Use of 100 kV versus 120 kV in computed tomography pulmonary angiography in the detection of pulmonary embolism: effect on radiation dose and image quality.

Objective: To determine the effective radiation dose and image quality resulting from 100 versus 120 kilovoltage (kV) protocols among patients referred for computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Methods: Sixty-six patients with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE) were prospectively enrolled. Two CTPA protocols (group A: n=33, 100 kV/115 mAs; group B: n=33, 120 kV/90 mAs) were compared. Two experienced radiologists assessed image quality in terms of diagnostic performance and effect of artefacts. Image quality parameters [CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)] and effective radiation dose between the two protocols were compared. Results: The contrast enhancement in central and peripheral pulmonary arteries was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P<0.001) with the identical SNR (P=0.26), whereas the CNR was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P<0.001). The effective radiation dose for the 100 and 120 kV scans was 3.2 and 6.8 mSv, respectively. Conclusions: Reducing the tube voltage from 120 to 100 kV in CTPA allows a significant reduction of radiation dose without significant loss of diagnostic image quality

Sequential Patterns of Behavior in The Black Buck, Antilope Cervicapra ( Linnaeus )

Six male and six female black bucks were observed in the Trivandrum Zoo for one year. Sequential patterns of behavior were homogeneous throughout all observation periods. Sequences were longer with more acts occurring during morning hours than evening hours. However, acts were of shorter duration during noon hours. Sexually dimorphic features were reflected in the behavior sequences. The dominant buck was more active and aggressive than other group members. The behavior sequences of the black bucks are explained in terms of a first order Markov chain with five states. Inhibiting and directing behavior patterns are discussed within an ecological, functional framework

Sequential Patterns of Behavior in The Black Buck, Antilope Cervicapra (Linnaeus)

Six male and six female black bucks were observed in the Trivandrum Zoo for one year. Sequential patterns of behavior were homogeneous throughout all observation periods. Sequences were longer with more acts occurring during morning hours than evening hours. However, acts were of shorter duration during noon hours. Sexually dimorphic features were reflected in the behavior sequences. The dominant buck was more active and aggressive than other group members. The behavior sequences of the black bucks are explained in terms of a first order Markov chain with five states. Inhibiting and directing behavior patterns are discussed within an ecological, functional framework

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Not AvailableBrown seaweeds are potential sources of bioactive compounds which can be beneficial in the development of novel nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Green chemistry techniques, namely supercritical fluid (SFE), enzymatic and natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) extraction, were employed on Sargassum wightii seaweed. LC-MS/MS estimation revealed that the SFE technique could extract the maximum amount of fucoxanthin , followed by NaDES and enzymatic extraction. However, total phenolic content, expressed as mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 extract, was highest in enzymatic, followed by SFE and NaHDES extracts. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest in the SFE extract. There was no significant difference in the DPPH free radical scavenging activity between the enzymatic and NaDES extracts. Interestingly, ABTS free radical scavenging activity was highest in the enzymatic extract, followed by SFE and NaDES extracts. The study reveals that all the three methods are excellent alternatives to harmful organic solvents. The result indicates that SFE is the best method among all the employed techniques.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe objective of the present study was to characterize the liver oil extracted from the deep sea shark, Echinorhinus brucus, caught from Central Indian Ocean and to evaluate its cytotoxic effect on neuroblastoma cell line (SHSY-5Y). Characterization of liver oil of Echinorhinus brucus revealed the presence of palmitic acid (15%), oleic acid (12%), stearic acid (8%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (18%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (16%). It was also found to be a good source of squalene (38.5%) and fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K (vitamin A: 17.08mg/100 g of oil, vitamin D: 15.04mg/100 g oil, and vitamin K: 11.45mg/100 g oil). Since it was found to be rich in essential fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins, and squalene, it can be considered as better dietary supplement.The oil of Echinorhinus brucus also showed high in vitro cytotoxic effect against the human neuroblastoma cell line (SHSY-5Y) and the IC50 value laid between 35 and 45 ng.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableA fish species belongs to Bembrops family (Perciforms: Perchophidae) with unique fluorescence is reported for the first time from Arabian Sea, India. DNA barcoding performed using NCBI database has confirmed that it is a new species in Bembrops genus. This species may be considered as new introduction to the Arabian Sea. This record explains the exclusivity of the species.Not Availabl

Comparative studies on nutrient profiling of two deep sea fish (Neoepinnula orientalis and Chlorophthalmus corniger) and brackish water fish (Scatophagus argus)

Extensive researches are in progress to explore the deep sea resources in our planet to conquer the dilemma and diminish the size of malnourished community. Nowadays the limelight has been broadened toward the deeper ocean. In the present study the nutrient profiling of two deep sea fish species (Neoepinnula orientalis and Chlorophthalmus corniger) was compared with a well-known edible brackish water fish (Scatophagus argus). The deep sea fish of interest (N. orientalis and C. corniger) were observed to possess relatively similar quantities of crude protein (18.6 ± 0.9 and 19.4 ± 0.9% respectively) as that of S. argus (20.4 ± 0.8%). The fat content of N. orientalis is commensurate with that of spotted scat, whereas C. corniger was found to contain very high fat content (14.6 ± 0.7%). Though their amino acid composition display slight variation with that of the brackish water fish, the deep sea fish were analyzed to contain significant amount of the essential amino acids viz. lysine, phenyl alanine, histidine, as well as the non essential amino acids aspartate, arginine, serine, glutamate, proline, glycine, alanine. The studies have also conceded that the fish from deep waters are the comparable sources of minerals, with those of the brackish water fish. Among the three fish of interest N. orientalis was noticed to be the richest source of sodium (5746 ± 27 mg kg−1), potassium (3438 ± 19 mg kg−1), calcium (4247 ± 16 mg kg−1) and magnesium (2253 ± 21 mg kg−1). Meanwhile, C. corniger is having highest levels of iron (120 ± 1.5 mg kg−1) and zinc (135 ± 2.8 mg kg−1), whereas S. argus was found to have the highest levels of manganese (35.8 ± 2.8 mg kg−1) and nickel (10.1 ± 0.8 mg kg−1). The level of cadmium in N. orientalis (0.75 ± 0.01 mg kg−1) was demonstrated to be slightly higher than the prescribed limit. The present study has revealed that both deep sea fish of interest exhibit an analogous nutritive value with that of the common edible brackish water fish, S. argus

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Not AvailableSupercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has garnered significant attention as a promising green technology for the isolation of bioactive constituents from natural sources. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the comparative effectiveness of supercritical carbon dioxide and conventional food grade solvents such as water, 60%, 40%, and absolute ethanol, in extracting bioactive compounds from brown seaweeds (Sargassum wightii and Turbinaria conoides). The antioxidant potential of seaweed extracts prepared using conventional methodologies and SFE was evaluated in terms of total phenolics, antioxidant activity, etc. SFE was significantly effective in extracting seaweed constituents with highest total phenolic (27.56 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract), flavonoid, and total antioxidant activity compared to conventional solvents. Observations on biplots of principal component analysis also concurred with the above research findings. The present findings highlighted that SFE can be recommended as an environmentally friendly technology for obtaining antioxidant-rich seaweed extracts with potential bioactivity.Not Availabl