Vitamins are the organic compounds required by the human body and are considered as vital nutrients needed in specific amounts. They cannot be synthesized in a sufficient amount by the human body; so, they must be obtained from the diet. Thirteen different types of vitamins are known that are classified by their biological and chemical activity. Each one of them has a specific role in our body. Folic acid has a vital role in cell growth and development through many reactions and processes that occur in the body, e.g. histidine cycle, serine and glycine cycle, methionine cycle, thymidylate cycle, and purine cycle. When the body becomes deficient in folic acid, all cycles that are mentioned above will become ineffective and lead to many problems, in addition to other problems such as megaloblastic anemia, cancer, and neural tube defects. Vitamin B12 has a vital role in cell growth and development through many reactions and processes that occur in the body. When the level becomes elevated or lower than the normal, the whole process will collapse because each process is linked to another. Deficiencies can be treated by increasing their consumption in diet or by supplement intake.

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The corpus callosum is the largest bundle of commissural fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. The human brain actually functions as two individual brains capable of highly organized mental functions. The dominant hemisphere deals with speech, written language, mathematics, and grammar, whereas the non-dominant hemisphere deals with music, pictorial representation, spatial and temporal synthesis. When this connection is divided surgically, the patient shows what are known as disconnection syndromes which can be classified as acute and chronic. Based on the review of literature, we have tried to deal with the symptom complex of patients who have undergone commissurotomy as treatment for multifocal epilepsy. A selective literature search using the internet and e-library facilities was performed on the topic. The work of great neuropsychologists like Roger Sperry and M. S. Gazzaniga was studied and the differences in functions of the dominant and non-dominant hemispheres were compared. Based on this literature search, it was found that the corpus callosum helps in interhemispheric transfer of information and it is the co-ordination between the two hemispheres which allows us to perform activities smoothly and perfectly. If this connection is severed, actions performed by one hand cannot be understood by another. It was seen that speech, calculation, reasoning, personality, and intelligence are almost completely preserved after commissurotomy. However, cognitive impairment, abstract reasoning, short-term memory, and attention deficits have been reported. All the studies carried out in this field have suggested that the separation of the hemispheres creates two different spheres of consciousness within a single cranium. By using the split brain model, it can be concluded that a normal person's mind is the result of interaction between two separate states of consciousness.

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Background: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is the most common curable, sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Serious adverse reproductive health outcomes including pregnancy complications, pelvic inflammatory disease, and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition have been linked to T. vaginalis infection. Objective: To determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in asymptomatic pregnant women and their HIV status in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted using a proforma to obtain demographic and reproductive health information from consenting pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Vaginal swab and blood samples were taken and analyzed for T. vaginalis and HIV, respectively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V17, with the level of significance set at 5% . Results: The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis was 19.2%. There was an inverse relationship between the level of education and acquisition of T. vaginalis infection in pregnancy; women having no formal education had a higher prevalence of the T. vaginalis infection (7.5%) as against those who had tertiary education (1.7%). The 26-30 years age group had the highest prevalence of both HIV infection (5.0%) and T. vaginalis infection (5.8%), strongly suggesting the possibility of co-infection between the two agents. There was a statistically significant association between T. vaginalis infection and HIV infection with a P value of 0.0003. The relative risk (RR) of acquiring HIV in the presence of T. vaginalis infection was 4 (RR: 4.193; Confidence Interval: 1.756-10.01). Conclusion: Improvement of the socioeconomic status and education of women, especially sexual health; will reduce the prevalence of T. vaginalis and HIV co-infection.

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Background: Many studies with western music have shown enhancement in the cognitive performance task. The factors influencing the performance are a selection of dependent measures, choice of the piece of music, presentation order of the conditions. Research has shown that the specific choice of musical composition may help in the improvement of the particular cognitive task. Objectives: We chose to study the impact of Indian Raga on a memory task. Methods: In twenty-six volunteers both male and female (group average age ± S.D., 18.84±3.53 years) the immediate effect of two musical conditions and No music condition was studied on memory. All participants were assessed before and after (i) Indian Raga Bhupali(R) for 10 minutes on day one; (ii) an equal duration of Pop music (P); and (iii) an equal duration of Silence or no music (S) on next two different days respectively. A Section of the Wechsler memory scale (WMS) was used to assess; (i) attention and concentration (digit span forward and backward) before and immediately after the intervention. Results: There was a significant improvement in digit forward (P<0.05, increase of 3.17%) and backward span score after (p<0.05, an increase of 5.26%) immediately after the exposure to Indian Raga Bhupali. Conclusions: The combination of notes in Indian Raga Bhupali is said to instill Shringara rasa or the aesthetic mood of Love. The improvement is significant compared to the Pop music that is much preferred by the college students and Silence or No music conditions. It was concluded that Memory scores improved immediately after listening to Indian Raga Bhupali.

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Much of the debate on mental illness has centered on cultural difference as a way of dealing with the health-care practices. The varieties of health-care practices induce medical pluralism. In India, this medical pluralism can be observed through the assortments of healers and healing practices. The cultural determinism of any health-care practice comprises traditional or indigenous and modern health-care practices which are embedded in the health culture of country's healing system. This medical pluralism not only provides different forms of healing practices but also addresses different ways of perceiving, explaining, and managing the illness. Nevertheless, consultation with a particular healer is governed by a set of sociocultural beliefs, background of the patients along with the family members which has also been followed through the accessibility and availability of such healers. By exploring the dominance of different types of healers and their healing practices toward mental illness from the preexisting research in India, the present paper tries to show how health-care system in mental illness also represents the kaleidoscope of medical pluralism. Furthermore, the authors have proposed a new model the “eclectic healing model” of mental illness.

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Water is one of the most important elements for all forms of life and is indispensable to the maintenance of life on the earth. Safe drinking water is the important need for every human being. Water may be contaminated by natural sources or by industrial effluents. One such contaminant is fluoride. The problem of excess fluoride in ground water was detected in many states of India. Till 1999, 17 states have been identified with the problem of excess fluoride in ground water sources. Several materials like aluminium salts, calcined alumina, magnesia, lime, activated carbon sulphonated carbonaceous materials, and ion exchange resins have been screened for their utility in defluoridation of water. On the basis of results and extensive investigations, different researchers had developed a simple and economical domestic defluoridation processes. This article attempts to critical review of the past work on defluoridation studies by using conventional and unconventional materials, and to compile the various pros and cons of these defluoridation methods including Nalgonda, Activated Alumina, bone char, fly ash, brick, and reverse osmosis.

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Introduction: In this era, health-care facilities have improved greatly which has increased the life expectancy of humanity, but all these costs and so the role of economic evaluations of health-care interventions has become increasingly important especially in developing countries like India. Objective: To estimate the expenses of a patient in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), disease wise expenditure and area of expenses (therapeutic and diagnostic). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospital of private setup in Mumbai region. The inclusion criterion was admitted patients in medicine ICU (MICU) on the basis of the clinical presentation during January 2014–February 2014 (2 months). The cost of treatment included the bed charges in the hospital ICU, diagnostic cost (routine and special investigations), therapeutic cost, cost of oxygen, monitor, nebulization, ventilator, cost of drugs, and other consumables were assessed. Results: Totally fifty patients were admitted in above period to MICU. The average stay of a patient in MICU amounts to 4 days (approximated for 4.01) with the least being 1 day for unstable angina and maximum 11 days for congestive cardiac failure. Conclusion: The major shares of expenses in treatment in MICU were on medicines, and this can be reduced using generic drugs.

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Aims: There is an increase in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity across the globe. Blood pressure (BP) has been found to increase among populations with high body mass index (BMI). Overweight and high BP both have independent fatal health consequences as they carry serious risk factors for several noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and even death. It is against this background that this research was carried out to corroborate similar result in Ghana. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation of BMI and BP of adults of 30–50 years. Materials and Methods: the WHO STEPwise questionnaires modified to obtain information on demography and lifestyle. Weight and height were measured using seca scale and stadiometer, respectively. BP was also recorded using digital sphygmomanometer. A 24-h recall method was used to assess the dietary intake of participants. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 20.0% and 7.5%, respectively. About 32.5% of the participants (200) were hypertensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg). A significant difference existed between high and normal SBP of the participants (P = 0.01). Conclusion: An increase in BMI positively influenced BP among these study adults' population.

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Microsurgery, this terminology itself is self-explanatory, where a surgical procedure is performed making use of the magnification obtained by an operating microscope. The instruments like a microscope which provides the magnification is made use of, in the fields of medicine since decades. Now the use of such magnification systems is a very popular practice in dentistry as well. Before adopting visual magnification systems such as microscopes and successfully applying it in the dental procedures, it is mandatory to understand the principles and the physics of such instruments. Microsurgery in dentistry has more advantages in terms of efficiency, improved ergonomics, minimally invasiveness and less fatigue. This review paper, highlights about the various magnification systems, its principles and the application of microsurgery in various fields of dentistry.

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Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory effect of neem seed oil (NSO) on albino rats using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. Materials and Methods: The study sample was divided into six groups with each group consisting of six rats as follows: Group I: Control (distilled water 0.5 ml/rat); Group II: Standard (aspirin 200 mg/kg body weight orally); Groups III, IV, V, and VI (NSO 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 1 ml, and 2 ml/kg body weight, respectively, i.p.). The inflammation induced in the form of hind paw edema was produced by injection of 0.1 ml of 1% suspension of carrageenan in normal saline below the plantar aponeurosis of right hind paw of rats; the left hind paw served as control. The volume of edema was measured by water displacement method in microburette. Volumes of both the hind paws were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h of carrageenan injection. Results: NSO in the dose of 0.25 ml/kg body weight did not show any significant anti-inflammatory activity. NSO showed increased inhibition of paw edema with the progressive increase in dose from 0.25 ml to 2 ml/kg body weight. At the dose of 2 ml/kg body weight, NSO showed maximum (53.14%) inhibition of edema at 4 ^th hour of carrageenan injection. Aspirin in the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed maximum inhibition of hind paw edema. Conclusion: The present study concludes that NSO exhibits significant anti-inflammatory action.

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Context: Celphos poisoning is one of the most common and lethal poison with no antidote available till now. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment regimen and interventions to reduce the mortality from celphos poisoning. Settings and Design: A profile of 30 patients with alleged intake of celphos tablets who got admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) was studied. Materials and Methods: In all the 30 patients with alleged celphos poisoning, extensive gastric lavage was done with a mixture of coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate solution. Strict monitoring, both invasive and noninvasive was done and symptomatic/supportive treatment was carried out on a patient-to-patient basis. Statistical Analysis: At the end of the study, all the data were compiled systematically and statistical analysis was carried out using the nonparametric tests and value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Majority of the patients were young with a mean age of 20.14 ± 3.62 years and had good educational level. Most of the patients presented clinically with cardiovascular signs and symptoms (60%), followed by respiratory distress (13.33%) and little higher incidence of multiorgan symptomatology (16.67%). The mean stay of the patients in ICU was 5.62 ± 1.24 days and the survival rate was 40%. Conclusions: With the treatment regimen we have formulated, we were able to save 40% of our patients and recommend the use of this regimen by all the intensivists and physicians.

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Background: Most X-ray centers recruited for this study admitted that there have been no maintenance checks on the energy output accuracy of their X-ray machines. Most centers complained of recurrent machine breakdown due to poor power supply, while others pointed out that X-ray machine age could be a contributory factor to poor image quality. Aim and Objectives: To determine peak kilovoltage (kVp) accuracy of individual X-ray unit and to compare their values with recommended standards and to further establish if machine age has a significant effect on mean kVp accuracy. Materials and Methods: One dedicated conventional X-ray unit in each of the ten diagnostic centers was used for this study denoted as D ₁−D ₁₀ . kVp was measured using a noninvasive Unfors ThinX RAD kVp meter. The kVp accuracy test was carried out by positioning the Unfors ThinX RAD kVp meter at the center of the beam axis of the patient's couch at a focus to image distance of 100 cm. The X-ray machine technical factors were varied by selecting tube potential within the range of 50−120 kVp at a fixed tube current of 20 mA. Data analysis value was done using GraphPad Prism version 5.0 statistics software (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, California, USA). Results: The kVp accuracy test for X-ray units D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₅ , D ₆ , D ₇ , and D ₈ were within an acceptable limit of ±5% at all selected tube potential from 50 to 120 kVp, X-ray units D ₂ and D ₆ showed accurate compliance at much lower kVp accuracy values. X-ray units D ₃ and D ₁₀ were above ±5% accuracy limit at all selected kVp tube potential. No statistically significant differences exist between machine age and mean kVp accuracy (P = 0.770). Conclusion: One-fourth of the total kVp accuracy results were above ±5% limit. Old X-ray machine had higher chances of failed kVp accuracy. Traces of failed test were also noticed in X-ray machines below 5 years.

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Background: Prepayment health-care financing mechanisms are recommended for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) as it prevents catastrophic health-care expenditure and poverty. This preference is due to the inadequacies of the out-of-pocket model in many low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. However, it took Nigeria several decades to operationalize the national health insurance scheme in 2005. This review aimed at highlighting various health-care financing options and their suitability for providing health care to all (including the poor and vulnerable groups). Materials and Methods: Data for this review were obtained from searching Google Scholar, MEDLINE (via PubMed), and African Journal Online, using relevant terms (in English language) that addressed health-care financing options and their suitability for UHC (including the poor and vulnerable groups) and were published between January 2007 and May 2019. Studies published in other languages were excluded for lack of resources to translate them. Results: Out-of-pocket, general taxation, private, community-based, and social health insurance, and innovative financing were found to have differing attributes. The social health insurance adopted by low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria appears promising but not without challenges. Conclusion: A mixed model of social health insurance and general taxation is a prospect in extending health coverage to all citizens including the poor and vulnerable groups. Information on health financing options offers stakeholders the opportunity to understand the attributes of these options, an essential in the choice of a suitable mechanism that can deliver UHC.

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The aim of this review is to summarize data published on the use of hypnotherapy in cancer patients. Cancer is probably a disease people fear the most. Indeed, the majority of cancer patients experience stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain. Medical treatments of cancer such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are clearly necessary but can affect patients on different levels and hence have a negative impact on physical and mental health. This review examines the effect of clinical hypnotherapy performed in cancer care, particularly on psychological disturbances, pain, and fatigue. A literature search of relevant literature was performed from February 2016 to October 2016. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and ScienceDaily databases were searched using search terms for mind–body intervention “hypnotherapy,” “hypnosis,” and “hypnotism” combined with the term “cancer” and terms for symptoms of interest “pain,” “mood disturbances,” “psychological disturbances,” “fatigue,” “anger,” “aggression,” “anxiety,” “tension,” “depression,” “confusion,” “delirium,” “vigour.” English language peer-reviewed articles, randomized trials, and reviews were selected. A first extensive literature review resulted in 98 articles. Finally, 55 research papers were identified for further review and analysis. On the basis of review of previous researches, it can be concluded that hypnotherapy seems to improve the mental health as well as physical health in cancer patients. Moreover, of course, randomized prospective studies are now needed to confirm the observed advantages of hypnosis in the field of oncology.

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Hypertension (HTN) is considered a major predominant disease with different comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular and renal disorders. Pharmacological methods in addition to nonpharmacological methods play a major role in reducing high blood pressure (BP) that might also offer safe and effective alternatives to drug therapy. Dietary and behavioral techniques are mainly centered so far by the researchers. The purpose of this article is to achieve positive therapeutic outcomes by reviewing evidence-based nonpharmacological treatments and evaluation of patients with HTN. MEDLINE, PUBMED databases were used to review relevant information. HTN with different comorbidities is not only raising the mortality rates but also health-care costs. The monetary burden for nonpharmacological treatment was considered less cost-effective than drug therapy. It is emphasized that providing patient information leaflet with lifestyle modifications can positively influence patients to marque the lifestyle changes.

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Schistosomiasis (SCH) is one of the neglected tropical diseases, and it is endemic over 78 resource-constrained countries. It is one the indicator of poverty as it is often ubiquitous among the poorest of the poor. A total of 172 potential articles were identified through premier academic-scientific databases, and 86 were chosen. Human beings (permanent-host) are often exposed to infested water (urine/stools of infected persons) that harbor susceptible snails during their routine domestic and occupational activities. The cercaria (released by snails [intermediate-host]) infects people by penetrating into their skin. Currently, several multi-faceted interventions are underway to combat the SCH, namely, (a) potable water, (b) environmental diagnostics, (c) prophylactic chemotherapy with praziquantel, and (d) scaling up of snail control. Although in the recent decades tremendous strides have been made to minimize the disease burden, they are so feeble to eliminate the infection in several poverty-stricken settings. Female genital-SCH is also one of the key parasitic cofactors of HIV transmission. However, it remains neglected in terms of priority in allocating sufficient resources to develop next-generation tools, i.e., vaccine. Therefore, there are challenges lying ahead in achieving our ambitious goal of global elimination. Nevertheless, it can be attained through the recent medical-technological advancements as well as by strengthening the ongoing multi-pronged interventions such as (1) generating awareness, (2) continual surveillance, (3) early case-detection, (4) mass deworming, (5) increasing the research funds, (6) developing sensitive diagnostic tools, (7) prophylactic vaccines, and (8) therapeutic agents. Besides, the improved disease surveillance and response systems could pave the way to build an SCH-free world in the near future.

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Introduction: Lysine affects the level of stress/anxiety, increases resistance to diseases, and prevents protein deficiency disorders. It is the most limiting amino acid that affects protein quality. The main aim was to study the effect of lysine supplementation on stressor of adults in two peri-urban communities in Ghana. Materials and Methods: It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 90 men and 90 women. At the baseline and after intervention, the subjects' blood pressures (BPs) were measured before and after subjecting them to stressor in the form of blood draw. Halves of the men and women were assigned to lysine and the other assigned to placebo as a control. After taken the initial measurements 1,000 g lysine tablets were daily given to the subjects for 112 days to supplement their dietary lysine intake. Results: No significant variation was observed among the subjects at baseline. However, after the supplementation, there were significant drops in the delta of systolic BP by the margin of 7.26 ± 11.64 mmHg in men and 8.50 ± 14.96 mmHg in women. The mean arterial blood pressure also dropped by 1.09 ± 8.22 mmHg in men; but not in women while the delta in the control remains fairly unchanged in both men and women in the control groups. Conclusion: There were positive effects of lysine supplementation on the outcomes of cardiovascular response to stressors by normalizing and reducing the stress of subjects.

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Introduction: Historically our culture has traditionally viewed even the normal menustral cycle as an aberration, ostracizing the reproductive aged women. Aristotle quoted Hippocrates writings by describing the process of heavy uterine bleeding as "In quantity, bleeding in excessive, saith Hippocrates, when they flow about eighteenth ounces". Aims and Objective: To study the various aetiopathological factors responsible for AUB in women ages 20-55 years, and to correlate the clinical presentation with ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and histopathological finding. Sample: In this study, 140 cases of 15-55 years of age group were randomly selected after the exclusion criteria who were willing to get admitted as well as prepared for follow-up. Inclusion Criteria: The cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, attending the gynecology OPD with complaints of menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhoea, and polymenorrhagia in the age group 20-55 years, were selected. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant patients and patients below 20 years and above 55 years are excluded from the study. Conclusion: It is seen that incidence of AUB is more common in 5 ^th decade of life and in multiparous women. Menorrhagia is the most common bleeding pattern followed by metrorrhagia. Histopathological examination of the endometrium revealed that whatever may be the pathology, proliferative endometrium is the most common pattern.

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Aims: The aims of this study were to: (1) Comparison of Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) Scores, and adverse effect profile on the use of topical salicylic acid 6% versus clobetasol propionate 0.05% in the chronic-limited plaque psoriasis.(2) Selection of the cost-effectiveness option using average cost-effective ratios of the two individual regimens. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, open-labeled, parallel group design which was conducted at dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital located in resource-limited settings of South India. A total of 75 patients were recruited and randomized into two groups: Group A received 6% of topical salicylic acid and Group B received 0.05% of clobetasol propionate for 3 months with a three follow-up visits. Efficacy was assessed based on the reduction of PASI and PGA scores at each visit. The safety profile of two drugs was assessed by a screening of adverse drug reactions. Cost-effectiveness of treatment groups was calculated by considering inputs of direct medical costs required to reduce one unit on PGA scale. Results: Demographic and clinical profiles of participants were matched between two groups. The mean PASI score of Group A and Group B were reduced from baseline (4.36, 4.67) to final follow-up (1.97, 2.03). There was a statistically significant difference exist in mean PASI score difference of Group A and Group B from baseline to 1^st follow-up and baseline to 2^nd follow-up (P < 0.00001) visits. Whereas, at final follow-up, mean PASI score difference of two groups was almost equal (P < 0.21). Conclusion: Initially, clobetasol propionate shows more effective compared to salicylic acid in the reduction of PASI score. But at end of the treatment, both drugs were equal in the reduction of PASI score where only matters the cost. Salicylic acid was a cost-effectiveness option in limited chronic plaque psoriasis.

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Introduction: In India, the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls is estimated at 56%. The underlying sociodemographic factors and menstrual practices need to be studied in adolescent girls and a way to reduce the anemia not only by supplementation of iron and folic acid tablets and deworming but ensuring its regular consumption. Hence, the present study was undertaken to know the effectiveness of deworming and iron and folic acid supplementation in reducing the prevalence and severity of anemia in adolescent school girls. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls in urban area and effectiveness of iron supplementation in them. Materials and Methods: The present interventional study was conducted at Sharada Kanya Vidyalaya, in Amravati city. Total 350 adolescent girls were selected by random sampling from August 2013 to November 2013. All the girls were given a single dose anthelminthic and the girls who were anemic were given iron and folic acid tablets for daily consumption. The hemoglobin was again assessed after three months. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test of significance and standard error of difference between two means using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls was found to be 55%. Mean and standard deviation of Hb% in adolescent girls significantly increased from 10.57 (±1.09) before to 11.78 (±0.99) after intervention. Conclusion: The contributing factors of anemia found in the present study were low socioeconomic status, onset of menarche, small family size, and vegetarian diet.

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Background: Indian information technology (IT) professionals are continuously subjected to project assignment changes as well as uncertainties in existing project continuations as cancelling of projects is not uncommon. There are periods in the work life of an Indian IT professional when he/she has to cope with no project situation, before being assigned to another project. IT professionals also need to continuously upgrade their IT-relevant skills in order to deliver projects to customers with less capital. All this adds up to job anxiety and perceived stress among IT professionals. With prolonged states of job anxiety and perceived stress, these professionals may become victims of diseases driven by anxiety and stress. There is a popular perception that Yoga, an Indian ancient science, can give control over modifications of mind and hence can help reduce anxiety and stress. Objective: To study the effect of cyclic meditation ( a yoga based practice) on job Anxiety and perceived stress of Indian IT Professionals. Materials and Methods: A control study was carried out on 96 Indian age ranged from 24 to 50 IT Professionals working in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Pre-post design was chosen and questionnaire method of collecting data was adopted. Results: The results indicates that after a period of 8 week intervention, there is a reduction of 19.51% in job anxiety and a reduction of 34.77% in perceived stress among Indian IT Professionals. Conclusion: This study indicates that Yoga based practices help to greatly reduce Job Anxiety and Perceived stress among Indian IT professionals. This study also highlights the need to explore the role of Yoga based practices on Indian IT professionals work life in greater detail.

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Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) attributed to the use of an indwelling catheter is one of the most common infections acquired by patients in health-care facilities. This infection is associated with varied microbiological etiology. This along with existing underlying condition increases hospitalization, medication, morbidity, and also adds to the financial burden. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to provide a baseline information in the context of incidence of catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI), to identify the associated microbial, and to determine their susceptibility pattern to commonly used antimicrobial agents for prophylactic and empiric therapy in this group of patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done on nonrepetitive urine samples from catheterized patients. Semi-quantitative bacterial culture was performed, and isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out by disc diffusion technique using Mueller-Hinton Agar as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Results: Significant bacteriuria was observed among 17/161 (10.55%) urine samples. Among bacterial isolates, Gram-negative bacilli predominates. Escherichia coli 7/17 (41.17%) being the most common isolate. The incidence of UTI/1000 catheter days and urinary catheter utilization ratio observed in our study was 4.41 and 18.05, 0.673 and 0.066 for intensive care unit and wards, respectively. Conclusion: Burden of CAUTIs is vast with regards to incidence, patient outcomes, cost, reimbursement, and suffering. Our study underscores the pressing need for the development of antimicrobial urinary catheters and also we strove to minimize the effect of exogenous factors on the incidences of CAUTI and regarding the development of protocols and checklists on the insertion and management of indwelling urinary catheters based on the UTI prevention guideline.

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The metabolic syndrome (Met S) is an escalating clinical and public-health challenge worldwide with increasing prevalence figures ranging from 10% to as high as 84%. Urbanization, calorie dense diet, sedentary life habits and increasing obesity are significantly associated with its increased prevalence. It is defined by a constellation of an interconnected physiological, clinical, metabolic and biochemical factors that directly increase the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stoke, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction. The knowledge about Met S and its consequences in society is in infancy stage. Existing criteria's for defining it are ambiguous and rationale for thresholds are ill defined. This makes Met S difficult to understand, diagnose and conclude. Therefore, current national and worldwide epidemiology of Met S also remains controversial. The proliferation of various definitions demands a single unifying definition. It is important to identify and evaluate the population with Met S as early interventions can simply avoid the complications associated. Increasing the awareness of Met S itself may account for huge decline as early interventions help to abort the associated complications. Simple lifestyle changes and routine health checkups can help keep metabolic syndrome at bay. The prevalence of Met S is high as well as unrecognized among the general population. If the situation persists Met S may prove a massive killer in the years to come. This calls for prompt and incessant updating of medical community as well as public sector.

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Background and Aims: Pancreatic beta-cell deficit and insulin resistance (IR) form two major factors in the etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to assess beta-cell function and IR among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of persons with type 2 diabetes in a Northwestern Nigerian population. Other objectives include assessing the relationships among HOMA-%B, HOMA-IR, plasma glucose levels, and some obesity indices and to determine whether beta cell function, IR, and some obesity indices are independent determinants of glucose intolerance in the studied population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals and 200 controls were recruited through cluster sampling from their respective communities after due consent. The relevant biodata was documented and appropriate examinations including anthropometric measurements were carried out. Oral glucose tolerance test was carried out and fasting plasma insulin levels were also measured. IR and beta-cell function were calculated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method. Results: Mean HOMA-IR was higher while HOMA-% B lower among FDRs compared to controls. Significant independent determinants of glucose intolerance with odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) included age (OR = 1.9, CI 1.9–2.0, P = 0.002), body mass index (OR = 1.9, CI 1.8–2.0, P = 0.032), waist circumference (OR = 2.0, CI 1.9–2.0, P = 0.043), waist-to-hip ratio (OR = 1.1, CI 1.0–15.7, P = 0.022), HOMA-IR (OR = 3.0, CI 2.3–3.3, P < 0.001), and HOMA-B (OR = 0.43, CI 0.24–0.65, P < 0.001) which means HOMA-%B is protective against glucose intolerance with inverse OR of 1/0.43 = 2.3. Conclusions: IR was higher and beta cell functions lower among FDRs compared to controls. IR (HOMA-IR) and some obesity indices were significant determinants of glucose intolerance while HOMA-%B was protective against glucose intolerance in this study.

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Obesity is a public health dilemma worldwide. The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing tremendously in the world. Overweight children and youth are probable to develop diseases in the later years. This study described the obesogenic factors influencing overweight among Asian children and youth. The study also determined the association of these factors to children and youth weight status. This narrative review obtained thirty-four pertinent articles published between 2010 and 2018. The data were extracted from Google Scholar, EBSCO, and PubMed. Numerous reviewed articles identified obesogenic factors influencing overweight among Asian children and youth as follows: familial factors, food retail environment, Westernization, food advertisement, and unhealthy food choices in school. Familial factors comprise parenting style and socioeconomic status. Food retail environment results were gathered from Thailand, China, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Korea. The effect of Westernization was seen in four cities of India and China. Influences of food advertisement were studied in Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Unhealthy food choices in school were evident in South Asia, China, India, and Malaysia. These five factors are considered and an appropriate health program must be established to address this health problem.

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