Effect of mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations on oxidative stress and feeding behaviour in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats

Objectives: Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phones is known to produce a stress response because of its effect on hypothalamus. Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives with increasing usage not only in terms of number of users but also increase in talk time. The present study aimed to study the effect of mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations on oxidative stress and feeding behaviour assessment in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve male SD rats of 10–12 weeks old, weighing 180–220 g, were housed and allowed to acclimatise in a room with 12:12 h light-dark cycle with ad libitum amount of food and reverse osmosis (RO) water before the start of the study. Then, rats were divided into control and RF-EMR exposed groups, and everyday feed intake and body weight were measured. At the end of the study period, blood sample was collected through retro orbital puncture for biochemical investigations. Results: The present study showed significant increase in malondialdehyde and serum corticosterone levels and decrease feeding behaviour in rats exposed to RF-EMR in rats exposed to RF-EMR. Conclusion: This study proves that mobile RF-EMR causes oxidative stress and oxidative damage leading to decreased feeding behaviour in SD rats.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING SMART ENERGY METERS IN INDIA

Introduction: Smart Energy Meter (SEM) is an electronic device used to measure, record and transmit the consumption of electricity, gas or water. The smart energy meter is a vital component of a smart grid, which is an advanced power distribution infrastructure that uses digital communication technology to monitor, control and optimize the ow of electricity between power producers and consumers. India, like other developing countries, faces several challenges in the implementation of smart energy meters. This paper examines the challenges in implementing smart energy meters in India and proposes solutions to overcome these challenges.

Personal glucose meters coupled with signal amplification technologies for quantitative detection of non-glucose targets:Recent progress and challenges in food safety hazards analysis / 药物分析学报

Ensuring food safety is paramount worldwide.Developing effective detection methods to ensure food safety can be challenging owing to trace hazards,long detection time,and resource-poor sites,in addition to the matrix effects of food.Personal glucose meter(PGM),a classic point-of-care testing device,possesses unique application advantages,demonstrating promise in food safety.Currently,many studies have used PGM-based biosensors and signal amplification technologies to achieve sensitive and specific detection of food hazards.Signal amplification technologies have the potential to greatly improve the analytical performance and integration of PGMs with biosensors,which is crucial for solving the challenges associated with the use of PGMs for food safety analysis.This review introduces the basic detection principle of a PGM-based sensing strategy,which consists of three key factors:target recog-nition,signal transduction,and signal output.Representative studies of existing PGM-based sensing strategies combined with various signal amplification technologies(nanomaterial-loaded multienzyme labeling,nucleic acid reaction,DNAzyme catalysis,responsive nanomaterial encapsulation,and others)in the field of food safety detection are reviewed.Future perspectives and potential opportunities and challenges associated with PGMs in the field of food safety are discussed.Despite the need for complex sample preparation and the lack of standardization in the field,using PGMs in combination with signal amplification technology shows promise as a rapid and cost-effective method for food safety hazard analysis.

Response of radioactivity meter in vertical direction of ionization chamber / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To determine the responses of radioactivity meter at different positions in the vertical direction of the ionization chamber by measuring different radioactive sources. Methods The radiation of cesium-137, cobalt-60, and americium-241 nuclides was measured at different positions in the vertical direction of the ionization chamber with commonly used clinical radioactivity meters. The measured values were fitted to obtain three trend lines. The maximum deviation of the measured values was estimated according to the trend line, and the deviation was estimated at different syringe needle heights. Results According to the trend lines, the maximum deviation of the radioactivity meter CRC-55tR in measuring cesium-137, cobalt-60, and americium-241 nuclides was 5.15%, 5.98%, and 6.25% respectively. The radioactivity meter RM-905a was used to measure three nuclides at different syringe needle heights, and the maximum deviations were −4.33%, −9.9%, and −12.65%, respectively. Conclusion The three nuclides showed different change patterns in measurement with CRC-55tR and RM-905a but similar change patterns in measurement with the same radioactivity meter. The values measured with the same radioactivity meter showed significant deviations at different positions in the vertical direction of the ionization chamber. It is recommended to make position correction for commonly used nuclides. Reducing measurement error and improving measurement accuracy of nuclides are of great significance for radiation protection.

La selección de atletas élite desde edad temprana: reflexión desde la perspectiva de los sistemas complejos / A seleção de atletas de elite desde cedo: reflexão a partir da perspectiva de sistemas complexos / The selection of elite athletes from an early age: reflection from the perspective of complex systems

RESUMEN Introducción: En este estudio, se examinó la idoneidad de seleccionar atletas élite desde una edad temprana. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio consistió en verificar si el comportamiento identificado en investigaciones antecedentes también ocurre entre los mejores atletas mundiales de todos los tiempos que compiten en la carrera de 100 metros. Materiales y métodos: Para ello, y con base en un análisis de las clasificaciones oficiales de todos los tiempos masculinos y femeninos de la Asociación Internacional de Federaciones de atletismo en la referida prueba, se utilizó muestras en categoría absoluta (Top-1,000 hasta el 31/12/2018) y categoría sub-20 (Top-100 hasta el 31/12/2003); se aplicaron leyes de potencia y otras estrategias típicas de los sistemas complejos para analizar los datos. Resultados: los resultados muestran cómo, con demasiada frecuencia, los mejores corredores masculinos y femeninos del mundo en la categoría sub-20 no evolucionan positivamente durante el resto de su carrera deportiva mejorando sus registros en las categorías superiores. Solo 51 hombres de los 100 mejores corredores sub-20 de todos los tiempos, lograron mejorar sus registros una vez que alcanzaron la categoría sénior, y las mejoras no presentaron siempre progresiones estadísticamente significativas. En consecuencia, una inversión excesiva en recursos humanos y materiales para identificar individuos con altas capacidades atléticas, no es siempre la mejor estrategia. Conclusiones: el deporte de nivel a edades tempranas puede ser un error metodológico que debe evitarse a la hora de construir las reservas deportivas de un país o federación deportiva.

RESUMO Introdução: Neste estudo, examinou-se a adequação da seleção de atletas de elite desde tenra idade. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o comportamento identificado em pesquisas anteriores também ocorre entre os melhores atletas do mundo de todos os tempos que competem na prova de 100 metros. Materiais e métodos: Para isso, e com base na análise das classificações oficiais de todos os tempos para homens e mulheres da Associação Internacional de Federações de Atletismo na prova supracitada, foram utilizadas amostras em categoria absoluta (Top-1.000 até 31/12 /2018) e sub-20 (Top-100 até 31/12/2003); Leis de potência e outras estratégias típicas de sistemas complexos foram aplicadas para analisar os dados. Resultados: Os resultados mostram como, muitas vezes, os melhores corredores masculinos e femininos do mundo na categoria sub-20 não evoluem positivamente durante o resto de sua carreira esportiva, melhorando seus registros nas categorias superiores. Apenas 51 homens dos 100 melhores corredores sub-20 de todos os tempos conseguiram melhorar seus tempos quando chegaram à categoria sênior, e as melhorias nem sempre mostraram progressões estatisticamente significativas. Consequentemente, um investimento excessivo em recursos humanos e materiais para identificar indivíduos com altas habilidades atléticas nem sempre é a melhor estratégia. Conclusões: o esporte de nível em idade precoce pode ser um erro metodológico que deve ser evitado na construção das reservas esportivas de um país ou federação esportiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, the suitability of selecting elite athletes from an early age was examined. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify if the behavior identified in previous research also occurs among the world's best athletes of all time who compete in the 100-meter race. Materials and methods: For this, and based on an analysis of the official classifications of all times for men and women of the International Association of Athletics Federations in the referred test, samples were used in absolute category (Top-1,000 up to the 12/31/2018) and sub -20 category (Top - 100 until 12/31/2003); power laws and other strategies typical of complex systems will be applied to analyze the data. Results: The results show how, all too often, the best male and female runners in the world in the under-20 category do not evolve positively during the rest of their sports career. improving their records in the higher categories. Only 51 men out of the top 100 U-20 runners of all time managed to improve their times once they reached the senior category, and the improvements did not always show statistically significant progressions. Consequently, an excessive investment in human and material resources to identify individuals with high athletic abilities is not always the best strategy. Conclusions: level sport at an early age can be a methodological error that should be avoided when building the sports reserves of a country or sports federation.

DIELECTRIC AND ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ZNO AND CDO SEMICONDUCTING MATERIALS WITH AND WITHOUT MN DOPING

ZnO and CdO pellets with and without Mn doping were prepared by using Hydraulic pressure machine at room temperature. The effect of Mn content (1,3,5 wt % ) on the electrical properties have been carried out by Keithley meter. The result shows that the resistivity decreases as increasing Mn content. Impedance analyzer are used for dielectric behavior and results shows that decrement of dielectric constant as well as dielectric loss with the increment of frequency

Potential role of fractional flow reserve-guided coronary artery bypass graft surgery / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the potential guiding role of fractional flow reserve(FFR) in surgical revascularization by comparing the relationship between coronary fractional flow reserve(FFR) and blood flow pattern status of bypass graft.Methods:A total of 86 patients with coronary artery disease between March 2016 to October 2019 were included in the study, with 59 males and 27 females; the age ranged from 42 to 77 years old, with an average of(58±12) years old. According to the measured FFR value of the left anterior descending artery, they were divided into severe ischemic group(FFR<0.75), boundary group(0.75≤FFR<0.80) and mild ischemic group(FFR≥0.80). Transit time flow meter(TTFM) was used to evaluate the blood flow status of the bridge vessel from the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery.Results:Mean graft flow(MGF) was measured at(21.24±5.71)ml/min, (18.25±7.72)ml/min, (16.47±7.83)ml/min in severe ischemic group, boundary group and mild ischemic group. The results of mean pulsatility index(PI) was 2.58±0.96, 3.14±1.19 and 3.53±1.34, the ratio of diastolic flow during the entire graft flow was 0.63±0.10, 0.55±0.11 and 0.53±0.11, patients appeared systolic reverse flow was 2 cases(3.6%), 3 cases(18.8%) and 3 cases (20.0%), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in MGF( P=0.027)、PI( P=0.007)、the ratio of DF( P=0.001) and the quantity of patients appeared systolic reverse flow( P=0.027) between the three groups. Conclusion:Due to increasing severity of coronary artery stenosis, MGF and the ratio of diastolic flow increased, and there appears to be an decreased PI and quantity of patients appeared systolic reverse flow. The chance of bypass graft occlusion may increase for the near and middle term in mild to moderate functional coronary artery stenosis(FFR≥0.75). For patients with severe functional coronary artery stenosis(FFR<0.75), it can obtain satisfactory flow parameters and ideal clinical outcomes.

Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.(AU)

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.(AU)

Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.

Calibração de hidrômetro para água fria de vazão nominal de 1,5 m3/h / Calibration of hydrometer for cold water of nominal flow of 1,5 m3/h

RESUMO Com a crise hídrica vivida na atualidade, as concessionárias de água têm buscado soluções para diminuir as perdas de água. No sistema de abastecimento de água podem acontecer dois tipos, as perdas reais — ocasionadas por vazamentos na tubulação, transbordamentos e vazamentos nos reservatórios — e as perdas aparentes — causadas por fraudes, ligações clandestinas e erros de submedição dos hidrômetros. O acompanhamento periódico da confiabilidade metrológica dos hidrômetros, por meio de calibração, permite o apoio na decisão pela troca, ou não, reduzindo, assim, as perdas aparentes. Dessa forma, este artigo apresenta um método para calibração de hidrômetro para água fria, taquimétrico, monojato, classe B, de vazão nominal de 1,5 m3/h, tipo de medidor mais utilizado nas ligações residenciais, por meio da Portaria do INMETRO de nº 246, de 17 de outubro de 2000. O método proposto apresenta as condições para preparação dos medidores e da bancada, o sistema de medição, as possíveis fontes dos erros e suas respectivas incertezas associadas. Além do método de cálculo de incerteza de medição, conforme preconiza o guia para a expressão de incerteza de medição (GUM) da ISO, publicado em 2008. Foi realizada a calibração de três hidrômetros usados, fabricados nos anos de 2015, 2016 e 2017 e escolhidos aleatoriamente no parque de hidrômetros do município de Recife, gerido pela Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento (COMPESA). Os resultados obtidos demonstram a viabilidade do método no apoio na troca dos hidrômetros pela análise comparativa entre os valores de referência do INMETRO e os medidos somados às incertezas.

ABSTRACT With the current water crisis, water companies have been joining efforts to find solutions to reduce water losses. In a water supply system, there can be two types of losses, the real ones — caused by pipe leaks, tank leaks, and overflows in the reservoirs — and the apparent losses — caused by fraud, illegal connections, and metering inaccuracies. The periodic monitoring of the metrological reliability of the water meters through calibration allows supporting the decision on whether or not to change these water meters, thus reducing apparent losses. Therefore, this paper presented a method for calibrating the cold water, tachometer, monojate, class B water meters, with a nominal flow rate of 1.5 m3/h, the most commonly used type of meter for residential connections, through the INMETRO Ordinance No. 246, October 17, 2000. The proposed method presents the conditions for meter and bench preparation, the measurement system, the possible sources of errors, and their associated uncertainties. In addition to the measurement uncertainty calculation method, as recommended by the ISO Guideline for Measurement Uncertainty Expression (GUM), published in 2008. Three water meters in use, from the Pernambuco water company (COMPESA), manufactured in 2015, 2016, and 2017, were calibrated using the proposed method and bench. The results obtained demonstrate the viability of the method to support the change of water meters in the comparative analysis between INMETRO reference values and the measured value corrected with uncertainties.

A Comparative Study of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Acute and Chronic Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of gum which surrounds and supports the teeth. Globally, periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases. Unhealthy periodontium has been connected to systemic conditions like pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal disease affects individuals of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in elderly patients. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 65 % of people have respiratory problems due to periodontal disease. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is defined as the maximum rate and speed of expiration of an individual. We wanted to determine and compare PEFR in acute and chronic periodontitis. METHODSThe present case control study was carried out among patients in the 20 - 40 years age group, who were attending outpatient department of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. Study participants were grouped into three categories as ‘normal individuals’, ‘patients with acute periodontitis’ and ‘patients with chronic periodontitis’; each group had 20 people. Spirometer was used to detect the peak expiratory flow rate. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTSResults were obtained and expressed as mean ± SD. The Tukey HSD Post-hoc Test was used. Significance value is < 0.05. PEFRs are 420 ± 21.37 and 317 ± 21.05 in control and periodontitis individuals, respectively. P values for these criteria were < 0.05. Males have a high PEFR when compared to females in normal individuals group. This difference was statistically not significant. Females have a high PEFR when compared to males in patients with acute periodontitis. This difference was statistically not significant. Males have a high PEFR when compared to females with chronic periodontitis. When compared within and between groups, it was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONSPeriodontitis could be a key source of respiratory disorders. This study shows that acute periodontitis expiratory flow rate was greater than chronic periodontitis expiratory flow rate. Proper maintenance of oral health and early detection of periodontitis may aid in reducing the frequency of respiratory problems due to periodontitis.

Medidor prismático hexagonal: uma alternativa à macromedição / Measurement with hexagonal prismatic configuration: an alternative to macromeasuring

RESUMO A medição de vazão é fundamental para a gestão de processos que envolvem fluidos. Em empresas de saneamento, contabilizar as entradas e saídas de água é essencial para gerir faturamentos e perdas, podendo ser mensurada por meio de variados instrumentos com diferentes princípios de aplicação. Dados os altos custos de aquisição dos macromedidores usuais, bem como as dificuldades de instalação e manutenção, a macromedição no Brasil é deficiente. O tubo Pitot Cole é um medidor capaz de determinar a vazão em tubulações pelo diferencial de pressão. Suas principais vantagens são o baixo custo e a fácil instalação, que pode ocorrer com a tubulação em carga. Em contrapartida, suas peças são frágeis e de formato complexo. Este trabalho propõe a construção de um medidor de vazão simples e robusto com tomadas de pressão instaladas em faces opostas de um prisma hexagonal e avalia a viabilidade na mediação de vazão. Os resultados mostraram-se promissores dadas a estabilidade e a forte correlação linear obtidas no coeficiente de calibração.

ABSTRACT Flow measurements are essential for processes management involving fluids. In water companies, measuring inlets and outlets of water is essential to manage revenue and water losses. The water can be measured through diverse instruments with different application principles. Due to the high acquisition costs of the usual water flow meters, as well the difficulties of installation and maintenance, macro meter in Brazil is deficient. The Pitot Cole Tube is able to determine flow in pipes through the pressure differential. The main advantages are the low cost and easy installation, that may occur with the pipe under load. However, its peaces are fragile and complex. This paper propose the construction of a simple and robust instrument to measure the water flow. The prototype is build with pressure plugs installed on opposite faces of a hexagonal prism, then is evaluated of its effectiveness in water flow measurements. The results were promising given the stability obtained in the calibration coefficient.

Effect of Variations in Neck Position on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Supine Posture in Young Healthy Adults - A Cross Sectional Study

Many individuals prefer using a pillow under their head when they sleep or read or use hand held electronic devices in recumbent position. Changes in position of the head with respect to the neck in supine posture may occur depending on the use of a pillow or height of the pillow used. This alteration of head and neck position might have an effect on pulmonary ventilation. The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is one of the tests to assess pulmonary functions and PEFR can be performed easily and rapidly with the help of Wright’s Mini Peak Flowmeter. This study was undertaken to see the effect of variations in neck position on peak expiratory flow rate in supine posture in young healthy adults. METHODSA cross sectional study was carried out on 150 apparently healthy medical students of both sexes in the age group of 18 - 21 years. PEFR values were recorded using Wright’s Mini Peak Flow Meter. The subjects were asked to lie down in supine position on a wooden couch and recording of the peak expiratory flow rate was performed, initially by placing the subject’s head directly on the wooden couch and then by keeping the head on a pillow of 5 cm height. RESULTSData was analysed using paired ‘T’ Test and the p value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. We found that the mean PEFR value obtained using a pillow of 5 cm height under the head was more than the mean PEFR value obtained without using the pillow and the change in mean PEFR values was statistically significant (Table 1). CONCLUSIONSAfter comparing the mean PEFR values in the supine position with and without use of a pillow, we found that mean PEFR value was significantly higher when PEFR test was performed with use of a low height pillow (5 cm) under the head. From the result of this study, we conclude that pulmonary ventilation is better when the head and neck are supported with a low height pillow in supine posture.

Fuerza de agarre como predictor de composición corporal en estudiantes universitarias / Handgrip strength as a predictor of body composition in female college students

RESUMEN La relevancia que tiene la medición de la fuerza de agarre (FA) se ha incrementado en los últimos años como marcador del estado nutricional, por su relación con la morbilidad y mortalidad y por su creciente aplicación clínica y epidemiológica. Estudios de FA en adultos jóvenes sanos, revelan que se asocia positivamente con variables antropométricas y de composición corporal, mismas que se vincularían con la promoción de la salud en esta población. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la correlación entre la FA con variables de antropometría, composición corporal medida por bioimpedancia eléctrica y con la realización de ejercicio, para evaluar su utilidad como indicador del estado nutricional en jóvenes universitarias. Los resultados mostraron que en las estudiantes universitarias la FA se correlacionó positiva y significativamente con variables antropométricas (talla), y de composición corporal (masa muscular). Los profesionales de la salud requieren promover entre este grupo de población la reducción de los factores de riesgo como la baja fuerza muscular a través de la promoción de un estilo de vida activo y en específico de la realización de ejercicio físico de fuerza.

ABSTRACT The relevance of measuring handgrip strength (HGS) has increased in recent years as a marker of nutritional status, due to its relationship with morbidity and mortality and its increasing clinical and epidemiological application. HGS studies in healthy young adults reveal that it is positively associated with anthropometric and body composition variables, the same indicators used for health promotion among young university students. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between the HGS with anthropometry variables, body composition measured by electrical bioimpedance and with exercise performance, to evaluate its usefulness as an indicator of nutritional status in college students. The results showed that the HGS of female college students was positively and significantly correlated with anthropometric variables (height), and body composition (muscle mass). Among this population group, health professionals need to promote the reduction of risk factors such as low muscle strength through the promotion of an active lifestyle and, specifically, strength exercises.

Correlation Study of Color Difference Values and Active Constituent Contents in Crude and Processed Zingiber officinale / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate the correlation between color difference values and active constituent contents of crude and processed Zingiber officinale . METHODS ：HPLC method was adopted to determint the content of 6 active constituents. The color difference values of crude and processed Z. officinale [lightness（L＊），red-green axis component （a＊），yellow-blue axis component（b＊）] were determined by chromatic aberration meter . SPSS 24.0 software was adopted for the correlation analysis between color difference values and active constituent contents. RESULTS ：The linear range of zingiberone ，6-gingerol， 8-gingerol， 6-shogaol， diacetoxy-6-gingerol and 10-gingerol were 2.65-105.90， 10.15-406.00， 4.87-194.80， 5.28-211.20， 6.14-245.70，7.02-280.80 μg/mL（r＞0.999）. The limits of quantification were 7.46，13.68，14.37，16.62，17.03，17.99 ng，and the limits of detection were 2.24，4.11，4.31，4.99，5.11，5.40 ng，respectively. RSDs of precision ，stability，and repeatability tests were all lower than 3％. The average recovery rates were 101.34％，102.14％，101.22％；103.12％，103.74％，103.54％；103.06％，properties critical for cell migration and invasion. induced EMT through downregulation of NF-κB-Snail sig- naling in breast cancer cells enchymal transition and activation of TLR 4/JNK signal - 98.55％，99.43％；99.36％，103.51％，101.21％；100.85％，99.42％，99.60％；100.39％，97.69％，103.84％（RSD were all lower than 3％，n＝3），respectively. The contents of them were 0-0.66，0.06-7.57，0.03-1.45，0.29-3.47，0.15-2.85，0.04-2.83 mg/g， respectively. L＊ and b＊ values were negative correlated with the processing degree of Z. officinale significantly（P＜0.01），a＊ showed a significantly positive correlation with the processing degree （P＜0.05）. L＊and b＊ values showed a significantly negative correlation with the content of zingiberone before and after processing ，but positively correlated with the other five components （P＜0.01）. a＊ showed a significantly positive correlation with the content of zingiberone ，but had no correlation with other five components（P＞0.05）. The crude and processed Z. officinale were positive correlated with the content of zingiberone ，negatively correlated with other five components （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：There is a certain correlation between the color difference values of crude and processed Z. officinale and the contents of their active constituents. With the deepening of the processing ，a＊ values is increased ，L＊ values and b＊ values is decreased ；the content of zingiberone increases ，the contents of 6-gingerol， 8-gingerol，6-shogaol，diacetoxy-6-gingerol，10-gingerol reduce.

A Comparative Study To Find Out Immediate Effect Of Chest Mobility Exercise And Incentive Spirometery Exercise On Cement Factory Workers -AN Experimentl Study

Context: As an average normal person spend maximum of its time in his working environment it is major contributor in determining the persons overall health. A good quality of air is an important factor for normal health of an individual. Aim: To find out immediate effect of chest mobility exercise and incentive spirometry exercise on cement factory worker. Setting and design: The interventional study was carried out in cement factories of aburoad. Method and material: 40 subjects were included in the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups with 20 participants in each group. One group received chest mobility exercise and other group received incentive spirometry exercise. Results: Statistically is significant (p<0.05) the result showed high significant difference within & between the two groups .There was more effect of incentive spirometry exercise compared to chest mobility exercise. Conclusion: The above study concluded that both the technique showed marked improvement but the incentive spirometry exercise is more effective for the cement factory workers and it is easy to perform for the participants.

The influence of root canal moisture on the canal sealing / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To study the effect of different wetness degrees in the root canal on the canal sealing. Methods: 160 root canal prepared single rooted teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 40) by the root canal wetness degree (water content, V): (1) 0. 250 ～0. 299, (2) 0. 300 ～ 0. 599, (3) 0. 600 ～ 0. 899 and (4) 0. 900 ～ 1. 199 respectively. 80 teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 20) for dye leakage test and another 80 for bacterial microleakage test. Zinc oxide paste (ZOP) and AH-Plus (AH-P) with vertical condensation of warm gutta-percha were respectively used to seal the canals in each group of the samples (n = 10) . The length of in vitro tooth dye penetration was measured by stereomicroscope; the time (days) of turbidity in the bacterial leakage model observed and compared. Results: Of all the canals sealed by ZOP or AH-P with the increase of the wetness the dye infiltration length increased significantly (P ＜0. 05) and the days in which the faecal intestine ball infiltrated into the lower chamber of the model was gradually decreased (P ＜0. 05) . Conclusion: The increase of root canal moisture may reduce the sealing of the root canal.

The effect of a quality improvement based on one-meter rule on reducing the noise pollution of surgical intensive care unit / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To reduce the noise level of surgical intensive care unit through quality improvement program based on one-meter rule. Methods Measure the status quo of noise level and find out the main noise resources. Implement one-meter rule for three weeks and retest the noise level for a period of seven days. Investigate the satisfaction of medical staff and patients. T-test was performed to compare the noise level and satisfaction. Results The mean noise level were (58.58 ± 0.95) dB before implementation of quality improvement program and was lowered to (55.89 ± 0.92)dB. There was a significant difference(t=4.890, P=0.001). The five time points except eleven o′clock during which the noise levels were over 60 dB decreased significantly after implementation of one-meter rule (t=2.858-6.643, P<0.05). After intervention, satisfaction related to noise level of medical staff and patients scored 10.97±0.93 and 10.63±1.15 respectively, which were higher than before (8.68±1.49, 8.13±1.18) and there were significant differences (t=-11.231,-10.701,P<0.01). Conclusions One-meter rule intervention can decrease the noise level significantly, and increase medical staff′s and patients′ satisfaction, which is worthy of extensive promotion and application.

Preliminary study on animal experiment of disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized targeted sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To preliminarily explore the anti?cancer efficiency of disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized targeted sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma and the feasibility of MRI. Methods Twenty?one nude mice models of subcutaneous liver cancer transplantation were randomly divided into saline, hyaluronic acid?poly ε?caprolactone@ doxorubicin/superparamagnetic iron oxide (HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO) and HA?disulfide?bonded?PCL@DOX/SPIO (HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO) groups, with 7 mice in each group. The experimental groups were injected with micelles at a dose of Fe 5 mg/kg through the tail vein, and the control group was injected with the same amount of saline via the tail vein. MRI was performed before and after injection (2 h, 4 h, 8 h). The T2 value of the region of interest (tumor) was measured and its decline rate was calculated. Twenty?one nude mice models of orthotopic liver cancer transplantation were randomly divided into saline group,HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO groups, with 7 mice in each group. The experimental groups were injected with micelles at a dose of DOX 2 mg/kg through the tail vein by three consecutive times a day apart, and the control group was injected with the same amount of saline through the tail vein. Continuous observation for 15 days to calculate tumor inhibition rate. One way ANOVA test was used. Results The T2 value of HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO group decreased significantly after 2, 4 and 8 hours (P<0.05) than initial time, which was distinct compared with HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO group. The growth rate of tumor in HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (F=21.513,P<0.05). The former had the most obvious inhibitory effect on orthotopic liver cancer (47.7% and 28.2%). Conclusion Disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized targeted sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma(HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO) has high anti?cancer efficiency and imaging function at the animal level in vivo, and can be used to monitor the early therapeutic effect of tumor at the molecular imaging level.

Synthesis and its targeting effect in vitro of disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To explore the construction method and physicochemical properties of disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma, and its biological evaluation in vitro and feasibility of MRI. Methods Synthesis of hyaluronic acid?disulfide?bonded?poly ε?caprolactone (HA?SS?PCL) by disulfide?bonded alkynyl?terminated polycaprolacton (alkyne?SS?PCL) and azido?terminated hyaluronic acid (HA?N3) by clicking chemical reaction, then doxorubicin (DOX) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) were encapsulated in HA?SS?PCL core by dialysis method.HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO was prepared and its particle size,DOX and SPIO loading rate were measured. With PBS as control group, the safety of HA?SS?PCL on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 and normal liver cells LO2 was evaluated by the methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cytotoxicity of HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 was evaluated. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to observe the expression of CD44 receptor on the surface of HepG2 cells in HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO groups. Through in vitro MRI, PBS was used as the control group to observe the changes of T2 signal intensity of HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO groups when SPIO concentration was 10, 20, 40, 80 μg / ml. One way ANOVA test and t test were used. Results HA?SS?PCL@DOX / SPIO sodium?meter probes were successfully constructed. The particle size of HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO was (126.9±6.3) nm,and they were spherical with uniform size. The loading rates of DOX and SPIO were 61.4% and 58.7%. MTT assay showed that the survival rate of HepG2 and LO2 cells was more than 80% even at 500 μg/ml of HA?SS?PCL, 66.6% in HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO group and 55.2% in HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO group. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO groups all have strong fluorescence, and the latter has stronger fluorescence intensity the former fluorescence intensity was 139.70±8.52,less than the latter 245.06±13.21. In vitro MRI showed that the T2 signal intensity of HA?PCL@DOX/SPIO and HA?SS?PCL@DOX/SPIO was significantly lower than that of the control group (F values were 613.591 and 569.234,P=0.000), the latter decline rate was more significant. Conclusion The disulfide?bonded hyaluronic acid?functionalized sodium?meter probe for hepatocellular carcinoma has excellent physicochemical properties, good targeting and MRI functions on human hepatoma cell HepG2 at the cellular level in vitro.