Estimation of C II and C II* column densities along Galactic sight-lines

We present interstellar C II (1334.5323 \AA) and C II* (1335.7077 \AA) column density measurements along 14 Galactic sight-lines. These sight-lines sample a variety of Galactic disk environments and include paths that range nearly two orders of magnitude in average hydrogen densities () along the lines of sight. Five of the sight-lines show super-Solar gas phase abundances of carbon. Our results show that the excess carbon along these sight-lines may result from different mechanisms taking place in the regions associated with these stars.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures; Accepted for publication in BAS

Development of automatic speech recognition system for voice activated Ground Control system

This paper gives details of the development of a speech recognition system for voice activated Ground Control Station (GCS). The speech recognition is implemented using MATLAB and the results are validated against the Hidden Markov Model Tool Kit (HTK), an open source tool for speech recognition. The menu items of Mission planner, a typical open source GCS used for flying of Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) are used for the experiments

PHARMACOLOGY OF NOVAL CANNABINOIDS

Cannabis is a plant rich in various compounds that have a variety of impacts on the physiology of humans and the effects of these metabolites have a significant role in managing a variety of clinical diseases. A substantial increase in the use of SC (synthetic cannabinoids) had seen in the last few years especially infrequent cannabis users. The SCs will generate psychoactive effects that were similar to cannabis. However, the composition and pharmacological characteristics of these drugs make them possibly hazardous. Like all drugs, cannabis’ pharmacokinetics depends on the route of administration. Several studies showed that the bioavailability is less in oral administration when compared to inhalation. The main reason for this decrease in oral bioavailability is that cannabinoids undergo the first-pass metabolism before entering into the systemic circulation whereas in inhalation, it enters the circulation directly through the lungs. Cannabis sativa is a psychoactive plant that contains more than 500 components of which 104 cannabinoids had been identified. Of these, 2 components such as Δ9-THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol) were under the scientific investigation. Δ9-THC is the primary cannabinoid which was responsible for the consequences of psychotrophy. The potency of cannabis is assessed based on the THC concentration of a sample that is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. The adverse effects are in direct relation to the concentration of THC in the product after regular cannabis use. It can be assumed that several cannabinoids will find their way into the pharmacies from preclinical research within a century

The risks for thromboembolism following caesarean section

Background: Maternal mortality can be due to various reasons. Maternal mortality following thromboembolism is a cause for concern. Venous thromboembolism is a very serious condition following caesarean section. Thromboprophylaxis should be given to the mothers with high risk for thromboembolism, who deliver by caesarean section. The objective of this study was to do to assess the risk status for thromboembolism among women delivered by caesarean section.Methods: A hospital based cross- sectional study was conducted among four hundred mothers who delivered by caesarean section. The study was conducted for a period of eight months from January to August 2017. The risks for thromboembolism was assessed and as per the guideline and hospital policy, thromboprophylaxis was given.Results: Out of four hundred patients, medical comorbidities were present for three patients. Patients who were overweight were 122. Two had systemic infection. The number of patients with high, intermediate and low risk of venous thromboembolism were 4,65 and 331.Conclusions: The study suggests that thromboprophylaxis is to be given for all the patients with any risk for thromboembolism, after caesarean section

The Knowledge and attitude of breast self examination and mammography among rural women

Background: Breast cancer is major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. Mortality due to breast cancer is high in India due to late detection, lack of awareness about screening methods and nonexistence of screening programs. To determine the level of awareness regarding breast cancer. To evaluate health beliefs concerning the model that promotes breast self- examination and mammography.Methods: Cross sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months in tertiary care hospital. Study population was 200 women between the ages of 40 and 65 years. Data was collected by structured questionnaire. Champion Health Belief Susceptibility Model was applied.Results: 75.5% women did not have adequate knowledge about breast cancer. 80% had no concept of BSE and 90 % were never heard of mammography. 4.5% had mammography in last one year. Insufficient knowledge about breast cancer was 1.55 times higher in who had no breast cancer in family, 1.76 times higher in women who never practiced BSE. Significant positive co relations were found between the knowledge of breast cancer and Susceptibility, Seriousness, Breast self-Examination Benefit, Breast self-Examination Barrier, Health Motivation. Age and breast cancer in the family variables significantly associated with BSE practice.Conclusions: Lack of knowledge amongst general public, influences prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. Spreading awareness regarding breast cancer by educational programs through mass media is the need of the hour. By using CHBMS health care provider can understand beliefs that influence women BSE and mammography practice

Comparative Study on Nutrition Knowledge and Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Athletes and Fitness Practitioners

Background: The use of dietary supplements, in the form of protein powders, branched chain amino-aids, multi-vitamins and minerals is widespread in the field of nutrition, fitness and aesthetics to boost nutrition levels, enhance athletic performance or assist in weight loss. The present survey was carried out to study the nutritional knowledge and consumption of dietary supplements among athletes and gym-goers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among athletes and gym-goers (n=100) selected from various gym and stadium in the city of Mysore using semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Results: The knowledge and consumption of dietary supplements was higher among gym-goers when compared to that of athletes. Majority (52%) of the gym-goers consumed supplements which included Whey protein in powder form (80%) from past one year. The side effects of supplement consumption was observed among 9.5% athletes. Conclusion: The use of supplements among gym goers was very high which can further lead to health illness eventually. Therefore, this study recommends that users should be sensitized on the importance, protective measures and side effects of using excess nutritional supplements without the consultations of nutritionists/dietetians

Comparison of neonatal outcome parameters between thick and thin meconium stained liquor: a prospective study

Background: Meconium stained liquor is a commonly observed phenomenon in the day-to-day obstetric practice, the incidence being 12-22%. Meconium stained liquor can be considered as a normal physiological event in a term fetus in the absence of fetal heart rate abnormalities. It has greater significance as one of the parameters of fetal distress, when associated with abnormal fetal heart rate pattern. The aim of the present study was to study the association of, fetal heart rate abnormalities, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome with different grades of meconium stained liquor.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in one hundred and fifty cases of meconium stained liquor beyond 37 weeks gestation admitted to the labor room in a tertiary care Centre. Depending on the consistency of meconium, the patients were divided into two groups namely, Thick meconium stained liquor (group K) and Thin meconium stained liquor (group N). Maternal conditions, Intrapartum fetal heart rate pattern, Apgar scores and neonatal morbidities were studied in relation to the grade of meconium. The proportions between the two groups were compared using chi-square test and Fisher’s exact t-test.Results: The incidence of post term pregnancy (p=0.004), unbooked (p=0.007) status and oligohydramnios (p=0.01) were significantly higher among group K when compared to group N. Non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern (p=0.002) and Apgar score ≤7 (p=0.02) were significantly higher in group K. In group K, non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and reduced beat to beat variability were significantly associated with low Apgar score (p=0.01).Conclusions: Neonatal outcomes like low Apgar score, meconium aspiration syndrome are strongly associated with thick meconium stained liquor. Visual grading of liquor into thick and thin meconium stained may help in timely obstetric intervention leading to a better neonatal outcome

Assessment on awareness of rational prescribing practices among medical interns in a tertiary care hospital: a questionnaire based study

Background: Awareness about rational use of Medicines is required to improve the quality of health care system. Attitude towards rational drug use is also an utmost importance as they constitute the future generation doctors.Methods: A set of 13 questionnaire is given to the interns through an online link to their e-mail which contains informed consent and questionnaires. Respondents has to select the best suitable option and after which the data will be compiled and statistically analyzed.Results: Age of the study participants range from 22-26yrs. Half of them have finished major postings. Almost 96.1 % of them were aware of the term essential drugs. Only 25% of them said that they have NLEMI at work place, 75% of them were aware of the term Rational use of Medicines. Only 32% of them were aware of the term P drugs. 44% of them were aware of STEP criteria for selection of drug and 47% of them were aware of the updated prescribing format. 8% knew the difference between old and new prescription format, 25% of them always prescribe. Almost 82% of them narrate regarding the disease and drug therapy, 31% of them prescribe only generic name.Conclusions: Educational intervention like CME and practical hands on training in Rational use of Medicines would help them in better understanding of the subject and its clinical implications thereby decreasing the prescribing errors

Crown dilacerations - Two case reports

Crown dilaceration is a relatively abnormal clinical finding when compared to root dilacerations. The incidence of crown dilacerations is stated to be as low as 3%. This report presents two cases of crown dilacerations in two different locations. A brief review of the literature pertinent to the condition, and the clinical and radiological features of this rarer entity are discussed

Eye of horus – Erratum revealed a prescription survey

Background: The aim of this study was to survey the quality and the content of prescription of practitioners and also assess the legibility of alphabet, and short form of the drug.Methods: A survey of all prescription received by the patients that were written by general practitioners, consulting physicians and dentists in and around Virajpet and Madikeri (south Coorg) was included.The prescriptions were photocopied and returned back to the patients. The prescription was scored and analyzed by a qualified medical investigator.Results: A total of 171 prescription samples were collected. In most prescriptions, one or more aspects of patient’s personal details were missing. Concerned doctor’s details also lacked in most cases. 40.3% of the prescriptions were obtained wherein short form of the drug was used for prescribing drug. Legibility of alphabet was also evaluated and the most confusing letter noted in our study was letter “C”; followed by A, T, S, O, G, and D in this study the letter Rx was written in 7% of the prescription and in 19% prescription it was replaced by word “Adv” and 74% of prescription without symbol of Rx.Conclusions: The present data shows most prescriptions in the study was inadequate and important details were lacking, legibility of prescription was poor in rating