Short course chemotherapy in the treatment of brain tuberculoma - a controlled clinical trial

74 cases diagnosed to have brain tuberculoma on the basis of clinical and CT Scan criteria have been admitted to study in a 24 month period from October, 1986. These cases were randomly allocated to either Rif+INH+Pyrazinamide given daily or thrice weekly for 3 months followed by Rif and INH twice-weekly for a period of 6 months. therapy and The efficacy of short course chemothe serial CT Scan changes in relation to therapy are being evaluated in this prospective study. A biopsy is done after 2 months of treatment if the scan does not show 20% reduction in size of the mass

Optimal Siting and Sizing of Multiple DG Units for the Enhancement of Voltage Profile and Loss Minimization in Transmission Systems Using Nature Inspired Algorithms

Power grid becomes smarter nowadays along with technological development. The benefits of smart grid can be enhanced through the integration of renewable energy sources. In this paper, several studies have been made to reconfigure a conventional network into a smart grid. Amongst all the renewable sources, solar power takes the prominent position due to its availability in abundance. Proposed methodology presented in this paper is aimed at minimizing network power losses and at improving the voltage stability within the frame work of system operation and security constraints in a transmission system. Locations and capacities of DGs have a significant impact on the system losses in a transmission system. In this paper, combined nature inspired algorithms are presented for optimal location and sizing of DGs. This paper proposes a two-step optimization technique in order to integrate DG. In a first step, the best size of DG is determined through PSO metaheuristics and the results obtained through PSO is tested for reverse power flow by negative load approach to find possible bus locations. Then, optimal location is found by Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF) and weak (WK) bus methods and the results are compared. In a second step, optimal sizing of DGs is determined by PSO, GSA, and hybrid PSOGSA algorithms. Apart from optimal sizing and siting of DGs, different scenarios with number of DGs (3, 4, and 5) and PQ capacities of DGs (P alone, Q alone, and  P and Q both) are also analyzed and the results are analyzed in this paper. A detailed performance analysis is carried out on IEEE 30-bus system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology

A case of late generalised tuberculosis with normal chest radiograph

A case of Late Generalised Tuberculosis with extensive systemic involvement but normal chest radiograph is described

Costs to patients with tuberculosis treated under DOTS programme

Background: The economic burden of TB in India is enormous as TB perpetuates and exacerbates poverty. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) based on DOTS strategy is currently being implemented in India. The purpose of this study is to estimate the costs incurred by tuberculosis patients treated under RNTCP in a district in Tamilnadu where services are decentralized for diagnosis and treatment. Method: In all, 455 patients registered under RNTCP between June and December 2000, in Tiruvallur district were interviewed to collect the following information: Demographic, socio-economic characteristics of patients, expenditure incurred due to illness and effect of illness on employment. Based on the data collected, various costs (direct medical, nonmedical, indirect and total costs incurred on account of tuberculosis before and during treatment) were estimated. In addition Standard of Living Index (SLI) was calculated for patients. Results: Of 455 patients, 62% had low SLI. The median direct, indirect and total costs for 343 patients who successfully completed treatment were as follows: pre treatment direct costs were Rs 340, during treatment direct costs Rs 100; more than 50% of patients did not incur any indirect costs in both pre treatment and during treatment periods and overall total costs were Rs 1398. About 12% of patients lost more than 60 workdays and after completing treatment, 88% returned to work. Conclusion: For patients registered under RNTCP in Tiruvallur district in Tamilnadu, the findings that the total patient costs were Rs 1398/- and also the patients returned to work early establishes the economic benefits to patients treated under DOTS and lend support to rapid expansion of DOTS programme, particularly in low-income countries

Tuberculoma of brain-study of prospective clinical EEG, CT scan data of fifty two patients

52 patients with tuberculomas of brain above 12 years of age were studied during 1981 to 1988. These patients presented with focal or generalised seizures with or without focal neurological signs or raised ICT and had an abnormal EEG which correlated with the site of lesion in the CT Scan. Follow up with serial CT Scans was at intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months. A minimum of 3 scans for each patient were available for analysis

Short-course chemotherapy in neuro-tuberculosis - Brief review of clinical trials undertaken at the Tuberculosis Research Centre, Madras

Tuberculosis of the nervous system can present as tuberculous meningitis, tuberculoma of brain, Potts paraplegia, tuberculosis of spine and rarely as arachnoiditis and vasculitis. Tuberculosis is conventionally treated for 12 to 18 months to ensure adequate cure, stabilise quiescence and prevent relapses. With the introduction of rifampicin and pyrazinamide it became feasible to shorten the duration of chemotherapy to 6 to 9 months. Many controlled clinical trials conducted all over the world have confirmed the success of this approach in pulmonary tuberculosis by evolving 100% effective SCC regimens 1-5. In a few studies especially tuberculous lymphadenitis, tuberculous abdomen and pericarditis SCC has also been used and found to be as effective as conventional regimens6,7. However, only recently has SCC been tried for neurotuberculosis. This presentation briefly highlights some of the chemotherapy trials conducted at the Tuberculosis Research Centre in some areas of CNS tuberculosis8-10. What is SCC? SCC refers to chemotherapeutic regimens containing powerful bactericidal drugs like INH, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamide, by the use of which the duration of treatment of TB is reduced from the conventional 12 to 18 months to 6 to 9 months

Exploring Academics’ Work-Life Balance and Stress Levels Using Flexible Working Arrangements

Flexible working arrangements (FWAs) provide academics a degree of freedom to control their working time, location and method. Academics need to be agile in managing their multiple work roles, but many universities are still not supportive. This research explores whether FWAs can affect academics’ work-life balance (WLB) and stress levels. Using a focus group discussion, eight academics were interviewed. Findings reveal that FWAs have a positive impact on WLB and reduce stress levels amongst Malaysian academics. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home (WFH) has become a new normal, paving the way for similar policies to be put in place. Keywords: Flexible working arrangements; academics; work-life balance; stress eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2497

What makes people feel safe? Public perceptions of street based safety

Topic: What makes people feel safe? Public perceptions of street-based safety. Overview This review of literature was commissioned to examine factors that influence public perceptions of street-based safety, especially at night and investigate possible pragmatic solutions that can be adopted by stakeholders like law enforcement, policy makers, etc. to enhance feelings of safety. Problem Feeling unsafe on streets and fear of crime can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increased carbon footprint, social isolation, reduced business, decreased use of public spaces, and negative perceptions of safety. This can lead to a cycle of fear and crime, straining community relationships. Solutions There is a need for a multifaceted approach to address safety concerns, including tackling social, economic, and environmental factors as well as engaging with local communities. On an immediate stakeholder level, practical solutions would involve improved lighting and design, increased monitoring, and enhanced community partnerships. 1. Lighting is essential for feelings of safety, particularly at night. Features of streetlights such as their distribution, illuminance levels, location, frequency, and type are found to make a difference in perceptions of safety. White light with uniform distribution that leaves no blind spots is found to be an optimal solution. 2. CCTV is a means of monitoring public spaces that is viewed by the public as effective in apprehending offenders, deterring offenders, and reducing fear of crime. However, there is a discrepancy between presence of CCTV and perception of safety, so raising awareness about CCTV to the public may help reduce this. Further the use of additional safety measures and live monitoring along with CCTV produce best result. 3. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies can help create public spaces that foster a sense of safety, by designing open spaces that are inclusive, gender sensitive, easy to monitor, with few hiding spots. 4. Community Oriented Policing (COP) and community involvement in policing and safety, as well as reassurance policing, awareness, and intervention programs like Smart serve, Ask for Angela, Street safe, etc. can enhance perceptions of safety while also developing confidence in policing. Value Perceptions of safety contribute to personal well-being and community health, it has economic implications, and is a matter of equity and social justice. Understanding and addressing perceptions of safety contributes to quality of life, creating safer, more inclusive, and vibrant public spaces that benefit communities and local businesses. Further For more detailed information on factors that influence public perceptions of street-based safety, refer to the comprehensive literature review

Identifying effective communication channels in a rural community: A field report from south India

Background: There is scarcity of information on communication channels in rural areas where about 38% of people are illiterate. Objective: To identify the channels of communication available in rural areas by interviewing key informants. Method: This study was conducted in 51 villages of Ellapuram block, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu in the year 2004. Key informants selected from the villages were interviewed by a Medical Social Worker. The questionnaire included information on modes of communication channels, availability of markets, public facilities, and local associations. Result: The study block included 9893 households covering a population of 39255. Their main occupation was agriculture (86%). Electricity was available in all the villages. More than 80% of the villagers had community TV/cable connections, >50% of the villages had cinema star fan associations, mahila mandals, youth clubs, self-help groups, anganwadi centres and ration shops. The main source of communication as per interview was television (100%), wallposters (55%); publicity through panchayat office meetings (53%) and dandora or beat of drums(43%). Conclusion: Main communication channels, commonly used to disseminate information were TV and wall posters. More than 50% of villages had local associations which can be used for effective communication. This information is vital for disseminating important information on public health programmes and educating the rural community

What makes people feel safe? Public perceptions of street-based safety

Overview This review of literature was commissioned to examine factors that influence public perceptions of street-based safety, especially at night and investigate possible pragmatic solutions that can be adopted by stakeholders like law enforcement, policy makers, etc. to enhance feelings of safety. Problem Feeling unsafe on streets and fear of crime can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increased carbon footprint, social isolation, reduced business, decreased use of public spaces, and negative perceptions of safety. This can lead to a cycle of fear and crime, straining community relationships. Solutions There is a need for a multifaceted approach to address safety concerns, including tackling social, economic, and environmental factors as well as engaging with local communities. On an immediate stakeholder level, practical solutions would involve improved lighting and design, increased monitoring, and enhanced community partnerships. 1. Lighting is essential for feelings of safety, particularly at night. Features of streetlights such as their distribution, illuminance levels, location, frequency, and type are found to make a difference in perceptions of safety. White light with uniform distribution that leaves no blind spots is found to be an optimal solution. 2. CCTV is a means of monitoring public spaces that is viewed by the public as effective in apprehending offenders, deterring offenders, and reducing fear of crime. However, there is a discrepancy between presence of CCTV and perception of safety, so raising awareness about CCTV to the public may help reduce this. Further the use of additional safety measures and live monitoring along with CCTV produce best result. 3. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies can help create public spaces that foster a sense of safety, by designing open spaces that are inclusive, gender sensitive, easy to monitor, with few hiding spots. 4. Community Oriented Policing (COP) and community involvement in policing and safety, as well as reassurance policing, awareness, and intervention programs like Smart serve, Ask for Angela, Street safe, etc. can enhance perceptions of safety while also developing confidence in policing. Value Perceptions of safety contribute to personal well-being and community health, it has economic implications, and is a matter of equity and social justice. Understanding and addressing perceptions of safety contributes to quality of life, creating safer, more inclusive, and vibrant public spaces that benefit communities and local businesses. Further For more detailed information on factors that influence public perceptions of street-based safety, refer to the comprehensive literature review