Background: Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats has shown potential in treating tinnitus, but most studies have focused on one-month treatment durations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the time-bound e...Background: Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats has shown potential in treating tinnitus, but most studies have focused on one-month treatment durations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the time-bound efficacy of brainwave entrainment using binaural beats, comparing it to a standard tinnitus masker over a three-month duration. Method: Sixty-three individuals having tinnitus with normal hearing sensitivity were enrolled in the study. The participants were categorized into groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ. They were provided with delta(4 Hz) and alpha(10 Hz) frequency binaural beats and standard tinnitus masker, respectively, for a duration of three months. The tinnitus handicap inventory(THI) scores, Visual analogue scale(VAS) rating for tinnitus distress, and quality of life parameters were measured. The reductions obtained for each measure during the end of the first, second and third month were measured and compared across the groups. Results: All three groups showed considerable reductions in THI and VAS scores and improvements in the quality of life domains, focusing on physical and psychological health. However, groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ, who received binaural beats stimuli, showed higher benefits than those who received standard tinnitus masker. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that binaural beats can be an effective treatment technique for individuals with tinnitus having normal hearing sensitivity. Clinicians and otology/audiology practitioners shall adopt this innovative treatment after further validating these findings.展开更多
Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and...Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and treatment.In this short review,we briefly describe the various aspects of CI in sexual medicine practice and ways to tackle them.展开更多
The integration of academic research methodologies into design thinking processes presents a transformative approach to addressing complex challenges in group housing,fostering inclusive,sustainable,and user-centered ...The integration of academic research methodologies into design thinking processes presents a transformative approach to addressing complex challenges in group housing,fostering inclusive,sustainable,and user-centered solutions.This research explores how methodologies such as Participatory Action Research,post-occupancy evaluations,and Research through Design can be systematically embedded within design thinking to bridge the gap between academic rigor and empathy-driven,iterative design practices.By synthesizing these paradigms,the study proposes a framework for group housing design that prioritizes co-design processes,empathy-based data collection,and participatory evaluation,while emphasizing adaptability through sociocultural insights and user feedback.Case studies analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of flexible,community-driven design,while emerging technologies like IoT-enabled cohousing signal new opportunities for innovation.Challenges,including scalability,long-term validation,and reconciling user autonomy with professional expertise,are critically analyzed.Ultimately,this research advances a hybrid methodology to redefine the conceptualization,implementation,and assessment of group housing,offering actionable pathways to achieve affordable,inclusive,and context-sensitive housing solutions.展开更多
Mechanical as well as durability properties are pivotal for any type of concrete which gets adversely affected due to cracks that may form due to loading beyond its capacity.Concrete has the intrinsic property to heal...Mechanical as well as durability properties are pivotal for any type of concrete which gets adversely affected due to cracks that may form due to loading beyond its capacity.Concrete has the intrinsic property to heal itself to some extent but not fully as the passive form of autogenous healing plays an inferior role for a complete repair of a cementitious material.The self-healing capabilities can be enhanced by adding chemical admixtures,polymers,and bacteria strains induced calcium carbonate precipitation,etc.In this paper,the advancements in the development and performance of self-healing concrete using chemical admixtures,polymers,and bacteria strains are reviewed.This systematic review includes the available experimental tests and methodologies investigating self-healing efficiency over the last decade.Further,this review focussed on self-healing materials,the ideology,and opinions of those in the construction field on the direction of self-healing concrete for future applications.It is yet not possible to predict the most appropriate technique,however,a generalized opinion about the effectiveness of the different approaches has been illustrated.展开更多
The remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a topic that has been widely discussed recently,and it gives new hope for people with T2DM.Achievement of normal blood glucose levels or levels below the diagnostic th...The remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a topic that has been widely discussed recently,and it gives new hope for people with T2DM.Achievement of normal blood glucose levels or levels below the diagnostic threshold for T2DM without pharmacotherapy among people with T2DM after metabolic surgery and carbohydrate or calorie-restricted diet paved the way for more enthusiastic research in this area.There is a lot of confusion regarding the appropriate terminology and definition of remission of T2DM.In this short review,we briefly analyzed the emerging concepts and proposed criteria for diagnosing remission of T2DM,which will be helpful for healthcare providers and people with T2DM.展开更多
Systemic hypertension is an established risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident and control of blood pressure reduces the risk of a major cardiovascular event.Both non-pharmacological and ...Systemic hypertension is an established risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident and control of blood pressure reduces the risk of a major cardiovascular event.Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options are available to treat hypertension.Yoga,recently received more attention as a treatment modality for various lifestyle disorders,even though practiced in India since ancient times.In this review,we are analyzing the role of yoga in the treatment of systemic hypertension.展开更多
Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of ad...Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of addressing disaster vulnerability in urban settings,where a substantial portion of the population faces risks stemming from high population density,limited resilience,and inadequate coping capabilities.The study advocates for the integration of disaster resilience principles into the Smart Cities Mission of India,placing particular emphasis on the necessity of developing infrastructure,establishing early warning systems,and fostering community engagement to bolster urban resilience.Furthermore,the paper draws comparisons and parallels between the components of smart cities,mitigation strategies,and disaster resilience,illuminating their interconnectedness and potential synergies.In conclusion,the study recommends the incorporation of essential network elements to establish a Smart Cities Mission that is resilient to disasters,ultimately aiming to safeguard urban communities from the adverse impacts of future calamities.展开更多
A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station,GKVK,University of Agricultural Sciences,Bengaluru.The soil of the experimental site was red loamy sandy in nature havi...A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station,GKVK,University of Agricultural Sciences,Bengaluru.The soil of the experimental site was red loamy sandy in nature having medium nitrogen,low phosphorus and high potassium content,and was slightly acidic in nature.The treatment consisted of 5 levels of phosphorus viz.T1(50%Recommended Dose of Fertilizer(RDF)P2O5),T2(75%RDF P2O5),T3(100%RDF P2O5),T4(125%RDF P2O5)and T5(150%RDF P2O5)in the presence of static dose of nitrogen and potassium.There were 5 treatments each replicated four times.The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design.The result showed that application of 150%RDF of P2O5 recorded significantly higher growth attributes viz.,plant height(T5:128.125 cm)and the number of leaves per plant(T5:11.1 at 60 Days after Sowing(DAS)).However,the application of 100%RDF of P2O5 treatment recorded a significantly higher seed yield(T3:296.25 g).展开更多
Background:Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)is a coronary revascularization technique associated with diminished pulmonary function.During the first week after CABG,slow vital capacity(SVC)decreases by 30%–60%.Sc...Background:Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)is a coronary revascularization technique associated with diminished pulmonary function.During the first week after CABG,slow vital capacity(SVC)decreases by 30%–60%.Scalene muscles affect pulmonary function because they attach to the 1st and 2nd ribs.Shorter scalene muscles can decrease inhalation volume and chest expansion.Very few studies have assessed the effects of scalene stretching on SVC and chest expansion in patients post-CABG.Therefore,this study was aimed at determining the effects of scalene muscle stretching on SVC and chest expansion in such patients.Methods:A total of 74 patients post-CABG(phase 2)meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two groups:an intervention group(n=30)performing scalene muscle stretching and a control group(n=30)performing active neck exercise.Pre&Post SVC and chest expansion were measured in all patients.A total of 14 patients wereexcluded.Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS software(version 20.0).Results:SVC showed significant increase(P<0.05)in the intervention group compared with the control group.Chest expansion was statistically non-significant between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion and clinical implications:Scalene muscle stretching improves SVC in patients post-CABG(phase 2).Hence,scalene stretching should be included in programs for improving respiratory function.展开更多
Background and need for the research:High-normal blood pressure(i.e.,130–139/85–89 mmHg)hashazardous ratio for both coronary heart disease and stroke,because of day to day variations in blood pressure;consequently,p...Background and need for the research:High-normal blood pressure(i.e.,130–139/85–89 mmHg)hashazardous ratio for both coronary heart disease and stroke,because of day to day variations in blood pressure;consequently,prevention through lifestyle modification is essential.Although numerous studies have examined stretching and myo-fascial release to lower blood pressure,no consensus has been reached regarding which technique is superior for immediate lowering blood pressure.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of self-performed foam rolling and active-stretching on blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand.Methods:A total of 98 patients with high normal blood pressure(20–40 years of age)meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups.Group 1(n=49)performed foam rolling,and group 2(n=49)performed TheraBand-assisted active stretching of the calf muscle.The pre and post blood pressure,heart rate,and the rate pres-sure product were assessed.Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS software(version 20.0).Results:Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.05),and the decrease was greater in the active stretching group than the foam rolling group.In the foam rolling group,the heart rate signifi-cantly increased,whereas no changes were observed in the active stretching group.The Rate Pressure Product was notsignificant within and between two groups.Conclusion and clinical implications:Active stretching as part of a self-performed daily exercise routineappears safer for immediate lowering blood pressure,without affecting myocardial oxygen demand.Ethics committee approval:Reference No.:EC/Approval/08/Physio/21/06/2023.展开更多
Wave reflection and refraction in layered media is a topic closely related to seismology,acoustics,geophysics and earthquake engineering.Analytical solutions for wave reflection and refraction coefficients in multi-la...Wave reflection and refraction in layered media is a topic closely related to seismology,acoustics,geophysics and earthquake engineering.Analytical solutions for wave reflection and refraction coefficients in multi-layered media subjected to P wave incidence from the elastic half-space are derived in terms of displacement potentials.The system is composed of ideal fluid,porous medium,and underlying elastic solid.By numerical examples,the effects of porous medium and the incident wave angle on the dynamic pressures of ideal fluid are analyzed.The results show that the existence of the porous medium,especially in the partially saturated case,may significantly affect the dynamic pressures of the overlying fluid.展开更多
The wave propagation behavior in an elastic wedge-shaped medium with an arbitrary shaped cylindrical canyon at its vertex has been studied.Numerical computation of the wave displacement field is carried out on and nea...The wave propagation behavior in an elastic wedge-shaped medium with an arbitrary shaped cylindrical canyon at its vertex has been studied.Numerical computation of the wave displacement field is carried out on and near the canyon surfaces using weighted-residuals(moment method).The wave displacement fields are computed by the residual method for the cases of elliptic,circular,rounded-rectangular and flat-elliptic canyons,The analysis demonstrates that the resulting surface displacement depends,as in similar previous analyses,on several factors including,but not limited,to the angle of the wedge,the geometry of the vertex,the frequencies of the incident waves,the angles of incidence,and the material properties of the media.The analysis provides intriguing results that help to explain geophysical observations regarding the amplification of seismic energy as a function of site conditions.展开更多
With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components ...With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components of a building achieve a continuous or immediate occupancy performance level after a seismic event,failure of architectural,mechanical or electrical components can lower the performance level of the entire building system. This reduction in performance caused by the vulnerability of nonstructural components has been observed during recent earthquakes worldwide. Moreover,nonstructural damage has limited the functionality of critical facilities,such as hospitals,following major seismic events. The investment in nonstructural components and building contents is far greater than that of structural components and framing. Therefore,it is not surprising that in many past earthquakes,losses from damage to nonstructural components have exceeded losses from structural damage. Furthermore,the failure of nonstructural components can become a safety hazard or can hamper the safe movement of occupants evacuating buildings,or of rescue workers entering buildings. In comparison to structural components and systems,there is relatively limited information on the seismic design of nonstructural components. Basic research work in this area has been sparse,and the available codes and guidelines are usually,for the most part,based on past experiences,engineering judgment and intuition,rather than on objective experimental and analytical results. Often,design engineers are forced to start almost from square one after each earthquake event: to observe what went wrong and to try to prevent repetitions. This is a consequence of the empirical nature of current seismic regulations and guidelines for nonstructural components. This review paper summarizes current knowledge on the seismic design and analysis of nonstructural building components,identifying major knowledge gaps that will need to be filled by future research. Furthermore,considering recent trends in earthquake engineering,the paper explores how performance-based seismic design might be conceived for nonstructural components,drawing on recent developments made in the field of seismic design and hinting at the specific considerations required for nonstructural components.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and analyze the performance of Mastalex MRSA(Mast,UK).Methods:Two hundred and ten Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) strains were i...Objective:To evaluate the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and analyze the performance of Mastalex MRSA(Mast,UK).Methods:Two hundred and ten Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) strains were isolated from different clinical samples and were tested for methicillin resistance by Oxacillin(1μg) and Cefoxitin(30μg) disc diffusion, oxacillin agar screen,and minimum inhibitory concentration of oxacillin and cefoxitin.S.aureus isolates were grown on the blood agar and mannitol salt agar with(2 mg/L) and without oxacillin for the analysis of Mastalex MRSA.Results:Out of 210 S.aureus strains tested,103 strains were detected as methicillin resistant by Cefoxitin disk diffusion,Cefoxitin minimal inhibitory concentration(MlC) and Mastalex MRSA test.Whereas oxacillin disc diffusion and oxacillin agar screen detected 91 and 97 MRSA respectively.The Cefoxitin MIC test performance was equivalent to Cefoxitin disc diffusion.103(100%) strains grown on blood agar without and with oxacillin,and 76(74%) and 93(91%) strains grown on mannitol salt agar without and with oxacillin shown positive agglutination with Mastalex MRSA test respectively.Conclusions:The cefoxitin disk diffusion/ Mastalex MRSA is very suitable for detection of MRSA and the tests can be an alternative to PCR for detection of MRSA in resource constraint settings.Mastalex test would be particularly useful when confirmation of resistance is urgently required.展开更多
AIM： To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii （S. boulardii） in acute watery diarrhoea and its role in reducing the frequency of episodes of diarrhoea in subsequent two months. METHODS： Childre...AIM： To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii （S. boulardii） in acute watery diarrhoea and its role in reducing the frequency of episodes of diarrhoea in subsequent two months. METHODS： Children from 2 mo to 12 years of age, with acute diarrhoea were selected according to inclusion criteria and randomised in S. boulardii group （treated with ORS, nutritional support and S. boulardii, 250 mg bid） and in control group （treated with ORS and nutritional support only）. Active treatment phase was 5 d and each child was followed for two months afterwards. Frequency and consistency of stools as well as safety of drug was assessed on every visit. A comparison of two groups was done in terms of number of diarrhoeal episode in subsequent two months. RESULTS： There were fifty patients in each group. Baseline characteristics such as mean age and the average frequency of stools were comparable in S. boulardii and control group at the time of inclusion in the trial. By d 3 it reduced to 2.7 and 4.2 stools per d respectively and by d 6 it reduced to 1.6 （5. boulardii Group） and 3.3 （control group）. The duration of diarrhoea was 3.6 d in S. boulardii group whereas it was 4.8 d in control group （P = 0.001）. In the following two months, S. boulardii group had a significantly lower frequency of 0.54 episodes as compared to 1.08 episodes in control group. The drug was well accepted and tolerated. There were no reports of the side effects during treatment period CONCLUSION： S. boulardii significantly reduces the frequency and duration of acute diarrhoea. The consistency of stool also improves. The drug is well-tolerated.展开更多
An analytical method to study the seismic response of a bridge pier supported on a rigid caisson foundation embedded in a deep soil stratum underlain by a homogeneous half space is developed. The method reproduces the...An analytical method to study the seismic response of a bridge pier supported on a rigid caisson foundation embedded in a deep soil stratum underlain by a homogeneous half space is developed. The method reproduces the kinematic and inertial responses, using translational and rotational distributed Winkler springs and dashpots to simulate the soil-caisson interaction. Closed-form solutions are given in the frequency domain for vertical harmonic S-wave excitation. Comparison with results from finite element （FE） analysis and other available solutions demonstrates the reliability of the model. Results from parametric studies are given for the kinematic and inertial responses. The modification of the fundamental period and damping ratio of the bridge due to soil-structure interaction is graphically illustrated.展开更多
The effect of water compressibility on the seismic responses of arch dams is not well understood.In this paper,a numerical model is developed with rigorous representation of the dynamic interaction between arch dam-wa...The effect of water compressibility on the seismic responses of arch dams is not well understood.In this paper,a numerical model is developed with rigorous representation of the dynamic interaction between arch dam-water- rock foundation.The model is applied to the seismic response analysis of an arch dam with a height of 292m designed to a seismic intensity of IX.It is shown that consideration of the water compressibility clearly decreases the stress responses at key positions of the dam,while the added mass model gives a conservative estimate.展开更多
文摘Background: Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats has shown potential in treating tinnitus, but most studies have focused on one-month treatment durations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the time-bound efficacy of brainwave entrainment using binaural beats, comparing it to a standard tinnitus masker over a three-month duration. Method: Sixty-three individuals having tinnitus with normal hearing sensitivity were enrolled in the study. The participants were categorized into groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ. They were provided with delta(4 Hz) and alpha(10 Hz) frequency binaural beats and standard tinnitus masker, respectively, for a duration of three months. The tinnitus handicap inventory(THI) scores, Visual analogue scale(VAS) rating for tinnitus distress, and quality of life parameters were measured. The reductions obtained for each measure during the end of the first, second and third month were measured and compared across the groups. Results: All three groups showed considerable reductions in THI and VAS scores and improvements in the quality of life domains, focusing on physical and psychological health. However, groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ, who received binaural beats stimuli, showed higher benefits than those who received standard tinnitus masker. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that binaural beats can be an effective treatment technique for individuals with tinnitus having normal hearing sensitivity. Clinicians and otology/audiology practitioners shall adopt this innovative treatment after further validating these findings.
文摘Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and treatment.In this short review,we briefly describe the various aspects of CI in sexual medicine practice and ways to tackle them.
文摘The integration of academic research methodologies into design thinking processes presents a transformative approach to addressing complex challenges in group housing,fostering inclusive,sustainable,and user-centered solutions.This research explores how methodologies such as Participatory Action Research,post-occupancy evaluations,and Research through Design can be systematically embedded within design thinking to bridge the gap between academic rigor and empathy-driven,iterative design practices.By synthesizing these paradigms,the study proposes a framework for group housing design that prioritizes co-design processes,empathy-based data collection,and participatory evaluation,while emphasizing adaptability through sociocultural insights and user feedback.Case studies analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of flexible,community-driven design,while emerging technologies like IoT-enabled cohousing signal new opportunities for innovation.Challenges,including scalability,long-term validation,and reconciling user autonomy with professional expertise,are critically analyzed.Ultimately,this research advances a hybrid methodology to redefine the conceptualization,implementation,and assessment of group housing,offering actionable pathways to achieve affordable,inclusive,and context-sensitive housing solutions.
文摘Mechanical as well as durability properties are pivotal for any type of concrete which gets adversely affected due to cracks that may form due to loading beyond its capacity.Concrete has the intrinsic property to heal itself to some extent but not fully as the passive form of autogenous healing plays an inferior role for a complete repair of a cementitious material.The self-healing capabilities can be enhanced by adding chemical admixtures,polymers,and bacteria strains induced calcium carbonate precipitation,etc.In this paper,the advancements in the development and performance of self-healing concrete using chemical admixtures,polymers,and bacteria strains are reviewed.This systematic review includes the available experimental tests and methodologies investigating self-healing efficiency over the last decade.Further,this review focussed on self-healing materials,the ideology,and opinions of those in the construction field on the direction of self-healing concrete for future applications.It is yet not possible to predict the most appropriate technique,however,a generalized opinion about the effectiveness of the different approaches has been illustrated.
文摘The remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a topic that has been widely discussed recently,and it gives new hope for people with T2DM.Achievement of normal blood glucose levels or levels below the diagnostic threshold for T2DM without pharmacotherapy among people with T2DM after metabolic surgery and carbohydrate or calorie-restricted diet paved the way for more enthusiastic research in this area.There is a lot of confusion regarding the appropriate terminology and definition of remission of T2DM.In this short review,we briefly analyzed the emerging concepts and proposed criteria for diagnosing remission of T2DM,which will be helpful for healthcare providers and people with T2DM.
文摘Systemic hypertension is an established risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident and control of blood pressure reduces the risk of a major cardiovascular event.Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options are available to treat hypertension.Yoga,recently received more attention as a treatment modality for various lifestyle disorders,even though practiced in India since ancient times.In this review,we are analyzing the role of yoga in the treatment of systemic hypertension.
基金funding agency in the public,commercial,or not-for-profit sectors.
文摘Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of addressing disaster vulnerability in urban settings,where a substantial portion of the population faces risks stemming from high population density,limited resilience,and inadequate coping capabilities.The study advocates for the integration of disaster resilience principles into the Smart Cities Mission of India,placing particular emphasis on the necessity of developing infrastructure,establishing early warning systems,and fostering community engagement to bolster urban resilience.Furthermore,the paper draws comparisons and parallels between the components of smart cities,mitigation strategies,and disaster resilience,illuminating their interconnectedness and potential synergies.In conclusion,the study recommends the incorporation of essential network elements to establish a Smart Cities Mission that is resilient to disasters,ultimately aiming to safeguard urban communities from the adverse impacts of future calamities.
文摘A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station,GKVK,University of Agricultural Sciences,Bengaluru.The soil of the experimental site was red loamy sandy in nature having medium nitrogen,low phosphorus and high potassium content,and was slightly acidic in nature.The treatment consisted of 5 levels of phosphorus viz.T1(50%Recommended Dose of Fertilizer(RDF)P2O5),T2(75%RDF P2O5),T3(100%RDF P2O5),T4(125%RDF P2O5)and T5(150%RDF P2O5)in the presence of static dose of nitrogen and potassium.There were 5 treatments each replicated four times.The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design.The result showed that application of 150%RDF of P2O5 recorded significantly higher growth attributes viz.,plant height(T5:128.125 cm)and the number of leaves per plant(T5:11.1 at 60 Days after Sowing(DAS)).However,the application of 100%RDF of P2O5 treatment recorded a significantly higher seed yield(T3:296.25 g).
文摘Background:Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)is a coronary revascularization technique associated with diminished pulmonary function.During the first week after CABG,slow vital capacity(SVC)decreases by 30%–60%.Scalene muscles affect pulmonary function because they attach to the 1st and 2nd ribs.Shorter scalene muscles can decrease inhalation volume and chest expansion.Very few studies have assessed the effects of scalene stretching on SVC and chest expansion in patients post-CABG.Therefore,this study was aimed at determining the effects of scalene muscle stretching on SVC and chest expansion in such patients.Methods:A total of 74 patients post-CABG(phase 2)meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two groups:an intervention group(n=30)performing scalene muscle stretching and a control group(n=30)performing active neck exercise.Pre&Post SVC and chest expansion were measured in all patients.A total of 14 patients wereexcluded.Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS software(version 20.0).Results:SVC showed significant increase(P<0.05)in the intervention group compared with the control group.Chest expansion was statistically non-significant between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion and clinical implications:Scalene muscle stretching improves SVC in patients post-CABG(phase 2).Hence,scalene stretching should be included in programs for improving respiratory function.
文摘Background and need for the research:High-normal blood pressure(i.e.,130–139/85–89 mmHg)hashazardous ratio for both coronary heart disease and stroke,because of day to day variations in blood pressure;consequently,prevention through lifestyle modification is essential.Although numerous studies have examined stretching and myo-fascial release to lower blood pressure,no consensus has been reached regarding which technique is superior for immediate lowering blood pressure.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of self-performed foam rolling and active-stretching on blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand.Methods:A total of 98 patients with high normal blood pressure(20–40 years of age)meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups.Group 1(n=49)performed foam rolling,and group 2(n=49)performed TheraBand-assisted active stretching of the calf muscle.The pre and post blood pressure,heart rate,and the rate pres-sure product were assessed.Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS software(version 20.0).Results:Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.05),and the decrease was greater in the active stretching group than the foam rolling group.In the foam rolling group,the heart rate signifi-cantly increased,whereas no changes were observed in the active stretching group.The Rate Pressure Product was notsignificant within and between two groups.Conclusion and clinical implications:Active stretching as part of a self-performed daily exercise routineappears safer for immediate lowering blood pressure,without affecting myocardial oxygen demand.Ethics committee approval:Reference No.:EC/Approval/08/Physio/21/06/2023.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China Under Grant No.50309005National Key Basic Research and Development Program Under Grant No.2002CB412709
文摘Wave reflection and refraction in layered media is a topic closely related to seismology,acoustics,geophysics and earthquake engineering.Analytical solutions for wave reflection and refraction coefficients in multi-layered media subjected to P wave incidence from the elastic half-space are derived in terms of displacement potentials.The system is composed of ideal fluid,porous medium,and underlying elastic solid.By numerical examples,the effects of porous medium and the incident wave angle on the dynamic pressures of ideal fluid are analyzed.The results show that the existence of the porous medium,especially in the partially saturated case,may significantly affect the dynamic pressures of the overlying fluid.
文摘The wave propagation behavior in an elastic wedge-shaped medium with an arbitrary shaped cylindrical canyon at its vertex has been studied.Numerical computation of the wave displacement field is carried out on and near the canyon surfaces using weighted-residuals(moment method).The wave displacement fields are computed by the residual method for the cases of elliptic,circular,rounded-rectangular and flat-elliptic canyons,The analysis demonstrates that the resulting surface displacement depends,as in similar previous analyses,on several factors including,but not limited,to the angle of the wedge,the geometry of the vertex,the frequencies of the incident waves,the angles of incidence,and the material properties of the media.The analysis provides intriguing results that help to explain geophysical observations regarding the amplification of seismic energy as a function of site conditions.
文摘With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components of a building achieve a continuous or immediate occupancy performance level after a seismic event,failure of architectural,mechanical or electrical components can lower the performance level of the entire building system. This reduction in performance caused by the vulnerability of nonstructural components has been observed during recent earthquakes worldwide. Moreover,nonstructural damage has limited the functionality of critical facilities,such as hospitals,following major seismic events. The investment in nonstructural components and building contents is far greater than that of structural components and framing. Therefore,it is not surprising that in many past earthquakes,losses from damage to nonstructural components have exceeded losses from structural damage. Furthermore,the failure of nonstructural components can become a safety hazard or can hamper the safe movement of occupants evacuating buildings,or of rescue workers entering buildings. In comparison to structural components and systems,there is relatively limited information on the seismic design of nonstructural components. Basic research work in this area has been sparse,and the available codes and guidelines are usually,for the most part,based on past experiences,engineering judgment and intuition,rather than on objective experimental and analytical results. Often,design engineers are forced to start almost from square one after each earthquake event: to observe what went wrong and to try to prevent repetitions. This is a consequence of the empirical nature of current seismic regulations and guidelines for nonstructural components. This review paper summarizes current knowledge on the seismic design and analysis of nonstructural building components,identifying major knowledge gaps that will need to be filled by future research. Furthermore,considering recent trends in earthquake engineering,the paper explores how performance-based seismic design might be conceived for nonstructural components,drawing on recent developments made in the field of seismic design and hinting at the specific considerations required for nonstructural components.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and analyze the performance of Mastalex MRSA(Mast,UK).Methods:Two hundred and ten Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) strains were isolated from different clinical samples and were tested for methicillin resistance by Oxacillin(1μg) and Cefoxitin(30μg) disc diffusion, oxacillin agar screen,and minimum inhibitory concentration of oxacillin and cefoxitin.S.aureus isolates were grown on the blood agar and mannitol salt agar with(2 mg/L) and without oxacillin for the analysis of Mastalex MRSA.Results:Out of 210 S.aureus strains tested,103 strains were detected as methicillin resistant by Cefoxitin disk diffusion,Cefoxitin minimal inhibitory concentration(MlC) and Mastalex MRSA test.Whereas oxacillin disc diffusion and oxacillin agar screen detected 91 and 97 MRSA respectively.The Cefoxitin MIC test performance was equivalent to Cefoxitin disc diffusion.103(100%) strains grown on blood agar without and with oxacillin,and 76(74%) and 93(91%) strains grown on mannitol salt agar without and with oxacillin shown positive agglutination with Mastalex MRSA test respectively.Conclusions:The cefoxitin disk diffusion/ Mastalex MRSA is very suitable for detection of MRSA and the tests can be an alternative to PCR for detection of MRSA in resource constraint settings.Mastalex test would be particularly useful when confirmation of resistance is urgently required.
文摘AIM： To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii （S. boulardii） in acute watery diarrhoea and its role in reducing the frequency of episodes of diarrhoea in subsequent two months. METHODS： Children from 2 mo to 12 years of age, with acute diarrhoea were selected according to inclusion criteria and randomised in S. boulardii group （treated with ORS, nutritional support and S. boulardii, 250 mg bid） and in control group （treated with ORS and nutritional support only）. Active treatment phase was 5 d and each child was followed for two months afterwards. Frequency and consistency of stools as well as safety of drug was assessed on every visit. A comparison of two groups was done in terms of number of diarrhoeal episode in subsequent two months. RESULTS： There were fifty patients in each group. Baseline characteristics such as mean age and the average frequency of stools were comparable in S. boulardii and control group at the time of inclusion in the trial. By d 3 it reduced to 2.7 and 4.2 stools per d respectively and by d 6 it reduced to 1.6 （5. boulardii Group） and 3.3 （control group）. The duration of diarrhoea was 3.6 d in S. boulardii group whereas it was 4.8 d in control group （P = 0.001）. In the following two months, S. boulardii group had a significantly lower frequency of 0.54 episodes as compared to 1.08 episodes in control group. The drug was well accepted and tolerated. There were no reports of the side effects during treatment period CONCLUSION： S. boulardii significantly reduces the frequency and duration of acute diarrhoea. The consistency of stool also improves. The drug is well-tolerated.
基金U.S. Federal Highway Administration Under Grant No. DTFH61-98-C-00094U.S. National Science Foundation Under Grant No. EEC-9701471
文摘An analytical method to study the seismic response of a bridge pier supported on a rigid caisson foundation embedded in a deep soil stratum underlain by a homogeneous half space is developed. The method reproduces the kinematic and inertial responses, using translational and rotational distributed Winkler springs and dashpots to simulate the soil-caisson interaction. Closed-form solutions are given in the frequency domain for vertical harmonic S-wave excitation. Comparison with results from finite element （FE） analysis and other available solutions demonstrates the reliability of the model. Results from parametric studies are given for the kinematic and inertial responses. The modification of the fundamental period and damping ratio of the bridge due to soil-structure interaction is graphically illustrated.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China for Distinguished Young Scholar of China Under Grant No.50325826National Natural Science Foundation of China Under Grant No.50309005Science & Technology Development Project of Education Committee of Beijing Under Grant No.KM200310005017
文摘The effect of water compressibility on the seismic responses of arch dams is not well understood.In this paper,a numerical model is developed with rigorous representation of the dynamic interaction between arch dam-water- rock foundation.The model is applied to the seismic response analysis of an arch dam with a height of 292m designed to a seismic intensity of IX.It is shown that consideration of the water compressibility clearly decreases the stress responses at key positions of the dam,while the added mass model gives a conservative estimate.
