Articles Published In The Indian Practitioner – 2023

January 2023

1. Thunderstorm Asthma

• Abstract – Thunderstorm asthma is a form of allergic asthma occurring after sudden thunderstorms. This can happen suddenly to people in spring or summer when there are a lot of allergens in the air and the weather is hot, dry, windy, and stormy. This can affect a large number of inhabitants in a locality and hence local medical services may find it difficult to meet the exigency. This article reviews the important features and clinical significance of thunderstorm asthma.
• Author – Jis B john, Dr. Ravindran Chetambath

2. Sleep Apnea

• Abstract – Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the well recognized sleep-related breathing disorders characterized by snoring, episodic cessation (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) of breathing during sleep and excessive sleepiness during the daytime. The prevalence of sleep apnea shows a rising trend in both developed as well as developing countries. If undiagnosed or untreated, sleep apnea can lead to adverse cardio-pulmonary, metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes including road traffic accidents. Early screening for symptoms and risk factors by the family physician, followed by referral of patients at risk to a sleep centre or specialist for timely diagnosis by polysomnography and effective treatment by positive airway pressure therapy is the standard of care.
• Author – Dr. Nikhil Sarangdhar, Dr. Priya Deshpande, Dr. Shahid Patel, Dr. Prem Maurya, Dr. Girija Nair, Dr. Abhay Uppe, Dr. Nivedita Moulick

February 2023

1. Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Curcumin in the Management of Pain due to Osteoarthritis

• Abstract – The most prevalent chronic joint disease, which remains as one of the few chronic disorders of ageing is Osteoarthritis (OA). One of the predominant symptoms of OA is pain, with very little effective treatment and contributes to limitations in daily functioning. Therapy of pain due to OA includes pharmaceutical agents that need to be used in lowest possible dose to avoid adverse effects. Lot of advances have taken place in understanding the pathogenesis of OA, however, relief of pain have always remained an unfulfilled need. The anti-inflammatory property of Curcumin is mediated through the inhibition of induction of COX-2, LOX, iNOS and production of cytokines and tumor necrosis factor and activation of transcription factors like NF-κB, and AP-1. Its oral bioavailability is extremely poor.
• Author – Dr. Yogesh Dound, Dr. Akhil Chaudhari

2. Screening of Diabetic Patients for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Liver Indices: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

• Abstract – Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) includes a wide spectrum of liver pathophysiology, ranging between relatively benign Nonalcoholic fatty liver to a serious pathology like fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD is commonly associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Metabolic Syndrome and may increase the risk for mortality.
  American Diabetes Association and European Association for the study of Diabetes have recommended screening of all T2DM patients for NAFLD.
• Author – Dr. Anand Shindikar, Dr. Anushree Mehta, Dr. Ashwinikumar Raut, Dr. Rama Vaidya

March 2023

1. Biomedical Waste Management in a COVID Care Hospital and its Challenges

• Abstract – Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) management is of the utmost importance, as its improper management poses a serious threat to health care workers, waste handlers, patients, care givers, the community, and finally the environment. The waste produced in the course of healthcare activities carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. In addition to this, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to all fields of the healthcare sector, starting right from disease screening up to biomedical waste disposal.
• Author – Dr. Jyothirmai, Dr. Asima Banu, Dr. Varnitha Mohan

2. Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein (H-FABP) as an Early Diagnostic and Reperfusion Biomarker in Patients with Acute Chest Pain and its Correlation with Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Angiographic Spectrum of Coronary Vessels

• Abstract – Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a novel marker of myocardial injury, released rapidly (<1 h) after the onset of myocardial injury and plays an important role in both early diagnoses of high-risk patients presenting with chest pain as well as an early reperfusion marker in post-thrombolytic patients. We aim to assess and compare the efficacy of H-FABP as an early marker of cardiac injury with Troponin I (cTnI) and creatinine Phospholinase Kinase (CPK-MB) and to correlate it with Left ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)and percentage of stenosis in Coronary arteries
• Author – Dr. Monika Maheshwari, Dr. V.B. Singh, Dr. Deepa Thadani

April 2023

1. A Narrative Review on Telehealth Services Adoption in Rural Areas and Related Barriers to Telehealth in India Technological, Regional, Cultural, and Linguistics

• Abstract – With the use of Telehealth, specialty services can be conceivably doable for rural healthcare facilities rather than staffing with specialty and subspecialty providers. Telehealth allows specialists and subspecialists to visit rural cases, perfecting access as well as providing a wider range of healthcare services available to rural communities via telemedicine for various specialties. The primary objective of this paper is to understand telemedicine services and the challenges in implementing the same in rural areas of India. Databases like PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were used for document searches. Further analysis of the selected studies was done on the basis of study design sample size, methodology, and outcomes. From the document search, 987 articles were found and 18 were selected. Out of the studies selected 11 articles were conducted in rural areas and 7 articles were regarding technological advancement in telehealth. Providers and public health units can use telehealth, tele pharmacy, and RPM services to communicate with patients and citizens in their homes and provide them with the benefits. Factors hindering the growth of telemedicine are privacy concerns, reluctance towards adoption of advances in technology, unavailability of technological infrastructure, bandwidth issues, cost-effectiveness, legal concerns, etc. Study results show that to ensure high-quality healthcare across the country, healthcare professionals
  should prioritize addressing the telehealth challenges.
• Author – Arun S, Sidheshkumar Kesarwani2, Dr. Subodh S Satheesh

2. Bacteriological Study of Ocular Fluids in Endophthalmitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

• Abstract – Endophthalmitis is the most challenging complication seen in ophthalmic practice. Endophthalmitis is defined as an inflammation of the inner structures of the eyeball i.e. uveal tissue and retina associated with the pouring of exudates in the vitreous cavity, anterior chamber, and posterior chamber. The study’s objective is to
  isolate and identify the bacteria causing endophthalmitis.
• Author – Dr. Asima Banu, Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod, Dr. Jyothirmai

May 2023

1. Molecular Basis for the Development of Coloboma: A Review

• Abstract – Colobomas are congenital anomalies that cause pediatric blindness due to gaps between the corneas and optic nerves. They are typically characterized by inferior or ventral origins and can cause vision loss. During embryonic development, PAX6 belongs to a family of genes that play critical roles in tissue and organ development. PAX protein apparently activates centralized genes that play a role in the development of the eyes, spinal cord, brain, and pancreas during embryonic development. PAX6 protein controls many aspects of eye development before and after birth. Many structures of the eye are likely affected by the PAX6 protein, which regulates the expression of various genes.
• Author – Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey

June 2023

1. Creating Better Insight into Asthma Management

• Abstract – Asthma is a common disease affecting all age groups. Global Initiative for Asthma is preparing and updating asthma management guidelines regularly. This is to make medical practitioners aware of the importance of early diagnosis and optimal management of asthma. The main factor that creates suffering for asthma patients is undertreatment. This may be from the side of the practitioner in the form of delay in diagnosis and failure to use optimal medications. This article focuses on creating awareness among caregivers regarding the selection of optimal management for their asthma patients
• Author – Dr. Ravindran Chetambath, Dr. Rameesa Shanavas

2. Snake Bite – Current Management Perspective and Brief Review

• Abstract – A snake bite is an acute life-threatening and time-limiting medical emergency. It is a preventable health hazard often faced by rural populations in tropical and sub-tropical countries with heavy rainfall and humid climate. In India, snake bite is included in a list of neglected tropical diseases. With its triad of high mortality, high disability, and substantial psychological morbidity, snake bite warrants high-priority research.The number of snake bite deaths is greatest in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar, and snake bites are more common in rural communities. Currently, treatment quality is highly varied, ranging from good quality in some areas, to very poor quality in other areas.Our article aims to sensitize clinicians regarding different types of snake bite, their clinical features, and the use of anti-snakebite venom (ASV), for better patient management and improved prognosis.
• Author – Dr. Felin Ann Francis, Dr. Nivedita Moulick, Dr. Harshit Thole

July  2023

1. A Study of the Correlation Between Echocardiography and Lipid-based Genetic Markers Among Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition

• Abstract – Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), especially those with edema, are believed to be at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and sodium overload, both of which could lead to early death during treatment. This study evaluated the correlation between echocardiography and lipid molecular markers in children with SAM
• Author – Dr. Jitendra Singh, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey

2. Addressing the Surge in Patient and Attendant Misbehavior: Effects on Healthcare Delivery and Quality of Care

• Abstract – Healthcare professionals, both in India and in the rest of the world, have been coming under increasing attack – both physical and verbal – from patients, their relatives, and attendants. This has led to physical and emotional stress on healthcare
  workers, which is creating difficulties in performing their duties. Not only the safety of healthcare workers is threatened but the quality of healthcare delivery to patients is also impacted. By understanding the underlying reasons and implementing proactive strategies, healthcare organizations can foster a safer environment for patients and providers alike. By addressing this issue head-on, we can preserve the integrity of healthcare systems, maintain quality care, and ensure the well-being of all involved parties.
• Author – Dr. Imran Ahmed Khan, Dr. B.B. Tripathi

3. Nanotechnology: Current and Future Perspectives

• Abstract – Nanomedicine has emerged as a rapidly advancing field at the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine, offering innovative approaches for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This review article explores the current trends in nanomedicine, focusing on recent developments in nanoparticle-based therapeutics, nano diagnostics, and nanotechnologyenabled drug delivery systems. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of nanomedicine, highlighting the potential impact on healthcare and personalized medicine.
• Author – Dr. Sabahat Hasan

August 2023

1. Awareness of Non-Communicable Diseases & their Risk Factors among Young Adult Women in Delhi

• Abstract – In India, rapid urbanization, easy lifestyle, and improvement in healthcare facilities have led to a shift in the disease spectrum from communicable to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Awareness about NCDs and their risk factors has an important role in the prevention and management strategies of these diseases. Adult female mortality and morbidity affect the family healthdrastically; therefore, women’s health is critically important to the health of future generations.
• Author – Dr. Ankita Singh, Dr. Tapas Kumar Ray

2. Emerging Roles for Vitamin K2-7 in Cellular Energy Pathways

• Abstract – Vitamin K exists in three distinct forms, vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), vitamin K2 (menaquinone), and vitamin K3 (menadione). Vitamin K2 is chemically present in different forms based on several isoprene units. Among them, menaquinone-7 (MK-7 or
  K2-7) remains in the bloodstream for a longer period and acts as an important cofactor in numerous biological processes. Also, it is clinically proven to possess numerous health benefits in the treatment of various diseases. Energy metabolism involves a complex biochemical process that produces energy from nutrients. This energy is required to perform different physiological functions, cellular processes, thermal homeostasis, and organ function. Nutrients undergo a series of metabolic pathways like glycolysis, citric acid cycles, β-oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce energy in the
  form of adenosine triphosphate. These energy pathways are regulated by hormones and enzymes. Also, recent clinical studies have shown that K2-7 has been useful in fat loss suggesting the role of K2-7 in metabolism. To understand the mechanism of K2-7 in these metabolic processes, there is a need to explore the activity of K2-7 on these pathways. Hence,we have comprehensively discussed the energy pathways and potential targets of K2-7 in the modulation of energy pathways.
• Author – Praful Saha, Vivek Basudkar, Tanay Mehta, Dishant Maniar, Dr. Sujit Nair

September 2023

1. Expert Opinion on the Use of Mouthwashes in Dental Care in India

• Abstract – The use of mouthwash in India is underrated and lacks an expert consensus for optimum clinical use and benefits. Ten expert dentists and one expert otolaryngologist participated in a panel discussion where insights were sought to understand the role of mouthwash in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing/treating dental diseases and their complications. Current evidence regarding the effectiveness of octenidine-based mouthwash was also explored. Consensus was formulated on
  the basis of expert insights and contemporary supportive evidence. Antimicrobial mouthwash was recommended as an adjunct to brushing as it helps control plaque and reduce gingivitis, thereby maintaining oral hygiene in routine and pre and post-dental procedures. The risk of alveolar osteitis and bacteremia following tooth extraction and the incidence or severity of oral mucositis in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be reduced with the use of mouthwash. Mouthwash use also reduces the risk of fungal infections, including denture stomatitis, and helps treat halitosis. Antimicrobials such as chlorhexidine, octenidine,cetylpyridinium chloride, probiotics or essential oils, and some antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents are recommended as active agents in mouthwash. The suggested duration of mouthwash use may be 2 weeks to 6 months depending upon the clinical condition. Octenidine-based mouthwash could be an effective alternative to other currently available mouthwash formulations. Appropriate use of mouthwash in addition to mechanical means of plaque control shall provide significant adjunctive benefits in specific clinical situations and for general oral health.
• Author – Dr. Vishakha Grover, Dr. Ajay Doiphode, Dr. Dipto De, Dr. N. Chandra Sekhar, Dr. Ashwini Bhalerao

2. The Crucial Role of Anatomy in Shaping Competent Medical Doctors

• Abstract – A thorough study of human anatomy is mandatory to become a competent medical practitioner. Anatomy is the first subject taught in medical education. Anatomy deals with the study of the structural elements and their interrelationships in the human body. It gives future medical professionals a thorough insight into the complex interactions between the various tissues and organ systems that make up the human body. Medical professionals who have a thorough knowledge of anatomy are better able to diagnose and treat patients, improving both patient care and safety. So, it can be easily interpreted that anatomy is very important in producing skilled medical professionals.
• Author – Dr. Imran Ahmed Khan, Dr. Yogendra Singh

October 2023

1. Reflections on the Current Scenario of Breast Cancer and Paradigm Shift in its Management: An Indian Context

• Abstract – Breast cancer stands as a widespread malignancy impacting women on a global scale. Low-resource countries, including India, face a significant and increasing burden of breast cancer cases. Notably, a higher proportion of breast cancer diagnoses in India are now occurring among younger age groups. This trend is compounded by issues such as delayed diagnosis, presentation at advanced disease stages, and postponed initiation of treatment, all contributing to lower survival rates compared to Western nations. Late-stage diagnosis not only results in poorer treatment outcomes but also escalates the costs of treatment. Decisions regarding breast cancer treatment in India are influenced not just by medical factors but also by logistical and accessibility challenges. In the last decade, there have been remarkable advancements in breast
  cancer diagnosis and treatment, with the introduction of novel prognostic & diagnostic modalities as well as innovative treatment protocols and therapeutic options. These developments have led to substantial improvements in early disease detection, significantly enhancing overall survival rates, progression-free survival, and freedom from relapse. This progress marks a positive stride forward in the battle against breast cancer.
• Author – Priya Mehta, Samir Desai

2. Bone Health – Understanding Calcium Supplements and Benefits of Other Vitamin Minerals

• Abstract – Bone health is an important concern throughout life, but more so during certain phases of life, such as pregnancy and foetal bone development, in post-menopausal women, elderly people, ones with low bone mineral density or with osteoporosis, and ones recovering from fractures and surgery. Calcium supplements are often prescribed in these cases; however, there is a large variability in the type of calcium salt. The amount of elemental calcium, the level of vitamin D3, and other vitamins-minerals present in the products, varies according to the brands available in the market. Therefore, it is important for doctors to have an awareness of the product and a thorough understanding of the same. They prescribe a supplement to a particular patient. Calcium supplements have also been linked to cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the risk benefit ratio as well as the composition of the product should be determined before prescribing it to post-menopausal women and elderly people with comorbidities.
• Author – Dr. Varsha Narayanan

November 2023

1. The Antivenom Activity of Phytochemicals: An Emerging Role in Modern Medicine

• Abstract – Many plants were used as antivenoms by aboriginal people, so villagers have also used them. However, ignorance and superstition can cause people to lose their lives. Accordingly, the antivenom properties of plants should be identified and proved in the system of modern medicine. Various secondary metabolites are present in medicinal plants, and they contribute to their diverse pharmacological properties. We are still deciphering how ethnobotanical research can help us more in discovering medicinal plants for the treatment of various health conditions. This is because pharmacology deals with how drugs interact with biological systems. Drugs are classified in terms of their history, sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses. A preliminary pharmacological study is the first step in developing herbal medicines. Then, the standardization of extracts or fractions is undertaken by using approved scientific methods. Finally, the herbal medicines are subjected to systematic clinical and pharmacological testing. To ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs, we must consider modern technologies. Medicinal plants can be used to produce a wide variety of drugs. Such plants should be studied to learn more about their properties, safety, and efficacy. Several medicinal plants have accepted therapeutic values, and these were investigated as potential treatment drugs for snake bites. A major public health concern in tropical countries, especially in India, is snakebite. As a result of unplanned development programs, modern healthcare facilities, and the impact of modern civilization, natural resources, and traditional knowledge are disappearing at an alarming rate all across the world. Therefore, we should explore and document the unique, ancestral, and traditional knowledge of tribal communities.
• Author – Sweta Pandey, Dr. Manoj Indurkar, Dr. Rahul Mishra, Dr. Shankhpani Mahapatra, Dr. Adesh Patidar, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey

December 2023

1. Sero Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Symptomatic Patients in A Tertiary Care Hospital- An Overview

• Abstract – Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in India that needs special attention. Hepatitis B virus is one of the important causative agents for viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positivity in the general population ranges from
  1.1% to 12.2%, with an average prevalence of 3-4%. This study aimed to know the seroprevalence rate of hepatitis B surface antigen from symptomatic patients in our area.
• Author – Dr. M. Bharathi, Dr. A. Usharani

2. Reaven Syndrome Revisited

• Abstract – Reaven or Metabolic syndrome has many well-recognized cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) factors. Choosing which one of these is primarily responsible for the accelerated atherogenesis that characterizes this syndrome is a complex task. The problem is further compounded by a need for more understanding of the cellular and molecular changes resulting from insulin resistance. We aim to revisit the current understanding of Reaven syndrome or Metabolic syndrome in light of the lifestyle transition. The growing burden of metabolic syndrome is associated with rising exposure to behavioural, dietary and metabolic risk factors. These risks are, in turn, linked to a calorie dense diet, physical inactivity, sedentary time, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Moreover, the altered lifestyle has increased the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with CVD in the younger as well as non-obese population. This growing risk could be attributed to the increased insulin resistance due to lifestyle changes probably associated with technological advances reducing the physically active time. Periodic screening even in young adults may aid in timely recognition and resolution of CVD risk factors
• Author – Dr. C B Sridhar, Dr. Mahesh DM

3. Unveiling the Vital Contributions of Professional Medical Writers in the Evolving Healthcare Landscape

• Abstract – In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical research and education, the role of professional medical writers is increasingly being recognized. These professionals convey complicated medical knowledge obtained from medical research, clinical trials, and scientific publications to their peers. Maintaining scientific rigor and making sure that their work is understandable by the target audience are two competing priorities for medical writers. By following ethical norms, they may contribute to the improvement of medical practices and knowledge while upholding the scientific community’s confidence in their abilities for the betterment of healthcare and reliable evidence. The present paper discusses the role of professional medical writers and its related factors in healthcare.
• Author – Dr. Imran Ahmed Khan

 

 

 

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