18 research outputs found

    Network Analysis of Intrinsic Functional Brain Connectivity in Alzheimer's Disease

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    Functional brain networks detected in task-free (“resting-state”) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have a small-world architecture that reflects a robust functional organization of the brain. Here, we examined whether this functional organization is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Task-free fMRI data from 21 AD subjects and 18 age-matched controls were obtained. Wavelet analysis was applied to the fMRI data to compute frequency-dependent correlation matrices. Correlation matrices were thresholded to create 90-node undirected-graphs of functional brain networks. Small-world metrics (characteristic path length and clustering coefficient) were computed using graph analytical methods. In the low frequency interval 0.01 to 0.05 Hz, functional brain networks in controls showed small-world organization of brain activity, characterized by a high clustering coefficient and a low characteristic path length. In contrast, functional brain networks in AD showed loss of small-world properties, characterized by a significantly lower clustering coefficient (p<0.01), indicative of disrupted local connectivity. Clustering coefficients for the left and right hippocampus were significantly lower (p<0.01) in the AD group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the clustering coefficient distinguished AD participants from the controls with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 78%. Our study provides new evidence that there is disrupted organization of functional brain networks in AD. Small-world metrics can characterize the functional organization of the brain in AD, and our findings further suggest that these network measures may be useful as an imaging-based biomarker to distinguish AD from healthy aging

    Newborn care at peripheral health care facilities

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    Primary health centres, sub-district hospitals (first referral units) and district hospitals constitute the backbone of the health services in the country. These facilities are expected to cater to the care of the newborn infants who are delivered there, as well as those brought from the community with sickness. This paper, based on a survey in Orissa, and studies in a district hospital in Himachal Pradesh and a sub-district hospital in Haryana, is an attempt to piece together the present status of neonatal care at these facilities. In Orissa, the district and sub-district hospitals cater to a median of 100 and 30 deliveries per month, respectively. Most of the deliveries at these facilities are conducted by the nurses and not the physicians. Neonates are generally kept in the facility only for a day. Hardly any deliveries take place at primary health centres. Cesarean deliveries are mostly confined to the district hospitals. The commonest diagnosis of neonates admitted in the district and sub-district facilities is sepsis (septicemia pneumonia, skin infections, diarrhea and meningitis). Primary health centres seldom admit a sick neonate. It is reassuring to note that the outcome of sick neonates admitted at a functional district or sub-district hospital manned by a pediatrician is highly rewarding with low mortality rates

    A commentary on cancer prevention and control in India: Priorities for realizing SDGs

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    Abstract In India, cancers along with cardiovascular diseases contribute to significant mortality and morbidity. With less than 10 years remaining towards achieving Sustainable development Goals (SDGs), public health systems in India need to be critically assessed and strengthened, for addressing non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) in general and cancers in particular. Our Commentary address the public health response to cancer prevention and control, with specific pointers based on emerging evidence. The relevant issues are stratified as: emphasis on the critical appraisal of national programs, strengthening primary health care (PHC) systems, enhancing focus on client and community centricity, exploring integrative approaches to cancer management and stepping up implementation and multidisciplinary research. Ongoing surveillance is essential to assess the current and future trends of cancer as well as the outcomes of prevention and treatment measures. For revitalizing comprehensive PHC, much depends on our epidemiological capacity and surveillance systems which impart information for local planning. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs. SDG 3 has ushered the wellbeing agenda at an opportune time. There is a compelling need to conduct research on an integrated approach (ayurveda complimenting allopathic medication) for the treatment of cancer. The unique challenges posed by the rise in NCD morbidity in LMIC, requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control

    Newborn care at peripheral health care facilities

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    Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Infra-temporal Space: The First Case Report

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    The infratemporal fossa is a deep retromaxillary space corresponding to the inferior aspect of the middle cranial fossa. Tumours in the infratemporal fossa are very rare; therefore experience in their diagnosis and therapeutic management is very limited. Tumors that are reported commonly in the infratemporal region are nasopharyngeal carcinomas, juvenile angiofibromas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English language literature of a pleomorphic adenoma presenting in the infratemporal space and probably arising from an ectopic minor salivary gland, along with a brief description of the surgical technique

    Balancing Between Narratives of the West and Hindu Nationalism in Emerging India

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    India has been an important point of reference for Western identity, and the construction of an Orient. Vice versa, people in India have constructed their own Occidentalisms about Westerners, and the global position of ‘the West’, as well as to form an Indian identity. The West has represented the colonizer in India, but at the same time a source of valuable ideologies, values, policies, and innovations benefiting India. Moreover, many nationalist narratives in India emphasize self-reliance from and even superiority to the West. During Narendra Modi’s administration, the ‘New India’ has concentrated on taking a more active role in the world. Traditional elements of Indian tradition have been revitalized for the purposes of international branding as well as domestic identity construction. The ‘core’ values and traditions of Indian society are inserted in the narratives of a modernizing India that has a lot to offer to the world and has plenty to benefit from careful interaction in the liberal world order. The narratives of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism often coincide with the view according to which India has a new role to play in the global arena. These nationalist narratives are also widely reflected on in the Indian news media. The aim of this chapter is to analyze Indian news media, and the way emerging India is positioned in relation to Asia, the West, and the global order.peerReviewe

    Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey in 27 countries

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    WOS: 000468732700018PubMed ID: 31054483Background and aims: One of the objectives of the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey is to determine how well European guidelines on the management of dyslipidaemias are implemented in coronary patients. Methods: Standardized methods were used by trained technicians to collect information on 7824 patients from 130 centers in 27 countries, from the medical records and at a visit at least 6 months after hospitalization for a coronary event. All lipid measurements were performed in one central laboratory. Patients were divided into three groups: on high-intensity LDL-C-lowering-drug therapy (LLT), on low or moderate-intensity LLT and on no LLT. Results: At the time of the visit, almost half of the patients were on a high-intensity LLT. Between hospital discharge and the visit, LLT had been reduced in intensity or interrupted in 20.8% of the patients and had been started or increased in intensity in 11.7%. In those who had interrupted LLT or had reduced the intensity, intolerance to LLT and the advice of their physician were reported as the reason why in 15.8 and 36.8% of the cases, respectively. LDL-C control was better in those on a high-intensity LLT compared to those on low or moderate intensity LLT. LDL-C control was better in men than women and in patients with self-reported diabetes. Conclusions: The results of the EUROASPIRE V survey show that most coronary patients have a less than optimal management of LDL-C. More professional strategies are needed, aiming at lifestyle changes and LLT adapted to the need of the individual patient.ESC - EORP; AmgenAmgen; Eli LillyEli Lilly; PfizerPfizer; SanofiSanofi-Aventis; Ferrer; Novo NordiskNovo NordiskThe EUROASPIRE V survey was carried out under the auspices of the ESC - EORP. Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Amgen, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Ferrer and Novo Nordisk. The sponsors of the EUROASPIRE surveys had no role in the design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, decision to publish, or writing the manuscript
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