Impact of Playing Action and Puzzle Video-games on Attention and Executive Function

Background: Video-game play has been shown to significantly affect visuo-spatial cognition, working memory,executive functions and information processing speed. However, scientific literature comparing the cognitivefunctions in players of different video-game genres is very limited.Objectives: Aim of the present study was to assess and compare the impact of playing action or puzzlevideo-games on response speed, sustained attention and executive functions in young adults.Materials & Methods: Fifty players each of action video-game (AVG) and puzzle video-game (PVG) wererecruited from medical undergraduate batches of the Institute. Cognitive functions were assessed by usingLetter cancellation test (LCT), Trail making test A and B (TMT-A&B) and Ruff figural fluency test (RFT).Results: Players of AVG took significantly less time (p<0.05) to complete both LCT and TMT-A as comparedto players of PVG. However, they had significantly higher (p<0.05) LCT errors in comparison to puzzle video-gamers, as their number of omissions and commissions were more. Performance of both the groups wascomparable in TMT-B task. PVG players were able to draw significantly more (p<0.05) number of dissimilarpatterns in RFT as compared to AVG players.Conclusion: Results indicate that playing action or puzzle video-games had a differential impact on cognitivefunctions of gamers. Response-speed was better in AVG players whereas, sustained attention and executivefunctions were better in PVG players. Given that both sustained attention and executive functioning skillsunderpins many areas of our lives including occupational, social and educational settings, future effortsaimed at improving these critical abilities through specific genres of video-game play can surely be explored.

Pattern of dermatologic manifestations in polycystic ovarian disease cases from a tertiary care hospital

Background: Dermatologists often play a significant role in its management. Cutaneous features of hyperandrogenism in Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have varied presentation. Aim of this study was the pattern of dermatologic manifestations in polycystic ovarian disease in northern Indian females.Methods: Patients registering for treatment of polycystic ovarian disease at Dermatology outpatients department during April 2016 to March 2017 formed the study population. Residents interviewed the study subjects at the OPD. General physical examination, systemic examination, breast and pelvic examination, along with detailed dermatological examination were conducting after taking the history. Hormonal analysis was performed after an overnight fasting using enzyme immunoassay.Results: FSH and LH levels were 5.05�86 IU/L and 8.14�21 IU/L respectively. Testosterone levels were found to be 61.01�.32 ng/dl. DHEAS levels among them were 130.05�.21?g/dl. Two commonest cutaneous manifestations were hirsutism and acne seen in 83.8% and 59.5% of subjects. Female pattern hair loss was seen in 45.6% females. Three most frequent hormonal abnormalities noted in our study subjects were raised L/H ratio, testosterone and LH levels seen in approximately 45%, 35% and 21% cases.Conclusions: The cutaneous manifestations of PCOS reserve a major role in its management by dermatologists. A lifestyle modification along with systemic treatment remains mainstay of treatment. Monitoring for the foreseen cardiovascular risks should start early to downgrade the morbidity

Rotavirus Infections in Children Vaccinated Against Rotavirus in Pune, Western India.

Objective: To characterize rotavirus infections detected in rotavirus vaccinated children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis. Design: Observational, hospital-based study. Setting: Three hospitals in Pune, Western India. Participants: Children aged <5 years hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis during 2013-14. Methods: Rotavirus capture ELISA was performed on all stool samples that were collected from patients following informed consent from parents. VP7 and VP4 genes of rotavirus strains were genotyped by multiplex RT-PCR. Stool samples from vaccinated children were tested for other enteric viruses. Results: Among the 529 children, 53 were vaccinated with at least one dose of the rotavirus vaccine. There was no difference in the mean (SD) (months) age of vaccinated [14.8 (10.6)] and unvaccinated [14.4 (10.5)] children. Rotavirus positivity was significantly higher (47%) in unvaccinated than in vaccinated (28.3%) children (P=0.01). Mean Vesikari score and severe cases were significantly more in rotavirus positive than in negative children within unvaccinated group (P<0.001), while these did not differ within the vaccinated group. Rotavirus strain G1P[8] was identified as the most prevalent strain in both, vaccinated (60%) and unvaccinated (72.8%) groups. No association was found between mean Vesikari score and viral coinfections. Conclusions: This study suggests decline in rotavirus positivity in rotavirus-vaccinated children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis and high prevalence of G1P[8] and non-rotaviral co-infections in Pune, Western India.

Correlation Between Mean Red Cell Transfusion Demand And Chelation Therapy In Multiply Transfused Thalassemia Major Patients.

Abstracts: Background & Objective: Life long red blood transfusion remains the main treatment for β thalassemia major patients. Transfusion-dependent patients, in the absence of chelation therapy, develop progressive accumulation of iron, which is responsible for tissue damage and, eventually, death. The factors, which influence the iron burden are type of chelation therapy and mean red cell transfusion requirement. Increasing red cell transfusion requirement, iron deposit and development of all antibodies complicates transfusion therapy in thalassemia patients. Aim is to investigate the patients for the red cell transfusion requirement compared on the basis of iron overload and type of chelation therapy. Methodology: Ninety eights patients were included in this study and samples collected and investigated for the red cell transfusion requirement, compared on the basis of iron overload and type of chelation therapy.Conclusion: Combination of two iron chelators (such as parenteral desferroxamine plus oral deferiprone) have been shown to produce additive and synergistic effects, may produce enhanced iron excretion, minimize side effects, decrease mean red cell transfusion requirement and improve compliance is strongly recommended in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients.

Prevalence and Incidence Of Transfusion Transmitted Infections Amongst VNRBDs In Central India.

Abstracts: Background: The aim of this study is to present the status of transfusion –transmitted infections among the apparently healthy donors so as to increase the awareness of complications of blood transfusion and make the clinicians more vigilant with regard to judicious use of blood. Methodology: A total of 15322 units of donor’s blood were screened from January 2008 to December 2010 at blood bank of C R Gardi Hospital and R D Gardi medical college. Results and Conclusion: The result of screening showed total seropositive samples for hepatitis B were 288 (1.88%), hepatitis C 52 (0.34%), human immunodeficiency virus 57 (HIV; 0.37% ) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test 135 (VDRL; 0.88%) by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA ) methods, and rapid plasma regain (RPR) method for syphilis.

Studies on Electrode Kinetics of Mixed Legand Complexes of Mn (11) In Dioxan At DME.

Mixed ligand complexes of Mn (11) with pyridines and halides and pseudohalides have been synthesised. The reduction of synthesised complexes at dropping mercury electrode in various percentage of dioxan have been studied. The reductions are diffusion controlled. Slope values indicate reduction to be irrversible. Kinetic parameters [K0 fh,αn &ε] have been calculated by Meites Isreal and Gaur Bhargava Methods. The effects of various compositions of dioxan have been investigated.

An ex vivo evaluation of the sealing ability of polydimethylsiloxane-based root canal sealers.

Aim: The aim was to study the sealing efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane‑based root canal sealers. Materials and Methods: Polydimethylsiloxane‑based root canal sealers were reviewed and subjected to an ex vivo study. A total of 60 extracted maxillary incisors were included in this study, which was conducted under two groups, Groups A and B, of 30 teeth each. In Group A, GuttaFlow and in Group B, RoekoSeal as sealers were used for obturation with Gutta‑percha cones after preparing canal with a step back technique. The criterion for evaluating sealing efficacy of the sealers was light absorption by spectrophotometer. The collected data were analyzed statistically using one‑way ANOVA test. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the mean leakage in Group B (0.1027) was significantly less than Group A (0.1649) (P < 0.001). RoekoSeal showed superior sealing ability. Conclusion: RoekoSeal had the better sealing ability than GuttaFlow and may be recommended for clinical use.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Spondias pinnata Kurz. Leaves\.

Aims: To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of various extracts of S. pinnata leaves. Study Design: Cold extraction of the leaves using various solvents followed by in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial assays. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 2011 to February 2012. Methodology: Dried leaves were powdered and extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol followed by screening for the presence of phytochemicals. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was evaluated using multiple in vitro models which included 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging assays and reducing power estimation. Ascorbic acid and quercetin were used as the reference antioxidants. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined using Folin– Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric method respectively. Antibacterial property of the extracts was evaluated against four gram-positive and four gram-negative bacteria using disc diffusion technique followed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) determination. Results: The extracts obtained in this study showed a varied level of scavenging activities. Ethanol extract exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity at tested concentrations. High scavenging activity was also observed with ethyl acetate extract while hexane extract showed poor antioxidant activity. The reducing power increased with increasing amounts of extract in all cases. Ethanol extract displayed the highest total phenolic content (27.76±1.11 mg GAE/g extract) while the highest flavonoid content was shown by ethyl acetate extract (86.53±1.95 mg QE/ g extract). Again, all the extracts showed antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 8.33±1.53 to 28.67±0.58 mm. The Lowest MIC and MBC values were found with ethanol extract which was 2.0 and 3.5 mg/ml respectively against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The results suggest that extracts of S. pinnata leaf may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for pharmaceutical application.

A prospective study for comparison of hematological parameters in healthy young adult and elderly age group subjects.

Aims & Objectives: This study of hematological parameters is the object of continuing intensive research of hematopoietic system to the functional integrity in aging. (1) Assessment of Hb, total RBC count in healthy young adult as well as in elderly subject.(2) Assessment of Hct & blood indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) in healthy young adult as well as in elderly subject.(3) Comparing the values of Hb & total RBC count in healthy young adult with the elderly subject.(4) Comparing the values of Hct & blood indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) in healthy young adult with the elderly subject.(5) To co-relate the results of present study with findings of other studies. Material & Methods: The hematological indices analysed were Hb, HCT, and Total RBC Count, Blood indices like MCV, MCH & MCHC. Hematological values were measured by the different method in laboratory with the use of standard test reagent. Results: In present study, the result shows that a significant decrease in Hb concentration and RBC count are associated with decrease in Hct, MCH, MCHC and little increase in MCV. Conclusion: In present study, the overall assessment shows that a significant decrease in Hb concentration, reticulocyte count and RBC count are associated with decrease in Hct, MCH, MCHC and little increase in MCV. These results show a significant decrease in haematological parameters in old age and fairly accurate reflection of decreased erythropoietic activity of bone marrow.

A comparative study of reticulocyte count in healthy young adult and elderly age group subjects.

Introduction: Aging process has been viewed as progressive decline in physiological process necessary for maintenance of a constant milieu interior and death as the ultimate failure to sustain homeostasis. Reticulocytes are juvenile red cell. It is flat non-nucleated disc shaped, slightly larger than mature erythrocyte .The number of reticulocyte present in the peripheral blood is a fairly accurate reflection of erythropoitic activity of bonemarrow. Normal values in young adult- 0.5 to 2.5% of total RBC count. The present study was conducted to find out changes in the reticulocyte count in the elderly subject. Aims: to uncover the effect of aging on reticulocyte count. Material and method: 90 subjects were divided into two groups, normal control group (n=30, mean age 35.83yrs) and elderly group (n=60, mean age62.55yrs). Reticulocyte counts were done by new Methylene Blue method. Result & Observations: significant decrease in reticulocyte count was observed in elderly group as compare to normal control group. Conclusion: our data suggests that aging may alter haematological parameters including reticulocyte count.

Autologous platelet gel and its clinical application.

Platelets are attracted to a wound or injury site stimulating the clotting and healing cascades. Degranulated platelets release numerous substances including proteins known as growth factors. Growth factors signal undifferentiated stem cells to the site, promote cell mitosis, and stimulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Cytokines, which attract neutrophils, are also released from platelet granules. Concentrating platelets 4x to 5x the baseline level accelerates the healing process. When platelet rich plasma is mixed with an activator, a platelet gel will form. Clinical applications of platelet gel are numerous. Some benefits include a marked decrease in post-surgical swelling and bruising, reduction in surgical site pain, elimination of drains, and acceleration of bone growth and soft tissue healing. Scientific publications support that autologous biomaterial accelerates the healing process.

Aging and its theories.

Several factors (the lengthening of the average and, to a lesser extent, of the maximum human life span; the increase in percentage of elderly in the population and in the proportion of the national expenditure utilized by the elderly) have stimulated and continue to expand the study of aging. Recently, the view of aging as an extremely complex multifactorial process has replaced the earlier search for a distinct cause such as a single gene or the decline of a key body system. This mini review keeps in mind the multiplicity of mechanisms regulating aging; examines them at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels; and explores the possibility of interactions at these three levels. The heterogeneity of the aging phenotype among individuals of the same species and differences in longevity among species underline the contribution of both genetic and environmental factors in shaping the life span. In this mini review, several theories are identified only briefly; a few (evolutionary, gene regulation, cellular senescence, free radical, and neuro-endocrineimmuno theories) are discussed in more detail, at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.

Effect of Partial Sleep Deprivation on Auditory Event Related Potential and Reaction Time in Medical Students.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of partial sleep deprivation on the cognitive status and alertness of medical students using auditory event related potential (ERP) and auditory reaction time (RT) using sleep questionnaire, Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), auditory ERP (P300) and RT. Sleep time was significantly shorter in the test condition as compared to the baseline values (p<0.001). Significantly higher values on the SSS (p<0.05) were found after sleep restriction. The P300 latency and amplitude significantly decreased (p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively) when the test values were compared to the baseline. RT also showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the test condition as compared to the baseline values. However, no significant correlation could be ascertained between SSS and P300 amplitude and latency as well as RT. This study demonstrates that partial sleep deprivation produces variable effects on the cognitive status of medical students as reflected by the decrease in P300 amplitude and latency. Alertness of medical students seemed to show an improvement as reflected by the decrease in RT.

Effect of sodium citrate ingestion on oxygen debt & exercise endurance during supramaximal exercise.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Administration of alkalinizing agents has been shown to improve performance in high intensity exercise. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether sodium citrate ingestion enhances supramaximal endurance performance on a cycle ergometer and to assess its effect on oxygen debt incurred for the same supramaximal energy output. METHODS: Ten untrained, healthy, males performed acute intense bicycle ergometry exercise in two sessions viz., without (control) and with sodium citrate ingestion (experimental) in a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight. Pre-exercise O2 consumption, pulse rate (PR) and respiratory rate (RR)/minute were recorded before both sessions. Exhaustion time (ET) was noted and work done calculated in the control session. Post-exercise PR and RR/min were also recorded in both sessions of study. Venous blood samples were drawn post-exercise and analysed for pH and lactate. O2 debt incurred was calculated in both sessions. RESULTS: Work output in supramaximal exercise averaged 69.40 +/- 15.31 Watts in the control session. None of the subjects in the experimental session complained of fatigue even when the exhaustion time noted in the control session was reached. Post-exercise tachycardia and tachypnoea were both significantly less (P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively) in subjects after the experimental session as compared to the control. O2 debt incurred and lowering of blood pH were also significantly less (P<0.001) in the post-citrate phase. However, serum lactate increased significantly (P<0.05) in subjects after the experimental session. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Ingestion of sodium citrate prior to supramaximal exercise resulted in a reduction in post exercise O2 debt incurred. Blood pH was almost normal despite a higher serum lactate concentration. This probably led to an enhancement in exercise performance.