Video Call-based Fitness Assessment shows Poor Fitness in People with Type II Diabetes: Findings from Diabefly Digital Therapeutics Program

Aim: To study the efficacy of uptitrating the dose of Teneligliptin from 20 to 40 mg in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Method: A retrospective, comparative analysis was undertaken in 853 type II diabetes mellitus patients (499 males and 354 females) who had follow-up records for more than 6 months. These patients were uncontrolled after use of atleast three oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and Teneligliptin 20 mg was added as the fourth drug. Patients who remained uncontrolled with the addition of 20 mg of Teneligliptin at the end of 3 months and were switched to receive 40 mg of Teneligliptin daily were included in this study. Results were analyzed at 3 and 6 months to ascertain efficacy of high-dose (40 mg) Teneligliptin. All other OADs remained the same in both groups. In all patients, the fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) were evaluated and compared. Result: A total of 853 patients whose dose of Teneligliptin was increased from 20 to 40 mg were included in the study. At the end of 3 months after using Teneligliptin 40 mg, mean reduction in HbA1C was 0.5% (p-value 0.154). Similarly, mean reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) was 6.5 and 3.6 mg/dL, respectively (p-value 0.234 and 0.143). At the end of 6 months after using Teneligliptin 40 mg HbA1C showed no change but mean FBS and PPBS showed a modest reduction of 14.6 and 14 mg/dL, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of our study show that there was no statistically significant improvement in glycemic parameters when dose of Teneligliptin was increased from 20 to 40 mg at 3 months. But at 6 months, the FBS and PPBS showed a modest reduction of 14.6 and 14 mg/dL, respectively (p-value < 0.001) but the HbA1C showed no change

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

MUCORMYCOSIS- A CHALLENGE TO DIAGNOSE

Mucormycosis, an angioinvasive fungal infection of the order Mucorales became very common due to COVID-19 pandemic situation in maxillofacial clinic still remained much undiagnosed disease due to patient’s other complaints and lack of history given.We shall be discussing about such case in this paper.

Estimation of prostate size by trans-rectal ultrasound and its correlation with DRE and endoscopic grading

Aim: Digital rectal examination (DRE) grading and the grade of prostatomegaly on cystoscopy are routinely used in clinical practice, but its correlation to prostate volume is understudied. This study was done to assess the correlation of DRE and endoscopic grading with the prostate volume on trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS). Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 101 eligible patients with prostatomegaly. Each patient was evaluated for three parameters, prostate volume by TRUS examination, DRE and endoscopic grading on cystoscopy. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to find the correlation between variables, p<0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Data were analyzed using the Epi Info (TM) 7.2.2.2. Results: Significant positive correlation (p<0.001) was found between TRUS Volume and DRE grading (Pearson Correlation=0.945) and TRUS volume and Endoscopic grading (Pearson Correlation=0.949). Both the grading were also significantly positively correlated (Pearson Correlation=0.989, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our attempt for correlating the digital rectal grading and endoscopic grading with prostate volume is satisfactorily validated in the clinical setting. These grades are sufficient to provide a rough estimation of the prostate volume and to classify patients with prostatomegaly.

Mortality in Cervical Spine Injury: A Study in a Tertiary Health Care Center in India

Introduction: Cervical spine injury is a common injury worldwide. When cervical cord is also affected, it is the most devastatinginjuries due to poor recovery and disabling consequences. The management is still in the process of continuous evolution. However,even after so much ongoing research, there is no satisfactory treatment which can give complete restoration of the function.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out as an observational study and had both prospective and retrospectivecomponents. The patient with cervical spine quadriplegia coming to the Department of Orthopedics as well as the bodies of thedeceased with quadriplegia at the Department of Jurisprudence, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, BanarasHindu University, over a period of 2 years from June 2005 to June 2007 were included in the study.Results: A total of 92 patients of traumatic quadriplegia were admitted in orthopedics ward from May 2005 to June 2007. Ofthis, 44 patients expired either during the hospital stay or during follow-up period, a maximum of 6 months. The results arewell depicted in tables.Conclusion: There must be a training of primary health center staffs regarding the role of cervical immobilization duringtransportation to a hospital and also for rapid transportation of a cervical spine injury patient to a respective well-equippedhospital. The trained nursing staffs and a team approach along with well-equipped intensive care unit must be constituted forthe management of traumatic quadriplegia patients.

A qualitative study on the perceptions of patients with vesicovaginal fistula

Background: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a grave complication of gynecological surgeries and vaginal deliveries, leading to physical, psychological, and social implications. In India, due to the high patient turnover, it is not uncommon to find such patients in every region. While various works elaborate the surgical aspect of VVF, there is a dearth of literature on qualitative research. Objective: This study was done to better understand the impact of physical, psychological, and social factors on the lives of patient with VVF. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the department of urology at a tertiary care hospital. It was a descriptive qualitative study that involved audio recorded in-depth interviews of 18 such patients followed by their transcription and qualitative data analysis. Results: We identified five major categories from the transcripts, namely, understanding of the disease, initial reaction of the patient, reaction of the husband and family, personal and physical discomfort, and social implications. While majority of the perceptions were also reported in the previous studies, we found some unique perceptions in the form of false perception of urine leak from urethra in spite of vagina and blaming, the birth of female child for bad luck was found in our study. Another favorable unique response not noted in other studies was excellent family support in half of the patients. Conclusion: Our study supports the idea that VVF has far deeper implications other than physical discomfort. This study promotes wholesome management of patients, family, and society using a multidisciplinary approach.

Effects of curcumin on cardiovascular risk factors in obese and overweight adolescent girls: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Obese adolescents are at higher risk of development of cardiovascular risk factors and obesity in later life. Dietary intake of antioxidants, particularly curcumin, as an active ingredient of turmeric extract, may have noticeable effects on obesity and its important complications such as cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial; Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: 60 adolescent girls (aged 13-18 years) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or intervention. The adolescents were asked to consume one 500 mg tablet per day, containing either standardized 95% turmeric extract or placebo, and to undergo a weight maintenance or a mild weight loss diet for 10 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were assessed at the baseline and the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Curcumin supplementation had beneficial effects on body mass index (P = 0.019), waist circumference (P = 0.008), hip circumference (P = 0.030), high-density lipoprotein levels (P = 0.042) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio (P = 0.021). However, in univariate analysis of covariance, no significant differences were found between the intervention and placebo groups after 10 weeks of supplementation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of curcumin supplementation along with use of a slight weight loss diet might have beneficial effects on some cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adolescents. Larger clinical trials with higher curcumin doses and longer duration are needed to confirm the results from the current study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20171107037302N1

Comparative assessment of chronological, dental, and skeletal age in children

Background: Age of a child can be assessed from various parameters such as chronological age, height, weight, secondary sexual characteristics, skeletal age, or dental age. The present study was planned to assess and compare chronological age with dental age (Demirjian's method and Willem's method) and skeletal age (Fishman's method). Materials and Methods: The present study was done on a sample of 100 children in the age group of 9–14 years. The chronological age was computed through the birth certificates and dental age was calculated from their orthopantomograms (OPGs) using Demirjian's and Willem's methods. Hand-wrist radiograph of the left hand was used to compute skeletal age using Fishman's method. Paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated as a part of statistical analysis at a significance level of P < 0.01. Results: The mean chronological age among the group was 12.37 ± 1.34 years, the mean dental age by Demirjian's method was 12.36 ± 1.72 years, the mean dental age by Willem's method was 12.36 ± 1.51, and the mean skeletal age by Fishman's method was 13.03 ± 1.34 years. Out of the all methods evaluated in the study, Fishman's method of age estimation showed the least value of correlation coefficient (r = 0.728) with the chronological age, whereas Willem's method showed the maximum correlation with the chronological age (r = 0.885). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that the dental age estimation evaluated by the digital OPG by both the methods, that is, Demirjian's method and Willem's method, has shown high accuracy when applied to the children of Faridabad. Skeletal maturation evaluated by Fishman's method using hand-wrist radiographs was found to overestimate the age when compared to chronological age in both the sexes.

Management of Fracture Distal Femur Using Retrograde Supracondylar Nail: A Prospective Analysis at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: In the past two decades, the open reduction andinternal fixation has gained good result in the management ofdistal femur fractures. The present study has been undertakento evaluate the overall functional outcome of patients treatedby supracondylar nail.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted atDepartment of Orthopaedics, Teerthanker Mahaveer MedicalCollege and Research Centre, Moradabad, UP, India. All thepatients admitted in the department of Orthopaedics withfracture distal femur and managed by intramedullarysupracondylar nail were included. Final assessment of resultswas done based on modified Mehrotra's grading based on theassessment of the final functional results and also taking intoconsideration, the complications if any.Results: Average duration between injury and surgery was3.38 days. In only 8% of the cases open reduction by additionalparapatellar incision was required. Average duration of surgerywas 52.6 minutes. Most common complication we encounteredwas knee stiffness in 16 cases followed by local symptom atdistal screw site in 12 cases. Superficial infection was seen in 9& deep infection in 2 cases. In 2 cases shortening was morethan 2.5 cm. Average range of movement at the knee joint inour series was 110.93 with 40 cases having full range ofmovement. Final results were excellent in 61 of the cases.Good in 23% Fair in 11%, Poor in 5%.Conclusion: Finally we conclude that intramedullarysupracondylar nail should be the treatment of choice for distalfemoral fractures. As it has all the advantages of closedtreatment like minimal blood loss, less soft tissue stripping,preservation of fracture haematoma and minimalcomplications. This operation is particularly suited for Type A,C1 & C2 types of fractures as shown by the final functionalresults of this study.

Primary Leiomyosarcoma Of Kidney In A Young Adult

Primary renal leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an extremely rare tumor constituting to <2% of all malignant renal tumors. Here, we present the case of a 28-year-old female with a right lower polar renal tumor, who underwent partial nephrectomy which on microscopy suggested LMS. Due to the lack of a follow-up protocol and low survival rates, regular imaging and a multidisciplinary approach were considered in the patient

Effective Debridement And Subsequent Obturation Of Tooth With Morphoanatomic Variations In Non Syndromic Patients– A Series Of 3 Case Reports

Taurodontism is a morphoanatomical anomaly of teeth characterised by enlarged pulp chamber with apically displaced pulp chamber floor and furcation.Endodontic treatment of a taurodont is challenging and requires special handling because of proximity and apical displacement of roots. In performing root canal treatment on such teeth, one should appreciate the complexity of the root canal system, canal obliteration and configuration, and the potential for additional root canal systems. Careful exploration of the grooves between all orifices particularly with magnification, use of ultrasonic irrigation; and a modified filling technique are of particular use. This paper presents three case reports on diagnosis and successful endodontic management of hypertaurodontic teeth, in non-syndromic patients

Platelet function tests: A 5-year audit of platelet function tests done for bleeding disorders in a tertiary care center of a developing country

Introduction: The platelet function disorders remain largely undiagnosed or incompletely diagnosed in developing nations due to lack of availability of tests like lumiaggregometry, granule release assay or molecular testing. We performed a retrospective analysis of all the platelet function test (PFT) carried out in past 5 years by Light transmission aggregometery (LTA) using a panel of agonist. The indications and the test results were analyzed by two hematopathologist with the aim to look into the present diagnostic facilities or lack of it for correct diagnosis. This is essential for better management and genetic counselling. Materials and Methods: The PFT was performed both on patients and healthy unrelated age specific controls by light transmission aggregometry on Chronolog platelet aggregometer using platelet rich plasma. The panel of agonists included ADP (10?m/l and 2.0 ?m/l), epinephrine (10.0 ?m/l), collagen (2?g/ml), arachidonic acid (0.75 mM) and ristocetin (1.25 mg/ml & 0.25 mg/l). Results: The 5 years records of 110 cases were audited, 101 of these were tested for clinical bleeding , 35 adults and 66 children. The adults included 29 women and 6 men, 17 to 82 years of age. The children were 16 years to 3 months of age, 30 girls and 36 boys. Platelet function test abnormality was found in 31.6% (32/101) cases ,a majority remained undiagnosed of these about 21% had clinically significant bleeding.The cases diagnosed included Glanzmann Thromboasthenia-11 , von Willebrand Disease-6, Bernard Soulier'syndrome-1, storage pool disorder-6, mild defect of Epinephrine-3, isolated defect with collagen in1. Conclusion: An epidemiologically large proportion of platelet function disorders amongst people living in developing nations remain undiagnosed. This lacunae needs to be highlighted and addressed on larger scale. The options available are to increase the available armamentarium of tests or international collaboration with a specialized laboratory to aid in complete diagnosis.

Regulation of toxic contents of smokeless tobacco products

Effective regulation of contents of tobacco products is one of the primary milestones to reduce negative health effects associated with the use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. As per the available sources, testing of some SLT products has been done on ad hoc basis, but there is a lack of comprehensive and periodic analysis of these products. In addition, the available results indicate huge variations among the levels of pH, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, N-nitrosonornicotine, benzo[a]pyrene, heavy metals and nicotine within different products as well as within different brands of the same product. This review was aimed to throw light on the variations and gaps in testing of SLT products and emphasize the need for strong policy regulation for monitoring the chemical constituents of these products.

A review of trade practices of smokeless tobacco products in terms of prohibition on sale, manufacturing & importation in Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ratified Parties

Background & objectives: Over the past decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has served as a powerful tool to initiate and advance global tobacco control efforts. However, the control strategies have mainly targeted demand-side measures. The goal of a tobacco-free world by 2040 cannot be achieved if the supply-side measures are not addressed. This analysis was undertaken to examine the tobacco control legislations of various Parties ratifying WHO FCTC with an objective to ascertain the status of prohibition of importation, sale and manufacturing of smokeless tobacco products. Methods: All 180 Parties to WHO FCTC were included for the study. A comprehensive database of all the parties to FCTC was created and tobacco control legislations and regulations of all parties were studied in detail. Results: Overall, the sale of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products was prohibited in 45 Parties. Eleven Parties prohibited manufacturing of SLT products and six Parties imposed a ban on importation of SLT products. Australia, Bhutan, Singapore and Sri Lanka banned all three. Interpretation & conclusions: Comprehensive tobacco control strategy with effective tobacco cessation programme should complement strong legal actions such as prohibition on trade in SLT products to meet the public health objective of such laws and regulations. In addition, multisectoral efforts are needed for effective implementation of such restrictions imposed by the governments.

Primary Transitional Cell Carcinoma Of Bulbar Urethra

Primary urethral carcinoma (UC) is a rare entity, and bulbar UCs of transitional cell origin are even rarer. Primary presentation as a scrotal abscess and urethrocutaneous fistula is rarely documented in UC patients. We present a case of a 66-year-old male presenting to emergency department with a scrotal abscess. Following blind incision and drainage, the urethral injury was suspected, and biopsy of suspicious lesion was taken from scrotum which came out to be invasive transitional cell carcinoma. A wide local excision of the tumor was done after workup. Hence, all patients with scrotal abscess and urethrocutaneous fistula should be investigated before performing any blind procedure.

Comparative evaluation of penetration ability of three pit and fissure sealants and their relationship with fissure patterns

Statement of the Problem: Pit and fissure sealant placement is considered as an effective modality for prevention of caries on occlusal surfaces. Penetration, retention and lateral wall adaptation are the key factors in success of pit and fissure sealant restorations

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to compare penetration ability and lateral wall adaptation of three commercially available pit and fissure sealants

Materials and Method: The present in-vitro study was done on 45 extracted sound human molars to evaluate the fissure pattern and assess the penetration ability of three commercially available sealants [Delton FS Sealant [Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany], Clinpro Sealant [3M ESPE, Minnesota, USA] and GC Fuji VII Glass Ionomer Cement [GC Asia Dental Pte Ltd, Singapore]] on molars divided into 3 equal groups of 15 each, with further sectioning of each sample into 2 parts giving 30 samples per group. Following thermocycling and embedding of teeth in clear auto-polymerizing acrylic resin, sections were evaluated for fissure morphology, sealant penetration, unfilled space, lateral wall adaptation, and for presence of voids

Results: Penetrability of all the sealants studied was found to be significantly more in U-type fissure pattern [93.89%] followed by V-type [78.62%], IK-type [74.34%] and then in I-type [65.91]. The depth of penetration of the GC Fuji VII Glass Ionomer sealant [85.82%] was found to be superior followed by unfilled resin sealant [Clinpro Sealant- 78.26%] and then by filled resin sealant [Delton FS Sealant- 74.89%]

Conclusion: U- type fissure pattern was more common than other fissure patterns and showed significantly higher penetrability of different type of sealants evaluated in the present study. GIC based sealant, due to significantly higher penetration depth than unfilled and filled sealants used in the present study, can be preferred over filled or unfilled resin sealants

Comparison of the characteristics of two hemoglobin variants, Hb D-Iran and Hb E, eluting in the Hb A2 window

BACKGROUND: Cation exchange-high performance liquid chromatography (CE-HPLC) is most commonly used to evaluate hemoglobin (Hb) variants, which elute in the Hb A2 window. This study aimed to assess prevalence of an uncommon Hb variant, Hb D-Iran, and compare its red cell parameters and peak characteristics with those of Hb E that commonly elutes in the Hb A2 window. METHODS: Generally, we assess abnormal Hb using CE-HPLC as the primary technique along with alkaline and acid electrophoresis. All cases with Hb A2 window >9%, as assessed by CE-HPLCs during 2009–2013, were selected. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases with Hb D-Iran variant were identified—25 heterozygous, 2 homozygous, 1 compound heterozygous Hb D-Iran/β-thalassemia, and 1 Hb D-Iran/Hb D-Punjab. Overall prevalence of Hb D-Iran was 0.23%. Compared to patients with Hb E, those with Hb D-Iran had significantly higher Hb (12.1 vs. 11.3 g/dL, P=0.03), MCV (82.4 vs. 76.4 fL, P=0.0044), MCH (27.9 vs. 25.45 pg, P =0.0006), and MCHC (33.9 vs. 33.3 g/dL, P=0.0005). Amount of abnormal Hb (40.7 vs. 26.4%, P=0.0001) was significantly higher while retention time (3.56 vs. 3.70 min, P=0.0001) was significantly lower in Hb D-Iran than in Hb E. CONCLUSION: Hb D-Iran peak can be easily missed if area and retention time of the Hb A2 window are not carefully analyzed. To distinguish between variants, careful analysis of peak area and retention time is sufficient in most cases and may be further confirmed by the second technique—alkaline electrophoresis.

Validity of prostate health index and percentage of [-2] pro-prostate-specific antigen as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: omani tertiary hospitals experience

Objectives: Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in older men. The Ministry of Health Oman Cancer Incidence Registry 2013 lists cancer of the prostate as the first most common cancer in males. Therefore, early detection is important and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] is widely used as an established laboratory test. However, despite its wide use, its value in screening, particularly in asymptomatic males, is controversial when considering the risks and benefits of early detection

Methods-. This prospective, observational study included 136 males [67.0+/-8.9 years; range 45-90] who were scheduled for a prostate biopsy in two different tertiary care teaching hospitals in Oman: the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Blood specimens from these patients were collected at the same setting before obtaining a prostatic biopsy

Three PSA markers [total PSA [tPSA], free PSA [fPSA], and [-2]proPSA [p2PSA]] were measured and the Prostate Health Index [phi] calculated. The histopathological report of the prostatic biopsy for each patient was obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the concerned hospital along with clinical and laboratory data through the hospital information system. Results: Phi has the highest validity markers compared with other prostate markers, with a sensitivity of 82.1%, specificity of 80.6%, and area under the curve [AUC] value of 0.81 at a cutoff of 41.9. The other prostatic markers showed sensitivities and specificities of 78.6% and 25.9% for tPSA; 35.7% and 92.6% for%fPSA; and 64.3% and 82.4% for%p2PSA, respectively. The AUCs at the best cutoff values were 0.67 at 10.1 pg/L for tPSA; 0.70 at 11.6% for%fPSA; and 0.55 at 1.4% for%p2PSA. An association between phi values and aggressiveness of prostate malignancy was noted. Of the 28 patients with prostate cancer, 22 patients had tPS A > 4 [ig/L. However, no patient had phi in the low-risk category, and five, six, and 17 patients had phi in the moderate-, high-, and very high-risk categories, respectively. Conclusions: Phi outperforms tPSA and f PSA when used alone or in combination, and appears to be more accurate than both markers in excluding prostate cancer before biopsy. Use of this biomarker helps clinicians to avoid unnecessary biopsies, particularly in patients with gray-zone tPSA level. Phi is the strongest marker that correlates proportionally with Gleason Score; therefore, it is also useful in predicting the aggressiveness of the disease. This is the first reported experience for the use of p2PSA and phi in Oman, the Middle East, and North Africa

Quantitative Assessment of Muscle Activity and Joint Load in Braced and Unbraced Osteoarthritis Knee by External Strain Gauge Sensor.

Objectives: Altered biomechanics leads to the development of degenerative joint disease. The joint pressure and dynamic loading varies during activities of daily living. The study was undertaken to assess the muscle activation pattern of the medial and lateral knee compartments (tibiofemoral joint) during gait in osteoarthritis subjects without and with knee brace undergoing either exercise therapy or balance therapy. The joint load was assessed by the strain gauge transducer and the weight shift pattern is taken as an indicator for the muscle activation pattern. Methods: In a prospective design study on 57 male subjects diagnosed osteoarthritis knee with KellagrenLawrennce scale walked barefooted with and without designed offloader knee brace on a level surface for three minutes. The subjects were allocated in two different study groups i.e. Conventional (exercise therapy) (Control Group, n=31) and Structured Neuromuscular Postural Training (SNPT) group (Balance therapy) (Study Group, n=26). The subjects were sub grouped as pre-elderly (40-60 Years) and elderly (>61 years) group in both. The quantitative assessment of muscle activity and joint loading with and without knee brace was done using designed strain gauge sensor instrument. The pressure changes of strain gauges of muscles around the knee joint viz. vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semi membranosus / tendinosus (Medial Hamstring) (MH), Biceps Femoris (Lateral Hamstring) (LH), gastro-soleus (GS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles during normal gait were observed at baseline and 6 weeks follow up after undergoing exercise therapy or balance therapy treatment as per allocation of study groups. The digital values from MATLAB were recorded and analyzed. Results: At the end of 6 weeks conventional / SNPT (structured neuromuscular postural training) treatments, medial hamstring muscle activity showed significant difference (p<0.001) in pre-elderly subgroup, while significant difference was seen in vastus laterals (VL), medial hamstring (MH) (p<0.005) and lateral hamstring (LH) muscles (p<0.001) in elderly subgroup

Identification and validation of a virus-inducible ta-siRNA-generating TAS4 locus in tomato.

Trans-acting small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs) are a class of endogenous small RNA, associated with posttranscriptional gene silencing. Their biogenesis requires an initial microRNA (miRNA)-mediated cleavage of precursor RNA. Around 20 different ta-siRNA-producing loci (TASs), whose sequences are conserved, are reported in plants. In tomato, two TAS gene families have been identified, which are found to target auxin response factor gene and bacterial spot disease resistance protein Bs4 gene. Using high-throughput computational and experimental approach, we identified a new locus-producing ta-siRNA in tomato. We have also identified the putative miRNA regulating the production of ta-siRNA from this locus. The ta-siRNAs generated from TAS4 were up-regulated upon infection with a DNA virus. The potential targets of ta-siRNAs were predicted to be variety of proteins including MYB transcription factors and cell cycle regulators for some of the ta-siRNAs produced.