Prevalence of chronic facet arthropathy: a retrospective study

Background: To assess prevalence facet-joint arthropathy in chronic low back pain using computed tomography.Methods: A retrospective study profiled and analysed objective data from patients CT scans and previous records.Results: Facetal arthropathy was graded by Pathria’s criteria.102 joints (33.12%) were grade 1, 113 (36.69%) grade 2, 63 (20.45%) grade 3, and 30 (9.74. %) grade 4. Final result showed that females were affected more than the male in Grade II, III and IV. Age group more affected was between 46-85 years.Conclusions:Our study on chronic low back pain revealed prevalence of facet-joint involvement 66.88% (206 patients) in rural population with age group involved more than 46 years

Inter and Intra-rater Reliability and Validity of an instrument made in rural set up to measure Maximum Inspiratory Pressure termed as Dhiraj Maximum Inspiratory Pressure Device

Background: Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) measures inspiratory force generated by respiratory muscles. MIP is measured with non-invasive pressure transducer device which has mouthpiece, pressure gauge, and dial showing readings. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common sign depicted in conditions like neuromuscular disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory pathologies which affect the individual’s lung volume and capacity. The devices available in the market to measure the MIP are costly. Aim: This study was undertaken to find out inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and validity of therapist made instrument in rural set up to measure maximum inspiratory pressure (DMIPD). Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 40 normal healthy individuals without lung diseases were recruited as per inclusion criteria. MIP values were noted by two raters using the DMIPD and were then compared between two rater values to that of the gold standard values. Validity and reliability were calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and p-value. Result: Statistical analysis for inter-rater reliability by Kappa using SPSS 1.000 showing almost perfect agreement as per Kappa interpretation also for intra-rater analysis an ICC value of 0.96 depicting excellent validity and Cronbach alpha value of 0.97 thereby proving it to have excellent reliability. Conclusion: We conclude that DMIPD has excellent reliability and validity

Inter and Intra-rater Reliability and Validity of an instrument made in rural set up to measure Maximum Inspiratory Pressure termed as Dhiraj Maximum Inspiratory Pressure Device

Background: Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) measures inspiratory force generated by respiratory muscles. MIP is measured with non-invasive pressure transducer device which has mouthpiece, pressure gauge, and dial showing readings. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common sign depicted in conditions like neuromuscular disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory pathologies which affect the individual’s lung volume and capacity. The devices available in the market to measure the MIP are costly. Aim: This study was undertaken to find out inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and validity of therapist made instrument in rural set up to measure maximum inspiratory pressure (DMIPD). Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 40 normal healthy individuals without lung diseases were recruited as per inclusion criteria. MIP values were noted by two raters using the DMIPD and were then compared between two rater values to that of the gold standard values. Validity and reliability were calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and p-value. Result: Statistical analysis for inter-rater reliability by Kappa using SPSS 1.000 showing almost perfect agreement as per Kappa interpretation also for intra-rater analysis an ICC value of 0.96 depicting excellent validity and Cronbach alpha value of 0.97 thereby proving it to have excellent reliability. Conclusion: We conclude that DMIPD has excellent reliability and validity

Prevalence of trismus in HNF Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: A cross-sectional study

Background: Trismus is a restricted mouth opening due to the tonic contraction of muscles of mastication. It may occur mostly in HNF cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment. This study was undertaken with the purpose of finding out the prevalence of trismus in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Method: 89 patients with HNF cancer patients receiving radiation therapy were included in the study. Inter incisal distance was measured using sliding digital vernier calliper. Patients with ≥ 35mm mouth opening were considered as trismus cases. Result: Out of 89 patients included 72 were diagnosed as trismus; hence the prevalence was 81%. Conclusion: Prevalence of Trismus is very high ( 81 %) in patients undergoing radiotherapy secondary to HNF cancer. Early diagnosis of trismus in these patients can help in time management and also planning of preventive strategies

Biopolymer catalysed synthesis of 6-methyl-4-phenylcarbamoyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-ones and evaluation of their anti-bacterial and anti-tubercular activities

1ackground: An efficient one-pot biocatalysed ultrasound assisted synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones/thiones has been developed under solvent free conditions. Materials and Methods: The use of biodegradable, non toxic, agar-powder as a catalyst provide advantages like high yield, simple operation, mild reaction condition with short reaction time. 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-ones/thiones formed were characterized by mass and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results: The dihydropyrimidinones substituted with electron donating groups like fluorine, hydroxy along with thienyl groups exhibited good antibacterial activity. The compounds exhibited favorable binding interactions with mycobacterium target protein H37Rv. Conclusion: 4-methoxy substituted dihydropyrimidinones derivative showed significant antituberculosis activity

Chemical spray pyrolysis synthesis of covellite copper sulphide (CuS) thin films for economical counter electrode for DSSCs

Thin films of covellite copper sulphide (CuS) were deposited on FTO substrates using chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Influence of Cu-to-S molar ratio on structural, surface morphological, optical and electrical properties were systematically investigated using variety of characterization techniques. Formation of covellite CuS films was confirmed by low angle-XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of faceted CuS particles without secondary growth. Optical studies exhibited decrease in optical band gap (from 2.21 to 1.69 eV) with increase in Cu-to-S molar ratio. Electrical properties were investigated using Van der Pauw four point probe method and Hall measurements revealed that as-synthesized CuS films have low sheet resistance (1.47–2.45 Ω/□), high carrier mobility (8.90–54.89 cm2/Vs) and high sheet concentration (1016–1018/cm2). The CuS films deposited at optimized Cu-to-S molar ratio (1:2.5) were then further studied for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photovoltaic characteristics. A quantum-dot sensitized solar cell incorporating optimized CuS film as counter electrode showed power conversion efficiency of ~ 1.05% with Voc ~ 0.46 V, Isc ~ 1.01 mA/cm2 and fill factor ~ 0.34%. Although the cell is not fully optimized and better results can be anticipated

Chemical spray pyrolysis synthesis of covellite copper sulphide (CuS) thin films for economical counter electrode for DSSCs

Thin films of covellite copper sulphide (CuS) were deposited on FTO substrates using chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Influence of Cu-to-S molar ratio on structural, surface morphological, optical and electrical properties were systematically investigated using variety of characterization techniques. Formation of covellite CuS films was confirmed by low angle-XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of faceted CuS particles without secondary growth. Optical studies exhibited decrease in optical band gap (from 2.21 to 1.69 eV) with increase in Cu-to-S molar ratio. Electrical properties were investigated using Van der Pauw four point probe method and Hall measurements revealed that as-synthesized CuS films have low sheet resistance (1.47–2.45 Ω/□), high carrier mobility (8.90–54.89 cm2/Vs) and high sheet concentration (1016–1018/cm2). The CuS films deposited at optimized Cu-to-S molar ratio (1:2.5) were then further studied for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photovoltaic characteristics. A quantum-dot sensitized solar cell incorporating optimized CuS film as counter electrode showed power conversion efficiency of ~ 1.05% with Voc ~ 0.46 V, Isc ~ 1.01 mA/cm2 and fill factor ~ 0.34%. Although the cell is not fully optimized and better results can be anticipated