Reproductive health problems and their awareness among adolescent girls: a clinical study

Background: The adolescent girls constitute a heterogeneous group who are at risk of various reproductive and gynecological problems. A number of health schemes are already aimed at targeting the needs of this special population. This study was aimed at identifying the special needs of this population group in respect of medical and reproductive health so as to provide a feedback for ongoing health schemes.Methods: This study was a cross sectional analytical study conducted among adolescent girls attending various government and public schools in Lucknow city and adolescent girls presenting to Gynecology OPD of Queen Mary’s Hospital for various complaints in a span of one year from June 2007 to June 2008. After taking consent, the girls were subjected to a questionnaire consisting of epidemiological parameters and questions regarding menstruation, pregnancy, birth spacing, contraception, abortion, RTI/STD, sex education. This data was later analysed. Those presenting to the OPD of Queen Mary Hospital were subjected to further examination and tests depending on their complaints.Results: A total of 1127 adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 consented and were included in the study. Awareness regarding the contraceptive methods available was present in only 57.8%. 14% (164) girls were aware of reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. However, 61% (687) girls were aware about HIV/AIDS in particular. The mean age at menarche was 11.9±1.0 years. 21.5% had some menstrual problem. There were 34 cases of teenage pregnancy.Conclusions: Our study revealed substantial lacunae in the knowledge and attitude of young adolescent girls towards reproductive and sexual health. Despite various targeted health programs from the government, there is a still a need to further our efforts to improve access to health care and adopt methods to improve awareness regarding the health issues of adolescents

Social capital in large-scale projects and it's impact on Innovation: Social network analysis of Genome Canada (2000-2009)

The contemporary era is witnessing a systemic transition in the Canadian science and research paradigm. The research world is shrinking rapidly in response to modern technological developments, commercial and regulatory integration, faster communications and transportation and proactive science, technology and innovation policy. It is increasingly challenging to make competitive progress in world-class innovation or to gain global leadership in science. Big-science is now proposed as one of the means to realize national innovation goals and international competitiveness. As a result, government support for large-scale innovation projects has increased multifold. This dissertation examines a range of hypotheses large-scale research projects enhance investigator exchanges and generate social capital that has significant downstream benefits, which would provide a reason to support big science beyond the instrumental goals of the projects themselves. Taking Genome Canada as an example, this dissertation examines the production and role of social capital generated through large-scale research projects to assess the evidence base for funding big science research. A group of 139 investigators who raised capital in the Genome Canada Applied Bioproducts and Crops (ABC) Competition in 2009 are examined in the context of their engagements and networks in 2000-2009 in four relational arenas, namely their area of expertise, institutional connections, research grants, and co-publications. The investigation reveals three main findings. First, large-scale innovation projects as delivered through Genome Canada, comply with the fundamentals of contemporary innovation network theory. Second, the ties amongst investigators generate social capital, which offers positional advantage and differential superior access to networked resources. Third, the social capital generated in actor relations has pronounced long term impacts on downstream research success. Inter-disciplinary and cross-institutional large-scale research projects that have strong elements of knowledge production and financial exchange are found to assist the federal government in advancing research and innovation objectives. The results of the current investigation provide a strong rationale for the integration of people, disciplines, and institutions under the umbrella of large-scale genomics and proteomics research, and possible lessons for other research fields

Effect of paclobutrazol and benzyl adenine on oriental lily hybrids

Studies on the effect of growth regulators viz., Paclobutrazol and Benzyl Adenine (PBZ and BA, respectively) on Oriental Lily Hybrids, 'Star Gazer Pink' and 'Star Gazer White' in the second year were carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P). The effect of growth regulators applied in the first year, was studied on growth and flowering of Oriental lily hybrids in the second year. Plant height and number of leaves plant-1 were recorded maximum when PBZ 25 ppm was applied in the first year. Maximum plant height and number of leaves plant-1 were found in 'Star Gazer White' (84.46 cm; 35.04 cm). Bulbs of 'Star Gazer White' when dipped in PBZ 25 ppm for 12 h in the first year resulted in maximum plant height (102.50 cm) in the second year. Leaf area in the second year was recorded maximum in 'Star Gazer White' (34.40 cm2) when PBZ 50 ppm was applied as bulb dip in the first year. Flower buds were initiated earlier in 'Star Gazer White' (84.48 days) as compared to 'Star Gazer Pink' (85.90 days). Days to bud initiation were also recorded minimum (75.81 days) when PBZ 25 ppm was applied as pre-plant bulb dip. More number of flowers plant-1 was recorded in 'Star Gazer White' (5.42) which lasted longer on stems (16.77 days). Bulbs dipped in growth regulators in the first season produced maximum number of flowers plant-1 (5.72) and duration of flowering was also maximum (18.28 days)

Produção, estudo e caracterização de biocombustíveis a partir de macroalgas (Azolla pinnata)

The demands for energy and the scarcity in fossil fuel are constantly increasing. This has resulted in the search for sustainable, renewable, and low cost biofuel that has triggered the search for potential bioenergy crops. Aquatic plants that can grow rapidly with minimum resources and can produce biomass in bulk amounts are driving the attention of scientists and researchers throughout the world. The production of biofuels from such organic materials and waste components can result in developing of sustainable alternative that will not only be beneficial to the environment but also to public health. In this study, one such aquatic macro algae Azolla pinnata proved to be potential source for biofuel production. The evaluation of its growth was done and trans-esterification of Azolla pinnata lipid was carried out to produce biofuel. The species have a unique combination of physical, chemical and nutrients composition that makes it a boon to mankind. This macro algae was subjected to series of laboratory testing and evaluation for its characterization such as acid value test, trans-esterification, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) test, gas chromatography which showed the feasibility of algal based biofuel. The comparison of properties of extracted biofuel (physicochemical) from Azollla pinnta was done with standardized ASTM D6751 values. The outcome of produced biofuel was very close to conventional fuel.La demanda de energía y la escasez de combustibles fósiles aumentan constantemente. Esto resultó en la búsqueda de biocombustibles sostenibles, renovables y de bajo costo, lo que desencadenó la búsqueda de cultivos bioenergéticos potenciales. Las plantas acuáticas que pueden crecer rápidamente con recursos mínimos y pueden producir biomasa en grandes cantidades están atrayendo la atención de científicos e investigadores de todo el mundo. La producción de biocombustibles a partir de tales materiales orgánicos y componentes de desecho puede resultar en el desarrollo de alternativas sostenibles que serán beneficiosas no solo para el medio ambiente sino también para la salud pública. En este estudio, una de estas macroalgas acuáticas, Azolla pinnata, demostró ser una fuente potencial para la producción de biocombustibles. Se realizó la evaluación de su crecimiento y se realizó la transesterificación del lípido Azolla pinnata para la producción de biocombustible. Las especies tienen una combinación única de composición física, química y de nutrientes que las hace beneficiosas para la humanidad. Esta macroalga fue sometida a una serie de pruebas y evaluaciones de laboratorio para su caracterización, como prueba de índice de acidez, transesterificación, prueba de ésteres metílicos de ácidos grasos (FAMEs), cromatografía de gases que mostró la viabilidad del biocombustible a base de algas. La comparación de las propiedades del biocombustible extraído (físico-químico) de Azollla pinnta se realizó con valores estandarizados de la norma ASTM D6751. El resultado del biocombustible producido fue muy cercano al del combustible convencional.As demandas por energia e a escassez de combustível fóssil estão aumentando constantemente. Isso resultou na busca por biocombustíveis sustentáveis, renováveis e de baixo custo, o que desencadeou a busca por potenciais cultivos bioenergéticos. Plantas aquáticas que podem crescer rapidamente com recursos mínimos e podem produzir biomassa em grandes quantidades estão atraindo a atenção de cientistas e pesquisadores em todo o mundo. A produção de biocombustíveis a partir de tais materiais orgânicos e componentes de resíduos pode resultar no desenvolvimento de alternativas sustentáveis que serão benéficas não apenas para o meio ambiente, mas também para a saúde pública. Neste estudo, uma dessas macroalgas aquáticas Azolla pinnata provou ser uma fonte potencial para a produção de biocombustíveis. A avaliação de seu crescimento foi feita e a transesterificação do lipídio Azolla pinnata foi realizada para a produção de biocombustível. As espécies têm uma combinação única de composição física, química e de nutrientes que a torna um benefício para a humanidade. Esta macroalga foi submetida a uma série de testes laboratoriais e avaliações para sua caracterização, como teste de valor ácido, transesterificação, teste de ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos (FAMEs), cromatografia gasosa que mostrou a viabilidade de biocombustível à base de algas. A comparação das propriedades do biocombustível extraído (físico-químico) de Azollla pinnta foi feita com valores padronizados ASTM D6751. O resultado do biocombustível produzido foi muito próximo ao do combustível convencional

Gallbladder malignancy an old soul revisited-ultrasonography and contrast enhanced computed tomography evaluation in tertiary care center in South West Bihar

Background: Gallbladder (GB) malignancy is the commonest biliary tract carcinoma. It ranks fifth among the malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract and in all encompasses about 1-3% of all malignancies. Its peak occurrence is in the 5th decade or older with a female predilection. The most cases of GB malignancy are seen along the Ganga river delta region in India. The median survival rate in GB malignancy is approximately 6 months. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Narayan Medical College and Hospital Sasaram over a period of 12 months from August 2022 to September 2023. A total of 40 patients were included on the basis of signs and symptoms of gallbladder carcinoma and underwent USG and CT scan for preoperative radiological diagnosis, following operation all the resected specimens were sent for histopathological evaluation. The diagnostic accuracies of USG and CT scan were then compared against histopathological diagnosis by using Kappa statistics. Results: In the present study, the mean age of the patients was 60 (range: 40-80 years) with female preponderance. About 40% of the gall-bladder were contracted and reduced in size and 35% large and distended on USG examination, while 45% of the gall-bladder were contracted and reduced in size and 37.5% distended and large on CT examination. Approximately 37.5% had irregularly thickened wall and 25% diffusely thickened wall on USG and 25% of gallbladder wall were diffusely thickened and 45% irregularly thickened on CT scan. The present study showed hepatic parenchymal invasion to be 25% on USG and 37.5% on CT scan. The sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosing GB carcinoma were 94.2% and 71.4% respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in detecting GB carcinoma were 97.1% and 83.3% respectively. The test of agreement (Kappa test) revealed an almost 90% agreement between the two procedures meaning that the two diagnostic modalities are almost comparable in diagnosing gall bladder carcinoma. Conclusions: As the histopathological diagnosis of the present study correlated well with USG and CT scan findings in the diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma; it can be concluded that both USG and CT scan are useful imaging modalities for diagnosing this disease. However, CT scan is more sensitive and specific in predicting gall bladder carcinoma as compared to USG

Neuroprotective efficacy and therapeutic window of curcuma oil: in rat embolic stroke model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Among the naturally occurring compounds, turmeric from the dried rhizome of the plant <it>Curcuma longa </it>has long been used extensively as a condiment and a household remedy all over Southeast Asia. Turmeric contains essential oil, yellow pigments (curcuminoids), starch and oleoresin. The present study was designed for investigating the neuroprotective efficacy and the time window for effective therapeutic use of Curcuma oil (C. oil).</p> <p>Method</p> <p>In the present study, the effect of post ischemic treatment of C.oil after ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the rat was observed. C.oil (500 mg/kg body wt) was given 4 hrs post ischemia. The significant effect on lesion size as visualized by using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and neuroscore was still evident when treatment was started 4 hours after insult. Animals were assessed for behavioral deficit scores after 5 and 24 hours of ischemia. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed for evaluation of infarct and edema volumes and other parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>C.oil ameliorated the ischemia induced neurological functional deficits and the infarct and edema volumes measured after 5 and 24 hrs of ischemia. After 24 hrs, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of iNOS, cytochrome <it>c </it>and Bax/Bcl-2 were altered after the insult, and antagonized by treatment with C.oil. C.oil significantly reduced nitrosative stress, tended to correct the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and also affected caspase-3 activation finally apoptosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Here we demonstrated that iNOS-derived NO produced during ischemic injury was crucial for the up-regulation of ischemic injury targets. C.oil down-regulates these targets this coincided with an increased survival rate of neurons.</p

Comparative analysis of fibreoptic bronchoscope aided cytohistological techniques in diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of lung

Background: Morbidity and mortality from chronic lung diseases are increasing worldwide. A combination of various cytological and histopathological techniques are required for the high diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to evaluate and compare diagnostic accuracy of fiberoptic bronchoscope aided cytohistological techniques such as BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage), TBNA (Transbronchoscopic needle aspiration) and FB (forceps biopsy) in diseases of lung. Method: A prospective study conducted on 100 patients with symptoms and signs of various respiratory diseases who underwent fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Diagnostic accuracy of various samples alone and in combination were analysed. Results: Sensitivity of BAL-24%, TBNA 64% and FB 66%. Addition of BAL to FB increased the sensitivity to 69%. Addition of BAL to TBNA increased the sensitivity to 70%. Sensitivity of cytological methods (FB and TBNA) 90%. Addition of both BAL and TBNA to FB increased overall senstivity to 93%. FB the most specific amongst the three techniques with specificity of 94% followed by TBNA (59.4%) and BAL (50%). Conclusions: There are variable results regarding diagnostic yields and utilities of various fibre-optic bronchoscope aided cytohistological techniques but there combination adds the yields. Thus a combination of various cytohistological samples should be taken in a patient undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination to increase the diagnostic yield, to cut short the diagnostic time and early start of treatment

Habitat suitability modeling of Asian Elephant Elephas maximus (Mammalia: Proboscidea: Elephantidae) in Parsa National Park, Nepal and its buffer zone

Asian Elephants Elephas maximus in Nepal are known to have habitats and movement corridors in Parsa National Park (PNP) and its buffer zone (BZ), located east of Chitwan National Park. A study was conducted in this area to assess the suitability of PNP and BZ as elephant use areas, and to determine factors relevant to the presence of elephants in PNP. Field measurements were carried out in 67 plots for vegetation analysis. Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) analysis was used to examine the relationship of habitat suitability and variables including topography (slope, aspect, altitude), climate (precipitation, temperature), habitat preference, ground cover and crown cover. The results indicate that elephant habitat suitability is mainly determined by the dominant plant species, temperature, altitude, habitat preference and precipitation. Slope, ground cover, crown cover and substrate have lesser effects. Elephants were recorded up to 400m in the northeast and southeast aspects of the study area. Most suitable habitats were low slope forest dominated by Acacia catechu and Myrsine semicerate that received 300mm annual precipitation. The model emphasizes environmental suitability, and contributes to knowledge for conservation of elephants in PNP and BZ by delineating sites that require specific planning and management.Peer reviewe