AN EXTENSION OF THE RISK PERCEPTION ATTITUDE (RPA) FRAMEWORK: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THINKING STYLE, LOCUS OF CONTROL, ANXIETY, AND INFORMATION SEEKING

The purpose of this dissertation was to reexamine the effects of psychological determinants, specifically risk perceptions and self-efficacy beliefs as predicted by the Risk Perception Attitude Framework (RPA) (Rimal & Real, 2003) on anxiety, information seeking behavior, and knowledge acquisition. Additional goals of this dissertation were to test anxiety as a mediating variable between RPA group membership and information seeking, as well as between RPA group membership and knowledge acquisition; to begin to understand what types of information each of the RPA groups seek; and to test the RPA framework as a model. Furthermore, this dissertation extended the RPA framework by incorporating the effects of cognitive processing, namely thinking style (Nisbett, Peng, Choi, & Norenzayan, 2001) and locus of control (Rotter, 1954) on anxiety to increase the predictive power of the RPA framework model. After conducting a pilot test, it was determined that the context of the experimental messages would be about human papillomavirus (HPV). The data supported the hypotheses that those in the anxious group (individuals with high risk perceptions and low self efficacy beliefs) experienced higher levels of anxiety than the other groups, that the RPA framework was a viable model for predicting information seeking and knowledge acquisition, and finally, that cognitive processing (i.e. thinking style and locus of control) increased the predictive power of the RPA framework. However, the data indicated that that the relationship between RPA group membership (based on an interaction between perceived risk and self efficacy beliefs) and HPV information seeking, as well as knowledge acquisition was not mediated by anxiety. Participants who engaged in HPV information seeking were predominantly interested in finding out general information regarding the virus, rather than specific to risk or efficacy information. Limitations, implications, practical application and future directions are discussed

SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF CURCUMINOIDS, PIPERINE, AND GALLIC ACID IN AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION BY VALIDATED HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD

ABSTRACTObjective: The present study was proposed to quantitatively estimate the amount of three marker compounds; curcuminoids, piperine, and gallicacid in a multicomponent ayurvedic formulation using high-performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for routine analytical work.Methods: TLC separation was performed on silica gel 60 F plates using toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid:methanol (5.6:2.2:1.2:1.0 v/v/v/v) asmobile phase. Plate was developed by to a distance of 90 mm at ambient room temperature with 20 minutes saturation time. Densitometric analysiswas performed at 327 nm. Method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2 (R1) guideline also.254Results: Piperine, curcuminoids, and gallic acid were separated on TLC at retention factor values of 0.71, 0.61, and 0.29, respectively. The describedmethod was linear over the range of 300-700 ng/spot, 100-300 ng/spot, and 250-550 ng/spot, respectively, for curcuminoids, piperine, and gallicacid. The accuracy of the method was assessed by recovery studies and was found to be 101.71%, 99.67%, and 99.59% for curcuminoids, piperine,and gallic acid, respectively. The amount of curcuminoids, piperine, and gallic acid in the ayurvedic formulation was found to be 3.99% w/w, 1.9%w/w, and 0.8% w/w, respectively, when analyzed quantitatively by developed validated HPTLC method.Conclusion: The method can be used as a tool for quality control of herbal formulation.Keywords: Curcuminoids, Piperine, Gallic acid, High-performance thin layer chromatographic

Decentralisation and urban primary health services: a case study of Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics

The Indian political party Aam Aadmi, which assumed power in the city-state of Delhi in 2015, introduced Mohalla Clinics (i.e. neighbourhood clinics) to provide free primary health services for all, as a response to the rising inaccessibility of primary healthcare facilities for the urban poor. These clinics were to be governed through Mohalla Sabhas (i.e. neighbourhood committees), which are instruments of participatory governance within the neighbourhood. The research compares promises and practice for Mohalla Clinics, especially focusing on governance and the politics surrounding it. The authors find that in their current form Mohalla Clinics are limited to providing primary curative healthcare and have shown limited success, although Mohalla Clinic users do save time and expenditure on primary healthcare, and the clinics have led to a more comprehensive form of primary healthcare than in the past. However, Mohalla Clinics are governed in a top-down fashion by the Government of the National Capital Territory-Delhi, and not by urban local bodies or the envisaged neighbourhood committees. As a result, they face problems that may inhibit their functioning in the long term

IoT based Smart Hospital for Secure Healthcare System

Now a day, with the rapid use of internet and implementation as well as development of medical sensor for healthcare applications, Internet of Things (IoT) has gained raising popularity. IoT is the paradigm of connectivity, sensor connected with the embedded system. All sensor and device connected to each other so transmission and communication between those sensors become easily. In healthcare system the medical data are sensitive in nature so without considering security and privacy is worthless. Cloud computing is the most important paradigm in IT-health. All the medical data of the patient as well as the doctor and patient personal information store in local mode as well as cloud, so whenever it needed the data will be easily available.Patient medical data is stored in system as well as cloud, so malicious attack and unwanted access may cause a harmful to patient health. Security is most important and crucial part of healthcare. The access control policy is based on right to access of medical data and privilege to authorized entity which is directly and indirectly connected with the patient health

Role of RBC's alloimmunization in multiple transfused thalassaemia patients

Background: Appropriate and regular red cell transfusion remains the main treatment of choice for a large number of patients with multiple transfusions. This study has been carried out to assess the prevalence of and to provide frequency and distribution patterns of various types of irregular red cell alloantibodies in thalassaemia major patients.Methods: 50 patients of thalassemia major were studied. The saline method, Albumin method, indirect coombs’ and Three cell panel test used for detection of red blood cell alloantibody. The variables studied were rate of red cell alloimmunization, type and specificity of RBCs alloantibodies and factors contributes to development of RBCs alloimmunization like age, gender, age at start of transfusion, number of packed cell received and ethnicity.Results: Out 50 patients of thalassemia major, 4 patients (8%) developed red cell alloantibodies respectively. The red cell alloantibodies were against Rh, Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Lewis, MNS and P system. Results of this study (P value >0.05) indicate low frequency of RBCs alloimmunization.Conclusions: Low alloimmunization rate implies that there is homogeneity of red cell antigens in blood donors & recipients. RBCs alloantibody formation was not influenced by gender, age at start of transfusions and number of packed cells received. Already alloimmunized patients get benefits from leucodepleted packed cells. Specific recommendation given on routine pre-transfusion antibody screening to ensure safer transfusion.

Chemical and physical analyses of wax ester properties

Wax esters are major constituents of the surface lipids in many terrestrial arthropods, but their study is complicated by their diversity. We developed a procedure for quantifying isomers in mixtures of straight-chain saturated and unsaturated wax esters having the same molecular weights, using single-ion monitoring of the total ion current data from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We examined the biological consequences of structural differences by measuring the melting temperatures, T(m), of >60 synthetic wax esters, containing 26–48 carbon atoms. Compounds containing saturated alcohol and acid moieties melted at 38–73°C. The main factor affecting T(m) was the total chain length of the wax ester, but the placement of the ester bond also affected T(m). Insertion of a double bond into either the alcohol or acid moiety decreased T(m) by ∼30°C. Simple mixtures of wax esters with n-alkanes melted several °C lower than predicted from the melting points of the component lipids. Our results indicate that the wax esters of primary alcohols that are most typically found on the cuticle of terrestrial arthropods occur in a solid state under physiological conditions, thereby conferring greater waterproofing. Wax esters of secondary alcohols, which occur on melanopline grasshoppers, melted >60°C below primary esters of the same molecular weight and reduced T(m) of the total surface lipids to environmental values

Pattern distribution of abnormal hemoglobin variants by cation exchange High Performance Liquid Chromatography: a study of 9,116 subjects

Background: The present study was conducted to identify pattern distribution of abnormal haemoglobin variants by using HPLC method in a tertiary care hospital, Surat, Gujrat, India.Methods: A cross sectional study of one-year duration was conducted including 9,116 patients screened for the presence of abnormal haemoglobin variants. Blood samples were initially tested for solubility test and run on automated haemoglobin analyzer for complete haemogram. All the suspected and family study cases were processed for HPLC (Bio-Rad Variant II) for conclusive diagnosis. Patients with a history of recent blood transfusion of less than 3 months duration were excluded from the study.Results: A total of 9,116 cases (1390 males, 7726 females) were included in the present study. The age group of patients ranged from 1 month to 95 years. Solubility test and complete haemogram were performed in all the cases. Out of the 9,116 cases, 8409(92.24%)cases had normal HPLC pattern. 492(5.40%)cases were diagnosed as sickle cell trait, 176(1.93%) cases as sickle cell disease, 29(0.32%) cases as β thalassaemia trait, 1(0.01%) case as β thalassaemia major, 2(0.02%)cases as Hb E heterozygous and 03 (0.07%) cases as Hb D Punjab heterozygous. One case of double heterozygous for Hb E-β thalassaemia was also found.Conclusions: HPLC is a rapid, accurate and useful method for diagnosing haemoglobinopathies. It serves as an reliable tool in diagnosing the presence of abnormal haemoglobin variants in suspected cases on routine haematology in developing countries like India, where the resources for detection of haemoglobinopathies are limited. Early diagnosis may help in proper management of patients

A comparison of intrathecal dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for gynecological surgery

Background: Various adjuvants are being used with local anesthetics for prolongation of intraoperative and post-operative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective alpha2 adrenergic agonist, is a new neuraxial adjuvant gaining popularity. The purpose of this study was to compare the onset, duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic effects, post-operative analgesia, and adverse effects of dexmedetomidine and clonidine with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia.Methods: 60 patients belonging to ASA Grade 1 and 2 undergoing elective gynecological surgery under spinal anesthesia were studied in this prospective. The patients were allocated in two groups (30 patients each). Group bupivacaine + clonidine (BC) received 17.5 mg of bupivacaine supplemented 45 mcg clonidine and Group bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine (BD) received 17.5 mg bupivacaine supplemented 5 mcg dexmedetomidine. The onset time of sensory and motor level, time to reach peak sensory and motor level, the regression time of sensory and motor level, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were recorded.Results: Patients in Group BD had significantly longer sensory and motor block time than patients in Group BC. The onset time to reach dermatome T4 and modified Bromage3 motor block were not significantly different between two groups. Dexmedetomidine group showed significantly less and delayed requirement of rescue analgesic.Conclusion: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is associated with prolonged motor and sensory block, hemodynamic stability and reduced demand of rescue analgesic in 24 hrs as compared to clonidine