Awareness about pictorial warnings on tobacco products and its impact on tobacco consumers in coastal Karnataka

Background: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cancer. India revised the pictorial warnings on all tobacco products in 2018, but its impact on tobacco consumers after the revision is less studied. Aim and Objective: To assess the awareness of the revised pictorial warnings on tobacco products and the impact of it on tobacco consumers in a coastal town. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st March 2021 among 185 adult tobacco consumers in a coastal town in Karnataka after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 by descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Majority (95.7%) were males and 96.2% had seen the pictorial warning on the tobacco products. The commonly consumed tobacco products were panmasala (44.9%), gutka (38.9%), cigarette (31.4%) and bidi (15.1%). The mean age of initiation of consuming tobacco products was 24.8 years and mean duration of the habit was 17 years. Conclusions: A majority (96.2%) have seen the pictorial warnings on the tobacco products and significant predictors for reducing tobacco consumption were those who inferred the pictorial warnings as tobacco is injurious to health and cancerous

Extraction and Characterisation of Flavoured Tobacco by GC-MS Studies and Validation of Results by GC-FID to Investigate Hazardous Flavour Ingredients

Flavoured tobacco is mainly consumed in India and neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal and the hazards are known. Considering the need to identify such flavouring ingredients and a simple analytical method was required to quantify such favouring ingredients and hazardous / allergens, we selected top brands available in India for investigation. We simply extracted the ingredients by triturating with Diethyl Ether, evaporating solvent ether and reconstituting the extract in Acetone & Ethanol for GC-MS & GC-FID work respectively. The flavour ingredients were identified, and hazardous ingredients, viz. Diethyl Phthalate was identified. It was found around 2.5% to 3.0%. The GC-MS method was validated with GC-FID analysis with Linearity, LOD & LOQ study.

Assessment of salinity tolerance based upon morpho-physiological attributes in white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the salinity tolerance of white jute (C. capsularis) cultivars. Methodology: Five white jute cultivars were assessed for different salinity concentrations (0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) in a split plot design with three replications per concentration under greenhouse condition. A total of fifteen plants were sampled from each treatment ten days after treatment with NaCl to determine morphological and physiological parameters. Results: Increased NaCl concentrations reduced all the morphological and physiological parameters such as plant height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, relative leaf water content (RLWC), chlorophyll, protein, proline content, K+ accumulation in shoot and leaves, but water saturation deficit (WSD) and Na+ contents were increased in the shoot and leaves. Interpretation: The study revealed that among all cultivars assessed JRC-532 and JRC-321 showed relatively better performance against salt stress whereas cultivar JRC-517 was found more susceptible to salt stress.

Lipid Profile in Prediabetes - A Comparative Study

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with deranged fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism that results from improper secretion or action of insulin. The precursor state to diabetes mellitus is called as Prediabetes in which not all symptoms of diabetes are present but the blood sugar is abnormally high. Dyslipidemia which as often as possible happens in diabetes play out an imperative job in quickening of macrovascular difficulty and add to expand danger of cardiovascular ailment. We conducted this study to assess the role of lipid profile in prediabetics, compared between group of asymptomatic diabetes and healthy controls. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional case control study in which 89 individuals with established diagnosis of Prediabetics were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.89 healthy aged matched individuals were enrolled in the control group. A detailed personal, family and past history was taken in all the cases and a thorough clinical examination was done. Family history of diabetes and hypertension was particularly asked and noted down. Demographic details such as age, sex and socioeconomic status was noted in all the cases. Weight and BMI was analyzed. Diagnosis of prediabetes was done on the basis of ADA criteria. Lipid Profile were carried out under the guidance of physician for all cases and data was recorded for evaluation. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS 21.0 software. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of a total 178 patients there were 96 males and 82 females with an M: F ratio of 1:0.854. The mean age of patients in group 1 and 2 was 50.92 ± 12.42 and 50.30 ± 12.64 respectively. The mean BMI of subjects in Group 1 was 25.58 ± 3.25kg/m2 and 25.80 ± 3.43 kg/m2 respectively. The mean age and BMI of the patients was found to be comparable in both the groups. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were found to be comparable in both the groups with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The FBS and PPBS values of subjects in Group 1 were significantly lesser (93.77±15.47mg/dl and 121.79±11.29mg/dl) as compared to FBS and PPBS values of subjects in Group 2 (112.52±16.40mg/dl and 177.23±17.31mg/dl). This difference was statistically significant as per Student t-test (p<0.05). The Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) values of subjects in Group 1 (5.27±0.25%) were significantly lesser as compared to HbA1c values of subjects in Group 2 (6.14±0.34%). Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL, TG/HDL and LDL/HDL ratio were found to be statistically significantly different in both the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Lipid profile in prediabetic subjects containing Total cholesterol, TG, TG/HDL ratio and LDL/HDL ratio are remarkably raised compared to normal healthy subjects and HDL cholesterol is lower than normal subjects. These finding underlines the need for detection of prediabetics so that appropriate interventions can be done.

Clinical Profile and Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Findings in Patients with Acid Peptic Disease

Background: Acid Peptic Diseases (APD) is a common disorder. Population based survey revealed that 44% of the population reported monthly heartburn and 19.8% suffered from heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a week. Endoscopy is the most sensitive diagnostic test for peptic ulcers. In this study, we are going to study the clinical features and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in patients presenting in our centre in order to come to a precise diagnosis. Methods: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will be performed by faculty members in all study subjects as a primary diagnostic investigation and interpretation of the findings as observed by a single observer was noted. Results: Most common finding in endoscopy in oesophagus was erosions in 15% (15) of cases which varied from mild, moderate to severe erosions. This was followed by erythema, ulcers and hiatus hernia 6% of cases (6 each). Barrett`s oesophagus was seen in 3% of total cases (3). Carcinoma and varices was found in 1 case each. Lax OG junction was found to be in 36% (36) of the patients. Endoscopic findings of stomach shows varies lesions seen during gastroscopy in which 15% (15 cases) had Erosions, 7% (7 cases) had severe circumferential erosions, 5% (5 cases) had gastric ulcers. Erythema, growth at pylorus and polyp was seen in 2% (2 cases) each. Conclusion: Need to provide awareness regarding endoscopy diagnostic technique for patients with prolonged APD, so that it will aid to provide appropriate treatment.

Management of Sigmoid Volvulus on Basis of Clinical Scenario, Radiological Findings and its Outcome

Background: Volvulus of the sigmoid colon is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, India, and Iran. Classical clinical picture together with plain radiographs is usually sufficient to diagnose sigmoid volvulus condition. The aim of the study is to know the clinical course and manifestations, various methods of treatment and outcome of sigmoid volvulus. Methods: Study was carried out as regards to etiological factors which predisposes to the sigmoid volvulus, the clinical features, modes of treatment and outcome. A detailed history was obtained and examination was done. The plain X-ray of abdomen was taken in all cases which were of great diagnostic aid. Results: 100% of patients presented with distension of abdomen, Pain abdomen, constipation and 80% of patients had vomiting, signs of dehydration, abdominal tenderness. In 20 cases of sigmoid volvulus, derotation was done in 3 patients (15%), derotation and tube colostomy in 1 patients (5%), primary resection and end to end anastomosis in 11 patients (55%). Conclusion: Primary resection and end to end anastomosis stands out as the most satisfactory line of treatment with reasonably good results and the success rate in this study is 80%.

Reactivation of herpes simplex viral keratitis following the botulinum toxin injection

We describe a case of 55-year-old male farmer presented with recurrent corneal abrasions with a spastic entropion in the left eye. Superior cornea showed typical nummular opacities suggestive resolved herpetic eye diseases. On further enquiry, he had similar episodes in the past. Contralateral eye was essentially normal. Following the botulinum toxin injection for the management of spastic entropion, subject developed reactivation of herpetic necrotizing stromal keratitis. Diagnostic corneal scrapings were negative for herpes simplex virus-1 antigen by immunofluorescence assay and for DNA by molecular techniques. The case was successfully managed with topical steroids and antiviral medications.

Study of etiology, clinical features and outcome following treatment of hyponatremia in elderly in intensive care unit

Background: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance in the hospitalized elderly sick patients. Objectives: To study etiology, clinical features and outcome following treatment of hyponatremia in elderly hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: All elderly patients being admitted to ICU were screened for hyponatremia and 100 patients with severe hyponatremia (<125 meq/L) were included in this study, these patients were investigated as per the protocol and were treated as per the standardized regimen. Results: 100 patients with severe hyponatremia (<125 mEq/L) were studied. There was female preponderance of cases (55%). The common causes of hyponatremia were SIADH (30%) and drugs (24%) of which diuretics (79%) was a major chunk. The common CNS symptoms were drowsiness, lethargy and irrelevant talk. The common co-morbid conditions were hypertension (62%) and diabetes mellitus (51%). Females tolerated hyponatremia better than males with mortality of 9.09% in females and 33.33% in males (p=0.0026). 20 (20%) patients succumbed to their primary illness with a possible contribution attributable to hyponatremia or its treatment. M. Krishna Naik, Md. Yousuf Khan, D. Prathima Raj, D. Venkatesh, Krishna Kumar T V. Study of etiology, clinical features and outcome following treatment of hyponatremia in elderly in intensive care unit. IAIM, 2017; 4(11): 144-152. Page 145 Conclusion: Hyponatremia is common in females and they seem to better tolerate it than their male counterparts. Early detection, strict adherence to treatment protocol is required. Diuretics should be used with caution in elderly.

Mixed germ cell tumour of testis: a case report with review of literature.

Testicular tumours are rare neoplasm. Mixed germ cell tumour is the most common histological variant. Essentially, any admixture of the germ cell tumours as seen in pure form may be seen, one of the most common admixtures being embryonal carcinoma and teratoma. Unfortunately many of these patients present late usually with some complications. We present a rare case of mixed germ cell tumour with predominant embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumour in adolescent patient with multiple metastatic foci at the time of presentation.

Evaluation of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG in the diagnosis of human hydatid disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ELISA for IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus in detecting hydatid disease of liver and lung. The levels of IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus were measured by indirect ELISA. A total of 32 patients were included in this study of which 20 had hydatid cysts in liver and 12 had in lung. Among 20 patients with hydatid cysts of liver, 18 had positive serology while 2 had negative serology. In patients having cysts in lung, 9 had positive serology while 3 had negative. The test showed 90% sensitivity in the diagnosis of hepatic cysts. However the sensitivity of this test was only 75% for pulmonary cysts. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of IgG ELISA in the diagnosis of both liver and lung hydatidosis was 84.37%. Conclusion: ELISA test is a sensitive test and can be used in the diagnosis of human hydatidosis.

Recurrent meningitis due to Salmonella enteritidis: A case report from Kashmir India.

Recurrent bacterial meningitis in children is potentially life-threatening and induces psychological trauma to the patients through repeated hospitalization. Here we report a case of recurrent meningitis in a one month old baby. The CSF and blood culture grew Salmonella enteritidis. Injection ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone were given for 3 weeks. Baby became symptomatically better and was afebrile at discharge. Twenty eight days after discharge baby got readmitted with complaints of fever and refusal of feeds. Blood and CSF culture again showed growth of Salmonella enteritidis. Physicians should be educated about the possibility of recurrence which may occur days or even weeks after apparent successful antibiotic treatment.

Sublethal toxicity of deltamethrin in relation to sex: Enzymatic studies in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus.

One of the most widely used active ingredients in the world (for pest control) is deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid. Deltamethrin is popular not only because of its effectiveness, but also for characteristics that allow the insecticide to work efficiently at low doses. Deltamethrin is a Type-II pyrethroid compound that is however highly toxic to fish, while being less toxic to birds and mammals. In the present study, Channa punctatus was used as an animal model to determine the toxicity of deltamethrin. Males weighing 10 ± 2g and females weighing 12 ± 2g were divided into groups of ten each and were exposed to different concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.02 ppm to 0.2 ppm, for five exposure periods, i.e., 1, 7, 15, 20 and 30 days. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and actylcholine (ACh) content were estimated. The levels of AChE activity rose at 24 h relative to control in all the organs, whereas the ACh content dipped. Thereafter, the levels of AChE activity progressively decreased through 7 days, and continued upto the 15th day, mirroring the steady increase in ACh. From 15th day onwards, the levels of AChE activity gradually increased, and approached that of the control at 30 day exposure, whereas the levels of ACh content displayed an opposite trend.

Primary orbital aspergilloma of the exenterated orbit in an immunocompromized patient.

Aspergilloma is a fungal ball that usually forms in a preformed stationary cavity, mostly in lung and paranasal sinuses. We report a rare case of primary orbital Aspergilloma following exenteration for an invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia, clinically mimicking a recurrence of the tumor. The fungal ball showed the presence of conidiophores with a globular head and a complete row of uni and biserrate phialides, suggestive of Aspergillus flavus species. The exposure to air in the orbit, possibly promoted the formation of conidiophores, which are normally seen when the organism is located in air cavities.

Net primary productivity of some aquatic macrophytes in sewage-sullage mixture.

Sewage-sullage mixture from Raipur city is spread over a vast area surrounding the city. This mixture has a pH always above neutrality with high turbidity. Transparency was nil with the absence of phenolphthalein alkalinity and dissolved oxygen. Hardness was high with low nitrogen and phosphorus concentration. Human consumable. acquatic macrophytes are cultivated in such waste water. Net primary productivity of three macrophytes: Ipomoea aquatica, Marsilea quadrifolia and Nelumbo nucifera were evaluated while being cultivated in such sewage-sullage mixture. Productivity was determined either with periodic biomass removal (I. aquatica and M. quadrifolia) or through removing the biomass only once at the time of growing season (N. nucifera). Growing season productivity of up to 27.48. 19.81 and 9.49 g m(-2) and day(-1) and extrapolated productivity of up to 100.30, 72.31 and 34.64 mt. ha(-1) yr(-1) was recorded for I. aquatica. M. quadrifolia and N. nucifera respectively. Thus, these macrophytes are yielding a high amount of human consumable biomass from an area which neither be a useless wetland.

Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis--a case report.

This is a case of a 25 year old unmarried women who presented with intermittent fever and lower abdominal pain. Laparotomy revealed a large cystic left sided tuboovarian mass adherent to surrounding structures and containing foul smelling fluid. Microscopy showed extensive replacement of the ovary by a chronic inflammatory exudate composed predominantly of foamy macrophages.

Modification of the redox state of cytochrome c oxidase of rice due to certain stress treatments.

The redox state of cytochrome alpha 3 during in situ respiration of leaves of 20-day-old rice seedlings was assessed by in vivo aerobic assay of nitrate reductase, after 1 min exposure to carbon monoxide. Different stress treatments like water and salt stresses, disintegration of leaf tissues and darkness modified the redox state of cytochrome c oxidase. The dark treatment altered the redox state of cytochrome oxidase from reduced to the oxidized state, as judged by its reaction with CO in CO-sensitive rice cultivar. The water and salt stresses as well as the disintegration of leaf tissue on the contrary altered cytochrome oxidase from the oxidized to its reduced state in CO-insensitive cultivars; probably by changing the cellular integrity, turgidity and structure of mitochondrial membrane, and also due to decreased mitochondrial energization.

Regulation of nitrate reduction in wheat leaves.

Wheat leaves exposed to 710 nm monochromatic light, when only photosystem 1 operates, reduced small but significant amount of nitrate to nitrite. This could be due to partial inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation of NADH, brought about by cyclic photophosphorylation. Under dark aerobic conditions, citric acid cycle intermediates only slightly stimulated nitrate reduction. Under dark anaerobic conditions, when maximum reduction of nitrate occurred, the time course showed a 1:1 stoichiometry between nitrite and CO2. It is suggested that for maximum reduction of nitrate under physiological conditions, CO2 fixation and export of ATP via triose phosphate shuttle is essential.