The Study of Seating Pressure on Car Seat between Two National Cars

The main objective of this research is to compare the seating pressure during the driving session between twodifferent types of national cars. The objective of this research is to conduct object pressure distribution study ontwo different types of car seat using CONFORMat (model 5330) with system model CER2, compare and analyse theresults based on object pressure between both car seat. Twelve respondents participated a driving session withTekscanCONFORMat (model 5330) setup using the same route for both national car. We select two types of nationalcars equipped with automatic transmission for this research. The seat pressure on the subject along the journey isrecorded using TekscanCONFORMat Research 7.60 software. Later, comparison made with respect to the seatpressure experiencedby twelve respondents. The results shows different values of backand seat pressure recordedamong the twelve subjects. Lastly, the results are analysedand discussed at the end of this paper. Model B seatdesign has better ability to distribute evenly the pressure to both seat and back. However, results for Model Ashowed the pressure is more concentrated on the seat area.

The Study Of Seating Pressure On Car Seat Between Two National Cars

@#The main objective of this research is to compare the seating pressure during the driving session between two different types of national cars. The objective of this research is to conduct object pressure distribution study on two different types of car seat using CONFORMat (model 5330) with system model CER2, compare and analyse the results based on object pressure between both car seat. Twelve respondents participated a driving session with TekscanCONFORMat (model 5330) setup using the same route for both national car. We select two types of national cars equipped with automatic transmission for this research. The seat pressure on the subject along the journey is recorded using TekscanCONFORMat Research 7.60 software. Later, comparison made with respect to the seat pressure experiencedby twelve respondents. The results shows different values of backand seat pressure recorded among the twelve subjects. Lastly, the results are analysedand discussed at the end of this paper. Model B seat design has better ability to distribute evenly the pressure to both seat and back. However, results for Model A showed the pressure is more concentrated on the seat area.

Comparative study of three Marantodes pumilum varieties by microscopy, spectroscopy and chromatography

Abstract Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (synonym: Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern.-Vill), Primulaceae, is well known for its traditional use as a post-partum medication among women in Malaysia. Three varieties of M. pumilum, var. alata Scheff., var. pumila and var. lanceolata (Scheff.) Mez. are commonly used. Nowadays, M. pumilum powder or extracts are commercially available as herbal supplements and beverages. Authentication of the variety is an important component of product quality control. Thus, the present work was aimed to compare the three varieties using microscopic, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Microscopic anatomical examination and powder microscopy were performed on fresh and dried plant materials, respectively. Fingerprint profiles of the varieties were obtained using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, high performance thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The microscopic examination showed presence of anisocytic stomata, scale and capitate glandular trichome in all varieties. The type of stomata and trichomes, outline structure of stem and leaf margin, petiole and midrib, organization of vascular system, areolar venation, pattern of anticlinal walls, the distribution of secretory canals and cell inclusion as well as the measurement of selected structures could be used to distinguish and identify each variety of M. pumilum. In addition, spectroscopic and chromatographic fingerprint analyses of the three varieties exhibited distinguishable profiles based on the intensity of certain peaks or bands. The findings from this study will provide systematic identification for these varieties.

Capgras syndrome in a very late onset, treatment resistant schizophrenia.

We report a Malay man, with underlying chronic medical illnesses, presenting with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including Capgras syndrome (CS) at the age of 73. Physical examination and blood investigations were normal and brain CT scan showed age-related cerebral atrophy. Neuropsychological assessment showed probable right hemisphere lesions but relatively intact memory and intellectual functions. Several neuroleptics including depot injections were tried but ineffective. Positive symptoms including CS eventually improved with clozapine before his death from myocardial infarction. This case report highlights the uncommon occurrence of CS in treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) of very late onset and its treatment challenges.

Interactions of atenolol with alprazolam/escitalopram on anxiety, depression and oxidative stress.

Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid disorders possibly sharing a common neurobiological mechanism. The dysfunction of serotoninergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, abnormal regulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), disturbance of cellular plasticity including reduced neurogenesis, or chronic inflammation connected with high oxidative damage play a crucial role in the development of anxiety and depression. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of atenolol alone and in combination with alprazolam/escitalopram on anxiety, depression and oxidative stress. Wistar albino rats were subjected to 21 day treatment of drugs then exposed to elevated-plus maze (EPM) and modified forced swim test (MFST), and oxidative stress markers were estimated in isolated brain tissue of all groups. The results indicated that atenolol in combination with alprazolam/escitalopram exhibited antidepressant effects by significantly decreasing the immobility and increasing the swimming behavior in the MFST and anti-anxiety effects by increasing the percentage preference and number of open arm entries as well as time spent in open arm in EPM. Pretreatment with atenolol alone and combination with alprazolam/escitalopram also ameliorated tissue glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level significantly which explore antioxidant properties of drugs, and combination augments the therapeutic response of monotherapy in depression. In conclusion behavioral and biological findings indicate that the combination of atenolol with alprazolam/escitalopram has the potential of being highly efficacious in treating anxiety and depressive disorders as well as oxidative stress.

Cross-sectional assessment of pain and physical function in skeletal dysplasia patients.

Short stature skeletal dysplasia (SD) patients have orthopedic and neurologic complications causing significant pain and physical disability. We conducted a large cross-sectional online survey in 361 people with short stature SD (>10 years) to describe pain prevalence, characteristics, and the relationship between pain and function. Chronic pain prevalence per Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was 70.3%. Women reported more pain than men (73% vs 63% p = 0.04). Pain Severity Score (average of current, worst, least and average pain) averaged 3.3 ± 2, while the Pain Interference Score (with daily activities) averaged 3.4 ± 2.7 on a 10-point scale. Per Bleck scale, 20.5% had little or no functional capacity. Increasing age and decreased ambulation independently predicted chronic pain. Chronic pain is prevalent in short stature SD patients and associated with poor physical function. Further study is required to clarify the temporal relationship among pain, function and treatments.

A rare potentially treatable cause of bilateral optic disc swelling.

Rapid onset bilateral optic disc swelling generally indicates an intracranial problem-that is, papilloedema. However, when there is also visual loss, disease affecting the optic nerves themselves must be considered. We present the diagnostic problem of a patient with optic disc swelling and progressive visual loss. Investigations finally revealed hypocalcaemia secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism. With treatment a marked improvement in vision occurred. This reversible rare cause of optic disc swelling should not be forgotten.

Drug utilization pattern of antibacterials used in ear, nose and throat outpatient and inpatient departments of a university hospital at New Delhi, India.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the antibacterial prescribing patterns of physicians in ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient and inpatient departments (OPD, IPD) of a University Hospital, New Delhi, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, with a sample size of 276 patients, who visited the ENT OPD and IPD over a period of 4 months. RESULTS: It was found that 62.68% were males, 26% patients were in the age group 26-35 years, followed by 22.8% belonging to the age group 26-35 years. Maximum number of patients were diagnosed with ear (37.3%) and throat (36.2%) infections. The most frequently prescribed antibacterials were ß-lactams (45.52%) followed by quinolones (26.31%). The most commonly used agent in penicillins was amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (21.74%), in cepahalosporins was cefpodoxime proxetil (5.49%) and in quinolones was gemifloxacin (14.41%). Further, 66.67% of the patients received single antibacterial drug and the average number of antibacterial agents prescribed per patient per course was found to be 1.58. It was also observed that 70.71% of the antibacterials were prescribed by oral route. The most concomitant conditions were found to be diabetes (10.5%), hypertension (6.16%) and coronary heart disease (5.07%). All the drugs were prescribed by their brand names and 48.91% patients showed good adherence with the prescribed therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The present work is the maiden drug utilization study conducted in ENT department at our university hospital. It highlighted some rational prescription patterns including less utilization of antibiotics in ENT infections, good adherence by patients and prescription by brand names. The data presented here will be useful in future, long-term and more extensive drug utilization studies in the hospital and in promotion of rational prescribing and drug use in hospitals.

Perioperative intracranial hemorrhage in achondroplasia: a case report.

We report a case of a 35-year-old man with achondroplasia who previously had thoracolumbar decompressive laminectomies, who developed recurrence of spinal stenosis at the thoracolumbar junction. The patient underwent standard repeat thoracolumbar decompression, removal of a disc, and spinal fusion with instrumentation in the prone position. Postoperatively the patient was confused. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hemorrhages in both cerebellar hemispheres with surrounding edema and mild mass effect. These were interpreted as venous hemorrhages. Conservative therapy was successful. This is the first case report of perioperative venous intracranial hemorrhage in the context of spinal surgery for achondroplasia. Distinctive anatomic characteristics of achondroplasia, combined with several potentially modifiable aspects of his management, may have predisposed the patient to this complication.

Reoperation for spinal restenosis in achondroplasia.

The characteristics of spinal restenosis in achondroplasia and its treatment are evaluated in this study. Radiologic and surgical findings were correlated to establish the causes of achondroplastic spinal restenosis and the benefits of its therapy. Eight patients (five men, three women) with spinal restenotic complications of achondroplasia were studied. The most common neurological sign of recurrent stenosis was impaired motor function. The mean interval between the most recent surgeries was 8.2 years (9.5 years for surgeries at the same levels). The most common causes of recurrent stenosis were facet hypertrophy and disk disease. The complications were a dural tear and cerebellar hemorrhage in one patient and transient neurological deterioration in another. One patient died after operation. Restenosis can occur many years after original decompression in the achondroplastic spine, and repeated operation can successfully lessen pain and neurological symptoms in most patients.

Complex fracture of the radial neck in a child: an unusual case.

A rare elbow fracture pattern involving the radial neck, olecranon, and medial epicondyle is described in a pediatric patient. Medial and lateral fixation was necessary to control the three planes of instability. Commonly, radial neck fractures with an associated elbow injury (olecranon or medial epicondyle) are stable with lateral fixation alone.

Healing of foot ulcers in immunosuppressed renal transplant patients.

Sixteen renal transplant patients were retrospectively studied to determine the time foot ulcerations healed. All patients were taking imuran and medrol. More recently, patients were also on cyclosporine. All were insulin-dependent diabetics. A control group was established from a pool of randomly selected, age-matched, insulin-dependent diabetics who were also observed for foot ulcerations. All treatment was given by one physician. Pulse volume recordings were obtained in all but eight patients, who were clinically believed to have normal vascular supply to the affected extremity. No statistically significant difference was found between these groups in this regard. Cultures were obtained in all patients when indicated; appropriate antibiotics were started. No major differences were noted with respect to infecting organism. The immunosuppressed group had no excellent results, and three good, 14 fair, and 23 poor results. The control group had ten excellent, 14 good, 11 fair, and 17 poor results. A higher failure rate may occur with limb-salvage surgery in the immunosuppressed patient. This observation confirms a long-held clinical suspicion.