Application of nanocellulose composites in the environmental engineering: A review

n/

Population Status of Some Threatened Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Himalaya, India

N

Role of biomarkers in predicting anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgeries

Background: Recovery after surgery for patients with colorectal disease has improved with the advent of minimal access surgery and standardized recovery protocols. Despite these advances, anastomotic leakage remains one of the most dreaded complications following colorectal surgery, with rates of 3-27 per cent depending on specific risk factors. The aim of the study was to assess sensitivity and specificity of systemic and peritoneal drain-fluid bio-markers in early prediction of anastomotic leak; and to co-relate rise in levels of biomarkers and severity of clinical symptoms in patients who have undergone colo-rectal surgeries.Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study conducted on 60 patients in the Postgraduate Department of Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar after obtaining due ethical clearance over a period of two years.Results: The mean age was 54.87±11.901 years with 44 patients (73.3%) were males. Among systemic makers: the mean CRP level was 2.7800±0.500 mg/L, the mean total leukocyte count was 10.783±0.940 thousands and the mean serum procalcitonin level was 0.365±0.1385 ng/ml. Among peritoneal fluid drain bio-makers, the mean IL-6 level was 3551.066±1311.965 pg/ml, the mean IL-10 level was 628.533±460.358 pg/ml and the mean TNF-a level was 16.391±6.736 pg/ml. The anastomotic leak after colo-rectal surgery was noted in 16 patients (26.7%). In our study significant co-relation was noted between the rise in levels of peritoneal drain fluid biomarkers and severity of clinical symptoms but no significant co-relation was noted between the rise in levels of systemic markers and severity of clinical symptoms in patients who have undergone colo-rectal surgeries.Conclusions: Systemic biomarkers are poor predictors of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery. But sensitivity and specificity of peritoneal fluid drain biomarkers in predicting anastomotic leak was significantly high

Reproductive Biology of Valeriana jatamansi Jones.

Biodiversity is one of the vital treasures of any nation. A healthy biological diversity can contribute immensely to the economy of a nation.This variety is endorsed/measured by different estimates and the values varying with different reports and authorities.The diversity of living organisms or biodiversity is of paramount importance for keeping the various processes and phenomena operative in the biosphere.The present study includes various methods and scientific approaches which were carried out in the field, laboratory and in natural habitats to understand the reproductive biology of Valeriana jatamansi. Being categorized as critically endangered, it catches our immediate attention to study its reproductive biology so as to develop any conservational protocol for its survival and widespread growth

Evaluating conservative treatment for acute appendicitis with lump formation

Background: Interval appendectomy after acute appendicitis with lump formation (phlegmon) remains controversial. We conducted this study to determine the risk of recurrent appendicitis following initial non-operative treatment for appendicitis, and evaluate factors associated with recurrence. Secondarily, we evaluate the efficacy of interval appendectomy versus no appendectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients who received conservative treatment for appendicitis with lump formation were prospectively studied from June 2006 to June 2008. These patients were followed for recurrence of appendicitis. Results: Of 763 patients with acute appendicitis some 220 patients had lump formation (28.8%). Median age was 28 years. Conservative treatment was successful in 213 (96.8%) patients. The rate of recurrence was 13.1%, all occurring within six months after the index admission. Mean follow-up was 26±18 months. Conclusion: Conservative treatment of appendicitis with lump formation is efficient and the recurrence rate is low. Routine interval appendectomy after initial conservative treatment for lump formation is not a cost-effective intervention and not recommended