Evaluation of potential antidiabetic activity of abelmoschus esculentus and evidence of possible pharmacokinetic interaction with metformin

The study is aimed at the evaluation of potential activity of and possible interaction with metformin in animal Models of Diabetes Mellitus. Study objectives include study the anti-diabetic effect of for Diabetes Mellitus in animal models and also to study the effect of Abelmoschus esculentus with metformin and explore any interaction. Plant material was collected () followed by extraction of plant materials () Exudate collection of and activity test study was done (acute toxicity study, according to standard OECD guidelines) Experimental animals were divided into groups. Dosing was done for 28 days. Biochemical parameters were studied. Histopathology studies are done. Results showed that in this study administrations of Abelmoschus esculentus extract (2000mg/kg body weight) Metformin with extract (5mg/kg b.w. and 2000mg/kg body weight and Metformin 5mg/kg body weight decreased elevated blood glucose levels significantly from first to fourth week compared to diabetic control rats and showed minimal safety concerns.

Effectiveness of Interventions to Enhance the Sense of Coherence in the Life Course

This chapter provides an overview of the effectiveness of programs and interventions that aim to strengthen the sense of coherence (SOC) throughout the life span. The authors report on more than 40 studies investigating the effectiveness of interventions to strengthen the SOC. They structure and summarize findings for young people, employed and unemployed adults, health professionals, people with disabilities, people with psychosomatic and mental health problems, people with physical problems, hospital patients, and older people. Even though most studies are limited to short-term pre-test and post-test study designs, a few studies have investigated the effects of intervention for longer follow-up periods of up to several months and even more than one year.

When does presenteeism harm productivity the most? Employee motives as a key moderator of the presenteeism–productivity relationship

PurposeWhile presenteeism is empirically linked to lower productivity, the role of a person's motives for engaging in presenteeism has been overlooked. Using a Conservation of Resources Theory framework, we examine the moderating effects of presenteeism motives (approach and avoidance motives) on the presenteeism–productivity relationship.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 327 dental hygienists with chronic health conditions was surveyed. Moderated multiple regression was used to test study hypotheses.FindingsResults indicate that presenteeism does indeed appear to detriment productivity. However, we demonstrate that motives are an important moderator, such that high approach motives appear to mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism on productivity.Practical implicationsBased on our findings, we suggest managers strive to improve the approach motives of their employees through processes such as job enrichment.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that presenteeism is not always detrimental to productivity, as approach motives appear to mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism on productivity. These results could drive future research on presenteeism, as well as inform best practices related to managing workers with chronic health issues.

The role of Himalayan Massif-Tibetan Plateau and the mid-tropospheric sub-tropical ridge over north India during the advance phase of the southwest monsoon

The advance of monsoon over the Indian sub-continent is not a continuous process. It advances in a phased manner. It has been observed from large sample of the data that the monsoon current often stagnates outside northwest India. Gujarat, northwest Madhya Pradesh and west Uttar Pradesh for a long period resulting in delaying its advance considerably over these areas. The cause of such prolonged stagnation can be identified to the mechanic Himalayas - Tibetan plateau on the mid-tropospheric westerly flow in absence of any synoptic scale forcing over north India. During 1976, 1982 and 1991 there was prolonged stagnation of southwest monsoon over northwest India and neighbouring areas and, in 1985, it was over north Konkan during June-July. In those years, the sub-tropical ridge (STR) in the middle troposphere over India was weak or absent during the initial phase of advance of monsoon. In absence of the STR, the westerly trough activity in the mid-tropospheric levels extended to southern latitude disrupting the monsoon flow and bringing prolonged stagnation. The observation was confirmed on a test study conducted during the prolonged stagnation of the monsoon of 1995. On the other hand, in the year 1990, the mid- tropospheric STR became prominent from middle of June over north India and it helped in restricting southward extension of westerly troughs. Consequently the equatorial trough remained organize gradually over north India and caused the gradual advance of SW monsoon over the entire country without considerable.

Veno-Arterial Index (VAI)—A Promising Tool For Identifying Renal Transplant Rejection

The objective of this study is to evaluate the veno-arterial index (VAI) as a predictor of renal rejection in kidney transplant patients. A diagnostic test study was conducted between January 2014 and May 2018. Renal transplant patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy were included. The VAI was obtained by measuring the flow velocity in the renal segmental vein and dividing this value by the peak systolic velocity of the segmental artery in this same location. The records of 77 patients were analyzed. Among these patients, 32 (42%) were positive for transplant rejection and 29 presented with acute rejection. In patients with renal rejection, the median VAI was 0.67 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.56-0.87), and in kidneys with a negative biopsy for rejection, the median VAI was 0.41 (IQR = 0.27-0.57), with a statistically significant difference ( P = .007) and a value much higher than that obtained for the general population of 0.30 (IQR = 0.18-0.44). Subacute and acute rejected kidneys had an even higher VAI of 0.725 (IQR = 0.57-0.87; P = .0001). Although the resistive index has a good correlation with glomerular filtration, it is not possible by that index to differentiate among the multiple causes that can lead to graft dysfunction. The results of this study show that the VAI might be a useful parameter, which when elevated could predict renal transplant rejection.

Thermal Insulation Materials in Architecture: A Comparative Test Study with Aerogel and Rock Wool

Thermal insulation has great potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings. This study aims to provide a general perspective by addressing the thermal insulation materials used throughout the history of the construction industry and to understand the current situation with developing technology. The literature review was used as a method in the study. The insulation values of current thermal insulation products were investigated and compared. An energy loss and gain analysis were carried out on the Revit model to understand the difference between the widely used rock wool and a nanotechnology product, aerogel-added thermal insulation material. The results of the study show that thermal insulation materials produced with nanotechnology examined have lower thermal conductivity coefficients compared to other thermal insulation materials. According to the analysis carried out on the Revit model, the thermal insulation material with aerogel provides 8% savings in cooling loads compared to the use of rock wool. Developing competitive and sustainable materials is of the utmost importance. The literature review suggests that new composite insulators can be produced by combining suitable materials.