Psychological Distress among Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Medical College Hospital

Background: Bone marrow transplant (BMT) nurses have an innate exposure to psychological distress because they are frequently challenged with ethical issues and deaths while providing critical care. Although they are more prone to psychological distress, there is paucity of data addressing it. This study addresses this research gap by evaluating bone marrow transplant nurses’ psychological distress. Method: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey to examine whether bone marrow transplant nurses self reported psychological distress was associated with their work and it was measured using DASS21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. The sample was drawn from a population of nurses (n=28) who worked in Pediatric and Adult BMT units of a tertiary Hospital. Results: The statistical sample of the study consisted of 28 nurses. The response rate was 100%. The majority of nurses were males (60.71%). The mean age was 32.4 years and the mean years of experience was 8.14 years. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ\rho) is 1. The rankings for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress are identical across the categories, which suggests that the staff's level of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress are perfectly aligned. Conclusion: Psychological distress is a common issue among bone marrow transplant nurses, stemming from the emotional and physical challenges of caring for critically ill patients. This distress can lead to significant consequences for both nurses and patients, including burnout, decreased quality of care, and high turnover rates

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern on Balance and Gait in Post-Stroke Patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait and balance in post-stroke patients. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 24 post-stroke patients who were equally allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received PNF patterns for pelvic and scapular mobility utilizing elastic resistance bands in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy. The intervention was administered for 60 min per session, 5 days per week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Gait and balance were assessed using the observational gait analysis, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in gait and balance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, enhancements in stroke-specific quality of life were observed in the intervention group. Conclusion: PNF patterns utilizing elastic resistance bands demonstrate significant improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life among post-stroke patients. This intervention, characterized by its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, exhibits beneficial outcomes in stroke rehabilitation

The Existence of Gram-Negative Bacteria that do not Digest Lactose in the Feces and their Resistance to Specific Drugs

The study’s objectives were to identify non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria from stool samples from many diarrheal patients and to use the disc diffusion method to perform an antibiotic sensitivity test to assess the degree of antibiotic resistance. Between December 2022 and March 2023, 100 stool samples were taken from a few patients at Al-Imam Alhasan Hospital. The MacConky agar medium was used to cultivate the samples. 77% of the bacteria were lactose-fermenting, while 22% were not. Out of 100 isolates, 18 fermented lactose. The percentages of the isolates were as follows: Pseudomonas bacteria in 4 out of 18 isolates 23%, Shigella bacteria in 2 out of 18 isolates (12.3%), Salmonella bacteria in 10 out of 18 isolates 54%, and Proteus bacteria in 2 out of 18 isolates (12.5%). The results of a sensitivity test using the diffusion method for ten antibiotics revealed that by measuring the diameter of colony growth inhibition around the antibiotic in millimeters and comparing the results to the international specifications (2020, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute), the bacteria were either sensitive (S) or resistant (R). The most inhibiting antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, was 90% inhibiting, followed by ceftriaxone at 80% and ampicillin at 15%

Study on Determinants of gender preference and use of family planning methods among married women of the reproductive age group in the Urlabari Municipality of Morang District, Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Son preference is predominant in developing countries, especially South Asian countries and its effect is most visible when the fertility is on transition. Nepal is a country in South Asia where the fertility has declined and son is valued highly. Objectives: To find out the effects of gender preference on the use of family planning and to identify the determinants of gender Preference. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among the 350 married women of reproductive age group (15–49 years) in Urlabari Municipality of Nepal. Semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square test was applied to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics, Fertility Profile and use of contraceptive methods with gender preference, and binary logistic regression was applied to identify the determinants of gender Preference. Results: The husband’s education has been illiterate (79.3%) have seen more gender preference as compared to those below SEE (71.7%) and above SEE (66.9%) but the difference was not significant. The study population belong to the labor (85.7%) was seen insignificantly more gender preference in comparison to other occupational groups. The study populations have desired children as ≤2 have found significantly more gender preference (73.0%) than those having desired children as >2 (57.9%) (P = 0.022). The study population having last child as male (75.1%) was found significantly more gender preference than those as female (63.8%) (P = 0.023). The married women not using natural contraceptives (75.7%) was found significantly more gender preference than those using natural contraceptives (62.5%) (P = 0.008). The women whose desired children ≤2 are 2.4 times more gender preferences as compared to those desired child are <2 (P = 0.007). Those women who are using natural practice for family planning for gender preferences are 2.2 times more than those not using natural practice (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The study concludes that the women desiring less number of children, sex preference compared to non-preference in the first child, and those not practicing natural family were found to be the determinant of gender preference

Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: Risk Patterns and Mental Health Implications

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the most vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic due to direct exposure to infected patients and prolonged work in high-risk environments. In addition to infection risk, HCWs experienced considerable psychological stress. This study aimed to assess the occupational exposure patterns to COVID-19 among HCWs and evaluate the mental health implications and quality of life outcomes. Methodology: A mixed retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conducted from March 2020 to January 2022 at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh. A total of 241 HCWs exposed to COVID-19 were included. Data on demographic characteristics, exposure type and frequency, PPE use, and mental health outcomes were collected. Depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and quality of life were assessed using validated scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0. Results: Of the 241 HCWs, 60.6% were female and 41.9% were aged 26–34 years. Most participants (87.6%) reported a single exposure. Common exposure settings included non-COVID wards (38.6%), emergency areas (25.9%), and operation theatres (14.1%). Only 39.3% of HCWs used full PPE during exposures. Mental health issues were significantly more prevalent in the high-risk group: PTSD (6.7%), depression (23.4%), anxiety (30%), and stress (33.3%) compared to the low-risk group. A statistically significant difference was observed in physical health-related quality of life between high- and low-risk HCWs (p = 0.014). Overall dissatisfaction with health was also higher in the high-risk group (10% vs. 2.2%). However, even low-risk workers reported psychological symptoms, indicating the widespread mental impact of the pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the dual burden of infection risk and psychological distress among HCWs. Inadequate PPE use and repeated exposures worsened mental health outcomes. Findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted occupational safety measures and mental health support systems for HCWs, especially durin

The Neuroprotective Effect of Sesame Seed Oil on Cuprizone-Induced Cerebellar Damage in Male Wistar Rats

Cuprizone (CZ) is a copper chelator often used in laboratory research to induce demyelination in animal models. It helps to study the processes involved in demyelination and remyelination, which are relevant to multiple sclerosis research and other demyelinating diseases. This study explored the effects of Sesame seed oil (SSO) on oxidative, histomorphological and behavioral changes in CZ-damaged cerebellum. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were purchased and acclimatized for a week. They were, however, grouped into four and administered the following, respectively; Group A received standard rat feed (control), Group B received 2 g of CZ per 1 kg of rat/day, Group C received 5 mL SSO per 1 kg of rat/day, and Group D received 2 g of CZ per 1 kg of rat/day + 5 mL SSO per 1 kg of rat/day. This was done consecutively for 3 weeks with the use of oral cannula. The animals were assessed for exploratory and locomotor activities while the cerebellum was processed for histology, assayed for catalase chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities with immunohistochemical using ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1). CZ treatment caused weight reduction, disruption of Purkinje cell layer, cellular degeneration, and reduction in CAT and SOD activities with IBA staining. However, these changes were ameliorated when co-administered with SSO. The results suggested that SSO contains potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help to alleviate the harmful effects of CZ in various regions of the body

Kid-sized Dentistry: Where Big Smile Begin with Little Tools

Background: Treating children in dental settings poses unique challenges, primarily due to fear and anxiety. Many kids associate dental visits with pain, scary sounds, and unfamiliar environments, leading to uncooperative behavior, missed appointments, and neglected oral health. Pediatric dentistry is revolutionizing the experience with kid-sized innovations. Advancements such as soft laser treatments and captivating virtual reality experiences transform dental visits into enjoyable and stress-free moments, creating a secure and interactive environment where kids feel confident, comfortable, and excited to share their smiles. Aim: The aim of this review article is to emphasize and improve the knowledge of all available dentistry instruments in kid sized availability or size that favours dealing with the pediatric patients. Conclusion: This review showcases a game-changer for little patients to turn dental visits into pleasant adventures. With kid-sized dentistry, dentists can transform a child’s anxiety into fun, build lasting trust, and instill healthy oral habits early, creating a generation of confident smiles

Beyond the Shaker: Quantifying Salt Intake in Tirana through Urinary Sodium Analysis

Background: High salt intake is associated with high blood pressure and adverse cardiovascular health. To figure out average salt intake, we investigated the dietary salt intake from 24-h urinary sodium excretion with a random adult sample from Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adults aged 18–75 years were randomly selected from a sample of 100000 people from 2 quarters of Tirana’s adult population. Anthropometric measures and sodium excretion in a 24-h urine collection were measured. The accuracy of urine collections was verified using creatinine excretion in relation to weight. Results: The mean Na excretions over 24 h were 202.54 (standard deviation [SD] 93.56) mmol/day. Urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in men (223.85 [SD 106.51] mmol Na/day) than in women (190.80 [SD 83.96] mmol Na/d); P = 0,045. Average salt intake was 11.8 (SD 5.48) g/d, higher in men than in women (13.08 [SD 6.23] vs. 11,09 [SD 4.92] g/d, respectively). Salt intake increases slightly with increasing age, but there was no significant correlation between age and salt intake. It was also seen that salt consumption increased with increasing body mass index (r = 0.183, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Dietary salt intake in Tirana adults was high, which exceeds the World Health Organization recommended population nutrient intake. Reducing the intake of table salt and traditionally processed foods will be an important strategy to reduce sodium intake among our adults. A national program for reducing salt intake in Albania needs to be conducted through systematic efforts, including public education and involving the health-care sector and the food industry

Management of Various Musculoskeletal Disorders by Different Kinds of Agnikarma Methods- A Systematic Review

Musculoskeletal disorder is a very common condition that affects a person in one or any other form, irrespective of the age group. It includes various conditions, i.e., osteoarthritis of the knee, calcaneal spur, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and frozen shoulder. Such conditions can be considered under the wide umbrella of Vata Vyadhi with its various presentations according to Ayurveda. Agnikarma, a para-surgical procedure, is mentioned as a treatment modality for different conditions of Vata Vyadhi in the classics. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned 10 different types of Dahana Upakarana according to the manifestation site of the disease. Many research works or clinical trials are being carried out by researchers on different forms of Agnikarma for the management of various musculoskeletal disorders. Among them, many research works remain as grey literature in the library. Hence, summarization of research works published in the research journals is necessary to know the treatment methodology of different forms of Agnikarma for the management of various musculoskeletal conditions. In this review article, all the clinical studies or trials are included that are available in online databases. To accomplish this purpose, data mining was carried out through various search engines such as Ayush portal, DHARA, Google Scholar, J Gate, PubMed, Research Gate, Sci-Hub, and Shodhaganga, and journals such as ASL, AYU, AyuCaRe, IAMJ, IJA CaRe, IJAR, JAIM, Journal of Ayurveda, JRAAS. During the search with different keywords related to Agnikarma and musculoskeletal disorders, a total of 237 articles were found online. Among these, some articles were scattered on various digital platforms with duplications and the same work on various search engines and Ayurveda journals. In this review article, a total of 38 different research works have been included. Among them, 01 work a pilot study, 12 works are case reports, 01 work a case series, 05 works are single-arm studies, and 19 works are comparative clinical studies. The present review article provides information about different methodologies of Agnikarma in the management of various conditions of the musculoskeletal system

Childhood Obesity: The Role of Sleep, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle Interventions

Childhood obesity has become one of the most pressing global health challenges, driven by a complex interaction of behavioral, biological, and environmental influences. While traditional models emphasize diet and energy imbalance, recent evidence highlights the significance of sleep timing, sedentary lifestyles, and family and school environments. This review synthesizes findings from observational research, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and policy guidelines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Key themes include the role of circadian misalignment in obesity risk, the protective effects of physical activity, the independent risks of prolonged sedentary behavior, and the cognitive and academic benefits of school-based programs. Multicomponent interventions that integrate nutrition, physical activity, behavioral counseling, and parental involvement show sustained benefits in reducing body mass index and improving metabolic health. Despite encouraging short-term outcomes, long-term effectiveness remains constrained by adherence challenges, cultural variability, and limited policy enforcement. Addressing childhood obesity requires a multidisciplinary and multilevel approach involving families, schools, healthcare systems, and policymakers. Such integrated strategies not only reduce obesity risk but also improve cognitive performance, psychosocial health, and lifelong well-being