Study of Diastolic Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus

In this study, diastolic dysfunction had 60% prevalence in Diabetic patients and 14% in case of Non-diabetic individuals. • It was seen that with increasing age, there was an increase in incidence of DD but it was found to be statistically insignificant. • Gender, alcohol and smoking does not play any role in diastolic dysfunction. • Duration of diabetes is a significant factor. With increasing duration of DM, there is increase in incidence of DD. • Body Mass Index is a significant factor. There is higher incidence of DD in individuals with elevated BMI. • Dyslipidemia especially Total Cholesterol, LDL and Triglycerides were found to be associated with Diastolic dysfunction. • Diabetic Retinopathy was found to be strongly correlated with diastolic dysfunction. No individual had DD in the absence of Diabetic retinopathy in the study population. • Significant Proteinuria was also found to be associated with diastolic dysfunction. It was statistically significant

Interline Unified Power Quality Conditioner for Enhancing Power Quality using FOFPID-based Interleaved CUK Converter

Electrical distribution systems face increased non-linear loads due to using power electronics for the converters. Due to these non-linear loads, the system exhibits PQ problems in the distributed feeders. To enhance PQ problems in the dual feeder, fractional order fuzzy proportional integral derivative controller (FOFPID) is introduced with interline unified power quality (IUPQC) conditioner. IUPQC conditioner includes a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) and interleaved cuk converter (ICC). DSTATCOM and DVR are used for compensating the voltages and current in the dual feeders (feeder-1 and feeder-2). Also, ICC monitors the switching between the DSTATCOM and DVR compensators by providing proper power flow. Moreover, the FOFPID controller regulates an input supply from both feeders. The simulation is performed through MATLAB/Simulink platform, demonstrating the robustness of a proposed FOFPID with an IUPQC controller. The performance of a proposed controller is analyzed through two cases for both feeders. Furthermore, the total harmonic distortions (THD) are calculated for the feeder parameters. The proposed FOFPID with IUPQC controller also maintains stability in a dual feeder. Therefore, the entire response shows the functionality and feasibility of a proposed controller

A study on functional and radiological outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures by posteromedial plating

Background: In orthopaedic practice, three column concept and fixation for proximal tibia are becoming popular as it was proved that fixation of posterior column is a must for proper weight transmission and stability. This study demonstrates the use of the posteromedial surgical approach to the knee in treating patients with complex tibial plateau injuries with a posteromedial column fracture. The aim of the study was to study the functional and radiological outcome of complex tibial plateau fracture by posteromedial plating.Methods: This is a prospective study involving 20 patients with complex tibial condyle fractures with posterior column fractures. Preoperative computed tomography is taken with radiography for complete evaluation of fracture fragments even in the coronal plane. Fractures were classified as Schatzker type 4 or above with a posteromedial split depression. Plating is done with posteromedial locking compression for buttressing posteromedial fragment. The outcome of surgery was evaluated using the Oxford knee scoring system. Longest follow up of study is 2 years.Results: All fractures healed within 6 months without any secondary displacements or secondary osteoarthritis. Out of 20 patients 16 patients have the postoperative anatomic reduction (0 mm step off) 2 had an acceptable reduction of <2 mm step off. At 4-12 months median range of flexion 135*(125-145*). The mean Oxford knee score was 25-33.Conclusions: Fixation of posteromedial fragment in a complex tibial condyle fracture is a must as it involves posterior column. Using a locking compression plate provides perfect fracture fixation and thereby more stability to knee joint & better functional outcome

Cross-sectional associations of personal efforts and beliefs and depressive symptoms among older adults in India.

Whilst there is growing evidence on the increased vulnerability of older adults to depression, there is limited research on potentially mitigative factors against symptoms of depression at a population level. This research examined associations of possible protective factors (personal efforts and beliefs) and depressive symptoms among older adults in India. This cross-sectional study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India with 31,464 respondents aged 60 years and above. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariable linear regression was used while exploring the associated factors of depressive symptoms. The mean score of depressive symptoms was 2.94 (CI 2.92, 2.96). Older adults who engaged in moderate [aCoef: -0.11, CI -0.18, -0.05], vigorous [aCoef: -0.09, CI -0.16, -0.03], or both types of physical activity [aCoef: -0.10, CI -0.19, -0.02] had lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in comparison to those who were physically inactive. Older adults who participated in social activities were less likely to have depressive symptoms [aCoef: -0.44, CI -0.50, -0.39] compared to their socially inactive counterparts. Further, older adults who perceived religion as very important [aCoef: -0.29, CI -0.41, -0.17], who had high life satisfaction [aCoef: -0.78, CI -0.82, -0.73], who had good self-perceived health [aCoef: -0.29, CI -0.33, -0.25] and those who had high self-perceived social standing [aCoef: -0.39, CI -0.47, -0.31] had lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in comparison to their respective counterparts. Physical activity, social participation, voluntary work and financial contribution to family, religiosity, life satisfaction, self-perceived health and self-perceived social standing are associated with lower likelihood of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in this study. Future longitudinal studies should explore these factors that can guide interventions against depression in old age

Bio-ethanol production by marine yeasts isolated from coastal mangrove sediment

This study analyzed ethanol production by 10 marine strains of yeasts, isolated from mangrove sediments. Of the species tested, Pichia salcaria exhibited the maximum ethanol production of 12.3±3.1 g/l. This was further studied in the culture filtrate supplemented with different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 and 4% w/v) of sawdust as substrate that was pre-processed with phosphoric acid, and then incubated for different durations (24,48,72, 96 and 120 h). The ethanol production by P. salcaria was found maximum (26.2±8.9 g/l) in 72 hours of fermentation in the culture broth supplemented with 2% sawdust that was preprocessed with dilute phosphoric acid. This condition of fermentation was found coincided with high activity cell ase in the cul ure broth, which also revealed a single prominent protein band of 68 kDa molecular weight, similar to cellulase. The study proved the efficiency of marine P. salcaria in bioethanol production

Functional outcome of mini external fixator in hand injuries: an observational study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures are one of the common fractures of the upper extremity that account for about 10% of total body fractures. The distal parts of the hand are the most common parts to be injured. Outcome is also influenced by other factors such as patient’s age, occupation, socio economic status, systemic illness, surgeon’s skill and the patient’s compliance. Methods: We are doing an observational study with 40 patients included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria for a period of six months with age group between 20 and 60 years. We use mini external fixators with JESS clamps, 1.8 mm threaded pins and k wires. Patients were followed up periodically with required radiograph for the union of the fracture. Results: Out 40 patients, most of the patients were between the age of 21 to 40 years with male preponderance, open fractures were more when compared with closed fractures. Functional outcome was excellent and good on the higher side which was analysed with Strickland score. Radiological union were also in greater side with 17.5% of them with delayed union. Conclusions: Simple surgical technique will minimize complications and an aggressive rehabilitation will ensure best result. In general, mini external fixator is a good treatment for management of fractures with best functional outcome.  

A Cross Sectional study on the Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among the Irular Mothers in Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu, 2011.

BACKGROUND : Exclusive breastfeeding, which means to give only breast milk to the infant till first six months, is the ideal way for the healthy growth and development. Globally 53% of the under-five deaths are due to under-nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding prevents the under-nutrition, diarrhoea and Pneumonia. But the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is low globally (35%) and nationally (46.4%). In India, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is not only low among the general population but also among the tribes, where malnutrition is highly prevalent, which needs to be explored. OBJECTIVES : To assess the prevalence of Exclusive breastfeeding practice and the factors influencing it among the Irulars in Thiruvallur District, one of the primitive tribes in Tamil Nadu. METHODOLOGY : This community based crosssectional study was conducted among the Irular mothers with children of age 6 to 24 months residing in the tribal villages in six Taluks of the Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu between March 2011 to November 2011. The sample size was 375 based on DLHS3 2007-08. Data was collected by simple random sampling using the pretested, standardized Tamil questionnaire and was analyzed using Chi Square and Fisher’s Exact test. RESULTS : The prevalence of Exclusive breastfeeding among the Irulars is 26.9% with the median duration as 5 months. Only 35.2% of the mothers gave colostrum as the first feed while 64.8% gave prelacteal feeds, of whom 73% had discarded the colostrum. The important reasons for non-exclusive breastfeeding were the lack of support from the family and fear of inadequate milk. Increasing maternal age, age at conception, Education, antenatal counseling on breastfeeding, awareness, previous breastfeeding experience and postnatal support from the health workers were the factors favouring the Exclusive breastfeeding with statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusions: Health Education, antenatal counseling of the Irular mothers, encouraging to give colostrum within the first hour of life, Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age, avoiding the traditional beliefs like prelacteal feeds, discarding the colostrum and training the health workers to promote exclusive breastfeeding are the vital measures against the under-nutrition, morbidity and infant mortality

Forecasting the Equipment Effectiveness in Total Productive Maintenance Using an Intelligent Hybrid Conceptual Model

Production managers are forced to achieve higher levels of operating performance due to the complexity of today\u27s production environment. The accuracy of manufacturing facilities usually has an impact on productivity. Thus, forecasting machine performance has become an inevitable responsibility of production managers. However, the question of how managers may effectively evaluate the effectiveness of equipment remains unresolved. Although this topic has not been given much consideration in earlier studies, the production environment of today makes it significant. In order to predict the equipment effectiveness, this study proposes two different prediction models. The models are Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and hybrid firefly algorithm-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (FA-ANFIS). The equipment effectiveness prediction model has been developed and evaluated using a real-world case from a textile processing industry. As a result, the proposed hybrid FA-ANFIS model outperforms with a high accuracy of 99.1 percent and a low root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.090766. Moreover, this proposed model helps production managers in evaluating the equipment effectiveness

Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in COVID-19 Infected Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The impact of COVID-19 virus infection during pregnancy is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively pool the evidence on impact of COVID-19 infection on perinatal outcomes. Databases of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched using the keywords related to COVID-19 and perinatal outcomes from December 2019 to 30 June 2021. Observational studies comparing the perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy with a non-infected comparator were included. The screening process and quality assessment of the included studies were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were used to pool the comparative dichotomous data on perinatal outcomes. The database search yielded 4049 results, 1254 of which were duplicates. We included a total of 21 observational studies that assessed the adverse perinatal outcomes with COVID-19 infection. The odds of maternal death (pooled OR: 7.05 [2.41-20.65]), preeclampsia (pooled OR: 1.39 [1.29-1.50]), cesarean delivery (pooled OR: 1.67 [1.29-2.15]), fetal distress (pooled OR: 1.66 [1.35-2.05]), preterm birth (pooled OR: 1.86 [1.34-2.58]), low birth weight (pooled OR: 1.69 [1.35-2.11]), stillbirth (pooled OR: 1.46 [1.16-1.85]), 5th minute Apgar score of less than 7 (pooled OR: 1.44 [1.11-1.86]) and admissions to neonatal intensive care unit (pooled OR: 2.12 [1.36-3.32]) were higher among COVID-19 infected pregnant women compared to non-infected pregnant women

The effect of light, temperature, ph on stability of anthocyanin pigments in Musa acuminata bract

The anthocyanin pigment was extracted from Musa acuminata bract using the acidified methanol. The extracted anthocyanin pigments then were exposed to number of environmental conditions, which could destabilize the anthocyanin molecules. These environmental conditions were included fourteen different pHs, various temperatures and presence or absence of light. The temperature stability of the anthocyanin extract was calculated by reaction velocity constants (k) as well as the half-life time (t1/2). The results of the study showed that increasing in pH, temperature or exposure to light is able to spoil the anthocyanin molecule. Copigmentation of anthocyanin resulting in increase in both hypochromic effects and bathochromic shifts. Musa acuminata bract anthocyanin extract was more stable at pH 5.1 and 6.0, temperature at 20° C and 30° C both in the presence and absence of light. This characteristic differs from other anthocyanins. This property could facilitate its application as a natural food colorant