Universal College

About: Universal College is a education organization based out in Las Piñas, Philippines. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 567 authors who have published 450 publications receiving 1933 citations. The organization is also known as: Universal College of Nursing.

Diabetes: Emerging Pandemic

Abstract: Not available. (Editorial) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i4.12072 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol. 2, No. 4 Issue 08 Page : 01

Herpes zoster in an 11-month-old immunocompetent infant: A rare case report.

Abstract: Herpes zoster generally occurs after the exposure of VZV following varicella. This case report emphasizes a rare case of HZ in an infant without prior history of varicella or its exposure in the baby, other siblings, and mother during or after the pregnancy.

Stress - management : leads from ayurveda.

Abstract: The role of stress in the aetiology of several diseases is well recognized in Ayurvedic science and modern medicine. The stress is known as sahasa in Ayurveda. Sahasa by causing ojahksaya (loss of immunity) increases the susceptibility of the body to various diseases. Avoidance of stress is the best strategy for treatment and where it is not possible, the body should be well protected by taking appropriate care of the diet and sleep, sleep here indicates adequate rest required by the body. Further, regular intake of several rasayana herbs to increase the coping capacity of the body is advised. Several of these rasayanas have demonstrated significant stress attenuating effects in animal experimentation and scientific efforts are ongoing to logically utilize rasayana herbal formulation in stress management.

A hospital based study: is the prescription of Benzodiazepine consistent with the guidelines?

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed psychotropic drugs. They confer a therapeutic value in a wide range of conditions. They exert sedative/ hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic action. Nearly all of the disadvantages of benzodiazepines result from long term use leading to development of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. This study was done to determine if the pattern of benzodiazepines prescription among the psychiatric patients is consistent with the guideline. METHODS: This was a descriptive, hospital based cross- sectional study done in the psychiatry department at Gandaki Medical College. The consecutive 50 patients who either had a past history of treatment with or were still regularly on prescription for any of the following medication; alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam,diazepam, and lorazepam were included in the study. The psychiatric diagnosis of the patients, duration and types of benzodiazepines dispensed to patients were worked up. The duration of study was 6 months (Jan- June 2013). RESULTS: The total numbers of subjects enrolled in the study was 50. Female constituted 28 (56%), majority were married 45 (90%) and most of the subjects 31 (62%), were from the local district of Kaski. The mean age of the subjects was 41.1 ± 15 .3 years. Among the types of benzodiazepines prescribed, clonazepam was the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine. Dispensing of less than 30-days or 1 month supply of benzodiazepines, a practice typically recommended by practice guidelines, occurred in only 5 ( 10%) of the users. The study showed that there was a huge variation regarding the duration of benzodiazepines use, ranging from the period of less than of 1 month to the maximum duration of 192 months or 16 years. The mean duration of the benzodiazepine use was 34.8 ± 50 months i.e. near about 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite guideline cautions, long-term benzodiazepines use remains a common treatment pattern. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10489 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 30-34

Use of mask in COVID-19 era: absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

Abstract: World Health Organization (WHO) in its interim guidance of 6 April 2020 advises policy makers on the use of masks for healthy people in community settings. The rationale for mask use by healthy person is prevention from COVID-19, when there is risk of exposure, like working in close contact with public, people with comorbidities, where physical distancing cannot be maintained such as travelling in buses, staying in slum areas. Furthermore, WHO says the purpose and reason for mask use should be clear– whether it is to be used for source control (used by infected persons) or prevention of COVID-19 (used by healthy persons).1 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) United States of America (USA) updated its advisory on 4 Apr 2020, and recommended everyone (except some) should wear at least a cloth face covering when they have to go out in public. It will protect other people in case you are infected.2,3 This advisory of no strict demand on use of face masks could be possibly due to unavailability of disposable masks. Previous studies reveal that cloth masks were least effective in preventing flu like illness in healthcare staff.3-5 Studies are not in favor of wearing cloth mask arguing limited evidence of its effectiveness, improper and inconsistent use, and false sense of safety among public that may disregard other essential public health interventions, like hand washing and social distancing.4