A study of prescription pattern in the drug therapy of acne vulgaris at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India

Background: Acne Vulgaris is the most common skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with excess sebum production, follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, inflammation and Propionibacterium acnes activity, affecting about 80% of teenagers and has considerable psychological and social consequences and physical disability. Use of established topical and oral drugs assumes paramount importance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Therefore, periodic auditing of prescription is necessary to increase therapeutic benefit and decrease adverse effects. Aim and objectives of the study was to evaluate the pattern of prescription and its rationale in the drug therapy of acne vulgaris. To monitor the adverse effects, if any.Methods: A prospective, hospital based, observational study. Data was collected for a period of 1 year from January 2015 to December 2015 from the outpatient records in the OPD of Dermatology at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangalore, in a specifically designed proforma.Results: The prescription data of 346 patients were analyzed of which 45.1% were males with an average age of 21.94±0.3 years. Among the four grades of Acne Vulgaris, Grade II (53.17%) was more prevalent followed by Grade I (26.58%), Grade III (13.87%) and Grade IV (6.35%). The number of drugs prescribed for topical use was 514 of which the most commonly prescribed drugs were Benzoyl Peroxide (19.46%), a combination of Tretinoin and Clindamycin (17.12%), Tretinoin alone (12.45%), Clindamycin alone (10.51%) etc. The number of drugs prescribed for systemic use was 98 consisting of Doxycycline (55.1%), Azithromycin (34.7%), Isotretinoin (6.12%) and Erythromycin (4.08%).Conclusions: There was rationality in most of the prescriptions giving no scope for polypharmacy

Rice-Magnaporthe transcriptomics reveals host defense activation induced by red seaweed-biostimulant in rice plants

Red seaweed extracts have been shown to trigger the biotic stress tolerance in several crops. However, reports on transcriptional modifications in plants treated with seaweed biostimulant are limited. To understand the specific response of rice to blast disease in seaweed-biostimulant-primed and non-primed plants, transcriptomics of a susceptible rice cultivar IR-64 was carried out at zero and 48 h post inoculation with Magnaporthe oryzae (strain MG-01). A total of 3498 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; 1116 DEGs were explicitly regulated in pathogen-inoculated treatments. Functional analysis showed that most DEGs were involved in metabolism, transport, signaling, and defense. In a glass house, artificial inoculation of MG-01 on seaweed-primed plants resulted in the restricted spread of the pathogen leading to the confined blast disease lesions, primarily attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The DEGs in the primed plants were defense-related transcription factors, kinases, pathogenesis-related genes, peroxidases, and growth-related genes. The beta-D-xylosidase, a putative gene that helps in secondary cell wall reinforcement, was downregulated in non-primed plants, whereas it upregulated in the primed plants indicating its role in the host defense. Additionally, Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, pathogenesis-related Bet-v-I family protein, chalcone synthase, chitinases, WRKY, AP2/ERF, and MYB families were upregulated in seaweed and challenge inoculated rice plants. Thus, our study shows that priming rice plants with seaweed bio-stimulants resulted in the induction of the defense in rice against blast disease. This phenomenon is contributed to early protection through ROS, protein kinase, accumulation of secondary metabolites, and cell wall strengthening

Severe early onset preeclampsia: short and long term clinical, psychosocial and biochemical aspects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder commonly defined as de novo hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestational age. It occurs in approximately 3-5% of pregnancies and it is still a major cause of both foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide1. As extensive research has not yet elucidated the aetiology of preeclampsia, there are no rational preventive or therapeutic interventions available. The only rational treatment is delivery, which benefits the mother but is not in the interest of the foetus, if remote from term. Early onset preeclampsia (<32 weeks’ gestational age) occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies. It is, however often associated with maternal morbidity as the risk of progression to severe maternal disease is inversely related with gestational age at onset2. Resulting prematurity is therefore the main cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in patients with severe preeclampsia3. Although the discussion is ongoing, perinatal survival is suggested to be increased in patients with preterm preeclampsia by expectant, non-interventional management. This temporising treatment option to lengthen pregnancy includes the use of antihypertensive medication to control hypertension, magnesium sulphate to prevent eclampsia and corticosteroids to enhance foetal lung maturity4. With optimal maternal haemodynamic status and reassuring foetal condition this results on average in an extension of 2 weeks. Prolongation of these pregnancies is a great challenge for clinicians to balance between potential maternal risks on one the eve hand and possible foetal benefits on the other. Clinical controversies regarding prolongation of preterm preeclamptic pregnancies still exist – also taking into account that preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the Netherlands5 - a debate which is even more pronounced in very preterm pregnancies with questionable foetal viability6-9. Do maternal risks of prolongation of these very early pregnancies outweigh the chances of neonatal survival? Counselling of women with very early onset preeclampsia not only comprises of knowledge of the outcome of those particular pregnancies, but also knowledge of outcomes of future pregnancies of these women is of major clinical importance. This thesis opens with a review of the literature on identifiable risk factors of preeclampsia

Paytm’s Journey Towards Digital Payment in India – A Case Study

Background/Purpose: Paytm that represents Pay-through-portable is by and by the main market player inside the e-wallet exchange. Paytm is the largest financial services firm in India, offering full-stack payments and financial solutions to clients, offline shops, and internet platforms. During this contextual analysis, worked to conceal Paytm's sale and positioning scheme, primarily after the demonetization drive was declared on November 7th, 2016. It is worth to discuss the strategies of Paytm towards digital payment in India. Objective: To observe the growth of Paytm and review the contributing factors that helped this growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: Analysis and presentation of information collected from various scholarly articles, web articles, and also using SWOT framework. Findings/Result: Based on the study through various resources and also by analyzing the facts and figures, it is observed that sustaining in the financial field is a difficult job that requires many strategies and procedures to be followed. Creativity, Innovation, Sustainability, Motivation are some of the proven solutions for the same. Research limitations/implications: The analysis and solutions mentioned in this paper are limited to companies whose business and annual turnover and experience are as close to Paytm Originality/Value: This paper focuses on various factors and scenarios that have made the growth of Paytm possible and taken it to the level of success. Paper Type: A Research Case study paper on the digital payments of Paytm in India after demonetization

Bicycle Industry in India and its Challenges – A Case Study

Background/Purpose: Bicycles are a popular means of transportation in rural areas, especially among low-income populations, but they are also gaining popularity in metropolitan areas, especially among the fortunate and affluent. The Indian bicycle industry is dominated by roadsters, fancy, teenagers, and other types of bicycles such bicycles include mountain bikes, sports bikes, hybrid bikes, touring bikes, and other motorcycles. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of India's bicycle industry and examined it in depth. Objective: To observe the growth and challenges of Bicycle Industries and review the contributing factors that helped this growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: Analysis and presentation of information collected from various scholarly articles, web articles, and using SWOT framework. Findings/Result: Based on the analysis of facts and figures and also by looking at the various scenarios of expansion of the Bicycle industry in India, it is seen that this industry has seen considerable growth and progress in various avenues such as the country's economy, the contribution of the international economy, research in bicycle area. Few recommendations are also suggested to take the concept further. Originality/Value: This paper study provides a concise overview of the bicycle industry based on the different data gathered, as well as information on its existing state, needs, and potential for future improvement. Paper type: A Research Case study paper on growth, challenges of the bicycle industry in India

A Literature Review of the Detection and Categorization of various Arecanut Diseases using Image Processing and Machine Learning Approaches

Background/Purpose: Every scholarly research project starts with a survey of the literature, which acts as a springboard for new ideas. The purpose of this literature review is to become familiar with the study domain and to assess the work's credibility. It also improves with the subject's integration and summary. This article briefly discusses the detection of disease and classification to achieve the objectives of the study. Objective: The main objective of this literature survey is to explore the different techniques applied to identify and classify the various diseases on arecanut. This paper also recommends the methodology and techniques that can be used to achieve the objectives of the study. Design/Methodology/Approach: Multiple data sources, such as journals, conference proceedings, books, and research papers published in reputable journals, were used to compile the essential literature on the chosen topic and collect information from the arecanuts research centre and many farmers in the south Canara and Udupi districts, before narrowing down the literature that is relevant to the research work. The shortlisted literature was carefully assessed by reading each paper and taking notes as appropriate. The information gathered is then examined to identify the potential gap in the study. Findings/Result: Based on the analysis of the papers reviewed, discussion with farmers and research center officers, it is observed that, not much work is carried out in the field of disease identification and classification on arecanut using machine learning techniques. This survey paper recommends techniques and the methodology that can be applied to identify and classify the diseases in arecanut and to classify them in to healthy and unhealthy. Research limitations/implications: The literature review mentioned in this paper are detection and classification of different diseases in arecanut. Originality/Value: This paper focuses on various online research journals, conference papers, technical books, and web articles. Paper Type: Literature review paper on techniques and methods used to achieve the objectives

Review on Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Seed Yield and Quality of Pulses

Pulses are also known as food utilised as legumes; they have been grown by humans for a very long time and are considered to be the meat of the poor due to their high protein, vitamin, carbohydrate, and mineral content. Seed is a fundamental component of agriculture and a crucial ingredient. The growth of the plants from sowing to harvest in pulses, such as soybean, redgram, cowpea, pea and moong depends on a number of elements including soil, nutrients, climate and the efficiency of agricultural operations. An integrated nutrient management method that maintains a healthy ecosystem while decreasing pollution is required to maintain good soil health and safeguard the environment from fertiliser pollution "Integrated Nutrient Management" (INM) describes the upkeep. The organic manures Farm yard manure (FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure etc.) increase crop yields either by acceleration of respiratory process by cell permeability or by hormone action. Rhizobium and Trichoderma) are living microorganisms when applied to seeds it colonize the rhizosphere (root zone of plants) or the interior parts of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Fixes atmospheric Nitrogen symbiotically in french bean, soybean, cowpea and chickpea etc

A study of prescription pattern in the drug therapy of acne vulgaris at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India

Background: Acne Vulgaris is the most common skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with excess sebum production, follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, inflammation and Propionibacterium acnes activity, affecting about 80% of teenagers and has considerable psychological and social consequences and physical disability. Use of established topical and oral drugs assumes paramount importance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Therefore, periodic auditing of prescription is necessary to increase therapeutic benefit and decrease adverse effects. Aim and objectives of the study was to evaluate the pattern of prescription and its rationale in the drug therapy of acne vulgaris. To monitor the adverse effects, if any.Methods: A prospective, hospital based, observational study. Data was collected for a period of 1 year from January 2015 to December 2015 from the outpatient records in the OPD of Dermatology at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangalore, in a specifically designed proforma.Results: The prescription data of 346 patients were analyzed of which 45.1% were males with an average age of 21.94±0.3 years. Among the four grades of Acne Vulgaris, Grade II (53.17%) was more prevalent followed by Grade I (26.58%), Grade III (13.87%) and Grade IV (6.35%). The number of drugs prescribed for topical use was 514 of which the most commonly prescribed drugs were Benzoyl Peroxide (19.46%), a combination of Tretinoin and Clindamycin (17.12%), Tretinoin alone (12.45%), Clindamycin alone (10.51%) etc. The number of drugs prescribed for systemic use was 98 consisting of Doxycycline (55.1%), Azithromycin (34.7%), Isotretinoin (6.12%) and Erythromycin (4.08%).Conclusions: There was rationality in most of the prescriptions giving no scope for polypharmacy

Breast Cancer Detection Using Supervised Machine Learning Algorithm

The most commonly causing cancer among Indian women is breast cancer and it effecting all over world with its impact. According to the medical reports of breast cancer patients in India were unable to hold the pain and about half of them are dying. In the proposed work used a machine learning algorithm to decrease the pre-processing time and to detection the symptoms and for better accuracy. The system is trained pre-processed image of fed to the system which are in the form of mammograms in common the X-ray of breast. The system which has the data segregated into the training and testing datasets analyses the input images based on the characters or the labels assigned to them done with the application of few of the algorithms which are present in the machine learning we compare the data or the image and probable output based on the character labels is obtained in the form of result. Compared to existing work and the proposed machine learning model as a serious of combination and permutations of algorithms lead to increase in the efficacy of the result and got the accuracy of 97.4% using random forests algorithm