Elements related to attrition of women faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine: A Case Study.

Recent studies have shown that the number of women faculty in academic medicine is much lesser than the number of women that are graduating from medical schools. Many academic institutes face the challenge of retaining talented faculty and this attrition from academic medicine prevents career advancement of women faculty. This case study attempts to identify some of the reasons for dissatisfaction that may be related to the attrition of women medical faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. Data was collected using a job satisfaction survey, which consisted of various constructs that are part of a faculty’s job and proxy measures to gather the faculty’s intent to leave their current position at the University of Pittsburgh or academic medicine in general. The survey results showed that although women faculty were satisfied with their job at the University of Pittsburgh, there are some important factors that influenced their decision of potentially dropping out. The main reasons cited by the women faculty were related to funding pressures, work-life balance, mentoring of junior faculty and the amount of time spent on clinical responsibilities. The analysis of proxy measures showed that if women faculty decided to leave University of Pittsburgh, it would most probably be due to better opportunity elsewhere followed by pressure to get funding. The results of this study aim to provide the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh with information related to attrition of its women faculty and provide suggestions for implications for policy to retain their women faculty

Mobile Computing: Fundamentals

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Identification of newly observed singly charmed baryons using relativistic flux tube model

We calculate the mass spectra of $\Lambda_{c}$, $\Xi_{c}$, $\Sigma_{c}$, $\Xi_{c}^{'}$, and $\Omega_{c}$ baryons in the framework of quark-diquark configuration using relativistic flux tube model. The spin-dependent interactions are included in the j-j coupling scheme to find complete mass spectra. We satisfactorily describe the known singly charmed baryons in quark-diquark configuration. The possible spin-parity $J^{P}$ quantum numbers are assigned to several experimentally observed states. Furthermore, some useful mass predictions are given for more excited states that are reasonably consistent with other model predictions for lower excited states. {From the obtained results the Regge trajectories for these singly charmed baryons are constructed in the ($J,M^{2}$) plane and the properties like linearity, parallelism and equidistant are verified.} Also, these predictions should be tested in future experiments.Comment: 18 Pages, 9 figures Accepted in Phys. Rev.

An observational study to assess feto-maternal outcome in severely ill COVID-19 positive pregnant females admitted at dedicated COVID care center of southern Rajasthan

Background: COVID-19 infection is caused by corona virus SARS-COV2. the aim of the study is to assess feto-maternal outcome in severely ill covid positive pregnant females.Methods: An observational study was conducted at dedicated covid care center, RNT medical college Udaipur from Jan 2021 to May 2021 among pregnant females. In this study out of 236 total covid positive pregnant patients, 54 patients which could not maintain oxygen saturation, according to NIH criteria were included in our study.Results: Out of 54 pregnant women, 24 women delivered with 2 twin pregnancies. Out of this 67% underwent cesarean section and 33% were delivered by vaginal route. Postpartum hemorrhage seen in 29% of patients. Maternal death reported in 39% of patients. Out of 54 patients 38 patients were admitted in ICU. Invasive ventilation received by 26% of patients while oxygen received by non-invasive ventilation (15%), Bains (18%) rest by NRBM and venturi mask (41%). Remdesivir were given in 26 (48%) patients.Conclusions: Our study suggests there may be increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome for mother and fetus. COVID-19 in pregnancy was associated with risks of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth, PPH. Similar to general population comorbidities do play a role in the outcome of disease in pregnancy. Further studies are needed for effective strategies to prevent adverse outcomes in pregnant females with COVID-19.

Proportion of hepatitis A and E among chidren with acute viral hepatitis with special reference to differences in their clinico-biochemical parameters: A hospital based study

Background: Hepatitis is a major health problem in both developing and developed countries, with various infective and non-infective causes. Aim: This study aims to estimate the proportion of hepatitis A and E as a causative agent in children presenting with acute hepatitis and to study their clinical and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on all children attending or admitted with clinical features of acute hepatitis defined as hepatomegaly, fever >38°C, malaise, dark urine, and/or jaundice. All children included were clinically examined and relevant investigations were sent. All the data were entered in a structured pro forma and statistical analysis was done. Results: A total of 254 patients were studied. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was the most common with 95.08% of cases and occurred in the age group of ≤5 years. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was more common in ≥10 years age group and was observed in 13.11% of cases. Common prodromal symptoms in hepatitis patients were fever, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain, observed in 82.5%, 32.5%, 55.5%, and 50.5% of cases, respectively, with no significant difference between HAV and HEV. In liver biochemistry, there was no significant difference in serum bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase values between HAV and HEV. Conclusion: There are no significant differences in both enterically-transmitted hepatitis viruses and the only way to differentiate between them is by serological tests

Biogenesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms: A Review

Bionanoparticles are synthesized using novel strategies through environmentally benign approaches. Emphasis is on synthesizing nanoparticles using green chemistry principles to reduce the burden of pollution on the environment. The biological approach for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is also described as green synthesis (bioprocess) of nanoparticles, is now being looked at as an alternative to physio-chemical approaches and generally uses biological components like plants and microbes (bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast) and cause minimal harm to the nature. The naturally occurring potential biodegradable agents like enzymes (secreted by microbes) act as reducing agents and play a very distinct role in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Most bioprocesses occur under normal air pressure and temperature, resulting in vast energy savings and reducing the use of expensive chemicals making the green approach less costly. This process of synthesis of nanoparticles using biological systems is referred to as nanobiotechnology. Nanobiotechnology has emerged as an integration between biotechnology and nanotechnology for developing biosynthetic and environmentally friendly technology for nanoparticle synthesis. This review is mainly focused on the microbial synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing the extract of bacteria and algae. In the present review, the bio-reduction capacity of various bacteria and algae is highlighted in detail, which has yet to be discussed earlier. This is a comprehensive work underlining the synthesis of nanoparticles, their bio-reduction ability, and application of nanoparticles

An Insight into Application of Land Use Land Cover Analysis towards Sustainable Agriculture within Jhajjar District, Haryana

The increasing population, depletion of natural resources, semi-arid climatic and poor soil health conditions in Jhajjar district of Haryana have drawn major attention towards the changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC). The region's increasing population is mainly dependent upon the agrarian economy; thus, sustainable agricultural production is a major thrust area of research. The present study analyses the LULC changes in the area during two decades 2000 – 2020, using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Landsat satellite images (Landsat-7 and Landsat-8 satellites) for 2000 and 2020 were analyzed for mixed classification based on unsupervised classification followed by supervised classification. The study area has experienced an increase in agricultural land, surface water bodies and built-up land by 16.89%, 79.73% and 56.41%, respectively. There is a decrease in barren land and fallow land by 48.53% and 36.97%, respectively, as per the five major LULC classes. The LULC analysis indicates an increase in built-up land, which is responsible for controlling agricultural productivity and unsustainable agricultural activities. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the land use trajectory in a specific region in two decades and associated unsustainable changes in the agrarian economy through pressure on the increase in agricultural production and conversion of land mass into croplands. It also signifies climate-resilient agriculture and the management of sustainable agriculture

Quantitative estimation of serum 25(OH) D and associated risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Introduction: Insufficiency of vitamin D is now known globally and is exceptionally common in temperate and tropical countries. Due to its several negative maternal and fetal health consequences, vitamin D insufficiency in pregnancy is a growing concern worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary medical hospital for one year. A sample of 280 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) were enrolled using a random sampling technique. A standard questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic details and the sun exposure of participants. To analyse dietary habits and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. Serum samples were obtained and analyzed for and calcium levels. Results: High prevalence of maternal vitamin D insufficiency 122 (43.57%) and deficiency 92 (32.85%) observed. Most 263 (94%) participants had adequate serum calcium levels (> 8.5 mg/dL). Younger participants (< 25 yrs.) had low mean vitamin D (17.61±13.89 ng/mL), adequate calcium (9.52±0.70 mg/dL) levels. Rural residence, multigravida, advanced trimester, poor education, joint family, unemployment, and lower socioeconomic status were found associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusion: In the present study a high prevalence of maternal vitamin D deficiency was observed. The burden of Vitamin D inadequacy (76.39%) reflects poor nutritional status and health risks for mothers and fetuses. Sociodemographic factors (Residence, Education, Family, and Socioeconomic status) were linked to this micronutrient deficiency. There is a need for further community-based nutritional research on sociodemographic, biological, and nutritional determinants for in-depth understanding

Reminding peer reviewers of reporting guideline items to improve completeness in published articles: primary results of 2 randomized trials

Importance:  Numerous studies have shown that adherence to reporting guidelines is suboptimal. Objective:  To evaluate whether asking peer reviewers to check if specific reporting guideline items were adequately reported would improve adherence to reporting guidelines in published articles. Design, Setting, and Participants:  Two parallel-group, superiority randomized trials were performed using manuscripts submitted to 7 biomedical journals (5 from the BMJ Publishing Group and 2 from the Public Library of Science) as the unit of randomization, with peer reviewers allocated to the intervention or control group. Interventions:  The first trial (CONSORT-PR) focused on manuscripts that presented randomized clinical trial (RCT) results and reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline, and the second trial (SPIRIT-PR) focused on manuscripts that presented RCT protocols and reported following the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guideline. The CONSORT-PR trial included manuscripts that described RCT primary results (submitted July 2019 to July 2021). The SPIRIT-PR trial included manuscripts that contained RCT protocols (submitted June 2020 to May 2021). Manuscripts in both trials were randomized (1:1) to the intervention or control group; the control group received usual journal practice. In the intervention group of both trials, peer reviewers received an email from the journal that asked them to check whether the 10 most important and poorly reported CONSORT (for CONSORT-PR) or SPIRIT (for SPIRIT-PR) items were adequately reported in the manuscript. Peer reviewers and authors were not informed of the purpose of the study, and outcome assessors were blinded. Main Outcomes and Measures:  The difference in the mean proportion of adequately reported 10 CONSORT or SPIRIT items between the intervention and control groups in published articles. Results:  In the CONSORT-PR trial, 510 manuscripts were randomized. Of those, 243 were published (122 in the intervention group and 121 in the control group). A mean proportion of 69.3% (95% CI, 66.0%-72.7%) of the 10 CONSORT items were adequately reported in the intervention group and 66.6% (95% CI, 62.5%-70.7%) in the control group (mean difference, 2.7%; 95% CI, −2.6% to 8.0%). In the SPIRIT-PR trial, of the 244 randomized manuscripts, 178 were published (90 in the intervention group and 88 in the control group). A mean proportion of 46.1% (95% CI, 41.8%-50.4%) of the 10 SPIRIT items were adequately reported in the intervention group and 45.6% (95% CI, 41.7% to 49.4%) in the control group (mean difference, 0.5%; 95% CI, −5.2% to 6.3%). Conclusions and Relevance:  These 2 randomized trials found that it was not useful to implement the tested intervention to increase reporting completeness in published articles. Other interventions should be assessed and considered in the future. Trial Registration:  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT05820971 (CONSORT-PR) and NCT05820984 (SPIRIT-PR