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The current study presents the laboratory investigation on the use of nano-silica (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.0%) and polypropylene fiber (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%) in problematic clayey soil to enhance the shear strength and compaction characteristics. From the Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, it is observed that the diameter of nano-particles used in this study was in the range of 10–20 nm. The nano-particles have a spherical shape and amorphous in nature. Extensive laboratory tests such as the standard Proctor compaction test and unconfined compressive strength test have been conducted on untreated and polypropylene fiber along with nano-silica treated clayey soil. The outcomes showed that the addition of polypropylene fiber in poor soil, increase the maximum dry density and reduce the optimum moisture content of the soil. Whereas, the addition of nano-silica to the clay soil results in reduced maximum dry density and increased optimum moisture content. Unconfined compressive strength of clay soil is increased with the addition of polypropylene fiber and nano-silica to the clay soil. The optimum dosage of polypropylene fiber and nano-silica added to the poor soil was 0.75% and 0.8%, respectively. The Young’s modulus of clay soil was increased with the addition of polypropylene fiber and nano-silica. The microscopic analysis confirmed that C–S–H gel was the main cementitious product, and the inclusion of nano-silica can contribute to a denser packing of soil particles.

Background: Stigma about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) may influence an individual’s decision to disclose information about his/her sexual behaviour to health care practitioners as well as to their sex partners. This leads to a continued transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and greater probability of adverse sequelae. Thus, care seeking interval may be regarded as an indirect measure of stigma associated with STI. The aim of this study is to assess healthcare-seeking behaviour of patients and the factors associated with its delay.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 1 year in STD OP of Government Stanley medical college, Chennai which included all symptomatic STD Patients who came to OP. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The statistical package SPSS (version 16) was used for analysis.Results: The study included 492 males and 517 females who presented with STD related symptoms. Nearly 54% of patients sought care after 7 days of onset of symptoms. In that 52% of patients reported their delay to be due to fear of disclosure about their symptoms, 19% had self treatment, 12% of them expected spontaneous resolution, 8% had lack of awareness about their symptoms and the remaining 9% reported various other causes.Conclusions: Fear of stigmatisation has a positive association with increased care seeking interval in STDs. Addressing concerns about stigma and educating the public about timely heath care could help reduce the complications of STDs among high risk adult population thereby improving the quality of patient’s life.

Background: Abuse of topical corticosteroids (TCs), especially over the face, is prevalent worldwide with India as no exception. Lack of adequate specialist services, the practice of self-medication and easy access over the counter (OTC) has resulted in widespread abuse. Aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of topical steroid abuse and its diverse cutaneous side effects in commercial sex workers.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among commercial sex workers (both females and transgender) attending the STI clinic in the study institution for 6 months. A semi-structured questionnaire was given and type of steroid cream used, frequency, duration, the reason for application and source of information for its use were recorded. Clinical patterns of side-effects were noted. Clinical photographs were taken. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, (SPSS 21.0).Results: Out of the total 180 commercial sex workers (CSWs), 80 were transgender and 100 were females. The most common steroid used was betamethasone valerate followed by the triple regimen containing mometasone. The reasons for TCs use were fairness (72%) followed by melasma (18%) and acne (10%). Side effects were seen in 77.5% of transgender and 66% of female CSWs. Common side effects noted were erythema (40%), acne (26%) and, pigmentation (18%).Conclusions: The main reason for TCs abuse in our country as a fairness agent is obsessiveness with fair skin colour. Various studies on TCs abuse were done in the general population but none of the studies focuses on a particular group as in this study.

Soil improvement method using enzymatic activity from bacteria Bacillus pasteurii that able to catalyse urea and calcium chloride enabling cementation solution has become an emerging approach to increase the shear strength of sand. The production of urease enzyme of B. pasteurii will be increased using specific medium. Determination of the volume of bacteria needed is based on the soil porosity is studied and analysed. The preliminary result of B. pasteurii that use specific medium could increase the urease enzyme activity and already verified using urease measurement kit. The treatment period required for the initiation of production of cementing material (calcite) has been reduced from one month to 3 days, while using this specific medium for enzyme urease production. This leads to the rapid filling of the soil pores that result in the hardening of soil. The bonding between the soil particles also increases that leads to increase in the density of soil. The final results of shear improvement are obtained by conducting Direct shear test and Unconfined compression test on sandy and silty soils respectively. Finally the cohesion between the soil particles was identified through the permeability test.

Background: Syphilis in pregnancy has its own significance with regards to the outcome of pregnancy. In the meanwhile, it also reflects the effectiveness of health system in the community.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care centre in Chennai between January 2014 and July 2015 to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women. A total of 4423 ANC mother attending the hospital were included in the study.Results: Of the 4423 cases studied, 7 cases were found to be positive for RPR accounting to the prevalence of 0.15%. One mother was symptomatic, presenting with condyloma lata. TPHA was positive in 2 cases (28.5%) Most common association was with HIV infection, 2/7 (28.5%). All the RPR positive patients were treated with tablet erythromycin 500 mg qid × 14 days. Epidose for the partner was given. The outcome was uneventful except for one. A single case of congenital syphilis was reported.Conclusions: Though the prevalence of RPR positive in routine screening is less, the outcome of single congenital syphilis is worrisome. To conclude, although the prevalence of syphilis (0.1%) is low, routine screening of asymptomatic ante natal women is recommended to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis & perinatal complications and it is always better to treat the ANC mothers with syphilis with Penicillin, preferably with a second dose also.