COMMON FIXED POINT THEOREM FOR WEAKLY COMPATIBLE MAPPINGS IN HILBERT SPACE

 In this paper we prove a common fixed point theorem for weakly compatible mappings satisfies certain  contractive condition in non- empty closed subset of a separable Hilbert Space. Our results generalize and extend the result Chauhan [7]

Cannabinoids and their medicinal potential

Cannabis sativa L preparations have been used therapeutically since many years. Inspite of their medicinal value, the danger of its abusive potential led to the ban on its use in clinical practice in many countries. The recent research and in depth knowledge about the cannabinoid system which throw a light on their disease management potential has paved way for the cannabinoids to become a new therapeutic focus of attention. Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that mediate their effects through cannabinoid receptors which include CB1, predominantly expressed in the brain and CB2 which is primarily found in the cells of the immune system. Despite the addictive properties of cannabis, the therapeutic value of cannabinoids is too high to be put aside. Numerous diseases such as anorexia, pain, inflammation, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, hepatic disorders, skin related diseases, respiratory disorders like asthma and eye diseases like glaucoma have suggested cannabinoid agonists/ antagonists/ cannabinoids related compounds as potential treatment options.  Developments of new specific ligands for the cannabinoid receptors are now underway and it needs to be seen, if in future, they can prove to be a boon for the medical world. The paper reviews the current understanding of the cannabinoid receptors, their ligands and their possible role in various diseases supported by preclinical and clinical studies

Comparison of awareness, attitude and use of non-prescription drugs among medical and non-medical undergraduates: a questionnaire based study

Background: The use of non-prescription drugs for self-treatment of common ailments is becoming increasingly popular in our society. Trends in the use of non-prescription drugs is expected to vary among medical students and the general population, as medical students have more knowledge about drugs and an easy access to them. In the present study we have done a comparison regarding the awareness, attitudes and use of over the counter drugs among medical and non-medical undergraduates to evaluate these parameters.Methods: A total of 139 third year medical students and 101 non-medical students were included in our study. An anonymous, pre-validated questionnaires containing questions about their knowledge, attitude and perception of non-prescription drugs were filled by them. The data collected was compiled and analyzed by frequency analysis and percentages.Results: Majority of the medical (99.3%) and non-medical students (95.1%) had purchased non-prescription drugs from either a local pharmacy (83.4%, 61.4% medical & non-medical students respectively) or from seniors, friends & family members (18% medical & 18.8% non-medical students). The commonest indication for self-medication in both the groups was cough & cold (80.6% medical & 55.4% non-medical group) followed by fever in medical students (77.7%) and headache in non-medical students (39.6%). Antipyretics (66.9%) in medical students and analgesics (39.6%) in non-medical students were the commonest drug groups used. The medical students preferred to buy brand drugs (47.5%) as compared to generic drugs (26.6%) while the non-medical students had no preference (48.5%) about the form of drugs. About 57.6% medical and 61.4% non-medical students never experienced any side effect with over the counter drugs. Many medical (57.5%) and non-medical (40.6%) students supported the sale of non-prescription drugs for minor ailments.Conclusions: There is an increasing trend of self-medication among the youth today. Medical students have a better access to such drugs hence are expected to self-medicate more. But the easy availability about drug information on the internet and their unrestricted supply in the pharmacies are escalating the practice of self-medication among the general population too. It therefore becomes imperative to create awareness against the injudicious use of over the counter drugs without a valid medical prescription to promote rational drug use

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of dengue in factory workers of Amritsar, Punjab

Background: Dengue, a mosquito borne, arboviral disease has become a major cause of health concern in the recent times throughout the world. In India, we have been witnessing annual outbreaks for the past few years and lack of knowledge about prevention and treatment of dengue among majority of the population leads to increased mortality. Apart from Delhi, many cases of dengue have been reported from Punjab. In spite of this fact, very few studies have been done to know about the knowledge of people regarding dengue fever and whether proper preventive measures are being practiced by the community to limit its spread. The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude & practices (KAP) regarding dengue in factory workers in Amritsar, Punjab.Methods: The present study was conducted among 162 factory workers of old focal point area of Amritsar in the month of November, 2015. Pre validated, self-structured questionnaires were distributed among the workers after explaining them about the purpose of the study. The questionnaire was also typed in the vernacular language (Punjabi) for the ease of the participants. A written informed consent was obtained from them. The data collected was compiled and analyzed in a pre-structured format.Results: Among 162 workers enrolled for the study, 98.6% were literate and majority (99.4%) had heard about dengue fever. Almost everyone (98.8%) was aware that it is caused by the bite of a mosquito. The major sources of information were television (54.9%) and newspaper (30.9%). High fever was the most common sign and symptom (49.4%) mentioned by the workers. Only 30.9% respondents knew that aspirin should be avoided in a dengue patient. Many workers (94.4%) were aware that standing water can be a common breeding place for the mosquitoes but still, regular cleaning of coolers or water containers was not practiced by all.Conclusions: The present study shows that literacy status of an individual is not associated with adequate knowledge and its application. The study population had insufficient information about dengue while the preventive measures which were known to them for limiting the spread of dengue was not satisfactorily practiced. We as health care professionals should undertake more of these studies to know about the knowledge status of the community and hold health awareness camps. The government should also adopt frequent measures to spread such information through television, newspapers, posters and campaigns

Student feedback on teaching-learning methodology and evaluation methods in pharmacology

Background: Pharmacology as a medical subject undergoes constant update and thus is ever expanding. Periodic review of the teaching-learning tools along with the evaluation methods and then improvisation of the same to make the curriculum effective as well as student friendly can help in making the medical student grasp the difficult subject easily. The present study was undertaken to get the students’ feedback regarding the various teaching methodologies used in the Department of Pharmacology and the evaluation techniques to assess them.Methods: A prevalidated and anonymous questionnaire was given to the second professional MBBS students at the end of their session. The questionnaire had both closed ended and open ended questions. The data were compiled and evaluated as counts and percentages. Approval was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee.Results: About 57.9% students found the subject useful and interesting and the most common topics of interest among the students were general pharmacology (29.5%), cardiovascular system (17.9%), and autonomic nervous system (15.8%). Interactive lectures, audio-visual aids with demonstrations and tutorials were considered the most interesting method of learning pharmacology (42.1%, 31.6%, and 31.6%, respectively). The majority of the students (61%) wanted clinical case studies to be incorporated in the routine teaching of pharmacology for better understanding and better correlation of drugs used in diseases. The best method of evaluation according to the students was a combination of written and viva exam (51.6%), followed by written class test only (33.7%), and tutorials (22.1%). The suggestions about improvement in pharmacology teaching which were highlighted by the students were inclusion of clinical case studies with drug management, incorporation of multiple choice questions, and computer simulations.Conclusion: It is important to take regular feedbacks from the students to make the teaching more useful and interesting so that synchronization between teaching-learning, evaluation and assessment can be achieved for improved outcome

Production of adventitious embryoids in vitro from stem callus of Foeniculum vulgare

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Elementary Teachers\u27 Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Coteaching

In response to the low passing rate of its students with disabilities, administrators at a small urban elementary school in south Texas implemented coteaching. Guided by Nonaka and Takeuchi\u27s collaborative learning framework, this qualitative instrumental case study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of collaborative teaching in the elementary education setting. Data collection consisted of a group interview and classroom observations with a purposeful sample of 4 general education teachers and 2 special education teachers of Grades 3-5 math and language arts who were coteaching at the time of the study. Teachers\u27 perceptions regarding the effects of their professional relationship on collaboration efforts and of the effectiveness of coteaching in meeting the needs of students with disabilities were examined. Emergent themes were identified from the data through open coding and verified through NVivo and a peer reviewer. The findings showed that participants perceived coteaching to be an effective teaching strategy for working with students with disabilities. They suggested the following areas for improvement in their school\u27s current coteaching program: parity among teachers, administrative support, shared planning time, relevancy of training, collaboration, and follow through regarding the roles and responsibilities of teachers. Based on the results, a professional development workshop was developed to improve the overall effectiveness of the coteaching program and better meet the needs of students with various disabilities in general education classrooms. The provision of training through the workshop may positively affect teachers\u27 perceptions and implementation of coteaching. An improved academic environment in cotaught classrooms may benefit students with disabilities

Changing trends in intrauterine contraceptive device: from interval intrauterine contraceptive device to postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device: a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Background: The current outburst of Indian population (1.21 billion as per census 2011) is because of the lack of awareness and acceptance of contraception in the immediate postpartum period. Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion can do wonders and curb this unmet need of family planning if good counselling and proper insertion techniques are followed.Methods: The present study was carried among 526 women in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Nehru Hospital in BRD medical college Gorakhpur, India. Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) was inserted in 424 women in PPIUCD group and in 102 women in interval IUCD group after taking proper consent and following the WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC). Follow-up was done at 6 weeks and 6 months.Results: The acceptance rate of PPIUCD was 30.34% as compared to 18% in interval IUCD group (p-value <0.05). The chief reason for declining the use of IUCD was fear of excessive pain and bleeding (26.3%). Long term reversible method (32%) was the main reason given for accepting IUCD. There was no perforation or any other major complication at the time of insertion in both the groups. Rate of expulsion was 5.7% in PPIUCD and 2.22% in interval IUCD group p-value (>0.05).Conclusions: PPIUCD is a safe, effective, feasible and reversible method of contraception. It should be made a part of family health care programmes in India

Knowledge, health seeking behavior and barriers for treatment of reproductive tract infections among married women of reproductive age in Delhi

Background: Reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections are an important public health problem among women of reproductive age group in developing countries. The perceptions or taboos related to RTIs act as an obstacle for seeking treatment ultimately leading to complications. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, health seeking behavior and barriers for treatment of reproductive tract infections among married women of reproductive age in Delhi.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken in an urban field practice area of department of Community Medicine of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi from November 2017 to April 2019. Sample size of 270 was collected using predesigned and pre- tested questionnaire by systematic random sampling.Results: Mere 16.6% of the women knew about symptoms of RTI/STIs. Out of 81 women having RTI/STI in past 3 months 30% did not seek treatment and out of 70% who took treatment for RTI, 30% did not complete treatment. Majority of the women who sought treatment preferred government hospital. The main barrier for seeking treatment was embarrassment, not considering it as an important health problem, lack of time.Conclusions: The overall knowledge about symptoms, mode of spread of RTIs/STIs was very poor among the study participants. Women seeking treatment are not completing it. Thus, there is need to emphasize on spreading knowledge about symptoms, mode of spread, need for treatment and its completion and clearing barriers related to RTI/STI among women.