Strategies for Insect Management in Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis) Through Habitat Intervention

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Intercropping is one of the important components of habitat management based on the principle of reducing...     

Effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vascular resistance, blood pressure, and myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmias

In the present study, the effects of morphine and pethidine on coronary vessel resistance (CPP), blood pressure (BP), and experimental myocardial infarction-induced cardiac arrhythmia were investigated. Both morphine and pethidine induced a fall in CPP and BP and inhibited the cardiac arrhythmia. The morphine effects on CPP and BP were largely blocked by mepyramine. The effects of pethidine, on the other hand, were not blocked by mepyramine, propranolol, or atropine. An interesting dose dependent inhibition of cardiac arrhythmia was observed with pethidine.     

Ultrasonographic estimation of fetal gestational age by fetal kidney length

Introduction: Fetal kidney length vs biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) were comparatively evaluated and the role of fetal kidney length in estimating gestational age was determined in the second and third trimesters. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 199 women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies attending the outdoor patient department (OPD) for routine ultrasound fetal biometry. Fetal kidney length was measured biweekly, between 18 weeks and 38 weeks of gestation. Linear regression models for estimation of gestational age were derived from biometric indices (BPD and FL) and kidney length. Result: The earliest age at which fetal kidney could be seen sonographically was the 18th week of gestation with the mean kidney length of 12 ± 1.31 mm. The mean sonographic kidney length at the 38th week of gestation was 40.4 ± 1.71 mm, indicating that the mean fetal kidney length increases as pregnancy progresses from 18 weeks to 38 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: The best linear regression model for estimating fetal gestational age is femur length, kidney length, and biparietal diameter in that order, with standard error of ±3.85 days, ±8.04 days, and ±8.75 days, respectively.     

Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Organ Donation Among People Seeking Healthcare in Tertiary Care Centers of Coastal South India

Background:

Organ transplantation is the most preferred treatment modality for end-stage organ diseases. The need for the transplants is higher than the availability. Prerequisites for the success of transplantation program include awareness and positive attitudes.

Aim:

To assess the perceptions and attitudes of the people seeking health care in tertiary care centers towards organ donation in Mangalore, India.

Settings and Design:

This cross-sectional study included 863 people seeking general healthcare as outpatients.

Materials and Methods:

Face to face interviews were carried out using pretested tools which included the socio demographic data. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 11.5.

Results:

Overall, 59.6% participants showed the willingness to donate organs. Females (64.1%) and participants from upper socio economic status (62.7%) had higher willingness rates for organ donations. Hindus (63.6%) and Christians (63.3%) had higher willingness rates for organ donations than Muslims (38.2%). Also, 23.7% participants showed willingness to donate eyes and 33.6% wished to donate any organ after death. Most of the participants (67%) were aware that money should not be accepted for donating organs, and 58.1% were aware that it is an offence to accept any benefit for organ donations. Forty percent participants had perceived risks associated with organ donation. Regarding donor cards, 42.3% of the participants knew about it and 3.7% already possessed it.

Conclusion:

It is apparent from the study that though there was high level of awareness about organ donation, a high proportion of the participants did not have positive attitudes towards organ donation.