A Study To Assess The Knowledge Regarding First Aid Measures For Snake Bite Among Farmers in Selected Villages of Bardoli, Gujarat, With A View To Develop Self Instructional Protocol

Venomous animals are a significant health problem for rural populations in many parts of the world and including our nation. First aid management of snake bite is very important for medical, paramedical and non-medical personnel including teachers. Objective: To assess the socio demographic variables, to assess the knowledge level regarding first aid measures of snake bite among farmers, association between pre-test knowledge score of farmers with certain socio demographic variables, to develop a self-instructional module on first aid measures for snake bite. Methodology: An evaluative research approach with pre experimental design was used the study was conducted at village of bardoli taluka. The sample comprised of 60 farmers. Sample was selected by using convenient sampling technique. Data collection done from 1st September; formal permission from sarpanch of village. It was obtained prior to data collection process. Data was analyzed using Descriptive Inferential statistics. Results: The results of the study showed that, the level of knowledge scores among formers. The samples were having excellent 29(65.90%), good 21 (47.72%), average 10 (22.72%) and 00 (00.00%) were having poor knowledge. Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that, the farmers got good knowledge regarding snake bite after the conduction of self instructional module. The self instructional module regarding first aid measures of snake bite interpretation was highly effective in improving the knowledge among first aid Measures

L-Carnitine preserves endothelial function in a lamb model of increased pulmonary blood flow

BACKGROUND: In our model of congenital heart disease (CHD) with increased pulmonary blood flow (Shunt), we have recently shown a disruption in carnitine homeostasis, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased eNOS/Hsp90 interactions that contribute to eNOS uncoupling, increased superoxide levels, and decreased bioavailable NO. Thus, we undertook this study to test the hypothesis that L-carnitine therapy would maintain mitochondrial function, and NO signaling. METHODS: Thirteen fetal lambs underwent in utero placement of an aortopulmonary graft. Immediately following delivery, lambs received daily treatment with oral L-carnitine or its vehicle. RESULTS: L-carnitine-treated lambs had decreased levels of acyl carnitine, and a reduced acyl carnitine: free carnitine ratio compared to vehicle treated Shunt lambs. These changes correlated with increased carnitine acetyl transferase (CrAT) protein and enzyme activity and decreased levels of nitrated CrAT. The lactate: pyruvate ratio was also decreased in L-carnitine-treated lambs. Hsp70 protein levels were significantly decreased and this correlated with increases in eNOS/Hsp90 interactions, NOS activity, NOx levels, and a significant decrease in eNOS-derived superoxide. Further, acetylcholine significantly decreased left pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) only in L-carnitine-treated lambs. CONCLUSION: L-carnitine therapy may improve the endothelial dysfunction noted in children with CHD, and has important clinical implications that warrant further investigation