Tuberculosis of the Oral Cavity Affecting Alveolus: A Case Report

We report a first case of tuberculosis of oral cavity affecting the left alveolus from Nepal in a 63-year-old male who came to otorhinolaryngology outpatient department with a complaint of an ulcer in the oral cavity and pain in bilateral ear and throat. An ulcer measuring 1.8 cm in diameter with irregular friable margin and bleeding on touch was found in the left upper alveolar region of the oral cavity. Biopsy from the ulcer margin revealed histological features of necrotizing granulomatous lesion. Stain for acid fast bacilli was positive

Nonwoven Padding for Compression Management

Nonwovens play an important and crucial role in the designing of appropriate structures for healthcare and hygiene products. One such application is the use of nonwoven padding in a multi-layer compression system recommended for the treatment of chronic venous disorders. Padding helps in ensuring uniform pressure distribution underneath the bandaging layer wrapped around the circumference of the limb. Apart from the pressure management, padding also facilitates body fluids’ absorption and removal, and provides thermal and tactile comfort to ensure better compliance of the multi-layer compression system. This chapter analyses the different roles of padding in compression management. The importance of different nonwovens and their structure on the padding performance are also reviewed, using both experimental and theoretical analyses. Finally, some useful recommendations are provided for design considerations to develop optimized products

High Strain Rate Modeling of CFRP Composite Under Compressive Loading

An in-depth understanding of how carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) respond to intense strain rates is essential, particularly in non-linear deformation and dynamic loading situations. The researchers undertook a computational study to examine the behavior of CFRP composites when exposed to high strain rates under compressive loading. Specifically, they employed Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar models for cohesive interfacial simulations, continuum shell analysis, and laminated composites oriented at 0° at a strain rate equivalent to 900 s-1. The Finite Element model utilized a custom Hashin damage model and a vectorized user material (VUMAT) sub-routine to identify degradation damage within the CFRP composite model. The quasi-isotropic composite demonstrated a significant enhancement in dynamic strength compared to static values, attributed to its intense sensitivity to strain. As confirmed by experimental test results, numerical simulations accurately predicted stress (σ)-strain (ε) and strain rate (ἐ) curves. Additionally, it was observed that the relationship between damage behavior varied depending on the element type used

Fusion proteins containing the starch-binding domains of glucoamylase and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase

This work addresses the interactions of a starch-binding domain (SBD) from glucoamylase-I (GA-I) of Aspergillus niger with raw starch and a possible application of the SBD as an affinity tail for a single-step recovery and purification of fusion proteins from crude cell extracts, using native starch granules as an adsorbent;Our previous studies indicated that GA-I adsorbed specifically and strongly to raw corn starch primarily via its SBD, which is located at the C-terminus of the enzyme molecule. A [beta]-galactosidase ([beta]-gal) fusion protein (BSB119) containing the C-terminal 119 aminoacids from GA-I showed significantly higher affinity for starch than a [beta]-gal control. This fusion protein was used as a model system to study the adsorption and elution behavior of SBD from starch. The results showed that the SBD is an independent domain that is functional when attached to another protein and the fusion expressed in E. coli. The adsorbed fusion protein was purified by competitive elution with various oligosaccharides;To test the generality of the proposed fusion protein approach for protein purification, another fusion protein (GSB119) was constructed with the same 119 aminoacids of SBD and glutathione S-transferase. This fusion protein formed inclusion bodies when produced in E. coli. Several procedures to reduce inclusion body formation were examined but were not very successful. The fusion protein was tested for its starch-binding activity and found to bind specifically to starch and easily eluted with 10 mM [beta]-cyclodextrin;Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus macerans also contains a starch-binding domain called domain E which is about 60% homologous to the SBD from GA-I. A [beta]-gal fusion protein with domain E (BDE109) from CGTase was also constructed and produced in E. coli. The starch-binding activity of BDE109 was compared to that of BSB119. It was found that both the SBD and domain E have similar affinities for the starch granule but different saturation capacities

Facilitating orthodontic teeth extraction–A technique suggestion

AbstractIntroduction: Extractions are routinely used in orthodontics as a method of gaining space. Sometimes the closures of these extraction spaces become problematic for the treating clinician. Many causes have been cited for such a mis-happening, one of it being narrowed out ridge due to fractured cortical plate, which often occurs during a traumatic extraction. Hence, any technique that facilitates teeth removal atraumatically and thus decreases the possibility of such a complication is welcome. Aims and objectives: To test a novel method utilizing localized inflammatory response in easing orthodontic extractions. Material and method: 40 individuals were included in this split mouth prospective clinical study. In all these subjects, teeth destined for extraction were bonded and engaged with arch wire on one side of the arch and the other side was used as control. Ease of extraction was compared and assessed by the dentist and the patients using four point Likert scale. The values obtained were used for statistical analysis. Result: Both the dentist and the patents perceived the extraction on the test side being easy, with less discomfort postoperatively with the difference between the test and the control being statistically significant. Conclusion: Localized inflammatory response in the periodontium of teeth destined for extraction can be used to facilitate their removal, thereby easing out the procedure both for the dentist and the patient

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosis of Pure Neuritic Leprosy

Leprosy is a chronic infection affecting mainly the skin and peripheral nerve. Pure neuritic form of this disease manifests by involvement of the nerve in the absence of skin lesions. Therefore, it can sometimes create a diagnostic problem. It often requires a nerve biopsy for diagnosis, which is an invasive procedure and may lead to neural deficit. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of an affected nerve can be a valuable and less invasive procedure for the diagnosis of such cases. We report five suspected cases of pure neuritic Hansen's disease involving the common and superficial peroneal, ulnar, and median nerve, who underwent FNAC. Smears revealed nerve fibers infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells in all cases, presence of epithelioid cells granulomas, and Langhans giant cells in three cases, and acid fast bacilli in two cases. In conclusion, FNAC is a safe, less invasive, and time saving procedure for the diagnosis of pure neuritic leprosy

Ricebean food preparation and diets

This document is an output from the project Food Security through Ricebean Research in India and Nepal (FOSRIN), funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme contract 032055The existing scientific literature has established that the nutritional value of ricebean (Vigna umbellata) in many respects is impacted by different methods of food preparation. In particular, antinutritional factors such as phytic acid, tannin and trypsin inhibitor, and the content of indigestible saccharides are reduced considerably if the beans are subject to common, low cost, pre-cooking and cooking procedures. The effects of overnight soaking, sprouting, de-hulling and pressure cooking all tend to reduce anti-nutritional factors, and in effect make the important micronutrients more bioavailable and the beans more digestive. Field evidence shows that the widespread use of pressure cookers for common preparations of ricebean is, unfortunately, leading to widespread neglect of soaking and sprouting. The evidence in scientific literature clearly suggests that a combination should be advocated, for ricebean as well as for other grain pulses. The most common preparation of ricebean in both India and Nepal is as dhal, a soup or sauce which is served with a staple of rice, wheat or maize, and various vegetable curries in addition to dairy produce. However, ricebean is also served using a number of other recipes, including mixed bean sprout soup, ricebean stuffed items, and grinding soaked ricebean into a paste to make various shapes of deep fried nuggets. Many of these recipes are existing local ones, and field demonstrations show that ricebean is a versatile raw material which can substitute other pulses in common recipes that are locally popular. Thereby, ricebean has potentials when it comes to value added products which can be produced at a local market place and tea-shop level. The field evidence also shows that there are large variations in the diets in different sites, both in terms of staple composition (the balance between rice, maize and wheat) and the consumption of different grain pulses. In the four areas in the nutritional survey, ricebean was recorded as the sixth most common grain pulse.publishedVersio

Literary Projection of Nature and Environment in Abhijñāna-Śākuntalam: Reflection of Faith-Based Care for the Environment

Abhijñāna Śākuntalam, as Sanskrit play by the renowned poet Kālidāsa offers the utmost importance to nature and the environment. It is the responsibility of all and everyone, irrespective of their social strata; king, sages, their sons and daughter and their disciples’ given equal responsibility and accountability to care for the environment. The king is advised not to kill the animals roaming inside a guarded territory of the Āśrama (cottage) of the sages. Śakuntalā was advised by her father Kaṇva to look after the plants and animals. The reciprocal nature of mutual dependence between Human and Environment vividly delved in Abhijñāna Śākuntalam. The King’s major responsibility includes preserving environment, one such example; the text eludes King Duṣyanta, taming a mad elephant, destroying the plants, while the king introduces himself to the Śakuntalā the very first time, another example is, the opening statement in Abhijñāna Śākuntalam reflects the concern of environment protection, the very importance of the people who care and nurture environment and have describes as: Yāsṛṣṭiḥsraṣṭurādyā vahatividhihutaṃ yāhaviryā ca hotrī, Ye Dvekālaṃ vidhattaḥ śrūtiviṣaya guṇā yā sthitā vyāpyaviśvam, Yām āhuḥ sarvabīja-prakṛtiriti yayā prāṇinaḥ prāṇavantaḥ, Pratyakṣābhiḥ prapannastanubhiravatuvastābhiraṣṭābhirīśaḥ [A.S 1.1]. Eight forms has Shiva, Lord of all and king: And these are water, first created thing; And fire, which speeds the sacrifice begun; those who care for nature; and time’s dividers, moon and sun; The all-embracing ether, path of sound; The earth, wherein all seeds of life are found; And air, the breath of life: may he draws near, Revealed in these, and bless those gathered here (Ryder,1999). The eight elements described in Abhijñāna Śākuntalam viz; the five gross elements along with time and space, and the people in general who care for nature are considered to be the constituents of god or Shiva. The environment and nature treated here as one entity represented here as, Lord Shiva, one of the trinities of Hindu god, shows the reflection of faith in relation to the care for the environmen

Interesting malignant renal tumours: a tripod of cases

Renal malignancy is the 15th leading cause of annual deaths, with late detection and misdiagnosis leading to decreased patient survival. We hereby present three cases of malignant renal tumours which grabbed our attention because of their rarity and interesting presentation. Case 1-A 38 year old male presented with palpable lump in right flank, CT revealed a multilocular cystic lesion in right kidney, along with horse-shoe kidneys. In view of renal biopsy suggesting Tubulocystic carcinoma, patient underwent nephrectomy and diagnosis confirmed to be the same histomorphologically as well as immunohistochemically using AMACR and PR. Case 2-A 77-year-old male had lower urinary tract symptoms due to prostatomegaly, and a left renal mass and small hepatic cysts were detected incidentally. Kidney function was normal. Microscopy showed Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, which was confirmed with immunohistochemical markers CK7 and CKIT. Case 3-A 50 year female presented with recurrent lump in her left flank, CT confirmed a huge left renal fossa mass. Biopsy showed features of malignant mesenchymal neoplasm consistent with leiomyosarcoma based on immunohistochemical panel of vimentin, h-Caldesmon, SMA, EMA, HMB-45 and S100, which helped in differentiating it from tumours like angiomyolipoma. Renal tumours have varied morphological overlapping and it is important to rule out close differentials using immunohistochemistry before coming to a diagnosis. Awareness of such presentations and findings can broaden our understanding of renal tumours which can help in early and accurate diagnosis for better outcome of the patient