Introduction: Urbanization is associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Aortic stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity (Pwv) is a validated predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, in India, there are few population-based studies regarding pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (Aix). Method: Our aim is to determine vascular ageing measured by pulse wave velocity and the arterial augmentation index in urban population. Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index and was measured in 292 urban population subjects without any ECG changes. Results: Normal PWV and the 95% confidence intervals values were obtained in 20-29 year age group (compared to 30–39, 40–49, and 50–60 age groups. The mean Pwv found was 5.85 m/s ± 1.25 (range: 4.86–8.47). PWV increases linearly with aging with a high degree of correlation; with low dispersion in younger subjects. Pwv progressively increases 6–8% with each decade of life; this tendency is more pronounced after 40 years. A significant increase of Pwv between hypertensive versus nonhypertensive, diabetes vs non-diabetes groups were demonstrated. This is the first population-based study from urban population of Nellore that provides normal values of the Pwv in these region. Augmentation index was also increased significantly in both diabetic and hypertensive groups. Conclusion: The findings of present study suggest that, although related, peripheral augmentation index AIx and Pwv provide early identification of high risk groups. Implication of life style modification is the first intervention to consider in adults followed by drug therapy to control risk factors. Specifically, AIx might provide a more sensitive marker of arterial aging in younger individuals

Gullies proliferate the landscape of the Ajalli Sandstones (AS) geological formation in the North Central Nigeria. This study was carried out to assess the vulnerability to gully erosion of the Ajalli Sandstones geological sediments, and to examine the relationship between gully length and average gully sediment volume on this formation. Soil samples, collected from each sidewall of 15 gully erosion sites at two depth ranges, the rilling depth, d1 (0 – 60 cm) and the gullying depth, d2 (60 – 120 cm), were tested to determine their particle size distribution using the hydrometer method as well as compute their erodibility indices (K). Further, samples were collected using sampling tubes to determine the soils’ dry bulk density (DBD). Additionally, 37 gullies developed on the AS formation were measured to determine their lengths (L), average widths (W), and average depths (D). From each gully, three additional variables of average gully sediment volume (V), average cross sectional area (A), and average form factor (W/D) were computed. For the two respective depth ranges, the particle size distributions, the K values, and the DBD as well as the sets of six variables of L, W, D, C, A, and W/D from each gully were analysed using descriptive statistics. And the pairs of L and V for each gully were further analysed using inferential statistics to examine their relationship. Results show that the rilling depth (d1) and the gullying depth (d2) are both highly erodible with the mean %sand d1 + %siltd1 = 95%, %clayd1 = 5%, Kd1 = 24.40, and DBDd1 = 1.31 g/cm3; and the mean %sandd2 + %siltd2 = 82%, %clayd2 = 18%, Kd2 = 8.40, and DBDd2 = 1.34 g/cm3. The cross sectional shape of the gullies formed on the AS is trapezoidal. The mean W/D ratio on this formation is 1.46. This shows that the surface soil is eroding faster than the subsurface soil. The length is significantly, positively, but moderately correlated with the average sediment volume. And a simple bivariate regression shows that the relationship between gully length and the average gully sediment volume is of the form: V = 27,066.643 + 147.213L (R = 0.503, R2 x 100 = 25.30%). The study also shows that gully length is a moderate predictor of average sediment volume on homogeneous, erodible formations.

We report the case of a girl of 2 years and a half, without a notion of consanguinity, admitted for erythema of both cheeks which appeared 40 days after birth. In view of the notion of photosensitivity and the appearance of poikiloderma found in the clinical examination, the diagnosis of Rothmund Thomson syndrome was retained. Rothmund Thomson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterized by the early onset of poikiloderma associated with various cutaneous and extra-cutaneous abnormalities with an abnormally high incidence of cutaneous cancers. There is no treatment of the disease, the care is limited to its consequences

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of school language policy on pupils‟ achievement in English composition in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia West sub-county. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was 1,715 class 8 pupils, 120 teachers of English and 9l head teachers. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select 73 head teachers and 92 teachers of English who were involved in the study. The 313 pupils who participated in the study were selected using proportionate stratified sampling procedures. Data were collected using the teachers‟ questionnaires, the head teachers‟ interview schedule and pupils‟ English composition achievement test. The content and face validity of the three instruments were examined by the researcher in consultation with experts from the department of Curriculum and Education Management of Laikipia University. The English teachers‟ questionnaire and the English composition achievement test were piloted in 5 schools in Kwanza Subcounty and their reliabilities estimated using the Cronbach coefficient alpha method and the Kuder-Richardson 21 formula respectively. The reliability coefficients of English teachers‟ questionnaire and the English composition achievement test were .898 and .916 respectively. Data were analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The hypothesis was tested at the .05 level of significance using simple regression. The results of the study revealed that school language policy influences pupils‟ achievement in English composition. The results of the study should assist teachers to manage and improve the quality of instruction in English composition. The results of the study should also help the policymakers in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology to develop a suitable language policy for implementation in all schools in Kenya.

Blood Transfusion is a life saving procedure but it involves the risk of transmission of certain diseases like HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria. So, the donated blood is screened in the blood bank for the above diseases. A survey of the reactivity of the above disease was done at Government Royapettah Hospital for the years 2014 to 2018

This study seeks to analyze how cartoons depicted Kenyan political scenario during electioneering period from April 2017 to April 2018. The objectives of the study is to find out how Kenyan electioneering period was framed in political cartoons through the use of metaphors a clear picture can be constructed by performing a content analysis that reveal what type of frames were dominants and which kind of metaphor were used. An analysis of 24 cartoons from four major print media that is The standard, Daily Nation and the Star between April 2017 and April 2018 portraying Kenyan election period was analyzed in order to find out which frames were prominent during the Kenyan political period and to evaluate metaphors that cartoonist used to pass out the message. A deductive approach with possible frames predetermined as variables to verify the extent to which these frames occur in the news was used; therefore five frames distinguished are: conflict frames, human interest frames, responsibility frame, economic consequences frame and morality frame were used. Giles theory of conceptual blending where metaphorical scenario and frame are combined was used to analyze 24 political cartoons. Responsibility frame was the dominant frame. The metaphorical scenario of a fight was the most recurrent metaphor used in the cartoons of Kenyan election period. The findings of this research show that political leaders are responsible for igniting and ending political crisis in Kenya. The study will contribute on research about framing as visual metaphors and provide a contribution towards an analytical tool for cartoons.

This study analyses the profile of blood donor such as their age, sex, educational status and socio-economic status, their willingness for repeat blood donation. The blood donors who came to donate blood at blood bank, Govt. Sivagangai Medical College in the year 2018 were the sample population of the study. This analysis will help in implementation of steps to convert voluntary blood donor to routine repeat blood donors which will reduce the scarcity of blood

A comparative analysis of endothelial cell loss was done after manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification with 50 patients in each group in a tertiary care eye hospital in India. Follow up was done upto 8 weeks for visual acuity, mean endothelial cell density, corneal thickness and change in hexagonality. Analysis was done on TOPCON- 3000P specular microscope. Males and females were equally distributed mainly in 51-60 years of age group. The visual acuity in group A (phacoemulsification) was 6/6 in 68% patients while in group B it was 6/6 in 40% patients. There was more decrease in mean endothelial cell density in group A (phacoemulsification) 4.24% vs 3.87%. Corneal edema occurred in both the groups initially but was not statistically significant. The overall loss of hexagonal cells is not statistically significant between phacoemulsification and manual small incision cataract surgery. All through our study, there was more corneal edema, endothelial cell loss and decrease in hexagonality in phacoemulsification group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Hence, both the surgeries are safe pertaining to corneal endothelial health

Introduction: Aoritc Augmentation indexes (AIxs) and pulse wave velocity (Pwv) are arterial stiffness parameters. They can be studied by pulse wave analysis noninvasively. Before use, AoAix and Pwv need normative baseline study to find the predictors. However the data about arterial stiffness from rural population of Andhrapradesh is still undetermined. Method: Pwv and AoAix was measured in the carotid-femoral pathway in 1235 rural inhabitants of Nellore district and clinical parameters were recorded. Result: Pwv was greater after the fourth decade of life (8.12 ± 1.5) than in youngers less than 40 years. The Pwv was higher in hypertensives of older than 40 years, diabetics and dyslipidemic patients. Major positive significant predictors of PWV were age, Body Mass Index, and systolic blood pressure; whereas for AIx was age alone. Conclusion: This is the first study conducted in 1235 subjects of rural population of Nellore district which determines the relationship of Pwv with age and other risk factors. Pwv shows a lower in subjects less than 40 years compared to older persons with a strong relationship to the process of arterial aging, the development of hypertension and cardiovascular risk. This baseline data can be used as a reference for future studies.

Fungal corneal ulcers usually difficult to diagnose and treat especially in primary and secondary hospital level and abrupt use of antibiotics and steroids lead to resistance to treatment. Our study realized that while treating a recalcitrant deep fungal keratitis in combination with intrastomal injection of voriconazole along with use of topical voriconazole eye drop increases the healing rate and hastens the resolution period without significant complications leading to severe visual loss as compared to the treatment with use of topical voriconazole eye drop alone

Ultrasonography is a widely used imaging technique that has many clinical applications. Most hospitals will offer women at least 2 ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The first is usually at around 8 to 14 weeks and is sometimes called the ‘dating scan’ because it can help to determine when the baby is due. Anomaly scan is an ultrasound scan that is carried out around weeks 19 to 20 of your pregnancy. Neural tube defects are abnormalities that occur in the development of the spinal cord and brain in the fetus. This scan aims to identify any physical problems with the baby. During the anomaly scan, we can identify the neural tube defects. Exorbitant choice sonography has improved it practical to picture the developing embryo and analyze fetal anomalies previously the twentieth week of pregnancy. Contingent upon the kind of neural tube defects distinguished, early end of the pregnancy might be thought about. The sonographer, just as the whole obstetric gathering, should be cognizant that there's a range of conditions with different discoveries related to a neural tube defect. Learning and awareness of these conditions will make an examination and control less demanding

Aim: The present articles involves the investigation of anticlastogenic activity of ethanolic extract of bael fruit (Aegle marmelos). Acute toxicity study was conducted as per OECD guidelines up to 2000mg/kg body weight. Methodology: Anticlastogenic activity was investigated by two models viz, micronucleus test and chromosomal aberration method using mice. In micronucleus assay model the bone marrow was extracted form various groups of animals, staining was performed and the slides were scanned under oil immersion(100X) in LAbomed-Digi 2 microscope (90V-260V), for the presence of micronucleus in PCE (Polychromatic Erythrocytes) and NCE (Normochromatic Erythrocytes). Results: In chromosomal aberration model the animals has been sacrificed from all the groups and bone marrow was collected, processed and different types of aberrations like chromosome breaks, exchanges, rings and minute were recorded. In micronucleus assay, there was a significant (P<0.001) increase in the % MNPCE and decrease in P/N ratio in cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, i.p.) treated animals when compared with normal control animals. In chromosomal aberration test, there was a significant increase in total no. of chromosomal aberrations (rings, exchanges, breaks and minute) in cyclophosphamide treated animals when compared with normal control animals and it was time dependent. Bael fruit extract were found to be non mutagenic and significantly (P<0.001) decreased the cyclophosphamide induced formation of chromosomal aberrations. Conclusion: Based on the present empirical evidences the ethanolic extract of bael fruit was found significant anticlastogenic activity

Aim: To evaluate muscle relaxant property of Cuminum Cyminum in albino rats. Methodology: This is an experimental study conducted at Department of Pharmacology, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) on albino rats to find out the muscle relaxant property of Cuminum Cyminum standard drug was diazepam. Adult albino rats of either sex (100-150g) were divided into 3 groups. Group I consisting of 6 animals, served as control and received distilled water. Group II subdivided into three groups II-A, II-B, II-C, consisting of six animals each, received Cuminum cyminum in three doses of 300mg, 750 mg, 1000mg per orally respectively. Group III subdivided into three groups III-A, III-B, III-C, consisting of 6 animals each, received the standard drug in three doses per orally. Result: Cumin were tested as muscle relaxant and compared with diazepam as standard drug. P- value for fall-off time was not significant in all the three doses of Cuminum cyminum. Fall-off time was decreased by 0.70%, 0.91%, 2.40%, respectively with all the three doses of Cuminum cyminum. Conclusion: Skeletal muscle relaxant property of Cuminum cyminum aqueous solvent extract was not significant. It may be because extract got heat thermal degradation so it may be lost some of its property. According to some studies and animal models cumins alcohol solvent extract is having muscle relaxant property while it is having relaxant property for tracheal smooth muscle

Objective: This study was carried out to determine awareness and willingness to eye donations among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross sectional survey was done at Al-Nafees Medical College Islamabad during the months of March to July 2018. Total 250 students were enrolled by applying simple random sampling. A self administered structured questionnaire was applied for data collection. Data was entered and analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 23). Results: Out of the selected 247 students, 124(50.2%) were male and 123(49.8%) were female. 234(94.7%) knew about eye donations and 106(51.8%) knew that cornea is transplanted into the receiver’s eye. Only 32(13%) knew about eye banks in Pakistan whereas only 67(27.1%) students were agree to donate their eyes. Conclusion: From the current study it was concluded that most of the medical students were aware of eye donations but they did not know the further detail of eye donation and majority was not ready to bestow their eyes

Behçet’s disease is a systemic vasculitides, characterized clinically by recurrent mucocutaneous lesions but vital organs may by affected like central nervous which can increased the morbi-mortality especially among young patients. Infliximab, is a promising therapeutic approach for this disease especially in those with manifestations refractory to the standard immunosuppressive therapy. We report 3 cases of refractory neuro-Behçet’s disease with a dramatical clinical improvement under infleximab