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Domiciliary Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition

Abstract:

Background

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is rampant in the children of hilly and inaccessible tribal region of Nandurbar, Maharashtra in India. It is estimated that nearly 5% of the children under five years have SAM.

Objectives

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of 3 types of nutrition protocols administered largely at home in SAM children from Nandurbar, Maharashtra.

Methodology

This study is a part of a larger three arm open label trial using 3 therapeutic feeds i.e. C-RUTF (Centrally produced ready to use therapeutic food), L-RUTF (locally prepared ready to use therapeutic food) and ARF (locally prepared amylase rich food) in children of SAM who attended the health facility and completed the treatment protocols for 8 w...

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Analyzing Students’ Opinions about their Learning Environments and Study Approaches with Bayesian Modeling

Abstract:

Our own long term experiences as clinical teachers among undergraduate medical students have generated the interest to investigate the plausible connection between students’ study orientation and their learning experiences in small groups.The objective of the study was to assess the hypothesis whether learning in small groups may contribute to study motivation.

Participants were 52 undergraduate medical students (10-12 in each group) in the primary health care course between 1st and 5th year during the spring term 2012. The questionnaires used were the Inventory of General studies (IGSO) for study orientation and IQ questionnaire for group learning. The data were analyzed by Bayesian network modeling.

In this study, the application used was the Bayminer (www.BayMiner.com) non-linear visualization modeling software.

Positive atmosphere in a small group increases study motivation and commitment and predicts mutual trust...

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Inguinal Hernia: A Probable Complication of Urinary Schistosomiasis in School Age Male Children in an Area Highly Endemic for Schistosoma Haematobium in Zambia.

Abstract:

Introduction

Schistosoma haematobium infection is acquired early in life with the peak prevalence and intensity of infection occurring in the second decade of life in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to establish any association between S. haematobium infection and development of inguinal hernia in school age children in a S. haematobium highly endemic area in Zambia.

Methodology

An analytical study was conducted at St Paul’s Mission Hospital, Nchelenge, Luapula province, Zambia. Hospital operating theatre records were reviewed for inguinal hernia repair operations in school age children.

Results

There were 45 inguinal hernia repair operations conducted ...

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MicroRNA: New Era for Therapeutic Strategy in Ischaemic Heart Disease

Abstract:

Over the last few decades, many research works highlighted the role of miRNAs on cardiac diseases. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary heart disease is a condition that is mainly caused by atherosclerosis. It has been established that microribonucleic acids regulate many factors that are involved in the development and pathophysiology of IHD. As a result, there are great potential opportunities for miRNAs to be used as a biomarker for disease differentiation, as well as novel drug targets or therapeutics for the treatment and also as a diagnostic approach. As it is now evident that miRNAs play critical roles in the disease mechanisms, this review article tried to focus on the pathway, in which; the miRNAs stimulate the IHD to develop. By understanding the mechanisms, it will be possible to present a complete strategy of IHD treatment and also solving all the impediments that are highlighted in this article. Still, there are a number of limitations and obst...

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Government Sponsored Health Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Spending Among Elderly in Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

We aimed to find the population coverage, health service utilization and out-of-pocket spending among the elderly who are insured under Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), Kerala through a longitudinal study of 600 non-rich households for nine months. The study found that only 57.7% the elderly were insured under CHIS which is lower than the population average of 80%. Single elderly from a socially backward caste, living alone in kutcha or semi-pucca houses were excluded from CHIS. Even though insured elderly had more episodes of hospitalization, only 38.4% of the elderly could make use of CHIS smart card for payment during hospitalization and 43.6% of the episodes were covered by CHIS. The mean indirect out-of-pocket expenses among insured elderly who had used smart cards for hospitalization (INR 7679.25) was higher than that for the un-insured (INR 4455.26), p = 0.027. The mean monthly drug expenditure (INR 1105.09) wa...

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Embryogenesis and Applications of Fingerprints- a review

Abstract:

Fingerprint is an impression made by the friction ridges that are almost parallel at constant crest to crest wavelength. The pattern is dominated by central features, such as whorls, loops, arches and triradii. Fingerprints have been used for several decades in forensic and medical sciences. The fingerprints characteristics such uniqueness, consistency and universality are the main features that are used by forensic experts in identification processes, are well developed during intra-uterine life. Understanding embryogenesis of fingerprints is essential in linking its features to some disease conditions. The purpose of this review was to highlight information regarding establishment, formation, hypotheses and factors affecting fingerprints. Applications of the fingerprints in forensic and medical sciences were also highlighted. Both environmental (in utero) and genetic factors have role to play in the formation of the fingerprints. The primary role of fingerprints...

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The Role of Helmet Use on Severity and Pattern of Maxillofacial Injuries Among Motorcycle Crash Victims Attending Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Abstract:

The objective of the study was to establish the role of helmet use on severity and pattern of maxillofacial injuries among motorcycle crash victims attending Mulago Hospital. This was descriptive cross sectional case series study using a questionnaire in form of an oral interview, clinical examination and review of medical records of the patients. The pattern of injuries was assessed based on the demarcated regions of the face. The severities of the injuries were scored using the Facial Injury Severity Scale. The data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. There were 105 participants (male/female: 97/8) aged 15 to 63 years. Most participants (n= 74, 70.5%) were riders and the rest were passengers. There were no female riders. Most participants were from Kampala and surrounding districts. Overall, 35.2% of the participants had helmets: 50% of the riders and 0% of the passengers. About 73% o the participants used Three Quarter Shell helmet design. There was no sig...

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Nurses Working with Unlicensed Assistive Personnel: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract:

Objective.

To describe the attitudes and behavior of registered nurses in their professional interaction toward unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) and to identify areas to develop policy for an effective nursing development and workforce planning.

Background:

One of the challenges health care systems have been addressing is the integration of the UAPs into the nursing care delivery systems.

Study Design:

Aphenomenological study involving registered nurses, staff and managerial positions. Data were collected using an in-depth semi-structured interview.

Findings:

Nurses report an increased task management workload...

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Facilitators and Barriers to Health Care Access among the Elderly in Tanzania: A Health System Perspective from Managers and Service Providers.

Abstract:

Tanzania is among the developing countries experiencing rapid growth of an ageing population, which has an implication in healthcare expenditure especially in resource poor settings where majority of elderly people cannot afford to pay for the cost of accessing health services. The country has developed the Tanzania National Health Policy (2007) and National Ageing Policy (2003), which, among other things, recognize the importance of having a healthcare system that provides free basic services to the vulnerable elderly population.

This study aimed at exploring health service providers’ and managers’ perspectives on the factors facilitating or prohibiting access to health services among elderly people in Tanzania.

The study adopted a qualitative approach and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. A total of 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with district healthcare managers, heads of public healthcare facilitie...

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Colorectal Carcinogenic Pathways and Chemotherapeutic Responsiveness : A Review

Abstract:

This review synthesizes key molecular pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis and relates them to differential chemotherapeutic responsiveness. It discusses mismatch repair, chromosomal instability, and serrated pathways, linking biomarkers to therapeutic decision‑making.

...

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