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Periodontal regeneration is an old idea that is evolving because to the adoption of more modern and altered barrier membranes to get better clinical results. The placental amnion and chorion membranes are examples of these membranes. Its biocompatibility and capacity to speed up wound healing led to its initial use.As part of guided tissue regeneration and guided bone regeneration, the membrane has been utilised in periodontology to reduce probing pocket depth, raise clinical attachment levels, and encourage bone formation. Since these membranes are biologic, they can be broken down by the body and work with tissue.It has also been utilised to treat intrabony abnormalities, guided bone regeneration, and root covering therapies. The special characteristics of this membrane that make it ideal for periodontal surgery, together with the clinical repercussions and literature evaluation.

The increasing trend in borehole failures and the general decline in groundwater levels and borehole yields due to climate change mostly in semi-arid regions such as Damaturu in Yobe State, needs an urgent intervention in order to sustain the provision of quality drinking water to the populace. In this study, we investigated the groundwater potential of New Jerusalem in Damaturu, Yobe State, using electrical resistivity method. The results obtained showed that the study area is composed of five (5) geoelectric layers which include the Topsoil, Clay, Sand, Sandy-clay and Sand. The third and the fifth layers were the aquifers in the study area. The first aquifer is semi-confined and the second aquifer is confined. The results obtained from this study area correlated perfectly with existing borehole data from the study area. The results of this study indicated that the second aquifer which is located at an average depth of 147 m below the Earth surface in most parts of the study area is the best source of quality drinking water in the area. The average thickness of the first layer is 1.2m and its average resistivity is 183 Ωm. The second layer has an average resistivity of 50 Ωm and an average thickness of 8.32 m. The third layer has an average resistivity of 301 Ωm and an average thickness of 57.5 m and an average depth of 67 m. The fourth layer has an average thickness of 81 m with an average resistivity of 148.2 Ωm. The average resistivity of the fifth layer is 285.4 Ωm. The thickness of the aquifer in the study area shows that the study area has good groundwater potential. Based on the findings of this study, we therefore recommend that boreholes for quality drinking water in the study area should be drilled to a depth of 140 m and above into the second aquifer.

The general well-being of the individual is directly associated with oral health. Presently most patients are getting more resistant to antibiotics, and ozone has emerged as an adjunct treatment modality in dentistry. Ozone therapy is non-traumatic, painless, and noninvasive, increasing the patient’s acceptability. Ozone could be a sort of oxygen, composed of three oxygen atoms that act as an antioxidant which has an efficient role in the management of oral diseases. Ozone therapy has proven to be more effective than conventional modalities in various aspects of dentistry. This review article aims to highlight the role of ozone in the treatment of certain conditions in the oral cavity and its possible clinical applications in the future.

The CUSA is a device of modern periodontal treatment that claims to be a breakthrough in minimal invasion surgical technique. While repairing a ship's propeller in 1916, scientist Lord Rayleigh discovered the effect of cavitation. This device, like others, uses low frequency ultrasonic radiation to dissect or split tissues with low fibre content. Ultrasonic pulses in the 23 kHz range are used to create cavitations in tissue a hollow 3 mm tip vibrating at 23,000 times per second delivers this mechanical energy. CUSA is a surgical device that was developed for ophthalmology but has since gained widespread acceptance in a number of medical disciplines, including neurosurgery, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, and neurotology. This equipment cause, Biofilm disruption and cell stimulation for non-surgical treatment of infrabony defects, as well as ultrasonic debridement and flapless therapy, are said to be effective. Using this aspirator increases safety and quality while decreasing operational time. There are no known contraindications, but there are financial and personal constraints. As a result, this strategy appears to be a viable option for improving non-surgical minimally invasive therapeutic procedures

Introduction: Serum ferritin correlates with hepatic iron deposition in patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Iron removal improves insulin sensitivity thereby delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, improves liver function and NAFLD histology. Objectives: This study was done to assess the iron status in NAFLD patients and its association with fibrosis and metabolic syndrome in NAFLD. Material and Method: The study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, GTB Hospital, Delhi from November 2017 - October 2019. It was an Analytical, comparative study. Forty patients with NAFLD were selected in the study group and forty healthy subjects with no evidence of fatty liver on ultrasound were selected in the control group. The level of iron parameters recorded in NAFLD patients and the control group were compared using independent t test and p value of

Electrical resistivity method using vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique and Schlumberger array was employed with the aim of delineating limits and types of aquifer system(s), and stratigraphic composition of the Demsa area, a confluence of Benue River in Northeast Nigeria. The result revealed that the hydrogeology of the area may be controlled by fractures (secondary porosity) developed in sedimentary units. Two aquifers, namely the upper alluvial aquifer and the confined deeper aquifer systems exist in the study area. The two aquifers occur at depths of 20.5 – 41 m, and 43.8 – 78.9 m respectively, and are separated by a thin layer of poorly permeable clays and silts, ranged between 1.1 – 5.3 m in thickness. The lateral extent of the aquifer systems extend almost evenly across the area. The aquifers’ thickness tends to decrease with increase in distance of VES station from the Benue River which suggested that the aquifer systems are probably recharged by direct escapement of the Benue River.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and association of factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation and acquired APC resistance (APCR) in women with recurrent fetal loss (RFL). Patients and Methods: Fifty women with two or more RFLs and 50 age-matched controls with no history of fetal loss and at least one live birth were included in the study. Complete blood counts and screening tests for coagulation (PT, APTT), APCR, and FVL (PCR) were done in all women. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 20–42 years with a mean ± SD of 27.4 ± 4.8 years. Prolonged PT and APTT were observed in 2% and 8% cases, respectively. None of the controls had prolonged PT/APTT. APCR was observed in 8% cases and 2% controls. The prevalence of APCR was higher in women with first-trimester fetal loss (24.2%) as compared to women with the second trimester (13.3%) fetal loss. FVL was not observed in any of the cases or controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that FVL mutation is not associated with RFL in the Indian population while APCR is observed in Indian women with RFL.

By virtue of its role in oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake and foam cell transformation, monocyte CD36 (mCD36) is a potential non-invasive tool to detect atherosclerosis (ATH) in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Flowcytometric expression of mCD36 was evaluated with reference to ankle brachial index (ABI) in 70 patients of type 2 DM [40 with and 30 without coronary artery disease (CAD) respectively] and 30 age and gender matched normoglycemic controls (NGCs).DM patients had significantly higher mCD36 indices than NGCs (p 0.001). The mCD36 expression was significantly higher in DM persons with CAD and those with poor glycemia control (glycosylated haemoglobin, HbA1c ≥ 7%) than their respective counterparts (p 0.001 for both). Thirty subjects had compromised ABI (≤0.9); all were DM persons with CAD. ABI compromised subjects had consistently higher mCD36 indices than all other sub-groups (p 0.001 for all comparisons). Notably, within the ABI-uncompromised group, mCD36 indices differed significantly and showed progressive increase from NGCs to diabetics without and with CAD respectively.mCD36 plays an important role in atherogenesis. With reference to ABI, mCD36 performed robustly as a marker of ATH. Furthermore, it could stratify subjects within the 'ABI-uncompromised group' commensurate with their conventional clinico-pathological ATH risk predisposition.

Background & Objectives: In sepsis, enhanced fibrin formation, impaired fibrin degradation, and intravascular fibrin deposition lead to a prothrombotic state. The current study aimed at measuring various coagulation parameters to predict an early marker for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Methods: The current prospective study was conducted from January 2012 to April 2013 on 50 children aged 1-10 years with clinically suspected sepsis referred to the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India. Patients were evaluated in accordance with criteria for acute infection (i e, symptoms less than seven days) confirmed in all patients in the laboratory. Patients receiving antibiotics 24-48 hours preceding the admission were excluded from study. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, plasma fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured at the time of admission in 50 patients and 50 controls. Results: D-dimer was positive in 36 (72%) patients and negative in all controls. The difference was statistically significant (P

Background: Iron status of exclusively breastfed low birth weight (LBW) infants has not been evaluated sufficiently. We determined the iron status of infants weighing 1800-2499g at birth and correlated it with breast milk lactoferrin levels of their mothers. Methods: Sixty five exclusively breastfed LBW infants were recruited at 6 weeks and followed-up until 6 months of age. Iron parameters (serum iron, serum ferritin, iron binding capacity, percent transferring saturation) and breastmilk lactoferrin were measured and compared at 6 weeks and 6 months of age. Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured at 6, 10, 14, 18 weeks and 6 months of age. If at any time, Hb of the infant was 10.5g/dl. Results: Fifty (76.9%) out of 65 infants developed anemia between 10 weeks and 6 months of age. At 6 months of age 32.2% babies showed iron deficiency (serum ferritin level

Background & objectives: Renal tumours constitute about 7 per cent of all neoplasms in children. It is important to differentiate Wilms′ tumour (commonest tumour) from non-Wilms′ tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression and diagnostic role of Wilms′ tumour-1 protein (WT1) in paediatric renal tumours. Methods: A total of 53 cases of renal tumours in children (below 18 yr) who underwent total nephrectomy were included in this retrospective study. WT1 immunostaining was done using mouse monoclonal WT1 antibody (clone: 6F-H2). Results: Of the 53 cases, 38 (72%) were of Wilms′ tumour. Non-Wilms′ group (15) included six cases of mesoblastic nephroma (MN), two each of clear cell sarcoma (CCSK), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and peripheral neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) and one each of angiomyolipoma (AML), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT). Proportion of WT1 positivity in Wilms′ tumour was 100 per cent in contrast to 26.7 per cent in non-Wilms′ tumours ( P

Objectives: We investigate the constraints on cosmological parameters from the observed set of 79 calibrated Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). Methods/Statistical Analysis: To measure cosmological parameters (Ω M ,H 0 ) for ΛCDM cosmology, we use Maximum-likelihood method. We marginalize over H0 using Bayesian approach as well. Finding: Our results gives the value of matter density is (Ω M = 0.18) and expansion rate (H 0 = 82.5) for the set of GRBs. Application/Improvements: Method used in this paper helps us to estimate the cosmological parameter. Using this method we have obtain sensible answers in a straightforward manner.

We use the \(\varDelta _{\chi }\) statistic introduced in Gupta and Saini (Mon Not R Astron Soc, 407:651, 2010, [5]) to study non-Gaussianity and directional dependence, in the high-z supernovae type Ia data. This dependence could arise due to departures from the cosmological principle or from direction dependent systematics in the data. We apply our statistic to largest and latest catalogue Union2 from Amanullah et al. (Astrophys J, 716:712, 2010, [11]). Our results indicate weak signature of non-Gaussianity and direction dependence in the data.

We examine the collective nuclear structure of light and medium mass (Z = 50–82, N = 82–126) even–even nuclei using valence nucleon pair product (NpNn). We discuss the role of proton–neutron interaction in light mass nuclei and illustrate the variation of observables of collectivity and deformation (i.e., ground band moment of inertia) and B(E2) values with N and NpNn). The plot of these observables against NpNn vividly displays the formation of isotonic multiplets in quadrant I, strong dependence on NpNn in quadrant II and weak constancy with Z in quadrant III is illustrated.

Background: The role of apoptosis is not clear in leprosy and lepra reactions. Objectives: To evaluate frequency of apoptosis in skin lesions of borderline leprosy and Type 1 lepra reaction. Methods: Sixty patients with borderline leprosy (30 with clinically diagnosed Type 1 reaction (T1R) (Group I) and 30 without clinical evidence of reaction (Group II)) were analyzed in this prospective study. Apoptosis was detected by two different methods for comparison, that is, histopathologic examination (HPE) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation and electrophoresis. Quantification of apoptotic bodies/10 high power fields (HPF) was also done. Results: Out of 30 cases, apoptosis was detected in 29 cases in Group I and 24 cases in Group II by HPE (P = 0.103), whereas, with the use of DNA electrophoresis it was detected in 24 cases in Group I and 18 cases in Group II (P = 0.091). On quantitative estimation it was found that number of apoptotic bodies are higher in Group I in comparison to Group II (2.77 vs 1.99), which is statistically significant. Conclusions: There was moderate agreement (κ = 0.47) between the two methods of apoptosis detection. Apoptosis was seen more in patients with T1R both qualitatively (statistically nonsignificant) and quantitatively (statistically significant). Clinical significance of this novel finding is that apoptosis can be used as one of the variables for diagnosis of T1R to increase detection rate.

Background: There has been an alarming rise in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in India especially involving the age group of less than 45 years. In recent past, various studies focused on hemostatic aspects of CAD, but could not determine the significance of thrombophilic molecular marker in combination. The study was undertaken to investigate the association of thrombophilia related molecular markers in young patients with CAD. Materials and Methods: Thirty diagnosed patients with CAD of either sex under 40 years were included. Thirty healthy age and sex matched control subjects without evidence of CAD formed the control group. Detailed history and clinical examination findings were recorded. In addition to routine investigations, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular analysis for Factor V Leiden (FVL), methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) gene, and prothrombin gene mutation were carried out. Results: The mean age (± SD) was 36.86 ± 3.90 years in the patients. Smoking was the most prevalent risk factor. FVL, MTHFR and TNFR2 gene mutation were seen in nine (30%) patient. Three patients had presence of more than one mutation. FVL, MTHFR and TNFR2 gene mutation was found in 4 (13.3%), 3 (10%), and 5 (16.6%) patients respectively. Prothrombin gene mutation was not seen in any of the subjects. There was no significant difference in lipid profile, fibrinogen levels and CRP among the patients with mutation and patients without mutation. Conclusion: Almost one-third of the cases were positive for the various mutations in the study and the presence of at-least one or the other risk factor adds on to the risk of future thrombosis. There is a need to demonstrate or document these mutations in a larger group further based upon ethnicity and geographic distribution.

Several studies in animals and humans have clearly demonstrated the effect of ID on development, cognition, behavior and neurophysiology. The effect of ID have been shown: on brain metabolism, neurotransmitter function, and myelination. Changes in brain iron content caused by early ID in animals are not reversible by iron therapy, inspite of correction of anemia and other tissue deficits and result in changes in behavior which continue into adulthood. ID has repercussions in the perinatal period, infancy and childhood. Some effects are irreversible while other defects may be corrected: timing of ID in a child may be critical. Children (6–23 months) with moderate to severe anemia (ID) or chronic anemia (>3 months) had lower mental and psychomotor development scores than the nonanemic, and except for some continued to have lower scores in spite of iron therapy for 3 months although anemia was corrected. The deficits persisted on re-evaluation at 5, 11–14, and at 19 years. Scholastic achievement is lower and ID children are twice more likely to have problems with mathematics. Ten year follow-up indicated special educational assistance was required for initially anemic children. ID affects WICS items of information, comprehension and verbal performance and full scale IQ. EEG power spectrum had a slower activity suggesting developmental lag compared to iron sufficient children. Treatment with iron improved IQ scores significantly; other studies found differential effects: improvement in cognition and mental scores in older but not in younger children. IQ levels are affected by ID: IQ at 4 years may be predicted by hemoglobin at 5 and 36 months. Abnormal Evoked Response Potentials (ERPs):ABRs and VEPs are seen in ID, which persist in children who were anemic in infancy on retesting at 4 years. Differences have been consistently found in ID infants and in older children. Iron supplementation may significantly reduce latencies of some ERPs. ID affects newborn temperament, ERPs and recognition memory. Iron supplementation in infants (

Background: India has one of the highest numbers of cases of rabies in world. Animal bites in humans are an important public health problem. Dog bites in humans are a complex problem embracing public health and animal welfare, both in developed and developing nations.Methods: Cross-sectional record based study carried out in anti rabies clinic of Government Medical College, Miraj (1 November – 31 December, 2016).Results: Majority of victims were males and age of patient was 15-65 years, major site of bite was lower limb (58.6%). Numbers of cases were of category III bite (81.3%) and (16.4%) were of category II bite, (2.3%) cases were of category I.Conclusions: The persistence of dog bites as public health problem in Miraj and data entered into the case records of the patients was complete.

Background: Bone marrow examination is crucial diagnostic modality for evaluation of various hematological and nonhematological disorders. However, marrow aspirate smears and biopsy sections, even though performed simultaneously, are often assessed at different points of time due to different processing methods. This sometimes results in discordance in diagnosis which adds to the diagnostic dilemma and delays the treatment. aim: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy and the rate of concordance between the two modalities of bone marrow examination. Materials and Methods: Three hundred simultaneously performed bone marrow aspirates and BM trephine biopsies were retrospectively analyzed over a period of 1 year. The presence or absence of concordance was recorded. The reasons for inconclusive reports were also recorded. The concordance rates for different hematological disorders were calculated and recorded as high for >80%, moderate for 50%–80%, and low for

Sepsis and septic shock represent a systemic inflammatory state with substantial pro-coagulant elements. Unfractionated heparin is a known anticoagulant, which also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Unfractionated heparin has been shown to increase survival in experimental models of septic shock.To evaluate the impact of intravenous therapeutic dose unfractionated heparin in a cohort of patients diagnosed with septic shock.Retrospective, propensity matched, multicenter, cohort study.Regional intensive care units in Winnipeg, Canada between 1989 and 2005.Two thousand three hundred fifty-six patients diagnosed with septic shock, of which 722 received intravenous therapeutic dose heparin.The primary outcome of study was 28-day mortality, and mortality stratified by severity of illness (Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II quartile). Safety was assessed by comparing rates of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and the need for transfusion. By using a Cox proportional hazards model, systemic heparin therapy was associated with decreased 28-day mortality (307 of 695 [44.2%] vs. 279 of 695 [40.1%]; hazard ratio 0.85 [confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.73-1.00]; p = 0.05). In the highest quartile of severity of illness (Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score 29-53), heparin administration was associated with a clinically and statistically significant reduction in 28-day mortality [127 of 184 (69.0%) vs. 94 of 168 (56.0%); hazard ratio 0.70 (CI 95% 0.54-0.92); p = 0.01]. The use of intravenous unfractionated heparin was associated with successful liberation from mechanical ventilation [odds ratio of 1.42 (CI 95% 1.13-1.80); p = 0.003], and successful discontinuation of vasopressor/inotropic support [odds ratio of 1.34 (CI 95% 1.06-1.71); p = 0.01]. No significant differences in the rates of major hemorrhage or need for transfusion were identified.Early administration of intravenous therapeutic dose unfractionated heparin may be associated with decreased mortality when administered to patients diagnosed with septic shock, especially in patients with higher severity of illness. Prospective randomized trials are needed to further define the role of this agent in sepsis and septic shock.

Assuming the Central Limit Theorem, experimental uncertainties in any data set are expected to follow the Gaussian distribution with zero mean. We propose an elegant method based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic to test the above; and apply it on the measurement of Hubble constant which determines the expansion rate of the Universe. The measurements were made using Hubble Space Telescope. Our analysis shows that the uncertainties in the above measurement are non-Gaussian., 8 pages, 2 figures

To determine the prevalence and impact on mortality of delays in initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy from initial onset of recurrent/persistent hypotension of septic shock.A retrospective cohort study performed between July 1989 and June 2004.Fourteen intensive care units (four medical, four surgical, six mixed medical/surgical) and ten hospitals (four academic, six community) in Canada and the United States.Medical records of 2,731 adult patients with septic shock.None.The main outcome measure was survival to hospital discharge. Among the 2,154 septic shock patients (78.9% total) who received effective antimicrobial therapy only after the onset of recurrent or persistent hypotension, a strong relationship between the delay in effective antimicrobial initiation and in-hospital mortality was noted (adjusted odds ratio 1.119 [per hour delay], 95% confidence interval 1.103-1.136, p.0001). Administration of an antimicrobial effective for isolated or suspected pathogens within the first hour of documented hypotension was associated with a survival rate of 79.9%. Each hour of delay in antimicrobial administration over the ensuing 6 hrs was associated with an average decrease in survival of 7.6%. By the second hour after onset of persistent/recurrent hypotension, in-hospital mortality rate was significantly increased relative to receiving therapy within the first hour (odds ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.48). In multivariate analysis (including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and therapeutic variables), time to initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy was the single strongest predictor of outcome. Median time to effective antimicrobial therapy was 6 hrs (25-75th percentile, 2.0-15.0 hrs).Effective antimicrobial administration within the first hour of documented hypotension was associated with increased survival to hospital discharge in adult patients with septic shock. Despite a progressive increase in mortality rate with increasing delays, only 50% of septic shock patients received effective antimicrobial therapy within 6 hrs of documented hypotension.

Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem globally. Anaemia is often an adverse outcome of severe parasitic infections during pregnancy in developing countries. Pregnant are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infections than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. The objective of this study was to comparatively investigate malaria and anaemia in pregnant and non- pregnant women of child-bearing age. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study, in which 380 pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women were screened for the study. The study was conducted at the Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Participants’ demographic data were collected via the administration of questionnaires. In addition, their blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin level and Malaria parasites , while stool samples from the pregnant women were examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The study revealed that pregnant women have higher malaria parasitaemia (12.6%) and anaemia (62.6%). The species of Plasmodium isolated from the pregnant women were P. falciparum (85.4%), P. malariae (4.2%) and P. ovale (10.4%). Malaria parasitaemia was higher in the primigravidae (14%). However multi-gravidae recorded the highest anaemia prevalence (67.1%). Age of pregnant women was a factor affecting malaria parasitaemia with a significant P-value and (P value = 0.0041). Conclusions: Pregnant women were more susceptible to malaria and anaemia than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Most of the pregnant women reported at antenatal clinic during the second trimester. Primigravidae however recorded the highest malaria parasitaemia. The main species of Plasmodium observed in the blood samples was falciparum .

The genetics/inheritance of biomass and crude drug content in terms of gene action, genetic variance components, and allied genetic parameters was determined in black/Indian henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) by dialiel analysis of F1 progenies from six parents. The additive (D) and dominance (H1) components were significant for both biomass and crude drug. Epistasis was almost absent and the degree of dominance was in the range of dominance. Dominant alleles caused low and recessive alleles caused high expression of biomass and crude drug. Because of better breeding value, high per-se performance, and desirable position in the Wr-Vr graph, three parents, Aela, Aekla, and Rb were identified as potential genotypes to be exploited for crop improvement by hybridization followed by selection.

The nature of random errors in any data set is Gaussian, which is a well established fact according to the Central Limit Theorem. Supernovae type Ia data have played a crucial role in major discoveries in cosmology. Unlike in laboratory experiments, astronomical measurements cannot be performed in controlled situations. Thus, errors in astronomical data can be more severe in terms of systematics and non-Gaussianity compared to those of laboratory experiments. In this paper, we use the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic to test non-Gaussianity in high- z supernovae data. We apply this statistic to four data sets, i.e., Gold data (2004), Gold data (2007), the Union2 catalog and the Union2.1 data set for our analysis. Our results show that in all four data sets the errors are consistent with a Gaussian distribution.

Background: Enhanced neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) expression is likely to be useful in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. This study evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of nCD64 expression as an early indicator of neonatal sepsis. Methods: Sixty neonates (culture positive, 24; negative, 36) with suspected sepsis and 30 controls were studied prospectively. CD64 expression was evaluated flow cytometrically on neutrophils and monocytes. Mean and median nCD64 expression, mean and median monocyte CD64/nCD64 (M/N CD64) ratios were computed. Results were correlated with blood culture and other conventional indices of sepsis. Results: The sick neonates had significantly higher mean and median nCD64 expression compared with controls. Monocyte CD64 values did not differ significantly among the groups. Both mean and median M/N CD64 ratios were significantly lower in the former group. Culture-positive neonates had significantly higher mean and median nCD64 values and significantly lower mean and median M/N CD64 ratios than clinically indistinguishable but culture-negative neonates. Both groups were significantly different with respect to these indices from normal controls. Median M/N CD64 ratio was the best discriminant by virtue of highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (0.903), with sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 88.9%, respectively. Conventional indices were inferior, both singly and in combination. Conclusions: Enhanced nCD64 reported as median M/N CD64 ratio is a highly sensitive marker of culture-positive neonatal sepsis. It additionally identifies a separate group among culture-negative sick neonates and may be useful to guide antibiotic administration especially in these neonates.

Sir, We read with interest the study reported by Dolai et al. [1] describing the prevalence of iron deficiency in thalassemia minor. We have previously reported the results obtained on investigation of 463 heterozygous beta thalassemics with respect to their iron status [2]. Eighty-eight (19 %) of these were children and the rest (81 %) were adults [3]. A transferrin saturation of

In the female genital tract, lymphangiomas have been described commonly in the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes (Siddall and Clinton 1937). Ovarian lymphangioma is an extremely rare entity with a...

Two macromutants [unbranched (Ub) and restricted branched (Rb)], one point mutation [yellow flowerd (‘Ada’)] and two flowering variants (early and late) were isolated in the M2 generation of gammairradiated progenies of black henbane (H. niger) — a medicinal plant belonging to family Solanaceae. These major gene changes were coupled with simultaneous changes in several polygenic systems conditioning continuous variation for flowering time, plant height, numbers of shoots and leaves, biomass and crude drug content. Such quantitative variation in qualitative mutants were measured for both per se means and cross-bred performance in terms of: (1) shifts in univariate means, (2) changes in pooled divergence, (3) alterations in gca effects, and (4) changes in heterotic capacity. The mutants were significantly divergent from the parental base for all the six metric traits, both individually as well as collectively. Divergence among mutants was wider (D2 = 1491 to 11 469) than that for mutants versus source parent (D2 = 117 to 7120). Conspicuous alterations in both the nature and the magnitude of the gca effects associated with all mutants, except L-2013 (late flowering), relative to the parental base were observed for all of the metric traits examined (gca ∼- per se means). Similarly, the mutants manifested greater heterotic potential than the parental base. This is even more strongly reflected in mutant x mutant hybrids for all of the characters. The amount of economic heterosis for diverse traits followed the pattern: crude drug > biomass > flowering time ∼- plant height > number of shoots ∼- number of leaves.

Useful statistical and genetic parameters were developed in 49 germplasm collections of senna obtained from different states of India. Genetic variability was high for pod and seed yields but moderate for leaf yield. Broad sense heritability was also high for all traits except number of branches. The three important traits. viz., dry leaf yield, dry pod yield and seed yield manifested high h2BS coupled with high GA and the latter two traits were favourably correlated as well. hence most amenable for straight selection. Potentially superior parents were also identified for genetic improvement of senna.

Aims To compare the postprandial lipid responses in subjects with prediabetes (IFG and IGT), newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Methods Postprandial lipid responses to a standard oral fat challenge was studied in forty-four subjects who were divided after an OGTT into NGT, pure impaired fasting glucose (PIFG), pure impaired glucose tolerance (PIGT) and NDDM. Results There was a significantly higher postprandial triglyceride (PPTg) response with a higher PPTg area under curve ( p = 0.004) and peak PPTg levels ( p = 0.003) in patients with NDDM but not with either PIFG ( p > 0.05) or PIGT ( p > 0.05) when compared with NGT. Overall, PPTg responses correlated significantly with fasting plasma glucose ( p = 0.001) and 2 h plasma glucose ( p = 0.001) but not with age, sex, body mass index, waist, or insulin resistance. Conclusion Subjects with newly detected diabetes mellitus displayed postprandial hypertriglyceridemia after a standard oral fat meal challenge while no such abnormality could be demonstrated in subjects with IFG or IGT. This defect is probably related to glycemic status and insulin resistance.

The aim of this study is to report a series of patients with the Azygos vein preserved during the surgery for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EATEF), highlighting the advantages in terms of survival and prevention of anastomotic leak. Ninety-six neonates with EATEF, admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, King George Medical University between 2004 and 2006, were reviewed prospectively; the babies were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A (n = 46) in which the Azygos vein was preserved and Group B (n = 50), wherein it was ligated. The two groups were comparable in respect to sex, weight, prematurity, associated anomalies, Waterston classification, Spitz classification and distance between the pouches after mobilization. Anastomotic leak occurred in three cases (6%) in Group A and ten cases (20%) in Group B and was responsible for mortality in one (2%) case in Group A and six cases (12%) in Group B. Preservation of Azygos vein resulted in significant reduction in the number of anastomotic leaks. We propose that preservation of the Azygos vein prevents early postoperative edema of the esophageal anastomosis by maintaining the venous drainage and thus may form an additional protective factor against anastomotic leaks.