A study of sequelae of acute encephalitis syndrome in district Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Each year more than 2000 AES cases are admitted in BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India with about 20-25 per cent mortality. Out of the survivors many develop neurological sequel after discharge. There is little information on the extent of disabilities, and no published literature on the subsequent follow-up of the survivors especially children after discharge. Objectives were to study the status of neurological sequelae and other complications, if any, in patients with JE and non-JE AES in the past three years.Methods: All the cases of acute encephalitis syndrome belonging to Gorakhpur District who were discharged after treatment at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 was taken. Sample size – Study was conducted in 171 subjects. Out of 19 blocks in Gorakhpur district, three blocks were randomly chosen by simple random sampling method and it was decided to study all available cases in these blocks. Liverpool outcome score, was used as an assessment tool to determine practical level of disability and the likelihood that a child will be able to live independently after illness.Results: Out of 171 cases studied, 21 (12.3%), 48 (28.1%), 56 (32.7%) and 22 (12.9%) had full recovery, mild sequelae, moderate sequelae and severe sequelae respectively. The sequelae were more in forms of behavioural problems (77.6%), low intellect in school or routine task (57.2%), poor speech (20.4%), hearing (14.3%), motor and locomotion (8.9%).Conclusions: Mental & behavioural problems were more frequently encountered sequel in patients with JE and non-JE AES

Evaluation of iron overload and adequacy of packed red blood cells transfusion in children with thalassemia major

Background: Transfusion therapy in patients with thalassemia major needs to address the common questions such as what should be the optimal hemoglobin (Hb) level for effective transfusion and how do transfusion requirements affect the success of iron chelation therapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate iron overload and adequacy of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusion in children with thalassemia major along with the correlation of serum ferritin level with transfusional iron load and pre‑transfusion Hb level. Materials and Methods: This single‑center retroprospective observational study was carried out in thalassemia day care center of tertiary care hospital for 1 year over 32 transfusion‑dependent β‑thalassemic patients up to 18 years of age. Data including pre‑transfusion hemoglobin level, number and volume of PRBC transfused, and serum ferritin level for 1 year were analyzed, and annual transfusion iron load was calculated. Correlation of serum ferritin level with transfusional iron load and pre‑transfusion Hb level was determined using Pearson coefficient (r) and p-value. Results: The mean pre‑transfusion hemoglobin level was 6.4±0.23 g%. The average number and volume of PRBCs transfused in a year were 12.5±3.02 and 112 ml/kg, respectively, with the average annual transfusional iron load of 121.3 mg/kg ±28.9 or 0.3 mg/kg/day. A significant positive (r=0.4184, p=0.017) correlation was observed between serum ferritin level and transfusional iron load with the mean serum ferritin level of 1744±604.6 ng/ml. Negative correlation was observed between serum ferritin and pre‑transfusion Hb level (r=−0.2624 and p=0.1537). Conclusion: All patients were undertransfused and this undertransfusion further leads to more accumulation of iron in the body through increased absorption of dietary iron as a result of anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis

Hydrochemistry and sediment characteristics of polar periglacial lacustrine environments on Fisher Island and Broknes Peninsula, East Antarctica

Fisher Island and Broknes Peninsula in the Larsemann Hills constitute part of a polar lowland periglacial environment between marine and glacial ecosystems. The landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills and broad valleys interspersed with lakes formed in glacially scoured basins. We analyzed the physicochemical parameters and the ionic constituents of water samples from 10 lakes in each of these two locations. Our results showed considerable differences between the two regions and demonstrated the influence of lithology and processes including weathering, evaporation, and atmospheric precipitation. All major cations and anions in the lake waters showed positive correlations indicating balanced ionic concentrations. Unconsolidated sediments were sparsely distributed and scattered over glacial deposits, valley fills, and occasional moraine ridges. The type and rate of sedimentation was mainly controlled by surface run-off and aeolian influx. The sediment samples from lake beds and the catchment area on Fisher Island were immature and poorly to very poorly sorted, consisting of gravelly sand with negligible silt and finer fractions. Sediments had a polymodal grain size distribution with the two major populations lying between −2 and −1 phi and between 0 and 1.5 phi. The sediments were lithic arenite to arkosic in composition and the microtextures imprinted over quartz grains were dominated by mechanical textures resulting from several stages of glacial crushing and grinding. The presence of deep dissolution cavities, cryptocrystalline precipitation, and euhedral crystal growth signified the effect of chemical activity after the deposition of grains in the lacustrine environment

Role of lithology, weathering and precipitation on water chemistry of lakes from Larsemann Hills and Schirmacher Oasis of East Antarctica

Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann Hills areas represent two different periglacial environments of East Antarctica. Schirmacher Oasis is characterized by a vast stretch of ice-shelf in the north and East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) to its south. Whereas, in Larsemann Hills area the northern and north-western boundary is coastal area and EAIS in the southern part, exhibiting polar lowland between the marine and continental glacial ecosystems. Physico-chemical parameters of water samples from different lakes of both of these two distinct locations are quite contrasting and have indicated influence of lithology, weathering, evaporation and precipitation. The lake water chemistry in Larsemann Hills area is mainly governed by the lithology of the area while Schirmacher lakes exhibit influence of precipitation and rock composition. All major ions of lake waters indicate balanced ionic concentrations. The atmospheric precipitation has significantly modified the ionic distributions in the lakes and channels. Carbonation is the main proton supplying geochemical reactions involved in the rock weathering and this is an important mechanism which controls the hydrochemistry. The lake water hydrochemistry differs widely not only between two distant periglacial zones but also within a short distance of a single periglacial entity, indicating influence of territorial climate over hydrochemistry

Millets - Neglected Cereal with High Potential in Health Benefits in Malnutrition

In a world grappling with malnutrition, millets emerge as unsung heroes, offering a beacon of hope for improved global health. This chapter delves into the treasure trove of millets, revealing their often-overlooked potential as a nutritional powerhouse. Millets, a diverse group of cereal grains, hold the promise of mitigating malnutrition on a global scale. Firstly, we explore the exceptional nutritional value of millets, demonstrating how they pack a punch with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. A comparative analysis with other grains underscores their superiority in providing a balanced diet. We then uncover the diverse varieties of millets and their suitability for various regions and climates, making them an adaptable and sustainable choice for farmers worldwide. Millet farming techniques, including their resilience to adverse conditions, are discussed, shedding light on their role in food security. The health implications of millet consumption are another focus, revealing their potential in preventing chronic diseases and improving overall well-being. Case studies underscore the tangible impact of millet-based interventions on malnutrition reduction. However, challenges persist, such as limited awareness and policy support. Nonetheless, millets hold immense promise for enhancing global health and nutrition. This chapter advocates for the integration of millets into our diets, promoting sustainable agriculture, and addressing malnutrition's root causes. As we delve into the world of millets, we find not only a neglected cereal but a beacon of hope for a healthier, more sustainable future

Relative sea-level rise around East Antarctica during Oligocene glaciation

During the middle and late Eocene (∼48-34 Myr ago), the Earth's climate cooled and an ice sheet built up on Antarctica. The stepwise expansion of ice on Antarcticainduced crustal deformation and gravitational perturbations around the continent. Close to the ice sheet, sea level rosedespite an overall reduction in the mass of the ocean caused by the transfer of water to the ice sheet. Here we identify the crustal response to ice-sheet growth by forcing a glacial-hydro isostatic adjustment model with an Antarctic ice-sheet model. We find that the shelf areas around East Antarctica first shoaled as upper mantle material upwelled and a peripheral forebulge developed. The inner shelf subsequently subsided as lithosphere flexure extended outwards from the ice-sheet margins. Consequently the coasts experienced a progressive relative sea-level rise. Our analysis of sediment cores from the vicinity of the Antarctic ice sheet are in agreement with the spatial patterns of relative sea-level change indicated by our simulations. Our results are consistent with the suggestion that near-field processes such as local sea-level change influence the equilibrium state obtained by an icesheet grounding line