Background: The healthcare profession has been associated with stress which has been found to affect nutritional status.
Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the perceived stress-nutritional status nexus of healthcare professionals in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 414 healthcare professionals. The study sample was obtained by using a two-stage cluster sampling approach. Data on socio-demographic and meal pattern was collected through a pretested self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was obtained from height and weight measurements and classified as underweight (BMI<18.5), normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.99), overweight (BMI=25.0-29.99), obesity (BMI≥30). Perceived stress was evaluated using the perceived stress scale version 10 (PSS-10). Data were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 and subjected to Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to establish relationship and predictors of perceived stress at 5% level of significance. The healthcare professionals’ age was 35.91±9.31 years with 86.2% being ≤ 45 years and 60% were females. Two meals a day were taken by 85.7%. BMI showed 49.3% to be overweight/obese. The mean perceived stress score was 15.02 with 47.6% having high perceived stress. Age (p=0.016), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001) and professional group (p=0.048) had significant relationship with perceived stress. The association between BMI and perceived stress was not significant (Chi-square = 0.562; p=0.905). Predictors of stress were gender (OR: 0.505, CI=0.308-0.830; p=0.007) and marital status (OR: 1.914, CI=1.143-3.208; p=0.014).
Conclusion: The study showed high level of obesity and perceived stress. Nutrition education intervention is recommended.
Background: Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function.
Purpose: The present study focuses on the effects of Thymosin alpha 1 on Body weight, Paw weight, paw volume and arthritic score of Collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats.
Methods: The wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: nor-mal control, arthritic control, CIA+Ta-1 0.25mg/kg, CIA+Ta-1 0.5mg/kg and CIA+Ta-1 mg/kg. The collagen and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered via the intraplantar route to the experimental rat subjects. Prior to the administration of collagen and LPS, the initial paw volume was measured, and the body weight was duly document-ed. The administration of the treatment occurred on the first, third, and fifth days. On the completion of the dosing period, specifically on the fifteenth day, the final body weight was duly recorded. The measurements of paw volume, paw weight, Body weight and arthritic score were duly recorded.
Results: Following with the administration of Thymosin alpha-1 the arthritic rats shown significantly reduce the severity of arthritis by decreasing the symptoms of arthritis.
Conclusions: Thymosin alpha-1 has shown a promising effect of the reduction in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and hence it can be a better therapeutic candidate of future for the management of RA. The more detailed analysis of the mechanistic study may provide a better understanding
Background: To assess the effectiveness of clinic-based vision therapy in adults with non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2021 at a tertiary eye care center in Southern India. Elec-tronic medical records of adults aged 30 years and above diagnosed with non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies, and who underwent a mini-mum of five sessions of clinic-based vision therapy (VT), were reviewed. Clinical parameters of vergence and accommodation were analyzed pre and post-therapy.
Results: A total of 44 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study, with a mean (SD) age of 36 (±6) years. The partic-ipants were categorized into two groups based on the completion of either five sessions (Group A) or ten sessions (Group B) of vision therapy (VT). The overall median (IQR) for near phoria was -4 (-8 to 0) PD, the near point of convergence break point was 8 (4 to 12) cm, fusional conver-gence amplitude for near was 25 (14 to 30) PD, and binocular accommo-dative facility and amplitude were 3 (0 to 6) cpm and 9 (7 to 10) D, respectively.
Conclusion: Clinic-based vision therapy is efficacious in managing non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies in adult
Background: Stress is one of the most prevalent psychological conditions globally. However, healthcare students are at an increased risk of psy-chological distress as compared to the normal population. Medical/Dental training is considered a stressful experience for students as they face a wide range of challenges related to their lengthy curriculums, patient care, and pursuit of academic excellence.
Purpose: To assess the prevalence of perceived stress levels and associ-ated risk factors among undergraduate dental students
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 under-graduate dental students to assess their perceived stress using the Modi-fied version of the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Most dental students reported mild stress related to most of the academic and clinical components in the questionnaire. However, a higher percentage of pre-clinical students reported moderate and severe stress (37.5% & 14.1% respectively) as compared to clinical year students (6.8% and 1.5% respectively) with p>0.05. The major risk factors causing stress were competitiveness among peers, the pressure of the assessments, and the inability to balance the clinical and academic workload.
Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students were found to be under stress due to a range of factors. The faculties need to identify and alleviate such stress among students through support systems
Background: In 2015, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and recommended its member countries to create their own action plans on the subject. Following the launch of India’s National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR in 2017, Indian states- Kerala, NewDelhi and Madhya Pradesh consequently developed their action planswhileother states are in the process of developing their own action plans on AMR. The present study is an attempt to compare NAP-AMRIndia and three state’s AMR action plans.
Objectives: “To study the similarities and variations among National and State Action Plans (SAPs) on AMR in India”. Methodology:Areview of India’sNAP-AMR and the SAPs-AMR of three states (Kerala, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh) has been conducted to document the similarities and variations among these plans. Apart from AMR action plans other relevant documents obtained from Google, and National Centre for Disease Control, India were used.
Result: All strategic priorities of SAP-AMR of Kerela, New-Delhi and Madhya Pradesh are similar to NAP-AMR of India. Focus areas under strategic priorities of three state action plans are well aligned to the National Action Plan. Though suggested activities under various focus areas are more or less similar among state and national action plans, however each state action plan has introduced some of the unique activities under some focus areas. All the three State Action Plans are having well-defined monitoring and evaluation frameworks akin to National Action Plan, India.
Conclusion: So far only three Indian states have launched their sate action plans on AMR following the lauch of National action plan of India on AMR in the year 2017. The findings of this study may be useful for the experts while developing the state level action plans on AMR formulating antimicrobial policy and research etc
Background: The present study evaluated the fertilization outcomes by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique with oligoastheno-zoospermic (OAZ) compared to normozoospermic (NZ) semen.
Purpose: To find the fertilizing capability of human sperm in oligo-asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples.
Methods: Fresh semen ejaculates belonging to NZ and OAZ groups (n=50 in each group) patients attending the infertility clinics were evalu-ated for semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm concentration. Ferti-lization rates with ICSI along with post-capacitation motility and con-centration were studied in both groups.
Results: The motility and concentration in fresh semen samples patients of the NZ group (32.44±1.50%, 71.96±6.45 M/ml, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to the OAZ group (26.76±1.38, 10.31±0.48 M/ml, respectively).However, the results of our study re-vealed similar fertilization rates in-vitro by ICSI in the NZ (98%) and OAZ (98%) groups.
Conclusion: The in-vitro processing by the ICSI technique is an effective approach to achieving good fertilization rates in sub-fertile males.
Background: Instrumented gait analysis is now increasingly used in clinical decision-making scenarios, as a marker of disease progression, as an early indicator of motor dysfunction, as a differentiating feature for diseases with same phenotype presentation and as an outcome measure for effect of interventions. This is particularly relevant for motor dysfunction in rare inherited neurological disorders which often result in gait impairment.
Purpose: Several rare diseases have variable presenting features primarily manifesting as reduced quality of life and impaired function. We aim to investigate the role of gait analysis in the diagnosis of these disorders as it is often difficult and complex.
Methods: This is a retrospective observational analysis of quantitative gait parameters of a 15-year-old male presenting with features of mitochondrial dysfunction, and our analysis of gait-related parameters before exercise, post exercise and in recovery phase.
Results: The results depicted a few significant changes in gait analysis pattern post exercise which improved in recovery phase hinting at the potential use of gait analysis in such disorders particularly metabolic disorders. This study aims to bridge this gap by presenting three-dimensional gait parameters of a case with mitochondrial disorders and to explore its utility.
Conclusions: 3D gait analysis may prove to be an adjunct in the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of rare neuromuscular diseases. It holds potential for diagnosing subtle changes in gait and quantifying the effect of treatment and rehabilitation on gait and hence functional abilities of the patients
Background: The intricate relationship between iron metabolism and diabetes mellitus has become a subject of increasing interest, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that iron plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Spe-cifically, the impact of iron on β-cell function has emerged as a critical area of study. Β cells, located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, are responsible for insulin synthesis and secretion.
Purpose: Understanding how iron influences these vital cells is crucial for unraveling the complexities of diabetes development and progression.
Methods: This review synthesizes current literature on the interaction between iron and β-cell function, exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this relationship. We conducted a systematic search of databases, including PubMed and Scopus, to identify relevant studies published up to the present date. Articles were selected based on their focus on iron homeostasis, β-cell function, and their implica-tions for diabetes pathophysiology.
Results: Iron is an essential micronutrient that participates in various cellular pro-cesses, including energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation. In β cells, iron is intricately involved in insulin synthesis, folding, and maturation. However, an imbalance in iron homeostasis can lead to oxidative stress, mitochon-drial dysfunction, and impaired insulin secretion. The reviewed literature provides compelling evidence that alterations in iron levels can adversely affect β-cell func-tion, contributing to the development and progression of diabetes. Excess iron has been associated with increased oxidative stress within β cells, leading to damage and dysfunction. Furthermore, iron-induced ROS may activate inflammatory pathways, promoting β-cell apoptosis and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. Conversely, iron deficiency may also impact β-cell health.
Insufficient iron availability can com-promise the efficiency of insulin synthesis and secretion, potentially contributing to glucose dysregulation. Iron-deficient conditions may lead to alterations in cellular energy metabolism, further exacerbating the vulnerability of β cells to stressors.
Conclusions: Understanding the nuanced interplay between iron and β-cell function has implications for diabetes management. Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating iron levels, such as iron chelation or dietary interventions, hold promise for preserving β-cell health and improving glycemic control. This review underscores the intricate relationship between iron and β-cell function, providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes. Whether through excess or deficiency, iron significantly influences the health and function of β cells, shaping the landscape of diabetes development. Further research is warranted to delineate the precise mecha-nisms involved and to explore targeted interventions that may harness the therapeutic potential of modulating iron levels in diabetes management.
Background: This study examines the influence of yellow filter on the contrast sensitivity function in individuals with high myopia. Through a comprehensive analysis, we explore the potential enhancement of visual perception and contrast sensitivity in this population. The findings con-tribute to our understanding of effective interventions to optimize visual outcomes for high myopes.
Purpose: A cross-sectional study was conducted where thirty-four (n=34) healthy young subjects (age range 17-25 years old) having high myopia (SER ≥ 6.00D) without any ocular pathology. Contrast sensitivity func-tion (CSF) was assessed using the Functional Acuity Contrast Test (FACT). First, the CSF was measured without the filter (baseline) then immediately after using a yellow filter (50% transmittance) and then after five minutes of adaptation of the yellow filter. The room illumination was constant at 150lux across all the subjects.
Results: One-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that there was no statistically significant difference in contrast sensitivity function for spa-tial frequencies 1.5cpd, and 12cpd. However, there was a statistically significant difference in contrast sensitivity for spatial frequencies 3cpd; F(1.46, 48.20) =28.80, 6cpd; F (1.44, 47.43) =39.99 and 18cpd F (1.53, 50.47) = 44.26.
Conclusion: There was an improvement at the moderate and high spatial frequencies (3cpd, 6cpd and 18cpd) but no changes were found at other spatial frequencies. This shows that yellow filter can help to improve the contrast sensitivity function in high myopes at moderate and high spatial frequencies
Background: India, the country with the most diabetics in the world with over 62 million diabetics. As increase in diabetes which is directly proportional to increase number of diabetic retinopathies in future
Aim: To evaluate the visual performance of diabetic retinopathy patients after ocular treatment with various LED lights
Methodology: This experimental investigation comprised 35 diabetic retinopathy patients treated with laser treatment or Anti-VEGF medication. On the basis of MN Read guidelines, participants with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 1.3 Log MAR and -0.5 Log MAR were included in the research. The comprehensive optometric assessment comprised a detailed medical history and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and near. The patient’s reading performance was next evaluated with MN Read acuity in three light circumstances, i.e., normal room illumination, an overhead projection of white LED and yellow LED, and constant 400 lux intensity
Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.6 ± 6.44 years. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA for comparison of reading and functional performance under normal room illumination, white LED and yellow LED in diabetic retinopathy patients’ post-treatment. The scores derived from this analysis showed that there is no significant difference between reading performance, functional performance, and different illumination (p=0.05)
Conclusion: Present study conclude that lighting had no influence on reading performance (Critical print size, reading speed, and reading acuity) and functional performance (Contrast sensitivity and colour vision) in diabetic retinopathy patients after therapy. Nevertheless, present study data indicate that white lighting increased reading speed and yellow illumination enhanced colour vision in diabetic retinopathy patients after therapy
