|
|
|
Volume-15 (2016);
No. 2 (April-June)
Published on July 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:1
Original Article |
Khurana S, Rao BK, Lewis LE, Bhat RY, Purkayastha J, Kamath A, Dharmaraj SK.
Neurobehavioral Profile of Moderate to Late Preterm Infants Admitted in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India. |
|
Abstract: Background and objectives: Neonatal neurobehavioral organization is a multidimensional holistic phenomenon which involves synchronous working of autonomic, sensory and motor systems to influence the developmental maturation of neonates. Homeostasis of all these systems is well developed in term infants but preterm infants due to their physiological instability, incomplete cortical development are at higher risk of impaired neurobehavioral organisation. Neurobehavioral maturity of term infants has been documented in many studies but there is dearth of literature in preterm infants especially moderate to late preterm (MLP) category (32 weeks – 36 weeks of gestation). Thus the present study was aimed to assess the neurobehavioral profile of MLP infants and to compare it with standard reference scores provided in the NAPI manual. Methods: A cross sectional study was planned in which sixty moderate to late preterm infants were included during their stay in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neurobehavioral assessment of preterm infants (NAPI) scale was used to document the neurobehavioral profile of preterm infants. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the baseline maternal and infant’s characteristics. One sample t test was used for comparing the study sample and standard values provided in NAPI Manual for parametric analysis. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for comparing variables values between two groups which were not following normal distribution. Results: Scarf sign at 34 and 36 weeks of gestation, motor development and vigor and alertness and orientation components of NAPI showed statistically significant difference between our study sample and standard reference values taken from NAPI manual. However statistically insignificant difference was found in popliteal angle, irritability, cry quality and percent sleep ratings domains of NAPI. Conclusion: present study reported the neurobehavioral profile of our population. We found significant variability in scores for motor development and vigor, alertness and orientation and scarf sign domains for our study sample as compared to western standards provided in the NAPI manual.
Key words: Preterm, Caregiver, Development, Neurobehavior, Alertness, Developmental assessment. |
|
|
This Article |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:2
Original Article |
Fernandes N, Mistry R, Nerurkar V, Bhatia S.
Contribution of Reflex MPO/PR3 Testing in Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Auto-Antibodies Positive Sera: An Indian Perspective. |
|
Abstract: Introduction: Background: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are serological markers of primary systemic vasculitis. Antigen-specific tests such as ELISA to detect antibodies directed against the myeloid enzymes, MPO and PR3 are essential in addition to screening by indirect immunofluorescence. Study was undertaken to 1) evaluate the diagnostic value of ANCA measurement by IIF, coupled with reflex anti-PR3 (for c-ANCA) and anti- MPO (for p-ANCA) ELISA for ANCA positive specimens, and 2) evaluate the utility of testing specimens simultaneously by all 3 tests, i.e. IIF, MPO and PR3 ELISA. Methods: The study was a retrospective study performed at a CAP and NABL accredited private reference laboratory in Mumbai in a community setting. A total of 23,920 serum specimens from patients with suspected small vessel vasculitis were tested for ANCA by IIF over a period of 5½ years. Of these, 855 specimens (3.57%) (Group I) had a pre request for anti-MPO or anti-PR3 ELISA following a positive IIF-pANCA pattern or IIF cANCA pattern respectively. Group II comprised another 52 specimens which had a pre-request for all 3 tests i.e. IIF, MPO and PR3 ELISA simultaneously, irrespective of the IIF positivity. Results: ANCA seroprevalence was 31.11% in group I with predominant p- ANCA pattern (65.41%). p-ANCA was more frequent in females and c-ANCA in males. Anti-MPO and anti-PR3 positivity was 23.56% and 36.95% respectively, highlighting the non-specific nature of IIF-ANCA. Anti-MPO & anti-PR3 positivity was lower in females (21.10% and 31.70%, respectively) as compared to males (27.69% and 41.17%, respectively). Simultaneous performance of the three tests in Group II did not yield any significant advantage over reflex testing. Conclusion: Utility of reflex testing of IIF-ANCA positive specimens to MPO/PR3 ELISA is re-inforced in the Indian population. However, test requests for using the reflex algorithm are low. Prescribers must thus be encouraged to follow the reflex algorithm for patient benefit.
Key words: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, myeloid enzymes, MPO, PR3. |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:3
Original Article |
Marakhovskaya TA, Kovalenko KA, Saraev KN, Butenko EV, Mashkina EV.
MMP20 Expression in Chorionic Tissue and Decidua of Women with Early Pregnancy Loss. |
|
Abstract: Background: MMPs play an important role in human reproduction, because in the early stages of embryogenesis the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix are the key processes. Only known function for MMP20 is dental enamel formation. But the data about its role in spontaneous abortion is very poor. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of Val275Ala (rs1784423) and A320C (rs2245803) polymorphisms MMP20 gene with pregnancy loss in the first trimester in women, and MMP20 gene expression analysis in decidua and chorionic tissues. A total of 132 women with spontaneous abortion in the first trimester and 144 control patients were examined by a case-control methodology. Samples of chorionic tissue and decidua were taken after surgical termination of normally progressing pregnancies in 5-9 week of gestation (n=12) and spontaneous abortion in 5-9 week of gestation (n=12). Our investigation have not detected association of gene polymorphisms MMP20 Val275Ala (rs1784423) and A320C (rs2245803) with miscarriage in the first trimester. Compared with chorionic tissue, the MMP20 expression was increased in decidua in both groups (p = 0.0037, P = 0.014 respectively). The results demonstrated the tissue-specific MMP20 expression in normal pregnancy and spontaneous abortion.
Key words: MMP20, Gene expression, Spontaneous abortion, Chorionic tissue, Decidua |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:4
Original Article |
Nayak SB, Miranda SA, Fitzrol OJ, Anthony L, Rao GS, Aithal AP.
The Impact of Physical Activities on the Academic Performance of Medical Students. |
|
Abstract: Background: Physical activity is considered to be correlated with academic performance of students by many researchers. In recent years this concept is gaining high importance especially in professional education system. Hence the objective of our research was to evaluate the correlation between the effects of physical activities on the academic performance of medical students studying in our college. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study in which 210 medical undergraduate students participated. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to the study. A questionnaire was distributed to the students and the responses given by them were then analyzed. Results: Results showed that most of the students agreed that there exists a correlation between physical activity and academic performance as their scores were higher compared to students who do not involve in physical activities. Conclusion: Findings from our study suggest that physical activities increase student’s focus and might help them to succeed academically.
Key words: Physical activity, exercise, academic performance, medical students, learning. |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:5
Original Article |
Acharya B, Pathak G, Chauhan HS. Coping Strategies for Stress Adopted by Undergraduate Students of Private Universities in Himachal Pradesh, India.
The Intensity of Free Radical Processes and the Testosterone and Estradiol Levels in Seminal Fluid of Men with Different Types of Pathospermia - Personalized Approach. |
|
Abstract: Background: Stress affects the health and academic career of students. Students adopt different coping methods and strategies to deal with stress. Objective: To assess the coping strategies adopted by the undergraduate students of private universities in Himachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 422 undergraduate students of two selected private universities in Himachal Pradesh in March-April using self administered questionnaire. Brief cope inventory was used to assess coping strategies. Results: The most used coping strategies were positive reframing (mean=5.85+1.583), active coping (mean=5.82+1.548), religion (mean=5.72+1.77), acceptance (mean= 5.67+1.581) planning (mean=5.65+1.491) and self distraction (mean=5.6+1.583). Least used coping strategies were substance use (mean=2.83+1.478), denial (mean=4.64+1.567) and venting (mean=4.64+1.513). Conclusion: Students used positive coping strategies rather than the negative strategies to deal with stress. Though negative coping technique like substance were least adopted, such coping strategies need to be discouraged at the family, community and university level to deal with stress.
Key words: Brief cope inventory, Coping strategies, Stress, Undergraduate students. |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:6
Original Article |
Kotian SR, DSouza AS, Bhat NP, DSouza A, Hosapatna M.
Integrated Teaching: Boon or A Bane?! |
|
Abstract: Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated teaching program using student feedback. Methods: A questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing teaching program was prepared and distributed among 185 second year medical undergraduate students who underwent integrated teaching in their first year. Their responses were recorded, evaluated and analysed statistically. Additionally the performance of the students was also assessed by recording their year-wise results in the university examinations. This was further compared with the results of the students who were not exposed to integrated teaching in the past years and the findings were tabulated. Results: A positive response was received for the implementation of the integrated teaching in the curriculum by the student population. In their view, case presentations by the students were effective in providing a healthy problem solving approach and builds good communication skills. Guest lectures by clinical faculty encouraged them to study the pre-clinical subjects with greater interest. Video demonstrations of the dissected specimens deepened a students’ understanding of anatomical structures. Combination of these methods in integrated teaching made the teaching-learning program more effective. Conclusion: Integrated teaching was found to be an innovative method in strengthening the teaching-learning process and received wide acceptance from the student population.
Key words: Integrated teaching, video demonstration, case presentation, conventional teaching, didactic lectures |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:7
Original Article |
Acharya VA, Sharma PSVN, Nair S.
Assertiveness in Indian Context: Perspectives of Women in Coastal Karnataka. |
|
Abstract: Introduction: Assertiveness is considered to be an important communication skill influencing our interpersonal relations. It is known to play a role in stress management, conflict resolution and developing a positive self-concept. However, it is often suggested that Indians may not be as assertive as their Western counterparts. Indian women in particular have an image of being docile and submissive in a patriarchal society bowing down to cultural norms. Method: This study is a qualitative inquiry to explore the views of Indian women about assertiveness. Four focus group discussions were conducted with women from different social strataaround Udupi and Mangalore to understand their perspectives on assertiveness. Findings: Three key themes emerged from the analysis of the data. Perceptions of others to one being assertive, sense of freedom after having expressed one’s emotions assertively and consequences of being assertive appeared to be major concerns in being assertive. Conclusion: Exploring the role of assertiveness in women empowerment and social development is recommended.
Key words: Assertiveness, Culture, Self-concept, Qualitative research, Indian women |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:8
Case Report |
Nayak SB, Swamy RS, Aithal AP, Kumar N.
Coiled Descending Colon with Persistent Mesocolon and a Straight Sigmoid Colon – An Unique Congenital Anomaly. |
|
Abstract: Descending colon is a retroperitoneal part of colon extending from left colic flexure to the brim of pelvis. Rarely does it have a mesocolon. Descending colon is most commonly affected by ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and colon cancer. In the present case, cadaveric dissection of abdomen revealed a rare variation of descending colon. The descending colon had a mesocolon and was coiled in its lower part. The sigmoid colon was straight and displaced to a median position. Position of colon as in the present case might be asymptomatic, but can lead to volvulus formation, intestinal obstruction, constipation along with abdominal pain and pose a difficulty in radiological diagnosis and interpretation. Colonoscopy may not be advisable in such cases as the colonoscope may not pass through coiled descending colon and any forced attempt may pierce the wall of colon. This is the first case report of the coiled descending colon with a potential clinical importance.
Key words: Colon; Sigmoid colon; Descending colon; Mesocolon; Volvulus; Colonoscopy. |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016;2:9
Case Report |
Prabhu GS, Nayak SB, Shetty P, Kumar N.
Multiple Visceral and Peritoneal Anomalies. |
|
Abstract: Visceral and peritoneal anomalies are frequently encountered during cadaveric dissections and surgical procedures of abdomen. A thorough knowledge of the same is required for the success of diagnostic, surgical and radiological procedures of abdomen. We report multiple peritoneal and visceral anomalies noted during dissection classes for medical undergraduates. The anomalies were found in an adult male cadaver aged approximately 70 years. The right iliac fossa was empty due to the sub-hepatic position of caecum and appendix. The sigmoid colon formed an inverted “U” shaped loop above the sacral promontory in the median position. It entered the pelvis from the right side and descended along the lateral wall of the pelvis. The sigmoid mesocolon was attached obliquely to the posterior abdominal wall, just above the sacral promontory. Further there was a cysto-colic fold of peritoneum extending from the right colic flexure. We discuss the clinical significance of the variations.
Key words: Peritoneum; cysto-colic fold; sigmoid colon; sigmoid mesocolon; caecum. |
|
|
This Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
