bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-4284 inhibits colon cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition by down-regulating Perilipin 5
Authors: Miao Xiaofei , Li Zengyao , Zhang Ye , Wang Tong
Published: April 2021

Background: MicroRNA (miR) has been suggested in the development of several types of cancer; yet, the exact function of miR-4284 in colon cancer remains elusive.

Methods: MiR-4284 expression was assessed in normal colon cell line CCD-18Co, and HT-29 and SW480 cell lines representing human colon cancer. Potential target gene of miR-4284 was predicted using TargetScanHuman, and experimentally verified using luciferase report assay. Wound-healing, cell invasion and attachment were evaluated to determine the effect of miR-4284 on the migration, invasion, and metastatic properties of colon cancer cell lines. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic protein hallmarks, including N-cadherin, E-cadherin, as well as Vimentin, was also evaluated.

Results: MiR-4284 was significantly decreased in colon cancer cell lines, and Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) was found to be directly targeted by miR-4284. Ectopic expression of miR-4284 significantly reduced endogenous expression level of PLIN5 in colon cancer cell lines, suppressing migration, invasion, and metastatic phenotypes. In addition, re-introducing miR-4284 reversed the expression profile of EMT markers.

Conclusion: Our findings for the first time identify miR-4284 as an anti-tumor miRNA in colon cancer, which acts to reduce PLIN5 and inhibit EMT, leading to inhibited colon cancer tumorigenesis. These results highlight the potential of miR-4284 as a therapeutic target in metastatic colon cancer.
Attitude of Medical Students about Migrating Abroad: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Khan Khola Waheed , Nadeem Sadia , Ain Qurat ul , Muhammad Fatima , Zafar Tajalle , Nisa Mehr un
Published: April 2021

Objective: To determine attitude of undergraduate medical student's towards immigration, including preferred choice and reasons for immigration. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out on students of Wah Medical College, from January 2019 to June 2019. Materials and Methods: All students at medical college were included in the sampling frame. A sample of 300 students was taken by random sampling using random number generator. A questionnaire was formulated comprisingoftwoparts.Thefirstpartofquestionnairecomprisedofcloseended questionsabouttheageof students their gender, year of education, preferred choice for specialization, desire to migrate or not and preferred destination for migration The second part included reasons for migration and non-migration. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 21. Results: Almost half of the students (48.3%) showed intention towards migration. Those who wanted to migrate, United Kingdom was the top choice (27.9%). Better job opportunities, family reasons and medical facilities were the most common reasons for migration while intention to serve the country, family issues and lack of financial resources were the main reasons to stay in the country. Conclusion: Half of the students intend to migrate to other countries and favorite destination for work is United Kingdom.
Third wave of COVID-19 Epidemic in Pakistan
Authors: Mumtaz Sara , Gul Sana
Published: April 2021

Third wave of COVID-19 is thought to be intensifying in Pakistan in March 2021. It was confirmed by government officials that the spread was started from the areas where many Pakistanis from UK were residing. Genome sequencing of coronavirus by National Institute of Health, Pakistan revealed that it is UK strain that has started spreading in country.1,2 By March 25, 2021 confirmed cases of COVID were 640,988 with 37,985 active cases, 14,028 deaths and 588, 975 recoveries.3 An alarming situation is developing in the country again as mortality rate due to new strain in high.1 The situation of vaccination is not up to the need of country and Pakistani is lagging behind if we compare it with other countries like India.2 On February 1st, 2021 Pakistan received its first coronavirus vaccine made by Chinese company Sinopharm as a donation from Chinese military to Pakistan army. This vaccine was later contributed to the Pakistan national vaccine drive to provide it to health workers all over the country.4 Now Pakistan is also vaccinated the people over the age of 60 and has received more vaccines from China.5 However, we must be aware that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease and scientists are yet not fully aware about the behavior of coronavirus. The best practice for the prevention and control of this virus is still relies on taking appropriate precautionary measures.
Dengue Fever: In-Hospital Management of Critically ill Adult Patients
Authors: Fatima Kiran , Shahzad Aamir
Published: April 2021

Dengue is rapidly becoming a major public health problem with significant mortality and morbidity. Management especially in first two days needs careful attention. We present a review of current literature on the management critically ill adult patients of dengue in hospital settings. Early diagnosis and close monitoring of response to treatment are necessary to prevent worse outcomes.
An iterative method for solving multiple-set split feasibility problems in Banach spaces
Authors: AL-HOMIDAN SULIMAN , ALI BASHIR , SULEIMAN YUSUF I.
Published: April 2021

"In this paper, we study generalized multiple-set split feasibility problems (in short, GMSSFP) in the frame workof p-uniformly convex real Banach spaces which are also uniformly smooth. We construct an iterative algo-rithm which is free from an operator norm and prove its strong convergence to a solution of GMSSFP, thatis, a solution of convex problem and a common fixed point of a countable family of Bregman asymptoticallyquasi-nonexpansive mappings without requirement for semi-compactness on the mappings. We illustrate ouralgorithm and convergence result by a numerical example.

"
Approximating fixed points of enriched nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces by using a retraction-displacement condition
Authors: BERINDE VASILE
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we prove convergence theorems for a fixed point iterative algorithm of Krasnoselskij-Mann typeassociated to the class of enriched nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. The results are direct generaliza-tions of the corresponding ones in [Berinde, V.,Approximating fixed points of enriched nonexpansive mappings byKrasnoselskij iteration in Hilbert spaces, Carpathian J. Math., 35 (2019), No. 3, 293–304.], from the setting of Hilbertspaces to Banach spaces, and also of some results in [Senter, H. F. and Dotson, Jr., W. G.,Approximating fixed pointsof nonexpansive mappings, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc.,44(1974), No. 2, 375–380.], [Browder, F. E., Petryshyn, W. V., Construction of fixed points of nonlinear mappings in Hilbert space, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 20 (1967), 197–228.], byconsidering enriched nonexpansive mappings instead of nonexpansive mappings. Many other related resultsin literature can be obtained as particular instances of our results.
Option Pricing Under GARCH Models Applied to the SET50 Index of Thailand
Authors: Arunsingkarat Somphorn , Costa Renato , Misran Masnita , Phewchean Nattakorn
Published: April 2021

Variance changes over time and depends on historical data and previous variances; as a result, it is useful to use a GARCH process to model it. In this paper, we use the notion of Conditional Esscher transform to GARCH models to find the GARCH, EGARCH and GJR risk-neutral models. Subsequently, we apply these three models to obtain option prices for the Stock Exchange of Thailand and compare to the well-known Black-Scholes model. Findings suggest that most of the pricing options under GARCH model are the nearest to the actual prices for SET50 option contracts with both times to maturity of 30 days and 60 days.
A Study of Life Internal Rate of Return
Authors: Roenganan Sorrawee , Misran Masnita , Phewchean Nattakorn
Published: April 2021

Life insurance, not included as a part of the legal obligation in some countries, is one of the investment approaches that might not stand high in the public favor for some people since this is a type of investments that the investor cannot know beforehand the exact return, and the returns completely depend on uncertainty of the policy specification in some circumstances. Similar to the other kinds of investment, investors in life insurance products have been seeking a tool for investment evaluation. However, currently there are no accurate tools that can provide the value of the investment in a life insurance product sensitive to the uncertainty. Internal rate of return is the basic tool that buyers or bankers may apply in order to find the rate of return of this type of investment. The investment decision tool is one of the most important keys that investors have utilized upon making their decisions on investments. Therefore, in this research, we propose a new mathematical model with applications for investment decision, being an extension of the internal rate of return by taking into account the life probability, considering different types of life insurance policies, and other factors specified on life insurance investments such as the premium, the death benefit, the maturity value, the sum insured, the lapse rate, the surrender value, the annuity certain, and the lapse rate with different genders and ages. This newly proposed model is named as the "Life Internal Rate of Return" or Life-IRR model. By using the sample data for both males and females aged 30 years old with expected benefit of 100,000 baht for different types of life insurance policies which are endowment plan, whole life plan and retirement plan, the results show that, for males, the highest life rate of returns is that obtained from the retirement plan (3.633692%), and the lowest life internal rates of returns is that obtained from the endowment plan (2.384443%), while the whole life plan offers moderate life rate of returns of 2.427941%. For females, the highest life rate of returns is that obtained from the retirement plan (3.335189%), and the lowest life internal rates of returns is that obtained from the whole life plan (2.104658%), while the endowment plan offers moderate life rate of returns of 2.308062%. The sensitivity analyses of the life internal rates of return perform the natural characteristics of life insurance.
Migration Policy in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Tkachova Nataliia , Krushelnytska Taisiia , Marchenko Oksana , Kuznetsova Nataliya
Published: April 2021

The issues of sustainable development are related to the need in order to reduce poverty, inequality, insecurity, inclusion of immigrants in the system of education and health care, which contradicts the effective long-term solution of the global goals of EU migration policy. The aim of the research is to study the effectiveness of migration policy in the context of sustainable development on the example of EU countries in order to formulate proposals for overcoming the problems of inequality and poverty as priority goals. The results of the research complement the theory of the new economics of labour migration, considering this concept as a way to maximize income and reduce the risk of revenue through education, higher wages and a way to get better health and education services, access to developed infrastructure. However, the heterogeneity of the effects of migration is also reflected in the inability to obtain health services and access to the education system due to the high cost. All this exacerbates the problems of inequality and poverty due to the imbalance of both income and the cost of social services in different EU countries. It has been determined that the policy of integration of immigrants does not ensure the achievement of the goal of inclusive and equitable socialeconomic welfare. Inequality, in particular, gender one remains the main problem of sustainable development through illegal employment and different levels of remuneration. It has been proved that training should be considered in the context of sustainable development as providing access to the education system and programs. Despite the growing participation in educational programs and training of immigrants, the problems of inequality and poverty remain a priority for ensuring sustainable development.
Crowd Sourcing Dynamic Pickup & Delivery Problem considering Task Buffering and Drivers’ Rejection -Application of Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning-
Authors: Mo Junyi , Ohmori Shunichi
Published: April 2021

In the last decade, dynamic and pickup delivery problem with crowd sourcing has been focused on as a means of securing employment opportunities in the field of last mile delivery. However, only a few studies consider both the driver's refusal right and the buffering strategy. This paper aims at improving the performance involving both of the above. We propose a driver-task matching algorithm that complies with the delivery time constraints using multi-agent reinforcement learning. Numerical experiments on the model show that the proposed MARL method could be more effective than the FIFO and the RANK allocation methods
Effect of an Educational Training Program in Tracheostomy Care on Nurses’ Knowledge and Skills
Authors: Eltaher Abdulrahman ELsadig , Toum Musa Mohamed , Mohamed Eltayeb Rashida , Ali Fadlalmola Hammad
Published: April 2021

Background: A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made into the anterior wall ofthe trachea.With an increasing demand for intensive care beds more nurses in acute and high dependencywards will be expected to care competently for patients with tracheostomy tubes.Aim: To evaluate Nurses’ knowledge and skills in performing tracheostomy care and to determine theeffectiveness of the educational training program on nurses knowledge and skills.Methods: A quasi-experimental study (one group) conducted at Sinnar Teaching Hospital (STH). A totalcoverage technique was used 45 nurses were included.measurements of the group were made both beforeand after training program.Results: The total knowledge percentage before training program ranged from (2.2%) to (46.7%), andafter training program,ranged from (57.8%) to (88.9%). 91.1% of respondents (41) they were not attendingtraining course in Tracheotomy Care before.There was statistically significant different in the mean totalknowledge score of the participants before and after the program at p value level = (0.00).Conclusion: The nurses included in the study do not have adequate knowledge and skills in the evidencebasedguidelines for tracheostomy care.There is no correlation between the qualifications or years ofexperience and knowledge of nurses regarding tracheostomy care.Continuing professional developmentprogramme ontracheostomy care should be made compulsory for all nurses.
The Development of a Professional Competency Evaluation Model of Nursing Students
Authors: Laokhompruttajarn Jiratchaya , Panya Piyatida , Suikraduang Arun
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to develop a professional competency evaluation model ofnursing students.Method: It was conducted through a research and development process divided into 4 steps as follows.1)Studying and analyzing elements and indicators from documents, interviewing experts, focus group andsurveying opinions. 2) Drafting a model by 10 experts applying the multi–attribute consensus reaching. 3)Implementing among nursing students, classmates, and teachers. 4) Evaluating by participants engaged in theimplementation. The statistics for data analysis comprised mean, standard deviation, median, interquartilerange, the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test.Findings: The results of the research were as follows. 1) The core competency of nursing students consistedof 7 elements and the functional competency included 4 elements. 2) The model had a structure that theevaluation objectives, expected outcomes, indicators, criteria, evaluators, method, duration, and feedback.3) It had a discriminant validity and could distinguish different professional competencies of the nursingstudents.4) The model was at a high level for all its aspects; feasibility, appropriateness, accuracy, andusefulness.Conclusion: The model was to develop a professional competency of nursing students.
Utilization of Research Evidences among Nursing Students-A Multicentred Study in India
Authors: Tanushree Mitra Maj , Radhika Das Maj , Devrani Brig Amita , Gopalakrishnan Maj Renjini , Banik Maj Ranjana , Banu B Shakira
Published: April 2021

Background-Nursing services in present era thrives for quality patient care. To maintain the standardof professional practice and best quality care the student nurses need to be updated with recent researchevidences. Evidence Based Practice (EBP) in nursing education is inevitable to keep up the pace with thetechnological advancement and standard nursing practices.Objectives-The present study was designed with the objective to assess the level of utilization of researchevidences among nursing students, to find the association of selected variables with the S-EBPQ scores, tocompare the mean score of S-EBPQ among the different groups of nursing students and to analyse the lowresponse items(score1-2) of SEBPQ.Methodology-The present study is a multi-centred cross-sectional descriptive design conducted amongnursing students(n=276) of selected College of Nursing of India through an online survey. Data collectiontool was a standardised self-administered questionnaire of SEBPQ (Students Evidence Based PracticeQuestionnaire by P Upton, D R Upton & S Evans,2015) consisting of 21 items in four subscales. Statisticalanalysis was done by SPSS-24 software in the form of mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage andANOVA test.Result-Present study revealed that the total mean score of SEBPQ was 3.89±1.22, practice score was3.35±1.53,attitude score was 4.41±1.78, knowledge/skill score was 3.77±1.35 and communication ofresearch score was 4.06±1.48.The utilization of research evidences were high among 31.52% nursingstudents, moderate among 54.35% and low among 14.13% of nursing students. The negative responseanalysis for all items revealed that the student nurses had lower utilization of evidences related to lack ofcritically appraising the evidences (48.2%), tracking down the evidences (45.28%), integrating the evidenceswith practice (44.6%) and difficulty in formulating clearly answerable research question (41%). There wasa statistically significant association between the S-EBPQ score and the place of residence (p value of0.000018) however there was no association found for the age, education level, marital status, years ofexperience, speciality and designation of nursing students.Conclusion-The study concluded that the nursing students have moderately high utilization of EBP, positiveattitude towards research utilization and communication, however institutional support and revised nursingcurriculum with emphasis on EBP would be necessary to make nursing students more research oriented andupdated.
Supporting a Nursing Program in a Low-Income Country: A Collaborative Project
Authors: Alexandre Margarett , Leveille-Tulce Anne Marie Berthe , Frederickson Keville
Published: April 2021

Background: Healthcare professionals’ number in Haiti is reported to be 5,400: 2.8 per 1000, or 1.8 nursesand one physician per 10,000 people. There is a need for well-trained professional nurses to care for thepopulation and educate incoming nursing professionals. The City University of New York’s (CUNY)involvement in a project to strengthen the nursing school at the Université Publique d’Artibonite auxGonaives (UPAG), is an essential initiative that can help improve Haiti’s health care system.Methods : Members of the CUNY faculty team traveled to Haiti to conduct the initial needs assessment.They met with students and faculty at UPAG. A program was designed to respond to the need’s assessmentfindings. CUNY faculty for the UPAG project were selected from a core member of CUNY Chancellor’sHaiti Initiative team. It included educational sessions for senior students and an opportunity for UPAGnursing faculty to participate in a professional development program.Conclusion: The project fulfilled the needs for faculty and students’ supports. However, there is still morework to be done. To this end, two UPAG nursing faculty participated in a Master’s in Nursing program atRegis University and CUNY faculty continued to support students through a mentorship program.
Effect of Guided Imagery on Pain and Anxiety in Post Cardiac Surgery Patients in First Ambulatory Stage
Authors: Singh Pooja
Published: April 2021

Background of the Study: Multiple researches have shown that and an array of mind body therapy e.g.imagery, hypnosis, relaxation when employed pre-surgically, can improve recovery time and reduce painduring invasive medical and surgical procedure.1 Pain and anxiety are significant complaints among patientsafter cardiac surgery. Guided imagery can be an effective intervention when used as a therapeutic modalityfor a variety of symptoms and conditions. It can improve health and enhance well-being, particularly throughthe reduction of pain and anxiety.2 Aim of the Study: so, The present study was conducted on the effectof guided imagery on pain and anxiety in post cardiac surgery patients in first ambulatory stage. Method:a quasi experimental study in selected hospitals of a metropolitan city. A total 50 (25 in each experimentaland control group) were included through non-probability purposive sampling technique. The tools usedin the study were Numerical rating scale and critical care pain observation checklist for pain Beck AnxietyInventory for anxiety followed by opinionnaire about guided imagery. Result: frequency and percentagemethod shows pre-intervention scores (NRS= 76%, CPOT= 96%) 1st post-intervention scores (NRS=48%,CPOT=24%) 2nd post- test intervention scores (NRS=44%, CPOT=44%,BAI= 52%) in experimental groupand in control group before receiving standard care (NRS=96%, CPOT=96%), 25 minutes after receivingstandard care on bed (NRS= 84%, CPOT= 92%), 25 minutes after receiving standard care on chair (NRS=80%, CPOT= 92%,BAI= 72%)
Anxiety and Coping Strategies of Students with Sickle Cell Disease: Three-Year Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhowmik Suchismita , Shetty Rani , Patel Shraddha
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder worldwide andestimated 18 million Indians have sickle cell trait1 and 4 million have sickle cell disease2. The study aimsto find out the prevalence of sickle cell disease among university students and to identify coping strategies,they have adopted by them to deal with anxiety.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was done among 2126 students over duration of three yearsto identify with simple random sampling technique followed by purposive sampling technique. Diagnosisconfirmed by DTT and haemoglobin Electrophoresis before assessing the anxiety level and coping strategiesusing Hamilton-Anxiety Scale and Brief COPE scale through interview technique.Result: Total 143(6.73%) students was found sickling positive while 63(44%) was suffering with mild tomoderate level of anxiety and 52(36%) was in the range of moderate to severe. Among them 53(46.09%) hasused approach coping strategies whereas 62(53.91%) preferred avoidant coping strategies.Conclusion: Study finding suggest that students with SCD experience anxiety and they developed copingstrategies to deal with anxiety. Proper guidance will be helpful for developing effective coping strategies toreduce level of anxiety.
Psychological Issues of People affected with Flood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Parel Jithin Thomas , Balamurugan G.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: People experience the psychological impact of a disaster before, during, and after the actualoccurrence of the disaster event. In particular, during the period of initial disaster response, the behaviorand mentality of the public are temporarily disrupted due to stress. In the following period, not only fear butalso physical deprivation is experienced. This systematic review is to determine the impact of psychologicalissues of people affected with flood.Methods : A thorough literature search from the databases were searched between 2006 and 2020 includingMEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, The British Nursing Index, and the Cochrane CentralRegister from the time period 2000- 2015.Total 15 quantitative studies were included in this review. Thesestudies were conducted across the world which comprises six different countries like China (1), UnitedKingdom (6),India(3), Austrailia (2) and Pakistan (2). Results :The findings revealed that the prevalence ofPost traumatic depression was 80% among the different studies. Nearly 67% of people affected with floodwere shown symptoms of anxiety. More than half (60%) of them were depressive due to the flood aftermaths.Conclusion : Many of the studies recommended initial treatment and psychological intervention for thepeople affected with flood. There is also an emphasis on special consideration for the vulnerable like infant,old age and pregnant women.
Study of the Lung Function Tests in Healthy Non-Smoking Women Using Different Cooking Fuels
Authors: Archana Singh  , Namita  , Garg Rinku , Bandhu Gupta Mohan
Published: April 2021

Background: In developing country like India still a large group of women use biomass as the cookingfuel in a poorly ventilated cooking area and it is considered as a major risk factor for respiratory diseases.Throughthis study we sought to find the effect of biomass and LPG fuel use on the lung function by studspirometry.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Ghaziabad. We assessedthe lung function in 100 non-smoker females (50 biomass and 50 LPG fuel users) and studies the presenceof any correlation between lung function and the duration of exposure.Results: Compared to LPG users biomass fuel users had significantly lower values of FVC (p = 0.007), FEV1(p = 0.0024), FEV1/FVC (p <0.0001) and PEFR (p = 0.007). Statistically significant negative correlationwas also found between exposure index and spirometry values in both the groups.Conclusion: Biomass fuel has a more adverse effect on the lung function and the lung function decline isassociated with the exposure duration.
Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions and Its Association with Oxidative Stress Marker in Heavy Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Users of Low Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Babu Katuri Ravi , N Prabhu , Krushna Pal Gopal
Published: April 2021

Background: Tobacco usage is a major preventable cause for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Tobacco is used in both smoking and smokeless forms. Alteration in cardiac autonomic function is amajor predisposing factor for cardiovascular risk. There are only limited studies available which assessedautonomic functional status in smokeless tobacco users. This study was aimed to assess and compare thecardiac autonomic activity and oxidative stress in smoking and smokeless tobacco users with controls.Methods: Sixty seven apparently healthy volunteers from the construction workers of low socioeconomicstatus were recruited. Those who are having habit of using tobacco in any form (n=42) were categorizedinto smoking tobacco group (n = 22) based on the smoking index and fagerstrom score for smokelesstobacco group (n = 20). Those who never used tobacco in any form were included as control group (n= 25).Cardiovascular autonomic function tests were performed and serum malondialdehyde was measured fromvenous blood sample.Conclusion: In this study we found that there is definite alteration in cardiac autonomic function which isin correlation with the level of oxidative stress in heavy tobacco users. This alteration is seen more in heavysmokeless tobacco users in compare with smoking tobacco users.
Perinatal Psychiatry in Context to Women ‘S Health
Authors: Pande Suchi , Srivastava Ritu , Srivastava Mona
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Women’s Mental Health Traditionally focuses on women’s reproductive health,like Puberty,Pregnancy, Menopause now it is expanding to include disorders and conditions more prevalent in femalesthan in males, or different in clinical features and risk factors. Perinatal Psychiatry refers to mental healthissues in antenatal and postpartum period like Antenatal depression, Postnatal blues, Postpartum depression,Postpartum psychosis.Methods: The global burden of psychiatric disorders in women is increasing, especially in the perinatalperiod. We have focused on discussing the impact of culture on the perinatal psychiatric disorders andmanagement principles of different perinatal psychiatric disorders. Health?care delivery in the perinatalgroup of population has been improving over the years, but still there is lot to improve.Conclusion: A scientific and evidence?based approach is a definite need toward attaining this goal.
The Effect of Short Term Alcohol Abstinence on Neutrophil Phagocytic Properties
Authors: S Sushma , M. Goudar Sanjay
Published: April 2021

Background : Alcohol dysregulates the innate immunity in numerous ways, making alcohol dependantsmore susceptible to varied forms of infections and immunological assaults.Objective : The current study on alcoholics throws light on the consequence of short term alcohol abstinenceon neutrophil phagocytic power.Method : 21 subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study.Their bloodsamples were collected before and after a period of abstinence and studied for neutrophil phagocytic indexusing Candida phagocytic assay test.Result : An increase in the Mean Particle Number(MPN) of phagocytosis was observed in all the individualsafter the alcohol-free period.Conclusion : The improvement in phagocytic ability of neutrophils post-abstinence provides us an insightinto the ways alcohol manipulates the defense mechanism of the human body .Understanding this might helpus in exploring novel ideas to circumvent the mortality and morbidity in alcoholics.
Effect of Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Asymptomatic Individuals with Hyper-Lordosis of Lumbar Spine – An Interventional Study
Authors: Varadharajulu G. , Bajaj Manpreet
Published: April 2021

Objective- The objective of the study was to study the effect of therapeutic exercise protocol in asymptomaticindividuals with hyper-lordosis of lumbar spine.Methods- Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional ethical committee. Subjects fulfilling theinclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Informed consent form was taken from each of the subjectprior to the treatment. The motive and procedure of the study was thoroughly explained to the subjectsparticipating. Instructions were given to the subjects about the exercise protocol. The sessions of theseexercise protocol were conducted for 35 minutes/4 days/week. Pre and post test was assessed for lumbarlordotis angle and abdominal muscle strength using flexible ruler and pressure biofeedback respectively andthe outcome measures were analysed after 1 month.Result- Statistical analysis for lumbar lordosis angle (p=<0.0001) and abdominal muscle strength(p=<0.0001) revealed extremely significant difference post intervention. Lumbar lordosis angle in the studypopulation reduced by 2.11 degrees. It also showed that the abdominal muscle strength improved by 5seconds hold with 40mmHg pressure.Conclusion- The study results concluded that this exercise protocol was significantly effective in reducinghyper-lordosis of lumbar spine as well as improved abdominal muscle strength.
Star Excursion Balance Test as an Exercise to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Community-Dwelling Persons with Unilateral Osteoarthritis of Knee
Authors: Tudpor Kukiat , Kanjanawanishkul Kiattisin , Kam-Ard Sumalai , Intarak Thipphawan , Traithip Wallapa , Sombateyotha Kemika , Turnbull Niruwan
Published: April 2021

Knee joint stability is important for postural stability.Abnormal weight distribution is common in individualswith unilateral osteoarthritis of knee (OA knee) as compensatory mechanism for pain and joint malalignments.Various forms of conventional physiotherapy interventions have been used to prevent further degenerativeprocess. Star excursion balance test (SEBT) has been invented to assess dynamic postural stability. Thispresent study was aimed to investigate effects of SEBT as a postural control exercise training tool(SEBTx)in persons with unilateral OA knee. Fourteen participants were randomly assigned to control group (n = 7)and SEBTx group (n = 7). The control group received weekly routine physiotherapy interventions (jointmobilization, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and taping). In addition tothe routine interventions, the SEBTxgroup was instructed to perform SEBTxfor 30 min/session, 3 sessions/week, for 4 weeks. Primary outcome (weight distributionon posturography in 8 directions – anterior, Rt.anterolateral, Rt.lateral, Rt. posterolateral, posterior, Lt. posterolateral, Lt. lateral, Lt. anterolateral)wasmeasured at baseline and4 weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcomes numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were used to assess pain and dynamic balance, respectively. Resultsshowed thatweight distribution inSEBTx group significantly improved in the Lt. posterolateral and posteriordirections post-intervention. Moreover, NPRS in SEBTx group significantly reduced from 47.9±7.4 to33.3±6.0. Lastly, TUG significantly reduced from 13.5±0.9 to 11.5±0.7 s in SEBTx group. In conclusion,the SEBTx should be applied to improve postural balance in individuals with unilateral (OA knee).
Immediate Effect of Active Release Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique in Subjective with Hamstring Tightness: A Rendomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khan Sarfraj , Patel Bhoomika , Limbani Bansari
Published: April 2021

Research Topic: To study and compare the effectiveness of active release technique and muscle energytechnique in subjects with hamstring tightness.Method: 60 normal healthy subjects (30 in each group) were recruited in the study under simple randomizationmethod. Group A received single session of Active Release Technique and Group B received single sessionof Muscle Energy Technique for hamstring tightness. Active knee extension test (90-90 test) were measuredpre-intervention and post-intervention. Data was analyzed using t-test.Results: Statically there is significant (p<0.05) effect of active release technique than the muscle energytechnique on subjects with hamstring tightness.Conclusion: A single session of active release technique is better as compared to muscle energy techniqueto improve hamstring flexibility and range of motion. There for active release technique can be used withconventional techniques in clinical settings.
To Compare the Effect of Eccentric Exercise Vs Concentric Exercise when Combined with Wobble Board Exercise on Propriception of Knee Joint after Inducing Fatigue in Quadriceps Muscle
Authors: Saroha Sonia , Preeti
Published: April 2021

Background: Proprioception, as the perception of positions and movements of the body segments in relationto each other, without the aid of vision, touch or the organs of equilibrium1,6.Objective: The main objective of this study is to focus on the difference between the effect of eccentricexercise vs concentric exercise when combined with wobble board exercise on proprioception of knee jointafter inducing fatigue in quadriceps muscle.Study Design: Experimental Study.Methods: In this experimental studytotal 40 subjects were selected by convenient sampling and divided intotwo groups. Subjects of both groups were selected according to Inclusion/Exclusion criteria and informedconsent were taken from all subjects and methodological protocol was introduced and applied to subjectsand statistical analysis is done with the help of unpaired-t test.Results: There were significant differences seen in that eccentric and concentric exercises with wobbleboard exercise are very effective in improving proprioception. But eccentric exercise with wobble boardexercise has better effect in improving proprioception.Conclusion: It is concluded that fatigue decreases the proprioception and eccentric exercise with wobbleboard exercise give better result to improve proprioception.
Is Tech Neck A Growing Hazard among the Young?
Authors: Pais Veena , Shahida Fathimath , Thaslima Fathimath , Shakira.K Noora
Published: April 2021

Background: Tech neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage caused by looking down toooften and for too long on the mobile phone, tablets or other digital devices. Digital devices can position thehead in different uncomfortable postures This study aim to determine the influence of duration of usage ofdigital devices on cervical range of motion and the craniovertebral angle.Material & Method: This prospective study included 88 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 whohave been using digital devices from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) for six months or more werechosen using a convenience sampling method after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and consentfrom the participants. Participants were divided into four categories according to the duration of usage ofdigital devices i.e less than 1 hour a day, 1-2 hours a day, 2-4 hours a day and more than 4 hours a day. Eachgroup will be composed of 22 participants. By lateral photography method they were tested for cervicalrange of motion using goniometer and craniovertebral angle.Results: There is a significant decrease in cervical flexion among groups but there is no significant differencebetween groups in cervical extension and craniovertebral angle.Conclusion: The present study suggests that repeated use of digital devices may have an effect on raisingneck flexion ability. Tech neck may thus be an increasing danger among the young
Assesment of Neck Pain Causes and Its Intensity among the Students of Department of Eastern Medicine, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Ameer Ali Aadil , Haq Noman , Hussain Amjad , Rafique Muhammad , Ishaque M.R Muhammad , Abbasi Piriha , Ahmad Taufiq
Published: April 2021

Background: In musculoskeletal disorders the neck pain is the fourth common disorder. Annually it affectshuge numbers of patients specially the working males, who are more likely to get affected by neck pain.Among the students the intensity was found dependent mainly on the affected area and gender.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the Eastern medicine students of city campus,university of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan from June to August 2018. A self-constructed proforma was usedamong 284 participants and Spss version 23 was used.Results: The majority (n=229, 80.6%) belongs to age group of 18 to 23 years and ( n=149,50.4%) weremale. In the involvement of side (unilateral/ bilateral) were significantly associated with the higher intensityof neck pain (p=0.05).Conclusion: The study summarized that the male participants who were suffering from bilateral neck painwere experiencing severe pain and were facing hindrances during their regular personal care. They shouldkeep themselves aware regarding their neck heath.
Assessment of Frequent Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Patients Visiting the Physiothrapy OPD of Civil Hospital Quetta, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Ameer Ali Aadil , Haq Noman , Hussain Amjad , Rafique Muhammad , Ishaque M.R Muhammad , Ahmad Taufiq , Yasmeen Shabana
Published: April 2021

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are the sort of disorders which involvessoft tissues. The involvement of soft tissues can be due to the over use, restlessness and improper use. Themain target of WRMSD are working indicuduals.it may cause muscle strain, ligament strain, tendon strain,tendentious and bursitis.Methods: The cross section survey was conducted and data was collected from July to October 2018 fromcivil hospital Quetta, Pakistan. A self-constructed proforma was used among the 97 patients who meet theinclusion and exclusion criteria and Spss version 23 was used.Results: The majority (n=49, 50.5%) were belongs to age group of 21 to 35 and were (n=51, 52.6%) weremale. In marital status majority (n=64, 66%) were married. In involvement of part majority (n=28, 28.9%)were suffering from lower back problem. After checking the type of injury (n=48, 49.5%) were sufferingfrom muscular strain. In the context of onset of injury majority (N=41, 42.3%) were experienced theirproblem suddenly.Conclusion: The study finalized that WRMSD is most common in working individuals especially in olderand females. The WRMDS puts heavy burden on the society, annually. As the participants who belongs tolow socio economic status are more vulnerable for WRMDS.
Significance of Cervical Flexors Strength Training Using EMG Bio-feedback on Forward Head Posture among College Students
Authors: Dhinju B. Simulia , Paulraj M. , Harithra S.
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose: Forward Head Posture is found to be more among college students resulting indecreased Cervical flexors strength & reduction in physical performances. EMG Biofeedback is effectiveintervention in retraining the muscle strength & facilitates the correction of abnormal Cranio-Vertebral Angle(CVA) and purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of Cervical flexors strength training usingEMG Biofeedback among college students, to improve Forward Head Posture. Materials and Methods:Totally 30 college students selected under selection criteria ages between 18-25 with Forward Head Postureand randomly allocated equally into experimental group (EMG Biofeedback cervical flexors strengthening)and control group (only cervical flexors strengthening ex’s).The outcome tools used were Kinovea Softwarefor CVA and Neck Disability Index (NDI) which was measured before and after the treatment. Statisticalanalysis: Analyzed by paired and unpaired t test. Results: The results shows that Group A cervical flexorsstrength training using EMG Biofeedback has significant improvement on FHP by improving CVA andNDI (p <0.0001).Conclusion: This study concluded that the experimental group received cervical flexorsstrength Training using EMG Biofeedback is found to be effective than the control group received onlycervical flexors strengthening ex’s.
Comparision of Effectiveness of Isometric and Stretching Exercise in Pain Management among the Forward Head Posture Patients
Authors: Ameer Ali Aadil , Sheikh Naseebullah , Chughani Vikash , Hussain Amjad , Rafique Muhammad , Ismail Muhammad , Khokhar Hafsa Imtiaz
Published: April 2021

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is an exaggerated anterior lower cervical curve and posteriorupper thoracic curve, leading to excessive anterior positioning of the head concerning a vertical referenceline, accompanying rounded shoulders with thoracic kyphosis, this Occurs due to imbalance betweenposterior and anterior neck muscles, causing neck pain. Exercise treatments are effective in reducing FHPalongside associated neck pain.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2019 on 60 patients diagnosedwith FHP from different hospitals of Quetta and were equally distributed into two groups, each containing30 participants. Group A was given stretching exercises and group B was given isometric exercises for 2weeks. The visual analog scale was used to assess patients before and after treatment. Data were analyzedby Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Result: Patients were having a mean age of +30.42, Most of them were males (n=34, 57.0%) and from agegroup of 41-60 years (n=33, 55.0%). Moderate severity was reported by (n=41, 58.3%) and both cervicaland thoracic regions were involved in (n=36, 60.0%). Before treatment most of patients were having painintensity of 6 (n=21, 35.0%) and after treatment were having pain intensity 4 (n=24, 40.0%). There wasno significant difference in pain reduction between both interventional groups.Conclusion: The study concludes that both techniques, the isometric strength training, and stretchingexercises are equally effective in correcting forward head posture and associated neck pain reduction.
The Selective Dopamine D2 Blocker Sulpiride Modulates the Relationship Between Agentic Extraversion and Executive Functions
Authors: Herrmann Wiebke , Wacker Jan
Published: April 2021

Initial studies suggest that agentic extraversion and executive functions (EF) are associated, because they share influences of individual differences in the dopamine (DA) system. However, it is unclear whether previously reported associations are specific to certain EFs (e.g., to updating or shifting) or due to shared variance among EF tasks. We investigated the DA-related relationship between agentic extraversion and two EF tasks in a placebo-controlled between-group design with the DA D2 receptor blocker sulpiride (200 mg) in 92 female volunteers. Our goals were to investigate whether (1) there is an association between agentic extraversion and EFs measured with two different tasks (3-back and switching), (2) this association is sensitive to a pharmacological manipulation of DA, and (3) the effects can be ascribed to shared or specific task variance. We observed the expected interaction between drug condition and agentic extraversion for both tasks in a multivariate multiple linear regression model, which supports the DA theory of extraversion. Subsequent univariate analyses revealed a highly similar interaction effect between drug condition and agentic extraversion on two of three performance measures and this effect was somewhat attenuated when we controlled for shared task variance. This pattern matches the interpretation that the association between agentic extraversion and both tasks is partly due to DA-based processes shared among the tasks. Our results, although limited by the low reliability of the switching task, suggest that variance components and measurement difficulties of EF tasks should be considered when investigating personality-related individual differences in EFs.
Is value-based choice repetition susceptible to medial frontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)? A preregistered study
Authors: Senftleben Ulrike , Kruse Johanna , Korb Franziska M. , Goetz Stefan , Scherbaum Stefan
Published: April 2021

In value-based decision making, people have to weigh different options based on their subjective value. This process, however, also is influenced by choice biases, such as choice repetition: in a series of choices, people are more likely to repeat their decision than to switch to a different choice. Previously, it was shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can affect such choice biases. We applied tDCS over the medial prefrontal cortex to investigate whether tDCS can alter choice repetition in value-based decision making. In a preregistered study, we applied anodal, cathodal, and sham tDCS stimulation to 52 participants. While we found robust choice repetition effects, we did not find support for an effect of tDCS stimulation. We discuss these findings within the larger scope of the tDCS literature and highlight the potential roles of interindividual variability and current density strength.