A linear model for leaf area measurement to screen potential leaf material for herbal drug in Adhatoda vasica L.

Leaf area is an important parameter in physiology and agronomy studies. Linear models for leaf area measurement are developed for plant species as a nondestructive method. The plant Adhatoda vasica L. (a medicinal plant) was selected and the leaves of this plant were used for development of linear model for leaf area using Leaf Area Meter (LAM) software. Planimetric parameters (length, length2, width and width2) and gravimetric (dry weight and water content) parameters are considered for the development of linear model for this plant species. Single factor ANOVA and linear correlations were worked out using these parameters and leaf area. The plant was showed significant relationship with the parameters studied. The best correlation as represented by regression coefficient (R2) was used and improved R2 is worked out. It is observed that with increase in leaf area, water content is also increased and showed best correlation with the leaf area. Thus water content can be taken as a parameter for developing linear model for leaf area is concluded

Acculturative Stress and Coping Strategies Used by Asian Indians Living in the United States: A Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry

The present research addressed acculturative stress experiences and coping strategies used by Asian Indians residing in the United States. The organizing research question was What are the acculturative stress experiences and coping strategies used by first generation Asian Indians living in the United States? The research question was explored through fourteen hypotheses. A mixed method approach was employed. For the first phase, 54 first-generation Asian Indians were recruited from four sites using a purposive convenience sampling method, the SAFE-R standardized questionnaire was used to measure acculturative stress, the COPE scale to measure coping strategies, and a culturally grounded Socio-Demographic Information Form designed by the researcher were used. SPSS was used to analyze these forms, twelve of the fourteen hypotheses showed statistically significant correlations between scores on either the COPE or the SAFE-R scales (dependent variables) and the Socio-Demographic Information Form (independent variables). In Phase-Two, detailed interviews were conducted with a systematic convenience subsample of ten Asian Indian respondents to provide a deeper understanding of acculturative stress and coping in this population. All the instruments were translated and back translated into Hindi for those not proficient in English. Inter-rater reliability was ensured in thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Qualitative analysis yielded five overall themes: (1) What makes you feel different within the group and outside? (2) What does `Home\u27 mean to you? (3) What keeps you happy and motivated? (4) How do you communicate with others around you? (5) What is important for you to feel settled here? There were many outcomes in the present study: Adolescent and elderly immigrants had higher levels of acculturative stress as compared to other Asian Indian immigrants; length of time did not show higher or lower effect on acculturative stress scale, whereas females showed higher levels of stress compared to males during the interviews. Exploring the sense of home in the interviews, using the category of ethnic enclave, most of the participants revealed that they missed their home and cited many features: lack of familiar food and festivals, lack of known location, and concerns due to different climatic condition. Also home and family members were identified as structures of social support as well as stress among the respondents. Recreational and religious activities showed a significant correlation with some of the COPE sub-scales and were revealed to be sources of social support in the qualitative interviews. All the respondents found difficulty in one or more aspects of communicating in English. In spite of their high level of education all the respondents expressed increased acculturative stress. Pre-immigration preparation showed a positive impact on decreasing acculturative stress. Although employment and immigration status did not produce any statistically significant relationship with stress or coping, most of all the respondents expressed a concern regarding its impact on the level of stress during the interviews. With regard to extant theories of acculturative stress and coping, the findings lead to more nuanced and finely tuned application of these theories to understand the experiences of Asian Indians. Social work practitioners can make use of these results to calibrate services more accurately to the needs of this population and to take more preventive action on behalf of those persons most likely to suffer the greatest acculturative stress. In regard to methodology: the study suggests that language translation is necessary but may not always be sufficient to make a questionnaire or a study created in English useful for a truly meaningful application to an ethnic subgroup, and that the insider perspective available through the ethnically congruent interviewer can be essential to the value of such a study. The results of this study can be valuable both to improve services and research and to amplify the application of the ecological and the strengths perspectives used in the field of social work

Self-medication of abortion pills and its complications: an observational study

Background: Medical termination of pregnancy has been legalized in India since 1971. Medical abortion pill is well effective in early weeks of pregnancy. It is safe only when it is used under medical supervision. This study was carried out to analyse the complications following self-medication of abortion pills and to suggest measures to prevent such practice.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at our hospital from March 2017 to July 2017.Results: In present study 30 (75%) patients were in age group of 20-30 years. Illiterate patients were 22 (55%). Half of the patients, 20 (50%) were having three or more than three children. Majority of women 30 (75%) had consumed the abortion pills 1-10 days before coming to the hospital and 14 (35%) of patients had come with complain of excessive bleeding per vagina. Incomplete abortion was present in 32 (80%) of patients. Instrumental evacuation was required in 28 (87.5%) patients. Laparotomy for ruptured ectopic and rupture uterus was performed in 1 (2.5%) of each patient. 6 (15%) patients were severely anaemic. Transfusion of blood was required in 9 (22.5%) of patients.Conclusions: Medical abortion is effective and safe when carried out under medical supervision. Unsupervised use of medical abortion pills was associated with many complications like incomplete abortion, rupture ectopic and ruptured uterus. So, over the counter sale of medical abortion pill should be restricted

Analysis of transfusion of blood and blood products and their utilization pattern at department of obstetrics of tertiary care hospital

Background: In developing countries, nutritional anaemia and obstetric complications are leading causes of transfusion of blood and blood products. The study was aimed to analyse utilization pattern and to identify the indications of transfusion of blood and blood products in obstetrics and to study outcome and management of pregnancy in patients who required blood and/or blood products.Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at department of obstetrics of tertiary care teaching hospital from September 2018 to November 2018 and data was collected from all patients who had received transfusion of blood and/or blood products for any obstetric cause.Results: A total of 164(6.8%) patients received blood and blood products transfusion. Department of obstetrics utilized maximum units of blood and FFP whereas PRC utilization was second highest. There were 62(37.8%) of patients who had not taken any antenatal care, whereas 64(39.0%) patients had less than 4 antenatal visits. Three most common indications for transfusion of blood and blood products were 63.4% in nutritional anaemia, 17.1% in obstetric haemorrhage and 11.6% in first trimester complications.Conclusions: Three most common indications for transfusion were nutritional anaemia, obstetric haemorrhage and first trimester complications. Majority of patients had inadequate or no antenatal care. Early and regular antenatal care, early diagnosis and management of high-risk pregnancies and obstetric complications, institutional delivery can reduce the rate of transfusion of blood and blood products

Molecular and Computational Analysis of Chlorophyll Pigment-binding Protein cp47 from Selected Species of Semi Arid Region of Western India

Photosynthesis means “synthesis with the help of light”, involves the composite functioning of various protein complexes. CP47 is a pigment-binding protein of PSII of a molecular mass of about 56 kDa. CP47, encoded by the chloroplastic psbB gene, is an integral part of the oxygen-evolving complex of PS -II centres. In the present study, analysis of a psbB gene was performed from various tree, shrub, vine and herb species of Saurashtra region. The genomic DNA was isolated from the 46 samples and psbB gene was amplified using specific primers (60R-61F) in PCR. The amplified gene was sequenced from all plant samples and submitted to NCBI database. The length of the amplified sequence was ~300 bp, was translated to the protein sequence. The obtained sequences were analyzed with the help of CPH and Pyre2 tools. The Pyre2 tools showed 40 reliable structure prediction out of 46. ProtParam was used for carrying out the protein physico-chemical analysis of all the proteins showing variations in the protein properties. The number of residues in favored region, as observed in the Ramachandran plot analysis, indicates reliability of the protein structure prediction. The obtained results for the sequence and structure analyses may help to understand the functional application of these proteins

Study of feto-maternal outcome in patients of jaundice in third trimester of pregnancy

Background: Jaundice in pregnancy is an important medical disorder, more commonly seen in developing countries than developed ones. It comprises of a formidable list of complications that may adversely affect the pregnant woman and her fetus. Objective of current study was to study causes and feto-maternal outcome in pregnancies with jaundice in 3rd trimester.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 49 patients admitted in department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital with jaundice in 3rd trimester of pregnancy during the period from September 2008 to September 2010.Results: Out of 9972 deliveries, 49 patients were admitted with jaundice in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Out of them 91.1% patients delivered. Vaginal delivery occurred in 82.2% and Cesarean section done in 17.7%. Preterm delivery occurred in 68.8%, low birth weight (LBW) was found in 82.2%, perinatal mortality occurred in 34.6% and maternal mortality occurred in 16.3% of patients.Conclusions: Jaundice in 3rd trimester of pregnancy leads to preterm delivery, fetal distress, intra uterine fetal death (IUFD) and high perinatal & maternal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis & aggressive management at tertiary care center help in reducing maternal & perinatal morbiditiy and mortality

Farmakokinetika ceftriaksona u teladi

The pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone was determined after a single intravenous and intramuscular administration at the dose rate of 10 mg/kg in crossbred cow calves. The drug concentration in plasma was quantified through High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection. Following intravenous administration the drug was rapidly distributed (t1/2α: 0.13 ± 0.01 h; Vd(area); 0.44 ± 0.07 L/kg) and eliminated (t1/2β: 1.58 ± 0.06 h) from the body with a clearance rate of 3.15 ± 0.41 mL/min/kg. Following intramuscular administration, the peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) was 15.34 ± 2.39 μg/mL at 0.25 hours (Tmax) suggesting very rapid absorption. The drug was extensively distributed (Vd(area): 1.16 ± 0.15 L/kg) and slowly eliminated (t1/2β: 5.02 ± 0.51 hours; Cl(B): 2.71 ± 0.29 mL/min/kg) following intramuscular administration. The absolute bioavailability of ceftriaxone was 47.0 ± 5.0% following intramuscular injection. However, it can be used at a dosage of 10 mg/kg intramuscularly, repeated at twelve-hourly intervals, for the treatment of susceptible bacteria infections in calves.Farmakokinetika ceftriaksona određivana je u križane teladi nakon njegove jednokratne intravenske i intramuskularne primjene u dozi od 10 mg/kg. Koncentracija lijeka u plazmi određivana je tekućinskom kromatografifi jom visokog učinka s UV zrakama. Raspodjela lijeka bila je brza nakon intravenske primjene (t1/2α: 0,13 ± 0,01 h; Vd(area): 0,44 ± 0,07 L/kg), a izlučivanje (t1/2β: 1,58 ± 0,06 h) iz tijela s klirensom od 3,15 ± 0,41 mL/min/kg. Nakon intramuskularne primjene vršna koncentracija u plazmi iznosila je (Cmax) 15,34 ± 2,39 μg/mL tijekom 0,25 sati (Tmax) što upućuje na vrlo brzu apsorpciju. Raspodjela lijeka bila je izrazito dobra (Vd(area) 1,16 ± 0,15 L/kg), a izlučivanje sporo (t1/2β: 5,02 ± 0,51 sati; Cl(B): 2,71 ± 0,29 mL/min/kg) nakon intramuskularne primjene. Apsolutna biološka raspoloživost nakon intramuskularne primjene ceftriaksona iznosila je 47,0 ± 5,0%. Međutim, on se može rabiti u dozi od 10 mg/kg i.m. te ponavljati u razmacima od 12 sati radi liječenja bakterijskih zaraza u teladi

Study of feto-maternal outcome in patients with intra uterine fetal death

Background: Intra Uterine Fetal Death (IUFD) is an important issue in modern obstetrics. This study has been undertaken to find out the incidence of IUFD, socio-demographic factors, probable etiological factors, mode of delivery, its outcome and complications if any.Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected from case papers of patients who have delivered beyond 20 weeks and/or baby weighing more than 500 grams and having IUFD prior to onset of labor or during labor with singleton pregnancy.Results: Incidence of IUFD was 17.2 per 1000 births. Majority of the patients 93 (48.1%) were in age group of 26-30 years, 115 (59.5%) came as an emergency and 94 (48.7%) were primi gravida. Majority 89 (46.1%) patients had not taken any antenatal visit. IUFD occurred due to unexplained etiology, pre-eclampsia-eclampsia, anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, jaundice, antepartum haemorrhage and congenital malformation in 77 (39.9%), 51 (26.4%), 10 (5.1%), 7 (3.6%), 4 (2%), 29 (15%) and 2 (1%) respectively. Vaginal delivery occurred in 151 (78.2%). Majority of dead babies 111 (57.5%) were male, 71 (36.7%) were weighing 1kg or less and 92 (47.6%) were macerated. Emotional upset, DIC, PPH and ARF occurred in 193 (100%), 21 (10.8%), 15 (7.7%) and 1 (0.5%) respectively.Conclusions: Majority of patients were unregistered and had not taken antenatal care or had inadequate antenatal care. Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia, APH, anemia and diabetes were the leading cause of IUFD along with unknown causes. A significant proportion of IUFD can be prevented by health education regarding adequate antenatal care, warning signs and institutional deliveries

Health profile of adolescent girls visiting obstetrics and gynecology department of tertiary care hospital

Background: Gynecological problems of adolescents occupy a special space in the spectrum of gynecological disorders of all ages. In this study, an attempt has been made to review the health profile of adolescent girls visiting department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital during June 2014 to May 2016. Data was collected after due permission.Results: Adolescent girls having gynecological problems were 2.3%. Mean age of menarche was 12.5 years. Anemia was present in 89(62.7%). About 72(50.7%) adolescent girls were having abnormal body mass index (BMI). Majority of girls 136(95.8%) had menstrual problems. Leucorrhoea, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ovarian mass, urinary problems, breast problems, injury to genital tract and sexual assault were present in 42(29.6%), 24(16.9%), 20(14.1%), 13(9.2%), 12(8.5%), 4(2.8%) and 1(0.7%) respectively.Conclusions: A very small proportion of adolescent girls came to the hospital for health-related issues. Anemia was present in more than half of adolescent girls and almost half of adolescent girls were having abnormal BMI. Majority of adolescent girls had menstrual problems. Health education regarding normal physiology, various gynecological problems, importance of nutrition and exercise for adolescents is necessary

European mtDNA Variants Are Associated With Differential Responses to Cisplatin, an Anticancer Drug: Implications for Drug Resistance and Side Effects.

Background: Cisplatin, a powerful antitumor agent, causes formation of DNA adducts, and activation of apoptotic pathways. Presently, cisplatin resistance develops in up to 70% of patients but the underlying molecular mechanism(s) are unclear and there are no markers to determine which patients will become resistant. Mitochondria play a significant role not only in energy metabolism but also retrograde signaling (mitochondria to nucleus) that modulates inflammation, complement, and apoptosis pathways. Maternally inherited mitochondrial (mt) DNA can be classified into haplogroups representing different ethnic populations that have diverse susceptibilities to diseases and medications. Methods: Transmitochondrial cybrids, where all cell lines possess identical nuclear genomes but either the H (Southern European) or J (Northern European) mtDNA haplogroups, were treated with cisplatin and analyzed for differential responses related to viability, oxidative stress, and expression levels of genes associated with cancer, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and resistance, apoptosis and signaling pathways. Results: The cisplatin-treated-J cybrids showed greater loss of cell viability along with lower levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to cisplatin-treated-H cybrids. After cisplatin treatment, J cybrids showed increased gene expression of BAX, CASP3, and CYP51A, but lower levels of SFRP1 compared to untreated-J cybrids. The cisplatin-treated-H cybrids had elevated expression of CDKN1A/P21, which has a role in cisplatin toxicity, compared to untreated-H cybrids. The cisplatin-treated H had higher transcription levels of ABCC1, DHRS2/HEP27, and EFEMP1 compared to cisplatin-treated-J cybrids. Conclusions: Cybrid cell lines that contain identical nuclei but either H mtDNA mitochondria or J mtDNA mitochondria respond differently to cisplatin treatments suggesting involvement of the retrograde signaling (from mitochondria to nucleus) in the drug-induced cell death. Varying toxicities and transcription levels of the H vs. J cybrids after cisplatin treatment support the hypothesis that mtDNA variants play a role in the expression of genes affecting resistance and side effects of cisplatin