Infatuation and love of an adolescent girl: Dynamics of parent child relationship

Background: Increased interest in romantic relationship (RR) is central to adolescents’ lives. RR has a significant influence on the emotional well-being of the adolescents and their future life. Objective: The present study aims at understanding the issues and concerns of adolescent girls in RR who come under care and protection issue. Methods: The study adopts a retrospective exploratory research design and analyzed the case reports maintained by psychiatric social workers. Reports elicit the information about the RR, marriage with the romantic partner, reason for run away with the marital partner, etc. Results: Majority of the adolescents run away with their romantic partner to get married and more than three-fourth of the adolescent girls believed that having sexual intercourse with their romantic partner would get their marriage approval and felt that marriage gave them sanction for the sexual relationship. Adolescents were worried about parent’s rejection of their romantic partner and had guilt feeling that they were not able to meet the expectations of parents nor they were able to fulfill the dreams of their parents. Most of the adolescents were also aware that their romantic involvement has been one of the reasons for academic decline; some have to drop out from the schools. Conclusion: It is important to understand the issues of adolescent girls in RR so that it would help us in designing interventions to facilitate developmental needs and for the healthy transition to adulthood

Studies on mechanical behavior of glass epoxy composites with induced defects and correlations with NDT characterization parameters

Degradation in mechanical properties (compression, flexural and ILS) of glass epoxy composite laminates with induced defects (simulating delaminations) was studied. The defects were characterized by using the A-scan ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The two A-scan parameters, viz. the back wall echo amplitude and time of flight, were followed respectively, as functions of the defect size (diameter) and its location in the laminate thickness. The mechanical properties of laminates were evaluated destructively for different defect sizes and locations. An attempt has been made to express the mechanical properties in terms of the two NDT scan parameters characterizing the defects and empirical equations presente

Resilience in Child Sexual Abuse: Role of Protective Factors

Child sexual abuse is a major public health problem with significant psychosocial consequences (Afifi & Macmillan, 2011). All child sexual abuse victims do not depict adverse consequences in later life. The variability of impact in a potentially traumatic experience like child sexual abuse is explained by the construct of resilience and it being the outcome of the influence of certain protective factors (Henley, 2010). The present article conceptualizes resilience in the area of child sexual abuse where individual, familial and community level factors are identified as predictors to fostering resilience. Formulation and development of effective interventions to reduce the impairment following child sexual abuse and to foster resilience in children, adolescents and survivors are recommended

Well-Being Programme for Caregivers of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Background: SCI is a high-cost chronic disability, and it is a life-changing experience for family members and societies. For families, the unpredictable nature of the injury leads some of the members into an 'unexpected career' as family caregivers, the caregiver’s have to put enormous efforts, to provide continuous full-time caregiving for the recovery of Person with Spinal cord injury, which will affect the caregiver's physical and mental health. The current study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a well-being programme for caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury.            Methods/Design: The current study adopts a Quasi-experimental study design, which have three phases; the first phase is to explore the needs of the caregivers by conducting in-depth interviews with different stakeholders. The second phase is to develop a well-being programme, and checking the feasibility of the programme is the third phase by recruiting 24 caregivers. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis, whereas quantitative data will be analyzed using appropriate parametric or non- parametric tests upon confirming normality of data distribution. Discussion: This study would help us to understand the psycho-social issues and unique needs of the caregivers at different time periods. It also gives information about psycho-social interventions and outcome measures for the well-being of the caregivers

Factors controlling the net ecosystem production of cryoconite on Western Himalayan glaciers

Ikke OAIn situ experiments were conducted to determine the net ecosystem production (NEP) in cryoconite holes from the surface of two glaciers (Patsio glacier and Chhota Shigri glacier) in the Western Himalaya during the melt season from August to September 2019. The study aimed to gain an insight into the factors controlling microbial activity on glacier surfaces in this region. A wide range of parameters, including sediment thickness, TOC %, TN %, chlorophyll-a concentration, altitudinal position, and grain size of the cryoconite mineral particles were considered as potential controlling factors. From redundancy analysis, the rate of Respiration observed in cryoconite at Chhota Shigri glacier was predominantly explained by sediment thickness in cryoconite holes (37.1% of the total variance, p < 0.05) with Photosynthesis largely explained by the chlorophyll-a content of the sediment (39.6%, p < 0.05). NEP was explained primarily by the TOC content and sediment thickness in cryoconite holes (35.8% and 22.1% respectively, p < 0.05). The altitudinal position of the cryoconite is strongly correlated with biological activity, suggesting that the stability of cryoconite holes was an important factor driving primary productivity and respiration rate on the surface of Chhota Shigri glacier. We calculated that the number of melt seasons required to accumulate organic carbon in thin sediment layers (< 0.3 cm), based on our measured NEP rates, ranged from 11 to 70 years, indicating that the organic carbon in cryoconite holes largely derives from allochthonous inputs, such as elsewhere on the glacier surface. Phototrophic biomass in the same thin sediment layer of cryoconite was estimated to take atleast 4 months to be produced in situ (with mean estimated time upto 1.7 ± 1.5 years). Organic matter accumulated inside the cryoconite holes both through allochthonous deposition and via biological activity on the glacier surface in these areas may have the potential to export dissolved organic matter and associated nutrients to downstream ecosystems. Given the importance of Himalayan glaciers as a vital water source for millions of people downstream, this study highlights the need for further investigation in aspects of the quantification of in situ produced organic matter and its impact on supraglacial melting in the Himalay

Safeguarding adolescent mental health in India (SAMA): study protocol for codesign and feasibility study of a school systems intervention targeting adolescent anxiety and depression in India.

INTRODUCTION: Symptoms of anxiety and depression in Indian adolescents are common. Schools can be opportune sites for delivery of mental health interventions. India, however, is without a evidence-based and integrated whole-school mental health approach. This article describes the study design for the safeguarding adolescent mental health in India (SAMA) project. The aim of SAMA is to codesign and feasibility test a suite of multicomponent interventions for mental health across the intersecting systems of adolescents, schools, families and their local communities in India. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Our project will codesign and feasibility test four interventions to run in parallel in eight schools (three assigned to waitlist) in Bengaluru and Kolar in Karnataka, India. The primary aim is to reduce the prevalence of adolescent anxiety and depression. Codesign of interventions will build on existing evidence and resources. Interventions for adolescents at school will be universal, incorporating curriculum and social components. Interventions for parents and teachers will target mental health literacy, and also for teachers, training in positive behaviour practices. Intervention in the school community will target school climate to improve student mental health literacy and care. Intervention for the wider community will be via adolescent-led films and social media. We will generate intervention cost estimates, test outcome measures and identify pathways to increase policy action on the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the National Institute of Mental Health Neurosciences Research Ethics Committee (NIMHANS/26th IEC (Behv Sc Div/2020/2021)) and the University of Leeds School of Psychology Research Ethics Committee (PSYC-221). Certain data will be available on a data sharing site. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and conferences

Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways cooperate in zearalenone-induced apoptosis of human leukemic cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Zearalenone (ZEA) is a phytoestrogen from <it>Fusarium </it>species. The aims of the study was to identify mode of human leukemic cell death induced by ZEA and the mechanisms involved.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cell cytotoxicity of ZEA on human leukemic HL-60, U937 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed by using 3-(4,5-dimethyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Reactive oxygen species production, cell cycle analysis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction was determined by employing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, propidium iodide and 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide and flow cytometry, respectively. Caspase-3 and -8 activities were detected by using fluorogenic Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (DEVD-AMC) and Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (IETD-AMC) substrates, respectively. Protein expression of cytochrome c, Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL was performed by Western blot. The expression of proteins was assessed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis (PAGE) coupled with LC-MS2 analysis and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ZEA was cytotoxic to U937 > HL-60 > PBMCs and caused subdiploid peaks and G1 arrest in both cell lines. Apoptosis of human leukemic HL-60 and U937 cell apoptosis induced by ZEA was via an activation of mitochondrial release of cytochrome c through mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction, activation of caspase-3 and -8, production of reactive oxygen species and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Bax was up regulated in a time-dependent manner and there was down regulation of Bcl-xL expression. Two-dimensional PAGE coupled with LC-MS2 analysis showed that ZEA treatment of HL-60 cells produced differences in the levels of 22 membrane proteins such as apoptosis inducing factor and the ER stress proteins including endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29), 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein, heat shock protein 90 and calreticulin, whereas only <it>ERp29 </it>mRNA transcript increased.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>ZEA induced human leukemic cell apoptosis via endoplasmic stress and mitochondrial pathway.</p

Case Reports1. A Late Presentation of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Beware of TGFβ Receptor Mutations in Benign Joint Hypermobility

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissections are not uncommon causes of sudden death in young adults. Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare, recently described, autosomal dominant, connective tissue disease characterized by aggressive arterial aneurysms, resulting from mutations in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) receptor genes TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Mean age at death is 26.1 years, most often due to aortic dissection. We report an unusually late presentation of LDS, diagnosed following elective surgery in a female with a long history of joint hypermobility. Methods: A 51-year-old Caucasian lady complained of chest pain and headache following a dural leak from spinal anaesthesia for an elective ankle arthroscopy. CT scan and echocardiography demonstrated a dilated aortic root and significant aortic regurgitation. MRA demonstrated aortic tortuosity, an infrarenal aortic aneurysm and aneurysms in the left renal and right internal mammary arteries. She underwent aortic root repair and aortic valve replacement. She had a background of long-standing joint pains secondary to hypermobility, easy bruising, unusual fracture susceptibility and mild bronchiectasis. She had one healthy child age 32, after which she suffered a uterine prolapse. Examination revealed mild Marfanoid features. Uvula, skin and ophthalmological examination was normal. Results: Fibrillin-1 testing for Marfan syndrome (MFS) was negative. Detection of a c.1270G > C (p.Gly424Arg) TGFBR2 mutation confirmed the diagnosis of LDS. Losartan was started for vascular protection. Conclusions: LDS is a severe inherited vasculopathy that usually presents in childhood. It is characterized by aortic root dilatation and ascending aneurysms. There is a higher risk of aortic dissection compared with MFS. Clinical features overlap with MFS and Ehlers Danlos syndrome Type IV, but differentiating dysmorphogenic features include ocular hypertelorism, bifid uvula and cleft palate. Echocardiography and MRA or CT scanning from head to pelvis is recommended to establish the extent of vascular involvement. Management involves early surgical intervention, including early valve-sparing aortic root replacement, genetic counselling and close monitoring in pregnancy. Despite being caused by loss of function mutations in either TGFβ receptor, paradoxical activation of TGFβ signalling is seen, suggesting that TGFβ antagonism may confer disease modifying effects similar to those observed in MFS. TGFβ antagonism can be achieved with angiotensin antagonists, such as Losartan, which is able to delay aortic aneurysm development in preclinical models and in patients with MFS. Our case emphasizes the importance of timely recognition of vasculopathy syndromes in patients with hypermobility and the need for early surgical intervention. It also highlights their heterogeneity and the potential for late presentation. Disclosures: The authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Toksikološka svojstva citrinina

Citrinin (CTN) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by several fungal strains belonging to the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus. It contaminates various commodities of plant origin, cereals in particular, and is usually found together with another nephrotoxic mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA). These two mycotoxins are believed to be involved in the aetiology of endemic nephropathy. In addition to nephrotoxicity, CTN is also embryocidal and fetotoxic. The genotoxic properties of CTN have been demonstrated with the micronuleus test (MN), but not with single-cell gel electrophoresis. The mechanism of CTN toxicity is not fully understood, especially not whether CTN toxicity and genotoxicity are the consequence of oxidative stress or of increased permeability of mitochondrial membranes. CTN requires complex cellular biotransformation to exert mutagenicity. Compared with other mycotoxins, CTN contamination of food and feed is rather scarce. However, it is reasonable to believe that humans are much more frequently exposed to CTN than generally accepted, because it is produced by the same moulds as OTA, which is a common contaminant of human food all over the world. At present, there are no specifi c regulations either in Croatia or in the European Union concerning CTN in any kind of commodity.Citrinin (CTN) nefrotoksičan je mikotoksin koji proizvode različiti sojevi plijesni iz rodova Penicillium, Aspergillus i Monascus. CTN se može naći u različitim namirnicama biljnog podrijetla, osobito u žitaricama i obično se nalazi zajedno s drugim nefrotoksičnim mikotoksinom, okratoksinom A (OTA). Pretpostavlja se da je izloženost ovim mikotoksinima povezana s nastankom endemske nefropatije. Osim što je nefrotoksičan, CTN je još i embricidan i fetotoksičan. Na genotoksičnost citrinina upućuje pozitivan mikronukleusni test na različitim vrstama staničnih kultura, iako je kometski test negativan. Mutagenost CTN-a očituje se na različitim vrstama stanica samo ako se pridodaju stanični aktivatori kao npr. S9-mix. Mehanizam toksičnosti CTN-a nije potpuno razjašnjen pa još uvijek traje znanstvena rasprava je li njegova toksičnost i genotoksičnost posljedica oksidacijskog stresa ili povećane permeabilnosti mitohondrijskih membrana. U dostupnoj literaturi podaci o kontaminiranosti hrane i krmiva ovim mikotoksinom mnogo su rjeđi od onih za druge mikotoksine. Može se pretpostaviti da su ljudi često izloženi ovom mikotoksinu zato što ga proizvode iste plijesni koje proizvode i OTA, a one kontaminiraju hranu po cijelom svijetu. U Hrvatskoj i u zemljama Europske Unije ne postoje zakonske odredbe o dopuštenim granicama CTN-a u bilo kojoj vrsti hrane

A test system for cyclic loading of solar panel

A method to test solar panels against wind loads has13; been suggested. Also the use of Infra Red Detection13; method in measuring very low pressure has been explained