Remotely Accessing the Field and Building Trust with Distant Sources: Perspectives from Journalism Practice for Ethnographic Research

Journalists and ethnographic researchers, such as anthropologists, sociologists or media scholars, have comparable ways of establishing initial contacts with people from their fields of inter-est. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and consequential travel restrictions and social distanc-ing, it has become increasingly difficult to access a field. Taking inspiration from social anthropolo-gist Ulf Hannerz (2004, p. 226), who compared journalists and anthropologists as “neighboring groups engaged in a somehow parallel pursuit,” this article explores what researchers may learn from practitioners who conduct research without being on-site. Fed by various practical journalists’ expe-riences, the article aims to investigate how information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digitally mediated methods, such as online search tools and social media, can be used to establish contacts and gain trust remotely. Here, the relevance of these methods for accessing a field in general goes beyond the limitations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and can be of interest to all those who face difficulties of field access of any kind. Ultimately, this article reflects on corresponding ethical challenges that may arise while conducting research remotely

Remotely Accessing the Field and Building Trust with Distant Sources. Perspectives from Ethnographic Research and Journalism Practice

Journalists and ethnographic researchers, such as anthropologists, sociologists or media scholars, have comparable ways of establishing initial contacts with people from their fields of interest. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and consequential travel restrictions and social distancing, it has become increasingly difficult to access a field. Taking inspiration from social anthropologist Ulf Hannerz (2004, p. 226), who compared journalists and anthropologists as “neighboring groups engaged in a somehow parallel pursuit,” this article explores what researchers may learn from practitioners who conduct research without being on-site. Fed by various practical journalists’ experiences, the article aims to investigate how information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digitally mediated methods, such as online search tools and social media, can be used to establish contacts and gain trust remotely. Here, the relevance of these methods for accessing a field in general goes beyond the limitations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and can be of interest to all those who face difficulties of field access of any kind. Ultimately, this article reflects on corresponding ethical challenges that may arise while conducting research remotely.Non peer reviewe

Knowledge, attitude and practice among consumers about adverse drug reaction reporting

Background: Background: Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting by consumers is quite low in India. Assessing knowledge and attitude of consumers regarding ADR reporting and observing practice of ADR reporting among them can help explore probable causes for underreporting of ADRs by consumers.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital using investigator-administered questionnaire and interviewing indoor patients of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Dermatology departments. The questionnaire was prepared to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of consumers about ADR reporting. Data was analysed using mean, standard deviation and percentages.Result: A total of 820 consumers of medicines were included. It was found that 32.2% consumers were not aware that a drug can produce adverse effects. After being explained about adverse drug reactions, 94.6% consumers felt that adverse drug reactions should be reported. However, 98.8% consumers were not aware of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. After consulting about consumer reporting programme, majority of respondents (96.1%) felt that the direct consumer reporting programme helps reporting of ADRs. Moreover, 93.7% of consumers were willing to use it to report ADRs in future. Consumers preferred the Telephonic method with a Toll free number for ADR reporting followed by informing a health care professional.Conclusion: Poor knowledge and awareness about ADR reporting is the major factor for low to nearly absent ADR reporting by consumers in India

Prescribing pattern of analgesics used for postoperative pain and its correlate with patient and doctor satisfaction:

Background: Post operative pain is difficult to assessment and its management has been neglected at times. Moreover, the drug treatment involves administration of drug on as and when basis which leads to inadequate control. Methods: This observational, prospective study was conducted in 100 post-operative patients i.e., 50 each from surgery and orthopedics departments. Investigator enrolled post-operative patients within 24 hours of surgery and followed them for next 5 days or till hospital discharge, whichever was earlier. Analgesic prescribing pattern, self-assessment of pain, patient and doctor satisfaction using ASSIST questionnaire were recorded in Case Record Form and analysed. Results: Out of 100 patients, average number of analgesics prescribed post-operatively was 1.49±0.5 (baseline and all follow-up). 76.5% patients received NSAIDs which included diclofenac (44.29%) and paracetamol (30.87%). Opioids in the form of tramadol were prescribed in 23.49% patients. Mean least pain experienced by patients on day 1 was 2±0.75 which decreased to 1.32±0.63 on day 5. Mean worst pain decreased from 6.64±1.43 on day 1 to 3.38±1.17 on day 5. Average percentage of duration of severe pain was 35.2%±16.48 on day 1 which successively decreased to 16.32±8.26 on day 5. Average pain relief observed in 62.3% patients on day one increased to 80.88% on day 5. Patient satisfaction increased as pain score decreased (r=-0.73) and a strong positive correlation was observed between doctor satisfaction and patient satisfaction (r=0.91). Conclusions: Inadequate control of post-operative pain affects effective patient management and recovery. Incorporation of effective pain assessment scores in pain management is desirable

Tree pruner: An efficient tool for selecting data from a biased genetic database

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Large databases of genetic data are often biased in their representation. Thus, selection of genetic data with desired properties, such as evolutionary representation or shared genotypes, is problematic. Selection on the basis of epidemiological variables may not achieve the desired properties. Available automated approaches to the selection of influenza genetic data make a tradeoff between speed and simplicity on the one hand and control over quality and contents of the dataset on the other hand. A poorly chosen dataset may be detrimental to subsequent analyses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We developed a tool, <it>Tree Pruner</it>, for obtaining a dataset with desired evolutionary properties from a large, biased genetic database. Tree Pruner provides the user with an interactive phylogenetic tree as a means of editing the initial dataset from which the tree was inferred. The tree visualization changes dynamically, using colors and shading, reflecting Tree Pruner actions. At the end of a Tree Pruner session, the editing actions are implemented in the dataset.</p> <p>Currently, Tree Pruner is implemented on the Influenza Research Database (IRD). The data management capabilities of the IRD allow the user to store a pruned dataset for additional pruning or for subsequent analysis. Tree Pruner can be easily adapted for use with other organisms.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Tree Pruner is an efficient, manual tool for selecting a high-quality dataset with desired evolutionary properties from a biased database of genetic sequences. It offers an important alternative to automated approaches to the same goal, by providing the user with a dynamic, visual guide to the ongoing selection process and ultimate control over the contents (and therefore quality) of the dataset.</p

Prevalence of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococci (MRS) from Neonatal Septicemia and Comparative Evaluation of Newer Rapid Latex Agglutination Method with Conventional Methods for diagnosis of MRS

Background & Aims: Neonatal septicemia is a major cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Rapid treatment with antimicrobials is very crucial for essential outcome. Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus (MRS) are important cause of nosocomial infection, which causes septicemia especially in neonates. They are frequently resistance to other antibiotics also. So, rapid, sensitive and specific procedures are required urgently to initiate timely treatment. This study was undertaken to perform comparative evaluation of conventional methods with rapid agglutination method in diagnosis of MRS and to estimate the prevalence of MRS among neonatal septicemia cases. Materials and Method: This study was done in one of the major tertiary care hospitals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. All the blood samples collected from the patients with sign and symptoms of septicemia, from January 2012 to July 2012, were cultured and identified by standard microbiological method. MRS detection was done by conventional methods and latex agglutination method. Results: Staphylococcus coagulase negative constituted 61.96% and S.aureus 4.33% of total bacterial isolates. Methicillin resistance in S.aureusand in CONS, was 44.44% and 25.91% respectively. Prevalence of MRS among neonates was 32.72%. The sensitivity and specificity of oxacillin disk was 68% and 100% respectively for detection of MRS. Latex agglutination test method shows sensitivity and specificity of 100% for detection of MRS. Conclusion: Along with cefoxitin disc diffusion method, latex agglutination method is to be used for early diagnosis & treatment and forprevention of over use of vancomycinfor methicillin resistant staphylococci

Self-assembly of three-dimensional nanoporous containers

We describe a strategy to construct three-dimensional (3D) containers with nanoporous walls by the self-assembly of lithographically patterned two-dimensional cruciforms with solder hinges. The first step involves fabricating two-dimensional (2D) cruciforms composed of six unlinked patterns: each pattern has an open window. The second step entails photolithographic patterning of solder hinges that connect the cruciform. The third step involves the deposition of polystyrene particles within the windows and the subsequent electrodeposition of metal in the voids between the polystyrene particles. Following the dissolution of the particles, the cruciforms are released from the substrate and heated above the melting point of the solder causing the cruciforms to spontaneously fold up into 3D cubic containers with nanoporous walls. We believe these 3D containers with nanoporous side walls are promising for molecular separations and cell-based therapies

An evaluation of the technique of use of metered dose inhaler administration in bronchial asthma children

Background: Inadequate understanding and performance of drug administration using metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in paediatric population affects therapeutic outcome. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of two educational interventional methods for usage of MDI in paediatric patients of bronchial asthma.Methods: This prospective, interventional study was done in paediatric asthma patients who were prescribed drugs with (MDI) with/without spacer at outpatient department of pediatrics. Patients were divided in group A (video) or group B (leaflet) as per random table method and method to use MDI was assessed by using checklist as per WHO guide to good prescribing at baseline. Investigator taught the technique by a video (group A) and leaflet (group B) to the selected population. Patients were followed up after 15 days and assessed for use of MDI using the same checklist. Data were analysed by using paired and unpaired ‘t’-test.Results: A total of 100 pediatric asthma patients were included in study group A (50) and group B (50). The average no. of steps (WHO checklist) followed was significantly improved at post intervention in both group A (with spacer, p<0.0001) as well as B (without spacer, p<0.05). Although average no. of steps followed were more in group A, no significant difference was found between two groups after intervention.Conclusions: As video is an audio-visual method of demonstration, and hence help us memorise the step of inhalational technique in pediatric patients. Repeated demonstration/education to patients/caregivers may improve the method of MDI usage

An intensive monitoring of adverse drug reactions in pediatric hospitalized patients of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Children are at a higher risk of therapeutic failure due to major difference in pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics of drugs, off-label use and divergence of their illness from adult. The safety of drugs used in adult patients cannot be extrapolated to a pediatric age group. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence and overall pattern of adverse drug reactions in pediatric patients hospitalized in pediatric wards at a tertiary care hospital in India.Methods: Pediatric patients up to 12 years hospitalized in two randomly selected pediatric units were enrolled and followed up daily till discharge. Detailed information of patients and ADRs (adverse drug reactions) if any were recorded from case records. ADRs were assessed for incidence, onset, duration, management, outcome, causality, severity, preventability, seriousness and risk factors. Appropriateness of drug treatment in patients with ADRs was analyzed using Phadke’s criteria. Data was analyzed using student’s t test, ANOVA and Chi square test.Results: A total of 700 patients were enrolled (mean age 3.95±0.12 years). A total of 66 ADRs observed in 58 patients. Intravenous (70.4%) being most common route for ADRs. The incidence of ADRs was 8.28%. Majority of ADRs occurred within 1 day, commonly affected skin and appendages followed by (28.78%), GI (25.75%) ADRs were frequently associated with antimicrobials (69.38%) and vaccines and sera (12.24%). Majority of reactions were mild (56%%), non-serious (77.2%), not preventable (95.4%), recovered completely at discharge (83.33%) and had possible (77.2%) causal association with suspect drug. Age group 0-3 years and prescription of ≥5 drugs were risk factors for occurrence of ADRs. Semi rational drug therapy was observed in 65.5% patients.Conclusions: Clinicians should be vigilant regarding occurrence of ADRs in pediatrics especially during the first week of hospitalization. Risk factors like 0-3 years of age and multiple drugs should be taken into consideration during treatment of these patients to help minimize adverse drug reactions