Family-planning methods among the tribal population in south Gujarat: a case study of access and usage

The article explores knowledge and practices of family planning among the tribal population of south Gujarat, India. The authors examine the reasons for discontinuation and non-use of various modern contraceptive methods by tribals and draw contrasts with practices in the urban population. They consider the roles of women, family members, local leaders, and effective communication, along with NGOs and the private sector, and make recommendations for increasing access to and usage of various family-planning methods by the tribals.     

Detection of thyroglobulin in blood stains as an aid in the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxia

Mechanical forces applied to the neck region are known to release certain amounts of thyroglobulin into circulation. In this experiment, an attempt was made to detect thyroglobulin in bloodstains as an aid in the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxia. Experimental bloodstains containing thyroglobulin at concentrations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 mu g/mL were prepared on a sheet of filter paper. Small pieces of bloodstains, measuring approximately 2.4 cm2 in area, were extracted with 0.1 mL of distilled water and the extracts were tested against an antihuman thyroglobulin serum by precipitation-electrophoresis. Bloodstains containing more than 1 mu g/mL of thyroglobulin formed distinct precipitin lines for up to one month of storage, while bloodstains containing more than 5 mu g/mL of thyroglobulin formed distinct precipitin lines for up to three months of storage. The present results suggest that the bloodstains can be utilized in the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxia.     

Toxicological findings in a multi-drug death involving propoxyphene, caffeine, phenacetin, acetaminophen and salicylate

The toxicological findings of a multi-drug related fatal poisoning are described here. A 35-year-old Caucasian male found dead on the kitchen floor was a known user of abused drugs and had been taking aspirin alone or in combination with phenacetin and caffeine for the relief of joint pains. The gross examination of the organs at autopsy revealed slight grooving of the uncus and various stages of necrosis in the renal papillae. Histological examination confirmed the gross appearance of pulmonary congestion and edema, cerebral edema and interstitial nephritis of the tubules. Toxicological evaluation of the blood and urine samples disclosed the presence of propoxyphene (51 and 250 mg/l), salicylate (185 and 2750 mg/l), caffeine (16 and 37 mg/l), and phenacetin (9.6 and 20 mg/l). Furthermore, acetaminophen also was present in the plasma (54 mg/l) and urine. A gas liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis of phenacetin and caffeine utilizing a nitrogen phosphorus detector was proposed.