Some of the Prize-Winning Books in the Field of Tamil Development - An Overview

Tamil Nadu Government has established a separate department for the development of Tamil language in order to realize the dream of Bharathidasan to take Tamil language everywhere. Through it, the works of writers are selected and prizes are announced to the best creators for their works. Thus, the Tamil language is developing. It is also an organization to encourage creators. Few quality Tamil books are published. One or two of them are nominated for the prize. Some writers, according to their capability they have written the books but do not publish. To change this situation, this article aims to reduce the gap between authors and readers by bringing the excellence of prize-winning Tamil books and the creative activities of the Tamil development department to the reader

Characterisation of Nonfermenting Gram Negative Bacilli in Clinical Specimens and Molecular Typing of Drug Resistance.

INTRODUCTION : Nonfermentative Gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) are a group of aerobic, non Spore forming organisms that either do not use carbohydrates as a source of energy or Degrade them through metabolic pathways other than fermentation. These bacteria are ubiquitous in nature particularly in soil and water. Although frequently considered as contaminants, most of the nonfermenting gram negative bacilli have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens causing opportunistic infections in Immmunocompromised hosts. Humidifiers, ventilator machines, dialysate fluids and catheter devices in the hospital environment have provided opportunities for these organisms to establish infection. Non-fermenting Gram negative bacilli cause variety of infections including Urinary tract infections, wound infections, septicemia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, Meningitis etc. They are being recovered with increasing frequency from clinical specimens. Chronic infection, longer duration of hospitalization and prolonged antibiotic therapy are the predisposing factors for infection with nonfermenters. This group includes organisms from diverse genera like Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Alcaligenes, Weeksella etc, with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa being the predominant species recovered from clinical specimens. The present study was therefore undertaken to identify the nonfermenters from various clinical specimens, to analyse the risk factors associated with their infections, to Determine the multidrug resistance and to guide initial empiric therapy for infections caused by them. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To isolate and speciate the nonfermenters from various clinical specimens. To study the sensitivity patterns of the isolates with common antimicrobials. To detect the incidence of multidrug resistance among nonfermenters. To detect the production of extended spectrum of betalactamases. To detect the acquired resistance to carbapenam antibiotics and production of acquired metallobetalactamases (MBL). To identify the genes responsible for acquired MBL production. To formulate antibiotic therapy for the infections caused by nonfermenters. MATERIALS & METHODS : All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS for Windows. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. P values were calculated using the chi-square test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 156 nonfermenting bacteria isolated from various clinical specimens like pus, urine, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, endotracheal aspirations, drain tip and cerebrospinal fluids collected from both outpatients and inpatients of Government General Hospital, Chennai were studied. CONCLUSION : Observations from the present study showed the aerobic NFGNB which are usually considered as contaminants are now emerging as important nosocomial pathogens. The various clinical specimens from which they were isolated proved their existence in all sites leading to a range of diseases. Different sensitivity pattern and multidrug resistance exhibited by nonfermenters pose a great problem in treating these infections. ESBL and MBL production by these organisms lead to high morbidity and mortality as we are left with the only option of treating them by potentially toxic agents like Colistin and Polymyxin B. Awareness of their entry into a hospital environment is the first step that clinical microbiologists can take to address this problem. Care in detection, evaluation of effective antibiotic options, judicious use of antibiotics by instituting antibiotic policy of combination therapy and rigorous infection control measures will help to fight against these multidrug resistant nonfermenters in the effective management of patients

Odd and Even Ratio Edge Antimagic Labeling

In this paper we introduce a new labeling namely odd and even ratio edge antimagic labeling and study the existence of this labeling for basic graph structures .&nbsp

Cultural Identity Loss of the Main Characters in Chinua Achebe�s Things Fall Apart

Identity and culture are considered to be the relevant aspects of the post-colonial literature for two reasons: First, because they are so central to the growing power of imperial discourse over the nineteenth century, and secondly they remain central and unavoidable facts of the modern society as known as the dominant parts of the social discrimination and prejudice. Africa has a unique cultural heritage with a distinct past. African Literature often makes assumptions about the existence of the unified �African� culture, but closer inspection reveals a far more complex and a problematic picture. It reflects the cultural traditions, colonial history, and inner conflicts of African people. While drawing together a wide variety of theoretical and critical perspectives of post-colonial literature in English, the present study aims at exploring perpetuate unequal economic and cultural relations with the struggle of the people concerned with race, religion, invasion and pacification in the form of the issues of identity and culture

SYNTHESIS, ANTICANCER ACTIVITY, MOLECULAR DOCKING, AND ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, METABOLISM, AND EXCRETION TOXICITY STUDIES OF NOVEL BENZOTHIAZINES

ABSTRACTObjective: A series of benzothiazine compounds were studied for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties to assestheir drug-like properties. Compounds 1-10 with favorable ADME properties were selected for molecular docking studies as PIM1 kinase inhibitors.Methods: Synthesis of compound 1 and 7 by conventional heating and characterized by various methods. Molecular docking carried out using Glidesoftware; ADME toxicity predicted using QuickPro.Results: Compound 1 showed a Glide score of −7.622 kcal/mol with good hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with PIM1 kinase proteins andappears to be more potent. Structure-activity relationship study was made among the 10 compounds, and a basic template was arrived at. An analysisof the structure - Affinity relationships suggested that the substituent at position three is important in influencing affinity.Conclusion: Compounds with an alkyl spacer between the carboxyl group and the core benzothiazine ring are required for binding of the compoundswith the PIM1 kinase. It was further confirmed by its in vitro anticancer activity of compound 1 against K562 cell lines by 3-(4, 5dimethythiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromideassaybyexhibitingan IC50 value of 36.82 μg/ml.Keywords: Benzothiazine, Molecular docking, Absorption; distribution; metabolism; and excretion properties, In vitro anticancer activity

Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Some Novel Isatin-Urea Schiff Base Derivatives as Antitubercular Agents Targeting ATP Synthase

TB is the most attractive areas of research, because it is the Second major cause of death due to an infectious disease in adults. ➢ Twenty-two countries of the world have the highest TB burden, among top five ranking countries are India, China, Indonesia, South Africa and Nigeria. ➢ Drug resistance TB plays a major challenge for the effective control of TB. ➢ Therefore, the current work aimed to synthesize some novel anti-tubercular compounds. ➢ Based on the literature review, ATP SYNTHASE of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was chosen as the target enzyme against which novel molecules were designed by performing structural modifications in the basic hetero nuclear scaffold Isatin. ➢ The designed molecules were docked against the target using the MGL tools. ➢ The top scored compounds were assessed for their in-silico drug likeness property and toxicity profile. ➢ The non-toxic molecules were synthesized by an appropriate laboratory process and they were coded from JP1 to JP5. Completion of the reaction was determined by TLC. ➢ The synthesized compounds were subjected to repeated recrystallization using ethanol and Purity of the compounds was ensured by sharp melting point. ➢ Further the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analysis such as IR, NMR & LC-MS. ➢ Anti-tubercular activity of the purified compounds was evaluated by Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). The Compounds showed activity at 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. ➢ Acute oral toxicity study was conducted on the Albino rats and the compounds were found to be safe & non-toxic. CONCLUSION: The current research work concludes that, 1. The synthesized compounds might effectively inhibit the chosen target ATP synthase which is involved in the energy metabolism of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. 2. All the five compounds have the Docking score between 7 to -9.4 kcal/mol. There is no significant correlation between the score and activity of the compounds. 3. All the synthesized compounds posses anti-tubercular activity at the concentration of 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. 4. Therefore, further modification of the molecular structure of the compounds is expected to yield promising drug candidates against the deadly disease Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

A clinical study on Pitha Perumbadu (Menorrhagia) with evaluation of siddha drug Naaval Nei

The clinical study on PITHA PERUMBADU ROGAM was carried out in Post graduate department of Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College, Aringar Anna Government Hospital, Chennai – 106 during the period of 2015 - 2017. A total of 20 patients were treated in the Outpatient department. The clinical and pathological assessment was carried out on the basis of Siddha and Modern aspects. All the patients were treated with NAAVAL NEI (5 gm TDS). The duration of the treatment was fixed as ONE MANDALAM (48 DAYS). The comparatively larger incidence of Pitha perumbadu was found to be in 15-25 years of age. The prevalence of the disease was high among Middle class populations 45% followed by Lower class 30% and High class population 25%. Out of 20 patients, 2 patient (10%) were a student, 6 patients (30%) were working women, 12 patients (60%) were house wife. In case of diet, 70% patients consume Mixed diet. From selected 20 patients, 5 patients (25%) comes under Kaarkaalam, 3 patients (15%) comes under Munpani, 2 patients (10%) comes under Elavenil, 2 patients (10%) comes under Mudhuvenil kaalam and 8 patients (40%) comes under Pinpanikaalam. Out of 20 patients, 80% comes under Neithal category. In mukkutram aspect - In Vatham: Abanan (100%), Praanan (20%), Viyanan (100%), Udhanan (15%), Koorman (15%), Samanan (60%), and Devathathan (100%) were affected. In Pitham: Sathagam (100%), Ranjagam (80%), Alosagam (15%), Praasagam (20%) and Analagam (60%) were affected. In Kabham: Avalambagam (20%), Kilethagam (60%), Tharpgam (30%), Santhigam (40%) were affected. Among Ezhu Udal Thathukkal, Saaram (100%), Senneer (80%), Enbu (40%), Suronitham (100%) were affected. Among Envagai Thervugal Naa (10%), Niram (10%), Vizhi (10%), Malam (40%) Moothiram (10%) and Naadi (100%) were affected. Naadi showed Pitha vatha naadi (65%) and Vatha pitha naadi (35%). In neikuri examination Pitha neer (65%) and vatha neer (35%) were seen. The ingredients of trial medicines were found to have the properties of reducing the symptoms of PITHA PERUMBADU ROGAM. In Naaval Nei, basic radicals like iron, calcium and reducing sugar were present. The Toxicological studies of the trial medicine reveals no toxicity. The Pharmacological studies of the trial medicine shows styptic activity. The Bio statistical report of the clinical trial shows significant P value and thus concluded that, the treatment is effective and significant. Among 20 patients, 65% of cases showed good result and 25% of cases showed moderate result and 10% of cases showed fair result in PITHA PERUMBADU ROGAM (MENORRHAGIA). CONCLUSION: Pitha Perumbadu is primarily due to the derangement of Pitha kutram. The ingredients of the medicine Naaval nei have the properties of neutralizing the deranged kutram. From the preclinical toxicity studies, the medicine Naaval nei revealed no toxicity and proved to be safe. From the preclinical pharmacological studies, it is evident that the medicine Naaval nei have Styptic activity. No adverse effects was reported during the course of the treatment. The medicine Naaval nei which gives a maximum relief from the considerable symptoms of Menorrhagia such as excessive menstruation, prolonged menstruation, presence of blood clots, lower abdominal pain and low back ache. The ingredients of the trial drug is easily available. The trial medicine is economical and palatable. Therefore I conclude that, the medicine Naaval nei can give a better solution for Pitha Perumbadu

Knowledge, attitude and prescriptional practice about fixed dose combinations among medical practitioners in tertiary care hospital

Background: Fixed dose combination (FDC) are currently most prescribed and misused drug forms. Although fixed dose combinations are clinically better than single dosage forms, improper prescription and large amounts of irrational FDC flooding leads to unwanted financial burden and increased resistance. Therefore a study was carried out to know about the existing scenario about Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Fixed dose combinations among the resident doctors and devise some suggestions for improving the rationality. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and prescriptional practice regarding fixed dose combinations among resident doctors working in a Government Theni medical college, Theni.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 100 resident doctors was conducted using a pre validated questionnaire containing 21 questions to evaluate the knowledge and prescriptional practice of Fixed Dose Combination among the study participants.Results: Ninety-five percent of the study participants were aware of the Fixed dose combination. Increased compliance and synergistic drug effect are the commonly cited advantages, whereas difficulty in dose adjustment and increased side effects were the commonly told disadvantages. Only 13% of the participants could name a single banned drug. Antibiotics (63%), NSAIDS (18%) were the commonly prescribed FDCs among study participants. Internet (58%), followed by textbook (42%) and colleagues (37%) were the common sources of knowledge about FDCs. Increasing awareness about Essential Medicines List (63%), regular CME (55%) and prior notification (50%) are some of the measures recommended by study participants to improve the awareness.Conclusions: Although the participants are aware of basic knowledge of fixed dose combinations are acceptable, prescribing FDC them often, many of the study participants lack knowledge about the rationality of these drugs. From our study, conducting regular CME’s about new Fixed dose combinations in the medical colleges and periodic notification of FDC’s are some of the suggested approaches to improve the rationality of prescription. Since Internet is listed as the most common source of knowledge about FDC, information about FDC can be sent through mails, text messages, which will play a part in improving the rationality of FDC

A study on prevalence of alcohol consumption among higher secondary school students in Theni district, Tamil Nadu

Background: Studies show that in India, the health loss from alcohol will grow larger, unless effective interventions are implemented. Initiation of alcohol intake starts from a very early age and is higher in rural areas. The best way to reduce alcoholism is prevention rather than curing the already addicted persons. For this we need to know the magnitude of this problem. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence, identifying the causative and contributing factors of alcoholism among higher secondary school children of Theni district.Methods: A self-administered validated questionnaire was given to the male school students of 15 to 17 years (XI and XII students) to assess the prevalence and pattern of alcohol use among them. The questionnaire was prepared with reference from the global school-based student health survey (GSHS), the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) questionnaire and the cut-annoyed-guilty- eye (CAGE) questionnaire. Data analysis was done using software OpenEpi, Version 3.Results: A total of 500 students were analyzed with a response rate of 94% (n=470). The overall prevalence of alcohol use was found to be 31.06%. Nearly 70% had the possibility of alcoholism and should be investigated further for severity of alcohol use, 30% had impaired control over drinking almost daily and 17% had injury or injured someone because of drinking.Conclusions: The mean age of initiation of alcohol consumption is decreasing and the number of alcohol consumers is increasing

Pattern of adverse effects in patients with nephrotic syndrome on oral prednisolone

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a common illness affecting the paediatric age group and 80% of the idiopathic syndrome is steroid sensitive. Multiple relapses make them vulnerable to the adverse effects of corticosteroids. There is limited literature evidence for the adverse effects of steroids in children with renal pathology.Methods: This descriptive, cross sectional study analyses the adverse effects of oral prednisolone in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome Fifty-five patients with nephrotic syndrome, attending nephrology or paediatric OP, more than 3 years of age and who were on oral prednisolone for a minimum of eight weeks were included in the study. Demographic details, detailed history, lab investigations and ophthalmic examination were done and the results were analysed.Results: Hypertension and behavioural changes were the most common adverse effects followed by dermatological, endocrine and metabolic changes. Infections and gastrointestinal disturbances were more in adults (p <0.05). Short stature was more in children (p< 0.05). There was no abnormality in blood glucose levels and body weight. Hypertension, cushingoid habitus, infections and short stature were statistically less in patients on alternate day prednisolone. But no statistical association could be made between the occurrence of cataract and the pattern of prednisolone use.Conclusions: Adverse effects pattern is different among adults and children. Also, the adverse effects are less with alternate day prednisolone regimen. Long term follow up into their adulthood is needed to analyse the morbidity produced by corticosteroids in these subsets of population