Role of Artistic Copper-T Shiksha Model to sensitize women for the use of Copper–T as a safe contraceptive

The contraceptives are integral part of healthy sexual life. The choice of contraceptives depends on family planning and will of couple specially woman. Copper-T, an intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective, cheapest and reversible contraceptive methods. It can be used for both spacing and birth control and it has minimum side effects as compared to other contraceptives. But it is highly neglected contraceptive though Copper- T has High pearl index and has less failure rate than other temporary contraceptive methods. As most of women are unaware of its potential significance & refuse it after misconception of perforation of uterus and expulsion. Copper-T Shiksha Model is innovative way of contraceptive counselling by artistic presentation to female and her family even in presence of children. It is based on the Arts Integration Approach and Neuro-linguistic programming. Copper-T is promoted as ornament of uterus instead of sharp object and displayed beautifully with a framed painting with significant meaning of contraception by famous artist Rahul Bhandare. Woman is also warned of side effects of Copper-T and conditions like excessive bleeding. It boosts up faith and confidence in contraceptive method. Both hand cards and clinic model is used in awareness. 400 women were selected randomly in group meets, door to door survey and individual counselling

Factors affecting non‐adherence to medical appointments among patients with hypertension at public health facilities in Punjab, India

Abstract Daily adherence to antihypertensive medications is necessary to control hypertension. Under the State hypertension control program, hypertensive patients are enrolled in public health settings, provided with 30‐day medication prescriptions, and advised to return to the health facility monthly. However, at least 50‐60% of patients do not visit the health facility for their scheduled follow‐up appointments. The authors aimed to document the major reasons for missed appointments and to characterize patient and health system barriers. By telephone, the authors interviewed 300 randomly selected patients who missed appointments for more than three consecutive months. Out of the 300, 206 were interviewed using a pre‐structured questionnaire to explore patients’ experiences along with medical record reviews from the patient database. Not feeling sick or not experiencing any symptoms (24.8%) was the major reason why patients did not return to the clinic, followed by far distance from the facility (22.3%). Among other reasons for missing follow‐up appointments, lack of instructions/guidance from the facility (15.3%), acute illness among patients (8.3%), and long waiting time at the facilities (7%) were also documented. Most of these patients (55.4%) continued treatment from other sources, and a majority (54%) preferred private clinics. These results suggest the need for a more patient‐centered care model, including education about hypertension as an asymptomatic but life‐threatening condition and addressing the barrier of travel distance between a patient's home and the health facility. Further, introducing a reminder system using telephone calls, text messages, or home visits by health workers may increase the follow‐up rate among patients

High Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates TMAO-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

The intestinal microbe-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The molecular mechanisms of how TMAO induces atherosclerosis and CVDs’ progression are still unclear. In this regard, high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), an inflammatory mediator, has been reported to disrupt cell–cell junctions, resulting in vascular endothelial hyper permeability leading to endothelial dysfunction. The present study tested whether TMAO associated endothelial dysfunction results via HMGB1 activation. Biochemical and RT-PCR analysis showed that TMAO increased the HMGB1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in endothelial cells. However, prior treatment with glycyrrhizin, an HMGB1 binder, abolished the TMAO-induced HMGB1 production in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescent analysis showed significant decrease in the expression of cell–cell junction proteins ZO-2, Occludin, and VE-cadherin in TMAO treated endothelial cells compared with control cells. However, prior treatment with glycyrrhizin attenuated the TMAO-induced cell–cell junction proteins’ disruption. TMAO increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in endothelial cells. Inhibition of TLR4 expression by TLR4 siRNA protected the endothelial cells from TMAO associated tight junction protein disruption via HMGB1. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that HMGB1 is one of the important mediators of TMAO-induced endothelial dysfunction

Role of genioplasties in various chin deformities

Aim and Objectives: The goal of surgical-orthodontic treatment of chin deformities is to achieve maximum function, esthetics, and stability. The objective of our study is to evaluate the role of genioplasties in various chin deformities. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult patients who manifested various types of chin deformities were treated. In eight patients, advanced genioplasty alone or in combination with other surgical procedures such as premaxillary osteotomy, gap arthroplasty, bilateral vertical ramus osteotomy, and advancing and sliding genioplasty was performed. Four patients were treated by reduction genioplasty alone or in combination with vertical ramus osteotomy. Results: Results were more predictable and stable in case of chin advancement procedures as compared to reduction genioplasty. Conclusion: It was observed that the chin should not be completely denuded, muscular attachment on the lower part of the chin should always be maintained, if possible