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Introduction: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American Heart Association (AHA), the issued prediction charts can be used to make an absolute prediction of a study variable's Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of gender, Family History (FH) of CVD, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity levels, and other health conditions on the presence of CVD confirmed by angiography. Predicting CVD risk is crucial; particularly because young individuals aged 25 to 40 are affected by these diseases and from the foundation of any nation. Moreover, CVDs significantly contribute to human mortality compared to other ailments. This approach sought to identify the risk factors for CVD. Aim: To investigate the impact and the association between hereditary characteristics, behaviour, and self-control factors on coronary angiography findings among the study participants from a statistical viewpoint. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study related to angiography report of 274 study participants visiting the Department of cardiology at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra with complaints of CVD was conducted from January 2023 to May 2023. Statistical Analysis was performed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0, InStat and Microsoft Excel. Chi-square test was applied to study association of demographic study parameters with CVD. Logistic regression was carried out to develop the regression model. Results: Angiography significant CVD was associated with father's history of CVD (40, 71.42%), alcohol consumption (68, 70.8%), tobacco chewing (115, 69.7%), no exercise (89,79.46%), diabetes (83,75.45%), and diabetic with medication (14,93.33%) showed significant associations with CVD. Logistic regression analysis identified these variables as the best predictors of CVD. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and co-morbidities all contribute to the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Conclusion: The study effectively identifies and quantifies the relationships between hereditary characteristics, behavioural factors, and self-control measures with coronary angiography findings. Exercise and diabetic status are significant predictors of the outcome, while tobacco-chewing leans towards significance and other studied variables are at their reference levels. This predictive model will help clinicians, patients, and their families in mentally preparing for confirmation of the disease's presence or absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technology has been incorporated into the Healthcare Internet of Things (IoT) landscape as a revolutionary solution to tackle issues related to the sharing of medical records. This paper presents an innovative method that utilizes Temporal Blockchain for the purpose of Provenance Tracking. The introductory section provides context by delineating the significance of trust and transparency in medical data sharing within the healthcare IoT ecosystem. The study examines current blockchain solutions, delving into frameworks such as Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Corda, and specialized approaches like temporal blockchain. The paper examines the difficulties associated with tracking the origin of data, concerns regarding privacy, problems related to scalability, and the need to comply with regulations. These challenges provide the context for the proposed methodology. The main emphasis is on Temporal Blockchain, integrating temporal elements to improve the tracking of origin and history. The evaluation parameters, such as security, provenance tracking, scalability, interoperability, privacy compliance, and performance, undergo a thorough assessment. The attained values demonstrate a strong emphasis on security at a high level, thorough tracking of origin and history, and strict adherence to privacy regulations. Nevertheless, the need for scalability and interoperability necessitates meticulous consideration. The study showcases the capacity of Temporal Blockchain to establish trust and enhance transparency in the sharing of medical records. The future scope focuses on tackling scalability challenges, improving interoperability, and making continuous optimization efforts. The proposed approach highlights notable accomplishments and emphasizes the continuous development and collaborative aspect of Blockchain-Based Medical Record Sharing in Healthcare IoT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature of an organism is <36°C, commonly affecting up to 70% of surgical patients perioperatively. Body temperature performs vital role in maintaining normal human activities. However, factors like, the use of anesthetic drugs, cold operating theater, skin antisepsis and cold irrigation of a patient with the body uncovered and the use of intravenous solutions during surgery can leads to a low body temperature. Objective: objective of this study was effect of sociodemographicals on the post operative hypothermia. Method: a hospital based descriptive observational study was undertaken. All the postoperative patients (N=250) that underwent anaesthesia were included. The body temperature was measured after immediately after surgery at the arrival of recovery room or Preanesthetic care unit in post operative period. Analysis was done using the software SPSS version 26.00. Results: Total 250 post operative patients were included in the study. Among them 185 (74%) patients had post operative hypothermia. Mean of age of hypothermia patients were 45.74 years. the maximum cases had hypothermia 173 (93.5%) were having Hindu religion. the majority of patients 63 (34.1%) had hypothermia patients were having no education. 84 (45.4%) had hypothermia they were having farmers. 79 (42.7%) had hypothermia were having monthly income between 11000-19999. 96 (51.9%) had hypothermia they were in rural residency. Therefore while considering p value <0.05 significant, there is no any significant association of hypothermia with socio demographical variables found. Conclusion: The majority of samples 50% were having age between the 19 to 40 years. There no any significant association was found between hypothermia and socio demographical variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children are a future of nation and take precaution of child health it's our responsibility. Multigravida women etiological factors more much affect on children health. But these factors affect on children heath at the time of pregnancy to birth of children and after that see the effect on children growth and development in living life sometime chance to child suffering any kind of morbidity and its cause to die. Objective: To determine mortality among earlier children of multigravida women. Methodology: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was use. The study conducted on multigravida women randomly sample of a village from selected PHCs. total 492 multigravida women with her earlier children age 0-18 yrs age group was enrolled. To conduct this study, a predesigned Structured Interview questionnaire was developed and all the questions were framed keeping the study objectives in mind to obtain the necessary information. Result: out of 492 multigravida women 21(2.1%) were having earlier children mortality. majority woman was gravida 2nd and Para one women and gravida 3rd Para two. Conclusion and recommendation: The regrettable side to the issue is that most of the mortality are largely preventable by simple interventions like; Promotion of hygienic practices, through proper health education to their parents. Community health workers should also be trained adequately so that they are able to pick up signs of illness and encourage people in the community to seek treatment and reduced mortality in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being natural method, breast crawl is initiated by instinctive nature of human behavior, where babies use sucking behavior when allowed to do so. As soon as the baby is place on abdomen of the mother soon after the birth, new born starts searching for mother's breast on its own. This study is carried out to assess the proportion of breast crawl. Material and Method: 371 mothers who delivered at full term without any complications were involved in the study. Check list was used for assessing the successful and unsuccessful breast crawl. Results: Out of 371 babies, 344 (93%) babies have succeeded in the breast crawl. 248 (67%) babies crawled without any assistant, 80 (22%) babies crawled with partial assistant and only 16 (4%) babies Baby crawled and took feed with full assistance. Conclusion: The success rate of the breast crawl in this study was 93% which indicates these techniques of breast crawl can be practiced in every maternity setting. The study concludes that breast crawl is a simple and cost effective method for fetal positive adaptation to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Puberty is stage of life when girls reach sexual maturity. This is the time when adolescents experience a change in their physical, social and emotional aspects of life. During this phase of growth, the girls first experience menstruation and related problems marked by feelings of anxiety and eagerness to know about this natural phenomenon. The changes in this period, give people, a new body, a new personality and a new identity. A healthy way of passing this period will positively affect individuals' perspectives on life. Therefore, in this period knowing what the changes taking place are and a right approach will provide the successful shaping adolescents who already live a difficult period. Adolescence is a dynamic period in which individuals physical and psychosocial developments take place. Among psychosocial and biological problems of youth; unhealthy and unbalanced dietary habits rank in the first few. unhealthy diets are important causes of morbidities. Material and Methods: Evaluative approach. This study conducted in the Marathi medium school in and around Karad city. Using one group pre & post test design was used. Non-probability Purposive sampling technique was used. Sample size was 785 adolescent girls. On 1st day pretest included knowledge of adolescent girl on reproductive health through structured questionnaires, effective educational intervention package was administered followed by post test on 7th day. The data was collected, tabulated and analyzed in terms of using the objective of study was to determine the relationship between selected demographic variables and its effect on the awareness of knowledge level of adolescent girls regarding biobehaviuoral health it contains physical, emotional, psychological changes during adolescent period & Nutritional education. Result: considering age factor 'p' values at both times <0.0001 which is considered extremely significant, this was indication of improvement in after Adolescent health interventional package, considering standard has some association with pre and post intervention on awareness of knowledge level on biobehaviuoral health of adolescent girl, considering birth order, no. of siblings, age of menarche and source of information 'p' values at both times >0.05 which is not significant, this was indication of similar improvement in after Adolescent health interventional package Conclusion: There was association between age and standard of adolescent girls with pre and post intervention on awareness of knowledge level on biobehaviuoral health of adolescent girl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: More than quarter of worlds population is between the ages of 10 to 24, with 86% living in less developed countries. These young generation are tomorrows parents. The reproductive health decisions they make today will affect the health & wellbeing of their communities & of their countries for decades to come.(1) In this research study adolescent will learn about changes during adolescence & why it is important to deal with health problems of adolescents regarding reproductive health. Material and Methods: Evaluative approach. This study conducted in the Marathi medium school in and around Karad city. Using one group pre & post test design was used. Non-probability Purposive sampling technique was used. Sample size was 785 adolescent girls. On 1st day pretest included knowledge of adolescent girl on reproductive health through structured questionnaires, effective educational intervention package was administered followed by post test on 7th day. The data was collected, tabulated and analyzed in terms of using the objective of study was to determine the relationship between selected demographic variables and its effect on the knowledge of adolescent girls regarding reproductive health. Result: considering age factor 'p' values at both times <0.0001 which is considered extremely significant, this was indication of improvement in after Adolescent health interventional package, considering standard has some association with pre and post intervention on knowledge of adolescent girl, considering birth order, no. of siblings, age of menarche and source of information 'p' values at both times >0.05 which is not significant, this was indication of similar improvement in after Adolescent health interventional package Conclusion: There was association between age and standard of adolescent girls with pre and post intervention on knowledge of adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent is a phase of rapid growth and development during which physical, psychological and emotional changes occur, so adolescent period is the very important period in an individual's life. The physical development that occur during adolescence along with psychological, behavioral and social changes that mark this period as a critical stage towards becoming an adult. In this research we ruled out the knowledge and biobehavioral health of adolescent girls. Methodology: The research has been structured as an experimental study. The total of 750 adolescent girls will be taken from selected Marathi medium schools studying in 7th, 8th& 9th std. Convenient sampling technique will be used. With adolescent health intervention package period of study will be 12 months. Discussion: This study protocol aims to assess the impact of interventional package to improve the health and nutritional status of adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin is one of the most important adipokines secreted by differentiated adipocytes, involved in regulation of fatty acid oxidation and influences insulin secretion in pancreatic cells. It is thus an important link in obesity, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes mellitus. It signals cells by binding to adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 which are expressed in all types of cells including liver, pancreas, skeletal muscles, etc. Lower expression or mutations in these genes have been linked to insulin resistance-like symptoms. In the present study, adiponectin SNP rs2241766, and ADIPOR1 rs22753738 and ADIPOR2 rs16928751 were investigated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in obese and non-obese diabetic patients from rural south-western Maharashtra. We found that adiponectin SNP rs2241766 may be negatively associated with development of T2DM among non-obese individuals (OR 0.316(0.156-0.638), p = 0.016); while adiponectin receptor 2 SNP rs16928751 may be negatively associated with T2DM among obese diabetic individuals (OR 0.042(0.0024-0.719), p = 0.004). Adiponectin recptor 1 SNP rs22753738 may not be associated with T2DM among the studied population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal morbidity is one of the important risk factors associated with Low Birth Weight (LBW) and preterm births. LBW (birth weight < 2500 g) and prematurity (gestational age <37 weeks) are major contributors of neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Prematurity and LBW are priority public health concerns as both have ongoing impact on the individuals, families, the community as well as on the health system. Maternal risk factors for LBW and preterm births include presence of malnutrition and medical illnesses like anemia, preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension etc. Aim and Objectives: To study the maternal morbidity in LBW and preterm births. Material and Methods: All consecutive eligible women were registered from 1st November 2013 to 30th November 2015. There were 2028 pregnant women who, were followed up during Antenatal Care (ANC) period and the outcome of the pregnancy was noted. Only the pregnant women giving birth to live born singleton babies were included in the study to find out co-relation between antenatal morbidity of the mother during pregnancy and the birth weight and the gestational age of the baby. Thus, the statistical analysis was done for 1876 mothers and babies only. Results: Among maternal factors anemia was present in 62.8% pregnant women at registration and was significantly associated with LBW and preterm birth in this study. Out of all conditions related to pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, hyperemesis gravidarum, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), poly hydramnios, Ante Partum Hemorrhage (APH) and type of diet were associated with LBW and preterm birth. Conclusion: Anemia at registration could be prevented by care of adolescent girls by ensuring good nutrition and giving iron and folic acid supplementations. Good antenatal care and timely identification and management of maternal morbidities will go a long way in preventing LBW and preterm births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women who experience perineal trauma can subsequently be affected by conditions such as dyspareunia, urinary and anal incontinence, perineal pain, and delayed mother-neonate interaction Aim and objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of prenatal perineal massage on gestational age duration of 1st and 2nd stage of labour. Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach and experimental research design was used for the present study. The study was conducted on 60 (experimental 30+ control 30 randomly assigned by lottery method)prenatal mothers without any complication attending antenatal outpatient department and deliver vaginally in labour ward of Krishna Hospital, Karad. The independent variable was prenatal perineal massage and dependent variables were labour outcome i.e. gestational age, duration of first stage and second stage of labour. The data was collected by the researcher after obtaining an informed consent from participants. Results: Maximum mothers (63.33%) and (53.33%) were <23 years of age respectively. As per education, majority of mothers 24 (80%) and (86.6%) were educated up to secondary level from both the groups respectively. From both the groups maximum mothers (90%) had normal vaginal delivery. The mean gestational age 38.4 ± 1.3 of mothers from control group was higher than the mean gestational age 37.8 ± 1.4 of mothers from experimental group. There was significant association found between mean duration of first stage and second stage of labour from both the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prenatal perineal massage after 34 weeks of gestation is effective in reduction of duration of 1st and 2nd stage of labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alarming increased incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in rural parts of Maharashtra intended us to elucidate association of polymorphism in DNA repair genes with GI cancer risk. Objective: Hospital based case-control study designed to investigate association of polymorphisms in XRCC1, XRCC2, XRCC3 genes with risk of GI in Maharashtrian population. Method: PCR-RFLP method was used to genotype polymorphisms in exon 6, 9 and 10 of XRCC1, exon 3 of XRCC2 and exon 7 of XRCC3 gene from 200 GI cancer patients and 300 controls. Results: The genotypic frequency of variant allele His/His of cd280 of XRCC1 showed association with increased risk of GI cancer as compared to Arg/Arg genotype in rural population (OR = 14.04; 95% CI: 9.05- 21.78, p<0.0001). The results of XRCC2 interpreted negative association (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10–0.73, p=0.006) and no association of XRCC3 (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08–0.53, p=0.004) with GI cancer. Conclusion: The findings from this study revealed possible association of XRCC1 codon 280 polymorphism with increased risk of GI carcinogenesis in rural population of Maharashtra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Anemia has always been a major health burden in underdeveloped countries. Despite several nutritional anemia studies, their tribe-specific information is inadequate. The foremost objective of this study is to generate the tribe-specific information on anemia and its association with sociodemographic characters and contribution of iron metabolism. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1135 healthy adolescents (Girls 549) from six leading Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Maharashtra, India. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and serum iron with total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was calculated using fasting venous blood collected in EDTA and Non-EDTA tubes respectively. Contribution of Iron deficiency in etiology of anemia was studied by monitoring two months of oral iron tablet supplementation. Results: It was observed that 41.3% of tribal adolescents were underweight. Prevalence of anemia was observed 41.5% in both tribal adolescents with an average Hb 11.1 ± 1.3g/dl. 21.3% girls & 37.7% boys had mild anemia; however moderate anemia was 17.4% in adolescent girls. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was observed in a large number of tribal adolescents. Hb levels improved significantly after the iron supplementation with 35% recovery with a significant reduction in TIBC along and increase in the ferritin, but without microcytosis (MCV<80fl) improvement. Interpretation and Conclusion: All tribal adolescents in this study were grossly underweight and anemia was a substantial health problem with a significant association with sociodemographic variables in tribal adolescents. Iron therapy observations suggested that Iron deficiency superimposed on the background of a-thalassaemia in tribal's. This observation should be useful to a physician practising in tribal areas for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As Breast cancer is most common in developed and developing world. Despite of seriousness & importance of breast cancer the awareness is low. This Study highlights the primary screening of breast cancer with the device Intelligent Breast Examination.Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the knowledge regarding awareness on screening of breast cancer with Intelligent Breast Examination (IBE), to develop a self-instructional module (SIM) on awareness on screening regarding breast cancer with IBE, and to assess its effectiveness on awareness about screening breast cancer with IBE.Materials and Methods: Evaluative research approach was used. The study used preexperimental research design. The samples (60 primary schoolteachers) were selected by the use of two sampling techniques, i.e., random sampling (for schools) and purposive sampling (study participants). Data were collected in two phases (pre and post) using structured questionnaire followed by the administration of SIM.Results: The results revealed a significant increase in mean knowledge scores (mean pre 11.16 standard deviation [SD] = 2.631 to mean post 21.2 SD = 1.842) regarding awareness on screening of breast cancer with IBE. The calculated paired t value (23.902) is greater than the table value ( t = 1.67) at 0.05 level of significance.Conclusion: The study concluded that the SIM prepared proved to be effective in increasing the awareness regarding screening with IBE in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) are rapidly evolving group of ß-lactamase enzymes that are of particular concern to clinicians and epidemiologists. Most ESBLs have been evolved by genetic mutation from blaTEM and blaSHV genes, and are well described in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Aim and Objective: To investigate the ESBL genotypes in K. pneumoniae isolates from Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs). Material and Methods: Clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae were obtained from RTI -sputum samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. ESBL was detected phenotypically and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) specific for blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M genes was performed to identify genotypes. Results: During the 19 months period, a total of 212 of K. pneumoniae were found from RTIs. Of these 212 isolates, 60 isolates (28.3%) were ESBL producers by phenotypic method. Of these 212 isolates, 96 were randomly selected for multiplex PCR for blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M genes. The findings of multiplex PCR showed that 24 isolates (25%) possessed blaTEM gene and only 4 isolates (4.1%) possessed each blaSHV and blaCTX-M gene alone. Isolates having both blaTEM+blaSHV genes were 20 (20.8%), and both blaTEM+blaCTX-M genes were 12 (12.5%); and isolate possessing all three blaTEM+blaSHV+blaCTX-M genes were 20 (20.8%). The overall prevalence of blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M genes in this study was 79.1%, 45.8% and 37.5% respectively. Imipenem was most effective antibiotic. Conclusion: Spread of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae is a major concern, as it causes limitations to optimal treatment. Multiplex PCR can be used as a rapid method to identify ESBL genotypes in K. pneumoniae. It will prove valuable for surveillance and establishing the treatment line against drug resistant organisms, thus saving precious time and resources. In our study blaTEM genotype was most prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prediction of preterm births in the early stage during pregnancy may reduce prevalence of preterm births by appropriate interventions. Aims/Objective: The aim of the study is to develop an antenatal risk scoring system/scale for prediction of preterm births. Subjects and Methods: From a cohort of 1876 and subset of 380 pregnant women attending Krishna Hospital Karad, Maharashtra, routine antenatal and in-depth information on diet, occupation, and the rest were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16. A scoring system was developed by multivariate analysis based on the relative risk (RR) and tested on separate set of 251 mothers. Statistical Analysis Used: Bivariate analysis by Chi-square test, backward multivariate regression model, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis, and calculation of RR for identified risk factors. Sensitivity and specificity of newly developed risk scoring scale. Results: Out of six risk factors from whole cohort (n = 1876) and three risk factors from subsample (n = 380) identified by bivariate analysis. Further four and three risk factors were retained after multivariate analysis from whole and part of cohort, respectively, and risk scores of "7" and "9" were assigned based on RR cutoff levels of three and five were identified separately for whole and part data by ROC curve analyses together making it "8" with 75.5% sensitivity and 85.5% specificity when tested on 251 independent patients. Based on the prevalence of preterm births, low-, moderate-, and high-risk grading was done by identifying as second cutoff value. Conclusions: Identification of low-, moderate-, and high-risk of preterm births was possible at <8, 8, and 9 and equal to ≥10 with high sensitivity at lower cutoff and high specificity at upper cutoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prostatic enlargement occurs due to nodular hyperplasia, prostatitis and neoplasm of prostate gland. Incidence of prostate cancer increases by 1% yearly which has been reported in the last three years. Early detection of prostate cancer is important. Also, the differentiation between benign hyperplasia and malignant lesions of prostate is very important for the treatment of patient. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness of Mucin stains in differentiating between benign hyperplasia and malignant lesions of prostate. Material and Methods: The study was done on ninety-five specimens of benign hyperplasia (n=73) and malignant (n=22) prostates which were collected from postmortem and surgically resected specimens in KIMSU and KHMRC hospital. Routine Hematoxylin & Eosin and special stains such as PAS, PAS-Diastase, PAS-Phenyl Hydrazine, Alcian Blue PH -2.5 and 1, Aldehyde Fuchsin, combined AB-PAS and AF-AB were performed. Results: We tabulated our results according to color intensity into different grades ranging from -ve to +++. Acid mucins were present predominantly in prostate carcinoma. Conclusion: Hence, mucin histochemistry may be a valuable and cost-effective tool for the differentiation between benign hyperplasia and carcinoma of prostate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is a major concern of health risk in urban and rural parts of India.. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to find out frequency of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes including Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) and Xenoderma pigmentosum complementation group G (XPG) in patients of cervical cancer from Maharashtra and to evaluate their association with risk of cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to examine gene polymorphisms in 350 patients with cancer of cervix and 400 age and sex matched normal controls. Results: The results obtained indicated that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between cervical cancer patients and controls for XPC Lys939Gln, -371promoter and XPG His 1104 Asp. The result showed that genotype frequencies of XPC Val 499 Arg of codon 499 in exon 15 (OR=4.26; 95% CI= (3.007-6.03); p= <0.0001) were increased significantly. Conclusion: This study indicates that polymorphisms in Val499Arg haplotype of XPC gene appear to influence genetic susceptibility of individual to cervical cancer in Maharashtrian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) is a major concern of health risk in urban and rural areas of India. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to find out the frequency of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) at codon (cd) 326 and Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) at cd 148 in patients of BC from Maharashtra and to evaluate their association with BC development. Material and Methods: We used Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to examine gene polymorphisms in 170 patients with BC and 200 in age and sex matched disease-free controls. Results: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between BC patients and controls for hOGG1 (p>0.05). The result showed that allele frequencies of APE1 Glu148 (OR=4.78; 95% CI= (2.55-8.95); p= <0.0001) genotype significantly increased the risk of BC. Conclusion: This study indicates that polymorphisms in cd148 of APE1 gene could play a role in modifying genetic susceptibility of individual to breast cancer in Maharashtrian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 'Smokeless tobacco' is the term used for the tobacco that is consumed in un-burnt form and it can be used orally or nasally. Cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, is used to quantify exposure to tobacco, which readily gains access to foetal circulation. Cotinine is invariably found in coelomic, amniotic and foetal serum when maternal serum cotinine levels exceed 25ng/ml. Aim: To estimate cotinine levels among pregnant women using and not using smokeless tobacco (mishri) and to correlate cotinine level with anthropometry of newborns. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cohort study was conducted at Krishna Hospital, Karad, District Satara, Maharashtra, India. Pregnant women who were using smokeless tobacco (mishri) during pregnancy were analyzed for cotinine levels in blood by using ELISA kit tech and correlated with anthropometry of newborn babies and compared with non users of tobacco. Results: About 480 gm reduction in Birth weight and 6.5 cm reduction in birth length of babies born to mishri users compared to non users of tobacco and also cotinine levels among users were found significantly negatively correlating with anthropometric measurement of newborn babies. Conclusion: A pro-active effort is essential to educate the women about adverse effects of tobacco in general and on the intrauterine growth of the baby in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on human brucellosis in rural India, that determined its serological, clinical, and epidemiological profile, as well as associated risk factors, using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination test (SAT), and 2-Mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). Findings discussed include major risk factors such as animal contact particularly during milking, parturition/abortion, and raw milk ingestion, and RBPT, SAT, and 2-ME positivity rates.

Background & Objectives There is a decline in infant mortality in developing countries but no significant reduction in neonatal mortality. Growth monitoring is the best objective method to know wellbeing of the baby. Existing growth monitoring charts are on the basis of weekly or monthly growth monitoring, hence cannot be used for any day growth monitoring. To bridge this gap 'Individualised Colour Coded Any Day (ICCAD) Neonatal Growth Monitoring Charts' were prepared. Methods Growth of 430 normal neonates was studied by weighing apparently healthy babies daily from birth to 30 days of their life. The babies were weighed on a standard electronic weighing machine taking all the precautions to avoid errors in weighments. Expected growth curve lines were drawn for four birth weight groups namely 1000gm to 1499gm, 1500 to 1999gm, 2000 to 2499gm and equal to or more than 2500gm by taking central value of the groups. A growth curve was drawn using actual daily mean values of duration and amount of weight loss, duration required to regain birth weight and weight gain thereafter. Results Four patterns of growth charts were prepared corresponding to the four birth weight groups. The growth curve has expected growth curve line and unsatisfactory growth curve line. The unsatisfactory growth curve line represents excessive weight loss or failure of weight gain for 2½ to 3½ days. The starting point of expected growth curve line on the y axis is kept blank where birth weight of the baby to be monitored is to be written after choosing appropriate birth weight group. Colour coding is used to indicate good growth (Green Colour), inadequate growth (Yellow Colour) and severely inadequate growth (Pink Colour) corresponding to recommended type of care - namely home care, supervised care at home and referral care, respectively. These newly prepared charts are translational research tools which can be used for any baby with known birth weight by a primary health care worker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Action Oriented Colour Coded Foot Length Calliper for Primary Health Care workers as a proxy for Birth Weight and Gestational period," by Asha K. Pratinidhi and colleagues is presented.

Background: "Mishri" is one among the various smokeless tobacco products used in the central and southern part of India. The use of newer tobacco products is increasing not only among men, but also among children, teenagers, and women of the reproductive age-group., Objectives: To study socio-demographic profile of mishri users among pregnant women admitted for delivery into Krishna Hospital, Karad - Satara, Maharashtra., Materials and Methods: All the consecutive pregnant women admitted for delivery in Krishna Hospital, Karad over a period of 6 months were enrolled and a detailed history of use of tobacco was obtained from them. A representative sample of mishri used by them for each application was collected and weighed on an electronic weighing machine. The socio-demographic information was collected among all mishri users and age-, parity-matched controls of non-mishri users during pregnancy., Results: A total of 258, i.e., (12%) of the women delivering in Krishna Hospital were using mishri. The mean duration of mishri use was 2 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.09 years, frequency of daily application being 1.4 times with an SD of 0.55, dwell time in mouth being 10 min with an SD of 2.9 min, and the quantity of each application being 236 mg with an SD of 66.2 mg. 29% of the teenagers and 68% of the primiparas were found to be using mishri, and a majority of them were housewives, having minimum education and belonging to the middle and lower socio-economic class. It was also found that the family members played a role in influencing the habit of mishri use., Interpretation and Conclusion: A small but significant number of women who deliver in the hospital used mishri during pregnancy and were in need of de-addiction counseling.