A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING PRACTICES IN REPRODUCTIVE-AGE WOMEN.

Background Cervical cancer is still a major worldwide public health problem. Early identification can result in prompt interventions and lower death rates. The objective of the study was to find out what factors affect women of reproductive age's cervical cancer screening (CCS) habits. Methods The study included 260 volunteers in all, ages 15 to 49. A pre-tested structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic traits, knowledge, attitudes, invitations from healthcare providers, aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and CCS practices was used to gather data. To evaluate relationships between variables, descriptive statistics, adjusted odds ratios, and bivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Results The study showed that 72.5% of participants had heard of cervical cancer, with 58.1% correctly identifying its association with HPV. However, only 41.2% were aware of cervical cancer screening methods, though 76.9% expressed willingness to undergo screening if recommended. Approximately 54.6% received healthcare provider invitations for screening, among whom 68.3% underwent screening. Nearly half (48.5%) reported a history of STIs, with only 22.3% having undergone previous CCS. Barriers to screening included lack of awareness (38.1%) and fear of the procedure (29.5%). Conclusion Factors influencing CCS practices among reproductive-age women include awareness, healthcare provider invitation, and history of STIs. Healthcare provider invitation significantly influenced screening uptake, highlighting the importance of provider engagement in promoting screening services. Recommendations Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing awareness, addressing barriers, and increasing healthcare provider engagement to improve CCS uptake among reproductive-age women

Fabrication of Custom Made Ocular Prosthesis for Congenital Defect: A Case Report

Eyes are generally the first feature of the face to be noticed. An eye is an important feature of the facial expression, a vital organ and a symbol of beauty. Ocular prosthesis can be classified as stock shell eye, stock shell eye modified and custom-made prosthesis. A custom ocular prosthesis is a good treatment alternative when reconstruction of the defect by plastic surgery or the use of osseointegrated implants is not feasible or unaffordable. This case report highlights the same

Kinetics and equilibrium studies for methylene blue removal from simulated wastewater effluents using agricultural waste, Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Batch adsorption experiments have been carried out for the removal of cationic dye, methylene blue from aqueous solutions by using Parthenium hystrophorous L. as biosorbent. The effect of major variables such as pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time has been investigated for the sorption of methylene blue on the low cost adsorbent. Equilibrium data were fitted in Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models and their constants are determined. The data could best be explained by Freundlich isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity (qo) of 40.79mgg-1. Kinetic modeling for methylene blue adsorption is done using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It is found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model most appropriately described the adsorption kinetics. The result indicates that the weed biomass can effectively be used for methylene blue removal from simulated aqueous solutions

Food Nanotechnologies: Purchasing a Double Edge Sword

Rapid development of nanotechnology has revolutionsed various areas of conventional food science and food industry. The novel properties of nanoparticles (NPs) have led to increasing application of nanotechnology in food industry. Nanofood market have a variety of products like the creamy ice-cream, drinks with no fat, enhanced flavour with nutrients and better textured, coloured and fresh looking food. Continuous monitoring for food spoilage or contamination is possible too. Nanotechnology has transformed the food industries which claim health benefits along with better taste. With the increasing use of NPs especially in food products, where humans are in close contact of the engineered nanomaterials (NMs), it is important to ensure safety before use. Bio-nano interactions often result in novel reaction and formation of products leading to toxicity. NPs mediated toxicity mainly includes inflammation, oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Prolong use of these particles can cause detrimental effects on health. Presently, due to lack of appropriate guidelines and regulations for food nanotechnology there are uncertainties regarding risk identification. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the consequences of this technology in terms of general public and occupational health risks associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of NMs, before instigating the same in day to day use

Implications and Prevention of Noise Hazards on Board Ships

Seafarers are exposed to intense noise due to running of powerful gas turbines present in the engine room and in other compartments due to the operation of various sub systems that adversely affect their hearing acuity and proficiency. A large body of persons is employed in the Shipping industry and it is of paramount importance to preserve and promote health in the work place. Hence, this particular study was undertaken with a view to precisely quantify the noise levels associated with the operation of turbine engines and examine the impact of exposure on hearing sensitivity of the individuals. The preventive measures that can control the adverse effects like the use of ear defenders, and, supplementation of carbogen, a mixture of 5% CO2 and 95% O2 were examine

Kinetics and equilibrium studies for methylene blue removal from simulated wastewater effluents using agricultural waste, Parthenium hysterophorus L.

274-282Batch adsorption experiments have been carried out for the removal of cationic dye, methylene blue from aqueous solutions by using Parthenium hystrophorous L. as biosorbent. The effect of major variables such as pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time has been investigated for the sorption of methylene blue on the low cost adsorbent. Equilibrium data were fitted in Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models and their constants are determined. The data could best be explained by Freundlich isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity (qo) of 40.79mgg-1. Kinetic modeling for methylene blue adsorption is done using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It is found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model most appropriately described the adsorption kinetics. The result indicates that the weed biomass can effectively be used for methylene blue removal from simulated aqueous solutions

Biochemical Changes in Lowlanders on Descent to Plains after Prolonged Stay at High Altitude-A Cross-sectional Study

The biochemical changes taking place in human subjects following de-induction to plains from high altitude (5700-6100 m) after a prolonged slay of 9-13 months were investigated in 120 soldieri in four groups of 30 each on day 5, 30, 60 and 90 after their descent. One group of soldiers, who were never posted at high altitude served as control. Haemoglobin levels, which were initiall,v hiueh after 5 dnvs of de-induction droooed lo sienificantlv lower levels in the erouo . L ., " . studied on day 60 after de-induction. No clinically abnormal changes were noted in activities of serum enzymes, ie, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and y-glutamyl transpeptidase. Alanine aminotransferase activity was found significantly elevated in 5-day group (53.1 i0.24 IUII). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in 30-day group in comparison to groups studied on day 5,60 and 90 after de-induction from high altitude. Activity of glutathione S-transferase was more in groups studied on day 30 and 60 and may he in response to increased demand for detoxification of certain metabolites. Endogenous creatinine clearance was impaired with concomitant increase in serum creatinine levels. The creatinine clearance returned to normal only in group studied on day 90 after de-induction. Testosterone and estradiol levels were within normal physiological limits. However, there was increase in testosterone levels following ds- ~nductionR. esults of this cross-sectional study indicate that it takes 1-3 months after de-induction from high altitude for biochemical parameters to reach normal levels

Ethnobotanical Studies of Nubra Valley - A Cold Arid Zone of Himalaya

An attempt has been made to explore traditional medicinal knowledge of Nubra valley, the cold arid zone of Himalaya. Ethnobotanical information were gathered through several visits, group discussions and cross checked with local medicine men. The study identified 65 plant species belonging to 30 families have been used to cure various diseases and ailments. Maximum number of species was recorded to be used in kidney complaints (14 spp.), cold & cough (13 spp.) and fever (11 spp.). Leaves of 27 species; whole plant extract of 20 species and root/bulb of 19 species were mostly used. Juice, raw items, paste and decoction of plant species were the common method of usage. A large number of ethnic groups with varied culture inhabiting the remote and isolated valleys of Ladakh offer a great scope for ethnobotanical studies. Over exploitation of medicinal herbs can lead to the local extinction of the valuable herbs indicating an urgent need to draw up the necessary plans for medicinal plant utilization and conservation

Advances in Rapid Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests: A Review

The rise of antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem of the millennium. Clinical microbiology plays an important role in combating the problem by facilitating diagnostics and therapeutics thus managing infection in patients. Diagnostic failures are a major limiting factor during bacterial infection that causes inappropriate use of antibiotics, delay in start up of treatment and decrease in the survival rate during septic conditions. Thus rapid and reliable detection is highly relevant during such bacterial infections and also at the time of disease outbreak as many such pathogens can be used as biothreat agents or bioweapons affecting human health and posing risk to national security. This review highlights the importance of various methods for fast pathogen detection and antimicrobial susceptibility determination. These methods have the potential to provide very precise and rapid ways for bacterial screening and identifying the correct antibiotics to cure infectio

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacities and Total Polyphenols in Various Edible Parts of Capparis spinosa L. Collected from Trans-Himalayas

The phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenols in the methanolic extract of leaves, flower buds, roots and fruits of Capparis spinosa collected from trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh were assessed in an effort to corroborate its medicinal and culinary potential. Highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity were observed in the leaves and least in dried fruit samples, even FRAP assay also illustrated the same trend. IC50 values of DPPH assay was highly correlated with that of ABTS (R2=0.9084) and FRAP assay (R2=0.9771). However, IC50 value of ABTS was reasonably correlated with FRAP assay (R2=0.5838). The highest phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in the leaf samples (24.78 and 5.69 mg GAE/g DW respectively), whereas it was lowest in the dried fruit samples (4.07 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW and nil, respectively). The total phenolic contents were highly correlated with IC50 value of ABTS (R2=0.9084), DPPH (R2=0.9388) and FRAP value (R2=0.9618). But, total flavonoid contents were highly correlated with ABTS (R2=0.7449), DPPH (R2=0.8791) and FRAP values (R2=0.9588). Thus, this study has validated the medicinal potential of all the edible parts of the C. spinosa