Quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis

Introductions: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disorder of the joint. It has negative impact on health related quality of life (QOL), both in physical and mental health. This study aimed to assess QOL of patient with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient department of orthopedic in Patan hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected from 21st July to 18th August 2017 among 125 knee osteoarthritis patients by face-to-face interview using structured interview. Results: Overall QOL of patients with knee osteoarthritis was good in mental health component mean score (62.09) and poor in physical health with a mean score of (38.18). The physical component of QOL was significantly associated with age (p<0.04) and occupation (p<0.001). There was no association between independent variable and mental component of QOL. Conclusions: The significant proportion of the patients have poor quality of life in physical health component, but majority of patients have good mental health. Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, physical and mental health, quality of lif

Study on Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Toxicity Profile of Viscum album Linn Associated with Acacia catechu

This study focuses on antibacterial, antioxidant and toxic potentials of Viscum album Linn, commonly known as European mistletoe associated with Acacia catechu (Khayer in Nepali). Methanol extract of the aerial parts of the Mistletoe was prepared by cold percolation method. The resulting extract was simultaneously subjected to phytochemical screening; anti-microbial activity; anti-oxidant potential and Brine shrimp toxicity test. The major biologically active phyto-constituents observed were alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. Upon antibacterial activity screening, the plant extract was found to be highly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition 16±1mm compared to 17±1mm of chloramphenicol (50 mcg). The antioxidant activity as EC50 value by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity was found to be 1.58 mg/ml while the ferric reducing capacity was measured to be 282.83±19.55 mg FeSO4.7H2O eqvt/g dry wt. of the extract during Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay. The LC50 value for Brine Shrimp Toxicity Assay was found to be 31.62 ppm. This study shows the medicinal value of the mistletoe associated with Acacia catechu. Further meticulous analysis of this plant might lead to identification of active biomolecules effective as drugs for various ailmentsNepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 60-6

Outcome of Febuxostat treatment in hyperuricemic pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a cause and effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD), accelerates its progression and predisposes to acute kidney injury. Present study aimed to find out the outcome of Febuxostat treatment in hyperuricemic pre-dialysis CKD patients. Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Nephrology department, Bir hospital, Nepal, during from February 2019 to January 2020, among pre-dialysis CKD stage 3-5 non dialysis (ND) patients with serum uric acid (SUA) >7 mg/d L who were treated with Febuxostat 40 mg once a day and followed up at one, two and three months. The baseline SUA, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation compared with values at follow up and according to CKD stages. The adverse effects and liver enzymes were recorded. Result: There were total 50 patients, mean age 54.2±16.5 years, male 31 (62%). There were significant reductions of SUA from baseline of 8.9±1.4 to 7.1±1.2 vs 5.9±0.9 vs 4.7±1.0) at one, two and three month respectively, p=0.000 and increment of eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) from 29.6±15.0 to 31.6±16.0, 33.6±16.6, 34.1±17.1, p=0.000 and 41 (82%) patients achieved uric acid < 6mg/dl at three month. Significant reduction of uric acid in all CKD stages and increment of eGFR in CKD stage 3 and 4 were observed. Adverse effects were epigastralgia in 5 (10%) and joint pain in 13 (26%). Conclusion: Febuxostat is an effective SUA lowering drug in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients with improvement of kidney function

Isolation of yeast from soil and different food samples and its characterization based on fermentation

Yeasts are eukaryotic microorganisms which can also be used for bioethanol production. In this modern era of increasing demand for energy and fuel, the microbial biosynthesis of ethanol has gained importance. In this study, the potential yeasts for ethanol production from pentose and hexose sugars were identified. Yeasts were isolated from soil and different food samples. They were identified and characterized based on cell morphology (e.g., mode of cell division and spore shape) and physiology (e.g., sugar fermentation tests). Furthermore, quantification of ethanol and cell concentration was performed throughout the fermentation. Spot plate count method was followed to determine the viable yeast count whereas Potassium dichromate oxidation method was used for determining the ethanol concentration. Six different species of yeasts were cultured in three sets of broth for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for bioethanol production. The yeasts isolated from black and green grapes relatively synthesized higher concentration of ethanol.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 29-3

Comparative Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Assesments of Leaves of Desmostachya bipinnata L. Stapf, Hordeum vulgare L. and Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f.

 Nepal is rich in varieties of religious plants. The locally used religious plants also carry medicinal importance. Desmostachya bipinnata L. Stapf, Hordeum vulgare L. and Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f. are three plants belonging to the family Poaceae having religious significance in different practices of Hinduism. They were also used as traditional medicines by our ancestors but nowadays they are underutilized. In this research, our core objective was to validate the traditional assumption of use of these plants in medicinal purposes by carrying out the assessments like antimicrobial assessment, antioxidative assessment and phytochemical assessment. Methanolic extracts produced from leaves of all three plants were examined for antimicrobial activities through agar well diffusion method. The same extracts were also assessed for determining their antioxidative potentials with the use of DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis and GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy). Most promising antimicrobial activity was shown by Desmostachya bipinnata L. against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f. against Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Hordeum vulgare L. against Salmonella typhmurium and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were observed in descending order of Hordeum vulgare L.>Desmotachya bipinnata L. > Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) keng f. and phytochemical assessment of the extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, sterols, Triterpenes, Saponins, Flavonoids, Coumarins, Phlobatanin and reducing sugars. Through this project, we can clarify that the above mentioned plants have bioactive compounds which contributed for the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidative property in the plants

Reduction of Arcobacter at Two Conventional Wastewater Treatment Plants in Southern Arizona, USA

This study aimed to identify the bacterial community in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and to determine the occurrence and reduction of Arcobacter, along with virulence genes (ciaB and pldA). A total of 48 samples (24 influent and 24 effluent) were collected at two WWTPs in southern Arizona in the United States, monthly from August 2011 to July 2012. Bacterial DNA extract was utilized for 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. Quantification of Arcobacter 16S rRNA gene was conducted using a recently developed SYBR Green-based quantitative PCR assay. Among 847 genera identified, 113 (13%) were identified as potentially pathogenic bacteria. Arcobacter 16S rRNA gene was detected in all influent samples and ten (83%) and nine (75%) effluent samples at each plant, respectively. Log reduction ratios of Arcobacter 16S rRNA gene in Plant A and Plant B were 1.7 ± 0.9 (n = 10) and 2.3 ± 1.5 (n = 9), respectively. The ciaB gene was detected by quantitative PCR in eleven (92%) and twelve (100%) of 12 influent samples from Plant A and Plant B, respectively, while the pldA gene was detected in eight (67%) and six (50%) influent samples from Plant A and Plant B, respectively. The prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in WWTP effluent indicated the need for disinfection before discharge into the environment.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

A cluster randomized controlled trial of an electronic decision-support system to enhance antenatal care services in pregnancy at primary healthcare level in Telangana, India: trial protocol

BACKGROUND: India contributes 15% of the total global maternal mortality burden. An increasing proportion of these deaths are due to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and anaemia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tablet-based electronic decision-support system (EDSS) to enhance routine antenatal care (ANC) and improve the screening and management of PIH, GDM, and anaemia in pregnancy in primary healthcare facilities of Telangana, India. The EDSS will work at two levels of primary health facilities and is customized for three cadres of healthcare providers - Auxiliary Nurse Midwifes (ANMs), staff nurses, and physicians (Medical Officers). METHODS: This will be a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 66 clusters with a total of 1320 women in both the intervention and control arms. Each cluster will include three health facilities-one Primary Health Centre (PHC) and two linked sub-centers (SC). In the facilities under the intervention arm, ANMs, staff nurses, and Medical Officers will use the EDSS while providing ANC for all pregnant women. Facilities in the control arm will continue to provide ANC services using the existing standard of care in Telangana. The primary outcome is ANC quality, measured as provision of a composite of four selected ANC components (measurement of blood pressure, blood glucose, hemoglobin levels, and conducting a urinary dipstick test) by the healthcare providers per visit, observed over two visits. Trained field research staff will collect outcome data via an observation checklist. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial in India to evaluate an EDSS, targeted to enhance the quality of ANC and improve the screening and management of PIH, GDM, and anaemia, for multiple levels of health facilities and several cadres of healthcare providers. If effective, insights from the trial on the feasibility and cost of implementing the EDSS can inform potential national scale-up. Lessons learned from this trial will also inform recommendations for designing and upscaling similar mHealth interventions in other low and middle-income countries

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Discutindo a educação ambiental no cotidiano escolar: desenvolvimento de projetos na escola formação inicial e continuada de professores

A presente pesquisa buscou discutir como a Educação Ambiental (EA) vem sendo trabalhada, no Ensino Fundamental e como os docentes desta escola compreendem e vem inserindo a EA no cotidiano escolar., em uma escola estadual do município de Tangará da Serra/MT, Brasil. Para tanto, realizou-se entrevistas com os professores que fazem parte de um projeto interdisciplinar de EA na escola pesquisada. Verificou-se que o projeto da escola não vem conseguindo alcançar os objetivos propostos por: desconhecimento do mesmo, pelos professores; formação deficiente dos professores, não entendimento da EA como processo de ensino-aprendizagem, falta de recursos didáticos, planejamento inadequado das atividades. A partir dessa constatação, procurou-se debater a impossibilidade de tratar do tema fora do trabalho interdisciplinar, bem como, e principalmente, a importância de um estudo mais aprofundado de EA, vinculando teoria e prática, tanto na formação docente, como em projetos escolares, a fim de fugir do tradicional vínculo “EA e ecologia, lixo e horta”.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació