Analysis of different paddy transplanting methods in northern India: Ergo - economical study

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production constitutes the major economic activity and a key source of employment for the rural population of India. Manual transplanting of paddy in puddle field is a very tedious job and involves lot of fatigue and drudgery. To reduce the labour demand and time consumption, power operated transplanters are also available but the poor socio- economic conditions of Indian farmers restrict them to adopt modern technology. Keeping this in view, the present study was planned to compare the economic cost and the rate of human drudgery among female farm workers, during manual hand transplanting with the power operated eight- row paddy transplanter. For the ergonomical evaluation, twenty female subjects were selected in the age group of 20- 55 years. Physiological parameters like HR, energy expenditure, TCCW and PCW etc. were measured in different transplanting operations. The mean value of working heart rate was assessed to be maximum 138.32±7.67 beats/ min in manual hand transplanting and 110.12±5.79 beats/min in eight- row paddy transplanter. The energy expenditure rate was measured 18.40±0.95 kJ/min in local transplanting method and reduced to 15.17±1.68 kJ/min with paddy transplanter. TCCW was found to be 1965.5±63.66 beats for manual transplanting of paddy and 770.58±39.93 beats by the use of paddy transplanter whereas the PCW was calculated 227.98±22.17 in traditional method and 85.23±2.64 in improved method. The economic cost of mechanized transplanting was 47% less than conventional method

Rare case of broad ligament pregnancy

Broad ligament pregnancy is rare form of abdominal pregnancy. There is high risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Due to its rarity, usually, diagnosis cannot be established before surgery. We reported a 27 year old, G3P2L2 who presented with 4 month amenorrhea with pain in lower abdomen. Ultrasonography revealed a single live extra-uterine pregnancy of 17 weeks in right adnexa. A right sided Broad ligament pregnancy was found on exploratory laparotomy. Excision of mass with right sided salpingo-oophrectomy was performed. Post operative course was uneventful. Early diagnosis with high risk of suspicion and early intervention is needed to overcome it’s related complications

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among handloom weavers of Uttarakhand : an ergonomic study

Long hours of static work with awkward working postures at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handloom weavers. Because of incompatible working situations handloom weaver in textile industries are confronting with many work related musculoskeletal problems related to pain and discomfort in upper and lower extremities. Keeping this in view, the present study was planned to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural discomfort among handloom weavers. For this study, 64 (male and female) handloom weavers aged 20-55 years were selected randomly from Almora and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand state. To collect the information, standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess pain and discomfort in different body regions of handloom weavers. It was observed that those workers worked continuously in awkward postures during weaving activities. Consequently they suffered from high discomfort in their different body parts. High rate of pain and musculoskeletal disorder was most prevalent in right wrist, left wrist, hip/thigh, neck and lower back of the workers. The data reveled that since last 12 months, total 76.56 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in right hand and 73.44 percent workers had pain and discomfort in both elbows. During last month, 73.44 percent workers were suffered with pain and discomfort in upper back because of awkward working postures whereas during 7 days, total 59.38 percent workers had pain in lower back. The study indicates that the traditional handloom weaving demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the workstation and process design

Comparison of maternal serum CA-125 and ultrasonography findings as a prognostic marker in threatened abortion

Background: WHO defines abortion as pregnancy termination before 20 week gestation or with fetus born weighing <500 gms. Early pregnancy markers in patients with threatened abortion including biochemical marker like raised maternal serum CA-125 (cancer antigen-125, carcinoma antigen 125 or carbohydrate antigen 125) and USG parameters that is, fetal crown-rump length (CRL), the presence/absence of sub-chorionic hematoma and fetal heart rate (FHR) are good predictors of outcome.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, S.P. medical college and associated group of hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan. This was a hospital based prospective comparative study. The study group comprise of pregnant females attending obstetrics and gynaecology OPD. A total of 200 pregnant women were examined in this study. We divided these patients into 2 groups, group A and group B. Group A consists of 100 pregnant females with threatened abortion and group B with 100 normal pregnant female.Results: Maternal serum CA-125 at cut off level 61.64 U/ml is 84.21% sensitive, 96.77% specific in predicting abortion with 94.12% positive predictive value and 90.91% negative predictive value while FHR at 115 bpm is 76.32% sensitive, 90.32% specific in predicting abortion with 82.86% PPV and 86.15% negative predictive value.Conclusions: Single raised value of maternal serum CA-125 has best predictive value followed by USG parameters (FHR, sub-chorionic hematoma and CRL ) in threatened abortion which results in loss of pregnancy

Microfluidic Platforms to Unravel Mysteries of Alzheimer's Disease: How Far Have We Come?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a significant health concern with enormous social and economic impact globally. The gradual deterioration of cognitive functions and irreversible neuronal losses are primary features of the disease. Even after decades of research, most therapeutic options are merely symptomatic, and drugs in clinical practice present numerous side effects. Lack of effective diagnostic techniques prevents the early prognosis of disease, resulting in a gradual deterioration in the quality of life. Furthermore, the mechanism of cognitive impairment and AD pathophysiology is poorly understood. Microfluidics exploits different microscale properties of fluids to mimic environments on microfluidic chip-like devices. These miniature multichambered devices can be used to grow cells and 3D tissues in vitro, analyze cell-to-cell communication, decipher the roles of neural cells such as microglia, and gain insights into AD pathophysiology. This review focuses on the applications and impact of microfluidics on AD research. We discuss the technical challenges and possible solutions provided by this new cutting-edge technique to understand disease-associated pathways and mechanisms

Attitude Towards Online Education During Covid-19 Pandemic Among Bachelor Level Students of Jumla

Background: Health science students, since long time, have been using digital technology mainly for the research purposes only. Due to global spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19), education system has changed and adopted online education which was a solution for the continuity of teaching and learning process during COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to assess the attitude towards online education among bachelor level health science students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla. Complete enumeration was done. Total 68 bachelor level students were taken for the study. A pretested self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16. Frequency and percentage were also computed for demographics variables. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between socio-demographic variables and attitude level. Results: The study illustrated that, among the 68 bachelor level students, nearly two third (63.2%) students had negative attitude towards online education during COVID-19 pandemic. There was statistically significant association of attitude level with ethnicity, type of program and strength of internet connection (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Majority of students of Karnali Academy had negative attitude towards online education; and they had faced many difficulties like internet and electricity problem etc. Administration and faculty members should take necessary measures for improving online education

Unraveling Prostaglandin and NLRP3 Inflammasomemediated Pathways of Primary Dysmenorrhea and the Role of Mefenamic Acid and Its Combinations

Painful menstrual cramps during or around the time of the monthly cycle are known as dysmenorrhea. The estimated global prevalence in women of reproductive age ranges from 45% to 95%. It has a significant negative impact on regular activities and productivity at work. However, despite the severe consequences on quality of life, primary dysmenorrhea&nbsp;(PD) is underdiagnosed. Dysmenorrhea has complex pathogenesis. It involves the release of prostaglandins and activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and also includes the involvement of other mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and acetylcholine. Even though nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most common type of pain medication, the question of which one should be the most preferred is still open to debate. The current review examines the existing evidence for the pathogenesis of PD and makes evidence based and clinical experience based recommendations for the use of mefenamic acid and its combination in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Mefenamic acid alleviates PD by inhibiting endometrial prostaglandin formation, restoring normal uterine activity, and reducing the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β. It is also known to have bradykinin antagonist activity. Dicyclomine has a dual action of blocking the muscarinic action of acetylcholine in postganglionic parasympathetic effect or regions and acting directly on uterine smooth muscle by blocking bradykinin and histamine receptors to relieve spasms. According to the experts, mefenamic acid and dicyclomine act synergistically by acting on the different pathways of dysmenorrhea by blocking multifactorial agents attributed to the cause of dysmenorrhea. Hence, the combination of mefenamic acid and dicyclomine should be the preferred treatment option for dysmenorrhea

Magnetoelectrets prepared by using temperature gradient method

A novel Temperature Gradient method for preparation of magnetoelectret is proposed. Non uniform magnetic field and temperature gradient are expected to be the main cause for the formation of magnetoelectrets (MEs). Being bad conductors of heat, during their formation, there is a possibility for the existence of a temperature gradient along the dielectric electrode interface. In this condition, the motion of, molecules and charge carriers are dependent on Temperature Gradient in a preferred direction. To increase this temperature gradient on both sides of the sample novel method for the preparation of MEs is developed for the first time. For this method the special sample holders are designed in our laboratory. MEs are prepared in such a way that one surface is cooled and the other is heated, during the process. With the help of XRD analysis using Type-E orientation pattern and surface charge studies on magnetoelectrets, the two main causes Non uniform magnetic field and temperature gradient for the formation of magnetoelectrets (MEs), are authenticated experimentally

Biological databases and tools for neurological disorders

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.Computational approaches to study of neuronal impairment is rapidly evolving, as experiments and intuition alone do not explain the complexity of the brain system. An overwhelming increase in the amount of new data from both theory and computational modeling necessitate the development of databases and tools for analysis, visualization and interpretation of neuroscience data. To ensure the sustainability of this development, consistent update and training of young professionals is imperative. For this purpose, relevant articles, chapters, and modules are essential to keep abreast of developments. This review seeks to outline the biological databases and analytical tools along with their applications. It is envisaged that such knowledge could provide a ''training recipe'' for young scientists and a guide for professionals and researchers in neuroscience.Peer reviewe