ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 9, 2023
A Retrospective Study on Mucormycosis and Other Fungal Infections Associated With COVID-19
Nimmy Paul, Sreekumary PK, Chithra Chandramohini Nath, Aleena Cyriac, Geethanjali Mohandas, Sajith Kumar, Shibu George
Page no 304-311 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjpm.2023.v08i12.005
A drastic increase in mucormycosis and other opportunistic infections was observed during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to multisystem involvement and related Immunosuppression. This retrospective study was carried out among SARS-COV-2 infected patients having invasive fungal infections [IFI] admitted to a tertiary care hospital in the southern part of India, for one year from August 2020. Among a total of 115 suspected cases, 54 patients were diagnosed to have IFI, during or immediately after Covid 19 disease. The most common fungal pathogens isolated were Mucorales (57.4%) followed by Aspergillus spp. (20.3%), Candida spp. (9.2%) and mixed infections (13.1%). Important predisposing factors identified were diabetes mellitus (70.7%), prolonged use of corticosteroids (85%), and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (90%). The predominant species identified among the diagnosed mucormycosis cases were Rhizopus spp. (54%) and Mucor spp. (25%); the site of involvement was paranasal sinus (70.1%), and rhino-orbital in 48.7% of the cases. Increased incidence of invasive Aspergillus infection in COVID-19 was seen mainly among ICU patients on ventilators, with Covid-19 induced lung damage. Common presentations were Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, Rhino sinusitis, and Asthma. Of the total IFI, 9.2 % were caused by Candida spp. Of which 75% were due to Non- albicans candida species. Candidemia was the major presentation observed (90%). Of the patients with IFI, 90 % of them recovered, and the rest of them (7.4%) succumbed to infection. Of the patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis who survived, 10 (39 %) had facial disfigurement and 11 (45 %) had a loss of vision.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 9, 2023
The Impact of Lower Apgar Scores on Perinatal Outcomes: A Study of Neonatal Health in Bangladesh
Sathi Khanom, Mursheda Akhter, Kamrun Nahar, Sajid Bin Ashraf Sami, Mitu Debnath, Begum Hosne Ara
Page no 482-487 |
DOI: 10.36348/sijog.2023.v06i12.004
Introduction: The relationship between Apgar scores and perinatal outcomes is a critical area of study in neonatal health, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aims to explore the impact of lower Apgar scores on perinatal outcomes, providing valuable insights into neonatal health and the effectiveness of prenatal assessments. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 150 pregnant women from a medical facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants were assessed using the Biophysical Profile (BPP) score and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes post-delivery. The study focused on the association between these scores and perinatal outcomes, including birth asphyxia, neonatal death, and INCU admissions. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the significance of these associations. Result: The majority of the study population were young, with 62% aged between 18-25 years. A significant correlation was found between lower Apgar scores at 1 minute and adverse perinatal outcomes. Specifically, 100% of neonates with a BPP score of 6 had an Apgar score of less than 7 at 1 minute, compared to only 2.65% in the BPP score 10 group. Additionally, 52% of neonates with an Apgar score of less than 7 at 1 minute experienced birth asphyxia, and 48% required INCU admission. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of Apgar and BPP scores in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Lower Apgar scores at 1 minute post-delivery are significantly associated with negative neonatal health outcomes, emphasizing the need for vigilant prenatal monitoring and preparedness for immediate neonatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh. This research contributes to the understanding of neonatal health in such contexts and underscores the importance of predictive assessments in improving perinatal health outcomes.
CASE REPORT | Dec. 9, 2023
Functional Dyspepsia (FD) and the Use of Sulpiride (Atypical Antipsychotic) in Family Practice– A Case Report
Amal Jaber Alfaifi, Ahmed M. Musa Alfaifi, Liaqat Ali Khan
Page no 638-642 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjm.2023.v08i12.002
Functional dyspepsia (FD), a commonly prevalent multifactorial disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), is encountered and managed in family practice and gastroenterology clinics. The diagnosis is solely clinical based on Rome-IV criteria, excluding the organic, systemic, or metabolic causes. Management is often challenging ranging from lifestyle modifications, H-pylori eradication, H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics (1st-line) to antidepressants, and antipsychotics (2nd line) of therapy, once the patient shows no response to 1st line. In severe cases, refractory to 1st & the 2nd line of treatment needs a team approach and gut-brain behavioral therapy. Herein, we present a young female patient diagnosed with FD, managed well with 2nd-line treatment (Sulpiride), an atypical antipsychotic medication, as the patient's symptoms showed no improvement with first-line treatment.
The use of smartphones and apps has helped this new generation in every aspect of life. So, the concept of introduction of smartphone apps in dental education and treatment might provide an innovative way of modern dental practise both for clinicians and for the patients as well. This review literature enumerates the knowledge and purpose of all the important smartphone apps available on the Indian server. Clinical Relevance Statement: This review article provides a platform and description of available smartphone dental apps which makes convenient for the patient to have a knowledge regarding dental treatment. Objective: To educate dental professionals and patients about available smartphone dental apps and its applications in dentistry.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 8, 2023
Sociological Portrayal of Lagos in Nigerian Cinema: A Multifaceted Analysis
Okwulogu Maureen
Page no 337-341 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjhss.2023.v08i11.001
Lagos, Nigeria, renowned for its multicultural history, is explored in this article within the context of Nigerian cinema and sociological perspectives. This article investigates how Nollywood films depict Lagos using sociological theory that emphasizes representing society as it is. It begins with the city's historical evolution, emphasizing its role as Nigeria's entertainment capital and its impact on the film industry. The article underlines how Nollywood films influence perceptions of Lagos, advocating for balanced portrayals. It analyzes three Nollywood films to illustrate the city's diverse character. These films represent different facets of Lagos, showcasing its dynamic and diverse character. Findings from the study reveal that while some filmmakers aim to promote Lagos as an attractive and vibrant city, there is a need for a balanced representation of the city's various aspects. The article also addresses the ethical responsibility of filmmakers to inform viewers when a film is purely fictional or contains elements of reality. In conclusion, this article offers valuable insights into the sociological portrayal of Lagos in Nigerian cinema, highlighting the need for a more balanced and responsible depiction of this multicultural city. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the influence of film on society and calls for thoughtful storytelling in a city with a dynamic, multicultural identity.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 8, 2023
The Implementation of Quality Management Systems in Laboratory, Nursing, Radiology and Their Impact on Patient Care and Safety
Mahdi Salem Hamad AlHarshan, Ali Saleh Hussain Aldaghman, Mana Mohammed Hussian Aldaghman, Mohammad Saeed Saleh AlSuliman, Hamad Qassas HamadAlyami, Salem Samran Al-Yami, Wafgh Salem German Al Yami, Jamilah Mubarak Saad Al Faraj, Mobaise Saleh Alyami, Mahdi Mohammad Saeed Al gohaifa
Page no 802-807 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjmps.2023.v09i12.005
Quality management systems (QMS) have been increasingly implemented in healthcare settings to improve patient care and safety. This study aims to explore the implementation of QMS in laboratory, nursing, and radiology departments and their impact on patient care and safety. The implementation of QMS in the laboratory involves the establishment of quality control measures, standard operating procedures, and continuous monitoring of processes to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results. Nursing is at the forefront of patient care, and the implementation of QMS in nursing departments focuses on standardizing care processes, improving communication and collaboration among healthcare teams, and ensuring patient safety through the use of evidence-based practices. Radiology departments also benefit from the implementation of QMS, as it helps to standardize imaging protocols, ensure equipment maintenance and calibration, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of diagnostic reports. The impact of QMS implementation on patient care and safety is significant. Studies have shown that healthcare organizations with robust QMS in place have lower rates of medical errors, reduced patient complications, and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, QMS implementation can also lead to cost savings by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and minimizing the need for rework.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 8, 2023
The Effect of Foliar Application of Benzoic Acid on Growth and Production of Wheat
Hakim Zamir, Altaf Hussain, Muzamil Shabir, Aftab Aslam, Muhammad Hassan, Shahab U Din Waqas, Muhammad Zubair Akhtar, Sajid Hussain
Page no 260-265 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjls.2023.v08i11.005
Wheat is one of the most important crop. Which is cultivated in whole world. It belongs to Poaceae family. An experiment was performed to check the effect of foliar application of benzoic acid on growth and production of wheat. This experiment was conducted according to complete randomized design. Three treatments of benzoic acid (100 ml/L, 200 ml/L and 400 ml/L) were used. Data was recorded for plant height, number of tillers/m2, flag leaf area, spike length, number of grains/spike and plant dry weight/m2. Then data was analyzed by ANOVA and mean values of each treatment were compared by using Fisher’s LSD. The results showed that foliar use of benzoic acid at 200 ml/L provided the best results for all traits (number of tillers/m2, flag leaf area, spike length, number of grains/spike and plant dry weight/m2) except plant height. Foliar application of benzoic acid at 200 ml/L greatly enhance the growth and yield in wheat. This was because of increase in auxin production or increase in cell division. While height was the only trait which was gradually decreased with the increase of benzoic acid level.