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Background: About 10% of Indians have common mental disorders (CMDs) which include depression and anxiety. These disorders are common in women, which not only impacts on their quality of life but also their family members. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of CMDs, and factors associated with them among women residing in coastal Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 980 women aged between 18 and 60 years from 2019 to 2021. Women were administered a baseline questionnaire along with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4). Data were collected using Epi-info and were analysed using SPSS version 15.0. Association between CMDs and socio-demographic, reproductive health and behavioural factors were expressed as crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The prevalence of CMDs among women was 5.7%, with 4.6% having depression and 3.37% with anxiety disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residing in urban areas (OR = 2.15; 95% CI:1.10–4.17), having a chronic illness (OR = 2.38; 95% CI:1.14–4.97), history of recent bereavement in the family (OR = 2.20; 95% CI:1.02–4.75), early marriage (OR = 2.63; 95% CI:1.09–6.33), history of abortion (OR = 2.89; 95% CI:1.42–5.92), and exposure to domestic violence (OR = 3.08; 95% CI:1.14–8.33) were significantly correlated with CMDs in this sample. Conclusions: The study revealed that CMDs were prevalent among the surveyed women, which calls for routine screening of women for CMDs in primary care settings for early identification and appropriate interventions.

Introduction: Residual vestibular dysfunction is a common sequela of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), causing morbidity even after the resolution of vertigo with otolith repositioning maneuvers. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) measurement is used to detect the vertical spatial disorientation which may be associated with utricular dysfunction. We used the bucket test to measure possible residual utricular dysfunction in patients with BPPV after successful treatment of BPPV with canalolith repositioning maneuvers. Objective: (1) To document the presence of utricular dysfunction after canalolith repositioning maneuvers for posterior semicircular canal BPPV using bucket test for SVV. (2) To compare the difference in residual utricular dysfunction represented by SVV after Epley's and Semont's maneuvers. Study Design: Prospective, clinical, single center, cross sectional study. Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients attending ENT OPD at a tertiary care hospital for canalolith repositioning maneuvers for posterior semi circular canal BPPV underwent bucket test for SVV on the first follow up after a single physician directed maneuver for the correction of BPPV. Results: Sixteen bucket test results were analyzed after repositioning manoeuvres – twelve of which were Epley's maneuver and four were Semont's maneuver. Fourteen had a deviation of SVV more than 2° s. There was a significantly lower mean deviation of SVV following Semont's maneuver versus Epley's maneuver. Conclusion: There is a residual vertical spatial disorientation following repositioning maneuvers which contributes to dizziness after treatment. Our new finding was a lower mean deviation in SVV after Semont's compared to Epley's maneuver. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings with better statistical weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article present a study on assessment of working memory in monolingual Broca's Aphasia. Topics discussed include measuring working memory ability in Kannada speaking individuals with Broca's Aphasia; comparing the performance of individuals with Broca's Aphasia with healthy elderly individuals on working memory; and empirical findings of working memory ability in adults with and without aphasia.

Lamivudine (LMD), an enantiomer of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine, plays a crucial role in combatting HIV-1 and managing hepatitis B virus infections. Despite its effectiveness, challenges arise from its difficult flowability and tendency to agglomerate during storage, necessitating a granulation step before tablet compression, as direct compression has proven ineffective. This study aimed to optimize Lamivudine spherical agglomerates using response surface methodology, delving into the intricate relationship between design factors (concentration of tween, span, and acetone) and experimental outcomes (yield and particle size) through central composite design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for optimization, with the Quasi-emulsion solvent-diffusion (QESD) crystallization technique utilized for the checkpoint batch. This technique, involving a single solvent and antisolvent with surfactants, showcased remarkable enhancements in flowability and reduced storage agglomeration. The impact of various surfactants [Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), polysorbate 80, and sorbitane monooleate] on particle morphology, flowability, and storage agglomeration during crystallization was thoroughly assessed. While achieving direct compression into tablets, the porous structure of LMD agglomerates presented challenges in tablet press production speeds, prompting adjustments such as reducing punch speed or implementing a precompression step. Positive outcomes were realized for disintegration and in vitro drug release in comparison to direct compression and wet granulation methods. In conclusion, the QESD crystallization technique successfully yielded hollow, spherical LMD agglomerates with enhanced properties, representing a significant milestone in pharmaceutical formulation., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In the current work, Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-a statistical method-is used to optimize procedures like photocatalysis with the least amount of laboratory testing. However, to determine the most effective model for achieving the maximum rate of removal efficiency, the Response Surface Methodology was employed. The Ba-doped BiFeO 3 photocatalyst was synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and its intrinsic properties were investigated by utilizing a range of spectroscopic techniques, such as FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and UV-vis. Herein, four independent factors such as, pH, contact time, pollutant concentration, and catalyst dosage were chosen. The results revealed that under acidic conditions with a contact duration of 2 min, a moderate catalyst dosage, and higher pollutant concentration, a degradation rate of 89.8% was achieved. The regression coefficient (R 2 ) and probability value (P) were determined to be 0.99551 and 0.0301, respectively, therefore confirming the excellent fit of the RSM model. Furthermore, this research investigated the potential photocatalytic degradation mechanisms of cefixime, demonstrating that the removal efficiency of cefixime is greatly influenced by the functional parameters., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major public health crisis. Residents entered the frontline in triaging and treating COVID-19 patients, working overtime to meet the growing demand. Surgical practice and educational activities were restricted, thus affecting resident training. There was also a great risk to their mental health. Our study aims to assess the academic impact and quality of life including mental health status among year I, year II and year III otorhinolaryngology residents during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduates and junior residents working in otorhinolaryngology departments in institutions across South India in October 2020. Quality of life, severity of anxiety and depression, and academic impact were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, PHQ-8 and Academic impact questionnaires respectively via Google Forms. A total of 303 responses were obtained. Inpatient and outpatient clinical activity were affected irrespective of the year of training. Surgical training was also affected especially among the final-year residents (year III) with a mean score of 4.42. The maximum median WHOQOL-BREF score of 14.66 was found in the social domain and 13.33 in the psychological and social domains in men and women respectively. The majority (43%) of 114 men had mild anxiety, while among women, a slight preponderance (33.9%) of severe anxiety was noted. Most of the residents (75% of men and 66.6% of women) had no symptoms suggestive of depressive disorder, however, 19.3% of the men and 29.6% of the women were found to have major depression. The impact of the pandemic on resident training and mental health has been immense. The study outcome may help residents comprehend and perceive the extent of the same, and explore methods to be equipped and overcome similar circumstances in the future., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth ( P. kurroa ) is an important medicinal plant in the ayurvedic system for treating various liver and inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to extract the phytocompounds from various extracts (Acetone, Chloroform, Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Hexane, and Methanol) of P. kurroa. Further, the major phytocompounds were nano-encapsulated by PLGA (Poly-lactic- co -glycolic acid) method and characterized to enhance activity towards the target. The highest polyphenolic value was found to be 323.2 ± 16.6 and 316.3 ± 12.1 μg GAEq./mg in ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The highest flavonoid value was found to be 280.3 ± 19.8 and 300.8 ± 15.2 in ethanolic and methanolic extracts μg QEq./mg. P. kurroa exhibited DPPH radical scavenging with IC 50 of 38.2 ± 1.1 and 43.7 ± 1.8 μg/mL and also showed potent ferric reducing power and total antioxidant activities. The major phytocompounds, such as apocynin (AP) and vanillic acid (VA), were confirmed using HPLC. Further, the nano-encapsulation of apocynin and vanillic acid successfully achieved by PLGA methods. The average particle size of nano-encapsulated apocynin, vanillic acid is 350 nm, 204.4 nm, and zeta potential were -25.3 mv and -11.2 mv. Nanoformulations showed an apocynin and vanillic acid encapsulation efficiency of 93.6% and 93.3%, respectively. SEM and AFM confirmed the round and smooth morphology of the nanoparticles. The results of XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of nanoformulations. FTIR technique confirm the presence of biomolecules inside the polymer. The thermal stability of nanoformulations determined by DSC analysis showed endothermic peak. The prepared and characterization apocynin, vanillic acid nanoparticles revealed their good quality index, suggesting that potential use in pharmacy and phytotherapy as a source of natural antioxidant., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Angiolipoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor and its occurrence in head and neck region is very rare. Only 2 cases of Laryngeal angiolipomas have been reported in the medical literature. We present one such rare case in a 32-year-old male who presented with complaints of change in voice and foreign body sensation in the throat since past 9 months along with features suggestive of obstructive sleep apnoea and dysphagia. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the neck showed a cystic lesion arising from right ventricle extending superiorly till the vallecula, partially obstructing the airway. Suspecting a supraglottic cyst, trans-oral microlaryngoscopic KTP-532 laser assisted excision was planned, intraoperatively a solid tumor was encountered. We discuss herein the clinical presentation and management of this rare neoplasm with review of literature., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

The implementation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for eliminating cervical cancer in India. The infodemic, characterised by misleading information, could hinder the successful implementation of the initiative. Misinformation related to the HPV vaccine, such as rumours, has been reported and circulated, contributing to an alarming pattern of vaccine hesitancy observed on social media. This study aimed to identify the public sentiment towards HPV vaccination based on the 'Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD)' framework through geospatial, content and sentiment analysis. A total of 1,487 tweets were extracted. After preprocessing, 1010 tweets were identified for sentiment and content analysis. The sentiments expressed towards the HPV vaccine are mixed, with a generally positive outlook on the vaccines. Within the population, there is a pervasive proliferation of misinformation, primarily focusing on vaccine safety and efficacy, contentious subjects, ethical considerations, and a prevalent sense of uncertainty in selecting the appropriate vaccine. These observations are crucial for developing targeted strategies to address public concerns and enhance vaccination rates. The insights gained from these results will guide policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and public health organisations to implement evidence-based interventions, thereby countering vaccine hesitancy and improving public health outcomes.

Background: Imposter syndrome is a chronic feeling of doubt leading to a sense of incompetence, which is common among trainees. However, little is known about the effect of gender on imposter syndrome among surgical trainees., Methods: An online national survey was distributed to the surgical subspecialty residents between March and September 2022, including demographics, validated Clance Imposter Scale and a short questionnaire evaluating depression and anxiety., Results: Of the participants self identified as women (264, 69.1%) and men (118, 30.9%) (response rate 36.4%), the prevalence of imposterism was higher among women trainees (97% vs. 86%; p ​< ​0.0001). Risk factors were being a gynecologist (156, 59%, p ​< ​0.0001), single (157, 59.7% p ​= ​0.007), having no dependents (233, 88.3% p ​= ​0.001), being a foreign graduate (24, 9.1%, p ​= ​0.024) and having feelings of anxiety (82, 31.1% p ​= ​0.012). When using multivariate logistic regression to adjust for these factors, the prevalence of imposter syndrome remained significantly higher among women., Conclusion: Women trainees belonging to various surgical fields are affected by Imposter syndrome. Residency programs should develop wellness programs and provide mentorship to address this condition., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no declarations of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We used the Common Sense Model to understand weight management treatment representations of diverse patients, conducting semistructured interviews with 24 veterans with obesity, recruited from multiple U.S. Veterans Health Administration facilities. We performed a directed content analysis to summarize representations and assess differences across demographic groups. Patients' representations were impacted by gender, socioeconomic status, and disability status, creating group differences in available treatment (e.g., disability-related limitations), negative consequences (e.g., expense), treatment timeline (e.g., men emphasized long-term lifestyle changes), and treatment models (e.g., women described medically driven models). Patients identified conventional representations aligning with medical recommendations and relating to positive consequences, long-term treatment timelines, and medically driven models. Finally, patients discussed risky representations, including undesirable attitudes related to short-term positive and negative consequences and long-term negative consequences. Applying the Common Sense Model emphasized diverse representations, influenced by patients' identities. Understanding representations may improve treatment to meet the needs of diverse preferences., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)