Biochemical Evaluation of Withania Somnifera Root Powder on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the biochemical effect of Withania somnifera Linn. Solanaceae, commonly known as ashwagandha on adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Results were compared to Indomethacin, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Arthritis was induced by an intra dermal injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (0.1 ml) into the right hind paw of Wistar albino rats. Withania somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg/day) and Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 days (from 11th to 18th day) after adjuvant injection. After the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed and serum, liver and spleen samples were collected for further biochemical analysis. A significant increase in the activities of gluconeogenic enzymes, tissue marker enzymes, blood glucose level, WBC, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and acute phase proteins (hyaluronic acid, fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin) was observed in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, whereas the activities of glycolytic enzymes, body weight, levels of hemoglobin, RBC count, and packed cell volume were found to be decreased. These biochemical alterations observed in arthritic animals were ameliorated significantly after the administration of Withania somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg/b.wt) and Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/b.wt). Our results suggest that Withania somnifera root powder is capable of rectifying the above biochemical changes in adjuvant arthritis and it may prove to be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis

Forefinger direction based haptic robot control for physically challenged using MEMS sensor

The ability to feel the world through the tools we hold is Haptic Touch. The sensory element that will transform information into experience by remotely interacting with things is challenging. This paper deals with design and implementation of fore finger direction based robot for physically challenged people. The design of the system includes microcontroller, MEMS sensor and RF technology. The robot system receives the command from the MEMS sensor which is placed on the fore finger at the transmitter section. Robot will follow the direction in which we show our Forefinger. The path way of the robot may be either point-to-point or continuous. This sensor can be able to detect the direction of Forefinger and the output is transmitted via RF transmitter. In the receiver section RF receiver which receives corresponding signal will command microcontroller to move robot in that particular direction. Therefore the simple control mechanism of the robot is shown. Experimental results for fore finger based directional robot are enumerated

Effect of pre harvest application of boron and zinc on post harvest quality and vaselife of carnation

The study was conducted to determine the effect of pre harvest spray of micronutrients like boron, zinc and its combination on post harvest quality and vase life of carnation. Post harvest quality of flowers like flower stalk length (65.61 cm) was maximum in the plant treated with zinc (0.3 per cent), and calyx splitting (3.12 per cent) was minimum in the plants treated with boron (0.1 per cent). Flower diameter (6.64 cm) was highest with boron (0.1 per cent) + zinc (0.3 per cent) treatment. Plants without micronutrient treatment produced poor quality flowers. Regarding vase life studies maximum water uptake and minimum transpiration loss from first day to sixteenth day was resulted in the flowers which are obtained from the plant treated with boron (0.1 per cent). The maximum fresh weight of the flower was noticed in combination of boron (0.1 per cent) + zinc (0.3 per cent) from first to sixteenth day. The foliar spray of boron (0.1 per cent) recorded maximum vase life (11.05 days). So the good quality of flowers can be improved by the foliar spray of zinc, calyx splitting can be controlled by boron foliar spray and vase life of the flower can be maintained by foliar spray of boron. It is confirmed that the foliar application of micronutrient is very much helpful for the improvement of post harvest quality and vase life of carnation

Antecedents of Job Satisfaction among Intimate Partner Violence Shelter Staff: Coworker Relational Maintenance Strategies, Communication Satisfaction, Burnout and Organizational Commitment

poster abstractThis study sought to extend prior research by examining the prevalence of relational maintenance strategies between coworkers and the impact of such strategies on work related attitude of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, communication satisfaction, and burnout with work. The targeted samples for this research were the employees of a battered women’s shelter located in Indianapolis, Indiana. A questionnaire was constructed that included established scales in order to measure independent and dependent variables. The questionnaires were distributed among the employees and 47.82% agreed to participate in this study. Regression analyses were conducted to analyze the collected data. The findings indicated the importance of assurances and conflict management among staffs in mitigating their job stresses and increasing their personal accomplishment, communication satisfaction, organizational commitment and job satisfaction

Evaluating self care management skills among adult asthmatics: A randomized controlled study

When you can\u27t breathe, nothing else matters , is the mantra of American Lung Association. Asthma is the most prevalent, chronic respiratory disorder that can impair the quality of life of individuals if not controlled appropriately. Though the scientific, pharmaceutical, technological advancements brought notable advancements in the therapeutic strategies, asthma still remains uncontrolled with raising prevalence. Asthma management remains to be the public health challenge globally, especially in developing countries like India. Aim: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of structured educational nursing intervention on self care management of Bronchial asthma. Methods: Study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching on Peak flow monitoring and Right way of Using Inhalers and Deep breathing and coughing exercises in asthma management. Design: Experimental Pre test-post test control group design was chosen. Sample were selected randomly in to experimental (n=100) and control (n=50) groups. The Pre-test means between experimental (7.030) and control (6.500) groups were not much significant. There is a significant improvement within the pre test (mean 3.81; S.D 1.656) and Post test scores in the experimental group (mean 6.91/S.D 0.831) in use of inhalation technique. The post test means between experimental (6.94) and control groups (4.92) supports the significant enhancement in the performance of inhaler use. Knowledge of the experimental group after asthma education is significantly raised in both Peak flow meter use (mean 3.5 and 7.71) and Deep breathing and coughing exercises (mean scores of 4.79 and 9.3). Conclusion: Patient education to equip them with self management skills yields behavior modification to make asthma management effective

Gender-based sexual and reproductive health among urban adolescent students in South India

Session presented on Monday, November 9, 2015 and Tuesday, November 10, 2015: Adolescence is stated as the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, which starts with the onset of puberty. It comprises the individuals between the ages of ten to nineteen years. It is a stage of behavioral and attitude formation. Sensitization and appropriate guidance helps them to take right decisions and develop healthy behaviors. Adolescent health needs are unique. If they are not well guided, they are likely to experiment with risky behavior that could harm them and others. Aim: The study aimed to assess the Knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and Gender perceptions among school going adolescents. Methodology: 150 Adolescent students between age group of 13 - 18 years were chosen by random sampling. Single group pre test post test design was used. Structured questionnaire on identification data, gender attributes and attitudes and sexual and reproductive health was administered before and after the Educational program. Findings: Gender equality scores indicate 13% students were highly gender equitable, 52% with moderate gender equality scores and 25% were with low gender equitable scores in the pre test. After the intervention, 78% were with higher gender equality scores and 22% with moderate scores. 56% of girls and 32% of boys have reported experience of some sort of violence and 12% of them denied of experiencing any sort of violence. Conclusion: Gender balanced adolescent friendly health care approach is the need of the hour. Parents, Teachers and health care providers need to be sensitized about Gender balanced adolescent reproductive and sexual health

Indian buffalo meat exports: Issues of growth, instability, concentration

Meat exports is an important product in the Indian livestock export basket, the predominant form being buffalo meat. An attempt has been done in this paper to analyse performance of buffalo meat export from India for the period 1996 to 2014. The compound growth rates, market concentration and instability indices of the Indian buffalo meat export were analyzed. The quantity and value of buffalo meat export from India increased by 13.61 and 22.48% respectively over the period, largely aided by the rapid growth of meat sector. The study concentrates on major markets viz., Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Philippines, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China, Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran), Jordan since more than 75% of the buffalo meat exports from India were to these markets. Results showed high and positive growth of Indian buffalo meat export in terms of quantity, value and unit value for the period of study. Slight degree of instability in Indian buffalo meat export was revealed using Coppock's instability index (CII). The study revealed that India's buffalo meat export was concentrated mainly to those countries, which is either less desirable (low growth and high risk) or least desirable (low growth and low risk) which is undesirable from point of economic growth of the country. There was evidence of market diversification of Indian buffalo meat export fromtraditional importing countries to other countries

Genetic Variability in Indian Spinach (Basella alba L.)

Evaluation of eleven germplasm lines of the Indian spinach (basella) revealed maximum leaf weight/plant in IIHR-1 (160.5g), followed by IIHR-18 (111.6g) and IIHR-3 (98.3g). Results of genetic studies revealed that phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits studied, indicating environmental influence on expression of these characters. Moderate heritability along with high genetic advance was recorded for leaf weight and total plant weight, indicating the presence of additive gene effects. Hence, selection can be employed for improvement of these characters in basella. Higher plant weight was found to be significantly and positively associated with branch number, leaf number, leaf weight and stem weight. Leaf number had the maximum direct positive effect on total plant weight, followed by leaf length. Indirect effects of other characters through these characters were also seen to be positive. Thus, for yield improvement in basella, emphasis may be laid on indirect selection through leaf characters like leaf number, leaf length and leaf weight

Characterization, inheritance of male sterility and development of male sterile and maintainer lines in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.)

Two male sterile mutants IIHRRG-12MS (long fruited) and IIHRRG-28MS (medium long fruited) were identified from the ridge gourd germplasm IIHR-12 and IIHR-28 respectively at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. These two male-sterile (ms) sources were characterized by the production of rudimentary male flowers in the racemes in contrast to the bright yellow flowers with fertile pollen and healthy anthers in male fertile, monoecious plants. Using these ms lines the inheritance of male sterility was worked out, which is cytoplasmic genic male sterility (CGMS) type, with single dominant gene either in homozygous or heterozygous condition restoring male fertility in the presence of sterile cytoplasm. In order to develop F1 hybrids using male sterility, several male sterile and maintainer lines were developed in different genetic back grounds such as green/dark green fruit colour and short/medium long/long fruit length