bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Different Protocols for Multiplication of Commercial Probiotics in Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Hoffling Flávia Banderó , Abreu Paulo Cesar Oliveira Vergne , Xavier Missileny Jesus , Monserrat José Maria , Wasielesky Wilson , Krummenauer Dariano
Published: May 2022

Probiotics can be defined as non-pathogenic living organisms used to improve the health of the host and act against the development of pathogens. Shrimp farms have used artisanal strategies to multiply the bacteria of commercial probiotics and thus decrease the costs with the commercial product. The study was conducted at the Marine Station of Aquaculture, FURG, Brazil. The three experiments used homemade protocols of different shrimp farms. Water collections were performed at 00 h and 24 h to quantify bacteria. The experiments were (I) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 25 g of powdered milk, 50 mL of molasses, and 25 g of calcium carbonate, (II) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 50 g of rice bran, 33.33 g of crystal sugar and 12.5 g of sodium bicarbonate and (III) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 25 g of Bokashi Bran, 50 mL of molasses and 12.5 g of sodium bicarbonate. The protocols were based on the traditional practice of shrimp farms in Latin America. Each experiment had 6 treatments and 3 repetitions. The treatments were carried out in freshwater and saltwater. T1: Control in freshwater (only probiotic); T2: Control in saltwater (only probiotic); T3: Negative control in freshwater (only fertilizers); T4: Negative control in saltwater (only fertilizers); T5: Protocol in freshwater (probiotic + fertilizers); T6: Protocol in saltwater (probiotic + fertilizers). The three experiments showed growth of Bacillus, coccoid and filamentous bacteria in all treatments, however the results indicate that the protocols used could not contribute significantly to the replication of commercial probiotics.
N-decanoyl-homoserine Lactone Inhibits Primary Root Growth via a Cascade Involving Ca2+, ROS, MPK and NO in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Zhao Qian , Sun Yana , Yu Mingxiang , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhe , Jia Zhenhua , Song Shuishan
Published: May 2022

N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as quorum-sensing signals by gram-negative bacteria. It has been demonstrated that AHLs could exert impact on plant growth and disease resistance. N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL) as one type of AHLs was reported to inhibit primary root growth in Arabidopsis. However, the mechanisms underlying C10-HSL-mediated alteration of root architecture remained largely unclear. Here, we investigated the signaling components and their interplay involved in C10-HSL-mediated inhibition of primary root growth in Arabidopsis using pharmacological, physiological and genetic approaches. C10-HSL treatment triggered a transient and immediate elevation in concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 6 (MPK6) activation, nitric oxide (NO) production in Arabidopsis roots. Ca2+ channel inhibitors significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth and reduced the ROS and NO generation induced by C10-HSL. Inhibition or scavenging of ROS and NO production neutralized the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth. Respiratory burst oxidase homolog mutants and a NO synthase mutant were less sensitive to C10-HSL with respect to primary root growth. Activation of MPKs especially MPK6 were required for C10-HSL inhibiting primary root growth and mpk6 showed a reduced sensitivity to C10-HSL with respect to primary root growth, suggesting a main role for MPK6 in this process. MPK6 was shown to act downstream of ROS and upstream of NO. Our data suggested that Ca2+, ROS, MPK6 and NO are all involved and might play roles in cascade in the C10-HSL-inhibited primary root growth in Arabidopsis.
The validation of pain index extracted from electroencephalogram in chronic pain patients
Authors: Li Jun , Zhong Zhifang , Yan Xiaoyan , Zhou Ying , Feng Yi
Published: May 2022

Purpose
A non-invasive tool is needed to help objectively assess pain. We aimed to validate the pain index (PI) extracted from electroencephalograms (EEG) to detect moderate-to-severe pain.
Methods
The participants were 18- to 80-year-old outpatients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain (NRS ≥ 4) who were eligible to receive injection therapy or shockwave therapy. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and PI extracted from the EEG signals were recorded before and 30 minutes after treatments. Anxiety and depression statuses were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale before treatments. The association between NRS and PI was evaluated using Pearson's correlations and regression analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of PI were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the associations of PI with anxiety and depression.
Results
A total of 111 patients were enrolled. A positive correlation was found between PI and NRS and between the changes in NRS (ΔNRS) and the changes in PI (ΔPI) before versus after treatments. The sensitivity and specificity of PI for moderate and severe pain were 80.4% and 86.5%, respectively, and the diagnostic threshold was 10.65. The area under the ROC curves of PI was 0.912. PI appeared to be slightly affected by anxiety or depression.
Conclusion
PI extracted from EEG appears to be a feasible objective tool to assess moderate-to-severe pain.
Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs are correlated with metabolism and immune microenvironment and predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Wang Yanling , Ge Weiyu , Xue Shengbai , Cui Jiujie , Zhang Xiaofei , Shentu Daiyuan , Wang Liwei
Published: May 2022

Background: Cuproptosis is a novel cell death pathway, and the regulatory mechanism in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains to be explored. We determined whether cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) could predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer.Methods and results: First, we identified 30 prognostic cuproptosis-related lncRNAs by Pearson correlation and univariate Cox regression analyses. Next, we constructed the cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic model based on seven CRLs screened by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. Following this, we calculated the risk score for pancreatic cancer patients according to the formula and divided patients into high and low-risk groups. In our prognostic model, PC patients with higher risk scores had poorer outcomes. Based on several prognostic features, a predictive nomogram was established in PC. Furthermore, we investigated the tumor immune landscape using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE. The tumor microenvironment in the high-risk group was more immunosuppressive than that in the low-risk group, with lower infiltration of CD8+ T cells and higher M2 macrophages. Finally, we performed the functional enrichment analysis of 181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between risk groups. Our results revealed that endocrine and metabolic pathways were potential regulatory pathways between risk groups. Conclusion: Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can be applied to predict pancreatic cancer prognosis, which is closely correlated with the tumor metabolism and immune microenvironment.
Phenological drivers of ungulate migration in South America: Characterizing the movement and seasonal habitat use of guanacos
Authors: Candino Malena , Donadio Emiliano , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: May 2022

BackgroundMigration is a widespread strategy among ungulates to cope with seasonality. Phenology, especially on seasonally snow-covered landscapes featuring “white waves” of snow accumulation and “green waves” of plant green-up, is a phenomenon that many migratory ungulates navigate. Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are native camelids to South America and are one of the last ungulates in South America that migrates. However, a detailed description of this species’ migratory attributes, including whether guanacos surf or jump phenological waves is lacking. MethodsWe quantified the migratory movements of 21 adult guanacos over three years in Patagonia, Argentina. We analyzed annual movement patterns using net squared displacement (NSD) and home range overlap and quantified snow and vegetation phenology via remotely sensed products. ResultsWe found that 74% of the individual guanacos exhibited short altitudinal migration. Additionally, we observed fidelity of migratory ranges and residence time, but flexibility around migration propensity, timing and duration of migration. Interestingly, we found that the scarce vegetation and arid conditions within our study area prevented guanacos from surfing green waves; instead, guanacos appeared to avoid white waves. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that guanaco elevational migration is driven by a combination of vegetation availability and snow cover presence, reveals behavioral plasticity of their migration, and highlights the importance of snow phenology as a driver of ungulate migrations.
Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Yamanashi Takahiro , Miura Hirohisa , Tanaka Toshimichi , Watanabe Akiko , Yokoi Keigo , Kojo Ken , Niihara Masahiro , Yamashita Keishi , Sato Takeo , Kumamoto Yusuke , Hiki Naoki , Naitoh Takeshi
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe benefits of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for rectal cancer remain controversial. Only a few studies have evaluated the safety and feasibility of RALS following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of RALS versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) after NCRT for rectal cancer.MethodsPropensity score matching of 111 consecutive patients who underwent RALS or CLS after NCRT for rectal adenocarcinoma between February 2014 and February 2022 was performed. Among them, 60 matched patients were enrolled and their short-term outcomes were compared.ResultsAlthough operative time, conversion rate to open laparotomy and blood loss were comparable, the incidence of postoperative complications, including anastomotic leakage, was significantly lower, urinary retention tended to be lower, and the days to soft diet intake and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the RALS than the CLS group. No postoperative mortality was observed in either group, and there were no significant differences in terms of resection margins and number of lymph nodes dissected.ConclusionsRALS after NCRT for rectal cancer is safe and technically feasible, and has acceptable short-term outcomes. Further studies are required for validation of the long-term oncological outcomes.
Hippocampal Pyramidal Neuron Size Differs Among Subfields: Implications for Subfield Parcellation
Authors: Williams Emily M. , Llamas-Rodriguez Josue , Champion Samantha , Lang-Orsini Melanie , Frosch Matthew P. , Augustinack Jean C.
Published: May 2022

The hippocampus is integral for learning and memory and is targeted by multiple diseases and disorders such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroimaging approaches frequently use hippocampal or subfield volumes as a standard measure of neurodegeneration, thus making it an essential biomarker to study. However, in vivo MRI lacks the resolution needed to accurately parcellate subfields, and histologic delineations rely on vague or outdated features. More so, several discrepancies exist in subfield segmentation among groups. The present study sought to advance the histology segmentation field by acquiring quantitative neuron width measurements of the hippocampal subfields from 18 postmortem human samples. Neuron widths were collected using Feret’s diameter on hippocampal pyramidal neurons at five distinct anterior-posterior levels. Measurements were collected from CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and subiculum and the uncinate (medial) counterparts (CA1u, CA2u, CA3u, Subu). Ten neurons were measured per subfield per level, resulting in a total of 5,430 measured neurons. Our measurements indicate the following order of neuron size: CA4 > CA3 = CA2 > CA1 = Sub > ParaSub > PreSub. We also observed that each medial (uncinate) subfield had smaller neurons than its lateral counterpart (e.g., CA1 > CA1u). Further, we found that right hemisphere hippocampi had significantly larger neurons than left hemisphere hippocampi, and that controls had larger neurons than early Braak & Braak staged cases. The findings provide quantitative ground truth histologic measures for pyramidal neurons within individual subfields and a reliable method to distinguish the subfields at differing anterior-posterior levels.
Study of the Relationship between Dietary Pattern with Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Damascus Hospital and Specialist Polyclinic Services in Syria
Authors: Hammoud Taghrid , AlKharrat Leen , AlSuleman Rima
Published: May 2022

Background
Dietary habits have an integral role in glycemic control. Where uncontrolled glucose levels can have an impact on almost every organ in the patients’ bodies. In this study, the target fasting blood glucose is set to be 70–180 mg/dl in accordance with the American Diabetes Association which recommends keeping this value to more than 16 hours and 48 minutes a day.
Objective
Intending to explore the food frequency consumption and its association with poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients in Syria.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, data on the dietary pattern of 104 patients with type two diabetes were collected by trained interviewers in two diabetic clinics in Damascus, Syria. Dietary information was obtained by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Overall diet quality was evaluated. Glycemic control was assessed by fasting plasma glucose.
Results
the general dietary habits demonstrate that 55.8% of the patients recorded fasting Blood Glucose of 70–180 mg/dl, 21.1% recorded 181–250 mg/dl, and 23.1% recorded above 250 mg/dl. None of the food items studied in this research recorded a statistical significance excepts for excess amounts of white sugar, and consuming fast food weekly which were associated with poor glycemic control.
Conclusion
Consuming fast food weekly, and using 6–7 tablespoons or more of sugar a day could possibly serve as an independent predictor of poor glycemic control. Furthermore, distributing the total food intake in a day into multiple meals and eating less amounts of rice and creamed cheese were recognized to record better glycemic values, however, these results were not statistically significant.
Burrows-Wheeler Post-Transformation with Effective Clustering and Integer Coding Through Vectorization
Authors: Yadav Amit Kumar , Panday Sanjeeb Prasad
Published: May 2022

This research is mainly based on lossless integer Compression. In this research one of the most renowned method called Burrows-Wheeler transform (BWT) has been used. This method is used to sort data reversibly. After this transformation, most of the repeated characters come together. The result of BWT has been passed through Run Length Encoder (RLE) module to get the Run characters, Run Length and Run Character frequencies. The Run characters and Run Character Frequencies have been passed through Move-to-Front (MTF) module to get MTF number and final MTF list. Then the MTF number and Run length, which are non-negative integers, have been sorted using counting sort module. This module sorts the numbers according to the Run characters. The result is non-negative integers which have been coded using interpolative coding method. This method is also known as Non-statistical and Non-parametric Coding. The data has been decompressed using the same modules as compression but in reverse order. It results lossless output. To implement vectorization big files are broken into chunks and passed through each module, creating new processes. So, it works in parallel. This method results speed boost exponentially with file size while keeping compression factor intact if not better.
Ethylene and proline-dependent regulation of antioxidant enzymes to mitigate heat stress and boost photosynthetic efficacy in wheat plants
Authors: Sehar Zebus , Gautam Harsha , Masood Asim , Khan Nafees
Published: May 2022

Ethylene regulates photosynthetic efficiency of plants grown under challenged environment by interacting with antioxidant system and other biomolecules. The role of ethylene in modulation of proline biosynthesis and subsequent changes in antioxidant machinery to protect heat stress grown wheat was studied. The effects of exogenously-sourced ethylene (as 200 µL L− 1 ethephon: 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and proline (50 mM) was studied in the protection of photosynthetic performance and heat stress tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. WH-711 by studying mechanisms of proline biosynthesis, activity and gene expression of antioxidants, ethylene evolution. The cultivars, Raj-3765, PBW-373, HD-2967, PBW-550, DBW-17, PBW-343 and UP-2338 were screened for their proline accumulation capacity and tolerance to heat stress. Plants of the cultivar WH-711 with higher proline accumulation and heat tolerance capacity were subjected to 40°C for 6 h per day over 15 days, then allowed to recover at 28°C showed increased levels of H2O2 and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), proline acumulation, ACS activity and ethylene evolution, activity of antioxidant enzymes together with reduced photosynthetic characteristics. Ethephon plus proline supplementation under heat stress upregulated antioxidant defense system, reduced oxidative stress and improved psbA and psbB expression and photosynthesis. The outcome of the study may be taken to improve photosynthetic performance and heat stress tolerance through ethylene-enhanced proline accumulation and antioxidant defense system.
Temperature, carbon dioxide and methane
Authors: Hambler Clive , Henderson Peter A.
Published: May 2022

1) Globally-representative monthly rates of change of atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane are compared with global rates of change of sea ice and with Arctic and Antarctic air temperatures. 2) Carbon dioxide is very strongly correlated with sea ice dynamics, with the carbon dioxide rate at Mauna Loa lagging sea ice extent rate by 7 months. 3) Methane is very strongly correlated with sea ice dynamics, with the global (and Mauna Loa) methane rate lagging sea ice extent rate by 5 months. 4) Sea ice melt rate peaks in very tight synchrony with temperature in each Hemisphere. 5) The very high synchrony of the two gases is most parsimoniously explained by a common causality acting in both Hemispheres. 6) Time lags between variables indicate primary drivers of the gas dynamics are due to solar action on the polar regions, not mid-latitudes as is conventionally believed. 7) Results are consistent with a proposed role of a high-latitude temperature-dependent abiotic variable such as sea ice in the annual cycles of carbon dioxide and methane. 8) If sea ice does not drive the net flux of these gases, it is a highly precise proxy for whatever does. 9) Potential mechanisms should be investigated urgently.
Prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at District Hospital in Qarbagh District, Ghazani Province, Afghanistan
Authors: Ahmadi Ali Ahmad , Stanikzai Muhammad Haroon , Wyar Wali Mohammad , Sayam Hadia
Published: May 2022

Background: The burden of anemia among pregnant women is high in developing countries, with an increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity in these settings.Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at District Hospital in Qarabagh District, Ghazani province, Afghanistan.Methods: Pregnant women receiving antenatal care in this cross-sectional study completed a structured questionnaire and Hemoglobin (Hb) measurement from September to December 2020. The study questionnaire collected information on respondents’ socio-demographic, reproductive and dietary characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to describe anemia prevalence and other baseline characteristics. We employed bivariate and multivariable analyses to identify determinants of anemia. We used SPSS version 21 for statistical analyses. Results: Overall, 45.6% (CI: 41.64%-49.60%) of the respondents were anemic, of which 54.4% cases were mild. Pregnant women who were from households with low income (vs the high income) had higher odds of anemia (AOR=2.24; 95%CI:1.06-4.71). Husbands’ employment was strongly associated with anemia (AOR=2.04; 95%CI:1.04-3.97), as well as women who had a history of complications in last pregnancy (AOR=1.53; 95%CI: 1.02-2.28) and those who had irregular menstruation before this pregnancy had higher odds of anemia (AOR=2.21;1.35-3.64).Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women reflects a severe public health problem in the study area. Pregnant women from a household with low income, whose husbands were self-employed, and those who had a history of complications and irregular menstruation before this pregnancy were at higher risk of anemia. Hence, policymakers and health providers in the study area should take note of the results of this study to reduce the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women.
Learning to predict cosmological parameters using Deep Learning
Authors: Dongre Pratik , Digalwar Mayuri
Published: May 2022

Ever since its discovery back in 1964 Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) has been of great interest to cosmologists and played a crucial role in understanding and studying the early universe. One of the most interesting topic of current interest is dark matter and its existence is by now well established. By analyzing the CMB data we can estimate the baryon matter and dark matter density of the universe. With vast amount of astronomical data already present and a more vast amount which is to come in future, Machine Learning techniques can provide a variety of benefits in astrophysical and cosmological research. Here we explore the use of deep learning to estimate baryon and dark matter density. We have used a U-Net based neural networks in this paper. We have used simulated CMB temperature maps as a dataset to train the neural networks and correlate the baryon and dark matter density from the power spectrum of the corresponding simulated CMB temperature map.
Policy Making in Health-care Management: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Mammen Pradeep V. , Abraham Susan
Published: May 2022

Kerala has become a success and a model for the country, especially in increasing life expectancy as well as reducing infant and maternal mortalities. However, there exists a wide disparity in health-care spending in the country. This disparity can be mainly attributed to the social, political, and economic circumstances prevailing in the states of India. The contribution of Missionary hospitals in addressing this equity gap is noteworthy. An organized movement in health-care sector was initiated by the missionary churches by establishing a variety of health-care formats in Kerala. Among the various stakeholders, the policymakers and leaders have a very relevant and challenging responsibility in envisioning and innovating policies, strategies, and finding creative ways of management and sustainability. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, done among the missionary hospitals under Catholic Church in Kerala which are registered under CHAI Kerala. The study is limited to ten hospitals from five zones. The data are collected through questionnaire from fifty policymakers of ten hospitals spread all over the State of Kerala. The study shows that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of policymakers with the health-care management based on their age and association with the institution. There is difference in the leadership quality exhibited by policymakers based on gender. Moreover, there is a significant difference in service quality based on their tenure of association with the institution. Along with sociodemographics, policies, and regulations, social responsibilities were the other factors found as major challenges in health-care management for the policymakers.
PSORIASIS - A Mini Review
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumar Rajat , Anthal Rahul , Prerna  , Kumar Rajat , Sharma Devkant , Bhargava Anurag
Published: May 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory squamous cell disease of papules that is characterized by multiple remissions and relapses. This has long been considered a serious violation of keratinization. The successful use of traditional immune suppressants and new immune modulators in the treatment of psoriasis has led to the belief that psoriasis is, in fact, a disorder of Th1 cell immunodeficiency. Recent developments have led to several new discoveries such as the role of Th17 cells and evidence of skin barrier dysfunction in psoriasis similar to atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis is an atypical, systemic autoimmune disease of unknown cause, mainly affecting the skin, spreading further to the nails and joints and causing arthritis. The treatment protocol should be based on the patient’s condition. People with mild psoriasis can be treated primarily with topical medications, while people with moderate to severe psoriasis can be treated with systemic medications.
Miniscrew-assisted Rapid Palatal Expander – Non-surgical Method for Maxillary Expansion in Young Adults Based on Histological Review
Authors: Vadivel Aarthi , Muralidharan D. , Thirunavukkarasu R. , Nirupama C. , Tamizhmani J. , Prasanth C.
Published: May 2022

Expansion is one of the most effectual orthopedic procedures for the treatment of maxillary constriction. Slow and rapid palatal expansion (RPE) are two reliable and commonly used procedures to correct transverse maxillary deficiencies. RPE produces good adaptation at skeletal level in children and adolescents. By late adolescence, the mid-palatal suture allows only limited skeletal expansion and may produce undesirable dental effects. Miniscrew-assisted RPE (MARPE) extended not only skeletal effects with fewer dental changes but also the age limit of nonsurgical maxillary expansion treatment. This review article evaluates the role of MARPE in widening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment from various aspects with a focus on recent studies.
Effect of ultrasound irradiation on some Biophysical Parameters of Human Blood (in vitro)
Authors: Saleem Mohd Abdul , Jaleeli Kaleem Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound is commonly employed in clinical practice as a part of physical therapy. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of ultrasound irradiation on some Biophysical Parameters (pH, Conductivity, and Refractive index) of human blood. Blood samples of volume 5 ml were collected from the donors each time an experiment was performed. Blood was then transferred to heparin anticoagulant tubes. The human blood samples were divided into two parts, that is, control sample and sample for irradiation. The human blood sample was irradiated using an ultrasonic interferometer of 3MHz frequency for a duration of 1 h in an identical and controlled environment. The biophysical parameter was determined and compared with that of the control sample. Variations were observed in the values of pH, conductivity, and refractive index of ultrasonically irradiated human blood sample compared with that of the control sample. This study gives us an idea regarding the effect of ultrasound on some of the most important biophysical parameters of human blood. Further, the results obtained in the present study can be utilized in the future for the work on the biological effects of ultrasound and interpret the in vivo effects.
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Anxiety among Young Adults
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Agarwal Shalini , Khwairakpam Sharmila , Modi Dinesh Raj
Published: May 2022

Anxiety is not a new term in the academic and social environment for young adults. From examination anxiety to adjustment problems at higher school, university, and workplace, anxiety has many adverse effects on young adult performance and mental health. Emotional intelligence provides us the ability to deal effectively with mental abnormality and anxiety in a different environment. At the university level, there were young adults of different social, cultural, and economic strata, so the university or workplace environment has a different impact on their level of affiliation and interaction. The present study aims to find out the relationship between these two constructs among young adults. Emotional intelligence level measured by the Kumar, A. I Narain, S. Emotional Intelligence Scale EIS-SANS, National Psychological Corporation (2014). The construct of anxiety level is measured by the Hamilton M. The assessment of anxiety states by rating. Br J Med Psychol 1959; 32:50–55. Two hundred and fourteen (n = 214) young adults from different parts of India constitute the sample of this study out of 214 respondents, 127 males and 87 females respondents between the age range of 20 and 40 years. The collected data were analyzed ANOVA and correlation through SPSS (Version 26). The results revealed that there is a fragile association between emotional intelligence level and level of anxiety; results revealed that there is a negative correlation between emotional intelligence and anxiety (r = −0.061, P < 0.05). The findings of this study have established that there is a significant difference between emotional intelligence and anxiety across gender of young adults, and male respondents had a better emotional intelligence which helps them to cope up with anxiety, female respondents, slightly behind in such conditions
Stability-Indicating Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method Development and Validation of Lamotrigine in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Ghawate Vilas B. , Sikchi Shubham D. , Kedari Chetan C. , Jadhav Varsha S. , Deshmukh V. K. , Mote Prerana
Published: May 2022

In the current study, analytical method has been validated by system suitability parameters, linearity, accuracy and percent recovery, precision, ruggedness, robustness, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. The present study of lamotrigine was achieved using Cosmosil C18 (250 nm×4.6 ID, particle size: 5 Micron) Column with mobile phase methanol: water (60:40) pH: 3 at a flow rate 0.8 ml/min with UV detection at 308 nm. The retention time for lamotrigine was found to be 4.979 min. In linearity, the correlation coefficient (R2) for lamotrigine was found to be 0.999, slope is 39,801, and intercept was found to be 51,862 which are well within the acceptance criteria. The mean percent recovery for lamotrigine at three different levels for 50%, 100%, and 150% was found to be 99.28%, 99.30%, and 100.40%. The % RSD should not more than 2%. In precision study, interday (RSD is 0.41%) and intraday (RSD is 0.26%) are found. Forced degradation experiments were carried out by exposing standard form of lamotrigine for acid-base, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal stress conditions. Hence, the developed method is accurate, precise, repeatable, and reproducible and can be used for routine analysis of lamotrigine.
Cognitive Training: Strategy for Improving Mental Health of Elderly Inmates Living in Old Age Homes across Delhi, India
Authors: Das Deboshree , Malik Sanya , Jain Rita
Published: May 2022

Interindividual variability in cognitive function is attributed to biological, psychological, health-related, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The present study is to examine the beneficial effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on the cognitive ability after social and cognitive intervention residing in old age homes across Delhi, India. The elderly aged 60 years and above were randomly selected and a 21-day workshop of 90 min was conducted at each facility. Of the 89 inmates, 64 of them participated regularly in the workshop. Mini-Mental State Examination test and Mini-Cog test were conducted before and after the workshop. A Poisson regression model was fitted to assess the key determinants on the improvement of cognitive function. According to the fitted model, higher level of improvement was observed among the female (95% confidential interval [CI] 0.26–1.19; SE = 0.24) participants. Participants which had the lower level of cognitive impairment showed highly significant improvement in cognitive performance (95% CI 0.14–0.44; SE = 0.08) whereas physically active participants showed a negative association with improvement in cognitive performance (95% CI 1.58–0.26; SE = 0.34). Cognitive training helped in improving the mental health of elderly population. The notable distinction between the institutions is that in the institution in which the residents interacted the most with each other showed higher levels of improvement. The most significant factor found to be associated with cognitive improvement of the participants was their present level of cognitive impairment; it was observed that those with the least cognitive impairment benefitted the most from the intervention program. Hence, an early detection and intervention could be beneficial.
Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Methotrexate and Naproxen in Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Wistar Rat
Authors: Uniyal Pooja , Dobhal Sandhya
Published: May 2022

The liver is one of the heaviest organs in the body (1.2–1.5 kg) and serve the most important function of maintaining the body’s internal environment. The anatomical location of the liver is key to fulfill this role, as almost all absorption of unknown material into the body takes place in the gut and the portal blood draining the gut flows to the liver, which later controls the release of absorbed nutrients into the systemic circulation. In adding together to its function in metabolizing nutrients, the liver is capable to store and liberate a variety of substrates, vitamins and plays an essential role in drug and bilirubin metabolism. Liver cancer is most of the deadliest disease in the whole world which has been increasing day by day. The present study was aimed to investigate the activity of Methotrexate (MTX) and Naproxen (Np) to reduce the risk of liver cancer induced by Diethylnitrosamine (DENA) on rats. After examination, it was observed that pharmacological assessment of MTX and Np shows positive reactions toward treating DENA-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in animals.
Ballista Spring - A Conservative Method for Repositioning Palatally Impacted Canine - Clinical Case Report
Authors: Vadivel Aarthi , Thirunavukkarasu R. , Muralidharan D. , Nirupama C. , Tamizhmani J. , Mani Bhuvaneshwari
Published: May 2022

Maxillary canine impaction is one of the most frequently encountered condition in orthodontic practice. Many factors are responsible for the development of canine impaction. Early diagnosis and interception can provide prudent clinical management of impacted canine with minimal or no iatrogenic effects. The Ballista spring system is a simple, less traumatic system for treating impacted canines. The impacted teeth is retracted by a spring that accumulates light continuous force from being twisted on its long axis. This article illustrates a case in which impacted maxillary canine was surgically exposed, attachment bonded, vertical and labial traction given with Ballista spring and ideally positioned with fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolite Profiling and In Silico Activity Prediction of Phytoconstituents in Phoenix dactylifera L. Leaves Extracts of Kachchh Region
Authors: Thacker Hency , Ram Vijay
Published: May 2022

Phoenix dactylifera L. commonly known as date palm is one of the major flora grown in the Kachchh region. Date palm is dioecious plant, that is, it owns separate male and female trees. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography, high-performance thin layer chromatography, and infrared red spectroscopy are some widely utilized sophisticated analytical techniques for the identification of bioactive phytoconstituents in medicinal plants. The present study aims to identify phytoconstituents present in ethyl acetate extract of male and female date palm leaves using GC-MS. These identified bioactive phytoconstituents were subjected toin silico useful biological activity prediction using pass online server. The study concluded that both male and female extracts were enriched phytochemicals possessing diverse valuable biological activity such as antihypercholestrolemic, anticancer, antineopolastic, lipid metabolism regulator, hepatoprotectant, and apoptosis antagonist.
Sensory Evaluation of Madhyama Paka and Khara Paka Katupila Taila by Triangle Test
Authors: Shah S. , Bedarkar P. , Shukla V. J. , Patgiri B. J. , Mehta M.
Published: May 2022

Sensory evaluation is a quantitative science in which numerical data are collected to establish lawful and specific relationships between product characteristics and human perception. Among the sensory methods available, Triangle test method was adopted. The purpose of this study was to differentiate Madhyama Paka and Khara Paka Katupila Taila with regard to smell and color. Forty pre-trained assessors were asked to identify the blindly coded sample analogous. The results were calculated using Python software and analyzed using receiver operating characteristics curve, area under curve (AUC), and d-prime (d’) with the help of sensR package in R-studio ver. 1.0.143. For both attributes, both the samples were correctly identified with a significance level of P < 0.001 and AUC of 1 and 0.999 for each set, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that sensory analysis method efficiently discriminated the Madhyama Paka and Khara Paka Katupila Taila samples and thus can serve as a cost-effective routine quality control tool.
Detection of Colistin Resistance in Uropathogenic Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Riaz Ishrath Razia , Hindupur Anusha , Raj Thota Akhil , Anbazhagan Iswarya , Dhandapani Prabu
Published: May 2022

Background: Colistin resistance among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp) strains at an accelerated rate poses a serious global threat which limits therapeutic options. Objective: In this study, 203 laboratory-archived uropathogenic K. pneumoniae isolates were screened for carbapenem and colistin resistance. Methods: Carbapenam resistance screening was performed using combined disc test. Colistin resistance was determined for CRKp isolates, according to clinical and laboratory standards institute- European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. Polymerase Chain Reaction for carbapenamase genes (blaNDM-1, blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-1) and plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes (mcr-1-2) were performed for the resistant isolates. Results: About 30% of the CRKp isolates were resistant to colistin; 57.1% and 35.7% of the isolates carried blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-1 gene, respectively. None of the isolates showed positive for blaKPC-2 and mcr (1-2) genes. Conclusion: Colistin resistance in the absence of a plasmid borne transfer mechanism was observed among our CRKp strains. Escalating colistin resistance is a crucial obstacle in treatment of K. pneumoniae infections and repurposing their usage is important to combat and control the resistance.
Viable Staining for Detecting Mycobacterium Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Vulnerable Population
Authors: Anantha Kanakaprasad , Bharathidasan
Published: May 2022

Background: Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is the major concern of proper diagnosis and for effective treatment of PTB. Despite the recent advancement in diagnostic methods, the smear microscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of PTB in high burden countries. Design: This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the diagnostic performance of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining techniques in the diagnosis of PTB for vulnerable group of population HIV, smoker, health care workers, and malnutrition people and confirmed with Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) liquid culture to check the viability. Samples were collected from Intermediate Reference Laboratory, Karnataka, from November 2019 to March 2020. A total of 350 samples were collected and these were stained using ZN method as per National Tuberculosis Elimination Program norms and FDA method followed by liquid culture using the MGIT 960 to check for the viability of the bacilli and correlate with the results of the FDA viability staining method. Results: The study demonstrates that the sensitivity and specificity of FDA viable fluorescent staining to that of liquid MGIT culture were 98.6% and 100%, respectively, while those of ZN staining were 55.8% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Hence, we concluded that the FDA staining technique is a more sensitive test for checking the viability of AFB among PTB suspect, as compared to the conventional ZN-stained smear observation.
Successful Aging among Senior Adults Across Age Residing in Lucknow City
Authors: Maurya Preeti , Agarwal Shalini , Sharmila Khwairakpam
Published: May 2022

Research Background: Successful Aging among Senior Adults is an important area of concern that reflects their overall aging and how they deal with it. Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to study Successful Aging among Senior Adults. Methods: The study was conducted on a Purposive Random Sampling of 120 respondents who were selected from Lucknow city in the age ranging from 65 to more than 75 years of which 67 men and 53 women. “Successful Aging Scale” Questionnaire which are prepared by Reker, 2009 is used to measure Successful Aging, the questionnaire was administered. The data were coded, tabulated, and analyzed. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analyzed using mean, frequency percentage. Result: The finding of the study revealed that the majority of respondents are Successfully Aged and the study also reveals that there is no significant difference between the Successful Aging of respondents and their Gender.
Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 among the Individuals from Nasik District, Maharashtra
Authors: Tukaram Dhumal Kishori
Published: May 2022

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic has created havoc around the world. All states of India, including Maharashtra, are severely affected by this viral infection. In Maharashtra, various regions including Mumbai, Pune and Nasik are largely affected due to this pandemic. Objectives: To study the epidemiological characteristic of COVID-19 Individuals from the Nasik district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional e-survey was conducted to study the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 individuals from and around Nasik. A random sampling method was adopted. Information from the individuals was collected in the form of a questionnaire, which was shared among 300 individuals, out of these 253 responses were received. Data analysis was done using Chi-square method. Results: Of 253 individuals, 90 (35.57%) were found to be COVID positive. Majority (50%) of them belonged to the age group 40–60 years. Among those tested positive, 83 (92.2%) individuals were symptomatic while, 7 (7.8%) were asymptomatic. Of 90 COVID positive individuals, 39 (43.3%) individuals with pre-COVID comorbidities showed severe symptoms and were hospitalized, while those without any comorbidity showed mild symptoms and were home quarantined, (Odds ratio = 15.88,95% confidence interval = 5.6–44.95, P < 0.0001). Post COVID symptoms, particularly diabetes and Mucormycosis, were developed among 8.8% and 1.1% individuals, respectively. Conclusion: Severity of illness was associated with comorbidity, among majority of the patients.
Antidiarrheal Activity of Albizzia lebbeck Leaves
Authors: Shirode Devendra S. , Powar Priyatama , Singh Ashwini , Jain Brijendra B.
Published: May 2022

Worldwide, more than 5–8 million deaths are caused each year by diarrhea. At present, used anti-diarrheal drugs show adverse effects in some form. Hence, there is a need to explore natural drugs as alternative therapy. Preliminary phytochemical screening, Acute oral toxicity and antidiarrheal activity of 70% ethanolic extract of the Albizzia lebbeck leaves (ALL) were performed. ALL were assessed for antidiarrheal activity using castor oil, Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) and intestinal motility induced diarrhea in rats. On the basis of acute oral toxicity, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight doses were selected for antidiarrheal activity. Preliminary phytochemical screenings revealed presence of flavonoids tannins and saponins in extract. ALL showed significant inhibitory activity against castor oil, PGE2 induced diarrhea and intestinal motility. On the basis of the result, it can be concluded that the ALL possess significant antidiarrheal activity.
Designing and Development of Diabetic Exercise Mat and its Effect on Sensory Motor Dysfunction in Chronic Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Patane Gayatri R. , Kanase Suraj B.
Published: May 2022

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most common late complications of diabetic individual. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes peripheral sensory loss and motor deterioration. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to find the effect of conventional exercises on designed mat for sensory and motor dysfunction in chronic diabetic individuals. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was carried out using simple random sampling method during 1 year in Krishna Hospital. A total of 44 subjects were allocated into Groups A and B to receive conventional physiotherapy and exercise on designed mat, respectively. Protocol was conducted for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-design was used for assessing the study. Results: Subjects were assessed for quantitative sensory testing (QST) and manual muscle testing (MMT). Between the groups, the QST values were for Groups A 4.40 ± 0.66 and B 3.59 ± 1.18 along with P = 0.0071. MMT ankle dorsiflexion values were for Groups A 4.27 ± 0.55 and B 3.90 ± 0.61 along with P <0.044, ankle plantar flexion values were for Groups A 4.31 ± 0.47 and B 3.95 ± 0.65 along with P = 0.04. Wrist flexion values were for Groups A 4.18 ± 0.50 and B 4.50 ± 0.51 along with P = 0.04. Wrist extension values were for Groups A 3.90 ± 0.61 and B 4.50 ± 0.59 with P = 0.002. Conclusion: This study concluded that both conventional exercises and exercise on designed mat showed significant improvement on QST and MMT. Thus, the study provided the evidence to support that exercises on designed mat are found to be more effective than conventional exercises.
Assessment of Body Composition among the Sabar Preschool Children of Purulia districts, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mahata Latu Lal , Biswas Sadaruddin , Bisai Samiran , Bose Kaushik
Published: May 2022

There is scanty information on body composition characteristics among preschool children from underprivileged communities of India. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was designed to assess the body composition characteristics among Sabar preschool children aged 1-5 years. The present study was conducted at six different villages of three blocks under Purulia district, West Bengal, India. The subjects were randomly selected from house-to-house visit from studied villages. Significant age variations were noticed in mean height, weight, and Body mass index (BMI) among both sexes. Boys showed significant age variation in mean triceps skinfold thickness (TRISKF), whereas the girls showed significant age variation in mean Mid-upper arm circumference. Maximum significant age variation was observed in mean height (Boys: F = 52.36, P < 0.001; Girls: F = 49.78, P < 0.001), and minimum significant age variation was noticed in mean TRISKF among boys (F = 3.78, P < 0.05) and in mean BMI (F = 5.13, P < 0.05). Age-combined mean values of percent body fat (PBF) and fat mass (FM) were significantly higher among girls (20.39% and 2.36 kg) than boys (16.17% and1.84 kg). The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) showed that body composition measurers were significantly correlated with the majority of variables among these children. In conclusion, the results revealed that PBF, FM, and fat-free mass were good indicators to measure the degree of fat deposition, which could be used as a nutritional indicator in terms of leanness.