Significant Statistical Variation Research Articles

Challenges in Integrating Demographic Variables into Local Government Authorities’ Development Plans

This paper examines the Challenges in Integrating Demographic Variables into Local Government Authorities’ Development plans in Chemba and Mpwapwa district councils. The study population was LGA’s development planning officers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design in which both qualitative and quantitative data from planning officers were collected. Descriptive statistics (Univariate analysis) was done to explore the characteristics and distribution of respondents presented in frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulation with chi-square (χ2) test tested the association of variables at a 0.05 (95%) significance level. The study findings revealed that LGA planning officers face several challenges in integrating population variables into development plans. Such challenges are Institutional-based (Scarcity of data, lack of political commitment to the goal, limited access to computing facilities, and inadequacy of statistical sources. Resource-based (Unclear relevance of the move among development planners, Continuing discussions on the best ways can use population data in development planning, Lack of clear understanding of demographic variables that can be integrated into the development plans in different sectors, Inadequate conceptualization and understanding of the operation and effects of population variables, lack of sufficient expertise to prepare needed projection inputs). Planning process based (Bureaucratic structures of centralized planning offices; create a barrier between planners and the public) Relying on secondary data from socio-economic profiles, too many directives (central government priories).Technical-based (unclear approaches of integrating population issues into development plans, lack of appropriate methodology, lack of planning and projection techniques, missing manual on the methodology, inadequate research into the many facets of the demographic processes and of their interrelations with other social and economic processes. The chi-square (2) test of the findings revealed no significant (P>0.05) statistical variation by LGAs on the faced challenges in integrating population variables into development plans. The study concludes that institutional setup, resource constraints, the nature of the planning process, and some technical issues affect LGA’s in coming up with effective and comprehensive development plans that cope with the area-specific aging population. The findings require the LGAs to consider putting more effort into the reliable sources of data, knowledge, and skills of planners, planning tools, and planning approaches in order to come up with good and realistic development plans that foster increasing local economic growth and improve the living standard of people; that slow down youth rural-urban migration due to low economic efficiency in their places of origin. The study recommends that LGAs in collaboration with the parent Ministry have to design the means of curbing the encountered planning challenges including improving awareness and sources of data for planning purposes, reviewing the planning approach by making it rather horizontal and comprehensive instead of being vertical from central government policies because obstacles and opportunities for development are area specific, and planners should get acquainted with methodologies for integrating population variables into development plans.

Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of gastric mucosa after one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery.

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is now the third most common bariatric surgery worldwide. This procedure is garnering increasing attention, but its complication of bile reflux and the associated risk of gastric carcinogenesis remains controversial. The study aims to assess the impact of bile reflux on the gastric mucosa by comparing pathological and immunohistochemical results of gastric mucosa before and 2 years after OAGB surgery. This retrospective study analyzed gastric lesions observed in gastroscopy before and after OAGB surgery. Pathological examinations were conducted on mucosal samples from proximal, middle and distal part of stomach, with a particular focus on the expression of Ki-67, P53, and CDX2 in immunohistochemistry. Ki-67 indicates cellular proliferation, P53 is a tumor suppressor protein, and CDX2 is a marker for intestinal differentiation. A total of 16 patients completed the follow-up. Regarding gastritis, presurgery nonerosive gastritis was found in two cases (12.5%), and postsurgery in six cases (37.5%). Erosive gastritis increased from one case (6.2%) presurgery to three cases (18.7%) postsurgery, totaling an increase from three to nine cases (p = .028). Bile reflux in the stomach increased from one case (6.2%) presurgery to three cases (18.7%) postsurgery. Most lesions in the proximal, middle, and distal part of stomach were relatively mild, with normal tissue states being predominant. Mild inflammation was found in all three areas, whereas moderate inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular atrophy were less common. No cases of severe inflammation were noted. The expression of gastric biomarkers CDX-2, Ki67, and P53 showed no significant statistical variation in different areas. Bile reflux does occur after OAGB, but its incidence is not high. Based on the immunohistochemical and pathological results of the gastric mucosa 2 years post-OAGB, there seems to be no significant causal relationship between OAGB and oncogenic inflammation around the gastric tube.

Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Three Durum Wheat Varieties to Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) Infestation

Aphids cause biotic stress and vector diseases. However, wheat’s morphological and biochemical responses to aphid infestation are poorly studied. Our study evaluated the varietal behavior of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf) against Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae) in laboratory conditions. We studied morphological trait variation (plant height [HP], flag leaf area [SFDF], leaf area [SF], spike length [LE], and beard length [LB]) and biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline contents) of three varieties in Algeria: MBB, BOU, and GTA. MBB is the least affected, with a 13.34 % infestation rate. The heaviest infestation occurs during the heading stage. All morphological factors decreased in length or surface between control and infested samples. ANOVA showed significant variations for HP, LE, SFDF, and SF but not LB. Biochemical parameters decrease in GTA. In MBB, chlorophyll and soluble sugars decrease while proline increases. For BOU, soluble sugars decrease while chlorophyll and proline increase. Only soluble sugars showed a significant statistical variation between control and infested plants. HP is affected by aphid infestation, which is of higher significance for MBB. Proline content is affected in BOU and GTA. There is no significant variation between aphid infestation and chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline levels for MBB. The effect of R. maidis infestation is less important on MBB. HP, SFDF, SF, and LE are morphological selection criteria for R. maidis infestation resistance. Proline is a biochemical selection criterion. Genetic and molecular analyses are required to identify genes for programs that enhance durum wheat’s resistance to R. maidis infestations.

No geographical differences in male mate choice in a widespread fish, Limia perugiae.

Behavior, like most other traits, can have a spatial component, and variability of behavior at the population level is predicted. In this article, we explore male mate choice at this level. Male mate choice, while maybe not as common as female choice, is expected to evolve when males respond to significant variation in female quality and, for example, prefer females with higher fecundity. In fishes, higher fecundity is associated with larger body size, an easily measured trait. In this study, we investigated the presence of male mate choice for larger females in a widespread species of livebearing fish, Limia perugiae, while comparing preferences between populations. We hypothesized that environmental variation, for example, in the form of salinity, might result in population differences. Using dichotomous choice tests, we analyzed behavioral data for 80 individuals from 7 distinct populations from Hispaniola. We found that L. perugiae males significantly preferred large females, but there was no significant statistical variation between populations.

Characterization of Larix decidua Mill. (Pinaceae) oleoresin's essential oils composition using GC-MS.

Larch oleoresin has been described regarding several biological activities and medicinal applications, such as wound healing and treatment of ulcers, but little is known about its chemical composition. Eight oleoresins from Larix decidua Mill. obtained from four companies and one adulterated control were therefore investigated to determine their content of essential oils and to verify possible differences in their composition in relation to the harvest and manufacturing processes. Essential oils (EOs) were isolated by distillation and the yield was analysed. The yield of EO varied among all samples. The yield of the pure larch samples covered a range of 7.8% to 15.5%. A higher yield (19.0%) was observed for adulterated control, which contained oleoresins from different Pinaceae trees. Age of samples had no impact on yield. However, there was a significant statistical variation (p<0.05) in the yields of the mid-summer oleoresins (>10%) compared to early or late summer (<10%), emphasising the importance of the time of collection. Samples were subsequently analysed by GC-MS. EO samples confirmed the presence of various chemical classes, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. α-pinene was the compound with the highest concentrations (>50%), followed by β-pinene (>6%), D-limonene (>2.5%), α-terpineol (>0.9%), β-myrcene (>0.2%), and 3-carene (>0.05%). Samples were grouped using multivariate data analysis (MVDA) with respect to the chemical variation between the oleoresins' EOs. The resulting four clusters were named low (low yield obtained for the samples), mixed (mixed oleoresin from different Pinaceae species, adulteration control), old (old oleoresin kept in the institute), and normal (other oleoresins) samples, each presenting distinct chemical biomarkers. There were considerable differences between site and time of collection. Essential oil yield did not always meet requirements as defined by the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. In addition, adulterated or aged samples could be identified as compared to pure and fresh larch oleoresins. We conclude that larch oleoresin used for pharmaceutical applications has to be carefully analysed and standardised to guarantee reproducible product quality.

Prevalence of Common Microbiological Pathogen Contamination in Processed Milk and Milk Products in Nairobi County, Kenya

Milk has an outstanding nutritional quality but it is also an excellent medium for bacterial growth and an important source of bacterial infection when consumed without pasteurization. This study aimed at establishing the prevalence of Total Viable Count (TVC), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes contamination on processed milk and milk products. The study was carried out in Karen, Kibera and Langata Sub- Counties of Nairobi County which were purposively chosen because they have glaring contrasts in living standards. Samples of fresh milk, yoghurt cheese and ice creams were collected from supermarkets and prepared for analysis of microorganisms. All isolates were characterized and identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. TVC were detected in 100% of the samples collected and there was significant statistical variation (P ≤ 0.05) in the contamination level among the products. Of the samples collected in Karen, ice cream had the highest contamination level (3.26 log10 CFU ml-1). Ice cream samples from Langata had the highest TVC contamination levels at 4.35 log10 CFU ml-1. The overall prevalence of E. coli in milk and milk products was 41.6% with a mean count of 0.34 log10 CFU ml-1 in Karen, 0.07 log 10 CFU ml -1 in Kibera and 0.11 log 10 CFU ml -1 in Langata while Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 33.3% of the milk and milk products. The occurrence and detection of E. coli and S. aureus foodborne pathogens in milk and milk products represent a health risk to consumers. Therefore, there is need to improve the microbial quality of milk and milk products by employing measures that will establish proper management practices to ensure improved hygiene, good manufacturing practices and food systems that will help to minimize microbial contamination.

In vitro Investigation the Antifungal and 940 nm Diode Laser Effects on Inhibition of Candida Albicans Isolated from Oral Cavity

Background: Candida albicans is a prevalent commensal that can cause severe health problems in humans. One such condition that frequently returns after treatment is oral candidiasis. Aim: the goal of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of 940 nm as a fungicidal on the growth of Candida albicans in vitro. Material and Methods: In vitro samples (fungal swabs) were taken from the oral cavity of 75 patients suffering from oral thrush. Following the process of isolating and identifying Albicans. The samples are divided into four groups:(Group 1): Suspension of C. albicans was put in a solution of saline as a control group. (Group 2): Suspension of C. albicans that had been treated with nystatin. (Group 3): Suspension of C. albicans was irradiated by diode laser 940 nm at 1 W for 300 seconds in continuous mode. (Group 4): C. albicans suspension was irradiated by laser in a combination of nystatin. ANOVA, Dunnett t, and LSD tests were used to examine the data. A highly significant statistical variation in the count of C. Albicans before and after therapy. Results: The result of this study, finds that the reduction in the CFU/ml in group 4 (laser+nystatin) is highly significant and diode laser has a fungicidal effect on the growth of candida albicans. Conclusion: using a 940 nm diode laser (continuous mode) in a combination of antifungal (nystatin) acts as a fungicidal effect on Candida albicans.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Onion ( Allium cepa L.)” was conducted during two consecutive years 2019-20 and 2020-21 in rabi season at Agriculture Research Farm, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur( U.P) to study the effect of plant growth regulators on growth and quality of onion ( Allium cepa L.) . The trial was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments viz. T1- Control- Distilled Water, T2. GA3- 50 ppm, T3. GA3- 100 ppm, T4. GA3- 150 ppm, T5- NAA – 50 ppm, T6- NAA- 100 ppm, T7- NAA – 150 ppm, T8- Kinetin- 50 ppm, T9- Kinetin- 100 ppm, T10- 150 ppm . Study results revealed that, there was significant statistical variation in plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant , collor width ( cm) collar width (cm ) Polar Diamter ( cm ) Equatorial diameter (cm) , Yield per plot, Marketable yield, Total yield ( q/ ha). Basis on the pooled the data study result revealed that maximum plant height(34.05cm at 30 DAT, 51.15 at 60 DAT and 69.90 cm DAT) , number of leaves(6.60 at 30 DAT, 8.90 at 60 DAT and 13.60 at 90 DAT) , Fourth leaf length ( 23.60 cm at 30 DAT, 45.0 cm at 60 DAT and 48. 93 cm at 90 DAT) fourth leaf width( 0.52at 30 DAT, 1.32 at 60 DAT, 1.70 at 90 DAT) , collor width ( 1.24 m), Equatorial diameter ( 6.35), Polar diameter (5.75 cm), Bulb weight ( 41.02) , Bulb yield per plot ( 2.71 kg), marketable yield ( 257.21) and yield per ha. (270.75q).

A Study on QT Dispersion before and after Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction and its Prognostic Implications: A before and after Comparison Study.

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as one of the most catastrophic occurrences in the progression of coronary artery disease. Measuring QT dispersion (QTd) is a fairly straightforward and noninvasive technique for predicting mortality in patients at high risk following a myocardial infarction (MI). Objective: To measure the QT, corrected QT interval (QTc), QTd, and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) intervals before and after thrombolysis in patients with AMI and to determine prognostic implications of QTd in AMI. Materials and methods: This was a before and after comparison study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center in Central India. It was carried out in patients with AMI [ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)] who underwent thrombolysis in ICU. A total of 160 participants were enrolled over the time period of 24 months using the convenience sampling technique. Results: The most prevalent (68 patients) risk factor among MI patients was hypertension (HTN). QT parameters such as QT, QTd, and QTcd showed significant statistical variation of p-value < 0.0001 when compared at admission and after thrombolysis. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in QT parameters at admission (QTd, QTc, and QTcd) between anterior and inferior wall MI, except for QT interval (p = 0.0010). Among the 33 patients who experienced arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia was the most prevalent arrhythmia in 22 patients (13.75%). There was a significant statistical correlation between the arrhythmic event and the outcome of the patient (p < 0.0001). Patients who died had higher QT parameter values at admission, and these remained on the higher side even after thrombolysis, whereas those who got discharged had lower QT parameter values at admission, and their values decreased after thrombolysis. Conclusion: Successful thrombolysis significantly decreases the QTd and thereby the arrhythmogenic potential, and thus can also be used as a reliable predictor of arrhythmia in patients of MI. How to cite this article: M A, Khandait H, Guralwar C, et al. A Study on QT Dispersion before and after Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction and its Prognostic Implications: A before and after Comparison Study. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):14-18.

The association between NRF2 transcriptional gene dysregulation and IDH mutation in Grade 4 astrocytoma

Abstract Objectives Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcriptional gene factor related to nuclear factor erythroid 2, plays a role in the development of gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Its impact on tumour recurrence has seldom been investigated. Methods A group of 34 patients diagnosed with Grade 4 astrocytoma was included in a retrospective cohort. NRF2 protein and gene expressions were assessed using different profiling assays. The association between IDH mutation, NRF2 expression, and tumor recurrence was investigated. Results The mean patients’ age in this study was 50 years. Out of the total number of tumors analyzed, 21 of them had IDH mutation. NRF2 protein expression was found to be overexpressed in 27 tumors and reduced in 7 tumors. Additionally, NRF2 gene was upregulated in 24 tumors and downregulated in 10 tumors. Insignificant statistical difference was observed in recurrence-free interval (RFI) between patients with upregulated or downregulated NRF2 gene or protein expressions (p-value&gt;0.05). However, this relationship is distinctive when NRF2 expression was compared to IDH mutation. Tumors with different levels of NRF2 expressions and IDH mutations showed significant statistical variation in RFI (p-value=0.001). There was insignificant impact on RFI among patients receiving different chemotherapies (TMZ or TMZ plus) who had abnormal NRF2 gene activities (p-value=0.97). Conclusions WHO-Grade 4 astrocytoma with IDH mutation and altered NRF2 expression showed a delayed tumor recurrence compared to IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.

English learning motivation of ESL learners from ethnic, gender, and cultural perspectives in sustainable development goals

The aim of this study was to examine the English language learning motivation of Pakistani students by viewing ethnicity, gender, and culture because Pakistan is multi-ethnic and cultural country with wide dimensions. The study was examined with reference to UN directed 17 sustainable development goals, with special reference to Goal No 4 related to education. A sample of 602 participants from 39 Pakistani public and private sectors’ universities was taken as participants of this research. The research was done by adapting a questionnaire as a research tool, and L2 motivational self-system was taken as a theoretical framework. The collected data via questionnaire response was statistically analyzed by using SPSS 26 software. The results indicated that in Pakistan, all four types of internal motivational structure, i.e., immediate achievement, learning situation, intrinsic interest, and personal development, existed in students of English as second Language learners’ motivation. The highest value among the four factors of motivation was 2.57 in personal development factor, and the lowest mean value was in learning situations. There is no significant statistical variation among gender in all four types of motivational structures. In English learning motivation, urban students were comparatively higher motivated in all motivational internal factors. Furthermore, only Pathan and Kashmiri students had a significant variation, and the motivation of Pathan ethnicity was higher than Kashmiri in all motivational aspects. This research would be a useful insight for English teachers and students in an intracultural environment infused with ethnicity and multi-gender student population.

Value Addition and Standardization of Recipe on Dragon Fruit Jelly (Hylocerous undatus L.)

The present investigation entitled “Value addition and standardization of recipe on dragon fruit jelly (Hylocerous undatus L.)” was conducted at Post-Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the year 2022. The experiment was laid down in Complete randomized design (RBD) with 3 replications and 10 treatments viz . T0 = (Control) Dragon fruit extract 1000ml+sugar 550g, T1 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 2.5g + sugar 550g T2 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 5g + sugar 550g , T3 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 7.5g + sugar 550g, T4 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 2g + Sugar 550g, T5= Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 3g + Sugar 550g, T6 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 4g + Sugar 550g, T7 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 2.5g + Sugar 550g, T8 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 5g + Sugar 550g and T9 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 7.5 g + Sugar 550g. Study results revealed that, there was significant statistical variation TSS(ºBrix), Reducing Sugar(%), Non Reducing Sugar( %), total Sugar(%), titrable acidity (%), pH, ascorbic acid( mg/100gm), and Benefit cost Ratio. Maximum TSS (67.01 ºBrix), pH (4.41), Reducing Sugar(36.16 %), Non reducing Sugar (53.92%), Total sugar (72.08%), Titratable acidity (0.62%), Ascorbic acid (2.44mg/100gm), Colour appearance (8.45), Consistency (8.26), flavour and Taste (8.67), Aroma (6.07), overall acceptability (8.58), transparency (8.34), shelf-life 89.65) and benefit cost ratio 2.33 was recorded in T6 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 4g + Sugar 550g. Basis on this study Treatment T6 can be suggested to farmers to obtain better quality and higher benefit in jelly production.

Assessment of Coronal Microleakage of Different Temporary Restorative Materials Used for Endodontic Access Cavity Restoration

Introduction: Complete sealing of the endodontic access cavity between appointments and after completion of therapy is a vital element in the successful outcome of endodontic treatment. A common concern in day to day dental practice of conservative dentistry and endodontics is coronal leakage. Such a complication often leads to the failure of endodontic treatment. The intention of this in vitro study was to assess the potentiality of three different temporary restorative materials (TRM) in preventing microleakage in the coronal aspect of the access cavity during inter-appointment period in the course of endodontic treatment. Methods: Zinc oxide eugenol, Intermediate restorative material (IRM) (Dentsply Sirona) and CAVIT were the three materials used in the study. A total of 60 premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were collected (n=20). Endodontic access cavity was prepared and restored with temporary restorative material in the respective groups. The teeth were stored under methylene blue stain and were sectioned to be observed under stereo microscope at 1,2,4,7,10 days. The coronal microleakage was scored and the outcome was interpreted using Mann Whitney U test. Results: On the 1st and 2nd day, every material showed significant statistical difference in microleakage scoring. Zinc oxide eugenol showed the maximum and excessive microleakage. But after the 4th day, the difference in microleakage scores did not show significant statistical variation. Conclusion: The outcome indicated that the mixing ratio of powder and liquid for zinc oxide eugenol plays a prime role in coronal microleakage. Nevertheless, none of the materials could prevent coronal microleakage for a long period. Therefore, it is better to undertake early replacement of access cavity with permanent restoration.

Seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals in Gibe Sheleko national park, Southwestern Ethiopia

The species composition and abundance of small mammals can vary within space and time. The main objective of this study was to assess seasonal variation of non-volant small mammals from randomly selected Acacia woodland, bushland, farmland, grassland, riverine forest and wooded grassland habitats in Gibe Sheleko National Park, southwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected using 49 Sharman live traps in 70 x 70 m sized square girds from December, 2018 to August, 2020. Capture mark recapture technique was applied to estimate population size of the existing small mammals and the data were analyzed using a chi-square test. A total of 1160 individual small mammals belonging to 10 species and 2 families were recorded. Three non-captured species: Hystrix cristata, Xerus rutilus and Tachyoryctes splendens were also identified. There was a significant (χ2= 31.12, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) difference in the total abundance of small mammals between seasons. Of the total individuals captured, 675(58.19%) were trapped during the wet season while 485(41.81%) individuals were during the dry season. Significant seasonal variation was also observed in the total abundance of both sexes, i e. males (χ2= 11.99, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and females (χ2= 20.24, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05). Among age groups, significant statistical seasonal variation was shown in adults (χ2=15.14, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) and young (χ2=44.61, df = 1, P &lt; 0.05) but not significant in sub-adults (χ2=0.75, df = 1, P &gt;0.05). The identified small mammals exhibited seasonal changes in their abundance associated with changes in climatic and environmental conditions. However, a long-term and annual based study is required to see the overall dynamics of existing small mammals.

Stochastic pH Oscillations in a Model of the Urea-Urease Reaction Confined to Lipid Vesicles.

The urea-urease clock reaction is a pH switch from acid to basic that can turn into a pH oscillator if it occurs inside a suitable open reactor. We numerically study the confinement of the reaction to lipid vesicles, which permit the exchange with an external reservoir by differential transport, enabling the recovery of the pH level and yielding a constant supply of urea molecules. For microscopically small vesicles, the discreteness of the number of molecules requires a stochastic treatment of the reaction dynamics. Our analysis shows that intrinsic noise induces a significant statistical variation of the oscillation period, which increases as the vesicles become smaller. The mean period, however, is found to be remarkably robust for vesicle sizes down to approximately 200 nm, but the periodicity of the rhythm is gradually destroyed for smaller vesicles. The observed oscillations are explained as a canard-like limit cycle that differs from the wide class of conventional feedback oscillators.

Long-term Resting Metabolic Rate Analysis in Pregnancy and Weight Loss Interventions

In this paper, we first studied the change in resting metabolic rate (RMR) of 4 women during their pregnancy period. We retrospectively analyzed published data, which lacked rigorous statistical analysis. We introduced new data that helps to define RMR baseline variabilities and further compare the RMR fluctuations in steady physiological conditions (no pregnancy, no weight/diet/exercise regime change) to assess “true” RMR changes that can guide healthy weight management in pregnancy and other conditions. For each subject, the change in the RMR values were computed as the difference between the values during the metabolic rate inspection period and the baseline values. This difference was compared against the difference values of a reference subject, using a two-sided paired t-test at the significance level of 5%. Our results indicated that some subjects exhibit a statistically significant increase, some exhibit a decrease while others show no significant statistical variation in RMR values during pregnancy. These are important findings that demystify the old idea that the RMR of a pregnant woman “always” increases since she is generating a new life; rather, individualized physiological processes can produce metabolic changes that cannot be generalized and need individual RMR measurements throughout pregnancy. The insights gained from this study were then applied to retrospectively analyze the RMR of 20 subjects during a 6-month pilot weight loss intervention with 89% efficiency in weight loss. Our analysis revealed that there was no significant decrease in metabolic activities at the end of the program. Although this contradicts the belief that weight loss is associated with a decrease in metabolic activities, our results can be explained by the fact that subjects adhered to a healthy nutritional diet and regular exercise during the pro- gram; thus, the effect of weight loss on decreasing the RMR was counter-balanced by the effect of healthier diet and exercise on increasing the RMR, which helped in maintaining a steady and healthy metabolic rate. Both studies, pregnancy and weight loss interventions indicated that changes in the metabolic rate of pregnant women and individuals undergoing weight loss interventions are unpredictable, therefore there is an urgent need to implement personalized practices of weight management by periodically measuring RMR and adjusting food caloric intakes based on the individual’s metabolic rate.

Association of high sensitivity C – reactive protein (hs-CRP) with unstable angina: An alarm for vulnerable plaques in CAD patients

Introduction: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of Coronary Artery Disease. HsCRP has been identified as one of the promising inflammatory marker associated with CAD. It is synthesized at various sites but its secretion by macrophages residing in vulnerable plaque has been shown to be associated with plaque rupture. Unstable angina is linked with vulnerable plaques. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the circulatory levels of hsCRP in CAD patients and its association with severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: In the present study 103 CAD patients, diagnosed for coronary artery disease (by Coronary Angiography and by ECG findings) were included with 96 controls. Further CAD patients were sub classified according to number of vessels involved (SVD, DVD and TVD) and type of angina (Stable and Unstable). Results: In the present study anthropometric parameters and lipid profile did not show any significant statistical variation in CAD and control groups except HDL. Low levels of HDL have been reported in CAD patients as compared to controls [39.56(±14.44)/ 44.694(±12.44)]. High hsCRP levels have been observed in CAD patients than controls group [5.07(±3.25) /1.9 (± 1.45)]. In CAD group, CAD patients with unstable angina reported the highest concentration of hsCRP than CAD patients with stable angina independent of number of diseased vessels [7.86 (±2361)/ 3.43 (± 2.50)]. Conclusion: The present study observed highest levels of hsCRP in CAD patients with unstable angina and considered them as the most risky group amongst the CAD patients. Keywords: Inflammation, Atherosclerosis, hsCRP, CAD, Unstable angina.

Diversidad y distribución de los endemismos de Asteraceae (Compositae) en la Flora del Ecuador

La familia Asteraceae está representada en la Flora de Ecuador por un total de 310 táxones endémicos. Están agrupadas en 4 subfamilias (Asteroideae, Barnadesioideae, Cichorioideae y Mutisioideae), 16 tribus y 89 géneros. Doscientas setenta y dos táxones (87,74%) restringen su hábitat a la región andina. Los niveles más altos de endemismos están asociados a los Andes, mayoritariamente desde el bosque andino alto hasta el páramo, y a las Islas Galápagos. Los géneros con mayor riqueza de endemismos son Mikania (26), Pentacalia (23), y Gynoxys (20). Tres géneros monotípicos son endémicos: Cyathomone, Idiopappus y Trigonopterum. Los géneros Darwiniothamnus, Kingianthus, Lecocarpus, y Scalesia también son endémicos. La diversidad de la familia se incrementa desde los 2000 m a 3000 m, alcanzando su mayor riqueza entre los 2900-3000 m, con dominancia de las plantas arbustivas (195 especies, 1 subespecie, 2 variedades) y herbáceas (97 especies). Ciento veinteseis especies tienen categoría de vulnerable, 90 están en peligro de extinción y 24 están en estado crítico de amenaza. Las temperaturas y precipitaciones medias anuales varían significativamente entre los sectores biogeográficos.

Axial variation in the cambium anatomy ofSchizolobium parahybavar.amazonicum

AbstractSchizolobium parahybavar.amazonicum(paricá) is a promising forest species that has been planted in some states of the Amazon region in Brazil, to meet the demand of the plywood panel industry. The present work involves a study of the variations of the cambium and their impact on derivative tissues at different heights in the stem ofS. parahybavar.amazonicum. Except for the tangential diameter of the fusiform initials (DFI) and the width of the xylem cell layer in differentiation (WXD), there was significant statistical variation between the evaluated axial positions for all anatomical parameters of the cambium. A strong positive correlation was noticed between the length of the fusiform initials (LFI) with ray height (RH) [r = 0.79, degree of freedom (DF) = 7, P &lt; 0.05], vessel element length (VL) (r = 0.78, DF = 7, P &lt; 0.05) and fiber length (FL) (r = 0.74, DF = 7, P &lt; 0.05). The results of this study give quantitative support that the LFI is an important prognosis, not only for the VL and FL, but also for the rays, in hardwood species.

Economics of cancer care: A community-based cross-sectional study in Kerala, India

Background:The estimated incidence of cancer cases in Kerala for 2014 was 31,400 and the mortality associated with it was 13,816. Although the treatment of cancer has shown remarkable advances, it has come with increasing costs.Objective:The objective of this study is to estimate the economic burden of cancer in Vypin Block Panchayat at Ernakulam by analyzing the average total direct and indirect cost of cancer care, socioeconomic status, and cost of cancer care between government and private hospitals.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months from March to April 2018. The study was conducted by utilizing an annotated cost questionnaire for completion by patients. Total direct and indirect cost was estimated. Appropriate statistical tests were used.Results:Direct cost for cancer care contributed 75% toward the cost of illness and the remaining was found to be indirect cost. Loss of income (44%) contributed to the largest chunk of indirect cost. The average direct cost for cancer care was found to be Rs. 25,606 and the average indirect cost was Rs. 8772. The average total cost of cancer care was calculated to be Rs. 34,378. Significant statistical variation was found between the cost of cancer care in private and government hospitals. The economic burden of cancer in this Vypin Block Panchayat was found to be Rs. 218,256,977/-Conclusion:The ratio of average income to average cost in this study is skewed which indicates the lack of affordability for cancer care in this population. A very large gap, therefore, exits between income levels and cost of cancer care clearly indicating a vast gap between affordability and cost of treatment, which clearly necessitates the need for a definite policy and state intervention for a mass cancer care program.