Publications by authors named "Aswathy S"

Article Synopsis
  • Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are common among healthcare workers, with a 31% prevalence found in a study of 210 HCWs in a hospital in Kerala, India, where the intravenous cannula was the most involved device.
  • The study highlighted that older healthcare workers (above 31 years) were more likely to experience NSIs, suggesting a need for targeted safety measures for this group.
  • The results emphasize the necessity for improved documentation, adherence to safety protocols, and effective post-exposure prophylaxis to mitigate the risks associated with NSIs in the healthcare setting.
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Introduction: Urticaria is a dermatological disorder that manifests as raised erythematous lesions with pruritis and resolves with no changes to the appearance of the skin. In Ayurveda, this condition is similar to "Sheetapitta," which involves an imbalance of Doshas (regulatory functional factors of the body) and is treated through purification techniques like Panchakarma. Recognizing the significance of such treatments, this case explores the effectiveness of Ayurveda purificatory therapies, specifically Shodhana, in managing chronic urticaria.

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In the present study, (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer collected from Keeriparai forest of Kanyakumari district, South India was cultivated using environmentally benign, low-cost agricultural waste residues (paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and sawdust) as growth substrates.

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There is a plethora of information embedded in a tissue section that the conventional IHC understands only partially. Predictive biomarkers for precision immuno-oncology heavily dependent on the spatial arrangement of cells and the co-expression patterns in the tissue sections. Here we have explored the versatility of indirect multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and indirect multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) for the labeling of breast cancer prognostic markers in routinely processed, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues at high resolution.

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Hydrogels a three-dimensional network structure of hydrophilic polymers have gained significant interest in the field of biomedicine due to its high-water absorption properties and its resemblance to the native extracellular matrix. However, the hydrogel's physicochemical properties are important in its ability to serve as a matrix in biomedical applications. The variations in the molecular weight of polymers in the preparation of crosslinked hydrogels may alter the properties.

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Hydrogels are three-dimensional network structures of hydrophilic polymers, which have the capacity to take up an enormous amount of fluid/water. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a commercially available cellulose derivative that can be used for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility. It has been used as a major component to fabricate hydrogels because of its superabsorbent nature.

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Objectives: Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the home setting are major health hazards for adolescents. The objectives of this study were to estimate tobacco use and exposure to SHS among high school students in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, and to investigate associated factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

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Objectives: India introduced BBV152/Covaxin and AZD1222/Covishield vaccines in January 2021. We estimated the effectiveness of these vaccines against severe COVID-19 among individuals aged ≥45 years.

Methods: We did a multi-centric, hospital-based, case-control study between May and July 2021.

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Unlabelled: , belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, is an important medicinal plant widely used as a nootropic in the Indian traditional medicine system. In the genus , no research on the chloroplast genome has been published. Hence, the present study focuses on annotation, characterization, identification of mutational hotspots, and phylogenetic analysis in the complete chloroplast genome (cp) of .

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Hydrogels are polymeric networks having the ability to absorb a large volume of water. Flexibility, versatility, stimuli-responsive, soft structure are the advantages of hydrogels. It is classified based on its source, preparation, ionic charge, response, crosslinking and physical properties.

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Background: Neurological disorders are clinically heterogeneous group of disorders and are major causes of disability and death. Several of these disorders are caused due to genetic aberration. A precise and confirmatory diagnosis in the patients in a timely manner is essential for appropriate therapeutic and management strategies.

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Introduction: Varying prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes have been observed in different parts of the southern state of Kerala, India which is in an advanced stage of epidemiologic transition. Social patterning is evident in diabetes and therefore it was decided to undertake a study on estimating the prevalence of diabetes and associated social determinants.

Methodology: The adopted local self administration unit of the Medical College which is also the field practice area with a population of 25,096 was taken for the study.

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Background: This paper describes a pioneering effort to introduce tobacco cessation into India's undergraduate medical college curriculum. This is the first ever attempt to fully integrate tobacco control across all years of medical college in any low and middle income country. The development, pretesting, and piloting of an innovative modular tobacco curriculum are discussed as well as challenges that face implementation and steps taken to address them and to advocate for adoption by the Medical Council of India.

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Background: Results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in Kerala, India found that 42 % of adults were exposed to second hand smoke (SHS) inside the home. Formative research carried out in rural Kerala suggests that exposure may be much higher. Numerous studies have called for research and intervention on SHS exposure among women and children as an important component of maternal and child health activities.

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The prevalence of Diabetes is projected to increase to 80 million by 2030, placing an immense burden on the health care resources of our country. Thus, diabetes poses a challenge to health systems and the individual. Hence, it is necessary to look at adjuncts to effective management of Diabetes; adjuncts which are not resource intensive and are nearer to the community that people live in.

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A lot of research has been directed on wellbeing and disability in many non-communicable disease conditions. In this context, health-related aspects of life and quality of life (QOL) are receiving a lot of focus. Many Quality of Health measures are available, of which World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) is one of the most popular.

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Background & Objectives: Cervical cancer has a major impact on woman's lives worldwide and one in every five women suffering from cervical cancer belongs to India. Hence the objectives of this study were to find the knowledge of women regarding cervical cancer, to determine screening practices and determinants, and to identify factors for non screening.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Vypin Block of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India where four of the seven Panchayats were randomly chosen.

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Chikungunya struck Kerala in a devastating form in the years 2006 and 2007 and its after effects continued to 2008. In May 2008, a post epidemic study of the awareness of vector habits and prevalence of the vectors was done. A cross sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected Panchayat affected by Chikungunya in a rural area of Kerala, India.

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In India, annual rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) based on diethylcarbamazine and albendazole are used to control filariasis, which is a major public-health problem. In December 2007/January 2008, a few weeks after one such MDA, a household survey was conducted in the Ernakulam district of Kerala to evaluate coverage and compliance. After one member aged >14 years from each of 599 households was interviewed, coverage of the last MDA was estimated to be 77.

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A study based on 198 women above 45 years of age was undertaken using interview methods in a house to house survey, to find the self reported morbidity and awareness regarding common cancers and screening tests. In this study the most commonly reported morbidity was due to reproductive system and related problems. Among reported problems the most common was visual (66.

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A house-to-house survey was carried out in Edavanakad Panchayat in Ernakulam district of Kerala to study the utilization and satisfaction from the MCH services provided by the Government and private hospitals. In all 92 women of age 15-45 were selected for the study. The use of private hospital for delivery increased with education.

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