An aetiological evaluation of short stature

Background: Short stature can be a normal variant or secondary to an underlying disorder. It is necessary to evaluate short stature to differentiate a normal from pathological short stature and thus decide the further treatment needed. This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital to find out the various etiologies of short statureMethods: An observational study was conducted on 49 children in age of 2-12 years with short stature. They were grouped as normal variants and pathological short stature depending on upper-lower segment ratio the study group was later divided into proportionate and disproportionate short stature. They were further investigated to find out the etiology of the short stature. The bone age of all groups was compared with the chronological age to calculate the bone age retardation.Results: Out of 49 children 26.5% were normal variants and 73.4% as pathological type. 77.7% of pathological short stature were proportionate type. The male:female ratio was 1:1.4. Chronic systemic disorders were detected in 24.48% while malnutrition and endocrine disorders constituted 12% each. The bone age retardation in endocrine disorders was 0.47.Conclusions: Chronic systemic disorders were commonest cause of pathological short stature in this study. Females were predominantly affected in all groups and bone age retardation was maximum in endocrine disorders, thus indicating that early diagnosis and management of these disorders is necessary to decrease the growth retardation in these children. An understanding of short stature not only permits to differentiate a normal variant from an underlying disorder but also helps in modifying the course by means of early intervention

Knowledge, attitude and practise regarding Mosquito borne diseases in urban and rural areas of Maval, Western Maharashtra

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases, have always been a serious health concern in South East Asian countries, particularly India. Maharashtra was reported as one of the highly endemic areas in India and recorded the second-highest number of deaths due to Dengue. The comprehensive management of mosquito-borne diseases hinges not solely on the efforts of health authorities but also on the community's understanding, mindset, and proactive approach in pursuing timely treatment. Aim & Objective: To assess and compare knowledge, attitude and practices of people residing in both the strata regarding Mosquito borne diseases. Methods and Material: A comparative analysis was undertaken in the Maval region, encompassing both rural and urban settings, through a cross-sectional study. Taluka. A sample size of 250 houses—125 houses in each stratum were surveyed. Data collection involved interviews with head of family or next available person. Statistical analysis used: Microsoft excel was used for chi quare and z value. Results: Awareness regarding Mosquito borne disease was 87.2% in urban population and 73.6% in rural population. Conclusions: There are gaps in understanding the timing of Mosquito bites and the identification of breeding sites. This underscores the need for improved knowledge and awareness, with focus on Mosquito control measures to effectively combat these diseases

Single Cell Oil from Oleaginous Yeast Grown on Sugarcane Bagasse-Derived Xylose: An Approach toward Novel Biolubricant for Low Friction and Wear

Yeast lipid as single cell oil (SCO) is evaluated as an alternative renewable source of vegetable oils for a biolubricant formulation. The <i>Rhodotorula mucilaginosa</i> IIPL32 yeast strain is cultivated on lignocellulosic pentosans derived from sugarcane bagasse to produce the SCO. The chemical composition and distribution of variable fatty acids in the yeast SCO are characterized by NMR, FTIR, and GC × GC analyses. The high viscosity index and a low pour point of yeast SCO owing to the favorable composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids promise its potential as a renewable and environmentally friendly lube base oil. The yeast SCO as lube base oil significantly reduced the coefficient of friction (72%) and wear (24%) compared to those of conventional mineral lube base oil (SN 150). The fatty acids in the yeast SCO formed a good quality tribo-chemical thin film on the engineering surfaces, which not only reduced the friction but also protected the contact interfaces against wear. This study demonstrates that yeast SCO being renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, provides favorable physicochemical and tribophysical properties for good quality lubricant formulation and it can be a good alternative to the conventional mineral lube oil-based lubricants