Lipid Profile and Some Parameters of Lipid Peroxidation in Pregnancy Trimesters

Pregnancy is known to create profound metabolic, hormonal, and physiological changes in the body. Lipid profile and some parameters associated with lipid peroxidation play crucial roles in the sustenance of pregnancy and delivery. The biochemical changes resulting from pregnancy could be physiological or pathological depending on the parameter’s concentration and other ancillary considerations. This study was therefore intended to evaluate lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation parameters in the three trimesters of pregnancy. The study population comprised one hundred women equally divided into pregnant and non-pregnant groups. One half made up of 50 pregnant women was monitored from the first to third trimester of pregnancy while the other half of 50 non-pregnant women were controls. Blood samples were collected into plain tubes after an overnight fast by venepuncture and thereafter standard biochemical procedures for lipid profile and lipid peroxidation parameters were done. The result revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and catalase concentrations, whereas high-density lipoprotein, very LDL, and malondialdehyde exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.05) when compared to the controls and within trimesters multiple comparisons using one-way analysis of variance (post hoc-least significant difference). Conclusively, the alterations in serum lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation parameters are pointers to the predisposition of pregnancy to lipid dysfunction and oxidative stress phenomenon. Hence monitoring of these parameters during pregnancy is apt

Correlations between Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Oral Glucose Tolerance test, OGTT (and Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors) in a Cohort Population of Patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in prevalence globally and in Nigeria today. Fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) have been the traditional gold standard tests for diagnosis of DM until recently when glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is being used. Is there a correlation between the two? Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of correlation between HbA1c and OGTT and some cardiovascular risk factors in a certain population in UPTH, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 400 consecutively attending patients at the medical and general outpatient clinics of UPTH. Results: The HbA1C had a strong positive correlation with the 2 h post-glucose load of the OGTT (r = 0.652, P < 0.001). The HbA1c also had a positive correlation with the body mass index, waist circumference, age, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but it was most positively correlated with the TC (r = 0.582, P < 0.001). It was, however, negatively correlated with the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.166, P = 0.001).Conclusion: Glycated HbA1c had a positive correlation with OGTT, and most of the cardiovascular risk factors of DM studied

Effect of Dentulous and Edentulous Status on Articular Eminence Inclination of Temporomandibular Joint in Adult Patients – A Cross-sectional Orthopantomogram Study

Introduction: The inclination of articular eminence (AE) varies across population. The AE dictates the path of condylar movement as well as the degree of rotation of the disc over the condyle. Mechanical conditions caused by aging and influenced by the loss of teeth might have some effect on remodulation and reshaping of the AE. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the inclination of AE of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in dentulous and edentulous elderly patients. Materials and Methods: Orthopantomogram scans fulfilling the inclusion criteria for dentulous and edentulous patients were included in the study. Patients with age range of 50–70 years were divided into two groups: Group A (dentulous) and Group B (edentulous). The inclination of AE was measured and compared. Results and Conclusion: Mean AE Inclination (AEI) value in dentulous and edentulous was 36.56 degrees and 30.16 degrees, respectively. The AEI was significantly increased in dentulous patients as compared to edentulous patients. The results of the current study are of great relevance as it suggests that maintenance of dentition is necessary to retain the proper physiologic function of TMJ

Familial Risk and Dowry Demand: Are they Causal Factors for Physical and Psychological Violence among Women? A Structural Equation Modeling

Background: In India, studies dealt with domestic violence have used linear or logistic regression to present risk factors. These methods do not allow studying the impact of intermediate variables on the path which could exert indirect or mediation effects on the outcome. This study investigated the direct and indirect effects of familial risk and dowry demand on physical and psychological violence through the mediating variables: alcohol use, women characteristics and social support. Study design: A population-based, cross-sectional household survey was conducted at seven sites in six states across India, based on 9938 women. Methods: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural equation models were used to investigate the associations of familial risk, dowry demand and mediating variable use with physical and psychological violence. Models were assessed using goodness of fit statistics. Results: The direct and indirect relationship between familial risk and physical violence with regression coefficient was 0.323 and 0.100 respectively. Similarly, for psychological violence was 0.151 and 0.371 respectively. The dowry demand had indirect effect (0.209) on psychological violence through the mediating variables such as alcohol use, women characteristics, social support and physical violence as compared to direct effects (0.112). The model fit statistics had a moderately good fit with RMSEA=0.09, Chi square with p<0.001 and CFI 0.87. Conclusion: Despite the fact that the women were exposed to abuse during childhood period the mediating variables such as social support, women characteristics and Husbands alcohol use etc., have a significant role to play to contain the both physical and psychological violence

Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Physiotherapy among General Population: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey

Physiotherapy is an established health-care profession that assists individuals in maintaining, improving, and restoring body functions to live a disability-free life. Lack of education and awareness among the general population may affect the use of physiotherapy care. At large, awareness and beliefs affect the autonomy, growth, and utilization of physiotherapy services. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of the general population was conducted to investigate knowledge and beliefs. The survey yielded a total of 138 responses. The survey consisted of three sections: introduction, essential information, and questions related to knowledge and beliefs about physiotherapy (PT) practice. The majority of the respondents were aware of physiotherapy (87%). A low level of awareness was found about consulting a physiotherapist as the first contact practitioner; 69% (n = 95) of respondents said they needed a referral for physiotherapy services. Most study participants, 87% (n = 120), lacked awareness of various specialties in physiotherapy. Some prevailing beliefs were identified within the population, with 88% (n = 122) holding the notion that “physiotherapy is always painful.” In addition, most respondents expressed that physiotherapy services are crucial for patients in the intensive care unit. Although the study participants were aware of the term physiotherapy, many other domains related to physiotherapy need to be highlighted, and the public needs to be informed about the scope of physiotherapy practice and its role in the health-care system

Status of Alcohol Consumption among Medical Students in Nepalgunj Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The growth in alcohol consumption is skyrocketing. Alcohol ranks first as the most commonly misused substance by medical students. Considerably more stress has been documented among medical students. They tend to consume alcohol to cope with stressful situations. Excessive drinking can lead to consequences like loss of concentration and poor performance in academics. While there is extensive research on alcohol consumption patterns in various populations, there is a notable scarcity of localized studies, particularly in medical schools in periphery of Nepal. This study aims to fill the gap by providing specific data on the status of alcohol consumption among students at Nepalgunj Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of Nepalgunj Medical College. Results: Among 406, 15% (61) consumed alcohol. Among the alcohol consumers, 15% were CAGE positive and possibly have alcohol problems and all of them were male. About 32.8% of them initiated drinking due to peer pressure, 29.5% of the students started out of curiosity. Conclusion: The prevalence of alcohol consumption is comparatively lower among medical students in Nepalgunj Medical College. However, the alcohol problem is more among the drinkers. Alcohol problem is very common in male and final-year students. The most common reasons for initiation of drinking by them is peer pressure. Further studies regarding alcohol abuse pattern, its determinants, and treatment among the medical students are the current necessities to apply the proper interventional strategies to ensure the production of compatible and genuine doctors in the future

Exploring the Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Oppositional Defiant Disorder among Junior Secondary School Students in Ilorin

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a recognized behavioral disorder that often emerges during childhood and adolescence. This study investigates the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of ODD among junior secondary school (JSS) students in Ilorin, Nigeria. It examines the sociodemographic characteristics of the student population, including age, gender, family peculiarities, and school type, to gain insights into the prevalence of ODD within this context. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study in Ilorin, Nigeria, included 1078 junior secondary students. Sampling was done through multi-stage probability random sampling, and ethical approvals were obtained. Students aged 9–18 years were included, excluding those with prior behavioral or neuropsychiatric disorders, neurological sequelae of a previous disease, sensory deficits, or chronic medical conditions affecting school attendance. Parental consent, assent, the study pro forma, and parent and teacher rating scales of the Vanderbilt ADHD rating scale for ODD and conduct disorder were part of the recruitment process. After analyzing 1078 screening questionnaires, 211 students met ODD criteria, leading to diagnostic interviews, which identified 41 ODD cases. Results: The study uncovers a notable 3.8% prevalence rate of ODD among JSS students, with a male pre-dominance (5.5%) compared to females (2.1%). Age, social class, family dynamics, and school environment are explored as potential correlates, with gender emerging as a significant predictor of ODD. The analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of ODD prevalence and its sociodemographic influences. Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of tailored interventions, emphasizing gender-specific considerations in addressing ODD among JSS students in Ilorin. It calls for nuanced strategies that account for the diverse socio-demographic landscape of this student population, aiming to enhance prevention and management strategies for this disorder

When Nurses Missed the Required Patient Care: A Case Study

Background and Aim: The required nursing care when missed can be detrimental to the life of the patient. This study focused on exploring the insights of nurses when they omit care, identifying the factors contributing to these incidents, and examining how nurses cope with missed nursing, which plays a pivotal role in patient outcomes. Design: Using a qualitative, case study design, data were collected from 10 registered nurses working in ward departments from different hospitals in Iligan City through semi-structured interviews. Results and Discussion: Nurses perceived missed care as a form of malpractice and negligence, as evidenced by the failure to provide essential care in their duty. These occurrences are linked to busy work schedules and stressful work environments. The study also revealed that nurses experience a range of emotions after dealing with missed care including fear and guilt. Seeking support, guidance, and self-reflection are strategies for addressing missed nursing care. Conclusion: Nurses emphasized that using an adaptive strategy can minimize the occurrence of missed care and its emotional impact. The study reveals that nurses suffer a range of emotions but still retain their professional responsibility as nurses. Creating a supportive work environment, promoting ongoing professional growth, and encouraging self-reflection among nurses are essential steps toward reducing missed care incidents

Conceptual Analysis of Marma Related to Shalakya Tantra - A Review and its Anatomical Significance

Background: Ayurveda the ancient a science of life deals with all aspects of human life in a complex way. The knowledge of the Marmas or vital parts is explained in the Sharira Sthana chapter in the three major texts (Samhita) such as Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. All Acharyas emphasized on the Marmas but Acharya Sushruta has described them in detail. Marma vigyana is one of Ayurveda’s unique theories wherein there is direct stimulation of Prana at Marma Stana. The body’s Urdhvajatrugata Bhaga with respect to Shalakya Tantra has numerous Marma, which is crucial anatomical places located above the clavicle since damage to this area could be fatal to the body and its sensory organs. Methods: The data for this study were gathered from classical Ayurvedic texts, publications of research work, and review articles from indexed journals. Results: Systematic review revealed thorough understanding of anatomical basis of Marmas related to Shalakya Tantra and its potential applications in clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic fields. Conclusion: Based on this literature review, it can be concluded that knowledge of regional anatomy allows better understanding of lesions with Marma since Shalakya Marmas can prove to be fatal if not dealt with utmost care

A Study to Assess the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults of Age 18–30 Years in Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram District, Kerala

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit India in 2020. The first case of infection was reported in the State of Kerala on January 27, 2020, and the continuous surge of cases, variants of concern, lockdown restrictions, social distancing, and economic impacts were increasingly testing the psychological resilience of the masses. When the global focus has been chiefly on testing, preventing transmission, and vaccination, people are going through a myriad of psychological problems in adjusting to their current lifestyles and fear of the disease. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted using principles of convenience sampling and by invitation through text messages to participants. The survey collected data on socio-demographic details and specific incidents that triggered participants’ mental health and measured psychological impact with the help of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scale. Results: There were 275 responses from the Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram district, Kerala. The respondents’ ages ranged from 18 to 30. Overall, 93.54% of respondents had an extended psychological impact (IES-R score>24). Using the Chi-square test, there is no significant association between the demographic variables and the psychological impacts of COVID-19. Financial hardship during COVID-19 triggered respondents’ mental health (Male-62.67%, Female-58.4%). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, almost one-third of respondents had a significant psychological impact. This shows a need for a more longitudinal and systematic assessment of the psychological needs of the population, which can help the government formulate holistic interventions for affected individuals