Investigating subsumption in DL-based terminologies: A case study in SNOMED CT

Formalisms such as description logics (DL) are sometimes expected to help terminologies ensure compliance with sound ontological principles. The objective of this paper is to study the degree to which one DL-based biomedical terminology (SNOMED CT) complies with such principles. We defined seven ontological principles (for example: each class must have at least one parent, each class must differ from its parent) and examined the properties of SNOMED CT classes with respect to these principles. Our major results are: 31% of the classes have a single child; 27% have multiple parents; 51% do not exhibit any differentiae between the description of the parent and that of the child. The applications of this study to quality assurance for ontologies are discussed and suggestions are made for dealing with multiple inheritance

Population dynamics, biology of mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) and its natural enemies in Vadodara, Gujarat

The population dynamics study of Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley), a serious pest in Vadodara, India, were conducted during 2008-2011. The results show that the mealybug population is higher in the month of October on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Okra (Abelmaschus esculentus L.). Whereas maximum population of mealybug were seen in the month of February on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) host plants.  The correlation of mealybug population was done with abiotic and biotic parameters.  The mealybug population was showing positive correlation with higher temperature, population of predator and parasitoids whereas negative correlation with lower temperature and humidity.  Further the biology of the Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) was studied on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) under the laboratory conditions. The results on different biological parameters showed that the fecundity rate of female ranged from 300 to 750 which increased its survival rate. The longevity of female was higher (24.44±2.329 days) than male (1.960±0.8406 days). Hence, the information contained in this paper lead to the identification of proper management practises during effective reproductive period for Phenacoccus solenopsis management

NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS (NLCS): A PROMINENT TOPICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COENZYME Q10 AND MYRICA ESCULENTA LEAVES EXTRACT FOR ANTI-AGING POTENTIAL

Objective: In this study, Myrica esculenta (ME) leaves extract along with Coenzyme Q10 was entrapped in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The formulation variables were successfully optimized using 23 factorial design.Methods: Preparation of NLC was carried out by solvent injection technique. The formulation of NLC was consisting of the methanolic extract of Myrica esculenta leaves and Coenzyme Q10 as key ingredients. Oleic Acid (OA) was taken as liquid lipid, Precirol ATO 5 (PATO) as solid lipid, and Poloxamer 407 (P407). The formulation variables were statically optimized using 23 factorial design, followed by the characterization of the formulation.Results: The results demonstrated that the best optimized NLC formulation F5 of Coenzyme Q10 and plant extract exhibited the smallest size 169.46 nm and highest entrapment efficiency 90.06±0.171 %. Furthermore, it showed good physical stability at 28 d after preparation.Conclusion: The developed NLCs of Q10-ME extract from this study could be explored as the effective anti-ageing formulation

Importance of Talk and Chalk Method of Teaching: Dental Students’ view in Preclinical Years

Introduction: New teaching techniques are emerging with increasing use of computer and advancement of technology. There is a dilemma in the minds of senior teachers whether to totally abandon traditional method of “talk and chalk” and use power point method for lecture delivery. It is important to know the students’ perception regarding their preference of the teaching method to help them to learn and score better.Methods: The opinion of first year dental students was sought in the classroom after one month of teaching physiology by different teachers using talk and chalk or power point method. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the opinion of 400 students over the period of 8 years.Results: Majority (95%) students preferred the lecture by conventional “Talk and chalk” method over the power point presentation. About 15% were of the opinion that the teaching should be by conventional lecture by “talk and chalk” but diagrams should be shown by power point slides.Conclusion: The present study shows that for effective learning and teaching the conventional method of talk and chalk lectures should be combined wherever necessary with newer techniques like power point presentations

A study on biochemical composition of the sting gland (poison gland) and the reservoir (poison sac) of the dwarf honey bee Apis florea F. workers

The glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker honey bee Apis florea produce Venom which is known to be composed of a wide spectrum of biomolecules ranging from biogenic amines to peptides and proteins. The Venom apparatus showed the presence of two important associated exocrine glands i.e. Venom gland and Dufors gland. The secretions of both glands are apocrine and are released into the lumen to be stored in the venom sac. The presence of some exocrine cells in the distal part of venom sac which is otherwise known to only store the component of Venom gland led to the present study. The present study that there were considerable differences in the biochemical composition of Venom gland and Venom sac secretions of Apis species The concentration of lipids (Sting gland =1.423±0.0001 and Reservoir = 1.21±0.0067), proteins (Sting gland=0.440±0.0226, Reservoir = 0.390± 0.032), activity of acid phosphatase (Sting gland=112.09±21.100, Reservoir=22.63±1.467) and hexokinase (Sting gland=20.7±4.016, Reservoir=10.66±2.465) was found to be more in case of Venom gland while cholesterol(Sting gland=0.138±0.0161 reservoir=0.324±0.00323), glucose (Sting gland=189±1.31, Reservoir=321±7.19), free amino acids, and activity of alkaline phosphatase (Sting gland=21.03±0.195 Reservoir=22.4±0.685) was more in Venom sac. Glycogen was absent in both Venom gland and Venom sac of Apis species as confirmed by the absence of glucose-6-phosphatase activity. It is established from the present study that Venom sac also secretes various biochemicals and enzymes which are added to the total Venom

Scope of ornamental fisheries in snow fed rivers of Uttarakhand - Overview

Upland rivers of hills of Uttarakhand are unique in its ecosystem and biodiversity. These waters possess various varieties of ornamental fishes. The present study focuses on Scope of ornamental fisheries in snow fed rivers of Uttarakhand, along with challenges and opportunities. Besides the availability of resources peoples are not that much aware of ornamental fisheries of this region and these resources are yet not developed. The use of destructive fishing methods, habitat destruction leads to diversity destruction of hills stream fishes. As theseresources does not comprise fisheries of commercial importance due to sparse biota and low thermal scale, slow growth and very low natural food availability So, Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries is actively working in the field of survey and brood stock management of ornamental fish resources of cold water. Four hundred live cold water fishes including exotic gold and koi carp are being maintained at DCFR main complex for study and breeding trials. The recreational activities by fisheries department like ranching, sport fisheries development and development of ornamental fisheries of this region can lead to socioeconomic upliftment of hilly people and development of cold water ornamental fisheries in the state

THE PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A MIRACLE HERB ACACIA CATECHU (L.F.) WILLD.: A REVIEW

Acacia catechu (L.F.) Willd commonly known as Khadira, has number of therapeutic properties and is also known as Catechu, Cachou and black cutch. Acacia catechu is an economically important plant for medicinal uses. Seeds are good source of protein namely mucilage. The Katha prepared from its heartwood, is an important constituent of Paan (Betel preparation). Khadira is described under Kashaya skandha, Kushthagna, Udardaprashamana gana by Charaka and Salsaradi gana by Sushruta. The plant contains tannin, catechin, epicatechin, kaemferol alkaloids, flavonoids and toxifolin. In Ayurvedic texts Khadira is considered as a Kushthaghna and single used drug for all types of skin disorders thoroughly internal and external mode. In addition, the heartwood extract is found to be an effective Antibacterial agent, Antimycotic, Anti-oxidant and Anti-diarrhoeal activity. The classical preparation of Khadira are Khadirarishta, Mahakhadira ghrita, Kanaka bindu arishta and Madhwasava have been indicated in skin disorders. Khadira therapeutically used in the various diseases like Kushtha, Medoroga, Krmi, and act as Raktashodhaka (blood purifier). The present article gives important information on therapeutic uses, traditional medicinal uses mentioned in various Samhitas and latest research updates in phytochemical and pharmacological properties

A study of timed get up and go scores as falls risk assessment in elderly in a tertiary care centre

Background: Early detection of falls risk in the community dwelling elderly helps to take preventive measures to avoid falls and hence decrease morbidity associated with falls. Falls are a serious threat to independent living and self-confidence of the elderly. Using simple tools to determine risk of falls helps in early detection and prevention of falls. Aims and objectives of the study was to establish TUG data among patients attending the geriatric clinic at MGM hospital, Kamothe and to determine risk of falls in these patients with respect to their systemic involvement.Methods: A prospective observational study of 100 geriatric age group patients were studied for their TUG scores and classified based on systems involved. TUG was performed using standard protocol and scores were stratified based on gender, age and diagnosis. Participants were required to perform TUG and were instructed to rise from an armless chair walk 3 meters and turn around at the chalk mark, walk back, and sit. They were instructed to walk at a normal pace without walking aids and shoes. Time was recorded when participants’ buttocks were lifted off the chair to stand and stopped when the buttocks touched the seat when returning to sitting position.Results: The results showed that the average TUG score of this cohort of 100 patients attending our geriatric outpatient clinic was 13 sec. 60 Males and 40 females were analyzed of which  38 patients had less than 12 s  as TUG score and 62 patients  had more than or equal to 12 sec  as TUG score. Maximum number of patients undergoing the TUG test had musculoskeletal complaints. Yet patients with respiratory conditions had the highest mean TUG score of 14 sec and patients with abdominal and CNS conditions had lowest mean TUG scores.Conclusions: This study of TUG score of cohort of 100 patients showed that average TUG score was 13 sec which was higher than  12 second mark which indicates that these patients who did not have any previous fall had a  risk of future falls and hence a requirement of  an in depth  mobility assessment and early intervention.

THE AMAZING THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF DHATURA-A SHORT REVIEW

Plants have always played a major role in the treatment of human traumas and diseases worldwide. Dhatura is a widespread annual plant from the Solanaceae family. The species of Dhatura can be found throughout the world. The plant grows in sandy flats, plains, areas up to 2, 500 feet above sea level. Dhatura is one of the widely well known folklore medicinal herb. Dhatura is a plant with both poisonous and medicinal properties and has been proven to have great pharmacological potential with a great utility and usage as folklore medicine. In Ayurvedic text it is established as a poisonous plant but having good therapeutic properties after Shodhan process. After Shodhan process its poisonous properties are diminished but therapeutic properties get improved. So in most of the Ayurvedic preparations we use the Shudha Dhatura, Shudha vatsanabha, Shudha Bhanga etc. There are so many generic preparations available in old text to treat various diseases like sanity, gastric ulcer, fever, rhinitis, Bronchial asthma, seizures etc., having Dhatura as a main constituent. The phytochemical investigations showed the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides. Atropine and scopolamine are competitive antagonists of muscarinic cholinergic receptors and are central nervous system depressants. This paper presents an exclusive review work on the traditional uses, Ayurvedic purification process, phytochemical, pharmacological actions of Dhatura

Termodinamika ravninsko-simetričnog nehomogenog svemira u općoj teoriji relativnosti

Thermodynamics of plane-symmetric inhomogeneous cosmological models of perfect fluid distribution with electromagnetic field is studied. The source of magnetic field is due to an electric current produced along z-axis. F12 is the non-vanishing component of the electromagnetic field tensor. The free gravitational field is assumed to be Petrov type-II non-degenerate. We study the thermodynamical properties of plane-symmetric inhomogeneous universe. Some physical aspects of the models are discussed and the entropy distribution is given explicity.Proučavamo termodinamiku ravninsko-simetričnih kozmoloških modela s perfektnom raspodjelom tekućine i elektromagnetskim poljem. Izvor magnetskog polja je električna struja u smjeru z-osi. Jedina komponenta elektromagnetskog tenzora polja je F12. Pretpostavlja se nedegenerirano slobodno gravitacijsko polje Petrova tipa II. Proučavamo termodinamička svojstva ravninsko-simetričnog nehomogenog svemira. Raspravljaju se neke fizikalne osobine modela, a raspodjela entropije daje se eksplicitno