Prevalence of self-medication and its pattern in medical students: a cross sectional study from Karnataka

Background: Self-medication is becoming a common type of self-care behavior among the population of many countries. Obtaining and consuming drugs without the advice of physician either for diagnosis, prescription or surveillance is called self-medication. The objectives of the study were to study prevalence and existing pattern of self-medication and its determinants among the medical students.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 200 medical students by systemic random sampling method using pretested semi-structured proforma. Analysis was done using SPSS and results were presented. Chi square and odds ratio (OR) was used as statistical tool.Results: Out of 200 students, 66.5% students were from 22-24 years of age group (mean age 20.2±1.4 years, p0.05). Majority of the students (95.2%) were self-medicating with allopathy drugs. 51.6% responded that they were getting quick relief with self-medication. 82% were aware about the possible adverse effects (OR 0.5, p>0.05). Self-medication was practiced by 78% students for upper respiratory tract infection, headache (70%), fever (67.7%) and gastrointestinal upset (36%). Majority (83%) students consumed paracetamol tablet for various health related reasons followed by cough syrups (55.3%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (54.3%), antibiotics (23.1%).Conclusions: Prevalence of self-medication was high in spite of awareness of possible adverse effects amongst students. Also, the knowledge of selection of appropriate drug for self-medication was observed to be poor

Epidemiological study of uterine fibroids: our experience from urban Maharashtra

Background: Uterine fibroids or myomas or leiomyoma of uterus are the most common type of benign tumour of uterus and also most common pelvic tumour in women. Exact etiology is not known but the cause estimated to be is oestrogen and progesterone which proliferate tumour growth as fibroid rarely occur before menarche and reduces after menopause.Risk factors for developing fibroids are age, early age at menarche, reduced fertility, frequent alcohol and caffeine consumption, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and previous pelvic inflammatory disease.  Objective of the research was to study the epidemiological factors associated with uterine fibroids.Methods: This present cross sectional descriptive observational study carried at Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College (VDGMC), Latur from October 2019 to October 2021 among all cases of fibroid admitted at our tertiary care hospital. Data was analysed by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 24.0 version IBM United States of America (USA) and results are mentioned in percentages.Results: Out of 166 women, majority were from 31-40 years age group i.e. 58 (34.9%). Majority of the women were from urban area i.e. 57.2%. 13.2% were nullipara and 14.5% were multipara and grand multipara. 19.3% women were not practicing any contraceptive method. Abdominal lump complained by 41%, abnormal uterine bleeding 24.1%, metrorrhagia in 21.7%. Ultrasonography (USG) findings of the study population revealed submucosal fibroids in 64(38.6%), and intramural fibroids in 32 (19.3%).Conclusions: Incidence of fibroids is most common in 31-40 years of age i.e. 34.9%. Commonly observed symptom was abdominal lump (41%) and abnormal uterine bleeding (24.1%). Prevalence of submucosal fibroids was 38.6%, intramural fibroids 19.3%, submucosal polyp 14.5%, seedling fibroid 13.9% and subserosal fibroid 10.2%

Menstrual pattern amongst adolescent girls: a cross sectional study from Raichur, Karnataka

Background: Menstrual disorders in adolescent age are quite different than in adult women, both for diagnostic and therapeutic management. We need to take into account the problems in normal initiation of menarche, hematological problems, general endocrine problems, and fragile emotional status at this tender age. The objective of the study was to study the patterns of menstrual disorders in adolescent girls.Methods: Cross sectional observational study was carried out in 200 adolescent girls, aged 12 to 19 years, among the students of S.R.P.S PU college and the district government Girls’ school in Raichur during the period of January 2017 to December 2017. A pre-structured questionnaire was used and data was analysed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 23.0 version.Results: Majority of the girls in our study were from 17-18 years age group (55%). The mean age of menarche was 13.2±0.9 years. Cycle length of 35 days cycle length. Majority had normal cycle length. Dysmenorrhea was found in 84 (42%) students. Premenstrual symptoms like tiredness were noted in 14 (7%) of cases, pain in the legs in 10 (5%), irritability in 8 (4%), lack of interest in work and play in 7 (3.5%), low back pain in 6 (3%), low/depressed mood in 6 (3%), anger in 4 (2%), anxiety in 4 (2%), difficulty in concentrating in 2 (1%), nausea\vomiting were noted in 2 (1%).Conclusions: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 42%. Premenstrual symptoms like tiredness were noted in majority of the girls 7%, pain in the legs in 5%, irritability in 4%

Ni incorporation in MgFe2O4 for improved CO splitting activity during solar fuel production

Efficacy of the sol–gel derived Ni-doped Mg-ferrites for an enhanced CO2 splitting activity is investigated. The results allied with the characterization indicate the formation of nominally phase pure Ni-doped Mg-ferrites with a coarser particle morphology. Ni-doped Mg-ferrites are further tested for multiple thermal reduction as well as CO2 splitting steps by using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results associated with the thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that most of the Ni-doped Mg-ferrites attained a steady TR aptitude after crossing the 5th or 6th cycle. Likewise, the CS capability of all the Ni-doped Mg-ferrites accomplished consistency after 4th cycle (except for Ni0.11Mg0.88Fe2.01O4.005). The Ni0.90Mg0.11Fe2.04O4.070 showed the highest amount of O2 release (117.1 μmol/g cycle) and CO production (210.3 μmol/g cycle) in ten consecutive thermochemical cycles. Besides, Ni0.29Mg0.72Fe1.98O3.980 indicated better re-oxidation aptitude (nCO/nO2 ratio = 1.89) when compared with other Ni-doped Mg-ferrites

Functional outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft: a descriptive observational study from Telangana

Background: The knee joint is the most commonly injured of all joints and the anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament. The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft is the most commonly used autograft for reconstruction. The bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft has been widely accepted as the gold standard for ACL reconstruction with a high success rate. Objectives of the study were to study the functional outcome of ACL reconstruction using BPTB graft.Methods: The present descriptive observational study was carried out at department of orthopedics, Mediciti institute of medical sciences, Hyderabad involving 30 patients of ACL tear by simple random sampling method. Patients were then evaluated by both subjectively and objectively. They were evaluated by using Lysholm and Gilquist knee scoring scale. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 24.0 version IBM USA.Results: Majority of the patients i.e., 13 (43.3%) were from 26-35 years age group with right sided involvement in 60%. The result was found to be good in 16 i.e., 53.3%, excellent in 10 i.e., 33.3% and fair in 4 i.e., 13.3% patients. Prevalence of complications was reported as 23.3% in our study.Conclusions: Our study of ACL repair using BPTP gives good to excellent results within a span of one year

Supracondylar fracture of femur: our experience of treatment with locking compression plate from rural Maharashtra

Background: Surgical treatment of supracondylar or intercondylar distal femoral fractures (AO/OTA types 33-A to 33-C) remains a significant surgical challenge with significant complication rates. Supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of femur are very often difficult to treat and they are notorious for many complications. We have studied use of LCP (locking compression plate) in the treatment of metaphyseal fractures. These implants improve fracture healing, especially in osteoporotic bone due to better holding capacity. Objective wass to assess the efficacy of LCP in maintenance of post-operative distal femoral alignment and in preventing post-operative varus collapse in supracondylar fracture of femur.Methods: Prospective Longitudinal observational study Conducted at Post Graduate Institute of Swasthiyog Pratishthan, Miraj, Maharashtra involving 50 patients with supracondylar fracture. The fractures were classified as supracondylar femur fracture (AO/OTA type 33) (A- C). Fractures that were supracondylar with significant proximal fracture extension were classified as an AO/OTA type 33 fracture unless there was a separate diaphyseal fracture. Data was analysed by using SPSS 16.0 version and expressed as percentages.Results: Majority of patients were from 30-39 years age group i.e. 32%. Majority of patients were males i.e. 46 (92%). 7 (14%) patients had healing time <4 months. 24 (48%) patients had healing time between 4-6 months. 19 (38%) patients had healing time more than 6 months. To assess the overall results, we used Knee society score. In 38% of patients, we found excellent results. Good and fair results were seen in 32% and 26% of patients.Conclusion: Locking compression plate is an ideal implant for fixation of supracondylar fracture of femur 33 (A-C) especially in C3 type where articular comminution is present

Complex foot deformity and Illizarov technique: a record-based study

Background: Complex foot deformities may occur as a result of trauma, poliomyelitis, osteomyelitis, burn contractures, neuromuscular diseases or may present as a resistant congenital contracture such as clubfoot. The Ilizarov fixator is new and more efficient method in the treatment of orthopedic foot problems. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of Illizarov technique.Methods: This is a hospital record-based study conducted in 32 patients of foot deformity at orthopedic ward of Navodaya Medical college and Hospital, Raichur.  The record- based data was collected in January to July 2019. Data analysis done with SPSS 24.0 version IBM USA.Results: Majority of the subjects were from 0 to 5 years age group i.e. 14 (43.8%). Mean age was 26.2±4.9 years. Majority in our study were males i.e. 71.9%. In majority of the cases, the cause of foot deformity was neglected and relapsed club foot i.e. 12 (37.5%). Treatment period was 22±7 weeks.   Conclusions: The Ilizarov method can successfully correct complex foot deformities. Success rate was 90.6%

Role of locking compression plate in management of metaphyseal fractures in osteoporotic bones: an experimental study from rural Maharashtra

Background: Osteoporosis is multi factorial disease, which is caused by complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that influence bone turnover, bone mass, skeletal geometry and risk factors. Distal femur fracture needs aggressive management in terms of open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate and early mobilization. Objectives were to study the role of locking compression plate in the management of osteoporotic metaphyseal fractures.Methods: Present study is a prospective study comprising of 50 patients who sustained various fractures in different bones of body due to osteoporosis and were treated using locking compression plate (LCP). All patients were evaluated for effectiveness of LCP.Results: In present series majority of patients (44%) fall in age group of 61-70 years having senile osteoporosis, followed by 12 (24%) from 51-60 years age group. Majority of the cases involved were distal femur fractures (50%). 15 i.e. 30% cases were fracture of proximal tibia and 20% were fracture of proximal humerus. 96% had osteoporosis. C1 type of fracture was commonly seen in 6 (12%) patients. The mean constant score at one month was 58 and at the end of one year it was 80. The mean oxford score at one month was 28 and at the end of one year it was 38.Conclusions: Locking compression plate is an ideal implant for fixation in metaphyseal osteoporotic bones when used methodically

Relation of COVID-19 with acute ischemic bowel disease: A retrospective observational study

Introduction: COVID-19 is a serious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, aside from the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system is the most common site of SARS-COV-2 infection. The study aimed to assess relation between COVID and ischemic bowel disease by analysing length of hospital stay and mortality rates between COVID and non-COVID groups. Methods: The study was conducted from June 2020 to November 2021 in the surgical wards of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai. Included patients presented to emergency room with acute abdomen which diagnosed as acute ischemic bowel disease during the period of study and then compared the outcomes between COVID and non-COVID groups. Results: Out of 40 patients, 16 had no history of COVID and remaining 24 had either previous history of COVID or diagnosed presently with COVID. In both COVID and non-COVID population, distribution of comorbidities were almost equal exception being stroke, where both the cases had previous history of COVID, diabetes was the most common comorbidity in both the groups followed by hypertension. Patients with active COVID infection had higher mortality of 75% (3 out of 4) followed by patients with past history of infection with mortality rate of 65% (13 out of 20) whereas the mortality rate in non-COVID patients were 37.5% (6 out of 16). Conclusion: Ischemic bowel disease among COVID-19 patients is rare, but its association with high mortality rates and prolonged length of stay necessitates clinical suspicion and prompt intervention

Genetic Incorporation of Human Metallothionein into the Adenovirus Protein IX for Non-Invasive SPECT Imaging

As the limits of existing treatments for cancer are recognized, clearly novel therapies must be considered for successful treatment; cancer therapy using adenovirus vectors is a promising strategy. However tracking the biodistribution of adenovirus vectors in vivo is limited to invasive procedures such as biopsies, which are error prone, non-quantitative, and do not give a full representation of the pharmacokinetics involved. Current non-invasive imaging strategies using reporter gene expression have been applied to analyze adenoviral vectors. The major drawback to approaches that tag viruses with reporter genes is that these systems require initial viral infection and subsequent cellular expression of a reporter gene to allow non-invasive imaging. As an alternative to conventional vector detection techniques, we developed a specific genetic labeling system whereby an adenoviral vector incorporates a fusion between capsid protein IX and human metallothionein. Our study herein clearly demonstrates our ability to rescue viable adenoviral particles that display functional metallothionein (MT) as a component of their capsid surface. We demonstrate the feasibility of 99mTc binding in vitro to the pIX-MT fusion on the capsid of adenovirus virions using a simple transchelation reaction. SPECT imaging of a mouse after administration of a 99mTc-radiolabeled virus showed clear localization of radioactivity to the liver. This result strongly supports imaging using pIX-MT, visualizing the normal biodistribution of Ad primarily to the liver upon injection into mice. The ability we have developed to view real-time biodistribution in their physiological milieu represents a significant tool to study adenovirus biology in vivo