From knowledge to action: understanding Ghanaian physicians responses to COVID-19 pandemic threats

Background: This study, conducted with meticulous care, aimed to determine the knowledge, perception, and preparedness of Ghanaian physicians towards a pandemic or another wave of COVID-19. Methods: The study, conducted between May and July 2023, used a robust methodology and included a comprehensive questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed through Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media links, ensuring a broad reach and diverse participation. Results: A total of 777 physicians responded, and participation was from all 16 regions of Ghana. Of these, 372 (47.9%) were males, while 405 were females (52.1%). The survey, consisting of 55 questions about COVID-19 knowledge, 29 questions about perception, and 21 questions about preparedness, was designed to capture a comprehensive understanding. The study’s inclusion criteria were limited to physicians who had direct contact with patients in medical facility settings. The findings revealed that Ghanaian physicians ranked high regarding their knowledge of COVID-19. However, their readiness to face another pandemic challenge was observed at 47% in progress. In comparison, 43% of physicians responded as done, with another 10% not being unaware of the current situation about preparedness. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the nuanced responses of Ghanaian physicians to the COVID-19 pandemic threats, emphasizing the critical role of knowledge in shaping their actions. Through a qualitative exploration, we discerned a spectrum of reactions ranging from proactive measures to adaptive strategies in navigating the uncertainties of the crisis. Ghana needs a blueprint for pandemic management.

Emerging antibiotic resistance: a modern-day horseman of the apocalypse

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global public health crisis, posing a significant threat to the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. Mexico, faces a daunting challenge in tackling the rising prevalence of AMR. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs, inadequate infection control practices, and a lack of awareness among healthcare providers and the general public have all contributed to the rapid spread of resistant pathogens in the country. We aimed to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in patients hospitalized from January 2018 to December 2019 Methods: In this study, we analyzed blood, urine, wound, expectoration, and secretion cultures from January 2018 to December 2019 to assess antimicrobial resistance in our unit. We collected patient data, evaluated isolates using EUCAST and CLSI breakpoint tables, and excluded intrinsically resistant antibiotics. A circus plot graph was created to compare resistance profiles between the two years. SPSS version 25 and R Studio software were used for statistical analysis and visualization. Results: AMR increased across diverse organisms (2018-2019), notable rises in A. xylosoxidans (cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin), A. baumannii (piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime), E. coli (ampicillin/sulbactam), K. pneumoniae (ceftazidime), P. aeruginosa (cefuroxime) were observed. Enterococcus faecalis displayed lowest resistance to nitrofurantoin/tobramycin, but highest to fosfomycin. Escherichia coli showed significant resistance to aztreonam, ampicillin/sulbactam, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited concerning levels of resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftazidime. Conclusions: AMR in our unit raise concerns for empiric therapy and infection control. Emerging resistance in key pathogens demands enhanced surveillance, rapid response, and robust infection control strategies, including meticulous hygiene, disinfection, antimicrobial stewardship, and resistance monitoring. Continuous optimization is crucial to combat this escalating public health threat in Mexico.

Prediction of visceral leishmaniasis incidence using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA) in the state of Maranhão, Brazil / Previsão da incidência da leishmaniose visceral usando o modelo de média móvel integrado autorregressivo sazonal (SARIMA) no Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease predominant in countries located in the tropics. The prediction of occurrence of infectious diseases through epidemiologic modeling has revealed to be an important tool in the understanding of its occurrence dynamic. The objective of this study was to develop a forecasting model for the incidence of VL in Maranhão using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). We collected monthly data regarding VL cases from the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) corresponding to the period between 2001 and 2018. The Box-Jenkins method was applied in order to adjust a SARIMA prediction model for VL general incidence and by sex (male or female) for the period between January 2019 and December 2013. For 216 months of this time series, 10,431 cases of VL were notified in Maranhão, with an average of 579 cases per year. With regard to age range, there was a higher incidence among the pediatric public (0 to 14 years of age). There was a predominance in male cases, 6437 (61.71%). The Box-Pierce test figures for overall, male and female genders supported by the results of the Ljung-Box test suggest that the autocorrelations of residual values act as white noise. Regarding monthly occurrences in general and by gender, the SARIMA models (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) and (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) were the ones that mostly adjusted to the data respectively. The model SARIMA has proven to be an adequate tool for predicting and analyzing the trends in VL incidence in Maranhão. The time variation determination and its prediction are decisive in providing guidance in health measure intervention.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença de natureza infecciosa, predominante em países de zonas tropicais. A predição de ocorrência de doenças infecciosas através da modelagem epidemiológica tem se revelado uma importante ferramenta no entendimento de sua dinâmica de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de previsão da incidência da LV no Maranhão usando o modelo de Média Móvel Integrada Autocorrelacionada Sazonal (SARIMA). Foram coletados os dados mensais de casos de LV através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) correspondentes ao período de 2001 a 2018. O método de Box-Jenkins foi aplicado para ajustar um modelo de predição SARIMA para incidência geral e por sexo (masculino e feminino) de LV para o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2023. Durante o período de 216 meses dessa série temporal, foram registrados 10.431 casos de LV no Maranhão, com uma média de 579 casos por ano. Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior registro no público pediátrico (0 a 14 anos). Houve predominância do sexo masculino, com 6437 casos (61,71%). Os valores do teste de Box-Pierce para incidência geral, sexo masculino e feminino reforçados pelos resultados do teste Ljung-Box sugerem que as autocorrelações de resíduos apresentam um comportamento de ruído branco. Para incidência mensal geral e por sexo masculino e feminino, os modelos SARIMA (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) e (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) foram os que mais se ajustaram aos dados, respectivamente. O modelo SARIMA se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada de previsão e análise da tendência de incidência da LV no Maranhão. A determinação da variação temporal e sua predição são determinantes no norteamento de medidas de intervenção em saúde.

Prediction of visceral leishmaniasis incidence using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA) in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease predominant in countries located in the tropics. The prediction of occurrence of infectious diseases through epidemiologic modeling has revealed to be an important tool in the understanding of its occurrence dynamic. The objective of this study was to develop a forecasting model for the incidence of VL in Maranhão using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). We collected monthly data regarding VL cases from the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) corresponding to the period between 2001 and 2018. The Box-Jenkins method was applied in order to adjust a SARIMA prediction model for VL general incidence and by sex (male or female) for the period between January 2019 and December 2013. For 216 months of this time series, 10,431 cases of VL were notified in Maranhão, with an average of 579 cases per year. With regard to age range, there was a higher incidence among the pediatric public (0 to 14 years of age). There was a predominance in male cases, 6437 (61.71%). The Box-Pierce test figures for overall, male and female genders supported by the results of the Ljung-Box test suggest that the autocorrelations of residual values act as white noise. Regarding monthly occurrences in general and by gender, the SARIMA models (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) and (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) were the ones that mostly adjusted to the data respectively. The model SARIMA has proven to be an adequate tool for predicting and analyzing the trends in VL incidence in Maranhão. The time variation determination and its prediction are decisive in providing guidance in health measure intervention.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença de natureza infecciosa, predominante em países de zonas tropicais. A predição de ocorrência de doenças infecciosas através da modelagem epidemiológica tem se revelado uma importante ferramenta no entendimento de sua dinâmica de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de previsão da incidência da LV no Maranhão usando o modelo de Média Móvel Integrada Autocorrelacionada Sazonal (SARIMA). Foram coletados os dados mensais de casos de LV através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) correspondentes ao período de 2001 a 2018. O método de Box-Jenkins foi aplicado para ajustar um modelo de predição SARIMA para incidência geral e por sexo (masculino e feminino) de LV para o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2023. Durante o período de 216 meses dessa série temporal, foram registrados 10.431 casos de LV no Maranhão, com uma média de 579 casos por ano. Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior registro no público pediátrico (0 a 14 anos). Houve predominância do sexo masculino, com 6437 casos (61,71%). Os valores do teste de Box-Pierce para incidência geral, sexo masculino e feminino reforçados pelos resultados do teste Ljung-Box sugerem que as autocorrelações de resíduos apresentam um comportamento de ruído branco. Para incidência mensal geral e por sexo masculino e feminino, os modelos SARIMA (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) e (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) foram os que mais se ajustaram aos dados, respectivamente. O modelo SARIMA se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada de previsão e análise da tendência de incidência da LV no Maranhão. A determinação da variação temporal e sua predição são determinantes no norteamento de medidas de intervenção em saúde.

Non-verbal communication skills among teaching staff and medical students in a medical educational Institution in Khammam, Telangana, India

Background: Non-verbal communication is generally defined as the aspect of communication that is not expressed in words. Through the use of non-verbal communication, teachers can draw student’s attention to more understanding and motivate students, and even bring excitement to the boredom students. Effective communication improves patient satisfaction. The objectives were to assess and to compare non-verbal communication skills among medical teaching staff and the students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to August 2022 in an educational institution. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was downloaded from Questmeraki website. The questions on non-verbal communication skills were quantified on a five-point Likert scale. The participants scores were categorized and compared. Results: As per the scores scored for non-verbal communication skills, among the teaching staff, 85.7% scored good score, and 14.3% scored excellent. Among the students, 82.1 scored good score, and 14.5% scored excellent. Though the teaching staff scored better than the students, the difference was not significant (p=0.068). Conclusions: It is necessary for the teaching staff and the students to practice and learn effective communication skills, so that, it helps in successful interaction with the students and the patients, and among themselves.

Harnessing the Potentialities of Arsenic Resistant Fungal Endophytes for Improved Growth Promoting Traits under in vitro Condition

Endophytic fungi enhance the plant’s ability to tolerate stressful conditions including heavy metal stress via secretion of numerous secondary metabolites. However, the role of heavy metal resistant fungal endophytes in growth promotion of plants in extreme environments is need to be understood. Therefore, eight endophytic fungal isolates having arsenic tolerance potential up to 2000 ppm explored from the arsenic stressed plants were subjected to various in vitro growth promoting traits viz., phytohormones production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, ammonia production, HCN production and ACC deaminase activity under normal and arsenic stress (100 ppm) condition. Indole acetic acid produced by fungal endophytes ranged between 120-610 ?g/ mL, which was reduced to 50-340 ?g/ mL when they were grown on arsenic induced medium. In the siderophore production test, fungal isolate S3P1S1 produced significantly higher siderophore (96 ±?0.002 ?mol) compared to other isolates and reference culture. In addition, HCN production was observed in only one isolate. Therefore, present study clearly identified specific traits in the fungal endophytes, which make them good candidates as PGPR and might contribute to plant adaption to arsenic contaminated soils. These fungal endophytes, possessing metal tolerance as well growth promoting properties under in vitro conditions could have vital implications for the agricultural sector if used as biofertilizer.

Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students of Thrissur district during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has aggravated mental health problems among the student community. But due to pandemic restrictions the medical students lack the clinical exposure and interaction with patients and were forced to learn through online platform, which affected their procurement of clinical and communication skills. This led to lot of stress among medical students, which needs to be evaluated and managed. Objectives were to study the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students of Thrissur district during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross- sectional study was undertaken among undergraduate medical students from July 2021 to Jan 2022. Total 205 undergraduate medical students from all batches were included in the study and data was collected with the help of Google forms and a self-administered DASS 21 questionnaire was used as a tool for assessing the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. Results: Out of 205 undergraduate medical students, 106 (51.7%) were suffering from anxiety, 70 (34.1%) were suffering from stress and 119 (58%) were suffering from depression. Around 112 (54.6%) of students faced difficulty in paying academic fees and 127 (62%) of students had difficulty due to cut shorting of clinical postings. The female students had higher prevalence of stress and anxiety compared with males which was statistically significant (p=0.04, 0.01 respectively). Conclusions: The presence of depression, anxiety and stress was prevalent among medical students. It has to be addressed with mentorship programmes, counselling and by ensuring leisure activities in the campus.

Provider facility type and HPV vaccination rate among African American teenagers in the United States

Background: The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine is one of the most efficient preventive vaccinations on the market to prevent HPV infection and has made significant advances in human vaccination. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the provider facility type and HPV vaccination rates, among African American teenagers. By exploring the potential relation of the two, we hope to inform programs and further studies into boosting HPV vaccination rates by targeted provider-based interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Immunization Survey for Teen (NIS-TEEN) for the year 2021. This study focused on African American teenagers, aged 13 to 17 years, living in non-institutionalized households in the United States in 2021. Data was collected in two phases -the household interview phase and the provider data collection phase. Statistical analysis was conducted using weighted provider data, and all analysis was done using SAS Studio 3.81. Results: Provider facility type was significantly associated with HPV vaccination status (p?0.0001). Specifically, respondents who used hospital facilities and public facilities had higher odds of having received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine when compared to those who used private facilities (OR=1.86; 95%CI; 1.84,1.89) and (OR=1.72; 95% CI; 1.70, 1.74) respectively. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that provider facility type is associated with HPV vaccination status among African American teens in the US. There is however a need for definitive longitudinal studies to establish the relationship between provider type and HPV vaccination rates in African American teens.

Determinants of maternal healthcare services utilization in selected communities in Edo Central Senatorial District Nigeria

Background: Throughout history, society has always employed several means to promote maternal healthcare services to save pregnant women and their unborn babies from expected or unexpected dangers during pregnancy, birth and after birth. This study investigated the determinants of maternal health care services utilization in selected communities. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for this study using a questionnaire as a quantitative tool. The population of the study comprised women of reproductive age group (15-49) Edo Central Senatorial District, Edo State Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 561 study participants from the target population. A total of 561 copies of the questionnaire were administered but 490 of them were retrieved and found to meet criteria for analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and computed for descriptive statistics- frequency with percentage counts, mean and standard deviations. Additionally, inferential statistics chi-square used to test the stated hypotheses. Results: The finding showed that the women’s mean age of 28±5.37. Residential location of the participants did not significantly influence their utilization of maternal healthcare services. Educational qualifications, were found to influence the utilization of maternal healthcare services than those of lower educational levels (p<0.05). In addition, 364 (74.2%) respondents agree that free or low cost of maternal health services would prompt and promote regular visits to clinic. Conclusions: It is recommended that the government should provide freer or low-cost.

Impact of Different Irrigation Techniques on Wheat Crop Micro-climate

Aim of this experiment is to study the impact of irrigation techniques on microclimate of wheat crop in terms of temperature and humidity. Randomized block design is used on the wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Karan Narendra (DBW 222) at research farm of ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal during the Rabi 2021-22. In conventional practice treatment, higher temperature fluctuation was observed and was 0.5-1°C cooler as compared to other plots. Drip irrigation treatment showed most stable crop microclimate in terms of canopy temperature and humidity dynamics. A sharp rise in temperature at maturity cause dryness in crop and leads to lower productivity. Except at physiological maturity, canopy was cooler than the ambient air, while relative humidity was higher both during morning and evening hour.

Optimization Method of Whole Wheat Flour, Soybean Flour, Oyster Meat Powder for Nutrient- Dense Composite Flour

Aim: To study the production of Nutrient – Dense Composite Flour from the blends of whole wheat flour, soybean flour (full fat) and oyster meat powder. Study Design: The study was design using the D-optimal combination design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Science, University of Port Harcourt (Processing of raw materials) and the Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of industrial research Oshodi, Lagos (Analysis of raw materials) between October 2021 and August 2022. Methodology: The raw materials were each processed to have wholesome flours, and then they were combined according to the matrix generated, which had ranges of 70 – 100%, 0 – 22%, and 0 – 8% for whole wheat flour (WWF), soybean flour (SBF) and oyster meat powder (OMP) respectively. Results: The design was used to assess the significance (5% probability) of the moisture, fat, and protein content, which ranged from 8.09 to 11.37%, 1.80 to 8.52% and 9.70 to 19.07% respectively; the water absorption (72.00 - 79.10BU), dough stability (9.3 - 17.5BU) and mixing tolerance index (25 - 50BU); and lightness and yellowness, which ranged from 65.48 - 83.2 and 13.77 - 23.58 respectively, of the flour blends. Protein content, water absorption dough stability, and mixing tolerance index were prioritized while moisture content, fat content, and yellowness were minimized for the numerical optimization of the responses. This study highlights the possibilities of utilizing non-conventional raw materials in the production of composite flour with balance nutritional and baking qualities. Conclusion: The best flour combination was 72.51% whole wheat flour, 19.63% soybean flour, and 7.86% oyster meat powder.

Genetic Spectrum of Variation and Diversity for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Mutagenized Population of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

The present study was carried out in Agricultural Research Station, Hagari during rabi 2020, it was undertaken to assess nature of genetic variability and diversity among 200 mutant lines of M4 generation. The study revealed wide variation for yield and yield attributing traits, moderate GCV and PCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance was observed for stem girth, panicle length and panicle width. The traits viz., stem girth, panicle length, panicle weight, panicle width, 100-seed weight, grain yield per plant and fodder yield showed high heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean. A wider genetic diversity was observed for the different traits studied among the mutant lines as evidenced by the formation of thirteen clusters for the 200 mutant lines. Out of thirteen characters studied, fodder yield contributed majorly towards divergence with value of 37.35 per cent followed by 100-seed weight contributes (20%), grain yield contributes (15%) and other traits contribute minorly for divergence.

Assessment of HIV-TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV positive patients and their correlation with CD4 and viral load

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) constitute a major burden of infectious diseases in India. TB is the most common opportunistic infection and a leading cause of death among HIV positive patients. This study was conducted to assess the HIV–TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV patients and correlate co-infection with CD4 and viral load (VL). Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out from January 2021 to June 2022 at ART center of a tertiary care hospital. Screening for TB was done by GeneXpert and Radiology. These patients were monitored for absolute CD4 count by flow cytometer and VL by Real time PCR. Results: Among 380 newly diagnosed HIV patients screened, 94 (24.70%) had HIV-TB coinfection. Of these, 42 (44.6%) were pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 52 (55.3%) were extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) of 42 patients with PTB, 31 (73.80%) were microbiologically confirmed by GeneXpert whereas of 52 patients with EPTB, 33 (63.46%) were diagnosed clinically and radio-logically. Of 94 patients, only 55 patients could be followed up further at 6 months. Of 55 patients, 33 (60%) had CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 and 2 (3.6%) had baseline VL?1000 copies/ml. 46.80% patients completed their anti-tubercular treatment. Conclusions: EPTB was more as compared to PTB. Co-infection was more with low CD4 counts. Hence, CD4 test can be used as a good immunological marker in co-infection. The study highlights the need of periodic screening of newly diagnosed HIV patients for TB and their monitoring for CD4 and VL.

Assessment of HIV-TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV positive patients and their correlation with CD4 and viral load

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) constitute a major burden of infectious diseases in India. TB is the most common opportunistic infection and a leading cause of death among HIV positive patients. This study was conducted to assess the HIV–TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV patients and correlate co-infection with CD4 and viral load (VL). Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out from January 2021 to June 2022 at ART center of a tertiary care hospital. Screening for TB was done by GeneXpert and Radiology. These patients were monitored for absolute CD4 count by flow cytometer and VL by Real time PCR. Results: Among 380 newly diagnosed HIV patients screened, 94 (24.70%) had HIV-TB coinfection. Of these, 42 (44.6%) were pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 52 (55.3%) were extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) of 42 patients with PTB, 31 (73.80%) were microbiologically confirmed by GeneXpert whereas of 52 patients with EPTB, 33 (63.46%) were diagnosed clinically and radio-logically. Of 94 patients, only 55 patients could be followed up further at 6 months. Of 55 patients, 33 (60%) had CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 and 2 (3.6%) had baseline VL?1000 copies/ml. 46.80% patients completed their anti-tubercular treatment. Conclusions: EPTB was more as compared to PTB. Co-infection was more with low CD4 counts. Hence, CD4 test can be used as a good immunological marker in co-infection. The study highlights the need of periodic screening of newly diagnosed HIV patients for TB and their monitoring for CD4 and VL.

Effects of Aqueous Seed Extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the Reproductive Indices of Male Rats

Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the reproductive indices of male rats were investigated. A total of 104 adult rats were used for the experiment, and were divided into 4 groups (group A – D) and replicated in triplicate. Group A served as the normal control, while groups B, C and D received three graded doses (800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) of the extracts, respectively, by oral intubation. The gonad characteristics, sperm parameters and hormonal analyses of the male rats were determined using standard procedures. These were ascertained prior to the commencement of treatment, and on weekly basis. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS and R software at 95% confidence interval. An overall dose and time dependent showed significant differences in the mean weekly gonad characteristics of the male rats in the treatment groups when compared with the control. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weights of the male rats, but a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the testes weights, gonad somatic index, sperm count and sperm motility in the rats. The gonadal hormone testosterone, responded to the plant extracts, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were largely undetected. There were significant increases in the testosterone levels of all the treated rats. Conclusively, aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seems to possess ability to enhance reproductive health in male rats.

Three rare and accidental findings of hemoglobinopathies encountered in high-performance liquid chromatography: case series

Hemoglobinopathies are the leading cause of some major genetic and social health problem in India. Among all hemoglobinopathies, sickle cell disorder and thalassemia are commonly found in Gujarat state. Double heterozygous state of hemoglobin S and D, hemoglobin E trait, hemoglobin D disease are very uncommon. In present instance, one case of 25-year-old male was diagnosed with sickle cell hemoglobin D disease. The case was confirmed through slide-based sickle test and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The peripheral smear findings showed presence of microcytic hypochromic red blood cells (RBCs) and many sickled RBCs. Ultrasonography (USG) findings showed hepatomegaly. Second case of 30-year-old female was diagnosed with hemoglobin E trait. The case was confirmed by HPLC. The peripheral findings showed normocytic normochromic RBCs and occasional target cells. Presence of gross hepatomegaly on palpation. Third case of 20-year-old female was diagnosed with hemoglobin D trait. The case was confirmed by HPLC. The peripheral findings showed normocytic normochromic RBCs.

Prevalence of upper-cross syndrome in college going students-a cross sectional study

Background: Upper cross syndrome is becoming more prevalent in today’s population. Upper crossed syndrome refers to overactive and underactive muscles group in the neck and shoulder girdle. Our aim in this study is to check the tightness and weakness of shoulder and scapular muscles. Methods: 100 adults with age group between 18-23 years were randomly selected for the study. All the students were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Tightness for pectoralis major, trapezius weakness and neck disability index (NDI) was measured. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Mean and SD was analyzed. Frequency was assessed with percentage. Results: Frequency of tightness of pectoralis major was 8% and weakness of trapezius was 59% respectively. NDI values with mean values 36.66 (30.89) was measured. Conclusions: Upper cross syndrome is found to be prevalent in college going students.

In vitro effects of lapachol and β-lapachone against Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and special attention should be given to treatment because the available drugs have limitations, which can lead to low therapeutic adherence and parasitic resistance. This study evaluated the activity of the bioactive naphthoquinones, lapachol and β-lapachone, against Leishmania amazonensis. The cell alterations were evaluated in vitro on promastigote and amastigote forms. The lethal dose (LD50) at 24, 48, and 72 h on the promastigote's forms using lapachol was 75.60, 72.82, and 58.85 μg/mL and for β-lapachone was 0.65, 1.24, and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively. The naphthoquinones significantly inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes at 83.11, 57.59, and 34.95% for lapachol (82.28, 41.14, and 20.57 µg/mL), and 78.49, 83.25, and 80.22% for β-lapachone (3.26, 1.63, and 0.815 µg/mL). The compounds on the promastigote's forms led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced changes in the integrity of the membrane, caused damage to cells suggestive of the apoptotic process, and showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The results showed that these naphthoquinones are promising candidates for research on new drugs with anti-Leishmania activity derived from natural products.

Linseed oil attenuates fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet

The impact of linseed oil as a lipid source on liver disease induced by a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) was evaluated. Adult male Swiss mice received an HCD containing carbohydrates (72.1%), proteins (14.2%), and lipids (4.0%). The Control HCD group (HCD-C) received an HCD containing lard (3.6%) and soybean oil (0.4%) as lipid sources. The L10 and L100 groups received an HCD with 10 and 100% linseed oil as lipid sources, respectively. A group of mice were euthanized before receiving the diets (day 0) and the remaining groups after 56 days of receiving the diets (HCD-C, L10, and L-100 groups). Morphological and histopathological analyses, as well as collagen deposition were evaluated. Perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) of the HCD-C group were larger (P<0.05) than periportal hepatocytes (PPH) in the median lobe (ML) and left lobe (LL). There was a greater (P<0.05) deposition of type I collagen in PPH (vs PVH) and in the ML (vs LL). The ML exhibited a higher proportion of apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning. All these alterations (hepatocyte size, deposition of type I collagen, apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning) induced by HCD were prevented or attenuated in L10 and L100 groups. Another indicator of the beneficial effects of linseed oil was the lower (P<0.05) number of binucleated hepatocytes (HCD-C vs L10 or L100 group). In general, the L100 group had greater effects than the L10 group. In conclusion, linseed oil impedes or reduces the liver injury progression induced by an HCD.

Ethanobotanical Diversity in Practices and Preparation of Punarnavadi Kwatha in Kerala Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic formulary has a long history of endogenous innovation. Its epistemic logic is best understood through the language of Oushadhayogam (polyherbal combination/ dosage forms). Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, which is also known as Punarnavashtaka kwatha. It is generally used to treat diseases of respiratory system, bronchitis, liver diseases, hepatitis, joint inflammation, kidney stones, wounds, skin diseases, and gout. The present study intended to explore the Ethanobotanical diversity of Punarnavashtaka kwatha in Kerala Ayurveda market. Materials and Methods: Thorough search in classical Ayurvedic literature to collect data in PUK and cross-sectional survey to collect data of ingredients PUK used in Ayurveda industry. Results and Discussions: The ingredients of PUK along with botanical source of 5 Kerala Ayurveda manufactures were analysed and compared with AFI. The ingredients Punarnava, Nimba, Patola, Sunthi, Abhaya was common in all the manufactures. But marked variation in other ingredients were found in market samples of PUK when compared to AFI, except first sample. Conclusions: There are some ethanobotanical diversity in ingredient list of Punarnavadi kwatha (PUK) in Kerala Ayurveda market.