Study of comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes in spontaneous labour and induced labour

Background: There has been consistent proportionate increase in the cases of induction of labor, but both maternal and neonatal effects of it remain poorly analysed previously. The present study was undertaken with the objective of comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes between groups of patients undergoing induction of labor and those having spontaneous labor.Methods: In this comparative prevalence study, the participants selected by predefined criteria were divided into 2 groups on the basis of progression of labor. They were spontaneous labor (group A) and induction of labor (group B). All the participants were assessed for various relevant maternal and neonatal outcomes and valid comparisons drawn.Results: A total of 1300 participants were studied. Proportion of patients requiring caesarean section was significantly higher in induction group (39.17%) against the spontaneous labor group (15.37%), with fetal distress being the commonest indication in both groups. The commonest complication noted was postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (2.96% in group A and 1.98% in group B, p<0.05). Mean birth weight of babies was 2.76±0.42 kgs in spontaneous labor group and 2.68±0.48 kgs in induction of labor group (p>0.05). Incidences of NICU admissions and neonatal deaths were significantly higher in induction of labor group.Conclusions: Induction of labor should be employed judiciously by assessing the maternal and fetal condition and confirming relevant indication and should only be done if continuation of pregnancy is relatively more hazardous to either mother or baby

A cross-sectional study on quality of life among acne vulgaris patients

Background: In India, prevalence data from dermatology clinic in a teaching hospital in Varanasi reported acne in 50.6% of boys and 38.13% of girls in the age group 12-17 years. Though it is considered to be merely a cosmetic problem, it is associated with considerable psychological impairment which is comparable with certain chronic diseases. Acne patients are prone to low self-esteem, low self-confidence and social dysfunction which may lead to anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsiveness and sometimes suicidal ideation. Acne affects the functional abilities of individuals and patients have higher rate of unemployment when compared to those without acne. Acne also may have negative impact on personal relationships, sports activities and employment opportunities in teens and young adults. The management of acne must take into account the impact of acne on the patient’s quality of life. So the present study was carried out to determine the impact of acne and its clinical severity on quality of life among patients of different grades of acne patients in various age groups.Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted in Patients diagnosed as acne vulgaris attending OPD of PCMS and RC Bhopal (India) in department of dermatology for a period of 2 year. (November 2012 – October 2014). 300 patients attending the Dermatology OPD with diagnosis of acne vulgaris were taken for the study. Patients aged 16 -35 years were included in our study. A detailed history was taken after obtaining consent from all the participants of study. Cardiff Acne disability index (CADI) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were administered on patients to determine the impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life (QOL). Data was analyzed to compare the quality of life indices (CADI and DLQI) for duration and severity of acne.Results: Mean age of study population was 20.69 years. There was a male preponderance with ratio of 1.04:1 (M:F). According to this study 49% of patients had acne vulgaris for less than 1year. In present study maximum number 63.7% of patients presented with lesions over face followed by 14.7% of patients having lesions over face and back. According to DLQI scores of acne showed no effect in 4.3% of the patients, small effect in 26.3% of the patients, moderate effect in 38.7% of patients, very large effect in 29% of patients and extremely large effects on 1.7% of patients. According to CADI scores of acne showed low effect in 31.3% of the patients, majority had medium effect in 56.7% of patients and high effect was seen on 12 % of patients.Conclusions: Overall our study showed that quality of life is significantly impaired in patients of severe acne vulgaris. Use of these simple QOL measures as a part of integral clinical strategy will improve the outcome

Empirical Analysis of Function Point Analysis – Research View

Software measurement [1], once an obscure and esoteric specialty, has become essential to good software engineering [2, 3, 4]. Many of the best software developers measure characteristics of the software to get some sense of whether the requirements are consistent and complete, whether the design is of high quality, and whether the code is ready to be tested. Effective project manager’s measure attributes of process and product to be able to tell when the software will be ready for delivery and whether the budget will be exceeded. Informed customers measure aspects of the final product to determine if it meets the requirements and is of sufficient quality. And maintainers must be able to assess the current product to see what should be upgraded and improved. Here, we present empirical research in two areas, Function Oriented Analysis to find function points and weightages of plan driven vs agile development based on type of project, validations will be carried out using train test procedure for FPA and Ideal Point Analysis for weightage

Comparative Functional Dynamics Studies on the Enzyme Nano-bio Interface

Citation: Thomas, S. E., Comer, J., Kim, M. J., Marroquin, S., Murthy, V., Ramani, M., … DeLong, R. K. (2018, August 8). Comparative functional dynamics studies on the enzyme nano-bio interface. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S152222Comparative functional dynamics studies on the enzyme nano-bio interface Spencer E Thomas,1,2,* Jeffrey Comer,1,* Min Jung Kim,1 Shanna Marroquin,1 Vaibhav Murthy,1 Meghana Ramani,1 Tabetha Gaile Hopke,2 Jayden McCall,1 Seong-O Choi,1 Robert K DeLong1 1Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA; 2Department of Biomedical Science, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA *These authors contributed equally to this work Introduction: Biomedical applications of nanoparticles (NPs) as enzyme inhibitors have recently come to light. Oxides of metals native to the physiological environment (eg, Fe, Zn, Mg, etc.) are of particular interest—especially the functional consequences of their enzyme interaction. Materials and methods: Here, Fe2O3, zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO) and nickel oxide (NiO) NPs are compared to copper (Cu) and boron carbide (B4C) NPs. The functional impact of NP interaction to the model enzyme luciferase is determined by 2-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS) and 2-dimensional photoluminescence difference spectroscopy (2-D PLDS). By 2-D FDS analysis, the change in maximal intensity and in 2-D FDS area under the curve (AUC) is in the order Cu~B4C>ZnO>NiO>>Fe2O3>MgO. The induced changes in protein conformation are confirmed by tryptic digests and gel electrophoresis. Results: Analysis of possible trypsin cleavage sites suggest that cleavage mostly occurs in the range of residues 112–155 and 372–439, giving a major 45 kDa band. By 2-D PLDS, it is found that B4C NPs completely ablate bioluminescence, while Cu and Fe2O3 NPs yield a unique bimodal negative decay rate, -7.67×103 and -3.50×101 relative light units respectively. Cu NPs, in particular, give a remarkable 271% change in enzyme activity. Molecular dynamics simulations in water predicted that the surfaces of metal oxide NPs become capped with metal hydroxide groups under physiological conditions, while the surface of B4C becomes populated with boronic acid or borinic acid groups. These predictions are supported by the experimentally determined zeta potential. Thin layer chromatography patterns further support this conception of the NP surfaces, where stabilizing interactions were in the order ionic>polar>non-polar for the series tested. Conclusion: Overall the results suggest that B4C and Cu NP functional dynamics on enzyme biochemistry are unique and should be examined further for potential ramifications on other model, physiological or disease-relevant enzymes. Keywords: 2-dimensional fluorescence difference, 2-D FDS, AUC, corrected light intensity emitted, emission wavelength, excitation wavelength, wavelength of max intensity, RL

Risk Factors for Graft-versus-Host Disease in Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Using Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has significantly increased the successful use of haploidentical donors with a relatively low incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Given its increasing use, we sought to determine risk factors for GVHD after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) using PTCy. Data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research on adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or chronic myeloid leukemia who underwent PTCy-based haplo-HCT (2013 to 2016) were analyzed and categorized into 4 groups based on myeloablative (MA) or reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) graft source. In total, 646 patients were identified (MA-BM = 79, MA-PB = 183, RIC-BM = 192, RIC-PB = 192). The incidence of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD at 6 months was highest in MA-PB (44%), followed by RIC-PB (36%), MA-BM (36%), and RIC-BM (30%) (P = .002). The incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 40%, 34%, 24%, and 20%, respectively (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, there was no impact of stem cell source or conditioning regimen on grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD; however, older donor age (30 to 49 versus <29 years) was significantly associated with higher rates of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 2.12; P = .01). In contrast, PB compared to BM as a stem cell source was a significant risk factor for the development of chronic GVHD (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.62; P = .01) in the RIC setting. There were no differences in relapse or overall survival between groups. Donor age and graft source are risk factors for acute and chronic GVHD, respectively, after PTCy-based haplo-HCT. Our results indicate that in RIC haplo-HCT, the risk of chronic GVHD is higher with PB stem cells, without any difference in relapse or overall survival

Engineering the RNA-Nanobio Interface

RNA nanotechnology is attracting a great deal of attention recently. As the multiple roles that RNA plays in molecular biology and physiological regulation become clearer, there are many opportunities for engineering RNA-Nanoparticle Complexes (RNA-NPCs). The high “engineerability” of RNA-NPCs comes from the ability to modify the RNA and NP chemistry. For example, the NP can be derived from materials with anticancer activity and the RNA delivered by it, designed to target cell signaling pathways that contribute to the molecular basis of these diseases. Despite this rapid advancement and the availability of new quantification and characterization techniques, a key challenge is to develop a better understanding of the RNA-nanobio interface; that is, the interactions of RNA with NP (RNA-nanobio interface) and how that impacts the structure, function, delivery, and activity of the RNA. Here, we attempt to summarize the state-of-the-art in this new and exciting field, and to lay out potential directions for bioengineering research on RNA-NPCs

Engineering the RNA-Nanobio Interface

RNA nanotechnology is attracting a great deal of attention recently. As the multiple roles that RNA plays in molecular biology and physiological regulation become clearer, there are many opportunities for engineering RNA-Nanoparticle Complexes (RNA-NPCs). The high “engineerability” of RNA-NPCs comes from the ability to modify the RNA and NP chemistry. For example, the NP can be derived from materials with anticancer activity and the RNA delivered by it, designed to target cell signaling pathways that contribute to the molecular basis of these diseases. Despite this rapid advancement and the availability of new quantification and characterization techniques, a key challenge is to develop a better understanding of the RNA-nanobio interface; that is, the interactions of RNA with NP (RNA-nanobio interface) and how that impacts the structure, function, delivery, and activity of the RNA. Here, we attempt to summarize the state-of-the-art in this new and exciting field, and to lay out potential directions for bioengineering research on RNA-NPCs

Behaviour of composite solid propellant under biaxial tensile loading

Biaxial tensile tests were carried out on cruciform specimens of composite solid propellants. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was used to measure the strain in the gage section. Experiments were conducted at displacement rates of 1, 50 and 1000 mm/min (Y direction) to study the effect of the displacement rate on the material response. Two displacement rate ratios of 1:1 and 0.5:1 (X:Y directions) are considered to understand the influence of biaxiality of loading on the mechanical response. The biaxial experiments were also conducted at temperatures of 20 °C and 55 °C to understand the effect of temperature on the material response. The stress–strain response under biaxial loading was observed to be non-linear and dependent on the displacement rate. The slope of the stress–strain response in the linear region and the yield stress increased with an increase in the displacement rate for all the loading situations. There was no significant change observed in the slope of the stress–strain response in the linear region and yield stress with variation in temperature from 20 to 55 °C. However, a significant decrease in failure strain was observed with an increase in temperature from 20 °C to 55 °C. The mechanical response under equi-biaxial (displacement rate ratio — X:Y of 1:1) loading is compared with the uniaxial loading responses. The yield stress was observed to be 25%–47% higher during equi-biaxial tests as compared to uniaxial tests. However, the failure strain was 50%–70% lower in the equi-biaxial loading compared to uniaxial loading. The fractography and elemental mapping using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) of the fractured surfaces were carried out. A large number of cavities which are bigger in size and depth were observed on the fractured surface of the uniaxially loaded specimens as compared to equi-biaxially loaded specimens

A cross-sectional study on quality of life among acne vulgaris patients

Background: In India, prevalence data from dermatology clinic in a teaching hospital in Varanasi reported acne in 50.6% of boys and 38.13% of girls in the age group 12-17 years. Though it is considered to be merely a cosmetic problem, it is associated with considerable psychological impairment which is comparable with certain chronic diseases. Acne patients are prone to low self-esteem, low self-confidence and social dysfunction which may lead to anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsiveness and sometimes suicidal ideation. Acne affects the functional abilities of individuals and patients have higher rate of unemployment when compared to those without acne. Acne also may have negative impact on personal relationships, sports activities and employment opportunities in teens and young adults. The management of acne must take into account the impact of acne on the patient’s quality of life. So the present study was carried out to determine the impact of acne and its clinical severity on quality of life among patients of different grades of acne patients in various age groups.Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted in Patients diagnosed as acne vulgaris attending OPD of PCMS and RC Bhopal (India) in department of dermatology for a period of 2 year. (November 2012 – October 2014). 300 patients attending the Dermatology OPD with diagnosis of acne vulgaris were taken for the study. Patients aged 16 -35 years were included in our study. A detailed history was taken after obtaining consent from all the participants of study. Cardiff Acne disability index (CADI) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were administered on patients to determine the impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life (QOL). Data was analyzed to compare the quality of life indices (CADI and DLQI) for duration and severity of acne.Results: Mean age of study population was 20.69 years. There was a male preponderance with ratio of 1.04:1 (M:F). According to this study 49% of patients had acne vulgaris for less than 1year. In present study maximum number 63.7% of patients presented with lesions over face followed by 14.7% of patients having lesions over face and back. According to DLQI scores of acne showed no effect in 4.3% of the patients, small effect in 26.3% of the patients, moderate effect in 38.7% of patients, very large effect in 29% of patients and extremely large effects on 1.7% of patients. According to CADI scores of acne showed low effect in 31.3% of the patients, majority had medium effect in 56.7% of patients and high effect was seen on 12 % of patients.Conclusions: Overall our study showed that quality of life is significantly impaired in patients of severe acne vulgaris. Use of these simple QOL measures as a part of integral clinical strategy will improve the outcome