well as increased burnout, which ultimately contributes to mortality from cardiovascular disease. Physicians who are having poor exercise habits are also less likely to counsel patients about exercise. Aim and Objectives: Hence, in this study, we aim to evaluate the body mass index (BMI) as well as cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported sleep pattern among the resident doctors of MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana. Materials and Methods: Data were collected for the cross-sectional study. Sleep pattern was determined using a validated Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated using Quetelet index. Queen’s College Step Test method was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness by calculating VO2max. VO2max is internationally accepted parameter and is the first choice in measuring a person’s cardiopulmonary status. Results: The result of our study showed highly positive significant (P < 0.01) association and correlation between obesity and sleep patterns and highly significant (P < 0.01) correlation between obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness among the resident doctors. Residents with relatively disturbed sleep pattern and with shorter sleep durations were either overweight or obese. Preliminary findings are consistent with the hypothesis that disturbance in sleep pattern may be one of the factors which influences BMI and also influences long-term cardiorespiratory health. Residents attributed time constraints due to training as a key barrier to physical activity. Conclusion: Proper awareness at early stage is extremely important to impress the consequences disturbed sleep pattern and in prevention of the development of obesity and improvement in the cardiorespiratory fitness.

Dysnatremia in patients with chronic liver disease: a cross-sectional observational study

Background: The clinical significance of serum sodium levels and its association with a higher rate of complications in cirrhosis is debatable. This study was done to study the serum sodium levels in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients and establish its association with the severity of disease in such patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included adult patients diagnosed with CLD and assessed their serum electrolytes. The severity of liver disease was assessed using Child Pugh score (CPS) and model for end stage liver disease (MELD). Those with serum sodium levels less than 130 mEq/lwere classified as group A, 131 to 135 mEq/las normal group B and greater or equal to 136 mEq/las Group C.Results:In the present study, hepatic encephalopathy (p<0.01), hepatorenal syndrome (p<0.01) and coagulopathy (p<0.01) were found to occur significantly more common among patients from Group A, as compared to those in patients from group B or C. Mean MELD, CPS score and mortality was significantly higher among group A patients.Conclusions: Patients with lower serum salt levels had a substantially higher MELD score and CPS. Low blood sodium levels were linked to more severe liver disease, greater complications, and increased death. As a result, we urge that serum salt levels be checked on a frequent basis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Clinico-radiological and Pathological Characteristics of Lung Cancer and its Correlation with their Occupational Profile among Patients of� Employees State Insurance (ESI) Hospital� A Tertiary Care Center in North India

Introduction: Occupational exposure is an important risk factor for lung cancer in never smokers contributing to 10�% of lung cancers. We conducted this study to evaluate the clinico-radiological and pathological profile of occupational lung cancer among patients of Employees State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, a tertiary care center. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted over 6 years on patients diagnosed with lung malignancy at ESI Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PGIMSR), Basai Darapur, New Delhi. The details regarding their clinical history including onset and progress of the disease were interviewed. Also, the details of whole life, past, and present occupational history in a chronological order were recorded for all subjects. Results: Our study included 171 patients with mean age of 58.34 � 11.52 years and 137 (80%) men. About 80.7% of the patients had a smoking history. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma seen in 35.09%, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 23.39% of patients. About 70.19% (120/171) patients had occupational exposure. The most common exposure was of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) seen in 24.8% cases. Others being silica, diesel fumes, organic dust, metal fumes, etc. Fourteen patients had occupational exposure alone in the absence of smoking. Those with pure occupational exposure in the absence of smoking had a significantly lower mean age compared to the nonexposed group (52.21 � 11.92 vs 58.65 � 13.93, p-value = 0.017). SCC was significantly more common in the exposed group compared to the nonexposed (37/120 vs 3/51, p-value = 0.0004). Conclusion: Occupational exposure was found in 70.19% of patients with lung cancer. The occupational lung cancer manifests at an early age and is more commonly associated with squamous cell lung cancer compared to nonoccupation-related cancer

Risk Association of the Development of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) in Obstetrical Cases

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome that can be initiated by a myriad of medical, surgical, and obstetric disorders. Also known as consumptive coagulopathy, DIC is a common contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality and is associated with up to 25% of maternal deaths.Aim of the study: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in obstetrical cases.Material & Methods:This descriptive type of study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Janaki Medical College Teaching Hospital, RamdaiyaBhawadi, Janakpurdham, Nepal from January 2016 to December 2021. A total of 500 pregnant women complicated with DIC admitted for termination of pregnancy were included in this study. History and clinical examination were completed. The adverse obstetrical event that causes DIC is identified from clinical diagnosis and relevant investigations. Statistical analysis of the results was obtained by using windows computer software with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-version 26).Results:More than half (58.0%) of the patients did not receive any antenatal checkup. Regarding the risk factors for the development of DIC; abruptio placenta was associated with 185(37.0%) cases followed by PPH 147(29.4%) and preeclampsia and eclampsia 119(23.8%). Patients with risk factors of DIC were hypertension 360(72.0%), Antepartum heamorrhage 227(45.4%) and PPH 193(38.6%) these are the most common presenting features. More than two-thirds of the patients (68.0%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Almost two-thirds (64.0%) of patients stayed in the hospital for 8-14 days. Maternal death was found in 60(12.0%) cases and perinatal death in 121(24.2%) cases.Conclusion:Maternal and perinatal mortality in patients with DIC were 12.0% and 24.0% respectively. The major determinant of survival is prompt identification of the underlying trigger, elimination of the cause and appropriate management.

Do children with severe acute respiratory infection need cohorting & isolation before screening for COVID-19?

This retrospective analysis was done to ascertain the SARS-CoV-2-positivity rate in children (0-12 yr) with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and compare it to those without SARI to determine the need for running a dedicated SARI isolation facility for paediatric COVID-19 care. The case records of 8780 children (0-12 yr) admitted and/or tested for SARS-CoV-2 between June 2020 and May 2021 at a tertiary care centre in north India were analyzed. The overall SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription (RT)-PCR positivity rate was 3.0 per cent (262/8780). There were 1155 (13.15%) children with SARI. Fifty of these 1155 (4.3%) children with SARI, as against 212 of the 7625 (2.8%) children without SARI, tested positive for COVID-19. The absolute difference in the positivity rate among SARI and non-SARI groups was only 1.54 per cent which translates to cohorting and isolating 65 children with SARI to pick up one extra SARS-CoV-2-positive child (compared to those without SARI). The positive predictive value of SARI as a screening test was 4.3 per cent. Our findings suggest that isolation of children with SARI as a transmission-prevention strategy for COVID-19 may not be required. This is particularly relevant in resource-limited settings.

Clinical profile of patients with acute kidney injury admitted in intensive care unit

Background:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critically sick patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors and clinical outcomes of AKI in patients admitted to a teaching hospital's intensive care unit.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of internal medicine, Janaki Medical College, Janakpur, Nepal from June 2018 till May 2019. Adults (aged 18 years or more) diagnosed with AKI using RIFLE criteria and were either admitted in ICU with diagnosis of AKI or developed AKI after admission to ICU. AKI patients were classified as those who satisfied any of the RIFLE categorization criteria.Results:The most common presenting complaint was fever (77%). The most common etiology of AKI was sepsis (71%). Other causes of AKI were post-operative cases (16%) and alcoholic liver disease (13%). When classified as per RIFLE criteria, we classified 38 cases (31.9%) as ‘risk’, 53 (44.54%) as ‘injury’ and28 (23.53%) as ‘failure’. The etiological classification of our patients to be significantly associated with RIFLE classification (p<0.01). However, we found the mortality not to be significantly associated with RIFLE classification (p=0.74). Conclusions:AKI classification should be used as a risk assessment tool towards the AKI's influence on the prognosis of ICU patients. Further study should investigate determining the death rate according to the RIFLE criteria in this region of Nepal.

Assessment of factors influencing vaccine hesitancy for coronavirus disease-19 vaccines among the population of National Capital Region, India

Background: Acceptance of vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among general population is the most important step in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In India, there is a lack of studies that recorded and assess the factors affecting the motivation of general public toward vaccination against COVID-19. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance and/or hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine and the association of various demographic indicators in the population of the National Capital Region, India. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted between March 15, 2021 and April 15, 2021, using pre-validated questionnaire containing 20 items. Data obtained was analyzed using the Microsoft excel platform using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority of 438 (45.5%) participants in our study agreed that the COVID-19 vaccine is important for their health. In this study, 323 participants said “yes,” 179 said “No,” 201 (20.9%) said “May be” regarding the key question about opinion of getting COVID-19 vaccination. About 395 (40.9%) agreed that they have concerns about the serious adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines. A considerable portion of 316 (32.89%) of participants also thought newer vaccines carry more risks. Substantial population 286 (29.6%) also thinks the current COVID-19 vaccines are not useful against all existing variants of the CoV-2 virus. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy in this study reflects the concerns about the serious adverse effects, exposure to unreliable information, and probes towards vaccine infectiveness. Dissemination of the evidence-based information about the necessity, effectiveness, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines is required to enable the general population to make the right informed decision.

Isolated Index Finger Dactylitis with Hilar Adenopathy

Dactylitis due to tuberculosis (TB) is an extremely uncommon manifestation of TB. We report a unique case of isolated index finger dactylitis with right hilar adenopathy due to TB in a 15-year-old immunocompetent student. High index of clinical suspicion, radiological findings and histological confirmation helped in the diagnosis. Anti-tuberculous therapy remains the cornerstone for the management of these cases.

Effect of poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry system on soil biochemistry

The field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2016-17 at the experimental site of Agroforestry Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Poplar and eucalyptus were intercropped with different wheat varieties (UP-2526, UP-2565, UP-2628, and DPW-621-50). After harvesting the wheat crop, the soil sampling was performed to determine the soil parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon and the minerals content. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumcontent and other biochemical constituents were higher in the agroforestry system as compared to the open farming system. A high soil pH (7. 53) was found in an open farming system and lower pH in an agroforestry system. Soil EC in the agroforestry system was slightly higher than the open farming system. Organic carbon was maximum (1. 33%) under the poplar agroforestry system compared to the eucalyptus based agroforestry system. Overall, this study determines the effect of poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry systems on soil biochemistry.

Effect of kefir on increased apoptosis in liver and kidney in cisplatin toxicity / Efecto del kéfir sobre el aumento de la apoptosis en el hígado y los riñones en la toxicidad del cisplatino

SUMMARY: Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent inducing liver and kidney damage. In this study, we intended to investigate the impact of kefir beverage, an essential probiotic and functional food, on liver and kidney damage induced by cisplatin. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, Cisplatin (single dose of 7 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), Kefir (2 ml/d, 7 d, oral gavage), and Cisplatin+Kefir (CK). At the end of day 7, animals were euthanized. Blood, kidney, and liver tissue samples were collected. For both tissues, biochemically ALT, AST, Urea, Creatine; histomorphologically, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis, were performed. Serum urea and creatinine levels of the Cisplatin group were significantly higher than the Control group (p<0.05). In the CK group, kefir consumption decreased urea and creatinin levels approached to Control and Kefir groups. Cisplatin resulted in higher ALT and AST activities, indicating hepatocellular damage, compared to the Control group (p<0.05). Kefir consumption decreased ALT activities approached to both the Control and Kefir group. Histomorphological observations were in agreement biochemical results. In liver and kidney tissues, structural damage was observed with an increase in collagen fibers in the Cisplatin group, and Caspase-3 activity was immunohistochemically higher than in the other groups. In the CK group, collagen fiber increase, structural damage, and Caspase-3 activities were less than in the Cisplatin group. Kefir consumption alleviated liver and kidney damage. However, more research is required to understand such effect of kefir better.

RESUMEN: El cisplatino es un agente quimioterapéutico que induce daño hepático y renal. En este estudio, intentamos investigar el efecto del kéfir, un alimento funcional y probiótico esencial, en el daño hepático y renal inducido por el cisplatino. Se dividieron ratas albinas Wistar en cuatro grupos: control, cisplatino (dosis única de 7 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), kéfir (2 ml/día, 7 días, sonda oral) y cisplatino + kéfir (CK). Al final del día 7, los animales fueron sacrificados. Se recolectaron muestras de sangre, riñón y tejido hepático. Se determinó ALT, AST, Urea y Creatina; Para el análisis histomorfológico, se realizaron tinciones con hematoxilina-eosina, tricrómico de Masson y para inmunohistoquímica, caspasa-3, un marcador de apoptosis. Los niveles séricos de urea y creatinina del grupo de cisplatino fueron significativamente más altos que los del grupo de control (p<0,05). En el grupo CK, el consumo de kéfir disminuyó los niveles de urea y creatinina acercándose a los grupos Control y Kéfir. El cisplatino resultó en actividades más altas de ALT y AST, lo que indica daño hepatocelular, en comparación con el grupo Control (p<0.05). El consumo de kéfir disminuyó las actividades de ALT tanto en el grupo Control como en el de Kéfir. Las observaciones histomorfológicas coincidieron con los resultados bioquímicos. En tejidos hepáticos y renales se observó daño estructural con aumento de fibras colágenas en el grupo de Cisplatino, y la actividad de Caspasa-3 fue inmunohistoquímicamente mayor que en los otros grupos. En el grupo de CK, el aumento de las fibras colágenas, el daño estructural y las actividades de Caspasa-3 fueron menores que en el grupo Cisplatino. El consumo de kéfir mejoró el daño hepático y renal. Sin embargo, se requiere más investigación para comprender mejor el efecto del kéfir.

Intoxication à la réglisse révélée par une hypokaliémie sévère associée à une HTA Labile: à propos d'une observation et revue de la littérature / Licorice intoxication revealed by severe hypokalemia and labile hypertension: a case report with review of the literature

Cette observation illustre un tableau de pseudo-hyperaldostéronisme primaire par intoxication à la réglisse révélé par une hypokaliémie sévère chez un monsieur de 56 ans dans un contexte d'HTA de découverte récente. L'interrogatoire a retrouvé une notion de consommation régulière quotidienne de pastis sans alcool d'environ un litre et le bilan endocrinien a trouvé une activité rénine plasmatique effondrée et une hypoaldostéronémie. L'hypokaliémie et l'HTA ont régressé au bout de trois mois avec l'arrêt de la consommation du pastis et à distance de tout traitement antihypertenseur. Les abus de la réglisse sont rarement mentionnés spontanément par les patients ou sont ignorés d'eux, d'où l'intérêt d'une anamnèse minutieuse

This patient illustrates a case of primary pseudo-hyperaldosteronism due to licorice intoxication revealed by severe hypokalemia in a 56-year-old man with newly discovered hypertension. Past medical history revealed a notion of regular consumption of pastis without alcohol (about one liter per day) and hormonal assessment showed a collapsed plasma renin activity and hypoaldosteronemia. Hypokalaemia and hypertension resolved three months after cessation of pastis consumption, without any antihypertensive treatment. The abuse of licorice is rarely mentioned spontaneously by patients or is ignored by them, hence the interest of a careful medical history.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONSCIENTIOUS INTELLIGENCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTIFICATION IN NURSES, TURKEY

To determine the relationship between conscientious intelligence and organizational identification in nurses. This descriptive correlational study was conducted in a private hospital in Ankara. 223 nurses were recruited using the simple random sampling method. Data were collected with a personal information form, the Conscientious Intelligence Scale, and the Organizational Identification Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 statistics program. Kruskal Wallis variance analysis, multiple linear regression, and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. There was a linear positive medium level relationship between the Organizational Identification Scale and the total and sub-dimensions of the Conscientious Intelligence Scale. The Conscientious Intelligence Scale (with job tenure and shift style subdimensions) explains 26.6% of the Organizational Identification Scale. The Conscientious Intelligence Scale (? = 0.477) has more effect on the Organizational Identification Scale than other variables. The total scores of the nurses on Conscientious Intelligence Scale and Organizational Identification Scale were above average. Overall job tenure, tenure at the organization, and the level of conscientious intelligence among nurses increase organizational identification

A comparative study on sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients undergoing admission and readmission in a mental health institute

Aims: Psychiatric patients have a high rate of readmission. So, we need to understand what kind of patients are more likely to be readmitted, to predict the clinical and social factors that place them at risk, and to identify potential limitations in existing healthcare delivery systems. Objective of the study was to find out and compare sociodemographic and clinical profiles of patients getting first admission and readmission. Methods: It was a retrospective, record-based observational study from computerised database of the institute and the case record files of patients for one year. Variables like age, sex, religion, marital status, locality, education, occupation, and diagnosis were studied. Analysis was done by chi-square test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: The total number of admissions during this period was 876, among which 463 had been admitted previously in the institute and 60 had been admitted more than once in the time period. Among new admissions and readmissions, majority were unemployed, unmarried, Hindu males, 16-30 years of age, and had schizophrenia and related spectrum diagnosis (F20-F29). No significant difference in readmission rates were found for sex, marital status, religion, educational status, or locality. Readmission rates among housewives were seen less than expected. There were significant differences among different diagnoses in terms of readmission (p<0.001), with F30-F39 showing more than expected readmissions and F10-F19 showing more than expected first admission with less than expected readmissions. Conclusions: Current study reviews the scenario of mental healthcare utilisation. Decreased readmission rates of women and of patients with substance abuse disorders warrants further community-based research.