43 research outputs found
The Neuropeptide VGF is Reduced in Human Bipolar Postmortem Brain and Contributes to Some of the Behavioral and Molecular Effects of Lithium
No full textRecent studies demonstrate that the neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) is regulated in the hippocampus by antidepressant therapies and animal models of depression and that acute VGF treatment has antidepressant-like activity in animal paradigms. However, the role of VGF in human psychiatric disorders is unknown. We now demonstrate using in situ hybridization that VGF is downregulated in bipolar disorder in the CA region of the hippocampus and Brodmann’s Area 9 (BA9) of the prefrontal cortex. The mechanism of VGF in relation to LiCl was explored. Both LiCl intraperitoneally (IP) and VGF intracerebroventricularly (ICV) reduced latency to drink in novelty-induced hypophagia and LiCl was not effective in VGF+/- mice suggesting that VGF may contribute to the effects of LiCl in this behavioral procedure that responds to chronic antidepressant treatment. VGF by intrahippocampal injection also had novel activity in an amphetamineinduced hyperlocomotion assay thus mimicking the actions of LiCl injected IP in a system that phenocopies manic-like behavior. Moreover, VGF+/- mice exhibited increased locomotion following amphetamine and did not respond to LiCl, suggesting that VGF is required for the effects of LiCl in curbing the response to amphetamine. Finally, VGF by ICV in vivo activated the same signaling pathways as LiCl and is necessary for the induction of MAPK and AKT by LiCl thus lending insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of VGF. The dysregulation of VGF in bipolar disorder as well as the behavioral effects of the neuropeptide similar to LiCl suggests that VGF may underlie the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.Peer reviewe
Acceptance and factors linked with postpartum IUCD use in women delivering at a tertiary care hospital
No full textBackground: Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) offer highly effective, reliable, non-hormonal, and immediately reversible contraception, with no adverse impact on lactation. Despite these advantages, their acceptance remains low, with factors influencing rejection not fully understood, particularly in specific regions like Vadodara. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and associated factors of immediate PPIUCD use among women in SSG hospital, Vadodara.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 30th March 2024, involving 170 postpartum women in SSG hospital, Vadodara. Participants were selected using a systematic approach, and data were collected through structured questionnaires.
Results: Acceptance of immediate PPIUCD usage was found to be 12.7%. Reasons for non-acceptance included concerns about complications (24.8%), bad experience in the past (10℅), and husband’s refusal (17.7%). Women with secondary education were more likely to accept PPIUCD, as were those who attended four or more antenatal care visits.
Conclusions: Despite the benefits of immediate PPIUCD, its acceptance remains low, influenced by educational level, concerns about complications, and cultural factors such as male partner’s refusal and religious beliefs. Enhancing women’s education and providing effective counselling during antenatal care visits are crucial for addressing misconceptions and fears surrounding PPIUCD, thereby promoting its utilization in postpartum family planning
Safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in management of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and peripartum women
No full textBackground: Anemia during pregnancy, often attributed to iron deficiency, poses substantial risks to both maternal and fetal health. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in managing anemia among pregnant women.
Methods: The study encompasses women who received FCM treatment for anemia during pregnancy between October 2023 and March 2024 at SSG hospital, Vadodara. Key outcomes evaluated include maternal safety and pregnancy outcomes. Prospective observational study; Treatment effectiveness was assessed by repeat hemoglobin (Hb) measurements and patient report of well-being in the postpartum period. Safety was assessed by analysis of adverse drug reactions and fetal heart rate monitoring during the infusion.
Results: A total of 50 patients were included. The intravenous administration of FCM notably raised hemoglobin levels in all pregnant female participants compared to initial levels. Monitoring of fetal heart rate showed no adverse effects attributable to the medication. No severe side effects were observed.
Conclusions: This prospective observational study suggests that FCM represents a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing anemia during pregnancy. Despite study limitations, the findings underscore the potential of FCM in addressing this prevalent concern, advocating for its consideration in clinical practice
Accelerating the execution of green hydrogen value chains with the use of programme management
No full textClimate change, driven primarily by carbon dioxide emissions, necessitates urgent action to decarbonize the energy sector. This urgency is highlighted by initiatives such as the European Green Deal aiming for a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050. The transition to green hydrogen contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the Netherlands, where initiatives have been outlined but face challenges in execution. This research explores the application of programme management theory to accelerate the execution of green hydrogen value chains. Through literature study and semi-structured interviews, challenges in execution, such as cost, uncertainties, regulation, and lack of integration, are identified. Potential solutions include clarity on costs and regulations, long-term collaboration, improved communication and most importantly connection in the green hydrogen value chain. The application of program management, characterized by grouping projects, aligning objectives, and coordinating resources, emerges as a viable strategy. All the actors in the entire chain need to collaborate and work as one instead of working in isolation. A model is developed to guide the setup of programme management for a green hydrogen value chain, emphasizing clear goals, roles, and communication. This research contributes to filling gaps in the literature and offers practical insights for industry stakeholders to expedite the transition to green hydrogen. Recommendations include collaboration among sectors, regulatory clarity, and utilization of the developed model. Future research could focus on contract formation, broader application of the model, and addressing regulatory challenges at a policy level.Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineerin
Digital gods: The making of a medical fact for rural diagnostic software
No full textThe chronic shortage of doctors in rural India seriously impacts the quality of health care available to villagers. In recent years, there has been considerable excitement in digital diagnostics as a possible answer to this situation by allowing non-doctors to diagnose and treat patients. In this article, the author focuses on one such diagnostic tool that has gained serious traction among transnational health foundations and state governments alike. The focus is on the customization and localization of this software through a pilot study in central Himalayas. A baseline survey and extensive interviews are conducted for categorization and population of health data content. This entailed analyzing the segmentation and transfer of health information on disease history and symptoms from the patient to the software as well as situating this study in the larger understanding of the healthcare system in this community. In doing so, the author argues that much of such health information is difficult to categorize and sufficiently vague to not provide for a confident diagnosis. Further, the data population of the treatment segment is deeply political and sociocultural. This article thereby problematizes the innate assumption underlying the design of such software, that it is possible to diagnose and treat patients based on pure information
Studies on Bioconjugation of Quantum Dots (nano particles)
No full textThis Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page
Application of Gold Nanoparticles and Quantum dots in Food Analysis
No full textThis Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page
A retrospective study on ectopic pregnancy: incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, treatment and morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy- one year study
No full textBackground: Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was frequently missed and rising trend in incidence of ectopic pregnancies necessitates awareness about risk factors, resultant morbidity and mortality. to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, treatment and morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy. Aims and Objectives were to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, treatment and morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of ectopic pregnancy was done in Government Medical College Baroda, from September 2021 to August 2022. The following parameters: age, parity, gestational age, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, mode of treatment and morbidity were noted.
Results: Out of 7521 deliveries, 74 were ectopic pregnancies (0.98 %). Women with age 20-30 years had highest incidence (62.16%) and with least below 20 years (4%). Ectopic pregnancies were common in multiparous women (78.3%) than primigravida (21.62%). Common symptoms: abdominal pain (82.4%), amennorhea (78.4%), bleeding per vaginum (63.3%), adenexal tenderness (46.2), asymptomatic (12%) patients. Urine pregnancy test positive in 96.4%. Etiology was pelvic infection (15.78%), infertility (7.01%), previous ectopic (8.33%), contraception failure (8.71%), surgeries including LSCS and tubal surgeries (4%). Right sided ectopic was more common. Site of ectopic was common in fallopian tube- ampullary region (88%), cornu (4%) followed by others (8%) then caesarean scar, rudimentary horn pregnancy. About 81.08% of ectopic was ruptured, 3/4th of these patients presented with shock at the time of presentation. Tubal abortions were seen in 4.01% of patients. Most of cases being ruptured ectopic pregnancies, salpingectomy in 72.9% and salpingo-opherectomy in 6.7%. Morbidity was blood transfusion (76.31%), wound complications 4.38 and no mortality.
Conclusions: Early diagnosis, identifying of underlying risk factors and timely intervention in the form of conservative or surgical treatment will help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy
Impact of dietary patterns on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case-control study at a tertiary care hospital in western India
No full textBackground: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern worldwide, particularly in India, due to lifestyle changes and dietary habits. Diet plays a significant role in the onset of NAFLD, yet the specific dietary patterns contributing to this condition vary across populations. This study aims to assess the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD across different populations.
Methods: We conducted a case-control study at a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, involving 200 participants (100 cases with NAFLD and 100 matched controls without NAFLD). Dietary intake was assessed using a modified 24-hour dietary recall method. To identify common dietary patterns, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the open-source statistical software R. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for NAFLD risk, adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and smoking status.
Results: The study, involving 200 participants (100 with NAFLD and 100 controls), revealed that high intake of processed foods and low fiber intake were significantly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. Specifically, high consumption of processed foods was linked to a 3.4-fold increased risk of NAFLD (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.4; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.1-5.6). Similarly, low fiber intake was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.7-4.5). These results highlight the strong impact of dietary patterns on the risk of NAFLD.
Conclusions: This study highlights that a Western dietary pattern is strongly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, while adherence to a traditional diet appears protective. Dietary modifications could serve as a potential strategy for NAFLD prevention in at-risk populations
Association of thyroid dysfunction with menstrual irregularities among women attending a tertiary care hospital in western India: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Thyroid dysfunction is a significant yet often underdiagnosed contributor to menstrual irregularities among women of reproductive age. Alterations in thyroid hormone levels can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, affecting the menstrual cycle in multiple ways. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of thyroid abnormalities among women presenting with menstrual irregularities in a tertiary care setting in Gujarat, India.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at SSG Hospital, Vadodara, from March 2024 to February 2025. A total of 321 women aged 18-45 years presenting with menstrual irregularities were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering menstrual history, symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, and clinical examination. Thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, FT4) were conducted for all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and ANOVA to determine associations between menstrual patterns and thyroid function.
Results: Out of 321 participants, 99 (30.8%) had thyroid dysfunction. Among them, 65 (65.6%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 21 (21.2%) had overt hypothyroidism, 9 (9.1%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 4 (4%) had overt hyperthyroidism. Oligomenorrhea (36.3%) and menorrhagia (28.2%) were the most common menstrual disturbances associated with thyroid dysfunction. A significant association was observed between hypothyroidism and menorrhagia (p<0.05), while hyperthyroidism was more frequently linked with hypomenorrhea (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Thyroid abnormalities, particularly subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, are common among women with menstrual irregularities. Routine screening for thyroid dysfunction should be integrated into the evaluation of such cases to ensure early diagnosis and intervention
