Objectives Medication adherence is a complex issue among patients with chronic health conditions. Several factors affect medication adherence, such as the patient’s income, co-morbidities, psychosocial factors, and health care. Addressing the problem and effective strategies for promoting sustained behaviour change are essential in chronic health conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate medication adherence and factors contributing to antihypertensive medication adherence among patients. Material and Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru after obtaining ethical permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The data were collected from 354 subjects, who were selected by a convenience sampling technique. The validated and pretested tool has 22 items on factors contributing to medication adherence, and a single question enquiring about medication adherence was administered to the subjects after obtaining their written consent. The data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and a face-to-face structured interview technique. The tool had three major aspects: the enumerators imported the data into the statistical package for Social Science version 23, and then the data for statistical tests like frequency, percentage, and Chi-square were in line with the pre-determined study objectives. Results Out of 354 subjects, 49.4% (175) of the subjects found non-adherence to the prescribed medications, and 50.6% (179) were adherent to medications. The mean age of the subjects was 61.19 ± 11.04; the study had 52.8% (187) males and 47.2% (167) females. The adherence status of male was 50.7% (94), which was higher than that of their female counterparts at 48.5% (81).This study found education χ 2 =10.64, ( p = 0.03), smoking status χ 2 =7.19, ( p = 0.024), income χ 2 =9.30 ( p = 0.01), availability of the emotional support χ 2 =11.6, ( p = 0.001), availability of financial support χ 2 =11.08 ( p = 0.004), medication reminder χ 2 = 4.19, ( p = 0.04), exposure in the past for counselling χ 2 =5.81, ( p = 0.01) and home BP monitoring χ 2 =4.52, ( p = 0.03) as predictors of medication adherence. Conclusion The findings indicate that only half the proportion of the study subjects adhered to the prescribed medications, and urged hospitals to embrace multiple interventions to motivate the patients to show compliance towards the prescribed therapeutic regimen.

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an aggressive cystic lesion that arises from remnants of dental lamina. It mostly affects the mandibular posterior region and is commonly associated with an impacted tooth. Radiologically, it can present as unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with a sclerotic border, causing cortical plate expansion and even sometimes leading to perforation. The occurrence of multiple OKCs is considered the initial presentation of many syndromes. However, cases of multiple OKCs have also been reported in non-syndromic patients. We present a case of 17/M with a complaint of swelling in the mandibular anterior region. CBCT revealed three unilocular expansile lytic lesions in the mandible: a large lesion extending from tooth 46 (mandibular right first molar) to tooth 34 (mandibular left first premolar), along with separate lesions associated with teeth 38 and 48 (mandibular left and right third molar regions). Incisional biopsy was suggestive of OKC. So, cyst enucleation was done under general anaesthesia and histopathology showed a cystic lumen lined by OKC lining. Numerous daughter cysts were also seen. This case emphasizes that the occurrence of multiple OKCs warrants evaluation for possible associated syndromes. Syndromic OKCs typically present at a younger age, show equal involvement of the maxilla and mandible, and demonstrate a higher recurrence rate compared to sporadic cases. Therefore, long-term follow-up is essential to achieve favorable outcomes, and management of such lesions requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Objectives Maternal positioning during labour can significantly affect the birthing process and outcomes. The semi-Fowler’s position, in particular, is favoured for its comfort and its potential to reduce interventions. This study assesses maternal and neonatal outcomes following Semi Fowler’s positioning and identifies associations between demographic variables and labour outcomes. Material and Methods A Quasi- experimental was employed with 100 primigravida mothers in hospitals of Kheda-Anand district, Gujarat, India. Data were collected using a demographic interview schedule, the WHO (World Health Organization) partograph, and APGAR (activity, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores. Participants were encouraged to maintain the semi-Fowler’s position for 20 minutes at a time, repeated six times until full cervical dilation. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, t tests. Results The semi-Fowler’s position significantly reduced the duration of the first stage of labour (P = 0.031), improved cervical dilation rates, and increased the intensity of uterine contractions. Significant associations were observed between food patterns, gestational age, BMI, and labour outcomes (P < 0.05). Conclusion The semi-Fowler’s position substantially improves labour outcomes in primigravida mothers, reducing labour duration and enhancing cervical dilation and contractions.

Objectives To determine the direct and indirect costs, including out-of-pocket-expenditure (OOPE) and catastrophic spending among Insulin vs. Oral hypoglycaemic Agent (OHA) therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and explore its socio-economic impact in a rural community in Karnataka during COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods A rural community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between 2019 and 2022, involving 66 T2DM patients receiving combined insulin (n=20), and only OHA (n=46) was recruited consecutively. Data on direct costs (medications, consultations, laboratory tests) and indirect costs (transportation, productivity loss), out-of-pocket-expenditure (OOPE), and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) were estimated through data collected by face-to-face interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining appropriate precautions. Analysis was conducted using SPSS v 29.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data of the participants. Inferential statistics, including Mann-Whitney U Test and Chi-square (Fisher’s exact test), were used to assess the difference between the groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The median direct medical costs (INR) were 1636.5(1282-14266.5) among those on combined insulin therapy and 741.5(397.5-1190) for those on only OHA, which differed significantly. The median direct non-medical costs and total indirect costs among those on combined insulin therapy and for those on only OHA didn’t differ significantly. The total OOP expenditures (INR) was 2421(2015.25-23654) differed significantly among those on combined insulin therapy compared to INR 1540(1046.75-2262.5) for those on only OHA. The catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was 6(9.1%), which was significantly higher among those on combined insulin therapy than those on OHA. Conclusion The comparative financial burden of median direct medical costs (INR), CHE, and OOPE for individuals on combined insulin therapy was significantly higher than those on only OHA. Median non-medical and indirect costs did not significantly differ between individuals on combined insulin therapy and those on OHA.

Objectives Dizziness is defined as a deceptive or erroneous perception of movement, which can be either non-rotational (such as oscillopsia) or rotational (such as vertigo). These types of movement are frequently caused by injuries to the neurological system and the ears. About 15% of people worldwide suffer from vertigo, a common kind of dizziness. The purpose of the study was to create a series of questionnaires that were easily understood by Hindi speakers and to assess the internal consistency of the translated questionnaires. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study involving 100 individuals with vestibular pathology-related dizziness, ranging in age from 16 to 75, was carried out. The investigation consisted of two stages. Phase I involves creating and verifying the inventory, while Phase II involves administering the translated inventory. Results The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to assess the questionnaire’s internal consistency. With an overall alpha value of 0.92, the DHI-H showed strong internal consistency. The scores for the physical, emotional, and functional subscales were 0.94, 0.93, and 0.99, respectively. To assess the association between the two questionnaires utilised in this study, Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient was also employed. According to the test results, there was a moderate association between the DHI-H score and the ABC-H. Conclusion The findings of the study indicate that the DHI-H possesses good internal reliability. As such, it can be effectively used among Hindi-speaking individuals to assess the impact of dizziness, offering valuable information for both pre- and post-intervention evaluations.

Discrete trial training (DTT) was used to test its effects on four target grammatical morphemes and its generalisation and maintenance to untrained stimulus exemplars in a child with late cochlear implantation. A 6.9-year-old female child with profound hearing loss who had late cochlear implantation at 5.6 years with no other known sensory and cognitive co-morbidities underwent DTT. Treatment trials using the behavioural principles of DTT were carried out by presenting the target exemplars on a personal laptop in a sequential order using a background animation with and without modelling. Treatment progress was monitored in every session that lasted 45 minutes for a total of 22 sessions. Treatment trials for the four grammatical morphemes showed 100% acquisition within the first 20 trials. The child also showed an ability to generalise the learned grammatical morphemes to untrained exemplars on the probes that followed, to a criterion of 90%. A response accuracy of 90% was also observed for untrained exemplars 20 days post-treatment. DTT can reduce the treatment time for rehabilitating grammatical morphemes in children with hearing impairment. The rate of language development and the observed maintenance imply that DTT is one of the promising approaches to treat language deficits in children with late cochlear implants.

Objectives Radiation therapy is considered an essential component of cancer management, and approximately 50% of all cancer patients undergo this therapy during their course of treatment. This study aimed to understand the patient-reported experience of emotional, social, and physical health problems during radiation therapy. Material and Methods A descriptive survey design was adopted to assess the perceived emotional, social, and physical health problems among patients (n = 82) receiving radiation therapy conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Data were collected using demographic, clinical proforma, and Nottingham health profiles. Results The study results showed that an equal percentage (37.8%) of study participants were 31–40 years and 41–50 years old. Most participants were males (62.2%) and married (65.9%). The age of onset of cancer for most (65.9%) participants was between 36 and 45 years (31.7%). Most (45.1%) had stage 2 cancer. About 79.3% didn't have a history of cancer in their family. The patients reported that their present health status, living with cancer and its treatment, affected their work (56.1%), home making (72%), social life (78%), home life (97.6%), sex life (46.3%), interests/hobbies (42.7%), and vacations (13.4%). Conclusion This study revealed that patients receiving radiation therapy experience significant emotional, social, and physical health problems, including anxiety, depression, social isolation, fatigue, and pain. These challenges adversely impact their overall quality of life, highlighting the need for comprehensive psychosocial support services to improve well-being during and after the treatment period.

Lymphatico-venous malformation is a rare anomaly that typically occurs in the posterior triangle of the neck in infants. It is rare in adults. It results from dilated lymphatic vessels caused by occlusion due to congenital and acquired factors like trauma and infection. Treatment is based on size, location, and symptoms, and includes surgical resection and sclerotherapy. Here, we report a case of lymphatico-venous malformation in an adult female, which was managed with surgery.

Impacted teeth are frequently discovered in areas that seem edentulous. Traditionally, treatment involves extracting the impacted tooth to allow for implant placement. However, a newer approach can be taken, which involves placing the implant directly through the impacted tooth. This can reduce treatment time and lessen the physical and mental strain of extraction. This report discusses two cases where patients presented with missing teeth and impacted canines were identified through radiographic analysis. After discussing various treatment options, implants were placed through the impacted teeth. The results revealed that both patients were satisfied with the final prostheses. Thus, implant placement through impacted teeth presents a viable alternative to the conventional method of extraction followed by rehabilitation before implant placement. However, further research is needed to evaluate this treatment approach thoroughly.

Objectives Serum levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) or argipressin, oestrogen (E) and nitric oxide (NO) decrease in menopause, but follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) increase, which causes postmenopausal problems in women. These factors were measured in aged rats treated with L-arginine and/or NO synthase inhibitor over three weeks (different time intervals). Material and Methods Wistar rats (dioestrus, weighing 250 g and 36 weeks old) were randomly divided into two control and experimental groups. They were treated with L-arginine (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) or/and L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester -5 and 25 mg/kg), i.p. (intraperitoneal) for 3-21 days, once a day. The control group received only saline (1 mL/kg). Serum levels of AVP, E, FSH, LH, TNF-α, and IL-1β were determined. The animals’ ovaries, uterus, and body weight were also studied to show biometric differences. Findings were analysed using ANOVA (Analysis of variance - α = 0.05). Results L-Arginine at the highest doses in the 3-day treatment increased AVP levels and at lower concentrations improved oestrogen levels in all periods. It reduced the number of follicular cysts at the lowest dose and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the short period. L-NAME pretreatment significantly reduced the effects of low-dose and short-term L-arginine treatment. Gonadotropin levels did not change significantly, but ovarian diameter and cytokine levels increased in long periods, and weight decreased. Conclusion L-Arginine at low dose and short-term treatment can improve menopausal problems by increasing serum levels of AVP and oestrogen and reducing inflammatory factors with the involvement of NO.