Effect of Progressive Gaze Stability Exercises on Holistic Aspects of Chronic Motion Sensitivity

Background: Motion sensitivity, also referred to as motion sickness, is a common condition among general population. It is a complex syndrome and is associated with presence of nausea and vomiting headache, drowsiness, cold sweating, pallor of varying degrees, increased salivation. Postural instability and anxiety are also identified to be associated with motion sensitivity. There is a close relationship between the vestibular system and motion sensitivity and vestibular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive gaze stability exercises on holistic aspects of chronic motion sensitivity. Methods: A single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted where participants were blinded to type of intervention. Forty one healthy young adults of both genders within the age group of 20 to 40 years with chronic motion sensitivity were recruited in the study. Baseline and post intervention assessment of postural stability, motion sensitivity, and anxiety was measured for each participant using, Bertec Balance Advantage-Dynamic Computerized Dynamic Posturography with Immersion Virtual Reality (CDP-IVR), Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ), Motion Sensitivity Susceptibility Questionnaire Short Form (MSSQ-Short), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI Form Y-2). Results: There was a significant difference for condition 2 (p=0.05), but not for condition 1 (p=0.44) for the mean CDP-IVR average score post intervention between the intervention and sham groups. For condition 2, the intervention group had 117% increase in CDP-IVR average score compared to 35.2% increase in the sham group. Also, there was a significant difference in mean MSQ between the two groups (p=0.045). There was a significant inverse correlation between MSQ and CDP-IVR average equilibrium % of Condition 1 (ρ = -0.44, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Progressive gaze stability exercises reduced motion sensitivity and improved postural stability in participants with chronic motion sensitivity. Also, perception of motion sensitivity was observed to be inversely correlated with postural stability. There was no impact of gaze stability exercises observed on subjective perception of anxiety among this population. Also, HEP adherence strategies were beneficial to ensure exercise adherence in participants with chronic motion sensitivity

Design and Optimization of Bicycle Frame for the Cyclist's Comfort

Bicycle plays an inherent role in our life. Bicycle riding is a globally popular sport and an economic transportation. The performance of frame is depends on the weight of the bicycle and frame design. Optimization of weight and structure of the bicycle frame is the best scope of optimizing the overall performance of the bicycle. When the rider ridding bicycle on rough surface, the induced vibrations will cause the fatigue of its rider and the fracture of its frame structure. This paper deals with the study of the structural design, modal analysis and optimization of bicycle frame by using composite material with help of FEA. Firstly structural analysis, numerical results obtained by applying dynamic loading condition. Secondly, the Modal analysis is used to identify modes of bicycle frame to calculate natural frequencies and mode shapes by using Finite Element Analysis. Finally, the analyzed frames are then optimized to reduce weight without affecting their capacity to be resistant to mechanical stresses

A Systematic Review of Current Scenario of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Grading using Image Content

A Systematic Review of Current Scenario of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Grading using Image Conten

Immunoadjuvant potential of Azadirachta indica, Butea frondosa and Ficus religiosa against Swine flu vaccine antigen

Introduction: In general, primary or secondary metabolites derived from medicinal plant products might be responsible for stimulating or suppressing the immune system against specific protein antigens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adjuvant potential of aqueous leaves extract of Azadirachta indica, Butea frondosa and Ficus religiosa against Swine flu vaccine antigen.Methods: In this study, our group evaluated the antibody (IgG) titre of Swine flu vaccine antigen (2 μg/mL) using variable doses (0.625–5 mg) of aqueous leaves extract of A. indica, B. frondosa and F. religiosa. In addition, Swiss mice were immunized subcutaneously (100 μL) on day 0 with Swine flu vaccine antigen (1:1000 dilution). Splenocytes were collected on day 7 and cultured with variable doses of aqueous leaves extract of A. indica, B. frondosa and F. religiosa pertaining to determine the total cellular content and splenocyte proliferation (Swine flu vaccine; Ovalbumin, OVA and Con A) assay. In addition, estimation of Th1 (IFN-gamma and TNF alpha) cytokines in cell culture supernatant containing swine flu vaccine antigen along with aqueous leaves extract were measured.Results: Aqueous leaves extract of A. indica, B. frondosa and F. religiosa showed anti-Swine flu titre at higher doses. In ex vivo animal model studies these three medicinal plants in the form of aqueous leaves extract enhanced total cellular content at higher doses but increased in splenocyte proliferation (Swine flu vaccine, OVA and Con A) assay at lower doses. Similarly, there was enhancement in Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF alpha) with respect to swine flu vaccine antigen containing aqueous extract at lower doses as compared to control group.Conclusion: Aqueous leaves extract of A. indica, B. frondosa and F. religiosa showed adjuvant activity against Swine flu vaccine antigen and might be used in manufacturing active adjuvant for vaccine antigen

Reduction of Peak to Average Power Ratio using Selective Mapping Technique of an OFDM Signal: An Analysis

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a optimistic and very popular modulation technique in multicarrier domain which is quite promising regarding the issues of interferences present in next generation mobile communication systems. It deployed in the area where high data rate and low latency required while efficiency will be as better as possible. The critical problem in OFDM system is maintaining low PAPR (peak to average power ratio) because it reduces the performance of system. There are several techniques which are used to overcome problem of high PAPR in OFDM modulation system. One of the techniques is Selective Mapping (SLM) which comes in distortion less criteria. In this paper analysis of PAPR reduction of an OFDM system for distortion less transmission criterion is shown. We have also used some mathematical equations to calculate and simulate its performance. It’s also shown that SLM method grants the user a better PAPR reduction while having high complex circuitry

A prospective study of safety, efficacy and acceptability of postpartum insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device in a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India

Background: IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) to prevent pregnancy are among the oldest method of contraception. The modern IUCD are highly effective, safe private, long acting and rapidly reversible contraceptive method. Aims and objective of this study was to study the acceptability and safety of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) in postpartum period and to assess the feasibility, safety, efficacy and expulsion rate of IUCD.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital in Maharashtra from January 2018 to October 2018 and patients were followed up to a period of one-year post IUCD insertion.Results: Majority of patients in this study were in age group 21 to 26 years of age (58.7%) and the least number were in the age group more than 30 years (3.3%). This study showed that majority of patients were primigravida (44%) and the lowest number belonged to gravida 6 (0.3%). Regarding timing of IUCD insertion 73% were done intra caesarean, 22.3% were done post placental and 4.7% were done within 48 hours of delivery. In this study authors found that 4% of patients had per vaginal discharge, 5% had missing IUCD thread and 2% of patients had IUCD expulsion. It was found in this study that 98% of patients continued to use IUCD and only 2% discontinued the usage.Conclusions: From the study authors came to conclusion that PPIUCD insertion is a safe, feasible, effective and reversible method of contraception

A retrospective study of maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Maternal mortality is a vital index of the effectiveness of obstetric services prevailing in a country. The key to progress of a country lies in reducing its maternal morbidity and mortality, hence to give a better assessment of the problem a retrospective study on maternal mortality was carried out. An objective of the study was to find the cause and epidemiological factors for maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra from January 2018 to August 2019.Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study done at tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra from January 2018 to august 2019. Data was collected from medical records department and the study was conducted by reviewing the records of maternal death and scrutinizing for various aspects likely to be related to maternal death such as age, locality of residence, antenatal care, admission death time interval and cause of death.Results: during the study period 63 maternal deaths occurred and 75302 live births, Maternal Mortality Ratio were 83.66 per 1 lakh live birth. 46% of maternal deaths were in age group of 21-25 years, 87% of patients belonged to rural area, 74% belonged to lower socioeconomic status. 43%  were unregistered patients, 43% had vaginal delivery, 73% had no free transportation, 68% were referred patients, 60% were referred from private hospitals, 48% of maternal death occurred <24 hours, 73% of maternal death were due to direct cause, 28% of maternal deaths were due to pre-eclampsia and its complications, 15.8% due to sepsis and 12.6% due to Postpartum hemorrhage.Conclusions: Being a tertiary care hospital, where patients are referred from periphery maternal mortality was found to be on higher side. Proper implementation of government policies with community participation along with strengthening of First Referral Unit (FRU) and Primary Health Centres can help to reduce maternal mortality

A convenient method for lactonization of α-allyl esters using iodine in dimethyl- sulphoxide

A simple method for the synthesis of α-γ-disubstituted-γ-butyrolactones by cyclization of α-allyl esters using iodine in dimethylsulphoxide is reported. This method is efficient and operationally simple in comparison to methods using transition metal complexes. KEY WORDS: γ-Butyrolactones, α-Allyl esters, Iodine, Dimethyl sulphoxide Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(3), 469-473.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i3.1

Vertebral arteries bilaterally passing through stellate (cervicothoracic) ganglion

Vertebral artery is a branch of the first part of subclavian artery. Vertebral artery arising from the aortic arch most commonly presents on the left side. The cervical part of sympathetic trunk is closely related to the vertebral artery in the cervical region. Though lots of variations regarding anomalous origin, course of vertebral artery is reported in the literature, here we present a rare anomaly in which vertebral artery after originating from aortic arch is passing through stellate ganglia and it enters into the transverse foramina of higher cervical vertebra (C5). Such variation should be kept in mind by anaesthetist during stellate ganglion block in order to relieve intractable pain in central nervous system lesion. Surgeons should keep this anomaly in mind during cervical spine surgery otherwise vertebral artery may get injured leading to haemorrhage