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BackgroundIntrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) with streptokinase (STK), urokinase (UK), and alteplase remains a common practice for managing loculated pleural effusions (LPEs). However, very limited data are available on the comparative efficacy of these agents. MethodologyWe compared the efficacy and safety of intrapleural streptokinase (n = 28) and urokinase (n = 38) in 66 patients with loculated effusions. IPFT was initiated if effusion remained undrained despite the placement of intercostal chest drainage or pigtail catheter. The dose of STK and UK were 250,000 IU twice daily and 100,000 IU once daily, respectively. The volume of fluid drained after IPFT, radiologic response, clinical response, and adverse events were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe mean volume of fluid drained post-IPFT was 1,379 mL in the STK arm and 1,110 mL in the UK arm (p = 0.251). Of the 66 patients, 53 (80.3%) had good clinical response, and 28 (43.7%) had >75% resolution of effusion on chest radiographs. The clinical (79% vs. 82%; p = 0.765) and radiologic response rates (39.3% vs. 44.6%; p = 0.568) were similar in both STK and UK arms. Pain was the most common adverse event in both groups. Significantly more patients in the STK arm developed fever (14% vs. 0%, p = 0.030). Treatmentlimiting adverse events occurred in five patients. ConclusionsIPFT is a safe and effective method for managing patients with LPEs. Although the clinical and radiologic response rates were similar with STK and UK, the latter may be the preferred choice because of its better safety profile and ease of administration (once-daily dose).

In developing countries like India, mobilization of rural saving is necessary for inclusive growth. This micro study, aims at ascertaining the significance of financial institutions in mobilizing financial saving of rural/ semi-urban households. It is based on the primary data collected from full scale sample survey conducted in five villages and two suburban areas of National Capital Region, India. A hierarchal regression carried out on this data identified that the membership of financial institutions, specifically that of banks, insurance and informal financial institutions explains significant proportion of the variation in the rural household financial saving.

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We have investigated the problem of underwater hazy image enhancement and restoration in this paper studied. Underwater image processing has several applications in the field of oceanic research work and scientific applications such as archaeology, geology, underwater environmental assessment, laying of long distance gas pipelines and communication links across the continents which demand geo-referential surveying of the oceanic bed and prospection of ancient shipwreck. There are many difficulties for undersea optical imaging. To submerging a camera in underwater enough space is required. The maneuvering of the camera with the help from remote place or in person at the site is likewise a complex task. However, the major challenge is imposed by underwater medium properties. Underwater haze image enhancement has gained widespread importance with the rapid development of modern imaging equipment. Though, the contrast enhancement of single underwater hazy image is a cumbersome task for scientific exploration and computational application. At extreme depth, because of attenuation in light propagation, the underwater images are susceptible to inferior visibility.

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