Detailed analysis of the R1f/ΔI1 WMS technique and demonstration of significantly higher detection sensitivity compared to 2f WMS for calibration-free trace gas sensing.

Recognizing that wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) is particularly important in the development of high-sensitivity gas sensing systems, this paper presents a detailed analysis of the R 1f /Δ I 1 WMS technique that has recently been successfully demonstrated for calibration-free measurements of the parameters that support detecting multiple gases under challenging conditions. In this approach, the magnitude of the 1f WMS signal (R 1f ) was normalized by using the laser's linear intensity modulation (Δ I 1) to obtain the quantity R 1f /Δ I 1 that is shown to be unaffected by large variations in R 1f itself due to the variations in the intensity of the received light. In this paper, different simulations have been used to explain the approach taken and the advantages that it shows. A 40 mW, 1531.52 nm near-infrared distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser was used to extract the mole fraction of acetylene in a single-pass configuration. The work has shown a detection sensitivity of 0.32 ppm for 28 cm (0.089 ppm-m) with an optimum integration time of 58 s. The detection limit achieved has been shown to be better than the value of 1.53 ppm (0.428 ppm-m) for R 2f WMS by a factor of 4.7, which is a significant improvement.

Alcohol use among adult men and its impact on personal and family life: findings of a community-based cross-sectional survey and focus groups discussions from a low alcohol taxed region, Puducherry, India.

BACKGROUND: There is limited published literature on the impact of alcohol use among alcohol dependents and their family members. OBJECTIVES: To find the factors associated with alcohol use and explore the impact of alcohol use on alcohol dependents and their family members. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 316 men aged above 18 years, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among alcohol dependents and their family members. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.2 (15.1) years, and 276 of them (87.3%) were educated. The prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 32.8-43.4]. Older age [adjusted prevalence (APR) = 2.23 (95% CI = 1.17-4.27)], no formal education [APR = 1.20 (95% CI = 1.20-1.20)], rural residence [APR = 1.05 (95% CI = 1.05-1.05)], self-reported comorbidities [APR = 1.21 (95% CI = 1.21-1.21)], tobacco use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.98-2.97)] and individuals having a family history of alcohol use [APR = 2.42 (95% CI = 1.73-3.37)] were the factors associated with alcohol use. The family members of alcohol users suffer mainly mental, emotional and physical abuse. Abusive language used by the alcoholic father and family break-ups have an influence on children and in their schooling. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of alcohol use in a low alcohol taxed region in India was high. The family members of alcohol users mainly suffer mental, emotional and physical abuse.

Community-based assessment of postnatal care in Puducherry-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Postnatal period is a neglected period compared to the antenatal period. Providing adequate care to infant and mother during this vital period is essential. OBJECTIVES: To assess the postnatal care (PNC) received by the mothers and newborn children in Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study done among the postnatal mothers under the care of two urban Primary Health Centers (PHC A and PHC B) in Puducherry in 2015-2016. Eligible mothers were contacted at their houses within 4 weeks of completion of their postnatal period to assess the postnatal care. RESULTS: Out of 227 postnatal mothers in the study, only 37.4% (85) (95%CI 31.3-43.9) of the mothers had received adequate counselling services on topics of nutrition, hygiene, contraception, essential newborn care, breastfeeding, and immunization. Cord care was given for 99.1% of the babies and breastfeeding position was checked for 88.5% of the babies. Among the mothers who had normal deliveries, 48.1% (76) (95% CI 40.4-55.9) of the mothers had initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of normal delivery and within 4 h of delivery for 72.4% (50) (95% CI 61.1-82.0) among the mothers who had a cesarean section. Only 20.7% (47) (95%CI 15.8-26.3) of the mothers and newborns had received at least one postnatal home visit and none of the mothers had received adequate postnatal home visits as per Indian Public Health Standards guidelines. Out of the 126 eligible mothers for JSY benefits, only 46% (58) (95% CI 37.5-54.8) of them had registered. Among those who were not registered, 20.6% had reported that they were unaware of the scheme. Out of 227 births, 14.1% (32) of them were of low birth weight (<2.5 kg) and 1.3% (3) were of very low birth weight (<1.5 kg) category. CONCLUSION: Although the antenatal care is satisfactory in the study setting, implementation of PNC needed further attention and active guidance via health system strengthening.

Advances in Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Sensing Techniques for Exhaled Breath Diagnostics.

Human exhaled breath consists of more than 3000 volatile organic compounds, many of which are relevant biomarkers for various diseases. Although gas chromatography has been the gold standard for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection in exhaled breath, recent developments in mid-infrared (MIR) laser spectroscopy have led to the promise of compact point-of-care (POC) optical instruments enabling even single breath diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the evolution of MIR sensing technologies with a special focus on photoacoustic spectroscopy, and its application in exhaled breath biomarker detection. While mid-infrared point-of-care instrumentation promises high sensitivity and inherent molecular selectivity, the lack of standardization of the various techniques has to be overcome for translating these techniques into more widespread real-time clinical use.

Off-Resonance Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Technique for Multi-Gas Sensing in Biogas Plants.

An off-resonance broadband photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique with a supercontinuum laser (SCL) in the near-infrared range is demonstrated for biogas measurements with different biomass matrices. The PAS sensor system has been calibrated with known concentrations of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O vapor), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A laboratory-scale bioreactor was set up to monitor CH4 and CO2 generation using the SCL-PA sensor system. The obtained results show the suitability of the PAS sensor to be employed in a fully operational large scale biogas plant for online monitoring. The periodic variations in concentration for CH4, CO2, and H2O vapor were monitored in a large scale cattle dung based biogas plant in real-time, and the operating ranges were measured to be around 50-65%, 34-48%, and 0-1%, respectively. The SCL-PA sensor was also employed at two different Sewage Treatment Plants in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, where along with CH4 (60-63%), CO2 (34-38%), and H2O vapor (0.8-1%), trace concentration levels of H2S were found to be around 0.04-1%.

High prevalence of anemia among postnatal mothers in Urban Puducherry: A community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common problem across all life stages and ages with a higher burden among women. The postnatal period is an often-neglected period for the provision of effective care to the mothers. Anemia burden is also high during this period, which leads to many morbidities and poor quality of life. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was done in the field practice area of two Urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Puducherry between March 2015 and February 2016. A total of 227 postnatal mothers were selected by simple random sampling from the list of mothers delivered from the field practice area. House visit was done within 4 weeks of completion of their postnatal period. Socio-demographic details and third-trimester hemoglobin levels were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Hemoglobin level during post-partum was measured using Sahli's Hemoglobinometer. Paired t-test is done to assess the difference in hemoglobin antepartum and post-partum. Multiple Logistic Regression is done to identify factors associated with postpartum anemia. RESULTS: The mean (SD) hemoglobin during postpartum was 10.95 (1.1) gm% ranging from 7.4 gm% to 13.8 gm%. The prevalence of anemia among postnatal mothers is 76.2% (n = 173, 95% CI: 70.4%-81.4%). Around 26% (59) had mild anemia, 49.8% (113) had moderate anemia and 0.4% (1) had severe anemia. One-fourth of the mothers who had a normal hemoglobin level in their third trimester had developed anemia in the postnatal period. There was a significant difference in mean hemoglobin during postpartum and that of third trimester (10.95 vs 10.69 gm%, t = 3.4, df 226, P = 0.001). Birth order of two or more is significantly associated with postpartum anemia (aOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.07-4.39). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anemia among postnatal mothers is high. Routine hemoglobin estimation, advice on consumption of iron-rich foods and Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation have to be provided to postnatal mothers to improve this situation.

Off-resonant photoacoustic spectroscopy for analysis of multicomponent gas mixtures at high concentrations using broadband vibrational overtones of individual gas species.

The broadband photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique is proposed and demonstrated for measurement of CH4, CO2, and H2O vapor in the 1.6 to 2.0 µm wavelength region. The wide spectrum of a supercontinuum light source is used to cover broadband absorption bands of multiple gas species. This sensor works in the off-resonant frequency of the designed photoacoustic cell and exhibits a wide concentration measurement range of parts per billion by volume (ppb-v) to 100%. The PAS sensor is further tested in real time by measuring the concentration of CO2, CH4, and H2O vapor in biogas plants.

Menstrual disorders and quality of life of women in an urban area of Puducherry: A community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual disorders are common among women in reproductive age group and affect their normal functioning and social life. Due to cultural reasons, menstrual problems often get unreported. In India, the literature on the effect of menstrual disorders on the quality of life (QOL) of women is limited. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea among women in an urban field practice area and to compare their QOL with women without menstrual disorders. METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study among women who have attained menarche and not yet attained menopause in an urban field practice area of a tertiary care teaching institute in Puducherry. Households were selected by systematic random sampling, and a door-to-door survey was done using an Android-based mobile phone app Epi Info. A pretested questionnaire was used for collection of sociodemographic details. QOL was measured using World Health Organization BREF scale. RESULTS: A total of 119 women were interviewed, and their mean (standard deviation) age was 33 (10) years. The majority was homemakers (63%), belonging to lower socioeconomic status (60%) and one-fifth had no formal education. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.6%-54.4%] and that of menorrhagia was 17% (95% CI: 11.6%-25.3%). QOL in women with dysmenorrhea was poor compared with normal women in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains (mean score 57.9 vs. 69.7, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia is comparatively high in this study area. QOL of women with these disorders was poor.

Depression and its determinants among elderly in selected villages of Puducherry - A community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is the leading cause of disease burden in most regions of the world. But depression among the elderly is usually unrecognized and they have higher morbidity and mortality than those without depression. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of depression among the elderly and identifying its determinants in selected villages of Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in three villages in Puducherry. Systematic random sampling is done to select households. Any person above the age of 60 years is considered as elderly. After obtaining informed consent, a pretested questionnaire is administered to obtain sociodemographic characteristics. Height and weight were measured. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, osteoarthritis, reduced vision, hard of hearing, and substance use were self-reported. Geriatric Depression Scale - Short form questionnaire was used as a screening tool for depression. RESULTS: Among the 359 participants, 57% were females. The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 67.4 (5.9) years. The majority of them belonged to nuclear family (88%), had no formal education (62%), were unemployed (69%), currently married (68%), and receiving a pension (81%). The prevalence of depression among elderly age 60 years and above is 69% [95% confidence interval (CI) 63.6-73.1). Binary logistic regression showed that single/widow [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.9, 95% CI 2.0-7.5] and hard of hearing (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.1) are significant risk factors for depression. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression among elderly in this rural area is high. All elderly persons must be screened for depression and appropriate treatment should be initiated.

Burden of Proteinuria and Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease among Adult Population in Urban Puducherry, India.

INTRODUCTION: In the recent times, Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) are emerging as a serious problem all over the world along with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The presence of proteinuria is considered as an indicator of increased risk of progressive kidney diseases. AIM: To determine the prevalence of proteinuria among an adult population of a tertiary care institute of Puducherry, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice areas of an urban health centre of a tertiary care institute, in Puducherry, India. A total of 215 study respondents were selected by systematic random sampling. All adults aged above 18 years who were residing for at least a year in Puducherry were included in the study. The study period was from July 2015 to October 2015. All the categorical variables were described as proportions. Chi square test was done to compare between two proportions. Univariate analysis was done to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 38.5±12.8 years. Majority, 145 (67.4%) of the study participants were females. The prevalence of proteinuria was found to be 9.3%. While 4.7% and 11.2% of participants used tobacco and alcohol respectively, 13.5% and 27.9% had diabetes mellitus and hypertension respectively. Elderly age, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were found to be statistically significant predictors for proteinuria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of proteinuria was high in our study population (9.3%) and hypertension and diabetes mellitus were also found to be risk factors for CKD. Routine screening among the general population for proteinuria in community-based settings might be an effective step to bring down the rate of progression of CKD.

Awareness of health warnings and factors predicting awareness and perceived effectiveness of pictorial health warnings on tobacco products among adults in rural Puducherry, India.

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists in India about the awareness and perception of the people regarding pictorial health warnings (PHWs) and text warnings on tobacco products, more so from rural areas. Objectives were to report the awareness of these warnings, factors predicting awareness and perceived effectiveness of PHWs, and understanding of their content in a rural population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two villages (chosen randomly out of total four) in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry. Households were selected by systematic random sampling. All persons ≥18 years and residing in the area for at least 6 months were included. Data regarding awareness and perception of participants was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule. RESULTS: A total of 428 participants were recruited; 197 (46%) were male, and 231 (54%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 38.9 (standard deviation 15.0) years. Awareness of PHWs and text warnings was 39.5% (169/428) and 21% (90/428), respectively. Only 11.2% participants perceived PHWs as effective. Most (45%) of the participants had a vague understanding of the content of PHWs. On multivariate logistic regression, male gender, current tobacco use, and better education emerged as predictors of greater awareness of PHWs. Extended family predicted greater perceived effectiveness of PHWs, whereas, high socioeconomic class and middle school completion predicted lower perceived effectiveness of PHWs. CONCLUSION: Awareness and perceived effectiveness of adults in rural Puducherry regarding PHWs were low. There is a need to create awareness through education and using meaningful, larger pictures.

Quality of medication services for morbidities in a rural health center in Puducherry, India.

BACKGROUND: Client satisfaction on quality of medication services perceived by the patients is an important measure of the health services and needs to be addressed to improve the utilization of primary health-care services. METHODS: This is a descriptive study on quality of medication services perceived by the patients attending a rural health center in Puducherry. The data were collected with pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The study population consisted of 365 patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 44.73 years and 61.6% were females. Majority of the participants (340, 93.2%) had visited the clinic at least six times in the last 6 months. The main presenting conditions included hypertension (22.7%), pregnancy (11.8%), bronchial asthma (9%), diabetes (12%), skin infections (7%), myalgia (7%), and other ailments. Average waiting time to collect drugs was 11 min (ranging from 3 to 30 min). Around half of them were advised to consume medications regularly and on time as per prescriptions (n = 199, 54.5%). Around one-fourth of the participants were advised regarding the timing of medication with respect to food (n = 96, 26.3%). Overall satisfaction was moderate in 73% participants and extremely satisfied in 25%. Around 86% of the participants told that their doubts regarding medication use were clarified by the pharmacist at the counters while 5% felt that it was not addressed. Around two-thirds were highly satisfied with the quality of drugs received (65%) and availability of drugs (64.4%). Around 52% were highly satisfied with the behavior of the pharmacy staff and 55% were moderately satisfied with timing of the pharmacy facility. Around 60% of the participants were moderately satisfied with the discipline in the queue system. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of medication services perceived by the participants is high in comparison with other studies. However, a few areas of dissatisfaction have been noted. There is a need to improve the services at the rural health centers with more satisfaction of patients availing such public health facilities.

Beneficiary Satisfaction Regarding Old Age Pension Scheme and Its Utilization Pattern in Urban Puducherry: A Mixed Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) was aimed at providing a safety net for India's aging population in terms of social, economical and moral support by helping eligible elderly citizens with direct cash benefit. AIM: To assess the beneficiary satisfaction and utilization pattern of the monetary benefit received under the old age pension scheme and to explore the perception of the stakeholders regarding delivery of the pension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a mixed method research consisting of both quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted among 205 randomly selected beneficiaries of old age pension scheme belonging to urban Puducherry. Around 12 qualitative interviews were conducted with beneficiaries, family members and Anganwadi workers. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 71 years. Almost 80% of participants avail pension from banks. Majority of participants (98%) were satisfied with the overall scheme, though half of them expressed their dissatisfaction with the amount of pension received. Among the study subjects, 65% were satisfied regarding the mechanism of delivery of old age pension. Anganwadi was the preferred mode of payment in 80% subjects. Around 85% of them spent the entire pension amount for their own use (health needs, travel, daily activities and social needs) while the remaining gave some economic support to their family. Half of them (55%) felt that they possess financial autonomy in planning their expenditure. Majority felt that receiving pension had given them economic empowerment, self-esteem and renewed confidence in life. CONCLUSION: Financial assistance to the elderly empowers them and improves their social status, independence, self-esteem and overall quality of life. With increasing proportion of elderly in Indian population, it is important to study the effectiveness of such schemes so that corrective measures can be taken to facilitate its access to the disadvantaged section of the society.