A study of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in cases of ischemic stroke

Background: Measurement of Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) by carotid doppler is a non-invasive, safe and inexpensive investigation. CIMT may predict ischaemic stroke. However, the data about the usefulness of CIMT as a predictor in Indian scenario is relatively less. The primary objective of the present study was to determine utility of CIMT as a predictor of ischemic stroke.Methods: This study was a case control study carried out at a tertiary care institute. The study included fifty cases of ischaemic stroke. Fifty age and sex matched controls were selected who were not relatives of cases.Results: A detailed history of cases and controls was taken. They were subjected to routine investigations; blood sugars and lipid profile were sent.  CIMT was measured by doing carotid doppler study on both sided carotid arteries. The results were analysed.Conclusions: From this study, we concluded that there is increase in CIMT in patients of ischemic stroke. Age, gender and side of the vessel had no significant effect on CIMT. It was concluded that CIMT value has a direct correlation with ischemic stroke. Thus, Carotid intima media thickness can be used as a non-invasive predictor of future ischemic stroke incidence.</jats:p

Observations on the role of blue-green algae on rice yield compared with that of conventional fertilizers

This article does not have an abstract

Rôle of blue-green algae and different methods of partial soil sterilization on rice yield

Results of experiments during three consecutive seasons on the rôle of blue-green algae in combination with partial soil sterilization and chemical nutrients indicate high responses to algae inoculation and a fertility build-up of the soil. It is also seen that blue-green algae tend to produce better response in soils which are poor

Atypical mycobacterium infection of sternoclavicular joint: A unique case

We report a rare case of atypical Mycobacterium intracellulare infection encountered in a left sternoclavicular joint of an immunocompetent patient. The 34-year-old female patient presented with a one-year history of left sternoclavicular joint pain and swelling. The patient had multiple radiological investigations, which were suspicious for an infective cause. The patient had a biopsy of the joint, which returned showing acid-fast bacilli. The patient consequently received a prolonged course of medical treatment for M. intracellulare. </jats:p

Knowledge and attitude of married men towards vasectomy in an urban slum of Navi Mumbai

Background: India’s total fertility rate has been 2.2 in 2016, which is not far from replacement levels of 2.1. Tubectomy has been able to achieve this to a good extent, however vasectomy which is a far safer and effective method, isn’t still popular amongst men due to gender bias in our country. This study intends to understand the reasons for gap in the demand for vasectomy. The objective was to assess knowledge and attitude of married men towards vasectomy. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out amongst 121 married men selected by simple random sampling, in the age group of 21 to 50 years and who hadn’t undergone vasectomy. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge. Respondents’ attitude was measured on 4 point Likert’s scale. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 21. Results: 70.2% men were aware of vasectomy. Main sources of information were mass media (42.35%), family and friends (29.41%) and doctors (24.7%). 47.1% of respondents felt that men should not undergo vasectomy. The main reasons given for disapproval were “women are best suited for sterilization procedure” (68.42%), “Vasectomy can make men impotent”(14.03%), “Leads to general weakness and blood loss” (13.03%), “Can’t do heavy work” (11.5%) and “Fear of surgery”(5.7%). Only 16.5% men agreed that vasectomy is better than tubectomy. Conclusions: In our country there is a clear gender bias towards tubectomy as men are reluctant to undergo vasectomy. Thus there is an urgent need to intensify the behavioural change communication approach which will enable to improve knowledge and change men’s attitude towards vasectomy. </jats:p