EMPOWERMENT OF FISHER-FOLK IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

The main aim of the study is to study the socio-cultural empowerment of fisher-folk and the economic empowerment of fisher-folk in Kanyakumari district. Primary data has been used in this paper. Primary data were collected on the basis of questionnaire prepared on the light of the objectives of the study. The sizes of the samples are 150 fisher-folk. These sample respondents were selected by taking 30 from five villages of the study area. These samples were selected purposively. The questionnaire was designed with two main characteristics viz., open ended and close ended according to the nature of information. Collected data were analyzed through the use of various statistical tools like ANOVA. The data were analyzed in order to make the study more informative and useful to the readers. It is found that the important socio-cultural empowerment among the fisher-folk are in the age group of 20 to 30 years are attending cultural programmes and exercising the voting rights. Among the fisher-folk are in the age group of above 50 years, the important socio-cultural empowerment are extending the support for social causes and participation in the awareness programmes to eradicate anti social activities. Age wise there is a significant difference in the socio-cultural empowerment are identified in the case of participation in social programmes, attending social functions, exercising the voting rights and attending cultural programmes

A STUDY ON PROBLEMS OF STREET WOMEN FISH VENDORS IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

This article is an attempt to describe problem of women street Fish vendors in kanyakumari district. This study explore the various problems related women street fish vendors such as socio economic condition like low income level, This analysis based on collect information through primary and secondary data. Women fish vendors play a major role in between the fisherman and consumers. Selling fish is a form of occupation and it is livelihood of large number of population in many places. Women street fish vendors were found to many problems and there is no significant differences between the marital position and problems between the women street fish vendors.

Microneedles: An advancement to transdermal drug delivery system approach

Novel drug delivery system offers several advantages which could outweigh the benefits of other drug deliverysystems. The transdermal drug delivery system being one of them offers supremacy by by-passing the first passmetabolism which eventually helps in eradication of gastrointestinal irritation. However, the major drawback of thetransdermal drug delivery system is the hindrance created via the stratum corneum. This protective barrier of the skindoes not allow required penetration of the drug via skin into the systemic circulation. Thus, in order to overcome thishurdle, a replacement to this type of novel drug delivery system, namely, “microneedle drug delivery system” helpedto improve various pitfalls of transdermal drug delivery system, such as skin barrier function, restrictions towardusing of specific drugs only, bioavailability, patient compliance, diffusion rate, and plasma concentration level. Amicroneedle drug delivery system, thus, is advancement to transdermal drug delivery system which includes deliveryof drug via microneedle into systemic circulation, thus increasing patient compliance and avoiding problems renderedby transdermal drug delivery system.

Respiratory Health of Children Exposed to PM10: Consequence of Construction Waste Open Dumping

@#Introduction: Due to rapid urbanization, Malaysia is currently undergoing extensive amount of construction activities and significant rise in the construction waste. Improper construction wastes management practices have led to rise in the waste open dumping sites which may significantly affect the environment and public health. This study was undertaken to assess air pollution in such a site and the impact to the respiratory health of children studying in a nearby school. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Sungai Buloh (exposed) and Kuala Selangor (comparative). Concentration of PM10 was monitored at the open dumping site (n=15), a nearby primary school (n=45) and a comparative primary school (n=12). Parents who gave consent (n=229) answered a questionnaire related to child’s respiratory health whereas their children participated in lung function assessment. Results: Concentration of PM10 at the dumping site, exposed school and comparative school was 0.245±0.048mg/ m3, 0.270±0.020mg/m3 and 0.051±0.016mg/m3 respectively, with the first two significantly exceeded the 24-hour Malaysian Air Quality Standard (MAQS) for PM10 (0.150mg/m3). Besides, PM10 concentration in the exposed school was similar to the dumping site (p>0.05) and many folds higher than the comparative school (p<0.001). There was a significant risk of cough (PR=1.55), phlegm (PR=1.70), wheezing (PR=1.55) and obstructive pattern of lung function defect (PR male = 4.36; PR female = 3.65) among the exposed group children than their comparative counterpart. Conclusion: Open dumping of construction waste would release substantial amount of PM10 into ambient air and ultimately affect the respiratory health of community, especially children.

Determination of Stature from Hand Anthropometry among Visayan Population in Philippines for Person Identification.

Background: Stature or height determination fromamputated, mutilated limbs, skeletal remains ordispersed human body parts in mass disaster incidents ispivotal for victim identification. But it shows racialvariations among different populations. Aim andObjectives: The present study was aimed to developformulae to determine stature from hand anthropometryamong Visayan/Bisaya population in Philippines sinceno anthropological data exists in the literature. Materialand Methods: This study recruited 120 males and 120females of Visayan population in Philippines. Thesampling area is Philippines. Following the standardprocedure, stature and ten hand measurements werecollected from the participants. The obtained data wereanalysed statistically with SPSS software, version 23and developed population specific regression equationsto determine stature from hand anthropometryseparately for males, females and pooled sample.Results: The mean stature of male (161.57 cm) wascomparatively higher than female (150.84 cm).Similarly the mean hand length measurements of malesare higher than female hand length measurements. Thestudy developed regression equations to determinestature from and hand anthropometry. Conclusion: Thedeveloped population specific equations can be used todetermine stature, even from partial hands withunknown gender. It is cautioned that these equations arepopulation specific and unsuitable to apply for any otherpopulations in the world or Philippines for staturedetermination.

Dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for epidural analgesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries: a comparative evaluation

Background: Epidural anesthesia is the most frequently used technique for providing operative analgesia in lower abdominal and limb surgeries. This study aimed at comparative evaluation of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for epidural anaesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries.Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Anesthesiology and critical care Medicine, MLB Medical College Jhansi. Patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery aged between 21 to 50 years and belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade 1or 2 were included. Informed and written consent was obtained. Subjects were divided into two groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0 software. t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney tests were applied.Results: Age wise distribution, body weight and mean duration of surgical time was comparable in both groups and found statistically insignificant. Time to achieve sensory level at T10 was found to be significantly less in Group RD as compared to Group RF. Early onset of motor block in Group RD was seen (10.12min) as compared to fentanyl (13.36min). Complete motor block was achieved in significantly lower time by Group RD as compared to Group RF. Duration of motor block was significantly higher in Group RD as compared to Group RF subjects. Better sedation score was found in Group RD.Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is better as an adjuvant to ropivacaine than fentanyl for epidural anaesthesia because of intense analgesia, better quality of motor block and prolong post-operative analgesia, along with higher sedation scores.

Sex Determination By Sacral Index From Human Sacra Of Saurashtra Region

Introduction: The identification of sex in human skeletal remains is an important component of manyanthropological investigations and forensic science. Sex determination using sacrum is often considered withvarious available parameters and indices when dealing with human skeleton remains. Sacral index is the mostimportant criteria for sex determination using sacrum. Present study aims at determining the significance ofsacral index in sex determination from sacra of saurashtra region.Materials and Methods: 120 (84 male and 36 female) adult human sacra of known sex from Saurashtra regionwas included in present study. Ventral straight length and maximum breath of sacrum was measured , sacralindex calculated, Demarking points for these parameters were used for identification of sex of sacrum.Results: In males sacral index varies from 90.38 to 119.36, with mean value of 103.49 and standard deviationwas found to be 8.52. In females sacral index varies from 92.86 to 141.33, with mean value of 116.97 andstandard deviation was found to be 8.52. In statically significant range(Mean ± 3 SD) maximum value of malesacral index was 121.76 and minimum value of female index was 91.40. These two points were accepted asdemarking points.Conclusion: Significant differences has been observed in the sacral index of males and females of Saurashtraregion. Sacral index is higher in females than in males. On the basis of present study it can be concluded that inSaurashtra region sacrum having sacral index less than 91.40 is definitely of male whereas sacrum havingsacral index more than 121.76 is definitely of female. However not a single parameter could identify sex of 100%of the bones.

A Rare Case of Polymyositis with Autoimmune Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with myopathy. Subclinical hypothyroidism usually presents with vague complaints. Association of autoimmune hypothyroidism with autoimmune polymyositis is known but rare. We diagnosed a patient of polymyositis which also had thyroid dysfunction. Both the conditions were found to be of immunological aetiology with presence of abnormal autoimmune markers in patient's serum. Patient was treated with steroid therapy and analgesic and he responded well with complete recovery of polymyositis. He was kept under observation for subclinical hypothyroidism.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of novel 3-(4,6- diphenyl-6H-1,3-thiazin-2-yl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) thiazolidin-4-one derivatives.

A novel series of potentially biologically active 3-(4,6-diphenyl-6H-1,3-thiazin-2-yl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) thiazolidin-4-one derivatives (5a-5k) have been synthesized by the condensation-cyclization reaction of 4,6- diphenyl-6H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine, aromatic aldehyde and thioglycolic acid in polypropylene glycol at 1100C temperature. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds has been established on the basis of their spectral data and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against the sensitive organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis as a Gram positive bacteria and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a Gram negative bacteria and two pathogenic fungal strains Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger by using the disc diffusion method. The detailed synthesis, spectroscopic data, and antimicrobial screening of synthesized compounds were reported.

Utility of acid fast staining and re-aspiration in tubercuhlar lymphadenopathy - 3 year study at tertiary centre.

Background: Tuberculosis is a great problem throughout the world, especially in developing countries like India. Beside pulmonary tuberculosis, extra pulmonary tuberculosis is relatively more common among the Asian population. Aims & Objective: (1) To establishing the utility of performing Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) on aspirated material; (2) To study the distribution of cytomorphological patterns of tuberculous lymphadenitis; (3) To study the role of repeat aspiration in diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenitis. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 1022 patients of lymphadenopathy during the period of 36 months. Fine needle aspiration was performed in all the patients and 3 smears are made. One is kept unfixed for Ziehl Neelsen staining and other two are alcohol fixed and stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) stain and May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) stain. Results: Out of 1022 aspirations from lymph nodes 402 cases were diagnosed as tuberculous (TB) lymphadenitis. Three cytomorphological patterns were observed: group-1: Granulomas without necrosis (33.83%); group-2: Caseating epithelioid granulomas (43.03%); and group-3: Necrotizing lymphadenitis (23.13%). AFB positivity was seen in 44.02% cases. 125 cases were diagnosed as reactive lymphadenitis with activated histiocyte clusters were advised a repeat aspiration, out of these 55 cases showed subsequent development of epithelioid granulomas. Conclusion: FNAC is a useful tool in the study of tuberculous lymphadenitis and repeat aspiration, after 2 – 3 weeks helps in providing the correct diagnosis of early tubercular lesions.

Prevalence Study of Vitamin D Deficiency and to Evaluate the Efficacy of Vitamin D3 Granules 60,000 IU Supplementation in Vitamin D Deficient Apparently Healthy Adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in apparently healthy urban adults and to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D3 granules 60,000 IU supplementation in increasing serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Material and methods: Healthy adults in an urban hospital were screened for 25(OH)D (radioimmunoassay method). Those found to be deficient or insufficient in vitamin D (defined as 25(OH)D <30 ng/ml) were supplemented with oral cholecalciferol granules 60,000 IU/week for eight weeks. Serum 25(OH)D level was estimated at the end of 60 days. Results: A total of 510 subjects (age 19-66 years) were enrolled for the study. Baseline data was available for 474 subjects and 178 subjects consumed a total of eight sachets as per the study protocol. Of these 178 subjects, 94.94% subjects were found to be vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml) and the mean plasma vitamin D3 25(OH)D level was 9.36 ng/ml (±5.19) at baseline. At the end of the study, the mean 25(OH)D plasma level was noted to be 29.28 ng/ml (±13.57). The mean change from baseline was 19.92 ng/ml (±13.25). Among these 178 participants only 5.06% had 25(OH)D >20 ng/ml at baseline, which increased to 78.09% at the end of the study following vitamin D3 supplementation for eight weeks. Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the urban healthy adult population. Eight weeks of vitamin D3 60,000 IU/week oral granules supplementation increased serum 25(OH)D to optimal levels.

Comparative study of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, swine H1N1, and avian H3N2 influenza viral infections in quails

Quail has been proposed to be an intermediate host of influenza A viruses. However, information on the susceptibility and pathogenicity of pandemic H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) and swine influenza viruses in quails is limited. In this study, the pathogenicity, virus shedding, and transmission characteristics of pH1N1, swine H1N1 (swH1N1), and avian H3N2 (dkH3N2) influenza viruses in quails was examined. Three groups of 15 quails were inoculated with each virus and evaluated for clinical signs, virus shedding and transmission, pathological changes, and serological responses. None of the 75 inoculated (n = 45), contact exposed (n = 15), or negative control (n = 15) quails developed any clinical signs. In contrast to the low virus shedding titers observed from the swH1N1-inoculated quails, birds inoculated with dkH3N2 and pH1N1 shed relatively high titers of virus predominantly from the respiratory tract until 5 and 7 DPI, respectively, that were rarely transmitted to the contact quails. Gross and histopathological lesions were observed in the respiratory and intestinal tracts of quail inoculated with either pH1N1 or dkH3N2, indicating that these viruses were more pathogenic than swH1N1. Sero-conversions were detected 7 DPI in two out of five pH1N1-inoculated quails, three out of five quails inoculated with swH1N1, and four out of five swH1N1-infected contact birds. Taken together, this study demonstrated that quails were more susceptible to infection with pH1N1 and dkH3N2 than swH1N1.

Prevalence of respiratory viruses isolated from dogs in Thailand during 2008-2009.

Background: A highly contagious respiratory disease in canines is infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The cause of kennel cough has been associated with multiple or complex agents such as canine adeno virus (CAV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine para influenzavirus (CPIV). Objective: Study the prevalence of canine respiratory viruses detected from in Thailand during 2008-2009. Methods: Nasal swab samples collected from 102 healthy dogs and 109 dogs with respiratory diseases. Then CAV, CIV, CDV, and CPIV were detected by in-house nested PCR and further confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. Results: Nested PCR showed that primers designed and used in this study yielded high specificity without any non-specific amplification. The prevalence of CAV, CIV, CDV and CPIV in healthy dogs was 0%, 2.94%, 2.94%, and 0.98%, whereas that found in dogs with respiratory diseases was 9.17%, 1.83%, 2.75%, and 11.93%, respectively. In healthy dogs, co-infection with CPIV + CDV was detected in only 0.98%. On the other hand, dogs with respiratory symptoms showed multiple infections with CAV + CIV in 1.83%, CIV + CPIV in 0.92%, CAV + CPIV in 1.83%, and CAV + CDV + CPIV in 0.92%. Conclusion: The prevalence data obtained from this study may be useful for outbreak preventions and to raise awareness of potential transmission of the newly emerged canine influenza virus to humans.

Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy.

Social attitudes towards epilepsy cause more distress to the patient and his/her near and dear ones, than the disease itself. The major psychosocial issues related to epilepsy are: Quality of medical management, overprotection, education, employment, marriage and pregnancy. Inadequate treatment is the major reason involved in psychosocial issues. Constant overprotection and pampering leads to behavioural pattern which makes epileptic patient dependent for ever. Education is hampered in epileptic persons. Teachers and students should have proper information regarding seizures. If seizures are well controlled, job opportunities increase. Employers and employees need to be educated about epilepsy. Self-employment is the best in epileptic patients. Regarding marriage, each patient is to be judged on individual merits and type of epilepsy. Society needs to be educated about the facts and consequences of epilepsy. Risk of anti-epileptic drug's usage is very insignificant compared to risk of seizures in pregnancy. So girls are advised to seek medical advice before pregnancy and during follow-up. With more and more support from the society, persons with epilepsy will have the courage and confidence to speak about themselves and their illness. It is only then that we will realise that persons with epilepsy are 'normal' or 'near-normal' and this will break the vicious cycle of stigma.