Functional status of COVID-19 patients at discharge from acute care

<p class="abstract">Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem illness that can affect a person's mental and physical health exhibiting various physiological and behavioural symptoms. The long-term consequence of COVID -19 affects the quality of life of these patients. The quality of life depends on the status of the physical function. Hence the need to focus on post-COVID rehabilitation in addition to already existing acute care Physiotherapy. This case series, describes functional status of 5 patients at the time of discharge from the Tertiary Care Hospital. The evaluation is done on the day of discharge of each patient using six outcomes, namely Breath Holding Time, 1 Minute Sit to Stand Test, 6 Minute Walk test, Heel Raise Test, 4 Meter Gait Speed Test and muscle strength, to study the functional status. All the patients showed impairment in musculoskeletal capacity (one MSTS, manual muscle test, Heel raise test), functional capacity (6 MWT), lung capacity (BHT) and gait speed as compared to their normal values.This case series brings out the reduced functional status of COVID-19 patients in all domains of fitness at discharge. Thus, there is a dire need for Physiotherapy based holistic pulmonary rehabilitation even after discharge to prevent or delay the possible late manifestation of the disease.</p>

Role of platelet parameters and hematological profile in dengue positive cases

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Dengue is an endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and also in various parts of India. Recent evidence indicates that platelet indices can be used to assess the severity and prognosis of dengue. This study aimed to assess the role of the platelet indices-mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet to large cell ratio (P-LCR), plateletcrit (Pct) and hematological parameters like hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) with the platelet count in dengue NS1 antigen positive cases.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> An observational cross-sectional study conducted on cases of dengue over a period of 3 months admitted with serological positivity (NS1 antigen) in a tertiary care hospital, Loni. The platelet indices like MPV, PDW, Pct, P-LCR and hematological parameters like Hb, Hct were noted using Sysmex XN-3100 Automated hematology analyzer and compared with platelet count.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Relationship between various platelet indices like MPV, PDW, P-LCR and PCT and hematological parameters like Hb, TLC and Hct were related with platelet count. Dengue positive cases were inversely related to MPV, PDW, P-LCR, Hb and Hct and directly related to Pct. In the present study Pct, P-LCR, Hb and Hct were statistically significant in correlation with platelet count.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Pct, P-LCR, Hb and Hct along with platelet count can be used to assess the predictive outcomes in case of dengue infection.</p><p>.</p>

Perceptions of men on community and their uptake of health services on experiencing domestic violence; a cross sectional study from Kisumu County, Western Kenya

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The quality of life can be impacted negatively by domestic violence among partners. The community plays a major role in what they perceive could motivate or harbor health seeking services by men on experiencing domestic violence. Little is however known of men’s perceptions on community in relation to men’s health seeking. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the men’s perceptions on community and their uptake of health services on experiencing domestic violence in Kisumu.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross sectional study design of 438 participants was used. The study was conducted from July 2019 to September 2019 using self-administered questionnaires. Basic socio-demographic characteristics were collected and participants’ community perceptions and their uptake of health services on experiencing domestic violence were investigated. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the study population with frequency distribution tables used to show distribution of respondents by key variables, expressed as counts and corresponding percentages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents who participated in the study were 398 (90.8%). Descriptive statistics analysis showed that 58.3% of the respondents perceived shame, fear and embarrassment from the communities as barriers to seeking health services.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Health services offered to men should be target oriented with interventions in place to ensure men are well managed and advised on the importance of health seeking in the face of domestic violence. The results from this study calls for advocacy on the importance of community awareness in relation to health seeking especially by men on experiencing domestic violence to aid in improving their life.</p>

Authentication and identification markers for medicinal plants: I Aristolochia bracteolata

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Aristolochiaceae is a unique plant family that contains aristolochic acids (AAs), with around 600 species.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The entire chloroplast genome of <em>Aristolochia bracteolata</em> was sequenced in this work, and fourteen chloroplast (cp) genomes were retrieved from the NCBI database. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> We also analyzed six types of microsatellite markers among these species and found some different markers for each species. A molecular phylogeny based on 7 barcode regions i.e. <em>matK,</em> <em>atpF</em> to <em>atpH</em>, <em>psbK</em> to <em>psbI</em>, <em>rbcL, rpoB, rpoC2</em> and <em>rpoC1</em> is proposed for <em>Aristolochia </em>and 16 species from Piperales, <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> is taken as an outgroup. Phylogenetic relationships using concatenated protein-coding genes from Chloroplast genomes of Piperales using the maximum likelihood method is also discussed.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In the present study we are providing some unique markers<strong> </strong>and phylogenetic relationships among Piperales members which will help in identification, authentication, to prevent adulteration and further investigation of these medicinal plants.</p>

Vibratory stimulation in non-growing patients and its effect on the orthodontic tooth movement

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Objectives of the study were to determine the impact of vibratory stimulation in non-growing patients on the orthodontic tooth movement rate and to differentiate the orthodontic tooth movement rate in both experimental and control sides.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> 30 non-growing patients were selected for a split-mouth study with fixed appliance therapy orthodontic treatment undergoing bilateral first premolar extractions in maxillary arch. Type 1 active tiebacks were used to perform single canine retraction in all the patients. Vibratory stimulation was provided for 15 minutes daily with the help of Oral-B battery powered toothbrushes of 125 Hz frequency. Measurement was taken with calibrated digital vernier caliper clinically and OPG were taken at regular time intervals using grid method for the tooth movement calculation.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> P value obtained by statistical calculation shows non-significant results in both experimental and control sides in non-growing patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Cyclic loading in non-growing patients with fixed orthodontic appliance shows no change in orthodontic tooth movement in experimental and control group.</p>

Cyclic loading; its impact on the orthodontic tooth movement in growing patients: in vivo study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of vibratory stimulation on the orthodontic tooth movement rate in growing patients and to compare the orthodontic tooth movement rate in experimental and control sides.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>Split-mouth design study was done on 30 growing fixed appliance therapy orthodontic cases with bilateral first premolar extractions in maxillary arch. Individual canine retractions were performed in all the subjects with type-1 active tiebacks. Oral-B powered toothbrushes (125 Hz) were used to provide vibratory stimulation for 15 minutes per day (splits into 5 minutes thrice a day). The tooth movement was measured with calibrated digital vernier caliper clinically at various time intervals (T0, T1 and T2). OPG were taken at regular mentioned time intervals and grid method was used to calculate the tooth movement on OPGs.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Results were evaluated statistically and the p-value revealed significantly increased rate of tooth movement on experimental side as compared to control side.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The high-frequency vibratory stimulation along with fixed orthodontic appliance can reduce treatment time expeditiously in growing patients. Powered toothbrushes can use successfully for providing vibrations to enhance the rate of tooth movement.</p>

Ferritin and transferrin levels of the elderly population at Lagos State university teaching hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The elderly have limited regenerative abilities thus predisposing them to various diseases. Measuring both serum ferritin and transferrin serve as biomarkers of iron deficiency. This study, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determined the serum levels of ferritin and transferrin in the elderly. Full blood count was also done and correlated with serum ferritin and transferrin levels of every participant.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross-sectional study at the Geriatric Clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Following receipt of written consents from ninety (90) elderly participants, venous samples were drawn for full blood count (FBC) and samples for serum ferritin and transferrin ELISA assay collected and stored at -40^oC until the required sample size was obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Inc., Chicago, Ill). The Pearson chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. P value was considered to be statistically significant when &lt;0.05. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Participants consisted of 50 (55.6%) females and 40 (44.4%) males. The mean age of all participants was 71.31±7.38 years. The Majority, 90% (36 of 40) of the males had haemoglobin values lower than 13 gm/dl, while 66% (33 of 50) of females had haemoglobin values lower than 12 gm/dl. The mean ferritin concentration of all participants was 196.19 ±121.21ng/ml. The overall mean serum transferrin was 0.187±0.157 ng/ml with a minimum of 0.03 ng/ml and a maximum of 1.18 ng/ml.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Anaemia in the elderly is very common using the World Health Organization (WHO) haemoglobin cut-off values, however, iron deficiency anaemia prevalence is low.</p>

Effects of earthquake on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district of Nepal

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Senior citizens can face difficult situation in the immediate consequences of unpleasant disaster because of their physical vulnerabilities. Mortality rate of elderly is comparatively higher than younger individuals and are at risk of social isolation following natural disasters, as their reactions are not fast and they might be unable or unwilling to evacuate from their homes. To assess the effects of earthquake on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district of Nepal.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 115 senior citizens, Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 and the descriptive statistics were reported. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The study found that majority (94%) of the senior citizens stayed outside in temporary shelter after earthquake for more than a month (35%) with less than 5 minutes distance (70%) from an original house after earthquake. 35% of the respondents faced problem due to leakage of rain water and suffered cold while staying in temporary shelter after earthquake. Among the total respondents majority (92%) of the respondent’s house was cracked or collapsed after earthquake where only 30% of the respondents went for reconstruction or maintenance and majority 91% spend their own money from pocket for maintenance.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study found that shifting to temporary shelter after earthquake and loss of economy due to cracked or collapse of house after earthquake as a major effect on senior citizens of Shankharapur municipality, Kathmandu district after earthquake.</p>

Sociodemographic determinants of internet use and its impact on family planning behavior among young male in Ethiopia: evidence from EDHS 2016

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Internet was preferred source of health information to retrieve relevant information. The study investigated sociodemographic determinants of internet and its impact on family planning behavior among young male in Ethiopia, 2016.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was based on data from Ethiopia health and demographic survey 2016. The sample size was 4550 male youth age between 15-24 years include in EDHS 2016. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factor associated with internet utilization. The impact of internet use on family planning behaviors was assessed by propensity score matching using average treatment effect.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The magnitude of internet use in Ethiopia was 14% and factor associated with internet use included age between 20-24 years (AOR=0.60; CI=0.46-0.79), urban resident (AOR=3.94; CI=2.75-5.64), higher educational level (AOR=12.98; CI=2.69-62.66), lived in city administrative region (AOR=2.18; CI=1.46-3.28), respondent own mobile phone (AOR=8.00; CI=95.58-11.48), respondent who able to read whole sentence (AOR=4.04; CI=2.54-6.44) and respondent who has computer in household (AOR=2.03, CI=1.22-3.40) more likely to use internet. In other hand respondent occupation of agricultural and manual has 56% (AOR=0.44; CI=0.3-0.61) and 46% (AOR=54, CI=0.36-0.81) less likely to use internet. The average treatment impact of internet use on exposure to internet about FP, male condom uses and knowledge about FP increase by 12%, 7.2% and 4.5% percent point respectively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In spite of fast-growing nature of internet and popularity among youth people. In the future, integrating health information to different platforms on the internet will be a most effective way of health promotion.</p>

Socio-demographic determinants influencing health seeking behavior by men experiencing intimate partner violence in Kisumu municipality informal settlements, Kenya

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Socio demographic characteristics are key factors in the health seeking by men experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). A recent study in Kenya showed that 9% of men experience spousal violence with no reports showing their health seeking behavior. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants on health seeking by men experiencing IPV in Kisumu municipality informal settlements.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From a target population of 81,882 adult males, 438 adult males aged 18 to 54 years were included in the study from Kisumu municipality informal settlements. Questionnaires were administered to the study participants. Frequency tables expressed as counts and corresponding percentages; chi square test and multiple regression analysis were used in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>With 398 responding to the survey, there was 90.8% response rate.<strong> </strong>Findings showed that 72.4% of the respondents have experienced IPV, out of whom only 19.8% sought health services. Results of socio-demographic characteristics showed that married wage-earning men of ages 18-35 years with secondary and above level of education sought health services when experiencing IPV.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study established that health seeking in men when experiencing IPV is low despite the fact that it could be life-threatening. Interventions are thus required that would help address men’s cases when faced with any form of violence.</p>