Canine Parvovirus Isolates of India and the Relevance of Canine Parvovirus Type-2 Vaccines

A study was conducted to characterise the field isolates of canine parvovirus (CPV) and an in vitro cross neutralisation assay was performed against the vaccinated dog sera. Out of 45 faecal samples processed for virus isolation, 27 samples showed cytopathic effect (CPE) at first passage, which were confirmed positive by CPV variant types specific PCR. The CPV type 2 was not detected in any of the clinical samples. Of these 27 positive samples only 23 samples showed CPE and were further confirmed as CPV by haemagglutination inhibition test, ELISA and immuno-chromatographic strip test. Antigenic typing performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies revealed that four of the 23 isolates were CPV 2b type and the remaining 19 isolates were typed as CPV 2a. The antigenic typing results obtained using the monoclonal antibodies corroborated the sequencing results reported by our group earlier. The cross neutralization study with polyclonal sera revealed that the sera of original antigenic type CPV 2 can neutralize the antigenic variants 2a and 2b effectively. Thus we conclude that the vaccines containing CPV type 2 virus can be used to immunise the dogs against the prevalent CPV 2a and CPV 2b infection. A live virus challenge study in dogs may further confirm this observation

Semi-Empirical Mathematical Modeling, Energy and Exergy Analysis, and Textural Characteristics of Convectively Dried Plantain Banana Slices

Thin-layer convective drying of plantain banana was performed at four different temperatures from 50 to 80 °C, with slice thicknesses from 2 to 8 mm. The drying curves, fitted to seven different semi-empirical mathematical models, were successfully used to fit experimental data ((Formula presented.) 0.72–0.99). The diffusion approach had better applicability in envisaging the moisture ratio at any time during the drying process, with the maximum correlation value ((Formula presented.) 0.99) and minimum value of (Formula presented.) (2 (Formula presented.) and RMSE (5.0 (Formula presented.). The (Formula presented.), (Formula presented.), and (Formula presented.) values were calculated on the basis of the experimental data, and overall ranged from (Formula presented.) to (Formula presented.) m2 s−1, (Formula presented.) to 2.20 (Formula presented.) m s−1 and 13.70 to 18.23 kJ mol−1, respectively. The process energy consumption varied from 23.3 to 121.4 kWh kg−1. The correlation study showed that the drying temperature had a close correlation with (Formula presented.) value and sample hardness. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in hardness of dried plantain banana was observed at 80 °C compared to the other temperatures. Additionally, the sample hardness and process energy consumption were more positively correlated with the thickness of the samples

Melatonin: A potential abiotic stress regulator

Abiotic stress adversely affects the metabolism and growth of plants, hampering their yield and productivity. Melatonin is a ubiquitous, multifunctional, regulatory, nontoxic potential bio stimulator possessing pleiotropic effects in the plant kingdom. It is a master regulator which plays a critical role under abiotic stress conditions. Studies indicate abiotic stress increases endogenous levels of melatonin in plants. On the other hand, exogenous melatonin has also been reported to mitigate abiotic stress in plants by modulating proteins and gene expressions. Melatonin-mediated reactive oxygen species scavenging and defense system activation are the primary mechanisms employed to make melatonin a master regulator in alleviating abiotic stress. This review summarizes recent research concerning phytomelatonin biosynthesis, its detection techniques, and its levels under abiotic stress conditions. We have focused on the regulatory effects of melatonin under drought, heat, cold, heavy metal, acid rain, toxic chemical, light, and herbicide stress. Additionally, the crosstalk of melatonin with other phytohormones has also been considered

A stepwise approach to the etiologic diagnosis of pleural effusion in respiratory intensive care unit and short-term evaluation of treatment

Background: Pleural effusions in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) are associated with diseases of varied etiologies and often carry a grave prognosis. This prospective study was conducted to establish an etiologic diagnosis in a series of such patients before starting treatment. Materials and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients, diagnosed with pleural effusion on admission or during their stay in RICU, were further investigated by a two-step approach. (1) Etiologic diagnosis was established by sequential clinical history and findings on physical examination, laboratory tests, chest radiograph, CECT/HRCT/PET-CT and pleural fluid analysis. (2) Patients who remained undiagnosed were subjected to fiber-optic bronchoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopic pleural biopsy, and histopathology. Results: Etiologic diagnosis of pleural effusion was established in 44 (88%) Metastases (24%); para-pneumonia (22%); congestive cardiac failure (18%); tuberculosis (14%); hemothorax (4%); trapped lung, renal failure, and liver cirrhosis (2% each). Six patients (12%) remained undiagnosed, as the final diagnostic thoracoscopic biopsy could not be performed in five and tissue histopathology findings were inconclusive in one. Out of the 50 patients, 10 died in the hospital; 2 left against medical advice; and 2 were referred to oncology center for further treatment. The remaining 36 patients were clinically stabilized and discharged. During a 3-month follow-up, eight of them were re-hospitalized, of which four died. Conclusions: Pleural effusion in RICU carries a high risk of mortality. Etiologic diagnosis can be established in most cases

A comparative randomized study of USG guided transversus abdominis plane block versus caudal block for post operative analgesia in paediatric unilateral open inguinal hernia repair

Background: Inguinal hernia surgery is associated with moderate to severe post-operative pain especially in paediatric age groups as pain threshold is lesser in children so in this study our aim was to compare usg guided transversus abdominis plane block and caudal block for post-operative analgesia for unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgeries. Materials and Methods: 60 pediatric patients of American society of anaesthesiologist (ASA) I /II aged 1-8 years of either gender, scheduled for elective open unilateral inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia were divided into two groups. Patients of group 1 were given caudal block group using 0.25% bupivacaine 1ml/kg and group 2 were given ultrasound guided TAP block using 0.25% bupivacaine 0.5ml/kg. The postop analgesic efficacy, hemodynamic stability, degree of motor weakness and Adverse effects if any was noted. Results: There was no significant difference in median CHEOPS score until 6 hours in postoperative period. No Significant difference was observed in hemodynamic parameters in intraoperative and postoperative period. All patients in both the groups were comfortable with a CHEOPS score between 5-6 in the post-operative period with no opiate requirements. No significant haemodynamics changes and adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: We found that children in both the study groups i.e caudal block and USG guided TAP block were having stable intraoperative and post-operative hemodynamic conditions. Post-operative analgesia measured using CHEOPS score was maintained between 5-6 and patients in both groups were comfortable throughout the study period. There was no need of any rescue analgesia during post-operative period for the study period of 6 hours

Optimization of Convective Tray-Drying Process Parameters for Green Banana Slices Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Characterization

Green banana (Musa spp.) is a significant source of starch (resistant starch ∼50%), phenolics and flavonoid compounds, and minerals (K, Mg, Zn, and Fe). The utilization of green bananas in their fresh form is limited, whereas the drying of bananas provides the opportunity to use them for various purposes. Drying temperature and slice thickness are important to be optimized for drying of bananas as they affect the quality parameters. The present study was conducted using response surface methodology to optimize tray-drying temperatures (50–80°C) and slice thicknesses (2–8 mm) on the basis of phytochemical and physical parameters of dried green banana slices. The cubic model was found to be the best fit for most of the responses (R2 = 0.95–1), and the quadratic model was fit for water activity (aw) (R2 = 0.92). The optimized drying conditions were found as drying temperature of 50°C and slice thickness of 4.5 mm. Experimental responses exhibited maximum L∗ (84.06), C∗ (13.73), and ho(83.53) and minimum losses of total phenolic content (89.22 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (3.10 mg QE/100 g) along with lower aw (0.25). The optimized green banana flour was rich in carbohydrates (77.25 ± 0.06%) and low in fat (1.79 ± 0.11%). The flour obtained had good flowability with a mean particle size of 60.75 ± 1.99 µm. Flour’s gelatinization and decomposition temperatures were 102.7 and 292°C, respectively. In addition, flour’s water absorption, oil absorption, and solubility were 5.19 ± 0.01, 1.58 ± 0.01, and 0.14 ± 0.02 g/g, respectively. Green bananas dried at optimized conditions resulted in a better product with less phytochemical loss than dried with other methods

Ester functionalized hydrophobic task specific ionic liquid for Glaser coupling

963-968A new hydrophobic ester functionalized task specific ionic liquid has been synthesized and its application explored in the synthesis of conjugated 1,3-diynes through Glaser coupling of terminal alkynes. Terminal alkynes undergo oxidative-coupling smoothly in the presence of CuI-TEA catalytic system in hydrophobic ionic liquid under aerobic conditions to produce 1,3-diynes in excellent yields under mild conditions. The recovery and reusability of the catalyst is supported by the hydrophobic nature of the TSIL

Semi-Empirical Mathematical Modeling, Energy and Exergy Analysis, and Textural Characteristics of Convectively Dried Plantain Banana Slices

Thin-layer convective drying of plantain banana was performed at four different temperatures from 50 to 80 °C, with slice thicknesses from 2 to 8 mm. The drying curves, fitted to seven different semi-empirical mathematical models, were successfully used to fit experimental data (R2 0.72–0.99). The diffusion approach had better applicability in envisaging the moisture ratio at any time during the drying process, with the maximum correlation value (R2 0.99) and minimum value of x2 (2.5×10−5 to 1.5×10−4) and RMSE (5.0 ×10−3 to 1.2×10−2). The Deff, hm, and Ea values were calculated on the basis of the experimental data, and overall ranged from 1.11×10−10 to 1.79×10−9 m2 s−1, 3.17×10−8 to 2.20 ×10−7 m s−1 and 13.70 to 18.23 kJ mol−1, respectively. The process energy consumption varied from 23.3 to 121.4 kWh kg−1. The correlation study showed that the drying temperature had a close correlation with hm value and sample hardness. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in hardness of dried plantain banana was observed at 80 °C compared to the other temperatures. Additionally, the sample hardness and process energy consumption were more positively correlated with the thickness of the samples

Design of Rocker Bogie Mechanism

Abstract: Rocker bogie are important for conducting in-situ scientific analysis of objectives that are separated by many meters to tens of kilometers. Current mobility designs are complex, using many wheels or legs. They are open to mechanical failure caused by the harsh environment on Mars. A four wheeled rover capable of traversing rough terrain using an efficient high degree of mobility suspension system. The primary mechanical feature of the rocker bogiedesign is its drive train simplicity, which is accomplished by using only two motors for mobility. Both motors are located inside the body where thermal variation is kept to a minimum, increasing reliability and efficiency. Four wheels are used because there are few obstacles on natural terrain that require both front wheels of the rover to climb simultaneously. A series of mobility experiments in the agriculture land, rough roads, inclined, stairs and obstacles surfaces concluded that rocker bogiecan achieve some distance traverses on field