Showing papers in "Journal of family medicine and primary care in 2020"
TL;DR: The framework for effective communication during pandemic is summarized and addressing psychology in all people is vital during a pandemic and effective communication network is key to it.
Abstract: The impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups would rely in part on the quality of communication regarding health risk and danger. Strategic planning should take full account of the way life conditions, cultural values, and risk experience affect actions during a pandemic. Concept of information education communication, Social behaviour change communication, social marketing usually technology and media is recapitulation. Ignorance with sociocultural, economic, psychological, and health factors can jeopardize effective communication at all levels. We summarized the framework for effective communication during pandemic. Understanding and practicing various communication strategies is crucial for physicians and health care workers to develop therapeutic relationships with COVID-19 patients. Addressing psychology in all people is vital during a pandemic and effective communication network is key to it. Effective communication, if ignored, will generate gaps for vulnerable populations and result in added difficulty in combating COVID-19 pandemic.
86 citations
TL;DR: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of DTx, its functions and applications in healthcare, and associated regulatory aspects, among others.
Abstract: With healthcare becoming digital, patients today are more empowered than ever before. As a result, digital health solutions have become the need of the hour to keep up with an increasing number of empowered patients participating in their own treatment decisions. Digital health encompasses various platforms and systems that apply technological solutions to enhance healthcare delivery. Digital therapeutics (DTx) is one such category of digital health solutions that provides evidence-based software-driven therapeutic interventions for the prevention and management of a medical disorder or disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of DTx, its functions and applications in healthcare, and associated regulatory aspects, among others.
70 citations
TL;DR: This article aims to the review the point primary care physicians in literature knowledge about cleft lip and palate to discuss introduction, epidemiology, clinical feature, etiology factor and management of cleftlip and palate.
Abstract: Cleft of lip and palate are most common serial congenital anomalies to affect the orofacial region . It can occur isolated or together in various combination and/or along with other congenital deformities particularly congenital heart diseases. .Patient with oro-facial cleft deformity needs to be treated at right time and at right age to achieve functional and esthetic well being. Successful management of the child born with a cleft lip and palate requires coordinated care provided by a number of different specialties including oral/maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, genetics/dysmorphology, speech/language pathology, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and other. This article aims to the review the point primary care physicians in literature knowledge about cleft lip and palate. A review of literature have made to discuss introduction, epidemiology, clinical feature, etiology factor and management of cleft lip and palate.
61 citations
TL;DR: There has been a steady rate of introduction of new drugs by CDER over the last two decades and Expedited approval of anticancer and biologics is seen as recent trend in drug development.
Abstract: Introduction: The discovery of novel drugs is critical for pharmaceutical research and development as well as for patient treatment. Repurposing existing drugs that may have anticipated effects as potential candidate is one way to meet this important goal. Systematic investigation and comprehensive analysis of approved drugs could provide valuable insights into trends in the discovery and may contribute to further discovery of newer drugs systematically. Food and drug administration (FDA's) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) every year summarizes novel drugs, some of which are truly innovative and help in advancing clinical care. This study was conducted to find a trend in drug approvals by FDA in the last 2 decades. Awareness of these new drugs amongst the primary care physicians is also crucial as they have been prescribing these agents in the past. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, we collected, surveyed, and analyzed drugs approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) from the year 2000 till 2017 identified from ClinicalTrials.gov and online database of FDA. Drugs approved every year were assessed for total number, class of drug, indication, and category of approval. Type of accelerated regulatory pathways and reasons for speedy approvals every year were also studied. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used for tabulation and analysis. Results: Total 209 were approved from 2000 to 2008. Out of these 9.09% were indicated for cardiovascular disorders and 12.91% for neurological disorders. Antibiotics (5.26%) and antivirals (5.74%) were least contributed, whereas anticancer drugs (11.96%) and biologics (7.17%) approval remained constant. Whereas, out of three hundred and two drugs approved during 2009--2017, 5.29% were for cardiovascular disorders, 9.93% for neurological disorders. Antibiotics (5.29%) and antivirals (5.96%) were least in number, whereas anticancer drugs (17.54%) and biologics (15.56%) approval took a steep rise in these years. Also, a wide variation in the number and category of approval was observed over a period of years. The use of fast track, accelerated approval, and priority review programs have also been steadily increasing since 2000. Conclusion: There has been a steady rate of introduction of new drugs by CDER over the last two decades. Expedited approval of anticancer and biologics is seen as recent trend in drug development. Relatively, slow progress in approval of drugs for neurological disorders (depression, psychosis, multiple sclerosis, etc.) and lifestyle diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc., were seen. These findings reflect more emphasis being laid down in research for anticancer drugs and biologics.
52 citations
TL;DR: This literature review will put some highlights in the epidemiology and etiology of edentulism, its prevalence, and the association with the social-economical factors.
Abstract: Considering the advancement of curative and preventive dentistry, edentulism is still a challenging problem for healthcare providers all over the world. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the main causative factors to teeth loss and eventually, if untreated, lead to edentulism. The socioeconomical factors also contribute to the edentulism as it has an association with education and income status. This literature review will put some highlights in the epidemiology and etiology of edentulism, its prevalence, and the association with the social-economical factors.
50 citations
TL;DR: India with 8.6% of tribal population is finding it difficult to bridge the gap that exists between tribal and non-tribal population in regards to healthcare, with increasing needs, an Expert committee on Tribal health has given recommendations.
Abstract: India with 8.6% of tribal population is finding it difficult to bridge the gap that exists between tribal and non-tribal population in regards to healthcare. Tribal population suffers triple burden of disease; in fact it is quadruple, namely, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, malnutrition, mental health, and addictions complicated by poor health seeking behavior. With increasing needs, an Expert committee on Tribal health has given recommendations with the goal to bridge the current gap in the health status of tribal people latest by the year 2027. An entirely parallel health system has been proposed with key focus areas, governance, and financing. To summarize and report the present scenario in terms of disease burden, health-seeking behavior, healthcare delivery system, and a roadmap for the future along the importance of primary healthcare in achieving it. Mere establishment of more health facilities cannot overcome the poor health of tribal population and so the role of trained manpower to deliver quality healthcare, in which case the role of traditional healers, local Tribal boys and girls comes in handy. It is high time and states should act swiftly to assess the needs, priorities of their own tribal population and set goals, targets to achieve the same through proven public health strategies.
48 citations
TL;DR: The clinical presentation, pathogenic mechanism, investigations, and management of oral viral infections are integrated into the article which will enable general dentists to develop critical thinking processes on differential diagnosis and management through a multidisciplinary approach with specialist dentists.
Abstract: Viral infections of the oral cavity usually manifest as either ulceration or blistering presentation of oral tissues. Oral viral infections are encountered in dental practice but received less clinical interest due to the lesser frequency of patients and diagnostic challenges. The clinical presentation, pathogenic mechanism, investigations, and management of oral viral infections are integrated into the article which will enable general dentists to develop critical thinking processes on differential diagnosis and management through a multidisciplinary approach with specialist dentists.
45 citations
TL;DR: The burden of alcohol consumption in context with its various harmful effects on the mind and body with a note on the alcohol policies in the country is focused on.
Abstract: One of the most important products of global addiction demand is an alcoholic beverage. In developing countries like India, alcohol consumption tends to be a major problem because of the various socio-cultural practices across the nation, different alcohol policies and practices across the various states, lack of awareness of alcohol-related problems among the community, false mass media propaganda about alcohol use, various alcohol drinking patterns among the alcohol consumers and the emergence of social drinking as a habit because of the widespread urbanisation across the country. Stringent alcohol policies are needed across the various states to reduce alcohol consumption, and alcohol consumers have to be educated about the various harmful effects of alcohol consumption and the effects it can have on their mind, body and soul. This review article focuses on the burden of alcohol consumption in context with its various harmful effects on the mind and body with a note on the alcohol policies in the country.
45 citations
TL;DR: The pathogenesis of NHL is described and some of the important NHL (Marginal zone B-cell Lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma) are explained.
Abstract: Lymphomas constitute the third most common neoplasm in head and neck region arising from the lymphoreticular system. Malignant lymphomas are divided into Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). NHL comprises approximately 5% of head and neck malignancies and displays a wide range of appearances comparable with Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are seen in the head and neck region, but extranodal disease, with or without lymph node involvement, is more common among NHL patients. Extranodal involvement includes the areas such as Waldeyer's ring (i.e., the tonsils, pharynx, and base of the tongue), salivary glands, orbit, paranasal sinuses, and thyroid glands. There are several classification systems for categorizing NHL out of which WHO classification for lymphoid neoplasms is mostly followed. This review describes the pathogenesis of NHL and explains some of the important NHL (Marginal zone B-cell Lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma).
45 citations
TL;DR: Major non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are discussed.
Abstract: The latest threat to global health is the form of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This new coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) started as a local outbreak in Wuhan, China but soon tightened its grip on human lives around the globe. So far, we do not have a particularly effective anti-SARS-COV-2 vaccine or antiviral agent against COVID-19. Across the globe, many research organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), United States are studying and testing various drugs and vaccines for their effectiveness against SARS-COV-2. Currently, the principle fighting tool being promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the prevention of acquiring SARS-COV-2 infection by following basic health hygiene rules and social distancing. We hereby discuss major non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
43 citations
TL;DR: The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic by the novel strain SARS‐CoV‐2 has dragged the entire world to its feet leaving people scared and anxious and little has been known about the mental health impact of NPIs.
Abstract: The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic by the novel strain SARS‐CoV‐2 has dragged the entire world to its feet leaving people scared and anxious. Starting in December 2019 from Wuhan, China, COVID‐19 has spread like rapid fire to more than 200 countries.[2] As of July 20, 2020, worldwide there are 14,686,829 confirmed COVID‐19 cases and 609,835 deaths.[3] COVID‐19 is challenging not just for its medical phenomenon, but also for its capability to affect the financial, mental, emotional wellbeing of the individuals across the globe.[4,5] National agencies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and many other organizations are promoting to follow non‐pharmacological interventions (NPIs) to combat the pandemic.[6] However, amidst the challenges of mitigating COVID‐19, little has been known about the mental health impact of NPIs.
TL;DR: Internet addiction was predominantly associated with depression and insomnia in university students, a rising concern among youth.
Abstract: Introduction: Use of internet has increased exponentially worldwide with prevalence of internet addiction ranging from 1.6% to 18 % or even higher. Depression and insomnia has been linked with internet addiction and overuse in several studies. Aims and Objectives: Present study has looked in to pattern and prevalence of internet addiction in university students. This study has also explored the association of internet addiction with depression and insomnia. Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study 954 subjects were enrolled who had been using internet for past 6 months. Information regarding pattern of use and socio demographic characteristics were recorded. Internet addiction Test (IAT), PHQ-9,and insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were applied to measure internet addiction, depression and insomnia respectively. Results: Among 954 subjects, 518 (60.59%) were male and 376 (39.41%) were female with mean age of 23.81 (SD ± 3.72). 15.51% study subjects were internet addicts and 49.19% were over users. Several parameters including graduation level, time spent per day on line, place of internet use, smoking and alcohol had significant association with internet addiction. Internet addiction was predominantly associated with depression and insomnia. Conclusion: Internet addiction is a rising concern among youth. Several parameters including gender, time spent on line, alcohol, smoking predicts higher risk of internet addiction. Depression and insomnia are more common in internet addicts and overusers.
TL;DR: How the U.S. is leading the multiagency effort to fight against this pandemic and the steps that have been taken so far are talked about.
Abstract: Currently, the world is facing its 3rd coronavirus outbreak of the 21st century, which has turned to a pandemic recently. Starting on December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei province, China. As of 31st March, 2020, more than 900,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported across the globe involving more than 200 countries. The first case of the United States (US) was confirmed on 20th January, 2020 in a 35-year-old male who had a travel history to Wuhan, China, before returning to the U.S. Since then, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread to all the 50 states of US, with more cases being reported every day. New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and California are the worst-hit states. As COVID-19 is growing, every day has been marked by novel developments and updates. We hereby talk about how the U.S. is leading the multiagency effort to fight against this pandemic and the steps that have been taken so far.
TL;DR: The ocular complications along with the several extracutaneous manifestations are common complications seen in psoriasis, and a complete understanding of ophthalmic involvement is important to the comprehensive care of patients with Psoriasis.
Abstract: Psoriasis is a disease characterized by the presence of papules and plaques over the surface of skin with variable morphology, distribution and severity. The lesions of psoriasis are distinct from these other entities and are classically very well circumscribed, circular, red papules or plaques with a grey or silvery-white, dry scale. In addition, the lesions are typically distributed symmetrically on the scalp, elbows, knees, lumbosacral area, and in the body folds. The oral manifestations of psoriasis may involve the oral mucosa or the tongue. The dorsal surface of the tongue shows characteristic red patches surrounded with a yellow white border. The relationship between eye lesions and psoriasis are the current findings in the literature. The ocular complications along with the several extracutaneous manifestations are common complications seen in psoriasis. The pathogenesis of exact relationship between these two is still controversial. Immunological studies have shown a positive relationship between T helper cells and uveitis. Various signs and symptoms of ocular psoriasis may be overlooked. Thus, a complete understanding of ophthalmic involvement is important to the comprehensive care of patients with psoriasis. Almost any part of the body can be affected in psoriasis, but the ophthalmic complications of psoriasis usually remain clinically subtle. This review highlights the various manifestations of psoriasis with their clinical sign and symptoms.
TL;DR: Nurse staffing norms must be immediately revised in the light of international norms and research evidence available in this regard to have true nurse-to-patient ratio estimation for hospitals in India.
Abstract: Optimum nurse-to-patient ratio is the concern of most of the nurse leaders globally. It has benefits both for nurses and patients; which is essential for patient's safety and quality of care. Some parts of the world such as California, USA, and Queensland, Australia has passed the law for the minimum nurse-to-patient ratio, which has scientifically found to be beneficial for the patients and healthcare system. Indian nurse staffing norms given by the Staff Inspection Unit, Indian Nursing Council, and Medical Council of India are developed through professional judgement models and are not updated. Five electronic databases were considered for literature search; in addition, grey literature and books were also searched. The primary outcome was to summarise exiting national nurse-to-patient norms and to find out the ideal nurse-to-patient ratio and nurse staffing norms as per Indian resources. It is concluded that nurse staffing norms must be immediately revised in the light of international norms and research evidence available in this regard. Further, there is a need for workload analysis based research evidence to have true nurse-to-patient ratio estimation for hospitals in India.
TL;DR: Findings of the review clearly suggest that a better understanding of factors causing dental anxiety and phobia will help preventing dental avoidance and providing better care.
Abstract: Introduction: Dental anxiety refers to a set of complex psychological issues bearing a significant impact in individual's lives reflecting in the form of dental visit avoidance, poor dental health status and decreases oral health related quality of life. Hence, it is imperative to consider those factors associated with dental anxiety so as to treat and promote better oral health. The review aimed to assess various factors associated with dental fear and anxiety. Materials and Methods: Literature search was done from Pubmed and Google scholar search engines to identify publications which explored factors associated with dental fear and anxiety. Results: Research evidence pointed a significant relationship of age, gender, maternal anxiety, previous dental experience, and number of siblings with dental fear and anxiety (DFA). Conclusion: Findings of the review clearly suggest that a better understanding of factors causing dental anxiety and phobia will help preventing dental avoidance and providing better care.
TL;DR: HS-CRP may be used as a surrogate marker for the disease severity in NAFLD even after adjusting waist-hip circumference ratio and HbA1C (odds ratio 1.311, 95% confidence interval 1.146–1.488, P < 0.001).
Abstract: Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important etiology for the development of chronic liver disease worldwide. Its pathophysiology includes chronic low-grade inflammation. There are limited studies on the association of inflammatory markers with NAFLD. Hence, in the present research, we aimed to study the association of one such inflammatory marker hs-CRP with NAFLD in north Indian population. Materials and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 100 subjects of either sex above 18 years of age, being diagnosed as a case of NAFLD on the basis of ultrasonography and age, sex and BMI matched subjects fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Anthropometric profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), HbA1c, and hepatic function tests were recorded. Results: The baseline variables were matched for age, weight, BMI, waist-hip circumference ratio, and blood pressure. The HbA1c (P
TL;DR: This present review paper systematically examines and summarizes the cognition related decrement in arthritis patients and identifies and explores the rates and types of cognitive impairment in RA.
Abstract: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis characterized by joint pain, stiffness, swelling and deformity. There has been plethora of researches in the area of rheumatoid arthritis which focused on immune system, genetic predisposition and newer treatment modalities. Researchers have also examined the cognitive decline, physical deficits and their interrelationship in patients with RA. Among several psychological aspects depression, anxiety and stress emerge as significant psychological co morbidity. RA is a multifactorial, chronic, inflammatory disease primarily affects physical functioning as well as psychological aspects. Pain, fatigue, duration of disease, disease activity and functional disability are very common in rheumatoid arthritis which is leading cause of psychological distress and functional disability. Various types of neuropsychological battery were used to assess the decline in specific areas like attention, executive functioning, visuo-spatial learning, verbal learning/memory etc. These functions were compared with other type of arthritis disease. Also, various other factors like depression, cardiovascular diseases, other systemic and chronic disease and concomitant drugs intake etc. also affected cognitive functioning in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. The objective of this review was to identify and explore the rates and types of cognitive impairment in RA. This present review paper systematically examines and summarizes the cognition related decrement in arthritis patients. Multiple research articles between 1990 to 2018 were searched. These reviews were evaluated and synthesized using a narrative and descriptive approach.
TL;DR: The authors have suggested a pragmatic pathway for providing safe and effective home oxygen therapy in the community setting based on the cumulative experience of members of the Joint ACAIM-WACEM COVID-19 Clinical Management Taskforce.
Abstract: Innovative solutions are required to effectively address the unprecedented surge of demand on our healthcare systems created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Home treatment and monitoring of patients who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic can be readily implemented to ameliorate the health system burden while maintaining safety and effectiveness of care. Such endeavor requires careful triage and coordination, telemedicine and technology support, workforce and education, as well as robust infrastructure. In the understandable paucity of evidence-based, protocolized approaches toward HOT for COVID-19 patients, our group has created the current document based on the cumulative experience of members of the Joint ACAIM-WACEM COVID-19 Clinical Management Taskforce. Utilizing available evidence-based resources and extensive front-line experience, the authors have suggested a pragmatic pathway for providing safe and effective home oxygen therapy in the community setting.
TL;DR: Asthenopia was found to be of non-negligible prevalence among this sample of university students and the importance of establishing awareness campaigns and encouraging the introduction of targeted screenings for asthenopia among college students is highlighted.
Abstract: Background: Asthenopia or eye strain is one of the major medical problems that students face during their academic years. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of asthenopia among a sample of university students attending various majors and to identify the risk factors for its development. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted on students attending various faculties at the American University of Beirut during the spring semester of 2019. Students were asked to fill a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that inquired about demographics, use of digital devices, symptoms of asthenopia, possible risk factors and protective measures. A bivariate analysis was performed to correlate asthenopia with the different variables. A multivariate analysis was then conducted to determine the extent of contribution of the different variables to asthenopia after controlling for confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of asthenopia was found to be 67.8% with blurred vision being the most reported symptom (27.0%). A bivariate analysis was used to assess the association between asthenopia and the following variables: demographics, digital device use, reasons for using digital devices, and preventive methods. Age, being a continuous variable, was analyzed using an independent t- test. For the variables that were found to be have a p-value
TL;DR: An attempt was made to highlight the use of eHealth to manage diabetes and hypertension which may act as a bridge to fill the gap between primary care physician and patient's amid lockdown and help physician to deliver comprehensive care for people suffering from comorbidities.
Abstract: People living with comorbidities especially chronic non-communicable disease (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension are at greater risk of acquiring severe form of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) infection known to be caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoV -2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to underlying immunodeficiency. The government has taken various public health measures to reduce the risk of infection, such as physical distancing, Information Education and Communication (IEC) messages regarding hand-washing, usage of masks, and avoidance of unnecessary travel including lockdown to combat the spread of disease. However, nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic has also confronted the existing health care system (clinician centric approach) for the management of diabetes and hypertension in India. Using secondary source of data from specific website and search engine a review was done for existing guidelines and literature focusing on the various components of self-care management (patient-centered care) and highlights the importance of self-care management education to cope up with twin pandemic of COVID-19 and NCDs. An attempt was also made to highlight the use of eHealth to manage diabetes and hypertension which may act as a bridge to fill the gap between primary care physician and patient's amid lockdown and help physician to deliver comprehensive care for people suffering from comorbidities.
TL;DR: Recent measures of Telemedicine adopted during the course of pandemic and its impact on public health in lower-middle income countries like India are reviewed.
Abstract: Telemedicine and related e-health facilities facilitate care from a distance through electronic information systems. COVID-19 pandemic is establishing telemedicine in the health care delivery system of countries. Telehealth is contributing significantly in health care delivery during the COVID-19 crisis. For mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19 or any illness, telehealth services might represent a better, efficient way to receive initial care and perform triaging. Telemedicine also has a significant role in screening for COVID-19 symptoms and delivering routine needs and follow-up care. The large-scale adoption of telemedicine in public health care delivery is still not visible in low- and middle-income countries like India. Adoption by patients and healthcare professionals is limited and their concerns need to be addressed to ensure its utilization in future of the care continuum. In the current paper, we aim to review recent measures of Telemedicine adopted during the course of pandemic and its impact on public health in lower-middle income countries like India.
TL;DR: Older age, presence of chronic disease, and having possible malnutrition were found to be significant predictors of functional disability among the elderly by applying the multiple logistic regression.
Abstract: Background Old age is often associated with functional decline and physical dependence, thus compromising the ability to carry out basic tasks required for daily living. There are very few community-based studies on functional disability among elderly, especially in India. This study was done to find out the prevalence of functional disability and associated risk factors among the elderly in urbanized villages of Delhi. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in two urbanized villages of East Delhi. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to record the socio-demographic and relevant personal details of the elderly (>60 years). Functional disability was defined as a disability in activities of daily living (ADL) or blindness or bilateral hearing impairment or a combination of these. Statistical analysis included simple descriptive analysis and tests of significance like Chi-square test. The multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of functional disability. Results Data were collected from 360 study participants. Around one-fourth (25.6%) of the study participants were having a functional disability. Older age, presence of chronic disease, and having possible malnutrition were found to be significant predictors of functional disability among the elderly by applying the multiple logistic regression. Conclusions Functional disability needs to be identified at an early stage using appropriate tools so that proper interventions can be directed to those who need it to ensure healthy aging.
TL;DR: Primary care workers are the first point of contact for patients and it is critical for this group of workers to understand the significant role of personal protective equipment and the importance of adhering to proper donning, doffing, and discarding protocols in epidemic control.
Abstract: Primary care workers are the first point of contact for patients. Therefore, it is critical for this group of workers to understand the significant role of personal protective equipment and the importance of adhering to proper donning, doffing, and discarding protocols in epidemic control. These measures are crucial in curtailing disease transmission and the overall containment of the contagion.
TL;DR: It is concluded that training and sensitizing individuals with diabetes will definitely help reduce morbidity of diabetic foot and hence the medical and paramedical staff need to spread awareness regards the same.
Abstract: Background and Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global pandemic. Among the spectrum of diabetic complications, diabetic foot is a leading cause of morbidity and hence awareness and education regarding primary healthcare inclusive of self-care pertaining to diabetic foot care is of paramount importance. Aim: The aim of the study was to educate patients of DM regarding the disease and its associated complications, specifically pertaining to diabetic foot care. Methodology: The study was carried out in three phases, first was to assess the diabetic patients related to their awareness on disease complications and diabetic foot care, through pretest questionnaire, the second phase was to sensitize patients and educate them on the same, the third phase was to re assess the knowledge gained by the patients through posttest assessment. Results: The study evaluated the absolute and relative learning gain regarding the awareness and knowledge of foot care among diabetic individuals. The absolute learning gain was 40.92% and the relative learning gain was 76.48% and normalized learning gain was 0. 88, the normalized gain was assessed to be high. Conclusion: The study concluded that training and sensitizing individuals with diabetes will definitely help reduce morbidity of diabetic foot and hence the medical and paramedical staff need to spread awareness regards the same.
TL;DR: Being a female, living with family members, and having a family history of COVID-19 increased the risk for anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder among HCW was noticeable during early CO VID-19 pandemic.
Abstract: Introduction: COVID-19 was labeled as a pandemic in March 2020. Healthcare workers (HCW) are confronting great mental stressors in coping with the crisis. In Saudi Arabia, research on the psychological effect of COVID-19 on HCW is lacking. Aim: To evaluate COVID-19 psychological impact on HCW and determine anxiety predictors to identify high-risk individuals. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on HCW in First Health Cluster Institutes in Eastern Province. An English self-administered questionnaire was adopted from similar research done in China. The original questionnaires were modified to meet the objectives of our study and suit Saudi sociodemographic differences. Generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale was incorporated to be the main tool for assessing the psychological impact. Results: One-third of HCW were classified as having anxiety disorder. In univariate analyses, the age group in years (P = 0.026), gender (P = 0.001), nationality (P = 0.033), and living with family (P = 0.007) significantly influenced anxiety disorder. However, in the multivariate regression model, gender (P = 0.004), living with family (P = 0.021), family history of COVID-19 (P = 0.022), and been suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 infection (P = 0.018) remained statistically significant when compared to anxiety disorder. Conclusion: During early COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety disorder among HCW was noticeable. Being a female, living with family members, and having a family history of COVID-19 increased the risk for anxiety disorder.
TL;DR: Nikolsky's sign has been a very useful diagnostic tool in cases of skin disorders like pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, etc., and when lateral pressure is applied on the border of an intact blister, which results in the dislodgment of the normal epidermis and extension of the blister.
Abstract: Nikolsky's sign has been a very useful diagnostic tool in cases of skin disorders like pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, etc., The sign is demonstrated when lateral pressure is applied on the border of an intact blister, which results in the dislodgment of the normal epidermis and extension of the blister.
TL;DR: Clove extract showed different antibacterial potential against all gram-negative uropathogens and activity for particular strain was found to be similar between isolates producing beta-lactamase and non beta- lactamases.
Abstract: Introduction: The present study was done to access the antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection. Methods: A total of 221 gram-negative uropathogens were isolated and screened for beta-lactamase (ESBL, MBL, and AmpC) production and further tested against ethanolic extract of clove (S. aromaticum) for its antibacterial activity. Results: Clove was effective against all gram-negative isolates but the best antibacterial activity was shown against Proteus species with 19 mm zone of inhibition, 0.39 mg/ml minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 0.19 mg/ml minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).Conclusions: Clove extract showed different antibacterial potential against all gram-negative uropathogens. Clove activity for particular strain was found to be similar between isolates producing beta-lactamase and non beta-lactamase.
TL;DR: Stainless steel crowns are the most successful restoration for multisurface carious lesions in primary molars and zirconia can be considered as an esthetic alternative in the future.
Abstract: Introduction: Stainless steel crowns are the most successful restoration for multisurface carious lesions in primary molars. The esthetics has been poorly accepted which led to the introduction of zirconia crowns. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical success, parental satisfaction, and child satisfaction of stainless steel and zirconia crowns in primary molars. Methods: Thirty healthy patients aged 6–8 years bilateral pulp therapy treated primary molars were randomly divided into two equal groups of stainless steel and zirconia crowns. Tooth preparation was done according to the manufacturers' recommendations depending upon the crown each patient would receive. All crowns were cemented with Type I GIC luting cement. Patients were evaluated at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 36 months. Results: Clinical success for stainless steel crowns and zirconia crowns were similar with no statistical difference between them. Zirconia accumulated less plaque than stainless steel crowns (P = 0.047). The parental satisfaction was high with both crowns. A highly significant statistical difference existed between the 2 groups in relation to the acceptance of color (P
TL;DR: Keeping in view the emergence of various diseases and the benefits of Piper betei, there is need that every effort should be made to revive this treasure of nature into the authors' daily supplement.
Abstract: Background: Extracts of Piper betel are used for the treatment of various ailments since ages due to its essential properties like antioxidant, anticancer, anti-allergic etc. In the present study antioxidant activity for Piper betel leaf extract and Eugenol was assessed. Eugenol was taken as marker compound. Methods: Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl radical and Reducing power assay methods were carried out for assessment of antioxidant activity of Piper betel. Results: The antioxidant activity for Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl radical and Reducing power assay at 1000 to 62.5μg/ml was performed. The antioxidant activity of Piper betel leaf extract exhibited the IC50 value for Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical >1000 whereas Eugenol exhibited the IC50 value 114.34± 0.46 and 306.44 ± 5.28 respectively, for reducing power assay (RPA) Piper betel leaf extract and Eugenol revealed the RPA value ranging from 0.44-0.08 and 0.53-0.12. Conclusion: The benefits of Piper betel have been mentioned in our ancient texts. Keeping in view the emergence of various diseases and the benefits of Piper betei, there is need that every effort should be made to revive this treasure of nature into our daily supplement.