The why, what and how of preconception care: an exploratory descriptive qualitative study in Karnataka, India.

Background: Women's health and nutrition are key to their reproductive health and are important for optimising pregnancy outcomes. Formation of most foetal organs starts soon after conception and much before the woman has her first antenatal visit. The provision of biomedical, behavioural and social interventions to couples to address health, nutrition, behaviour issues and individual environmental risk factors that could contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes before conception is crucial.

A Comparative Evaluation of Flexural and Impact Strength of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Reinforced With Graphene and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: An In Vitro Study.

Background and objective Low flexural strength (FS) and impact strength (IS) are major drawbacks in removable prostheses made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Attempts to enhance the strength and longevity of these prostheses have been of keen interest among researchers. Nanofillers are new and advanced reinforcements that can chemically modify PMMA.

Comparative Analytical Study of Dinoprostone Gel and Hyaluronidase Injection for Induction of Labour in Term Primigravida in Tertiary Rural Medical Centre of Western Uttar Pradesh.

To compare the efficacy of intracervical dinoprostone gel and hyaluronidase injection for induction of labour in term primigravida. This is a hospital based analytical prospective interventional study conducted in a rural tertiary care centre over a period of 18 months. A total of 70 patients who required induction of labour for one or another reason with Bishop score of less than 6 were included in the study.

Socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical factors influencing control of diabetes and hypertension in urban Mysore, South India: a mixed-method study conducted in 2018.

Background: Inadequate control of diabetes and hypertension is a major concern in India because of rising mortality and morbidity. Few studies in India have explored factors that influence control of diabetes and hypertension. The current study aimed to improve the understanding of multifactorial influence on the control of diabetes and hypertension among patients in Primary Health Care Settings(PHC) of urban Karnataka.

Accelerated scale-up of Kangaroo Mother Care: Evidence and experience from an implementation-research initiative in south India.

Aim: Though Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has demonstrated benefits for low birth weight newborns, coverage continues to be low in India. As part of a World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country study, we explored intervention models to accelerate KMC coverage in a high priority district of Karnataka, India.

Methods: We used implementation-research methods, formative assessments and quality improvement approaches to design and scale-up interventions.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging features of giant intracranial tuberculomas.

Objectives: To evaluate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of Giant Tuberculomas (GT) of the brain and deduce characteristic imaging phenotypes which may differentiate GT from higher grade glioma.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of MRI was done on Tuberculomas of size >2 cm. The diagnosis was established by histopathology or presumed from size reduction on follow-up MRI while on empirical anti-tubercular therapy (ATT).

A narrative review of gaps in the provision of integrated care for noncommunicable diseases in India.

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for a higher burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and home to a higher number of premature deaths (before age 70) from NCDs. NCDs have become an integral part of the global development agenda; hence, the scope of action on NCDs extends beyond just the health-related sustainable development goal (SDG 3). However, the organization and integration of NCD-related health services have faced several gaps in the LMIC regions such as India.

Designing a comprehensive Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) programme for hypertension and diabetes at primary health care level: evidence and experience from urban Karnataka, South India.

Background: India accounts for more than two-third of mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in south-east Asia. The burden is high in Karnataka, one of the largest states in southern India. There is a need for integration of disease prevention, health promotion, treatment and care within the national program at primary level.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk assessment among human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy.

Background: The association of cardiovascular risk with first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Indians has been a matter of concern with the background of a high risk in South Asians.

Aims: This study aimed to compare metabolic syndrome and its components, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk among patients on first-line ART (Group 1) with age-matched, ART-naïve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients (Group 2) and normal controls (Group 3).

Methods: Patients attending a tertiary care center in Mysore were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent and controls were chosen from relatives of patients.

Design and Implementation of a Structured Programme for Validation of Birth Weights in a District of Southern India: A Case Study.

In India, though the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is estimated to be nearly 30%, routine reporting by the government consistently under-reports it as 12%, with resulting mismatched rectification efforts. We designed a programme comprising weight measurement standardization training, a pilot study-based sample size calculation, re-training and certification of personnel and finally a validation exercise. Paired birth weight readings of 404 newborns by a staff nurse and a research nurse were compared.

Effectiveness of Onsite Nurse Mentoring in Improving Quality of Institutional Births in the Primary Health Centres of High Priority Districts of Karnataka, South India: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

Background: In India, although the proportion of institutional births is increasing, there are concerns regarding quality of care. We assessed the effectiveness of a nurse-led onsite mentoring program in improving quality of care of institutional births in 24/7 primary health centres (PHCs that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) of two high priority districts in Karnataka state, South India. Primary outcomes were improved facility readiness and provider preparedness in managing institutional births and associated complications during child birth.

A comparative evaluation of thoracic and lumbar epidural fentanyl for post thoracotomy pain.

Thirty patients undergoing closed mitral valvotomy were prospectively randomised to receive either thoracic or lumbar epidural catheter. General anaesthesia consisted of morphine sulphate 0.15 mg/kg (single dose given before skin incision), thiopentone sodium 4-6 mg/kg, vecuronium and halothane titrated to stable haemodynamics.