Androcentric Bias: Anthropomorphic Characters Promoting Masculinity

Cartoons on television are a platform for gender representation because of their varied content. It is observed evidence that cartoons hold a more dominant role over the centuries. The stereotyped gender representation in animated television programs affects viewers, particularly young children, in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to analyze how anthropomorphic characters promote masculinity in Indian television cartoons. The character comparison was conducted to determine whether cartoons in India promote masculinity or not. It was discovered that anthropomorphic male characters played the main characters and dominate one, while female anthropomorphic characters are underrepresented, indicating that gender is stereotypically portrayed. Through androcentrism, the article would examine how the gender stereotypes given to the nonhuman characters in these shows perpetuate gender unfairness. This study examines how gender stereotypes are promoted through the pretense of “children’s entertainment” in animations and how these problems might be addressed

A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON POTASSIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN PATIENTS ADMINISTERED HEPARIN FOR THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is an indirect thrombin inhibitor used clinically as an anticoagulant for thromboprophylaxis of patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis. The study was done to assess the magnitude of rise in serum potassium after administration of low molecular weight heparin comparing enoxaparin with dalteparin and to evaluate the frequency of clinically significant hyperkalemia in the population studied.Methods: The study was done as a prospective non-randomized observational study in a population of 32 patients started on heparin for thromboprophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism or stroke.Results: A statistically significant elevation in serum potassium was seen in patients treated with LMWH (p = 0.007). The magnitude of rise in potassium was significantly higher in enoxaparin (p = 0.008) than the dalteparin group (p = 0.447). A clinically relevant hyperkalemia of>5 mEq/l was seen in 25% of the population studied. Other important associations detected from the study were that the advancing age and increasing dose could be potential risk factors contributory to an accentuated rise in serum potassium which may culminate in clinically significant hyperkalemia.Conclusion: The study has highlighted that the likelihood of rise in potassium levels during LMWH therapy necessitates monitoring of serum potassium

A STUDY COMPARING THE ANORECTIC ACTIVITY OF HOT AND COLD AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF DOLICHOS BIFLORUS LINN. SEEDS IN FREELY FEEDING RATS

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anorectic activity of hot (pre-cooked under pressure) and cold (soaked overnight) aqueous extracts of the seeds of D. biflorus in freely feeding Wistar albino rat model.Methods: Hot extract at a dose of 4 % w/v was given to the group 1 and cold extract at a dose of 4 % w/v was given to group 2 while group 3 was kept as the control group. Food intake and analysis of behavioral satiety sequence (BSS) was assessed after 4 w of extract administration whereas body weight was recorded both before and after treatment.Results: Cold extract group showed significant anorectic activity (p<0.05) but not the hot extract group. The cold extract group, unlike the hot extract group also exhibited an acceleration of the BSS indicating that the anorectic activity is primary.Conclusion: The study has thus brought out the potential appetite suppressant activity of the cold extract of D. biflorus seeds.Keywords: Dolichos biflorus, Anorectic, Behavioral satiety sequence, Food intak

Antibiotic sensitivity pattern to urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial illnesses and hence one of the most important indications for antibiotic treatment. Current knowledge of the common organisms implicated in causing UTI in the local community and surveillance to monitor the changes in susceptibility of uropathogens are imperative to ensure appropriate therapy. The study objectives were to assess the proportion of UTI caused by each of the common urinary pathogens, to study the antibiotic drug sensitivity patterns by analyzing the culture and sensitivity reports and to identify the drugs which would be potentially favourable candidates for empirical therapy in the study locale.Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was done by collecting the data from case records of patients who attended OPD or were admitted with diagnosis of UTI during the study period.Results: Escherichia coli was the single most important cause of UTI, accounting for 70% of the infection among the studied subjects, amongst which 55% was extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms. A pattern of increased susceptibility to higher antibiotics like ertapenem, tigecycline and decreased sensitivity to fluroquinolones was evident. In addition, nitrofurantoin was found to be one of the antibiotics to which most of the organisms were susceptible (85%) favouring its use in empirical therapy of UTI.Conclusions: The pattern of accentuated susceptibility to higher antibiotics in the face of declining trend in the sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics necessitates promoting awareness on the need for rational prescribing of antibiotics among clinicians

A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF AGOMELATINE ON FOOD INTAKE AND BODY WEIGHT IN RESTRAINT STRESS MODEL IN ADULT SWISS ALBINO MICE

  Objectives: Agomelatine is a novel melatonin (MT) receptor agonist at MT 1 and 2, serotonin receptor antagonist and an effective chronobiotic agent. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of agomelatine on body weight and food intake in restraint stress model in adult Swiss albino mice.Methods: After the approval of Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, 40 male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each; two were treatment groups which received 25 mg/kg (low dose) agomelatine, 50 mg/kg (high dose) agomelatine, standard group given trazodone and the control group administered the vehicle (1% hydroxyethyl cellulose [HEC]) intraperitoneally for the last 14 days in the 3 weeks study period. Chronic restraint stress was given for 4 hrs per day for all groups starting from day 0 to 21.Results: Using paired t-test, both 12 hrs (p=0.011) and 24 hrs (p<0.001) food intake in the high dose agomelatine group were significantly increased. Between groups using ANOVA test showed a statistically significant increase in food intake for this group when compared to the control group. Unlike the low dose agomelatine group (p=0.205), the mean body weight in the group treated with high dose agomelatine revealed a statistically significant rise compared to that of the control (p=0.001) in ANOVA test.Conclusion: High dose agomelatine was effective in antagonizing the body weight lowering effect of restraint stress in addition to amelioration of reduced food intake. The study has potentially brought out the additional therapeutic benefit of agomelatine in improving the altered feeding and body weight changes when used in the treatment of the depression

Comparative study of diagnostic hysteroscopy in abnormal uterine bleeding and its histopathological correlation

INTRODUCTION: Although uterine bleeding is a normal physiologic episodic occurrence for most women, its characteristics nevertheless vary considerably. The broad range of normal variation causes difficulty in identifying abnormal patterns. The problem is that uterine bleeding has a wide range of diagnostic possibilities and confusion is generated when review and reports fail to outline the diagnostic evaluation of the patient who presents with abnormal uterine bleeding patterns. Goals of clinical management are primarily dependent upon attaining a correct etiological diagnosis. The history, physical and pelvic examination attempt to determine the site of the bleeding and its source. Information gathered from this will suggest what direction the investigation would take. Traditionally, Dilatation and Curettage and Ultrasonography were the most common investigations employed in the evaluation of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Dilatation and Curettage is a blind procedure and the endometrium has to be sent to the Pathologist to study histological patterns and for the report. The co-operation of the Pathologist is important. Ultrasonography clearly depicts the uterine contour and the status of the ovary, but fails to provide adequate information regarding the endometrium. Hysteroscopy has ushered a new era in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding. By direct visualization of the uterine cavity, it is possible to pin point the etiology in the majority of the cases. It can accurately detect endometrial hyperplasia and aids in the early diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and uterine polyps. Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common complaints with which a patient presents to a Gynaecologist. D&C has long been the diagnostic gold standard for abnormal uterine bleeding. However only 70% - 80% of the endometrium can be curetted. Polyps and sub mucous fibroids are frequently undetected by curettage alone. The judicious use of hysteroscopy to manage this medical entity adds a new dimension in handling this often perplexing problem. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study has been taken up to analyze the place of hysteroscopy in the evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in terms of accuracy of hysteroscopic findings and the contribution of the procedure to clinical diagnosis. It also aims to correlate hysteroscopic findings with histopathological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study “A Clinical Study of Diagnostic Hysteroscopy in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Its Histopathological Correlation” is a prospective study, which has been carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tirunelveli medical college hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. The material for the present study was collected from patients who attended and were admitted in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. 50 cases of AUB were taken up for the study. All the patients in this study underwent hysteroscopy followed by Dilatation and Curettage and the curetting’s were sent for Histopathology analysis. The period of the study was from January 2011to October 2011. The results of Hysteroscopy and Endometrial Histopathology were studied and analyzed. The analyzed data was compared with other series in literature and discussed. Amaster chart dealing with all aspects has been designed and presented. All patients were well informed about the study in all aspects and informed written consent was obtained. METHOD OF COLLECTION OF DATA: Inclusion criteria: 1. Patientwith age between 20-60 yrs with Abnormal Uterine bleeding. 2. Multiparous and nulliparous women. 3. Patients who do not require any emergency management. Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients with severe anemia due to menorrhagia were excluded since they required immediate intensive care. 2. Patients with profuse bleeding. 3. Cases with large or multiple fibroids. 4. Infection in the genital tract. 5. Malignancies of the genital tract SUMMARY: 50 Patients who presented with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding underwent panoramic hysteroscopy and subsequent Dilatation and Curettage. • Curetted endometrium was sent for histopathological examination. • Age group of the patients ranged from 20-60yrs and most common age group was 40-49yrs (40%). • Most of the patients (40%) had symptoms for more than 1 year and most common presenting symptom was Menorrhagia (44%) and Postmenopausal bleeding (26%). • Hysteroscopy reported 25 pts (50%) as negative view and 25 pts (50%) as abnormal view. But actually 24 patients were normal, and 26 patients had some pathology. Hysteroscopy missed two cases of irregular shedding endometrium, • Endometrial hyperplasia (20%) was the most common abnormality, followed by endometrial polyp (14%). • The Sensitivity, Specificity, NPV and PPV for Hysteroscopy was 92.3%, 95.8%, 92% and 96% respectively and for D&C was 69.2%, 95.8%, 74.19% and 94.7% respectively. • The most consistent finding has been the detection of endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyp and submucousmyomas with 100% accuracy using hysteroscopy. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that hysteroscopy is superior to curettage in evaluating patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Hysteroscopy is a safe, reliable and quick procedure in the diagnosis of cases with abnormal uterine bleeding with high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value. In this study hysteroscopy correlated more with histopathologic findings and also identified associated pathology like polyps and submucous fibroids. It is both accurate and feasible when compared to histopathology in identifying intracavitary abnormalities. Hence hysteroscopy forms an efficient investigative tool in diagnosing the endometrial pathology in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding. The technique may be learned with relative ease and it should become part of armamentarium of every gynaecologist

TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE ON AYAPODI ELAGAM - A SIDDHA HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION IN WISTER ALBINO RATS

Ayapodi Elagam (A.E) was used in Siddha system of medicine for many years to treat Pandu (Anemia). This medicine contains Nellikai, Keezhanelli, Karisalai and Ayam. These herbs are helps to improve the blood to correct the anemia. This study was carried out to evaluate the acute and chronic toxic effect on Ayapodi Elagam and to determine the LD50. The toxicity study was done as per the guidelines of world health organization (WHO) guideline. As the herbs and Ayam were used for treating anemia by traditional practitioners for years together, the toxicity study was also proposed to study in both sexes. In acute study the animals were divided into two groups A.E was administered at 5000mg/kg orally and animals were observed for toxic sign at 0,5,1,4,24 hour and for 14 days. In chronic toxicity study A.E was administered at 450,900 and 1800 mg/kg body weight/day to 3 groups of animal, respectively. The distilled water was administered to control animals. The result showed that the acute toxicity study of A.E. at the dose level of 5000mg/kg does not produce any toxic sign and mortality among the experimental groups and the LD50 value of the drug was found to be more than 5000mg/kg bodyweight. The weight of rats, wellness parameters, mortality, hematological parameters, biochemical parameters and histological analysis of all vital organs were observed to know the chronic toxic effect of the drug. All the parameters of the study do not show the any significant chances between the control and experimental groups

Study the effect of intermediate and closer stiffener on the behaviour of the cold - formed steel lipped channel section under axial compression

Cold-Formed steel built-up columns are commonly used as compression member in the industrial roof and long span bridge structures to carry larger load. To improve the strength and stiffness of the cold-formed section, the built-up column with additional stiffeners and lacings are used. This paper reports the results of experimental tests conducted on built-up cold-formed columns, composed with the combination of intermediate and closer stiffeners with pin-ended condition under axial compression. Totally twelve columns with or without intermediate and closer stiffeners were tested to failure. The experimental results aim to quantify the effect of cross-section, intermediate and closer stiffener on the overall performance, including strength, strain and failure modes for the built-up column. The Finite element model was developed by ANSYS software and the model is validated with the experimental results. The built-up column strength predicated by recommended design equations of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) exhibited good agreement with the ultimate load of built-up columns obtained both by experimental and numerical. Based on this study a recommendation is proposed to DSM for the CFS built -up columns with intermediate and closer stiffeners

Study the effect of intermediate and closer stiffener on the behaviour of the cold - formed steel lipped channel section under axial compression

Cold-Formed steel built-up columns are commonly used as compression member in the industrial roof and long span bridge structures to carry larger load. To improve the strength and stiffness of the cold-formed section, the built-up column with additional stiffeners and lacings are used. This paper reports the results of experimental tests conducted on built-up cold-formed columns, composed with the combination of intermediate and closer stiffeners with pin-ended condition under axial compression. Totally twelve columns with or without intermediate and closer stiffeners were tested to failure. The experimental results aim to quantify the effect of cross-section, intermediate and closer stiffener on the overall performance, including strength, strain and failure modes for the built-up column. The Finite element model was developed by ANSYS software and the model is validated with the experimental results. The built-up column strength predicated by recommended design equations of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) exhibited good agreement with the ultimate load of built-up columns obtained both by experimental and numerical. Based on this study a recommendation is proposed to DSM for the CFS built -up columns with intermediate and closer stiffeners