Comparison of the safety and efficacy of caroverine and betahistine in patients of subjective tinnitus

Background: Owing to lack of any established treatment and handicap assessment methods, subjective tinnitus can be a debilitating disorder. This study was carried out to compare the safety and efficacy of caroverine and betahistine in patients of subjective tinnitus.Methods: A total of 60 patients of subjective tinnitus were randomized into two groups and followed-up for 12 weeks using tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire. One group received 8 mg betahistine tablet TDS for a month whereas the other group was given supervised intravenous (IV) infusion of 160 mg of caroverine dihydrochloride. Data for the safety were also recorded.Results: Both the drugs showed significant improvement in severity of symptoms at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks individually as assessed by the THI scores. The response to caroverine was significant up to 4 weeks, but it was not significant at 12 weeks; whereas the response to betahistine was significant up to 12 weeks. A total of 28 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported (53.6% with caroverine, 46.4% with betahistine). 24 ADRs were mild and 4 were moderate in intensity. There was no serious adverse event.Conclusions: Both the drugs are safe and efficacious in reducing the handicap of subjective tinnitus. A single IV infusion of caroverine may suffice for 4-6 weeks, so it may be repeated after 6 weeks to maintain the relief

Ultrafast adsorption of organic dyes by activated-carbon@Fe3O4 nanoscale composites: An effective solution for water purification

Superparamagnetic (SPM) Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) decorated activated charcoal (AC) skeletal (AC@Fe3O4) type nanoscale composites (NCs) have been prepared by a scalable and facile approach involving impregnation of AC with stable dispersion of SPM Fe3O4 NPs followed by controlled vacuum drying. These NCs exhibit coupled magnetic character and porosity which can be easily optimized by controlling weight ratio of two phases. The electron microscopy images show the presence of clustered Fe3O4 particles present all over the surface of porous AC particles and prevalence of meso-pores, which provides the channels for ingress and immobilization of sorbent moieties. The magnetometry and nitrogen adsorption measurements reveal that magnetic character increases whereas porosity decreases with the increase in Fe3O4 NP loading. These NCs have been demonstrated for purification of water containing methylene blue (MB) dye as an impurity. The porosity of these composites allow rapid adsorption (<1 min) of MB with good removal efficiency (> 99%) and their magnetic behaviour helps in instantaneous separation of MB adsorbed NC particles by the application of external magnetic field. The sorbent can be reused several times after proper regeneration with retention of more than 95% of the original adsorption capacity

A study on the effectiveness of nicotine and counselling in tobacoo smoking cessation

Background: Effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and counselling has been suggested by various research workers in smoking cessation, but studies show variable results with pharmacotherapy. Also efficacy of counselling and pharmacological intervention differs from centre to centre. So we conducted this study, to observe the role of counselling and nicotine gums in our setup.Methods: 86 smokers willing to quit smoking were enrolled. Baseline counselling was provided at the time of enrolment, then at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and at 6 months. Telephonic counselling was given to those who did not come for face to face counselling. Nicotine gums were prescribed for 3 months duration. At the end of 12 months, follow up outcome was measured.Results: At 1 week 24% smokers, at 1 month 23%, at 3 months 12% and at 6 months 33% smokers attended face to face counselling session. At 1 week 66%, at 1 month 57%, at 3 months 63% and at 6 months 59% smokers received telephonic counselling. Nicotine gums were used by only 76% smokers. Out of those who used nicotine gums, only 3% used gums for 3 months duration and 97% stopped prematurely. Among those who used gums, 29% experienced side effects. Total 22 (26%) smokers stopped smoking at 12 months.Conclusions: Less number of smokers coming for follow up counselling visits, suggest lack of motivation. Alternative counselling, like telephonic counselling, was much more accepted and was found to be helpful. Acceptance of nicotine gums was very less which also shows the lack of motivation. Abstinence rate of 26% shows that counselling and nicotine gums help in quitting smoking

Socio-demographic profile of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients and its association with severity of adverse drug reactions in DOTS plus centre at tertiary hospital in Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis has become major public health problem and obstacle to effective control of tuberculosis. Objectives was to study the socio-demographic profile of multi- drug resistant tuberculosis patients and its association with severity of ADR (adverse drug reactions) in DOTS plus centre at tertiary hospital in Himachal Pradesh.Methods: It was a prospective observational study carried out from November 2012 to October 2013 on multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients after approved from Institutional Ethics Committee.Results: Out of 104 patients the mean age of patients was 39.9 ±14.26 years. Majority of the patients were in the economically productive age groups. Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was more in male (76%) than female (24%) and 96% of patients were belonged to rural area. The educational status of the MDR-TB shows 24% patients were illiterate. 63.46% MDR-TB patients were underweight (BMI<18.5%) according to WHO guidelines for obesity. Severity of ADR assessed by Hart wig and Siegel’s scale showed 21% patients experienced mild ADRs, 49% patients had moderate and 17% patients had severe ADRs. Severity of ADR is seen more in male, economically productive age group, subjects on vegetarian diet, patients who were underweight (BMI<18.5%) and with lower educational status.Conclusions: MDR-TB is a rapidly increasing health problem with major socio-economic and individual consequences. Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis mainly affects middle age that is in the economically productive age group which hampers the social and economic development of individual, society and nation

Global changes in the proteome of Cupriavidus necator H16 during poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis from various biodiesel by-product substrates

Additional file 1: Table S1. P-scores of proteomic runs of C. necator H16 grown with different substrates

RF Controlled Robotic Vehicle with Metal Detection Project

The project is intended to cultivate a robotic vehicle that can sense metals ahead of it on its path similar to detecting land mines. The robot is controlled by a remote using RF technology. It consists of a metal detector circuit interfaced to the control unit that alarms the user behind it about a doubted land mine ahead. An 8051 series of microcontroller is used for the preferred operation. For controlling the movement of robot either to forward, backward & right or left commands are sent to the receiver by using push buttons of the transmitter. At the receiving end two motors are interfaced to the microcontroller where they are used for the movement of the vehicle. The RF transmitter acts as a RF remote control that has the advantage of sufficient range (up to 200 meters) with proper antenna, while the receiver decodes before serving it to another microcontroller to drive DC motors via motor driver IC for necessary work. A metal detector circuit is attached on the robot body and its operation is carried out automatically on sensing any metal underneath. The instant the robot senses this metal it produces an alarm sound through buzzer. This is to aware the operator of a probable metal (eg: land mine) ahead on its path. Further the project can be enhanced by mounting a wireless camera on the robot so that the operator can govern the movement of the robot remotely by observing it on a screen

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

How are gender inequalities facing India’s one million ASHAs being addressed? Policy origins and adaptations for the world’s largest all-female community health worker programme

Background: India’s accredited social health activist (ASHA) programme consists of almost one million female community health workers (CHWs). Launched in 2005, there is now an ASHA in almost every village and across many urban centres who support health system linkages and provide basic health education and care. This paper examines how the programme is seeking to address gender inequalities facing ASHAs, from the programme's policy origins to recent adaptations. Methods: We reviewed all publically available government documents (n = 96) as well as published academic literature (n = 122) on the ASHA programme. We also drew from the embedded knowledge of this paper’s government-affiliated co-authors, triangulated with key informant interviews (n = 12). Data were analysed thematically through a gender lens. Results: Given that the initial impetus for the ASHA programme was to address reproductive and child health issues, policymakers viewed volunteer female health workers embedded in communities as best positioned to engage with beneficiaries. From these instrumentalist origins, where the programme was designed to meet health system demands, policy evolved to consider how the health system could better support ASHAs. Policy reforms included an increase in the number and regularity of incentivized tasks, social security measures, and government scholarships for higher education. Residential trainings were initiated to build empowering knowledge and facilitate ASHA solidarity. ASHAs were designated as secretaries of their village health committees, encouraging them to move beyond an all-female sphere and increasing their role in accountability initiatives. Measures to address gender based violence were also recently recommended. Despite these well-intended reforms and the positive gains realized, ongoing tensions and challenges related to their gendered social and employment status remain, requiring continued policy attention and adaptation

CURATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH LIBRARIES

Libraries, museums and archives hold valuable collections in a variety of media, presenting a vast body of knowledge rooted in the history of human civilisation. These form the repository of the wisdom of great works by thinkers of past and the present. The holdings of these institutions are priceless heritage of the mankind as they preserve documents, ideas, and the oral and written records. To value the cultural heritage and to care for it as a treasure bequeathed to us by our ancestors is the major responsibility of libraries. The past records constitute a natural resource and are indispensable to the present generation as well as to the generations to come. Libraries preserve the documentary heritage resources for which they are primarily responsible. Any loss of such materials is simply irreplaceable. Therefore, preserving this intellectual, cultural heritage becomes not only the academic commitment but also the moral responsibility of the librarians/information scientists, who are in charge of these repositories. The high quality of the papers and the discussion represent the thinking and experience of experts in their particular fields. The contributed papers also relate to the methodology used in libraries in Asia to provide access to manuscripts and cultural heritage. The volume discusses best practices in Knowledge preservation and how to collaborate and preserve the culture. The book also deals with manuscript and archives issues in the digital era. The approach of this book is concise, comprehensively, covering all major aspects of preservation and conservation through libraries. The readership of the book is not just limited to library and information science professionals, but also for those involved in conservation, preservation, restoration or other related disciplines. The book will be useful for librarians, archivists and conservators. We thank the Sunan Kalijaga University, Special Libraries Association- Asian Chapter for their trust and their constant support, all the contributors for their submissions, the members of the Local and International Committee for their reviewing effort for making this publication possible

Low-Energy Physics in Neutrino LArTPCs

In this white paper, we outline some of the scientific opportunities and challenges related to detection and reconstruction of low-energy (less than 100 MeV) signatures in liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) detectors. Key takeaways are summarized as follows. 1) LArTPCs have unique sensitivity to a range of physics and astrophysics signatures via detection of event features at and below the few tens of MeV range. 2) Low-energy signatures are an integral part of GeV-scale accelerator neutrino interaction final states, and their reconstruction can enhance the oscillation physics sensitivities of LArTPC experiments. 3) BSM signals from accelerator and natural sources also generate diverse signatures in the low-energy range, and reconstruction of these signatures can increase the breadth of BSM scenarios accessible in LArTPC-based searches. 4) Neutrino interaction cross sections and other nuclear physics processes in argon relevant to sub-hundred-MeV LArTPC signatures are poorly understood. Improved theory and experimental measurements are needed. Pion decay-at-rest sources and charged particle and neutron test beams are ideal facilities for experimentally improving this understanding. 5) There are specific calibration needs in the low-energy range, as well as specific needs for control and understanding of radiological and cosmogenic backgrounds. 6) Novel ideas for future LArTPC technology that enhance low-energy capabilities should be explored. These include novel charge enhancement and readout systems, enhanced photon detection, low radioactivity argon, and xenon doping. 7) Low-energy signatures, whether steady-state or part of a supernova burst or larger GeV-scale event topology, have specific triggering, DAQ and reconstruction requirements that must be addressed outside the scope of conventional GeV-scale data collection and analysis pathways