IRON STATUS OF WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE LIVING IN PEARL MILLET CONSUMING AREAS OF BANASKANTHA, GUJARAT

Anemia is a major health problem in India, especially among women and children (NFHS III, 2006).  The Indian Council of medical Research study reported the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 84.9% and in adolescent girls was 90.1% based on their study from 16 districts of India (Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 2006).   Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) (Bajra), grown extensively in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of the world, is one of the most important cereals for food security and consumed as a staple food for rural and tribal population dwelling in this area. Pearl millet has high amounts of iron (8mg/100g, NIN 2010) along with several other factors such as phytates, oxalates and polyphones, which may decrease the bio available iron. IFPRI (Pray and Nagarjan, 2009) has identified Banaskantha, district in Gujarat as one of the important pearl millet producing belts of India. The present study aimed to assess the background information, morbidity profile and dietary intake focusing on the pearl millet consumption of women residing in the pearl millet producing belts of Banaskantha and to assess the status and immunity profile from a subsample of this population

Application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to enhance anodic performance of an Enterobacter cloacae-based fuel cell

The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modification of anodes and the optimisation of relevant parameters thereof for application in an Enterobacter cloacae microbial fuel cell were examined. The H – type microbial fuel cells were used for the fundamental studies, with a carbon sheet as a control anode and platinum coated carbon sheets as the cathode. Anodes were correspondingly modified with MWCNTs dispersed in either 0.1% chitosan or 1% Nafion®. Maximum power output wasobserved four hours after inoculation of the anode chamber with the microorganism. A 252.6% increase in power output of the fuel cell was observed at an anode modified with 10 mg MWCNTs/ml dispersed in0.1% chitosan compared to unmodified anodes (13.8 ìW). MWCNTs dispersed in chitosan yielded nearly 50% greater power outputs than when dispersed in Nafion®; attributed to increased aggregation in the latter as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy imaging. When NafionTM 117 membrane was used as a proton exchanger it generally resulted in higher power outputs than the CMI 7000S membrane. These studies also showed that the time-consuming carboxylic acid functionalisation of MWCNT for such applications is not a necessary requirement for enhancing power outputs. The studies thus illustrate the utility of a MWCNT modified anode as a support matrix for E. cloacae in a microbial fuel cell and provide clarity on parameters which can be applied to other such studies in the emergingarea of nanostructured material utilisation in alternative energy generation

Phytotherapy for the treatment of Glioblastoma: a review

Background: Phytotherapy; the study of extracts of natural origin in the treatment of disease, has scarcely been applied in the management of GBM. A body of literature exists studying in-vitro, the use of natural extracts against GBM cells. Given persisting poor prognoses, we evaluated, through systematic literature-review the therapeutic potential of naturally sourced extracts in-vivo. Methods: Using OVID, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched with compound search term. Abstracts and full-texts were double-screened by independent reviewers. Results: Nine hundred and eighty-seven articles, excluding duplicated were screened, leading to the inclusion of 14. Amongst murine studies, Ashwagandha, Coptis Chinensis and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi in unprocessed forms, produced significant reductions in tumour volume. Amongst human studies, Perrilyl alcohol, derived from Lavender, reduced angiogenic cytokines in 31% of subjects, halted 6 month disease progression in 48.2% of subjects, and improved mean survival by 4.9 months in separate studies, respectively. Conclusion: Although cursory, current trends in literature demonstrate the value of inhaled Lavender extract in the treatment of GBM, offering tangible clinical benefit to patients receiving conventional treatments. Furthermore, the administration of 8, discrete extracts in mice to produce significant responses in survival and tumour volume, suggest there is further scope for study. Although additional safety tests are required, currently, phytotherapeutics are the crossover to clinical translation, and additional trials are warranted to expound upon thus far promising results

COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF TRANEXAMIC ACID 10 MG/KG AND 15 MG/KG IN REDUCING BLEEDING AND TRANSFUSIONS IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg in reducing bleeding and transfusions in total knee arthroplasty. Methods: After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, KMC, Mangaluru, 88 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria of this study undergoing total knee replacements were informed of the study details and consent was obtained for the same. They were randomized into two groups using computer-generated block randomization, i.e., Group A and Group B, and were administered tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg intravenously, respectively. Intraoperatively, hemodynamic parameters were noted. Postoperatively, hemoglobin levels were assessed on days 1 and 3. Transfusions, thromboembolic complications, and duration of hospital stay were noted. Results: Of the 88 participants of the trial, 44 in Groups A and B each, there were no significant differences in the parameters observed in this study such as intraoperative hemodynamic changes, post-operative fall in hemoglobin on day 3, number of patients requiring transfusions, number of thromboembolic events, and duration of hospital stay. A significant p-value was observed in the fall in hemoglobin in the post-operative day 3 (p=0.043). Conclusion: About 15 mg/kg tranexamic acid proved to have a lesser fall in hemoglobin on day 3 postoperatively when compared to the 10 mg/kg group. However, the fall of hemoglobin on day 3 was statistically significant and warranted a blood transfusion in two patients in the 10 mg/kg group but did not prolong their hospital stay

Covid 19, the Kerala experience: an observational, single centre retrospective study of outcome in covid positive pregnancies

Background: Covid 19 has spread across the world at an alarming rate. Approximately 4.05 million people have got infected worldwide resulting in around 279,000 deaths. Over 1 million people have recovered worldwide. Aim of this study was to determine whether course and severity of covid 19 is altered in pregnant women and whether covid 19 seemed to worsen the prognosis in pregnant women.Methods: Around 50 covid positive patients were admitted to this study hospital, a tertiary care referral hospital and medical college, between march and May 2020, 11 were pregnant. Authors collected their data retrospectively to understand the course of their disease till the period of recovery.Results: There were 6 patients above 31 weeks of whom one had elective repeat caesarean section, one had full term vaginal delivery, one is under follow up. Three patients had foetal distress necessitating emergency caesarean section. Of the remaining 5 patients with periods of gestation between 9-13 weeks, 1 of 24 weeks, 6 patients above 31 weeks, one had a miscarriage. Rest pregnancies are continuing and under follow up. 6 women had been symptomatic at admission, with mild symptoms of low-grade fever, sore throat and rhinitis. All were treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQs). Those with respiratory symptoms like cough were also treated with oseltamivir. In view of high prevalence of H1N1 in the region. None of the women developed severe disease. The disease did not appear to worsen prognosis in pregnant women. The rate of recovery in pregnant women was similar to that seen in non-pregnant women and also men under the age of 40 years admitted in this study hospital.Conclusions: Covid 19 did not seem to worsen the prognosis in pregnant individuals when compared to rest of the population. The foetal outcomes also seemed favorable. However larger studies are required before concrete guidelines could be formulated for management of the disease in pregnancy

COVID-19 symptoms-does pregnancy alter the course of the disease

Background: COVID-19 or corona virus 2 is a widespread pandemic taking a huge toll on the world population.it has a varied presentation in different age groups. Similarly, it has a poorer outcome in the elderly with various comorbidities and those who are immunocompromised. Though pregnancy is a relatively immunocompromised state studies have found that pregnant women have a less severe presentation. We have tried to assess this aspect of COVID-19 in pregnant women.Methods: We evaluated the records of 158 pregnant women who presented to our hospital from April 2020 till September 2020.Their symptoms at presentation were evaluated. we also noted the outcome of these pregnancies.Results: 16% of these were more than 34 weeks of period of gestation. 65.19% presented without any symptoms. 15.19% presented with fever. 10.75% presented with cough. 8.22% presented with headache. 5.69% presented with sore throat alone. 3.16% presented with breathlessness. 0.63% presented with anosmia alone, loss of taste, severe acute respiratory infection, vomiting, sore throat and breathlessness respectively. 54 patients delivered of which 7 delivered vaginally and there were 47 caesareans. Remaining patients after cure were discharged. There were 3 miscarriages. Two babies were found to be COVID-19 positive from nasopharyngeal swab taken on day 1, however this was a small number to indicate vertical transmission.Conclusion: Our study showed that a large proportion of pregnant patients presented without symptoms.it remains to be evaluated why this is so.it may provide us with clues on how to deal with disease in the general population

Virechana - A Case Study

Virechana Karma is one of the Shodhan Kriya described in Ayurveda. It is indicated when Pitta Dosha is vitiated in the body. Shitapitta or Koth is a disease condition which occurs on skin as swelling and itching. According to Modern science we can compare it with urticaria (hives) in which red, raised, itchy patches and skin rash are seen that are triggered by allergens. Ayurveda says that Virechana Karma gives relief in these symptoms without any complications. Therefore this line of treatment is selected in this patient

HIV and trans and non-binary people in the UK

Trans and non-binary people are key populations whose HIV prevention and treatment needs have been neglected. A 2013 meta-analysis of data from 39 studies conducted in 15 countries, reported a global HIV prevalence among trans women of nearly 20%, with trans women estimated to be 49 times more likely than other adults to be living with HIV. Moreover, mortality from HIV/AIDS among trans women in a large cohort study was just over 30 times that of age-matched population controls

Crossword puzzle: a tool for enhancing medical students' learning in microbiology and immunology

Background: Incorporation of active-learning methods into classroom allows students to be motivated and enhances their learning experience. Crossword puzzles are found to be an interesting educational tool for teaching medical students as it evokes interest, motivates, enhances their critical thinking, allows a better understanding of concepts, and helps in reinforcing the material acquired during lecture. Aims and Objectives of the research work was intended to implement and evaluate the use of crossword puzzle as a tool in effective learning of Microbiology and Immunology.Methods: Using free online resources, crossword puzzles were created and provided to the students during microbiology and immunology lectures. Students’ perceptions of the crossword puzzle activity were assessed through an 8-item questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The data was collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.Results: More than 85% of the students indicated that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning, oriented them to the important topics, and served as good tool in effective learning of microbiology and immunology.Conclusions: Students perceived that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning of microbiology and immunology. Use of crossword puzzles provides a simple, creative, and effective means to incorporate active learning of microbiology and immunology in the classroom