THE PROSPECTS OF GOVERNMENT SPONSORED SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN ENHANCING LIVELIHOOD AMONG TRIBAL WOMEN: SOME OBSERVATIONS

Skills development is a key for stimulating sustainable development process and can make a contribution for facilitating the transition from the informal to the formal economy. Skills development is also essential to address the opportunities and challenges so as to meet new demands of changing economies and new technologies in the context of globalization. Skills development for marginalized section makes inclusive progress of the society. The inclusive growth aims to ensure that high rates of economic growth translate into improved standards of living for all citizens; especially those belong to marginalized sections and those who face discrimination on basis of their gender. To achieve inclusive development, one has to understand the skills of individuals and encourage it. Through skills development, one can achieve empowerment. The skills development can provide employment opportunities which in turn provide economic independence. The employment opportunities can be in either public sector or private sector. Skills and knowledge are key drivers of macro-economic growth and socio-economic stability. This paper discusses the Skills development initiatives taken up by the government of India by examining its positive impact and further its importance in enhancing the livelihood options of tribal people with special reference to tribal women. The paper highlights the findings of several researchers who have asserted the need for skills development and entrepreneurial activities among tribal wome

3-Level Integrated Telemedicine Network for Improving Healthcare Access to Rural India

In a country like India, with its huge population, diverse landmass and where there is a shortage of qualified health workers and specialists in rural areas, telemedicine is going to be the most optimal solution to deliver expert advice from a central part to remotest corners of the country. In addition, as Indians spend most of their out-of-pocket health expenses on travel and accommodation in order to receive specialty treatments, Telemedicine will turn out to be the cheap and fast, as well as bridge the rural–urban health divides. With its huge strides in the medical field and expertise in ICT, India holds a great promise to become a leader in the field of telemedicine. There have been various efforts by disparate entities like ISRO, C-DAC, DRDO, and Apollo Hospitals and so on, which now needs a uniform, coordinated efforts and a larger participation from other players in the field of medicine and ICT. This paper proposes a 3-Level Integrated Telemedicine Network Infrastructure which would pave the way for an integrated telemedicine network in India

Evaluation of Thread Design of Conventional Implant and Indigenous Implant in Implant Retained Auricular Prosthesis: In Vitro Study

This study was done to evaluate the thread design of conventional implant and indigenous implant in implant retained auricular prosthesis- its implant thread shape, diameter and length on stress distribution using Finite element analysis. This study follows to determine the primary stability of the craniofacial auricular implant in the fresh goat maxilla using Resonancefrequency analysis method. Both the groups were loaded with a force of vertical load of 10N and a second moment of 100 Nmm applied in the centre of the cranial and caudal part in the temporal region independely and with two implants connected by gold casting bar. The results were analyzed and interpreted using ANSYS Software. The data’s was obtained, tabulated and statistical analysis was done. Within the limitations of this study, supports the following that FEA has been used extensively in the prediction of performance of craniofacial auricular implant systems. In the modeling, some assumptions greatly affect the predictive accuracy of the FEA model. These include assumptions involving model geometry, material properties, applied boundary conditions, and the bone-implant interface. To achieve more realistic models, advance 3D White light scanner can be used to model bone geometry in greater details. In addition, modeling of the bone-implant interface should incorporate the actual osseointegration contact area in cortical bone as well as 3-dimensional bone contact. Load transmission and resultant stress distribution at the bone-implant interface and with two implants connected by gold bar has been the subject of FEA studies. Factors that influence load transfer include the type of loading, implant and prosthesis material properties, implant length, implant diameter, implant thread shape and nature of the bone-implant interface. Of these biomechanical factors, implant length, diameter and shape can be modified easily in the implant design. In Finite element analysis, with the increase in craniofacial implant length in Group I and Group II from 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm with constant diameter 3.75mm for V-shape thread design and Buttress shape thread design implant, resulted in reduction in the stress for Buttress shape thread. There was no effect on diameter of the flange when the length of the craniofacial implant increased. When two implants connected by bar, the stress distribution is very minimal. By Resonance frequency analysis, in fresh goat skull, the readings were found to be statistically higher ISQ values in buttress-shape thread when compared to V-shape thread. RFA is related to the stability of the implant-bone interface. The time and bone quality interaction has significant influence on ISQ values. More studies are required about RFA in clinical case of craniofacial auricular implant systems. Future scope needs to be on research and development coupled with controlled, prospective clinical studies to guide the clinician in near future. This studies further needs to be studied clinically

A Study on Incidence and Serotyping of Dengue in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION : We stand on the brink of an era in which millions of people are likely to be safer from some of the most terrifying and maiming diseases. But, some new and previously unknown diseases continue to emerge, which are often labelled as ‘re-emerging diseases’. These, amount to a crisis that is a challenge for the public health system in many parts of the world. Viral haemorrhagic fevers are becoming increasingly common in the tropics and subtropics. Dengue fever is currently the most important arthropod borne viral disease because of its widespread distribution in more than 100 countries and its potential for extensive outbreaks of life-threatening disease. Two-fifths of world’s population or 2500 million people are now at risk for dengue and every year approximately 50 million new cases occur worldwide. Dengue virus was first isolated in India in the year 1945 and is endemic in both urban and semi-urban areas. Dengue fever has struck again in India and cases of dengue fever (DF)/dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) have been reported from various parts of the country During the last 4 decades. During the epidemics of dengue, attack rates among susceptibles are 40-90% and an estimated 5,00,000 cases of DHF require hospitalization each year, of whom a very large Proportion are children. Dengue virus, belonging to the genus Flavivirus and Family Flaviviridae, are mosquito borne viruses and the principal vector, Aedes aegypti is a day-biting mosquito of public importance that breeds in natural or artificial waters. Since the occurrence of dengue infections and complications like DHF and DSS are Increasing, this study was conducted to study the incidence of Dengue infections, to evaluate the seropositivity and to determine the serotype of dengue Virus in a tertiary care setup, thereby to create awareness about the preventive measures to be taken by the general public and the health care system, and to improve our infrastructure for diagnosing and treating dengue infections. AIMS OF THE STUDY : To study the incidence of dengue cases among patients with fever in a tertiary care hospital. To determine the seropositivity of Dengue cases. To categorise dengue cases as dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, according to WHO guidelines. To evaluate the proportion of primary and secondary dengue infections. To determine the serotype of dengue virus in dengue positive cases in the early febrile period. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Blood samples from 250 patients with clinical features suggestive of dengue, were included in this study. The samples were collected aseptically and serum was separated by centrifugation technique and stored at -70˚C. Inclusion Criteria : The clinical basis for diagnosing the patients as having dengue fever was based on standard criteria like presentation of febrile illness of 2-7 days duration, with features like headache, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, haemorrhagic manifestations and leucopenia. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with clinical evidence of urinary tract infection, pneumonia, abscess or any other apparent cause of fever were excluded. The proportional data of this cross-sectional study was tested using Pearson’s Chi-Square ( X2 )analysis test, Two sample binomial proportion test, Statistical analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences( SPSS) and Epi-Info softwares. The samples were subjected to PANBIO Rapid Duo Cassette method, IgMELISA & IgG ELISA at Institute of Microbiology, Madras Medical College & General Hospital, Chennai. Single-step nested RT- PCR was done for 28 samples at Christian Medical College, Vellore. CONCLUSION : • The incidence of dengue was 0.88% among patients attending the fever clinic and patients admitted with fever in Government General Hospital, Chennai. The seropositivity of dengue cases was 36%. • The dengue cases were classified according to WHO guidelines and were found to be 50% of Dengue fever cases, 42.22% of Dengue haemorrhagic fever cases and 7.7% of Dengue shock syndrome cases. The proportion of primary dengue infections (28.88%) to secondary infections (71.11%) was 1:2.5. The serotype of dengue virus isolated in the present study belonged to Dengue virus serotype-1. Serum samples should be collected at a very early period (1-3 days) within onset of fever to determine the dengue serotype by Single-Step Nested RT- PCR. Serological diagnosis should be done in all clinically suspected dengue cases for early initiation of treatment and thereby to minimize the mortality

Statistical Screening of Supplementary Nitrogen Source for Enhanced Production of L-Asparaginase by Aspergillus terreus 1782

In the present work, Latin Square Design (LSD) was applied to find the best supplementary nitrogen source for extracellular L-asparaginase production by Aspergillus terreus MTCC 1782 using corn flour as substrate in submerged fermentation. The independent effect of supplementary nitrogen source such as ammonium chloride, urea and sodium nitrate was studied on growth and production of L-asparaginase by A. terreus. Statistical significance of the nitrogen sources was studied by performing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and graphical ANOVA for LSD using Data plot software. It was found that there is no significant difference on growth due to the change in supplementary nitrogen source studied. Urea was identified as best supplementary nitrogen source with mean L-asparaginase production of 33.25 IU mL–1 and mean biomass production of 12.99 mg mL–1

STUDIES ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF SIX CULTIVARS OF PIPER BETLE LINN

Objective: To study the existence of difference or similarity on total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant properties among different cultivars of Piper betle L. Methods: The methanolic extracts of six different cultivars, i. e. Banarasi, Bangla, Calcutta, Kammar, Kumbakonam and Vellai were evaluated for total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), total flavonoid content (Aluminium chloride method), total antioxidants (Phospho-molybdenum method) and other antioxidant properties (TBA assay, Ferric thiocyanate assay, FRAP assay and ABTS assay). Results: Total phenolic content of the cultivars ranges from 12.5 to 13.9 mg TAE/g DW. Higher flavonoid content was observed in Kumbakonam (24.14 µg QE/g DW) while Bangla possessed the lowest (8.25 µg QE/g DW). The total antioxidants of Vellai accounted to 58.82 mg TAE/g DW while the lowest was recorded in Kumbakonam (39.34 mg TAE/g DW). Maximum % inhibition was observed in the cultivar Vellai for Ferric thiocyanate (FTC), Kumbakonam for Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Banarasi for Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). However, no significant difference was exhibited among the cultivars for ABTS assay. Conclusion: The study amply demonstrates the existence of difference in total phenolic content, total flavonoids and antioxidant property. Thus, proper selection of cultivar of Piper betle for specific use in the pharmaceutical industry is recommended

QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR THE PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS IN HERBAL MATERIALS FROM THE MARKETS OF CHENNAI, INDIA

Objective: To assess the quality of herbal materials for the presence of heavy metals. Methods: Herbal materials of around 49 samples from Chennai markets were procured and analysed for the presence of metals like Copper (Cu), Calcium (Ca), Cobalt (Co), Sodium (Na), Nickel (Ni), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) using AAS, Shimadzu, AA 7000, Japan. Results: The raw materials of the commercial herbal products were found to contain Manganese, Calcium and Magnesium at greater concentrations, when compared with the other elements analyzed. Conclusion: The presence of the metals analyzed were found to be within permissible limits in accordance to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and WHO standards. Although the study implies consumption of herbal materials are safe, periodical monitoring of the quality of the herbal materials is recommended

ANTIOXIDANT, FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY AND GC-MS STUDIES ON PEDILANTHUS TITHYMALOIDES (L.) POIT

Objective: To evaluate the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pedilanthus tithymaloides for total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant and free radical scavenging ability and detect the phytoconstituents using GC-MS. Methods: The total phenols were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Aluminium chloride method and Phosphomolybdenum method were used to quantify total flavonoid and total antioxidant contentrespectively. In addition to the above, Ferric thiocyanate assay, the thiobarbituric acid assay,Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay and ABTS assay were performed to know the antioxidant potency of the methanolic extract of leaves of Pedilanthus tithymaloides. The phytoconstituents was detected using GC-MS. Results: The leaves of Pedilanthus tithymaloides recorded a phenolic content of 10.98±0.08 mg TAE/g DW, flavonoid content of 11.49±0.15 µg QE/g DW and total antioxidant content of 6.64±0.05 mg TAE/g DW. The study also revealed significant free radical scavenging ability of the plant leaves as assessed by FTC, TBA, FRAP and ABTS assays. The structural elucidation by GC-MS analysis revealed five different compounds, includingthree esters, an amine and an alkaloid. Conclusion: The study proves the anticipative potential ability of Pedilanthus tithymaloides, suggesting its exploitation in pharmaceutical applications

A Study of the Electrocardiographic Changes in Normal Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT There are significant cardio respiratory changes in pregnancy and labour. ECG examination is not a routine during antenatal period. In this background, we tried to find out the incidence of any abnormal ECG findings during pregnancy. Two hundred pregnant women, aged 18 to 38, across all stages of gestation from 20 to 34 weeks from a single hospital were recruited for this study. Singleton pregnancies without any previous cardiac illness, hypertension or a metabolic illness possibly affecting ECG were taken for the study. The ECG was reported both by software and a physician well versed in reading ECGs. In case of any doubt, a second physician opinion was sought. Any abnormality was recorded. Parturients with doubtful ischemic change were subjected to Echo evaluation. The mean and standard deviation of the age of the patient is 24.19 ± 4.0 years with an average gestational age of 29.11 weeks. The incidence of abnormal ECG was 27%, the commonest change was short PR interval (13.5%) which can be taken as benign. The respective incidence of sinus tachycardia and WPW syndrome were 5 and 4.5%. Dextrocardia was observed in one patient and nonspecific ST-T changes were observed in three patients who were subjected to echocardiogram which established the diagnosis of dextrocardia and found normal in the other three patients. As the incidence of ECG changes are high (27%) with some specific changes prone for tachyarrhythmias, we conclude that ECG examination may be part of the investigation armentarium of parturients

Adeno-Associated Virus Toolkit to Target Diverse Brain Cells

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used gene delivery vehicles for neuroscience research. They have two engineerable features: the capsid (outer protein shell) and cargo (encapsulated genome). These features can be modified to enhance cell type or tissue tropism and control transgene expression, respectively. Several engineered AAV capsids with unique tropisms have been identified, including variants with enhanced central nervous system transduction, cell type specificity, and retrograde transport in neurons. Pairing these AAVs with modern gene regulatory elements and state-of-the-art reporter, sensor, and effector cargo enables highly specific transgene expression for anatomical and functional analyses of brain cells and circuits. Here, we discuss recent advances that provide a comprehensive (capsid and cargo) AAV toolkit for genetic access to molecularly defined brain cell types