Badrinarayan Mishra

Science in general and medical and allied sciences, in particular, have undergone a sea of change since its conception. In recent times it is experiencing exponential growth due to vast technological advances in the field of research. While some are on the right track others are in the wrong hands. This editorial explores the latter part, which needs immediate global attention. If corrective measures are not honestly and immediately implemented the end product will brew more trouble than any good for mankind.

Background: Bullying at schools is a known but neglected phenomenon. The study of its prevalence and correlates are essential to curb this aberrant behavior for building a healthy society. Aim and Objective: This cross-sectional evaluation was carried out to study the pattern through which bully activities manifests in students from 6th to 10th standards and find its positive and negative correlates. Materials and Methods: Candidates selection was done through simple random technique and proportionate sampling was adopted to ensure equal presentation across the board i.e., urban vs rural, types of schools, gender and class(standard). Results: 480 participants were studied both from rural and urban high schools (6th – 10th standard) in equal proportion. An equal portion (33.3%) of participants were ensured from the three groups of schools studied i.e., Girls, Co-education, and Boys, across gender (50%) and class(standard) 20% from each of them. Their age ranged from 10 years to 18 years with the mean age at 13.9 years and a standard deviation of 1.66. Of them 52% were bystanders, and 48% were engaged in some form of bully activities (20% victim, 16% bully victim, and 13% bully). While both bully and victim scores showed a strong positive correlation (r - 0.259**, p - 0.000) their relation with prosocial and self-esteem scores were strongly negative (p – 0.001). GHQ (General Health Questionnaire) score was not related to any of the above ones. Conclusion: Bully related behavior was predominant in the studied population. From the results, it appears that measures directed at improving prosocial behaviors and self-esteem of pupils can act as effective  counters to the empathetic school bully activities. Keywords: School bully, Prosocial, Self-esteem, GHQ.

Understanding the basic pathophysiology of the current spiralling COVID 19 pandemics is sin aqua none to its control. Amidst the neverending circulating hypotheses the role of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) 2 receptors, especially the nasal ones are is apparently leading the pack. Here we put forth the current evidences in its’ support which may tinkle many cogent minds. Keywords: ACE 2 receptors, Olfactory pathway, COVID 19, ACE antagonist lavage.

The nutritionally venerable geriatric population of India is on the rise. The community estimate of this venerability is far and few. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the nutritional status of geriatric population in rural India and ascertain the different contributors. Materials and Methods: MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) developed by Nestle Nutrition Institute and other relevant nutritional anthropometry surrogates were used. ‘Chi-Square’ test and ‘Z-test’ of variation between two means were applied to compare various anthropometric measurements with various grades of nutrition. P-value of significance was set at Results: For 160 participants the mean age was 72.11(±6.59) years, out of which 113(43.46%) were well-nourished, 111(42.46%) at risk of malnutrition and 36(13.84%) were undernourished. A highly significant association between age and grade of nutrition was observed (??2;= 34.41, d.f. =8, p Conclusion: With increasing geriatric population India should take note of their major issues which includes nutrition so that they can have a healthy and self-supportive living. Keywords: Indian Geriatrics, MNA, Nutritional status, Socio-demography.

The pandemic of essential hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and there associate dislipidemia (HOD complex) have set a new benchmark in disease epidemiology.1-3 Their concordance is magnanimous and multifaceted but not universal. Thus the need arises to explore their geo-cultural associates. Aim: This cross sectional study explored this dimension for rural Indian inpatients in a Central Indian tertiary healthcare facility. Established anthropometric tools are explored for their association with the HOD complex in order to shortlist the valued ones. Result: BMI (body mass index) and WC (waist circumference) were found to be strong associates with HTN (essential hypertension) (?2 = 0.0034 d.f =1, P Conclusion: All recommended guide lines specially with respect to HOD complex demonstrates geo-cultural variation. There for it is pragmatic to test them for their suitability with reference to local population. Keywords: HOD complex, Anthropometric variables, Geo-cultural population.

Introduction: Malnutrition though prevalent during hospitalization is often unrecognized in geriatric population. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized geriatric patients undergoing elective surgery using a standardized nutritional tool and to find association between the pre-operative nutritional status and post-operative clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This observational follow up study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Central India. Total 90 patients were included. Each patient’s nutritional status was determined by MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) scale within 24 hours of admission and required anthropometric and biochemical parameters were also collected preoperatively. Patients were followed with respect to surgical wound healing and length of hospital stay. Results: MNA tool detected the prevalence of malnutrition (under-nutrition) at 60%, and at risk of Malnourishment at 24%. These patients experienced significantly prolonged hospital stay after surgery (p Conclusion: Large number of geriatric surgical patients are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. MNA, a simple low skilled tool that can be conducted by paramedics can identify this with good accuracy and help in nutritional planning and lowering postoperative complications. Keywords: Nutritional status. Surgical geriatric in patients, MNA.

Introduction: The role of the mother is pivotal for good health of an under 5yr child. In developing countries the gap in their knowledge and consequently the ability to initiate health promoting activities remains as a chronic challenge. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried with 400 participants (mothers with at least one under five child) of which 200 were from rural and 200 from urban locations between 2012- 2013. Result: Most mothers preferred feeding colostrums to the child (90% in rural and 100% in urban) and kept their child away from prelacteals (75% rural and 94.5% urban). Advantages of exclusive breastfeeding were known to 74.5% rural and 94.5% urban mothers, but mothers were grossly negligent about duration per feed (15-20 minutes); only 11.5% urban and 6.5% rural mothers were aware of this. Acknowledgment of the signs of good attachment of the child to breast was significantly positive in urban mothers (p?0.001). Urban mothers were well informed about burping as an important component of breast feeding (p?0.001). High percentage of mothers practiced breast feeding during child’s illness (83% rural and 97% in urban areas). Anganwadi workers were the main informants about vaccines and vaccination related activities (p?0.001). Knowledge of optional immunization was higher in urban participants (76.5% Vs 30%). Lack of money and distance from health facility in rural areas and mother’s perception about severity of disease in urban areas were influential factors for seeking child health care (p?0.001). Conclusion: We observed better knowledge, attitude and practices in urban mothers about breast feeding and immunization. Financial constraint and distance of health care delivering centers were significant deterrent in seeking health for rural community. Keywords: Immunization, Feeding practices, Health Seeking Behavior, Under 5 child.

At a time when ‘One world and one health’ is the Global focus, shying away from employing different diagnostic skills will be criminal. All healthcare providers should be well versed in them so as to comprehend the complexities surrounding human health and be able to be proficient healers. Keywords: Social, Epidemiological, Behavioural, Educational, Organizational, Administrative, and Clinical Diagnosis