Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in U.S. Older Women: Findings from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2003 & 2004

The purpose of this study was to examine racial and ethnic variations in the modifiable CVD risk factors in older women (65 years and older). The study data was drawn from the merged 2003 and 2004 national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Multinomial regression analyses for indicator outcome and multiple logistic regression analyses for binary outcomes were performed to determine the relationship between each of the six dependent variable and the independent variables. Compared to older white women, older black women had significantly higher odds of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. No significant association was found between Hispanics and hypertension. However Hispanics were found to be more likely to have diabetes and no leisure-time physical activity compared to whites. Hispanics were also found to have lower odds of smoking compared to whites. American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) s were found to have significantly higher odds of diabetes and obesity compared to whites. No significant association between AIANs and smoking was found. Overall, there are striking racial and ethnic differences in the CVD risk factors among older U.S women after controlling for socio-economic status. It is evident from these findings that in designing interventions to reduce cardiovascular risks for elderly women, clearly “one size does not fit all.” These findings highlight the need for development and implementation of appropriate public health programs aimed at these various target communities

Study of abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy in a tertiary centre in North Kerala

Background: Abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy require proper evaluation and diagnosis. The underlying disorder can have a significant effect on the outcome of both mother and fetus. The present study was done with the objective to study the clinical profile, incidence and possible causes of derangements of liver function tests.Methods: The pregnant women with abnormal liver function were studied prospectively. All the liver function tests values were studied along with other required tests to identify the cause. The fetal and maternal outcome were also noted.Results: The incidence of abnormal liver function tests was 6.7%. Among these 96% were due to pregnancy specific liver dysfunction mainly due to hypertensive disorders. The mean value of bilirubin was more in infective hepatitis. There were 4 cases of intra uterine deaths and no maternal death.Conclusions: Pregnancy specific disorders are the major cause of abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy especially in the third trimester

Seed yield and quality as affected by weed management practices in bitter gourd

Effect of weed management practices on seed yield and quality of bitter gourd var. Preethi wasstudied during 2016-17. The results showed that highest seed yield (0.73t/ha) was recorded inthe treatment Pendimethalin @0.75 a.i. /ha plus one hand weeding at 40 DAS followed bymulching using black polythene (0.65t/ha) which were on par. The lowest seed yield (0.18t/ha)was in weedy check. Weed control efficiency was highest (100%) in mulching with blackpolythene followed by application of pendimethalin +one hand weeding at 40DAS (97.97).Seed quality in terms of percentage germination (82.52) , vigour index I(1924.15) and Vigourindex II ( 27.24) were significantly superior in mulching with black polythene and was on parwith weed free check and application of Pendimenthalin + one hand weeding at 40 DAS.Highest seedling length (26.10cm) and seedling fresh weight (2.45g) were also recorded in thesame treatment. However, there was no significant difference between treatments for seedlingdry weight