ISO 9000 Quality Management System – Its Awareness and Application to Improve Quality in Construction Industry in India

Source: ICHE Conference Archive - https://mdi-de.baw.de/icheArchiv

Changes in blood Cr level and its oxidative status among leather tannery workers of District Kanpur in North India

Chromium (Cr) sulfate is used in the tannery industry as a basic tanning agent. Workers are directly exposed to the Cr due to unawareness and no safety protocols. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress of Cr in tannery workers of District Kanpur in North India. Two groups of the population were for the study, Group I included 50 directly exposed people employed in tannery industries, whereas Group II included 50 healthy people with no previous exposure to Cr. The concentration of total Cr in blood samples was measured by Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Oxidative status was measured by antioxidant enzyme assays such as Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR). Statistical analysis observed a significant (p<0.001) increase of Cr concentration in Cr-exposed Group compared to controls which were not exposed to Cr. The level of CAT (9.73 ± 1.68 u/mg) was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Cr-exposed group as compared to control (6.00 ± 0.86 u/mg) while GPx (40.02 ± 5.43 u/mg) and GR (5.29 ± 1.59 u/gHg) concentration is significantly (p?0.001) lower in Cr-exposed group compared to control (59.71 ± 5.09 u/mg and 10.77 ± 2.32 u/g Hg, respectively. In Pearson correlation analysis, blood Cr level showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with oxidative status. In Pearson correlation analysis, blood Cr level showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the oxidative status of the exposed population. The outcome of this study may help the early detection of hazardous impact of Cr on tannery workers, which will be crucial for reducing health risk and exposure.

Axisymmetric multiphase lattice Boltzmann method

A lattice Boltzmann method for axisymmetric multiphase flows is presented and validated. The method is capable of accurately modeling flows with variable density. We develop the classic Shan-Chen multiphase model [ Phys. Rev. E 47 1815 (1993)] for axisymmetric flows. The model can be used to efficiently simulate single and multiphase flows. The convergence to the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations is demonstrated analytically by means of a Chapmann-Enskog expansion and numerically through several test cases. In particular, the model is benchmarked for its accuracy in reproducing the dynamics of the oscillations of an axially symmetric droplet and on the capillary breakup of a viscous liquid thread. Very good quantitative agreement between the numerical solutions and the analytical results is observed

Risk factors for low bone mass in healthy young adults from North India: studies on BMD and bone turnover markers

Background: Despite availability of adequate sunshine, Indian population has the highest prevalence of low bone mass and Bone Mineral Content (BMC). Risk factors for osteoporosis have been extensively studied in the west but poorly investigated in India. We studied BMD and Bone Turnover Markers (BTMs) among healthy young adults.Methods: Fifty one healthy young adults (28 Males, 23 Females) in the age group of 20-35 years were studied. Morphometric, biochemical parameters and BMD (whole body, spine, hip & wrist) were recorded. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, BMI and Waist/Hip Ratio (WHR). BTMs studied included - serum Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (sBAP), serum Collagen cross-linked C-Terminal telopeptide (sCTx), serum Osteocalcin (OC) and human intact parathyroid hormone (hPTH) using standard ELISA kits.Results: Of 51 healthy volunteers 21.57% had normal BMD, 13.73% were frankly osteoporotic and 64.70% were osteopenic. Age, weight and BMI were the best predictors of total BMD and BMC at all sites. sCTX positively correlated with Total Bone Area (TBA), BMD at Hip and Forearm. Using multiple regressions - age, weight, and BMI were significant predictors of BMD in young adults. Percentage body fat had inverse correlation with BMC, BMD and TBA. Weight and height positively correlated with BMD at femoral neck, inter-trochanter and Ward’s triangle. Body weight was best predictor of BMD at femoral neck, Ward’s triangle, forearm UD, forearm MID and forearm1/3.Conclusion: Majority of healthy young Indians have poor bone health as evidenced by bone markers.

Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digit

Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digitis a very rare benign lesion however it may be a cause of concern as it forms differential diagnosis to aggressive bone forming tumors like extraskeletal osteosarcoma. Till date only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We came across a case of  7yr old female presented with complains of  post traumatic progressively growing hard swelling present on the palmar surface of the hand at the hypothenar region for last 6 months. Investigations i.e. X-rays, MRI and CT scan were done along with other blood investigations to rule out other common diseases such as exostosis or myositis ossificance or extraskeletal osteosarcoma. Excisional biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digit.

Validation of Ponseti method for clubfoot deformity correction

Background: Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equino-Varus (CTEV) is a complex deformity of foot that is difficult to treat. The goal of treatment is to gain a functional, pain free, plantigrade foot, with good mobility and without callosities. Currently, the most accepted and popular method is the Ponseti method which allows correction of all components of CTEV by manipulation and serial casting without any major surgical intervention. This prospective study was done in a tertiary care centre to statistically assess the efficacy of Ponseti method.Methods: We treated 150 children (210 feet) with idiopathic clubfoot deformity, using Ponseti technique. The severity of foot deformities were assessed by Pirani scoring system and were also recorded clinically, radiologically and podographically. The changes in the mean Catterall-Pirani scores at different follow ups were evaluated statistically.Results: The mean number of casts that were applied to obtain correction was 7.86 (range 5 to 11 casts). Percutaneous tendoachilles tenotomy was done in 70% of feet. All children were given foot abduction orthosis after the correction. The results were graded according to Ponseti and Smoley criteria. Good results were obtained in 83% of feet, acceptable results in 7% of feet and poor results in 10% of cases. Statistically significant correction was achieved in manipulation and casting stage which was maintained during bracing phase. The recurrences of the deformity were primarily due to poor compliance in the use of orthosis in post correction phase.Conclusion: The Ponseti method of correction is a safe and effective treatment for congenital idiopathic clubfoot and radically decreases the need for extensive corrective surgery. Non-compliance with orthotics is the main factor causing relapse of the deformity.

Occurrence of psychiatric disorders in the patients of multi drug resistant tuberculosis under treatment

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is considered as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Even though fatality of TB is well known, treatment non-adherence is major barrier related to management of TB. Studies have shown that there is strong association between psychiatric disorders and treatment nonadherence to TB. Psychiatric issues present a challenge in the treatment of patients with multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Both baseline psychiatric disorders and development of psychiatric complications related to anti-tuberculosis drugs require aggressive management for better management of TB. The objective of the present endeavour was to study the occurrence of psychiatric complications in patients of MDR-TB during treatmentMethods: Patients of MDR-TB registered at PMDT centre situated at a tertiary level hospital were screened for psychiatric disorder by using GHQ-12 and assessment was done using structured clinical interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-1) research version. Diagnosis of psychiatric disorder was made on the basis of DSM-IV-TR.Results: Psychiatric disorders were already present in 8 (6.15%) patients before the start of MDR-TB treatment and development of psychiatric disorder in 12 (9.23%) patients after initiation of the treatment. Depressive disorder (n=9; 6.9%), anxiety disorder (n=5; 3.8%) and psychosis (n=4; 3.1%) were most frequent psychiatric disorders.Conclusions: GHQ-12 was found to be very useful screening instrument for detection of psychiatric disorders. The regimen IV anti tubercular drugs used for the treatment of MDR-TB drug resistant tuberculosis, significantly increases the risk of development of psychiatric disorders.

A study to know the prevalence of genital tuberculosis in female’s pulmonary tuberculosis patients and role of cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test in genital tuberculosis from North India

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most commonly, infects the lungs (pulmonary TB). Most cases of female genital TB (FGTB) are found in premenopausal women, theoretically because an atrophic endometrium provides a poor milieu for mycobacterial growth. Female genital TB generally occurs secondary to pulmonary (commonest) and more common in women with reproductive age group. The present study was designed to know the prevalence of genital tuberculosis in female’s pulmonary tuberculosis patients and role of cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) in genital tuberculosis.Methods: The patients of female’s pulmonary tuberculosis were picked up from out-patient and in patients’ section of the hospital at random. After ruling out pregnancy, the endometrial samples were collected from premenstrual endometrium (approximately 2-3 days before menstruation) and were subjected to histopathological examination and CBNAAT. Day 1 or 2 menstrual blood of unmarried females and patients not giving consent for biopsy were taken.Results: Seventy married and 20 unmarried patients of female pulmonary tuberculosis patients were evaluated for genital tuberculosis. The mean age of married population was 29±7.68 years. Cough with expectoration was most common respiratory symptoms and seen in 94% cases. In present study 89% cases were sputum positive and 11% were sputum negative. The percentage of non MDR and MDR TB cases were respectively 95.7 and 4.2% respectively. Among the gynecological symptom’s irregular menstruation, vaginal discharge and pelvic pain were present in 68, 60 and 52% of the study patients respectively. The diagnosis of FGTB by histopathology examination and CBNAAT were 28.6 and 17.1% respectively.Conclusions: In present study FGTB diagnosed by histopathology examination and CBNAAT were 28.6 and 17.1% respectively and which was statistically significant (c2=28.25 and p value=0.00001)

A study to know the various causes of pleural effusion and role of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase enzyme in tuberculous pleural effusion

Background: India has the maximum burden of both non MDR tuberculosis (TB) and Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) TB, as per data reported in Global TB Report 2018 and tuberculosis is remains one of the most common cause of pleural effusions.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Respiratory Diseases and a total of 110 patients with pleural effusion were included in the study, which were enrolled for treatment from July 2018 to June 2019.Results: One hundred and ten patients with pleural effusion were enrolled during the study period. There were 65 males (59%) and 45 (40.9%) females.  The overall mean age for males and females were 44.4±18.84 years (35-87 years) and 38.28±17.66 years (35-87 years) respectively. Tuberculous Pleural Effusion group (TPE) seen in 82 patients. Right sided pleural effusion (69.5 %) were more common than left sided (30.4 %). In TPE group the mean pleural fluid ADA level were 86.41±38.08 IU/L (range: 14-195 IU/L). The Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) group included 21 patients. In MPE group the mean pleural fluid ADA level were 34.10±32.88 IU/L (range: 8-144 IU/L). The difference in pleural fluid ADA levels between TPE and MPE group was statistically highly significant.Conclusions: Tuberculous pleural effusion was the most common cause of pleural effusion in present study and observed in 74.5% cases