Search

Using interpretative phenomenological approach, this article aims to explore the experiences of students with disabilities within the context of their higher education in India. The study aims to understand the question of inclusive education of the disabled students and discusses the challenges and opportunities these students face within universities. The findings are drawn from qualitative data collected from 24 participants using semi-structured interviews. The results revealed complex accounts on specific issues such as perceptions about inclusive education, infrastructure accessibility, physical access, institutional support networks and issues of teacher's attitude towards learning. The findings reveal that disabled students face lot of challenges while accessing higher education in Indian universities. We also found that students with disabilities are capable of dialogue about the challenges faced by proposing suggestions/alternatives for the future development of their education. In conclusion, the findings suggest that to be inclusive, institutions need to reconsider and reframe their inclusive policies and practices and eliminate the barriers that hinder the participation and learning of students at the university level.

BACKGROUND: K.pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This microorganism is a part of the healthy microbiome of individuals and colonizes many parts of the body. The incidence of carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections is increasing globally. In India, around 65% of K. pneumoniae isolates are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The blaNDM is the predominant carbapenem-resistant gene in CRKP isolates. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To Study the Molecular Characterization of blaNDM-1 Resistant genes in Carbapenem Resistance Klebsiella Pneumonia Clinical isolates. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This was a cross sectional study carried out for a period of 1 year i.e, during 2023 to 2024at K.G.M.U, Lucknow . Samples like urine, sputum, ET tube, pleural fluid, pus, CSF, blood and Ascitic fluid were included in this study. Carbapenemase resistance was detected phenotypically by MHT, mCIM and eCIM methods and genotypically by using PCR where the DNA extraction was done and the resistant gene blaNDM-1 was confirmed by PCR assay. RESULT:A total of 350 isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected from patients, with 127(36.28%) identified as CRKP. There were 30 (57.69%) isolates obtained from male and 22(42.30%) were obtained from female, while the maximum number of patients belong to the age group <50 years and maximum patients were engaged as Student/Housewife/Retired (44.09%) followed by Clerical/Shopkeeper/Farmer (36.22%) and others. In our study,it was also observed that, in phenotypic test 81.88% were positive for M-CIM while 77.95% were positive for E-CIM and in genotypic test there were 86.61 % positive for NDM-1. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the existence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae, particularly in blaNDM-1, in patients with comorbidities. Our findings emphasize the importance of the molecular characterization of resistance-determinant-carrying bacterial pathogens as a part of infection control and prevention in hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is caused by occlusion and cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. The EHPVO is well characterized in children. However, the same is not valid for adults. We aimed to evaluate the clinico-etiological profile along with the management of adult patients. Aims and Objectives: We evaluated the clinicoetiological profile along with the management and outcomes of adult patients presenting with EHPVO. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive, observational study, patients between ages 15 and 75 years diagnosed with EHPVO on ultrasonography abdomen were included in the study. Liver cirrhosis and malignancy were considered as an exclusion criterion. There was evaluation of clinical and imaging findings along with biochemical analysis, workup for thrombophilia, treatment given to the patients, and follow-up. Results: Out of total 109 patients enrolled in the study, the median age of patients was ±40.25. Main clinical features were dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, and splenomegaly. Out of 109, 27.5% patients showed fatty liver and 5.5% had both splanchnic vein thrombosis and fatty liver. Idiopathic EHPVO in majority of patients (80%), adult EHPVO with polycythemia rubra vera in 7.33% patients, adult EHPVO with heterozygous MTHFR mutation in 7.33% patients, and adult EHPVO with antiphospholipid antibody in 3.66%. No mortality was seen in this 5-year observational study and majority of the patients, i.e., 96 (88.1%) did not require any treatment. Conclusion: Relatively benign nature of adult EHPVO was found in the selected group of patients. Majority of the cases in our study were idiopathic and few had positive thrombophilia profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is still a common and widespread disease that leads to severe morbidity and death, longer hospital stays, and ultimately higher healthcare costs. P.aeruginosa clinical isolates have been shown to express the virulent gene Exo T, which is significant in the aetiology of infection. The current study aimed to identify the resistance gene Exo T gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to ascertain the prevalence of SSI and associated risk factors among those who had undergone any type of surgical operation. Aim and Objective: To Study the Prevalence, Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infections and the Molecular Characterization of Exo T gene in Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa patients at a Tertiary Care Centre, India. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a hospital setting over the period of 1 year i.e., August 2022 to August 2023 at a Tertiary Care Centre. All surgically treated adult patients of both sexes who were older than 16 years old were included. Patients who received a second surgery at the same location for any reason, patients receiving immunosuppressant medication, people with immunodeficiency diseases, people currently taking antibiotics, and people with infections elsewhere were all disqualified from participating. If there was signs of a wound infection 48 hours after surgery, the patient was diagnosed with SSI. The DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNA Extraction kit and the resistant gene Exo T was detected using the conventional PCR. Results: In the present study a total of 170 patients underwent different types of surgeries. The prevalence of SSIs during the study period was 8.2%. SSIs were more common in abdominal surgeries with the Males (64.2%) have a higher risk of getting SSI than females (35.7%). Patients who underwent emergency surgery have a higher risk of getting SSI than those who underwent elective surgery. Those with diabetes had a higher risk of getting SSI than those who were nondiabetics. In the present study it was also observed that Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.5%) was the most common isolate followed by E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 21.4%, S.aureus with 14.25% and least for Staphylococcus epidermitidis and Klebsiella oxytoca with 7.14%. It was observed that the site of the infection most common affected was the superficial site with 57.1%. The Molecular characterization confirms that out of 3 Pseudomonas 2 showed the presence of Exo T gene (66.6%). Conclusion: SSIs were more likely to follow abdominal operations. Patients who were male, in the 30-year-old age range, had emergency surgery, had diabetes, and/or had a protracted hospital stay prior to any kind of surgery were more likely to experience surgical site infections (SSIs). It was also found that the proven role of Exo T virulence genes in the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa would help in treatment and prognosis of Pseudomonas infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex and heterogeneous reproductive endocrinopathy of females throughout the world. Circulating leptin correlates strongly with obesity, which is frequently associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Adiponectin is a circulating protein produced by adipocytes. Circulating levels of adiponectin are inversely related to adipocyte mass. Aim and Objective: To Study the Association of Leptin and Adiponectin as a predictive marker in Obese And non Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients. Material and Methods:This was a case control study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry with collaboration with the Obstetrics and gynaecology Department. The study comprised of 120 patients with PCOS and 120 controls without PCOS.Each group was analysed for the following parameters as TSH, Prolactin, FSH, LH, AMH, Total cholesterol, Systolic/diastolic(BP), BMI, Leptin, Adiponectin, MDA(Malondialdehyde) and SOD(Superoxide dismutase). The validity of leptin toward the diagnosis of PCOS or leptin combined with these parameters was estimated by Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis at 5% level of significance. Results: In the present study increased level of leptin among women with PCOS positively associated with FSH, LH, TSH, Total cholesterol, MDA in PCOS whereas Adiponectin was negatively correlated. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the Adiponectin Insulin and the Body Mass index with respect to PCOS. Conclusion:The relationships between leptin and adiponectin and insulin resistance and sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, and BMI in women with PCOS suggest that Leptin and Adiponectin potentially could serve as a marker for disease risk and provide opportunity for earlier intervention if knowledge is successfully translated from laboratory to clinical practice. However, further study of the relationship between adiponectin and PCOS is required before there can be direct application to clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple antibiotic resistances in the bacteria that cause infections in humans have been directly caused by the ongoing use of antibiotics in clinical practise. In undeveloped and impoverished nations, the overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics may increase the risk of resistant bacteria emerging and proliferating throughout the population. Consequently, the antibiotics' effectiveness is declining. Therefore, there is now more interest in the therapeutic use of natural materials due to the need for innovative alternative antibacterial techniques. Aim and Objective: To study the antimicrobial activity of honey against clinical isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with special reference to Mec A gene, from various clinical samples at a tertiary care centre, Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Pharmacology and the Microbiology Department for a period of 1 year i.e, August 2022 to August 2023 at a Tertiary care centre, Uttar pradesh. The antibacterial activity of Dabur pasteurised honey was evaluated against the bacterial strains of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Their antibacterial sensitivity pattern was tested using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility testing technique according to the CLSI guidelines 2022 along with other commonly used antimicrobials. Results: A total of 200 clinical isolates were isolated, out of which 72 isolates were of S.aureus in which a total of 24 MRSA isolates were were identified by CX, OX, and E-test. The DNA was extracted using the DNA extraction Qiagen Kit and the Mec A gene was detected by the PCR. In the present study there were 24 isolates of MRSA out of which 15(62.5%) isolates were sensitive to honey and 48 isolates of (MSSA) Methicillin sensitive S. aureus out of which 42(87.5%) isolates were sensitive to honey. It was observed that all the Methicillin resistance isolates were resistant to Cefoxitin and Oxacillin whereas sensitive to linezolid, Teicoplanin and Vancomycin. In the present study the results of antibacterial activity of honey towards the two microorganisms tested were performed. MRSA as well as MSSA were sensitive to undiluted honey samples tested with an average zone of inhibition of 30.03± 0.1 and 41.06±0.2 respectively. Both MRSA and MSSA isolates were sensitive to honey. But MRSA were resistant to all antimicrobials tested except linezolid where as MSSA were sensitive to all except penicillin. Conclusion: Honey is undoubtedly a viable candidate for further research and testing as an antibacterial in the future. With more research on its mode of action at the molecular level, honey could find extensive application as an antibacterial agent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The emergence of strains resistant to methicillin and other antimicrobials has become a major concern, particularly in the hospital settings as MRSA infections are resistant to the majority of conventional antibiotics, possesing serious risks to hospitals and communities all over the world. Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence and the molecular characterization of Mec A gene in MRSA isolates at a tertiary care centre, Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care centre, for a period of 1 year i.e, August 2022 to August 2023. A total of 682 clinical isolates was studied out of which 200 isolates of S. aureus were identified using the biochemical test from the clinical samples such as pus, swab, blood, wound and urine etc. The different Phenotypic Methods including Cefoxitin and Oxacillin Disc Diffusion test and the genotypic method including MecA gene detection for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates was performed. The DNA was extracted using the DNA extraction Qiagen Kit and the Mec A gene was detected by the PCR method. Results: In the present study a total of 42 MRSA isolates were identified by CX, OX, and E-test test phenotypically. The prevalence of MRSA was found to 21%. The maximum number of isolates were observed from the OPD ward with 38.5%. The ratio of the males 28 (66.6%) was more as compared to the females with 14 (33.3%) with the maximum age of 41-50 years being affected the most followed by 31-40 years and least in the age group of 61 years and above. The pus 47.6% was the most common isolate followed by the blood with 23.8% and least for urine and the body fluids 2.3%. All the MRSA isolates were found sensitive to linezolid, Teicoplanin, vancomycin, however all the isolates were recorded resistant with Cefoxitin and Oxacillin. The presence of MecA gene was recorded in all the 42 isolates of MRSA. The presence of MecA gene was confirmed by the PCR followed by sequencing assay. Conclusion: This study provides a clear guidance to effectively diagnose and measure MRSA infections in hospitals and communities. Future research could identify MRSA isolates with the help of the data produced in this investigation. For the control of antibiotic resistance, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and the deployment of effective control techniques where continuous surveillance, awareness of the incidence of MRSA, and upkeep of hygienic standards have been needed to reduce MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Armed conflicts create significant risks on almost every section of the society, as new forms of violence arise and the existing ones get exaggerated. In Kashmir, the long-standing conflict has resulted in the number of widows, orphans and enforced disappearance; however, little in-depth attention has been given in the literature on widows to the impact of this conflict. This present study examined the lived experiences of Kashmiri widows who had lost their husbands to the on-going conflict. Using the snowball sampling approach, 12 women were recruited for the face-to-face in-depth interviews. The findings of the study gained an in-depth understanding of the experiences of violence, deprivation, social stigma and psychological trauma, followed by their strategies for coping and struggle for justice. Widows are the worst hit victims of armed conflict and, therefore, inclusive interventions are needed to enhance the status of widows in a long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is common among people with tuberculosis (TB). The condition is typically unrecognised or untreated despite available and effective treatments in most low- and middle-income countries. TB services in these countries are relatively well established, offering a potential opportunity to deliver integrated depression screening and care. However, there is limited evidence on how such integration could be achieved. This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to integrate depression care in TB services. Methods: We conducted nine workshops with 76 study participants, including people with TB, their carers, and health service providers in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, seeking views on integrating depression care into TB clinics. We used a deductive thematic approach to analyse the translated transcripts of audio recordings, contemporaneous notes made during workshops for Bangladesh and India and workshop reports for Pakistan. Using the SURE (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence) thematic framework, we extracted and categorised barriers and facilitators into various domains. Results: Reported barriers to integrating depression care in TB services included lack of knowledge about depression amongst patients and the staff, financial burden, and associated stigma for people with TB and their carers. Government buy-in and understanding of how to identify and screen for depression screening were potential facilitators reported. Additionally, breaking through mental health stigma and providing the additional resources required to deliver this service (human resources and consultation time) were essential for integrating depression and TB care. Conclusions: Depression is a common condition found among people with TB, requiring early identification among people with TB. Integrating depression care into Tb services by health workers requires the availability of political support and the provision of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. India has marked itself self-sufficient in food. But the large population of India is always keeping a constant demand in the market for food. Also, with the growing industrialization and urbanization, agricultural tracts are becoming fewer in number. Hence, the supply of food has put over-utilization of the existing agricultural lands. There has been a constant effort in the research and development sector of agriculture in India. Most of the rural people in India practice agriculture. Artificial Lighting for Plants (ALP) is the concept of growing a plant in light (other than sunlight), with all the other factors like moisture, soil nutrition, etc. Using the ALP device, a farmer can monitor the plants regularly. Also, distinguished light can be executed for different kinds of plants. Hence, ALP device not only lets one to boost the production, but also maintain good health of the plant for ensuring quality as well as quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus RinacaWalker 1855 was established with the type species Caligula simla (Westwood 1847) from Simlah (=Shimla), India. Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) was first reported from northeast, India. During the present study, two specimens of Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) were collected from the Babareshi region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India, after a 38-year absence. The current study reports the rediscovery of Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) J&K, India, with description of novel morphological characters and, illustration of the female genitalia. Additionally, information on the preimaginal instars, food plants and species distribution are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. is reported as host plant for various arthropods, including various Lepidoptera species. In this present paper, Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. is presented as a new host plant for Oleander Hawkmoth, Daphnis nerii (Linnaeus, 1758) for the first time from India. In addition, a list of other host plants associated with this moth species from India are also enlisted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are considered one of reasons for changing prevalence of gastric fundic gland polyps (FGP), not only in western world but trend is being seen in Asian countries as well. Aims and Objective: This study was designed to evaluate prevalence of FGP and to look into endoscopic and histological profile of these polyps in PPI users and non-PPI users. We also assessed background gastric mucosal histology in FGP patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 1800 cases. Medical records of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in three gastroenterology centres between 2011 and 2019 were analysed at Noora super speciality Hospital, Kashmir; Northern India. Biopsy specimens of patients with FGP were reviewed by expert pathologists. PPI use was quantified as significant when Pantoprazole 40 mg per day or equivalent doses of other PPI was used four times or more per week for more than one year. Statistical Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Results: FGP were most common, observed in 900 (50%) of all gastric polyp cases. PPI use one year and more was noted only in 360 (40%). FGP were mostly located in fundus 630 (70%), multiple in 840 (93.33%), with average size between 6 to 10 mm. On histology parietal cell hyperplasia, parietal cell protrusion and foveolar hyperplasia were seen in 666 (74%), 716(79.55%) and 254 (28.22%) cases respectively. Background gastric histology was normal in 543 (60.33%). Conclusions: FGP were most common gastric polyps in Northern India. We observed similar endoscopic and histological characters in FGP irrespective of whether cases were using PPI or not. Majority of cases had normal background gastric mucosal histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile industry and international trade is one of the oldest in the world, with India leading the industry for most of the part of history, except for the last few decades, where other countries, especially China started dominating the world textile exports. In the context of relating textile exports with the industry performance, focused on Economic Efficiency, we conducted literature review to study the relationship between Textile export performance and Economic Efficiency of Organized Composite Textile Industry in India. Researchers across the world have studied the Export Performance and Economic Efficiency individually, as well as their relationship. We have reviewed 105 research papers on the subject and developed common understanding to devise a conceptual model defining the relationship between Export Performance and Economic Efficiency to be used for farther analysis in the context of Organized Composite Textile Industry in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Literature regarding safe doses of carvedilol is limited, and safe doses across different Child classes of chronic liver disease are not clear. Patients and Methods: A total of 102 consecutive cirrhotic patients with significant portal hypertension were included in this study. Hepatic venous pressure gradient was measured at baseline and 3 months after dose optimization. Results: A total of 102 patients (63 males, 39 females) with a mean age of 58.3 ± 6.6 years were included. Among these patients, 42.2% had Child Class A, 31.9% had Class B, and 26.6% had Child Class C liver disease. The mean baseline hepatic venous pressure gradient was 16.75 ± 2.12 mmHg, and after dose optimization and reassessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient at 3 months, the mean reduction in the hepatic venous pressure gradient was 5.5 ± 1.7 mmHg and 2.8 ± 1.6 mmHg among responders and nonresponders respectively. The mean dose of carvedilol was higher in nonresponders (19.2 ± 5.7 mg) than responders (18.75 ± 5.1 mg). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The univariate analysis determined that the absence of adverse events, the absence of ascites, and low baseline cardiac output were significantly associated with chronic response, whereas, the etiology, Child class, variceal size (large vs small), and gender were not. On multivariate analysis, the absence of any adverse event was determined to be an independent predictor of chronic response (OR 11.3, 95% CI; 1.9-67.8). Conclusion: The proper optimization of the dose of carvedilol, when administered chronically, may enable carvedilol treatment to achieve a greater response with minimum side effects among different Child classes of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil components in the aerial parts of Ruta graveolens grown in chemical [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S)] and biological (Azospirillum and Glomus) fertilizer treatments were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy GC-MS. Essential oil distilled from control plants was 0.32 ± 0.03% (fresh weight basis), of which n-Hex-4-en-3-one (55.06%); n-Pent-3-one (28.17%); and n-Hex-3-en-2-one (14.07%) were the major components. The essential oil distilled from plants treated with Azospirillum broth amounted to 0.34 ± 0.04%, the major components being n-Hex-4-en-3-one (53.15%); n-Pent-3-one (37.54%); and n-Hex-3-en-2-one (7.05%). Essential oil from plants treated with NPKS amounted to 0.38 ± 0.04%, of which n-Hex-4-en-3-one (51.91%); n-Pent-3-one (36.06%); and n-Hex-3-en-2-one (9.51%) were the major components. Glomus-treated plants yielded 0.46 ± 0.03% essential oil, the major components being n-Hex-4-en-3-one (51.95%); n-Pent-3-one (31.84%); and n-Hex-3-en-2-one (13.45%). The findings suggest that nutritional treatments increased the essential oil concentration in R. graveolens but did not influence its composition, which was mainly composed of hydrocarbon ketones. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The spatiotemporal patterns prevailing at regional scale can be significantly different from the patterns observed at basin or country scale. The present study aims to analyse regional-scale trends (spatial and temporal) in monthly, seasonal and annual time series, and change point in annual time series of temperature (Tmax, Tmean and Tmin), rainfall, runoff and evapotranspiration in Kesinga sub-catchment of Mahanadi basin over the period 1970–2015. Non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope test have been applied to assess the significance and magnitude of the trends, respectively. In the results, increasing trends are observed in Tmax, whereas, Tmean- and Tmin are following insignificant decreasing trend. Rainfall exhibits significant increasing trend in monsoon and annual time series, whereas, insignificant decreasing trend prevails in post-monsoon and winter season. On the contrary, significant increasing trends are observed in runoff at the catchment outlet and evapotranspiration in all the seasons. The change point in annual rainfall and runoff as identified using non-parametric Pettitt test is found to be in the year 2000 which is further verified using sequential MK test. The significant change in LULC of the region from forest, swamp and fallow land to cropland over time has been found to be the possible reason for the breakpoint observed in double mass curve and discrepancies in the trend of rainfall and runoff during non-monsoon season. Overall, the influence of climate variability is mainly evident in annual and monsoon series, whereas, the effect of anthropogenic variables is confined to non-monsoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]