IMPACT OF MOTHER'S HYPOTHYROIDISM ON FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The thyroid, a gland with a butterfly-like shape in the base of the human neck, plays an important role in metabolism. Body heat, energy levels, weight, hair, fingernail, and regular menstruation cycles are controlled by three hormones produced by the thyroid. A system of feedback regulates the release of those hormones. Overproduction as well as underproduction of thyroid hormones can result from shifts in the stimulation and regulation of those hormones. These factors can have physiological or pathological origins. Pregnancy is a physiological factor. There is a plethora of physiological and psychological shifts that occur during pregnancy. A thyroid alteration in the mother is one example. Thyroid irregularities result from a failure to adjust to new circumstances. Thyroid hormone levels can drop, or manufacturing could be slowed during pregnancy due to variations in hormone concentration. Hypothyroidism describes this disorder. Hypothyroidism in women who are pregnant is either gestational or could be a disorder that is present before pregnancy. Gestational hypothyroidism cures itself throughout postpartum times, though it can stay as subclinical hyperthyroidism for some time after delivery. They pose a serious risk to development, stunt the growth of the unborn child and lead to defects in subsequent generations. Enhanced thyroid binding globulin levels, enhanced iodine clearance by the kidneys, modified effects of the human reproductive hormone and reduced dietary consumption of iodine lead to these alterations in the gland. Cretinism and mental disorders are among the serious health problems related to an iodine imbalance in maternal hypothyroidism. The growth of the brain, nervous system and Intelligence of an unborn child depends on thyroid hormones. As a result, normal early stages of development suffer due to changes in maternal hormone levels.

Prediction of the superimposed laser shot number for copper using a deep convolutional neural network

Image-based deep learning (IBDL) is an advanced technique for predicting the surface irradiation conditions of laser surface processing technology. In pulsed-laser surface processing techniques, the number of superimposed laser shots is one of the fundamental and essential parameters that should be optimized for each material. Our primary research aims to build an adequate dataset using laser-irradiated surface images and to successfully predict the number of superimposed shots using the pre-trained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models. First, the laser shot experiments were performed on copper targets using a nanosecond YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm. Then, the training data were obtained with the different superimposed shots of 1 to 1024 in powers of 2. After that, we used several pre-trained deep CNN models to predict the number of superimposed laser shots. Based on the dataset with 1936 images, VGG16 shows a high validation accuracy, higher sensitivity, and more than 99% precision than other deep CNN models. Utilizing the VGG16 model with high sensitivity could positively impact the industries' time, efficiency, and overall production.

Re-do cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Risk factors and complications

ABSTRACT

An effective multi-modal treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface metastatic malignancies has progressed and developed over the decades as cytoreductive surgery (CRS), and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivers highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy drugs directly to the abdomen during surgery. Peritoneal metastasis and high staging abdominal malignancies were considered incurable and end up with the palliation only; the CRS+HIPEC combination approach increases the median survival rate and gives a better quality of life to these patients. It is a complicated surgery which poses a high rate of complications and challenges which are difficult to manage and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The aim of this study is to elaborate the perioperative possible physiological changes, risk factors, and related complications after re-do HIPEC.

A novel leaf rust resistance gene introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii maps on chromosome arm 2AS of wheat

A novel leaf rust resistance gene, LrM, introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii and mapped on chromosome 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers will aid in broadening the genetic base of rust resistance in wheat. A new leaf rust resistance gene tentatively named LrM was introgressed from the diploid non-progenitor species Ae. markgrafii (2n = 2x = 14, genome CC) into common wheat using the nulli-5B mechanism. The introgression line ER9-700 showed a high degree of resistance against a wide spectrum of Puccinia triticina pathotypes. Genetic analysis was performed using the F₁, F₂, F_2:3 and BC₁F₁ generations derived from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local. The results showed a single dominant gene for leaf rust resistance. The resistance gene LrM was mapped on chromosome arm 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers. Preliminary mapping with SSR markers in the F_2:3 population from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local identified two SSR markers flanking the LrM. SNPs were identified in the genomic region flanked by SSR markers, and SNP-based PCR markers were developed to construct the final map. Three SNP-based PCR markers co-segregated and mapped closest to the resistance gene at a distance of 2 cM. The gene LrM was distinguished from all the other genes designated and mapped on chromosome arm 2AS by molecular markers and rust reaction. All five markers used in the mapping amplified identical alleles in the donor Ae. markgrafii accession and introgression line ER9-700. The chromosomal location and rust reaction suggest that LrM is a novel leaf rust resistance gene that may be useful in broadening the genetic base of leaf rust resistance in wheat.

Ecological covariates based predictive model of malaria risk in the state of Chhattisgarh, India

Malaria being an endemic disease in the state of Chhattisgarh and ecologically dependent mosquito-borne disease, the study is intended to identify the ecological covariates of malaria risk in districts of the state and to build a suitable predictive model based on those predictors which could assist developing a weather based early warning system. This secondary data based analysis used one month lagged district level malaria positive cases as response variable and ecological covariates as independent variables which were tested with fixed effect panelled negative binomial regression models. Interactions among the covariates were explored using two way factorial interaction in the model. Although malaria risk in the state possesses perennial characteristics, higher parasitic incidence was observed during the rainy and winter seasons. The univariate analysis indicated that the malaria incidence risk was statistically significant associated with rainfall, maximum humidity, minimum temperature, wind speed, and forest cover (p < 0.05). The efficient predictive model include the forest cover [IRR-1.033 (1.024-1.042)], maximum humidity [IRR-1.016 (1.013-1.018)], and two-way factorial interactions between district specific averaged monthly minimum temperature and monthly minimum temperature, monthly minimum temperature was statistically significant [IRR-1.44 (1.231-1.695)] whereas the interaction term has a protective effect [IRR-0.982 (0.974-0.990)] against malaria infections. Forest cover, maximum humidity, minimum temperature and wind speed emerged as potential covariates to be used in predictive models for modelling the malaria risk in the state which could be efficiently used for early warning systems in the state.

Female married illiteracy as the most important continual determinant of total fertility rate among districts of Empowered Action Group States of India: Evidence from Annual Health Survey 2011-12

Background

District level determinants of total fertility rate in Empowered Action Group states of India can help in ongoing population stabilization programs in India.

Objective

Present study intends to assess the role of district level determinants in predicting total fertility rate among districts of the Empowered Action Group states of India.

Material and Methods

Data from Annual Health Survey (2011-12) was analysed using STATA and R software packages. Multiple linear regression models were built and evaluated using Akaike Information Criterion. For further understanding, recursive partitioning was used to prepare a regression tree.

Results

Female married illiteracy positively associated with total fertility rate and explained more than half (53%) of variance. Under multiple linear regression model, married illiteracy, infant mortality rate, Ante natal care registration, household size, median age of live birth and sex ratio explained 70% of total variance in total fertility rate. In regression tree, female married illiteracy was the root node and splits at 42% determined TFR <= 2.7. The next left side branch was again married illiteracy with splits at 23% to determine TFR <= 2.1.

Conclusion

We conclude that female married illiteracy is one of the most important determinants explaining total fertility rate among the districts of an Empowered Action Group states. Focus on female literacy is required to stabilize the population growth in long run.

Psycho-Biological Changes with Add on Yoga Nidra in Patients with Menstrual Disorders: a Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Menstrual disorders are common problems among women in the reproductive age group. Yuga interventions may decrease the physical and psychological problems related to menstrual disorders. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of Yoga Nidra on psychological problems in patients with menstrual disorders.

METHODS

A total number of 100 women recruited from the department of obstetrics and gynecology and were then randomly allocated into two groups: a) intervention received yogic intervention and medication for 6 month, and b) control group received no yogic intervention and they only received prescribed medication). Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and hormonal profile were assessed at the time of before and after six months on both groups.

RESULTS

The mean score of anxiety, depression, positive well-being, general health, and vitality scores, as well as hormonal levels, in posttest were significantly different in intervention group as compared with pretest. But there was no significant difference in control group.

CONCLUSION

Yoga Nidra can be a successful therapy to overcome the psychiatric morbidity associated with menstrual irregularities. Therefore, Yogic relaxation training (Yoga Nidra) could be prescribed as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy for menstrual dysfunction.

Paediatric CT protocol optimisation: a design of experiments to support the modelling and optimisation process

In the last decade, several studies have emphasised the need to understand and optimise the computed tomography (CT) procedures in order to reduce the radiation dose applied to paediatric patients. To evaluate the influence of the technical parameters on the radiation dose and the image quality, a statistical model has been developed using the design of experiments (DOE) method that has been successfully used in various fields (industry, biology and finance) applied to CT procedures for the abdomen of paediatric patients. A Box-Behnken DOE was used in this study. Three mathematical models (contrast-to-noise ratio, noise and CTDI vol) depending on three factors (tube current, tube voltage and level of iterative reconstruction) were developed and validated. They will serve as a basis for the development of a CT protocol optimisation model.

Synthesis of cadmium oxide and carbon nanotube based nanocomposites and their use as a sensing interface for xanthine detection

Xanthine oxidase (XOD) was immobilized covalently via carbodiimide chemistry onto cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO)/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (c-MWCNT) composite film electrodeposited onto Au electrode.

Yoga Nidra as a complementary treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with menstrual disorder

Background:

Emotional insecurity, stress, depressive or/and anxiety symptoms are common with variable severity among patients with menstrual disorder. Yogic relaxation therapy (Yoga Nidra) leads to conscious and subconscious recognition of these underlying psychological factors and helps releasing of suppressed conflicts.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of Yoga Nidra on anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with menstrual disorders.

Materials and Methods:

Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S.M. Medical University (erstwhile KGMU), Lucknow Uttar Pradesh, India. The subjects were randomly divided in to two groups: Intervention group (with yogic intervention) and control group (without yogic intervention). Assessments of all subjects were carried out by administering Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) at baseline and after six months.

Results:

The mean age with S.D of the intervention group was 27.67 ± 7.85 years, and for control group was 26.58 ± 6.87 years (among completed intervention group nn = 65 and control group nn = 61). There was significant reduction of scores in HAM-A (P<0.003) and HAM-D (P<0.02) respectively in subjects with mild to moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms after six months of yoga therapy (Yoga Nidra) in intervention group in comparison to control group.

Conclusion:

The patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms improve significantly with ‘Yoga Nidra’ intervention. There is no significant improvement in the patients with severe anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Impact of Yoga Nidra on psychological general wellbeing in patients with menstrual irregularities: A randomized controlled trial

Background:

Yogic relaxation therapy (Yoga Nidra) has been effectively prescribed in conjunction with other medical and yogic procedures in the management of severe psychosomatic diseases, including cancer, bronchial asthma, colitis, peptic ulcer and menstrual irregularities.

Aim of the study:

To assess the impact of Yoga Nidra on psychological problems in patients with menstrual disorders.

Materials and Methods:

Patients were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S.M. Medical University (erstwhile KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 150 female subjects were randomly divided into two groups: 1) group of 75 subjects (with yogic intervention) and 2) a control group of 75 subjects (without yogic intervention). Assessment of psychological general wellbeing (tool) was used for all the subjects Assessment of psychological general well being (tool) was used for all the subjects (Cases and controls). This assessment was done twice first time in the beginning (baseline) and then after six months.

Results:

Anxiety decreased significantly (P<0.003) and depression decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the Yoga group. Positive wellbeing and general health improved significantly (P<0.02), and vitality improved significantly (P<0.01) after six months of Yoga therapy (Yoga Nidra) in the Yoga group compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

The current findings suggest that patients with menstrual irregularities having psychological problems improved significantly in the areas of their wellbeing, anxiety and depression by learning and applying a program based on Yogic intervention (Yoga Nidra).

Six-month trial of Yoga Nidra in menstrual disorder patients: Effects on somatoform symptoms

BACKGROUND

Yoga Nidra is a successful therapy for both recent and long-standing psychological disturbances of all kinds especially depression and high anxiety level and neurotic patterns.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present work, therefore, was to conduct a preliminary randomized study of Yoga Nidra as a treatment in the patients of menstrual disorders with somatoform symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were recruited from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CSM Medical University (erstwhile KGMU) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. One hundred and fifty female patients with menstrual disorders were randomly divided in to two groups 1- Intervention group: 75 subjects (Yoga Nidra intervention and medication) 2- control group: 75 subjects (without Yoga Nidra intervention only medication). Schedule for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry tool was used.

RESULTS

There was significant improvement in pain symptoms (P<0.006), gastrointestinal symptoms (P<0.04), cardiovascular symptoms (P<0.02) and urogenital symptoms (P<0.005) after 6 months of Yoga Nidra therapy in Intervention group in comparison to control group.

CONCLUSION

Yoga Nidra appears to be a promising intervention for psychosomatic problems. It is cost-effective and easy to implement. The results indicate that somatoform symptoms in patients with menstrual disorder can be decreased by learning and applying a program based on Yogic intervention (Yoga Nidra).

Correlation between chemical composition of biliary calculi and sera of stone formers

A quantitative chemical analysis of total cholesterol, bilirubin, calcium, inorganic phosphate and iron of three types of biliary calculi (cholesterol, pigment and mixed) of 40 gall stone former was carried out and correlated to with those of there sera. A moderately positive correlation for inorganic phosphate, Ca2+ and Fe2+ content of sera and calculi of cholesterol stone patient was found. A Good positive correlation for total cholesterol, a moderately positive correlation for bilirubin and iron but no correlation for inorganic phosphate and calcium content of sera and calculi of pigment stone patient was observed. A good moderately positive correlation for iron but no correlation for total cholesterol, bilirubin, inorganic phosphate and Ca2+ content of sera and calculi of stone patient was found.

High frequency of G to A transition mutation in the stromal cell derived factor-1 gene in India, a chemokine that blocks HIV-1 (X4) infection: multiple proteins bind to 3'-untranslated region of SDF-1 RNA

It has become clear that mutations in a variety of host genes possess the ability to influence the progression of HIV-1, prominent among them are the chemokines. Stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1), an alpha-chemokine, is a natural ligand for HIV-1 coreceptor-CXCR4 and a potent chemokine that blocks infection by X4 viruses. Nucleotide G to A transition (nucleotide position 801 with respect to the ATG initiation codon) in the 3'-untranslated region of SDF-1 RNA is implicated in having disease-modifying effects. We have screened 100 normal healthy individuals from north India where HIV-1 is spreading at an alarming rate. This mutation is present in 40% (40 out of 100) individuals, 32% being heterozygous and 8% being homozygous for this mutation. This mutation showed Mendelian inheritance in one of the families studied. This observation could be important in understanding the progression or pathogenesis of HIV-1 in India. We also show that multiple proteins bind in the 3'-untranslated region of the SDF-1 RNA.

Comparison of lytic cocktail and magnesium sulphate regimens in eclampsia: a retrospective analysis

Retrospective analysis of eclamptic patients was done during two time periods. In time period A (Jan. 1987-Dec. 1988), 79 patients of eclampsia were treated with lytic cocktail and in time period B (April 1992-April 1994), 104 eclamptic patients were treated with magnesium sulfate. The severity of disease, details of labour, delivery, incidence of persistent convulsions and the maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared. Incidence of persistent convulsions was significantly lower with magnesium sulphate (4.8%) compared to lytic cocktail (26.6%). No difference was observed in duration of labour and mode of delivery. Perinatal mortality was significantly lower in magnesium sulphate treated group. Maternal mortality was similar in both the groups (lytic cocktail-3.8%, Magnesium sulphate-2.9%).

Role of cell growth factor (interleukin-2) and its receptors in carcinoma cervix patients

Host immunity plays an important role in neoplasia. Neoplastic activity is known to correspond with the disturbances in immunological mechanisms. T-lymphocytes DNA replication and mitosis are determined by a critical threshold of signals generated by the interaction between interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptors. So we planned to study the level of IL-2 in carcinoma cervix patients. Twenty healthy (normal) and fifty carcinoma cervix patients were investigated. The level of IL-2 was estimated by thymidine incorporation [Anderson et al., Eur. J. Immun. 9 (1979) 581-587]. A remarkable decrease in concentration of IL-2 in serum of the patients (mean = 21.62 U/100 microliters) when compared with normal healthy individuals (36.86 U/100 microliters). Immunotherapy in the form of IL-2 can be suggested in such patients.

Superiority of the use of a pre-incubated complex of primary and second antibody in the radioimmunoassay of thyroid hormones

We report on the superiority of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) system wherein the second antibody (Ab2) is incorporated as a pre-incubated complex with the primary antibody (Ab1) for the assay of haptens like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Separation of the antibody bound and free antigen (Ag) was accomplished by 8% polyethylene glycol (PEG) (final concentration) following a single incubation of less than 1 h. The other advantages of this system are a 15-fold reduction in the quantity of Ab2 (without any need for increasing the concentration of PEG) and the consequent savings in cost.

WHO sponsored collaborative studies on nutritional anaemia in India. The effect of parenteral iron administration in the control of anaemia of pregnancy

1. The relative efficacy of oral and parenteral iron administration in the prophylaxis and treatment of Fe-deficiency anaemia of pregnancy has been studied. 2. Intravenous administration of Fe by total dose infusion of Fe dextran was not superior to oral Fe 120 mg/d, 6 d/week for 10-12 weeks. 3. Intramuscular Fe dextran, 100 mg twice per week for 10-12 weeks, produced a significantly greater rise in mean haemoglobin concentration than oral Fe therapy. 4. The superiority of intramuscular Fe as compared with intravenous Fe is probably related to the different handling of the Fe dextran by the reticulo-endothelial system. 5. In spite of the better response to intramuscular Fe dextran, it is not recommended for public health practice because of the risks associated with its use and the much higher cost of the preparation and its delivery.