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After attaining menarche adolescents, due to shyness and fear, often refuse to seek medical treatment. Simultaneously they began to face menstrual disorders. The present review aimed to estimate the overall menstrual disorders and associated factors among adolescent girls in rural and tribal areas in India as well as to summarize the most recent research findings on the pooled prevalence of menstrual disorders. The study design was developed applying the PRISMA checklist-2020. The whole protocol was registered on PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42024385046). Articles (English language) related to menstrual irregularities among 10 to 19-year-old adolescent girls in India were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from 2000 to 2023 followed by selected keywords. The quality assessment of the present study was evaluated using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. Meta-analysis was conducted by using MedCalc software version 22.0. Publication bias was checked using Egger's test. A total of 61 studies (47 from rural and 14 from tribal areas) in India have been evaluated. The random effect model showed an overall prevalence of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, PMS, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea and menorrhagia in both areas was 54.96% (95% CI: 47.93 to 61.85), 26.21% (95% CI: 20.73 to 32.09), 47.49% (95% CI: 31.44 to 63.81), 13.88% (95% CI: 8.98 to 19.65),7.85% (95% CI: 2.30 to 16.31), 16.83% (95% CI: 10.04 to 24.96) respectively. Among these, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and PMS were found to be the most predominant in both areas. Lack of physical activities, dietary habits, BMI, socioeconomic factors, and socio-cultural taboos were found to have a strong association with menstrual irregularities. Prior and after attaining menarche, proper guidance on every aspect of menstruation should be urgently arranged in schools and at home to get rid of fear and anxiety, so that adolescent girls can cope with menstrual-related issues. Health camps should be organized in both areas to allow an easy access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saudi Medical Journal is the property of Saudi Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Anaemia is a serious public health problem. It is the second-commonest contributing factor to years lost by adolescents to disability and death. Targeting adolescent girls will allow a window of opportunity to correct their nutritional health and improve their obstetric outcomes. Studies in India have reported varying prevalence rates of anaemia among adolescent girls. Hence, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based studies to obtain a comprehensive pooled estimate of the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. Methods. We did a systematic electronic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google scholar to retrieve community-based studies that reported the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in India, without any date or language restriction. To estimate the pooled prevalence and heterogeneity, the random-effects model and I² statistical methods were used. We did subgroup analyses based on geographical region, study setting, method used to measure haemoglobin concentration, and year of publication. Results. We included 35 studies in this meta-analysis comprising 152 640 participants. The pooled prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls was 65.7% (95% CI 59.3%-71.9%). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I² 99.6%; p<0.001). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. While all regions of the country have a high prevalence, tribal areas need special attention. Targeted actions need to focus on the identification of determinants of anaemia apart from iron supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A healthy lifestyle can reduce the rate and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Thus, the present study evaluates the effect of educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model on the lifestyle related to premenstrual syndrome and reduction of its symptoms among the first-grade high school girls. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 first-grade high school girls. They were divided into two intervention and control groups (40 people in each group). The data collection tools included the participants' demographic information questionnaire, premenstrual symptoms screening tool, and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the constructs of the health belief model about PMS and the behaviors reducing its symptoms. Data were collected in two phases (before and three months after the educational intervention) via WhatsApp. Educational sessions were held in the form of four 45-min sessions for intervention group subjects regarding PMS and the behaviors that reduce its symptoms during one month via WhatsApp. Results: According to the results of this study, the mean scores of knowledge about PMS and health belief model constructs (including perceived susceptibility), perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, cues to action, lifestyle/behaviors that reduce PMS symptoms) and the percentage of people who did not have PMS symptoms or had a mild type of PMS increased significantly after implementing the educational intervention in the intervention group compared to before the intervention and compared to the control group. Also, the perceived barriers construct score PMS decreased significantly. Conclusions: The health belief model education focused on a healthy lifestyle was effective in reducing PMS symptoms. It is recommended to use the educational intervention designed in this study, along with other health care in schools and during puberty as an easy, low-cost, and effective intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although common throughout the world, little is known about the mechanism by which nepotism is associated with employee outcomes. Drawing from social exchange theory, this study examines whether fear-based silence mediates the relationship between nepotism with employee workplace withdrawal and career satisfaction. In addition, whether gender moderates the relationship between nepotism and fear-based silence is also examined. Design/methodology/approach: Two time-lagged surveys of 330 employees in the Indian banking sector were completed. Findings: As hypothesized, nepotism was positively related to fear-based silence and employee workplace withdrawal; it was negatively related to career satisfaction. Fear-based silence partially mediated the relationships of nepotism with workplace withdraw and career satisfaction. Gender moderated the relationship between nepotism and fear-based silence. Practical implications: This study shows the negative impact of nepotism on employee outcomes and suggests means for reducing its prevalence in organizations. Originality/value: This is the first study to examine fear-based silence as a mediator of nepotism's relationship with employee workplace withdrawal and career satisfaction. It also answers repeated calls for more research on fear-based silence and its antecedents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent health concerns of girls are an issue that hinders them from providing their best attempt in academics and resulting in a range of related disorders as well. This study attempts to explore the healthcare-seeking behaviours of Adolescent girls to determine their healthcare needs with a view to propose plans for hospital-based services. A community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among adolescent girls in age of 13 to 19 years in Bangalore. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for analysis. The chi-square method was used for testing the hypothesis at 0.5 level. The study shows that there are more than 40 percent of adolescent girls have growth and hormonal issues including menstrual problems. TB, Asthma, and other common health issues were next to this. Nutritional needs were unmet amongst the age category of 13 to 15. Almost half of them carry headache which is said to be 'migraine'. The varied needs of adolescent girls such as nutritional, physical, hormonal, and menstrual should be addressed comprehensively in the adolescent-friendly clinics supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nutritional anemia is one of India's major public health problems. Adolescence is a vulnerable period in the human life cycle for the development of nutritional anemia. Anemia in adolescent girls contributes to maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity in future. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls and to study the sociodemographic factors associated with anemia. Method: It was a community based cross sectional study in 10 villages of a district. 420 adolescent girls were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire, and their anemic status was assessed by hemoglobin estimation. Results were analyzed by using percentage, proportion and Chi-square test, with the help of Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Result: Mean age of the study sample was 14.01 ± 2.57 years. The majority (64.8%) of the girls were hindu by religion and belonged to a nuclear family (53.6%). 45.2 % were educated up to high school level. Most of the girls belonged to socioeconomic class IV (46.0%). The prevalence of anemia in this study was found to be 65.7%. The prevalence of mild and moderate anemia among study participants was 32.6 and 29.8%, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of anemia with age group, educational status of both father and mother, and status of attainment of menarche (p<0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was very high; therefore, attempts must be made to sensitize adolescents and their parents through health and nutrition education, information, education, and communication (IEC), and appropriate behavioral change communication (BCC) activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vasectomy is a safe and effective permanent contraceptive method. In Ethiopia, this method underutilized since the focus has been on contraceptive methods available for women rather than men. Few studies have examined this method in Ethiopia so far, so it is important to note that there is a lack of data about the method in the study area regarding married men's knowledge and attitudes toward vasectomy. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted from May 2 to June 2, 2021, at Arba Minch town. A simple random sampling technique used to select 624 study participants. Data collected via the face-to-face interview technique using a semi-structured and pretested questionnaire. Data entered in EpiData 3.1, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 25.0. Descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI and a p-value < 0.05 estimated to identify statistically significant variables associated with knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy. Results: From the total of 624 study subjects, 600 had completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 96.2%. From those who heard about vasectomy (36.8%), only 60.6% of men had good knowledge, and 48.4% had a positive attitude towards vasectomy. Men's knowledge of vasectomy was significantly associated with college or university attendance (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.720– 9.521), age 31– 40 years (AOR = 2.308, 95% CI: 1.081– 4.929), and age ≥ 41 years (AOR = 2.671, 95% CI: 1.159– 6.156). Age ≥ 41 years (AOR=4.735 95% CI 2.015– 11.129), age of last child (AOR=3.868 CI 1.554– 9.632) and discussing family planning with wife (AOR=2.821 95% CI 1.559– 5.105) were significantly associated with attitude of men towards vasectomy. Conclusion: In this study area, six out of ten and half of the married men had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards vasectomy, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Identifying the factors affecting the lifestyle related to reducing PMS symptoms can help to reduce the health problems of women and girls. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the “predictors of lifestyle related to reducing the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs among the first-grade high school female students in Urmia”. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 first-grade high school female students in Urmia who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling in 2021. The data collection tools included demographic characteristics, Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), and a researcher-made questionnaire based on HBM constructs and knowledge. Face validity and Content validiyt methods were used for determine validity and Cronbach’s alpha was used for determine reliability. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 16 using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Spearman correlation, and Multiple linear regression. The results were considered statistically significant at the level of p <0.05 Results: Perceived self-efficacy (P <0.001, β = 0.250), perceived barriers (p <0.001, β = -0.162), perceived severity (p = 0.004, β = 0.155), and perceived benefits (p = 0.019, β = 0.130), were significant predictors of lifestyle related to reducing PMS symptoms. HBM constructs and knowledg explained about 28.2% of the variance of lifestyle related to reducing PMS symptoms among the studied students. Conclusion: HBM constructs are valuable and appropriate to identify the factors affecting the lifestyle related to reducing PMS symptoms among high school female students and to design and implement educational interventions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might have increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) as a result of initiating chronic and systematic inflammation. However, the prevalence of AF in patients with SLE have not been well quantified. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to collect and identify available clinical data to explore this possible correlation. Methods: Articles were searched based on electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science). Review Manager 5.4 was used to perform meta‐analysis of all selected studies and subgroup analyses (pooled separately by geographical distribution). Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by random‐effect model or fix‐effect model. Results: Six cohort studies were involved in this meta‐analysis, including 311 844 participants, 78 134 cases of SLE and 347 883 non‐SLE controls. Pooled studies indicated increased risk of AF development in patients with SLE compared to participants without SLE (I2 = 96%, RR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.23–2.79; P =.003). Four clinical trials including only European/ American populations were analyzed in subgroups. Heterogeneity analysis showed that I2 = 9% and there was an increase in the risk of AF development in European/ American patients with SLE (RR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.61–1.98; P <.001), while in 2 Korean studies, the heterogeneity was 98% and there was no correlation between AF and SLE (RR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.39–8.43). Five clinical studies were involved in subgroup analysis after excluding the Beak study, with I2 = 96% and they suggested that SLE increased the risk of AF development (RR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.42–3.21, P =.002). Conclusion: This meta‐analysis suggested that SLE may be a risk factor for AF development and the results may vary with geographic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent girls are vulnerable to many problems, undernutrition being the most common. This results in growth restriction resulting in stunting, wasting, underweight and last but not the least iron-deficiency anaemia. Nutritional needs are high during puberty which later leads to complications during pregnancy and its outcomes. A field based cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of the girls and to determine the various factors responsible for undernutrition. After clearance from the Institution Ethical Committee (IEC) and permission from Child Development Programme Officer (CDPO), the study was conducted in the anganwadi centres (AWC) of urban slums in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine from the 1st October 2014 to the 31st October 2016. All the adolescent girls enlisted in the seven anganwadi centres were included as study subjects with their consent. A pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on following sections. (a) socio-demographic profile and (b) nutritional status. Dietary intake was taken using the 24-h recall method. Anthropometry was measured and haemoglobin (Hb) was estimated. SPSS version 21 was used for descriptive and analytic statistics. Among the 160 girls 98(61.3%), 69(43.1%), 53(33.1%) were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively. Anaemia was present among 144(90%) of the girls. Strict monitoring of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) as well as nutrition education are essential measures to solve the problem of undernutrition among adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Folia Cardiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition (1/10,000–12,000) and AF is uncommon (1–2%). Therefore, the occurrence of the two conditions is rare. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a treatment to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF)-associated thromboembolic events. Case presentation: An 85-year-old female with known situs inversus totalis, persistent AF, and stroke was treated with oral anticoagulation, but she was suffering from constant gingival bleeding. Her CHA2DS2VASc score was 6 points (abnormal, ≥ 2), and her HAS-BLED score was 4 points (abnormal, ≥ 3). The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated left atrial (LA) enlargement (46 mm) and 50% of ejection fraction. She underwent percutaneous LAAO for stroke recurrence prevention using a Watchman occluder. The operation was successful but with technical differences compared with a standard case because of the dextrocardia. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a percutaneous LAAO in situs inversus dextrocardia. This case indicates the feasibility of LAAO in congenital cardiac malposition combined with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employees' perceived fairness may greatly influence their employee relations, attitudes and behaviours. A demographic analysis to investigate the perceived fairness among engineers at a South African energy provider has not yet been conducted. Thus, the purpose of the current research study was to analyse the demographics of engineers at a South African energy provider in terms of organisational justice. A quantitative research method was used and 229 engineers - 164 engineers, 44 senior engineers and 21 chief engineers - participated in the study. The results showed that there were no significant relationships between the demographic variables and organisational justice. There were significant differences in how the different occupational levels perceived procedural justice, but no difference in how they perceived interpersonal justice. For the chief engineers, gender and occupational level significantly predicted organisational justice. A practical implication of the study is that the findings provided useful insight regarding the occupational level of chief engineer who perceived procedural justice in a positive light, while the occupational levels of chief engineer and engineer held a positive perception regarding organisational justice. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that all occupational levels of engineers should be treated in the same way and that demographic differences should be taken into consideration in doing so. It is recommended that management encourage a culture of employee interactions since this will improve interpersonal justice; ensure transparency regarding what is happening in the organisation; and eliminate uncertainty through employee engagement sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore, adolescents' and caregivers' perspectives, about shaping of diet and physical activity habits in rural Konkan, India. Design: Five focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with adolescents and two with caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting: FGD were conducted in secondary schools located in remote rural villages in the Ratnagiri district, Konkan region, Maharashtra, India. Participants: Forty-eight adolescents were recruited including twenty younger (10–12 years) and twenty-eight older (15–17 years) adolescents. Sixteen caregivers (all mothers) were also recruited. Results: Three themes emerged from discussion: (i) adolescents' and caregivers' perceptions of the barriers to healthy diet and physical activity, (ii) acceptance of the status quo and (iii) salience of social and economic transition. Adolescents' basic dietary and physical activity needs were rarely met by the resources available and infrastructure of the villages. There were few opportunities for physical activity, other than performing household chores and walking long distances to school. Adolescents and their caregivers accepted these limitations and their inability to change them. Increased use of digital media and availability of junk foods marked the beginning of a social and economic transition. Conclusion: FGD with adolescents and their caregivers provided insights into factors influencing adolescent diet and physical activity in rural India. Scarcity of basic resources limited adolescent diet and opportunities for physical activity. To achieve current nutritional and physical activity recommendations for adolescents requires improved infrastructure in these settings, changes which may accompany the current Indian social and economic transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second report showing the significantly higher serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and in those requiring treatment in the ICU as compared to the cases with less severe diseases and to the healthy population. For tumor therapy, adoptive transfer of expanded and in vitro-activated NK cells has been widely used [[13]]. The amplified natural killer cell activity was also applied to adult T cell leukemia (ATL) [[14]], HTLV-1 infected leukemia, because the NK-cell-inhibitory molecule HLA-Class I gene is hypermethylated and silenced in many ATL cells [[15]]. Galectins constitute a protein family of soluble and non-glycosylated animal lectins that show a -galactoside-binding activity via a conserved sequence of approximately 130-140 amino acids located in the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). [Extracted from the article]

KOKAN region is characterized by undernutrition across all stages of lifecycle. Developmental Origins of Health & Disease hypothesis suggests that environmental influences in the early period of growth and development can contribute to the risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in adulthood. Newborns and placentas of 815 pregnant mothers delivered in a rural hospital were studied. We tested the hypothesis that low placental weight will be associated with low birth weight (LBW). Mothers had a mean age of 26 years and were smaller in size at delivery [mean height of 152.1 cm (±6.1 cm), weight 52 kg (±10.2 kg), body mass index (BMI) 22.5 kg/m2 (±4.1 kg/m2)]. Mean placental weight was 488 g (±120 g). Mean birth weight, length, and head circumference of the newborn were 2.54 kg (±0.5 kg), 46.3 cm (±3.1 cm), and 32.7 cm (±1.7 cm), respectively. Prevalence of LBW, stunting, and small head size was 41.6%, 42.2%, and 18.2%, respectively. Maternal height, weight, and BMI at delivery were all positively associated with placental weight (p < 0.01 for all). Mothers with placentas in the lowest placental weight tertile had an increased likelihood of producing an LBW baby [OR 7.7, 95% CI (5.0, 11.8)], a stunted baby [OR 1.9 (1.4, 2.9)], or a baby with a small head circumference [OR 2.4 (1.4, 4.0)]. Mothers in the lowest height tertile had odds of producing a LBW baby [OR 1.8 95% CI (1.2, 2.7)] or a stunted baby [OR 1.6 (1.1, 2.3)]. There is a need to improve the nutritional status of women in KOKAN region which may reduce the risk of NCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data from randomized controlled trials comparing rate control agents in atrial fibrillation. Patient-level data from the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial was used to compare outcomes in patients randomized to the rate control arm who were treated with a single rate control agent at baseline. The rate control agents used were beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. The independent variable for this analysis was the initial study drug used and the dependent variables were time to first hospitalization and time to death from any cause. We analyzed 1,144 out of 2,027 participants assigned to the rate control group who were on a single rate control agent at the start of the trial. There were 485 (42.5%) participants in the beta-blocker group, 344 (30%) in the calcium channel blocker group, and 315 (27.5%) in the digoxin group. All hospitalization and all-cause mortality occurred in 55.9% and 12.5% of those in the beta-blocker group, 58.4% and 16.7% in the calcium channel blocker group, and 55.2% and 21.1% in the digoxin group, respectively. After adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics, there were no significant differences in time to hospitalization or death for any group. In the AFFIRM trial, the initial rate control drug used was not associated with statistically significant differences in time to hospitalization or death after controlling for differences in baseline characteristics. There is limited data at present to guide the selection of rate control agents in patients with atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Even though vasectomy is one of the safest, simplest, and most effective family planning methods available for men, it is one of the least used contraceptive methods in the developing world, including Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to assess the level of knowledge towards vasectomy and its associated factors among married men in Debre Tabor Town. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 5– 25, 2019. A total of 413 married men participated and selected by simple random sampling. Data was entered using EpiData version 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was carried out. Finally, variables having a P-value of < 0.05 at 95% CI were considered as statistically significant. Results: In this study, 38.5% of men had an adequate level of knowledge about vasectomy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that an educational status of secondary education and college and above (AOR=4.70, 95% CI=1.26– 17.55; and AOR=8.36, 95% CI=2.41– 28.97, respectively), having four or more alive children (AOR=0.51, 95% CI=0.29– 0.89), and positive attitude (AOR=2.47, 95% CI=1.58– 3.86) were significantly associated with knowledge of vasectomy. Conclusion: Knowledge of married men towards vasectomy was relatively low. Educational status, number of children, and attitude were statistically significant with the men's knowledge about vasectomy. Emphasis should therefore be put on improving the educational status of men and positively changing the male upbringing culture right from their childhood which will also improve their attitude towards vasectomy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anatolia Nursing & Health Sciences / Anadolu Hemsirelik Ve Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Context: Associations between age at menarche and risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are well established in adults. But little is known about these risks in adolescents. Aim: To examine the association between age at menarche and anthropometric indicators, and also examine nutrition among the rural adolescent girls of KONKAN region. Setting and Design: We investigated 1,071 school going adolescent girls who underwent holistic education and various clinical investigations as a part of community program. Age at menarche was recorded and anthropometric measurements were performed. Macronutrient intake was estimated by 24 h recall. Statistical Analysis Used: We used trend statistics and logistic regression to examine the association. Results: A total of 813 girls had attained menarche. Mean age at menarche was 13.0 years. When compared with premenarchal girls anthropometric parameters were significantly higher in postmenarchal girls (P < 0.05 for all) and the prevalence of stunting and thinness was lower (P < 0.001 for both). There was a decreasing trend for weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), and waist circumference (P < 0.05) with increasing age of onset of menarche, and increasing trend for stunting and thinness (P < 0.001 for both). More than 65% of the girls were eating below the recommended daily allowance of calories, protein, and fat. Adolescents with late onset of menarche had increased likelihood of stunting (P < 0.01) and thinness (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Adolescent girls in the KONKAN region with late menarche are thin and stunted. There is an urgent need to improve nutritional status of adolescent girls from KONKAN as malnutrition can affect the onset of menarche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Population of the world is in an increasing trend and India accounts for 17.5% of the global population. As Indian women have different levels of awareness and acceptance of family planning, it may lead to their unmet need for family planning. Objective: To assess the unmet need for family planning and its determinants among women of reproductive age group in a rural area of Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 140 women of reproductive age group 15- 45 years in Pulipakkam village of Kanchipuram District over a period of three months (April - June 2019). Data collection was done using a pretested semi- structured questionnaire by personal interview method. The households were selected by simple random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS 16V. Association between variables were computed by chi-square test with 5% level of significance. Results: Of the 140 study participants, 132(94.3%) of them were married and 133(95%) of the women were homemakers. The overall prevalence of unmet need for family planning was 16.42%. 69.56% women mentioned fear of side effects as the commonest reason followed by husband’s disapproval(13.04%) and cultural/ religious beliefs (8.69%). Conclusion: The prevalence of unmet need for family planning is high among the women of Pulipakkam village, which may lead to unwanted pregnancies and pose a serious threat to the mother, family and society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite enhancing the crop yields, the so called green revolution (GR) has proven unsuccessful in assuring long term agricultural sustainability. The methods used for productivity enhancement during GR have not only proven to be problematic but have also resulted in deterioration of soil quality and several other issues related to ecosystems and health issues. The damage was mainly caused by the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Various types of pesticides, are now known to be causing huge problems in the agro-ecosystems. In such a situation, where chemicals have caused or are causing irreversible impacts on agroecosystems, the use of biopesticides has emerged as a sustainable alternative leading to safe organic farming. At the global level, environmentally benign nature and target-specificity of biopesticides are gaining wide popularity. However, in developing countries like India usage of biopesticides is still minuscule in comparison to conventional chemical pesticides. Although the Indian government has encouraged the use of biopesticides by placing them into many of the agricultural schemes, at the grassroots level, biopesticides are facing many challenges. The lower adaptability and declining interest of farmers towards biopesticides have become a matter of concern. However, technological challenges related to production, manufacture and application in agroecosystems have also raised a question on their long-term sustainability. The main objective of this review is to highlight the developing trend in the field of biocontrol products in India. Apart from this, the review also focuses on the technological perspectives that are required for the long-term sustainability of biological control products in Indian agriculture and market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent girls in India may face poor nutritional status due to low access to healthy food and high mental health symptoms attributed to high stress. Total 72% of infants and 52% of married women have anaemia. Researches indicated that malnutrition during pregnancy causes the child to have increased risk of physical retardation and reduce cognitive abilities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of body mass index and age on mental health of adolescent girls. 1000 adolescent girls were selected through stratified random sampling technique from different government school of Raipur, India. Mental health was measured by Mental Health Battery. Anthropometric measurement and age was collected by the standard procedure. Multivariate analysis of variance and post Hoch test were employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that adolescent girls significantly differ in emotional stability, overall adjustment, autonomy, security-insecurity, intelligence and over all mental health with increasing age. Post Hoch test showed that adolescent girls with low body mass index differ significantly on overall adjustment and self concept dimension of mental health in comparison to adolescent girls with normal BMI. It is concluded from the study that adolescent girls of early years (12-14) must be given environment to develop Emotional Stability, Autonomy, Security-Insecurity and Intelligence. Proper nutrition is needed to improve self concept and over all adjustment. Findings of the study draws attention to create awareness related to mental health and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Menstrual disorders and hygiene practices during the menstruation significantly affect the health of reproductive age-group women. Methods: The data from nationally representative survey, DLHS-4, was used. The outcome assessed were menstrual disorders and napkin usage. The predictor variables were socio-demographic characteristics such as age group, caste, religion, marital status, and education status; reproductive characteristics such as outcome of pregnancy, condom use, IUCD usage, and vaginal discharge. The descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were done on 1,70,632 women. Results: The most common problems experienced by women were pain (5.4%), irregular periods (4.2%), followed by frequent period, prolonged bleeding, no period, scanty bleeding, excessive bleeding, and intermenstrual bleeding. A large proportion (37%) women were using cloth during menstruation. The factors significantly associated with menstrual problems were age, 36-40 years (OR 1.26, P value < 0.001), marriage before 18 years (OR 1.16, P value < 0.001), no education (OR 1.24 P value < 0.001), BPL card holders (OR 1.14, P value < 0.001), non-users of sanitary napkin (OR 1.09, P value < 0.001). The socio-demographic factors significantly associated with napkin usage were women with secondary education and higher (OR 3.52, P value < 0.001), toilet use - using flush toilet (OR 1.97, P value < 0.001), not possessing BPL card (OR 1.42, P value < 0.001), marriage after the age of 18 years (OR 1.35, P value < 0.001). The reproductive characteristics significantly associated with menstrual problems were history of spontaneous abortion (OR 1.79, P value < 0.001), history of induced abortion (OR 2.29, P value < 0.001), women never used condoms (OR 1.09, P value < 0.001), ever used IUCD (OR 1.11, P value < 0.001), history of abnormal vaginal discharge during last three months (OR 5.32, P value < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of sanitary napkin should be promoted as it promotes dignity, and equality of women, apart from the public health aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Disorders of menstruation are common problems among women. They have several psychological effects on women's health. Aim: This study aimed to estimate prevalence of menstrual disorders, usage of sanitary pads and their determinants among married women in selected villages of rural Haryana. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during September 2011 in 10 villages of PHC (Primary Health Centre) Mandi, Haryana, using a systematic random sampling technique. Currently married women in the age group of 18-45 years living in study area for more than 1 year were included in the study while those who were pregnant and unable to understand questions were excluded. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants. results: A total of 344 women were interviewed. The mean (SD) age of participants was 28.0 (5.4) years. Majority of women were housewives (78.8%) and most had education up to middle school (22.7%). Mean (SD) age at menarche was 14.3 (1.2) years. Nearly one-tenth of women had married before 18 years of age. Prevalence of all menstrual disorders was 20.3% and most common disorder was excessive pain. About one ifth reported irregularity of menstrual cycles. Almost half were not using sanitary pads during menses. Menstrual disorders were more common among non-users of contraception (OR=1.7, p = 0.04) and housewives (OR = 2.4, p= 0.03). conclusion: Disorders of menstruation were fairly common among women surveyed. Usage of sanitary pads was quiet low. Awareness generation among women regarding menstrual problems and Behaviour Change Communication to promote usage of sanitary pads are important measures to reduce related morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Adolescents comprise 22.5% of the population, which forms a significant part of the entire population. It is only recently that we have acknowledged the need for a separate specialty to handle adolescent problems and ailments. Aims: The aim of the present study is to study the health profile of the adolescents girls presenting to the tertiary care hospital situated in New Delhi, India. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 316 adolescent girls who presented to the adolescent clinic at Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi. Apart from recording the various health problems to which they presented, a detailed HEADSS assessment was done for each case. Results: Majority of the adolescents (60.74%) presented with menstrual problems, 78.48% discussed their problems with their parents, and 91.77% agreed on common things with them. About 69.62% were attending school or college, while 30.37% had either left or never attended school. Majority of the adolescents (77.84%) had only a few friends, 62.96% watched TV in their free time, and only 7.27% performed regular exercise. In addition, 0.94% adolescents in the study group were married. Among the 313 unmarried adolescents, 3.83% were dating and 4.47% were sexually active. There was a low incidence of teenage pregnancy (0.94%) reported in the unmarried study population. History of contraceptive use was present in only 1.26% cases, and only 5.06% of the adolescents had knowledge of HIV. Conclusions: Adolescent health must be viewed with a comprehensive approach comprising of social, mental, physical and emotional aspects. The active involvement of the entire society, including parents and teachers, must also be encouraged towards the healthy development of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstruation in adolescent girls is often associated with menstruation related problems and poor practices. The study was planned to investigate the menstrual related problems and menstrual practices among school going adolescent girls. The study was a community based cross sectional study in a girls' school in Nagpur. Majority of menstrual practices were significantly better in urban girls as compared to rural girls ( P<0.05). Majority of the girls (71.83%) had at least one problem related to menstrual cycles. There was a significant difference in proportion of menstrual problems in rural and urban girls ( P<0.01). Menstrual problems are a common source of morbidity in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although arguments are a good way of exploring the limitations and complexities of a concept or a theory we may find ourselves faced with a real phenomenon that challenges the existing formulations of a concept or a theory so strongly and reveals its limitations to us so starkly that we are forced to break away from the current discussion and start anew. Such is the challenge posed by the phenomenon of farmer suicides on our existing theories of corporate social responsibility. Contemporary discussions in corporate ethics are replete with many theories of corporate social responsibility which in one way or the other rely on the concept of the social contract. For the most part these theories have gone unchallenged and no fundamental limitations have been revealed. However, the phenomenon of farmer suicides in central India poses a serious challenge to them. This article attempts to show how the phenomenon of farmer suicides in central India starkly exposes some of the fundamental limitations of the contractarian formulations of corporate social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are unwanted plants that can reduce crop yields by competing for water, nutrients, light, space, and carbon dioxide, which need to be controlled to meet future food production requirements. The integration of drones, artificial intelligence, and various sensors, which include hyperspectral, multi-spectral, and RGB (red-green-blue), ensure the possibility of a better outcome in managing weed problems. Most of the major or minor challenges caused by weed infestation can be faced by implementing remote sensing systems in various agricultural tasks. It is a multi-disciplinary science that includes spectroscopy, optics, computer, photography, satellite launching, electronics, communication, and several other fields. Future challenges, including food security, sustainability, supply and demand, climate change, and herbicide resistance, can also be overcome by those technologies based on machine learning approaches. This review provides an overview of the potential and practical use of unmanned aerial vehicle and remote sensing techniques in weed management practices and discusses how they overcome future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectin-3 (gal-3) is a fibrosis marker and may play a role in fibrosis of the left atrium (LA). Left atrial wall fibrosis may influence the transition from paroxysmal to non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we assessed the correlation of gal-3 concentration with the main echocardio-graphic parameters evaluating dimensions, volume, compliance, and left atrial contractility during AF and after successful electrical cardioversion (DCCV). The study included 63 patients with left atrial enlargement who qualified for DCCV due to persistent AF. The procedure recovered sinus rhythm in 43 (68.3%) patients. The concentration of gal-3 was negatively correlated with the echocardiographic parameters of LA including dimensions (LA length pre, rho = −0.38; p = 0.003), volume (LAV pre, rho = −0.39; p = 0.003), compliance (LASr mean post, rho = −0.33) and contractility (pLASRct mean post, rho = −0.33; p = 0.038). Negative correlations of gal-3 concentration were also observed in relation to the volume and contractility of the left ventricle. The concentration of gal-3 significantly negatively correlates with the size, systolic function, and compliance of the LA wall in patients with persistent AF. Determining gal-3 concentration in patients with persistent AF may help in the assessment of remodeling of the LA wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]