332 research outputs found
Sort by
Socio-Demographic factors Associated with Contraceptive Use among Kuki Women in a rural setting: A Cross-sectional Study
Full text linkBackground: Despite the global increase in contraceptive use, there is a dearth of research assessing contraceptive use among married Kuki women in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. The purpose of this work was to investigate the knowledge, use and non-use of contraceptives and the socio-demographic factors associated with them. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. During the period of December 2018 to September 2019, interviews were conducted in ten villages of the Lhungtin and Saikul subdivisions of the Kangpokpi district in Manipur with married Kuki women who had at least one child. In total, 491 women were interviewed. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26 with statistical significance at P \u3c 0.05. Results: Out of 491 participants, 141(28.7%) were in the age group of 31e40 years, 202(41.1%) were illiterate, and 267(54.4%) had a monthly income of 5001e10,000. More than half, i.e. 272(55.4%), had knowledge about different methods of contraceptives, and only 191(38.9%) of them use birth control. The participants\u27 socio-demographics had a statistically significant relationship with the knowledge and use of contraceptives (P \u3c 0.05). Conclusion: The non-use of contraceptives among the studied population was high. Lack of awareness is one of the important contributing factors aside from socio-demographics. Awareness programmes and accessibility of health care providers can combat the unmet needs of women
Hemifacial Spasm Due to Dolichoectasia of Vertebral and Basilar Arteries
Full text linkDolichoectasia refers to the non-focal dilatation and tortuosity of arteries, primarily affecting the vertebral and basilar arteries due to severe tunica intima degeneration. It is associated with genetic predisposition and atherosclerosis, leading to vessel wall weakening. Patients may remain asymptomatic or develop neurological deficits due to mass effect. We report a case of a 60-year-old male presenting with hemifacial spasm secondary to vertebral artery dolichoectasia. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) revealed ectatic and tortuous basilar and vertebral arteries, with the left vertebral artery compressing the left facial nerve complex. Using Smoker’s criteria, a diagnosis of dolichoectasia was confirmed. Dolichoectasia-induced hemifacial spasm results from vascular compression and pulsatile irritation of the facial nerve. Besides neural compression, dolichoectasia also increases the risk of cerebral infarction. Treatment involves antiplatelet therapy to mitigate stroke risk, with microvascular decompression considered for symptomatic relief. This case highlights the importance of MRI in evaluating unexplained facial spasms, ensuring timely diagnosis and management to prevent long-term complications
A Comprehensive Review of Ethical Guideline on Biomarker Application and Research
Full text linkBackground:
Biomarker research is essential for personalized medicine, providing insights into disease causes, diagnostics, and treatment methods. However, informed consent, privacy, data protection, and vulnerable population impacts are major ethical considerations in this quickly developing profession.
Method
This thorough overview analyzes existing legal frameworks, such as HIPAA and GDPR, and assesses growing ethical criteria for biomarker research and implementation. A examination of case studies, ethical considerations, and regulatory rules examines how biomarker research has handled sensitive data and protected participant rights.
Result
Key results indicate that informed consent is a significant issue in biomarker research owing to its complexity and continual participant participation. Potential solutions include dynamic consent models that increase participant autonomy. Data protection requirements must be followed since sensitive biological and genetic data increases privacy and confidentiality threats. Biomarker ethical issues, especially in predictive and diagnostic settings, may lead to abuse and unexpected effects. This study emphasizes the need for ethical protections to assure fair representation and avoid exploitation in biomarker research, which disproportionately affects underprivileged communities.
Conclusion:
Addressing ethical concerns is crucial for responsible biomarker research advancement. Maintaining public trust and supporting equitable, ethical biomarker uses requires strengthening ethical frameworks, informed consent, and data privacy
DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF LIPOSOMAL NASAL SPRAY FOR THE TREATMENT EPILEPSY
Full text linkAbstract:
Background: Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidine class antiepileptic drug mainly used to treat epilepsy and seizures.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to synthesize a liposomal nasal spray incorporating levetiracetam for nose to brain delivery in epilepsy.
Materials and methods: The preparation method employed thin film hydration to prepare liposomes loaded with levetiracetam with lecithin and tween 80 at different concentrations. The liposome formed were characterized in terms of particle size and entrapment efficiency. Finally, the prepared liposomes were converted into nasal spray and characterized for drug content, pH, viscosity, in vitro release profile, clarity, Ex-vivo permeation study.
Results: The synthesized levetiracetam liposome had high entrapment efficiency of 75.6%, and 99.21%, with particle size ranging between 60-200 nm. The shape of the transferosomes was established using scanning electron microscopy; the results depicted spherical-shaped vesicles.
Conclusion: Levetiracetam was efficiently integrated into Liposomal nasal formulation. Delivering drug molecules across nasal mucosa fosters a new longing. This is goals achievement for systemic transport of medications, thereby enhancing patient compliance. The F6 and NS6 demonstrated the highest drug release in an 8-hour by ex vivo drug release diffusion investigation
Assessment Of Effectiveness And Evaluation Of Perception Among Students Towards Flipped Classroom Learning: A Prospective Study.
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Flipped learning (FL) is a teaching learning approach in andragogy. In FL students are involved in self-directed learning with the teacher acting as a facilitator and a moderator. Introduction of Competency Based Medical Education led many educators to shift from traditional teaching to blended teaching learning methods. This study was conducted to assess effectiveness and evaluate students’ perception towards FL.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess effectiveness of FL teaching in improvement of student scores and to evaluate student’s perception towards FL teaching.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-class activities included study materials in the form of PowerPoint slides given one week in advance with instructions to read the study materials before class. In-class pre-test MCQs were administered. It was followed by FL activities in the form of think-pair-share and fishbowl/doughnut learning methods and problem solving exercises followed by post-test MCQs and students’ feedback through a questionnaire on Google Forms.
RESULTS: In our study, students’ performance did not improve measured by MCQ scores with paired t test p value of 0.09. However, 74.63% found FL more engaging, 74.63% opined FL improved learning motivation, 80.6% mentioned they were better able to communicate among themselves, 76.12% mentioned FL improved understanding of topics, 70.17% mentioned FL encourages independent, creative and critical thinking while 74.63% found FL more time consuming and 40.3% gave feedback that they would not recommend FL as teaching learning method.
CONCLUSION: Results of our study showed no improvement in student learning through FL activities. However, students gave positive feedback that FL improved motivation, increased understanding, encouraged critical thinking while few mentioned FL was time consuming. Further studies needed to throw light and investigate if FL improves lifelong learning among students
Personalised Learning in Medical Education – A futuristic model for Individual learning styles
No full textMedical education is transitioning from the traditional teacher-centred to a student-centred model, and an approach that caters to the diverse needs of the learner is necessary to meet these needs. Personalised learning is one such strategy that offers learning content based on individual profiles, learning styles, pace, and competency gaps. Here, the individual student receives content based on their preference, where the content can be created by educators leveraging technology, an adaptive learning platform, and artificial intelligence. It provides an inclusive and efficient learning platform that helps in creating more efficient medical graduates. This article explores the concept of personalized learning in medical education, its theoretical frameworks, implementation strategies, advantages, and challenges. Despite challenges, the long-term benefits of personalized learning make it a promising approach for medical education. As medical education undergoes a digital transformation, personalized learning is going to play a key role in shaping the future of medical learning
Delusional Parasitosis with Depression, Hypertension and Migraine
No full textDelusional Parasitosis (DP) , also known as Ekbom Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterised by the unshakeable belief of infestation by parasites, insects or other organisms, despite the absence of objective medical evidence. This case report presents a 49 year old female with a history of chronic headaches, progressively worsening insect crawling sensations. She was initiated on treatment and supportive psychotherapy. This case highlights the importance of a thorough multidisciplinary approach in managing Delusional Parasitosis, emphasising the need to differentiate between primary and secondary forms, address the potential medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and implement appropriate pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions
Extracapsular excision of retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma: A case report
No full textSchwannomas are tumors originating from Schwann cells in the nerve sheath. They are generally solitary and encapsulated, but they are rarely seen in the retroperitoneal region. We report a 40-years-old woman with dull aching pain for two months without urinary symptoms. Following imaging studies, a well-encapsulated, retroperitoneal mass complicated with intratumoral bleed and necrosis was found.
Complete surgical resection was performed with preservation of adjacent viscera. The histopathology report confirmed the tumor as an ancient schwannoma. Careful preoperative surgical planning and meticulous surgical skill, along with the application of ERAS protocol, are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality. No evidence of recurrence during a follow-up period of three years was seen. Further studies with long-term follow-up are warranted for appropriate management protocol development
Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives from general population in Mysuru
No full textBackground: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.
Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Among 400 participants, 52.5% were male and 47.3% female; 85.8% resided in urban areas. A majority (66.3%) reported experiencing health issues due to climate change. Respiratory illnesses (71.3%), heat-related illnesses (58.5%), vector-borne diseases (57.8%), and water-borne diseases (60.5%) were commonly reported. More than half (52.5%) experienced mental health effects, including climate anxiety (25%) frequently. Additionally, 71% observed deteriorating air quality, and 20.8% reported frequent extreme weather events. Age, gender, and occupation were significantly associated with health issues attributed to climate change (p\u3c0.05)
Conclusion: Climate change significantly impacts health in Mysuru, with respiratory, vector-borne, water-borne, and heat-related illnesses being major concerns. Mental health impacts and climate anxiety are also notable. Strengthening adaptation strategies, urban planning, and public health preparedness are essential to mitigate these health risks.
Key words: Climate change, Public health impacts, Respiratory illness, Vector-borne diseases, Heat-related illness, Water-borne diseases, Mental health, Climate anxiet
ASSESSMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS AMONG PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A QUESTIONNAIRE- BASED STUDY
Full text linkChronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a significant global public health concern, influenced by individuals\u27 lifestyle choices. Despite being largely asymptomatic until advanced stages, CKD is associated with heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, premature mortality, and diminished quality of life. Particularly in developing nations like India, where precise prevalence data are scarce, the need for heightened public awareness is paramount. This study, conducted at SVIMS, Tirupati, employed a hospital-based prospective design involving adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with CKD. Through informed consent, participants underwent interviews using structured questionnaires to assess their understanding of CKD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent CKD factors, with statistical significance set at a P-valu