A Study on Prevalence of Phenyl Thiocarbamide (PTC) Taste Blindness Among Obese Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Taste blindness to the phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) is an inherited trait that is shown to influence our food and dietary preferences which in turn influence our body weight. Obesity is a global epidemic issue known to be on rise among the developing countries. Relating taste perception to obesity, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste blindness among obese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and fifty individuals of age group 20-40 y were recruited from the local community for the present cross sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were taken and BMI was calculated. Subjects were classified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese based on their BMI. Normal, overweight and obese individuals were then asked to taste the commercially available PTC test papers and classified as non tasters and tasters of PTC. RESULTS: Out of 350 individuals, mean age group of 30±6.02 y, based on their BMI they were divided into 4 groups, Group A-underweight (16%), Group B-normal (35%), Group C-overweight (28%) and Group D-obese (21%) individuals. In group B, 28% were non tasters of PTC and 65% were tasters. In group C, 82% were non tasters and 13% were tasters and in Group D, 81% were non tasters and 19% were tasters of PTC. The PTC non taster phenotype individuals showed higher BMI as compared with the tasters' phenotype. CONCLUSION: Exploring the novel connections between taste perception and obesity would help us to gain a control over the global epidemic-Obesity, which is the crux factor for various other health problems. The study advocates the usage of PTC tasting as a reliable indicator of weight gain susceptibility.

Role of biological sex in normal cardiac function and in its disease outcome - a review.

Biological sex plays an important role in normal cardiac physiology as well as in the heart's response to cardiac disease. Women generally have better cardiac function and survival than do men in the face of cardiac disease; however, this is progressively lost when comparing postmenopausal women with age matched men. Animal model of cardiac disease mirror what is seen in humans. Sex hormones contribute significantly to sex based difference in cardiac functioning and in its disease outcome. Estrogen is considered to be cardioprotective, whereas testosterone is detrimental to heart function.

Gender differences in sexual behaviour among people living with HIV in Chennai, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Risky sexual behaviour is usually the focus of HIV prevention programmes and little attention has been given to sexual behaviour patterns among HIV positive individuals. In order to ensure that people with HIV receive high quality sexual and mental health services, providers must have a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges faced by men and women with HIV. This study was conducted to gain insight into the gender differences in sexual behaviour patterns among HIV seropositive men and women in south India. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study on a cohort of 203 seropositive patients (102 women and 101 men) attending outpatient clinics in the Tuberculosis Research Centre and the STD clinic of the Government General Hospital, Chennai, India. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to collect information from the respondents. RESULTS: Fifty three per cent of the women were discontented with the sexual relationship with their spouse as compared to 23 per cent of the men (P<0.001). Thirty two of the 54 women who refused sex said that their spouses reacted violently to their refusal. More men than women reported to having extramarital relationships most often with a commercial sex worker or a friend, without condoms and usually under the influence of alcohol. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: There are gender differences in sexual behaviour patterns among men and women. Understanding these differences is important to plan gender based intervention strategies in order to ensure that people living with HIV have a better quality of life, addressing their sexual concerns both within and outside of marriage. The findings will also help in advocacy and prevention programmes aimed at HIV/AIDS control.

Perceptions of gender and tuberculosis in a south Indian urban community.

BACKGROUND: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India advocating Directly Observed Treatment-Short course (DOTS) detects nearly three times more male than female TB patients. The reasons for this difference are unclear. An understanding of the community's health beliefs, perceptions on the disease and behaviour towards TB patients may throw some light on this issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study using focus group discussions was conducted among men and women of younger and older age groups from lower income neighbourhoods. The information obtained was grouped into themes which included, understanding of TB, vulnerability, access to health care and social responses. Gender differences in community perceptions on TB seem to be critical in issues related to marriage. RESULTS: The stigma of TB is more visible in women than men when it comes to marriage. Men and children were perceived to get preferential attention by their families during illness. While the younger age group, irrespective of gender, accessed care from private providers, the older group preferred a government facility. Awareness of TB was acceptable but it seemed more associated as a respiratory disease and the common symptom associated with TB was cough. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for gender specific intervention strategies to enhance better access of TB services.

Does autonomic dysfunction in cirrhosis liver influence variceal bleed?

BACKGROUND: Autonomic dysfunction has been documented in cirrhosis liver. Its influence on variceal bleed is not known. AIM: To determine the autonomic function amongst variceal bleeders in cirrhosis of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty cirrhotics (variceal bleeders: 34) belonging to either sex, Childs B, age more than 15 years and non diabetic constituted the study group. Parasympathetic function tests included valsalva ratio (E:I ratio) and deep breathing test. (Max.-Min. heart rate); sympathetic function included postural fall of B.P and a rise in diastolic B.P. with sustained hand grip. A cirrhotic was considered to have 'True' autonomic dysfunction when both parasympathetic and one of the two sympathetic tests were abnormal. RESULTS: The mean age for men was 39.64 + 10.6 yrs and for women 39.54 + 15.8 yrs. The male female ratio was 3.5:1. Only 10 of the 50 patients (all bleeders) had 'true' autonomic dysfunction i.e. 20%. Parasympathetic dysfunction alone was positive in 19 (38%) and sympathetic in 10 patients (20%). The E:I ratio (p < 0.001) and an increase in diastolic B.P. during sustained hand grip (p < 0.04) were significantly positive amongst variceal bleeders. CONCLUSION: 'True' autonomic dysfunction can predispose a cirrhotic to variceal bleed.

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto activated carbon.

Activated carbon (AC) prepared from coconut tree sawdust was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out by varying agitation time, initial Cr(VI) concentration, carbon concentration and pH. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were applied to model the adsorption data. Adsorption capacity was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm and was 3.46 mg/g at an initial pH of 3.0 for the particle size 125-250 microm. The adsorption of Cr(VI) was pH dependent and maximum removal was observed in the acidic pH range. Desorption studies were carried out using 0.01-1 M NaOH solutions.

Reticuloendothelial function in acute noise stress.

Wistar strain albino rats of either sex were subjected to acute noise stress (3000 Hz at > 97 dB) for 30 minutes. Carbon clearance test was conducted in noise stressed animals immediately after the stress period. Significant (P < 0.001) increase of the clearance constant K was observed in stressed animals compared to the controls, indicating increased phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system.