Morphometry of Glenoid Cavity

Objectives: Knowledge of the shape and dimensions of the glenoid are important in the design and fitting of glenoid components for total shoulder arthroplasty. An understanding of variations in normal anatomy of the glenoid is essential while evaluating pathological conditions like osseous Bankart lesions and osteochondral defects. Methods: This study was done on 202 dry, unpaired adult human scapulae of unknown sex belonging to the south Indian population. Three glenoid diameters were measured, the superior-inferior diameter, anterior-posterior diameter of the lower half and the anterior-posterior diameter of the upper half of the glenoid. Based on a notch present on the anterior glenoid rim, variations in the shape of the glenoid cavity were classified as inverted comma shaped, pear shaped and oval. Results: The average superior-inferior diameter on right and the left sides were 33.67±2.82mm and 33.92±2.87mm respectively. The average anterior-posterior diameter of the lower half of the right glenoid was 23.35±2.04mm and that of the left was 23.02±2.30mm. The mean diameter of the upper half of the right glenoid was 16.27±2.01mm and that of the left was 15.77±1.96mm. Conclusion: The dimensions of the glenoid observed in the present study were lesser than those recorded in the studies done on other populations. This fact may be taken into consideration while designing glenoid prostheses for the south Indian population. The current study recorded a higher percentage of glenoid cavities having the glenoid notch as compared to earlier studies. While evaluating defects/lesions of the glenoid, this fact could be useful

Unusual formation and sub-omohyoid course of external jugular vein.

Variations in the origin and termination of external jugular vein are common and are reported in the past. However, variations in the course of external jugular vein are uncommon. During routine dissection classes for medical undergraduates, we came across the unusual formation and course of right external jugular vein and absence of common facial vein, in an approximately 60-year-old male cadaver of Indian origin. External jugular vein was formed by the continuation of undivided trunk of retromandibular vein. Following its formation, it passed vertically superficial to sternocleidomastoid muscle to the lower part of occipital triangle. In the occipital triangle it pierced the investing layer of deep cervical fascia and passed deep to the inferior belly of omohyoid muscle and coursed through the subclavian triangle. Then, it terminated at the junction of subclavian vein with internal jugular vein. Facial vein joined with submental vein and finally drained into internal jugular vein. Further, the posterior auricular vein and anterior jugular veins were absent. Knowledge about the variations of the retromandibular vein, common facial vein and external jugular vein observed in this study, may be important for the surgeons, to prevent inadvertent injury and excessive bleeding during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

Identification of Lactobacillus pobuzihii from tungtap: A traditionally fermented fish food, and analysis of its bacteriocinogenic potential

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were selectively isolated from tungtap, a traditionally fermented fish food product. Five such bacteria with bacteriocinogenic potential were characterized by polyphasic taxonomic approach. The phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed their relatedness to Lactobacillus pobuzihii (≥99.4% similarity), while biochemical and physiological characteristics revealed significant differences among the isolates. Bacteriocinogenic activity assay against selected bacterial strains: Salmonella typhi MTCC 733, Bacillus cereus MTCC 430, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109, Escherichia coli MTCC 118 and Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 429 were performed with crude extracts using ethyl acetate as solvent, as well as by solvent and cell free supernatants. The growth inhibition zones were measured after incubation and compared with antibiotics like ampicillin, gentamicin, vancomycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. The culture extract of L. pobuzihii showed significant bacteriocinogenic activity against the tested strains.Key words: Fermented, tungtap, Lactobacillus pobuzihii, crude extracts, bacteriocinogenic activity

Surgical management of Stenson’s duct injury using epidural catheter: A novel technique

Stenson’s duct of parotid gland is a major duct which drains saliva into the oral cavity. Deep penetrating wound in the form of cut or crush injury to the buccal area carries the risk of parotid duct injury. It is in the form of ductal exposure, laceration, total severing, or crushing of the duct. These conditions are difficult to diagnose because of complex anatomy and variable nature of injury. Successful management of parotid duct injury depends on early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, failing of which may lead to complications like sialocele or salivary fistula. Many techniques have been proposed for diagnosis and management of parotid duct injuries. This article presents an easy and novel technique to diagnose and manage the parotid duct injuries using an “epidural catheter” which is often used for inducing spinal anesthesia. The technique of epidural catheter usage, its advantages, and limitation over other techniques proposed for the management of parotid duct injury are discussed.Key words: Epidural catheter, parotid duct, salivary fistula, sialocel

Clostridium perfringens in London, July 2009: two weddings and an outbreak

Food poisoning outbreaks caused by Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin occur occasionally in Europe but have become less common in recent years. This paper presents the microbiological and epidemiological results of a large C. perfringens outbreak occurring simultaneously at two weddings that used the same caterer. The outbreak involved several London locations and required coordination across multiple agencies. A case-control study (n=134) was carried out to analyse possible associations between the food consumed and becoming ill. Food, environmental and stool samples were tested for common causative agents, including enterotoxigenic C. perfringens. The clinical presentation and the epidemiological findings were compatible with C. perfringens food poisoning and C. perfringens enterotoxin was detected in stool samples from two cases. The case-control study found statistically significant associations between becoming ill and eating either a specific chicken or lamb dish prepared by the same food handler of the implicated catering company. A rapid outbreak investigation with preliminary real-time results and the successful collaboration between the agencies and the caterer led to timely identification and rectification of the failures in the food handling practices

In vitro propagation of Hoya wightii ssp. palniensis K.T. Mathew, a highly vulnerable and endemic species of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India

In vitro propagation of Hoya wightii ssp. palniensis (Asclepiadaceae), a highly vulnerable and endemic plant species of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India was carried out. Shoot tip explants were cultured on MS medium fortified with cytokinins (KN, BA, 2-iP and TDZ) in various concentrations and in combination with auxins (IBA, IAA and NAA). High frequency of shoot bud proliferation and multiplication was observed on KN (4.65 ìM) + IBA (1.47 ìM). Multiple shoot induction efficiency was increased on ascorbic acid (100 mg/l) supplemented medium along with KN (4.65 ìM) +IBA (1.47 ìM). Rhizogenesis was observed on MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.98 ìM), plantlets produced through micropropagation were hardened with the survival success of 56%. The efficient plantlet regeneration protocol developed would aid ex situ conservation of this vulnerable species

IOT Enabled Smart Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

As we are aware about the mass adoption of EVs on the horizon, the smart electric vehicle charging will become essential for both the charging point network operators, and the National electricity grid. EVs are becoming popular across the globe. As the number of EVs increases, EV charging infrastructure will also be a basic need. This work is to make a smart application to know the different tariff rates of the grid by connecting to the grid. The tariff rates will include both, the power intake rate and also the outgoing power rate. When the user comes to the grid, the application will also display the battery SOC. The main agenda is to optimize low carbon technologies through one connected platform using rule based algorithms, helping to decarbonize both the production and consumption of energy

Beneficial Role of Hydro-alcoholic Seed Extract of Trigonella foenum graecum on Bone Structure and Strength in Menopause Induced Osteopenia

BACKGROUND: The current strategies to prevent and treat menopausal osteoporosis are hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, the long-term use of hormone replacement therapy is limited due to its side-effects. Alternately, use of phytoestrogens has been implicated. Trigonella foenum graecum (TFG) seeds are rich in phytoestrogen and known traditional medicine to treat menopause induced hyperlipidemia. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the role of dietary TFG seed extract on bone structure and mechanical properties in ovariectomized rats.METHODS: Twenty four female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups; 1) control, 2) ovariectomized, 3) ovariectomized + TFG seed extract and 4) ovariectomized + 17β-estradiol. TFG seed extract/17β-estradiol was administered for 30 days, 14 days after ovariectomy. After the treatment, right femora were collected to measure the length and biomechanical properties, and left femora were gathered to study the micro architectural changes while tibia were collected to measure the dry weight.RESULTS: Maximum flexor load to break femur bone was significantly low in ovariectomized rats in comparison with control rats (P<0.05). Supplementation with TFG significantly improved the maximum flexor load (P<0.05) and tibia dry weight (P<0.01) compared to ovariectomized untreated rats. TFG administration also significantly preserved the trabecular (P<0.01) and cortical bone (P<0.05) thickness compared to ovariectomized rats.CONCLUSION: This study found that dietary intake of TFG seeds can improve the bone structure and biomechanical properties in ovariectomized rats indicating that TFG may be an alternative treatment strategy to prevent the menopause induced osteopenia.