Neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effect of whole red rice forms against oxidative stress in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

151-160Whole red rice (Oryza sativa L.), consumed as staple food in many countries worldwide, is rich in phytochemicals, mainly antioxidants having health potency. The present study evaluated the neuro- and hepatoprotective efficacy of raw and parboiled whole red rice against streptozotocin (STZ) induced oxidative stress, and antioxidant metabolism both in diabetic and normal non-diabetic rats. Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body wt.), supplemented with raw and parboiled whole red rice for six weeks. Results revealed a drastic increase in oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) level, hydroperoxide (HP) level; antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductases (TR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and decrease in endogenous antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) in diabetic rat. On the other hand, addition of raw and parboiled whole red rice in the diet counteracted the STZ induced oxidative stress in diabetic groups and improved the neuro and hepatic antioxidant system. Both, parboiled and raw red rice forms, exercised similar impacts in diabetic as well as in normal rats suggesting improved antioxidant defence mechanism. Results have shown that the whole red rice possess antidiabetic potential with the antioxidant improving ability, and could be utilized as dietary supplements in diabetes management

Selective Breeding to Improve Productive and Reproductive Performances and Survivability of Indigenous Sakini Chicken

Indigenous chickens are quite popular in Family Poultry Production System (FPPS) in Nepal, but are constrained with their low productive performance. The present study evaluated the productive and reproductive performance of Sakini chicken in different filial generations and sexes. In addition, research also aimed at understanding the effect of generations on above performances. Initially, base populations (G-0) of Sakini were maintained by collecting eight weeks old birds from different agro-ecologial zones of Nepal. Performance of the birds of G-0 was evaluated based on weekly body weight (12-24 weeks), laying performance, fertility, hatchability, hatch weight and survivability. Selected birds of base population (G-0) were used to produce first (G-1), second (G-2) and third (G-3) generations through selective breeding in each generation. Similarly, body weights at hatching, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 week and 24 weeks were significantly (p<0.001) improved from G0 to G3 and were also significantly (p<0.001) differ for sex (males were always heavier than females). Likewise, there was significant (p<0.05) improvement in egg production (per hen per year), age at first lay (days), body weight at sexual maturity, egg number and egg weight at 90 days of laying in progressive generations. Fertility, hatchability and survivability significantly (p<0.05) improved in selected generations in comparison to base population, whereas, no significant difference was obtained within the different selected population. Thus, indigenous Sakini chicken under this experiment performed better with respect to survivability, fertility and hatchability in later generations that provides ample scope of advancing selective breeding activities within the indigenous population in order to bring significant improvement in the overall productive performance of Sakini chicken in Nepal

Dynamic Response of Heterogeneity and Reinforcement on the Propagation of Torsional Surface Waves

This paper aims to investigate the effect of reinforcement and heterogeneity on the propagation of torsional surface waves. Geometry of the problem is consists of heterogeneous fibre-reinforced layer lying over a heterogeneous isotropic half-space. Heterogeneity in the layer is caused due to exponential variation of elastic parameters whereas quadratic variation in elastic parameters is considered for half-space. Dispersion relation for torsional surface waves has been obtained and matched with classical Love wave equation by taking an isotropic homogeneous layer lying over an isotropic homogeneous half-space. Some existing results have been deduced as particular case of the present study. Velocity profile of surface waves is compared for both, reinforced and reinforced free cases. Numerical examples have been discussed by taking steel fibre-reinforced material. Graphical representation has been made to exhibit the findings

Histopathological study of endometrium in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding

Background:Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the commonest complaints in women and when it occurs without   organic lesions like tumor, inflammation, it is called as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Aim of current study was to find out the histopathological pattern of endometrium in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) also to study organic causes of AUB.Methods:Specimens received as endometrial curettage and hysterectomy specimens were studied followed by correlation of histopathology with age and clinical presentation.Results:The patients were mainly from the age group of 30-49 years (74.24%). The most common menstrual disorder was menorrhagia (46.86%). In dysfunctional uterine bleeding the most common histological pattern of endometrium includes proliferative endometrium (22.8%) followed by endometrial hyperplasia (19.40%), atrophic endometrium (7.16%), secretory endometrium (5.97%), irregular shedding [1.80%], irregular ripening (1.20%) and anovulatory endometrium (0.59%). Organic lesions encountered in AUB cases were leiomyoma (17.92%), endometrial polyp (1.79%), endometrial carcinoma (1.50%), endometriosis (0.59%) and choriocarcinoma (0.29%).Conclusion:It is important to know the histological pattern of the endometrium like proliferative endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, atrophic endometrium, secretory endometrium, irregular ripening and shredding and organic lesions in patients diagnosed as AUB in different age groups since recognition of these conditions will help and will avoid further complications.

Comparison of Microstrip Patch Antenna using Different substrate Material for Multiband Application

In this article, the comparisons of parameters of S-shaped radiating patch using L-strip feeding for multiband operation. It is proposed that antenna fabricated on foam shows better performance than Bakelite substrate.The antenna is first analyzed using software simulation, and then fabricated on Foam and Bakelite substrates and their characteristics are compared. The resonating modes of S-shaped patch antenna are obtained between 6 GHz to 45 GHz for foam whereas 2 GHz to 20 GHz for Bakelite. The reflection coefficients and bandwidth of both antennas are compared and discussed. The geometry is simulated using commercially available IE3D software and the results are measured and tested. It is found that the agreement between the computed and experimental results was very good

The Association Between Coping Strategies, Resilience, and Flourishing Among Students at Large U.S. University During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Research Study

Background: Mental illness indicators increased among U.S. university students in recent years; COVID-19 associated disruptions presented additional mental health challenges for students. Aim: This research aimed to assess the relationship between coping strategies identified by university students and scores on resilience and flourishing scales and to identify additional themes that described student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey was administered to students at a large public Midwestern University. Quantitative data were assessed using nonparametric tests for association and qualitative data were analyzed using cycles of open coding. Results: Most of the 3,473 respondents were female (76.5%) and white (83.6%), with a mean age of 24.67 years (SD = 8.08). The most frequent coping strategy was physical activity participation (n = 712), followed by socializing (n = 507). The highest resilience and flourishing scores were associated with compliance to COVID-19 associated recommendations or spiritual activities. Qualitative themes included the value of focusing on controllable aspects, the need to be strong for others, and the experience of academic overload during transition to online learning. Conclusions: Universities should endeavor to provide ongoing availability of counseling during university disruptions. Universities might also consider proactive efforts to guide students toward proficiency in strategies that improve coping skills, including some that do not center around technology