Optimization of impact behavior of bio particulated coir-vinyl ester composites using simulated annealing with post analysis

The present investigation is focused on evaluation and optimization of impact behavior of bio particulated coir-vinyl ester composites. The bio particles such as groundnut shell, alumina and termite mound soil have been selected and their influences on the impact behavior of coir -vinyl ester composites are evaluated. The bio particulated composite fabrications are planned as per full factorial design with the different levels of fibre length, fibre content and particulate content. The impact strength of fabricated composites is evaluated. The nonlinear regression models are developed for the prediction of impact behaviors over the specified range of conditions. The fabrication parameters for the maximum value of impact behaviors are also determined using simulated annealing algorithm and conformance checking is carried out using post analysis. The optimum values of impact behaviors of 39.5, 45.9 and 52.1 kJ/m2 are obtained in coir-vinyl ester composites reinforced with groundnut shell, alumina and termite mound soil respectively.

Beneficial role of silibinin in monitoring the cadmium induced hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats

Cadmium (Cd), an environmental toxic pollutant affects many organs in human beings specially the liver and kidney. In this study, Cd (3 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) was subcutaneously administered to rats for 3 weeks, which shows significantly (

Protective role of silibinin in cadmium induced changes of acetylcholinesterase, ATPases and oxidative stress in brain of albino wistar rats

Cadmium (Cd) a highly toxic metal is considered to be a multitarget toxicant, principally its accumulates in the liver, kidney and hardly get into the brain parenchyma by the brain-barrier system. In this study, Cd (3 mg/kg body weight (b. w.)) was subcutaneously administered to rats for 3 weeks, which shows significantly (

Arthrodiastasis in the management of stiff hip

Arthrodiastasis (using external fixator and distraction) has been used for various pathologies including deformity correction/stiff hip/slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Historically this has been used for treatment of Perthes disease. The purpose of our study is to evaluate efficacy of arthrodiastasis in management of stiff hip. A 15 year old boy with stiff hip presented with complaints of pain in the left hip for past 6 months. Radiologically the left proximal femur was found to be deformed with metaphyseal widening, sclerosis and arthritic changes. Hip spanning external fixator using limb reconstruction system was done. Distraction was done at a rate of 1 mm/day. After 2 months, fixator was removed. Hip was mobilized under anaesthesia. Good range of all movements was achieved. Arthrodiastasis seems to be a good option in young adolescent in whom total hip replacement needs to be delayed as much as possible

Success outcome of reduction in anterior shoulder dislocation by FARES method

Background: Acute anterior shoulder dislocation is the commonest major joint dislocation. Various reduction techniques are available and the individual preferences vary. The aim of our study was to assess the success rate and safety of FARES (Fast, Reliable and Safe) method in reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation. The duration of reduction, the intensity of pain experienced by patients during reduction and the factors affecting both were also assessed.Methods: A total of 161patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation from June 2013 to May 2015 were studied. All patients underwent reduction of their dislocation by FARES method, without anaesthesia. A visual analogue scale was used to determine the intensity of pain felt during reduction.Results: 149 cases were successfully reduced by FARES method. In the remaining 12 cases closed reduction was achieved under anaesthesia. The success rate of reduction that can be achieved by FARES method was 92.54%.The mean duration of reduction manoeuvre was 1.42 mins±31 seconds and among the studied factors, age had a statistically significant influence on duration of reduction (beta 0.370; p<0.05) .The mean visual analogue pain score was 1.78 ± 0.97and among the studied factors, age had a statistically significant influence on pain perception (beta 0.013; p<0.05).No complications were encountered in any patients.Conclusion: Reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation by FARES method yields higher success rate in a quick time with less discomfort to the patients and without any complications.

Discovery Phytomedicine: an open access journal for knowledge dissemination in herbal and nutraceutical research

There are several scientific journals publishing the benefits of valuable phytochemicals to improve human health, as well as help prevention of chronic diseases. Then why do we need a new journal dedicated on the role of phytochemicals and nutraceuticals? The answer may not be simple. There are number of important reasons. Plants and natural foods consist of thousands of phytochemicals and phytonutrients that have been identified so far and there are probably more to identify, all of which have not been completely understood for their roles in human metabolism and health. More scientific research has been going on to unearth a myriad of phytomedicines for their use to combat chronic disease and maintain healthy life. Since the number of phytochemicals identified and their significance with improving health are increasing day by day, there is an increasing need for scientific journals with open access policy to reach the scientific community as well as general public with the benefits of phytochemicals on human health

A clinical study on prognostic factors in duodenal ulcer perforation

BACKGROUND: Perforation is the most common complication of peptic ulcer disease. In spite of modern progress in the management, it is still a life-threatening catastrophe. Perforation may occur in a patient with previous history of ulcer disease or it may happen without any prior symptoms. METHODS: This study comprises a retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed of perforated duodenal ulcer disease at TVMCH, Tirunelveli India. Morbidity and mortality are associated with age of the patients, haemodynamic instability, operative delay, site of the ulcer, peritoneal contamination and quality of postoperative care AIM OF STUDY: To determine relation between postoperative morbidity and comorbid disease and preoperative riskfactors in perforated duodenal ulcers. Inclusion Criteria: All non traumatic and non malignant perforated duodenal ulcers above 12 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Perforated malignant ulcers, Traumatic perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprises a prospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with perforated duodenal ulcer in TVMCH, Tirunelveli. Patients with perforated malignant ulcer, traumatic perforation and gastrinoma were excluded from the study. The following data should be collected from hospital records: age, sex, previous history of ulcer disease; use of tobacco, alcohol, corticosteroid and NSAIDs; duration of symptoms suggestive of perforation; location, size of perforation and amount of peritoneal contamination. Treatment outcome was elaborated by postoperative complications, hospital stay and death. The size of ulcer was noted in diameter in millimeter. Haemodynamic instability at the time of presentation was defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg. A delay in treatment was defined as an interval of more than 24 hours until surgery from the suspected time of perforation. CONCLUSION: The prognostic indicators can assist in risk stratification, The use of this system can help delineate high risk patients and the identify need of early intervention and prompt treatment for better outcome

A Study of Non-Invasive Prediction of Large Oesophageal Varices in Chronic Liver Disease patients in Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Portal hypertension is a major hallmark of cirrhosis which can be defined as a portal pressure gradient exceeding 5-10 mm Hg. In portal hypertension, portosystemic collaterals decompress the portal circulation and give rise to varices. In patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, esophageal varices and gastrointestinal bleeding represents a serious complications leading to mortality. 40% of the patients with compensated disease and 60% of the patients with decompensated disease had esophageal varices at diagnosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the incidence of large and small esophageal varices in patients with liver disease. 2. To evaluate various clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters in predicting the presence of large esophageal varices. 3. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of each of the parameters in predicting large esophageal varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients: Consecutive newly diagnosed patients with liver disease (cirrhosis / portal hypertension) with or without history of gastrointestinal bleeding at our institution (Institute of Internal Medicine, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai) which serves as a tertiary referral center were included in this prospective study. Patients were asked to sign an informed consent prior to enrollment in the study. Inclusion criteria: ◈ Age: 18 years to 80 years. ◈ Liver disease with portal hypertension. Exclusion criteria: ◈ Hepatocellular carcinoma detected by USG. ◈ Primary hematologic disorders. ◈ Current treatment with beta blockers/ nitrate. ◈ Previous surgical intervention for portal hypertension. Clinical Evaluation: All patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation at entry. Relevant history, etiology of liver disease (alcohol intake, blood transfusion etc.,), and signs of liver cell failure such as alopecia, anemia, jaundice, parotid swelling, gynaecomastia, testicular atrophy, palmar erythema, pedal edema, ascites, splenomegaly were recorded. By ultrasonography of abdomen, mild ascites were noted. Moderate and massive ascites were detected clinically by shifting dullness and fluid thrill. According to West Havens Criteria, encephalopathy were noted. CONCLUSION: 1. The prevalence of large esophageal varices in our study was found to be 49.15% 2. Our study shows that low platelet count, splenomegaly, portal vein and splenic vein size are independent predictors. 3. Use of these parameters help identify patients to perform endoscope for patients only with a high risk of large esophageal varices. 4. These parameters help in avoiding unnecessary endoscopies. 5. This may help reduce costs which will be economical. 6. If its efficacy is confirmed, it may permit institution of prophylactic measures like beta-adrenergic antagonists for preventing primary variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis, without the need for costly and invasive investigations like gastrointestinal endoscopy

Partial Purification of Extracellular Amylase From Halotolerant Actinomycetes Streptomyces brasiliensis MML2028

Amylase is considered as an industrially important enzyme as it occupies the most important function in the food, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. The present study is concerned with the optimization, production and partial purification of halotolerant amylase from newly isolated Streptomyces brasiliensis MML2028, from Kelambakkam salt pan, Tamil Nadu, India. The primary screening was carried out by well diffusion assay to find the zone of lysis. The assay was observed for each media optimization by measuring the release of reducing sugar (RS) by the 3,5 dinitro salicylic acid (DNS) method and expressed in the international unit (UI). Ammonium sulphate precipitation was used to partially purify the enzyme and then lyophilized. SDS-PAGE was performed to identify the molecular weight. The production medium was optimized with 1% of the starch substrate, 3% of NaCl at 24˚C and pH 9, and incubation of 9 days. The total activity of the partially purified α-amylase was observed to be 1806.9U/mL. The partially purified enzyme was more active with 3% NaCl, pH 8, and 24˚C which is known to be a halotolerant alkaline α-amylase. The enzyme showed tolerance towards magnesium, manganese ions, Triton x-100, and urea. De-inking of α-amylase showed good results proving that the enzyme activity is more efficient. Hence, the alkaliphilic amylase from Halotolerant actinomycetes S. Brasiliensis MML2028 could be a better microbial source that can be used in many industries, especially in paper and textiles