ABSTRACT
Background and objective Combining sulbactam with cefotaxime/ceftriaxone augments its antimicrobial activity against ß-lactamase-producing bacteria. They are widely used as empirical treatment for many clinical infections. However, there is a scarcity of data on the susceptibility of various organisms to these antibiotics in the Indian region. In light of this, the present in vitro study evaluated the susceptibility of bacterial isolates to cefotaxime-sulbactam and compared it with ceftriaxone-sulbactam. Methodology Clinical samples with positive bacterial cultures from various laboratories in India were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing using in vitro E-test strips and disk diffusion methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition (ZOI), respectively. MIC50 and MIC90 values were determined along with the measurement of the ZOI for the effectiveness of antibiotics. Interpretations of MIC and ZOI values were made as per the criteria set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines to estimate the proportion of sensitive organisms. Results Among 400 clinical isolates evaluated, Escherichia coli (E. coli) (47.75%) was the most common organism isolated followed by Klebsiella (26%), Salmonella (7.75%), Proteus (3.8%), and Acinetobacter (2.8%). The mean ZOI was found significantly higher for E. coli, Klebsiella, and Salmonella in the cefotaxime-sulbactam group than in the ceftriaxone-sulbactam group. MIC50 values for E. coli and Klebsiella were 0.25 and 0.19 µg/ml, respectively in the cefotaxime-sulbactam group as compared to 0.38 and 0.25 µg/ml, respectively for ceftriaxone-sulbactam. The proportion of sensitive isolates was also higher in the cefotaxime-sulbactam group for E. coli, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. Conclusions The in vitro effect of cefotaxime-sulbactam on organisms is similar to that of ceftriaxone-sulbactam in terms of MIC, ZOI, and proportion of sensitivity based on our study involving clinical isolates from various parts of India. Cefotaxime-sulbactam may be preferred in the empirical management of various clinical infections.
ABSTRACT
Animal models have contributed to a great extent to understanding and advancement in the field of sexual medicine. Many current medical and surgical therapies in sexual medicine have been tried based on these animal models. Extensive literature search revealed that the compiled information is limited. In this review, we describe various experimental models of erectile dysfunction (ED) encompassing their procedures, variables of assessment, advantages and disadvantages. The search strategy consisted of review of PubMed based articles. We included original research work and certain review articles available in PubMed database. The search terms used were "ED and experimental models," "ED and nervous stimulation," "ED and cavernous nerve stimulation," "ED and central stimulation," "ED and diabetes mellitus," "ED and ageing," "ED and hypercholesteremia," "ED and Peyronie's disease," "radiation induced ED," "telemetric recording," "ED and mating test" and "ED and non-contact erection test."
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Ayurveda is most commonly practiced form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in India. There are very few studies showing the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of allopathic doctors about Ayurvedic drugs and its use. AIMS: The study was initiated to assess KAP toward Ayurvedic medicine use among allopathic resident doctors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional and prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee, allopathic resident doctors from clinical departments were approached personally. They were given pre-formed validated questionnaire to assess KAP toward Ayurvedic medicine use. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Allopathic residents had little knowledge about basic concepts of Ayurveda, that is, 'panchakarma' and 'tridosha'. Majority residents (99%) had no opportunity to learn basics of Ayurveda, but 67% residents prescribed Ayurvedic medicines to patients. However, many residents (76%) mentioned that cross practice should not be allowed due to lack of knowledge. One resident knew that cross-practice was not allowed by law. The commonly prescribed proprietary Ayurvedic medicines were Liv-52 (39%), Shatavari (13%), Cystone (12%) and common ailments for which these medicines prescribed were liver disorders (34%), arthritis (18%), cough and cold (13%), kidney stones (11%), and piles (10%). Nearly 76% residents felt incorporation of Ayurveda with modern medicine would attract more patients and at the same time most residents (92%) agreed that Ayurvedic medicines need scientific testing before use. Though 50% of the residents agreed for voluntary training in Ayurveda, 80% denied compulsory training. Nearly 63% residents recommended Ayurveda among all CAMs. Most of residents heard of Ayurveda from their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that allopathic resident doctors had little knowledge about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine use but engaged in prescription of Ayurvedic medicines. So some interventions should be taken to increase the knowledge and awareness of allopathic resident doctors about Ayurvedic medicine use.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Every medical practitioner should strive to contribute to the generation of evidence by conducting research. For carrying out research, adequate knowledge, practical skills, and development of the right attitude are crucial. A literature review shows that data regarding knowledge, attitude, and practices toward medical research, among resident doctors in India, is lacking. AIMS: This study was conducted to assess research-related knowledge, attitude, and practices among resident doctors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, structured, and pre-validated questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee and a verbal consent, a cross-sectional survey among 100 resident doctors pursuing their second and third years in the MD and MS courses was conducted using a structured and pre-validated questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The concept of research hypothesis was known to 58% of the residents. Ninety-eight percent of the residents were aware of the procedure to obtain informed consent. Seventy-six percent agreed that research training should be mandatory. Although 88% of the residents were interested in conducting research in future, 50% had participated in research other than a dissertation project, 28% had made scientific presentations, and only 4% had publications. Lack of time (74%), lack of research curriculum (42%), and inadequate facilities (38%) were stated as major obstacles for pursuing research. CONCLUSIONS: Although resident doctors demonstrated a fairly good knowledge and positive attitude toward research, it did not translate into practice for most of them. There is a need to improve the existing medical education system to foster research culture among resident doctors.
