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In this research article, Diels-Alder (DA) reaction triggered self-healing of epoxy polymer-based nanocomposites has been demonstrated by surface functionalization of graphitic nanoplatelets (GNPs) with thermo-reversible bismaleimide (BMI). The flexural properties of the DA based self-healing polymers are very poor due to brittle matrix which has been improved by using functionalized graphene along with healing efficiency. The self-healing hybrid matrix of the polymer composites were synthesized by adding thermo-reversible bismaleimide resin in thermo-irreversible epoxy resin to gain both flexural properties and healing performance. The surface functionalization of the GNPs was confirmed from transmission electron microscope (TEM). The thermal property of the hybrid matrix confirmed from thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and molecular architecture of the GNPs were confirmed from Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The flexural properties of the composites were found to be increased by ∼21% and maximum healing efficiency was observed as ∼75% due to incorporation of the functionalized GNPs. Thus, this work demonstrates for the first time an innovative method to improve mechanical and healing efficiency of the nanocomposites.

In the present cross-sectional study, the researchers aimed to assess the contraceptive knowledge, practice, and associated factors among 2228 women in Puducherry, India. National Family Health Survey questionnaire was adopted for data collection and about 1924 women participated. Current use of any contraceptive was 78.6% and female sterilization was 62%. The majority (99.8%) knew female sterilization, but below average for other contraceptive methods. About 10.4% were aware of more than three contraceptive methods. Age group, homemaker, with children or one son, aware of less than three methods, residing nearby to health facility were associated with the higher practice of contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is well-known for causing wasting. Patients on treatment gain weight and weight loss is associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes. There is limited description of weight loss and its predictors during intensive treatment phase. The objective of this study was to assess the predictors of weight loss during intensive phase and to see if there is any association exists with sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase of treatment. Methods Data collected as a part of the prospective TB cohort (Regional Prospective Observational Research for TB India Phase 1) conducted in Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Viluppuram districts of Tamil Nadu were used for this study. Sputum smear and body weight comparison were made in the baseline and at the end of second month of treatment. Results In all, 726 participants had weight measurements at the two time points and 18.7% had weight loss; mean weight lost being 2.3 kg (SD 3.05). Mean weight loss was more among males (2.4 kg, SD 3.2), diabetics (2.8 kg, SD 3.9) and alcoholics (2.1 kg, SD 2.4). Alcohol consumption was the only predictor of weight loss after adjusting for age, diabetes, marital status and BMI (aRR 1.52, P 0.02). Weight loss was not associated with sputum conversion at the end of second month. Conclusions Alcohol use emerged as the major predictor for weight loss during intensive phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Development of a prediction model using baseline characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) patients at the time of diagnosis will aid us in early identification of the high-risk groups and devise pertinent strategies accordingly. Hence, we did this study to develop a prognostic-scoring model for predicting the death among newly diagnosed drug sensitive pulmonary TB patients in South India. Methods We undertook a longitudinal analysis of cohort data under the Regional Prospective Observational Research for Tuberculosis India consortium. Multivariable cox regression using the stepwise backward elimination procedure was used to select variables for the model building and the nomogram-scoring system was developed with the final selected model. Results In total, 54 (4.6%) out of the 1181 patients had died during the 1-year follow-up period. The TB mortality rate was 0.20 per 1000 person-days. Eight variables (age, gender, functional limitation, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, diabetes, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio) were selected and a nomogram was built using these variables. The discriminatory power was 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.86) and this model was well-calibrated. Decision curve analysis showed that the model is beneficial at a threshold probability ~15–65%. Conclusions This scoring system could help the clinicians and policy makers to devise targeted interventions and in turn reduce the TB mortality in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A better understanding of the complex interplay between risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) is essential. This study was part of the Regional Prospective Observational Research for Tuberculosis (RePORT) India consortium and includes newly diagnosed TB patients in Puducherry between 2014 and 2018. We employed mediation analysis to identify the effect of treatment adherence on association between sex and unfavourable TB treatment outcomes. Methods Required demographic and treatment-related variables were extracted from the RePORT India consortium database and causal mediation analysis using parametric regression models was done. Results Of the 712 TB patients, ~87 (12.2%) had unfavourable TB treatment outcomes. Total effect of male sex was significantly associated with the unfavourable TB treatment outcomes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–5.55]. However, the overall association between male sex and TB treatment outcomes was dominated by the indirect pathway, as the direct pathway does not show significant association (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 0.75–3.75), while the indirect pathway shows significantly higher odds of TB treatment outcomes (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI:1.27–1.73), indicating complete mediation by the treatment adherence. Conclusions The study has shown a complete mediation of sexes through TB treatment adherence for unfavourable treatment outcomes. Developing of treatment strategies require better understanding between the biological and social factors related to TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portfolio-based learning is recognized in medical education. It helps students to assess themselves as per the key learning objectives and outcomes expected out of them. The faculty could also get feedback regarding individual student′s progress toward learning outcomes and facilitate the students achieve the same. This article addresses the process of portfolio development and assesses from students feedbacks, if portfolio-based learning is an improvement over record-based study in community-based field studies. The results of this study shows that involving students in framing objectives, developing a mechanism for self-introspection and self-assessment by the students and a mechanism by which faculty can monitor each student′s progress toward the defined objectives can significantly enhance the learnability of the students.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic and reproductive disorders among women of reproductive age. In low income and developing countries like India, there are very high chances of developing PCOS due to marked variation between culture, ethnic groups, diet, lifestyle and genetic factors. This study aims to determine the burden of probable PCOS among college going students in Puducherry. A cross sectional study was carried out among students aged 18 years and above in a Government College for Women located in urban Puducherry. A total of 610 students were selected through a cluster random sampling technique. A pretested validated proforma was administered after obtaining informed consent. 25.1% (21.8–28.7) of women were having probable PCOS, 18.7% (15.8–22.0) had irregular menstrual history, 8.4% (6.4–10.8) had Hirsutism and 2% (1.8–3.3) had both the symptoms. Regarding food habits, 43.1% were vegetarians and were having probable PCOS and this association was found to be statistically significant. No significant association was found between prevalence of probable PCOS and factors such as higher age, parental income, higher BMI and physical inactivity. The present study found a high prevalence of probable PCOS among college going students, especially among study respondents who were obese, physically inactive and vegetarians compared to the counterpart. Earlier detection and proper management of the symptoms can avoid some major co-morbidity in the future. Therefore, screening is an important part in the diagnosis and management of PCOS among adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Oral lesions are among the earliest and most important indicators of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The presence of oral lesions has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of the PLHIV. Hence, a novel attempt is made to assess the prevalence of various types of oral lesions among the adult people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Methodology: In this facility-based cross-sectional study, a total of 239 out of 300 eligible PLHIV were assessed between September and October 2018. All consecutive eligible patients encountered during the data collection period were included. Oral examination was carried out using disposable mouth mirrors, sterile piece of cotton, and bright illuminated torch. Results: The prevalence of oral mucosal abnormalities was found to be 25% (95% confidence interval: 20.03--30.97). The most prevalent oral lesions were acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, and candidiasis. CD4 count <200 cells/mm3, current tobacco use, and alcohol usage were significantly associated with the prevalence of oral lesions. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study revealed that one-fourth of the study participants had oral lesions. Strategies for early detection and prompt treatment of oral lesions need to be planned and incorporated in the program to reduce the morbidity due to oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]