The effectiveness of age based empowerment program on knowledge and attitude regarding risk taking behaviour and its prevention among adolescents studying in selected PU colleges of Vijayapur

Background: Adolescence involves personal growth. Several risk-taking behaviour occur at this vital time. A practise that is dangerous for an early teen may not be harmful for a late adolescent. This time period has various developmental features. Risky activity may be socially acceptable depending on its type, frequency, and level. Furthermore, empirical data reveals that young individuals are more prone to participate in dangerous behaviour with catastrophic and long-term repercussions.Methods: A pre-experimental study was conducted among 120 adolescents at selected PU College of Vijaypura District, Karnataka. Study participants were selected by convenient sampling technique, and data were collected using pre-tested, structured questionnaires. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: None of 120 individuals understood risk-taking and its prevention in the pre-test, whereas 87.5% (Sufficient knowledge) and 12.5% (Adequate knowledge) did post-test. After the post-test, attitudes were 53.3% negative and 46.7% positive, with a p<0.05% (t=62.21) and a significant threshold of 0.05. Knowledge was increased to 80.21% from difference mean pertest 3.74 to 18.7 mean post-test. The mean pretest and post-test attitude scores were 28.5 and 28.4, respectively. Difference was negligible and non-significant. Age-based empowerment programming efficacy on teenage risk-taking behaviour is 0.05. Some demographics did not affect pretest knowledge, but gender did.Conclusions: Risk-taking is a global issue that worries individuals and communities. Adolescents are often unaware of their risky activity. Many took risks owing to poverty, lack of parental supervision, peer pressure, and enjoyment. However, competent counselling can address dangerous behaviour.

Effectiveness of play and learn strategies on knowledge regarding prevention of child abuse among preschoolers and their mothers at selected Anganwadis of Vijaypur

Background: Abuse, especially of children, is a widespread problem. It is crucial to be aware of the warning signs of child abuse and neglect and take preventative measures. The World Health Organisation estimated that 1 billion children (Aged 2-17 yrs) had been victims of violence in 2017. In 2014, UNICEF said that sexual abuse affected 120 million children worldwide. Mental and physical health may be permanently damaged. Objective was to assess the knowledge and to evaluate the effectiveness of the play and learn strategies (PALS) regarding prevention of child abuse among pre-schooler and their mothers.Methods: This study employed the "One group Pre-test, Post-test" pre-experimental design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. The sample includes 100 mothers and 100 preschoolers. A pre- and post-test self-administered knowledge questionnaire was employed. Data were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics to meet study aims.Results: Present study indicates considerable pre-test knowledge level (p<0.05) among students. After intervention (Play and learn technique), preschoolers' post-test knowledge score improved to 7.86 from 5.16. The mean post-test knowledge score of mothers was 17.6 following intervention, compared to 5.93 pre-test. Education improves preschoolers' and mothers' post-test child abuse prevention knowledge, according to research.Conclusions: Investigators found toddlers prone to child maltreatment. Play and learn performed well to teach kids about child abuse prevention.

Predicting Potential Evapotranspiration for Kalaburagi District using a Seasonal Arima Model

Forecasting potential evapotranspiration (PET) is of great importance in effectively managing irrigation systems. This article centers around models designed to simulate future PET levels for the Kalaburagi district. The study calculates potential evapotranspiration using temperature data in degrees Celsius, employing the Thornthwaite method, and prediction is performed using the Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average (SARIMA) method. These models are developed based on autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) analysis. Model selection is based on minimizing Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) values. The chosen models for different stations in Kalaburagi, Chincholi, Sedam, Chittapur, Aland, Jewargi, and Afzalpur respectively are SARIMA (1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,0)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA (1,0,1) (2,1,0) 12, and SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12. The results indicate that the models developed for Jewargi and Chincholi stations show particular promise compared to the other two stations, with all four models performing well. These models have the potential to significantly enhance decision-making in irrigation planning and command area management practices, contributing to improved water resource management.

Determination of Crop Water Requirement and Crop Coefficient at Different Growth Stages of Tomato by Using Weighing Type Lysimeter in Raichur Region

The water requirement for any cropping system is important consideration for designing and managing irrigation systems. Water requirement of crops varies substantially over the growing season mainly due to variation in crop cover and climatic conditions. For estimating crop water requirement of tomato crop, we have taken field experiment in weighing lysimeter for three seasons rabi - (7th September 2021 to 5th January 2022); Summer - (15th January 2022 to 15th May 2022) and Kharif - (6th June 2022 to 4th October 2022). The crop water requirement helps us to develop the crop coefficients for various growth stages (initial, development, mid and late season) for particular climatic conditions. Further, with exact crop coefficients derived from weighing type lysimeter will be helpful for determining water requirement. The results showed that the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 22.76, 110.71, 173.47 and 68.71 mm, respectively. With respect to crop coefficient (Kc), it is estimated to be 0.38, 0.64, 1.12 and 0.66 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages, respectively during rabi season. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 26.53, 164.76, 235.56 and 121.51 mm, respectively. With respect to crop coefficient (Kc), it is estimated to be 0.56, 0.87, 1.22 and 0.78 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages, respectively during summer season. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 32.31, 131.38, 173.51 and 60.13 mm, respectively. With respect to Kc, it is estimated to be 0.36, 0.77, 1.13 and 0.74 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages respectively during kharif season. The measured Kc values were significantly different from the FAO-56 reported values. Therefore, local calibration of crop coefficients is an essential for efficient irrigation water management and precise water applications.

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.

Dentigerous Cyst in the Children: A Case Report

Introduction: Dentigerous cysts are the second most common developmental odontogenic cysts of the jaw, arising from im- pacted, embedded or unerupted permanent teeth. They apparently develop by accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown of an unerupted tooth. There is usually no pain or discomfort associated with the cyst unless there is an acute inflammatory exacerbation. Case Presentation: The purpose of this case report is to present a case of a dentigerous cyst with an unusual presentation in a 6-year-old child came with the swelling over right back region of the jaw which was asymptomatic appearing bony hard on palpation. Radiography showing unilocular radiolucency with an unerupted mandibular tooth crown is seen. Histology re- vealed H & E-stained section showing non keratinized epithelium 2-3 cell layer thick underlying connective tissue wall is loose fibrocellular with mild to moderate inflammatory cells infiltrate comprising of plasma cells, lymphocytes & numerous blood vessels and the definitive diagnosis of Dentigerous cyst was made. Management is done using enucleation of the cystic space with curettage & extraction of associated teeth. Conclusion: Management of odontogenic lesions, such as dentigerous cysts in children, presents an unparalleled challenge to general and pediatric dentists alike. A thorough understanding of the nature of the lesion backed by good clinical history and state-of-art radiography can go a long way in helping the clinician to arrive at the correct therapeutic choice of approach, ameliorate the condition in the best long-term interests of the young patient.

Correlation of Serum Magnesium Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Institutional Study

Introduction: In developing nations, the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has resulted in significant morbidity and socioeconomic consequences. Hypomagnesemia has been associated with insulin resistance and related micro- vascular consequences due to its ability to trigger hyperglycemia. Although many research articles on glycemic control have been published in recent years, the latest therapeutic approaches may not be feasible to all. As a result, prioritising preventative and primary care research becomes critical. Aim and objective: The study is aimed at estimating serum magnesium concentration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. This will help us evaluate how glycemic control in Diabetes can influence serum Magnesium levels. Method: The study consists of 50 consenting patients who came for routine blood investigations. Those patients having high random blood sugar were selected and divided into two groups based on their age. i.e. 25-50, 51-75. Other parameters con- sidered were age, gender and diet. After an overnight fasting, blood of the consenting patient was collected. Magnesium was measured by Cobas 6000 using the calorimeter end-point method. The other blood sample was transferred into an EDTA test tube which was used to estimate HbA1c level. Result: Participants were divided into two groups based on their age. i.e. 25-50, 51-75. The mean serum magnesium levels were 1.46 mg/dL for group 1 and 1.3 mg/dL for group 2. The mean HbA1c levels for group 1 were 7.65 and and 8.36 for group 2 respectively. According to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, inverse correlation was found between HbA1c levels and Serum magnesium levels. Conclusion: Magnesium insufficiency has been linked to a higher incidence of diabetic due to poor glycemic management in people with diabetes. To avoid such problems and maintain glycemic control, dietary supplements may be recommended. Large-scale clinical research is also required.

Community based sensitization to address maternal and child health problems in tribal population of India

Background: India fights with substantial maternal and child health (MCH) concerns, accounting about one quarter of the global burden of maternal and childhood mortality.The current study was tried to assess the impact of community partnerships between medical students, community stakeholders (TBAs and local tribal girls) and general community members on their awareness levels about MCH care and services. Methods:a community-based pilot interventional study was conducted at one of the rural blocks of Maharashtra state of India. Of 120, sixty (50%) first year undergraduate MBBS medical students (intervention group) posted at two months rural healthcare training programme’ participated in preparing MCH related health education material (HEM) in local language. Similarly local tribal girls, TBAs and general community people were trained about MCH and their knowledge levels were assessed. Results:Pre and post training assessment scores of participants (students, TBAs, tribal girls and general people) indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in their knowledge about MCH. The used approach of community collaborations in this study upgraded the knowledge of stakeholders (TBAs, tribal girls) and common tribal peopleabout basic aspects of MCH and associated welfare schemes. The study also reported positive attitudes of all participants about an intervention. Conclusions:Productive and synergistic community partnerships can be created among health care providers, community health workers and other stakeholders to ensure commitment and engagement towards positive health.

Isolation of Enterococcus spp. in various clinical sample and their antimicrobial resistant pattern with MIC of vancomycin in patient attending tertiary care centre, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Introduction- Enterococci are part of normal intestinal flora of humans and animals but have also emerged as important pathogens responsible for serious infections in hospital and community acquired infections.it is second most common cause of nosocomial infections in gastrointestinal tract, wound and genitourinary tract. To process all the clinicalAim- samples from various department in our hospital, for isolation of Enterococci spp. To speciate the isolates & to have resistance pattern of the isolates of vancomycin total 926 sample were collected from both outMaterial & Methods- patients and in patient in all clinical departments and transported to microbiology laboratory. specimens were processed by inoculating on to blood agar, MacConkey Agar, nutrient agar, potassium tellurite agar and incubated at 37°C for24-48 hr. Enterococci were identified by their typical arrangement in and salt tolerance test Gram stain, bile esculin test and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by performing Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were identified by tube dilution methods. Result- a total of 926 sample, 645 (69.72%) were culture positive and 281 (30.28%) were culture negative. Among 645 culture positive cases, 81(12.55%) were Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility & MIC done as per standard protocols. The E. Faecalis showed 99% sensitive to Vancomycin. the resistance to vancomycin was 1% & further confirmed by MIC via tube dilution methods. In which MIC was ?32 ?g/ml in one isolate. About 8 of Enterococcal strains showed MIC of 0.0125?g/ml. species level identification of Enterococcus is important forConclusions- epidemiological study and also for analysis of drug resistant pattern. Effective detection of vancomycin resistance helps in reducing the morbidity and mortality of VRE in hospitalized patients

Study of Orthopedic Morbidities among Postmenopausal Women in a Medical College Hospital in Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India

Introduction: It is estimated that a total of 130 million Indian women are expected to live beyond menopause by 2015. Health of postmenopausal women is of growing concern because of increased longevity and various morbidities associated with old age. Objectives: 1) To assess various orthopedic problems among postmenopausal women in rural area. 2) To estimate magnitude of common orthopedic problems and associated sociodemographic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical college hospital in rural area of Western Maharashtra on 500 postmenopausal women availing healthcare in a medical college hospital. Data was collected with the help of predesigned questionnaire by interview technique and with the help of case records available from orthopedic department. Results: Backache (62%) and osteoarthritis (51.6%) were common orthopedic problems. Osteoarthritis was significantly associated with obesity.

A comparative study of amoxicillin, erythromycin, cefadroxil, and gatifloxacin in treatment of acute lower respiratory tract infections

Introduction: Community-acquired acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) incorporates a spectrum of diseases from acute bronchitis, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. It is the most common cause for consulting general practice and OPD. This study was undertaken to compare older and newer antimicrobials in terms of clinical efficacy, tolerability and cost for the initial treatment for OPD management of LRTI in a government medical college setup. This randomized, prospective study was conducted in theMaterial And Methods: Medicine OPD of a government medical college, over a period of one year.Patients of either sex, aged between 16-60 yrs satisfying following definitions of acute bronchitis (with secondary bacterial infection), acute exacerbation of COPD and community acquired pneumonia were selected for the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: Ÿ Group I- Amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for 7 days. Ÿ Group II - Erythromycin 500mg four times a day for 7 days Ÿ Group III - Cefadroxil 500mg two times a day for 7 days Ÿ Group IV-Gatifloxacin 400mg once a day for 7 day Efficacy and safety of all antimicrobials were assessed and compared Results: Satisfactory clinical outcome as cure and improvement was obtained in 48 % and 36% in amoxicillin, 52% and 33% in erythromycin 49% and 38% in cefadroxil, 64% and 27% in gatifloxacin group respectively. Unsatisfactory clinical outcome as failure was recorded in 16%, 15%, 13% and 9% of amoxicillin, erythromycin, cefadroxil and gatifloxacin groups respectively. All the four drugs were equally effective with more than 80% efficacy in treatment ofConclusions: LRTI. The treatment groups did not differ in incidence of adverse events. All the adverse effects were mild and did not require cessation of therapy.

Multiple Epidermoid Cysts of Face: A Case Report

Introduction: Epidermoid cysts are cystic malformations filled with keratin and lipid rich debris. They generally present as benign, soft, and freely movable, slowly enlarging, and non-tender masses, commonly located on the face, neck and trunk of the body. They are more commonly seen in ovaries and gonads, and less often in head and neck region. Approximately 7% of epidermoid cysts are present in the head and neck region and about 1.6% are found in the oral cavity. They can be either congenital or acquired in origin. Congenital epidermoid cyst occurs at third and fourth intra-uterine life due to entrapment of ectodermal elements entrapped during midline fusion of first and second branchial arches. However, acquired epidermal cysts occur due to implantation of epidermal elements following cystic transformation. Case presentation: In this article, we discuss a case of epidermoid cysts presenting in multiple areas of the face which clinically appeared to as acquired nevi (mole). Management/Prognosis: Based on clinical appearance and provisional diagnosis, treatment of mole was made. The lesions were excised by electrocautery and sent for histopathological evaluation. Conclusion: There was a drastic difference between the clinical appearance and histopathological picture seen. A thorough knowledge about etiology, clinical history and histopathology is needed to reach an accurate diagnosis

Long-term Persistence of Immunogenicity After Primary Vaccination and Response to Booster Vaccination With Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: Results of a Phase IV Extension Study

Objective: To evaluate the persistence of antibodies three years after primary vaccination with typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) of either Cadila Healthcare Ltd. (Cadila-TCV) or Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (Bharat-TCV) administered in a previous phase II/III study, and to study the booster dose response to Cadila-TCV. Methods: This was an open-label, phase IV extension study conducted in tertiary care and multispecialty hospitals in India. 112 subjects (Cadila-TCV-57, Bharat-TCV-55) who had participated in previous study were enrolled. Of these, eligible subjects received a single-dose of Cadila-TCV and were followed-up for 28 days post-booster. Primary outcome was persistence of antibodies 3 years after primary vaccination and seroconversion (?4-fold rise in antibody titre from baseline) 28 days postbooster. Safety was based on reported adverse events (AEs) post-booster. Results: The baseline GMT reported in the current study was significantly higher than pre-vaccination GMT reported in the previous study. 89/112 (79.5%) subjects had antibody titer ?10 IU/mL at baseline; eligible subjects (n=17) who had baseline antibody titre <10 IU/mL were administered booster dose. All the vaccinated subjects showed seroconversion post-booster. The GMTs reported at 10 days and 28 days post-booster were significantly higher as compared to GMTs reported after primary vaccination in previous study. 4 (23.5%) vaccinated subjects reported 9 AEs; all were solicited and of mild/moderate intensity. Conclusion: There was a significant persistence of immunogenicity after primary vaccination with both the TCVs, and robust immune response after booster vaccination with Cadila-TCV.

Influence of chronic kidney disease and haemodialysis on stroke outcome

INTRODUCTION@#Stroke patients with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on haemodialysis have complex rehabilitation needs, and their survival and functional outcomes are limited. This study aimed to review post-stroke survival and functional outcomes following rehabilitation in patients with CKD and those on haemodialysis.@*METHODS@#We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive stroke patients with underlying CKD (Stages G3b, G4 and G5; n = 30) and those on dialysis at the time of stroke (n = 7), who underwent in-patient rehabilitation between June 2008 and May 2017. The mean duration of follow-up was 56 months. Demographic details, associated comorbidities and laboratory parameters were reviewed. Baseline and follow-up scores of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and dates of death of the patients were analysed.@*RESULTS@#Of the 37 consecutive stroke patients (mean age 64.7 years), 34 had ischaemic stroke and three had haemorrhagic transformation. Significant improvements in NIHSS and FIM scores were observed from the time of admission to after discharge. Older age, longer duration of hospital stay, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and low haemoglobin levels were all significantly related to mortality.@*CONCLUSION@#Despite significant functional and neurological improvements following rehabilitation, stroke patients with underlying CKD had higher average duration of hospital stay, more recurrent hospitalisations and poorer survival outcomes than those without underlying CKD. This could be attributed to the complications associated with CKD rather than stroke. Multidisciplinary community rehabilitation may be an alternative to reduce recurrent hospitalisations and morbidity in this group of patients.

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy - A Review

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) can be precipitated by many modern chemotherapeutic agents. CIPN affects the patient’s quality of life not only physically, but also functionally, psychosocially, spiritually and affects the family as well. If severe acute syndrome develops during chemotherapy, doses of drugs should be reduced or even stopped. CIPN is a neurological side effect occurring during chemotherapy treatment in cancer patient depending on many factors such as age, dose strength, complete total drug dose received, period of therapy, use of more than two groups of neurotoxic agents, concomitant neuropathies (for example, diabetic neuropathy), genetic vulnerability, and alcoholism. Pathophysiology of CIPN is not clearly understood. The pathological processes by which chemotherapy drugs harm the nervous system structures cause CIPN. It depends on several factors or causes which include microtubule disruption, oxidative stress and mitochondrial break, changes in ion channel activity, myelin sheath and DNA damage, and neuro inflammation. Clinical manifestations vary from patient to patient. It is classified into three types such as sensory, motor and autonomic. Presently there are no standard guidelines for the assessment of CIPN. It is considered both objective evidence of neurological dysfunction and assessment of symptoms reported by the patient. Nurses can play a very important role in the early identification of CIPN in cancer patients which can help to plan and in modification of treatment. This will help patients to enjoy a better quality of life. This review aims to give an update regarding CIPN and nursing aspect.

Lopinavir/ritonavir: is early administration better in Covid-19?

Background: To share the data of coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) patients started on lopinavir-ritonavir (lopi/r) in relation to time period from the onset of symptoms.Method: Observational descriptive study of 23 Covid-19 patients admitted in a tertiary care center in India from March 2020 to May 2020. Patients categorized into 2 groups based on the timing of initiation of lopi/r from the onset of symptoms. Group 1 were given the drug early (≤7 days) and group 2 late (>7 days). The clinical events (oxygen requirement days and ICU stay) and outcomes of hospital stay between the two groups were evaluated.Results: Patients were started on lopi/r for a period of 14 days on admission, out of which 12 patients were in group 1 and 11 patients in group 2. Underlying co-morbidities were present in 15 patients (65.21%). The mean duration from onset of symptoms to lopi/r initiation was 4 days and 11.1 days in Group 1 and 2 respectively. Requirement for oxygen support (2.16 versus 6.54 days), mean duration of hospitalization (8.58 versus 11.54 days) and mean duration of obtaining first Covid-19 negative report from the onset of symptoms (10.5 versus 19.57 days) were all significantly lesser in group 1 (p<0.05). All patients belonging to Group 1 and eight patients of group 2 recovered completely and were discharged whereas 3 patients of group 2 expired. Diarrhea was the most commonly observed adverse effect of lopi/r in our patients.Conclusion: With no approved weapon to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, we should keep lopi/r in our armamentarium of drugs and use it at the earliest. More clinical trials are needed in future to ascertain if lopi/r can reduce hospital stay, prompt faster recovery and result in better clinical outcome.

Critical Review on Impact of COVID 19 and Mental Health.

The NOVEL COVID 19 pandemic’s blowout from the PRC with its spread across the Globe has left a heavy impact on the mental health of the people. Measures and strategies evolved to contain the virus are public awareness, personal protection and hygiene, social distancing, testing kits etc. The related mental health issues are to be addressed. We wanted to evaluate the impact of COVID19 pandemic on the mental health of the people across the Globe. METHODSMental health related to COVID 19 outbreak, for the last five months from December 30, 2019: the published articles; abstracts; editorials; copyrights, have been considered and reviewed, from Sources: PubMed; Medline; and Cochrane database library. RESULTSThe physical and social distancing has resulted as social isolation. The self-quarantine has led many to anxiety, depression, mood changes, insecurity, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many are may not be able adapt to present situation. CONCLUSIONSMore Interventional studies are required to attend mental health during / after this Pandemic. Encouraging productive activities at home can prevent the mental disorders. Proper structuring cognizance by the institutions and online services is required to educate and rehabilitate the victims across the country and globe.

Study of the correlation of epicardial adipose tissue with left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index in patients with essential hypertension

Background: Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is recognized to be a cardiovascular risk factor. In addition to providing fuel to heart, it plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis though the secretion of adipokines. This study aims to find the correlation of EAT with Left Ventricular Mass (LVM) and Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) in patients with essential hypertension. Increasing LVM and LVMI are predictors of poor cardiovascular outcome. So, if we find a positive correlation, we can say that measurement of epicardial fat in essential hypertension may help us identify high risk hypertensive patients.Methods: This study was carried out in SMS Hospital, Jaipur, after approval from the Ethics Committee. 100 consecutive eligible patients were included in the study after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and taking proper informed consent. After history, examination and routine laboratory investigations, all patients underwent transthoracic 2D and Doppler echocardiography. EAT thickness, LVM and LVMI were measured and correlated using Spearman correlation coefficient.Results: The mean LVM was 139±42.12 g and mean LVMI was 35.76±11.28 g/m2.7. The spearman correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to be 0.691 between EAT and LVM and 0.677 between EAT and LVMI, indicating strong positive correlation between EAT and both LVM and LVMI. This implies that as; EAT increases, LVM and LVMI increases significantly.Conclusions: Thus, authors have found that EAT is positively correlated with LVM and LVMI. So, we can say that increase in EAT may lead to adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with essential hypertension.

Demographics in trauma: a prospective observational study in a tertiary care zonal hospital

Background: Trauma represents a major challenge worldwide and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young population. There is significant change in trauma related injuries due to urbanization, motorization, industrialization and the socioeconomic changes in India. Road traffic accidents (RTA) pose the largest threat to human lives and have become the number one public hazard all across the world causing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to find out the demographics and to determine the injury pattern of surgical trauma cases presenting to this tertiary care zonal hospital.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care zonal hospital from June 2018 to December 2018. Data was collected for 105 patients presented with trauma in surgical emergency centre of this hospital were included in the study which excluded only orthopaedic trauma cases. The data collected was analysed.Results: Out of 105, 76 (72.38%) were male and 29 (27.61%) were female with 21 (20%) in the 31-40 age group. The average age of cases was 40.2 years.  RTA was the major cause of trauma i.e. (77.14%) followed by accidental fall and slips (18.09%) and assaults (4.76%). Contusion was the common injury sustained (45.71%) followed by laceration (38.09%), abrasion (35.23%) and fracture (17.14%).Conclusions: There is a need for trauma registries which can help to formulate strategies towards decreasing the burden of trauma and improved outcomes at hospital as well as in public health.

Assessment of Clinical and Radiological Parameters in Spinal Tuberculosis: Comparison between Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Patients

Methods@#A prospective study was conducted of 30 patients with spinal tuberculosis (15 HIV positive and 15 HIV negative) from August 2014–July 2016 for assessment of clinical and radiological parameters. Neurological assessment was done by classification of tuberculous paraplegia, and the amount of kyphosis was assessed by Cobb angle on a plain radiograph. Abscess size in anterior epidural space, the number of vertebral bodies involved and collapsed, and skip lesions were noted on magnetic resonance imaging. Results: In the prospective analysis of 30 patients, HIV positive (n=15) and HIV negative (n=15), there was no significant difference in neurological grading between the two groups. The amount of vertebral body destruction and degree of kyphosis was significantly greater in HIV-negative patients as compared with HIV-positive patients. There was a significant difference in Cobb angle between the two groups. The amount of anterior epidural space abscess formation was greater in HIV-positive patients as compared with HIVnegative patients. @*Conclusions@#HIV-negative patients had greater vertebral body destruction and resultant kyphosis as compared with HIV-positive patients, who had greater anterior epidural abscess formation.