ABSTRACT Purpose To address the need for a standardized assessment tool for assessing cognitive-communication abilities among Indian preschoolers, the current study aimed at describing a Delphi based development and validation process for developing one such tool. The objectives of the research were to conceptualize and construct the tool, validate its content, and assess its feasibility through pilot testing. Methods The study followed a Delphi approach to develop and validate the tool across four phases i.e. conceptualization; construction; content validation; and pilot testing. The first three phases were performed with a panel of six experts including speech-language pathologists and preschool teachers while the pilot testing was done with 20 typically developing preschoolers. A literature review was also conducted with the Delphi rounds to support the developmental process. Results The first two rounds of the Delphi aided in the construction of a culturally and linguistically suitable story-based cognitive-communication assessment tool with the memory (free recall, recognition, and literary recall) and executive function (reasoning, inhibition, and switching) related tasks relevant for preschoolers. The content validation of the tool was continued with the experts till the revisions were satisfactory and yielded an optimum Content Validity Index. The pilot test of the finalized version confirmed its feasibility and appropriateness to assess developmental changes in the cognitive-communication abilities of preschoolers. Conclusion The study describes the Delphi-based conceptualization, construction, content validation, and feasibility check of a tool to assess cognitive-communication skills in preschool children.

Abstract Background and aims: Dexamethasone as adjunct to local anesthetic solution improves the quality of brachial plexus block (BPB). However, evidence for its efficacy at low doses (< 4 mg) is lacking. This study was designed to evaluate the duration of analgesia attained with low dose dexamethasone as adjuvant to local anesthetic for creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) under BPB. Methods: Sixty-six patients scheduled for AVF creation were randomly allocated to receive either saline (control) or 2 mg dexamethasone, together with 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.2% lignocaine. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia, defined as time from performing the block to the first analgesic request. The secondary outcomes were time from injection to complete sensory block, time from injection to complete motor block, duration of motor block, postoperative analgesic consumption, and fistula patency at three months. Results: All the blocks were effective. In the group that received dexamethasone, the time to first analgesic request was significantly delayed (432 ± 43.8 minutes vs. 386.4 ± 40.2 minutes; p < 0.01). The onset of sensory and motor blockade occurred faster in dexamethasone group and overall analgesic consumption was also reduced. However, dexamethasone addition did not prolong the duration of motor block. There was no statistically significant difference in the patency of fistulas between the two groups at three months. (p = 0.34). Conclusion: Addition of low-dose perineural dexamethasone to local anesthetic solution significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia. Further trials are warranted to compare the adverse effects between dexamethasone doses of 4 mg and lower.

Abstract Nutritional composition, of potato was evaluated to establish frying processing conditions to estimate the sensory profile and acceptability of different slice thickness.The slice thickness were set to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5mm. The variables studied were: time, temperature and potato varieties. The comparisons evaluated were: chip colour, frying time, effect of different slice thickness, oil absorption to different thickness, content of reducing sugars, sucrose and phenols after frying of slices. Potato chips are sold in organized sectors and un-organised sectors sale chips through street vendors all over the India. Perception or profiling of chips of different thickness data and their sensory evaluation part has not been done so far. Two processing varieties, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-3 (110 maturity days) were analysed for different thickness regulating different temperature of 170, 180 and 190°C. Associated parameters reducing sugars, sucrose and phenols were analysed before and after frying.The temperature of 170 and 180 °C was found to be suitable temperature for acceptable chip colour quality. Slice thickness of 0.5mm reduced the oil absorption. Reduction in reducing sugars was found to be maximum (77.9 %) in variety Kufri Chipsona-1, at 180°C with 0.2mm thickness followed by at 170°C with the same thickness (77.0%) in variety Kufri Chipsona-1. Phenol content in processed chips, markedly was more than raw potato phenol values. Sensory evaluation results in overall acceptance of 0.2mm thick slices than 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5mm thick slices.

Abstract Background: The serum Vitamin D status in patients with vitiligo is ambiguous when compared to controls. A systematic review and updated meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between Vitamin D and vitiligo. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and other databases. The random effects model was used to obtain standardized mean differences and pooled correlation coefficients. Meta-regression and sub-group analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias and the study robustness were tested using funnel plot and sensitivity analyses, respectively. Results: This meta-analysis finally included 31 studies. Compared with controls, vitiligo patients showed significantly decreased serum Vitamin D levels (standardized mean difference = −1.03; p < 0.0001). The sub-group analysis showed that vitiligo patients with indoor/urban work had a significantly lower Vitamin D level when compared to their outdoor/rural counterparts (standardized mean differences = −0.45; p = 0.03). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. Study limitations: Varied sample sizes and heterogeneous study populations from different countries are the limitations of this study. However, the between-study heterogeneity has been addressed by the random-effects model with meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed significantly decreased Vitamin D level in vitiligo, and its association with indoor/outdoor type of work of vitiligo patients. This study highlights the need to assess Vitamin D status for improving its level in vitiligo.

ABSTRACT Marine microalgae has been attracting the researcher’s attention for centuries. Development on microalgal research is majorly favoured by its medicinal, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical properties. The advancement in the investigation related to microalgal products have been concentrated in the coastal zones because of the greater supply of raw material. The Southern Ocean, highly productive and relatively poorly studied ecosystem, constitutes approximately 10% of the global volume of the oceans. In this study, marine microalgae Chlorella sp. PR-1 was isolated from the Southern Ocean (Indian Sector) for the identification of bioactive antibacterial compounds. The antimicrobial activity of this microalgal extracts was evaluated against three gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus subtilis) and three gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli). The extract showing antibacterial activity was further purified by thin layer and column chromatography. The antimicrobial activity was again evaluated and confirmed with the purified fraction against the same bacteria. The identification of the functional groups in the purified fraction was performed by infrared spectroscopic analysis. Based on gas chromatographic and mass spectroscopic analysis, the principle bioactive compound was proved to be 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)- phenol. Thus, the bioactive compound isolated from marine microalga of Southern Ocean origin may be a novel alternative source of antibacterials in the future.

RESUMEN Las microalgas marinas han atraído la atención de los investigadores durante siglos. El desarrollo de la investigación de las microalgas se ve favorecido principalmente debido a sus propiedades medicinales, farmacéuticas y cosméticas. El avance de las investigaciones relacionadas con productos microalgales se ha concentrado en las zonas costeras debido a la mayor oferta de materias primas. El Océano Sur es un ecosistema extremo altamente productivo y relativamente poco estudiado, constituye aproximadamente el 10% del volumen global de los océanos. En este estudio, la microalga marina Chlorella sp. PR-1 fue aislada desde el Océano Sur (sector Indico) para la identificación de compuestos bioactivos antibacterianos. La actividad antimicrobiana de los extractos microalgales fue evaluada contra tres especies bacterianas gram positivas (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus licheniformis y Bacillus subtilis) y tres gram negativas (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium y Escherichia coli). Los extractos que mostraron actividad antibacteriana fueron purificados mediante cromatografía de capa fina. La actividad antibacteriana de las fracciones purificadas fue evaluada nuevamente y confirmada contra las mismas bacterias. En las fracciones purificadas, la identificación de los grupos funcionales fue realizada mediante análisis espectroscópico infrarrojo. Basado en los análisis cromatográficos y de espectroscopia de masa se demostró que el principal compuesto bioactivo fue 2,4-bis (1,1-dimetiletil)-fenol. Por lo tanto, el compuesto bioactivo aislado de microalgas marinas del Océano Austral puede ser una nueva fuente alternativa de antibacterianos en el futuro.

Abstract The control of a pH process is complex because of severe nonlinearities in its behavior. A continuous pH neutralization process is usually represented as a first-order plus dead time system, but its gain varies for different operating points. Therefore, a conventional linear controller cannot be used, and the pH system was thus represented as a linear state-space model around an equilibrium point. This linear model was then used to compute the PID controller gains using robust and optimization techniques like quantitative feedback theory, bacterial foraging technique-based particle swarm optimization algorithm, and genetic algorithm. The corresponding controller gains resulting from the three algorithms were used to control the pH using a reconfigurable I/O device, NI myRIO-1900. Finally, the output time domain specifications and the servo and regulatory responses, resulting from the three algorithms, were compared in simulation and in real-time to deduce the appropriate tuning algorithm for this system.

There has been an increase in lesbian and gay-themed advertisements in mainstream media in South Africa. This suggests that brands are starting to acknowledge LGBTQ consumers as an important consumer market needing representation in advertisements. However, to date little empirical research has examined the response of heterosexual consumers to lesbian and gay-themed advertisements. Therefore, this study examined the impact of tolerance of homosexuality on attitudes towards lesbian and gay-themed advertisements and brands. The findings revealed that participants with a high tolerance towards homosexuality have more positive attitudes towards advertisements and brands. The attitudes towards the advertisements have a significant positive influence on the attitude towards the brand. In addition, the study revealed that heterosexual men exposed to lesbian and gay-themed advertisements tend to have negative attitudes towards advertisements compared to heterosexual women. Managerial implications are discussed.

ABSTRACT Deep marine microorganisms survive under extreme ecological settings and harsh environmental conditions of low temperature, high salinity, and high atmospheric pressure making it significant of scientific interest. Southern Ocean (SO) is one such example of deep marine ecosystem and the microorganisms inhabiting in such hostile environment may produce different bioactive secondary metabolites. SO (Indian Sector) is relatively less documented in terms of microbial composition and community dynamics. The present study involves isolation of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from three potent SO (Indian Sector) bacteria, optimization of the EPS production and partial characterization of them. Three different EPSs show varying structural conformation, that is from porous to strong flakes mimicking polymeric structure with C/N ratio ranging between 4 - 11. FTIR spectra have exhibited the presence of different active groups of carbohydrate moieties, water molecules and protein-associated amides. EPSs produced by marine microorganisms show high biotechnological promises such as drug carrier in pharmaceutical field, emulsifier and cryo protectant in food-processing industry, detoxification of petrochemical oils and much more. The three bacterial isolates in this study showed potential of producing EPS biopolymer that can be further explored in terms of its proper biotechnological applications.

RESUMEN Los microorganismos marinos de zonas profundas sobreviven en entornos ecológicos extremos y condiciones ambientales adversas de baja temperatura, alta salinidad y alta presión atmosférica, lo que los hace tener un interés científico particularmente significativo. El Océano Antártico, es uno de esos ejemplos de ecosistemas marino profundo, y los microorganismos que habitan en ese ambiente hostil pueden producir diferentes metabolitos secundarios bioactivos. El Océano Antártico (sector indio) está relativamente menos documentado en términos de composición microbiana y dinámica comunitaria. El presente estudio consiste en el aislamiento de los exopolisacáridos (EPS) de tres potentes bacterias del Océano Antártico (sector indio), la optimización de la producción de EPS y la caracterización parcial de los mismos. Tres EPS diferentes muestran una conformación estructural variable, es decir, de copos porosos a fuertes que imitan la estructura polimérica con una relación C/N que oscila entre 4 y 11. Los espectros FTIR han exhibido la presencia de diferentes grupos activos de macromoléculas de carbohidratos, moléculas de agua y amidas asociadas a proteínas. Los EPS producidos por microorganismos marinos muestran un alto potencial biotecnológico, como transportador de drogas en el campo farmacéutico, emulsionante y crioprotector, todos ellos en la industria de procesamiento de alimentos, desintoxicación de aceites petroquímicos y mucho más. Los tres aislamientos bacterianos de este estudio mostraron potencial de producción de biopolímeros de EPS que pueden ser explorados más a fondo en términos de sus aplicaciones biotecnológicas adecuadas.

RESUMO Background: As hemorroidas são uma das doenças mais frequentes da região anal, com alta prevalência envolvendo todas as faixas etárias. Existem várias opções de tratamento, sendo que nenhuma é perfeita. A ligadura elástica de hemorroidas é um tratamento conservador que pode ser realizado em ambulatório. Objetivo: O estudo foi realizado para determinar a eficácia da ligadura no tratamento de hemorroidas de Grau II e III e para acompanhamento dos pacientes tratados por ligaduras para avaliar o alívio sintomático, a recorrência e as complicações. Design do estudo: Estudo prospectivo e intervencionista com liberação do comitê de ética institucional foi realizado durante o período de 2 anos em um centro de referência terciário com um tamanho de amostra de 60. Resultado: Dos 60 pacientes, 41 (68,30%) apresentaram hemorroidas de Grau II e 19 (31,7%) de Grau III. No primeiro seguimento, a taxa de sucesso para hemorroidas de grau II foi de 85% (35/41), em comparação com 21% (4/19) no Grau III. Os 20 pacientes sem sucesso foram novamente submetidos a ligadura, mas apenas 2 deles responderam ao procedimento. Ao final de 6 semanas, 36 pacientes com hemorroidas de Grau II (88%) foram curados. A taxa de falha foi maior para as hemorroidas de grau III (68,42%, n = 13). A taxa de sucesso foi de 86,6% para hemorroida única. Não houve grandes complicações. A anemia reverteu significativamente com ligadura elástica bem-sucedida. Conclusão: A ligadura elástica é um método simples, seguro e eficaz para o tratamento de hemorroidas sintomáticas de segundo e terceiro graus, como procedimento ambulatorial. Ela promove melhores resultados para hemorroidas de Grau II e únicas. A taxa de recorrência após ligadura elástica bem-sucedida é baixa.

ABSTRACT Background: Hemorrhoids are one of the most frequent diseases of the anal region with high prevalence involving all age groups. Multiple treatment options exist with none being perfect. Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids is a non-operative treatment which can be performed on outpatient basis. Objective: The study was undertaken to determine efficacy of banding in treatment of Grade II and III hemorrhoids and to follow-up patients treated by banding to evaluate for symptomatic relief, recurrence and complications. Study design: A prospective, interventional study with clearance from the institutional ethics committee was undertaken over the period of 2 years in a tertiary referral center with a sample size of 60. Result: Out of 60 patients, 41 patients (68.30%) had Grade II and 19 patients (31.7%) had Grade III hemorrhoids. At first follow up, success rate for Grade II hemorrhoids was 85% (35/41) as compared to 21% (4/19) in Grade III. The unsuccessful 20 patients were re-banded, however only 2 of them responded to procedure. At the end of 6 weeks, 36 patients with Grade II hemorrhoids (88%) were cured. Failure rate was higher for Grade III hemorrhoids (68.42%, n = 13). Success rate was 86.6% for single hemorrhoid. There were no major complications. Anemia reverted significantly with successful band ligation. Conclusion: Rubber band ligation is a simple, safe and effective method for treating symptomatic second and third degree hemorrhoids as an outpatient procedure. It gives better results for Grade II and single hemorrhoids. Recurrence rate after successful band ligation is low.

Abstract Introduction For many reasons, it is important for audiologists and consumers to document improvement and benefit fromamplification device at various stages of uses of amplification device. Professional are also interested to see the impact of amplification device on the consumer's auditory performance at different stages i.e. immediately after fitting and over several months of use. Objective The objective of the study was to measure the hearing aid benefit following 6 months - 1-year usage, 1 year - 1.5 yeaŕs usage, and 1.5 yeaŕs - 2 years’ usage. Methods A total of 45 subjects participated in the study and were divided equally in three groups: hearing aid users from 6 months to 1 year, 1 year to 1.5 year, and 1.5 year to two years. All subjects responded to the Hearing Aid Benefit Questionnaire (63 questions), which assesses six domains of listening skills. Result Results showed the mean scores obtained were higher for all domains in the aided condition, as compared with unaided condition for all groups. Results also showed a significant improvement in the overall score between first-time users with hearing aid experience of six months to one year and hearing aid users using hearing aids for a period between 1.5 and 2 years. Conclusion It is possible to conclude that measuring the hearing aid benefit with the self-assessment questionnaires will assist the clinicians in making judgments about the areas in which a patient is experiencing more difficulty in everyday listening environment and in revising the possible technologies.

The Indium Oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized through Acacia gum mediated method with the surfactants CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide) and SDBS (Sodium Docecyl Benzene Sulfonate). The characterization of the synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles was carried out by XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, TEM, SEM, EDAX, UV-Vis and PL techniques. TG-DTA analysis was performed to know the calcination temperature of In2O3 nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles. The morphology and chemical composition were characterized by TEM, SEM and EDAX respectively. It was observed that morphology and size of synthesized nanoparticles measured by TEM and SEM analysis were dependent on the type of capping agent (surfactant) used. Raman and UV-Vis spectral analysis confirmed that the band gap value of CTAB capped In2O3 particles were larger than the SDBS capped In2O3 particles. FTIR analysis indicated that the bands were stretched in In2O3 particles capped by SDBS than by CTAB. From the photoluminescence studies (PL technique), a blue shift in the emission peaks of CTAB and SDBS capped In2O3 particles was observed that indicates larger optical band gap than the bulk.

Abstract In this article, I examine the writings of the 18th-century Italian thinker Giambattista Vico and the 19th-century Indian thinker/social reformer Jyotiba Phule about myths, temporality, and the past. Both these thinkers turned to historicising myths in order to engage with debates in the present. Both viewed myths as reflecting social relations of power and domination, and sought to understand their material realities, emphasising human agency, collective change, and the social construction of language and practices. Both pointed to the limits of history, albeit in different ways: Vico by introducing the notion of providence, and Phule by rewriting the myths he had rationalised, using the same mythological figures, in order to intervene in the politics of the present from a marginal perspective (that of being low-caste). I juxtapose these two disparate thinkers in terms of their similarities in historicising myths, and analyse why Phule goes further than Vico in exceeding the boundaries of history. I argue that Phule’s cultural context allowed him to return to myths more easily than Vico, although the latter revered them as well.

Tumor related tissue eosinophilia (TATE) is a known phenomenon but its role in prognostics and correlation with size of the primary tumor is still controversial. Using a stain, like Carbol chromotrope, that targets eosinophils exclusively and vividly, offers an advantage over haematoxylin and eosin, which was used in most of the studies. Forty-nine cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, where the TNM staging has been recorded in their history, was taken and stained with Lendrum's carbol chromotrope. Significant difference in the eosinophil count with varying size of the tumor and a parallel increase in the number noted, with increase in size. There is a corresponding increase in the number of eosinophils infiltrating the tumor with increase in size of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

La eosinofilia tisular asociada a tumores (TATE) es un fenómeno conocido, sin embargo su pronóstico y correlación con el tamaño del tumor primario aún es tema de controversia. El uso de cromotropo como tinción dirigida exclusivamente a los eosinófilos, ofrece una ventaja sobre la hematoxilina-eosina, que ha sido utilizada en la mayoría de los estudios. Se estudiaron células escamosas en 49 casos de carcinoma oral, con registro del estadio TNM. Las células fueron teñidas con carbol cromotropo de Lendrum. Se observó una diferencia significativa en el recuento de eosinófilos con el tamaño del tumor y un aumento paralelo en número, con el aumento de tamaño. Hay un aumento correspondiente en el número de eosinófilos que infiltran el tumor con aumento en el tamaño de carcinoma de células escamosas orales.

Mycobacterium neoaurum is a rare cause of bacteremia, and infection usually occurs in an immunocompromised host in the setting of an indwelling catheter. Prosthetic valve endocarditis due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria typically carries a dismal prognosis; we report a case ofM. neoaurum prosthetic valve endocarditis with favorable response to antimicrobial therapy without surgical intervention.

The aim of this work was to study the probiotic-related characteristics of four strains of bacteria isolated from the normal flora of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata. In vitro results showed that the strains, namely, MBTU_PB1, MBTU_PB2, MBTU_PB3 and MBTU_PB4 had higher adhesion abilities than the tested indicator strains. However, an association between the cell-surface hydrophobicity and the ability to adhere to the intestinal mucus was not observed for these strains. Further, the selected strains were strongly autoaggregating (autoaggregation percentage ≥ 80) and also showed strain-specific coaggregation abilities with the tested indicator strains.