UL-blockDAG : Unsupervised Learning based Consensus Protocol for Blockchain

In this paper, we propose a consensus protocol by considering the ledger as Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) called blockDAG instead of chain of blocks. We propose a two-step strategy for making the system robust to double-spend attacks. The first step is the graph clustering algorithm based on spectral graph theory for separating the blocks created by the non-cooperating miners (attacker) in the blockchain network followed by the second step-the ordering algorithm based on the topological ordering of the blockDAG using the references included in block header. The first step is an unsupervised learning classification of the vertices of a graph into two classes. The simulation results show that the proposed clustering Algorithm based consensus protocol counter-attack the attacker’s double-spending strategy by eliminating the attacker blocks created during attacking phase from the confirmed list of the blocks. In bitcoin’s longest chain rule protocol, the ledger takes the chain of blocks and it operates with the overestimation of the network’s end-to-end propagation delay which results in a low transaction throughput. Bitcoin protocol guarantees the security through longest chain rule but it suffers from the limited transaction scalability. The proposed consensus protocol works better for higher block creation rates in turn improves the transaction throughput without compromising the security of the blocks from double-spending attack. © 2020 IEE

ASSESSMENT OF 10-YEAR RISK OF DEVELOPING A MAJOR CARDIOVASCULAR EVENT IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A HOSPITAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF OTHER DISORDERS

Objective: To assess the individual’s predicted risk of developing a CVD event in 10 y using risk scores among persons with other disorders/diseases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted for a period of 6 mo among 283 subjects. Total risk was estimated individually by using Framingham Risk Scoring Algorithm and ASCVD risk estimator. Results: According to Framingham Risk score the prevalence of low risk (<10%) identified as 67.84% (192), followed by intermediate risk (10%-19%), 19.08% (54), and high risk (≥20%) 13.07% (37). By using ASCVD Risk estimator, risk has reported in our study population was low risk (<5%) is 48.76% (138), borderline risk (5-7.4%) is 13.07% (37), intermediate risk (7.5-19.9%) is about 25.09% (71), high risk (>20%) is about 13.07% (37). Conclusion: In this study burden of CVD risk was relatively low, which was estimated by both the Framingham scale and ASCVD Risk estimator. Risk scoring of individuals helps us to identify the patients at high risk of CV diseases and also helps in providing management strategies

Fiscal Federalism and Foreign Transfers: Does Inter-Jurisdictional Competition Increase Foreign Aid Effectiveness?

This paper empirically studies the impact of decentralization and inter-jurisdictional competition on foreign aid effectiveness. For this purpose we examine a commonly used empirical growth model, considering different measures of fiscal decentralization. Our panel estimations reveal that expenditure decentralization and inter-jurisdictional competition - reflected by the degree of tax revenue decentralization - negatively impact aid effectiveness. We therefore conclude that donor countries should carefully consider how both anti-poverty instruments - foreign assistance and decentralization - work together

Ayurvedic Management of Kampavata

Kampavata is one among Vataja nanatmaja vyadhis. Acharya Charaka, Susrutha, Vagbhata, Madhavakara, Kashyapa mentioned Kampavata as Vepathu. It can be correlated with “Tremors” in modern science which is the most common movement disorder. The total number of people suffering from ET worldwide was 24.91 million in 2020 and incidence increases with age. Kampa is the prominent feature in Kampavata which is categorized as Sarvanga-kampa and Shiro-kampa. Kampa occurs due to Prakopa of Chalaguna which is the inherent quality of Vata dosha. The management of essential tremors in the conventional system of medicine is decreasing quality of life of patient with certain side effects like fatigue, impotence, bradycardia, reduced blood pressure, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, paresthesia etc. By Ayurvedic intervention patient quality of life can be preserved. In the present clinical study patient was treated with Snehana and Brmhana line of management in the form of Shirodhara, Nasya and Samana oushadies like Sarvamayantakaghrta etc. The outcome of the study revealed good therapeutic efficacy and patient got remarkable relief in symptoms, that are assessed by TRG Essential tremor rating assessment scale (TETRAS©) V 3.1

Anti-hyperglycemic Potential of methanolic extract fraction of Trichuriella monsoniae (L.f.) Bennet

The anti-hyperglycemic activity of methanolic extract fraction of  Trichuriella monsoniae (TM) was evaluated in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methanolic extract was fractionated and subjected to antidiabetic studies in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats to identify the most potent bioactive fraction. Oral administration of fractions of METM at 20 & 40 mg/kg b.w. significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Among the fractions, n- butyl alcohol fraction (BLTM) at 40 mg/kg b.w. was found to be more effective. Further, in sub-acute study, BLTM significantly reduced the elevated level of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, SGPT, ALP, creatinine in serum and increased the diminished body weight and total protein and insulin level in serum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Increased glycogen content was observed in liver and skeletal muscle of the diabetic rats after 28 days of the treatment. BLTM ameliorated the histological damage of islets of langerhans.  BLTM also elicited a significant antioxidant effect, which was evident from its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and also by scavenging the DPPH radical. The results of the study clearly indicate that BLTM exerts potent antidiabetic activity.

Local insulin therapy affects fracture healing in a rat model.

A significant number of lower extremity fractures result in mal-union necessitating effective treatments to restore ambulation. Prior research in diabetic animal fracture models demonstrated improved healing following local insulin application to the fracture site and indicated that local insulin therapy can aid bone regeneration, at least within an insulin-dependent diabetic animal model. This study tested whether local insulin therapy could accelerate femur fracture repair in normal, non-diabetic rats. High (20 units) and low (10 units) doses of insulin were delivered in a calcium sulfate carrier which provided sustained release of the exogenous insulin for 7 days after fracture. Histomorphometry, radiographic scoring, and torsional mechanical testing were used to measure fracture healing. The fracture calluses from rats treated with high-dose insulin had significantly more cartilage than untreated rats after 7 and 14 days of healing. After 4 weeks of healing, femurs from rats treated with low-dose insulin had significantly higher radiographic scores and mechanical strength (p \u3c 0.05), compared to the no treatment control groups. The results of this study suggest that locally delivered insulin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating bone fractures. Further studies are necessary, such as large animal proof of concepts, prior to the clinical use of insulin for bone fracture treatment

A novel tricarbonylmethane agent (CMC2.24) reduces human pancreatic tumor growth in mice by targeting Ras.

Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is a deadly disease in need of new therapeutic options. We recently developed a novel tricarbonylmethane agent (CMC2.24) as a therapeutic agent for PC, and evaluated its efficacy in preclinical models of PC. CMC2.24 inhibited the growth of various human PC cell lines in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Normal human pancreatic epithelial cells were resistant to CMC2.24, indicating selectivity. CMC2.24 reduced the growth of subcutaneous and orthotopic PC xenografts in mice by up to 65% (P < 0.02), and the growth of a human patient-derived tumor xenograft by 47.5% (P < 0.03 vs vehicle control). Mechanistically, CMC2.24 inhibited the Ras-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway. Based on Ras Pull-Down Assays, CMC2.24 inhibited Ras-GTP, the active form of Ras, in MIA PaCa-2 cells and in pancreatic acinar explants isolated from Kras mutant mice, by 90.3% and 89.1%, respectively (P < 0.01, for both). The inhibition of active Ras led to an inhibition of c-RAF, MEK, and ERK phosphorylation by 93%, 91%, and 87%, respectively (P < 0.02, for all) in PC xenografts. Furthermore, c-RAF overexpression partially rescued MIA PaCa-2 cells from the cell growth inhibition by CMC2.24. In addition, downstream of ERK, CMC2.24 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation levels at the serine 727 residue, enhanced the levels of superoxide anion in mitochondria, and induced intrinsic apoptosis as shown by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and the further cleavage of caspase 9 in PC cells. In conclusion, CMC2.24, a potential Ras inhibitor, is an efficacious agent for PC treatment in preclinical models, deserving further evaluation