ABSTRACT
Background: As per Livestock Census 2019, Banaskantha district shares 9.4% of livestock of Gujarat. About 80–83% of farmers practicing dairy farming in Banaskantha district have low to medium level of knowledge about zoonotic diseases. The practice of handling livestock and its determinants among different populations of Banaskantha district is yet to be studied. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess level of awareness and hygienic practice of handling livestock and its determinants among the livestock handlers of Banaskantha district. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 livestock handlers of nine villages of Banaskantha district. The questionnaire included demographics, knowledge about zoonotic diseases, and practices for handling livestock. One score was given for correct knowledge and practice and “zero” score was given for incorrect knowledge and practice. There were maximum 20 scores for knowledge and practice each. Results: Livestock handlers were well aware of rabies but knowledge of other zoonotic disease was very less. Average knowledge and practice score was 12.76 and 12.39 out of 20, respectively. About 1/3rd of livestock handlers (33.1%) were following hygienic practice very well. Practice score was higher in male livestock handlers and those who received training and livestock handlers with more number of animals. Conclusion: Practice of use of gloves, not using milk during treatment of cattle, testing of animal before purchase, and safe disposal of infected material were very less prevalent. Training should be focused on conveying the importance of correct practicing especially to female livestock handlers with few numbers of animals.
ABSTRACT
Background: Walking in high-heeled shoes is widespread dress behavior of women of modern society. It increases lower limb muscles activity and energy cost. The need to generate larger muscular forces during walking increases the metabolic demand, thus oxygen consumption (VO2) is increased when wearing high heels. Aims and Objectives: To access effect of high-heeled shoes on Energy Expenditure (EE) and VO2 in Healthy Young female. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among fifty apparently healthy female students between the ages of 20 and 26 yrs. Resting arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR), VO2, heat production, and EE were recorded. Then, subjects walked barefooted a distance of 76.5 meters in 2 min. Following the barefooted walk, cardiac and metabolic parameter were recorded again. The subjects walked 76.5 meters in high-heeled shoes of 2, 4, and 6 inches. These parameters were recorded immediately after 76.5 meters of walking in high-heeled shoes. Results: The results from the present study indicate that walking a distance of 76.5 meters barefooted resulted in a significant increase only in mean arterial pressure, HR and rate pressure product. The EE and VO2 after walking a distance of 76.5 meters in high-heeled shoes of 2, 4, and 6 inches heel heights was significantly higher than walking a distance of 76.5 meters barefooted. Conclusion: Walking barefooted required lesser effort than walking in high-heeled shoes of different heel heights. Effort should therefore be made to encourage women to reconsider the habitual use of high-heeled shoes.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Oxidative stress, lifestyle factors as also exposure to certain environmental factors are known to affect the fertility status in human beings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of OS and lifestyle and environmental factors affecting IVF outcome. Methods: A total of 253 couples were included, and biological samples such as blood, follicular fluid (FF), cumulus cells and semen were collected. Relevant biochemical parameters and metals namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined in the biological samples. ?-human chorionic gonadotropin levels ?100 IU/l were considered to predict viable pregnancy on the 15th day of embryo transfer (ET). Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in females with positive IVF outcome compared to those with negative outcome. Couples residing in the residential area showed more percentage of positive IVF outcomes as compared to couples residing in industrial/agricultural area. FF Zn level was significantly higher (P<0.001) among the females' participants who have undergone ET as compared to those who have not undergone ET. FF MDA and serum Cu levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the female participants with negative IVF outcome as compared to positive IVF outcome. Logistic regression revealed that maternal BMI (P=0.034) and FF MDA level (P=0.047) were significantly associated with the IVF outcome. Interpretation & conclusions: The success rate of IVF was about 31.8 per cent, and BMI was significantly lower in females with positive outcome. The higher levels of MDA in FF and SP might have a negative impact on IVF outcome, higher Zn level in SP, FF and serum might have a positive role in embryo transfer as well as IVF outcome. The role of stress management and nutrition supplementation during the IVF treatment may be explored.