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Background & objectives: Contrary to overall declining trend in smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in India, an increase is observed in north-east (NE) India. This study examined the predictors of daily SLT use by gender and assessed the demographic and socio-economic characteristics that contribute to gender differences in SLT use in NE India. Methods: Data collected from 15,259 and 13,574 adults in the two rounds of Global Tobacco Adult Survey 1 and 2 for NE India during 2009-2010 and 2016-2017 were analyzed. Relative change, multivariable binary logistic regression and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis were used for analysis. Results: The findings suggest that among women in NE India, the daily SLT use significantly increased by 58 per cent between 2009-2010 to 2016-2017. Women residing in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura were 3.5 and 2.5 times, respectively more likely to be daily SLT users compared to those in Assam. While age, education and wealth were the significant predictors of SLT use in both women and men, increased odds of SLT use were observed with women’s type of occupation and the State of residence. The majority of the gender differences in daily SLT use was explained by differences in work status (44%), age (26%), education (14%) and wealth status (9%) between men and women. Interpretation & conclusions: Increasing prevalence of SLT use amongst women in the NE States necessitates integration of gender-specific messages on harmful effects of SLT in the ongoing tobacco control programmes and development of culturally appropriate community-based interventions for cessation of SLT use.
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Background & objectives: COVID-19 pandemic has triggered social stigma towards individuals affected and their families. This study describes the process undertaken for the development and validation of scales to assess stigmatizing attitudes and experiences among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 participants from the community. Methods: COVID-19 Stigma Scale and Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale constituting 13 and six items, respectively, were developed based on review of literature and news reports, expert committee evaluation and participants’ interviews through telephone for a multicentric study in India. For content validity, 61 (30 COVID-19-recovered and 31 non-COVID-19 participants from the community) were recruited. Test–retest reliability of the scales was assessed among 99 participants (41 COVID-19 recovered and 58 non-COVID-19). Participants were administered the scale at two-time points after a gap of 7-12 days. Cronbach’s alpha, overall percentage agreement and kappa statistics were used to assess internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Results: Items in the scales were relevant and comprehensible. Both the scales had Cronbach’s ? above 0.6 indicating moderate-to-good internal consistency. Test–retest reliability assessed using kappa statistics indicated that for the COVID-19 Stigma Scale, seven items had a moderate agreement (0.4-0.6). For the Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale, four items had a moderate agreement. Interpretation & conclusions: Validity and reliability of the two stigma scales indicated that the scales were comprehensible and had moderate internal consistency. These scales could be used to assess COVID-19 stigma and help in the development of appropriate stigma reduction interventions for COVID-19 infected, and mitigation of stigmatizing attitudes in the community.
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Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (Metabolic syndrome)is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic cost that isconsidered a worldwide epidemic. Current research aimed tostudy serum testosterone levels in metabolic syndrome.Material and methods: The present study was ProspectiveObservational study carried out at CSS Hospital, SubhartiMedical College Meerut U.P. 100 patients of metabolicsyndrome were included in the study who fulfilled the IDFcriteria of metabolic syndrome these patients underwentgenral examination, anthropometry,systemic examination,bmi was calculated, different investigation (Fasting LipidProfile, Serum Testosterone Levels,HBA1C, blood sugarlevels). Descriptive analysis of the collected data was done.Correlation of serum testosterone with various componentsof metabolic syndrome was studied using SPSS software tocalculate the level of significanceResults: This study confirmed the high prevalence of lowtestosterone levels in male patients with metabolic syndrome.The total number of patients who had BMI of more than 35 kg/m2, were 18 and all those had low levels of testosterone whichis significant (p value<0.001). The total number of patientswho had triglyceride level of >150, were 80 and all those hadlow levels of testosterone which is significant (p value<0.001).The total number of patients with low testosterone levels inwhom HbA1C was more than 7.5%, were 68. Patients withnormal level of testosterone were 32 in whom HbA1C was6.5-7.5% which is significant (p value<0.001).Conclusion: This study confirmed the high prevalence of lowtestosterone levels in male patients with metabolic syndrome.Multiple associations and predictors of low testosterone levelswere identified by evaluating different demographic, clinicaland other variables.
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Xanthomas are the dermatological manifestations of underlying lipid disorders. The underlying hyperlipidemias may be hereditary or secondary in nature. The familial causes have been well described by Fredrickson into five major categories. The secondary causes of hyperlipidemia range from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus to various dietary factors. We report a case of giant tuberous xanthomas due to secondary hyperlipidemias in an alcoholic patient.
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The aim of the present work is to synthesize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of 2-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-1,3-benzathiazole derivatives. In the present investigation, a series of 2-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-1,3-benzathiazole derivatives (3a1-3a9) were synthesized by condensing benzothiazolyl carboxyhydrazide and appropriate aryl acids in the presence of phosphorous oxychloride. Structures of synthesized compounds were established on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in-vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at the dose of 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg po. The biological result shows that some compounds were good in their anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions.
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Objective of the present study was to carry out the physicochemical and phytochemicals standardization of Lepidium sativum Lseeds to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Lepidium sativum were analyzed. Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin & heavy metals were also performed. The sections of seeds were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and longwavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. The morphological and microscopic examinations of drug were revealed the presence of endosperm cell which are polygonal in shape and contain alerone grains and oil droplet, cell of testa, yellow colouring matter and starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identification and standardization of L. sativum seed.
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The aim of the present work is to synthesize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of 2-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-1,3-benzathiazole derivatives. In the present investigation, a series of 2-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-1,3-benzathiazole derivatives (3a1-3a9) were synthesized by condensing benzothiazolyl carboxyhydrazide and appropriate aryl acids in the presence of phosphorous oxychloride. Structures of synthesized compounds were established on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in-vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at the dose of 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg po. The biological result shows that some compounds were good in their anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions.
ABSTRACT
Objective of the present study was to carry out the physicochemical and phytochemicals standardization of Lepidium sativum L seeds to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Lepidium sativum were analyzed. Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin & heavy metals were also performed. The sections of seeds were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and long wavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. The morphological and microscopic examinations of drug were revealed the presence of endosperm cell which are polygonal in shape and contain alerone grains and oil droplet, cell of testa, yellow colouring matter and starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identifica-tion and standardization of L. sativum seed.
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Post partum cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) in a high risk predisposed individual and its management particularly after a major surgical intervention i.e. lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) is debatable. Guidelines are there to treat after 72 hours of major surgical intervention. We report a case of CVT with generalised tonic clonic seizures as a life threatening complication in whom anticoagulation was started at 48 hours post LSCS without any complications of anticoagulation. We recommend early anticoagulation despite major surgical intervention, so as to avoid the impending life threatening complications following cerebral venous thrombosis in predisposed individuals.
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This study was designed to investigate the possible role of Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in obesity-induced vascular endothelium dysfunction. Wistar rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity. HFD induce obesity significantly increased parameters employed viz body weight, basal metabolic index (BMI), total fat pad and lipid profile. Furthermore vascular endothelial dysfunction was assessed in terms of decrease in endothelium dependent relaxation and serum nitrate/nitrite level and increase in mean arterial blood pressure. Atorvastatin (30mg/kg,i.p.) was employed in the present study as standard drug to improve vascular endothelial dysfunction. YS-49 (1.6 mg/kg, i.p.) a specific activator of PI3K and atorvastatin in obese rats significantly improves the lipid profile and markedly improved acetylcholine induced endothelium dependent relaxation, serum nitrite/nitrate concentration and mean arterial blood pressure. However, this ameliorative effect of YS-49 has been prevented by L-NAME (25 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of eNOS. Further wortmannin (100μg/kg, i.p.),a specific PI3K inhibitor improves the anthropometric parameters and lipid profile but did not show any significant effect on acetylcholine dependent relaxation, serum nitrate/nitrite level and mean arterial blood pressure. Therefore, it may be concluded that PI3K and eNOS pathway is dysregulated in obesity induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and YS-49, a PI3K activator improves vascular endothelial function in eNOS and nitric oxide dependent manner. Abbreviations (Ach): Acetylcholine, (Ang-II): Angiotensin II, (BMI): Body Mass Index, (Enos): Endothelial Nitric Oxide, Synthase, (HO-1): Heme Oxygenase, (Kcl): Pottesium Cloride, (MAP): Mean Arterial Pressure, (NO): Nitric Oxide, (PI3K): Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, (SNP ): Sodium Nitroprusside, (VED): Vascular Endothelium Dysfunction
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Estrogen deficiency was produced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by surgical removal of both the ovaries and these animals were used 4 weeks later. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations due to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were observed respectively, in isolated rat thoracic aortic ring preparation. Extent of lipid peroxidation was measured by estimating serum TBARS. Integrity of vascular endothelium was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Generation of nitric oxide was measured indirectly, by estimating serum and urinary nitrite/nitrate concentration. Ovariectomy produced significant vascular endothelial dysfunction, measured in terms of reduced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, serum and urinary nitrite/nitrate concentration and impairment of integrity of vascular endothelium. Administration of daidzein (0.2 mgkg-1day-1, sc 0.4 mgkg-1day-1, sc and 0.8 mgkg-1day-1, sc) and Atorvastatin (30 mgkg-1day-1, po Positive Control) for one week markedly improved vascular endothelial dysfunction due to increase in nitric oxide bioavailability perhaps by inhibiting caveolin-1 and activation of PI3K-AKT pathway.
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Aim We did a population-based cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a high altitude area. Methods An observational study using a validated questionnaire consisting of demographic, lifestyle and dietary characteristics was administered in an interview based format by two clinicians on a sample of adult population residing in urban area and rural high altitude areas of Ladakh. Presence of GERD was defined as a score of ≥4 using a previously validated symptom score based on the severity and frequency of heartburn and regurgitation. Other factors studied were body mass index (BMI), oxygen saturation levels by pulse oximetry and serum lipid profile. A multivariate analysis was done to find out risk factors for symptomatic GERD. Results Of the 905 subjects analyzed, there were 399 (44.1%) men; 469 (51.8%) were from rural background and 722 (79.8%) lived in areas 3,000 m above sea level. Symptomatic GERD was present in 169 (18.7%) subjects. Regurgitation occurred once a week in 34.8% and heartburn occurred in 42.9% of subjects. Sixteen (9.5%) had moderate-severe disease activity while 153 (90.5%) had mild disease. Three hundred and eighty-eight (42.7%) and 315 (34.8%) subjects had symptom of heartburn and regurgitation (at least once a week), respectively. On multivariate analysis, risk factors for GERD were age ≤50 years (OR: 1.508, 95% CI: 1.028–2.213), sedentary lifestyle (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.016–7.638), lower intake of salt tea (OR: 1.663, 95% CI: 1.014–2.726); whereas the protective factors were no intake of meat (OR: 0.841, 95% CI: 0.715–0.990), intake of fresh fruits ≥1/week (OR: 0.631, 95% CI: 0.409–0.973), and serum LDL ≤150 mg/dL (OR: 0.435, 95% CI: 0.218–0.868). Conclusion This population-based study in a high altitude area in India suggests a high prevalence (18.7%) of GERD. A younger age group, sedentary lifestyle, serum LDL >150 mg/dL, high consumption of meat, low consumption of salted tea and low consumption of fresh fruits were significant risk factors for development of GERD.
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Female , Humans , Hysterectomy , Incidental Findings , Ossification, Heterotopic/pathology , Ovariectomy , Ovary/pathologyABSTRACT
The different technologies available in safe injection practices can be categorised as: (1) Auto disable syringes for immunisation. (2) Prefilled devices. (3) Reuse prevention syringes for curative injections. (4) New safety devices which include safe blood draw and NSI prevention devices. Auto disable syringes are preferred over normal disposable syringes because of its safety and can be used with minimal amount of training. These syringes improved vaccination coverage rates and are being currently introduced in country EPI. Uniject prefill injection device ensures safety by various ways. There are also reuse prevention syringes for curative injections. The new safety devices have also been discussed in a nutshell.
Subject(s)
Disposable Equipment , Equipment Reuse , Equipment Safety , Humans , Injections/instrumentation , Needlestick Injuries/prevention & control , Protective Devices , Syringes/trendsABSTRACT
Injection, is a skin-piercing event performed by a syringe and needle with the purpose of introducing a curative substance or vaccine in a patient. According to WHO, safe injection is one which does not harm to the recepient, does not expose the health worker to any risk and does not result in waste that is dangerous for the community. To achieve this injection should be prepared on a clean workspace, provider should clean his hands appropriately, sterility of the syringe and needle to be maintained, skin of the recipient should be cleaned and above all sharps waste should be managed appropriately. Common danger of unsafe injection is infection. Most medication used in primary care can be administered orally. So firstly the behaviour of healthcare providers and patients must be changed so as to decrease overuse of injections, secondly provision of sufficient quantities of appropriate injection equipment and infection control supplies should be made available and thirdly a sharp waste management system should be set up.