Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among students of a technical institution.

BACKGROUND: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major health problem worldwide. The number of infected people is increasing daily. Knowledge and awareness toward prevention and control of the disease is necessary among both educated and illiterate people. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS among undergraduate students studying in a technical institute in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15-30 years studying in a technical institution in Gorakhpur. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire developed with the help of existing literature, from 250 participants (students). RESULTS: The main source of information was the television; knowledge about the difference between HIV/AIDS was satisfactory. The findings showed that the knowledge about modes of prevention (blood checkup, needle/syringe sterilization) was satisfactory. There were several misconceptions about the modes of transmission of the disease, such as through mosquito bites, eating/drinking, and kissing. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the study population was satisfactory, and there is a need for innovation and comprehensive education to impart better knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS.

Assessment of topiramate's efficacy and safety in epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of topiramate (TPM) addition on seizure control in treatment of epilepsy. DESIGN: A prospective open label add-on trial of TPM addition in patients with epilepsy was done. The events of baseline phase of 12 weeks followed by titration and maintenance phases were recorded. Assessment of the number of seizure and emergent adverse effects was done by a monthly visit for each case. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction of more than 50% mean seizure frequency or response ratio of 0.33 was taken as the criteria for responders. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Normal Z-test for significance of differences between two proportions and Chi-square test for presence of association was applied and mean age, median duration, sex ratio, percentage prevalence were depicted. RESULTS: Significant responses to TPM in both partial as well as generalized seizures were observed (Z = 6.66, P < 0.001 and Z = 4.185, P < 0.01). The effect was more pronounced in patients with partial seizures. However, the overall response was highly significant (Z = 7.839, P < 0.001). The best response was noted at the dose of 200-300 mg/day (Z = 6.708, P < 0.001). More than 35% cases of partial and generalized seizures reported more than 75% reduction levels. The drug was well tolerated in more than 65% cases for side effects on psychosis, giddiness, and anorexia. Mild side effects were seen only in about less than 35% cases. CONCLUSIONS: TPM was found as a significantly effective add-on anticonvulsant with some limitation or mild side effects.

Review on treatment of premenstrual syndrome: from conventional to alternative approach.

Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the most common problem associated with women's health. Most women take alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS along with conventional therapies. A literature search was conducted which investigated various conventional and alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS. Web- and manual-based literature surveys were conducted to assess the information available on conventional and alternative treatment of PMS. Pubmed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases were screened, using the terms 'PMS and its management', 'pharmacotherapy of PMS', 'Alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS'. Publications with abstract/full articles and books were reviewed. Based on the available literature, there have been randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and high levels of evidence studies. The review addressed that drosperinone with ethinylestradiol has shown great improvement in symptoms of PMS in various RCTs. Among the alternative therapies use of micronutrients and herbs were found effective in treatment for symptoms of PMS.

Preclinical evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The use of medicinal plants has turned out to be an alternative method for the treatment of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. The recommendation of the World Health Organization Committee on Diabetes encouraging research on hypoglycemic agents of plant origin used in traditional medicine has greatly motivated research in this area. The hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber extract was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: An oral administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of I. digitata tuber (100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide was given for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the acute study and at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in the chronic study. The weight of rats was recorded before and after the study period of 28 days. RESULTS: In the acute study, both doses of the extract showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose level compared with the control but less significant than glibenclamide. In the chronic study, all treatments showed a significant blood glucose reduction in diabetic rats. The extract and glibenclamide not only prevented a further body weight loss but also maintained the body weight during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The result of the study concluded that I. digitata exhibits a considerable hypoglycemic activity, which could be due to the presence of flavonoids and ß-sitosterol as active principles, although the mechanism of action remains to be determined. Thus, the plant can be the key contributor in the treatment of diabetes as an alternative medicine.