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   2012| April-June  | Volume 1 | Issue 2  
    Online since September 27, 2012

 
 
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REVIEW ARTICLES
Nutraceuticals and their medicinal importance
Sakthivel Lakshmana Prabu, Timmakondu Narasimman Kuppusami Suriyaprakash, Chellappan Dinesh Kumar, Subramaniam Suresh Kumar
April-June 2012, 1(2):47-53
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101661  
Lifestyles of human beings have changed drastically due to the industrial age, increasing work, living speed, longer work schedules, and various psychological pressures, which have led to an increased incidence of diabetes, obesity, various cancers and vascular diseases. With recent advances in medical and nutrition sciences, natural products and health-promoting foods have received extensive attention in the public. To achieve better quality of life, people started eating more vegetables, fruits, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, phytotherapeutical substances and other plant foods. The demand for nutraceuticals and phytonutrients has increased over the past few years and they are being used by people for various therapeutic outcomes. This article brings out the importance of nutraceuticals and their usage in various diseases and ailments.
  24,994 1,548 6
CASE REPORTS
Penile acrochordon: An unusual site of presentation- A case report and review of the literature
Yadalla Hari Kishan Kumar, C Sujatha, H Ambika, S Seema
April-June 2012, 1(2):122-125
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101719  
Acrochordons are flesh-colored pedunculated lesions which occur in areas of skin folds. Although they are common in other sites of the body, herein we describe a case of acrochordon at an unusual site over the tip of glans penis which is a rarity. We report this case for its rarity, as there have been no similar reports and paucity of literature after extensive research according to our knowledge. Clinical presentation and pathological findings are presented and discussed.
  25,044 496 2
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers: Problems and prospects in a cross-sectional study
Jeetender Singh, DG Vishakantamurthy, PM Charan
April-June 2012, 1(2):54-58
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101663  
Context : Breastfeeding practices play an important role in reducing child mortality and morbidity. This study was aimed to describe the breastfeeding practices prevalent in Mysore city. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to describe and explain the factors influencing breastfeeding practices in Mysore city, and the secondary objective was to compare the breastfeeding practices of lactating mothers attending well baby clinic (A clinic run by pediatric specialist in good hospitals) with their selected personal variables. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at selected hospitals of Mysore city from January 2009 to June 2009 for the period of six months. Materials and Methods: Lactating mothers having at least a single infant attending well baby clinic at selected hospitals were included in the study and data was collected using the pre-tested questionnaire on breastfeeding practices. Results: Our study shows 74.29% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding, more than 50% used pre-lacteal feeds, 36% had discarded the colostrum and the majority of mothers had followed hygienic practices while feeding their child. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for breastfeeding intervention programs especially for the mother during antenatal and postnatal check-ups and practices like discarding the colostrum and early/late weaning are still widely prevalent and need to be addressed.
  16,765 1,234 1
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices among rural women in Tamil Nadu
Shankar Radhakrishnan, S Sangeetha Balamuruga
April-June 2012, 1(2):64-67
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101667  
Background: Poor infant feeding practices and their consequences are one of the world's major problems and a serious obstacle to social and economic development. Various studies have shown that infant feeding could be influenced by socioeconomic status, maternal education, place of living and many other factors. Hence a prevalence study on exclusive breastfeeding was conducted in rural Tamil Nadu. Aim and Objective: To assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices and the factors influencing them among women in a rural area in Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Attyampatti Panchyat Union, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, from March 2011-June 2011. All the 291 children in the age group of six months to two years in Attyampatti Panchayat Union were included in the study, irrespective of any sample. The data was analyzed using SPSS package. Results: Among the study population 52.6% were male children and 47.4% were females. Only 99 (34%) children were exclusively breastfed for six months. The majority of women (60.5%) initiated breastfeeding within half an hour after delivery. Various demographic factors like the education of the mother, type of delivery, type of family, occupation, number of children, monthly income, family size, age at marriage and religion had a direct influence on exclusive breastfeeding, which in turn influenced the weight of the baby and immune status of the child. Most of the mothers (44.7%) inferred that the main reason for giving bottle feed is because of inadequate breast milk secretion. Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is low in this particular area. Hence promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and focus on the factors affecting them is highly warranted in this area.
  15,600 1,510 27
Computer related health problems among software professionals in Mumbai: A cross-sectional study
Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Bobhate
April-June 2012, 1(2):74-78
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101684  
Context: Computers have become an epitome of modern life, being used in every aspect of life. This has also ushered in a new genre of occupation-related health problem. Aims: To estimate prevalence of health problems among software professionals. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study of 4 months duration from January 2011 to April 2011 was conducted among software professionals working with a private firm. Materials and Methods: List of software professionals working with the firm was obtained and then all professionals satisfying the inclusion criteria were included as study subjects. Inclusion Criteria: working in current job since past 6 months and on computer for at least 4 h/day. The selected study participants were then interviewed face to face using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire after taking their informed consent. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 17 using the chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of any type of computer-related morbidity in software professionals was 178 (89%). The proportion of visual, musculoskeletal, and stress was found to be 67%, 63%, and 44%, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between subjects with visual and musculoskeletal complaints using antiglare screen and soft keypads and those not using them respectively. Conclusions: Ocular discomfort, musculo-skeletal disorders and psycho-social problems form key category of health problems found among constant computer users. This study has also brought into focus factors contributing to the occurrence of these problems. Thus, the problem requires a multidisciplinary action and hence there is an immediate need for the concerned authorities to collaborate and enforce suitable preventive measures.
  13,773 1,421 13
Perception and practice regarding infection control measures amongst healthcare workers in district government hospitals of Mangalore, India
Yamini , Animesh Jain, Chetan Mandelia, S Jayaram
April-June 2012, 1(2):68-73
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101668  
Introduction: Healthcare workers must know the various measures for their own protection. They should improve organization of work, implement standard precautions and dispose biomedical waste properly to prevent occupational exposure. This study aimed at assessing the perception and practice of infection control measures amongst the healthcare workers in Mangalore. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by using a pretested semi-structured proforma, by interview cum observational technique. One hundred and twenty healthcare workers (70 hospital staff including nurses and technicians at the two Government District Hospitals and 50 final-year MBBS students) were selected using convenient sampling and their perception and practice regarding infection control measures were studied. Results: Of the 120 participants, the majority (85.8%) was aware of disposing used needles and syringes in puncture-resistant containers but only 55.7% were actually practicing it. Three-fourths (75.8%) of the participants were aware about not recapping the needles after use but on observation, only 35.4% were practicing this. All healthcare workers were aware about the indication for using masks and gloves while handling patients, while only 77.1% were using them. We also found that only 61.8% washed their hands after attending every patient, 94.3% cleaned the area with a sterile swab before giving injections and only 35.7% of the labs/ wards/ operation theatres had three colored bags. Few (11.7%) of the workers have already been exposed to infectious blood samples and some (19.2%) are still not immunized against Hepatitis B. Conclusion: There is a need for improvement in the perception and practice of infection control measures among healthcare workers for both self and patient's protection. They should also get themselves immunized against Hepatitis B and report accidental exposure to infectious samples to the infection control committee.
  9,494 822 9
CASE REPORTS
A rare case of hypocalcemia in hyperthyroidism
Shivakumar B Raja, Jayashankar C Anjanappa
April-June 2012, 1(2):112-114
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101713  
A 35-year-old woman presented with multinodular goitre with features of hyperthyroidism of two years' duration. While on treatment for hyperthyroidism she developed clinical features of tetany. Evaluation revealed low serum calcium, low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), no hyperventilation, normal serum albumin level, normal serum cortisol, normal serum magnesium, no previous surgical or radio iodine therapy for thyroid dysfunction. She responded to treatment with antithyroid drug and calcium supplements and symptoms improved after two weeks. This rare association of hypoparathyroidism (idiopathic) in multinodular goitre with hyperthyroidism is presented.
  9,842 400 1
REVIEW ARTICLES
Professional usage of smart phone applications in medical practice
Hari Kishan Kumar Yadalla, MR Vijaya Shankar
April-June 2012, 1(2):44-46
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101656  
The professional use of mobile computing and communication devices such as the smartphones are increasingly becoming popular. With the advent of downloadable applications related to health and medical sciences, these are fast becoming a part of healthcare professionals. This article highlights the popular smartphone applications used among the healthcare providers and its role in revolutionizing the future of healthcare delivery system.
  9,668 505 2
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Comparison of wound healing activity of Jethimadh with Triphala in rats
Meghna Pandey, Pratibha S Worlikar, Arijit Ghosh, Abhijit A Bondekar, Suwarn Chetan
April-June 2012, 1(2):59-63
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101665  
Context: Management of wounds is frequently encountered with different problems. Drug resistance and toxicity have hindered the development of synthetic antimicrobial agents with wound healing activity. Many plants with multi-potent pharmacological activities may offer better treatment options. Triphala (dried fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica) formulations have shown healing activity on wounds. Aims: Aim was to compare the wound healing activity of jethimadh with triphala in rats. Materials and Methods: An ointment was prepared by mixing Jethimadh (Glycyrrhizae glabra Linn) powder in ghee obtained from cow's milk.Triphala ointment was prepared by mixing triphala powder in sesame oil. Both jethimadh and triphala were evaluated for healing activity on rat model of incised and excised wounds. Parameters evaluated for assessment of efficacy of the formulations are tensile strength, level of hydroxyproline, and wound contraction. Results: Efficacy was significant (P < 0.001) with both jethimadh and triphala groups compared with control. Efficacy of Jethimadh is significantly higher compared with triphala in incision wound model, but no statistically significant difference was observed between these two groups in excision wound model. Conclusion: The data suggest that healing activity of jethimadh with respect to triphala is significantly higher on rat model of incised wound and is comparable on rat model of excised wound.
  6,803 583 2
Evaluation of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Vigna mungo (Linn.) Hepper on rifampicin-induced toxicity in albino rats
M Nitin, SQ Ifthekar, M Mumtaz
April-June 2012, 1(2):85-91
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101695  
Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of seeds of Vigna mungo (AEVM) (fabaceae) against rifampicin-induced liver and kidney damage in rats. Settings and Design: Albino rats of either sex (200-250 g) were selected and divided in to eight groups of six animals in each. Four groups for hepatoprotective activity and four groups for nephroprotective activity. Group 1 was normal control, group 2 was positive control, group 3 was treated with standard drug, group 4 was treated with AEVM. Similarly it was done for nephroprotective activity. The results are evidenced on the basis of physical, biochemical, histological, and functional parameters. Materials and Methods: Drugs used are rifampicin, silymarin, diagnostic kits (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and BIT) for hepatoprotective activity. BUN, serum creatinine, and serum uric acid for nephroprotective activity. Seed powder of Vigna mungo was extracted with water. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done to identify the phytoconstituents. The hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of the AEVM were assessed in rifampicin-induced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic rats. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by "Tukey-Kramer" multiple comparison tests. Results: The AEVM showed the presence of amino acids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, phytic acid, total phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins. Rifampicin produced significant changes in physical (increased liver weight, decreased body weight), biochemical (increase in serum glutathione pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (BIT) level, increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and serum uric acid level), histological (damage to hepatocytes, nephrons), and functional (barbiturates-induce sleeping time) induced by rifampicin in liver and kidney parameters, respectively. Pretreatment with AEVM significantly prevented the physical, biochemical, and histological changes induced by rifampicin in the liver and kidney, respectively. Conclusion: The AEVM possessed statistically significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity.
  6,511 699 8
CASE REPORTS
Tuberculosis lymphadenitis presenting a diagnostic dilemma
Divya Shetty, Devi C Shetty, Harkanwal P Singh, Palak Aggarwal
April-June 2012, 1(2):118-121
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101718  
Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent systemic bacterial infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is estimated that approximately 8 million people develop TB each year, and 3 million people die of complications associated with the disease. In this article, we report a case of a 22-year-old female patient with a painless swelling in her submental region. She was diagnosed with tuberculous lymphadenitis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis, when occurring in the cervical region, continues to be a common cause of extrapulmonary TB. TB is a recognized occupational risk for dentists, as they work in close proximity to the nasal and oral cavities of patients, with the possible generation of potentially infectious sprays during routine operative procedures.
  6,801 383 1
SHORT COMMUNICATION
A RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of ondansetron and ranitidine in pharmaceutical formulation
SN Meyyanathan, D Nagasamy Venkatesh, N Krishnaveni, B Babu, MR Jeyaprakash, Rajanikanth B Raja, E Hemnath, B Suresh
April-June 2012, 1(2):129-132
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101723  
A simple, selective, rapid, precise and economical reverse phase HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of ondansetron and ranitidine from pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method was carried out using a Phenomenex column C 18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, i.d 5 μ) with a mobile phase consisting of 50 mM potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate: acetonitrile (pH 6, ratio 60:40 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 222 nm. Pantoprazole was used as an internal standard. The retention time of ondansetron, ranitidine, and pantoprazole were found to be 6.4, 3.0 and 11.0 min, respectively. The developed method was validated in terms of its accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and solution stability. The proposed method can be used for the estimation of these drugs in a combined dosage form.
  6,371 631 10
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Body weight/image perceptions and prevalence of obesity among adolescents-Kerala, India
K Ramesh
April-June 2012, 1(2):92-97
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101698  
Introduction: Obesity can be seen as the first wave of a defined cluster of non communicable diseases called "New World Syndrome" creating an enormous socioeconomic and public health burden in poorer countries. The rising prevalence of childhood/adolescent obesity cannot be addressed by a single etiology. Multiple factors plays role and among them perception on body weight and image plays vital role in adolescents. So the objective of this study was to know the perceptions of adolescents on their body weight and body image. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of high schools of Thiruvananthapuram city corporation, Kerala, India. The sample size of this study was 1718 and the technique adopted is multistage and stratified random sampling. Data was collected using pre designed and pretested semi-structured questionnaire which is self-administered. Body mass index was calculated based on physical measurements such as height and weight using standard methods. Results: This study revealed that 67.3% of study subjects underestimated their body weight and 15.5% over estimated their body weight. The prevalence of overweight/obesity is high among those who underestimated their body weight (18.7%) compared to subjects who overestimated (6.7%) but the prevalence of underweight is high among the subjects who overestimated their body weight (60.8%) compared to subjects who underestimated (22%). Conclusion: Schools are probably the ideal medium of intervention as they are central to children's lives and information can be relatively quickly dissipated through this channel and Helping adolescents to attain a realistic, positive perception of their body weight and image through health education.
  5,557 494 1
CASE REPORTS
Brauer-Buschke-Fischer keratoderma associated with two malignancies
C Sujatha Vinod, Y Hari Kishan Kumar, Simran Chawla
April-June 2012, 1(2):115-117
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101715  
Hereditary punctuate palmoplantar keratoderma is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited condition with variable penetrance. We report a case of a 65-year-old manual laborer who presented with multiple asymptomatic hyperkeratotic lesions on both palms and soles of about 45-year duration, which was diagnosed as Brauer-Buschke-Fischer keratoderma and was associated with squamous cell carcinoma of chest wall and ethmoidal carcinoma. This case is being presented for its rarity and the association of Brauer-Buschke-Fischer keratoderma with two malignancies in a single individual.
  5,712 295 1
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
An evaluation of skill and knowledge in delivery of reproductive and child health services by female health workers in Jamnagar District and corporation area, Gujarat state, India
Naresh R Makwana, Viral R Shah, Sudha Yadav
April-June 2012, 1(2):79-84
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101688  
Background: Infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate are key indicators of Health situation in India and also reflect the degree of achievement of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Program. Female health worker (FHW) is a grass-root worker and has key role to provide quality service and success of RCH Program. This study was designed to assess the skill and knowledge of FHW in delivery of RCH services. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jamnagar district during October 2008 to March 2009. All female health workers (FHWs) (n = 63) of 10 randomly selected Primary Health Center, one primary health care (PHC) from each Talukas and Corporation area, were selected and their skills and knowledge were assessed by observing and interviewing by the pretested oral questionnaire method. Results: Antenatal care achieve impressive coverage of more than 95% with regards to antenatal registration, tetanus toxoid to pregnant women, and iron-folic acid (IFA) tablet prescription to expectant mothers. Distressingly only half of the workers knew about "Five Cleans" and Resuscitation of new born child. Skills and knowledge regarding postnatal services and Family Planning services was variable among FHWs. Immunization service found to be good among all FHWs. Conclusion: Quality of services needs to be improved by train and re-train the workers on different aspects of the RCH program, so that their skills and knowledge can be utilized well. Support system of supervision and monitoring of activities of FHWs should be strengthened.
  5,340 405 -
CASE REPORTS
A case of breast abscess due to Salmonella paratyphi A
G Siddesh, MN Sumana
April-June 2012, 1(2):109-111
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101712  
Bacterial mastitis is the most common variety of mastitis and is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic mastitis is usually caused by tuberculosis, syphilis and Mondor's disease. A 33-year-old female presented with lump in the right breast for the past two years with pain for the past 15 days and discharge for the past two to three days. There was no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bronchial asthma and tuberculosis. On examination, the lump measured approximately 9×5 cm in size with a discharging sinus just lateral to the areola. No regional lymphadenopathy was noticed. A clinical diagnosis of "Lump in the right breast with sinus probably due to tuberculosis was made. The lump was excised and per-operative sample grew Salmonella paratyphi A in culture. She responded to Ceftriaxone and unnecessary use of anti-tubercular drugs could be avoided. In chronic mastitis and breast abscess Salmonella species should be considered as one of the etiological agents.
  5,373 331 3
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Effects of problem-based learning along with other active learning strategies on short-term learning outcomes of students in an Indian medical school
Reem R Abraham, Komattil Ramnarayan, Bincy M George, Indira Adiga, Girija R Kumari, Niveditha Suvarna, Vasudha Devi, Shobha Karabylu Lakshminarayana, Madeeha B Mamot, Wan Nasyitah BW Jamil, Nai'mah BA Haripin
April-June 2012, 1(2):98-103
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101703  
Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is reported to improve general competencies such as problem solving. It also fosters the development of a scientific attitude in medical students. The present study explored perceptions of students at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), Manipal Campus, India regarding the extent to which PBL along with other active learning strategies has succeeded in improving a few short-term learning outcomes. We also determined graduation and attrition rates of seven and six batches of first- and second-year students, respectively, who were enrolled in MBBS program before and after the implementation of PBL. Materials and Methods: Students (n = 120) were requested to indicate their responses on a Likert scale in a questionnaire focusing on the 12 short-term learning outcomes. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of graduation and attrition rates of seven batches of first year and six batches of second-year students who were enrolled in MBBS program was done. Results and Conclusion: Out of the 12 learning outcomes, all were found to have a median score of 4, except time management, motivation for lifelong learning, and interest in pursuing medical profession. The graduation and attrition rates were found to be significantly high and low respectively for PBL students compared to non-PBL students in first year. In the second year too, PBL students outnumbered non-PBL students in terms of graduation rate. The attrition rate was found to be low for PBL students compared to non-PBL students. The present study revealed that PBL along with other active learning strategies such as self-directed learning (SDL) sessions employed in the curriculum right from first year culminated in improvement of almost all short-term outcomes.
  4,956 480 2
CASE REPORTS
Pediatric bipolar disorder
Prerna Malik, Raghu Gandhi, Aparna Goyal, Savita Kundu, Anil K Gulia
April-June 2012, 1(2):126-128
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101721  
Although it been reported by several case reports and studies, affective disorders in children are considered to be uncommon, because of different presentation than adults and also its association with other co morbid disorders. Here forth is presented a case of bipolar affective disorder first episode mania in a 13-year-old boy.
  4,185 426 -
LETTER TO EDITOR
Distribution of ABO and rhesus blood groups among pregnant Bauri women in Bankura district of West Bengal
Bikash Mondal, Soumyajit Maiti, Bikramjit Maity, Debidas Ghosh, Shyamapada Paul
April-June 2012, 1(2):133-134
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101725  
  3,422 283 -
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Perception of nursing students toward integrated methods of teaching the ENT clinical examination in south India
Sivaraman Ganesan, T Mahalakshmy, Z Zayapragassarazan, Pradipta Kumar Parida, Arul Nisha Sundaraj, S Gopalakrishnan
April-June 2012, 1(2):104-108
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101711  
Context: Assessment of integrated teaching methods are lacking in Indian setup of nursing education. AIM: To assess the perception of nursing students towards integrated methods of teaching ENT Clinical Examination. Materials and Methods: Large group teaching was carried out for teaching ENT examination in a theory class of nursing students. This large group teaching included facilitations such as dividing the one hour session into three short sessions of 20 minutes each, group activity, five minute evaluation, and usage of video. The impact was assessed by scoring the group generated checklist, individual response on a short answer question and obtaining a feedback on video teaching and group activity. Results: At the end of the class after three assessments, the overall mean group score was 85.4%. The students showed positive reaction when they were allowed to solve a specific task in groups as reflected by their feedbacks. Authors found that these factors promoted most of the aspects of the cognitive domain in the students, improved the clarity of the student for a complex topic and improved the attention span of the students. Conclusion: These integrated systems worked out well in our setup and can be used regularly in nursing students teaching.
  3,415 289 -
EDITORIAL
From initiation to publication
Prashant Vishwanath, Ritesh G Menezes
April-June 2012, 1(2):43-43
DOI:10.4103/2278-344X.101653  
  2,510 274 -
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