Comparison of natural frequencies of isotropic plate using DSM with Wittrick-Williams algorithm

In this paper, comparison of natural undamped frequencies of isotropic plates are investigated by using the dynamics stiffness element for isotropic plates. The DS Matrix for isotropic has been formulated by the application of classical plate theory. The generalized DS matrix has to solve by using Wittrick-Williams algorithm. Results of different aspect ratio have been validated from the existing literature

B-scan measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter as a marker of elevated intracranial pressure

Background: Elevated intracranial pressure is a complication of several traumatic as well as non-traumatic medical conditions. Clinical diagnosis can be difficult as it may present with non-specific complaints such as headache, vomiting, blurred vision, vomiting and altered sensorium. The expertise to perform ophthalmoscopy is not always immediately available in emergency rooms and the access to cross sectional imaging may be limited. Distention of the optic nerve sheath is an early sign of raised ICP as it is in direct communication with the subarachnoid space. Ultrasound is a widely available tool in emergency situations which can be used to measure the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD).Methods: In this prospective observational study, 36 patients suspected of having elevated intracranial pressure underwent high resolution B-scan ultrasound to measure the ONSD. Further, patients underwent CT scan of head and were evaluated for signs of raised ICT. Sensitivity and specificity of B-scan measurement of ONSD with CT scan was compared.Results: The ONSD measurement was 88.5% sensitive (95% CI 68% to 97%) and 90% specific (95% CI 55% to 99%) with CT as the reference.Conclusions: Bedside ultrasound B-scan measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter provides information about raised intracranial pressure with a high sensitivity and specificity

Estimation of NOx Emissions from Delhi Using Car MAX-DOAS Observations and Comparison with OMI Satellite Data

We present the first Multi-Axis-(MAX-) DOAS observations in India performed during April 2010 and January 2011 in Delhi and nearby regions. The MAX-DOAS instrument was mounted on a car roof, which allowed us to perform measurements along individual driving routes. From car MAX-DOAS observations along closed circles around Delhi, together with information on wind speed and direction, the NOx emissions from the greater Delhi area were determined: our estimate of 4.4 x 10(25) molecules s(-1) is found to be slightly lower than the corresponding emission estimates using the EDGAR emission inventory and substantially smaller compared to a recent study by Gurjar et al. (2004). We also determined NOx emissions from Delhi using OMI satellite observations on the same days. These emissions are slightly smaller than those from the car MAX-DOAS measurements. Finally the car MAX-DOAS observations were also used for the validation of simultaneous OMI satellite measurements of the tropospheric NO2 VCD and found a good agreement of the spatial patterns. Concerning the absolute values, OMI data are, on average, higher than the car MAX-DOAS observations close to strong emission sources, and vice versa over less polluted regions. Our results indicate that OMI NO2 VCDs are biased low over strongly polluted regions, probably caused by inadequate a-priori profiles used in the OMI satellite retrieval

Moving from rabies research to rabies control: lessons from India

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of effective interventions and public recognition of the severity of the problem, rabies continues to suffer neglect by programme planners in India and other low and middle income countries. We investigate whether this state of 'policy impasse' is due to, at least in part, the research community not catering to the information needs of the policy makers. METHODS & FINDINGS: Our objective was to review the research output on rabies from India and examine its alignment with national policy priorities. A systematic literature review of all rabies research articles published from India between 2001 and 2011 was conducted. The distribution of conducted research was compared to the findings of an earlier research prioritization exercise. It was found that a total of 93 research articles were published from India since 2001, out of which 61% consisted of laboratory based studies focussing on rabies virus. Animals were the least studied group, comprising only 8% of the research output. One third of the articles were published in three journals focussing on vaccines and infectious disease epidemiology and the top 4 institutions (2 each from the animal and human health sectors) collectively produced 49% of the national research output. Biomedical research related to development of new interventions dominated the total output as opposed to the identified priority domains of socio-politic-economic research, basic epidemiological research and research to improve existing interventions. CONCLUSION: The paper highlights the gaps between rabies research and policy needs, and makes the case for developing a strategic research agenda that focusses on rabies control as an expected outcome

GASTRIC ANTIULCER AND ULCER HEALING EFFECTS OF PUNICA GRANATUM L. PEEL EXTRACT IN RATS: ROLE OF OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE MUCOSAL FACTORS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

Objective: The present work incorporates the study of gastric antiulcer and ulcer healing effects of dried Punica granatum (PG) peel 50% ethanol extract (PGE) in rats.Methods: PGE (100 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily to rats either before or after induction of gastric ulcers (GU) for 7 d. Antiulcer effects of PGE were seen against acute GU, induced by pylorus ligation (PL), cold restraint stress (CRS), aspirin and ethanol while, ulcer healing in acetic acid (AA)-induced chronic GU in rats. Ulcer index (UI), gastric juice volume, acid-pepsin and mucin secretions and gastric mucosal glycoproteins, free radicals (LPO and NO) and antioxidants (SOD and GSH) were estimated.Results: PGE showed a decrease in UI in all GU models (45.6 to 79.7%, P<0.05 to P<0.001) indicating both protective and healing effects. PGE showed little or no effects on volume, acid-pepsin concentration and output but increased mucin secretion (55.1%, P<0.05) and mucosal glycoproteins (35.7%, P<0.05) in PL rats. CRS rats showed an increase in LPO and NO (48.4 to 58.3%, P<0.01) and SOD (21.8%, P<0.01) but decrease in GSH and CAT (33.1 to 44.8%, P<0.01 to P<0.001) compared with unstressed rats. PGE-treated CRS rats showed a decrease in LPO and NO (44.1 to 61.2, P<0.01 to P<0.001) and SOD (13.2%, P<0.01) and increase in GSH and CAT (43.8 to 48.7%, P<0.01 to P<0.001) compared with CRS rats.Conclusion: PGE seemed to have ulcer cytoprotective effects due to enhanced mucosal resistance and reduction in oxidative mucosal damage possibly via high antioxidant activity

DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS OF TIZANIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE BY DIRECT COMPRESSION METHOD

In the present work, fast dissolving tablets (FDTs) have been prepared by direct compression method using Tizanidine hydrochloride as a drug candidate. Tizanidine HCl is a centrally acting α-2 adrenergic agonist muscle relaxant with a slightly bitter taste having short half-life of 2.5 h. The tablets were prepared with three superdisintegrants e.g. sodium starch glycolate, crosscarmellose sodium and crospovidone. Formulations were evaluated for pre compression parameters such as bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, Carr’s index and Hausner’s ratio. The prepared tablets were also evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content, disintegration time, wetting time and in-vitro dissolution studies. The compatibility of drug with other ingredients was checked by FTIR studies. In-vitro release is presented by zero order and first order plot. From the point of view of maximum drug release within 20 minutes, formulation TZN8 within 8 formulations is the best and hence optimized one. From this study it was concluded that fast dissolving tablets prepared by direct compression method using different superdisintegrants enhanced dissolution which will lead to improved bioavailability and effectiveness of tizanidine hydrochloride

Epidemiology and outcome of burn injuries in tertiary care hospital of Northern India

Background: Burns represent a serious problem around the world especially in low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological characteristics, causes and mortality rate of burn deaths in tertiary care hospital of N India as well as to guide future education and prevention programs.Methods: A one year cross-sectional study of all burn patients admitted in Dr. RPGMC Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India was conducted between January 2014-December 2014.Results: Our study revealed that type II (absence of sutural bones) was commoner than type I (presence of type I) asterion. Total of 210 burn injury patients were admitted majority were males[54.5%] and females were [45.5%] males sustained burn injuries mostly at their work place with electric burns whereas females sustained burn injuries at home with cooking appliances.Conclusions: Burn injuries can be reduced by bringing about regulations to develop safer cooking appliances, promoting less inflammable fabrics to be worn out at home and educating the community especially women.

Emerging Roles and Potential Applications of Non-Coding RNAs in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable disease using proven interventions, specifically prophylactic vaccination, pervasive disease screening, and treatment, but it is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Patients with advanced or metastatic CC have a very dismal prognosis and current therapeutic options are very limited. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of metastasis and discovering new therapeutic targets are crucial. New sequencing tools have given a full visualization of the human transcriptome’s composition. Non-coding RNAs (NcRNAs) perform various functions in transcriptional, translational, and post-translational processes through their interactions with proteins, RNA, and even DNA. It has been suggested that ncRNAs act as key regulators of a variety of biological processes, with their expression being tightly controlled under physiological settings. In recent years, and notably in the past decade, significant effort has been made to examine the role of ncRNAs in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, shedding light on the functions of ncRNA will aid in our better understanding of CC. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles of ncRNAs in progression, metastasis, therapeutics, chemoresistance, human papillomavirus (HPV) regulation, metabolic reprogramming, diagnosis, and as a prognostic biomarker of CC.We also discussed the role of ncRNA in the tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology, including cancer stem cells (CSCs) in CC.We also address contemporary technologies such as antisense oligonucleotides, CRISPR–Cas9, and exosomes, as well as their potential applications in targeting ncRNAs to manage CC

Sustainable production of Saussurea costus under different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in cold desert region of Western Himalaya

IntroductionSaussurea costus, an important critically endangered medicinal herb native to the Himalayan region, is commonly used in various ailments, viz. asthma, ulcer, inflammation, and stomach problems. In the international market, the dry roots and essential oil of S. costus has become an important drug. The lack of appropriate fertilizer dose recommendations is one of the limiting factors for its ex-situ conservation and large-scale cultivation, as plant nutrition is vital in determining crop growth and productivity. The study aimed to understand the comparative impact of different levels of fertilizer nutrients on growth, dry root and essential oil yield, and essential oil profile of S. costus.MethodsA field experiment was conducted in Himachal Pradesh, India's cold desert region (Lahaul valley), during 2020-21. The experiment comprised three levels of nitrogen (60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1), three levels of phosphorus (20, 40, 60 kg ha-1), and two levels of potassium (20 and 40 kg ha-1) in a factorial randomized block design.ResultsThe fertilizer application had an immense effect on growth attributes, root yield attributes, dry root yield, and essential oil yield over control. The treatment combination N120, P60, and K40 had the largest effect on the plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and width, root length and diameter, dry matter per plant, dry root yield, and essential oil yield. However, the results were at par with the treatment comprising N90, P40, and K20. Dry root yield increased by 108.9%, and essential oil yield increased by 210.3% with fertilizer applications over unfertilized plots. The regression curve shows an increasing trend in dry root yield till N90, P40, and K20; after that, it nearly stabilized. The heat map showed that applying fertilizer significantly affected the chemical constituents of S. costus essential oil. Similarly, the plots fertilized with the highest level of NPK recorded the utmost value of available N, P, and K, as compared to unfertilized plots.DiscussionThe results emphasize that for sustainable cultivation of S. costus, the application of N90, P40, and K20 combinations is the most suitable one

Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Accumulation of Ep-ICD Is Frequently Detected in Human Epithelial Cancers

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that nuclear and cytoplasmic accumulation of the intracellular domain (Ep-ICD) of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) accompanied by a reciprocal reduction of its extracellular domain (EpEx), occurs in aggressive thyroid cancers. This study was designed to determine whether similar accumulation of Ep-ICD is a common event in other epithelial cancers. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: Ten epithelial cancers were immunohistochemically analyzed using Ep-ICD and EpEx domain-specific antibodies. The subcellular localization of EpEx and Ep-ICD in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line CX-1 was observed using immunofluorescence. Nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD expression was increased in cancers of the breast (31 of 38 tissues, 82%), prostate (40 of 49 tissues, 82%), head and neck (37 of 57 tissues, 65%) and esophagus (17 of 46 tissues, 37%) compared to their corresponding normal tissues that showed membrane localization of the protein. Importantly, Ep-ICD was not detected in the nuclei of epithelial cells in most normal tissues. High nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD accumulation also occurred in the other six epithelial cancer types analyzed - lung, colon, liver, bladder, pancreatic, and ovarian. A concomitant reduction in membrane EpEx expression was observed in a subset of all cancer types. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed nuclear Ep-ICD distinguished breast cancers with 82% sensitivity and 100% specificity and prostate cancers with 82% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Similar findings were observed for cytoplasmic accumulation of Ep-ICD in these cancers. We provide clinical evidence of increased nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD accumulation and a reduction in membranous EpEx in these cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Increased nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD was observed in all epithelial cancers analyzed and distinguished them from normal tissues with high-sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. Development of a robust high throughput assay for Ep-ICD will facilitate the determination of its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance in epithelial cancers