Irreducible Atlanto-Axial Dislocation in Neglected Odontoid Fracture Treated with Single Stage Anterior Release and Posterior Instrumented Fusion

It is a well-know fact that type 2 odontoid fractures frequently go into nonunion. If left untreated, patients may develop irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). We describe the surgical management of two patients with neglected odontoid fractures and irreducible AAD treated with single stage anterior release followed by posterior instrumented fusion. Both patients presented with history of neglected trauma and progressive myelopathy. Traction under anesthesia failed to achieve reduction of AAD. Anterior release was done by trans-oral approach in one patient and retrophayngeal approach in the other. Posterior fixation was performed with transarticular screws in both the patients. Both patients had full neurological recovery and demonstrated fusion at follow-up. Anterior release followed by posterior instrumented correction may be an effective alternative to the traditional means of treating irreducible dislocations associated with neglected odontoid fractures

Mean Tip Apex Distance in Patients undergoing Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation for Pertrochanteric Fractures without using Traction Table: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dynamic Hip Screw fixation has shown to be equally effective compared to cephalomedullary nailing. The effectiveness of dynamic hip screw fixation for pertrochanteric fractures without using traction table is not well investigated. This study aimed to find out the mean tip apex distance in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw fixation for pertrochanteric fractures without using traction table. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients undergoing dynamic hip screw fixation for pertrochanteric fractures without using traction table between 1 September 2021 and 30 June 2022, after getting approval from institutional review committee (Reference number: IRC-2021-08-23-02). All patients undergoing dynamic hip screw fixation for pertrochanteric fractures without using traction table were included in the study. Patients with pre-existing ipsilateral or contralateral hip deformity, contra-lateral hip prosthesis, bilateral hip fractures, and history of prior ipsilateral hip surgeries were excluded. Point estimate and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results: Among 45 patients, the mean tip apex distance was 20.45±6.13 mm (18.66-22.24 mm, 95% Confidence Interval). Among 45 patients, 24 (53.33%) were males and 21 (46.66%) were females. The average age of the participants was 67.75±21.33 years. Conclusions: The mean tip apex distance in patients undergoing dynamic hip Screw fixation for pertrochanteric fractures without using traction table was similar to that reported in other international studies

INCIDENCE OF PRESENCE OF H. PYLORI IN CASES OF CHOLECYSTITIS AND CHOLELITHIASIS IN A RURAL MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL

Cholecystitis is defined  as inflammation of the gallbladder. Ninety percent of cases involve stones in the cystic duct and gall bladder, (i.e., calculus cholecystitis) with the other 10% of cases representing acalculus cholecystitis.(1) The association of gallstones with Helicobacter pylori has been investigated but not clearly demonstrated. In this study, the presence of H. pylori in the gallbladder mucosa of patients with symptomatic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis was investigated.The study included 50 cases of  cholecystitis and cholelithiasis randomly selected who were admitted to the surgical wards of M.M.I.M.S.R, Mullana in last 2 years.  All patients underwent cholecystectomy and gall bladder mucosa was histopathologically examined by giemsa staining (silver slide test). We concluded that no gall bladder mucosa exhibits presence of H. Pylori. Keywords: Cholelithiasis; Cholecystitis; H. pylori; GiemsaÂ

Rapeseed-Mustard Breeding in India: Scenario, Achievements and Research Needs

Brassica spp., commonly known as rapeseed-mustard, plays a significant role in the Indian economy by providing edible oils, vegetables, condiments and animal feed. Globally, India holds second and third position in rapeseed-mustard area under cultivation and production, respectively. However, anthropogenically accelerated climate change thwarts yield potential of rapeseed-mustard by employing abiotic (drought, flood, temperature variation and salinity) and biotic (disease and insects) stresses. Various approaches such as molecular breeding, pre-breeding, −omics and biotechnological interventions have been used to develop varieties for improved yield and oil quality, climate resilient and resistance or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this context, this chapter highlighted the different cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources and their potential use for hybrid development. At the end, this chapter also enlisted salient achievement by the government and non-government institutes and briefly described the future perspective for improvement of rapeseed-mustard in India

DC magnetization investigations in Ti_1−<i>x</i>Mn_<i>x</i>O₂ nanocrystalline powder

In the present paper, DC magnetization investigation on the insulating nanocrystalline powder samples of Ti1−xMnxO₂ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) prepared by simple chemical route is reported. Structural measurements revealed phase pure anatase structure of TiO₂ when x ≤ 0.05 and a mixture of anatase and rutile TiO₂ along with the signature of Mn₃O₄ phase for x > 0.05. Magnetic measurements exhibited the presence of ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature in samples having either small fraction of Mn or no Mn at all. This ferromagnetic signature is accompanied with paramagnetic contribution which is found to dominate with increase in Mn concentration. The Ti1−xMnxO₂ sample having highest Mn concentration of x = 0.15 showed nearly paramagnetic behavior. However, at low temperatures, additional ferrimagnetic ordering arising due to Mn₃O₄ (TC = 42 K) is evidenced in the doped samples. Consistent with the XRD investigations, the isofield DC-magnetization measurements under field cooled and zero field cooled (FC–ZFC) histories corroborated the presence of Mn₃O₄ phase. Also, distinct thermomagnetic irreversibility has been observed above 42 K. These results are suggestive of presence of weak ferromagnetic ordering possibly due to defects related with oxygen vacancies

Bioethanol production from fruit peels using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

As the world’s energy supply is depleting, there is an increasing interest in alternative source of energy. Bioethanol production through fermentation provides an economical competitive source of energy. Chikku peels and banana peels leave a sizeable amount of residues after processing. Such residues are rich in carbohydrates, crude and sugar residues. In the present work, bioethanol has been produced and optimized from two biowastes; chikku peels and banana peels by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using cellulase and co-cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger. Pulverized chikku peels and banana peels in the ratio of 4:6 (after steam treatment) were used as substrate for bioethanol production. Temperature of 30°C, inoculum size of S. cerevisiae and A. niger 6 % (v/v), 4 % (v/v) with incubation period of 48 h and agitation for the first 24 h were found to be best for bioethanol production. The pretreated biomass after enzymatic saccharification containing 66 gL–1 reducing sugars was fermented under optimized conditions resulting in bioethanol production, yield and fermentation efficiency of 26.59 gL–1, 0.402 gg-1 and 78.99 %, respectively. This research work may establish that both chikku peels and banana peels which have been very little exploited commercially for industrial applications and are poorly disposed off can be effectively used for bioethanol production through the process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The results in this paper are very encouraging and can be utilized for scaling up of the process to a pilot scale or commercial fermenter level thereby, making the process more cost effective along with contribution in waste management

Leased farming degrading the farmlands? Analysis of farmers' perceptions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Not AvailableThis study was undertaken in Andaman and Nicobar Islands by conducting primary survey of leased-in and non-leased land cultivators. Total agriculture land of the islands decreased due to massive tsunami followed by earthquake during 2004. Due to various biotic and abiotic factors, land degradation in these islands is high, and land leasing practice aggravates it. The leased rent varies from ` 17,500 ha-1 annum-1 to-1 -1 ` 26,500 ha annum , and both cash and crop sharing mechanisms are practiced. Our analysis indicated that soils of leased land are degraded, and were categorized from moderate to severe level of degradation. The main reasons observed were that leasedin farmers mostly cultivate vegetables wherein more cultural working is required, which leads to loosening of soil and permits soil erosion at higher rate. Since, these islands receive more than 2800 mm rainfall annually with high intensity, it leads to faster erosion of soils. As the conservation measures need high investment, leased-in farmers are hesitant to invest due to short time lease of agreement (1 to 2 years). Thus, the study highlights that there should be clear cut policy for leased land to protect the limited and fragile agri-ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The findings will provide information for future research and policy decisions on leased land practices.Not Availabl

Synthesis of MgB₂ from magnesium rich powders

461-467Superconducting bulk MgB2 samples have been synthesized by employing a modified heat treatment without using any additional process steps generally undertaken in view of the substantial loss of Mg during sintering owing to its high vapour pressure at the processing temperature. Starting with Mg rich powder mixtures having different atomic ratios of Mg:B (as against the nominally required 1:2 ratio), we have obtained superconducting MgB2 samples showing a transition temperature (Tc) in the range 40.4-40.7K when synthesized at sintering temperatures in the range 720-900°C. Typically, a MgB2 sample (Tc = 40.5K) obtained from heat treating Mg and B in the ratio of 2:2 at 870°C for 1h duration exhibited critical current density in excess of 1×107 A/m2 at ≈38K. Our results further show that MgO is not detrimental to superconductivity

Pott’s Puffy Tumor: An Uncommon Clinical Entity

Although first described in 1760, Pott’s puffy tumor is a lesser known clinical entity. Often seen as a complication of frontal sinusitis, Pott’s is a frontal bone osteomyelitis with an associated subperiosteal abscess. Patients present with a fluctuant swelling of the scalp. The diagnosis is often confirmed with computed tomography (CT). Prompt surgical and medical treatments are the rule as there is the potential for significant morbidity if not quickly diagnosed and treated. Herein, we describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of an 8-year-old female presenting with Pott’s puffy tumor