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Chronic exposure to tobacco dust causes nasal inhalation and cutaneous absorption of tobacco alkaloids especially nicotine, therefore the considerable evidences showed that workers employed in bidi industries are at risk of cancer, lung diseases and other many health related common problems. Many references revealed that tobacco dust exposure induces mutations, damage to DNA etc. which are supposed to be the consequences of free radical generation. In present study attempt have been made to evaluate the status of oxidants and antioxidants and their relation with nicotine. 90 bidi workers were screened for serum lipid peroxide (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO*) as oxidant and erythrocytic-Superoxide Dismutase (RBC-SOD), Vitamin-C as antioxidant. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and urinary cotinine were also measured. These bidi workers were further divided in 3 groups, Group 1, 11 and III exposed to tobacco dust for about 10 to 14 yrs, 15 to 19 yrs and 20 to 24 yrs of exposure respectively. Highly significant excretion of Urinary cotinine was found in all groups of bidi workers as compared with control (p < 0.001). The levels of MDA, and NO* were found to be significantly elevated in all the three groups with progression of exposure, than the control (p < 0.001), where as the levels of RBC-SOD, Vitamin-C and TAC were significantly decreased in all the three groups as compared with controls (p < 0.001). From our findings it is evident that nicotine absorption might contribute to the disturbed oxidant and antioxidant balance leading to oxidative stress.

[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

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A community based, cross-sectional study, conducted in 1999 in a rural area of West Bengal, among 143 adolescent girls (10-19 years), selected through multistage sampling procedure revealed prevalence of acute and chronic morbidity as 30.8% and 7.7% respectively. 84.1% adolescent girls sought for treatment during acute morbidity from various sources; only 22.7% from Government health facilities. Non- availability of medicine (34%), long distance (24%) and poor quality of treatment (10%) were the main reasons for non-utilization of Government health facilities.

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Health and human rights are inextricably linked. Factors that violate human rights are likely to result in deprivation and ill-health. TB leads to disability and death thus negatively impacting human rights, more so in poor and marginalised groups. On the other hand DOTS strategy as exemplified by India's TB control programme serves to protect human rights by increasing political commitment, equitable access to quality services and enhancing accountability. By adequate treatment and cure of TB patient, it not only serves the individual but also community by preventing spread and emergence of resistance to available drugs.

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In the absence of valid hospital protocol for clinical departments of M.G.M. Medical College and L.S.K.Hospital, Kishanganj, as many as, 76.78% of patients was referred to biochemistry laboratory, in which disease was not present. Of 196 diseased (23.22% of total), male and female was respectively 44 and 152. There was no significant sex difference in positivity among patients referred for investigation. Hypothyroid was major diagnosis, yet hyperthyroid was noticeable.

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