Nox1-evoked ROS causes Fibrosis in Caerulein-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis through the p38/AKT pathway

Inflammation of the pancreas can occur in two distinct forms, either in the acute form (AP) or the chronic form (CP). AP is a short-term inflammation that develops suddenly. By contrast, CP manifests from a long-term inflammation, which results in significant fibrosis of the pancreatic tissue and permanent organ damage. This is because of pro-inflammatory mediators, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the sources of ROS is NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes, which transfer electrons across biological membranes to reduce oxygen to superoxide. The rodent genome encodes four Nox enzymes: Nox1-4. We found that Nox1 is implicated in pancreatic fibrogenesis in a mouse model of CP. Our next goal was to determine which intracellular pathway mediates the effect of Nox1-derived ROS. Several intracellular pathways are activated following Nox1-derived ROS, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAP kinase, and ERK1/2. Each pathway is also activated following caerulein, a cholecystokinin analogue. Our hypothesis was that repetitive administration of caerulein stimulates Nox1-derived ROS, which causes increased oxidative stress, leading to fibrogenesis through phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, as well as up-regulation of p38. We found that the lack of Nox1 does not affect any intracellular pathway in a mouse model of AP. By contrast, the lack of Nox1 impaired caerulein-induced up-regulation of p38 and phosphorylation of AKT in a mouse model of CP. Conclusion: Thus, Nox 1 is most likely not implicated in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis; however, it is shown to mediate fibrogenesis through the p38/AKT pathway in mice with chronic pancreatitis induced by caerulein

Analysis of package inserts of anti-diabetic medications in India

Background: Package inserts are printed leaflets accompanying marketed drug products and contain information regarding safe and effective use of drug according to regulatory guidelines. Package inserts are also known as prescription drug label or prescribing information. Need for the study: information’s given in package inserts are suboptimal and can lead to medication error. This study was undertaken to assess the presentation and completeness of clinical information provided in the currently available package inserts for anti-diabetic drugs in India.Methods: Around 146 package inserts were collected from pharmacies located at different areas of Bangalore. They were analysed based on criteria mentioned in Schedule D of drug and cosmetic act 1945.Results: Out of 146 package inserts, 56 (38%) belongs to grade A (including all injectable preparation) and remaining 90 (62%) belong to grade B. none of package inserts belong to grade C. Information in package inserts were inadequate in several aspects for example, they had unclear instructions about generic name of other ingredients used, about handling, side effects, shelf life, paediatric and geriatric use and guidelines for use of the drugs.Conclusions: The study concludes that the information provided in the package insert is not relevant for safe and effective use of medications. It is, therefore, recommended to update the existing package inserts based on criteria mentioned in the Schedule D of drug and cosmetic Act, 1945

Automation in colouration technology to predict dyeing parameters for desired shade and fastness

450-458In this study, dyeing parameters, such as dye conc., sodium sulphide conc., salt conc., and time, have been statistically framed through full-factorial design software to generate sets of experimental variables. Cotton has been dyed using all these sets of variables separately, and then evaluated for respective surface colour strength (K/S), and colour fastness properties, such as fastness to light, washing and rubbing. The outputs thus generated are then analyzed using ANN to generate a big data, by which dyer can predict any shade. This will help in eliminating the rigorous laboratory trials and forecasting colour strength & quality of dyeing well before the dyeing process is materialized. The whole data sets are then uploaded in cloud computing to enable to acquire the data. It is observed that by assigning diffent values of K/S on cloud, the dyeing parameters can be obtained to achieve desired output in further application

An Empirical Analysis of Women Empowerment within Muslim Community in Murshidabad District of West Bengal, India

Women empowerment is a contemporary issue for developing countries like India. The rates of women empowerment are in a vulnerable condition within the largest Muslim minority community of India. In this paper, an attempt has been taken to present an empirical analysis of Muslim women empowerment within purposively selected Murshidabad district of West Bengal regarding the highest concentration of Muslim people (63.67%) all over the country. For showing the multidimensional aspects of women empowerment, a Cumulative Empowerment Index (CEI) has been constructed using 22 key indicators that act as explained variables covering four dimension of women empowerment, i.e. control over economic resources, control over household decision making, women’s mobility and political awareness. Nine explanatory (independent) variables have also been selected as determinants of women empowerment (CEI). Based on the multiple regression results the study finds statistically significant impact of accessing any type of media, family structure, family headship, household income, paid work and duration of marital life on Cumulative Empowerment Index of Muslim women at the study area. It concludes that active participation of GO’s and local NGO’s in bringing change of traditional beliefs of Muslim family and gaining awareness about women’s rights and practices can accelerate the women empowerment process within Muslim community of Murshidabad district. Keywords: Women empowerment, Cumulative Empowerment Index, Muslim community, Multiple regressio

Automation in colouration technology to predict dyeing parameters for desired shade and fastness

In this study, dyeing parameters, such as dye conc., sodium sulphide conc., salt conc., and time, have been statisticallyframed through full-factorial design software to generate sets of experimental variables. Cotton has been dyed using all thesesets of variables separately, and then evaluated for respective surface colour strength (K/S), and colour fastness properties,such as fastness to light, washing and rubbing. The outputs thus generated are then analyzed using ANN to generate a bigdata, by which dyer can predict any shade. This will help in eliminating the rigorous laboratory trials and forecasting colourstrength & quality of dyeing well before the dyeing process is materialized. The whole data sets are then uploaded in cloudcomputing to enable to acquire the data. It is observed that by assigning diffent values of K/S on cloud, the dyeingparameters can be obtained to achieve desired output in further applicatio

Learner’s perspectives and outcomes of peer role play as a teaching learning method for prescription communication skills in second year medical students at a tertiary teaching hospital in India

Background: Medical education in India is experiencing a positive shift from traditional curriculum to competency-based medical education. Among the different initiatives, inclusion of role-play with specific aim of improving prescription communication skills in the current curriculum, could lead to beneficial patient- response outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the undergraduate medical student’s perspectives on implementing role-play for learning about prescription communication. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the department of pharmacology involving second-year medical students of Vydehi institute of medical science and research centre participating for a month-long duration. An internally validated questionnaire was used to assess students’ perspectives on role-play in prescription communication. The outcome was evaluated based on students’ performance in prescription writing and appropriate communication before and after the role-play session. The data obtained was analysed using the SPSS software. Results: The mean score for the overall benefit of role play for prescription communication for all responding participants (n=163) was 4.2 out of 5. In this study, 89.4% of students agreed that role-play in prescription communication should be an essential aspect of their training in the curriculum and is worth taking this additional effort. 84.6% of students found that, the sessions helped to understand and share the pharmacology concepts better. Mean pre and post role play prescription writing assessment scores in students was 7.59 and 9.01 out of 10 respectively. Conclusions: Role-play was well received by the students as a low-cost innovative teaching methodology for better understanding of Pharmacology concepts as mandated by the CBME curriculum. It helps in understanding the importance of teamwork and error-free prescription communication for future clinical practice. Overall, following appropriate demonstration, use of role-play showed significant improvement in student performance in prescription communication

Learner’s perspectives on competency-based medical education in pharmacology at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

Background: Competency based medical education (CBME) was implemented recently in India. The study was conducted to evaluate the perspectives of undergraduate medical students towards CBME curriculum in pharmacology at a tertiary care medical college in South India.Methods: After the completion of the curriculum, feedback was taken in a semi-structured, validated questionnaire. It was based on Kirkpatrik’s level 1 model of evaluation. Majority of the questions were framed on a 5-point Likert's scale (1 being poor to 5 being excellent). Qualitative data was collected by open ended question on additional comments.Results: The response rate was 72.8%. Majority of the participants rated the theory classes, practical classes, small group discussions, self-directed learning, integration, and assessments as good and excellent. More than 80% participants rated role play as an innovative and worthwhile concept towards mastering prescription communication. They felt that role play ignites team work, and provides confidence. Close to 90% of the participants rated the overview on emergency use authorization, orientation on drug regulators, perspectives on hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis as effective and excellent. More than 85% participants felt that AETCOM provided them insight on ethical issues, patient communication, and perspective of doctors as caregivers. 9.8% (16) participants provided comments to open ended question for feedback.Conclusions: The study provided an insight of medical undergraduates towards CBME curriculum. Further studies can be designed to look into the effectiveness of teaching learning methods based on the performance of the students, perspective of faculties with focus faculty development, and role of various stakeholders

Well-being and perspective of second year MBBS students on online pharmacology classes held during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: COVID-19 pandemic shifted all the classroom teaching to virtual online platforms. The overnight change in the teaching structure posed serious challenges especially for medical education. This study aims to assess the well-being of medical students undergoing online medical education during COVID-19 pandemic and their perspective on online pharmacology classes.Methods: World health organization (WHO-5) well-being index was used to assess well-being of students. An internally validated questionnaire was used to assess student’s perspective on online pharmacology classes. The questionnaire was administered to eligible consenting students online through Google forms. The data obtained was analysed by SPSS software.Results: The mean wellness score (%) for all participants, (n=118) was 48.87%. The mean wellness score for males (58.67%) was higher than for females (42.41%). The average score for overall benefit of conducting online pharmacology classes was 3.32 out of 5. Objectively assessed online interactions like formative assessment, polls and quiz were rated higher than subjective interactions like debate.Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive disruption in the life of many people. In our study, we report a decreased well-being score in medical students attending virtual classes. The findings on well-being of students have implications on planning redressal mechanism in such extreme situations. Our analysis of student’s perspective about online interactions has implications beyond online classes. Some of the interactions can be instituted into regular curriculum increasing the student’s participation

Determinants of human resource information system actual usage

Human resource information system (HRIS) is an integrated part of modern organizations and has become increasingly important in managing organizations’ human resource effectively. The actual use of HRIS occurs in the integration level of a system, where innovation becomes ubiquitous and members of an organization utilize it efficiently in their daily lives. However, there are very few studies on determinants of actual use of HRIS especially in the health care sector and in other private organizations. This study aims to identify the critical success factors influencing actual use of HRIS. In addition, the study also seeks to investigate the degree of influence of those factors on actual use of HRIS in the Malaysian private health care sector. A conceptual model was proposed, integrating the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and technology acceptance model (TAM). The research model consists of six constructs comprising relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, management commitment, perceived resources and training. A quantitative research approach was used to acquire data using adapted questionnaires based on previous studies. A survey was carried out among 114 nurses of Pasir Gudang Specialist Hospital, a branch of one of Malaysia’s leading private health care service provider. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results from the analysis showed that only organizational support has a significant degree of influence on the actual use of HRIS. Findings from this study support that the actual use of HRIS can be ensured if organizational support is continuous throughout the post adoption phase. The results of this study could assist organizations in their adoption of HRIS effectively and ensure efficient usage of the system

A review of the drug pregabalin

Pregabalin (PGB) is a well-established anticonvulsant and analgesic agent. The stydy reviewed the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and various uses of PGB. Literature search was done to identify the relevant studies. PGB is an antagonist of voltage-gated calcium channels and specifically binds to α2-δ subunit to produce antiepileptic and analgesic activity. It has less protein binding activity and lacks hepatic metabolism. It is unlikely to cause pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. It has a wide safety margin and does not require serum drug monitoring. The above-mentioned favorable pharmacological benefits of PGB makes it a first-line or adjunctive therapy in various conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, in partial seizures and generalized anxiety disorders