Browsing by Author "Bhattacharya, S"
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Publication Can homemade alcohol (raksi) be useful for preserving dead bodies? An experiment on wistar albino rats(Kathmandu University, 2007) Dhungel, S; Maskey, D; Jha, CB; Bhattacharya, S; Paudel, BH; Shrestha, RNIntroduction: Embalming is the through disinfection and art of preserving bodies after death using chemical substances. It keeps a body life like in appearance during the time it lies in a state prior to funeral. Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of Raksi in sacrificed rats in arresting postmortem changes and establishing scientific fact whether Raksi can be an alternative to standard embalming constituent if it is not available. Material and methods: 50 albino rats were systematically randomized into control and experiment groups. Raksi and distilled water were injected for embalming purpose intraventricularly in experiment and control groups of rats respectively and kept for 48 to 96 hours for observation for postmortem changes. Result: Observations made at 48 and 72 hours of embalming revealed that Raksi can arrest postmortem changes in the rats up to 72 hours (3 rd day) successfully in the experimental group whereas moderate to severe postmortem changes were seen in the control group. The experimental group showed mild degree of putrefactive changes, liberation of gases and liquefaction of tissues only at 96 hours (4th day) of embalming. Discussion: The Raksi used in this experiment contained 34% of alcohol, which was determined by an alcohol hydrometer. Experiment clearly demonstrated from its result that raksi can be utilised temporarily for embalming since it contains alcohol and has preservative, bactericidal and disinfectant properties. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that this knowledge if applied to dead human subjects, may preserve dead bodies temporarily allowing delayed funeral. Key words: Rat, Embalming, Homemade alcohol, Raksi, FuneralPublication Cytogenetic analysis of children with suspected genetic disorder(Kathmandu University, 2009) Shrestha, U; Bhattacharya, S; Bhatta, NK; Jha, CBAbstract Objectives: To analyze chromosomes in children with suspected genetic disorder and to categorize the chromosomal basis of genetic disorder Materials and methods: Thirty children were selected from the patients attending genetic clinic, Department of Pediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences presenting with dysmorphic feature, mental retardation, short stature, congenital malformations and ambiguous genitalia with age between 0-15 years. Cytogenetic analysis was carried using standard peripheral blood lymphocyte culture method and G-banding technique in Cytogenetic laboratory of Department of Anatomy, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Results: Chromosomal disorders were identified in 33.34% (10) of children. The most common chromosomal abnormality was Down syndrome (26.67%) followed by Turner syndrome (6.67%). Conclusion: The cytogenetic analysis of children with suspected chromosomal aberration is important to uncover the contribution of chromosomal disorder in genesis of dysmorphisms, mental retardation, short stature, sexual ambiguity and congenital malformation in children and prevent further potentially unpleasant investigation being undertaken. Key words: Chromosome, suspected genetic disorder, dysmorphic feature, mental retardation, short stature, congenital malformations, ambiguous genitaliaPublication Evaluation of risk factors, diagnosis and treatment in carcinoma breast - A retrospective study(Kathmandu University, 2006) Bhattacharya, S; Adhikary, SBackground: Breast cancer is becoming more common in societies that hitherto enjoyed a low incidence of the disease. In countries like Nepal, it is one of the common malignancies in females, and its incidence is increasing with changing lifestyles, demographic and socioeconomic profiles. Ignorance on the part of the patient, lack of screening programmes and diagnostic facilities combine to increase the morbidity and mortality. This study was done to determine the risk factors, assess common modes of presentation in breast malignancies, and to evaluate treatment modalities commonly employed to manage them. Methods: A retrospective analysis of new cases of carcinoma breast admitted to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences over a period of 5 years (April 2000 - February 2005) was carried out. A total of 75 cases were studied to collect data on risk factors, clinical profile and treatment. Old cases and those with inadequate documentation were excluded. Results: There were 70 females and 5 males; the mean age was 62.6 years in males and 45.7 years in females. The age at menarche ranged from 11-16 years, the mean being 13.47 years. Among the females, 45.71% were post- menopausal. History of breast carcinoma in first-degree relatives was present in 6.67% of the patients. The mean duration of symptoms before presentation was 13.6 months, most patients presenting with a painless lump. The majority of tumours were in the upper outer quadrant (36%), with 88% of patients presenting in Stage III and IV. Surgery was performed in 46 patients, 65.22% underwent Modified radical mastectomy, and chemotherapy was provided to 33 patients. Combination therapy was given to16 patients. Conclusion: Breast cancer occurred mostly in middle-aged, married, multiparous females, most of whom presented at an advanced stage. Modified radical mastectomy was the most commonly performed operation. Key words: Breast cancer, risk factors, treatmentPublication Seroprevalene of hepatitis B virus among Bhutanese refugees residing in Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2005) Shah, BK; Bhattacharya, S; Parija, SCThe carrier rate of HBsAg is about 6% in Bhutan and 1% in Nepal. Since outbreaks of viral hepatitis are also known, its high prevalence in a migrated community, if any, maybe a potential threat to the local people. The present study was conducted in Beldangi 2 Extension Camp, a Bhutanese refugee camp located in eastern Nepal to know the HBsAg carrier rate among the refugees. With the help of semi-structured questionnaires, 500 volunteers enrolled were interviewed for the risk factors for HBV transmission. Blood samples of 467 subjects were tested for HBsAg by an immunoassay based on immunochromatographic sandwich principle. Out of 467 samples 4 were positive for HBsAg a prevalence rate of 0.9%. HBsAg carrier rate was found to be low in Bhutanese refugees. From the questionnaires it was also found that they were not engaged in any practice that could increase the chances of HBV transmission. The study shows that the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal in this geographical area are not a threat to the local people as far as HBV transmission is concerned. Key words: HBV, Bhutanese refugees, Nepal