Perceived Social Support and Internalized Homophobia among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Individuals

Background: The LGBTQIA+ community faces relentless discrimination and negative social attitudes despite the overhaul of IPC Section 377 in India, which are sometimes projected inwards as internalized homophobia. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and internalized homophobia and assess the level of internalized homophobia among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. Methodology: A correlational research design was used with a sample of individuals identifying as either gay, lesbian or bisexual (n = 109) recruited using mixed-snowball sampling method for the study and the data was analysed using statistical methods like Spearman’s correlation, Welch’s ANOVA and linear regression. Internalized homophobia was measured using the Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS) and Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale (LIHS), whereas perceived social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results revealed a significant relationship between perceived social support and internalized homophobia among male participants and higher levels of internalized homophobia among non- heterosexual women compared to non-heterosexual men. The findings indicate that lacking perceived social support can contribute to increasing internalized homophobia, which in turn reduces perceived social support within a negative, self-perpetuating cycle. The intersectionality of gender-based violence targeting one's identity as a woman and a non-heterosexual individual, may contribute to heightened levels of internalized homophobia among women. The study provides important findings that may help to formulate instructive queer affirmative mental health policies and practices. Conclusions: Perceived social support can extensively contribute toward the development of internalized homophobia among LGB individuals

Admission test in detecting fetal asphyxia at the time of admission in labour

Introduction: The intrapartum assessment of fetal well being has become an integral part of the management of labour. Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of admission test in detecting fetal asphyxia at the time of admission in labour and to correlate the results of admission test with perinatal outcome in high risk obstetric cases compared with low risk obstetric cases. Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the labour and maternity ward of Govt. Gandhi hospital in Secunderabad, during the period 2012 to 2013 with a sample size 50 high risk obstetric cases and 50 low risk obstetric cases. All women were subjected to an admission CTG, which included a 20 minute recording of FHR and uterine contractions. Results: The majority of women were primigravida in the 18-23 years age group in both high risk and low risk groups. Admission test was reactive in 35 cases (70%) in high risk group, 42 cases (84%) in low risk group where as non reactive in 15 cases (30%) in high risk group and 8 cases (16%) in low risk group. In cases with reactive admission test spontaneous vaginal deliveries were more in low risk group than in high risk group. Operative deliveries were more in high risk group than in low risk group in both reactive and non reactive admission test. Indication for caesarean section in both reactive and non reactive admission test was more in high risk group i.e. 1 case (25%) and 6 cases (66%) respectively. Perinatal outcome was abnormal in high risk groups in both reactive and non B. Rekha, J. Rajeshwari. Admission test in detecting fetal asphyxia at the time of admission in labour. IAIM, 2016; 3(10): 146-152. Page 147 reactive admission test. Specificity and Negative predictive value in high risk group is less than that in low risk group. Conclusion: The admission CTG appears to be a simple non-invasive test that can serve as a screening tool in both high-risk and low risk obstetric patients with significant results.

Abdominal tuberculosis may masquerade many diseases

Intestinal tuberculosis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients with intestinal pathology are encountered. Tuberculosis can mimic other disease entities like, ischemic enteritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, malignancies, intussusception etc., clinically as well as morphologically in resected intestinal specimens. We aimed to study the various clinical presentations leading to intestinal resection, with identification of different etiological factors by histopathological examination; and to illustrate, discuss and describe the various histopathological features of the lesions in these resected intestinal specimens with clinicopathological correlation. We studied 100 cases of resected intestinal specimens received during September 2002 to December 2003. We totally encountered 22 request forms with clinical suspicion of ileoceocal tuberculosis. Abdominal tenderness and mass in ileoceocal region were noted in all cases. In many instances, the cases were operated for acute/subacute intestinal obstruction. Clinical and intra-operative diagnoses of tubercular enteritis, in many instances, were finally diagnosed histopathologically as ischemic enteritis [nine cases], chronic nonspecific enteritis [four cases], adenocarcinoma of the caecum, Crohn's disease, intussusception [each one case], and correctly as intestinal tuberculosis in only six cases. Tuberculosis can mimic various disease entities, clinically and sometimes morphologically. Vice versa is also true. An increased awareness of intestinal tuberculosis coupled with varied clinical presentations, nonspecific signs and symptoms, difficulties in diagnostic methods and need of early and specific treatment should improve the outcome for patients with this disease

Salmonella enterica serotype dublin bacteraemia mimicking enteric fever.

Salmonella enterica serotype Dublin, a bovine adapted serotype, is the commonest cause of salmonellosis in cattle. Salmonellosis in animals always presents a potential zoonotic threat. Infected cattles serves as a source of infection to humans. We present here Salmonella Dublin Bacteraemia in an elderly patient, with all the clinical details, due to the rarity of its occurrence. He was treated successfully with ciprofloxacin and his follow up period was uneventful.

Food poisoning due to Salmonella enterica serotype Weltevreden in Mangalore.

An outbreak of food poisoning due to Salmonella enterica serotype Weltevreden ( S.weltevreden ) involving 34 students has been reported from a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore. The symptoms developed 8-10 hours, after consuming a non- vegetarian dish, probably fish, from an outside caterer. The identity of the organism was confirmed at Central Research Institute, Kasauli. This report emphasizes the geographical distribution of this organism in the Coastal Karnataka region. S.Weltevreden may be overlooked due to the biochemical similarity to S. Paratyphi B & S. Typhimurium.

Efficacy of low dose intravenous immunoglobulins in children with toxic epidermal necrolysis: an open uncontrolled study.

BACKGROUND: High dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have emerged as a promising new therapy for treating the rare but potentially fatal drug reaction toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Experimental in vitro studies support the view that IVIG can block the fas-fas ligand mediated apoptosis in TEN. METHODS: Ten pediatric patients of TEN were treated with IVIG (0.05 - 0.1 gm/kg/day) along with antibiotics and supportive care. RESULTS: Patients with 67% of mean body surface area of involvement showed an average of 2.1 days for arrest of progression of lesions and 8.1 days for complete reepithelization. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low dose IVIG appears to be a safe and effective treatment for TEN in children. Randomized trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of IVIG and compare it with other therapeutic modalities.

Burkholderia pseudomallei septicaemia - A case report.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, a natural saprophyte widely distributed in soil, stagnant waters of endemic areas, is said to infect humans through breaks in the skin or through inhalation causing protean clinical manifestations including fatal septicaemia. A case of septicaemia in a elderly female diabetic due to B. pseudomallei following a history of fall is being reported with complete details.