The Spiritual Quest and Marginalization Based on Slum Novel

In abroad, blacks and whites are racially diverse. Although no one explicitly supports this, it is in the form of intrinsic fire. As far as India is concerned, although the distinctions of race, caste, class, language and religion are not admirable, it is a fiery fire and sometimes apparently shown. Today, Dalit literature in Tamil has established itself in the identity of a significant development. Since the outlook of Dalit literature written by Dalits has been broadened today, it is necessary to mention here the status of Dalit life in Telugu literature in terms of translated novels beyond the Tamil region. Thus, the Telugu novel 'Cheri' (Slum) written by Unnava Lakshminarayana has been translated into Tamil by MK Jagannath Raja. The article highlights the way Dalits are oppressed for being Dalits, even though they are spiritually and economically affluent in this novel

Evaluation of Accuracy of Casts Obtained from Various Implant Impression Techniques: An Invitro Study

A study has been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of casts obtained from open tray and closed tray impression techniques. To conduct this study a master model was constructed by placing two endosseous root form implants in lower premolar regions on either side (35 and 45). A bar was fabricated and laser welded for strain free seating of it on the master model. This was considered as the control. Test samples were grouped into two (Closed tray and Open tray) with 10 samples in each group. Impressions were made using addition polymerizing silicone - Express STD, Putty (Class 1) and Light body (Class 3), regular set, hydrophilic impression material, 3 M ESPE, U.S.A and casts poured with type IV - dental stone, high strength, low expansion die stone - kalrock. Then the samples were evaluated for accuracy using two different methods with electrical resistance strain gage (SYSCON) and coordinate measuring machine (TESA Microhite 3D). On analyzing the strain values from strain gage, the values obtained with direct transfer open tray impression technique is close to the master model. There is less strain on the bar on open tray impression casts compared with the bar on closed tray impression casts. The resulting values from coordinate measuring machine showed that the mean value for x – axis distance (in mm) of open tray technique 27.05 mm is closer to master model value of 27.21 mm. Hence the open tray technique has the least amount of distortion in x axis direction among the two techniques. The mean value of y axis values (in mm) of abutment at 35 position for open tray impression casts - 9.100 mm is close to the master model value of 9.115 mm. The mean value of y axis values (in mm) of abutment at 45 position for open tray impression casts - 8.79 mm is close to the master model value of 8.965 mm. Hence the open tray technique has the least amount of distortion in y axis direction among the two techniques. The mean value of angularity (in radians) of abutments in 35 position of open tray technique casts is 0.08298 which is close to the master model value of 0.08472. Similarly the mean value of angularity values (in radians) of abutments in 45 position open tray technique casts is 0.07452 and is close to the master model value of 0.07520. Among the impression techniques used for obtaining the casts from master model there is significant difference in values obtained on all the three axis analysed. Hence the direct transfer impression technique gives the high accuracy of transfer of implant positions from master model to the sample casts. CONCLUSION: From the foregoing study for evaluating the accuracy of casts obtained from various implant impression techniques following conclusions have been drawn. The open tray impression technique for transfer of 3 dimensional implant position from master model to specimen casts using direct impression coping for open tray internal hex is more accurate than the closed tray impression technique using direct impression coping for closed tray internal hex. The open tray impression technique showed better accuracy than the closed tray technique on all the three parameters evaluated (x – axis, y – axis and angularity). This clinically implies that, more the number of components used for the impression procedure, the more the chance for inaccuracy (error) getting incorporated. Hence a direct transfer impression technique with less number of components possible ensures the high accuracy of transfer of implant positions from master cast to the laboratory cast which implies the accurate transfer of implant location from the patient to the laboratory cast

A Study on Cerebrospinalfluid Adenosine Deaminase Levels as a Marker of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis affection of the central nervous system is seen in 1 % all cases of tuberculosis. It’s a major extra-pulmonary manifestation of Tuberculosis.CNS TB is a devastating disease and the yield of AFB staining, CSF culture for MTB is low. The CSF – ADA levels have been found to be a good indirect evidence to the presence of TBM. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted with the objective of (i) Evaluating the efficacy of CSF adenosine deaminase activity in diagnosing tuberculous meningitis. (ii) To find out a appropriate cut-off value for CSF ADA level for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis. METHODS: A total of 55 patients suffering from clinical features suggestive of sub-acute / chronic meningitis were included in this study and they were divided into TBM (43 patients) and non TBM group (12 patients) based on their CSF analysis , neuro – radiological imaging and response to treatment. The CSF – ADA level activity in both the groups was analysed. RESULTS: A Cut-off of 12 IU/L gives a sensitivity , specificity, positive predicitive value and a negative predictive value of 90.7 ,83.33 , 95.12 and 71.43 respectively. CONCLUSION: ADA at a cut-off of 12 IU/L can be a reliable and rapid indirect indicator of TBM

Prevalence of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in COPD and Its relation with Disease Severity

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airflow limitation and various pathological changes in the lungs. COPD also presents with significant extra-pulmonary effects and is associated with various important co morbidities that may contribute to disease severity. Chronic airflow limitation (CRL) is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to noxious particles or gases, particularly cigarette smoke. The main causes of morbidity and mortality among COPD patients are cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and smoking is the significant modifiable risk factor related to CVD. Among COPD patients, Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for approximately 50% of all hospitalizations and 20% of all deaths. However studies have suggested that regardless of smoking status, age or sex, a COPD diagnosis increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by approximately about two fold. Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD) is found to be a complication of COPD due to chronic hypoxia and as a consequence of inflammatory changes in the body. Even though Right Ventricular dysfunction is well studied in COPD patients, the presence of Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in COPD patients is associated with increase in disease severity and frequent hospital admission. Anthonisen et al. and Sin et al. have already assessed the association among COPD, CVD and increased serum concentrations of inflammatory markers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Inflammation is considered to be one of the systemic manifestations of COPD and provides an alternative hypothesis to explain the relationship between airflow limitation and cardiovascular risk. The current study is undertaken to analyse the prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction in COPD and its relation to disease severity. Also to check whether the elevated CRP correlates with the prevalence of LVDD and severity of COPD. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the prevalence of Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in COPD patients. 2. To assess the relationship between COPD severity according to GOLD criteria and grading of LVDD and its correlation with inflammatory marker C-Reactive Protein. METHODS: Setting: Department Of General Medicine, Govt Rajaji Hospital, Madurai Medical College, Madurai. Study Design: Prospective and observational study. This study will be conducted in 100 COPD patients. All patients are subjected to full medical history, basic blood investigations, CXR, Spiromerety, ECG, Creactive Protien, Echocardiography. They are classified into group 1 & group 2 according to GOLD criteria based on PFT. GROUP I - Mild & Moderate (GOLD CLASS 1 & 2) and Group II - Severe & very severe (GOLD CLASS 3 & 4) and study its associations with LVDD Grading based on echocardiography & its correlation with Serum CRP. SOURCE OF DATA: COPD patients attending / admitted in Thoracic Medicine & General Medicine OPD/ Wards during the period of March 2018 to August 2018 at Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Sample Size: 100 COPD Patients. Study Duration: 6 Months. Inclusion Criteria: One Hundred patients diagnosed as COPD as per GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) were included in the study population. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Diabetes Mellitus, Systemic Hypertension, Obesity based on BMI, Other chronic lung disease like asthma, ILD, PTB, Obstructive sleep apnea, Associated other known cardiac disease like CAD, Arrythmiyas, valvular or congenital Heart disease. METHOD OF COLLECTING DATA: COPD patients of varying age and sex were selected carefully using GOLD criteria. Their written consent was taken. The history was elicited. Age, height, weight were recorded. Thorough clinical examination were carried out. The performance of PFT were demonstrated. Patients were made to undergo pulmonary function tests using Medspiror, for 3 times at every 15 minutes interval and best of 3readings was taken. The Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at the end of one second (FEV1), FEV1/ FVC ratio & FEV1 Predicted were recorded. Patient belonging all stages of COPD as per GOLD guidelines were included for the study. Then they were subjected to Echocardiography and blood investigations. DATA COLLECTION: Relevant History & Clinical Examination, Age, sex, Height, Weight, BMI, Basic blood investigations, C-REACTIVE PROTIEN, Pulmonary Function Test by Spirometry, Saturated Hb with o2 by Pulse oximeter, ECG, Chest Xray PA View, Echocardiography. RESULTS: 100 COPD subjects admitted in the Govt. Rajaji Hospital were study for left ventricular dysfunction during March 2018 to August 2018. Age of the subjects varied from 18 to 65 years of age. Males were 78, Females were 22. COPD severity based on GOLD class as Mild – 13, Moderate - 25, Severe – 49 and Very severe - 13patients in the study. Prevalence of LVDD dysfunction in COPD subjects was 61% of study population with Normal being 39% of study population with GROUP 1 & GROUP 2 being 39.5% and 74.5% respectively, which was statistically significant. C–Reactive protein was positive in 35% of COPD patients in the study group, with Group 1 & Group 2 being 10.5% and 50% respectively, which was statistically significant. C–Reactive protein was positive in 26% Patients with grade 1 & 2 LVDD and 67% in Grade 3 & 4 LVDD, which was statistically significant. There was also prolonged hospital stay in patients with grade 3 and 4 left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Thus from the study, we came to know that as the COPD individuals progress in the airflow limitation from mild to moderate, severe & then to very severe COPD stages , they encounter higher prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with correlation of inflammatory marker which remarkably affects severity of disease and the quality of life of COPD individuals. Thus from the study, we came to know that as the COPD individuals progress in the airflow limitation from mild to moderate, severe & then to very severe COPD stages, they encounter higher prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with correlation of inflammatory marker which remarkably affects severity of disease and the quality of life of COPD individuals. CONCLUSION: COPD patients in their due course of the illness develop multiple systemic complications. LVDD is one among such systemic complications of COPD. As there is progressive airflow limitation, the severity of COPD progress which results in varied grades of LVDD. In conclusion there is a high prevalence of LVDD in COPD patients which is associated with increased disease severity according to GOLD classification and with the presence high levels of inflammatory markers (CRP), and it is important to exclude decompensated heart failure during COPD exacerbation. Hence COPD patients should be regularly monitored for abnormal LVDD & managed accordingly to improve their quality of life

Optimal Allocation of DSTATCOM in Distribution Network Using Whale Optimization Algorithm

This paper deals with a new approach implemented to decrease power losses and improve voltage profile in distribution networks using Distribution STATic COMpensator (DSTATCOM). DSTATCOM location can be determined by the voltage stability index (VSI) and sizing can be identified by nature inspired, recently developed whale optimization algorithm (WOA). To check efficacy, the proposed technique is tested on two standard buses: Indian rural electrification 28-bus and IEEE 69-bus distribution systems. Obtained results show that optimal allocation of DSTATCOM effectively reduces power losses and improves voltage profile

Study Of Mechanical Properties Of Aluminium Lm25 Using Stir Casting Method

The present study deals with the behaviour of aluminium hybrid alloy based composites, reinforced with fly ashnbsp particles and solid lubricants such as activated carbon .The first one of the composites consists of Al. with fly ash particlesnbsp and activated carbon. The other composite has Al with fly ash and solid lubricant: activated carbon at solid state. Both composites are fabricated through lsquoStir Casting Methodrsquo. Mechanical properties of the samples are measured by usual methods such as Hardness,Tensile .The tested samples are examined using Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) for the characterization of microstructure on the surface of composites. The Main Aim is to be results of the proposed Hybrid composites are compared with Al based metal matrix composites at corresponding values of test parameters

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

Mutation at the Human D1S80 Minisatellite Locus

Little is known about the general biology of minisatellites. The purpose of this study is to examine repeat mutations from the D1S80 minisatellite locus by sequence analysis to elucidate the mutational process at this locus. This is a highly polymorphic minisatellite locus, located in the subtelomeric region of chromosome 1. We have analyzed 90,000 human germline transmission events and found seven (7) mutations at this locus. The D1S80 alleles of the parentage trio, the child, mother, and the alleged father were sequenced and the origin of the mutation was determined. Using American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) guidelines, we found a male mutation rate of 1.04 × 10−4 and a female mutation rate of 5.18 × 10−5 with an overall mutation rate of approximately 7.77 × 10−5. Also, in this study, we found that the identified mutations are in close proximity to the center of the repeat array rather than at the ends of the repeat array. Several studies have examined the mutational mechanisms of the minisatellites according to infinite allele model (IAM) and the one-step stepwise mutation model (SMM). In this study, we found that this locus fits into the one-step mutation model (SMM) mechanism in six out of seven instances similar to STR loci

Optimal Allocation of DSTATCOM in Distribution Network Using Whale Optimization Algorithm

This paper deals with a new approach implemented to decrease power losses and improve voltage profile in distribution networks using Distribution STATic COMpensator (DSTATCOM). DSTATCOM location can be determined by the voltage stability index (VSI) and sizing can be identified by nature inspired, recently developed whale optimization algorithm (WOA). To check efficacy, the proposed technique is tested on two standard buses: Indian rural electrification 28-bus and IEEE 69-bus distribution systems. Obtained results show that optimal allocation of DSTATCOM effectively reduces power losses and improves voltage profile