Evaluation of the Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Neurodegenerative disorders encompass a wide range of neurological diseases, often of unknown origin, characterized by genetic predisposition and affecting various neurofunctional systems. These disorders frequently lead to memory disturbances and cognitive impairment, with their prevalence increasing as the population ages. Early detection and accurate classification based on underlying causes are essential for effective management. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become a cornerstone in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases due to its high tissue contrast, while Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing brain metabolism. MRS provides insights into the biochemical processes occurring in the brain, quantifying metabolites such as N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), and myo-inositol (MI), as well as glutamate, glutathione, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The aim of this study is to explore the application of 1H-MRS in detecting metabolic changes in individuals with dementia and MCI, comparing them to healthy controls, and distinguishing between various neurodegenerative conditions. By providing a comprehensive view of metabolic alterations, MRS holds promise in advancing the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases Objectives: To evaluate metabolic irregularities in individuals presenting with dementia and neuro cognitive impairment using MRS and to evaluate utility of MRS in detecting prodromal signs of Alzheimers disease. Methods: A total of fourty cases were included. All patients aged above 18 years with known cases of alzheimers disease andage matched normal patients. MRI Procedure: Based on inclusion criteria with informed consent MRI brainalong with MR spectroscopy is done. MRI Analysis: MRI brain is used to assess the brain atrophy and diagnose the alzheimers disease. MR spectroscopy is used to assess the metabolic ratios in hippocampus. ROC analysis is done to derive the cutoff of metabolic ratios for early detection of alzheimers disease. Results: among 40 patients, 26 males and 16 female subjects were enrolled in this study. MRS showed that naa/cr ratio is significantly reduced (p value <0.001, sensitivity 55%, specificity 80%). ROC analysis revealed estimated cutoff values of naa/cr is <1.51 and we propose this cutoff for early detection of alzheimers disease. Conclusions: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) can serve as a valuable screening tool in the neuroimaging of neurodegenerative diseases and may also function as an adjunctive marker for detecting preclinical Alzheimer\u27s disease in clinical practice

INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE CAESAREAN SECTION UTILIZATION RATE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Objective: This paper aims to review and synthetize findings of interventions or policies to reduce caesarean section utilization rates.Methods: A literature review was conducted by searching database with a systematic approach from two electronic databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) starting January 2010 up to 31 December 2022.Results: 1313 records were screened and 50 articles were selected to be reviewed, 1263 articles were excluded after screening for duplication and reviewing the title or abstract of the articles. All the 50 articles included in the review will be analyzed to study further about the intervention in reducing caesarean sections. Conclusions: There are clinical or non-clinical interventions to reduce caesarean sections rate that already been done in many countries. All interventions need multi-stakeholder strong commitment and participations to ensure the success of each intervention

Community E-Readiness in Adopting Technology: Evaluation of the Implementation of Digital Population Identity Application in Ternate City, Indonesia

The implementation of the Digital Population Identity (IKD) application by the Ternate City Population and Civil Registration Service (DUKCAPIL) is an effort to modernize public administration in supporting the digitalization of population services in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the e-readiness of the government and the community in adopting IKD technology, using six main indicators: E-Leadership, Culture, E-Governance, Human Resources, ICT Infrastructure, and Business Climate. A qualitative approach with a descriptive method is used to explore the social phenomena that occur, through in-depth interview techniques, observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The results of the study show that innovative e-leadership and technology-based service strategies, such as the "Dukcapil Nongki" program and outreach services, have increased the use of IKD by 16% of the total population. However, the transformation of digital culture still faces challenges, especially in the elderly and people who are less familiar with technology. Although the technological infrastructure and basic human resource competencies are adequate, obstacles such as outdated hardware and limited internet access in remote areas affect the effectiveness of IKD implementation. Collaboration between government, society, and the private sector creates a conducive business climate to support the digitalization of public services. This study recommends strengthening human resource training, hardware rejuvenation, and expanding socialization strategies to increase the adoption of IKD. In addition, further studies on the long-term impact of IKD implementation on administrative efficiency and public satisfaction as well as comparative analysis of implementation in other regions are needed to enrich the development of e-governance in Indonesia. These findings are expected to be a guide for the development of technology-based public service innovations in the future

Elements of Violence in Anna Burns’ Milkman

This paper explores the intricate layers of violence in Anna Burns’ Milkman, set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. Through a meticulous analysis, the study delves into how Burns portrays the pervasive and multifaceted nature of violence, not only as a physical force but as a socio-political and psychological phenomenon deeply embedded in the lives of individuals and communities. Drawing on theories from Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault, Slavoj Žižek, Judith Butler, and other critical thinkers, the paper examines the ways in which power, surveillance, and societal norms perpetuate structural, symbolic, and normative violence. The protagonist’s struggle to navigate a society governed by fear, suspicion, and rigid social codes reflects the broader tensions of a divided nation. By situating Milkman within these theoretical frameworks, this study reveals how the novel transcends its historical setting to offer a universal commentary on the human condition under systemic oppression

IMPACT OF HUMOUR ADVERTISING ON CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR IN INDIA’S METRO POPULATION

This study examines the impact of humor-based advertising on consumer buying behavior in India’s metropolitan areas. It explores humor as a marketing tool to enhance brand likability, loyalty, and consumer engagement. By analyzing emotional connections and humorous elements, the research highlights how humor can drive consumer preferences, foster brand reputation, and increase purchase intent. Using a mixed-method approach, data was collected from major Indian cities and analyzed to understand humor\u27s influence on advertising effectiveness. While humor enhances brand recall and consumer satisfaction, challenges such as cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations necessitate careful implementation for sustained success

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Integrating Circular Economy Principles into Urban Waste Management: A Case Study of Bengaluru’s Solid Waste Initiatives

This study examines the application of circular economy (CE) principles in solid waste management (SWM) within Bengaluru, India, assessing their socio-economic and environmental impacts while aligning with the city’s sustainable development goals. Utilizing qualitative research methods such as interviews and site visits, the research highlights impactful models, including the Zero Waste Initiative at Madiwala Market, sustainable practices during Ganesha festival celebrations, community-driven composting projects, and the Swachagraha Kalikakendra initiative.These initiatives showcase the potential of CE strategies to transform waste management into a system that bolsters environmental sustainability, promotes social equity, and enhances economic productivity. The findings underscore how embracing CE frameworks can repurpose waste into valuable resources, tackle urban challenges, and contribute to sustainable urban development. The study concludes by advocating for the integration of CE approaches into urban SWM systems as a pathway to building resilient and sustainable cities, providing a replicable model for urban centers globally

Graft Uptake and Hearing Outcomes in Myringoplasty by Conventional Temporalis Fascia Underlay Technique with and without Addition of Platelet Rich Fibrin (Prf): A Prospective, Randomised Double Blind Study

Myringoplasty is a crucial surgical technique employed to repair tympanic membrane perforations, safeguarding the middle ear cavity from external exposure and associated risks. While traditional graft materials such as temporalis fascia, cartilage, and vein grafts have shown graft uptake success rates ranging from 64% to 96%, challenges like graft failure persist. To address this, innovative methods such as the application of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have gained attention. PRF, a second-generation platelet concentrate, is rich in growth factors, cytokines, and glycoproteins, promoting accelerated wound healing, cellular proliferation, and matrix remodelling. As an autologous material, PRF offers significant advantages, including safety, cost-effectiveness, and ease of preparation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PRF in enhancing graft uptake and hearing outcomes among patients undergoing myringoplasty. By exploring its potential, this research seeks to establish PRF as an ideal adjunct in surgical management, addressing current limitations and optimizing patient care outcomes

Ultrasonic and Acoustic Investigation of Glutamic Acid and Aspartic Acid in Mixed Solvent Systems for Enhanced Drug Solubility and Bioavailability in Oral and Injectable Formulations

The present study focuses on the ultrasonic and thermoacoustic investigation of glutamic acid and aspartic acid in various mixed solvent systems, including ethanol-water, DMSO-water, isopropanol-water, methanol-water, chloroform-water, and acetone-water. The research evaluates critical parameters such as density (ρ), ultrasonic velocity (U), viscosity (η), adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free length (Lf), acoustic impedance (Z), free volume (Vf), internal pressure (πi), molar volume (Vm), Rao\u27s constant (RC), and Wada\u27s constant (WC). These parameters were analyzed over varying weight percentages (1%,3% and 5%) to understand solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions. The results demonstrate that the ultrasonic velocity and density generally increase with solute concentration, indicating stronger molecular interactions. The decrease in adiabatic compressibility and intermolecular free length reflects the formation of a tighter molecular network, reducing molecular free space. Variations in acoustic impedance and free volume further validate the interaction strength between amino acids and solvent molecules. Internal pressure analysis reveals insights into molecular cohesion, while molar volume, Rao’s, and Wada’s constants provide information on molecular packing and interaction dynamics. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of amino acids in mixed solvents, which is crucial for applications in biochemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations

Assessing The Anti-Inflammatory Potential Of Vitex negundo: An In-Vitro Experimental Study

Vitex negundo is an aromatic plant from the Verbenaceae family, native to India, which has been known for its therapeutic properties since ancient times. In the current study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Vitex negundo (VN) extract via in-vitro laboratory experiments such as HRBC (Human red blood cell) membrane stabilisation assay, albumin denaturation inhibition assay, and proteinase inhibition assay. The results exhibited that, in the HRBC membrane stabilisation test, the VN extract significantly reduced cell damage, exhibiting 79.95% protection at a concentration of 200 μg/ml against the control anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium.In the protein denaturation assay, VN effectively inhibited protein denaturation, with its highest inhibition rate of 72.29% at 200 μg/ml concentration. The proteinase inhibition assay also demonstrated satisfactory results, with maximum inhibition (58.24%) observed at 200μg/ml.These results confirm the strong anti-inflammatory properties of VN, particularly at a concentration of 200 μg/ml, where it was most effective in mitigating inflammation-related mechanisms. Our results propose that VN has significant potential to be developed into a natural, plant-based anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent and is a promising alternative to synthetic drugs. The current study will be a foundation for future research efforts that aim to explore the therapeutic properties of VN, and future research endeavours should focus more on advanced phytochemical characterisation, drug formulations and human clinical trials to exploit the use of these properties