IDENTIFYING THE ECOTOURISM SUITABILITY SCORE FOR MARINA BEACH AND ELLIOT'S BEACH OF CHENNAI COAST, TAMIL NADU, INDIA.

At the Chennai Coast in Tamil Nadu, India, research is done. Finding out whether Marina Beach and Elliott's Beach are suitable for ecotourism is the study's main goal. For the research using the ecotourism suitability index methodology, land use, land cover, erosion, accretion, beach type, beach width, proximity to bus stop, proximity to train station, and suspended sediment load have all been taken into account. The suitability index of eco tourism is assigned into 4 (four) classes, which are: Class S1 (Highly suitable), Class S2 (Quite Suitable), Class S3 (Suitable with condition) and Class N (Not Suitable). Result of analysis indicates that coast area of Marina Beach and Elliots beach area comes in the class of Highly suitable (S1) by score total of 129 or 95.5 % and 116 or 85.9 % respectively. According to the research, Marina Beach has a sand feature as a land use land cover, 213 metres of beach width, good clarity (500 mg/L), is located 361 metres from a bus stop and 681 metres from a train station, has moderate erosion, and has not experienced any accretion. The beach type is white sand. Likewise, Elliots Beach has a sand feature as a land use land cover, with 222 metres of beach width, good clarity (600 mg/L), 642 metres from the bus stop, and 2351 metres from the railway station, which is high. There is moderate erosion and no accretion, and the sand is of the beach type, which is white. Marina beach has high tourism suitability index as compared to Elliot's beach. By considering marina beach, all the eight parameters are considered to be ne whereas Elliot's beach has far away accessibility this is the main reason for lowering the tourism suitability.

Quality of Life in Patients with Dental Prosthesis in South Indian Population – Chennai, Tamil Nadu: An Epidemiological Survey

A questionnaire consisting of approximately 9 questions is prepared individually for patients and circulated in specified locality and the responses given by the patients are statistically analysed to determine the awareness about “QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH DENTAL PROSTHESIS”. The patients are completely/partially edentulous and who are prosthesis wearers. About 179 patients were surveyed and analysed. Patients’ perceived Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) may be defined as a multidimensional construct incorporating at least three broad domains: physical, psychological and social functioning. In the dental field, assessment of an individual’s Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) has been exponentially increasing during the last decade to evaluate the impact of a disease or of treatment efficacy. Particularly in prosthodontics, several studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that partial and conventional complete dentures significantly improved OHRQoL, especially concerning aesthetics and function. Qualities of life include the subjective sense of physical and/or mental well-being. In its broadest and most inclusive sense, it is sometimes referred to as “life satisfaction”. Bio-functionality tests are employed to investigate theprevalence of missing teeth and prosthodontic replacements in South Indian adult population using a hierarchical dental functional classification system. The paper aims to evaluate quality of life in patients with dental prosthesis done in south Indian population - Chennai, Tamilnadu: an epidemiological survey. The reasons for measuring HRQOL and functional status are that they provide a means of identifying and monitoring the impact of disease and interventions on the physical and mental health of elderly individuals as they themselves perceive this impact. Some of the causes of decreased HRQOL may be preventable and others are treatable with appropriate interventions. Short questionnaires that ask about these issues and are incorporated routinely into patient visits can provide information on HRQOL that alerts clinicians to changes that otherwise might go unrecognized. The number of “20 natural teeth” is the generally accepted WHO operative criterion for a functional natural dentition for adequate bio-functionality. In conclusion Quality of life is certainly disturbed in complete/partial edentulism. It includes in all aspect from psychological to functional.

Prevalence Status of Antibodies of Japanese Encephalitis in Pigs in Peri-Urban Area of Chennai

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito borne viral zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) of Flaviviridae family and it is one of the leading causes of acute encephalitis syndrome in Asian countries. This study was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 to understand the dynamic status of sero-prevalence of Japanese encephalitis in pigs in peri-urban areas of Chennai using indirect ELISA. A total of 241 sera samples of pigs was collected from peri-urban areas of Chennai and subjected to indirect IgG capture commercial ELISA kit for screening for JEV antibodies. The overall prevalence of JEV antibodies was found as 35.48% which showed the circulation of JEV antibodies in swine population in peri-urban areas of Chennai indicating that pigs still act as amplifier hosts for vectors for the transmission of the disease in Peri-urban areas of Chennai

Understanding The Impact Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among School Teachers In Chennai

Background: Human body is engineered to move and designed in a way to benefit the wellbeing of mankind. Musculoskeletal disorders represents one of the most common and important occupational problem in the working population which includes the teaching profession. This study aims to identify the occupational overuse disorders prevalent amongst school teachers in Chennai. Methods: A survey study was conducted among the school teachers in Chennai using a self administered questionnaire which was distributed among 500 teachers and collected over a period of two months between January and February 2019. The questionnaire included their working lifestyles, pain assessment, medical conditions and demographical data. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed among the teaching faculty, from whom 330 were returned, yielding a response rate of 66%. Exclusion of about 4 % results in a response rate of 62%. The results using SPSS software method revealed that female population of teachers was more affected by moderate pain musculoskeletal disorder compared to the male teachers. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that occupational overuse disorder is reasonably common among teachers in Chennai, particularly those of lower back, neck and ankle pain. Epidemiological data on work related musculoskeletal disorders in Chennai teachers are limited. Remedial measures such as emphasis on pain prevention, ergonomics and regular physical exercises will reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.

Dynamics of the occurrence of influenza in relation to seasonal variation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A 7 -year cumulative study

Background: Influenza viruses have emerged as virulent pathogens causing considerable burden across the world. A thorough understanding of the pattern in occurrence of influenza globally is the need of hour. The present study deals with analysis of the dynamics of Influenza virus, especially the influence of seasonal change on viral circulation and causation of epidemics/pandemics in the context of subtropical region. Methods: During the 7 year (2009–2015) study, 36670 specimens were subjected to influenza analysis. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from suspected patients from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were tested and typed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: During 2009 pandemic, among influenza A positives 95.16% were Apdm09, indicating that there was a predominant circulation of Apdm09. During postpandemic period, there were waves in the occurrence of Apdm09 which indicates fall in immunity with buildup in the susceptible population. Conclusion: In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, influenza positivity started with the onset of monsoon and peaks during the postmonsoon months throughout the study period. The assessment of meteorological factors compounding influenza activity can help in raising alerts to the public health officials of impending disaster which suggests that Influenza vaccination can be initiated before monsoon months in South India.

Epidemiological review and clinicopathological study of gastric adenocarcinoma cases in a tertiary care center in North Chennai, India

Background: Gastric carcinoma is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The Incidence of gastric carcinoma shows wide geographic and regional variation as well. The clinical presentation varies with the individual and hence histopathological evaluation plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of the patients. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinicopathological profile of gastric adenocarcinoma cases encountered in a tertiary care center in North Chennai where only limited statistical data available in literature.Methods: All the gastric adenocarcinoma cases diagnosed by histopathology who underwent total/subtotal gastrectomy were retrospectively collected for clinical as well as histopathological details for a year. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.Results: The mean age of the study population is 59.3±11.3 with male: female sex ratio of 2.1:1. Higher prevalence noted in lower socioeconomic status (80%) and alcoholics (65%) with a history of high salted diet (62%). Most common presenting symptom was dyspepsia (94%). Upper GI endoscopy revealed antrum (42%) as the commonest site of tumor and majority were more than 5 cm size (75%). 62% of tumors were of moderately differentiated, predominantly intestinal type (86%) and mostly found to be in stage 3 (50%).Conclusions: Gastric adenocarcinoma was more common in elderly males and majority presented in advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. The General public needs to be creating awareness about variable nonspecific symptoms of an early stage of gastric carcinoma as well as the risk of poor dietary habits (high salted diet) and can enforce screening of high-risk category people.

Health problems among IT professionals in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu

Background: Increasing technological advantage lead to the higher health disadvantages to IT professionals who spent most of the time working in front of the computer. They are experiencing many neural, visual and musculoskeletal ailments. The present study was done with the aim to limelight the health issues among IT employees in IT Park, Chennai.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative survey related to health issues among IT professionals was done on 417 employees of Chennai IT Park during the period from January 2018 to May 2018. The predesigned questionnaire included socio-demographic and health related issues. It was sent to the employees through various media including Facebook messenger, LinkedIn private messaging and email. The data was analyzed and presented in number and percentages and the related associations were analysed by Chi square test.Results: The prevalence of pain in eye was the major visual problem noticed in 157 (38%) patients and the rate of incidence was similar in both males and females. About 50% of the participants had pain/stiffness in lower back. Feeling nervous ness is the related stress condition experienced by the respondents (49%). Other health correlated issues noticed among the participants was headache (40%). The prevalence rate of these factors was higher in males compared to females.Conclusions: The study concluded that IT professionals face several health issues in terms of visual, musculoskeletal and stress problems in Chennai IT Park

Health Education Program on Leptospirosis among College Students in Chennai, South India.

Aim: To determine the level of knowledge on leptospirosis among college students in Chennai, India before and after the health education program. Study Design: Interventional study Place and Duration of the Study: Seven Arts and Science colleges in Chennai, India between January and June 2014. Methodology: After getting prior permission from the Principals of the colleges, the students who were willing to take part in the study were requested to fill serially numbered and labeled semistructured questionnaire (A&B). Questionnaire included demographics and questions on awareness of leptospirosis, risk factors, mode of transmission, symptoms and human vaccine. Questionnaire A was filled (anonymously) and collected after which the education on leptospirosis was provided as a power point presentation. At the end of the program, students filled questionnaire B and submitted. Statistical analysis was done using McNemar test. Results: Out of 501 students, 28% were males and 72% were females. Age of the students ranged from 16 to 37 years with mean of 20.46 years, SD 3.477. Seventy five percent were Hindus, 20% were Christians and 5% were Muslims. Only 36% of the students were aware that Leptospirosis was common in Chennai while after the program 84% were aware of leptospirosis (P< .001). Knowledge on the risk factors of leptospirosis increased significantly after the program (P < .001). Pre awareness assessment revealed poor knowledge on the modes of transmission of leptospirosis and on symptoms of the disease such as fever and jaundice which increased significantly after the intervention (P < .001). Knowledge on human vaccine was found to be less in the initial survey which improved significantly after the awareness program (P < .001). Conclusions: There was significant increase in the knowledge on leptospirosis among the students after the health education program. Such programs are needed to be carried out for a wider dissemination of information.

"The Chennai declaration" Recommendations of "A roadmap- to tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance" - A join meeting of medical societies of India.

"A Roadmap to Tackle the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance - A Joint meeting of Medical Societies in India" was organized as a pre-conference symposium of the 2 nd annual conference of the Clinical Infectious Disease Society (CIDSCON 2012) at Chennai on 24 th August. This was the first ever meeting of medical societies in India on issue of tackling resistance, with a plan to formulate a road map to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance from the Indian perspective. We had representatives from most medical societies in India, eminent policy makers from both central and state governments, representatives of World Health Organization, National Accreditation Board of Hospitals, Medical Council of India, Drug Controller General of India, and Indian Council of Medical Research along with well-known dignitaries in the Indian medical field. The meeting was attended by a large gathering of health care professionals. The meeting consisted of plenary and interactive discussion sessions designed to seek experience and views from a large range of health care professionals and included six international experts who shared action plans in their respective regions. The intention was to gain a broad consensus and range of opinions to guide formation of the road map. The ethos of the meeting was very much not to look back but rather to look forward and make joint efforts to tackle the menace of antibiotic resistance. The Chennai Declaration will be submitted to all stake holders.

Suicidal hanging: A prospective study.

The objective of this study was to focus on various factors associated with suicide by hanging at Chennai, India; with a view to identify the areas of intervention. A prospective study was carried out on 65 cases of death due to suicide by hanging which was received by the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India, during the period of August 2008- July 2009. In the present study, 84.7%% of the cases were below the age of 40years, time of hanging in 50.8% of the cases was 3am-12noon, place of hanging in 95.5% of the cases was their residence, 92.3% were living with their family and 69.2% were married. Most frequent precipitating factors were marital unhappiness (33.8%), problems associated with organic disease (18.5%) and dowry harassment (16.8%). To reduce the incidence of suicides by hanging, there is urgent need to focus on these factors.

Anaemia & expression levels of CD35, CD55 & CD59 on red blood cells in Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients from India.

Background & objectives: Severe anaemia in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) associated malaria is a leading cause of death despite low levels of parasitaemia. In an effort to understand the pathogenesis of anaemia we studied expression level of RBC complement regulatory proteins, CR1 (CD35), CD55 and CD59 with haemoglobin status in a group of malaria cases from Assam, Goa and Chennai, and in healthy controls. Methods: Flowcytometry was used to study expression of CR1, CD55 and CD59 in 50 Pf cases and 30 normal healthy volunteers. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films were used for microscopic detection and identification of malarial parasites and parasite count. Results: No correlation was found between degree of expression of RBC surface receptors CR1, CD55 and CD59 with haemoglobin level. However, expression of CD55 was less in malaria cases than in healthy controls. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings indicate that malaria infection changes the expression profile of complement regulatory protein CD55 irrespective of severity status of anaemia. Further studies are needed to explore the pathophysiology of anaemia in malaria cases in Assam where expression of RBC complement receptors appears to be low even in normal healthy population.

Prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai. Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Study setting: The study was conducted in Tiruverkadu, a suburban area of Chennai. Materials and Methods: A house-to-house survey was done in Tiruverkadu. The study population consisted of 6, 12, 15 years children, 35-44 years, and 65-74 years adults. Type III dental examination was carried out. Cross tabulations and Chi-square statistics were computed. The level of significance was chosen as P<0.05. Results: Out of the total 679 subjects, 309 subjects had tooth loss. Females (47.9%) had greater tooth loss compared to males (42.9%). Tooth loss increased as age progressed. Subjects in the lower socio-economic status had greatest tooth loss. The mean tooth loss among the subjects was 2.7. Conclusion: This study indicates that tooth loss increases with age and differs for gender and socio-economic status. The prevalence of tooth loss among the subjects was found to be high in children as well as in adults. Therefore, dental professionals should utilize various measures available in preventive dentistry to minimize tooth loss.