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The impact of physical parameters of uniform fiber Bragg grating (U-FBG) like grating period, length of grating, and width of grating on the performance of U-FBG fiber by using finite differences time domain (FDTD) based on surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) is evaluated. An FBG is similar to a distributed Bragg reflector created in a small segment of optical fiber that reflects some particular wavelengths of light and transmits the other wavelengths. It is observed that the maximum received optical power at the reflected port achieved is −1.67×10-6 w/m2 with silver (Ag) profile material of U-FBG at 0.1 w/m2 input transmission power and wavelength of 1.55 μm with 0.9 μm grating length and 0.2 μm grating width. The result shows that the received optical power is changing by optimizing the physical parameters of U-FBG.

Structural resemblance of benzimidazole nucleus with purine nucleus in nucleotides makes benzimidazole derivatives attractive ligands to interact with biopolymers of a living system. The most prominent benzimidazole compound in nature is N-ribosyldimethylbenzimidazole, which serves as an axial ligand for cobalt in vitamin B12. This structural similarity prompted medicinal chemists across the globe to synthesize a variety of benzimidazole derivatives and to screen those for various biological activities, such as anticancer, hormone antagonist, antiviral, anti-HIV, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, antiallergic, coagulant, anticoagulant, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Hence, benzimidazole nucleus is considered as a privileged structure in drug discovery, and it is exploited by many research groups to develop numerous compounds that are purported to be antimicrobial. Despite a large volume of research in this area, no novel benzimidazole derived compound has emerged as clinically effective antimicrobial drug. In the present review, we have compiled various reports on benzimidazole derived antimicrobials, classified as monosubstituted, disubstituted, trisubstituted and tetrasubstituted benzimidazoles, bisbenzimidazoles, fused-benzimidazoles, and benzimidazole derivative-metal complexes. The purpose is to collate these research reports, and to generate a generalised outlay of benzimidazole derived molecules that can assist the medicinal chemists in selecting appropriate combination of substituents around the nucleus for designing potent antimicrobials.

Summary Background Radical surgery via total mesorectal excision might not be the optimal first-line treatment for early-stage rectal cancer. An organ-preserving strategy with selective total mesorectal excision could reduce the adverse effects of treatment without substantially compromising oncological outcomes. We investigated the feasibility of recruiting patients to a randomised trial comparing an organ-preserving strategy with total mesorectal excision. Methods TREC was a randomised, open-label feasibility study done at 21 tertiary referral centres in the UK. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older with rectal adenocarcinoma, staged T2 or lower, with a maximum diameter of 30 mm or less; patients with lymph node involvement or metastases were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) by use of a computer-based randomisation service to undergo organ preservation with short-course radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery after 8–10 weeks, or total mesorectal excision. Where the transanal endoscopic microsurgery specimen showed histopathological features associated with an increased risk of local recurrence, patients were considered for planned early conversion to total mesorectal excision. A non-randomised prospective registry captured patients for whom randomisation was considered inappropriate, because of a strong clinical indication for one treatment group. The primary endpoint was cumulative randomisation at 12, 18, and 24 months. Secondary outcomes evaluated safety, efficacy, and health-related quality of life assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30 and CR29 in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN14422743. Findings Between Feb 22, 2012, and Dec 19, 2014, 55 patients were randomly assigned at 15 sites; 27 to organ preservation and 28 to radical surgery. Cumulatively, 18 patients had been randomly assigned at 12 months, 31 at 18 months, and 39 at 24 months. No patients died within 30 days of initial treatment, but one patient randomly assigned to organ preservation died within 6 months following conversion to total mesorectal excision with anastomotic leakage. Eight (30%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation were converted to total mesorectal excision. Serious adverse events were reported in four (15%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation versus 11 (39%) of 28 randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision (p=0·04, χ2 test). Serious adverse events associated with organ preservation were most commonly due to rectal bleeding or pain following transanal endoscopic microsurgery (reported in three cases). Radical total mesorectal excision was associated with medical and surgical complications including anastomotic leakage (two patients), kidney injury (two patients), cardiac arrest (one patient), and pneumonia (two patients). Histopathological features that would be considered to be associated with increased risk of tumour recurrence if observed after transanal endoscopic microsurgery alone were present in 16 (59%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation, versus 24 (86%) of 28 randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision (p=0·03, χ2 test). Eight (30%) of 27 patients assigned to organ preservation achieved a complete response to radiotherapy. Patients who were randomly assigned to organ preservation showed improvements in patient-reported bowel toxicities and quality of life and function scores in multiple items compared to those who were randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision, which were sustained over 36 months’ follow-up. The non-randomised registry comprised 61 patients who underwent organ preservation and seven who underwent radical surgery. Non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation were older than randomised patients and more likely to have life-limiting comorbidities. Serious adverse events occurred in ten (16%) of 61 non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation versus one (14%) of seven who underwent total mesorectal excision. 24 (39%) of 61 non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation had high-risk histopathological features, while 25 (41%) of 61 achieved a complete response. Overall, organ preservation was achieved in 19 (70%) of 27 randomised patients and 56 (92%) of 61 non-randomised patients. Interpretation Short-course radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery achieves high levels of organ preservation, with relatively low morbidity and indications of improved quality of life. These data support the use of organ preservation for patients considered unsuitable for primary total mesorectal excision due to the short-term risks associated with this surgery, and support further evaluation of short-course radiotherapy to achieve organ preservation in patients considered fit for total mesorectal excision. Larger randomised studies, such as the ongoing STAR-TREC study, are needed to more precisely determine oncological outcomes following different organ preservation treatment schedules. Funding Cancer Research UK.

Objective: To undertake a randomized comparison of the Biodesign Surgisis anal fistula plug against surgeon's preference in treating cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. Summary Background Data: The efficacy of the Biodesign Surgisis anal fistula plug in healing anal fistulae is uncertain. Methods: Participants were randomized to the fistula plug with surgeon's preference (advancement flap, cutting seton, fistulotomy, Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract procedure). The primary outcome was faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQoL) at 12-months. Secondary outcomes were fistula healing, incontinence rates, and complication and reintervention rates. Results: Between May 2011 and March 2016, 304 participants were randomized to fistula plug or surgeon's preference. No differences were seen in FIQoL between the 2 groups at 12 months. Clinical fistula healing was reported in 66/122 (54%) of the fistula plug and 66/119 (55%) of the surgeon's preference groups at 12 months. Fecal incontinence rates improved marginally in both the groups. Complications and reinterventions were frequent, with significantly more complications in the fistula plug group at 6-weeks (49/142, 35% vs 25/137, 18%; P=0.002). The mean total costs were £2738 (s.d. £1151) for the fistula plug and £2308 (s.d. £1228) for the surgeon's preference group (mean difference +£430, P=0.0174). The average total quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained was marginally higher in the fistula plug group. The fistula plug was 35% to 45% likely to be cost-effective across a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000 to £30,000 / QALY. Conclusions: The Biodesign Surgisis anal fistula plug is associated with similar FIQoL and healing rates to surgeon's preference at 12 months. Higher costs and highly uncertain gains in QALYs mean that the fistula plug may not be considered as a cost-effective treatment in the UK NHS.

With the progression of Smart Cities and the increasing demand for the (IoT) Internet of Things, the accident management and detection system has become the common examined area. The density of vehicles improved on the paths has produced an abundance of difficulties for accident management in the centers. The lack of transporting patients and providing first aid and medical service at the appropriate time is the major cause of loss of human lives. This paper investigates the main possibilities arising from the initiation of the innovative notion of IoT and VANET with introducing architecture. The concept of an Internet of things and vehicular ad hoc networks that aims to prioritize emergency vehicles. The proposed system helps to detect the accident and provide medical aid at the appropriate time.

Khurana, M.R. (ed.). 2018. Dynamics of Rural Transformation in India: Essays in Memory of Professor G.K. Chadha. New Delhi: Studera Press, pp. xxxxiii + 578, ₹1995.00.

This study is designed to investigate the attenuating prospective of aminophylline in immobilization stress generated behavioural changes in rats. Animals were exposed to restrain stress before being subjected to varying doses of aminophylline (1mg/kg, 2mg/kg and 4mg/kg). Behavioural changes were analyzed to assess the intensity and the degree of the stress, by estimating the changes in the exploratory behaviour, spontaneous activity and social behaviour using various paradigms. As a consequence of stress, the behavioral patterns so changed were assessed in the terms of changes in the locomotor activity, number of head dips and increased avoidance behaviour. Aminophylline (4mg/kg) modulated the stress produced changes in the behaviour and oxidative stress generated biochemical alterations in a significant manner (p

Background The aim of fistula surgery is to eradicate the disease while preserving anal sphincter function. The efficacy of the Surgisis® anal fistula plug (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) in the treatment of trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano has been variably reported. Objectives To undertake a randomised comparison of the safety and efficacy of the Surgisis anal fistula plug in comparison with surgeon’s preference for the treatment of trans-sphincteric anal fistulas. Design A randomised, unblinded, parallel-arm, prospective, multicentre clinical trial. Setting Hospitals in the UK NHS involving colorectal surgeons accredited by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. Participants Adult patients suffering from trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano of cryptoglandular origin. Interventions Patients were randomised on a 1 : 1 basis to either the fistula plug or the surgeon’s preference [e.g. fistulotomy, cutting seton, advancement flap or ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure]. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was quality of life as measured by the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQoL) questionnaire at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included clinical and radiological fistula healing rates, faecal incontinence rates, complications rates, reintervention rates and cost-effectiveness. Results Between May 2011 and March 2016, 304 participants were recruited (152 fistula plug vs. 152 surgeon’s preference). No difference in FIQoL score between the two trial groups was seen at the 6-week, 6-month or 12-month follow-up. Clinical evidence of fistula healing was reported in 66 of 122 (54%) participants in the fistula plug group and in 66 of 119 (55%) participants in the surgeon’s preference group at 12 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed fistula healing in 54 of 110 (49%) participants in the fistula plug group and in 63 of 112 (56%) participants in the surgeon’s preference group. Variation in 12-month clinical healing rates was observed: 55%, 64%, 75%, 53% and 42% for fistula plug, cutting seton, fistulotomy, advancement flap and LIFT procedure, respectively. Faecal incontinence rates were low at baseline, with small improvement in both groups post treatment. Complications and reinterventions were frequent. The mean total costs were £2738 [standard deviation (SD) £1151] in the fistula plug group and £2308 (SD £1228) in the surgeon’s preference group. The average total quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gain was much smaller in the fistula plug group (0.829, SD 0.174) than in the surgeon’s preference group (0.790, SD 0.212). Using multiple imputation and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and adjusting for differences in baseline EuroQol-5 Dimensions, three-level version utility, there was a 35–45% chance that the fistula plug was as cost-effective as surgeon’s preference over a range of thresholds of willingness to pay for a single QALY of £20,000–30,000. Limitations Limitations include a smaller sample size than originally calculated, a lack of blinding that perhaps biased patient-reported outcomes and a lower compliance rate with MRI at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions The Surgisis anal fistula plug is associated with similar FIQoL score to surgeon’s preference at 12-month follow-up. The higher costs and highly uncertain and small gains in QALYs associated with the fistula plug mean that this technology is unlikely to be considered a cost-effective use of resources in the UK NHS. Future work Further in-depth analysis should consider the clinical and MRI characteristics of fistula-in-ano in an attempt to identify predictors of fistula response to treatment. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN78352529. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 21. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Periphyton cultivation systems have few controls over species composition, thereby limiting their applications for production of biomass. A promising approach for controlling species composition in cultivation systems is through design of substratum characteristics. 3-D printing is used to design substratum topographic sections to test for selectivity of colonization of periphyton algae in streams. Experimental tiles were designed with six different topographic sections composed of tightly-packed hemispheres over a range of diameters from 100 to 2000 μm. These tiles were deployed in a local stream for 30 days, retrieved and analyzed for species occurrence and relative abundance on each of the tile sections. Twelve species of periphyton algae in four divisions were identified across all topographic sections. The distribution and relative abundance of these species were found to vary as a function of topographic feature size, with the greatest diversity observed on the surfaces with topographic feature sizes of 500 μm. Of the twelve identified species, two exhibited abundance patterns that were significant. Microspora wileana displayed a preference for surfaces with topographic feature sizes Stigeoclonium tenue displayed a preference for surfaces with topographic feature sizes less than or equal to 100 μm and greater than or equal to 1500 μm. These results suggest that substratum design using 3D printing or other technologies may be useful to influence species composition and dominance relationships in mixed communities in engineered periphyton cultivation systems.

NIH, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services [N01-AR-2-2258, N01-AR-2-2259, N01-AR-2-2260, N01-AR-2-2261, N01-AR-2-2262]; Merck Research Laboratories; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; GlaxoSmithKline; Pfizer

In the modern era, the success of a developing economy has become more dependent on the capacity to produce and use knowledge, which leads to the emergence of a knowledge economy. Keeping in view the significance of the knowledge economy in the economic growth of economies, in the present study an attempt has been made to examine the inter-country differences across the selected developing economies. In addition to it, to analyse the impact of knowledge on economic level as well as on economic growth across 42 selected developing economies, regression analysis was applied. The results of the study reveal that there is positive correlation between the knowledge economy index and economic level, but there is very weak marginal effect of the knowledge economy on economic growth.

Background: The Biodesign Surgisis anal fistula plug preserves continence, but its efficacy in healing anal fistulae is uncertain. Methods: A randomised trial involving 40 UK hospitals comparing the fistula plug with surgeon's preference (advancement flap, cutting seton, fistulotomy, LIFT procedure) for cryptoglandular transsphincteric anal fistulae. Randomisation was a one-to-one, minimised by age, ASA grade, planned surgery, and presence of secondary tracts. The primary outcome was faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQoL) at 12-months. Secondary outcomes were fistula healing, incontinence rates, and complication and re-intervention rates. A trial-based cost-utility analysis was undertaken. Findings: Between May 2011 and March 2016, 304 participants were equally randomised to fistula plug or surgeon's preference. No differences were seen in FIQoL between the two groups at 12-months. Clinical fistula healing was reported in 66/122 (54%) of the fistula plug and 66/119 (55%) of the surgeon's preference groups at 12-months. Faecal incontinence rates showed a marginal improvement in both groups. Complications and re-interventions were frequent, with significantly more complications in the fistula plug group at 6-weeks (49/142, 35% vs. 25/137, 18%; p=0.002). The mean total costs were £2,738 (s.d. £1,151) for the fistula plug and £2,308 (s.d. £1,228) for the surgeon's preference group (mean difference +£430, p=0.0174). The average total QALYs gained was marginally higher in the fistula plug group. Using multiple imputation and probabilistic sensitivity analysis the fistula plug was 35%-45% likely to be costeffective across a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000-£30,000/QALY. Interpretation: The Biodesign Surgisis® anal fistula plug is associated with similar FIQoL and healing rates to surgeon's preference at 12-months. Higher costs and highly uncertain gains in QALYs mean that the fistula plug may not be considered as a cost-effective treatment in the UK NHS. Trial Registration Number: (ISRCTN 78352529). Funding Statement: The FIAT trial was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme - 07/89/01. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical committee approval was obtained (10/H0405/29). The trial was overseen by an independent Trial Steering Committee and Data Monitoring and Ethics Committee.

Background: Hypertension is one of the current emerging community health problems, which is very common affecting one in four individuals. Hyperuricemia is predictive for the development of both hypertension and coronary artery disease. Since there are various etiological factors associated with hypertension so it is very difficult to predict which one is the most common cause of hypertension. Little or no information is present in the population of Rajasthan, on the association between serum uric acid and essential hypertension. Hence this study is carried out to investigate the existence of an association between serum uric acid and essential hypertension. Methods: In this hospital based case control study, a total of 75 newly diagnosed essential hypertensive cases, 75 prehypertensive cases and 50 normotensive healthy controls, aged 20-50 years of both sexes were enrolled after excluding gout, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, metabolic syndrome, secondary hypertension or history of having relevant drugs by taking detailed history and physical examination. Serum uric acid was measured in all study cases as well as control subjects. Results: The results of our study revealed that the mean serum uric acid level and the frequency of subjects with increased serum uric acid level were significantly higher in newly diagnosed cases of essential hypertension as compared to prehypertensive and normotensive controls (p 0.05). These results indicate a definite association between hyperuricaemia and essential hypertension. Conclusions: In the present study, Elevated level of SUA is significantly linked with PreHT and EHT after controlling various confounding factors. The present study showed that the number of hyperuricaemic individuals and mean SUA level were significantly higher in newly diagnosed cases of hypertension as compared to prehypertensive and normotensive control.

Background: Chemicals present in tobacco have been implicated in causing subclinical changes in myelin sheaths of peripheral nerves. This may contribute to nerve dysfunction particularly in the form of decreases in nerve conduction velocity. So, present study aims to measure nerve conduction velocity in the median nerve and ulnar nerve among tobacco users. Methods: This was a cross-sectional case-control study involving 50 normal healthy subjects and 150 tobacco users. The nerve conduction study was performed using fully computerized electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) machine. By this machine Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) tests of both the nerves (median and ulnar) was performed on subjects. Data was analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods. Results: In our study statistically significant changes (P < 0.001) were found in the Sensory nerve conduction velocity of both the nerves whereas no such changes were found in Motor nerve conduction velocity of both the nerves in tobacco users as compared to nontobacco users. Conclusions: We conclude that use of tobacco results in reduction of conduction velocities in sensory fibers of the median nerve and ulnar nerve but not in motor fibers.

Background: During the learning process, feedback plays an important role by helping the learner in recognition of the desired goal, evidence about present position, and some understanding of a way to close the gap between the two Objective of the study was to improve learning by using continuous self-assessment as a tool among the medical students, this would inculcate the habit of self-directed and regular learning habits. Methods: The study was conducted on 79 first year undergraduate medical students, where they were taught a topic from physiology and they were exposed to the weekly self-assessment sessions. The tests were corrected by the students themselves and thereafter discussed in the class by the teacher. These response sheets were collected and scrutinized by the teacher and feedback were given to each student. The progress record was maintained by the teacher showing the response of the students in terms of attendance and performance. The average scores of these students (study group) were compared with the scores of the previous batch (control group. The focused group discussion was also carried out among the study group and responses were recorded. Results: A significant (p

Watermarking is an art in which we hide some secret information in another file like image, audio, video, text etc. Watermarking is a concept closely related to steganography. In these, both hide information in a digital image. The information hide in this is in different forms like an image, song, video within the signal itself. In this paper, we present survey on image watermarking. In this paper, we also explain the types of watermarking and various techniques of watermarking and requirements of digital watermarking. We survey on some papers of image watermarking.

Keun Lee. 2013. Schumpeterian Analysis of Economic Catch-up: Knowledge, Path-creation and Middle-Income Trap. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. xxiii + 273. £35.

Ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) is a major event in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease that leads to higher rate of mortality. The study has been designed to investigate the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of vitamin P and digoxin in I/R-induced myocardial infarction in isolated rat heart preparation by using Langendorff apparatus. The animals were treated with vitamin P (50 and 100 mg/kg; p.o.) and digoxin (500 μg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. Digoxin served as a positive control in the present study. On the sixth day, the heart was harvested and induced to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion using Langendorff apparatus. The coronary effluent was collected at different time intervals (i.e. basal, 1, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 min.) for the assessment of myocardial contractility function. In addition, creatine kinase-M and B subunits (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH1) and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity along with oxidative tissue biomarkers (i.e. thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH)) changes were estimated. The I/R of myocardium produced decrease in coronary flow rate; increase in CK-MB, LDH1 and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity along with increase in TBARS and decrease in GSH levels as compared to normal group. The treatment with vitamin P (100 mg/kg) and digoxin (500 μg/kg) have produced a significant (p 0.05) ameliorative effect against I/R induced above functional, metabolic and tissue biomarkers changes. Vitamin P has an ameliorative potential against I/R induced myocardial functional changes. It may be due to its free radical scavenging and anti-infarct property via inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic medicine for the management of cardiovascular disorders.

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder of female reproductive system causing infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalance characterised by hyperestrogenemia, hyperprolactinemia, increased Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Apart from the role in female reproductive system, these hormones are shown to have neuromodulatory role, affecting the neuronal activity. Thus, the auditory and visual reaction time may be affected in the women with polycystic ovaries. Aim: To evaluate the auditory and visual reaction time, in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a casecontrol study where the 80 otherwise healthy women, attending infertility OPD, were recruited for the study and divided into groups viz., PCOS (n=40) and NPCOS (n=40). The subjects from both the groups were evaluated for their anthropometric data, hormone levels {Serum estrogen, Serum prolactin, Serum TSH, Serum AMH} using COBAS-6000 analyser along with the auditory and visual reaction time using RTM-608 (Medicaid). The observations were recorded and analysed using paired t-test. Results: Auditory reaction time had significantly decreased (p=0.012) while visual reaction time was non-significantly reduced in Group PCOS as compared to Group NPCOS. Conclusion: The altered hormonal profile in PCOS i.e., hyperestrogenemia and hyperprolactinemia exerts enhanced neuromodulatory action through neural ERα receptors and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons in hypothalamus, thus resulting in increased neuronal excitability and decreased reaction time in patients with PCOS.

Background: Fructose is the major carbohydrate source of energy for the sperm motility. Aim and Objective: This study was designed to reevaluate the correlation between sperm motility and semen fructose level in male infertile subjects due to non-obstructive causes. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. As the study sample population, 150 male subjects, with age (mean ± SD) 29.02 ± 5.86 years, were randomly selected from the referred cases from different infertile clinics of Udaipur. Sperm count, sperm motility, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of semen fructose were done. On the basis of sperm count, the sample population was divided into following three groups – Group A (azoospermic), Group B (oligozoospermic), and Group C (normozoospermic). One-way ANOVA was done to compare the sperm count and seminal fructose levels among A, B, and C groups. Kruskal–Wallis test was done to compare the sperm motility. Statistical analysis of result was performed using SPSS-17. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: There was a significant difference in the sperm concentration among three groups (P < 0.001). Groups were significantly differing in seminal fructose level (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed a significant negative correlation between seminal fructose level and sperm motility.

Background: In a typical problem-based learning (PBL), the learning objectives are not shared with the learner when the PBL exercise is given to them. This student’s unawareness of predefined objectives might be a significant hindrance in directing the student’s effort in the appropriate direction. Aim and Objective: The present study was designed with an aim to develop and validate a modification in existing PBL in the form of pre-directed PBL (PD-PBL), where the learning objectives and outcomes are shared with the learner at the time of giving the exercise. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a prospective observational study in the Department of Physiology of Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital. One hundred forty-three students from 1st-year MBBS participated in the study. A PBL session was planned for a clinical problem of respiratory physiology. The learning objectives and the questions to determine the learning outcome were prepared. Students were given 1-week time for analysis of the problem. At the end of 1 week, a large group presentation and discussion session were planned. The faculty members and a respiratory physician were assigned the task of being observers. Later, students and faculty feedback were taken. Results: Analysis of feedback pointed that PD-PBL session was helpful in understanding the clinical condition with the help of basic physiology. Conclusion: PD-PBL would be helpful in correlating the knowledge of basic subject with the clinical scenario. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of PD-PBL sessions in other subjects.

In the presented work, a modified k-means clustering is proposed. It adapts itself according to the image based on color based clustering. The no. of clusters using the color features are computed based on histogram analysis in gray format. The peak of the histogram is the main source of computation of no. of colors in the image and based on the same, the image data are clustered.

Fractal image compression uses the property of selfsimilarity in an image and utilizes the partitioned iterated function system to encode it. Fractal image compression is attractive because of high compression ratio, fast decompression and multi-resolution properties. The main drawback of Fractal Image Compression is the high computational cost and is the poor retrieved image qualities. To overcome this drawback, we design a new algorithm which is based on Pollination Based Optimization which is used to classify the phantom, satellite and rural image dataset. Flower Pollination Based Optimization is nature inspired algorithm which decreases the search complexity of matching between range block and domain block. Also, the optimization technique has effectively reduced the encoding time while retaining the quality of the image. Peak signal to noise ratio, entropy, compression ratio and mean square error is found for phantom, rural and satellite images data set. This new method showed improved highly accurate results. General terms Optimization, Soft Computing

Prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor, suggesting critical needs for additional drugs to improve disease outcome. In this study, we examined efficacy and associated mechanism of a novel agent bitter melon juice (BMJ) against pancreatic carcinoma cells both in culture and nude mice. BMJ anticancer efficacy was analyzed in human pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, AsPC-1 and Capan-2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, cell death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and annexin/propidium iodide assays. BMJ effect on apoptosis regulators was assessed by immunoblotting. In vivo BMJ efficacy was evaluated against MiaPaCa-2 tumors in nude mice, and xenograft was analyzed for biomarkers by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results showed that BMJ (2–5% v/v) decreases cell viability in all four pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by inducing strong apoptotic death. At molecular level, BMJ caused caspases activation, altered expression of Bcl-2 family members and cytochrome-c release into the cytosol. Additionally, BMJ decreased survivin and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein but increased p21, CHOP and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38) levels. Importantly, BMJ activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a biomarker for cellular energy status, and an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) reversed BMJ-induced caspase-3 activation suggesting activated AMPK involvement in BMJ-induced apoptosis. In vivo, oral administration of lyophilized BMJ (5mg in 100 µl water/day/mouse) for 6 weeks inhibited MiaPaCa-2 tumor xenograft growth by 60% (P < 0.01) without noticeable toxicity in nude mice. IHC analyses of MiaPaCa-2 xenografts showed that BMJ also inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis and activates AMPK in vivo. Overall, BMJ exerts strong anticancer efficacy against human pancreatic carcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its clinical usefulness.

Author(s): Morales, Denixa; Esparza, Joshua; Kaur, Manjinder | Abstract: This literature review examines different factors that influence adolescent delinquency such as sibling relationship quality, birth order, and normalization of violence. The review uses a psychosocial approach to observe how these factors can affect an adolescent’s behavior. This research will contribute to the field of Psychology by emphasizing that outcomes associated with adolescent delinquency can be traced to specific points. The main points of this research are further supported by the Briley brothers’ case study, siblings involved in violence: homicide. A strength of this research is that, although the studies do not specifically focus on the Briley brothers’ case, the main point of each article can be connected back to the case. An array of research has been conducted indicating the negative impacts birth order and sibling relationship can have in development and the Briley brothers illustrate the outcomes that can occur. The Briley brothers case demonstrated how parental influence may not have been a contributing factor to the murders; instead, the psychosocial issues within the brother’s stem from the manipulation of the eldest-Briley brother. Adolescent delinquency is an important topic and must be researched further in order to reduce delinquent behavior among adolescents. Further research may be used to create preventive plans to reduce adolescent delinquency.

Introduction: There is a high prevalence of leprosy in certain areas of our country. The main problem with leprosy is the prevalence of disability in untreated patients. Aims: To know the clinical profile of leprosy patients and to find out the risk factors for disabilities. Methods: A retrospective study of 10 years was conducted from April 2003 to March 2014 was conduced. Results: There were 137 MB (75.6%) and 44 PB (24.4%) cases. There were 35 (19.33%) MB patients with disability and 5 (2.76%) PB patients with disability. There were 5 cases (2.7%) with childhood leprosy. The percentage of defaulters was 9 (4.97%). The Patients were grade II disability were 19.4% and patients with grade I disability were 2.8%. Regarding the nerve involvement in leprosy, ulnar nerve was most commonly involved in 45 (24.86%) patients, lateral popliteal nerve in 20 (11.04%) patients, posterior tibial nerve in 15 (8.28%) patients and median nerve was involved in 12 (6.62%) patients. Conclusions: The multibacillary patients are more susceptible to neuritis as compared to the paucibacillary patients. The occurence of neuritis is a significant risk factor for disabilities in leprosy. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce the load of infection.

Background: Lead is a chemical agent with little or negligible use in the human body. However, deleterious effect can occur if it builds up in the body resulting in multiorgan damage. Long-term exposure to lead occurs through occupational and environmental sources such as mining smelting. Once the level of lead increases in the body, it starts accumulating in the brain, lungs, liver, kidney, teeth, bones, etc. This exposure is preventable if appropriate health measures are taken in industries. Hence, increased awareness should be instilled among the industrialist and workers both so that appropriate measures can be taken to reduce the health hazards in the society. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to identify the cardiorespiratory changes in lead smelters. The cardiorespiratory tests were performed on subjects for the determination of blood pressure (BP), electrocardiographic changes, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional case–control study including 100 subjects was divided into two groups: Group A is of 50 controls and Group B is of lead smelters. The cardiorespiratory tests performed on subjects comprised recording of electrocardiogram, measurement of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), and determination of PFT in controls and lead smelters. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Highly significant (P < 0.001) changes found in SBP, DBP, heart rate, forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow rate in lead smelters as compared to the control subjects. Conclusion: Lead has a deleterious effect on human health. Long-term exposure will lead to cardiovascular abnormalities, so the knowledge and awareness of the problem are essential to limit the risk of lead exposure. The current occupational safety standards for blood lead must be lowered and criterion for screening elevated lead exposure needs to be established in industries.

Background: Tobacco and its byproducts have hazardous effect on multiple organs of our body including nerves. Long-term exposure to the chemicals found in tobacco smoke results in demyelination of nerve fibers affecting the nerve conduction. F-wave study is a reliable tool to assess the proximal segment of peripheral nerve and has not been studied much. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to measure F-wave latencies in nerve conduction studies in the median nerve in smokers (S) and nonsmokers (NS). Materials and Methods: The present study recruited normal healthy participants (18–50 years) divided in two groups, namely Group S and Group NS. It was designed to be a cross-sectional case–control study. Median nerve was examined for motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. The detailed late responses, for example, F-wave latencies including F-minimum latency, F-maximum latency, and F-mean latency were studied, and data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney test. Result: A statistically significant increase (P < 0.0001) was found in all F-wave latencies in S as compared to NS. Conclusion: The present study suggested that long-term exposure to tobacco results in compromised nerve conduction velocities and increases latencies in peripheral nerves. The increased latencies could be attributed to peripheral demyelination or radiculopathy.

Background: Indiscriminate use of drugs and cosmetics among a pregnant woman is always a challenge in the antenatal care for health-care providers especially in developing countries. There is a potential risk to the growing fetus due to irrational use of drugs and cosmetics during pregnancy awareness, and adequate knowledge of their use can prevent many drug-induced complications during pregnancy. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the awareness among pregnant women regarding the use and safety of drugs and cosmetics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in various antenatal clinics of the state of Punjab. 500 pregnant women were enrolled in the study and the questionnaire was prepared in the local language to assess the knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: A very few pregnant women had knowledge that drugs have any effect on the fetus and less than half believe that drugs should be taken only by consultation by the doctor. Majority pregnant women believe that sufficient time and attention are not given by a doctor during an appointment. Only 2% of women had the idea of antenatal sessions. More than half of the pregnant women considered alternative remedies to be more safe in pregnancy while a very few had the idea that cosmetics are safe in pregnancy. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the majority of participants in the study have poor knowledge regarding benefits and adverse effects of the use of drugs and cosmetics during pregnancy.

The effect of addition of ethylene glycol (EG), ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME), and ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (EGDME) on the solubility behavior of CaSO4·2H2O in aqueous NaCl solutio...

Here we assessed whether silibinin, a nontoxic chemopreventive agent, inhibits spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis in APC ( min/+) mouse model, a genetically predisposed animal model of human familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).Six-week-old APC (min/+) mice were divided into four groups and orally gavaged with 0.2 ml vehicle, or 250, 500 and 750 mg silibinin/kg body weight in 0.2 ml vehicle for five days/week. After 6 weeks, polyp burden was analyzed and tissues examined for molecular alterations.Silibinin treatments decreased total number of intestinal polyps by 34% (P0.01), 42% (P0.01) and 55% (P0.001), respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that silibinin dose-dependently decreases (P0.001) proliferation and induces (P0.001) apoptosis only in intestinal polyps without any considerable effects on normal crypt-villi in APC (min/+) or wild-type mice. Further analysis of polyps showed that silibinin decreases beta-catenin, cyclin D1, c-Myc and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta expression. Silibinin treatment also decreased phospho-Akt, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and nitrite levels in polyps, the well-known mediators of intestinal/colon carcinogenesis.Together, these results establish silibinin efficacy in a well-established genetic model of FAP, APC (min/+) mouse, and suggest that this natural agent modulates various molecular pathways including beta-catenin in its overall chemopreventive efficacy against intestinal carcinogenesis.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. The use of nontoxic phytochemicals in the prevention and intervention of colorectal cancer has been suggested as an alternative to chemotherapy. Here we assessed the anticancer efficacy of silibinin against advanced colorectal cancer LoVo cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that silibinin treatment strongly inhibits the growth of LoVo cells (P < 0.05-0.001) and induces apoptotic death (P < 0.01-0.001), which was associated with increased levels of cleaved caspases (3 and 9) and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Additionally, silibinin caused a strong cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and a slight but significant G2-M-phase arrest at highest concentration (P < 0.01-0.001). Molecular analyses for cell cycle regulators showed that silibinin decreases the level of cyclins (D1, D3, A and B1) and cyclin-dependent kinases (1, 2, 4, and 6) and increases the level of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21 and p27). Consistent with these results, silibinin treatment also decreased the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein at Ser780, Ser795, and Ser807/Ser811 sites without significantly affecting its total level. In animal studies, oral administration of silibinin for 6 weeks (at 100 and 200 mg/kg/d for 5 days/wk) significantly inhibited the growth of LoVo xenograft (P < 0.001) in athymic nude mice without any apparent toxicity. Analyses of xenograft tissue showed that silibinin treatment inhibits proliferation and increases apoptosis along with a strong increase in p27 levels but a decrease in retinoblastoma phosphorylation. Together, these results suggest the potential use of silibinin against advanced human colorectal cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(8):2366–74]

Introduction: Tobacco consumption is a serious health hazard and most important avoidable cause of death worldwide. Tobacco is recognized as lethal toxin, ripping off 7-11 minutes of human life with each cigarette through harmful compounds and inducing free radical synthesis and a high rate of lipid peroxidation. These free radicals are scavenged by the endogenous antioxidants viz. S. Glutathione (S.GSH) and S.αLipoic acid (S. α-LA), thus preventing the endothelial damage. Aim: The present study was designed with an aim to find out the lipid peroxidative stress through S. Malondialdehyde (S.MDA) and its correlation with antioxidant levels like S. Glutathione (S. GSH) and S. α- Lipoic acid (S. α- LA) among tobacco users (in both smokers and chewers). Materials and Methods: A case control cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology among 200 subjects; aged 18-50 years of both sexes which were chosen randomly from institutional campus and healthy volunteers. The subjects were broadly divided into two groups (A & B); group A comprised of tobacco users (n=150) with history of smoking cigarette/biddies and chewing tobacco daily, for at least one year and group B had controls (non tobacco users) (n=50). S. MDA, S.GSH and S. α-LA levels were estimated by standardized methods. The data was analysed by unpaired student t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) for finding the correlation between antioxidants and S.MDA in group-A and group-B. Results: The present study reports the significantly higher (p

Several studies have documented the anticancer and chemopreventive efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) against various malignancies including prostate cancer (PCA). GSE is a complex mixture of polyphenols including gallic acid (GA), catechin (Cat), epicatechin (Epi) and procyanidins-oligomers of Cat and Epi, some of which are esterified with GA. Initial studies to identify the GSE components cytotoxic to human prostate carcinoma (DU145) cells demonstrated that GA and several crude chromatographic fractions containing procyanidin dimers and trimers were biologically active. The focus of the present work was to purify 14 procyanidins from the fractions and to identify those with highest activity toward growth inhibition, cell death and apoptosis in DU145 cells. The most active procyanidin was identified by mass spectrometry and enzymatic hydrolysis as the 3,3'-di-O-gallate ester of procyanidin dimer B2 (Epi-Epi). B2-digallate exhibited dose-dependent effects on DU145 cells over the range 25-100 microM, whereas GA exhibited comparable activity at lower doses but was highly lethal at 100 microM. Structure-activity studies demonstrated that all three hydroxyl groups of GA are necessary for activity, but a free carboxylic acid group is not required even though esterification reduced the activity of GA. These data, and the fact that non-esterified B2 exhibited little or no activity, suggest that the galloyl groups of B2-digallate are primarily responsible for its effects on DU145 cells. Taken together, these data identify procyanidin B2-3,3'-di-O-gallate as a novel biologically active agent in GSE that should be studied in greater detail to determine its effects against PCA.

The present study was designed to compare the auditory and visual reaction time on an Audiovisual Reaction Time Machine with the concomitant use of mobile phones in 52 women and 30 men in the age group of 18-40 years. Males showed significantly (p0.05) shorter reaction times, both auditory and visual, than females both during single task and multi task performance. But the percentage increase from their respective baseline auditory reaction times, was more in men than women during multitasking, in hand held (24.38%18.70% respectively) and hands free modes (36.40%18.40% respectively) of the use of cell phone. VRT increased non significantly during multitasking in both the groups. However, the multitasking per se has detrimental effect on the reaction times in both the groups studied. Hence, it should best be avoided in crucial and high attention demanding tasks like driving.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a dipeptidyl peptidase transmembrane bound enzyme. Generally, ACE inhibitors are used for the cardiovascular disorders. ACE inhibitors are primary agents for the management of hypertension, so these cannot be avoided for further use. The present Review focuses on the implications of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and diabetic neuropathy. ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, captopril, perindopril, quinapril, lisinopril, enalapril, and trandolapril have been documented to ameliorate the above neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegeneration occurs not only by angiotensin II, but also by other endogenous factors, such as the formation of free radicals, amyloid beta, immune reactions, and activation of calcium dependent enzymes. ACE inhibitors interact with the above cellular mechanisms. Thus, these may act as a promising factor for future medicine for neurological disorders beyond the cardiovascular actions. Central acting ACE inhibitors can be useful in the future for the management of neuropathic pain due to following actions: (i) ACE-2 converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin(1-7) (hepatapeptide) which produces neuroprotective action; (ii) ACE inhibitors downregulate kinin B1 receptors in the peripheral nervous system which is responsible for neuropathic pain. However, more extensive research is required in the field of neuropathic pain for the utilization of ACE inhibitors in human.

Purpose: Accumulating evidences suggest the beneficial effects of fruit-and-vegetable consumption in lowering the risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer. Herein, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects and associated mechanisms of grape seed extract (GSE), a rich source of proanthocyanidins, against colorectal cancer. Experimental Design: Effects of GSE were examined on human colorectal cancer HT29 and LoVo cells in culture for proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. The in vivo effect of oral GSE was examined on HT29 tumor xenograft growth in athymic nude mice. Xenografts were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for proliferation and apoptosis. The molecular changes associated with the biological effects of GSE were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results: GSE (25-100 μg/mL) causes a significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell growth with concomitant increase in cell death. GSE induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest along with a marked increase in Cip1/p21 protein level and a decrease in G1 phase–associated cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. GSE-induced cell death was apoptotic and accompanied by caspase-3 activation. GSE feeding to mice at 200 mg/kg dose showed time-dependent inhibition of tumor growth without any toxicity and accounted for 44% decrease in tumor volume per mouse after 8 weeks of treatment. GSE inhibited cell proliferation but increased apoptotic cell death in tumors. GSE-treated tumors also showed enhanced Cip1/p21 protein levels and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Conclusions: GSE may be an effective chemopreventive agent against colorectal cancer, and that growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of GSE against colorectal cancer could be mediated via an up-regulation of Cip1/p21.

alpha-Santalol, an active component of sandalwood oil, has been studied in detail in recent years for its skin cancer preventive efficacy in murine models of skin carcinogenesis; however, the mechanism of its efficacy is not defined. Two major biological events responsible for the clonal expansion of transformed/initiated cells into tumors are uncontrolled growth and loss of apoptotic death. Accordingly, in the present study, employing human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells, we assessed whether alpha-santalol causes cell growth inhibition and/or cell death by apoptosis. Treatment of cells with alpha-santalol at concentrations of 25-75 microM resulted in a concentration- and a time-dependent decrease in cell number, which was largely due to cell death. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) stained cells revealed that alpha-santalol induces a strong apoptosis as early as 3 h post-treatment, which increases further in a concentration- and a time-dependent manner up to 12 h. Mechanistic studies showed an involvement of caspase-3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage through activation of upstream caspase-8 and -9. Further, the treatment of cells with alpha-santalol also led to disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release into the cytosol, thereby implicating the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway. Pre-treatment of cells with caspase-8 or -9 inhibitor, pan caspase inhibitor or cycloheximide totally blocked alpha-santalol-caused caspase-3 activity and cleavage, but only partially reversed apoptotic cell death. This suggests involvement of both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways, at least under caspase inhibiting conditions, in alpha-santalol-caused apoptosis. Together, this study for the first time identifies the apoptotic effect of alpha-santalol, and defines the mechanism of apoptotic cascade activated by this agent in A431 cells, which might be contributing to its overall cancer preventive efficacy in mouse skin cancer models.