Knowledge, attitude and experiences of menopause in the postmenopausal women at a tertiary care center: a cross sectional study

Background: Menopause is an inevitable milestone in the reproductive life of every woman. The objective is to investigate menopausal knowledge, attitude, symptoms and management among the participants, to identify the differences according to their educational status and to examine correlations of knowledge, attitude and symptoms pertaining to menopause.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 10 months in postmenopausal women attending a tertiary care center in Pondicherry, India with a structured questionnaire developed on the basis of the objective of the study.Results: 330 postmenopausal women were recruited, and all were aware of their postmenopausal status. Mean age at menopause was 45.91±2.66 years. 54.5% were aware about what menopause was while 5.5% were unaware. 12.1% had proper knowledge about cause of menopause, whereas 3.6% said it is due to god’s decision / turning point. Most prevalent symptoms were tiredness (89.6%) followed by vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes (88.5%) and night sweats (80.3%). Only 2.1% had used HRT for menopausal symptoms.Conclusions: Depth of knowledge is more important when concern is about greater health disrupter which tends to be imperceptible for a long time such as bone health and cardiovascular risk profile. Thus, the government could concentrate on providing health services to women in post reproductive age group also besides women in the reproductive age

Phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles against microbial pathogens and cytotoxicity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized from the root extract of the Abutilon indicum plant. Nitrate reductase enzyme and/or other extra cellular proteins released from the extract reduce the silver nitrate to silver ions. These proteins or enzymes serve as a template for the silver nucleation sites in the development of silver nanoparticles, and also act as capping agents, preventing silver ion agglomeration. XRD analysis predicts the phase of the nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope analyses have revealed that the synthesized AgNPs are spherical in shape, with an average size of 17 nm. From the data, it is noted that the protein molecules and fatty acids present in the root extract of Abutilon indicum, play a vital role in reducing silver salts and as capping AgNPs at various concentrations. Bactericidal activity acting against the clinical pathogens was performed, and it was observed that NP inhibition is highly dependent on their size and surface. Cytotoxic studies were carried out with these synthesized silver nanoparticles using MTT assay on MCF-7 cells

Phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles against microbial pathogens and cytotoxicity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized from the root extract of the Abutilon indicum plant. Nitrate reductase enzyme and/or other extra cellular proteins released from the extract reduce the silver nitrate to silver ions. These proteins or enzymes serve as a template for the silver nucleation sites in the development of silver nanoparticles, and also act as capping agents, preventing silver ion agglomeration. XRD analysis predicts the phase of the nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope analyses have revealed that the synthesized AgNPs are spherical in shape, with an average size of 17 nm. From the data, it is noted that the protein molecules and fatty acids present in the root extract of Abutilon indicum, play a vital role in reducing silver salts and as capping AgNPs at various concentrations. Bactericidal activity acting against the clinical pathogens was performed, and it was observed that NP inhibition is highly dependent on their size and surface. Cytotoxic studies were carried out with these synthesized silver nanoparticles using MTT assay on MCF-7 cells

Hyper parathyroidisim jaw tumor syndrome: a rare condition of incongruous features

Background: Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder bearing both a germline and a somatic CDC73 mutation (formerly known as HRPT2), which has been mapped to chromosome 1q25-q31. The association of jaw ossifying fibroma with primary hyperparathyroidisim (PHPT) is typical of HPT-JT. It may also include cystic and neoplastic renal abnormalities and uterine tumors.Case Details: Here, we report a case of HPT-JT with an initial presentation of declination in reproductive fitness. Extensive literature search and thorough investigation helped us parturitate the underlying syndrome, thereby predictively improving the prognosis.Conclusion: The features of HPT-JT are clinically difficult to ascertain because the parathyroid disease, ossifying fibroma in the jaw and other abnormalities, often occurs asynchronously and may be diagnosed and treated separately.Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism, HPT-JT, Ossifying fibroma, Syndrom

Aquifer monitoring and community engagement in groundwater management for water security in northern Sri Lanka

A paper presented on 16 December 2022 during a Technical Session relating to the sub-theme 'Water Management, Cooperation and Partnership'. Groundwater (GW) in monsoonal rain-dependent Northern Sri Lanka is stressed. Seasonal shortage and saline intrusion are serious issues in seven islands off Jaffna. Aquifer monitoring with well owners involved was done in Karainagar Island. Deteriorating water quality in recent times led to drinking water being transported from the mainland. Thirty-six multi-purpose wells were sampled weekly during wet and monthly during dry seasons. Results from the water year November 2020 to October 2021 are presented. Water levels (WL), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and pH were measured. Water from most wells was then unsuitable for consumption. pH value of all wells was within the recommended range (6.5-8.5). Few wells were significant outliers. Several owners were competent in aquifer monitoring, aware of the vulnerability of water supply, the importance of rainwater infiltration and the need to stop deepening wells, a rising trend in the mainland. New knowledge of local water dynamics, citizen engagement, and involvement of government agencies would enhance the community's quality of life, lowering the possibility of further out-migration of people

Ramsay hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus)

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is defined as an acute peripheral facial neuropathy caused by the reactivated latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion; characterized with erythematous vesicular rash of the skin of the ear canal, auricle, facial skin, oral mucosa and facial palsy (also known as herpes zoster oticus). This article reports a case of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) in a 37-year-old male patient depicting the classical signs