Evaluation of Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Constituents in Saccharum officinarum L. Exposed to Roadside Traffic-Derived Ambient Air Pollution

Saccharum officinarum L. is a useful crop and a member of the Poaceae family that yields sugar molecules with a high concentration. The present study focused on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical substances. For the comparative analysis of the crop, we have selected traffic road and non-traffic road sites (control). The qualitative phytochemical substances showed the analysis of protein, carbohydrate, iodine, phenol, tannin, flavonoids, saponin, glycosides, steroid, terpene, and alkaloid, quantitative phytochemical substances of (total phenolic content total mean value 0.03644 ? 0.03240 and total flavonoid content total mean value 0.04772 ? 0.03952). The quality of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical substances in crops growing near traffic roads was reduced. The negative effects of traffic-related air pollution on crop vegetation are clearly shown in this record. Crop vegetation varies between traffic roads and control sites based on analysis of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical substance data.

Eating behaviours and perception about body shape among adolescent girls of Panjab University, Chandigarh

Introduction: Indians are experiencing nutritional and lifestyle transitions due to globalization and westernization. The study aimed to find out the current eating patterns and body shape concerns and various factors that influence eating behaviors and body shape concerns of late-adolescent girls. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 undergraduate adolescent girl university students from 12 departments in the age group of 17–19 years. Eating attitude and body shape concerns of adolescents were determined by using the standard eating attitude test-26 (EAT-26) and body shape questionnaire (BSQ-34). Results: The duration of the study was 6 months and participants were selected by simple random sampling. The mean age of the study subjects was 18.52 (±0.63) years. The majority of subjects had an urban background (85%). Less than half had an exercise routine (44%) which was followed daily. As per body mass index (BMI) distribution, 19.57% were underweight, 11.3% were overweight and only 2.17% were obese. An unfavorable eating attitude was found in 18% of subjects whereas 38.2% had mild to the marked concern of body shape. There was a significant positive correlation between BSQ with BMI (r = 0.387, P ? 0.01) and BSQ-34 with EAT-26 (r = 0.367, P ? 0.01). Conclusion: Current study shows that late adolescent urban females are susceptible to eating disorders and are body image conscious. Institutional mechanisms should be brought in place to address the need of improving their eating habits and modification of lifestyle.

Hand Foot Mouth Disease During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Multicentric Study

Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to identify the current trend of the circulating viral strains responsible for hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in four tertiary care centers in Rajasthan, amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (April-October 2022). Methods: Cases with suspected HFMD, presenting to our skin outpatient department were assessed clinically and serologically (IgM antibodies against coxsackie virus (CV) A6, A16 and enterovirus 71) for evidence of the disease. Results: We identified 718 new HFMD patients (161 adults) with peaks in May and August, 2022. Male:female ratio decreased with increasing age. Most children were asymptomatic. A total of 385/409 patients assessed serologically, were found positive, most commonly against CV-A6. Conclusion: Though HFMD typically affects young children, an unusually higher proportion of adults were affected during the current pandemic. There were some differences between pediatric and adult presentation of HFMD.

Coagulation profile of covid patients : A single tertiary teaching hospital in Rajasthan

Background: The COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. It primarily affects the lungs causing respiratory distress and leading to ARDS. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the coagulation dysfunction in patients which predisposes the patients to venous and arterial thromboembolism due to excessive inflammation, hypoxia, immobilisation and diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC). Material & Methods: We assessed 2281 COVID RT PCR positive patients who were admitted with moderate to severe disease in wards and ICU respectively. The coagulation profile was done for each of these patients and the tests included Prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and D-Dimer. The PT and APTT were estimated on ACL elite pro (Fully automated coagulation analyser) which is based on nephelometry. D- Dimer was measured using ACL elite pro and latex agglutination (semi quantitative method). Results: Out of 2281 COVID RT PCR positive patients 1655 (72.5%) were males and 626 (27.5%) were females. It was observed that percentage of patients admitted in ICU had increased D dimer values and it was statistically significant. Our study showed that larger number of patients admitted in ICU had PT value more than 12.5 seconds and APTT more than 35.5 seconds, however it was not statistically significant. Our study also demonstrated that patients having higher D dimer required longer hospitalization with significant p value. Conclusion: We concluded that assessment of coagulation profile is necessary for patients infected with this virus so as to prevent any thrombotic complications and therefore preventing morbidity and mortality.

Symptoms Less Status of a Case of Bilateral Nasal Polyposis: A Case Report

Nasal Polyposis (NP) is not simply mucosa oedema, but rather grape shaped, smooth, soft, freely mobile mucosal swellings that are often visible on anterior rhinoscopy. Polyps arise from the lateral wall of nose. NP may be present without clinically significant sinus disease and vice versa. In Ayurveda, polyposis can be understood with Nasa Arsha. Modern management includes antibiotic, systemic and topical corticosteroids, decongestants and surgery. And lot of chances for recurrence after surgery especially in Ethmoidal polyps. In Ayurveda, various treatment modalities have been proposed for the treatment of Arsha as Shastra karma (operative procedure), Kshara karma (applying some alkaline drugs), Agni karma (cauterization) and Bhaishaja (conservative/medical treatment). The reported case revealed that B/L ethmoidal polyps are high recurrence rate after surgery and can be managed with Ayurvedic medicine to give sustained relief from symptoms.

Psychological impact of disease outbreaks on healthcare workers: A narrative review

Disease outbreaks can have an impact on one's mental health. A comprehensive knowledge about the psychological state of healthcare workers (HCWs) during disease outbreak is limited. This review aims to present HCWs' psychological issues due to multiple outbreaks in the past and present, including SARS, MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19. The results indicated the presence of affective symptoms, paranoia, and decreased trust among HCWs. The review reveals the need of research to understand strategies and interventions that can enhance the well-being of HCWs.

Sociodemographic determinants of high tobacco use in Gond tribe of central India

BACKGROUND The prevalence of tobacco use is high in rural India, but limited information on tobacco use among the tribal population is available. We assessed the prevalence of tobacco use and type of tobacco use in the Gond tribal population. METHODS We did a cross-sectional survey among the Gond tribal population residing in the Kundam block of Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh state in India. The study was carried out among persons aged 6 years and above during February–May 2017. Pre-tested interview schedules were used by trained field investigators to collect information on tobacco use. RESULTS A total of 3351 individuals were included in this study, of which 58% were using some form of tobacco. The prevalence of tobacco use was higher among men compared to women, and it increased significantly from age 6 to 25 in both men and women. Tobacco use was significantly associated with age, gender and educational status of the respondents. CONCLUSION The study highlights a high tobacco use in the Gond tribe population. The high prevalence of tobacco use in younger ages is a matter of serious concern. The study establishes a need for information, education and communication and behavioural change communication activities; health camps focusing on the harmful effects of tobacco use and tobacco control campaign among tribal communities, tribal schools and ashrams.

Social media use and health promoting lifestyle: an exploration among Indian nursing students

Objective. To evaluate the use of social media and the health promoting lifestyle profile of indian nursing students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 125 students (89 undergraduate and 36 graduate) from various Nursing universities in India, who provided information on their sociodemographic data, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). Results. Regarding the BSMAS, the participants had an average of 12.8 (maximum possible = 30); 42% reported they frequently delayed their sleep due to using social media; 9% had excessive use of social media; by gender, men had higher total score than women. With respect to the health promoting lifestyle profile, the total average was 126.9 (maximum possible = 208); no difference was observed by gender in the total score and men scored better in the domain of physical activity; students living with their families had higher scores in the domain of health responsibility than those living alone; and graduate students had better scores than undergraduate students in the scale total and in the domains of health responsibility, spiritual relations, and interpersonal relations. Conclusion. There is excessive use of social media, especially among male students. This study also revealed lower scores than those desired in the domains of Health Promoting Lifestyle, especially for physical activity, health responsibility, stress management, and nutrition. Thereby, the findings may be used to improve health literacy on social media, as well as promote a positive lifestyle among nursing students.

Objetivo. Evaluar el uso de las redes sociales y el estilo de vida promotores de salud los estudiantes de enfermería hindúes. Métodos. Se hizo un estudio de corte transversal con la participación de 125 estudiantes (89 de pregrado y 36 de posgrado) de varias universidades de enfermería en India brindaron información sobre datos sociodemográficos, la Escala de adicción a las redes sociales de Bergen (BSMAS) y el Perfil de estilos de vida promotores de salud (HPLP-II). Resultados. Con respecto al BSMAS los participantes tuvieron un promedio de 12.8 (máximo posible = 30); un 42% reportó que con frecuencia tenía retraso en el sueño debido al uso de las redes sociales; un 9% tiene uso excesivo de las redes sociales; por sexo, los hombres tuvieron mayor puntaje total que las mujeres. Pasando al Perfil de estilos de vida promotores de salud -HPLP-II- el promedio total fue de 126.9 (Máximo posible = 208); no se observó diferencia por sexo en el puntaje total y los hombres tuvieron mejor puntaje en el dominio de actividad física; los estudiantes que residen con su familia tienen mayor puntaje en el dominio de responsabilidad en salud que los que viven solos; y los estudiantes de posgrado tienen mejores puntajes que los de pregrado en el total de la escala y en los dominios de responsabilidad de salud, las relaciones espirituales y las relaciones interpersonales. Conclusión. Hay un uso excesivo de las redes sociales, especialmente entre los estudiantes varones. Este estudio también reveló puntuaciones más bajas de las deseadas en los dominios de estilos de vida promotores de la salud, especialmente para la actividad física, la responsabilidad de la salud, el manejo del estrés y la nutrición. Por lo tanto, los hallazgos se pueden utilizar para mejorar la alfabetización en salud en las redes sociales, así como para promover un estilo de vida positivo entre los estudiantes de enfermería.

Objetivo. Avaliar o uso de redes sociais e promotores de saúde no estilo de vida de estudantes de enfermagem hindus. Métodos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com a participação de 125 estudantes (89 de graduação e 36 de pós-graduação) de várias universidades de enfermagem da Índia, que forneceram informações sobre dados sociodemográficos, a Escala de Adição de redes sociais Bergen (BSMAS) e o Perfil dos promotores de saúde no estilo de vida (HPLP-II). Resultados. Em relação à Escala de Dependência em Redes Sociais - BSMAS - os participantes tiveram uma média de 12.8 (máximo possível = 30); 42% relataram que frequentemente tiveram atraso no sono devido ao uso de redes sociais; 9% fazem uso excessivo de redes sociais; por sexo, os homens tiveram uma pontuação total mais alta que as mulheres. Indo para o Perfil de Estilo de Vida dos Promotores de Saúde - HPLP-II -, a média total foi de 126.9 (Máximo possível = 208); nenhuma diferença foi observada por sexo na pontuação total e os homens tiveram melhor pontuação no domínio da atividade física; os estudantes que residem com suas famílias obtêm pontuação mais alta no domínio da responsabilidade em saúde do que os que moram sozinhos; e os estudantes de pós-graduação obtêm uma pontuação melhor do que os graduados na escala geral e nos domínios de responsabilidade com a saúde, relacionamentos espirituais e relacionamentos interpessoais. Conclusão. Há um uso excessivo de redes sociais, especialmente entre estudantes do sexo masculino. Este estudo também revelou pontuações mais baixas do que o desejado nos domínios do estilo de vida que promovem a saúde, especialmente em atividade física, responsabilidade em saúde, controle do estresse e nutrição. Portanto, os resultados podem ser usados para melhorar a alfabetização em saúde nas redes sociais, bem como para promover um estilo de vida positivo entre os estudantes de enfermagem.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among patients at a tertiary health care centre in Rajasthan, India

Background: To ascertain the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among patients visiting a tertiary care center in Jaipur, Rajasthan.Methods: An observation analytic study was done at a tertiary care center affiliated to Medical College with retrospective analysis of the hospital data of two calendar years. During this period HCV infection screening (anti-HCV) was offered to every suspected patient admitted in hospital and every pregnant women visiting antenatal care clinic.Results: The study prevalence of HCV infection was 0.05% (13/25311). The prevalence was more in female (0.03%) than male (0.02%). The study prevalence of anti-HCV among pregnant female was 0.02% (3/16224). Maximum positive cases (4/13, 30.77% positive cases) were in the age group of 21-30 years (sexually active group) and >50 years age group while minimum positivity was found in children (00 case, 0-20 years age).Conclusions: In this study, prevalence of HCV infection was 0.05%. The study prevalence of HCV among pregnant females was 0.02%. Maximum positive cases (4/13, 30.77% positive cases) were in the age group of >50 years and 21-30 years. This study aids in view to strengthen proper screening for HCV infection to reduce HCV related morbidity and mortality

Perceived stress and resilience and their relationship with the use of mobile phone among nursing students

Objective. The study sought to explore the relationship between levels of stress and resilience with the use of the mobile phone in nursing students. Methods. Cross-sectional study conducted with 102 nursing students from several Nursing schools in India who were invited to participate in the research. The data were gathered by using the following instruments: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen, The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC), and Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ) by Walsh. Results. Most of the participants were women (94.1%), studying in the undergraduate (70.6%), with a mean age of 25.2 years. In all, 77.5% of the students had stress perception between moderate and high, 20.6% had high resilience capacity, and 25.5% were frequent mobile phone users. Perceived stress was correlated significantly and negatively with age and resilience capacity. Graduate students had greater capacity to recover than undergraduate students. Conclusion. This study indicates the negative relation of resilience capacity with stress and the use of mobile phones among nursing students. Hence, it is necessary for institutions preparing nurses to develop intervention strategies to enhance the resilience capacity, improve skills to manage stress, and healthy use of the mobile phone.

Objetivo. Explorar la relación entre los niveles de estrés y resiliencia con el uso del teléfono móvil en estudiantes hindúes de enfermería. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal realizado con 102 estudiantes de enfermería de varias escuelas de enfermería en la India a quienes se invitó a participar en la investigación. Los datos se recopilaron con la ayuda de los siguientes instrumentos: Percibed Stress Scale (PSS) de Cohen, The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC) y Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ) de Walsh. Resultados La mayoría de los participantes fueron mujeres (94.1%), estudiaban pregrado (70.6%) y tenían un promedio de edad de 25.2 años. El 77.5% de los estudiantes tenía una percepción de estrés entre moderada y alta; el 20.6% tenía alta capacidad de resiliencia y el 25.5% eran usuarios frecuentes de teléfonos móviles. El estrés percibido se correlacionó significativamente y de manera negativa con la edad y la capacidad de resiliencia. Los estudiantes de posgrado tuvieron mayor capacidad de recuperación que los estudiantes de pregrado. Conclusión. El presente estudio indica la relación negativa de la capacidad de resiliencia con el estrés y el uso de teléfonos móviles entre los estudiantes hindúes de enfermería. Por lo tanto, es necesario que las instituciones formadoras de enfermeros desarrollen estrategias de intervención para fortalecer la capacidad de resiliencia, mejorando las habilidades para manejar el estrés y el uso saludable del teléfono móvil.

Objetivo. Explorar a relação entre os níveis de estresse e resiliência com o uso do telefone móbil em estudantes de enfermagem. Métodos. Estudo de corte transversal realizado com 102 estudantes de enfermagem de várias escolas de enfermagem na Índia que foram convidados a participar na investigação. Os dados se recopilaram utilizando os seguintes instrumentos: Percibed Stress Scale (PSS) de Cohen, The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC) e Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ) de Walsh. Resultados A maioria dos participantes eram mulheres (94.1%), estudavam graduação (70.6%)e tinham uma média de idade de 25.2 anos. 77.5% dos estudantes tinham uma percepção de estresse entre moderada e alta, 20.6% tinha alta capacidade de resiliência e 25.5% eram usuários frequentes de telefones móbeis. O estresse percebido se correlacionou significativamente e de maneira negativa com a idade e a capacidade de resiliência. Os estudantes de pós-graduação tiveram maior capacidade de recuperação que os estudantes de graduação. Conclusão. O presente estudo indica a relação negativa da capacidade de resiliência com o estresse e o uso de telefones móbeis entre os estudantes de enfermagem. Por tanto, é necessário que as instituições formadoras de enfermeiros desenvolvem estratégias de intervenção para fortalecer a capacidade de resiliência, melhorando as habilidades para manejar o estresse e o uso saudável do telefone móbil.

Pharmaceutical Preparation Of Tamra Bhasma

Bhasma occupy the highest attention and have got a very unique place because of their small doses, tastelessness, quick action, easy absorption and also their prolonged shelf life, wide range of therapeutic efficacy and better rejuvenating (Rasayana) effects. Metals and minerals are integral part of therapeutics in Ayurveda and Tamra is one of such metals which if properly processed and detoxified is useful in many diseases. But if not processed properly it shows many ill effects called Ashtmaha Dosha. In the present study Tamra Bhasma was prepared by using Tamra Patra. This study included procedures like Shodhana, Marana, Amrutikarana as per classical texts. 380gm of raw Tamra Patra were taken. Samanya and Vishesha Shodhana were done as per reference of Rasa Ratna Samuchya. After complete Shodhana, total 350gm Shudha Tamra was obtained. Loss in weight after Shodhana may be due to loss in impurities present in raw Tamra. Total 21 Puta were given in the electrical muffle furnace to prepare Tamra Bhasma. Specific temperature pattern was adopted for Puta in the electrical muffle furnace. Total 300gm of Tamra Bhasma was obtained. After each Puta there was significant loss in weight of Tamra may be due to loss in hardness and impurities. Marana was followed by Amrutikarana and net weight of Tamra Bhasma obtained was 330gm. 30gm weight gain may be due to the organic material used for the Amrutikarana process. Color of Bhasma became black after Amrutikarana.

Clinico-hematological profile of anaemia in adolescent girls in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Background: Anaemia in adolescent girls leads to foetal morbidity and mortality in future. The current study was done with the aim to study the clinico-haematological profile of anaemia in adolescent girls in a tertiary care hospital of North India.Methods: An observational study was conducted among 50 adolescent girls with anaemia (Hb <12 g/dl) in the Department of Medicine in collaboration with Department of Pediatrics and Department of Haematology at VMMC and Safdar-jang Hospital, New Delhi. Detailed previous history of the patients was collected. Blood samples were collected from all the patients and analysed for hematological parameters. Data were analysed statistically and p values less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The prevalence of anaemia was common in the patients of age group of 15-19 years (58%). The common symp-tom observed was fatigue (82%). Pallor was the common sign noticed in 66% patients. Majority of the patients with anaemia belongs to upper lower class (52%). Mean value of haemoglobin was high (7.80±1.22) in microcytic hypo-chromic anaemia compared to other types of anaemia. Serum iron levels were low in both microcytic and dimor-phic group but the difference was statistically not significant (p=0.43). Serum vitamin B12 levels were low in mac-rocytic and dimorphic anaemia and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001).Conclusions: This study showed that nutritional deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls of age group between 15-19 years of upper lower socioeconomic status. Nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and weakness should not be ignored in the adolescent girls as they could be important indicators towards incidence of anaemia in these patients.

Cephalic Index in Population of District Jhalawar, Rajasthan According to Food Habit and it's Significance

Background: Cephalic index exhibits sexual differences and different shapes of head. This information will be highly important for Plastic surgeons, Forensic Scientists, Anatomists, Human Biologists, Criminologists & Physical Anthropologists. Materials & Methods: The present study was observed on 200 living subjects of Jhalawar district Rajasthan (100 male and 100 female) of 18 to 25 years in the year of 2013 with the objective to study the sex differences and food habitual in cephalic index. Cephalic index was investigated with the help of head length and width with the use of spreading caliper. Results: The study showed that mean cephalic index was higher in females than in males. Conclusion: Predominant head type was dolicocephalic in both sexes.

Sudden cardiac arrest during spinal anaesthesia in a case of vaginal hysterectomy: a case report

Spinal anesthesia is an important and commonly practiced anesthetic technique by the anaesthesiologists worldwide. Though being considered a safe technique, it is not devoid of fatal complications and cardiopulmonary arrest (cardiac arrest) being the most serious among all.� Cardiac arrest during spinal anaesthesia is a multi-factorial outcome, but vagal response to decreased preload often plays a key role. Common practice of preloading with IV fluid is suggested to not to be omitted before initiating spinal anaesthesia. If the situation warrants emergent, stepwise escalated resuscitative measures for treatment of bradycardia need to be instituted. A close supervision of the patients clinical parameter during spinal anaesthesia is a mandatory requirement to avert any untoward complication in such patients. In case of severe bradycardia or cardiac arrest, full resuscitative measures need to be promptly instituted.

Diaphragmatic dysfunction: an unusual complication in HELLP syndrome

Diaphragmatic dysfunction in HELLP [hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), low platelet count (LP)] Syndrome and Diaphragmatic dysfunction is an uncommonly reported association, wherein, patients who develop acute respiratory insufficiency poses a delay in weaning without any obvious cause. A high degree of clinical suspicion of sepsis induced diaphragmatic dysfunction needs to be kept in mind by the clinicians dealing with cases of HELLP Syndrome who may develop acute respiratory insufficiency without definite predisposing factors.

Comparision between rae, flexometallic and PVC macintosh endotracheal tubes used in cleft palate surgery.

Introduction: Cleft lip/palate are the most common craniofacial anomalies in children, with an incidence of CLP worldwide is 1 in 700 live births. The risk factors are considered as Family history etc. Anaesthesia during cleft lip and palate surgery carries a high risk and difficult airway management in children. Because of other associated congenital anomalies, the anaesthetic management becomes more complicated. Flexometallic endotracheal tubes, PVC macintosh tube, RAE tube are have their own risks and benefits when compared with each other. This study was undertaken to compare ease of intubation ,ease of ventilation ,intra operative maintenance of respiratory parameters ,intra-operative airway complication, post extubation complication by using 3 different types of tubes (1) RAE (Ring Adair Elwyn) tube (2) flexometallic tube (3) PVC ( Polyvinyl Chloride) macintosh tube in pediatric cleft palate surgeries. Material & Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 ASA I and ASA II pediatric patients of age group 9 month to 5 years undergoing cleft palate surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated in three groups of 30 each. Group 1: intubated with R A E endotracheal tube, Group 2:intubated with flexometallictube and Group 3: intubated with P V C macintosh endotracheal tube. The power of study on choosing such sample size was found to be at 90% level. Time taken for intubation, No. of attempt taken for intubation, Monitoring of capnography, SPO2, pulse rate and mean airway pressure every 15 minutes during the surgical procedures, Endobronchial intubation, Inadvertent extubation, Ease of passing of suction catheter after application of dingman retractor and Post extubation cough and croup was observed. Results: The significant differences were observed in stylet used, ease of passing suction catheter and post extubation cough and heart rate after retractor among the groups (p<0.05). All other differences were found to be insignificant. Conclusion: RAE tube provides a good approach for airway management in routine cleft lip surgeries. It possesses advantage over flexometallic tube and PVC tube. As it is a preformed tube passing suction catheter is technically difficult.

Video game addiction: Impact on teenagers' lifestyle

Use of video games as a leisure-time activity has increased among teenagers. Excessive use of video games is associated with psychosocial dysfunctions in the user’s life. Two teenagers came for consultation to our Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) clinic for management of addiction due to video games. They were assessed using a clinical interview as well as the General Health Questionnaire and Griffith criteria for video games. The cases emphasize the addictive potential of video games and their association with lifestyle changes. Addiction to video games has implications for screening and intervention among teenagers. Natl Med J India 2015;28:282–3

Histopathological Changes In Kidneys Of Rabbit Exposed To High Nitrate In Drinking Water.

Background: In India, especially in Rajasthan people drink water containing high level of nitrates and concentration up to 500 mg of nitrate ion per liter is not unusual. The ingested nitrate is converted to nitrite in the digestive system and absorb in blood causing methemoglobinemia. The peak of methaemoglobin is observed at 45-95 mg/liter of nitrate concentration in water.. Aims and Objects: To find out the correlation between drinking water nitrate concentration and histopathological changes in kidneys of rabbits of different groups. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted in 10 rabbits between three and half month to four month of age having weight ranging 1.310 kg to 10720 kg. Five groups A, B, C, D and E were formed having two rabbits in each group. The control group A was administered water orally having 06 mg/liter. Group B to E (experimental groups) were administered water orally having concentration of 100mg/liter, 200mg/liter, 400mg/ liter & 500mg/liter of nitrate respectively for 120 days. Then all rabbits were anaesthetized & sacrificed according to guidelines of ICMR and kidneys were removed & processed for paraffin sections. Hemotoxyllin and eosin staining was done for microscopic observations. Results: During experiment, animals were lethargic on 75th day .Intake in quantity of food and water was not altered in the rabbits. Rabbits of all group i.e. A to E showed continuous increase in heart rate (up to 218/ minute in group E) and respiration rate (up to 84/minute in group E) respectively. The microscopic study of kidney showed focal collection of lymphocytes in interstitial tissue, particularly in pericapsular area of kidney which appeared in rabbits of group B. The changes were more pronounced in group C &D in the form of focal collection of plasma cells. The hyaline and cellular casts were observed in proximal & distal tubules which started appearing in animals of group C. The congestion of blood vessels and damaged tubular epithelium were observed in tubules of group E rabbits. Discussion and Conclusion: The Results occurred possibly due to cytochrome b5 reductase activity and its adaptation with increasing water nitrate concentration to compensate methaemoglobinemia.

Central obesity and lipid profile in North Indian Males.

Obesity is a known risk factor for metabolic syndrome in adults. Metabolic syndrome includes a group of cardiovascular disease risk factors namely impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Central fat distribution, particularly intra-abdominal fat, is a greater risk factor than peripheral fat distribution. Anthropometric indices used to measure fat distribution have been shown to be associated with altered lipid profile. The objective of the present study was to compare the serum lipid profile levels in obese and non-obese males according to their Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR). A total of 60 males (aged 18-56 years, Mean age 31.00+11.81 years) were included in the study. WC and Hip Circumference (HC) were measured and WHR was calculated. An overnight fasting venous blood sample was drawn for lipid profile. Central obesity was defined as WC > 90 cm or WHR > 0.9. When compared according to WC and WHR, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased in obese compared to non-obese, while no significant change in Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was observed. Both WC and WHR were positively correlated with TG, TC and LDL-C and negatively with HDL-C. The correlations with HDL-C were statistically significant. Thus, it can be concluded from our study that obesity measured either as WC or WHR is associated with altered lipid profile in the form of low HDL-C. In obese individuals the accompanying hyperinsulinaemia due to insulin resistance may be responsible for changes in lipid and lipoprotein concentration.