bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of different populations of Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to malathion (EC 57%) in flour mills of Iran
Authors: Javadzadeh M. , Sheikhi-Garjan A. , Hosseini-Gharalari A.
Published: February 2017

The confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum, is a key pest of stored products such as wheat and flour. For decades, organophosphorus compounds, such as malathion and pirimiphos-methyl, have been applied against stored-product pests. In this research, susceptibility of different populations of T. confusum, collected from silos at different locations of Iran, against malathion (EC 57%), was studied in the laboratory, based on a completely randomized design. Based on pre-tests, the Bioassay Index Dose was estimated as 2 g a.i./m2. Out of 23 populations, 2 populations from Bandar-Abbas region were resistant populations against malathion (9.72% and 67.2% mortality), while one population from Khomein region was moderately resistant (86.08% mortality), and the rest of the population were susceptible to malathion (95.71% to 100% mortality). Therefore, in warm locations of Iran, where this pest has evolved resistance against malathion, other control measures shall be considered.
Accuracy and efficiency of conventional ground sprayers in Iran
Authors: Sheikhi-Garjan A. , Hosseini-Gharalari A. , Mahjob M. , Rashid M. , Sabahi Q. , Safari M. , Jalilyan F. , Arbabtafti R.
Published: February 2017

Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps, is a key pest of wheat and barley in Iran. At present, infested areas are treated with ground sprayers. A survey was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and calibration accuracy of ground hydraulic sprayers in Iran. The results showed that the motorized lance sprayer and manually operated sprayer were the most conventional sprayers, and fenitrothion EC 50% and deltamethrin EC 2.5% were the conventional insecticides against sunn pest in Kermanshah province. The mean efficacy percentage was 88% and 35% against nymphs and overwintered adults, respectively. In motorized lance sprayers, there were 5% and 90% overdosage of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively; while, in manually carried sprayers, there were 5% and 25% overdosage of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively. Applied dosages were 5-20% and 25-90% more than recommended dosages of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively. Errors in effectiveness and applied dosage were higher in motorized lance sprayer than manually carried sprayers.
The health of soil ecosystem as self-maintenance and sustainable bioproductivity review article
Authors: Semenov A. M. , Sokolov M. S. , Glinushkin A. P. , Glazko V. I.
Published: February 2017

In the review traditional characteristics of the soil quality are discussed. Soil health (SH) along with its soil quality and fertility, is considered as the most important, functional characteristic of any soil ecosystem (SE). The consistent patterns and results of the study of structure and functions of the microbial community (MC) of the soil ecosystem were generalized to substantiate the quantitative parameters of soil health. The author’s developments for definitions of soil and soil health are given. The prospects of using the parameters of SH for diagnostics at recovery and biological rehabilitation of technogenically disturbed soils are proposed.
Antagonistic effects of three lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from Nigerian indigenous fermented Ogi on E. coli EKT004 in co-culture
Authors: Afolayan A.O. , Ayeni F.A.
Published: February 2017

E. coli is one of the major pathogenic bacteria that cause diarrhoea in human. Traditional fermented foods, e.g. Ogi, has been used indigenously to treat diarrhoea. This study was aimed at investigating the antagonistic activity of selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from three varieties of ogi against multidrug resistant E. coli EKT004.

Antibiotic susceptibility of the tested E. coli EKT004 strain to ofloxacin, gentamycin, cefuroxime, ceftazidine, lincomycin, oxacillin, cloxacillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin was tested by disc diffusion method. E. coli EKT004 was co-incubated in two different experiments with Weissella paramesenteroides, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. fermentum that have been previously isolated from Ogi. An 8 h old E. coli was introduced into an overnight culture of LAB and a fresh E. coli was inoculated into overnight culture of LAB. Viable count of pathogen at 0 h and after 24 h co-incubation at 37 °C was observed.

The tested E. coli EKT004 was resistant to cefuroxime, ceftazidime, lincomycin, oxacillin, cloxacillin, and cefotaxime. The tested LAB isolates have a broad spectrum of activity against E. coli EKT004 used for the study with a decrease of 6–8 log of E. coli as compared with the control. These results indicate a direct effect of lactic acid bacterial strains on multidrug resistant E. coli strain.
Factors influencing sushi meal as representative of non-traditional meal: Consumption among Czech consumers
Authors: Đorđević Đ. , Buchtová H.
Published: February 2017

Determination of consumers’ acceptance level of sushi meal among Czech respondents was the main aim. The survey included 1352 respondents that filled in a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics and food preferences regarding their acceptance of sushi meal. Additionally, 79 volunteers participated in sorting sushi among other 14 popular meals in the Czech Republic, according to their assumed situations. The results indicate that sushi is highly accepted among Czech consumers (more than 80% of respondents consume sushi) due to sensory characteristics and health benefit claims of sushi. The main barrier for sushi acceptance is sushi being a cold meal. The study emphasized that sushi price highly influences not only consumption frequency but also acceptance of sushi among respondents who declared not consuming this type of meal.
Enzyme-assisted extraction of carotenoids from Bulgarian tomato peels
Authors: Prokopov T. , Nikolova M. , Dobrev G. , Taneva D.
Published: February 2017

Enzyme-assisted extraction of carotenoids from tomato peels of the Bulgarian cultivar “Stela”, one of the most widely used cultivars by the canning industry, was examined in this study. The carotenoid content in raw tomato peels was established by HPLC analysis. A two-step protocol was followed: the tomato peels were first treated with enzymes and then extracted by the use of acetone as a solvent for 30 min at 20±1 °C and solid/liquid ratio of 1:30. The total carotenoid, lycopene, and β-carotene extraction yields were increased by the use of pectinase, cellulase, endo-xylanase, and proteinase enzymes in comparison with the non-enzyme-treated samples. The increase in the extraction yield was affected by the enzymes used, the enzyme concentration, the pretreatment time and temperature. Maximum total carotenoid (55.15 mg/100 g d.w.), β-carotene (35.85 mg/100 g d.w.), and lycopene (15.44 mg/100 g d.w.) extraction yields were obtained in peels pretreated with mixed cellulase (100 U g−1) and endo-xylanase (400 U g−1) for 4 h at 50 °C. Carotenoid recovery by mixed cellulolytic and hemi-cellulolytic enzyme pretreatment of tomato peels is a good approach, which can be used for waste utilization.
Enhancement of bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity of Pediococcus acidilactici HA-6111-2
Authors: Garcia J.M. , Castro S. M. , Casquete R. , Silva J. , Queirós R. , Saraiva J.A. , Teixeira P.
Published: February 2017

The effect of sequential treatments of pressure (50–150 MPa, 10 ºC, 5 min) and temperature (57 ºC, 15 min) on the survival and bacteriocin production of Pediococcus acidilactici HA-6111-2 cells in the exponential growth phase was assessed. The growth curves were fitted with the modified Gompertz model, and the estimated maximum specific growth rate was considered to be pressure dependent. A delay in the maximum value of bacteriocin production was registered for more severe pressure conditions, but it was found more notorious for pressure followed by temperature treatments. At lower pressure intensity treatment, regardless of the application order, there was an enhancement of bacteriocin production per cell when compared to the control while maintaining the maximum production value. Bacteriocin production after the treatments can be described by an exponential model.
The effect of fine lees as a reducing agent in sur lie wines, aged with various sulphur dioxide concentrations
Authors: Nagy B. , Soós J. , Horvath B. , Kállay M. , Nyúl-Pühra B. , Nyitrai-Sárdy D.
Published: February 2017

During the ageing in barrels, the contact with the fine lees triggers several processes in wine. Lees has a reductive effect by absorbing dissolved oxygen and reducing the amount, which will remain in the wine. At present, minimizing the addition of sulphur dioxide is the trend in all viticultural areas. In this study, the effect of various sulphur dioxide levels was monitored in presence of the lees to determine which dose is appropriate to provide the protection of susceptible white wine against oxidation.

Without SO2 protection, the rH and redox potential changed slightly, so the level of dissolved oxygen seemed to be controlled during the ageing period by the lees, though the antioxidant effect of lees in itself was not appropriate to protect the polyphenol content from chemical oxidation, which led to considerable browning. With the addition of a lower amount of SO2 — 40 mg l2, the lees is already able to protect the white wine samples in all aspects.
Texture-modifying properties of microbial transglutaminase on 2 popular Hungarian products: Trappist cheese and frankfurter
Authors: Darnay L. , Tóth A. , Salamon B. , Papik K. , Oros G. , Jónás G. , Horti K. , Koncz K. , Friedrich L.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to show how microbial transglutaminase (mTG) can be used as an effective texture-modifier for two popular Hungarian products: Trappist cheese and frankfurter. In both cases we investigated how components of these products, milkfat in cheese and phosphate in frankfurter, can be substituted by mTG. Therefore, Trappist cheese samples were produced from cow milk of 2.8%, 3.5%, and 5% milk fat. The effect of ripening was evaluated with Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) and sensory evaluation (scoring test, 10 trained panellists). Springiness and cohesiveness values were significantly higher by enzyme-treated semi-hard cheese samples at lower milk fat levels. Sensory evaluation showed that the enzyme-treatment led to higher scores by cheese samples made from cow milk of 3.5% and 5% milk fat. Frankfurter was made with 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and partly enzyme-treated with 0.2% commercial mTG enzyme preparation. Our results showed that mTG is able to significantly improve hardness and crunchiness by frankfurters made with 0.1% phosphate addition. Our sensory evaluation suggests that mTG and phosphate should be applied in combination in order to have a final product with recognisably more homogeneous texture.
Hazard analysis and critical control points of traditional vs industrial cremeschnitte production
Authors: Filip S. , Fink R.
Published: February 2017

Changes in the consumption habits of the population forces food industry to produce traditional products in modern ways, sometimes not taking into account the modified safety issues. The aim of this study has been to compare hazards and critical control points for traditional and industrial cremeschnitte production. The result shows that the traditional cremeschnitte production includes two additional critical control points, cooking and moulding of egg cream basis, which is essential for safety. In addition, the results of microbial analysis pointed out that the traditional cremeschnitte is safer than the industrial one produced from dried cream powder when comparing Escherichia coli, total aerobic count, and mould contamination (P<0.05). Moreover, our controlled contamination test with E. coli of raw material shows that the traditional cremeschnitte production process reduces microbiological hazard even in the worst-case scenario. All this indicates that traditional food safety practices are not granted and should not be neglected in new production technologies.
Spray drying and process optimization of sour orange juice
Authors: Cuevas-Glory L. , Bringas-Lantigua M. , Sauri-Duch E. , Sosa-Moguel O. , Pino J.A. , Loría-Sunsa H.
Published: February 2017

In this study, production of sour orange juice powder utilizing a spray dryer was investigated. To prevent stickiness, maltodextrin DE 12 was used as a drying agent. While feed flow rate, feed temperature, and air flow rate were kept constant, inlet air temperature (120–160 °C) and maltodextrin content (maltodextrin dry solids/100 g feed mixture dry solids; 10–20%, w/w) were selected as the independent variables. Product properties investigated included ascorbic acid, volatile compounds, and moisture content. Ascorbic acid retention, volatiles retention, and moisture content were used in optimization of the process by response surface methodology. The optimum inlet air temperature and maltodextrin content were 156 °C and 20% w/w maltodextrin, respectively. This study revealed that by applying these optimal conditions, sour orange juice powder with 81.5% ascorbic acid retention, 5.5%, w/w moisture content, and 78% volatiles retention was produced.
Fractionation of biologically active components of grape seed (Vitis vinifera) by supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Calvo A. , Morante J. , Plánder Sz. , Székely E.
Published: February 2017

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used for fractionation of grape seed to be applied in natural products of the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industry. A two-step process was developed, consisting of conventional alcoholic extraction followed by SFE with carbon dioxide. The effects of pressure and concentration of co-solvent (ethanol) at constant temperature and solvent to feed-ratio were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of extracts and raffinates was measured with the DPPH* free radical scavenging assay. It was observed that supercritical carbon dioxide can be used in the described process for fractionation of an alcoholic grape seed extract to obtain a product with noticeably high antioxidant activity and a second one with no antioxidant activity or pro-oxidant activity.
Effects of anti-UV film and protective atmosphere on fresh-cut iceberg lettuce preservation
Authors: Galgano F. , Caruso M.C. , Ventura N.M. , Magno C. , Favati F.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research was to study the shelf-life of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce, testing a packaging film manufactured with and without addition of anti-UV compounds, and using two different protective atmospheres (N2/CO2 70/30% and Ar/CO2 80/20%). In order to simulate the most common retail storage conditions, the samples were stored at 6 °C under artificial light by using real supermarket refrigerated exposition stands. The data obtained showed that the use of an anti-UV film always causes a lower quality decay of the product; in any case, the best results were obtained when the anti-UV film was utilized in association with the packaging atmosphere consisting of Ar and CO2 (80/20%) gas mixture.
Characterisation of aroma-active compounds in commercial aged rums
Authors: Pino J. A. , Winterhalter P. , Gök R. , González J.C.
Published: February 2017

The volatile compounds in commercial rums declared as aged 3, 7, 10, and 15 years were isolated by solvent extraction followed by solvent-assisted flavour evaporation and analysed by gas chromatography-olfactometry. According to the aroma extract dilution analysis, 19 potentially aroma-active compounds in the flavour dilution (FD) factor range of 8 to 1024 were found. Fifteen of them were present in at least one aged rum at FD factor≥128. Clear differences in the FD factors of these odourants between each of the aged rums suggested that they contributed to their unique sensory profiles.
Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, Scinax cardosoi (Carvalho-e-Silva & Peixoto, 1991): distribution extension and new state record for São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Moroti Matheus De Toledo , Neto Jonatas Alves Ferreira , Santos Andriele Cristina dos , Soares Cristina Pacheco , Machado Ibere Farina
Published: February 2017

Specimens of Scinax cardosoi were collected in the vicinity of temporary lentic waterbodies within the Atlantic Rainforest of the Vale do Paraíba region of São Paulo state, Brazil. These record increases the distribution of this species by 236 km from the nearest previous records in Minas Gerais state and 313 km from its type locality in Rio de Janeiro state. Here we report the first record of Scinax cardosoi for the São Paulo state.
Floristic composition of a Neotropical inselberg from Espírito Santo state, Brazil: an important area for conservation
Authors: Couto Dayvid Rodrigues , Francisco Talitha Mayumi , Manhães Vitor Da Cunha , Machado Henrique Dias , Pereira Mirian Cristina Alvarez
Published: February 2017

Our study on granitic and gneissic rock outcrops on Pedra dos Pontões in Espírito Santo state contributes to the knowledge of the vascular flora of inselbergs in southeastern Brazil. We registered 211 species distributed among 51 families and 130 genera. Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae and Polypodiaceae were the most representative families. Concerning vegetative habit, herbs were predominant and about the preference for substrates, holorupicolous species and epiphytes were most speciose. The richest rocky habitat type was woody thicket, with 122 exclusive species. In total, 27 of the species registered in our study are cited on official lists of endangered plant species from Espírito Santo state and Brazil. In addition, two new records of angiosperms for Espírito Santo flora and two new species were recorded for the area. Our data demonstrates the importance of the area for conservation of unique biodiversity that serves as a sanctuary for a rich rupicolous flora composed of endemic and endangered species, some of which are new to science.
Astronomy and Architecture in the Maya Lowlands
Authors: Šprajc Ivan , Sánchez Nava Pedro Francisco
Published: February 2017

This article summarises recent systematic research into the use and significance of astronomical orientations in ancient Maya architecture, and shows how by applying a more rigorous methodology to a large number of orientations we were able to detect alignment patterns that shed light on the validity of former hypotheses and provide a basis for novel interpretations. Our measurements and analysis confirm that orientations to the Sun’s position on the horizon, which largely prevail, allowed the use of observational calendars composed of multiples of 13 and 20 days and were also intended to facilitate proper scheduling of agricultural activities. Further, while some buildings recorded Venus extremes, a previously unknown orientation group has been found to refer to major lunar standstill positions. Some important buildings, aside from exhibiting astronomical orientations, are aligned to prominent features of natural or cultural landscape, implying a deliberate selection of these places for their construction. Discussing some relevant contextual evidence, we argue that Maya architectural and urban planning was dictated by a complex set of rules, in which astronomical considerations and their practical uses were embedded in a broader framework of cosmological concepts.
“Sun Marker”
Authors: Richman Angela M. , Chamberlain Von Del , Pachak Joe
Published: February 2017

“Sun Marker” is a contemporary work of art and science located at an archaeological site in the Southwestern United States. Its origins come from the study of Ancestral Puebloan culture and life-ways and its creation was influenced by the architecture, traditions and observational methods of these prehistoric people, relating celestial movements of Sun, Moon and stars to calendar-keeping. The artist, Joe Pachak, designed “Sun Marker” so that it demonstrated natural light-and-shadow interactions with symbolic rock art images at the times of equinoxes and summer and winter solstices. In doing so, it became apparent that this modern-day piece of art could be used as a tangible laboratory to study light-shadow-icon events of the types being reported as having possibly been created hundreds of years ago. Having noticed interesting events of the types “discovered” by researchers, but not planned by Pachak, the authors joined the artist in a 15-year exploration of his “split boulder-representational” device. Our most important discovery is that completely unintended features, similar to ones passionately reported by researchers, were just as interesting as those carefully engineered into the sculpture. This work resulted in the formulation of vital research questions along with eight criteria offered here for more rigorous field research, with the hope that they might help guide cultural astronomy along the pathway toward becoming a scientifically mature discipline.
Introduction: “A Slow Convergence”?
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2017

The editors introduce the JSA Forum for 2.2.
Validation of Progression-Free Survival as a Surrogate Endpoint for Overall Survival in Malignant Mesothelioma: Analysis of Cancer and Leukemia Group B and North Central Cancer Treatment Group (Alliance) Trials
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Wang Xiaoyi , Hodgson Lydia , George Stephen L. , Sargent Daniel J. , Foster Nate R. , Ganti Apar Kishor , Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Crawford Jeffrey , Kratzke Robert , Adjei Alex A. , Kindler Hedy L. , Vokes Everett E. , Pang Herbert
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether progression-free survival (PFS) can be considered a surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in malignant mesothelioma.

Materials and Methods

Individual data were collected from 15 Cancer and Leukemia Group B (615 patients) and 2 North Central Cancer Treatment Group (101 patients) phase II trials. The effects of 5 risk factors for OS and PFS, including age, histology, performance status (PS), white blood cell count, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk score, were used in the analysis. Individual-level surrogacy was assessed by Kendall’s tau through a Clayton bivariate Copula survival (CBCS) model. Summary-level surrogacy was evaluated via the association between logarithms of the hazard ratio (log HR)—log HROS and log HRPFS—measured in R2 from a weighted least-square (WLS) regression model and the CBCS model.

Results

The median PFS for all patients was 3.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8–3.5 months) and the median OS was 7.2 months (95% CI, 6.5–8.0 months). Moderate correlations between PFS and OS were observed across all risk factors at the individual level, with Kendall’s tau ranging from 0.46 to 0.47. The summary-level surrogacy varied among risk factors. The Copula R2 ranged from 0.51 for PS to 0.78 for histology. The WLS R2 ranged from 0.26 for EORTC and PS to 0.67 for age.

Conclusions

The analyses demonstrated low to moderate individual-level surrogacy between PFS and OS. At the summary level, the surrogacy between PFS and OS varied significantly across different risk factors. With a short postprogression survival and a moderate correlation between PFS and OS, there is no evidence that PFS is a valid surrogate endpoint for OS in malignant mesothelioma.
Too Many Journals
Authors: Bates Susan E.
Published: February 2017

Policies promoting open access publishing have resulted in a startling increase in the number of gold open-access publishing groups, some of which have been identified as “predatory” in nature. This commentary aims toward a better understanding of the characteristics of predatory publishing groups, discusses the negative aspects of accepting spam e-mail invitations to publish in their journals, and encourages thought about an alternative direction for biomedical publishing.
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Tade gray mullet, Chelon planiceps (Valenciennes, 1836) from Hooghly-Matlah Estuary, West Bengal, India
Authors: Pramanick Soumendra , Das Sudhir Kumar , Bhakta Dibakar , Johnson Canciyal
Published: February 2017

Tade gray mullet (Chelon planiceps) forms a lucrative fishery in the Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system. During eight months of investigation 232 specimens were examined to study length-weight relationship and relative condition factor (Kn). The length and weight of fish was varied from 41 to 283 mm and 0.81 to 208 g respectively. Two length-weight relationship equations were obtained from the analysis, W=0.0000397L2.952 for <187 mm size group and W=0.0000406L2.834 for >187 mm size group. The size at first maturity was recorded as 187 mm. The b value was not significantly different from 3 indicating isometric growth. The monthly mean Kn for the male and female were 1.041–1.125 and 1.009–1.236 respectively. The highest Kn value was recorded in July for both the sexes, which may be due to advance maturity stages. The present study will be useful in the context of biological management of mullet fishery as well as to find out aqua-farming potential of Tade gray mullet.
Propagation of marine eukaryotic viruses (Prasinoviruses) v2
Authors: Zimmerman Amy
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To reproducibly generate fresh preparations of virus for independent experiments. Summary: Fresh virus sample for an experiment is generated by a primary infection of exponentially growing host cells from a master stock of virus. The infected host is allowed to lyse until the culture is cleared. The lysate is filtered to remove any large cellular debris, then the viral-size fraction is concentrated from the filtered lysate and washed with buffer using a centrifugal concentrator. The viral concentrate is stored at 4°C protected from light and should be used for an experiment within 1-2 days. On the day of (or the day before) the experiment, an MPN assay should be set up to assess infectivity of the fresh viral concentrate.
Nutrient deplete/replete algal culture for elemental analysis v2
Authors: Zimmerman Amy , Susanne Wilken not provided
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of nutrient availability on cellular elemental composition (quotas and stoichiometry) in marine picoeukaryotes. Summary: Elemental quotas and ratios are assessed under nutrient replete and deplete conditions at the same time to minimize potential variation between experiments. Cells from an exponentially growing culture are concentrated by centrifugation, washed and re-suspended in a small volume of nutrient deplete media. These concentrated cells are used to inoculate triplicate replete and deplete culture flasks at a starting density corresponding to early-exponential growth. Culture growth is monitored daily. When the mean growth rate of the nutrient deplete treatment is half or less of the replete treatment (GRDEP/GRREP < 0.5), samples for cell counts and elemental analyses (dissolved nutrients; particulate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) are collected.
MPN (Most Probable Number) assay for infectivity of algal viruses v3
Authors: Zimmerman Amy
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To quantify infectious viruses and evaluate the infectivity of a viral sample. Summary: 50 µL of serially-diluted (10-3 to 10-10) virus sample is added to 150 µL of exponentially growing host cells in triplicate 96-well microplates and incubated at normal growth conditions for ~2 weeks. Cell lysis is assessed every few days qualitatively by visual inspection and quantitatively by measuring optical density on a microplate reader. The MPN of infective viruses in each concentrate is estimated from the proportion of virus-positive (i.e., lysed) wells using the MPN_ver4.xls Excel spreadsheet from Jarvis, B., Wilrich, C., and P.-T. Wilrich (2010), Journal of Applied Microbiology 109 (2010), 1660 – 1667. Percent infectivity is then calculated by comparing the MPN-estimated abundance of infective viruses to the abundance of virus-like particles (VLPs) determined by flow cytometry analysis.
Pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reactions at a tertiary care hospital in southern India
Authors: L. N. Babu , Udayashankar Carounanidy , Vasudevan Kavita , G. Sivagnanam
Published: February 2017

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reactions reported by active surveillance to the Pharmacovigilance center of a tertiary care hospital in southern india, and also to establish the drugs causing the same and observe the age wise and gender based incidence of such reactions.Methods: The cutaneous ADRs (CADRs) reported to the Pharmacovigilance center of the institution were analysed retrospectively during the period of March 2013 to December 2015. The various pattern of skin reactions and the most frequent drugs causing the same were established. An age wise and gender based incidence of CADRs and drugs causing them were also reported.Results: A total of 293 cases were taken for analysis. The male female ratio was 0.89-1.in our study. Among the age wise distribution of CADRs, 57(19.4%) were seen in paediatric, 194(66.2%) in adults and 33(11.2%) in geriatric age groups. The most frequent drugs to cause the CADRs were antimicrobials 183(62.4%) followed by NSAIDs 38(12.9%) and antacids 17(5.8%).Among the skin reactions urticaria/ angioedema was the most common 109(37.2%) followed by generalised pruritis 57(19.5%) and fixed drug eruption 37(12.6%). In all the age groups and both the sexes urticaria/angioedema and generalised pruritis were the leading skin reactions observed.Conclusions: As CADRs are the most common ADRs among others, it is prudent to monitor them closely, as any change in pattern with older or newer agents can alert the health care personnel in instituting the appropriate prescription patterns, which can overall impact the quality of health care positively.
Post caesarean scar endometriosis: reporting three cases
Authors: Thakur Ruchi , Sambarey Pradip W. , Katha Desai
Published: February 2017

Scar endometriosis remains under diagnosed entity. A high index of suspicion is required for correct diagnosis. Complaints of pain, increase in size or bleeding from a mass post operatively that is cyclically associated with menstrual cycle is almost pathognomonic. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. We report three cases treated in our institute.
Epidemiological and clinical patterns of presentation of surgical oncological emergencies of abdomen at a tertiary institution
Authors: Vijayakumar Karikkili K. , Arun Damodharan , Deshpande Mayuresh M. , Moolchandani Sandeep
Published: February 2017

Background: Oncological surgical emergencies of abdomen pose a typical problem for surgeons with respect to the choice of curative and palliative treatments and procedures in absence of opportunity for proper evaluation and support of multidisciplinary approach. For appropriate management, it is important to understand the epidemiological and clinical profile of this disease complex.Methods: A prospective analysis of abdominal emergencies encountered in emergency surgery department was done over a period of two years at a single institution and the malignancies were studied with respect to the pattern of clinical presentation and epidemiological characteristics.Results: At our centre, the incidence of intraabdominal oncological emergencies requiring surgery was found to be 6.56% of total emergent presentations excluding abdominal trauma cases. The overall mortality for study duration was 29% and the perioperative mortality within 30 days was 24%. Colonic malignancies (62%) and gastric malignancies (28%) were the most common to present as emergency. It was noted that small bowel (5%) and ovarian malignancy (5%) were not common. Perforation peritonitis was the only presentation as acute emergency in carcinoma stomach. In colonic malignancies, obstruction was the most common emergency presentation (92.5%) and perforation was an uncommon mode of presentation (7.5%).Conclusions: Surgical intervention appears to be unavoidable in the situation of a malignancy presenting as an emergency case, despite the awareness that most of these patients are going to have a limited life expectancy. A high rate of perioperative mortality is observed in emergent presentations of oncological abdominal emergencies.
Minimally invasive approach to a symptomatic giant mid esophageal diverticulum
Authors: Ramasamy Villalan , K. Sivakumar , S. Rajendran , O. L. Naganath Babu
Published: February 2017

Mid esophageal diverticula are a rare entity and are most commonly of pulsion variety. Though rarely symptomatic, they can result in dangerous complications like aspiration, bleeding, fistulisation and malignancy especially when they are large. They have been traditionally approached by open surgery. With the advent of minimally invasive approaches, thoracoscopic resections have been increasingly performed offering several advantages. We have described a case report of a symptomatic giant mid esophageal diverticulum successfully managed by minimally invasive approach.
Functional outcome of conservative versus plate osteosynthesis in displaced midshaft clavicle fracture in manual labours
Authors: Mishra Amit , Kumar Dharmendra , Yadav Ashok , Pandey Deepak , Sinha Abhinit Kumar
Published: February 2017

Background: Clavicle fracture is a one of most common shoulder injury which is commonly treated conservatively. Operative methods are used for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced fracture shaft clavicle with better functional outcome preserving the shoulder biomechanics needed for overhead manual workers. This study is aimed at study of functional outcome of different modalities of treatment used in treatment of displaced fracture midshaft clavicle in manual laborers.Methods: This study was conducted with permission of ethical committee in B.R.D Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. This study included 36 patients with closed displaced fracture midshaft fractures. Out of 36patients, 17 were treated conservatively using clavicle brace and sling and 19 patients were treated operatively by open reduction and internal fixation using reconstruction plate or AO pre-contoured plate. All patients were followed clinically and radiologically, regularly at 1 month duration for 18 months. Functional outcome both, conservative and operatively treated patients were assessed using constant and murley scoring system.  Results: 17 patients treated conservatively had good to average functional results and 19 patients treated surgically had excellent functional outcome at 4 weeks of the treatment. At 12 weeks all fractures united well in operative group patients had better functional outcome with good range of shoulder abduction than conservative group of patients where in 4 patients fractures did not united and later underwent operative treatment to achieve fracture union. Average time of fracture healing in operative group was 8 weeks, less than time average time (12 weeks) taken by fracture healing in conservatively treated patients. Complication rate in conservatively treated group was tenting of skin and formation of discharging wound later, malunion, delayed fracture healing leading to shoulder stiffness and decreased shoulder abduction. Wound infection, implant failure or wound dehiscence like common complications were not seen in operative group.Conclusions: In manual laborers, clavicle fractures treated operatively had united early with excellent functional outcome and better shoulder abduction and early return to work with no complications in comparison to fractures treated conservatively.
A study on acute appendicitis in a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Babu K. Suresh , Savitha S.
Published: February 2017

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common problem in children and early adult life. Appendicectomy is immediate or emergency procedure to reduce morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to find out clinical profile of acute appendicitis and complications of appendicectomy.Methods: This observational study was conducted among 100 patients diagnosed as acute appendicitis in tertiary care hospital during the year from 2001 to 2002. The clinical profile like age, sex, symptoms of the patients and post-operative complications were recorded. All patients underwent appendicectomy and followed post operatively.Results: Out of hundred patients, 55% were male and 45% were female. Nearly 71% of the patients belonged to the age group of 15-30 years.100% had pain abdomen, 81% had fever and 75% had vomiting. The post-operative complication was 3%.Conclusions: Acute appendicitis is very common in younger age groups shows that whenever young patients present with acute abdominal pain may be considered acute appendicitis. The complication of appendicectomy is very minimum and gives good prognosis.
School based screening tools for childhood obesity: a comparison of TSFT, WHR and BMI
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sujaya , Bhattacharjee Prasun , Joshi Payas
Published: February 2017

Background: Obesity is an emerging health problem in children and adolescents. Various screening tools are there for assessment of nutritional status and this study was done to compare various methods to screen for obesity and overweight in adolescents that can be used during school health check-up.Methods: This study was conducted in the urban schools of Vadodara city. 609 students were included in the study.Results: Maximum students were in the age group of 16-18 year of which 57.9% were males and 42.03 % females. By using BMI, 4.1% students were found to be obese and 12.8% overweight. 10% students had WHR above the cut-off levels. In 11.3% TSFT was above 90th centile.Conclusions: Comparison between the three parameters done using ANNOVA, shows that TSFT is better than BMI in detecting Obesity.
Food habits and obesity: a study in adolescents
Authors: Bhattacharjee Prasun , Mukhopadhyay Sujaya , Joshi Payas , Singh Sahibjeet
Published: February 2017

Background: In India under nutrition was common but off late overweight and obesity, the diseases of over nutrition, has gained a foothold.Methods: This is a cross sectional study done in schools of Greater Noida city to see the food habits of adolescents and assess its impact on health in terms of being overweight and obesity. A total of 600 school children were included in the study.  4.0% (24) students were found to be obese while 12.8% (77) were overweight. Results: In this study, boys were more commonly overweight (44 out of 353, 7.3%) than girls (33 out of 247, 5.5%) while obesity prevalence was comparable in both the sexes (11 out of 353 i.e. 1.8% in boys and 13 out of 247 i.e. 2.1% in girls).Conclusions: Pearson’s correlation shows that BMI is significantly related to all the asked dietary habits at 0.05 levels and it is the frequency of having meals outside or skipping breakfast that is important.
QT interval dispersion as a prognostic indicator in patients of acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Chittora Saurabh , Sharma Nirmal K. , Ajmera Devendra , Pyarsabadi Pavankumar , Javedar Sudeep , Jaiswal Kapil
Published: February 2017

Background: QT dispersion is a potential marker of arrhythmic risk, myocardial ischemia and myocardial viability. Measurement of QT interval dispersion has failed to establish its place in routine clinical practice. The study aims at predicting risk of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients of acute coronary syndromes using rate adjusted QT interval dispersion (QTcd) as one of the cheapest modalities of investigation.Methods: Serial measurements (at admission, after 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7th day) of rate adjusted QT interval dispersion (QTcd) was done in 107 cases of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) namely ST-segment elevated Myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA). Patients who reported within 12 hrs of onset of chest pain and typical ECG changes were thrombolysed using streptokinase (15 lack IU).Results: Mean QTcd following acute coronary syndrome was maximum at admission and then gradually falls till day-7 as the patients clinical condition improves but it remains high in case of development of various complications (viz. hypotension, congestive heart failure (CHF), PSVT, VPC, CHB, ventricular fibrillation and death). Patients with STEMI who were thrombolysed at admission showed significantly lower mean QTcd on day-1, as well as complications and death during in-hospital stay as compared to patients who were not thrombolysed (p <0.001).Conclusions: QTcd interval could be helpful as an earliest in-hospital bedside predictor of life-threatening arrhythmias and death. Timely reperfusion by thrombolysis decreases mean Qtcd and thus reduces post-MI mortality and morbidity.
An unusual case of pericardial tamponade in primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Pyarsabadi Pavankumar , Saluja Manoj , Chittora Saurabh , Swami Yogesh , Richariya Hemanth , Jaiswal Kapil , Javedar Sudeep
Published: February 2017

Pericardial effusion is not so uncommon in hypothyroidism, but pericardial tamponade is very rare entity. Hypothyroidism complicated by pericardial tamponade is very rarely referenced in the medical literature. Here we report a rare case of a 70 year old female, who presented with breathlessness and was found to have hypothyroidism with large pericardial effusion complicating into pericardial tamponade. Management included urgent pericardiocentesis followed by l-thyroxine supplementation.
A study of predictive value of microalbuminuria in early outcome of non-diabetic patients of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Patel Saurabh R. , Acharya Harshit , Saiyad Mubassir
Published: February 2017

Background: Excretion of albumin in urine, in the range of 30-300 mg/day is called microalbuminuria, which cannot be detected by routine urine tests. The presence of increased UAE (Urinary albumin excretion) signals an increase in the transcapillary escape rate of albumin and is therefore a marker of micro vascular disease. Thus, microalbuminuria is an early response to myocardial infarction.Methods: A prospective study of 50 patients of acute myocardial infarction was carried out to find out the sensitivity and the specificity of microalbuminuria in non-diabetic patients of acute STEMI; to verify the association between the level of microalbuminuria and the area of infarcts; and to establish the correlation of microalbuminuria with cardiac biomarkers.Results: Microalbuminuria test was positive in 92% patients in the study group and 20% subjects in the control group. The sensitivity of microalbuminuria in our study is 92% and the specificity is 80%. The level of Microalbuminuria does not statistically correlate with areas of myocardial infarction.Conclusions: Microalbuminuria is a non-specific yet highly sensitive marker of myocardial infarction and it can be used as an additional biochemical parameter in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction. Prognostic marker value of microalbuminuria appears unproved.
Cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue among adult population visiting a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India
Authors: Valantine Bershic , Kumar R. Prahan , Vasudevan Senthilvel , Sureshbabu Jayanthi , Singh Zile
Published: February 2017

Background: Dengue is one of the world’s emerging and rapidly spreading pandemic disease of public health importance.  High rainfall and low temperatures are associated with increased number of dengue cases.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted between 15th August 2013 and 15th October 2013 with a sample of 200 in a tertiary care multi-speciality hospital in Puducherry using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. The study protocol was approved by ICMR and Institutional (PIMS) Ethical Committee.  Participants were included in the study based on the following criteria: (1) More than 20 years of age. (2) Permanent resident of Pondicherry.Results: Out of the 200 participants 68% were males and 32% were females. Most of them (64%) had gone to schools, while 9.5% were illiterates. Of the 200 participants, 180 (90%) knew that mosquito is the vector for Dengue. 162 (81%) of participants felt hospitalisation is necessary for dengue management. 80% of participants mentioned use of ceiling fan as a predominantly used preventive measure against mosquito bite, whereas 43% of them use mosquito coils to avoid mosquito bites. Majority of the respondents (66%) spend less than Rs.100 ($ 1.47) in a month for various mosquito preventive measures.Conclusions: The knowledge about dengue was good, although more awareness needs to be created to identify the clinical signs of dengue. The overall attitude and practices of the participants towards dengue care, prevention and control is good.
Study comparing the efficacy of platelet rich plasma versus steroid versus placebo in lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Mundla Ganesh Kumar Reddy , Venkataramana Praveen Kumar , Reddy Koduru Manoj Kumar , Ravindran Biju
Published: February 2017

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is seen more commonly in non-athletes than athletes. Non-operative methods are the mainstay of treatment being effective in more than 95% of cases. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has shown promising results in many studies as compared to steroid injection & other modes of conservative management. Hence, this study was done to evaluate PRP efficacy in our clinical setup and in the people of age group most commonly being affected.

Methods: This randomized study was conducted at Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore, for a period of two years from December 2014 to June 2016 on 150 consenting patients diagnosed as suffering from lateral epicondylitis. Using lottery method for randomization the patients were divided into three groups, based on which the treatment was received. Group –N with 50 patients received 3 ml of normal saline as placebo. Group –P with 50 patients received 3 ml of extracted PRP injection. Group –S with 50 patients received depot preparation of 40 mg of methyl prednisiolone injected into the affected area. The data collected and recorded in the appropriate proforma. Post therapy assessment was done using with Oxford elbow score.

Results:  The overall mean ages of the patients in the three groups (Group P, Group S and Group N) are 38.62±7.53, 37.82±7.79 and 36.3±6.93 respectively. Female preponderance was observed in all the groups. Most common presenting complaint was elbow pain seen in 100% of cases. Most common side involved was the dominant side, right side involvement was seen in 136 cases and left side in 14 cases. The Oxford elbow score pre-treatment in all the groups was not statistically significant and the Oxford elbow score at the end of 12 weeks and 24 weeks treatment showed that PRP and steroid was better than normal saline in control of pain.

Conclusion: Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is a painful debilitating condition of elbow, which creates disturbance in functional activities. A single injection of PRP at the site of the elbow pain resulted in relief of pain in patients with longer duration as compared to local steroids to other conservative treatments.