Evaluation of Storage Techniques to Improve the Seed Longevity of Horsegram

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a robust, drought-resistant crop that is valued for its high protein content and is a significant food source in many parts of the world. Horsegram seeds must be stored properly to preserve their freshness, nutritional value, and viability for future planting. In this article an investigation was carried out to evaluate the suitable seed treatment and packaging materials for maintaining the shelf life of horsegram seeds during storage. The laboratory experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India. The graded seeds of horsegram were treated with different botanicals (Neem seed kernel powder @ 5g/kg & Pungam leaf powder @ 5g/kg), herbal oil (Neem oil @ 5ml/kg) and chemical (Malathion @ 5g/kg) and packed in cloth and super grain bags which was kept under ambient condition. The physical, physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed from the stored seed samples. Horsegram seeds dusted with malathion at 5 g/kg and then packed in a super grain bag have better germination (94%), root length (18.33 cm), shoot length (9.10 cm), DMP (0.165 g seedlings-10), vigour index I and II (2551 and 16.2), and also biochemical parameters like the lowest electrical conductivity (0.121 dSm-1), highest enzyme activity like dehydrogenase (0.521) and catalase (0.213 units g-1) and protein level (19.21%) was also high in malathion (5 g/kg) treated seeds packed in a super grain bag after storage for 8 months.

The knowledge attitude practice regarding swine flu among parents/guardian accompanying children attending tertiary care center

Background: The knowledge, attitude and behavior of the public during an infectious outbreak is important for individual protection as well as to control the spread of the disease in community. The knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Swine Flu and the correlation between Knowledge and Practices regarding Swine Flu among the parents/guardians accompanying the children attending the pediatric department of KGMCH, Nagercoil was investigated in this study.Method: This cross sectional study was conducted among the parents/guardians accompanying the children attending the pediatric department of KGMCH after the epidemic situation. After obtaining written informed consent, participants were interviewed personally through predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire to elicit information regarding awareness of Swine Flu. All data were analysed using SPSS 25 software.Results: Of the 200 people included in the study, 117 (58.5%) knew that it was a viral disease. Of all the participants, 97(48.5%) knew about the respiratory mode of transmission. Only 28% knew about the hand washing to prevent transmission. Around 93% participants told fever as major symptoms and 71% told cough as a major symptom.55% of the participants were scared regarding the deadly nature of the disease. Only 12.5% of the participants practiced hand washing as a preventive measure. Correlation between Knowledge and practice was weakly positive (Pearson correlation 0.252).Conclusion: Knowledge regarding swine flu was average among the study population. TV, friends news channels and Health care workers were found to be the most common sources of information. Lack of awareness regarding key focus areas like hand washing as a preventive measure is of serious concern.

Wound Closure Using Adhesive Tapes in SRM Medical College, Potheri: A Case Study.

Introduction: The concept of using surface adhesive tapes to close surgical wounds antedates the development of satisfactory suturing techniques. But previously available wound adhesive tapes lacked adequate adhesive properties and led to the occurrence of associated skin irritation or maceration. Methods: A total of 30 patients who presented to Department of Surgery for elective and emergency surgical procedures were randomly selected, after getting informed consent. Wound adhesive tapes were used for skin closure. The patients were followed up in the immediate post-operative, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months post-operative. Any complication such as wound gaping, wound infection, or skin irritation were noted. Cosmetic results were evaluated using modified Hollanders scale. Results: In our study, 90% of patients were male and rest were females. Wound infection occurred in 6.7% of the patients. This is increased compared to reports from older studies which is about 3-4% wound infection in sutured wounds is about 2-11% according to available literature. Wound infection rate in our study is within this rate and is comparable to that of suture closure. There was a significant association between the incidence of wound infection and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). 2 out of 4 patients with Type 2 DM developed wound infection. There was no association between occurrence of wound infection and age of the patient or type of incision. The relative risk of sub-optimal closure in sutured wounds is 1-8%. In our study, the rate of suboptimal closure is 6.7% which falls within this range. There is a significant association between occurrence of wound infection and final cosmetic outcome. Conclusion: Wound adhesive tapes are effective alternatives for suture closure. Added advantages of reduced time consumption and cost of tapes compared to sutures were observed in our study.

Intra-abdominal Organ Injuries in Blunt Injury Abdomen in SRM Medical College, Potheri: A Prospective Study.

Introduction: Blunt Abdominal trauma is the most common caused by road traffi c accidents (RTA). It also occurs as a result of fall from a height, assault with blunt objects, industrial mishaps, sports injuries, bomb blast. Investigative modality can only supplement the clinical evaluation and cannot replace it in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma. In spite of the best techniques and advances in diagnostic and supportive care, the morbidity and mortality remain at large. Purpose: To estimate the frequency of various intra-abdominal organ involved, assess the various mode of blunt abdominal trauma and clinical presentation and various available investigation, treatment and complications. Methods: This a prospective study conducted in SRM Medical College among patients presenting to the casualty and general surgery outpatient department with a sample size of 72. Results: Males (91.6%) outnumbered females (8.33%). RTA forms the most common mode of injury. The most common age group affected is 21-30 years. Majority of the population presented with pain abdomen. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma has picked up solid organ injury in 46 cases. Computed tomography abdomen was performed in 100% of the population and forms the core investigation of choice and becomes more important in dealing operative versus conservative management. For splenic injury, the most common surgery performed was splenectomy (26 cases). Multiple intra-abdominal organs were involved accounting for 9.7%. Wound infection is the most common post-operative complication. The study showed a mortality of 19%. Conclusion: Blunt injury abdomen with solid organ injury forms a considerable load of patients in our society and is usually less obvious. Early diagnosis, repeated clinical examination and use of appropriate investigations form the key in the management.

Incarcerated femoral cystocele – A rare case report.

Femoral hernia accounts for about 3-5% of all groin hernias. Incarceration and strangulation are more common with femoral hernia. Femoral hernia with bladder as content and its incarceration is reported very rarely in literature. Our patient is a 48 year old multiparous female who presented with left sided groin swelling with difficulty in micturition and was diagnosed to have incarcerated femoral cystocele.