Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Debregeasia salicifolia in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine syndrome characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abrogated insulin activity. The existing treatments for DM have side effects and varying degrees of efficacy. Therefore, it is paramount that novel approaches be developed to enhance the management of DM. Therapeutic plants have been accredited as having comparatively high efficacy with fewer adverse effects. The current study aims to elucidate the phytochemical profile, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects of methanolic extract D. salicifolia (leaves) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg kg-1, b.w), to induced diabetes in mice. The mice were divided into three groups (n=10). Group 1 (normal control) received normal food and purified water, Group II (diabetic control) received regular feed and clean water and group III (diabetic treated) received a methanolic extract of the plant (300 mg kg-1) for 28 days with a typical diet and clean water throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected to checked serum glucose and concentration of LDL, TC, TG. The extract demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity (P 0.05), whereas improvements in mice's body weight and lipid profiles were observed after treatment with the extract. This study establishes that the extract has high efficacy with comparatively less toxicity that can be used for DM management.

Resumo Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma síndrome endócrina caracterizada por níveis elevados de glicose no sangue devido à atividade anulada da insulina. Os tratamentos existentes para o DM têm efeitos colaterais e vários graus de eficácia. Portanto, é fundamental que novas abordagens sejam desenvolvidas para aprimorar o manejo do DM. As plantas terapêuticas foram acreditadas como tendo eficácia comparativamente alta com menos efeitos adversos. O presente estudo visa elucidar o perfil fitoquímico, efeitos anti-hiperlipidêmicos e antidiabéticos do extrato metanólico de D. salicifolia (folhas) em camundongos diabéticos induzidos por aloxana. Alloxan foi injetado por via intraperitoneal (150 mg kg-1, b.w), para induzir diabetes em camundongos. Os camundongos foram divididos em três grupos (n = 10). Grupo 1 (controle normal) recebeu ração normal e água purificada, Grupo II (controle diabético) recebeu ração regular e água limpa, e o grupo III (tratamento diabético) recebeu extrato metanólico da planta (300 mg kg-1) por 28 dias com uma dieta típica e água limpa durante todo o experimento. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para verificar a glicose sérica e a concentração de LDL, TC, TG. O extrato demonstrou atividade anti-hiperglicêmica significativa (P 0,05), enquanto melhorias no peso corporal e no perfil lipídico dos camundongos foram observadas após o tratamento com o extrato. Este estudo estabelece que o extrato tem alta eficácia com comparativamente menos toxicidade e pode ser usado para o controle do DM.

Advancements in Genetic Diversity and Genome Characteristics of Durians (Durio spp.)

Durian is one of the important fruit crops in Southeast Asia with its unique flavor and important economic benefits. Breeding programs have produced hundreds of different cultivars of durian. These cultivars are classified mainly by fruit and flower characteristics, which cannot be observed at the vegetative stage. Therefore, molecular biology is a powerful tool to approach and explore the genetic characteristics of durians. Many studies based on barcoded DNA and molecular markers have been conducted and valuable data have been exploited. Thanks to the advancement of sequencing technology, the plastid genome and the whole genome were sequenced in some durian cultivars. The data revealed reliable data on the structure and function of several genes. This review aims to update recent studies on the durian genome attributes and potential applications in the conservation of germplasm, authentication, and exploration of the gene structure and function of this specialty plant.

PERINEOTOMY CARE AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Every woman who became pregnant has to undergo the process of delivery. In normal process of delivery the baby is delivered per vagina, an episiotomy is performed by health care provider or midwife. Episiotomy is a surgically planned incision on the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall during the second stage of labour to enlarge the vaginal introits so as to facilitate easy and safe delivery of the fetus. Episiotomy may be advice in the situations such as inelastic perineum, fetal distress, and complicated birth, prolonged second stage of labor, instrumental vaginal delivery and previous perineal surgeries .There are four types of episiotomy: midline, mediolateral, lateral and J shaped. Care of episiotomy involves perineal care, sitz bath, infrared heat, perineal exercises, antiseptic ointments, cold and hot packs The REEDA scale is used for assessing the perineal healing. Complications of episiotomy include perineal discomfort, perineal pain, difficulty with breast feeding and walking, perineal bleeding, infection, wound dehiscence and dyspareunia

Chlorogenic acid derived from Moringa oleifera leaf as a potential antiinflammatory agent against cryptosporidiosis in mice

@#Cryptosporidiosis is a serious illness in immunodeficient patients, and there is still no drug that can completely remove the parasite from the host. The present study represents the first report investigating the impact of the active molecule chlorogenic acid (CGA), naturally isolated from Moringa oleifera leaf extract (EMOLE), on immunosuppressed, Cryptosporidium parvum-infected BALB/c mice. Mice were divided into five groups: normal mice, infected immunosuppressed mice, and infected immunosuppressed mice treated with EMOLE, CGA, and nitazoxanide (NTZ) drugs. Parasitological, immunological, and histopathological investigations were recorded besides differences in the mice’ body weight. Infected control mice showed elevated levels of oocyst shedding throughout the study. The EMOLE- and CGA-treated groups showed 84.2% and 91.0% reductions in oocyst shedding, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the drug control. The inflammatory markers IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the infected control group. Treatment with 300 mg/kg/day of EMOLE or 30 mg/kg/day of CGA significantly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the infected group, although they did not change significantly compared to the NTZ-treated group. Histopathology of intestinal sections showed inflammatory and pathological changes in the infected control group. Low-grade tissue changes and an obvious improvement in villi structure were seen in mice treated with CGA. This study highlighted the role of CGA, isolated and purified from EMOLE, as an effective anti-inflammatory agent in eradicating C. parvum infection.

Physiological and Subjective Measures of Anxiety with Repeated Exposure to Virtual Construction Sites at Different Heights

Background@#Occupational workers at altitudes are more prone to falls, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Acrophobia, height-related anxiety, and affected executive functions lead to postural instabilities, causing falls. This study investigated the effects of repeated virtual height exposure and training on cognitive processing and height-related anxiety. @*Methods@#Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (age 20.48 ± 1.26 years; mass 69.52 ± 13.78 kg) were recruited and tested in seven virtual environments (VE) [ground (G), 2-story altitude (A1), 2-story edge (E1), 4-story altitude (A2), 4-story edge (E2), 6-story altitude (A3), and 6-story edge (E3)] over three days. At each VE, participants identified occupational hazards present in the VE and completed an Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire (ATHQ) and a modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire (mSTAIQ). The number of hazards identified and the ATHQ and mSTAIQ scores were analyzed using a 7 (VE; G, A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, E3) x 3 (DAY; DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3) factorial repeated measures analysis of variance. @*Results@#The participants identified the lowest number of hazards at A3 and E3 VEs and on DAY 1 compared to other VEs and DAYs. ATHQ scores were lowest at G, A1, and E1 VEs. @*Conclusion@#Cognitive processing is negatively affected by virtual altitudes, while it improves with short-term training. The features of virtual reality, such as higher involvement, engagement, and reliability, make it a better training tool to be considered in ergonomic settings. The findings of this study will provide insights into cognitive dual-tasking at altitude and its challenges, which will aid in minimizing occupational falls.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification / Toxicidade e atividade larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti de óleo essencial de citronella submetido à esterificação enzimática

The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-¹ were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-¹ for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-¹ for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-¹ for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-¹ para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-¹ para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-¹ para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-¹ para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 g mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 g mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 g mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 g mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 g mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 g mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 g mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 g mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification / Toxicidade e atividade larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti de óleo essencial de citronella submetido à esterificação enzimática

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Comas non traumatiques chez l'adulte à l'Unité de soins intensifs du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sylvanus Olympio: à propos de 484 cas / Non-traumatic comas with the adult in the intensise care unit of the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital: concerning 484 cases

Introduction : Le coma non traumatique est une urgence médicale, relativement fréquente dont les différents aspects restent encore obscurs dans les services de réanimation en Afrique. Objectif : Cette étude avait pour but de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, étiologiques et pronostiques des comas non traumatiques (CNT). Méthodes : Il s'était agi d'une étude rétrospective descriptive menée au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sylvanus Olympio à l'Unité des Soins Intensifs (USI) de janvier 2018 à décembre 2019. Résultats : L'étude avait concerné 484 patients hospitalisés pour comas non traumatiques sur un total de 1835 patients. Les comas non traumatiques de l'adulte représentaient 26,4% des admissions à l'USI. L'âge moyen des patients était de 52,8 ans (extrêmes de 18 et 92 ans) avec une sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,94. Plus de la moitié des patients avait été référée de structures sanitaires périphériques (55,4%). L'hypertension artérielle (HTA) était l'antécédent le plus retrouvé dans 36,4% ; suivi du diabète et de l'infection au virus de l'immunodéficience acquise (VIH) dans 14,9% chacun. Le coma était de survenue brutale dans 77,7% des cas. Les étiologies des comas étaient dominées par les causes vasculaires dans 32,2% des cas, puis les causes infectieuses dans 27,3% des cas et les comas urémiques dans 14,1% des cas. Le pronostic était défavorable avec une mortalité de 68,6%. La première étiologie de décès concernait les causes vasculaires. Conclusion : L'amélioration du pronostic des comas non traumatiques passe nécessairement par une amélioration du plateau technique pour une meilleure prise en charge des patients

Introduction: The non-traumatic coma is a medical emergency relatively frequent which different aspects remain obscure in intensive care units in Africa. Goals: The aim of this study was therefore to describe the epidemiological, etiological and prognostic aspects of non-traumatic comas. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out at the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (USI) from January 2018 to December 2019. Results: The study involved 484 patients hospitalized for non-traumatic comas out of 1835 patients. Non-traumatic comas in adults were 26.4% of admissions in the Intensive Care Unit. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years of a sex ratio (M / F) of 0.94. More than half of patients (55.4%) were referred from peripheral care centers. Arterial hypertension was the most common antecedent found in 36.4%, followed by diabetes and the infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at 14.9% each. The coma was sudden aspect in 77.7% of the cases. Aetiologies of the comas were dominated by vascular causes in 32.2% of causes, then infectious in 27.3% of cases and uremic comas in 14.1% of cases. The prognosis was unfavorable with 68.6% mortality. The first etiology of death was related to vascular cases. Conclusion: The Improving of the prognosis of non-traumatic comas needs an improvement of modern medical technology for a better patient care.

Therapeutic assessment as a brief and intensive intervention for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, belching, and histrionic personality disorder: A case report

A 26-year-old female was hospitalized with complaints of repeated vomiting and weight loss (18 kg in 8 months); and incessant belching and nausea/regurgitation for 30 days subsequent to her COVID-19 treatment. After all the normal medical radiological reports, appropriate psychological and psychiatric evaluations were done. Incessant belching warranted a simple and flexible cognitive psychotherapy for histrionic personality with a therapeutic assessment technique. A total of 6 h of psychotherapy was delivered in three sessions. The belching and vomiting came down by 75% after the first extensive session, and almost 100% after the second session. However, mild belching reappeared, and after the termination-cum-booster session belching subsided till discharge and the first follow-up after 2 weeks

Histopathological Approach To The Diagnosis Of Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors At Uncommon Location

PARIPEX - INDIAN JOURNAL F RESEARCH |O December - 202Volume - 11 | Issue - 12 | 2 | PRINT ISSN No. 2250 - 1991 | DOI : 10.36106/paripex ABSTRACT Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are relatively common lesions that exhibit a wide morphological and biological spectrum. In the presence of classical morphological and immunohistochemical features, the histological diagnosis is usually straightforward, but they may represent diagnostic challenges. Schwannoma is a slow growing encapsulated tumor of neuroectodermal derivation that originates from the Schwann cells of the neural sheath. Most commonly presents as cerebellopontine angle mass but extracranial sites are known and needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Intraparotid and penile schwannomas are extremely rare. Their diagnosis could be missed on cytology due to cystic changes. Isolated plexiform neurofibroma of the tongue is again a rare tumor. Plexiform pattern recognition is important for the pathologist as these varients might show malignant transformation. Overall Fine needle aspiration cytology though inconclusive at times, help a lot initially to delineate between benign Vs malignant lesions. Moreover its minimally invasive so can be performed easily at the uncommon locations. Histopathology remains the gold standard. Clinicopathological and imaging correlation is must for definite diagnosis and treatment.

Study Of High-Speed Solar Wind Streams Events & Solar Proton Density During Solar Cycles 22 & 23.

A geomagnetic storms is a global disturbance in Earth's magnetic field usually occurred due to abnormal conditions in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) & solar wind plasma emissions caused by various solar phenomenon. 138 solar wind streams in solar cycle 22 & 173 solar wind streams in solar cycle 23, have been found, which are associated with proton density, observed during 1986 to 2010. We have analyzed & studied them statistically. We have found that yearly occurrences of geomagnetic streams are strongly correlated with proton density in 11-years sunspot cycle, but no significant correlation between the maximum & minimum phase of solar cycle 22 & 23 have observed

COMPARING AWARENESS ABOUT HIV/AIDS INFECTION AMONG MEDICAL AND NURSING STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 32 million lives so far. Medical and nursing students are future health care workers. Thus, medical and nursing students should be provided with detailed knowledge about HIV and related issues in order to provide high quality, nonjudgmental services that will engage key populations at risk of HIV. Study is done to estimate the awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among medical and nursing students and to compare the awareness associated with HIV/AIDS among medical and nursing students. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 259 medical and nursing students from a tertiary care hospital in Raichur city between 1st October 2019 to 31st January 2020, using a pre-designed, semi- structured questionnaire, after taking consent, the questionnaire was distributed to students which were answered by self administration. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi-square test and independent sample t test. Results: Out of 259 students, majority 160 (61.78%) belong to age 18 years, 147 (56.76%) were male, 212 (81.85%) were Hindus. 197 (76.06%) students were not attended any training programme on HIV/AIDS. Difference was found in medical and nursing students of their knowledge and Practices scores were statistically signi?cant i.e., P < 0.05.Conclusion: The medical students have high knowledge and practice scores compared to nursing students

Prevalence, clinical profile, and stroke risk of atrial fibrillation in rural Andhra Pradesh, India (the AP-AF study)

The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing worldwide. It is often asymptomatic, with stroke being the first manifestation in some. AF burden in the community and the practice of stroke prophylaxis has not been studied in India. The problem might be higher in rural regions due to poor health awareness and challenges to healthcare access. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AF, clinical profile and stroke risk in rural India. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study done in rural Andhra Pradesh (AP). Adults from 40 villages formed the study population. We did a door-to door survey to collect information on demographics, and medical history. Electrocardiogram was recorded using a smart phone based Alivecor device. Participants diagnosed with AF underwent echocardiogram. Study cardiologists assessed the cardiovascular risk profile and collected detailed medical history. Results: Fourteen of the 4281 individuals screened had AF (0.3%). The mean age of the sampled population was 44 ± 16.5 years with 56% women. The mean age of participants with AF was 71 ±7.8 years; males were 71%. Except for one, all were non-valvular AF. Majority had a CHA2D2S2Vasc score of 2. Three had history of stroke. Two were on anticoagulant therapy but without INR monitoring. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF is lower in this study compared to studies from the developed countries. Non-rheumatic cardiovascular risk factors were primary causes for AF. Non-adherence to stroke prophylaxis is a major threat that needs to be addressed

Co-Relation of Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Surgery For Carcinoma of Breast

Background: Breast malignancy is one of the highest ranked malignancy occurring among Indian females, overall incidence being 25 per 1, 00,000 females varying across different states. Breast cancer surgeries are one of the commonest surgeries being conducted which is considered to be a clean procedure pretending to be at lower risk of complications. However it is has been observed that patient develops surgical site infection at an increased rate approximately 19% which leads to poor quality of life, increased hospital stay and delay in commencement of adjuvant therapies. The aim is to Co-relate risk factors for surgical site infection in patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma of breast. The objective of this study was to observe the relation of surgical site infection and its associated risk factors in the patient undergoing surgery for carcinoma breast.Material & Methods:We analyzed 50 patients diagnosed with carcinoma breast and operated for the same in Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College & Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Patients were divided into two groups, Group A who develop surgical site infection and Group B who don抰 develop surgical site infection. All the predisposing factors including age, BMI, Addiction, co morbidity, Neo-adjuvant therapy, preoperative total leucocyte count were recorded. An observation was done with above mentioned risk factors and correlated with development of surgical site infection.Results:In our study we found that the risk factors associated with surgical site infection post breast cancer surgeries were age, BMI, co morbidity, Addiction and Neo-adjuvant therapy.Conclusions:Patients of Age more than 50years or who underwent Mastectomy or having associated co-morbidity with co-relation to Smoking & BMI more than 30, with Increased TLC count or who have received Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy are associated with increased risk of SSI following breast surgery which has led to increased hospital stay. There are many other studies who also concluded the relation of above factors with development of SSI post breast surgery, however further research is needed to elucidate the effect of prior manipulation and radiation therapy in development of SSI.

Ethno-botanical Survey and Chemical Study of Medicinal Plants Traditionally used to Treat Anemia in Yakoma Territory (Nord Ubangi), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Aims of the Study: To identify plant species traditionally used to treat anemia in Yakoma territory and to evaluate their chemical composition. Place and Duration: Yakoma Territory (survey) and University of Kinshasa (Phytochemical study), from August and October 2019. Methods: Ethnobotanical survey according to the "snowball" sampling technique among traditional healers (based on the free consent of the respondents), chemical analyses of plant materials (chemical screening, TLC, phytomarkers content, minerals composition) according to standard methods. ED-XRF was used for mineral analysis. Microsoft Excel version 2010, Origin version 8.5 Pro and IBM SPSS statistics version 20 software packages were used for data processing and analysis. Results and Discussion: The survey showed that 18 plant species are traditionally used by Ngbandi traditional healers to treat anemia in Yakoma territory. They belong to 16 families and 17 genera. The most used organs are the leaves (68.4%) and the roots (10.5%). Decoction and infusion are the most used mode of preparation (33.3% each), followed by cooking (22.2%) and maceration (11.1%). The oral route (77.8%) is the most used mode of administration followed by the enema (16.7%) and the anal route (5.6%). Morphological types consist of herbs and trees (33.3% each) and shrubs and lianas (16.7% each). The biotope types consist of forest plants (44.4%), cultivated plants/Crops (38.9%), marshy ground plants (11.1%) and ruderal plants (5.6%). These plants belonging to five biological types: erected therophytes (44.4%), mesophanerophytes (27.8%), microphanerophytes and climbing phanerophytes (11.1% each) and lianescent phanerophytes (5.56%). These anti-anemic plant species are mostly Pantropical and Afro-tropical (39% of species each) followed by Guineo-Congolese (17% of species) and American (5%). Chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids and various minerals including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Conclusion: In the current state of knowledge, the survey of anemic plants from this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reported for the first time.

Performance & clinical utility of oropharyngeal versus nasopharyngeal swabs in COVID-19

Background & objectives: The oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples are the most recommended clinical specimens for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in an individual through the quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) method. The primary objective of this study was to compare the performance of NP and OP swabs for the diagnosis of COVID-19 among 2250 concomitant samples (1125 NP + 1125 OP) using rRT-PCR test. Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in southern India. The study compared the specificity and efficacy of the two samples (NP & OP swabs) in 1125 individuals suspected having COVID-19 infection. The rRT-PCR values from all the samples were compared based on gender, age group and viral load. The differences between unmatched proportion and matched proportion were analysed. Agreement between the two methods was assessed using Kappa statistic. Absolute sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for OP and NP swabs were analysed. Results: The study identified a fair degree of agreement between OP and NP swabs in diagnosis of COVID-19 (kappa = 0.275, P<0.001). There was also a fair degree of agreement between NP and OP swabs irrespective of gender, age or duration of symptoms. NP swabs had better sensitivity and NPV as compared to OP swabs, however, specificity and PPV were 100 per cent for both. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study showed that both OP and NP swabs had similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting the presence of SARS-CoV-2.

DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING COMMON ERRORS IN TENSE IN ENGLISH AMONG NINTH STANDARD STUDENTS

This descriptive study aims to find out the differential effect of gender, residential locale and medium of instruction on the errors made by the ninth grader students in the usage of English tenses. Three null hypotheses were tested by collecting data from a random sample of 291 ninth grade students from schools in Coimbatore district. The English Tense Error Analysis Test was administered to find out the common errors committed by the students in using the language. Independent sample t-test revealed significant differential effect of gender, residential locale and medium of instruction on common errors in English tense usage of ninth grade students. Boys compared to girls, rural students compared to urban students and Tamil medium students compared to English medium students make significantly high mistakes in English tense.

Assessment of heart rate variability among individuals with different risk levels for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Cardiac autonomic function is altered in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals. It is evidenced by decreased heart rate variability (HRV). Decreased HRV results in cardiac autonomic neuropathy and increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Identifying individuals with high risk for T2DM can be an important approach to prevent or delay T2DM complications. In India, the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) questionnaire was developed for screening Indian population. To the best of our knowledge, there are no data available evaluating HRV among adults with different risk levels for T2DM (categorized using IDRS). Aim and Objective: In our study, we evaluated HRV among adults with different risk levels for T2DM. Materials and Methods: This study was done in the Department of Physiology, MAPIMS. It is a cross-sectional study done on 130 male and female staffs, attenders, and laboratory technicians working in MAPIMS. All the participants will be asked to complete the IRDS questionnaire. Then, based on the IRDS score, they are divided into Groups I, II, and III. In all the three groups, 5 min short-term HRV will be recorded using RMS Polyrite. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 version software. One-way ANOVA was used to find any statistical difference between the groups. Correlations between the variables were done using Pearson correlation test. Results: Statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference in HRV between different risk levels for diabetes was determined by one-way ANOVA and the post hoc (Dunn’s) test revealed that HRV levels were significantly reduced in high risk, moderate risk when compared to mild risk group. Conclusion: HRV levels reduced as the risk for diabetes increased, that is, HRV negatively correlated with the risk score.

Agents causing genital infections in routine cytological tests: frequency and characteristics of Papanicolaou smears / Agentes causadores de infecções genitais em exames citológicos de rotina: frequência e características dos esfregaços de papanicolaou

Urinary tract infections are responsible for most human infections, these are caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and associated microorganisms. The goal of this study was to determine the rate of vaginal infection-causing agents in routine cytological exams and also to evaluate the characteristics of positive tested Pap smears. A retrospective documental with descriptive aspect research was performed in a Clinical Pathology laboratory from Maceió-AL. The results of the Pap smears exams for Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida spp and HPV were arranged in a database as well as other data such as bacterial, protozoan, fungal and viral coinfections. The sample was composed by 18.645 women who have undergone Pap smear exams from 2013 to 2017. Of these analyzed exams, 27.4% in 2013, 10.9% in 2014, 10.6% in 2015, 15.2% in 2016 and 13.67% in 2017 were within normal range, however more than half of these exams presented some infections caused by unspecific or microbiological agents. By analyzing all the reports, 4.073 (21.84%) presented inflammations caused by some species of infectious agent with the following rate order: G. vaginalis and T. vaginalis. Furthermore, it was possible to confirm high rates of coinfection by and Candida spp. The rate of genital infections in this study highlights that there is a public health matter that must be controlled, which points a greater need for monitoring, guidance and actions towards greater awareness in order to prevent these problems.

Infecções do trato urinário são responsáveis pela maior parte das infecções humanas, sendo causadas por bactérias, fungos, protozoários, e por microrganismos associados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a frequência de agentes causadores de infecções vaginais nos exames citológicos de rotina, bem como avaliar as características dos esfregaços positivos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa do tipo documental retrospectiva de aspecto descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, em um Laboratório de Patologia Clínica de Maceió-AL. Nesse sentido, os resultados dos exames colpocitológicos para Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida spp e HPV foram organizados em um banco de dados, contendo os resultados para estes agentes, bem como a coinfecção bacteriana, protozoária, fúngica e viral. A amostra foi composta por 18.645 mulheres que realizaram exame colpocitológico, no período de 2013 a 2017. Destes exames analisados 27,4% em 2013, 10,9% em 2014, 10,6% em 2015, 15,2% em 2016 e 13,67% em 2017, estavam dentro do limite da normalidade, porém mais que a metade desses exames analisados apresentou algumas infecções causadas por agentes inespecíficos ou microbiológicos. Do total de laudos analisados, 4.073 (21,84%), apresentaram inflamações causadas por algum tipo de agente infeccioso, com a seguinte ordem de frequência: G. vaginalis, e T. vaginalis. Além disto, foi possível confirmar a elevada frequência de coinfecção entre G. vaginalis e Candida spp. Os índices de infecções genitais nesse trabalho mostram que há um problema de saúde pública que deve ser controlado, apontando uma necessidade maior de acompanhamento, orientações e de ações para uma maior conscientização para prevenir esses problemas.