scholarly journals A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON JARA WITH RESPECT TO AGEING PROCESS WITH ASHWAGANDHA RASAYANA AND MATRA BASTI

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Singh Binod Kumar ◽  
Bharkher D.L
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Ageing Process ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Chief Complaints ◽  
Comparative Clinical Study ◽  
Later Phase

The problem of ageing is experienced by all the countries. According to World Health statistics the life expectancy of Nepalese people has risen from 58.91 years to 67.86 years (1996 to 2015). Ageing is emerging issue in Nepal as well as global. Its tempo is expected to be unexpectedly fast as mortality continues to decline and life expectancy continues to increase. Ayurveda the science of life has observed ageing as a Jara avastha, which is a later phase of life, it is natural, inevitable phenomenon, in which maximum decline of bodily elements that may become as major cause of disability and functional dependency requiring services that affect many sectors of economy, health, security, income, housing, transportation etc. Jara chikitsa has been mentioned as one independent Anga in Ashtanga Ayurveda where Rasayana therapy is capable to impede the ageing process and to delay the degenerative process in the body. In this study we measured the effectiveness of Ashwagandha rasayana and Matra basti and compared with the Ashwagandha Rasayan only in Jara avastha. A total of thirty elderly patients were selected and divided in two groups A and B, given them either Ashwagandha Rasayana with Matra basti or Ashwagandha rasayana in prescribed doses for 45 days. Changes in the subjective complaints, objective parameters of the patients and appearance of adverse events were also evaluated. Both the groups provided better results on the chief complaints But, comparison in between both the groups is insignificant, that may be due to small sample size.

Role of Trace andamp; Toxic Elements in the Development of Anaemia in School going population of Hyderabad

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-405
Author(s):  
Junaid Ali Thebo Junaid Ali Thebo ◽  
Shaista Khan Shaista Khan ◽  
Abdul Aziz Shaikh Abdul Aziz Shaikh ◽  
Nasren Thebo Nasren Thebo ◽  
Ghulam Nabi Ghulam Nabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Informed Consent Form ◽  
Lead Levels

The aim of this research work was to measure the concentration of essential trace elements, including serum copper, iron and zinc in children suffering from anemia, and also to investigate the effect of heavy metal like lead on causing anemia. The study has been performed on school going children living in Hyderabad, which is a mini industrialized city. The study was carried out in anemic children studying in different schools of Hyderabad having different age groups. 10 ml venous blood samples were obtained after an informed consent form was signed.The samples were used to analyzed the trace elements (Fe,Cu, Zn) and toxic metal Lead (Pb). Trace elements include zinc and copper were found elevated in anemic children than healthy one, Copper is involved in many vital mechanisms in the body, energy production, connective tissue formation, and Fe metabolism, whereas copper found low with relation to the iron in anemic children because copper helps in the absorption of iron. Zinc is an essential micronutrient demanded by living being because of its significant position in-cooperation with structural constituent of proteins and as a cofactor in enzyme catalysis, there is difference between zinc and iron, they have been found to inhibit each other’s absorption due to their competitive absorption pathways. Increased zinc levels found in children with low iron content, whereas control group have normal results of these elements which may be due to their dietary management. The results revealed the environmental pollution and the associated health risks on exposure to lead. Pb concentrations whereas the current research stated a considerable relationship of mild and severe anemia with 10-42.2μg/dl Pb concentrations, the variation in results may be due to a small sample size in the current study, Drinking water from corrosion of plumbing systems through the use of lead sellers and other lead containing materials in connecting household plumbing to public water supplies. Ground and surface water are also contaminated by lead consuming industry and agricultural activities. The concentrations of Pb greater than or equal to (≥)10 μg/dl in children related with an increased threat of mild and severe anemia, diminishing iron absorption . High Lead levels were related with lower concentrations of iron, ferritin and copper, in this study it was found that high levels of lead were found mostly in boys. Lead levels have also found in control group which was below 5 ug/dl, according to WHO ≥ 10 ug/dl is considered as high.

scholarly journals The Summary of an Urdu Version of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure: Psychometric Evaluation and Validation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272093529
Author(s):  
Rashid M. Ansari ◽  
Mark F. Harris ◽  
Hassan Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Nicholas Zwar
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
World Health ◽  
Self Management ◽  
English Version ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Objective: The English version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) measure is the most frequently used self-reporting instrument assessing diabetes self-management. This study is aimed at translating English SDSCA into the Urdu version and validating and evaluating its psychometric properties. Methods: The Urdu version of SDSCA was developed based on the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization for translation and adaptation of instruments. The panel of experts examined the content validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the instrument. The translation process from the English version to the Urdu version revealed excellent results at all the stages. Results: The instrument showed promising and acceptable results. Of particular mention are the results related to split-half reliability coefficient 0.90, test-retest reliability ( r = 0.918, P < .001), intraclass coefficient (0.912), and Cronbach’s alpha (.79). The factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory) was not performed in this study due to the small sample size (n = 30) as the objective was to validate the Urdu version of the SDSCA instrument. Conclusions: This study provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the Urdu Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (U-SDSCA) instrument, which may be used in the future for the patients of diabetes in order to assess type 2 diabetes self-management activities in the rural area of Pakistan and other Urdu-speaking countries.

scholarly journals Laboratory detection of bacterial pathogens and clinical and laboratory response of syndromic management in patients with cervical discharge: A retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Deepika Yadav ◽  
Sanjay Singh ◽  
Benu Dhawan ◽  
Seema Sood ◽  
Somesh Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Syndromic Management ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background: Cervical discharge as part of cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease is a cause of significant morbidity in sexually active women worldwide. Non-gonococcal and non- chlamydial bacterial pathogens are becoming more prevalent. Aims: This study aims to determine bacterial pathogens causing cervical discharge using culture and/or polymerase chain reaction and assess the clinical and laboratory response to the conventional syndromic kit regimen established by the World Health Organisation. Methods: A retrospective review of records of women with cervical discharge over one year period. Culture and/or polymerase chain reaction results of endocervical swabs of various bacterial pathogens at baseline and after four weeks of treatment with syndromic kit regimen were recorded. Results: A total of 70 case records were reviewed for clinical details, out of which results of bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction were available for 67 cases. Infectious aetiology was found in 30 (44.7%) patients with Ureaplasma species being the most common organism isolated on culture (18, 26.8%) and polymerase chain reaction (25, 37.3%), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis was positive in ten (14.9%) and four (6%) cases, respectively. None of the patients showed positive culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Coinfection was seen in eight (11.9%) patients with the majority showing Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma spp. coinfection (five patients). Forty one cases (58.5%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg and tab. azithromycin one gram stat (kit 1), while 29 cases (43.3%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg stat, tab. metronidazole 400 mg and cap. doxycycline 100 mg, both twice daily for 14 days (kit 6). Minimal to no clinical improvement with treatment was seen in 14 out of 32 cases (44%) at the end of four weeks with the conventional kit regimen. Post-treatment culture and/or polymerase chain reaction were positive in nine out of 28 cases (32.1%) with Ureaplasma spp. being the most common. Limitations: Retrospective study design, small sample size and fewer cases with follow-up data were the main limitations. Conclusion: Ureaplasma spp. was the most common infectious cause of cervical discharge in our patients. Treatment given as part of syndromic management led to a clinical and microbiological response in around half and two-third cases, respectively.

Firms’ Specific Determinants of Capital Structure: An Analysis into Construction Firms in Malaysia and Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 76-91
Author(s):  
Siti Zulaikha Binti Upilin ◽  
Hapsah S.Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Capital Structure ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Agency Cost ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Capital Structure

The study aims to examine the firm-specific factors such as firm size, profitability and asset tangibility in the capital structure decisions (leverage) on a sample of twenty construction firms in Malaysia and Singapore from 2009 to 2018, with 200 observations. The sample firms are chosen based on convenience sampling technique and the availability of the data. Prior studies documented inconclusive findings on the determinants of capital structure and different industries tend to reveal different patterns of relationship. In addition, the empirical evidence on comparative analysis between construction firms in Malaysia and Singapore is lacking. Hence, the objective of this study is to extend the prior work by investigating the impact of the determinants on capital structure on the construction firms in Malaysia and Singapore. The study uses panel data analysis to test the effectivity of trade-off, pecking order and agency cost theories of capital structure. The empirical findings reveal positive and significant association between firm size and capital structure for Singapore firms. Meanwhile, profitability and asset tangibility correlate negatively with capital structure. As for Malaysian firms, the three determinants exhibit insignificant association with the capital structure. The study only examines 10 construction firms in Malaysia and 10 construction firms in Singapore, therefore, the small sample size becomes the limitation of the study. Nevertheless, the findings of this study may contribute to the body of knowledge on the importance of some firm-specific determinants such as profitability, tangible assets, and firm size in order to determine the optimal level of capital structure for firms in these countries.

scholarly journals Predicting prognosis and IDH mutation status for patients with lower-grade gliomas using whole slide images

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Jiang ◽  
George J. Zanazzi ◽  
Saeed Hassanpour
Keyword(s):  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Mutation Status ◽  
Idh Mutations ◽  
Whole Slide Images

AbstractWe developed end-to-end deep learning models using whole slide images of adults diagnosed with diffusely infiltrating, World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 gliomas to predict prognosis and the mutation status of a somatic biomarker, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2. The models, which utilize ResNet-18 as a backbone, were developed and validated on 296 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. To account for the small sample size, repeated random train/test splits were performed for hyperparameter tuning, and the out-of-sample predictions were pooled for evaluation. Our models achieved a concordance- (C-) index of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.569, 0.830) for predicting prognosis and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.667 (0.532, 0.784) for predicting IDH mutations. When combined with additional clinical information, the performance metrics increased to 0.784 (95% CI: 0.655, 0.880) and 0.739 (95% CI: 0.613, 0.856), respectively. When evaluated on the WHO grade 3 gliomas from the TCGA dataset, which were not used for training, our models predicted survival with a C-index of 0.654 (95% CI: 0.537, 0.768) and IDH mutations with an AUC of 0.814 (95% CI: 0.721, 0.897). If validated in a prospective study, our method could potentially assist clinicians in managing and treating patients with diffusely infiltrating gliomas.

scholarly journals PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES: SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 238-246
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
World Health ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Age Of Diagnosis ◽  
Transfusion Dependency ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is one of the most common myeloid neoplasms of elderly characterized by cytopenias and limited therapeutic options. The main aim of this retrospective single-center study was to examine the value of classical prognostic factors. The main outcome of the study was overall survival (OS) defined as death from MDS or any other reason. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with MDS at single centre in the period from beginning of 2013 to the end of 2016. Results: Total of 58 patients (median age of diagnosis being 69 years) were included in the study. After median of follow-up of 12 months, median OS was 17 months and estimated 3-year OS rate 25%. Classical prognostic systems such as IPSS, WPSS and R-IPSS were statistically significant prognostic factors discriminating adequately between low and high risk groups in terms of outcome. However, due to small sample size, we were not able to distinguish the most appropriate scoring system. The cytogenetics subgroups according to IPPS and R-IPSS were significant predictors of outcomes underlying its crucial role in MDS diagnosis. Despite the statistical tendency morphological features of MDS (2008 World Health Organization subtype and number of blasts in bone marrow) were not significant predictors of OS. Among clinical features, only presence and degree of anemia and transfusion dependency were significant predictors of inferior survival. Conclusion: The majority of traditional prognostic factors were significant in our cohort in concordance with literature review.

Anguilliform locomotion in an elongate salamander (Siren intermedia): effects of speed on axial undulatory movements

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (4) ◽  
pp. 767-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gillis
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Speed ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Orientation Angle ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lateral Velocity ◽  
Forward Movement

Many workers interested in the mechanics and kinematics of undulatory aquatic locomotion have examined swimming in fishes that use a carangiform or subcarangiform mode. Few empirical data exist describing and quantifying the movements of elongate animals using an anguilliform mode of swimming. Using high-speed video, I examine the axial undulatory kinematics of an elongate salamander, Siren intermedia, in order to provide data on how patterns of movement during swimming vary with body position and swimming speed. In addition, swimming kinematics are compared with those of other elongate vertebrates to assess the similarity of undulatory movements within the anguilliform locomotor mode. In Siren, most kinematic patterns vary with longitudinal position. Tailbeat period and frequency, stride length, Froude efficiency and the lateral velocity and angle of attack of tail segments all vary significantly with swimming speed. Although swimming speed does not show a statistically significant effect on kinematic variables such as maximum undulatory amplitude (which increases non-linearly along the body), intervertebral flexion and path angle, examination of the data suggests that speed probably has subtle and site-specific effects on these variables which are not detected here owing to the small sample size. Maximum lateral displacement and flexion do not coincide in time within a given tailbeat cycle. Furthermore, the maximum orientation (angle with respect to the animal's direction of forward movement) and lateral velocity of tail segments also do not coincide in time. Comparison of undulatory movements among diverse anguilliform swimmers suggests substantial variation across taxa in parameters such as tailbeat amplitude and in the relationship between tailbeat frequency and swimming speed. This variation is probably due, in part, to external morphological differences in the shape of the trunk and tail among these taxa.

Understanding consumer’s showrooming behaviour

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourabh Arora ◽  
Kunal Singha ◽  
Sangeeta Sahney
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
Multiple Channels ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Partial Least Squares Method

Purpose Recent multichannel research suggests that consumers use multiple channels to reap attribute-based benefits which have led to showrooming phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for consumers’ showrooming behaviour and propose a comprehensive model based on application and extension of the “Theory of planned behaviour”. Design/methodology/approach Using the probability sampling approach, 278 complete responses were obtained via web-based surveys for analysing the showrooming behaviour. The research model was tested using the “Partial least squares method” which follows a variance-based structural equation modelling approach. Findings The results of the study indicate that “touching and feeling the product” and “sales staff assistance” motivated customers to visit the physical store before buying online. “Better online service quality” and “lower prices online” induced customers to later purchase online. Price conscious customers and those with the ability to use multiple channels were more likely to engage in showrooming behaviour. Research limitations/implications The generalization of the findings may be limited because the data were collected from a small sample size. The subject calls for more extensive research for drawing generalizations due to lack of the substantive literature on the core area of study. Practical implications The model proposed will help retailers in understanding the showrooming phenomenon which recent researchers have considered as a threat to retail. The study provides basis for devising strategies to defend showrooming customers. Originality/value This paper adds to the body of knowledge in retailing by proposing a model on showrooming which is an emerging area of research in the present retail landscape.

“The healthy me appears”: Palliative cancer patients' experiences of participation in a physical group exercise program

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Paltiel ◽  
Edel Solvoll ◽  
Jon Håvard Loge ◽  
Stein Kaasa ◽  
Line Oldervoll
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Group Exercise

AbstractObjective:Tentative results from a pilot study showed that patients with advanced cancer were willing and able to take part in a group exercise intervention. Limited knowledge exists, though, about the meaning and significance of such programs. The purpose of the present study was to understand the meaning of such an intervention for the individual participant and thereby to provide knowledge for shaping future clinical practice.Methods:Thirty-four palliative cancer patients with a life expectancy of less than 1 year completed a 6-week group exercise program. Five randomly selected individuals were interviewed 7 months after completion. Results from a self-report evaluation questionnaire identified relevant themes that formed the basis of an interview guide. These were addressed in a semistructured interview. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed with a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach.Results:Two main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) perceptions of the group and (2) a secure and caring setting for the group. Themes identified regarding perception of the group were a sense of belonging and commitment. Themes identified regarding a secure and caring setting for the group were a life-empowering group as a setting for enhancing coping, the qualifications of those who led the group, and a public gym as an unsuitable setting.Significance of results:Our study indicates that an individually adjusted group exercise program, with competent leaders, can provide a setting to enhance psychological well-being in cancer patients with life expectancy below 1 year. Small sample size, however, limits the possibility to generalize the findings.

scholarly journals Predicting Prognosis and IDH Mutation Status for Patients with Lower-Grade Gliomas Using Whole Slide Images

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Jiang ◽  
George J. Zanazzi ◽  
Saeed Hassanpour
Keyword(s):  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Mutation Status ◽  
Idh Mutations ◽  
Whole Slide Images

ABSTRACTWe developed end-to-end deep learning models using whole slide images of adults diagnosed with diffusely infiltrating, World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 gliomas to predict prognosis and the mutation status of a somatic biomarker, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2. The models, which utilize ResNet-18 as a backbone, were developed and validated on 296 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. To account for the small sample size, repeated random train/test splits were performed for hyperparameter tuning, and the out-of-sample predictions were pooled for evaluation. Our models achieved a concordance- (C-) index of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.569, 0.830) for predicting prognosis and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.667 (0.532, 0.784) for predicting IDH mutations. When combined with additional clinical information, the performance metrics increased to 0.784 (95% CI: 0.655, 0.880) and 0.739 (95% CI: 0.613, 0.856), respectively. When evaluated on the grade 3 gliomas TCGA dataset, which was not used for training, our models were able to predict survival with a C-index of 0.654 (95% CI: 0.537, 0.768) and IDH mutations with an AUC of 0.814 (95% CI: 0.721, 0.897). If validated in a prospective study, our method could potentially assist clinicians in managing and treating patients with diffusely infiltrating gliomas.

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