Rajesh Varma
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Growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) diets
No full textNile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are herbivores with longer coiled intestines compared to carnivores; mouth characteristics necessary for plant shredding. Hence, several studies have been conducted to replace feed ingredients in the diet of Nile tilapia considering the increasing cost. In this study, Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) was evaluated as a potential feed ingredient for Nile tilapia. A six months feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of water spinach fish feed composition on the performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings. Five diets were formulated containing 0% (control diet), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% water spinach composition. Each treatment was carried out in triplicate using 30 Nile tilapia juveniles per replicate with an initial mean weight of 2±1g. The fish were fed at 5% body weight twice per day. Water quality monitoring was done every morning before feeding. There was no significant (p > 0.05) variation in water quality parameters between all the treatments. The best growth performance was recorded from a fish-fed 5% diet (180.49±0.83 g), while fish fed with a 20% diet had poor growth performance (128.98± 0.80g). The highest SGR was obtained in fish fed with a 5% diet (1.34±0.05) while the lowest was obtained in fish fed with a 20% diet (1.09±0.05). Except for SGR, WG, FL, and FW, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in other growth parameters of all the treatments. Final weight had a significant difference as determined by One-Way ANOVA (F (4,316) =6.363, P=0.00) between 15% and 20% water spinach composition compared to 5% water spinach composition. Therefore, 5% water spinach composition had the best growth performance.</p
The psychopathological roots of affective dependence: The origin and clinical evolution of the toxic bond
No full textBackground and aims: Starting from the concept of “affective addiction”, then reworked and critiqued according to a clinical key, it was hypothesized that it is not a behavioral addiction, as erroneously determined by modern psychiatry, but is a symptom of a well-identified personality disorder. The purpose of this research is to test the correctness of this hypothesis. Materials and methods: Clinical interview, based on narrative-anamnestic and documentary evidence and the basis of the Perrotta Human Emotions Model (PHEM) concerning their emotional and perceptual-reactive experience, and administration of the battery of psychometric tests published in international scientific journals by the author of this work: 1) Perrotta Integrative Clinical Interviews (PICI-2), to investigate functional and dysfunctional personality traits; 2) Perrotta Individual Sexual Matrix Questionnaire (PSM-Q), to investigate the individual sexual matrix; 3) Perrotta Affective Dependence Questionnaire (PAD-Q), to investigate the profiles of affective and relational dependence; 4) Perrotta Human Defense Mechanisms Questionnaire (PDM-Q), to investigate the defense mechanisms of the Ego. Results: In a population sample of 206 subjects (103 m/f couples, in a stable relationship for at least 1 year and heterosexual), it was found that the totality exhibited at least 5 dysfunctional personality traits of the borderline, dependent, and masochistic types, with secondary traits of the neurotic, narcissistic covert, psychotic and histrionic types. Almost the totality of the sample also showed marked dysfunctionality of a sexual nature and activation of defense mechanisms typical of psychopathological processes. Conclusions: The data obtained confirmed the study hypothesis, and it is, therefore, plausible to think that affective addiction is not a behavioral addiction but a manifested symptom of a broader framework of personality disorder and that it is established in subjects with the same dysfunctional personality traits. Such subjects, in close relational contact, hyperactivate themselves, according to a logic of pathological determinism. The maintenance of hyperactivation then facilitates the decompensation of the subject’s psychopathological picture, reinforcing dysfunctionality and feeding the pathological circle that keeps one’s personality structure alive, in a continuous feeding determined by the similar or same-natured traits present in the partner. This also explains why, once affective dependence is established, it is so complicated to succeed in breaking the chain of events that keeps the dysfunctional relationship alive, since overactivation prevents a correct, conscious, and rational assessment of the factors at play in relationships between elements and people. To summarize: the more the hyperactivation persists, the more it reinforces the psychopathological decompensation that keeps alive both the toxic relationship and the bond between the two individuals who, while tending toward destruction or self-destruction, fail to break the affective, sentimental, and sexual bond, maintaining over time an increasingly toxic dysfunctional attachment.</p
Grass species litter have varied trait response to the photodegradation and microbial decomposition in tropical savanna grasslands, South Africa
No full textPurpose of the paper: This paper evaluated the effects of microbial and photodegradation on the ten grass species in a tropical grassland ecosystem in South Africa. Despite continuous necromass accumulation in tropical grasslands, the process that governs how the grass litter gets to the soil has often been ignored. In the absence of fire, abiotic factors and biotic factors are drivers of this process of nutrient cycling. Methods and approaches: A classical litterbag experiment was set up to simulate photodegradation (standing litter) versus microbial (soil surface) decomposition using 10 savanna types of grass from the start of the dry season until the beginning of spring. The rates of photodegradation versus microbial decomposition were compared for tropical savanna grasses and plant traits or predictors of decomposition were also investigated. Main results: The results showed that the grass litter decomposed more rapidly when exposed to the activity of soil microbes at the soil surface (k = 0.0028 ) than when held above ground (k = 0.0018) and subjected to photodegradation only. However, examination of the individual litter species revealed up to 4 fold variation between the slowest (0.0001) and fastest (0.006) decomposing species. Differences in decomposition rates were more pronounced for litter decomposed at the soil surface than held above the soil surface. Multiple linear regression analyses did not resolve clear differences between measures of litter quality as drivers of decomposition in the two treatments. Implications: Photodegradation appeared to be a rate-controlling step during the process of decomposition in tropical savanna grasslands. Therefore grasslands dominated by photodegradation-resistant grasses were likely to need fire to get rid of moribund litter, which may be the reason why mesic grasslands need to burn to recycle nutrients. </p
An Experimental Study on Surveillance Robot Using Raspberry Pi
No full textRecently, robots have been developed to reduce human resources and observation time in a fast, booming, and rapidly growing technology. In this study, a surveillance robot is designed and manufactured to move around a given surrounding, preferably a domestic environment, record video & audio and send the information to the user through a network. The robot is allowed to be controlled wirelessly using Raspberry Pi technology from a location remotely using IoT technology. This sensor-based robot uses the Raspberry Pi with Ethernet, WI-Fi and Bluetooth for networking purposes. Python is chosen as the programming language in both autonomous and semi-autonomous modes. The manufactured robot was experimentally tested. The recorded videos, images and audio are successfully transferred through a WiFi network to the end user. The user could also control and move the robot in different directions for specific demands. The designed simple robot interests users to record and transfer information for the safety of their indoors. </p
Air pollution and possible risk of dementia in the Czech Republic
No full textA review of recent literature indicates a significant effect of air pollution on the increased incidence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. A possible mechanism is related to oxidative damage and inflammation. In the Czech Republic in previous decades the mining districts of Northern Bohemia suffered from very high air pollution levels, while during the last period in Northern Moravia this problem was also noted. This specific situation could be used to study the impact of air pollution on dementia, using new methods of molecular epidemiology together with the complex analysis of the lifestyle of the population living in the polluted regions.</p
Bacteriological pattern of urinary tract infection in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
No full textIntroduction/Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by narrowing of the prostatic urethra with resultant difficulty in passing urine, stasis, and a predisposition to urinary tract infection. The objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of urinary tract infections, common organisms isolated, their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern, and the relationship of co-morbidities with urinary tract infection in this population.Materials and methods: All patients who presented to our urology team with bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia between January 2020 and January 2021 were included. Information on age, occupation, co-morbid conditions, urine microscopy, culture, and sensitivity patterns were obtained and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Midstream urine samples were collected from 172 BPH patients. Microscopy, culture, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out. Results: From our study, the prevalence of bacteriuria was 67.9% with the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups having the highest and the least prevalence of bacteriuria (88.9% and 33.3% respectively). The most common organisms cultured from their urine were Pseudomonas (17.9%), E. coli (14.3%), Coliforms (10.7%), and Klebsiella (10.7%). Sensitivity patterns of these microorganisms revealed the highest sensitivity to the fluoroquinolones (25.9%) followed by Nitrofurantoin (14.8%) and Ceftriaxone and Cefoxitin (7.4%). The least sensitivity was to Augmentin and Gentamycin.Conclusion: Bacteriuria is common in patients with BPH. Pseudomonas spp was the commonest isolated organism in our study and most isolated organisms were susceptible to the fluoroquinolones. </p
Psychopathologic evidence in the Italian “Trap Music” population
No full textBackground and aims: In the last decade, a musical strand has emerged in the Italian national scene that has international roots since the 1990s of the last century: “Trap Music” and younger generations are increasingly fascinated by this genre, for various reasons. The present research hypothesizes the existence of a link between the choice of preference of this musical genre and the psychopathological profile of those who choose their first preference, hypothesizing that such individuals have on average a higher level of dysfunctional traits typical of cluster B (borderline, narcissistic, histrionic and antisocial), according to the PICI model and compared to the population. Materials and methods: Clinical interview, and administration of the battery of psychometric tests. The population sample was selected based on previous clinical contacts and voluntary participation through recruitment in major social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), a total of 4,368 participants, divided into three age groups (18-25, 26-37, 38-46) and two groups (the first “clinical” and the second “control”). SPSS, Anova test (with Bonferroni).Results and discussion: On average, the users selected in the clinical group population sample presented 81% of cases with a psychopathological personality profile (PICI-2) with at least 5 dysfunctional traits afferent to cluster B (bipolar, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and psychopathic) and at least 4 dysfunctional traits afferent to cluster C (paranoid, delusional, schizophrenic spectrum, dissociative), according to the PICI model, compared to 23.1% of the cases in the control group, which, however, shows traits more oriented toward neurotic tendencies (anxious, phobic-avoidant, obsessive, somatic). The investigation of dysfunctional sexual behaviors then showed, in the clinical group, the marked presence of the clinical condition of the users, with an average of 96.8% compared to 24% in the control group; in particular, the presence of a tendency toward pedophilic (under 13 years old) and pederastic (13-17 years old) paraphilia is noted for the average value between only the markings of the second and third clinical groups equal to 54.3% (with an overall phenomenon slightly more inclined toward the male group). Conclusion: It is concluded, therefore, that the starting hypothesis can be confirmed, as the hypothesized link between the primary preference choice of “Trap Music” and the psychopathological profile afferent to the dysfunctional traits of Cluster B (borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, antisocial and psychopathic), according to the PICI model and compared with the control group (CG) population, which has significantly lower pathological values (57.9% - 72.8%) than the clinical group (CG), appears credible and non-random.</p
Unusual presentation of duplex kidney with poor functioning upper moiety in an adult patient a case repor
No full textRenal duplexing (also known as a duplicate collection system) occurs in about 1% of children and does not usually require medical attention. The condition results in two tubes rather than the normal single ureter tube for each kidney. Medical problems that warrant attention are obstruction of urine flow or the backflow of urine into the kidney (reflux). These double ureter tubes can join in a "y" shape before reaching the bladder (partial duplex) and combining their urine delivery. In other cases, each duplicate ureter empties into the bladder on its own (complete duplex). There is cause for concern when a duplex kidney is associated with urological conditions requiring treatment.Renal duplexing can cause urine to reflux into the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux) rather than going into the bladder and can cause subsequent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).This can result in serious consequences like the loss of renal parenchyma (reflux nephropathy) and sometimes death in acute infections if not attended to in a timely manner. Weigert-Meyer postulated that rule i-e in a complete duplex system is mostly associated with reflux in lower moiety and obstruction in upper moiety with ectopic insertion and ureterocele. Ureteroceles may require simple management of symptoms or surgery, depending on the size of the ballooning, the functioning of the kidney and bladder and the degree of urine obstruction. An ectopic ureter is when the ureter opens and drains urine outside the bladder rather than inside.</p
Treatment of diabetic muscular hyperplasia with natural and nutritional supplements
No full textSkeletal muscle is an important part of the human body. Most glucose metabolism is accomplished by skeletal muscle through insulin mediation. Skeletal muscle metabolism disorder can affect glucose metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity of the body, and diabetic muscular Hypoplasia is a secondary lesion of muscle tissue caused by diabetes. In recent years, it has been found that in addition to mainstream western medicine and traditional Chinese and Western medicine combined treatment programs, natural products, and nutritional supplements also play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diabetic muscular Hypoplasia. Therefore, this paper will discuss the definition and pathogenesis of diabetic muscular Hypoplasia, as well as the prevention and treatment mechanism of some natural products and nutritional supplements, to provide more theoretical reference for non-drug targeted therapy of diabetic muscular Hypoplasia.</p
Efficacy of a new Nutraceutical Formulation in preventing acute intestinal inflammation: New therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of diverticulitis?
No full textAcute diverticulitis is a painful, relatively sudden condition, characterized by the presence of low-grade inflammation in the colonic mucosa. Recent clinical trials supported the use of nutraceutical compounds in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders, including diverticulitis. To verify the hypothesis that nutraceutical ingredients my prevent diverticulitis development, we tested a combination of different natural active supplements, in a mouse model of acute intestinal inflammation. A nutraceutical formulation was administered daily in a prevention setting, by intrarectal enema. Inflammation severity was monitored using a Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, histological and endoscopic analysis, and quantification of Fecal Calprotectin (FC).Results showed that a combination of cranberry juice, pomegranate extract fruit in ellagic acid and inulin Fibruline®, prevented the development of experimental acute intestinal inflammation. This was confirmed endoscopically, in terms of reduced colon thickness and granularity of mucosal surface. Results were also confirmed histologically, not only by significant reduction of ulcerations, compared to control groups, but also by significant prevention of flogosis and inflammatory infiltration. Nutraceutical ingredients were also able to significantly reduce FC levels, confirming the anti-inflammatory properties of these dietary supplements.Our study supports the potential use of nutraceutical ingredients as a novel therapeutic approach to prevent acute diverticulitis.</p