Restored texture segmentation using Markov random fields.

Texture segmentation plays a crucial role in the domain of image analysis and its recognition. Noise is inextricably linked to images, just like it is with every signal received by sensing, which has an impact on how well the segmentation process performs in general. Recent literature reveals that the research community has started recognizing the domain of noisy texture segmentation for its work towards solutions for the automated quality inspection of objects, decision support for biomedical images, facial expressions identification, retrieving image data from a huge dataset and many others. Motivated by the latest work on noisy textures, during our work being presented here, Brodatz and Prague texture images are contaminated with Gaussian and salt-n-pepper noise. A three-phase approach is developed for the segmentation of textures contaminated by noise. In the first phase, these contaminated images are restored using techniques with excellent performance as per the recent literature. In the remaining two phases, segmentation of the restored textures is carried out by a novel technique developed using Markov Random Fields (MRF) and objective customization of the Median Filter based on segmentation performance metrics. When the proposed approach is evaluated on Brodatz textures, an improvement of up to 16% segmentation accuracy for salt-n-pepper noise with 70% noise density and 15.1% accuracy for Gaussian noise (with a variance of 50) has been made in comparison with the benchmark approaches. On Prague textures, accuracy is improved by 4.08% for Gaussian noise (with variance 10) and by 2.47% for salt-n-pepper noise with 20% noise density. The approach in the present study can be applied to a diversified class of image analysis applications spanning a wide spectrum such as satellite images, medical images, industrial inspection, geo-informatics, etc.

Assessment of the inherent chondrogenic potential of human articular cartilage-derived chondroprogenitors in pellet culture using a novel whole pellet processing approach.

Purpose: Cartilage-derived chondroprogenitors have been reported to possess the biological potential for cartilage repair. However, its inherent chondrogenic potential in pellet culture needs evaluation. In-vitro cartilage regeneration models based on pellet cultures have been employed to evaluate the chondrogenic potential of stem cells. Evaluation of the degree of differentiation routinely involves paraffin embedding, sectioning, and immunohistochemical staining of the pellet. However, since chondrogenic differentiation is commonly non-uniform, processing random sections could lead to inaccurate conclusions. The study aimed at assessing the inherent lineage bias of chondroprogenitors with and without chondrogenic induction, using a novel whole pellet processing technique. Methods: Human chondroprogenitors (n=3) were evaluated for MSC markers and processed in pellet cultures either with stromal medium (uninduced) or chondrogenic differentiation medium (induced) for 28 days. The whole pellets and the conventional paraffin-embedded sectioned pellets were subjected to Collagen type II immunostaining and assessed using confocal laser microscopy. The staining intensities of the whole pellet were compared to the paraffin sections and revalidated using qRT-PCR for COL2A1 expression. Results: Uninduced and induced pellets displayed Collagen type II in all the layers with comparable fluorescence intensities. COL2A1 expression in both pellets was comparable to confocal results. The study demonstrated that uninduced chondroprogenitors in pellet culture possess promising inherent chondrogenic potential. Confocal imaging of whole pellets displayed different degrees of chondrogenic differentiation in the entire pellet, thus its probable in-vivo behavior. Conclusion: The novel approach presented in this study could serve as an efficient in-vitro alternative for understanding translational application for cartilage repair.

Essential omega-3 fatty acids tune microglial phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the mouse developing brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are essential for the functional maturation of the brain. Westernization of dietary habits in both developed and developing countries is accompanied by a progressive reduction in dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs. Low maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs has been linked to neurodevelopmental diseases in Humans. However, the n-3 PUFAs deficiency-mediated mechanisms affecting the development of the central nervous system are poorly understood. Active microglial engulfment of synapses regulates brain development. Impaired synaptic pruning is associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we identify a molecular mechanism for detrimental effects of low maternal n-3 PUFA intake on hippocampal development in mice. Our results show that maternal dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency increases microglia-mediated phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the rodent developing hippocampus, partly through the activation of 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX)/12-HETE signaling, altering neuronal morphology and affecting cognitive performance of the offspring. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into neurodevelopmental defects caused by maternal n-3 PUFAs dietary deficiency.

Acknowledgement of horizon of oral and maxillofacial surgery by health care professionals and general population.

BACKGROUND: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a dental specialty evolving from the anatomical region of head and neck. Differing from the belief, its scope does not start and end with teeth. The aim of the study was to survey the perception of OMFS among dental, medical, and paramedical professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire cross-sectional survey made up of 17 clinical situations pertaining to various complaints of patients was distributed among 50 medical and dental undergraduates, 50 medical and dental practitioners, and 50 general populations with a total number of 250 samples who were selected randomly. The collected data was tabulated using Microsoft excel for any predictable patterns. The results were analyzed taking absolute percentages of the responses into consideration. RESULTS: The results were compiled and tabulated and the data analyzed. While wisdom tooth removal, trauma, and facial bone fractures were recognized to be mainly treated by maxillofacial surgeons, the other maxillofacial problems were poorly recognized to be treated by our specialty. In our study, 67.3% of general public and 62.4% of medical professionals approached other medical specialist for the clinical conditions. The Chi-square results of few clinical situations were statistically significant with a P value of less than 0.05, which suggest that there is indeed a statistically significant difference between the responses of medical profession and the public on whom to approach regarding certain clinical cases. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the majority of the public are lacking in knowledge about the benefits that the specialty can offer. It has been found that even though the Medical professionals are better informed, lacunae existed about information as to where our major activity lies. If patients are to have access to the best treatment available, it is essential that we edify the public about the scope of our specialty.

Morphology-Dependent Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalytic Performance of γ-Bi2O3 Nanostructures.

Simple one-step solvothermal route was used to synthesize γ-Bi2O3 nanostructures. Well-defined nanoflowers and finite nanorods surface morphology of the samples were revealed. The physical characterization and material confirmation was explored by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. The optical bandgap of about 2.71 and 2.72 eV was observed for nanoflower and nanorods, respectively. The highest specific surface area of 0.877 m²/g with mesoporous feature was reported for nanoflower sample. The improved photocurrent of 12.47 µA/cm² was observed for the nanoflower photoanode with lowest internal resistance and the highest stability over 3600 s, with 87% retention in photocurrent was estimated from chronoamperometry (CA) study. The effective methyl orange degradation of MO as 94% was investigated by nanoflower photocatalyst. The synthesis of metastable γ-Bi2O3 nanostructures with hierarchical morphology to adapt as an efficient photoanode for solar water splitting and pollutant degradation applications was reported.

Serum tumor markers in advanced stages of chronic kidney diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most important noncommunicable diseases. Abnormal concentration of some tumor markers were found in a spectrum of nonmalignant diseases such as benign ovarian tumors, breast diseases, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, diseases of the bile duct, and in CKD. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate carbohydrate antigen (CA) 15-3, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) concentrations in advanced stages of CKD (Stage 4 and 5) patients who are not on dialysis and with no known malignancy. Patients included 40 CKD patients and 40 healthy controls. CA 15-3, CEA, CA 19-9, and HCG in serum were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The differences in tumor marker levels between the controls and advanced stages of CKD (Stage 4 and 5) were assessed using one-way analysis of variance using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 16.5. CKD patients had significantly elevated levels of CEA, HCG, CA 19-9, and CA 15-3 compared to the control group (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the tumor markers levels between CKD Stage 4 and 5. Elevation in serum tumor markers may be a possibility in patients with CKD even in the situations of the absence of a malignancy. This may be due to an alteration in their metabolism in CKD and reduction of glomerular filtration rate leading to impaired excretion. Hence, it may be prudent to exercise caution in the interpretation of serum tumor markers as a representative for underlined malignancy in patients of CKD.

BiVO4 Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Solar Water Splitting Applications.

We reported a simple and economical SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) assisted BiVO4 solvothermal synthesis of BiVO4 nanostructures. The implementation of pristine and SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructure as photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting was investigated. The good crystalline nature, defects present in the material, recombination nature and vibrational properties of the synthesized BiVO4 nanostructures have been analyzed and confirmed by XRD, Raman, PL and FTIR studies. The constructed nanoflower oriented morphology combined with nanorods for SDS assisted BiVO4 have been examined by SEM studies. The optical band gap differences were observed as 2.35 and 2.31 eV for pristine and SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructures respectively. The higher photocurrent density of 5.8 µA/cm² at 0.5 V versus RHE with lower flat band potential of -0.75 V revealed for SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructured photoanodes. Good conductivity, higher charge separation efficiency and 52% photocurrent retention under illumination was reported over 7200 s for the same efficient photoanode. These results suggested the substantial possibility of BiVO4 nanostructures synthesized by using SDS surfactant could be utilized as efficient photoanodes for PEC water splitting applications.

A low cost solar powered vehicle - a boon for physically challenged persons.

This paper presents a low cost solar powered vehicle for physically challenged persons. Generally, the persons with physical disabilities restrict their movement within a house or building due to their dependence on other people for their outdoor work. The disabled people use their limbs to drive the wheelchairs which physically stress them. There are electrical wheelchairs which are operated by hands, by mouth or any other functioning body part. The high cost and its limitation for outdoor environment restrict its usage for rich people and hospitals. This often makes the poor disabled person to be unemployed and depend on others for their daily life. In this regard, developing a low cost self-driven electric wheel chair can improve the life of the person. This paper presents a low cost vehicle for physically challenged people that can be used as a mobile shop to sell products at any place independently. The self-driven vehicle motivates the persons to become an entrepreneur. A cost effective and user friendly prototype has been developed for the benefit the poor disabled people and the cost analysis is presented. The purpose of developing the vehicle is satisfied as they no longer depend on others for their living. Implications for rehabilitation The movement of physically challenged persons is often restricted within a building due to their dependence on other people for their outdoor work. The high cost of the assist vehicles and the difficulty encountered in using the vehicles in outdoor environment decreases their standard of living. The developed low cost vehicle can be used by physically challenged people as a mobile shop to sell products at any place independently. The self-driven vehicle motivates the physically challenged persons to become an entrepreneur.

Comparison of Best Medical Management with Carotid Intervention Procedures in the Prevention of Stroke Recurrence in Patients with Symptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: As per the current recommendations, carotid interventional procedures (carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting) are considered superior to medical management in reducing the stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the best medical management with carotid interventional procedures in the prevention of stroke recurrence in the patients with symptomatic extracranial ICA stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a parallel, prospective, two-arm, open-label, observational study. Participants were selected consecutively and prospectively among patients from Outpatient and Inpatient Departments of Neurology at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The study period was from January 2012 to December 2017. RESULTS: Of 150 patients with symptomatic extracranial ICA stenosis of ≥50%, 100 preferred best medical management (m = 75, f = 25) and 50 (m = 37, f = 13) opted for carotid intervention. The mean age of the patient cohort was 59.8 ± 12.7. Follow-up was done at regular intervals from 3 months to 1 year. In the medical group, the recurrence occurred in 10 patients; 4 (40%) within 6 months, 5 (50%) within 6-12 months, and 1 (10%) after 1 year. In the intervention group, the recurrence occurred in 6 patients; 5 (83%) within the first 6 months and 1 (17%) within 6-12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence between the best medical management and the carotid interventional procedures.

The Impact of Upper Face Botulinum Toxin Injections on Eyebrow Height and Forehead Lines: A Randomized Controlled Trial and an Algorithmic Approach to Forehead Injection.

No previous study has objectively evaluated the effect of different forehead injection patterns on the eyebrow height and forehead lines. The patients were divided into three groups. Botulinum toxin was injected into both the lateral and medial eyebrow depressors in all groups. The frontalis was injected using either a V-pattern (group 1), a middle horizontal pattern (group 2), or a high horizontal pattern (group 3). Objective eyebrow measurements were performed using standardized preinjection and postinjection photographs. Validated photonumeric scales were used to assess the forehead lines. Fifteen patients (30 eyebrows) were included in each group. In all of the groups, 2 weeks after injection, the brow was lower at all the measured positions, with the exception of the lateral brow edge, which was higher in the three injection patterns. No difference was found when comparing group 1 to groups 2 and 3. The middle forehead injection pattern lowered the eyebrow more than the upper forehead injection pattern. The three techniques improved the forehead lines at rest and with contraction. The forehead lines with contraction were more improved in group 1 compared with both groups 2 and 3. Each forehead injection pattern yielded different results on forehead lines and eyebrow position. Upper forehead injections were less effective on forehead lines but prevented eyebrow ptosis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, II.

Assessment of Shear Bond Strength and Marginal Sealing Ability of Pit and Fissure Sealants: An in vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the shear bond strength and marginal sealing ability of self-adhering flow-able composite and conventional fissure sealant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples consisted of 30 healthy premolar teeth which were extracted due to orthodontic reasons and randomly divided into two groups of 15, i.e., group I (Fissurit F) and group II (Dyad Flow). Shear bond strength and marginal sealing ability of both the groups were evaluated in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength of Dyad Flow (group II) was found to be 1.4 ± 0.87 MPa and in Fissurit F (group I), it was 1.3 ± 1.4 MPa. Differences between the groups were statistically significant. In group II, 53.3% of specimens demonstrated score 0; 33.3% showed score 1; and 13.3% showed score 2. In group I, scores 0 and 1 showed 33.3% of dye penetration respectively. Scores 2 and 3 demonstrated 26.6 and 6.6% of dye penetration respectively. But there was no significant difference between both the sealant groups. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that self-adhering flowable composite was found to have better shear bond strength and marginal sealing ability than conventional fissure sealant. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Self-adhering flowable composite can be effectively used in pediatric patients in whom isolation is difficult and exclusion of bonding agent leads to decrease in time consumption.

Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties of NiO Nanopowders.

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanopowders were synthesized without using surfactant by chemical reduction technique. NaBH4 influence on structural, optical and magnetic properties of NiO product was investigated. XRD results revealed the formation of dominant single phase, cubic face centered nickel oxide. Raman peaks depicts the characteristic first-order transverse optical (TO) phonon, two phonon excitation (TO + LO), excitation (2LO) Raman mode vibrations of face centered cubic NiO. PL studies revealed the presence of strong emission band which is in good agreement with the intrinsic NiO product. FTIR studies explored metal oxygen vibrations of the obtained product. TEM results revealed the nanoscale product with spherical shape structures. VSM studies explored weak ferromagnetic behavior of the obtained product. High concentration of NaBH4 increases magnetization value and exhibits the typical weak ferromagnetic curve. Reducing agent played a vital role in the structural, optical and magnetic properties of the obtained NiO product.

Fluorogenic mercury ion sensor based on pyrene-amino mercapto thiadiazole unit.

A highly selective and sensitive determination of Hg2+ in water samples with bioimaging applications in living cells using a fluorogenic pyrene-amino mercapto thiadiazole (PYAMT) probe is described. The probe PYAMT exhibited three absorption peaks at 333, 348 and 394nm and emission maxima at 378, 388 and 397nm (λex=348nm). It showed significant fluorescent quenching (96%) with I/I0=0.051 upon the addition of 2.5µM Hg2+ ion in CH3CN(ACN):H2O (1:1, v/v; pH 7.2), whereas its fluorescence remained unaltered in the presence of other metal ions. The quenching phenomenon is attributed to the heavy atom effect of Hg2+ ion followed by electron transfer. The fluorescence intensity decreased linearly against a wide range from 100nM to 2.5µM Hg2+ (R2=0.9937) with a limit of detection as low as 0.35nM (S/N=3). The binding stoichiometry ratio of PYAMT-Hg2+ is proved to be 1:1 by fluorescence and DFT measurements. The sensor possesses high association constant with Hg2+ ion in the order of 9.08×105M-1 and it is also capable of reversibly detecting cysteine with OFF-ON mechanism. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applied to selectively detect Hg2+ ion in real water samples and bioimaging studies in live cells.

Gingival Crevicular Fluid Turnover Markers in Premenopausal vs Postmenopausal Women receiving Orthodontic Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment is one of the commonly used dental treatments. Orthodontic forces act on the bone by modulating the biomolecules, chiefly the osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK), and RANK ligand (RANKL) (OPG ligand). Hormonal changes are known to cause marked alteration in the levels of these biomolecules. Hence, we planned this study to evaluate the response of bone biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in postmenopausal women undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included assessment of 50 subjects who underwent orthodontic treatment from June 2012 to July 2016. All the patients were divided into two study groups with 25 patients in each group: premenopausal group and postmenopausal group. Similar orthodontic wires were used for controlling the forces applied in subjects of both the study groups and their GCF levels of RANKL, and OPN was assessed at baseline and 24 hours after the activation of orthodontic forces. All the results were compiled, assessed, and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16.0. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the assessment of the level of significance. RESULTS: The mean values of RANKL and OPN in the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups were found to be 241.52 and 317.15 pg/µL respectively. The mean values of RANKL at baseline in the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups were found to be 7.15 and 3.84 pg/µL respectively. Nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing mean OPN and RANKL level alteration in between the two study groups. CONCLUSION: The mean alterations in the GCF levels of bone biomarkers are similar for both premenopausal and postmeno-pausal women. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For women with either premenopausal or postmenopausal status, orthodontic treatment appears to be equally safer.

Faecal microbiota of healthy adults in south India: Comparison of a tribal & a rural population.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The relevance of the gut microbiota to human health is increasingly appreciated. The objective of this study was to compare the gut microbiota of a group of adult tribals with that of healthy adult villagers in Tamil Nadu, India. METHODS: Faeces were collected from 10 healthy tribal adults (TAs) in the Jawadhi hills and from 10 healthy villagers [rural adults (RAs)] in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. DNA was extracted, and 456 bp segments comprising hypervariable regions 3 and 4 of the 16S rRNA gene were amplified, barcoded and 454 sequenced. RESULTS: Totally 227,710 good-quality reads were analyzed. TAs consumed a millets-based diet, ate pork every day, and did not consume milk or milk products. RAs consumed a rice-based diet with meat intake once a week. In both groups, Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum, followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The median Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was 34.0 in TA and 92.9 in RA groups. Actinobacteria were significantly low in TA, possibly due to non-consumption of milk. Clostridium constituted the most abundant genus in both groups, but was significantly more abundant in TAs than RAs, while Streptococcus was significantly more abundant in RA (P<0.05). Analyses of genetic distance revealed that the microbiota were distinctly different between TA and RA, and principal component analysis using 550 distinct taxonomically identifiable sequences revealed a clear separation of microbiota composition in the two groups. Phylogenetic analysis of major microbiota indicated clustering of microbial groups at different major branch points for TAs and RAs. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Phylum Firmicutes and genus Clostridium constituted the bulk of the faecal microbiota, while significant differences in composition between the groups were probably due to differences in diet and lifestyle.

Ascaridia galli infection in a checkered keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) snake.

The checkered keelback is also known as Asiatic water snake and is common species of non-venomous snake known to occur in India. The present study report the occurrence of Ascaridia galli infection in a checkered keelback snake, which was found dead near Veterinary College hostel premises. The post-mortem examination of the snake revealed catarrhal exudate without ingesta in the stomach and showed gastric ulcerations with edema. Large numbers of round worms were packed in the lumen of small intestine with petechial haemorrhages and necrotic enteritis. The nematode parasites were recovered and processed for identification. Based on morphological characters, the worms were identified as A. galli and the intestinal contents of the snake showed A. galli eggs.

Is Adherence to Imatinib Mesylate Treatment Among Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Associated with Better Clinical Outcomes in Qatar?

BACKGROUND: Despite the revolutionary success of introducing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib mesylate (IM), for treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a substantial proportion of patients' treatments fail. AIM: This study investigates the correlation between patient adherence and failure of TKIs' treatment in a follow-up study. METHODS: This is a follow-up study of a new cohort of CML patients. Adherence to IM is assessed using the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS 6 TrackCap, AARDEX Ltd). The 9-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, medication possession ratio (MPR) calculation, and the electronic medical records are used for identifying potential factors that influence adherence. Clinical outcomes are assessed according to the European Leukemia Net 2013 guidelines via reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurement of the level of BCR-ABL1 transcripts in peripheral blood. Response is classified at the hematological, cytogenetic, and molecular levels into optimal, suboptimal, or failure. RESULTS: A total of 36 CML patients (5 citizens and 31 noncitizen residents) consented to participate in the study. The overall mean MEMS score was 89. Of the 36 patients, 22 (61%) were classified as adherent (mean: 95) and 14 (39%) were classified as nonadherent (mean: 80.2). Adherent patients were significantly more likely to obtain optimal response (95%) compared to the nonadherent group (14.3%; P < 0.0001). The rate of poor adherence was as high as 39% using MEMS, which correlates with 37% treatment failure rate. The survey results show that 97% of patients increased the IM dose by themselves when they felt unwell and 31% of them took the missing IM dose when they remembered. Other factors known to influence adherence show that half of patients developed one or more side effects, 65% of patients experienced lack of funds, 13% of patients declared unavailability of the drug in the NCCCR pharmacy, and 72% of patients believed that IM would cure the disease. The MPR results reveal that 16% of patients had poor access to treatment through the hospital pharmacy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study to evaluate CML patients' adherence and response to IM in Qatar. The high rate of treatment failure observed in Qatar is explained by poor adherence. An economic factor (unaffordable drug prices) is one of the main causes of nonadherence and efforts should be made locally to improve access to medication for cancer diseases. Other risk factors associated with poor adherence could be improved by close monitoring and dose adjustment. Monitoring risk factors for poor adherence and patient education that include direct communication between the health-care teams, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and patients are essential components for maximizing the benefits of TKI therapy and could rectify this problem. The preliminary results show that patients' response to treatment may be directly linked to patients' adherence to treatment. However, further in-depth and specific analysis may be necessary in a larger cohort.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites of backyard chickens (Gallus domesticus) in and around Shimoga.

The present study was conducted for 1 year from March 2010 to February 2011 to identify gastro-intestinal parasites of backyard chickens and to estimate its prevalence in and around Shimoga, a malnad region of Karnataka. A total of 250 gastro-intestinal tracts were collected from backyard chickens for the detection of gastrointestinal parasites. Among the 250 birds screened, 183 (73.2 %) were found positive for gastrointestinal parasites by gross examination of gastrointestinal tract. Out of 183 positive cases, 94 (51.36 %) were found positive for cestodes, includes 73 (77.6 %) Raillietina tetragona, 12 (12.8 %) Raillietina echinobothrida and 9 (9.6 %) Raillietina cesticillus. Whereas, 53 (28.96 %) were found harbouring nematode parasites includes 33 (62.3 %) had Ascaridia galli, 12 (22.6 %) had Heterakis gallinarum and 8 (15.1 %) had both A. galli and H. gallinarum infection. The remaining 36 (19.67 %) had mixed infections of both cestode and nematode parasites. The microscopic examination of the gut contents and faecal samples showed presence of coccidian oocysts and eggs of A. galli, H. gallinarum and Capillaria spp. respectively.

Burgeoning menopausal symptoms: An urgent public health concern.

INTRODUCTION: Demographic and epidemiological transitions have increased the life expectancy of people in India. This has resulted in higher burden of morbidities related to aging. The National Health programmes have focused mainly on the health of women in reproductive age groups and neglected their health thereafter. Thus, there is a need to explore the bio-social correlates of menopausal symptoms among women, which can influence their quality of life. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the urban slum of Mysore for 3 months. A total of 100 postmenopausal women in the age group of 40-65 years residing in the field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre were selected by simple random sampling method from the database of households. Details regarding socio-demographic characteristics, postmenopausal symptoms, and factors associated with them were collected in a pretested structured pro forma by interview technique. RESULTS: Among 100 women included in the present study, mean age at menarche and menopause was 13.45 ± 1.72 and 46.7 ± 5.2 years, respectively. The most common postmenopausal symptom was joint pain (92%) followed by physical and mental exhaustion (84%), depression (76%), irritability (73%), hot flushes, and night sweats (65%). There was a significant positive correlation between age of the women, duration of life after menopause, and postmenopausal symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a high burden of postmenopausal symptoms which have shown an increasing trend with advancement of age. This calls for establishment of specific health interventions for postmenopausal women in the health-care settings.