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Introduction: Shoulder pain, ranking third among musculoskeletal issues, hampers diagnostics due to test limitations. The present study explores the potential of the Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure (SSMP) as an intervention. Influential factors in physiotherapy outcomes, including kinesiophobia, are linked to shoulder pain. A knowledge gap remains on the impact of SSMP on pain and kinesiophobia in individuals with shoulder pain, contributing insights to musculoskeletal interventions. Aim: To investigate the effect of SSMP on pain and kinesiophobia in patients with shoulder pain. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy on 35 participants aged 40-60 years experiencing shoulder pain, recruited from R.V. College of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, over a six month period from February 2022 to July 2022. Pain was measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and kinesiophobia was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). The researcher, blinded to pre- and post-test results of TSK-11 and NPRS, conducted a shoulder symptom modification assessment. The procedure's response-guided treatment was administered twice a week for three weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Pre-assessment of TSK-11 and NPRS was performed by an assessor, with the same assessor re-evaluating outcomes after three weeks. Data underwent statistical analysis using a paired t-test in R Software version 4.1.0, with significance attributed to results having a p-value <0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 52±7.74 years. There was a significant reduction in NPRS from 7.54±1.146 to 3.74±1.70 post-intervention and TSK-11 scores from 27.20±5.12 to 23.17±4.83 in subjects with shoulder pain after three weeks of intervention. The study showed a significant improvement in pain (p<0.001*) and kinesiophobia (p<0.001*) in patients with shoulder pain. Conclusion: The SSMP was found to be effective in reducing pain and kinesiophobia in patients with shoulder pain. Further research should be conducted in the future, taking large samples and varied techniques into account for the identification of optimal strategies in improving health-related outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: Pottery is defined as clay that has been fashioned into the desired shape and then dried to reduce its water content before being fried or baked to fix its form. The artisans living in traditional societies are normally influenced by their environment as well as by their myths, legends, rituals, ceremonies, festivals, social organization, and cultural norms which are reflected in their creations. The poor environmental conditions and the lack of protective equipment in these pottery workshops are key contributing factors to the development of these occupational diseases. Most pottery industries are small- to medium-scale industries and have longer and irregular working hours, a higher percentage of elderly employees, limited opportunities for health education or health inspection, and insufficient health promotion facilities compared with large companies. These factors are considered to play an important part in the development of occupational diseases and some nonspecific diseases such as psychosomatic, cardiovascular, and locomotor diseases among pottery workers. Traditional pottery making has its unique method of potter-work where it demands prolonged squatting without back support for hours which can develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). AIMS: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) among traditional pottery makers at selected places in Bengaluru. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural communities of Bengaluru. One hundred and ten traditional pottery makers were randomly selected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were screened for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, following which the pottery makers who reported low back pain (LBP) were screened for the severity of disability using the Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (M-OSW). The results obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: The result showed the highest prevalence of MSDs in the lower back, the findings of this study confirmed the work-related stress on traditional pottery makers. In the present study, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was found in the lower back, of which had trouble in the last 12 months, 56.36% were having trouble during the last 7 days, and 19.09% were prevented from doing normal activities during the last 12 months. The prevalence of MSDs during the last 12 months revealed that the maximum of them, i.e., 24.54%, were having pain in the lower back. The present study also found MSDs prevalent in the hip joint and knee joint due to the occupational need to complete the work on prolonged squatting. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that prolonged work exposure and awkward work postural demand increase the incidence of MSD among traditional pottery makers in Bengaluru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tata MD CHECK SARS-CoV-2 kit 1.0, a CRISPR based reverse transcription PCR (TMC-CRISPR) test was approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 diagnosis in India. To determine the potential for rapid roll-out of this test, we conducted performance characteristic and an operational feasibility assessment (OFA) at a tertiary care setting. Intervention: The study was conducted at an ICMR approved COVID-19 RT-PCR laboratory of King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital, Mumbai, India. The TMC-CRISPR test was evaluated against the gold-standard RT-PCR test using the same RNA sample extracted from fresh and frozen clinical specimens collected from COVID-19 suspects for routine diagnosis. TMC-CRISPR results were determined manually and using the Tata MD CHECK application. An independent agency conducted interviews of relevant laboratory staff and supervisors for OFA. Results: Overall, 2,332 (fresh: 2,121, frozen: 211) clinical specimens were analysed of which, 140 (6%) were detected positive for COVID-19 by TMC-CRISPR compared to 261 (11%) by RT-PCR. Overall sensitivity and specificity of CRISPR was 44% (95% CI: 38.1%-50.1%) and 99% (95% CI: 98.2%-99.1%) respectively when compared to RT-PCR. Discordance between TMC-CRISPR and RT-PCR results increased with increasing Ct values and corresponding decreasing viral load (range: <20% to >85%). In the OFA, all participants indicated no additional requirements of training to set up RT PCR. However, extra post-PCR steps such as setting up the CRISPR reaction and handling of detection strips were time consuming and required special training. No significant difference was observed between manual and mobile app-based readings. However, issues such as erroneous results, difficulty in interpretation of faint bands, internet connectivity, data safety and security were highlighted as challenges with the app-based readings. Conclusion: The evaluated version-Tata MD CHECK SARS-CoV-2 kit 1.0 of TMC-CRISPR test cannot be considered as an alternative to the RT-PCR. There is a definite scope for improvement in this assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Quid-chewing habit is a common and old tradition in India. It causes various potentially malignant disorders. Therefore, a study was undertaken to analyze the association of various quid-chewing habit patterns and different oromucosal lesions.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 cases, where all the individuals selected were having quid-chewing habit and oromucosal lesions. Detailed habit history was taken through preformed questionnaire, clinical examination was done, and the lesion was subjected to incisional biopsy and confirmed histopathologically.Results: The male to female ratio of various quid-chewing habit and oromucosal lesions was 9:1. The middle aged were more commonly involved. Of the various types of quids chewed, a combination of processed betel and processed tobacco which is commercially available was used by majority of the individuals. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) was seen in majority of the cases.Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study confirms the association between betel, tobacco, and various lesions such as OSMF, leukoplakia, chewer's mucosa, lichenoid reaction, and chemical burn. It also confirms the strong association of betel to OSMF and tobacco to leukoplakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to improve the knowledge regarding hypoglycemia and its management among diabetic patients. Methods and Materials: A quantitative pre experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used to collect data from 60 subjects by convenient sampling technique. Self administered structured knowledge questionnaire were used. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The Median pre-test score was 13 and Median post-test score was 26. The results revealed that among 60 study participants, majority of the diabetic clients (80%) had good knowledge ,15% had average knowledge and only 5% had poor knowledge regarding hypoglycemia and its management. The structured teaching programme was effective. Conclusion: The finding of the study revealed that there was a significant increase in the post-test knowledge scores after structured teaching programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An observational and analytical study was carried out to assess the perception of educational environment among B.Sc. nursing students at a selected college of nursing, in Ernakulam district. Objectives of the study were, to assess the perception of educational environment among B.Sc. nursing students, to compare the perception of educational environment among first, second, third and fourth year B.Sc. nursing students, to find out the relationship between the measure of educational environment and academic score among B.Sc. nursing students and to identify the weaker and stronger areas of educational environment. Data were collected from 248 undergraduate nursing students of the college by using total enumerative sampling. Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was used to get the responses from the students.The total mean score on the 50 item DREEM inventory was 121.48 out of maximum of 200 which showed a more positive perception than negative. No significant difference was seen in the perception score among first, second, third and fourth year B.Sc. nursing students. There was no significant correlation between perception score of educational environment and academic score. Students' perception of learning and their teachers, their academic self perception, social self perception and the perception of atmosphere were all positive. There were four areas identified as problematic requiring remediation. Implication of the study is to design and maintain a supportive environment in addition to planning strategies to remedy problematic elements in the educational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is one of most common adverse stimuli experienced by children, occurring as a result of injury, illness and necessary medical procedure. So assessment of pain in children is very important. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and attitude of staff nurses regarding children's pain management and the perceived barriers to optimal pain management in children. Also to find out the association of knowledge and attitude with the selected demographic variables. This observational analytical survey study was conducted among 120 staff nurses working in pediatric care units. Subjects were selected by using convenience sampling. Knowledge and attitude was assessed by using a semi structured questionnaire and the perceived barriers were identified by using a structured checklist. Research showed that among 120 study participants more than half of subjects had average knowledge (58.3%) and (41.7%) had poor knowledge whereas majority of the subjects had a neutral attitude (95.8%) and only (4.2%) had negative attitude regarding children's pain management. Among 21 barriers, most frequently reported 5 barriers were identified. Majority of the study participants reported delay in orders being processed by the pharmacy as barrier (89.2%). Rest of the barriers reported were my concern about children becoming tolerant to analgesics (76.7%), delay in orders being processed by the pharmacy (62.5%), my concern about side effects of medications (53.3%) and patient's reluctance to report or rate pain (48.3%).There was no significant association between the knowledge knowledge scores and attitude scores with socio personal and professional variables. A nurse's knowledge and attitude can affect his or her ability to adequately provide pediatric pain management. Hence there is an exigent need for assessing the knowledge and attitude towards children's pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The frequency, with which restricted mouth opening is encountered in the clinical practice, makes it essential to establish what constitutes the normal range. This study was undertaken to evaluate the normal range of mouth opening in adult population in south India.Settings and Design: randomized clinical study conducted on dentate adult patients to evaluate the normal range of mouth openin.Materials and Methods: 500 healthy patients aged between 18-59 were randomly selected and divided into four groups according to their age ranges. The maximum inter-incisal distance and width of right and left three fingers at the first distal inter-phalanges were measured using vernier calipers.Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA test, student t test and pearsons correlation test.Results: The mean value and range of maximum mouth opening of 50.3 mm ± 6.26 mm for males and 49.9 mm ± 6.74 mm for females was recorded. These values were significant and correlated with the width of three fingers. It was found that the greatest mean maximum mouth opening was recorded in youngest age group and lowest was recorded in older age group in both genders.Conclusions: The mean mouth opening value decreases with age and is lesser in females as compared to males of same age. This study demonstrated that individuals in all the four groups were able to vertically align their right and left three fingers between the upper and lower central incisors upto the first distal interphalangeal folds thus suggesting that, width of three fingers can be used as 'tool' to distinguish 'normal' from 'restricted' mouth opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in dentistry was first described in 1967, by Shane and Kessler, but it has yet to gain widespread acceptance in dentistry. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS therapy as an adjuvant modality and to compare it with the conventional medication in controlling pain in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, Mangalore. A total of 40 patients with the clinical symptom of pain associated with TMDs were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (control) patients were treated with medication (analgesics and muscle relaxants) alone, while group B patients were treated with TENS therapy in combination with medication. The intensity of the pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The results were analyzed with the student's ‘t' test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A significant improvement was observed in both the TENS and the control group in terms of pain control. On comparative analysis, adjuvant TENS therapy was found to be more effective than medication alone, in controlling pain. (P value = 0.019). Conclusion: The observed data suggest that TENS therapy can be used as an adjuvant modality in the management of pain associated with TMDs. This study justifies the use of TENS therapy in the management of TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Objectives: Self care skills are an integral component of a child's global development. There are few tools available for assessment of these skills for children with different diagnosis with respect to Indian population. Hence this study aims to develop a scale for assessing self care skills in developmental^ delayed children and establish its reliability and validity. Methods: Parents of 110 typically developing and developmentally delayed children aged between 2-8 years were administered the 55 item scale categorized under seven components through an interview. Results: Findings suggest all items characterized as components of self care skills in children with delay. All skills except bathing subcomponent were noted to be significantly differentiating between typically developing and developmentally delayed children. Reliability of the overall scale was .954. Split half reliability coefficient of the overall scale was .845. Construct and content validity were found to be adequate. Conclusion: This scale was found to be reliable and had a good power of discrimination. Further research with a larger national sample and administration with specific disabilities group is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the implementation of new operational workflows for simultaneous screening of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis at four high-volume COVID-19 testing centres located in tertiary hospitals in Mumbai, India. Methods Each centre already offering antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests were equipped with a rapid molecular testing platform for COVID-19 and tuberculosis, sufficient laboratory staff, and reagents and consumables for screening. Using a verbal tuberculosis questionnaire, a patient follow-up agent screened individuals visiting the COVID-19 testing centres. Presumptive tuberculosis patients were asked to provide sputum samples for rapid molecular testing. Subsequently, we reversed our operational workflow to also screen patients visiting tuberculosis outpatient departments for COVID-19, using rapid diagnostic tests. Results From March to December 2021, we screened 14 588 presumptive COVID-19 patients for tuberculosis, of whom 475 (3.3%) were identified as having presumptive tuberculosis. Of these, 288 (60.6%) were tested and 32 individuals (11.1%) were identified as tuberculosis positive (219 cases per 100 000 individuals screened). Of the tuberculosis-positive individuals, three had rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. Among the remaining 187 presumptive tuberculosis cases not tested, 174 reported no symptoms at follow-up and 13 individuals either refused testing or could not be traced. Of the 671 presumptive tuberculosis cases screened for COVID-19, 17 (2.5%) were positive by antigen rapid diagnostic tests, and five (0.7%) who tested negative, later tested positive on the molecular testing platform (2483 COVID-19 cases per 100 000 individuals screened). Conclusion Simultaneous screening for COVID-19 and tuberculosis in India is operationally feasible and can improve real-time on-site detection of COVID-19 and tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses research on the use of tobacco by rural teenagers in India. The research applied simple random sampling in selecting students from co-education schools and used a structured close-ended questionnaire for data collection. It showed their knowledge of tobacco and tobacco products and history of tobacco use. It revealed the reasons for initiation of tobacco use among users: access to and availability of tobacco; the source of funding for tobacco habit; and the history of tobacco usage among family and teachers.

Acanthonyx euryseroche has been reported for the first time from the Arabian Sea and thus, the genus Acanthonyx from India now comprises two species. The poor abundance and restricted occurrence in the harbour regions are suggestive of the bioinvasive nature of A. euryseroche. As the entry of an alien species might be harmful to the native biota, the occurrence of A. euryseroche warrants constant monitoring of its population size and its further distribution to other regions, particularly the Arabian Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]