A Review on Cyber Security and Cyberattacks

The cybercrimes have become very common and the cyber-attack is the buzzword in today’s world. Cybercrimes are increasing every hour and the intensity of loss is also increasing rapidly. To provide security to defend cyber-attacks has become more important phenomena in this digital world. Ensuring cyber-security is a verycomplex task, it requires a thorough understanding of the attacks, attackers mind and the capability of analyzing the possibility of threats. The main challenge of cybersecurity is the progressive nature of the attacks. The proposed paper is an attempt to present the importance of cyber-security with associated various risks that are present in the current digital world. The study was done on the different cyber-attacks and the results shows the intensity of these different attacks.In this paper the various cyber-security threats are presented with the MLA (machine learning algorithms) that can be applied to analyze cyber-attacks

Comparison of combination metformin-vildagliptin versus metformin-glimepiride in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with inadequately controlled metformin monotherapy

Background: Metformin has been recommended as a first-line therapy for T2DM in many guidelines. Adding a sulfonylurea to metformin has been a conventional and gold standard for decades to achieve tight glycaemic control. dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, an incretin-based therapy has emerged as important adjunctive drugs in T2DM. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of combination metformin-vildagliptin and metformin-glimepiride in patients of T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy.Methods: A total 45 patients were allocated to each metformin-vildagliptin group and metformin-glimepiride group. Fasting plasma glucose, post prandial plasma glucose, body weight, adverse events were recorded at 0 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Glycosylated haemoglobin was recorded at 0 week and 12 weeks.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05) at the end of 12 weeks in the mean percentage reduction in FPG, PPPG and HbA1c.There was statistically highly significant (p0.05).Conclusions: In patients of T2DM with inadequately controlled metformin monotherapy, combination metformin-vildagliptin provides comparable efficacy in terms of FPG, PPPG and HbA1c to that of combination metformin-glimepiride with no risk of weight gain reduction in risk of hypoglycemic events

RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF EFFICACY, DURATION OF ACTION, ADVERSE REACTIONS AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF PENTAZOCINE AND TRAMADOL ON RELIEF OF POST OPERATIVE PAIN

Background: Many options are available for the treatment of postoperative pain. By considering patients’ preferences and making an individualized assessment of the risks and benefits of each treatment modality, the clinician can optimize the postoperative analgesic regimen for each patient. Material method: Female patients of age between 30 to 60 years undergoing elective abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies were included in this study. Hysterectomies performed under spinal anesthesia. Group I constituted patients who received Tramadol 50 mg intravenously; Group II constituted patients who received Pentazocine 30 mg intravenously for post-operative analgesia. The study drugs were administered postoperatively to the patients after the effect of spinal anesthesia wears off and the patient complained of pain. Before administering the study drug an assessment Visual analogue score of was done, and after giving the study drug, the pain was assessed subjectively at 0 minutes and at every 30 minutes for 6 hrs. Each patient’s pain was recorded on a scale 0-10 by their response to a visual analogue pain scale. The onset of analgesic action, time at which maximum pain relief occurs, duration of minimal pain, a total duration of analgesic action and any acute side effects were noted, the average cost-effective ratio was studied. Results: The range of onset of analgesia in both the groups was 10 to 20 minutes when comparing the mean value of onset of analgesia of the two groups, the mean value of the tramadol group was 14.92 ± 3.89 minutes and that of pentazocine was 14.66 ± 3.23 minutes. The range of duration of analgesia in the two groups was the same, which was 5 to 6 hours. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia in the tramadol group was 5.77 ± 0.33 hours, whereas in the pentazocine group it was 5.67 ± 0.39 hours. In the tramadol group 45 patients (90%) had only mild pain and 5 patients (10%) had moderate pain. Whereas in pentazocine group 40 (80%) patients had mild pain and 10 patients (20%) had moderate pain. The duration of minimal pain in both groups was 1.5 hours (from 2 to 3.5 hours). The common side effects were nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, respiratory depression. Conclusion: We conclude that intravenous tramadol 50 mg and intravenous pentazocine 30 mg produced adequate postoperative analgesia and intravenous tramadol 50 mg was safe and more cost effective. &nbsp

RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF EFFICACY, DURATION OF ACTION, ADVERSE REACTIONS AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF PENTAZOCINE AND TRAMADOL ON RELIEF OF POST OPERATIVE PAIN

Background: Many options are available for the treatment of postoperative pain. By considering patients’ preferences and making an individualized assessment of the risks and benefits of each treatment modality, the clinician can optimize the postoperative analgesic regimen for each patient. Material method: Female patients of age between 30 to 60 years undergoing elective abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies were included in this study. Hysterectomies performed under spinal anesthesia. Group I constituted patients who received Tramadol 50 mg intravenously; Group II constituted patients who received Pentazocine 30 mg intravenously for post-operative analgesia. The study drugs were administered postoperatively to the patients after the effect of spinal anesthesia wears off and the patient complained of pain. Before administering the study drug an assessment Visual analogue score of was done, and after giving the study drug, the pain was assessed subjectively at 0 minutes and at every 30 minutes for 6 hrs. Each patient’s pain was recorded on a scale 0-10 by their response to a visual analogue pain scale. The onset of analgesic action, time at which maximum pain relief occurs, duration of minimal pain, a total duration of analgesic action and any acute side effects were noted, the average cost-effective ratio was studied. Results: The range of onset of analgesia in both the groups was 10 to 20 minutes when comparing the mean value of onset of analgesia of the two groups, the mean value of the tramadol group was 14.92 ± 3.89 minutes and that of pentazocine was 14.66 ± 3.23 minutes. The range of duration of analgesia in the two groups was the same, which was 5 to 6 hours. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia in the tramadol group was 5.77 ± 0.33 hours, whereas in the pentazocine group it was 5.67 ± 0.39 hours. In the tramadol group 45 patients (90%) had only mild pain and 5 patients (10%) had moderate pain. Whereas in pentazocine group 40 (80%) patients had mild pain and 10 patients (20%) had moderate pain. The duration of minimal pain in both groups was 1.5 hours (from 2 to 3.5 hours). The common side effects were nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, respiratory depression. Conclusion: We conclude that intravenous tramadol 50 mg and intravenous pentazocine 30 mg produced adequate postoperative analgesia and intravenous tramadol 50 mg was safe and more cost effective. &nbsp

Adverse drug reaction profile at psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care centre

Background: Monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs) helps in alerting physicians and developing strategies to prevent and minimize the risk of developing ADRs. Data regarding pattern of ADRs due to psychotropic medications is scanty. Hence, the study was planned to assess ADRs among psychiatry outpatients of a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra.Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care centre for 3 months. Cases were enrolled by active and passive surveillance after obtaining informed consent. Demographic details, adverse event details, history of medications were recorded. Pattern of ADRs was studied according to demographic parameters, drug class, organ system affected, causality (WHO - Uppsala Monitoring Centre Scale) and severity (modified Hartwig and Siegel Scale).Results: Out of total 1200 patients screened, 77 qualified the inclusion and exclusion criteria and 92 ADRs were reported; overall incidence rate of 6.41%. Maximum ADRs were reported in the age group of 31- 40 years. 63.63% subjects received more than 2 psychotropic drugs. Among 24 types of ADRs observed, tremor (13.04%) was the commonest, closely followed by somnolence. Antipsychotics (45.65%) were most frequently incriminated and central nervous system (46.73%) the most often affected. Trifluoperazine (11.96%) was the commonest drug, followed by olanzapine and haloperidol (10.53% each). Causality analysis yielded 66 ADRs as “probable” and on severity analysis 80.43% were mild.Conclusions: The study provides an insight into pattern of ADRs in psychiatry outpatients. It is prudent to communicate this to treating physicians as well as counsel patients (and caregivers). Initiatives and concerted efforts involving all stakeholders in healthcare can go a long way in decreasing drug-related morbidity and health costs

Environmental pharmacology: an emerging science

With continuous rapid expansion of the human population there is escalating demand for resources, including human and veterinary pharmaceuticals. This has lead to rapid development of global pharmaceutical industry and with that increase in issues caused by pharmaceutical products. In recent years a great concern has been expressed over the occurrence and persistence of pharmaceutical products in the environment and their potential impact on environment. Owing to this the new branch of science called environmental pharmacology has sprouted. Environmental pharmacology deals with dispersion and impact of pharmaceutical products on environment. Solutions need to be suggested to save this only liveable planet from ill effects of these pharmaceutical products. This has given birth to the science of Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV)

ENHANCEMENT FOR DATA SECURITY IN CLOUD COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

Cloud computing, a rapidly developing information technology, has aroused the concern of the whole world. Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information, are provided to computers and devices on-demand, like the electricity grid. Cloud computing is the product of the fusion of traditional computing technology and network technology like grid computing, distributed computing parallel computing and so on. It aims to construct a perfect system with powerful computing capability through a large number of relatively low-cost computing entity, and using the advanced business model like SaaS (Software as a Service) to distribute the powerful computing capacity to end users’ hands. To address this longstanding limitation by building a multi-tenant system. Our system provides the environment for the user to perform his tasks, but with very high security. By using further facilities provided in this system user fill secure about his data and his account

Drug utilization study in geriatric patients visiting medicine OPD in tertiary care hospital

Background: Drug utilization study is of utmost importance in the elderly. The consumption of drug amongst elderly segment of society is maximum and many of them use at least three prescribed drugs, concurrently. One of the plausible explanation of usage of large number of medicines is prevalence of multi-morbidities as well as suffer from chronic and degenerative pathology amongst them along with the alteration of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs are altered with advanced age. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess current prescribing practices among physicians for geriatric patients in tertiary care hospital.Methods: A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Department of Medicine in a tertiary healthcare hospital. As per inclusion criteria, patients visiting Medicine outpatient department (OPD) from 01 October 2018 to 31 December 2018 were enrolled in the study.Results: The average number of drugs per encounter was 4.1. 100% of the drugs were prescribed by their generic name and those prescribed from World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines were 70.2%. Analysis of polypharmacy showed maximum 11 and minimum 1 drug was prescribed. Overall analysis of the drugs showed, the most common route of administration was orally. Drugs acting on cardiovascular system (CVS), gastrointestinal system (GI) system, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamins and mineral supplements constitute the major bulk of drug prescribed.Conclusions: In our study, though polypharmacy was found but it was necessary unavoidable, but was within the WHO standards of 1.6 to 4.8. Drugs acting on CVS and GI system were the most common drugs prescribed. Prescriptions with injections and steroids were less in the study population. All the drugs were prescribed by their generic name and most were present in the essential list of medicines

Comparison of artesunate and quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria: a randomized control trial

Background: Severe malaria is a medical emergency that required prompt clinical assessment and management. Very few studies underwent to evaluate the best possible treatment for severe malaria.Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, open-labeled, study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of artesunate compared with quinine. Totally, 50 patients were included in each group. Patients above 18 years, peripheral smear positive and fulfilling the WHO criteria were included. The endpoint of the study was fever clearance time (FCT), parasite clearance time (PCT) and coma resolution time (CRT), and the adverse effect if any were compared for safety analysis.Results: FCT and PCT were much less with artesunate (29.64 and 39.72 hrs) as compared to quinine (51.12 and 55.20 hrs). CRT was less with quinine (25.80 hrs) than artesunate (42 hrs). The incidence of adverse effects such as hypoglycemia and QT prolongation are significant with quinine compared to artesunate.Conclusions: Artesunate is a better alternative for severe malaria with minimal side effects

Drug utilization study in patients visiting dermatology outpatient department in tertiary care hospital

Background: With the surge of basic and clinical research activities, and subsequent recognition of newer dermatological disorders; dermatology is now considered to be one of the most important specialties in a healthcare setup. Dermatological problem in India manifests as primary and secondary cutaneous complaints. The aim of this study was to assess current prescribing practices among physicians for dermatology patients in tertiary care hospital.Methods: A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Department of Dermatology in a tertiary healthcare hospital. As per inclusion criteria, patients visiting Dermatology Outpatient department (OPD) from October 2018 to December 2018 were enrolled in the study.Results: The average number of drugs per encounter was 4.9. 100% of the drugs were prescribed by their generic name and those prescribed from World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines were 68.9%. Analysis of polypharmacy showed maximum 11 and minimum 2 drug was prescribed. Overall analysis of the drugs showed, the most common route of administration was orally. Antihistamines, antifungals and steroids constitute the major bulk of drug prescribed.Conclusions: In our study, though polypharmacy was found but it was necessary as per the conditions. Anti-fungal, antihistamines and steroids were the most common drugs prescribed. Prescriptions with injections and steroids were less in the study population. All the drugs were prescribed by their generic name and most were present in the essential list of medicines. Use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was higher in our study as compared to other studies