Score test in robust M-procedure

A score type test based on the M-estimation method for a linear regression model is more reliable than the parametric based-test under mild departures from model assumptions, or when dataset has outliers. An R-function is developed for the score M-test, and applied to two real datasets to illustrate the procedure. The asymptotic power function of the M-test under a sequence of (contiguous) local alternatives is derived. Through computation of power function from simulated data, the M-test is compared with its alternatives, the Student's $t$ and Wilcoxon's rank tests. Graphical illustration of the asymptotic power of the M-test is provided for randomly generated data from the normal, Laplace, Cauchy, and logistic distributions

Limb Defects in Developing Chick Embryos after Administration of Glucose

Objective: To assess the role of administered glucose on gross development of limbs of the chick embryos, in comparison with age matched controls. Materials and Methods: Fertilized eggs of Egyptian Fayyumi breed were injected with glucose (5% weight/volume solution) into egg albumen. The eggs were put in the incubator under standard conditions of temperature and humidity. Eggs were divided in two groups, control (A) and experimental (B). Each group is subdivided in two subgroups comprising of 30 eggs each. Eggs were opened on day 10 of incubation in subgroup (A1, B1) while eggs from subgroup (A2, B2) were allowed to hatch on day 21 or day 22 of incubation. The exposed embryos were compared with age matched control subgroups. Effects of glucose were assessed by observing limb defects in the embryos from two groups. Results: The experimental animals had limb defects manifested as absent, one hind limb in 5 out of 53 (9.433%). Both hind limbs were absent in 6/53 (11.32%). In turned phalanges with inability to stand and limping gait was found in 8/53 (13.79%). No embryo of the control group demonstrated such findings. Conclusion: Administration of glucose resulted malformation such as limb defects and turned digits in growing chick embryos.&nbsp

Study Of Knowledge, Beliefs & Attitudes Towards Leprosy Among Patients Of Leprosy

Research Problem: What is the level of Knowledge and attitudes of leprosy patients towards leprosy? Objectives: To assess the knowledge, beliefs and atti­tude towards leprosy in leprosy patients. Study Design: Hospital - based study by questionnaire method. Setting and Participants: Leprosy patients attending Dermatology OPD. J.N. Medical College Hospital, A.M.U., Aligarh. Sample Size: 200 leprosy patients. Study Variables: Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes re­garding leprosy. Outcome Variables: Percentage of patients having cor­rect Knowledge and positive attitude. Statistical Analysis : By proportions. Results: Ignorance about leprosy is still rampant. 81 % of the patients were not aware of the cause of disease. 89.5% did not know whether the disease was preventable. 91 % patients were optimistic that the disease was curable. 60% of the patients became anxious on learning the diagnosis of the disease. Relations were strained with spouse in 6% cases after learning the diagnosis of the disease. Conclusions: Most of the patients had very little knowl­edge about leprosy, but they were optimistic about the cure of the disease. Interestingly, not much social stigma was encountered by the patients. Recommendations : Raising the literacy status of the populatio

Teratogenic Effect of Sodium Phenytoin on Limb Development in Chick Embryos is Time-Mediated as Evident by Stereomicroscope

Background: Women suffering from seizure-related illnesses are prescribed phenytoin during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. But the teratogenic effect of this drug on limb development needs exploration. This study was designed to investigate the time-mediated teratogenic effect of sodium phenytoin on limb development of chick embryos on days 04 and 09 of development using the stereomicroscope and at the time of hatching. Material and Methods: This randomized control trial comprised of two main groups of fertilized chicken eggs (Egyptian Fayoumi breed), control group A and experimental group B, each having 90 eggs. Each experimental egg was injected with sodium phenytoin (3.5 mg, teratogenic dose) just before incubation. Both the groups were divided into three subgroups each A1, A2, & A3/B1, B2 & B3. Stereomicroscope was used to observe the limb buds and cartilaginous elements in subgroups 1 and 2 on days 04 and 09 of development respectively. The embryos of subgroups 3 were assessed for gross limb deformities on hatching. Survival was noted in all the subgroups.Results: The difference in limb bud size between experimental and controls was statistically insignificant. There was no variation or deformity in the bones. The experimental group 3 had gross limb defects on hatching and the difference in survival was also statistically significant in subgroups 3.Conclusion: Prenatal administration of sodium phenytoin induces limb defects in chick embryos as evident after hatching but limb anomalies are not observed on days 04 and 09 of development as investigated by stereomicroscope. We conclude that the teratogenic effect of phenytoin is time-mediated

Relative growth of harpiosquilla raphidea (Fabricius, 1798) (Crustacea: Stomatopoda) male and female populations

Morphometric analysis was carried out to find out changes in the growth pattern of male and female stomatopod, Harpiosquilla raphidea. Six morphometric relationships were examined on 105 males and 105 females, ranging in size from 103 to 207 mm and from 104 to 222 mm in total length, respectively. In both the sexes, the relative growth of carapace length, propodus length of raptorial claw and total weight in relation to total length was found positively allometric. Telson width in both the sexes and abdomen width in males showed slightly negative allometry, while the abdomen width of females showed slightly positive allometry, indicating some variation in the growth between sexes which could be attributed to the energy requirement for maturation in females. The propodus of females was also found to be bigger than that of males. It is quite interesting as males only have larger chela in other crustaceans. It has a functional significance in that it is of immense help at the time of intense feeding during maturation of oocytes which requires higher energy

Carbon dioxide vs air insufflation for elective colonoscopy: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Aims and objective: The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of RCTs comparing two methods of colonic insufflation for elective colonoscopy i.e. carbon dioxide or air and to evaluate their efficiency, safety and side effects. Material and Methods: Prospective RCTs comparing carbon dioxide versus air insufflation for colonic distension during colonoscopy were selected by searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials published between January 1980 and October 2014.The outcome variables analyzed included procedural and immediate post-procedural pain (during, end or within 15 min after procedure), early post-procedural pain (between 30-120 min), intermediate post-procedural pain (360 min) and late post-procedural pain (720-1140 min), cecal/ileal intubation rate, cecal/ileal intubation time, and total colonoscopy examination time. These outcomes were unanimously decided to be important since they influence the practical approach towards patient management within and outside of hospital. Random effects model was used to calculate the effect size of both binary and continuous data. Heterogeneity amongst the outcome variables of these trials was determined by the Cochran Q statistic and I2 index. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Twenty four RCTs totaling 3996 patients (CO2=2017, Air=1979) were analyzed. Statistically significant differences for the pooled effect size were observed for procedural and immediate post-procedural pain (WMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.32, 0.73, p= 0.0005), early post-procedural pain between 30 and 120 minutes (WMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.12, 0.49, p=<0.0001), intermediate post-procedural pain i.e. 360 minutes post completion (WMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.23, 0.52, p=<0.0001) and late post-procedural pain, between 720 and 1440 minutes (WMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.34, 0.84, p=0.0061). Comparable effects were noted for cecal/ileal intubation rate (WMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61, 1.22, p=0.3975), cecal/ileal intubation time (WMD -0.64, 95% CI -1.38, 0.09, p=0.0860) and total examination time (WMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.96, 0.57, p=0.6133). Conclusions: On the basis of our meta-analysis and systematic review, we conclude that carbon dioxide insufflation significantly reduces abdominal pain during and following the procedure lasting up to 24 hours. There is no difference in the cecal/ileal intubation rate and time and total examination time between the two methods. Carbon dioxide retention with CO2 insufflation during and after the colonoscopy shows inconsequential variation compared to air insufflation and has no adverse effect on patients. Carbon dioxide instead of air should be routinely utilized for colonoscopy