Amrita Journal of Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Trends and profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection following COVID vaccination among health-care workers","authors":"S. John, Harsha Hari, Sunny P Orathel, Shivaprabha V Nair","doi":"10.4103/amjm.amjm_22_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/amjm.amjm_22_23","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) across the country were administered Covishield (COVID vaccination) in a phased manner. This study aimed to explore the trends in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection postvaccination among HCWs, with a view of the demographic and clinical features among a subset of those affected. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary care center among HCWs who were affected following vaccination during the period April 2021–October 2022. A Google Form was sent out to assess the disease profile and transmission dynamics of which a subset was returned. Results: A total of 1657 HCWs tested positive for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the period April 2021–October 2022. Of these, 77.42% were females and 92.67% were completely vaccinated. Nurses were the majority (46.30%) and the least-doctors (6.63%). The most common symptom presentation was cough (76.90%) and fever (73.50%), whereas anosmia, ageusia, and breathing difficulty were minimal. The mean duration between second dose and turning positive was between 165.54 ± 121.98 days. Among HCWs who turned positive, only 7.10% required hospital admission and only one person needed intensive care unit admission. Among those who reported positive, 54.60% mentioned that their close contacts subsequently turned positive. Of these, workplace and household contacts were 49.2% and 46.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The predominant symptoms in COVID-19 infection postvaccination are fever, cough, and myalgia. However, the severity of the infection was decreased, requiring mostly home isolation. Transmission of infection was mainly to household and workplace close contacts.","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127606788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global warming: impact on human fertility","authors":"Sharda Kulkarni, Kaustubh Kulkarni","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_24_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_24_23","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"89 2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133832585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality of Life assessment among post-COVID-19 undergraduates of a tertiary institution in India","authors":"Damilola Ibirogba, A. Dinesh, Ankitha Jose, M. Bisheko","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_12_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_12_23","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has been devastating, with over a billion confirmed cases and seven million deaths globally. Studies suggest that the virus can be transmitted through fecal-oral routes, in addition to respiratory transmission. Survivors of COVID-19 often experience long-term symptoms known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, which can have a significant impact on their Quality of Life (QOL) for years after infection. This study aims to evaluate the QOL of undergraduate students who have experienced post-COVID-19 syndrome and identify any associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students via online platforms using convenience sampling. The survey received 213 responses (76.5% of whom were women and 22.5% were men). The questionnaire included the health dimensions and levels, as well as the Euro quality of life visual analogue scale. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also included. All statistical analyses were carried out using the Statistical package for the social sciences statistical software. Results: With a mean and standard deviation age of 19 ± 1.3, we discovered that 131 (61.5%) of our respondents have a poor QOL, whereas 82 (38.5%) have a good QOL. Furthermore, 5.1% of respondents stated that they have no post-COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms among those who presented symptoms were fatigue (99.6%) and hair loss (92.4%). Among participants, EQ-5D-5L utility scores were distributed as follows: pain/discomfort 58 (27.2%), anxiety/depression 94 (44.1%), usual activities 58 (27.2%), mobility 57 (26.8%), and self-care 32 (15.1%). With a P-value of 0.001, we discovered that students with comorbidities such as asthma, coronary artery disease, and others are further affected post-COVID. Conclusion: COVID-19, like every other pandemic, has been shown to have deleterious effects on patients even months after recovery. To this end, it is imperative to monitor closely, the QOL of these patients to understand the long-term impact of the disease on them and also to offer timely interventions.","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114003401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change: More questions than answers!","authors":"Manu Sudhakar, U. Menon","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_36_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_36_23","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"468 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116793018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathways of intersection between climate extremes and health risk","authors":"S. Abhilash","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_25_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_25_23","url":null,"abstract":"Climate change can lead to a multitude of deleterious effects. These include increase in frequency and severity of heat waves, decline in cold-related mortality, increase in floods and droughts, malnutrition, and changes in the distribution of vector-borne infectious diseases. Climate change adaptation, its mitigation, and human health are intricately linked. Current human activities like urbanization, deforestation, and energy usage will put enormous strain on natural ecosystems, accelerating climate change and having consequences for human health. Yet another harmful environmental element is the loss of biodiversity. The functioning of ecosystems and services that are vital to our health, such as food systems and nontoxic places to live in, is supported by biodiversity. This acknowledges the interdependence and tight relationship among the health of people, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the larger (planetary) environment. Hence, the well-being of the former depends on the well-being of the latter. It is necessary to stop the degradation of flora and fauna that make up the living systems of Earth. All of humanity will be impacted by the effects of climate change. However, as with other social parameters, inequity will result in inequality. Depending on their capacity to adjust to the stressors, different people, societies, and countries will suffer the negative health effects of climate change to varying degrees. A comprehensive plan must prioritize human health, via adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. We must take action, especially to address the issues at their source, particularly at the ecosystem levels. In the context of climate change and health, it is time to activate that old proverb: “Prevention is better than cure.”","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"59 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116270683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change and health: The CIVIL-20 integrated and holistic health working group perspective","authors":"P. Nair, J. Menon","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_29_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_29_23","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130547615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational hazards under a warmer planet: A cross-sectional study on occupational dermatitis, musculoskeletal disorders, and heat strain score index among construction workers at Kottayam, Kerala","authors":"Nimmi James, S. M. V., S. C. R., Jini M P","doi":"10.4103/amjm.amjm_23_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/amjm.amjm_23_23","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Global climate change has a major impact on occupational health. Construction workers are the most vulnerable group to work under a warmer planet. Potential health consequences to them include occupational skin diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory problems, cancers, mental health disorders, and infectious diseases. The incidence of occupational dermatitis and work-related musculoskeletal diseases is at its peak. This study aimed to bring out the burden of the above-mentioned occupational diseases among construction workers at Kottayam and also to calculate their heat strain score index as they are the most vulnerable group to work under a warmer planet. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of work related occupational dermatitis and musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers and also to calculate their heat strain score index. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 82 (n = 82) construction workers in Kottayam, Kerala. Purposive sampling was done. Validated, standard questionnaires were used to collect data by interview method, followed by clinical examination. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Results: Eighty-two construction workers participated in the present study. A total of 62% were migrants, and 38% were Keralites. Among 82 workers, nine (11%) of them reported having hand eczema and eight of them (9.8%) reported having wrist eczema. Neck pain (18.3%) and low back ache (18.3%) were the most common musculoskeletal symptoms. Heat strain score index of the workers was calculated. A total of 69.5% were in the green zone, 28% were in the yellow zone, and 2.5% were in the red zone. Conclusion: Construction workers are highly exposed to the risk of getting work-related occupational dermatitis and musculoskeletal disorders. The most common occupational skin complaint among these construction workers was itchy rash (12.2%). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 51.2%. Neck pain and low backache were the most common musculoskeletal symptoms. On the calculation of heat strain score index, these workers were found to have a higher heat strain score index. A total of 28% in the yellow/alarm zone and 2.5% in the red/danger zone. Statistically significant association was established between the intensity of physical work (P = 0.0001) and the intensity of thirst (P = 0.001) with the total heat strain score.","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"110 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132014621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change and marine ecosystems: Implications for human health","authors":"M. Abdulla","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_26_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_26_23","url":null,"abstract":"Despite serious progress in the development of nonconventional energy resources, fossil fuel continues to remain the most convenient source of energy across the globe. Ever-increasing usage of fossil fuels has resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, which has resulted in global warming and climate change. While the degree of warming varies across various geographical locations, there is a consensus that the net effect of increasing CO2 emissions is that of warming. Another effect is the increased dissolution of CO2 in sea water resulting in ocean acidification. This has dire consequences for marine life, especially to the calcareous shell-forming organisms such as molluskans. There is also clear-cut evidence that the harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and intensity, leading to massive fish kills and entry of potential toxins to the food chain, endangering even human life. Warming trends in the subtropics and near-polar regions also favor mesophilic pathogens to extend their range to these regions. The characteristic feature of climate change is the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events. It is a sobering thought that the countries affected, both developed and developing, do not have the wherewithal to fight against the powers of nature and are in danger of incurring losses, both economic and lives.","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115050617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Climate change: A public health threat”","authors":"","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_40_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_40_23","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sepsis is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening due to the body’s dysregulated response to infection. Early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of mortality. Materials and Methods: A clinical audit of the time of antibiotic administration in patients with sepsis in the Emergency Department of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India was done. A total of 150 patients were included in prospective cross-sectional study, categorized into four groups based on the time of antibiotic administration. Results: The results showed that 39 patients received antibiotics in an hour, 61 within 1–2 h, 40 within 2–3 h, and 10 after 3 h or more. The average length of hospital stay was 10.15 ± 5.128 days for patients who received antibiotics within less than an hour, 10.26 ± 4.896 days for those who received antibiotics within 1–2 h, 11.55 ± 5.742 days for those who received antibiotics within 2–3 h, and 15.00 ± 7.364 days for those who received antibiotics after 3 h or more. The average length of hospital stay was significantly lower in patients who received antibiotics within less than an hour compared to those who received antibiotics within 1–2 h (P value = 0.044). Total patients who died were 38, of which 24% (9) died within an hour, 45% (17) died in 1–2 h, 26% (10) in 2–3 h, and 5% (2) after 3 h. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of administering antibiotics in a timely and appropriate manner to improve patient outcomes. The findings also highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use in sepsis management.","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115288265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Movies and climate change","authors":"A. Nair","doi":"10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_28_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/AMJM.AMJM_28_23","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":138060,"journal":{"name":"Amrita Journal of Medicine","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129859539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}