Comparative study of networks using packet and circuit switching within a single network

During the last couple of years, in addition to voice, other types of communications network services are becoming increasingly important. These are interactive data, facsimile, slow scan image, and bulk data. Typically, these services are delivered by separate networks using various kinds of switching technology, such as packet, circuit, or message switching. Recently, much of the focus has been on the integration of all types of communication services within the same switch or network, especially within the telephony and business industry. Integration of the communication services is being realized by integrating packet and circuit switching within the same switch or network. The overall goal of this thesis is to present the key aspects of the integration of circuit and packet switching within the same switch/network

The effect of pre and postnatal diet exposure on gut morphology, function and inflammation

The effect of pre and postnatal diet exposure on gut morphology, function and inflammatio

Telenursing - A Potential Resource in the eHealth Agenda of India

In spite of wide-ranging successes that have improved population health, the call of ‘health for all’ across the globe remains significant. In India, making provision for basic healthcare to all people is a difficult task because of its large and diverse geographical terrain, and huge ethnically and culturally diverse population. Telenursing could provide better access to healthcare in communities and ensure a more effective, comprehensive and acceptable relationship of trust within communities. The focus of this paper is on availability and utilization of healthcare service types and health human resources, and factors influencing healthcare seeking behaviour in marginalized communities, and to use these findings to discuss the potential of integrating telenursing into  planning as a stimulus for inter-professional and system-wide change. Methods: The availability and utilization of healthcare services through available health systems were explored in urban, rural, slum, and rehabilitated communities through a cross-sectional survey in the Union Territory of Chandigarh, India. Primary data were collected through structured interviews, observation, checklists, and periodic visits, including reasons for preference of a particular care system by consumers and factors affecting their health seeking behaviour. Results and Conclusions: All health systems studied had a limited scope of services. This lack of a suitable range of health services led consumers to seek traditional (unscientific) care for meeting their health needs. Telenursing could stem this trend by improving clinical outcomes for chronic diseases, and thereby safeguard the interests of consumers, reduce costs associated with long-term care or delayed institutionalization, and help prevent the global threat of non-treatable hospital acquired infections

Effectiveness of a module to promote competency in adverse drug reaction reporting in undergraduate medical students

Background: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) under-reporting is a hindrance to the implementation of Pharmacovigilance Program of India. This is essentially due to lack of ADR reporting culture among healthcare professionals. Thus, study was conducted to assess and enhance awareness about ADRs and strengthen reporting among medical undergraduates.Methods: This is an interventional crossover study. A total of 140 students of 2nd professional, MBBS were included and divided into two groups of 70 each. In phase 1, group A was given a didactic lecture (DL) on ADR and pharmacovigilance. Group B was also given DL with an addition of a case narrative exercise and they were asked to fill an ADR form. Both groups were assessed based on an MCQ questionnaire for knowledge and skill. After 15 days of washout period, groups were crossed and reassessed. Feedback from students was taken on a 5 point Likert’s scale.Results: The mean scores of batch A without case was 17.5±3 out of a total score of 25 marks, which showed improvement with case narrative and mean increased to 19.6± 2.4 (p 0.05). Similarly, Batch B showed improvement as well and the mean 17.7±3.1 score without case narrative increased to 19.2±2.7 (p <0.05). Student’s perception of the effectiveness of module-based teaching was positive.Conclusions: Case narrative in addition to didactic lecture enhanced awareness and may strengthen ADR reporting culture among the medical students

CURCUMIN PROTECTION AGAINST CADMIUM CHLORIDE-INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN LUNGS OF SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of curcumin against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced toxicity in lungs of albino mice. Methods: Albino mice were divided into eight groups and five mice were kept in each group. The experiment was carried out for 15 and 45 days. Group 1 mice were kept as control. Group 2 mice were given an oral dose of 1 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride on alternate days. Group 3 mice were administered an oral dose of 1 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride on alternate days and 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin daily. Group 4 mice were received an oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin daily. Autopsies were done on 15 and 45 days post-treatment. Results: The results of the present study showed a significant decrease in organ weight at both the intervals. Biochemical analysis showed decline in total glycogen, cholesterol, and protein concentration in lung of cadmium chloride-treated mice. Furthermore, the cadmium chloride concentration in cadmium chloride-treated group was increased in comparison to the control group. However, the treatment with curcumin ameliorated cadmium chloride-induced changes in lung tissue as it instigated the antioxidant enzymes remarkably. However, cotreatment of cadmium chloride with curcumin boosted the changes due to cadmium chloride. Conclusion: Hence, we concluded that curcumin has protective efficacy in the lungs against the cadmium chloride generated toxicity in albino mice

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CURCUMA LONGA ADMINISTRATION ON LUNG OF MICE EXPOSED TO CADMIUM

Objective: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which is introduced into the environment by various anthropogenic and natural activities. It can cause various health problems even at low concentration by inducing oxidative damage in tissues of organisms. Nowadays, the focus has been raised toward the use of herbal treatment against the heavy metal toxicity. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin (Cur) against Cd-induced toxicity in the lung of albino mice.Materials and Methods: Albino mice were divided into 4 groups and 5 mice were kept in each group. The experiment was carried out for 15 and 45 days. Group 1 mice were kept as control. Group 2 mice were given an oral dose of 1mg/kg body weight of Cd on alternate days. Group 3 mice were administered an oral dose of 1mg/kg body weight of Cd on alternate days and 100 mg/kg body weight of Cur daily. Group 4 mice were received an oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of Cur daily. Autopsies were done on 15 and 45 days post-treatment.Result: Biochemical observations showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, Cur administration improved the level of malondialdehyde and oxidative stress in lung tissue by its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, cotreatment of Cd and Cur ameliorated the antioxidant level.Conclusion: The results of the present experiment showed the protective action of Cur on the Cd-induced oxidative damage in the lung of mice

CURCUMIN PROTECTION AGAINST CADMIUM-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PANCREAS OF SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: This study was planned to explore the protective efficacy of Curcuma longa (curcumin) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced oxidative stress in pancreatic tissue of albino mice.Methods: A total of 40 albino mice were equally divided into eight groups (five mice for each). The mice were kept on standard feed and water ad libitum. Control Groups 1 and 5 mice were given equal amount of distilled water, Groups 2 and 6 mice received 1 mg/kg body weight of CdCl2 on alternate days, and Group 3 and 7 received 1 mg/kg body weight of CdCl2 on alternate days and 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin every day. Groups 4 and 8 received 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin daily and were kept as positive control. Autopsies were done on 15 and 45 days post-treatment. The pancreas was collected from each mouse and homogenized for biochemical study.Results: The results of the present study revealed that Cd-induced oxidative stress depleted the antioxidant scavenger system and curcumin showed free radical scavenging potential. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase were observed to be significantly decreased, and methylenedioxyamphetamine concentration was increased in CdCl2-treated group which was restored to normal level after curcumin treatment.Conclusion: It can be concluded that curcumin acts as a powerful and beneficial antioxidant against oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals produced by CdCl2

Antifungal activity of various plant oils against yeast isolates from ICU patients

Background: To evaluate the in-vitro antifungal activity of various essential plant oils against yeast species.Methods: The present study was a prospective study conducted in Department of Microbiology along with Department of Pharmacology at Tertiary care teaching hospital. Various clinical samples from ICU patients were inoculated on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) in accordance with the standard methods. Yeast isolates were recovered and identified as per standard recommended procedure. The antifungal activity of plant oils against these isolated yeasts was determined using disc diffusion method. The results were interpreted as <9mm-inactive, 9-12mm-partially active, 13-18mm-very active. Fluconazole and Itraconazole were taken as control drugs.Results: The various yeast isolated were C. albicans, C. tropicals, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. gulliermondi, C. keyfr, Cryptococcus and Tricosporon. Among essential plant oils, Cinnamon oil and clove oil showed high activity against all isolated yeast species. Olive oil showed least antifungal activity. Fluconazole was resistant in all yeast isolates, while Itraconazole was sensitive to all yeast isolates. Sensitivity of cinnamon and clove oil was statistically significant than Itraconazole.Conclusions: To conclude present study shows the potential of essential plant oils as newer therapeutic alternatives to antifungal drugs. These may be used in combination with antifungal agents to overcome drug resistance, adverse effects and in shortening the long-term treatment with antifungal drugs. Thus, these essential plant oils can be used in future as antifungal agents in azoles resistant strains