Successive Weeks Research Articles

Effects of acupuncture and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A clinical trial.

Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with leukemia, and they can significantly impact their overall well-being. Acupuncture and foot reflexology, two alternative therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained recognition for their potential to address sleep issues and alleviate associated symptoms. This single blinded, three-groups randomized controlled trial was navigated at Tohid Hospital, involving 132 leukemia patients divided into acupuncture (n = 44), foot reflexology (n = 44), and control (n = 44) groups via random card selection. All patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before the intervention. The acupuncture group received routine care along with twice-daily acupuncture at the SP6 point for four successive weeks. Reflexology group had daily ten-minute sittings for the same weeks using sweet almond oil on their feet. Control group continued by only routine cares. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same instruments after four weeks. The study analyzed patient demographics, finding no significant gender differences and a majority of high school graduates. All groups had similar proportions of singles, high employment rates, and urban residency. Average ages were comparable, with no significant pre-intervention sleep quality differences found. However, both acupuncture and reflexology groups showed significant improvements post-intervention, unlike the control group. While both interventions resulted in lower sleep quality scores compared to the control, no significant difference was observed between the acupuncture and reflexology groups. Trends indicated slight reductions in fatigue for the intervention groups, suggesting both therapies effectively improved sleep quality. Acupuncture and foot reflexology are suggested as simple and budget-friendly complementary methods that may improve sleep quality for those with leukemia. These therapies provide non-invasive methods to address sleep disturbances and improve overall well-being in leukemia patients.

Evaluation of the impact of Momordica Charantia on the testis of cisplatin-treated albino rats: Biochemical, histopathological, and ultrastructural study.

Cisplatin is an antineoplastic drug that exhibits toxicity dependent on dosage and has adverse reproductive effects. Momordica charantia (Bitter melon) is a natural vegetable plant; its active ingredients possess antioxidant, apoptotic, antiproliferative, hypoglycemic, and other therapeutic properties. This study evaluates the effect of the administration of bitter melon extract, cisplatin, and cisplatin/bitter melon cotreatment on liver and kidney functions, serum and testicular oxidative status, testis histology, and sperm parameters. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (Control) received normal saline, Group II received oral bitter melon extract (300 mg/kg), Group III received cisplatin (2.5 mg/kg), and Group IV received the same doses of cisplatin and bitter melon, for six successive weeks, daily. Our results showed that bitter melon extract stimulates antioxidant enzymes and has anti-lipid peroxidation properties through the significantly increased plasma levels of glutathione and significantly decreased testicular malondialdehyde. The cisplatin-treated group showed oxidative stress indicated by the significant decrease of catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels and a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in both serum and testis compared with the control group. In the cisplatin/bitter melon-cotreated group, there was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in both serum and testis compared with cisplatin-treated rats. The bitter melon alone or with cisplatin cotreatment resulted in reduced gonadosomatic index, sperm count, motility, and viability. These results were confirmed by histopathological examinations, apoptosis assay using flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In conclusion, the administration of bitter melon extract alone or in combination with cisplatin led to testicular structure disturbances and showed an anti-spermatogenic effect. These findings are likely due to a combination of inhibited cellular proliferation, increased cell death, minor decrease in testosterone levels, and localized oxidative stress that outweigh the antioxidant benefits of bitter melon extract.

Ventilatory functions in response to bicycle ergometry training in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the popular kind of muscular dystrophy in childhood characterized by gradual motor decline and respiratory failure which ultimately results in death. Purpose This research sought to determine the impact of bicycle ergometer on ventilatory functions and motor ability in boys with DMD. Design Single-blind, randomized controlled experiment. Methods Thirty boys with DMD were randomly split into two similar groups. A selected physical therapy regimen was implemented for the control and ergometer groups, while a bicycle ergometer was implemented only for the ergometer group. All boys were assessed for respiratory functions covering forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using spirometry, and motor ability using the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). The rehabilitation session was conducted three times a week for 12 successive weeks. Results Post-rehabilitation findings in the two groups detected a notable rise in every evaluated variable. However, the ergometer group revealed a notable rise in all assessed variables in relation to that of the control group. Conclusion Bicycle ergometer as an aerobic exercise could promote ventilatory functions and motor ability in boys with DMD. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (No. NCT05849688).

Designing tariff for charging electric vehicles at home with equity in mind – The tripartite tariff

Extant electricity tariffs model an industrial age when electricity predominantly came from centralised conventional generators, and they still model the pre-pandemic years when virtually everyone shared similar work pattern of working from dawn to dusk. The extant home electricity tariffs offer off-peak electricity mainly during night hours. The tripartite tariff – a home Electric Vehicle (EV) charging tariff that offers off-peak EV charging opportunities during daytime and night hours – is presented. The objective is to assess how access to a tripartite tariff impacts an individual worker's ability to charge their EV at home using off-peak electricity and implications in cognizance of a democratised next generation energy system desirable in an heterogenous society. Using 15 user profiles that represent low-income, middle-income, and high-income earners, working at different times of the day within four successive weeks, the tripartite tariff is designed for inclusive EV charging. With a traditional tariff regime – which represents existing off-peak electricity tariffs – the low-income earners who would typically need off-peak EV charging the most tend to have the least access to it. The tripartite tariff offers inclusive EV charging opportunity at lower off-peak rates for every worker category: night-time, daytime, and mix daytime-and-nighttime workers.

Effect of arm ergometer versus stabilization exercises on trunk control and pper extremity functions in children with diplegia: a randomized controlled trial.

One of the most prevalent clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy (CP) is diplegia. Most children with diplegia have weakness in axial muscles and spasticity in extremities which have adverse impacts on trunk control and manual coordination of upper extremities. To examine and compare between the effects of arm ergometer and stabilization exercises applied for duration of 12 weeks on upper extremity functioning, trunk control, and hand grip strength (HGS) in children with spastic diplegia. Forty-two children with spastic diplegia aged from 6 to 10 years were randomly assigned to either group A or B, (n = 21 each). Children in group A received a designed arm ergometer exercises for 30min while those in group B received trunk stabilization exercises for 30min. As well, children in both groups received 30min of a designed physical training for 30min. Treatment was delivered three times a week for 12 weeks in succession. The quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), hand held dynamometer (HHD) and Trunk control measuring scale (TCMS) were used to assess upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control respectively before and after suggested treatment duration. In terms of all indicators measured at baseline, study groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Significant improvements in all outcome indicators were recorded in within-group comparison (P < 0.05). Further, between groups comparison showed significant higher improvements in upper extremity functions and HGS in favor of group A while trunk control scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Arm ergometer exercises have the capability to enhance upper extremity functions, HGS and trunk control. It is therefore beneficial for physical rehabilitation specialists to incorporate the arm ergometer exercises into the intervention plans for children with spastic diplegia.

Administration of melatonin nanoparticles improves testicular blood flow, echotexture of testicular parenchyma, scrotal circumference, and levels of estradiol and nitric oxide in prepubertal ossimi rams under summer heat stress.

Environmental heat stress (HS) impairs reproductive efficiency in farm animals. This study investigated, for the first time, how the melatonin and melatonin nanoparticles treatment affected the testicular hemodynamics, testicular volume, echotexture [Pixel intensity (PIX) and integrated density (IND)], scrotal circumference, serum concentration of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in prepubertal Ossimi ram lambs in hot climatic conditions. The lambs undergoing examination had a temperature humidity index (THI) of 87.05 ± 1.70, indicating severe HS condition. Fifteen prepubertal Ossimi ram lambs were exposed to a single s.c injection of either nano melatonin (nano melatonin group; 20mg/ram; n = 5) or melatonin suspended in two ml of corn oil (melatonin group; 40mg/ram; n = 5) or two ml of corn oil (control group; n = 5). Blood collection and ultrasonographic assessment of the testes and supratesticular arteries (STAs) were conducted immediately before treatment (W0) and once weekly for six successive weeks after nano melatonin and melatonin injection (W1-W6). Results revealed decreases (P < 0.05) in the Doppler indices (resistive index; RI and pulsatility index; PI) of the testicular arteries at most time points of the study in the nano melatonin and melatonin groups. PIX of testicular parenchyma was significantly increased (P ˂ 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control one. IND of testicular parenchyma increased significantly in the nano melatonin group compared to the melatonin and control groups. Testicular volume and scrotal circumference significantly increased (P < 0.05) in nano melatonin and melatonin groups compared to the control one. T concentration did not significantly (P > 0.05) change in the treated groups compared to the control group. E2, NO, and TAC concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control one. In conclusion, this study extrapolated that administrations of melatonin or nano melatonin can ameliorate the effects of environmental HS in prepubertal Ossimi ram lambs with a more protective effect and lower dose of nano melatonin.

The crucial role of beta-catenin in the osteoprotective effect of semaglutide in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common chronic medical illness resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation along with microarchitecture degeneration attributed to estrogen deficiency and often accompanied by other medical conditions such as weight gain, depression, and insomnia. Semaglutide (SEM) is a recently introduced GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus by mitigating insulin resistance. It has been discovered that the beneficial effects of GLP-1 are associated with alterations in lipolysis, adipogenesis, and anti-inflammatory processes. GLP-1 analogs transmit signals directly to adipose tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multidisciplinary cells that originate from bone marrow, migrate to injury sites, and promote bone regeneration. MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipose cells, and cartilage cells. Our aim is to investigate the role of semaglutide on bone formation and the Wnt signaling pathway. Osteoporosis was induced in female rats by ovariectomy, and the ovariectomized rats were treated with alendronate as standard treatment with a dose of 3mg/kg orally and semaglutide with two doses (150 mcg/kg and 300 mcg/kg) S.C. for 10 successive weeks. Semaglutide ameliorates bone detrimental changes induced by ovariectomy. It improves bone microarchitecture and preserves bone mineral content. Semaglutide ameliorates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and increases the expression of β-catenin, leading to increased bone formation and halted receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL's) activation. Semaglutide can be used as a potential prophylactic and therapeutic drug against osteoporosis, possibly by activating Wnt signaling and decreasing bone resorption.

The therapeutic potential of 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 on cisplatin-affected neurological functions is associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers as well as levels of MMP2/9.

Calcitriol as a biologically active form of vitamin D3 has beneficial effects on all body systems. This vitamin has a potent neuroprotective effect via several independent mechanisms against brain insults induced by anticancer drugs. The present study was designed to examine the neuroprotective effects of calcitriol against neurotoxicity induced by cisplatin.Induction of neurotoxicity was done with cisplatin administration (5mg/kg/week) for 5 successive weeks in male Wistar rats. The neuroprotective influence of calcitriol supplementation (100ng/kg/day for 5 weeks) was assessed through behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular experiments.Cisplatin administration impaired spatial learning and memory and decreased prefrontal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Peripheral sensory neuropathy was induced through cisplatin administration. Cisplatin also reduced the amplitudes of the compound action potential of sensory nerves in electrophysiological studies. Cisplatin treatment elevated MDA levels and reduced anti-oxidant (SOD and GPx) enzymes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2/9) were augmented through treatment with cisplatin. Learning and memory impairments along with BDNF changes caused by cisplatin were amended with calcitriol supplementation. Reduced sensory nerve conduction velocity in the cisplatin-treated group was improved by calcitriol. Calcitriol partially improved redox imbalance and diminished the pro-inflammatory cytokines and MMP-2/9 levels.Our findings showed that calcitriol supplementation can relieve cisplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Calcitriol can be regarded as a promising new neuroprotective agent.

Ultrasonography as diagnostic and prognostic tool and Therapeutic role of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation in acute idiopathic facial nerve palsy.

Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation [rPMS] is a non-invasive tool that has a potential therapeutic role in many musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of high frequency [rPMS] in acute Idiopathic Facial Nerve Palsy [IFP]. And to study the role of neuromuscular ultrasonography in acute idiopathic facial palsy. Forty patients, aged above 18 years, diagnosed with unilateral acute [within 7 days of onset] idiopathic facial palsy were enrolled and randomly divided into intervention group [20 patients] and control group. Both groups underwent clinical examination, assessment of facial nerve disability by House-Brackmann grading [HBG] score and Facial Disability Index [FDI] score, ultrasonography of facial nerve of both normal and affected sides at baseline and after 6 weeks, medical treatment and routine rehabilitation therapy. The intervention group were subjected to 10 sessions of high frequency r PMS [5/week for 2 successive weeks] on the affected side. Both [HBG] and [FDI] showed more significant improvement in the intervention group in comparison to the control group after 6 weeks follow up. Ultrasonographic measures of facial nerve in the affected side were significantly larger than non-affected side at baseline. However, those measures significantly decreased after 6 weeks follow up. Surprisingly, the intervention group showed more significant decrease in facial nerve dimeter at proximal portion [without sheath] in comparison to control group. high frequency r PMS have an adjuvant role in treatment of acute idiopathic facial palsy. Also, ultrasonography has beneficial role in evaluation and prognosis of [IFP].

Effect and mechanism of EtOAc extract of Draconis Sanguis onimproving atherosclerosis in ApoE~(-/-) mice

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of the EtO Ac extract of Draconis Sanguis(DSE) on improving athero sclerosis in ApoE gene knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice. The ApoE~(-/-) mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, mo delgroup, positive group treated with ezetimibe of 5 mg·kg~(-1)(EG), and low(100 mg·kg~(-1)) and high dose(200 mg·kg~(-1)) groups ofDSE. xcept for the control group, all other groups were fed a high-fat diet and administered drugs for 16 successive weeks. After 16 weeks of Eadministration, the body weight, liver, and epididymal fat mass of the mice were measured; the level of blood lipid and the plaquearea of the aortic outflow tract were detected to evaluate the efficacy of DSE in vivo. In addition, in vitro cultures of human umbilical v ein endothelial cell(HUVEC) were conducted. Oxidative stress of endothelial cells was induced by oxidized low-density lipoprot ein(ox-LDL), and the effects of DSE on oxidative stress-related proteins in endothelial cells were examined. The results sho wedthat both doses of DSE significantly improved the epididymal fat mass and index of ApoE~(-/-) mice with atherosclerosis, lowered thelevels of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and reduced the plaque area of the aortic ou tflow tract. totIn alvitro experiments confirmed that ox-LDL significantly increased the level of lipid peroxidation marker 4-HNE in HUVECcells, confirming that DSE improved the degree of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE~(-/-) mice by inhibiting ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells.

#2567 Protein-bound uremic toxins are better removed with short-daily Home Haemodialysis using low dialysate flow rate: randomized clinical trial results

Abstract Background and Aims Short daily home hemodialysis (HDD) with low dialysate flow rate has been shown in recent years as an attractive alternative for portable dialysis home use. Although the effectiveness of the technique for volume control and elimination of small solutes and middle molecules has been demonstrated, data are scarce for the elimination of protein-bound uremic toxins. The aim of this study was to compare the reduction ratios (RRs) of p-cresol sulfate (pCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) in the Physidia HHD system with high-volume online-hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) treatment. Methods In an open, randomized, cross-over, single-center, controlled study, 40 adult chronic HD patients were treated with a 2.5 h-length HD session with low dialysate flow rate with the Physidia HDD system, and a 4 h-length OL-HDF session in post-dilution mode during two successive weeks. During the sessions, pre-HD and post-HD plasma samples were collected and single and weekly RRs of pC and IS were intraindividually compared for the two dialysis types with linear mixed models. Results Whereas single-session RRs of p-CS and IS were similar in both groups, weekly RRs of both protein-bound uremic toxins were significantly higher with the short-daily HDD Physida system than those obtained with OL-HDF (Table 1). Conclusion The short-daily home hemodialysis using low dialysate flow rate with the Physidia system appears to be a potential technologic step ahead in terms of improved protein-bound uremic toxins removal for dialysis patients, and might contribute to a more adequate dialysis therapy than in-center high-volume online-hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) treatment.

Locally injected bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells reverts the histopathological changes in the tongue of carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism of male rats

ObjectiveTo decipher the role of locally injected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in the tongue of hypothyroid rats. DesignA total 24 male Wister rats were utilized and allocated into 3 groups (n = 8). As for the control group, rats received distilled water via oral gavage. In the hypothyroid group, rats administered carbimazole 5 mg/ 250 g/ day for 6 successive weeks, for hypothyroidism induction. The BM-MSC treated hypothyroid group (BM-MSC group); hypothyroid rats received local injection of 0.5 million BM-MSCs in tongue. Six weeks after BM-MSC injection, tongue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining, Ki67-immunohistochemistry and histomorphometric analysis. ResultsThe hypothyroid group revealed degenerative alterations in the lingual papillae, and apparent thinning of the inferior lingual epithelium compared to their controls. Tongues of the BM-MSC group depicted restoration of the normal tongue histology. The Ki67 immunoreaction was apparently decreased in the lingual epithelium of hypothyroid group compared to their controls, however the BM-MSC group regained Ki67 immunostaining. ConclusionOur data suggest that administration of BM-MSCs rescued the degenerative changes in the lingual mucosa and one of the possible underlying mechanisms could be the restoration of cellular proliferation in the lingual epithelium.

Impact of yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers: A single-centered trial study

Background The aim of this study was to observe and analyze vascular function in ‘prolonged sitting’, followed by a yoga asana routine and pranayama intervention. Participants in this study include those who work from desks in offices. The study required the participants to attend on three separate days at random, and they had to finish a computerized test on each day. On the first day, participants were required to complete a computer test while sitting still for four hours (with the exception of washroom breaks). The next day, they underwent a computerized test along with a pranayama intervention. Finally, on the last day, they underwent a computerized test along with a yoga asana intervention. At the start of the study and after two and four hours, we measured the diameter and velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA). Methods The study was a within-subjects prospective single-center trial conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, India, between September 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to do one of the following ‘activities’ over successive weeks: Week 1 – Prolonged sitting; Week 2 – Pranayama intervention; and Week 3 – Yoga asana intervention during prolonged sitting. The baseline and follow-up variables of pulse velocity, endothelial thickness, and shear rate were assessed for normality through a Shapiro-Wilk Test. Results Our sample included 11 participants with moderate physical activity, five with high physical activity and one with low physical activity. Yoga asana intervention comprised participants sitting continuously for four hours, with a yoga asana intervention being provided every hour, lasting for 10 minutes. Conclusions Yoga asana improves vascular functions in prolonged sitting conditions. This routine can promote the concept of interrupted sitting and ways to reduce it with efficient yoga asana practice without changing the work culture and provide better physical relief. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India ( CTRI/2022/09/045628), date of registration: 19/09/2022(CTRI/2022/9/045628)https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16349.27799,

Assessment of Association Between Observed Weather and Detrended Weather with the Detrended Rice Crop Yield in the Konkan Region of Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s total rice production (1961-2014) strongly increases. This is due to the increasing cultivated area and the influence of improved technology. Whereas, year-to-year fluctuation in production is mainly because of fluctuations in the climate. Hence, only the rice crop yield is taken for the detailed study of climate and agriculture in the selected districts from 1981 to 2014 period. Correlation analysis indicates the influence of climate change on detrend yield. A heavy shower of rain and hail can cause immense damage to a standing crop, ready for harvest (Crop weather calendar 2003, IMD). Thus, yield is the summation of conditions in all successive weeks of the crop. Correlation analysis was carried out to see the impact of observed weather with detrend yield and detrended weather with detrend yield. The Research Work explores the importance of additional Climatic variables, other than Temperature and Rainfall, and their impact on Rice crop yield. There is a significant relationship between the Observed Weather Parameter and De-trended Weather Parameter with the De-trend Yield, at different Growth Stages of Crop. The study brought about the Relationship between Rice Crop Yield and Weather Parameters, with and without Climate Change.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of First-Year Ophthalmology Residents on Call: Considerations for Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY-2) Standardizations of Call Structure.

Background Ophthalmology is a unique specialty with limited exposure during medical school. To improve the transition to ophthalmology residency, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) announced in 2017 that all ophthalmology residency programs would move to a combined post-graduate year (PGY) 1 year with mandatory integration by 2023.Currently, there are no standardized guidelines from the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) or the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to address ophthalmology resident competence prior to becoming the primary contact for inpatient and emergency room (ER) consultations as a PGY-2. Novice residents may not be equipped to accurately diagnose vision or life-threatening ocular conditions. A balance between resident autonomy and supervision is required for proper training without increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Objective This study's objective is to examine the diagnostic accuracy of PGY-2 ophthalmology non-integrated residents on call to standardize supervision requirements (through buddy-call) prior to initiating indirectly supervised calls. Methods All inpatient and ER ophthalmology consults for the first seven weeks of the year evaluated by PGY-2 (junior) residents were supervised and graded as "correct" or "incorrect" by PGY-4 (senior) residents. Results One hundred forty-eight consults were seen over 30 call days over a period of seven weeks (4.93 consults per call). The percentage of correct diagnoses increased with each successive week (R2= 0.9581; correlation = 0.979). The greatest percent increase of correctly diagnosed encounters was between weeks 2 and 3 (19.14%) correlating to call numbers 10-16and 45-68 patient encounters. The mean percent accuracy surpassed 70% during weeks 3-4, and improvement continued to week 7. High-acuity diagnoses were identified consistently 100% of the time from week 5 onward. Conclusion Our analysis indicated that diagnostic accuracy was greater than 70% between weeks 3 and 4 with high-acuity diagnostic accuracy reaching 100% at week 5. It can be postulated that optimal direct senior resident supervision is needed for at least 3-5 weeks before transitioning to indirectly supervised calls by PGY-2 residents. This standardization would allow junior residents to acquire sufficient clinical experience to accurately make a diagnosis and prevent patient morbidity. Further research nationally is necessary prior to creating a standardized call structure for PGY-2 residents especially with the newly mandatory integrated ophthalmology residency programs.

Impact of yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers: A single-centred trial study

Background The aim of this study was to observe and analyze vascular function in ‘prolonged sitting’, followed by a yoga routine and pranayama intervention. Participants in this study include those who work from desks in offices. The study required the participants to attend on three separate days at random, and they had to finish a computerized test on each day. On the first day, participants were required to complete a computer test while sitting still for four hours (with the exception of washroom breaks). The next day, they underwent a computerized test along with a pranayama intervention. Finally, on the last day, they underwent a computerized test along with a yoga intervention. At the start of the study and after two and four hours, we measured the diameter and velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA). Methods The study was a within-subjects prospective single-center trial conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, India, between September 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to do one of the following ‘activities’ over successive weeks: Week 1 – Prolonged sitting; Week 2 – Pranayama intervention; and Week 3 – Yoga intervention during prolonged sitting. The baseline and follow-up variables of pulse velocity, endothelial thickness, and shear rate were assessed for normality through a Shapiro-Wilk Test. Results Our sample included 11 participants with moderate physical activity, five with high physical activity and one with low physical activity. Yoga intervention comprised participants sitting continuously for four hours, with a yoga session intervention being provided every hour, lasting for 10 minutes. Conclusions Yoga improves vascular functions in prolonged sitting conditions. This routine can promote the concept of interrupted sitting and ways to reduce it with efficient yoga practice without changing the work culture and provide better physical relief. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India ( CTRI/2022/09/045628), date of registration: 19/09/2022(CTRI/2022/9/045628)https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16349.27799,

Development of single-pin, un-barbed, pole-tagging of free-swimming dolphins and sharks with satellite-linked transmitters

BackgroundTo tag large marine vertebrates, without the need to catch them, avoiding using barbs for tag retention, and precisely controlling tag location, the remote Tag Attachment Device on a pole (TADpole) was developed. This allows single-pin tags (Finmount, Wildlife Computers) to be attached to the dorsal fins of free-swimming large marine vertebrates.ResultsTADpole comprises a pole-mounted holster that carries a tag. It uses compressed air, and a micro-controller, to rapidly insert a stainless-steel pin through a corrodible metal retaining ring in the first tag attachment wing, the animal’s dorsal fin, and then a press fit Delrin retaining ring in the tag wing on the other side of the fin. Tagging only occurs when the trailing edge of the dorsal fin touches a trigger bar in the holster, ensuring optimal pin placement. It was developed using fins from cadavers, then trialed on briefly restrained coastal dolphins that could be followed in successive days and weeks, and then on free-swimming animals in the field. The latter showed very short touch/response intervals and highlighted the need for several iterative revisions of the pneumatic system. This resulted in reducing the total time from triggering to tag application to ~ 20 ms. Subsequent efforts expanded the TADpole’s applicability to sharks. One free-swimming Atlantic spotted dolphin, two white sharks, and one whale shark were then tagged using the TADpole.ConclusionsBeing able to tag free-swimming dolphins and sharks remotely and precisely with satellite-linked telemetry devices may contribute to solving conservation challenges. Sharks were easier to tag than dolphins. Dolphin touch-to-response times were 28 ms or less. Delphinid skin has unique polymodal axon bundles that project into the epidermis, perhaps a factor in their uniquely fast response, which is 10 × faster than humans. Their primary reaction to tagging is to abduct the flippers and roll the fin out of the TADpole holster. This device has the potential to deliver high-quality tag data from large vertebrates with dorsal fins without the stress and logistics associated with catch-and-release, and without the trauma of tags that use barbs for retention. It also collects a dorsal fin biopsy core.

INDUCED TOXIC EFFECTS OF CHLORPYRIFOS ON HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA)

Agrochemicals are used extensively in agriculture sector across the world; however, they may be eco-toxicological hazards and disrupt the non-target living beings, including birds. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide on hematological parameters in pigeons. A total of 120 adult pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were used in the study and kept in wooden cages, and all pigeons received the same quantity of (22%) crude protein and water during trials. Pigeons were acclimatized for 15 days and divided into four equal (A, B, C and D) groups, each consisting of 30 birds. Test groups (B-D) were exposed to CPF with oral doses of “1.3 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2.1 mg/kg body weight/day” respectively for twelve successive weeks, whereas (group A) was assigned as a controlled group. At the end of the trials, blood samples from exposed and controlled group birds were obtained from brachial and collected with anticoagulant “K3-EDTA” vacutainer tubes for hematological assessments. Following the 84-day exposure period, notable statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduced levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (13.85 g/dl), (12.2 g/dl) and (10.50 g/dl) respectively, in birds of groups B, C and D and significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduced level of total erythrocytes count (TEC) and packed cell volume (PCV%) was noted when compared with the control. There was a substantial significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in total leucocyte count (TLC) and total platelet count observed in comparison to the birds of the control group. The results of the present study revealed that alterations in hematological indices exhibited by chlorpyrifos insecticide. This research demonstrated how the indiscriminate use of pesticides damages health and developmental problems in bird ecosystems, and eventually, humans may be in danger for their health problems

Valorization of monovarietal Nostrana di Brisighella extra virgin olive oils: focus on bioactive compounds.

A "green breakthough" at the table due to consumer demand for healthy and sustainable foods, which aligns with the typical Mediterranean diet, has recently led to an increase in the consumption of products such as extra virgin olive oil. In fact, Italian olive cultivation, which contributes an average of 15% of world production, has seen the production of extra virgin olive oil with a value of exports that have doubled in the last 20 years. In this context, the olive oil sector of the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), and in particular the PDO Brisighella, could achieve greater success with consumers by proposing a product obtained through sustainable agriculture that enhances the content of bioactive compounds. For these reasons, in this study, different agronomic variables are investigated in order to optimize the presence of bioactive components in extra virgin olive oil made from monovarietal Nostrana di Brisighella, namely phenolic and positive volatile compounds, thus naturally enriching this product both from health and sensory points of view. The study focuses on the volatile and phenolic fractions (derivatives of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) of olive oil and the positive sensory attributes (fruity, bitter and pungent) that are known to be associated with these molecules. The phenolic content is of particular interest due to the potential to support health claims. Extra virgin olive oil samples were produced from olives of the Nostrana di Brisighella cultivar; fruits were obtained through integrated pest management or organic farming and picked at four increasing indices of maturity, corresponding to four successive weeks of harvesting. These agronomic variables influenced the compositional and sensory characteristics of the extra virgin olive oils assessed, highlighting differences that likely derive from the effect of the agronomic system used, i.e., integrated pest management or organic farming.

From injury to rehabilitation: How kinesiology taping helps patients with first metatarsophalangeal joint sprain (turf toe) in pain reduction, gait parameters and functional ability improvement. A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTurf toe is a common sports injury that may affect mobility and functional ability. For complete recovery, rehabilitation modalities are required to overcome these issues. This study investigated whether kinesio taping (KT) would reduce pain, improve gait performance, and enhance the functional capacity of turf toe patients undergoing physical therapy. Methodssixty patients with grade II turf toe (age; 25–30 years) assigned randomly into three treatment groups; KT applied alongside an exercise program conducted three times/week for 12 successive weeks. (KT group; n = 20), placebo taping plus exercise (Placebo group; n = 20), or exercise only (Control group; n = 20). Pain, gait parameters, and functional ability assessed using VAS, 3D gait analysis, and 6MWT respectively pre- and post-treatment. ResultsThere was a significant post-treatment decrease in VAS score in the KT group lower than the control or placebo group and a significant increase in 6MWT distance in the KT group higher than the control or placebo group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant post-treatment increase in step length, stride length, cadence and velocity of KT group higher than control and placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in gait parameters between control and placebo groups post treatment (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe findings of the study demonstrated that KT is a useful complementary modality to exercise in patients with turf toe, as it may result in more favorable improvements to pain, gait characteristics, and functional abilities. Further studies should be conducted to assess the long-term effects, different KT application methods, and tailored treatment protocols on turf toe.