Analysis of reactivity pattern of venereal disease research laboratory test in a tertiary care hospital

Background: In India, sexually transmitted diseases are one of the major risk factors for acquisition of HIV and infertility. Most of the sexually transmitted diseases are asymptomatic and we rely on cytology, culture, serological evidence and sexual history to diagnose them. VDRL and TPHA are the two most important serological tests in the diagnosis of syphilis. Aim of the study was analysis of quantitative VDRL reactivity pattern and the prevalence of false positive VDRL.Methods: 7543 patient records were taken. Age, gender, and referral status were recorded. Total records of study population were divided into 2 groups. Group 1- true positive-both VDRL and TPHA Positive. Group II- False positive- VDRL positive and TPHA negative.Results: Among 7543 cases the ratio of True positive: false positive = 84:16 and in both groups males outnumbered females. In both groups, low titer VDRL took 70%. 61% of false positive cases were in the older age group.Conclusions: True positives were seen mainly in younger sexually active age group with majority having low titer VDRL (Less than 1:8) emphasizing the need for creating awareness of STDs among this age group and the need for early interventions

The Leadership Styles of Administrators and the Professional Effectiveness of Teachers - Enlighten Innovation and Creative Learning Among Educational Institutions

Purpose: Any organization's leadership effectiveness is a determining factor in whether or not it is successful. Effective leadership is essential in today's society since job switching and/or attrition rates are on the rise due to the increasingly competitive environment. Optimal productivity and effectiveness in achieving of organization’s objectives are ensured by effective good leadership. The purpose of this research is to summarise and analyse administrative leadership styles and teacher effectiveness in educational institutions.   Theoretical Framework: It contains many studies undertaken by various scholars on administrative leadership styles, teacher effectiveness and their performance in educational institutions.   Design / Methodology / Approach: This is the review article. The secondary sources used to develop this study were journals and publications. In order to convey the significance of the research issue, a descriptive research design is used to interpret the data and findings.   Findings: Teachers' effectiveness is totally impacted by the leadership style of educational institutions of the administrators. The effectiveness of teachers was found to be influenced by the leadership styles used by administrators of educational institutions. According to research, school administrators who employ transformational leadership are the most successful to improve teachers' effectiveness, whereas autocratic (dictatorial) and laissez-fair (unchallenged) leadership was proven to have a negative effect on teachers' performance and effectiveness.   Research, Practical and Social implications: Employee morale, productivity, the speed of decision-making, and other important areas are all impacted by a leader's style on the organization. Successful leaders do this by thoroughly analyzing issues, evaluating the competence of their staff, weighing their options, and coming to a well-informed decision.   Originality/ Value: The study's contribution is in assisting administrators and teaches in identifying effective teaching methods and leadership styles and putting them into practice in the workplace

Prediction of Tubulointerstitial Injury by Doppler Ultrasound in Glomerular Diseases : Value of Resistive and Atrophic Indices.

INTRODUCTION : Applications of Doppler Ultrasound in Nephrology are increasing day by day. Gray scale sonography is often routinely performed to evaluate the patient with suspected or known renal disease. Although this provides anatomic information it lacks the ability to provide significant physiologic data. Duplex Doppler ultrasound has the potential to provide physiologic information concerning renal arterial blood flow and resistance. Studies published in the last two decades indicated that Doppler can be used reliably in several types of intrinsic renal diseases, obstructive uropathy, Acute renal failure and Reno vascular hypertension. Doppler has been found to be useful for detection of acute rejection and also for distinction between obstructive and non obstructive pelvi calyceal system dilatation. It is also widely used for diagnosis of Reno vascular hypertension with variable sensitivity and specificity. In acute renal failure it is used to differentiate pre-renal azotemia from acute tubular necrosis and to predict recovery from acute tubular necrosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : The objectives of the study are : 1. To find out the role of Doppler in glomerular diseases to predict extent of tubulointerstitial injury as demonstrated by renal biopsy. 2. The role of resistive and atrophic indices in predicting tubulointerstitial disease. 3. Value of these indices as prognostic markers to identify patients at risk of progression. MATERIALS & METHODS : A total of 75 patients underwent Doppler examination of both kidneys immediately before percutaneous needle biopsy. The criteria adopted for biopsy were : 1. Proteinuria >1 g/day, 2. Proteinuria >0.5g/day with hematuria, 3. Hematuria with RBC casts, 4. Rapidly worsening renal function. 71 patients found to have glomerular disease after biopsy were included in the study. Rest of the four had interstitial nephritis or hypertensive nephrosclerosis were excluded. Renal biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance with spring loaded automated biosy gun needle. (C.R.BARD 22mm) from the lower pole of the left kidney. Data regarding age, sex, serum creatinine, 24hr urine protein, Body Mass Index, presence or absence of microhematuria, hypertension, renal failure were noted. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. CONCLUSION : 1. We conclude that resistive and atrophic indices can be used to predict the presence of tubulointerstitial lesion in glomerular disease with high sensitivity and specificity. 2. There is a good correlation between resistive and atrophic indices. The combination of the two has not been found to be superior to either index alone. 3. There is a good correlation between resistive index and severity of the tubulo interstitial injury. 4. Resistive index and atrophic index can be useful as prognostic markers to identify patients at risk of progression. 5. Hence whenever possible Doppler might be considered as a supplementary diagnostic and prognostic tool in glomerular diseases

DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICATIONS USED IN ASTHMA

Aim: The main aim of this study is to find out the drug related problems (DRP) associated with the medications used in the management of Asthma. Methodology: This prospective observational study was carried out in inpatient department of pulmonology in a tertiary care hospital. Patient history/medication interview was done. Other criteria to assess the appropriateness of drug related problems was based on BNF, GINA guidelines and modified Beer’s criteria. Results: Among the study population of 84 individuals, 36% suffered from other comorbid conditions with asthma, and 48% were affected only with asthma. Total numbers of DRPs were 104, in that polypharmacy - 25%, contraindications - 16%, drug interactions - 22%, overdose - 15%, underdose - 3% and ADR were found to be 19%. Conclusion: This study shows that DRP occur frequently in patients using several drugs to treat chronic diseases. The number of DRP was also significantly associated with the number of drugs prescribed. Moreover, patients with polypharmacy had significantly more drug related problems. Key Words: Asthma, Prescriptions, Drug related Problem

Linear Dermatoses: A Prospective study

INTRODUCTION : Skin is a very important and largest organ of the body. It is the only organ which is visible and is in direct contact with the environment. In the examination of the skin, the morphology of individual lesions, their overall pattern and spatial relationship to each other, and their body site distribution are helpful and provide an easily recognizable clue to a rapid visual diagnosis. Indeed, clinical diagnosis is more precise than laboratory tests in many disorders. Skin lesions present with innumerable patterns like Discoid, Petaloid, Arcuate, Annular, Polycyclic, Livedo, Reticulate, Target, Stellate, Digitate, Linear, Serpiginous, Whorled, etc. Among these patterns, Linearity is a stellar pattern which attracts the attention of patients and clinicians alike. A single lesion may assume a linear shape or a number of lesions may be arranged in a linear pattern. The mechanisms or anatomical factors dictating the Linearity are of the following groups: - Linear configurations determined by the course of blood vessels, lymphatics or nerve trunks - Linear lesions of developmental origin - Linear lesions following Dermatomal pattern - Linear lesions caused by External factors like Plants, Allergens, Chemicals, Thermal and Physical factors (includes Koebner’s phenomenon). - Linear configurations due to other determinants Most of the Linear lesions follow the Blaschko’s lines. Patients with linear lesions attending the Dermatology Out Patient Department at Govt. General Hospital comprise my study group. AIMS OF STUDY : 1. To study the Incidence of Linear Dermatoses at the Skin Out Patient Department, Government General Hospital, Madras Medical College, Chennai, during the period Sep-2004 to Sep-2006 2. To study the age and sex distribution. 3. To study the symptomatology and predisposing factors. 4. To study the various sites of distribution. 5. To study the histopathological pattern. 6. To look for other associated conditions. CONCLUSION : 1. The Incidence of Linear Dermatoses in our skin Out Patient Department, Govt. General Hospital, Madras Medical College, Chennai during the period of Sep- 2004 to Sep-2006 --- 0.32 % 2. Among the Linear Dermatoses, Lichen striatus was found to be more common 3. The other Dermatoses following Blaschko’s lines, in the descending order of frequency seen in this study were Linear Lichen Planus, Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus, Linear Morphoea, Linear Vitiligo, Linear Psoriasis and Linear Lichenoid Dermatitis. 4. In this study, on the whole, slight Male preponderance was noted. 5. Majority of patients showed unilateral distribution in a linear pattern, more often on the extremities. 6. The importance of histopathological correlation is very obvious. Cases which were clinically diagnosed as Lichen Striatus showed histopathological features of Psoriasis and Linear Epidermal Verrucous Nevus, ultimately changing the management in any given condition. 7. The lesions were more of a cosmetic concern in most of the cases in this study. 8. Very few associations were noted such as, cases of Lichen Planus which were associated with Becker’s Nevus, Insect bite allergy and HBs Ag sero positivity and Lichen Striatus with Xerosis, Tinea Versicolor and photosensitivity

Bioprospective of Citrus Sinensis Linn. Leaves: Its Volatile Oil as a Weapon on Convulsion in Zebra Fish Larvae Seizure Model

The dissertation highlights the pharmacognostical phytochemical and the anti-epileptic activity of the leaves of Citrus sinensis L which belonging to the family Rutaceae which should easily available variety in South Asian places , It has been used traditionally to treat ailments like constipation, cramps, colic, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, cough, cold, obesity, menstrual disorder, angina, hypertension, anxiety, depression and stress. Leaf extracts of C. sinensis have been used in Nigerian local folk medicine to treat neurological disorders and to facilitate the digestion of food. It has also been used as an antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypotensive, antioxidant, insect repellent, larvicidal, antiviral, uricosuric, anti-yeast, antihepatotoxic and antimutagenic agent due to the presence of copious oil. The morphological evaluvation showed the adherence of general characters to the family. • Detailed microscopical studies reveals the usual leaf characters like vascular bundles showing both xylem and phloem, anamocytic stomata, are seen only in lower epidermis. Two layers of palisade cells and secretory cavities are present. • Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows presence of anamocytic stomata in the abaxial side of leaf. Stomata aperture and epidermal cells are clearly seen. • Petiole is winged, showing vascular bundle in the centre and secretory cavities. • Powder microcopy, microscopical analysis, vein islet number, vein termination number, stomatal number, stomatal index, palisade ratio, physiochemical parameters, ash values, extractive values, loss on drying were determined and represented. • Preliminary Phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohytrates, proteins,amino acids, saponins, flavaonoids , triterpenes and volatile oils are present. • Identification of inorganic minerals of the leaves of C.sinensis by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDS) showed the presence of minerals. • Total flavanoids and total phenolic contents were determined and presented as 26.73 ± 1.10µg/g, 879.13 ± 0.92 µg /g. • GC-MS profile of the VOCSL showed the presence of α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Limonine, Terpinolene, Linalool and β-Elemene as major components along with many minor terpenes. • The 3 Rs (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) of ethical principle was implemented that help to minimize harms to animals used in science. • In our investigation we used zebra fish larvae which is an emerging novel preclinical in vivo model that support rapid decision making in the early phases of drug discovery process. • We performed preliminary toxicological studies of VOCSL on the embryo and larvae of zebra fish and found no pronounced retardation in zf embryo development when exposed to normal concentrations (0.5 to 1.5µl/ml) which showed that VOCSL of leaf would produce no hazard to early life stages Danio rerio but standard toxin podophyllotoxin showed 100% mortality at 0.01µg/ml. • Larval toxicity study was carried out on zf larvae of 5dpf. From the experiment it was observed that there was no mortality in 0.5 and 0.75µl/ml concentrations. But 5% and 10% mortality was observed at 1 and 2 µl/ml concentrations respectively. No mortality was observed in the control. 100% mortality was observed in the standard podophyllotoxin at 0.5 µg/ml concentration. • We used Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) to induce seizure like behaviour and increase in high speed moved distance travelled by PTZ treated zf larvae. • In our model VOCSL significantly decreases seizure like behaviour and also decrease in highspeed distance travelled at 0.5,1, 1.5µl/ml after treatment (p≤0.001) which is encouraging and comparable to the standard drug phenytoin. • The result exhibited concentration dependent inhibition of locomotor activity confirming its anticonvulsant characteristics. • We recommend further investigations in animal model and clinical trials to confirm the potential therapeutic effect

Bioactive potential of sea urchin Temnopleurus toreumaticus from Devanampattinam, Southeast coast of India

The present investigation elucidates the bioactive potential of aqueous extract of sea urchin Temnopleurus toreumaticus. In this investigation biochemical, heamolytic, cytotoxic and FT-IR analysis were followed by standard methods. In biochemical analysis, proteins content 2.70 mgmL-1, total carbohydrates content 2.15 mgmL-1 and total lipids content 0.03 mgmL-1 were showed in aqueous extract of sea urchin. In heamolytic assay, the goat and chicken erythrocytes showed the maximum 64 Hemolytic Unit (HU) and human blood group “A” shows 32 HU, blood group “B” shows 64 HU, blood group “AB” shows 32 HU and blood group “O” shows 128 HU. In cytotoxic study, aqueous extract of sea urchin showed LC50 value 0.12±0.09 mgmL-1 concentration was showed 50% mortality. In antimicrobial assay, maximum zone inhibition 12.26 ± 0.6 mm showed by K. oxytoca and 3.33 ± 0.9 mm showed by Mucor sp. against chloroform extract of sea urchin T. toreumaticus. Thin layer chromatogram showed the spots of Rf values of 0.38, 0.85 cm. The FT-IR study shows the presence of functional groups such as chloroalkanes, bromoalkanes, iodoalkanes, alcohols groups, acids or aromatic ethers, methyl alkyl groups, 1° amines groups and ammonium ions. These results indicate that, sea urchin has remarkable hemolytic and cytotoxic activities.Keywords: Antimicrobial Assay, Biochemical, FT-IR, Sea Urchin, Heamolyti

Sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men: a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Men who have sex with Men (MSM) have a higher prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) than the heterosexual men. In India, NACP recommendations to reduce HIV prevalence among MSM include early detection of HIV and other STI by screening and treatment. We conducted a study of STIs among MSM attending our OPD. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of STIs in MSM attending our OPD.Methods: 1215 MSM among 9008 patients who attended our OPD between June 2015 and May 2016 were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination carried out. Urethral discharge and urine samples were tested for Gonococcal infection. Smears from ulcers were tested for Syphilis, Chancroid, Herpes and Donovanosis. Serum samples were tested for HIV and other STIs like Syphilis and Herpes.Results: Among 1215 MSMs, 55 (4.5%) tested positive for VDRL and TPHA and 33 (2.7%) tested positive for HIV. 24 (2%) had urethritis (10 GU and 14 NGU), 15 (1.25%) had Balanophosthitis, 12 (1%) had genital herpes, 9 (0.75%) had genital scabies, 6 (0.5%) had Genital Wart and 2 (0.16%) had Molluscum contagiosum. Prevalence of these STIs were far higher in MSMs than in heterosexual men.Conclusions: This study highlights the higher prevalence of STIs among MSMs and the need for early intervention and treatment in this high-risk population

Enantioselective method development and validation of proline by using high performance liquid chromatography

Chirality is a major concern in the modern pharmaceutical industry. The separation of chiral compounds has been of great interest because the majority of bioorganic and synthetic molecules are chiral. Aim of the present investigation was to develop a stereo specific, simple and precise normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (NP - HPLC) method for the separation and enantiopurity of Dextro (D) and Levo (L) enantiomers of proline (PRO) by using Lux 5m Amylose 1 LC column (250.6mm) by using n- Hexane: Iso propyl alcohol (IPA)as mobile phase in the ratios of 90:10 v/v at flow rate of 1.2 ml/ min. D and L forms of PRO was detected at 210nm with retention time of 8.1min and 9 min respectively with correlation coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.999.The method was validated with reference to International conference of harmonization (ICH) in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision (Inter - day and intra - day precision), limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), stability of test solutions, specificity, system suitability, robustness and ruggedness

HALL EFFECT OF CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITED CdS THIN FILMS

ABSTRACT Thin films of CdS of different thickness have been prepared on glass substrates in various temperatures by Chemical bath deposition. The thickness of the films has been determined by quartz crystal monitor method. The Hall Effect and the electrical resistivity have been and continue to be the key parameters used in the investigations of the basic electrical conduction processes in semiconductor materials