Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with established coronary artery disease

Background:Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in this part of the country, in spite of the fact that there is ample sunshine and the economic status of the people is good. Several studies have suggested possible link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease risk. Hence authors evaluated the patients with established coronary artery disease attending cardiology department of super speciality hospital, Government Medical College Jammu, for their vitamin D status. Methods:The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry Government Medical College Jammu and data of established cases of coronary artery disease patients attending cardiology department of super speciality hospital, government medical college Jammu was analyzed for vitamin D levels during the period from January 2019 to February, 2020.Results: A total of 200 established cases of coronary artery disease comprising of 130 male patients and 70 female patients were analyzed in the study, out of 200 cases, 190 (95%) were found to be having low levels of vitamin D in their blood (<30 ngm/dl). 123 (94.6%) out of a total of 130 male patients had vitamin D deficiency as compared to 67 (95.7%) out of 70 females patients.Conclusions:The study has revealed a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in established cases of coronary artery diseases. More detailed prospective studies are required to unravel the association of vitamin D and its role in prevention of coronary artery diseases in the absence of well-established risk factors like smoking, Diabetes, Hypertension and dyslipidaemias

A prospective observational study of prescription pattern in dermatology outpatient department of associated hospitals of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences-college of medical sciences, Jaipur

Background: Skin diseases are chronic in nature and they require lifetime treatment. Prescription pattern reflects health professional attitude towards the disease and role of drugs in its treatment. The study of prescription pattern is important to make medical care rational and monitoring adverse drug reactions. Methods: An observational and prospective study was carried out in Skin and VD department along with department of pharmacology, RUHS college of medical sciences, Jaipur. Data collection was done in three months after ethical approval. Data was entered and analysed with latest Microsoft Excel version. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results. Results: During the study period, a total of 979 prescriptions were included and analysed, out of which the usage of dermatological drugs was maximum among males (n=520, 53.11%). Total 2848 drugs were prescribed in 6 different dosage forms. The most common dosage form prescribed was tablet (1267, 44.49%) followed by cream (685, 24.05%). Total 1632 (57.30%) drugs were prescribed through oral route and 1216 (42.70%) drugs were prescribed through topical route. the present study depicted that dermatophytosis (n=243, 24.82%) was one of the most common dermatological manifestations. antihistaminic (673, 23.63%) were the most commonly prescribed drug. Conclusions: The study of drug use is an effective tool to promote rational drug prescribing. Such type of study will help in formulation of proper antibiotics, drugs policy, prescription of cost-effective drugs, improvement in the patient compliance and reduction in undesirable effect of drugs

General population perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 booster vaccinations and the mask mandate as we approach the end of 2022: a pan India online survey

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exploded into a global pandemic, killing over 6.5 million people and forever changing the world. While many developed countries are well into their vaccination campaigns, India outperformed global expectations by providing over 2 billion doses to its citizens and assisting other countries worldwide. Following the emergence of various covid variants, it is critical to comprehend the willingness of Indians to receive additional doses of the newer generation of covid vaccination, as well as the fatigue associated with maintaining the most essential covid appropriate behaviour, masking. This study aimed to determine general public attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine in India. Method: A pan-India cross-sectional analysis was conducted at RUHS college of medical sciences, Jaipur, between October 20, 2022, and December 15, 2022. Through web-based links, a self-administered and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Of the total responses received (n=391), 55.6% were males, and 43.8% were females. 63.2% have received two doses of the vaccine, while 33.8% have received three doses. 50.9% of respondents were willing to take the fourth dose of the vaccine, 20.5% were utterly unwilling, and 28.6% were undecided. 10.7% of our respondents were utterly reluctant to wear masks, whereas 26.6% always did. Conclusions: Based on the findings, vaccination acceptance in India remains high with 50.9% of applicants willing to take the fourth dose. Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in the incorporation of face masks into our lifestyles, with the majority of people using a face mask in at least one setting

Pregnancy in uterus didelphys delivered by caesarean section: a case report

The aim of this study is to report a rare case of pregnancy in uterus didelphys. Mullerian duct anomalies are congenital defects of the female genital system that arise from abnormal embryological development of the Mullerian ducts. A didelphys uterus, also known as double uterus is one of the least common amongst the various Mullerian duct anomalies. It results from complete failure of fusion of Mullerian ducts. There is presence of double uterine bodies with two separate cervices and often double or septate vagina. We report the case in our institute of a pregnancy in the left sided body of a didelphys uterus, delivered by caesarean section. Patients with uterus didelphys belong to high risk group and complications are increased in malformed uterus. Such cases need a meticulous prenatal care. It is a rare Mullerian anomaly and can present with varied obstetrical and gynaecological complications. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of uterine malformations and appropriate surgical intervention are essential to prevent complications

Depression and Tension Type Headache: Untangling the Cause and Effects Relationship through HSQ-EV and PHQ-9 in Medical students: A Pan India Study

Depression is a widespread mental disorder, affecting approximately 280 million people globally. It's characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities. Depression disproportionately affects women and is linked to a heightened risk of suicide, making it a significant public health concern. In 2019, it ranked as the largest contributor to mental health-related disability. Another prevalent issue is tension-type headache (TTH), a neurological condition causing a band-like discomfort around the forehead. Headache disorders, including TTH and migraines, were the 14th leading cause of disability worldwide in 2019. Migraines, characterized by severe pain and neurological symptoms, are particularly impactful and prevalent among women and high socio-demographic groups. Recent research has explored the relationship between depression and headaches, revealing a bidirectional association. People with chronic TTH often exhibit higher rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, individuals with depression have an increased risk of developing migraines or TTH. A Pan-India cross-sectional observational study was conducted across many medical colleges in India between September 11, 2023 and September 28, 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data using web-based linkages. Based on these findings, it was established there is positive association between Depression and TTH (p=0.003898, X2=11.09). We found a bidirectional relationship between Depression and TTH. We also found that depressed mood also increases the frequency and intensity of TTH. Keywords: Depression, Tension - Type Headache, Medical Students, Headach

Forecasting of growth rates of wheat yield of Uttar Pradesh through non-linear growth models

Wheat production in India is about 70 million tonnes per year which counts for approximately 12 per cent of world’s production. Being the second largest in population, it is also the second largest in wheat consumption after China, with a huge and growing wheat demand. Major wheat growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar. All of north is replenished with wheat cultivation. Uttar Pradesh, the largest wheat growing region of the country, produces around 28 million tonnes of wheat and Bihar produces around 5 million tonnes. The usual parametric approach for growth rate analysis is to assume multiplicative error in the underlying nonlinear geometric model and then fit the linearized model by ‘method of least squares'. This paper deals with a critical study of wheat yield of Uttar Pradesh with a non-linear approach. The available data of rice during different years is taken into consideration and different statistical models are fitted for that. The time series data on annual yield of wheat in UP from 1970-2010 were collected from various sources. Growth rates are computed through non-linear models, viz. Logistic, Gompertz and Monomolecular models. Different nonlinear procedures such as Gauss-Newton Method, Steepest-Descent Method, Levenberg-Merquadt Technique and Do Not Use Derivative (DUD) Method were used in this study to estimate the nonlinear growth rates. The results showed that logistic model performed better followed by Gompertz and monomolecular

Hydrogen Sulfide and Silicon Together Alleviate Chromium (VI) Toxicity by Modulating Morpho-Physiological and Key Antioxidant Defense Systems in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties

Extensive use of chromium (Cr) in anthropogenic activities leads to Cr toxicity in plants causing serious threat to the environment. Cr toxicity impairs plant growth, development, and metabolism. In the present study, we explored the effect of NaHS [a hydrogen sulfide; (H2S), donor] and silicon (Si), alone or in combination, on two chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties (Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112), in pot conditions under Cr stress. Cr stress increased accumulation of Cr reduction of the plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase activity and decreased in photosynthetic pigments, essential minerals, relative water contents (RWC), and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in both the varieties. Exogenous application of NaHS and Si on plants exposed to Cr stress mitigated the effect of Cr and enhanced the physiological and biochemical parameters by reducing Cr accumulation and oxidative stress in roots and leaves. The interactive effects of NaHS and Si showed a highly significant and positive correlation with PM H+-ATPase activity, photosynthetic pigments, essential minerals, RWC, proline content, and enzymatic antioxidant activities (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, superoxide dismutase, and monodehydroascorbate reductase). A similar trend was observed for non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (ascorbic acid, glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and dehydroascorbic acid level) in leaves while oxidative damage in roots and leaves showed a negative correlation. Exogenous application of NaHS + Si could enhance Cr stress tolerance in chickpea and field studies are warranted for assessing crop yield under Cr-affected area

Therapeutic potential of endophytic bacteria from ethnomedicinal plants used by the traditional healers of North East India

North East Indian Himalayan Region (NEIHR) is endowed with a diverse ecosystem. The indigenous people of this region have good traditional knowledge to combat various diseases and physical ailments using ethnomedicinal plants that were gained through experience over years. Some of the plants have been incorporated in the conventional medicines. However, many of the plants have not been scientifically explored since they remain endemic to a particular region and the traditional healers kept it as secret knowledge. The majority of the endophyte of NEIHR belongs to genus Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Streptomyces. Endophytic bacteria exhibit antimicrobial activities against important human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. Bioactive strains display potential anticancer and antioxidant activities. This review also incorporates some of the potential unexplored medicinal plants used by the ethnic population of this region for treating common diseases and the importance of exploring bioactive compounds from the associated bacteria. It will also highlight the prospects of discovering novel bioactive compounds that will have a new and novel mechanism of actions for combating the drug resistant pathogens.

Ageratum enation virus Infection Induces Programmed Cell Death and Alters Metabolite Biosynthesis in Papaver somniferum

A previously unknown disease which causes severe vein thickening and inward leaf curl was observed in a number of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) plants. The sequence analysis of full-length viral genome and associated betasatellite reveals the occurrence of Ageratum enation virus (AEV) and Ageratum leaf curl betasatellite (ALCB), respectively. Co-infiltration of cloned agroinfectious DNAs of AEV and ALCB induces the leaf curl and vein thickening symptoms as were observed naturally. Infectivity assay confirmed this complex as the cause of disease and also satisfied the Koch’s postulates. Comprehensive microscopic analysis of infiltrated plants reveals severe structural anomalies in leaf and stem tissues represented by unorganized cell architecture and vascular bundles. Moreover, the characteristic blebs and membranous vesicles formed due to the virus-induced disintegration of the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles were also present. An accelerated nuclear DNA fragmentation was observed by Comet assay and confirmed by TUNEL and Hoechst dye staining assays suggesting virus-induced programmed cell death. Virus-infection altered the biosynthesis of several important metabolites. The biosynthesis potential of morphine, thebaine, codeine, and papaverine alkaloids reduced significantly in infected plants except for noscapine whose biosynthesis was comparatively enhanced. The expression analysis of corresponding alkaloid pathway genes by real time-PCR corroborated well with the results of HPLC analysis for alkaloid perturbations. The changes in the metabolite and alkaloid contents affect the commercial value of the poppy plants

Large Eddy Simulation of Coolant Flow Field and Heat Transfer In Low Aspect Ratio Incremental Impingement Pin-fin Configurations

To address the issue of variable heat load near the stagnation and the mid-chord region of a modern gas turbine blade, an incremental impingement cooling technique, which is a combination of pin-fin channel and jet impingement, is designed and explored. Large Eddy Simulation (LES), a well-known turbulence model, is used to simulate the coolant flow field and heat transfer. The streamwise (X) and the spanwise spacing (S) of the pin-fin arrangement are 1.074D and 1.625D. The aspect ratio of the pin-fin channel is 0.5D. The diameter (D) of the pin-fin is 2.54 cm. The configuration consists of five rows of the jet with variable jet diameter. All the simulations are done for Reynolds number ranging from 5000 - 21000. The validation of the simulation is done by comparing the numerical and experimental thermal effectiveness and cooling parameter. Effect of four different jet diameter, petite (P) - 0.25D, medium (M) - 0.29d, small (S) - 0.36D, and large (L) - 0.41D, on the flow field and heat transfer is investigated. The velocity field and the turbulent statistics near the upstream and the downstream jet remain self-similar in P configuration, whereas they deviate from self-similarity in L configuration. Although the heat transfer rate of the stagnation region is independent of crossflow in P and L configuration, the heat transfer rate of the downstream area increases with a higher crossflow and presence of L size jet. The stagnation region Nu and overall Nu is dependent on (d/D)-0.68 and (d/D)-0.21, respectively. A systematic study is then conducted to explore the effects of jet hole combination and distribution on heat transfer. A theoretical argument is presented to describe the trend in the distribution of the jet exit velocity in the selected configurations. The hole size combination should contain many P size holes to maximize the overall heat transfer. And to maximize the local cooling parameter, the L size hole should be placed at the desired location. The thermal performance which accounts for both the heat transfer and the pressure drop is higher for SSPSS and PPLPP configurations