Abstract: Background: The tobacco industry continually develops marketing strategies to reach potential new consumers. One of these strategies is marketing the cigarette itself through design appeals and flavours. Uruguay is the second country to implement plain packaging legislation for cigarettes in the Americas in 2020. This study aimed to explore flavouring and design features of tobacco products available near Uruguay schools immediately before the implementation of standardized plain package legislation, to monitor tobacco industry tactics.Methods: A fieldwork protocol was adapted from the one developed at Johns Hopkins University and implemented in fifteen neighbourhoods in Montevideo, Uruguay, across different socioeconomic areas. The protocol included surveying retailers near schools, purchasing tobacco, and coding per its characteristics.Results: Among the surveyed retailers, 86.67% sold flavoured cigarettes. Twenty-three unique tobacco products were purchased. Appealing design features were identified in 73.9% of the packs and 34.78% of the products were flavoured cigarettes. Flavoured cigarettes lacked the child protection warning in a greater proportion than non-flavoured ones. The most frequently found filter designs concerned the activation of flavour with capsule designs (33.3%) and features meant to imitate technological symbols that appeal to youth. Conclusions: This study shows an increase in availability of flavoured cigarettes in Uruguay immediately before plain packaging implementation. In countries developing plain packaging legislation flavour proliferation and modification of design features must be monitored and addressed. PubDate: 31 Jul, 2021
Abstract: Mass vaccination campaigns are still underway to help in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic but timely production and distribution of approved vaccines is becoming a major unresolved problem worldwide. Meanwhile some new generation of vaccines, developed based on the characteristic profiles of the viral spike proteins and when deployed in the planned mass vaccination studies in the UK were found to be highly effective, to slow down the rate of hospitalization and to save life, Where the use of artificial intelligence and newer technological tools in big data and patterns analysis, were instrumental that we could not do without. R PubDate: 29 May, 2021
Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) in the African sub-region, is still a public health problem, heightened by its synergy with HIV. Sputum smear positivity which is diagnostic indicator often gives a lower prevalence of the disease that may be give a false burden of the disease thus leading to varied treatment outcomes that may add to the vicious cycle of the magnitude of the disease. Thus, the prevalence of sputum positivity and co-infection with HIV; trend and treatment outcomes of TB were assessed. Methods: Secondary data of TB patients from 2012 (commencement of TB care at this centre) - 2018 at Faith Alive Foundation Jos, a renowned faith-based hospital with approximately with a large monthly patient turn-out rate. Software SPSS version 18 was used for data analysis. Results: Females adults were more affected; prevalence of sputum positivity/HIV co-infection were 15.1% (14% in adult; 1.1% in children) / 62.0% (57.4% in adults; 4.6% in children) respectively. The 7-year trend spiked in year 2015 and 2017, with an observed downward pattern in 2018 in all the ages. Cure after treatment was 6.3% (5.7% in adults and 0.6% in children). Conclusion: Efforts will need to be put into TB diagnosis considering the low sensitivity of sputum smear microscopy in instituting treatment. TB is still a leading opportunistic infection in persons infected with HIV. PubDate: 28 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Data analysis of online shopping platform, and With the development of online platform, more and more consumers will choose this convenient way of online shopping. This paper uses Spyder’s time-based model to mine the rating data of Amazon online shopping platform, establishes a neural network model, analyzes the connection relationship of each rating index, carries out descriptive statistical analysis on each index, obtains the correlation results between the impact indicators, and carries out fuzzy evaluation, analyzes the impact of each evaluation index on the product, and finally combines the product’s The relationship between sales situation and rating provides reliable product sales design mode for Amazon, and gives some sales suggestions, so as to enhance the product’s desirability. PubDate: 28 Jan, 2021
Abstract: Introduction: Vulnerable people with chronic conditions should be a priority of policy and interventions. Very often, however, they are hard-to-reach and reluctant “to come to see us”. This paper describes the intersectoral alliances used in the EU funded project EFFICHRONIC to identify and enrol hard-to-reach vulnerable populations with chronic conditions to participate in a self-care programme. Methods: The recruitment approach combined population-based and individual strategies. Vulnerability maps based on specific deprivation indices were developed to prioritize the intervention in those areas with higher vulnerability. Within those areas, potential participants were individually recruited following a variety of recruitment strategies. Results: To reach the vulnerable population, alliances with local and regional authorities, health services, social care organizations and civil society were generated across the EFFICHRONIC sites. As a result of this collaborative effort, a total number of 2.951 vulnerable participants distributed over the 5 European countries have been engaged. Discussion: Forging cross-sectoral alliances has been both enriching and challenging. Our key learnings from this experience include: create a persuasive vision; identify the right agents in the territory, the key people in the organisations and the influential leaders within the community; keep continuous liaison and communications, and ensure effective leadership.Conclusion: Our learnings can contribute to future improvements for policy and practice. PubDate: 28 Aug, 2021
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions in face-to-face learning, and the use of distance learning has affected all students and teachers [1]. There are a few quantitative studies conducted on the consequences of the COVID-19 virus and its impact on indoors environments such as university. In indoors environments with low ventilation, the virus has the capacity to linger for longer before being inhaled or falling to a surface, which could result in transmission. In enclosed environments, low humidity, air conditioning, and low UV light may all contribute to longer survival of viral particles. PubDate: 27 Jan, 2021
Abstract: The COVID -19 virus has profoundly affected everyone’s life, and students around the world are significantly involved in the changes occurred. With the spread and pandemic of the disease, educational institutions and centers were closed and higher education, especially medical sciences, were subject to changes. Medical education institutions took measures to increase the quality of distance education [1] and used a combination of teaching methods to create opportunities for brainstorming on effective distance education [2]. Therefore, strategies such as time management and critical thinking were used for students’ online learning [3] and appropriate communication, effective interaction, and efficient teaching were emphasized [4]. This article addressed the response of medical education for continuing distance education and stated the most important measures of medical education: PubDate: 26 May, 2021
Abstract: Various measures have been taken to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, most of which have been in the areas of trade and services. Universities and higher education have also been significantly affected because the gathering of students in enclosed places can spread the pandemic. Millions of students are currently affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Medical education provides treatment teams with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver appropriate health services. It has been severely affected by the epidemic, but the current emergencies have fortunately provided an incentive for educational innovation [1]. PubDate: 26 May, 2021
Abstract: The coronavirus (Covid-19), which has affected the whole world, has caused great problems to countries economically and sociologically. In this process, while many workplaces have had to stop their activities due to Covid-19, some sectors continued their activities. The closure of land borders and airlines led to more active use of the sea route. Therefore, the most important transportation sector has been the maritime sector. PubDate: 25 May, 2021
Abstract: In this paper, a deep neural network for the purpose of detecting COVID-19 from Chest X-Ray (CXR) images is presented. Since this pandemic has emerged worldwide , there is no large dataset available for it. So for its detection, care must be taken not to use methods with high variance. However, for a deep neural network to get acceptable performance, we usually need huge amounts of datasets. Otherwise, there may be issues like overfitting. To resolve this problem, we use the beautiful idea of transfer learning. Training a deep neural network with the idea of transfer learning on 2 available datasets on the web, we achieved a COVID-19 detection accuracy of 98% on about 1000 test samples.1(Use footnote for providing further information about author (webpage, alternative address)—not for acknowledging funding agencies.) PubDate: 24 Jul, 2021
Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease, and obviously many things about it are not yet known for sure. But, the evolution of knowledge about it is being very fast. From not knowing anything about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in early 2020, the scientific community has already managed to isolate it, sequence it, identify it, develop diagnostic tests and vaccines. However, as with any new epidemic, there are still many unknowns that will be resolved as it evolves and as scientists understand more about the behavior of the virus. PubDate: 23 Jan, 2021
Abstract: Sleep is an important part of the body’s recuperation and energy accumulation, and the quality of sleep also has a significant impact on people’s physical and mental state in the COVID-19 Pandemic. It has attracted increasing attention on how to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the impact of sleep-related diseases on health in the COVID-19 Pandemic. The EEG (electroencephalogram) signals collected during sleep belong to spontaneous EEG signals. Spontaneous sleep EEG signals can reflect the body’s changes, which is also an basis for diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Therefore, the establishment of an effective model for classifying sleep EEG signals is an important auxiliary tool for evaluating sleep quality, diagnosing and treating sleep-related diseases.In this paper, outliers of each kind of original data were detected and deleted by using the principle of 3 Sigma and k-means clustering + Euclidean distance detection method. Then, using the Adam algorithm with adaptive learning rate constructs the Softmax multi-classification BP neural network the model, and relatively high accuracy and AUC ( Area Under Curve ) values were finally obtained in the COVID-19 Pandemic. PubDate: 22 Mar, 2021
Abstract: In December 2019, the global health crisis caused by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) began in China, catching the world unawares and unprepared [1]. COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization [2], has infected now more than 125 million persons and caused more than 2.5 million deaths as of February, 2021 [3]. The efforts of governments around the globe to reduce the transmission of the disease led to a lockdown of communities and business closures [4] and caused significant damage to large portion of business activities. PubDate: 22 Apr, 2021
Abstract: The inference that this paper points out is that the stimulating environmental factor behind why the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic occurred in Wuhan is probably pollen from the plant kingdom. We started in 2003 to point out the epidemiological fact that Kawasaki disease is probably a Pollen-Induced Disease (PID) triggered by pollen exposure. Subsequently, we also examined the correlation analysis between the cyclical changes in pollen count and the changes in the number of new patients with respect to the incidence of 40 designated intractable diseases and 24 cancers and malignancies over a 40-year period, and were able to show a significant association. Since the 1990s, it has been reported that the number of pollen scattered in Wuhan, China is far higher than the number of pollen scattered in other parts of Japan, and is by far the highest in China. Before the COVID-19 epidemic began, it is conceivable that some of the allergic prone (allergic constitution) residents of Wuhan City, who have been exposed to large amounts of pollen in the spring and small amounts of precursor pollen in the fall each year, fell into a compromised immune state in November. Through a mechanism similar to the initial process of carcinogenesis triggered by pollen exposure, patients infected with the old coronavirus, which is a foreign substance, are thought to have developed a mechanism whereby the old coronavirus mutates (becomes highly toxic) in the host body in the course of their biological response to the virus. This supposed host response process (trick) allows the virus to expand its mutation at the genetic level, which is beyond the control of the host human, during the replication process. As a result, the virus will cause a situation (condition) that will lead to an infectious disease pandemic that can be transmitted from person to person who have not yet developed resistance. It is implied that within the host, a suicidal pathological process, costly to humanity, may be occurring in a process similar to that of individual carcinogenesis. PubDate: 21 Jan, 2021
Abstract: The PREPARE1 research consortium is a European Union (EU) funded five-year (plus) investigation (additional funding and aims were added), set up to assess public health and clinical preparedness in the event of an Infectious Disease (ID) pandemic. The project, initiated in 2014 represents an international, multidisciplinary investigation conducted by a range of research clinicians and social scientists, aiming (as a first phase) to identify key structural, behavioural and cultural barriers to the rapid implementation of large multi-site clinical studies in Europe (Work package 1, see EARL Reports)2,3. PubDate: 20 Jan, 2021
Abstract: Background: Listeria monocytogenes is one of the food borne pathogens that cause an illness known as Listeriosis upon ingestion of contaminated food. Outbreaks of Listeriosis have been reported in Canada, USA, Europe, South Africa, Ghana and other countries but there is limited data on outbreaks due to Listeria monocytogenes and its isolation from contaminated foods in Malawi. This prompted our interest to determine the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in cow milk from Goliati area, Thyolo district in Malawi.Objectives: To determine the presence and concentration of Listeria monocytogenes in cow milk from daily farmers around Goliati area in Thyolo district in Malawi. Methodology: Nine raw milk samples from three bulk centers and two processed milk samples were cultured on both Nutrient Agar and Brain Heart Infusion agar as primary cultures. A pure culture of Listeria monocytogenes was obtained by sub culturing the primary culture on Brain Heart Infusion agar media. Colonies from the pure culture were further identified using Gram staining, Catalase test, Motility test and Beta hemolysis test on blood agar to phenotypically identify Listeria monocytogenes.Results: There was a 100% growth rate of colonies suggestive of Listeria monocytogenes on all the nine samples. These colonies were observed to contain Gram positive, purple, short, rod shaped bacteria which was motile and catalase positive and it caused complete beta hemolysis on blood agar.Conclusion: In this study, isolates of Listeria monocytogenes were phenotypically identified in cow milk that is produce from Goliath Area in Thyolo district. This is a major public health concern for milk farmers and consumers in the area and beyond. The findings from this work calls for improved hygienic practices in the handling of milk and milk products to reduce contamination. PubDate: 19 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Less than a decade ago, patients diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) had no treatments other than pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic care. These palliative treatments were focused on managing symptoms and did not address the cause of the disease itself. Now, there are several FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs to treat SMA, which can stop or slow disease progression. In order to discuss the development of treatments for patients with SMA, the disease must first be explained in detail. PubDate: 17 Jul, 2021
Abstract: Background: Adolescents are usually strong and known for vitality but reproductive and sexual issues constitute challenges to their health and well- being. Sexual choices are controlled by interaction of factors surrounding the adolescents’ existence.Aim: The study investigated the pattern and factors affecting sexual behaviour among adolescents in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria.Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among sexually active adolescents at two Family Medicine Practice Clinics after obtaining ethical approval. Data was collected on sexual behaviour, socio demographic and family characteristics using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with SPSS version 18 and test of association was done using chi-square and multiple logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of sexual debut was 18.82 + 2.804 years, with age of onset being a year earlier among male respondents compared to females. Higher proportion of males (50.9%) had intercourse before age 16 and were involved in sex with multiple partners (71.2%). Females accounted more for inconsistent condom use (67.7%) and transactional sex (73.3%). Predictors of unsafe sexual behaviour were non- tertiary education (OR= 2.05, Confidence Interval: 1.096-3.848), lower social class OR: 2.721, Confidence Interval: 1.422-5.308 and conflict- oriented family types (OR= 1.894 Confidence Interval: 1.036-3.462).Conclusion: The findings showed different pattern of sexual behaviour among adolescents. Factors that predicted unsafe sexual practice were low education, poverty and family dysfunction. Ameliorating these factors will reduce risky sex pattern and related morbidities among adolescents’ population. PubDate: 17 Aug, 2021
Abstract: Background: School closures were mandated in response to COVID-19 as a nonpharmaceutical intervention. Influenza A was widespread in Wisconsin at the time of mandate, March 18, 2020, allowing its evaluation for influenza interruption. Methods: Daily percent positivity of influenza A among primary care patients who received a rapid influenza diagnostic test was evaluated throughout two influenza seasons while schools were open and closed. Results: Median deviation from baseline of percent positivity was significantly lower when schools were closed than when open (-2.25% vs 1.08%; H=7.84; P=0.005). Median deviation in percent positivity for the eight days following statewide school closure was -20.0. Discussion: Unprecedented closures of all Wisconsin schools was associated with a rapid decline in influenza A. Additional evaluations within other jurisdictions are warranted. PubDate: 16 Jun, 2021
Abstract: The crisis facing primary care practices across America is real on multiple fronts. The COVID 19 pandemic is exposing broad weaknesses in our healthcare system; those of us who work in this space are in crisis mode wondering if we will be able to survive until the end of the year and beyond. To understand how we got here I must take you back a few years. PubDate: 16 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Introduction: The pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) strongly affected the organization and functioning of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) departments in Europe, posing specific challenges in the management of diseases and their consequences.We aim to evaluate the changes suffered by Portuguese PRM departments in the scope of assistance, organization, training and research.Methods: A self-administered, cross-sectional online questionnaire was sent to 41 Portuguese PRM departments, regarding the assistance provided to patients with COVID-19, organizational changes and difficulties experienced on team management, training and research. Results: The survey had a response rate of 82.9%. The majority of the PRM departments assisted patients with COVID-19, mainly in the context of inpatient general ward care and intensive care units. Changes in the assistance activity and accessibility were reported by almost all PRM departments, mainly affecting the outpatient consultation. There was a reduction on the number of healthcare professionals reported, especially by transfer to other areas, and almost all used remote procedures, especially for patient reassessment, counseling, and monitoring. The majority of PRM departments highlighted the pandemic’s impact on the training availability, as well as in the applied research and publications.Conclusions: The pandemic triggered a complete overhaul of rehabilitation departments with significant changes in assistance activity, changing routines and programmed procedures, with a strong negative impact on scientific research and training. Outpatient consultations was the most affected area, while support for hospitalization and internal consultations remained mostly operational. The use of remote procedures was high, particularly in follow-up and counseling. PubDate: 16 Apr, 2021
Abstract: Rationale: The majority of pregnant women regularly consume caffeine, a habit-forming substance of no nutritional value for mother or baby.Objectives: To examine evidence of association between maternal caffeine consumption and childhood behavioural and neurocognitive development, and to consider the soundness of current health guidance concerning the consumption of caffeine during pregnancy.Methods: Database searches identified a large pool of peer-reviewed articles, which when culled for relevance yielded a modest corpus of animal and human research for inclusion in this focussed narrative review of potential caffeine-related threats to childhood behavioural and neurocognitive development.Results: High biological plausibility of potential harm from maternal caffeine exposure indicated by early animal research is confirmed by more recent animal studies that sought to mimic human consumption patterns. Reported negative outcomes include increased neuronal network excitability and susceptibility to seizures in offspring, and disruptions to electrophysiological activity, learning, and memory. In contrast, human observational studies have yielded inconsistent findings. Some studies have reported evidence of negative behavioural and neurocognitive outcomes, including hyperkinetic disorder, attention deficit disorder, and intelligence level in preschool- and elementary-aged children. Other studies, however, reported no associations with maternal caffeine consumption for similar parameters.Conclusions: Current understanding of caffeine-related increased risk of harm for childhood development is limited due to inconsistent findings from human research. However, persistent reports of possible negative outcomes indicate high priority need for further research. In the meantime, the cumulative scientific evidence supports advice to pregnant women and women contemplating pregnancy to avoid caffeine. PubDate: 15 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Introduction: Recently the COVID-19 Coronavirus-Disease-2019 caused by reinfection of the numerous new-mutant-coronavirus long-COVID-19-variant SARS-CoV-2, not only effects on global health, education, clinical research, economy, prolonged-neurological-damage, and total change of human civilization, but also its effects on some organs and tissues in Children causing the ‘Multisystem-Inflammatory-Syndrome (MIS-C)’ also, and the sixteen-months-pandemic have punctuated humanity’s timeline for hundreds of years, sowing panic, millions of infections (188) and killing 4-millions. Though the middle-and upper-classes now enjoying the vaccination, the minority, and low-income households, are really suffering. Still, the pandemic prevails, and the main objectives of the research are to find out suitable cost-effective community-biomedicines or universal vaccines by using high-diluted-form of turmeric extract with the help of local students Non-Governmental-Organization (NGO), and doctors.Methods: In the 11-slam-area, the community-biomedicine of high-diluted-form, Turmeric Extract (TE) or turmeric MT, made from the turmeric-rhizome, Curcuma longa L., is mixed @10-20 drops (1-2mg) /cup (100ml-150ml) of moderately-hot germ-free-drinking-water, administered orally every-day in the early morning (with an empty-stomach) once/day for thirty-days before illness-onset as a preventive measure, with no need to ethical consideration for the permissible doses and safety concerns, OR may be applied after the symptom-onset against present coronavirus infections as a vaccine, where COVID-19 patients in hospitalized, and also the dose could also be increased looking on the intensity of diseases, and age, just in case of treatment suggested by the doctors, and the young-local-students NGO, the “Burdwan-Green-Haunter-and-Students’-Goal”, take initiative for COVID-protocol, social-awareness- and treatment-camp with doctors.Results: The current preventive-treatment measures have shown that community-biomedicines of high-diluted-TE are more potent in preventing-pathogens by increasing-immunity against COVID-19 with the carcinogenic-free and ‘Multisystem-Inflammatory-Syndrome (MIS-C)’-free results in the 11-slam treated-area than another-control-area of Purba Bardhaman, and the NGOs are an active-helper in all respect.Conclusions: The easily-available, easily-suppliable, easily-applicable, side-effects-free, non-toxic, cost-effective, eco-friendly, easily-preparable, and the ‘MIS-C’ free high-diluted-potential-community-biomedicine, Turmeric Extract, maybe act as preventive-policy-developer-potential-21st-century-pandemic COVID 19 vaccine by achieving community-medicine-clinical-research-public-health-ecology-green-socio-economy-welfare-science-innovations-technology-communication-applications-issues-advancements. In new normal, it’d be the foremost important vaccines by applying the community-biomedicines of ultra-high-diluted-TE against day-to-day new virulent-coronavirus pandemics, and another multidisciplinary-health-disease suffering from COVID-19 improving community-immunity-or-herd-immunity also, and NGO act as potential-‘Social-Vaccines’ again, using biotechnology, biological researchers, biomedical-study-processes, and the final goal of future developing-potential-treatments and cures. PubDate: 14 Aug, 2021
Abstract: Background: Considering the prevalence of water pipe smoking among female adolescents and the need to identify the components and dimensions of such behaviors, this study was conducted to investigate determinants of water pipe smoking, use pattern, risk perception and environmental factors among female in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1302 adolescent females in Kermanshah city, western Iran, in 2019. The method was multi-stage sampling with a systematic random approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 22 software. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression analyses.Results: 32.4% of the participants reported ever water pipe smoking and 20.4% mentioned they used WP at the present time. 60 % of water pipe smoking believed that water pipe smoking is less harmful than cigarettes. 78 % participants believed water pipe smoking 1 h a day was not danjerous and environmental factors affect the tendency to water pipe smoking.Conclusions: water pipe smoking by adolescents is a multi-factor and multi-level phenomenon, and the major factors for their determining existat multiple levels of individual, interpersonal and environmental factor, which should be considered for intervention, prevention, an control of water pipe smoking. PubDate: 13 Sep, 2021
Abstract: Leaders give others a sense of direction and represent them in various forums. Leadership has existed for decades, and different authors have tried to define the term. One such definition is that “Leadership is a relationship that involves the mobilizing, influencing and guiding of others toward desired goals” [1]. To help leaders, scholars have developed different models to identify the best leadership style tailored to different situations. There is no single best style, and a leader must consider their personality, task, and group makeup to be effective. This paper narrates my leadership experience and examines how contingency theory and power sources can be applied to this experience. PubDate: 13 May, 2021
Abstract: The present work of analysis and research prepares, starting from the biological, clinical, socio-economic and political analysis, an effective intervention plan to eradicate the pandemic problem and its direct and indirect consequences. Passing through the analysis of the therapies and treatments suggested and recommended in case of Covid-19 symptomatology, it is then suggested an integrative clinical plan according to individual needs, to finally focus on the need for socio-economic-political intervention at the community and international level, with direct and immediate effectiveness, with the preparation of a single world currency valid for the pandemic period, a plan for total homestay functional to prevent the spread of infections and a common clinical protocol, suggesting greater attention to the hypothesis of biological therapy and convalescent plasma, waiting for a monoclonal therapy and/or pharmacological more aware and less negatively impacting on the right to individual health than the gene therapies/vaccines of which we do not know yet the medium and long term effects on human health. We analyze the individual critical issues related to vaccine/gene therapy that at the current state of the science: a) have effectiveness that is still lower than natural immunization and does not provide a lasting coverage over time, if not to the extent of 6-9 months to be repeated virtually annually like seasonal flu vaccines; b) do not provide safe immunization over time concerning potential new reactivations and variants of the virus itself. It is no coincidence that we have seen new positivity in subjects already immunized or with the inoculation carried out; c) do not guarantee certain data concerning individual health, in the medium and long term, as well as we do not know the degree of toxicity of the same; d) does not exempt the citizen from the use of the disposable surgical mask, from the social distancing and the hygienic-sanitary rules provided. Based on the evidence found and waiting to find out the fate of the use of convalescent plasma therapy and/or the effectiveness of monoclonal therapy, the most effective drug therapy appears to be the combination of dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, heparin (if the D-dimer is high) or salicylic acid (if the D-dimer is not high and there is a modest thrombotic risk), and azithromycin; desirable, if compatible with the clinical picture, the supplements of vitamins A, B (group), C, D and E, in addition to the use of prebiotic supplements, probiotics, omega 3-6-9, coenzyme q10, flavonoids (such as quercetin), glucosamine and lactoferrin, from the earliest moments of the morbid condition, both in preventive and in management phase of the serious patient, in addition to the necessary oxygen therapy support if the clinical conditions require it. PubDate: 10 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Introduction: The lives of children and women are the true indicators of the strength of communities and nations. UNICEF considers Child Mortality rate as the single best indicator of social development and well-being. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is one of the largest maternal and child health programs representing a symbol of India’s commitment to its children. The anganwadi centre (AWC) is the grassroot functionary of ICDS and the program is executed through dedicated cadre of female workers named Anganwadi workers (AWWs). Still India records high infant, child and maternal mortality rates. Also, frequent malnutrition related deaths in the state of Maharashtra has raised questions on the implementation of these programmes. This study was conducted to evaluate the functionality of Anganwadi Centres in terms of infrastructure and logistics and assess the satisfaction of Anganwadi workers.Methodology: This was a community based cross-sectional descriptive study in the tribal district of Palghar in Maharashtra. Universal sample of all the Anganwadi centres under the randomly selected PHC was adopted for the study. Data for the study was collected by using personal interview technique with the help of a semi structured questionnaire and by self-observation using a standard checklist. The data collected was analysed using appropriate descriptive statistics with the help of Epi info.Result: Only just about half of the AWCs were functioning in their own building. Among infrastructure and logistics, registers for record keeping was found to be most deficient (88.9%) followed by presence of electricity and baby weighing machine (77.8%). Availability of separate kitchen and storeroom and regularity of supplementary nutrition supply was seen deficient in 69.4% of AWCs. Growth card was the most available amenity (100%) followed by adult weighing machine which was present in 91.7% of AWCs and drinking water facility in 86.1%. Toilet was present in only about half of the AWCs studied.Among the various problems accounting for poor job satisfaction among AWWs, some of the prominent were, lack of own anganwadi building, inadequate space for activities, lack of teaching materials, problems in eliciting the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) due to inadequacy or irregularity of the supplementary nutrition supply, and absence of separate kitchen. Other problems faced were low government and community involvement, increased workload and a modest honorarium.Conclusion: Studies conducted across the country, has observed that various factors contributed to the efficient service delivery of ICDS. Our study exposes some key factors that affect the effective implementation of the scheme and the felt needs of its implementers at the grass root level. PubDate: 09 Jun, 2021
Abstract: There is a large body of studies examining parents’ economic influences on their children’s physical and psychological health [1-3]. However, few studies have addressed the impact of mothers’ economic resources on health outcomes specifically [5-7]. Additionally, women’s labor force participation is increasingly growing [7-9] and their roles in the workplace have a great impact on the labor market [10,11]. Thus, it is necessary to consider the influence of mothers’ economic resources on their children’s development, particularly regarding their physical and psychological health. PubDate: 09 Jan, 2021
Abstract: Despite a massive increase in private and public efforts over the last years, malaria remains one of the most salient global health concerns. The study adopted cross sectional and descriptive survey design to assess the prevalence of maternal malaria and its adverse fetal outcomes in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria from September, 2020 to March, 2021. The study population were 814 consented pregnant women in their reproductive ages (16 - 55years) who attended ante natal clinic or delivered of their babies at FMCO during the time of study. Data collection involved administration of closed ended questionnaire to illicit information on biographic data. Clinical assessments/examinations (laboratory investigations) of maternal peripheral blood, and fetal birth weight were utilized. Shortly before child birth maternal peripheral blood was obtained from each participant into sterile container for laboratory analysis. Statistical analysis of generated data was carried out using descriptive analysis and of percentages and presented using tables. Statistical comparisons and test of significance between positive and negative groups were calculated using the non-parametric Chi-square test. Differences were considered significant at P< 0.05. The study revealed that 65.6% had malaria during pregnancy. Malaria prevalence is significantly associated with maternal age bracket ( x2= 16.27; P < 0.05), gravidity (x2 = 14.9; P < 0.05) and level of education (x2= 24.69; P < 0.05). There is significant relationship between maternal malaria and perinatal mortality (x2 = 23.14; P < 0.05). There is significant effect of maternal malaria on perinatal mortality based on maternal age (x2= 40.11; P < 0.05) and gravidity (x2= 48.67; P < 0.05). An overall prevalence of preterm deliveries were 19.7%. There is significant relationship between maternal malaria and preterm delivery (x2 = 27.58; P < 0.05). There is significant effect of maternal malaria on preterm delivery based on maternal age (x2 = 49.2; P < 0.05) and gravidity (x2= 56.94; P < 0.05). An overall prevalence of low birth weight were 23.6%. There is significant relationship between maternal malaria and fetal birth weight (x2 = 34.06; P < 0.05). There is significant effect of maternal malaria on fetal birth weight based on maternal age (x2 = 53.82; P < 0.05) and gravidity (x2= 65.94; P < 0.05). The study suggests effective therapy since perinatal mortality due to maternal malaria was recorded in this study. Preterm deliveries and low fetal birth weight based on gravidity and maternal age groups associated with maternal malaria as identified is a call for program managers to make haste and implement new strategies for malaria control. PubDate: 09 Aug, 2021
Abstract: In our recent cross-sectional investigation, we found in sepsis survivors with persistent cognitive impairment a high number of patients who still suffer from Fatigue. This finding is of importance because Fatigue is highlighted as an associated long-term sequela after sepsis and therefore these patients require an appropriate rehabilitation therapy. The aim of this study was to verify whether sepsis survivors with both cognitive impairment and Fatigue show any alteration in brain structure. 19 survivors of severe sepsis (longer than 2 years post sepsis) with persistent cognitive deficits ascertained with a battery of neuropsychological tests with cognitive and motor Fatigue symptoms (according to two German Fatigue scales) were investigated with a high-resolution. T1 weighted image of the brain at a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner. The Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed using VBM8 toolbox. 19 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were also scanned with MRI. VBM analysis revealed significant gray matter volume reduction in sepsis survivors particularly in the lateral frontal operculum and anterior cingulate cortex. These regions are part of the cingulo-opercular network which maintains alertness. Gray matter volume loss of the orbitofrontal cortex is functionally associated with Fatigue. These findings emphasize that networks of structural brain organization can be altered with corresponding clinical symptoms and neuropsychological deficits after sepsis. PubDate: 07 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Purpose: This research aims to identify any recurrent psychopathological profiles in individuals who abuse tattoos and that, for this reason, the tattoo itself could be the manifestation of a specific symptom.Methods: Clinical interview and administration of the MMPI-II and PICI-1.Results: The research on a population sample of 444 people has shown a strong psychopathological tendency in the MMPI-II that is confirmed in the PICI-1 (TA version); in fact, the data are even more significant and expressive a precise psychopathological diagnosis of personality. In the male group with a percentage of less than 25%, at least three dysfunctional traits of anxiety, phobic, obsessive, somatic, borderline and antisocial disorder emerged individually. In the male group with a percentage between 26% and 50%, at least four dysfunctional traits of borderline, narcissistic, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually. In the male group with a percentage between 51% and 75%, at least 5 dysfunctional traits of bipolar, borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually. In the male group with a percentage between 76% and 100%, at least 6 dysfunctional traits of borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually. In the female group with a percentage of less than 25%, at least three dysfunctional traits of anxiety, phobic, obsessive, somatic, borderline and bipolar disorder emerged individually. In the female group with a percentage between 26% and 50%, at least four dysfunctional traits of borderline, borderline, anxiety, phobic, obsessive, somatic, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually. In the female group with a percentage between 51% and 75%, at least five dysfunctional traits of bipolar, borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually. In the female group with a percentage between 76% and 100%, at least 6 dysfunctional traits of bipolar, borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic and masochistic disorder emerged individually.Conclusions: On the basis of these data, it is reasonable to argue that as the percentage of body surface area covered by tattoos increases, so do the dysfunctional traits of a specific main disorder. In particular, the recurrent dysfunctional traits are anxious, phobic, obsessive, somatic and bipolar in subjects with less than 25% of the body surface covered by tattoos, while borderline, narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic and masochistic traits are more frequent in subjects with more than 26% of the body surface covered by tattoos. Comparing the data with the control group we reasonably come to the conclusion that the use of tattoos is not directly related to the presence of one or more psychopathologies, but if the use is massive this is a fairly robust indicator of the likely presence of a significant number of psychopathological traits of the same morbid condition. PubDate: 07 Jun, 2021
Abstract: It is not easy to recover the damage. India is now the second top country in the world in terms of total COVID-19 infection and recovering from COVID-19 infections. There have been comparatively lesser mortalities despite the high population of the country; which might be because of the predominant younger population, antibodies against the dengue virus, under-reporting of figures, and poor death reporting mechanism. The low testing rate of COVID-19 in India and dependency on the Rapid Antigen Test in some states have been a major downside. Reporting fast recovery of the cases and poor level protocol for testing have allowed the infection to go undetected and spread the disease.The pandemic has resulted in negative socioeconomic impacts in the form of deflation in GDP, unemployment, poverty, recession, and decreased global trade. Though the Government of India has taken plenty of measures to combat the situation, there are still many areas where improvement is possible. The World Health Organization is functioning in collaboration with the Government of India and is providing technical support to the other national Government bodies. Some states did well to control the coronavirus disease, while others could not properly deal with the emergent situation within time. India has promptly and adroitly managed the pandemic situation to an extent. PubDate: 05 Mar, 2021
Abstract: Starting from the general concept of “histrionic personality”, the present work focuses on the essential aspects of personality disorder that defi ne the clinical and diagnostic contexts, laying the foundations for a correct differential diagnosis, without neglecting the neural characteristics developed by the scientific community. The discussion ends with the best suggested therapeutic approaches. PubDate: 05 Jan, 2021
Abstract: Background: Globally, poor adherence to self-care practices in diabetic patients persist as major challenges with respect to public health concern. Maintaining optimum blood glucose level in diabetic patients requires proper self-care management focusing on diet, medication, regular exercise, and foot care. The aim of the study was to investigate self-care practices and predictors of self-care management activities among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Tanahun district of Nepal.Methods: Descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out among 139 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending outpatient department of two private polyclinics of Bhimad Municipality at Tanahun district, Nepal. The self-care practice was measured by the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Predictors of self-care behaviors were identified by using binary logistic regression.Results: Among the 139 patients, less than half (46%) had desirable self-care practice for diabetes management. Of the total, 89.9% had adequate exercise and 74.8% and had foot care management practices. The multivariate analysis showed that poor self-care practice was likely to occur among illiterate patients (AOR=2.950; 95% CI= (1.149-7.573); p <0.05) and patients with co-morbidities (AOR=2.801; 95% CI=1.121-7.002; p <0.05).Conclusion: Self-care practice of diabetic participants was considerably particularly in practice of recommended blood glucose testing. These findings recommend health care organizations and professionals to plan on behavioral change communication and education programs targeting diabetic patients in order to improve their self-care practice. PubDate: 04 Feb, 2021
Abstract: Introduction and aim: COPD is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and it leads to economic and social burdens at significant and increasing levels. We aimed to investigate the relationship between daily living activities and depression, anxiety and disease levels in patients with COPD in our study.Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with COPD were randomly enrolled to the study who admitted to the university polyclinics. Socio-demographic information form, mMRC dyspnea scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were applied. The collected data were evaluated by using statistical program.Results: In the study, 119 patients were enrolled, 94 participants were male (79%) and 25 were female (21%). Thirteen people (10.9%) who never smoked during their lifetime, 67 people (56.3%) who left the cigarette and 39 people (32.8%) were still smoking from the patients who participated in the study. There were 19 clinical cases (16%) and 100 (84%) normal cases for anxiety and 35 clinical cases (29.4%) and 84 (70.6%) normal cases for depression in the whole group. The correlation coefficient between the total score of daily living activity scale and anxiety was found as r: .289, and there is a weak level meaningful relationship between them (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient between daily life activity scale total score and depression was found as r: .259 and there is a weak level meaningful relationship between them (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient between total daily activity score and CAT total score was calculated as r: .552, and there is a moderate level meaningful relationship between them (p<0.01).Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that activity of daily living in COPD patients was weakly correlated with depression and anxiety, and moderately correlated with disease level of severity. We believe that anxiety, depression, and severity of illness affects daily life activity in COPD patients, even if they are weak or moderate needed to be treated with a holistic approach. PubDate: 04 Feb, 2021
Abstract: Study design: We performed a cross-sectional study of HIV-positive patients from the Lusigetti Sub-County Hospital’s Comprehensive Care Clinic (LCCC) to assess the adherence rate and potential barriers to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Methods: Forty two percent of the clinic’s adult patient population (102 of 243) was surveyed over the course of three months using the validated Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ), and ten additional questions (see appendix) to address barriers to adherence to HAART. Patient interviews were conducted in a private room, and responses to our survey were recorded without associated patient identifiers. Participation was voluntary, no incentives were provided to patients, and oral informed consent was obtained.Results: Fifty three percent (53 of 100) of patients were identified as adherent to HAART. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of adhering increased 2.8 fold with each level of greater perceived ease of access to medication refills (p= 0.0021). Conclusions: This study suggests patient adherence to HAART in Lusigetti Sub-county Hospital is much lower than expected based on previous patient viral load tests. Among the barriers assessed, poor access to medication was the only statistically significant barrier to adherence. Since other countries in sub-Saharan Africa have similar processes for HIV medication refill and delivery, effective solutions for optimizing medication access could be implemented across other African nations in order to increase HAART adherence and improve the control of HIV. PubDate: 03 Jun, 2021
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic is still a global public health issue. Little is known about the treatment, therefore prevention plays a vital role to guard the high risk group. Thus understanding the effect of perceived risk on protective behaviors among our population is essential. The study aims to assess the effect of perceived risk of COVID 19 on protective behavioral changes among adult population in Pakistan. A web based survey was administered to Pakistani adults. Convenience sampling was adopted to assess the knowledge, protective methods and perceived risk towards COVID-19 among the population. Descriptive Analysis along with stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis was performed.There were total of 185 respondents with valid responses. Risk perception mean score was 12.11 (SD=3.97) and the highest mean score was for risk of getting infection and risk of transmitting illness to loved ones that is 3.38 (±1.28) and 3.24 (±1.40) respectively. Avoiding people who are sick had the highest mean score of 4.25 (±1.02) among all protective practices. The linear regression analysis suggests that increase in one unit of risk perception is associated with increase in 0.39 units in overall protective behavior towards covid-19 after adjusting with other independent variables. Similarly, with an increase in 1 unit of knowledge is found to be associated with an increase of 0.045 units of in overall protective behavior (regression coefficient: 0.38, 95% 0.008-0.77) after adjusting with risk perception, gender and educational status. In the end, the study found that the risk perception along with gender, educational background and knowledge has significant impact on preventive behavior towards Covid-19. PubDate: 01 Apr, 2021
Open Access journal
[75 journals]
