Authorship trends in Indian wildlife and fisheries literature - a bibliometric study

The authorship and collaborative research patterns in Indian wildlife and fisheries based on the data collected from "Wildlife Review and Fish Review" published bettween 1980 to 1989 are studied. The proportion of single authored papers has decreased from 63.68% in 1980 to 52.74% in 1989. During the same period there was an increase in the average number of authors per paper from 1.57 in 1980 to 1.70 in 1989. The degree of collaborative research also increased from 0.36 to 0.47

Driving calmodulin protein towards conformational shift by changing ionization states of selected residues

Proteins are complex systems made up of many conformational sub-states which are mainly determined by the folded structure. External factors such as solvent type, temperature, pH and ionic strength play a very important role in the conformations sampled by proteins. Here we study the conformational multiplicity of calmodulin (CaM) which is a protein that plays an important role in calcium signaling pathways in the eukaryotic cells. CaM can bind to a variety of other proteins or small organic compounds, and mediates different physiological processes by activating various enzymes. Binding of calcium ions and proteins or small organic molecules to CaM induces large conformational changes that are distinct to each interacting partner. In particular, we discuss the effect of pH variation on the conformations of CaM. By using the pKa values of the charged residues as a basis to assign protonation states, the conformational changes induced in CaM by reducing the pH are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Our current view suggests that at high pH, barrier crossing to the compact form is prevented by repulsive electrostatic interactions between the two lobes. At reduced pH, not only is barrier crossing facilitated by protonation of residues, but also conformations which are on average more compact are attained. The latter are in accordance with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiment results of other workers. The key events leading to the conformational change from the open to the compact conformation are (i) formation of a salt bridge between the N-lobe and the linker, stabilizing their relative motions, (ii) bending of the C-lobe towards the N-lobe, leading to a lowering of the interaction energy between the two-lobes, (iii) formation of a hydrophobic patch between the two lobes, further stabilizing the bent conformation by reducing the entropic cost of the compact form, (iv) sharing of a Ca+2 ion between the two lobes

Perception of Educational Environment among Nursing Students of Different Colleges: A Cross- Sectional Study

Introduction: Learners are key figures for whom the provision and perception of positive, progressive and encouraging interactive educational environment at any educational institution is very crucial. The study aimed to find the perception of nursing students of two different medical colleges regarding their educational environment. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 190 students through the use of internationally validated, non-culturally specific questionnaire. The responses were made on five points Likert scale scored from 0 to 4. The overall score was interpreted as very poor, plenty of problems, more positive than negative and excellent based on obtained score of 0-50, 51-100, 101-150 and 151-200 respectively. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance test was used to analyze the collected data. Results: There were 98 (51.6%) participants from College of Medical Sciences and 92 (48.4%) from Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital. The overall score of perception of educational environment were 142.13±14.90 (74.64%) and 144.34±15.59 (76.14%) in the two centers respectively which means more positive than negative perceptions. Only nature of accommodation was found statistically significant with students’ perception of teachers (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Majority opined a more positive than negative perception towards educational environment. Good communication skills of teachers, knowledgeable teachers, teaching to develop their competence level were some positive perceptions. Whereas, teachers being authoritarian, focus on short term and factual learning, lack of support system were the areas which could be improved

Nursing Students’ Perception of Online Learning Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The declaration of COVID-19 pandemic on 11th March 2020 by World Health Organization forced many countries including Nepal to choose online mode of nursing education. Hence, it is essential for the educators to find out students’ perception that ensures their readiness to learn in this new environment. This study sought to examine the perception of online learning among nursing students. Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 211 nursing students using enumerative sampling method. Self-administered structured online questionnaire was used. Calculated Cronbach's alpha value was 0.828. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean etc.) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were used to analyze data. Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.80±1.87 years. All (100%) had mobile phone. Most (93.8%) had internet facility at home. More than half (59.7%) strongly agreed that face-to-face learning was more effective. Less than half (44.6%) strongly agreed that interrupted internet connection was an obstacle. More than half (56.9%) participants had positive perception of online learning. Age, enrolled nursing program and device used were statistically significant with perception of online learning. Conclusion: The perception of nursing students towards online learning is positive. Students are satisfied with their learning opportunities amidst COVID-19 through online education. However, interrupted internet connection, unfeasible practical natured courses, load-shedding etc. were perceived as obstacles to online learning. Age, enrolled nursing program, academic year, and devices used had an impact on positive perception

Phytochemical Screening of Methanolic Extract and Antibacterial Activity of Active Principles of Hepatoprotective Herb, Eclipta alba

Aerial parts of Eclipta alba are used traditionally for the treatment of several diseases of liver, skin and stomach. Methanolic extract and active principle compound of a well known Indian hepatoprotective herb, Eclipta alba was tested for in vitro antimicrobial studies. It was evaluated using zone of inhibition studies and minimum inhibitory concentration. The extract exhibited activity against all six strains studied. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, coumestans, saponins and alkaloids etc. Ethylacetate fraction and further pure isolated wedelolactone showed enhanced antimicrobial activity. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were most susceptible. Shigella flexneri was the most resistant bacterial strain. These results suggest coumestans/wedelolactone as a promising antimicrobial agent

Fatigue and Sleep Quality Among Staff Nurses Working in A Tertiary Care Hospital During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Fatigue, a universal phenomenon, is a suboptimal psychophysiological condition caused by physical and/or mental exertion. Insufficient recovery between work shifts causes accumulated acute fatigue to progress into chronic. As fatigue and sleep quality are related, adequate sleep and inter shift recovery are thus vital to the overall health. The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused added burden to the nursing workforce worldwide. This study aimed to assess fatigue and sleep quality among staff nurses of a tertiary care hospital during the pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 staff nurses of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (LMCTH) using enumerative sampling method. Valid and reliable instruments i.e., Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery (OFER) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean ±SD age of the participants was 26.54±6.93 years. Less than half (39.1%) of them had moderate to high acute fatigue. Nearly half (41.2%) had high chronic fatigue and most (61.6%) had low to moderate inter shift recovery. Poor sleep was found among 60.9% of the participants with mean global PSQI score of 6.74. Sleep quality had moderate positive correlation with chronic (r=0.4, p<0.001) and acute (r=0.39, p<0.001) fatigue whereas had moderate negative correlation with inter shift recovery (r=- 0.41, p<0.001) which were statistically significant. Conclusion: The staff nurses had fatigue and poor sleep during COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing administration should take appropriate measures timely to decrease fatigue and improve sleep to prevent serious consequences

Tuberculosis masquerading carcinoma cervix and carcinoma endometrium: 2 case reports

Tuberculosis is a common infection in developing countries but genital tuberculosis is less common, confused with malignancy and difficult to diagnose at times. We present 2 cases of genital tuberculosis where a clinical diagnosis of malignancy was made and tuberculosis surprised us once again. This case report is intended to emphasize to suspect tuberculosis in young patients on the basis of history and examination to be later supported by investigations.

Driving calmodulin protein towards conformational shift by changing ionization states of select residues

Proteins are complex systems made up of many conformational sub-states which are mainly determined by the folded structure. External factors such as solvent type, temperature, pH and ionic strength play a very important role in the conformations sampled by proteins. Here we study the conformational multiplicity of calmodulin (CaM) which is a protein that plays an important role in calcium signaling pathways in the eukaryotic cells. CaM can bind to a variety of other proteins or small organic compounds, and mediates different physiological processes by activating various enzymes. Binding of calcium ions and proteins or small organic molecules to CaM induces large conformational changes that are distinct to each interacting partner. In particular, we discuss the effect of pH variation on the conformations of CaM. By using the pKa values of the charged residues as a basis to assign protonation states, the conformational changes induced in CaM by reducing the pH are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Our current view suggests that at high pH, barrier crossing to the compact form is prevented by repulsive electrostatic interactions between the two lobes. At reduced pH, not only is barrier crossing facilitated by protonation of residues, but also conformations which are on average more compact are attained. The latter are in accordance with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiment results of other workers. The key events leading to the conformational change from the open to the compact conformation are (i) formation of a salt bridge between the N-lobe and the linker, stabilizing their relative motions, (ii) bending of the C-lobe towards the N-lobe, leading to a lowering of the interaction energy between the two-lobes, (iii) formation of a hydrophobic patch between the two lobes, further stabilizing the bent conformation by reducing the entropic cost of the compact form, (iv) sharing of a Ca+2 ion between the two lobes

Breast cancer management pathways during the COVID-19 pandemic: outcomes from the UK ‘Alert Level 4’ phase of the B-MaP-C study

Abstract: Background: The B-MaP-C study aimed to determine alterations to breast cancer (BC) management during the peak transmission period of the UK COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of these treatment decisions. Methods: This was a national cohort study of patients with early BC undergoing multidisciplinary team (MDT)-guided treatment recommendations during the pandemic, designated ‘standard’ or ‘COVID-altered’, in the preoperative, operative and post-operative setting. Findings: Of 3776 patients (from 64 UK units) in the study, 2246 (59%) had ‘COVID-altered’ management. ‘Bridging’ endocrine therapy was used (n = 951) where theatre capacity was reduced. There was increasing access to COVID-19 low-risk theatres during the study period (59%). In line with national guidance, immediate breast reconstruction was avoided (n = 299). Where adjuvant chemotherapy was omitted (n = 81), the median benefit was only 3% (IQR 2–9%) using ‘NHS Predict’. There was the rapid adoption of new evidence-based hypofractionated radiotherapy (n = 781, from 46 units). Only 14 patients (1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during their treatment journey. Conclusions: The majority of ‘COVID-altered’ management decisions were largely in line with pre-COVID evidence-based guidelines, implying that breast cancer survival outcomes are unlikely to be negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, in this study, the potential impact of delays to BC presentation or diagnosis remains unknown

Authorship trends in Indian wildlife and fisheries literature - A bibliometric study

13-18<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:" times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"times="" roman";="" mso-ansi-language:en-us;mso-fareast-language:en-us;mso-bidi-language:ar-sa"="" lang="EN-US">The authorship and collaborative research patterns in Indian wildlife and fisheries based on the data collected from "Wildlife Review and Fish Review" published between 1980 to 1989 are studied. The proportion of single authored papers has decreased from 63.68% in 1980 to 52.74% in 1989. During the same period there was an increase in the average number of authors per paper from 1.57 in 1980 to 1.70 in 1989. The degree of collaborative research also increased from 0.36 to 0.47.</span