A one year study on evaluation of pattern of caesarean section and its outcome before and after introduction of Janani Suraksha Yojna and maternal ambulances services

Background: The steady rise in caesarean section rates is an emerging area of concern in mother-child healthcare and a matter of international attention. During last decade Janani Suraksha Program and maternal ambulances services have brought many significant changes in maternal and perinatal outcomes in India, one of which is significantly increased number of institutional deliveries, this may have brought a difference in pattern of cesarean sections as well. Present study has analyzed caesarean section trend before and after introduction of Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) and maternal ambulance services at our institute.Methods: A structured proforma was filled up for every case and results were recorded on excel sheet. All the cases included in study were further divided in group 1 (deliveries done in year 2004-2005), group 2 (deliveries done in year 2014-2015) before and after introduction of JSY and maternal ambulance services respectively. Comparative analysis between study group1 and group 2 was done using Pearson Chi square test.Results: In group1, total deliveries during study period were 6050, out of which 562 (9.28%) were caesarean deliveries. In group 2, total deliveries was 8674, out of which 1182(13.62%) were caesarean deliveries. The most common indication for which the rise in caesarean section rate is seen in our study was repeat caesarean section, in group 1 was 21.7% and in group 2 was 32.2%, followed by failed medical induction.Conclusions: The rate of caesarean section has increased after introduction of JSY and maternal ambulance services which may be a direct consequence of increase in institutional deliveries

Knowledge regarding Malnutrition and Its Prevention – A Study on Slum Dwelling Mothers

Introduction: A large proportion of under-five-year kids are suffering from malnutrition. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding malnutrition and its prevention and evaluate effectiveness of structured teaching program regarding malnutrition and its prevention in terms of knowledge gain in mothers of under-five children attending a crèche run by an NGO in a slum area of New Delhi.Methodology: Quantitative research approach with one group pre-test, post-test design was used. Tool used for generating necessary data was a structured knowledge questionnaire, after establishing its validity and reliability. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 45 mothers having children under five years of age. The study was conducted at a crèche run by an NGO in a slum area of Delhi.Results: Before administration of the structured teaching program, 18 (40%) mothers had poor knowledge, 15 (33.3%) had average knowledge and 12 (26.7%) had good knowledge about malnutrition and its prevention, while after administration of structured teaching program, 12 (26.7%) had poor knowledge, 21 (46.7%) had average knowledge and 12 (26.7%) had good knowledge about malnutrition and its prevention indicating that the intervention was effective. There was significant relationship between knowledge gain and age, education and monthly family income of mothers. Conclusion: Finding of the study revealed that mothers having children under five years of age had poor knowledge about malnutrition and its prevention. The structured teaching program was an effective tool to enhance the knowledge of mothers

Exploring the Science of Marma - An Ancient Healing Technique: Marma Therapy

Marma Science, an extraordinary gem in the vast treasure of Ayurvedic knowledge, represents the science of specific vital places in the body (Marmas), that are the ‘seats of life’ (Prana - the vital life force). As any injury to these parts may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation, or death, therefore, they hold an important place in the science of surgery. The ancient scriptures have strictly prohibited causing any injury to the Marmas. However, recent researches have used Marma stimulation for theraputic benefits, with encouraging outcomes. Looking at these mutually conflicting, important applications of Marma Science, the present study was undertaken for its in-depth analysis. Previously, we have explored different aspects of Marma Science in ancient and classical Indian scriptures. In addition, our other study have provided detailed description of the number of Marmas, their location, structures involved, classification, effect of trauma, etc., as per classical texts, as well as correlation with modern science. Previously, we also published its use in Yoga and other ancient Indian traditions, both as a therapeutic technique, as well as for self-defense and inflicting injury on the opponents. The present article explored its application as a therapeutic procedure (Marma Therapy). Different methods of Marma stimulation have been compiled. Therapeutic classification and applications of Marmas have been listed, and several research studies on Marma Therapy have been presented. Several mechanisms for the mode of action of Marma Therapy have been discussed. It is concluded that Marma Science holds significant promise as an effective therapeutic procedure

Anticancer Activity of New Copper (II) Complexes with 6-Thiguanine Drug

Abstract: A new complex has been synthesized of Cu (II) complex with 6-thioguanine and phyico-chemical characterized by amperometry, polarography elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. After Synthesis of metal complex, it was evaluated it for antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogenic microorganisms such as; Streptococcus aureus, Proteus. M., klebsiella pneumonia and Asperginus niger, Nigrosporan S.P. B16-F10 melanoma cell and C-57BL/6 mice has been used for anticancer screening of metal complex for in vitro and in vivo study. The result of pharmacological studies with M: L revealed that the complex is more potent as compared to the pure drug as regards to its anticancer activity

Development of a scale to measure faculty attitude towards open educational resources

The study involves understanding why some teachers share educational resources and others do not. The paper describes the methodology for the development of an instrument to measure Attitude towards Open Educational Resources (ATOER) within the framework of research projects in the global south. It discusses various phases of development and validation of a scale which can measure faculty attitude towards Open Educational Resources (OER) and to present the findings through evidence of the impact of OER. The scale will help institutions to plan use of OER in teaching and learning by identifying positive and negative faculty attitudes

Decoding the BCG and COVID-19 connection: an empirical analysis

Background Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination offers protection against tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. TB generally affects the lungs and can prove fatal. There is evidence that BCG vaccination has non-specific immune-boosting effects that protect against other pathogens including Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the list of countries most affected bore a resemblance to the list of countries that do not have universal BCG vaccination policy. In this study, we explore the possible association between BCG vaccine policy and SARS CoV-2 attributable mortality. Methods We obtained cumulative counts of cases and deaths attributed to SARS CoV-2 from the WHO COVID-19 Dashboard, collated details of BCG vaccination policy from the BCG World Atlas and extracted data on BCG coverage for the past 30 years from WHO. We applied multivariate log-linear regression models to examine the association of deaths per 1 million population attributed to SARS CoV-2 and BCG vaccination policy and coverage. Results A significant association between the absence of universal BCG vaccination and the higher death rate was found even after controlling for other variables including median age, hospital beds and days since 100th case. The present study does not, however, find any significant association between BCG vaccination coverage and mortality attributed to SARS CoV-2 across the countries where the BCG immunization has been administered since or before 1990 and where BCG coverage falls within the range 35– 99% of the population. Conclusion These results support the prevailing view that the connection between BCG immunization and COVID-19 mortality is correlation rather than causation and is likely due to confounding factors within profoundly affected populations

Integrative Therapy based on Yoga, Ayurveda and Modern Western Medicine for treatment of high-risk cases of COVID-19: A telemedicine-based case series

We report a telemedicine-based case-series of 30 mild/moderate (classification based on guidelines by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India) COVID-19 patients, treated using Integrative Therapy based on Ayurveda, Yoga and Modern Western Medicine, i.e., MWM (allopathy). Cases were high-risk owing to comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease, Ulcerative colitis, Chronic Kidney Disease and/or age above 60. The cases have been categorized into YAS (Yoga-Ayurveda based treatment, with possibly allopathic Supplements: 4 patients), YASP (Yoga-Ayurveda based treatment, with possibly allopathic Supplements and Paracetamol: 6 patients), YAM (Yoga-Ayurveda based treatment, and MWM as adjunct: 6 patients), MYA (first tried MWM, later switched to Yoga-Ayurveda: 14 patients). Based on each patient’s symptoms and co-morbidities, a personalized treatment plan including Ayurvedic medicines, Yoga protocol, dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications was prescribed by a registered Ayurveda doctor and a Yoga consultant. More than half of symptomatic patients started improving within 5 days (90% within 9 days); more than 60% reported at least 90% recovery within 10 days. Six patients with oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 95%, benefited through Makarasana and Shithilasana; none progressed to composite endpoints (consisting of admission to Intensive Care Unit, invasive ventilation or death). Considering that approximately 19.3% of the patients with these comorbidities progress to composite end points, the p-value is 7.21 x 10−3. The Integrative Therapy, incorporating Yoga and Ayurveda with MWM, may offer an economical, scalable treatment option for COVID-19 by reducing burden on healthcare facilities and preventing risk-exposure of healthcare workers

Clobetasol propionate cream 0.025%: a topical therapeutic for dermatological disorders

Due to the anti-inflammatory and vasodilator effects of topical corticosteroids, they help in treating atopic eczema, psoriasis, chronic hand eczema, and localized vitiligo, among other dermatological diseases. Clobetasol propionate (CP) is the most popular topical medication used to treat plaque psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, antipruritic, and immunosuppressive characteristics. The USFDA has approved CP 0.025% cream for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults. Propylene glycol, short-chain alcohols, and sorbitol-based emulsifiers are all recognized contact allergens, and the formulation has exhibited hypoallergenic effects. CP 0.025% is an effective and safe agent due to its high active ingredient penetration and minimal systemic absorption. The clinical experience of employing CP 0.025% cream in diverse dermatologic disorders is discussed in this case series, with a focus on its efficacy and safety