Textbook Of Medicine Research Articles

Weighing the gold standard: The breadth of emergency medicine core content covered by textbooks.

Textbooks are often considered the criterion standard in medical education, but there is a growing preference for free open-access medical education (FOAM) content among learners. Despite FOAM's appeal, these resources often fall short in covering core content as comprehensively as the American Board of Emergency Medicine's 2019 Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (MCPEM), thereby sustaining the recommendation for textbook use. However, textbooks have limitations, such as how quickly content can become outdated. Notably, there is no evaluation of the comprehensiveness of emergency medicine (EM) textbooks in the literature. This observational cross-sectional study compared Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice 10th Edition (Rosen's) and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide 9th Edition (Tintinalli's) with the MCPEM subtopics. Each textbook chapter was reviewed for content alignment with MCPEM subtopics. The primary outcome was the proportion of MCPEM subtopics covered by each textbook. Secondary outcomes included the count of chapters covering each topic and their distribution relative to the core content weighting in the ABEM National Qualifying Examination (NQE). Rosen's covered 95.3% of MCPEM subtopics (837 unique subtopics), and Tintinalli's covered 94.5% (826 unique subtopics). Both textbooks overrepresented topics like toxicology and psychobehavioral disorders compared to their weighting in the NQE. Relatively underrepresented topics included environmental disorders, cardiovascular disorders, renal and urogenital disorders, and traumatic disorders in Rosen's and other core competencies and cardiovascular disorders in Tintinalli's. The textbooks varied significantly in coverage of certain topics. Both Rosen's and Tintinalli's comprehensively cover MCPEM subtopics, with some discrepancies in topic representation compared to the NQE. While textbooks offer depth and breadth, they may not fully align with the NQE content distribution. A diversified approach to EM education, combining traditional textbooks and FOAM resources may be required for comprehensive learning.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the Thai herbal remedy Yataprasen and biflavonoids isolated from Putranjiva roxburghii in RAW264.7 macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYataprasen is a topical Thai herbal remedy for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and is included in Kumpe Thart Phra Narai, the first Thai textbook of traditional medicine. The herbal preparation is made from a hydroethanolic extract of a mixture of 13 medicinal plants, of which Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. leaves are the major ingredient. Aim of the studyIn this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory effects of the Yataprasen remedy, its main ingredients, and the phytochemicals isolated from P. roxburghii leaves. Materials and methodsThe anti-inflammatory effects of the Yataprasen remedy, along with its main ingredients, including the leaves of Baliospermum solanifolium (Burm.) Suresh, Melia azedarach L., P. roxburghii, Senna siamea (Lam.) Irwin & Barneby, and Tamarindus indica L. were determined by measuring prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the synthesis of inflammatory biomarkers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The active ingredients of the P. roxburghii leaves were separated by chromatography and spectroscopic measurements were used to identify their chemical structures. ResultsEthanol extracts of the Yataprasen remedy and some of its ingredients significantly suppressed LPS-induced PGE2 secretion and NO production in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with ethanolic extracts of the Yataprasen remedy (50 μg/mL) significantly inhibited LPS-induced mRNA expression of TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB. Among the plant ingredient extracts, P. roxburghii leaf extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on LPS-induced TNF-α and iNOS expression. Moreover, T. indica leaf extract showed the highest activity on the inhibition of LPS-induced COX-2 and NF-κB expression. Putraflavone, podocarpusflavone A, and amentoflavone were isolated biflavonoids from P. roxburghii leaf extract and showed the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced PGE2 secretion and NO synthesis in RAW264.7 cells. Of the isolated biflavonoids, amentoflavone exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS. ConclusionThe results support reported the anti-inflammatory effects of the Yataprasen remedy, which are associated with the downregulation of proinflammatory mediators. P. roxburghii, along with its biflavonoids, are the impact components that contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal remedy.

Representation of Women and Women's Health in Australian Medical School Course Outlines, Curriculum Requirements, and Selected Core Clinical Textbooks.

Historically, medical research has, outside of reproductive health, neglected the health needs of women. Medical studies have previously excluded female participants, meaning research data have been collected from males and generalized to females. Knowledge gained from research is translated to clinical education and patient care, and female exclusion may result in gaps in the medical school curricula and textbooks. This study involved a desktop review of the Australian Medical Council Standards for assessment and accreditation of primary medical programs, the online publicly available Australian medical school course outlines, and finally, an analysis of the recommended textbooks. There is no fixed or explicit requirement to include women's health in Australian medical school curricula. Medical school course outlines do not adequately include women's health; similarly, clinical medicine textbooks do not account for sex and gender differences. Important sex and gender differences in medicine are not reflected adequately in the medical school course outlines, curricula, or clinical textbooks. This may have significant consequences on women's health.

Effect of Honey-Lime Spray as Add-On Therapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Xerostomia in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial

Introduction: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. There is no standard treatment for this symptom yet, although Persian medicine textbooks suggested some products to relieve xerostomia. We aimed to assess the efficacy of honey-lime spray in treating chemotherapy-induced xerostomia in breast cancer patients through a controlled study. Methods: In this pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial conducted in Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Iran, the intervention group received honey-lime spray and nystatin, while the control group used distilled water plus nystatin for 2 weeks. The six-item dry mouth form and visual analog score (VAS) were used to evaluate xerostomia extent and pain, respectively. Results: The standardized value of the difference between the mean scores before and after the study was −10.21 (p < 0.001), and the effect size was estimated at 55%. Also, VAS showed a significant decrease in pain for the intervention group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). There were no serious side effects. Conclusion: Honey-lime spray may be a good treatment choice for xerostomia in chemotherapy-induced breast cancer patients, but robust trials with larger samples and prolonged follow-ups are highly recommended.

Thoracic and abdominal aortic dissection in a hypertensive hyperthyroid cat

Aortic dissection is an uncommon finding in both dogs and cats. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development of aortic dissection remain unclear. In humans, aortic dissection is usually secondary to another systemic disease, such as systemic arterial hypertension, an abnormality of connective tissues or a parietal trauma. This is a case of an aortic dissection in a hypertensive hyperthyroid cat, presenting with haemorrhagic pericardial effusion. The dissection affected both thoracic and abdominal aorta, with histopathological confirmation. This case is an example of the utility of both thoracic and abdominal ultrasound for the diagnosis of aortic dissection in cats and it highlights the importance of rigorous clinical examination. Aortic dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion in cats. Further investigations are fundamental to understand how dissections develop and extend to achieve good clinical results.&#x0D; REFERENCES&#x0D; &#x0D; Braverman et al. (2012) Diseases of the aorta. In: Braunwald’s Heart Disease. A textbook of cardiovascular medicine. 9th Eds Bonow R, Mann D, Zipes D, Libby P. Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 1319-1331.&#x0D; Chetboul et al. (2006) Quantitative assessment of velocities of the annulus of the left atrioventricular valve and left ventricular free wall in healthy cats by use of two-dimensional colour tissue Doppler imaging. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2006, 67: 250-258.&#x0D; Cojocaru et al. (2013) Evaluation of oxidative stress in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine. 51(2):97-106.&#x0D; D’Ancona et al. (2014) Computational analysis to predict false-lumen perfusion and outcome of type B aortic dissection. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 148 (4):1756-1758.&#x0D; Gouni et al. (2018) Aortic dissecting aneurysm associated with systemic arterial hypertension in a cat. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 160(5):320-324.&#x0D; Liao et al. (2008) A proteomic study of the aortic media in human thoracic aortic dissection: implication for oxidative stress. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 136(1):65-72.&#x0D; Liu et al. (2016) Ursodeoxycholic acid attenuates acute aortic dissection formation in angiotensin II-infused apolipoprotein E-deficient mice associated with reduced ROS and increased Nrf2 levels. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 38(4): 1391-1405.&#x0D; Phillippi et al. (2009) Basal and oxidative stress-induced expression of metallothionein is decreased in ascending aortic aneurysms of bicuspid aortic valve patients. Circulation. 119(18):2498-2506.&#x0D; Qin et al. (2016) Dynamic monitoring of platelet activation and its role in post-dissection inflammation in a canine model of acute type A aortic dissection. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. 11(1):86.&#x0D; Qing et al. (2012) Ex-vivo haemodynamic models for the study of Stanford type B aortic dissection in isolated porcine aorta. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 44(4):399-405.&#x0D; Waldrop et al. (2003) Aortic dissection associated with aortic aneurysms and posterior paresis in a dog. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 17(2):223-229.&#x0D; Wang et al. (2013) An experimental model of Stanford type B aortic dissection with intravenous epinephrine injection. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences. 29(4):194-199.&#x0D; Wey AC, Atkins CE (2000). Aortic dissection and congestive heart failure associated with systemic hypertension in a cat. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 14(2):208-213.&#x0D;

The Documentation of Injuries Caused by Traffic Accidents.

Persons injured in traffic accidents may have injuries of characteristic types that are of significance for the complex reconstruction of the accident and whose medicolegally sound clinical documentation is highly important. This is of particular relevance for the approximately 55 000 persons who are severely injured in traffic accidents in Germany each year. Gaps in documentation are often disadvantageous for the injured persons. This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature review, with additional consideration of relevant textbooks in traffic medicine and legal medicine, as well as the guidelines of the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany). Injuries in traffic accidents typically differ depending on the mode of participation of the injured person in traffic. They must be examined with a view toward the sequence of events of the accident and documented in medicolegally sound fashion. In particular, because of the different mechanical forces involved, it is important to document the seat that the injured person occupied in the automobile, the nature of the collision (pedestrian vs. automobile; bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter, and motorcycle accidents), and the protective devices that were in use. The precise documentation of injuries and examination findings, with critical consideration of their plausibility in relation to the sequence of events of the accident as far as it is known, is an important duty of the physician. This documentation serves as the basis for further judicial steps leading to compensation when legally appropriate.

Validity of Using Still Images for Written Competency Assessments for Point-of-Care Ultrasound among Non-Radiologists-pilot study.

Background and Objective: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an integral part of the curricula of various spe-cialty residency programs. POCUS education requires learners to be proficient in image acqui-sition, image interpretation, and integration into clinical practice. The assessment of POCUS skills and competency is variable. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of us-ing still ultrasound images as examination test items without providing clinical vignettes or anatomical locations. Methods: This is a proof-of-concept survey pilot study, residents from the Middle East who had com-pleted their training in emergency medicine were surveyed during their competency assess-ment examination. They were provided with a single ultrasound image of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in both print and PowerPoint slide format. The task was to identify the diagnosis based on this image, which was taken from a reference emergency medicine textbook. Results: The study showed that only 50% of the residents correctly identified the diagnoses based on the still images. Many of the incorrect answers included diagnoses that were not related to the anatomical structure that was scanned, indicating that the residents were not able to identify the anatomical locations, which highlighted the challenges of interpreting a single still image without clinical context and emphasized the need for valid and reliable test items in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education and assessment. Conclusions: National and international emergency medicine societies should establish standards for writ-ing POCUS examination test items to ensure their validity and reliability.

Validity of Using Still Images for Written Competency Assessments for Point-of-Care Ultrasound among Non-Radiologists-pilot study.

Background and Objective: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an integral part of the curricula of various spe-cialty residency programs. POCUS education requires learners to be proficient in image acqui-sition, image interpretation, and integration into clinical practice. The assessment of POCUS skills and competency is variable. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of us-ing still ultrasound images as examination test items without providing clinical vignettes or anatomical locations. Methods: This is a proof-of-concept survey pilot study, residents from the Middle East who had com-pleted their training in emergency medicine were surveyed during their competency assess-ment examination. They were provided with a single ultrasound image of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in both print and PowerPoint slide format. The task was to identify the diagnosis based on this image, which was taken from a reference emergency medicine textbook. Results: The study showed that only 50% of the residents correctly identified the diagnoses based on the still images. Many of the incorrect answers included diagnoses that were not related to the anatomical structure that was scanned, indicating that the residents were not able to identify the anatomical locations, which highlighted the challenges of interpreting a single still image without clinical context and emphasized the need for valid and reliable test items in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education and assessment. Conclusions: National and international emergency medicine societies should establish standards for writ-ing POCUS examination test items to ensure their validity and reliability.

Sweating as a Preventive Care and Treatment Strategy in Traditional Persian Medicine

Proper and regular sweating plays a significant thermoregulatory role. It is a common perception that, sweating has other important homeostatic functions such as clearance of excessive micronutrients, waste products of metabolic processes, and toxins from the body, which helps to maintain human good health. In addition, sweating, thermotherapy, and sauna are commonly used to treat various diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory and joint diseases. In traditional Persian medicine (PM) textbooks, sweating is considered a preventive care and treatment strategy as well. In this study, we aim to explain the beneficial effects of sweating in human health and its role in the management of various diseases, as well as introducing the therapeutic applications of some diaphoretic plants from the viewpoint of PM. We reviewed the most famous PM textbooks such as Kamil al-Sinaa al-Tibbiya, Al-Qānūn fī al-Tibb, Zakhireye Kharazmshahi, Kholasat al-Hikmat, Exir-e-Azam, and Hifzos-sihhat-e Naseri. Also, current evidence was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and other relevant databases related to the topic. The results of this study revealed that PM scientists believed proper sweating removes waste products and maintains the body’s health, thus, any disturbances in the excretion of these waste products can cause diseases. They recommended the induction of sweating through hot and dry baths, sun bath, sand bath and also the use of diaphoretic herbs for the management of various diseases. Therefore, further researches are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of these diaphoretic plants. [GMJ.2020;9:e2003]

Switching Style towards Ease in a Medieval Textbook of Medicine: Revison of Constantine the African’s Pantegni, Theorica in Twelfth-Century Manuscripts

Abstract The Pantegni of Constantine the African (d. by 1098/9) was the first ever comprehensive medical textbook written in Latin. It was translated and modified from an Arabic original in Salerno and in the monastery of Monte Cassino in south Italy. This article demonstrates that a large-scale stylistic revision of the Pantegni, or more precisely of its section Theorica, was carried out in the first half of the twelfth century at the latest. The existence of the revised version suggests there was a desire for Constantine’s translation to meet altered expectations and practical needs. Based on collation of a chapter from Book V and additional sample passages in both the standard version and the revised version of the Theorica, it is argued that the latter was compiled in order to simplify and clarify Constantine’s expression and make his train of thought as lucid as possible.

Pharmacological Management of Cholera: A Century of Expert Opinions in Cecil Textbook of Medicine.

Cholera is a potentially lethal diarrheal disease produced by Vibrio cholerae serotypes O1 El Tor and O139. Known since antiquity, the condition causes epidemics in many areas, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. Left untreated, the mortality may reach 50%. The crucial therapeutic intervention is intravenous or oral rehydration and correction of acidosis, dyselectrolytemia, and renal impairment. Antibiotic use represents the main pharmacological intervention. What are the milestones of the antibiotics use recommended by experts for the pharmacological management of cholera in the past century? To determine the changes in the experts' approach to the management of cholera and particularly the use of antibiotics as presented in a widely used textbook in the United States. The chapters describing the management of cholera in the 26 editions of Cecil Textbook of Medicine published from 1927 through 2020. Sulfonamides were recommended in 1947, followed by the introduction of tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and furazolidone in 1955. The options were restricted in 2000 to doxycycline. In the past decade, patients infected with strains known to have a degree a resistance to tetracyclines were treated with azithromycin or ciprofloxacin. Antibiotic use decreases the volume of stool and the duration of diarrhea but has not been considered lifesaving. Drugs with antimotility, antiemetic, or antisecretory properties are not useful. The utility of antibiotic use in cholera has been endorsed by experts, but only as an adjunct to rapid and complete fluid and electrolyte replacement.

A review of Balya action of Vidarikanda in tribal zone as mentioned in Ayurveda

Background: Acharya Sushruta has explained 37 Gana and each Gana has multiple indications. The nomenclature of Gana is given by the first drug in that particular Gana in Vidarigandhadi Gana. Vidarigandha is the first drug mentioned in this Gana. Each Gana is followed by its potential action on Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and clinical indication. Bala refers to the physical strength generally and any medicine that increases it is known as Balya. Folk medicine comprises of traditional healing believes and medicines used in past and contemporary cultures mostly by people who are not license medical practitioner. Folk medicine is a system based on traditional modes. Aim and Objectives: This paper trying to elaborate, evaluate and discuss the medicinal property, Balya effect of Vidarikanda. Material and Methods: The text book of Ayurveda, its commentaries and text book of modern medicine along with various clinical studies published in index journal have been review thoroughly. Discussion: Vidarikanda is very important drug, which is described from ancient time. Acharyas already know the importance of Vidarikanda in the therapeutic (Balya) management. It is indicated in Shosha, Gulma, Angamarda, Kasa, Shwasa and having Vata-Pittanashak property. Conclusion: Vidarikanda has Madhur Rasa, Shita Veerya and Guru, Snigdh Guna and it pacify Vata, Pitta and Rakta dosha and having Brihmani, Vrashya, Jivaniya, Rasayan, Stanya, Shukral, Balya property mentioned in Ayurvedic text.

Bed Rest After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Century of Expert Opinions in Cecil Textbook of Medicine.

Complete bed rest has been a component of the management of acute myocardial infarction, which was first diagnosed in the United States in 1912. The prescribed duration of bed rest has been progressively shortened in the past century. What are the milestones of the changes in the expert approach to the duration of bed rest for patients with acute myocardial infarction? To determine the changes in the experts' approach to the duration of bed rest after a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, as presented in a widely used textbook in the United States. The chapters presenting the management of myocardial infarction in the 26 editions of Cecil Textbook of Medicine published from 1927 through 2020. Complete rest for 2-6 weeks was recommended by the Cecil's experts from 1927 through 1967. The practice was questioned since the early 1950s, but the recommended duration of bed rest was decreased to 3-4 days only in 1971, after most US hospitals opened coronary care units. The required time in bed was further decreased to 1 day in 1992 and to 12 hours in 2004. By 2007, the literature contained data from 15 trials with a total of 1471 patients kept in bed "longer" and 1487 patients who had been prescribed bed rest for "shorter" periods after an acute uncomplicate myocardial infarction and there was no difference between the groups regarding reinfarction, cardiac mortality, or all-cause mortality. The duration of bed rest after acute myocardial infarction recommended by experts in the United States has had a downward trend with an inflection point in the early 1970s. The change reflected experts' opinion, rather than evidence produced by randomized controlled trials.

Primary neurological manifestations of HIV in children.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) causes various diseases in different age groups. Neurological manifestations of HIV are common and add to morbidity and mortality. It was previously thought that the central nervous system (CNS) was involved only in the advanced stages of the disease. However, recent evidence supports pathological involvement of the CNS from initial viral entry. Some of the CNS manifestations in children share similarities to neurologic disorders of HIV-infected adult patients, while others are unique to the pediatric population. Many HIV-related neurologic complications seen in adults are rarely encountered in children with AIDS and vice versa. However, with recent advances in the treatment, more HIV-infected children are surviving into adulthood. A systematic review of the available literature was performed to study the manifestations, causes, outcomes, and treatment of primary neurologic disorders in children with HIV. Online databases (Ovid Medline, Embase and PubMed), websites from the World Health Organization, commercial search engines, including Google, and chapters on HIV in standard textbooks of pediatrics and medicine were reviewed. HIV-associated neurological syndromes can be classified into four types: primary HIV neurological diseases, treatment-related neurological diseases, adverse neurological effects of antiretroviral therapy and secondary/opportunistic neurological illness. These conditions are not mutually exclusive and may co-exist in a given patient. This narrative review will focus mainly on the primary neurological manifestations of HIV in children.

Research on the Compilation of Idiom Entries in Specialized Chinese Textbooks

Since the "the Belt and Road" initiative was put forward, various connections between China and the world have increased, and the value of Chinese language teaching in specialized fields has rapidly increased. As an important part of Chinese as a foreign language, the importance of Chinese idiom teaching cannot be ignored. However, at present, the academic community does not attach enough importance to the compilation of idiom entries in specialized Chinese textbooks. This article focuses on business, medicine, and art textbooks for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. It compares the inclusion of idioms in the textbooks with general and specialized outlines, and studies the degree of correlation. It analyzes the writing of idioms in specialized Chinese textbooks, summarizes the shortcomings in the writing of idiom entries in the textbooks, and proposes writing suggestions.

The effect of a topical formulation from Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) on pain intensity in patients with chronic sciatica: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChronic sciatica (CS) is a common condition of disability and pain. Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) is a medicinal plant that is commonly recommended in traditional Persian medicine textbooks for pain relief in patients with sciatica, particularly in the form of oil. Aim of the studyThis research was designed to investigate the efficacy of a topical formulation from henna on pain intensity in patients with CS. Methods and materialsIn a randomized, double-blind clinical study, 81 patients were randomly allocated to three groups to receive the topical henna formulation (aqueous extract of henna in sesame oil), sesame oil, or placebo, three times daily, for four weeks. The patients were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), and Oswestry disability index (ODI). ResultsThere was a significant decrease in mean VAS in henna oil compared to sesame oil (p = 0.004) and placebo (p = 0.004). Significant improvements in total SF-36 scores were observed in henna oil and sesame oil compared to placebo (p = 0.011 and p = 0.025, respectively). Furthermore, ODI significantly decreased in henna oil compared to sesame oil (p < 0.001) and placebo (p = 0.005). ConclusionHenna oil seems to be an effective treatment to reduce pain intensity in patients with CS. Moreover, it improves quality of life and functional ability. Further randomized controlled trials with longer intervention periods are recommended to confirm this efficacy.

Recommended dietary allowances, ICMR 2020 guidelines: A practical guide for bedside and community dietary assessment – A review

Assessment of diet bedside and in the community is crucial for the management and prevention of various ailments. Recommended dietary allowances and nutritional requirements of humans is a growing science that keeps changing, hence medical fraternity needs to be updated. ICMR-NIN are the nodal agencies in India for refining and reformulating dietary needs as per the nutritional transition occurring globally. They have published Nutrient Requirements for Indians: Recommended Dietary Allowances and Estimated Average Requirements - A Report of the Expert Group 2020, consisting of vital changes which are developed to satisfy the needs of the healthy population, keeping in view the reduction of disease risk and maintaining optimal health of the population. Most textbooks of community medicine have not yet adopted the newer recommendations and it is crucial that current students follow the paradigm shift which has happened in nutritional needs. The twenty-four-hour (24 hr) semi-quantitative dietary recall method is the preferred dietary assessment method at the bedside and community due to its less administration time and usability even on illiterates. It is considered the best method when there is no patience or motivation to answer food-related questions. Here is an attempt to compile and simplify all required information for dietary assessment from reliable sources in one place which empowers healthcare professionals to perform a dietary assessment.

Metabolic Acidosis in Children: A Literature Review

Metabolic acidosis is characterised by a primary decrease in the serum bicarbonate concentration, a secondary decrease in the arterial partial pressure of CO­2, and a reduction in blood pH. Metabolic acidosis, acute or chronic, may have deleterious effects on cellular function and cause increased morbidity and mortality. A systematic review of the available literature was performed to identify data on the prevalence, manifestations, cause, outcomes, and treatment of metabolic acidosis in children. Online databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, and PubMed), commercial search engines (including Google), and chapters on metabolic acidosis in the standard textbooks of paediatrics and medicine were reviewed. Systematic approach to acute metabolic acidosis starts with proper history taking and examination. This is followed by assessment of acid-base parameters, including pH, partial pressure of CO2, and bicarbonate concentration in arterial blood. Blood gas is needed to differentiate primary metabolic acidosis from compensated respiratory alkalosis. Once the diagnosis of a metabolic acidosis has been confirmed, serum electrolyte values are used to determine the serum anion gap. The various causes of increased and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis have been discussed in the article. The main aim of treatment in metabolic acidosis is to reverse the primary pathophysiology. In acute metabolic acidosis, sodium bicarbonate therapy is not beneficial due to potential complications and is reserved for specific situations. Base therapy is used in chronic metabolic acidosis where it ameliorates many of its untoward effects. Other modalities of treatment of metabolic acidosis include peritoneal or haemodialysis and tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane.

Dr. Ani John (1950-2007): An exemplary dental educator and administrator and the first female President of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Dr. Ani John (1950-2007): An exemplary dental educator and administrator and the first female President of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Assessment of Physical Standards of Housing for Healthy Living in Urban Informal Settlement: A Case of Rupsha Slum in Khulna

Overcrowding, poor structural quality of housing, and a lack of basic services and infrastructure differentiate informal settlement as a distinct type of community. Poor housing quality is directly connected to a greater risk of disease and illness in informal settlements. This research is being carried out to provide a comprehensive picture of the existing physical conditions of housing and aims to measure the deviation of housing quality between existing and standard healthy housing parameters in informal settlements. A substantial amount of fieldwork has been conducted to map the existing physical structure of the settlement and a list of preventable diseases suffered from poor housing is made through conducting a focus group discussion and interviews of 50 households in a distinct informal settlement situated in Bangladesh’s third-largest city, namely Khulna. To assess the housing quality a framework of standard housing is made by reviewing the book “Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine” by K. Park. Results indicate that - 70% of the total household does not satisfy the minimum housing standard; in most cases, 4 or 5 persons must share a single room of 102 to 150 sqft area; a single toilet serves 180 people; the queuing time for drinking water from a tube well exceeds 45 minutes. The study also reveals the settler’s complex mechanism of compact living through space sharing dynamics. Journal of Engineering Science 13(2), 2022, 51-67