IMPACR OF MICROFINANCE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF SHG WOMEN IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

Self-help groups (SHGs) in India represent a unique and holistic approach for financial intermediation. The main aim of SHGs is to improve economic conditions. The SHGs enable women to grow then savings and to access the credit which banks are willing to lend. More than 30 per cent of the respondents are in the age group of 36 – 45 years, one fourth of the respondents belong to BC community and 82 per cent of the respondents are Hindus. Around 63 per cent of the respondents have up to upper primary education and more than 41 per cent of the respondents have agriculture as primary occupation. Around 48 per cent of the respondents have pucca house and around 72 per cent of the respondents have the income in the range of Rs.10000 – 20000.

Type I pleuropulmonary blastoma presenting as congenital pulmonary airway malformation: A report of two cases

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare aggressive intrathoracic tumor which is believed to originate from embryonic uncommitted lung mesenchymal cells, which are important for developing the lung. Type I PPB is cystic, type II is cystic and solid, while type III is predominantly solid. Diagnosing type 1 PPB is a challenge for both radiologists as well as pathologists. Owing to its purely cystic nature, type I PPB it is often mistaken for unrelated entities such as congenital pulmonary airway malformation and congenital lobar emphysema which delays surgical intervention. Here, we report two such cases presenting clinically and radiologically as congenital pulmonary airway malformation. On histology, a final diagnosis of type I pleuropulmonay blastoma was made. Thereafter, chemotherapy was administered following complete surgical excision.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis - A Rare Case Diagnosed Cytologically

LCH is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by pathogenic clonal proliferation of bone marrow derived langerhans cells which are immature dendritic cells characterized by presence of Birbeck granules. The annual incidence of LCH is nearly 5.4cases per one million people with male predominance. LCH is primarily a pediatric disease with peak age ranging between 1-4 yrs commonly involving bone. It manifests as single system unifocal, multifocal or multisystem disease. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of 10 month old male baby with unifocal bone involvement and discuss the clinical, radiological and characteristic cytological features that lead to the diagnosis of LCH.

Anatomical study on sciatic nerve variations in Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: The sciatic nerve is the largest and widest nerve in the body and is derived from ventral rami of spinal nerves L2 to S3. Sciatic nerve appears in the Gluteal region below Piriformis from Pelvic cavity by passing through Greater Sciatic foramen. In between the Ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter of Femur, it reaches the back of the thigh. At the superior angle of Popliteal fossa, it divides into Tibial and common Peroneal (fibular) nerves. The division varies, and it may occur within the pelvis, Gluteal, upper, mid and lower part of thigh. The anatomical variations of the level at which the Sciatic nerve divides is considered important by Neurosurgeons, Anaesthetists, Orthopaedicians and Surgeons.Methods: This study was conducted on 52 lower limbs to determine the level of sciatic nerve bifurcation and its variations on 26 embalmed human cadavers. The data was analyzed manually using numbers, frequencies and percentages.Results: The findings of this study states that in 2 limbs (3.84%) the nerve divided in the gluteal region; in 4 limbs (7.69%) in the pelvic region; in 10 limbs (19.23%) at the junction between upper and middle thigh. The highest incidence of division occurs in 36 limbs (69.23%) at the superior angle of the popliteal fossa.Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the majority of sciatic nerve divisions occur   at the superior angle of popliteal fossa while some divided into other regions such as Pelvis, Gluteal and thigh regions.

Predictive accuracy of CURB-65 as comparedto PSI scorein the severity assessment of community acquired pneumonia

Introduction: Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65 rule for community acquired pneumonia (CAP) have been developed to stratify patients based on mortality. Lack of a risk stratifying score like PSI or CURB-65 can lead to significant delay in starting treatment. This study was conducted to find out the ability of CURB-65 score and PSI to predict clinically relevant outcomes. Methods: 78 patients diagnosed as CAP admitted to a tertiary care hospital were enrolled into the study. Detailed clinical history was noted and CURB-65 and PSI scores were given with the help of a structured questionnaire in <24 hours of admission. The patients were revisited at day 3 and at discharge and data collected. Results:Out of 78 patients included in the study, 60 were males and 18 were females. Of the 78 patients, 14 died accounting for aninhospital mortality of 17.94%. Mortality in the mild, moderate and severe groups of CURB-65 were 0%, 16.7% and 47.8% respectively. Mortality in the mild, moderate and severe groups of PSI were 1.8%, 50% and 80% respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) for CURB-65 and PSI in terms of inhospital mortality were 0.935 and 0.920 respectively. Conclusion:The CURB-65 and PSI scores correlated well with mortality and other severity indicators. The CURB-65 has a better discriminatory power than PSI inour study. Because of its simplicity in addition to its better discriminatory power than PSI, CURB-65 may be better suited as a severity scoring system in CAP.

Morphometric Study Of Femoral Neckshaft Angle And Its Applied Aspects

Background and Aims:Fractures involving the neck and trochanter of the femur are very common. Internal fixation with implants for these fractures is important for rehabilitation and early mobilization of the patients. Depending upon the dimensions of the upper end of the femur, the implants are designed. Currently most of the orthopaedic surgeons need notifications in the dimensions of the implants that suit the Indian standards.This study is designed to find out whether there is any significant difference between right and left femur for the purpose of modelling orthopaedic implants as the femoral fractures are very important health burden in India. Materials and methods:This study done with 90 dry adult femur bones of both sides from the department of anatomy at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu. By using a coloured thread, axis of the neck of femur was determined. The thread divides the anterior surface of the neck into two equal halves. In the mid sagittal plane over the anterior surface, the axis of the shaft was marked using same thread.Then the angle between the neck and shaft is measured using the goniometer. The measurement was subjected to statistical analysis to evaluate the significance. Result:We observed that the mean neck shaft angle of the left side was 126.15±4.22 degrees and the mean value of the right side was 127.20±2.43 degrees.

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B In Healthy Blood Donors At Blood Bank Of Osmania General Hospital

Background - With every unit of blood, there is 1% chance of transfusion - associated problems including transfusion - transmitted disease. Hepatitis B infection is one of the transfusion transmissible infections, hence it is mandatory to test all blood donors for HBsAg and other infections like HIV, HCV, syphilis and malaria. Serosurveys are one of the primary methods to determine the prevalence of HBsAg. Objective - The aim of the present study was to know the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors and to compare the prevalence with other areas in India. Materials and methods - The retrospective study was conducted at the blood bank of Osmania general hospital. In this study blood donation records were reviewed over a period of two years from July 2012 to June 2014. Results - In the present study 6267 donors were reviewed, majority of them were 5948 (95%) males and 319 (5%) females. Majority of the donors belonged to the age group of 18-40 yrs. Seropositivity of HBsAg was higher among other transfusion transmitted diseases. Conclusion - The most complete data providing a picture of hepatitis B disease burden in India come from HBsAg seroprevalence studies. Decreasing trends of seroprevalence of HBsAg can be achieved by Increasing the public awareness about the disease and modes of prevention.

A Morphological Study Of Basilar Artery And Its Variations In The Local Population

Background: Atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries particularly basilar artery has become common today. Theatherosclerosis of BA can lead to loss of memory, depression and also cerebrovascular accidents. Variations ofthe BA are main cause in the occurrence of cerebrovascular diseases.Context and purpose of study: The knowledge of occurrence of variation of BA can help in early diagnosis andsuccessful surgical intervention. Most of the western studies are mainly based on the radiology. An anatomicalmorphological study of BA and variations will enhance the existing knowledge of BA.Results: The average length of BA is 26.7 mm (with the range of 17.4 mm to 45mm) and the mean diameter is 3.8mm (with the range of 2.1mm to 5.2 mm). The mean angle of formation is 58.6° (with the range between 45° to 70°).In 80% of the specimens the level of formation is normal i.e. at the pontomedullary junction. The position oftermination is normal in 75% of specimens i.e. at the pons midbrain junction.Conclusion: Variations of BA are common both in respect of angle of formation and termination of BA intobranches. Knowledge of the vascular variations will increase the success of the surgical procedures andradiological procedures used in the treatment of vertebro -basilar cerebrovascular pathology.

Scimitar syndrome: a rare congenital venolobar anamoly.

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly presenting with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from right lung to inferior vena cava. This is the rarest anomaly seen in 1 to 3 in 100000 births. Embryologically it is thought to be a primary developmental anomaly of lung with secondary anomalous venous drainage. This is seen commonly in right lung and is common in females. Most of the cases are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatised. If symptoms are present patient usually presents with pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of left to right shunt. Clinically this syndrome is diagnosed by chest x- ray by the presence of “Scimitar sign”. Surgical treatment effective in this syndrome.

Giant intermuscular lipoma of neck and chest: a case report with review of literature.

Intermuscular lipoma is an uncommon benign tumor. In this case report we described a case of a patient with intermuscular lipoma located between sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis and scalene muscles on left side. These typ es of tumors are exceedingly rare in head and neck regions. Intermuscular lipomas are thought to arise from the Intermuscular septa and enlarge between muscle bundles. Clinical data, investigations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan confirm the diagnosis. These tumours are more common in males than females. Complete surgical excision of tumor is the treatment of choice. It is crucial for the surgeon to consider deep lipomas when dealing with soft tissue tumors.

Anatomical variation in the formation and course of median nerve: a cadaveric study.

Background: Median nerve is one of the terminal branches of brachial plexus. Its formed by the union of medial root and lateral root coming respectively from medial and lateral cords of brachial plexus. Knowledge of anatomical variations of median nerve at origin and course is important in repair of traumatic injuries and surgical correction of brachial plexus injuries. These conditions need dissection of median nerve and knowledge of its variations. Methods: Present study included 53 cadavers and 106 upper limbs from our department of Anatomy. In this study, anatomically embalmed cadavers which were kept for routine dissection for under graduates were included. The present study we studied the anatomical variations in origin and course of median nerve in arm. We also studied the relation of median nerve with axillary and brachial arteries. Results: In this study we found origin of median nerve from 3 roots in 26.41%, 4 roots from 1.88%. Regarding the relation of median nerve with axillary artery we observed in 8.49% cadavers median nerve lies medial to axillary artery and in 0.94% Median nerve is passing along the lateral side of brachial artery without crossing the artery. Conclusions: This study shows high percentage of deviations from normal anatomy in origin of median nerve. Anatomical variation in brachial plexus and adjacent arteries knowledge is important for anatomist, plastic surgeon and vascular surgeons.

study of cephalic index and facial index in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Background: The description of the human body has been a major concern since ancient times. The use of medical terminology enhances reliability of comparison made between studies from different areas thereby contributing higher level of scientific evidence. Cephalic index is an important parameter in forensic medicine, anthropology and genetics to know the sex and racial differences between individuals. Facial index is useful index for forensic scientists, plastic surgeons and anatomist. The parameters are useful for plastic surgeons during treatment of congenital and traumatic deformities, identification of individuals in medicolegal cases by forensic scientists and identifying craniofacial deformities of genetic syndromes by geneticist. Methods: 170 males and 110 female adults from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India region are included in this study. Anthropometric points for cephalic index were measured by using spreading calipers. Facial index measurements were taken by measuring tape. All measurements were taken in subjects sitting in relaxed condition and subjects head is in anatomical position. Cranial index and facial index were calculated as per the formula. Results: Maximum number of males with mean cephalic index values of 80.21 were observed as mesocephalic and female with mean value of 79.25 observed as brachycephalic. Regarding facial index males were leptoprosopic and females were mesoprosopic. Conclusion: Cephalic index and facial index were terms used by anthropologists, anatomists, plastic surgeons and forensic scientists to identify individual’s race and sex for treatment of craniofacial deformities.

Schwannoma arising from hypoglossal nerve in the submandibular triangle: a case report.

Hypoglossal schwannomas usually develop in the intracranial portion of the brain. The incidence of hypoglossal schwannomas of the submandibular region is extremely rare. Here we report a case of schwannoma arising from the extracranial hypoglossal nerve in the left submandibular region.

Idiopathic gynaecomastia in twins: a case report.

Gynaecomastia is a common pathological condition of breast seen in men. This is defined as benign enlargement of breast tissue in males. It was first described by Palus Aegineta (AD 635-690). Herewith we are presenting cases of 14 year old twins attending the surgical O.P.D with bilateral enlarged breasts and pain. A diagnosis of pubertal gynaecomastia was made with no evidence of malignancy by histopathological examinations and mammography. One boy with 5 x 6 cm of right breast and 2 x3 cm of left breast was treated by subcutaneous mastectomy. Other boy had only enlargement of nipple and areola. He was reassured and sent home without surgical intervention. A rare case of idiopathic gynaecomastia in pubertal twins is described here.

Patients' Response to Waiting Time in an Out-Patient Pharmacy at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

This study was carried on to know the average time taken from when the customer arrives in out-patient pharmacy till the collection of medicine and to know the time spent at various counters in the out-patient pharmacy. It was an observational study done on customers attending hospital pharmacy for a period of two months. Seventy out-patients were randomly selected from the population of patients who attended pharmacy. Similarly dispensing operations were observed. Workflow analysis method and stop watch techniques were used to measure patient waiting time. The various places where the customer has to wait from billing till the procurement of medicine was noted and also the total time taken. A total of 35 patients / patient attender’s were observed both in the morning and in the evening. Majority of the time was consumed in billing after placing the prescription on the dispensing table .It was seen that in the morning session the waiting time for the various components of processing was less compared to the afternoon, except for the processing of the transaction time by the cashier is more in the morning (38.34±34.66) sec compared to (28.42±25.67) sec. Majority of the time was consumed in billing after placing the prescription on the dispensing table.

Evaluation of antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of alcoholic extract of kaempferia galanga in rats.

Alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga was tested for analgesic and antiinflammatory activities in animal models. Three doses, 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the plant extract prepared as a suspension in 2 ml of 2% gum acacia were used. Acute and sub acute inflammatory activities were studied in rats by carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma models respectively. In both models, the standard drug used was aspirin 100 mg/kg. Two doses 600 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of plant extract exhibited significant (P<0.001) antiinflammatory activity in carrageenan model and cotton pellet granuloma model in comparison to control. Analgesic activity was studied in rats using hot plate and tail-flick models. Codeine 5 mg/kg and vehicle served as standard and control respectively. The two doses of plant extract exhibited significant analgesic activity in tail flick model (P<0.001) and hot plate model (P<0.001) in comparison to control. In conclusion K. galanga possesses antiinflammatory and analgesic activities.

Larvicidal activity of Artemisia annua L. callus culture against Anopheles stephensi larvae.

The emergence of resistance by both Plasmodium falciparum and Anopheles stephensi made the search for an alternative environmentally safe plant based insecticide inevitable. Artemisia annua is a well known antimalarial. Present study is an attempt to induce callus production from young leaves of Artemisia annua plant and study its larvicidal activity against larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Callus was initiated by using different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. A suitable culture media was standardized for optimal growth of callus. Healthy callus cultures were obtained in the slightly modified Murashige and Skoog’s medium + NAA and BAP (0.03 and 0.2 mg l-1 respectively) + Sucrose 20 gm l-1 + Agar 8 gm l-1 within 28 days of inoculation. Callus was successively extracted in order of increasing polarity of solvents. Larvicidal activity, in terms of lethal concentration (LC50) of the callus extract in chloroform was calculated to be 18.45 ± 0.75 ppm after 72 hr against third instar larvae of A. stephensi.

Larvicidal activity of an indigenous plant, Centratherum anthelminticum.

Crude extracts of fruits and leaves of Centratherum anthelminticum in different solvents were tested for larvicidal activity against Anopheles stephensi, the vector of malaria. The petroleum ether crude extract of both fruits and leaves exhibited significant larvicidal activity against III instar larvae with LC50 values of 162.60 ppm and 522.94 ppm, respectively after 24 hr. The petroleum ether extract of fruit was 11.66, 2.15 and 1.32 times more toxic than that of leaf extract after 24, 48 and 72 hr, respectively at LC90 level. However at LC50 level the corresponding values were 3.22, 1.83 and 1.19, respectively. The petroleum ether extract of C. anthelminticum fruits is a promising source for the control of Anopheles larvae.

Effective method for extraction of larvicidal component from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Artemisia annua Linn.

Leaves of Artemisia annua linn. and Azadirachta indica were extracted in petroleum ether and hexane respectively by different methods of extraction i.e. cold extraction, reflux extraction and soxhlet extraction. The crude extract obtained was tested against third instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi. On comparison of larval mortality of crude extract obtained by these three methods, both soxhlet and reflux extraction method showed 100% mortality at 200 ppm after 48 hr in case of A. annua. However LC50 (20 ppm) value of crude extract obtained by soxhlet extraction showed better results than reflux extraction (35 ppm) method after 72 hr. In case of A. indica, crude obtained by soxhlet showed 100% mortality (after 48 hr) at 250 ppm and LC50 of 69 ppm at 72 hr. Reflux extraction does not show any appreciable mortality even at 250 ppm concentration.