Sanitation and hand washing behavior of urban slum dwellers in Vellore Corporation of Tamil Nadu, India: during coronavirus disease

Objectives: This study examines the sanitation and hand-washing behavior of slum dwellers before coronavirus disease 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and during the COVID-19 period. The study also examines health-seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: Purposive sampling method was used to select the study area and household. Out of 49 registered slums in the Vellore municipality corporation, three slums were selected, which represent the highest number of slum households. The names of the urban slum settlement were Salavanpet, Old Town, and Makkan. After selecting the study areas, households were selected on snowball techniques through telephonic conversation with a structured interview schedule. The total samples were 75 households. The study period was from June 2021 to August 2021. Results: The study shows that Vellore has the 18th highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu. This study found that regular wage incomes in urban slum dwellers have been severely affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. The majority of households without a toilet in slums have used open defecation during COVID-19. Hand washing behaviors for people living in the urban slums have increased during the COVID-19 than the pre- COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that middle-aged (age 31–40 years) people’s habit of hand washing as a precautionary measure against coronavirus disease increased during COVID-19 compared with pre-COVID-19. Suggestion and Conclusion: The study suggests that improving hand-washing habits could aid in the prevention of the COVID-19 virus and other illnesses and suggests advancing hand washing habits after the pandemic as basic protective measures, which continues to remain essential in urban areas.

High-Powered Police Motorcycle: Muscle Discomfort Among Malaysian Traffic Police Riders

@#Discomfort due to riding a motorcycle is an issue that need to be addressed as it has long-term effects of musculoskeletal disorders on motorcyclists especially among occupational motorcyclist. Thus, this study was conducted to analyse the rating of muscle discomfort and correlation with the risk factors among traffic police riders. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 137 male traffic police riders (high-powered motorcycle) with the age between 20 to 39 years old. The 100-mm visual analogue scale questionnaire included ratings of perceived discomfort scales for 20 specific body regions was used in the study. The results indicate that the lower back (left and right) were the highest mean of discomfort which were 56.6 mm and 55.9 mm respectively. This followed with right (48.5±36.2 mm) and left (48.4±30.3 mm) upper back, and right hand (47.0±33.0 mm). The mean of overall discomfort ratings for all regions were more than 20 mm. Besides, there is a strong positive significant correlation between duration of ridings (hours) and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.785) and moderate positive correlation between year of traffic police motorcycle riding experience and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.410). As a conclusion, cumulative riding hours, riding experience and no support of the back area of the body in motorcycle seat, are the most concern in this study as this are the contributing factors to the muscle discomfort among traffic police riders while riding high-powered motorcycle. Thus, this study suggested an additional feature is needed in current motorcycle design in order to enhance comforts of traffic police riders. Also, it will improve the condition of traffic police riders’ discomfort and indirectly also improve their work and health performance as well as productivity.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment On Selected Hot-Work Workers At Company XXX

@#Company XXX is a factory that involving manufacturing of offshore containers in where the hot works are one of the crucial activities in fabrication and structuring the framework of the containers. This study had been conducted at hot work section to conduct initial and advanced ergonomic risk assessment to identify ergonomic risk factors involved among hot-work workers which cause the significant number of reports on ergonomic related health issues at hot works area from the year 2011 to year 2017. The initial and advanced ergonomic risk assessment had been conducted based on DOSH latest release of guideline on ergonomic risk assessment 2017 and all findings had been tabulated and analysed. Based on the intial ergonomic assessment, total score achived is 17.7 with main risk factors identified through the hot work acticties are including awkward postures, repetitive motions, static and sustained work postures, vibration, insufficient ventilation, exposure of noise and working in extreme temperature. Based on Advanced ERA conducted on selected 3 workers, the study shows Muscle Fatigue Assessment (MFA) with average score for risk level shown ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ categories, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) with average total score more than 10 which categorized as ‘High Risk’ and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) which shown the workers have very high risk for back and shoulder or arm parts with score level are between 29 to 40 for back static and 41 to 56 for shoulder and arm parts. Based on results of the assessment, company XXX recommended had been to conduct further investigation for improvements to determine effective control measure for the work process in order to reduce that risk level towards the hot work workers.

Case report on two diabetic donor eyes with no retinopathy: Clinicopathological and molecular studies

We were intrigued to analyze donor eyes of two individuals without retinopathy even after 40 years of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Targeted molecular factors associated with angiogenesis and the key antioxidant enzymes in retinal tissue were analyzed. Accordingly PEDF, Adiponectin and Paraoxonase 2 showed augmented mRNA expression in both the retina with no significant change in VEGF expression. Vitreous showed increased PEDF protein in donor 1 and Adiponectin in donor 2 with no change in VEGF protein. This study highlights the profile of specific molecular factors that contribute to the non-development of diabetic retinopathy changes in these individuals.

Likert Scale vs. Visual Analogue Scale on Vehicle Seat Discomfort Questionnaire: A Review

Abstract@#Discomfort measurement has usually been attempted by asking the participants to rate the scale of their discomfort which commonly termed as a subjective scale. Various studies had conducted the discomfort level on vehicle seat by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Likert scale. VAS is a tool that use to measure a discomfort or characteristics in range across a continuum of values. Meanwhile, Likert-scale is a tool consist of items that require respondents to rate their degrees of comfort or discomfort with various declarative statements. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review, discuss and compare between the VAS and Likert scale used on the development and assessment of sitting discomfort survey in seat vehicles. The literature on various topics related to questionnaire development on discomfort in seat vehicle were collected from electronic databases. Four high-quality studies were eligible and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there is no evidence and conclusion that neither visual analogue scale nor Likert scale are better to one another. Therefore, it can be concluded that either of this scale still applicable for the ergonomic research application as both of this scale have their own pros and cons.

Respiratory Effects of Exposure to High Levels of Particulate Among Malaysian Traffic Police

Abstract@#Introduction: Malaysian traffic police are always working on the public roads to alleviate traffic congestion and therefore exposed them to the polluted air every day. In particular, polluted air containing PM2.5 is dangerous to their respiratory health as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to bronchitis, lung cancer and many more. Hence, this research examined the relationship of personal exposure level to PM2.5 with respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: 134 participants among traffic policemen were agreed to participate in this study. They were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic background and respiratory health information. The questionnaire was adopted from International Union Against Tuberculosis Lung Diseases (1986). Personal exposure level of PM2.5 was measured using an air pump with 5.0µm pore size PVC filter. Results: The mean exposure level of PM2.5 among traffic policemen was 28.69 µg/m3. It was found that some of them possess respiratory symptoms (Coughing 33.6%, Phlegm 25.4%, Wheezing 14.9% and Shortness of breath 32.1%). There was significant association detected at p-value < 0.05 in coughing. Despite, there was no significant association in other symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath. Conclusions: Traffic police were exposed to a relatively high level of PM2.5 (12.4 µg/m3 to 55.3 µg/m3) and showed symptoms of respiratory effects. Therefore, recognition of the risks connected with occupational lung disease and exposure monitoring must be a high priority. This baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as required by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).

The Role Of Optical Internal Urethrotomy At Present Scenario

BACKGROUND Urethral stricture Is a relatively common urological disorder which every urologist encounters in his regular urological practice. They pose a significant Problem from both clinical and economic point of view. The etiology of stricture urethra has changed over times. Trauma has taken Over Infection as the commonest cause. The trauma can be either External (Trauma) Or Internal ( Instrumentation ). Another Important Cause Is Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans also Known as Lichen Sclerosus. In a Small Group Of Patients, No Particular Cause Can Be Made Out And They are Grouped Under 'Idiopathic. 'The Management Of Stricture has also evolved over the times. Despite the availability of various options for the treatment of stricture urethra, Internal Urethrotomy has remained as a popular option among the urologists in view of its Simplicity, Safety and Shorter Learning Curve. Optical Internal Urethrotomy (Oiu) Is Best Suited For Single, Bulbar Strictures shorter than 2 Cm, with minimal spongiofibrosis and with no past Internal Urethrotomy. Optical Internal Urethrotomy (Oiu) may be contra-indicated In suspected Urethral Malignancy, Coagulation Disorders Or Active Infection. Optical Internal Urethrotomy (Oiu) is not Suited for Long Strictures (>2 Cm), Multiple Strictures, Previous Optical Internal Urethrotomy (Oiu), Strictures Other than bulbar . AIM OFTHE STUDY — The impact of co morbid factor in the outcome of internal urethrotomy — Association of the site ,length of the stricture, with the outcome of internal urethrotomy. — The effect of Pharmacological adjuncts (mitomycin-c) to OIU. — Duration of catheterization after urethrotomy — Role of repeat urethrotomy METHODS This is a prospective observational and analytical study, conducted at the urology department, kilpauk medical college hospital and govt royapettah hospital chennai in the period between february 2016 to march 2017 . Atotal of 60 male patients, with an age ranged from 15 to 60 years presenting with anterior urethral stricture, were included in the study. RESULTS Most common etiological factor is secondary to iatrogenic .Most common site is bulbar urethra.Most common complication is recurrent stricture .Most common age group is 30 to 40 years of age and the most common presenting complaint is strain to void and thin stream of micturation .With OIU alone76.7 % of patients voiding well ,23.3% came with recurrent stricture . With OIU and mitomycin c 90 % of patients voiding well and the recurrence rate is about 10 % .Diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar ,length and density of the stricture influencing significantly with results and recurrent stricture formation. CONCLUSION Optical internal urethrotomy is a safe,minimally invasive repeatable procedure for anterior urethral stricture with <1.5 cm with less spongiofibrosis. Mitomycin C significantly reduces the recurrence rate of urethral stricture following OIU,as seen in our study , it is Safe and easily available

Management Of Prostatic Abcess - Trus Guided Aspiration Vs Transurethral Deroofing

Background: The present study planned and conducted to evaluate the awareness of radiation exposure associated with diagnostic imaging investigations in the medical students. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the period of 2017 for 2 months. Atotal of 60 medical students were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared with 14 questions. This question paper was given to each student. After that the answer sheets was collected and analyzed. The data was expressed in number and percentage. Results:All the subjects answered yes to the question whether awareness regarding radiation in radiology important. More number of subjects not aware of indications ofradiological investigation modalities for different clinical conditions. Maximum subject opinion is CT increase the risk of cancer. 37 subjects answered X-ray has high risk of radiation. 49 subjects told it is important to educate the patient regarding radiation risk before each investigation. Conclusion: This study concludes that awareness in medical students about radiation exposure in diagnostic imagining was less. It required that implementation of basics in diagnostic imagining into the undergraduate course curriculum.

Health Care Workers Safety: Screening And Immunization: A Review

The paper puts forth the need for health care workers safety whilst undertaking their job on a daily basis. Presently there are number of factors that are directly linked to the safety of health care workers. However, Occupational Health is very important and useful for health workers that are exposed to their job hazards. Every year, many lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Every hospital’s occupational health departments should ensure that all new staff are vaccinated to protect them against microorganisms carried by other patients, and with vaccinated against preventable diseases. This will help to prevent the health workers from occupational exposure to patients’ blood or any other bodily substances, including injury from sharp objects, and also guarantees that the new employees does not infect the patients with infectious diseases. Furthermore, all the new staff should be screened for blood borne pathogenic diseases.

How Safe Are Our Children In Vehicles On The Road? A Malaysian Perspective

@#As Malaysia races towards a developed nation status, children are increasingly being ferried daily in vehicles almost exclusively as the majority of the population are able to afford private transportations. This paper reviews the current safety concerns for children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads and the steps undertaken to address the need to enhance children’s safety whilst going in these vehicles and suggest possible remedial action to counter the possible lack of awareness for children’s safety whilst in these vehicles. This paper focuses on children on motorcycles and private vehicles (cars, vans and multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)) and excludes other form of transport (buses, lorries) as this paper tries to put forth measures that can be undertaken by the children’s parents and guardian to better enhance the safety of their children. A search was undertaken of all the major database of articles. Articles related to children’s safety systems, children related injuries, children related accident data, available laws and legislation were reviewed to present the need for greater awareness of children’s safety while going in vehicles in Malaysia. There are currently already safety legislations, measures, steps and equipments in place in ensuring the safety of children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads. However, enforcement of laws in developing countries are not easy and we have to start at the root of the problem which is the parents and adults who ferry these children in vehicles. There is a pressing need to educate parents and adults alike on the urgent undertaking of child safety whilst in vehicles. Engineering countermeasures and intervention are probably needed to protect these vulnerable users. For vehicles, a device capable of providing some sort of protection to the child whilst riding pillion should be designed and developed. A legislation mandating the use of child seats whilst ensuring the child seats are affordable to the masses.

Health Care Workers Safety: Screening And Immunization: A Review

@#The paper puts forth the need for health care workers safety whilst undertaking their job on a daily basis. Presently there are number of factors that are directly linked to the safety of health care workers. However, Occupational Health is very important and useful for health workers that are exposed to their job hazards. Every year, many lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Every hospital’s occupational health departments should ensure that all new staff are vaccinated to protect them against microorganisms carried by other patients, and with vaccinated against preventable diseases. This will help to prevent the health workers from occupational exposure to patients’ blood or any other bodily substances, including injury from sharp objects, and also guarantees that the new employees does not infect the patients with infectious diseases. Furthermore, all the new staff should be screened for blood borne pathogenic diseases.

Synthesis, spectral aspects and biological activities of 5-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzaldehydethiosemicarbazone and their Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes.

The ligation behavior of 5-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzaldehydethiosemicarbazone (L) and its Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes has been synthesized and characterized by Elemental analysis, Electronic, FT-IR, Raman, EPR spectral techniques and Cyclic voltammetric study. The ligand (L) belongs to triclinic system with P1 space group. The IR spectral data of ligand indicate the taking part of sulphur and azomethine nitrogen in coordination to the central metal ion. The electronic, FT-IR and EPR spectral studies reveals all the complexes are distorted octahedral geometry. The synthesized ligand and its metal(II) complexes were tested for their antioxidant activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and antibacterial activity against E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumonia. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the ligand and its metal complexes had shown moderate to good activity, among all the compounds Ni(II) complex had shown more activity.

A need for new accident theories in Malaysia?

Workplace accident is a big challenges for a safety professional. Workplace accidents may lead from minor to serious effects to both employees and employers alike. Accident is an unexpected and undesirable event, especially those resulting in damage, harm or unforeseen incidents. This paper also discussed all available accident theories that are commonly used in workplace as fundamental to mitigating accident. Throughout this paper, the author justified that a new or updated accident theory is needed in Malaysia. The author stated that current accident theories are based on different environments and are different in terms physical of the employee who involved in the accident. This author also stated that technology changes is also another factor which can be supporting the new or updated accident theory needed in Malaysia.

Needlestick and sharp injuries among health care workers in saudi hospitals: a review

This paper explains Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Hospitals. Presently there are number of factors that are responsible for health care workers injuries. Lack of secure environment and ignorance to safety measurescan lead to injuries due to Needlestick and Sharp objects. There is a significant need of providing better working environment for health care workers in Saudi Arabia. Following daily practices and World Health Organization’s measures for taking the preventive steps for these injuries is necessary. Trying to avoid utilizing needles whenever secure and efficient substitutes are present, providing needle containers, avoiding re-capping and wearing gloves on both hands are some of the measures that could be taken to make sure these problems do not recur.

Orbital apex osteodural fistula - An unusual surgical access.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are fistulas connecting the branches of dural arteries to dural veins or a venous sinus. Osteodural fistulas are a rare subset of this group of diseases. We wish to report a rare case of an osteodural arteriovenous fistula at the foot of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), treatment of which required an unusual surgical approach via the orbit and SOV. Though access for endovascular treatment via the SOV for treatment of caroticocavernous fistulas is reported, the external approach is relatively infrequently performed, outside Europe and the Americas, with this being the first reported procedure from the Indian subcontinent. We wish to explain the steps of this unusual surgical access and highlight the salient precautions and pitfalls in the technique.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and antimicrobial activity studies of 2-Butyl-4-chloro-5-formylimidazole thiosemicarbazone and its manganese (II) complex.

A novel chelating tridentate organic ligand, 2-Butyl-4-chloro-5-formylimidazole thiosemicarbazone(L) is synthesized and characterized by using spectroscopic techniques like elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV-vis and Mass spectrometry. The free ligand is then used for the synthesis of Mn(II) complex thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, EPR and electronic spectral analysis. The complex is found to have characteristic d5 electronic spectrum and the geometry of the complex is identified as octahedron based on the g value obtained from the EPR spectrum. Both the ligand and Mn(II)L2 compounds are found to exhibit similar antimicrobial activity against the gram –ve and gram +ve bacteria.

Formulation and evaluation of esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate multiple unit particulate system ( pellets) as a delayed release dosage form.

The present study was an attempt to formulate and evaluate enteric coated tablets for Esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate delayed release multiparticulate to reduce the Gastrointestinal tract side effects.The delayed release multiple units were prepared by using fluid-bed werster technology.These multiple units are selected by seal coating, drug coating and enteric coating.These Esomeprazole magnesium dehydrate were evaluated for assay, acid resistence, drug release,dissolution, Kinetic studies of Innovator and Optimized formulation, Stability studies of Optimized formulation. This study concluded Esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate can be prepared by using combination of polymers studied and we can reduce the GI tract side effects.

Changes in the oxidative metabolism due to nicotine toxicity in the skeletal muscle fibres of male albino rat.

Nicotine has been reported to induce oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of nicotine on oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle fibre types (Type I & Type II) of male albino rats. The animals were divided into two groups: Group-I (control), and Group-II (experimental). The latter received subcutaneous injections at a dose of 0.5 mg/ kg body weight (Experiment-I), 1 mg/kg body weight (Experiment-II), 5 days/week for a period of 8 weeks. The animals were sacrificed after 24 hours of the last treatment, and skeletal muscle fibres such as soleus (SOL), red vastus (RV) and white vastus (WV) were isolated and analyzed. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased in nicotine-treated rats of both experiment-I, and experiment-II. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were decreased in soleus (SOL), red vastus (RV) and white vastus (WV) skeletal muscle fibres. These findings indicate nicotine-induced oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle fibres of male albino rats.

Pemphigus vulgaris in oral cavity: a case report

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease that produces intraepithelial blisters in the skin and the oral mucosa. The oral mucosa is often the first site to be affected by the disease. Initial lesions could appear in the oral cavity in the form of vesicles, bullae and ulcers. Dentists have a major role in the recognition and diagnosis of the disease. A case of oral pemphigus vulgaris is presented with special emphasis on diagnostic modalities