Pazhamozhi Naanooru as a Guidance of Contemporary Administration

Our predecessors considered love and courage as eyes. They managed the familial and govermental administration with proper responsibility and guided their successors. Pazhamozhi naanooru by Mundrurai Arayanaar is one among pathinen keezhkanakkunool which depicts people's discipline and thoughts in first two lines and continued with its relevant realtime proverb in the following two lines. This work has followed the structural footsteps of sangam literary works such as aganaanooru, puranaanooru, natrinai naanooru. It was first published by Sodasavadhanam Subburaya Chettiyar and later many editions were flourished. Everyone values the work similar to that of Thirukkural and Naaladiyar. It projects the required strategies for better administration of a company. The significance of administration is to opt the person who is capable of efficient skills. Administrative skill is necessary to plan the distribution, contribution, time and labour for a work. It becomes a platform to expose one's talent. How to evaluate, plan, speaking ability, neglecting irresponsibility, avoiding flattery and executing the work are some of the significant ideas of Pazhamozhi Naanooru. The research paper projects the importance of administrative strategies through the work Pazhamozhi Naanooru

A STUDY ON VARIATIONS OF SALIVARY pH WITH INTAKE OF FOOD

ABSTRACTObjective: Study the changes in salivary pH before and after consumption of food in college students. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 students from Saveetha Dental College by checking the pH of their saliva using a pocket pH meter and thedata was entered and compared in SPSS software along with their diet.Results: The data showed significant change in the pH of saliva before and after food intake and consumption on certain food types leads to alkalinityof the oral cavity.Conclusion: This study helped in concluding the role of types of food in changing the pH of the oral cavity and thereby helps the need for properselection on food is necessary and importance of buffering action in pH maintenance.Keywords: Saliva, pH, foo

COSMETIC CONTAMINATION AWARENESS AMONG ADOLESCENT FEMALES

Objective: Cosmetics, in today's world, have become a part and parcel of every women's life. The majority of the women who use cosmetics are unaware of the fact that makeup can harbor a variety of infections if not used in the appropriate manner. The purpose of the study is to determine theawareness of cosmetic contamination among adolescent females and spread awareness regarding the different ways to prevent the harmful effectsthat these contaminated cosmetics can have on the health of the users.Methods: This is a survey-based study. This study was conducted by observing cosmetic usage practices of adolescent females through the medium of analyzing questionnaires. The data collected were compiled and analyzed statistically.Results: The responses of the participants reveal that there is a rapid increase in the awareness regarding cosmetic contamination among adolescent females. Out of the 100 adolescent females who completed the survey, 87% of the females are aware of the presence of lead, carcinogenic substances, and preservatives that can become toxic over a period of time, the rest 13% are unaware of the fact and the harmful effects these can cause if not handled properly.Conclusion: The results of the study show the increase in cosmetic usage patterns and cosmetic contamination awareness among the adolescentfemales in the past few decades.Keywords: Cosmetic contamination, Microbial, Contamination, Awareness, Adolescent females, Toxicity

A Study on Platelet Count-Splenic Diameter Ratio as a Non-Invasive Predictor of Oesophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cirrhosis is a common disease which has significant morbidity and it is one of the cause for premature mortality. The major complication of cirrhosis is portal hypertension which in turn leads to variceal bleeding which accounts for 35-40% mortality. In patients with chronic liver disease, endoscopic screening for esophageal varices (EV) is currently recommended in all patients at the time of diagnosis of cirrhosis. In order to improve the compliance of patients and to reduce the burden on physicians and hospitals, invasive procedures to diagnose the incidence of oesophageal varices need to be avoided and replaced with simple and easily available and reproducible investigation/screening. This study is done to analyse the predictive value in the diagnosis of Oesophageal varices in patient with Cirrhosis with a non-invasive parameter like Platelet count Splenic Diameter ratio. METHODS: The study included 75 patients admitted in Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai with Cirrhosis in the period between September 2013 to August 2014. Cirrhosis was diagnosed with the help of history, clinical examination and ultrasonogram. All 75 patients underwent Ultrasonogram (for splenic diameter) and platelet count was done. The following patients were included viz… 1. Age > 18 years/ Males. 2. Patients undergoing screening endoscopy for varices at the time of diagnosis of cirrhosis. 3. Known cirrhotic patients who have never undergone screening endoscopy for EV. Patients with 1. Active upper G.I.bleeding, 2. Previous history of endoscopic sclerosis / band ligation of EV, 3. Previous surgery for portal hypertension (stents), 4. Previous history of Beta Blocker treatment / prophylaxis, 5. Inabilty to abstain from alcoholism were excluded from the study. The data and variables collected from the patients were compiled and analysed with statistical methods (Chi square). RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Among the 75 patients, a total of 50 patients had esophageal varices on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Out of these, 48 patients had a platelet count/splenic diameter 909. A total of 54 patients in the study had a ratio of <909 in the study. Varices were absent in 4 of them. The mean platelet count spleen diameter ratio of patients with out varices was 961.98 and the mean platelet count spleen diameter ratio of patients with varices was 689.62. Hence, using a ratio of 909 as cutoff, 96% of patients with varices were detected (sensitivity-96% and specificity-90.48%). The P value <o.oo7 which is more significant than using a single parameter. The positive predictive value is 88% and the negative predictive value is 90.4%. CONCLUSION: Lower the platelet count spleen size ratio, higher the incidence of varices and higher the grades. This study conclude that presence of a lower PC/SD ratio determine the presence of varices and hence identify the subset of patients who require endoscopy for the prophylactic management of esophageal varices. Apart from being noninvasive, platelet count, spleen bipolar diameter and the PC/SD ratio is a relatively inexpensive test

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT AND FREE RADICALS SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF LEMONGRASS OIL AND LAVENDER OIL

ABSTRACTObjective: To compare the free-radical scavenging activity of lemongrass oil and lavender oil.Methods: Lemongrass oil and lavender oil were used to assess their antioxidant effect by in vitro methods such as phytochemical tests, nitric oxideradical scavenging activity, and estimation of total phenolic content (TPC).Results: The oils were studied for different phytoconstituents and show the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, quinones, cardiac glycosides,terpenoids, phenols, and steroids in both the oils. These constituents can be used in the treatment of diarrhea, hemorrhage, cardiac failure, bacterialand fungal infections, dermatoses, burns and swollen joints, etc. The TPC of the oils were measured, and results show their use in anticancer andantioxidant effect. The nitric oxide assay of two oils shows their scavenging activity and their use in controlling blood pressure, platelet functions, etc.Conclusion: Both the oils show great antioxidant effect. They can be used as a medicinal supplement due to its natural availability and its use in cancertreatment.Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, Lavandula angustifolia, Phytochemicals, Free radical scavengers, Antioxidants

A Randomized, Open Labelled, Single Centered Study of Metformin in Preventing Metabolic Syndrome Associated with Initiation of Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy in Adolescents and Young Adults

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a debilitating brain disorder characterized by a chronic remitting and relapsing course of psychosis that is superimposed on persistent "deficit" features such as negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Metformin is a member of biguanide class of oral hypoglycemic agents. It has been tried for the prevention of metabolic syndrome associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Metformin along with Risperidone to prevent antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome in first episode schizophrenia patients. METHODS: A randomized, open labelled, prospective study was conducted in the Department of psychiatry, Tirunelveli Medical College from March 2013 to February 2014. Around 96 patients with 18 to 40 years of age who have been diagnosed with first episode schizophrenia based on DSM - IV criteria and on treatment with T.Risperidone 2 mg twice a day for ≤ 2 months were enrolled for the study. They were randomized into 2 groups. Group1 patients were given T. Risperidone (2 mg twice daily, n=48) and group 2 Patients were given T.Metformin (500 mg twice daily, n=48) along with T.Risperidone for 6 months. The primary endpoint assessed was the proportion of patients developing metabolic syndrome at the end of 6 months in both the groups. The secondary end points were the changes in body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides from baseline to the end point and the proportion of patients progressing a stage higher from the baseline in terms of BMI at the end of 3 months. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both the groups (p>0.05) except that the patients in group II had higher BMI levels (p < 0.001) and larger waist circumference levels (p = 0.04). Of the 48 patients in group I, 10 patients developed metabolic syndrome and of the 48 patients in group II, only 1 patient developed metabolic syndrome. There was a significant reduction in BMI and waist circumference at the end of 3 months (p < 0.001) and at the end of 6 months (p < 0.001) when compared to baseline in group II individuals. There is significant reduction in FBS and Triglyceride levels at the end of 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001) in group II individuals. When compared to group I, significantly lesser proportion of patients in group II progressed to the next stage in terms of BMI, 3 months after treatment. There was significant statistical difference between both the groups (p<0.05) in terms of BMI, WC, FBS, triglycerides. The treatment emergent adverse effects with Metformin was generally mild and did not lead to any discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The use of Metformin along with Risperidone was safe and effective in the prevention of metabolic syndrome induced by atypical antipsychotics. This may have a good impact on the long term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of the schizophrenia patients

Stability Studies on certain Parenteral Ciprofloxacin Admixtures using Stability Indicating Assay

The physical and chemical stability of Ciprofloxacin I.V- Metronidazole I.V and Ciprofloxacin-Metronidazole I.V admixture were individually determined at 45oC, 25oC and 5oC. Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole were quantified by using a stability indicating first derivative UV spectrophotometric method (E.Vega et.al; 2001 The physical and chemical stability of Ciprofloxacin when admixed with Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) solution was determined at 45oC, 25oC and 5oC and quantified by using a stability indicating HPTLC method (Jan Krzek et.al; 2005) in addition to a microbiological assay using E.coli – NCIM 2911 as test organism. Decrease in drug concentration by more than 10% from initial concentration (0 time) was considered unstable (chemical instability). Change in pH by more than 1 unit was considered unstable (physical instability) (Narine Baririan et.al, 2003). The drug solution was clear and colorless, but the pH decreased with time, though not to the extent of being considered physically unstable. First derivative UV spectrophotometric analysis indicated that 2mg/ml concentration of Ciprofloxacin I.V when tested alone maintained adequate stability for 4 hours at 45oC, for 24 hours at 25oC and up to120 hours at 5oC. 5mg/ml concentration of Metronidazole alone maintained adequate stability for 6 hours at 45oC, for 24 hours at 25oC and up to 120 hours at 5oC and the I.V admixture of ciprofloxacin with metronidazole (1:2.5) was stable for less than 4 hours at 45oC, for 24 hours at 25oC and up to 120 hours at 5oC. HPTLC analysis indicated that 400μg/ml concentration of ciprofloxacin I.V in peritoneal dialysis solution maintained adequate stability for 4 hours at 45oC, for 24 hours at 25oC and up to 120 hours at 5oC. As per microbiological assay, Ciprofloxacin in peritoneal dialysis solution was stable up to the study period of 6 hours at all the three temperatures

ESTIMATION OF SERUM COPPER AND ZINC IN ANAEMIC PATIENTS

Objective: Estimation of serum zinc and copper levels in anemic patients.Methods: The study design included 30 subjects presenting to clinical laboratory, global hospitals. The subjects were divided into 2 groups. TheGroup 1 consists of 15 healthy individuals and Group 2 consists of 15 anemic patients.Results: The serum copper and zinc levels were evaluated in anemic patients. The serum copper and zinc were found to be significantly lower in  anemic patients when compared with normal individuals.Conclusion: Thus, the study concludes that the serum zinc and copper in anemic patients is significantly less when compared to the control individuals.Hence, it is important to add adequate amount of zinc and copper rich food in their diet to control the prevalence of anemia.Keywords: Anemia, Zinc, Copper, Hemoglobin

Crystal structure and docking studies of hexahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitriles

The crystal structures of two new isomorphous pyridine structures, 2-ethoxy-4-(2-flurophenyl)-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (Ia) and 2-methoxy-4-(4-isopropylphenyl)-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (Ib) were elucidated by single crystal X ray diffraction. Compound (Ia) C20H21FN2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/n with a = 7.0738 (3) Å, b = 17.3519(8) Å, c = 14.4239 (7) Å, b = 91.837 (2)° and Z = 4. The compound (Ib), C22H25N2O, crystallizes in the same crystal system as compound (Ib), space group P21/c with a = 9.7123(6) Å, b = 20.6046(9) Å, c = 10.4657(6) Å,  b = 117.208 (3)° and Z = 4. The central heterocyclic ring adopts a planar conformation and the cyclooctane ring adopts a twisted boat chair conformation in both (Ia) and (Ib).   The synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-tuberculosis activity and were used to identify lead structures through docking studies, by automated docking. This approach was used to determine the orientation of inhibitors bound in the active site with the enzyme N-acetyl-gamma-glutamyl-phosphate reductase that is involved in arginine biosynthesis in M. tuberculosis (MtbAGPR). Details of the preparation, crystal structure determination, intra and inter molecular interactions of the compounds and their docking studies are given

Pregnancy outcome among gestational diabetes mellitus patients in a tertiary care centre

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus poses numerous health problems for both mother and the fetus. Even though there are improved outcomes, complications of gestational diabetes still persists. Objectives of this study was to find out the maternal and perinatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: This study was done among pregnant women attending antenatal outpatient department at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam. oral glucose tolerance test was done at between 24 to 28 weeks and the values more than their cutoff was labelled as gestational diabetes and their outcome was measured as complications during antenatal period, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome in view of neonatal intensive care unit admissions due to hyperbilirubinemia and respiratory distress syndrome.Results: Out of 500 antenatal mothers 65 were found to have gestational diabetes which is approximately 13%. Obstetric outcomes were 10% of them developed pregnancy induced hypertension, 12% of them ended in preterm labour and polyhydramnios in 2%. Delivery by caesarean section and vaginal route is almost similar. Maximum number of neonatal intensive care admissions are due to hyperbilirubinemia followed by respiratory distress.Conclusions: Screening for gestational diabetes and adequate glycemic control is necessary in preventing short term and long-term complications