T1 and T2 mapping of articular cartilage and menisci in early osteoarthritis of the knee using 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose: 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 and T2 mapping to detect and quantify cartilage matrix and meniscal degeneration between normal healthy volunteers and early osteoarthritis patients. Material and methods: A prospective study including 25 patients and 10 healthy volunteers was done. Patients with symptoms of early osteoarthritis and Kellgren-Lawrence grade I-II on plain radiograph were included for MRI knee. Patients with inflammatory arthritis, infection, trauma, and history of knee surgery were excluded. Healthy, normal adult volunteers (preferably age and sex matched) without symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee were drawn from patient's relatives/hospital employees/colleagues for MRI knee. Results: T1 and T2 relaxation time values of articular cartilage and menisci were significantly higher in osteoarthritis patients as compared to healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found in morphological thickness of articular cartilage and menisci in early osteoarthritis patients and healthy volunteers. Conclusions: T1 and T2 mapping are noninvasive MRI techniques reflecting changes in the biochemical composition of cartilage and menisci. T1 values reflect changes in proteoglycan content, and T2 values are sensitive to interaction between water molecules and collagen network. Mapping techniques assess early cartilage and meniscal matrix degeneration in osteoarthritis of the knee, and help in initiating treatment and monitoring disease progression. MRI is a sensitive modality for assessment of pathological changes in articular cartilage. With use of T1 and T2 mapping techniques, it is possible to evaluate the collagen network and proteoglycan content in articular cartilage and meniscal matrix

Effect of Art Therapy on Adolescents’ Mental Health

Introduction. Adolescent children continue to be vulnerable to issues of mental health. A significant population of these groups suffers from peer pressure, depression, anxiety and parental pressure. Many adolescent people fail to express their emotions to other people. As a result, they experience low self-esteem, fail to communicate effectively and sometimes even fail to appreciate their personalities. Theoretical Basis. A research study that employs the systematic review follows formulated questions. In this research, the formulated question guides understanding the relevance of studies in the matter under investigation. The method effectively identifies the research question using the PICOTS (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing and Setting) framework. Results and Discussion. Research obtained from the American Art Therapy Association informs on the efficacy of art therapy. In various ways, researchers observe that it has a positive effect on general mental health regardless of the artistic experience. Thus, art therapy has a general benefit to the community at large while influencing the impact of mental and physical health. Researchers should plan to evaluate the extreme effects of art therapy on mental health diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and integration into learning environments in future studies. Art therapy is one of the important mental health interventions with significant benefits to these adolescents. The intervention tends to offer an integrated approach treatment that focuses on mental and emotional complications. Professional therapists argue that art therapy offers an innate communication and expressive chance for individuals with mental conditions. Additionally, the therapeutic intervention covers the needs of the patient, setting the creative engagement platform.Introduction. Adolescent children continue to be vulnerable to issues of mental health. A significant population of these groups suffers from peer pressure, depression, anxiety and parental pressure. Many adolescent people fail to express their emotions to other people. As a result, they experience low self-esteem, fail to communicate effectively and sometimes even fail to appreciate their personalities. Theoretical Basis. A research study that employs the systematic review follows formulated questions. In this research, the formulated question guides understanding the relevance of studies in the matter under investigation. The method effectively identifies the research question using the PICOTS (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing and Setting) framework. Results and Discussion. Research obtained from the American Art Therapy Association informs on the efficacy of art therapy. In various ways, researchers observe that it has a positive effect on general mental health regardless of the artistic experience. Thus, art therapy has a general benefit to the community at large while influencing the impact of mental and physical health. Researchers should plan to evaluate the extreme effects of art therapy on mental health diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and integration into learning environments in future studies. Art therapy is one of the important mental health interventions with significant benefits to these adolescents. The intervention tends to offer an integrated approach treatment that focuses on mental and emotional complications. Professional therapists argue that art therapy offers an innate communication and expressive chance for individuals with mental conditions. Additionally, the therapeutic intervention covers the needs of the patient, setting the creative engagement platform

Effect of Art Therapy on Adolescents’ Mental Health

Introduction. Adolescent children continue to be vulnerable to issues of mental health. A significant population of these groups suffers from peer pressure, depression, anxiety and parental pressure. Many adolescent people fail to express their emotions to other people. As a result, they experience low self-esteem, fail to communicate effectively and sometimes even fail to appreciate their personalities. Theoretical Basis. A research study that employs the systematic review follows formulated questions. In this research, the formulated question guides understanding the relevance of studies in the matter under investigation. The method effectively identifies the research question using the PICOTS (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing and Setting) framework. Results and Discussion. Research obtained from the American Art Therapy Association informs on the efficacy of art therapy. In various ways, researchers observe that it has a positive effect on general mental health regardless of the artistic experience. Thus, art therapy has a general benefit to the community at large while influencing the impact of mental and physical health. Researchers should plan to evaluate the extreme effects of art therapy on mental health diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and integration into learning environments in future studies. Art therapy is one of the important mental health interventions with significant benefits to these adolescents. The intervention tends to offer an integrated approach treatment that focuses on mental and emotional complications. Professional therapists argue that art therapy offers an innate communication and expressive chance for individuals with mental conditions. Additionally, the therapeutic intervention covers the needs of the patient, setting the creative engagement platform

The pivotal role of water potential in phenology and seed germination of Abies spectabilis in the western Himalayan treeline region

Abies spectabilis (East Himalayan Fir), a dominant timber-producing species in the Himalayas, plays a dynamic role in ecological balance and sustains various habitats across temperate to subalpine altitudes. Himalayan montane forests express signs of changes in the growth, regeneration, and population density of forest tree species due to ongoing climate change, including its upper distribution limit. The research was conducted at 30°11´02˝N and 79°39′36˝E, ranging from 3,100 to 3,500 m asl elevation in the treeline ecotone of western Himalaya. The study presents a comprehensive perspective on how water availability and its intricate interactions with climatic and ecological variables shape the dynamics of treeline ecosystems. The study’s phytosociological analysis of treeline sites revealed the complex interplay between species composition, adaptability, and regeneration potential. The eco-physiological aspects of water balance were thoroughly explored, underscoring how plants employ various strategies to cope with changing water availability. The soil moisture content ranged from 32.17 to 73.50%. The dynamic nature of water potential (pre-dawn (ΨPD) and mid-day (ΨMD)) across seasons and years reflects and varies between −0.13 and − 1.25 MPa, the species’ ability to adjust and manage water balance according to environmental shifts. Osmotic potential at full turgor varied from −0.72 to −1.77 MPa, these adjustments are crucial for key life cycle events of vegetative and reproductive phases of species. The strong correlation of water potential (Ψ) and phenophases emphasizes the importance of water status in regulating these vital processes. Furthermore, the study delved into the maturation and germination processes, highlighting the significance of Ψ and moisture content in seed development and germination success. The maximum germination of 46.33% was observed when the seed moisture content was 30.90 ± 3.11%. The observed correlations between cone characteristics and seed parameters indicate the existence of trade-offs that impact seed size, weight, and germination capacity, contributing to the overall fitness of the species

IN VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF HINGULESWARA RASABASED HERBOMINERAL FORMULATIONS

Objective: The aims of the present investigation were to develop the herbal and/or herbomineral formulations of Hinguleswara rasa and to compare their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, in vitro, with that of standard drug samples.Methods: This study was an interventional investigation in three samples: In the first sample, Hinguleswara rasa (HR1) was prepared as per methodology described in Rasatarangini using Shuddha Hingula (10 g), Shuddha Vatsanabha (10 g), and Pippali (10 g). In the second and third sample, respectively, Hinguleswara rasa was prepared by replacing Shuddha Hingula with Kajjali where Kajjali made from Hingulotha parada and Sodhita parada constitutes two varieties of Hinguleswara rasa, i.e. HR2 and HR3. In vitro antioxidant activity was studied using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and the absorbance was recorded at 517 nm. For evaluating the in vitro anti-inflammatory studies, the inhibition of albumin denaturation technique was performed.Results: The results showed that the formulation of Hinguleswara rasa has shown dose-dependent activity which was observed in 100 μg concentration. HR1, HR2, and HR3 showed 36.11, 17.22, and 16.11% radical scavenging activity.Conclusion: It could be concluded that the changes made in the formulations did not affect the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the herbomineral formulations

Biodegradation of Cellulosic Wastes and Deinking of Colored Paper with Isolated Novel Cellulolytic Bacteria

Biofuels are the cheapest source of energy, and the continuous decline of traditional sources of energy with the increasing population leads to looking for alternatives to reduce the consumption of traditional sources of energy. Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic wastes and cellulosic wastes is not a new approach for fuel production but a cheap and accessible way for the production of fuel. Bacillus is one of the major species that can act as a source of diversified enzymes. In this study, it was emphasized on screening and isolation of a novel, characterization, and best catalytic action on both celluloses and proteins in the presence of different carbon and nitrogen sources. It was observed the effective catalytic breakdown of cellulose with the crude enzyme to glucose allowed fur for fermentation with Saccharomyces, ultimately leading to the generation of alcohol. The study aims to isolate the microbes that can produce cellulases and enzymes and could be used for biodegradation to produce ethanol in the reaction. The maximum enzyme activity was achieved at 3.112 UI with optimized pH and temperature, and the maximum conversion of sugars into alcohol was about 70% in the newspaper, cartons, colored paper, and disposable paper cups. An essential observation was the decolorization of the origami craft paper within 24 hours. The study was involved in enhancing the maximum Enzyme activity of cellulases from different cellulosic raw materials. Hence, it was achieved by JCB strain, optimization of pH, temperature, and acids for the biodegradation. The presence of peaks at 3200 and 2900 was a confirmation of ethanol bonds in the biodegradation reaction mixtures