Mechanical and durability aspects of concrete incorporating secondary aluminium slag

The environmental impact can be minimised by making use of many industrial wastes in a sustainable manner. Recycling and reutilisation of industrial waste and by-products is of paramount importance in cement and concrete industry. In view of rapid infrastructure growth, there is an emerging need for development of cementitious materials or fillers either to replace cement or fine aggregate for stable growth. One of the industrial wastes is secondary aluminium dross. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the mechanical and durability aspects of concrete incorporated with secondary aluminium dross. Cement has been partially replaced by secondary aluminium dross in different proportions to study the mechanical and durability aspects. Various properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, sorptivity, water absorption, rapid chloride penetration have been studied for the usefulness of secondary aluminium dross as construction material. It is observed that up to 15% replacement of cement by secondary aluminium dross, the responses are comparable with the conventional concrete. Studies have also been carried out by adding other supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and silica fume in various proportions along with secondary aluminium dross and found the improved mechanical and durability properties. From the overall study, it can be concluded that the concrete incorporated with secondary aluminium dross can be used for making paver blocks, refractory bricks and for normal concrete strength applications

A comparative study of early postoperative feeding versus conventional feeding for patients undergoing caesarean section

Background: Early alimentation after caesarean delivery probably has limited clinical significance in terms of improved energy and protein intake. Decreasing the post-operative ileus is possible with early feeding. Objective of this study was to study efficacy of early postoperative feeding versus conventional feeding for patients undergoing caesarean section.Methods: Present study was hospital based comparative study carried out among 200 women who fulfilled the selection criteria. The cases were divided into 2 groups of 100 each by suitable random sampling technique. Group A included 100 cases who were given early feeding within 6 hours of caesarean delivery. Group B included 100 control who were given the feeding after 24 hours of caesarean delivery.Results: The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay in Group A and Group B was 4.59±0.65 and 4.81±0.81 days respectively (p <0.05). The mean time to return of bowel sounds in Group A and Group B was 2.79±1.36 and 3.55±1.49 hours respectively (p <0.01). 2(2%) cases in group A had postoperative ileus symptoms, whereas 3 (3%) cases in Group B had the same. Statistically significant difference (p <0.05) was seen in terms of vomiting 1% versus 17%, nausea 5% versus 16%, abdominal distention 2% versus 7%, diarrhea 4% versus 90% in the early feeding versus conventional feeding groups.Conclusions: It can be concluded from present study that fast return to the normal diet is possible with early feeding among women undergoing cesarean section compared to the conventional feeding among women undergoing cesarean section

Transcription Mapping and Characterization of 284R and 121R Proteins Produced from Early Region 3 of Bovine Adenovirus Type 3

AbstractWe established the transcription map of early region (E) 3 of bovine adenovirus 3 (BAV-3) by Northern blot, S1 nuclease protection assays, cDNA sequencing, and RT-PCR analysis. Five major classes of mRNAs were identified, which shared the 3′ ends. Four classes of mRNAs transcribed from the E3 promoter also shared the 5′ end, while one major class of mRNA transcribed from the major late promoter contained a tripartite leader sequence at the 5′ end. These five transcripts have the potential to encode four proteins, namely 284R, 121R, 86R, and 82R. To identify the proteins, rabbit antiserum was prepared using a bacterial fusion protein encoding 284R or 121R protein. Serum against 284R immunoprecipitated protein of 26–32 kDa in in vitro translated and transcribed mRNA and three proteins of 48, 67, and 125 kDa from BAV-3-infected cells. Western blots and enzymatic digestions confirmed that the 284R protein is a glycoprotein, which contains only N-linked oligosaccharides, both high mannose (48 kDa) and complex types (67 kDa). Serum against 121R immunoprecipitated a protein of 14.5 kDa from in vitro translated and transcribed mRNA and BAV-3-infected cells. Although 121R protein shows limited sequence similarity to a 14.7-kDa protein of human adenovirus 5, the 284R protein appears to be unique to BAV-3. Since proteins encoded by the E3 region appear to influence adenovirus pathogenesis, the 284R protein may contribute to the unique pathogenic properties of BAV-3

Identification of alternate dwarfing gene sources to widely used Dee-Gee-Woo-Gen allele of sd1 gene by molecular and biochemical assays in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

After the success of IR8 and TN1, breeders depended heavily on these two rice cultivars for source of short stature led to the narrow genetic base to majority of present day rice varieties, as far as sd1 (semi-dwarf1) gene is concerned. In addition, analysis of genetic lineage of the majority of the cultivated rice varieties in tropical Asia reveals that sd1 from DGWG (Dee-Gee-Woo-Gen) is the major source of dwarfing gene. Such high amount of genetic homogeneity renders rice plants vulnerable to epidemic of diseases and insect pests. In the current study, we made an attempt to identify the alternate sources of DGWG allele of sd1 gene by characterizing 29 induced and 3 spontaneous dwarf accessions employing marker for DGWG allele of sd1 gene and exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3). When occurrence of DGWG allele of sd1 gene and GA3 response were analyzed together, existence of two kinds of dwarfs was noticed viz., dwarf accessions with DGWG allele and dwarf accessions without DGWG allele of sd1 allele exhibiting varying responses to GA3. As many as 22 of 32 dwarf accessions showed absence of DGWG allele of sd1 gene with varying response to GA3 could be used as excellent alternate sources for DGWG allele of sd1 gene. These dwarf accessions could be used for broadening the genetic base for the plant height and thereby minimize the risk of genetic vulnerability. Our strategy of combining molecular and biochemical assays can be efficiently used for identifying alternate dwarfing gene sources to the Green Revolution gene sd1

Study of various congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal autopsy

Background: The study of dead is to save the livings. The growing awareness that still births and infant mortalities are unable to reduction has led to a wide spread desire for more information regarding the cause of these deaths. Congenital malformations have become important cause of fetal and neonatal (perinatal) mortality in developed countries and would very soon be increasingly important determinants of fetal and neonatal mortality in developing countries like India. In spite of antenatal diagnostic modality still the fetal autopsy plays the vital role in the conformation as well as identification of congenital anomalies and also for the counseling of the parents, to prevent the fetal congenital anomalies in further pregnancies. This study was undertaken with the purpose of finding out cause of death during the perinatal period at government maternity hospital and pediatric department S.V.R.R.G.G.H. & S.V. medical college Tirupati, and to study the clinical and pathological findings (Gross & microscopic) in fetal and neonatal death.Methods: The present study of congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal deaths was done at S.V. medical college, Tirupati, over a time period of 2 years from September 2008 to 2010 August. Consent for autopsy in requested compassionately, respectfully and fully informed. The present study included dead fetus and neonates with gestational age above 20 weeks of intra uterine life and within 7 days of post natal life. All fetuses of gestational age <20 weeks and all neonates above 7 days of age were excluded from the study. The study also obtained clearance from the ethical committee of the institution. Autopsy was performed by standard technique adopted by Edith L. Potter. External and internal findings followed by histopathological examination, and autopsy findings were compared with available ultrasound findings.Results: A total of 46 Autopsies performed, 40 (87%) were fetal deaths, 6 (13%) were early neonatal deaths. In a total of 46 fetuses, there were 13 male and 33 female babies. On external examination of 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 8 (17.39%) babies showed congenital malformation. On internal examination of the 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 4 babies showed internal congenital anomalies. A total of 46 anatomical and histopathologic examinations were done among fetal and neonatal (perinatal) deaths. Out of 13 autopsies on male babies, 2 had congenital malformation and 33 autopsies on female babies, 7 had congenital malformations. Congenital anomalies were commonest in the birth weight group of 1000-1500 grams accounting for 9 cases. Malformations of central nervous system (33.33%) were most common followed by musculoskeletal system (16.66%), genitourinary and respiratory system (8.33%) respectively.Conclusion: Most number of perinatal deaths occurred in low birth weight and preterm babies. Study of malformations greatly helpful in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in successive pregnancies

A STUDY OF CERVICAL LESIONS IN CORRELATION WITH HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS ANALYSIS BY IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ASSAY

Background: It has become clear that human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of nearly all cervical squamous cell carcinomas. Because HPV causes a variety of cervix lesions, including benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions, early detection of this infection benefits the patient. Objective: The goal of this study is to identify neoplastic and non-neoplastic cervix lesions, to study neoplastic and non-neoplastic cervix lesions caused by HPV in correlation with HPV analysis by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and to understand the significance of HPV in screening cervical lesions. Methods: The current study evaluated and compared HPV cocktail expression in 100 samples collected from 100 cases with cervical lesions. A semi-quantitative method was used to determine the positivity of the HPV cocktail. Comparison of expression of HPV cocktail IHC and histopathology was carried out. Results: Of the 100 cases, 30 were carcinoma cervix (CC), 4 were carcinoma in situ (CIS), 22 were squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), 20 were chronic cervicitis, 16 were chronic cervicitis with Koilocytic change, 7 were Koilocytic change, and 1 was Inflammatory polyp. SIL and CIS have a mean age of 46.8 and 44.5 years, respectively. There was a 42% incidence of carcinoma cases seen in the fourth decade, with a mean age of 45.9 years. The most common complaint presented by CC patients is AUB, with postmenopausal bleeding being the most common complaint. Seven patients with Squamous cell carcinoma present with postmenopausal bleeding. There were neoplastic lesions in 56% of the cases and non-neoplastic lesions in 44% of the cases. Premalignant cervix lesions include low grade squamous intra epithelial lesion, high grade squamous intra epithelial lesion, and CIS, which account for 46.42% of all cases. Non-neoplastic lesions such as chronic cervicitis account for 45.55% of all cases, followed by chronic cervicitis with Koilocytic change (36.36%), Koilocytic change (15.91%), and Polyp (2.27%). There were 28 Squamous cell carcinomas and 2 Adenocarcinomas among the 30 cases of CC. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 93.33% of all cases, while adenocarcinoma accounted for 6.67%. Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinomas account for 86.66% of the cases, followed by well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, which account for 6.66% of the cases. 26 (86.6%) of 30 squamous cell carcinomas tested positive for IHC. All two Adenocarcinoma cases (100%) and all CIS cases (100%) were positive. Out of the 22 SIL cases, 18 (81.81%) were positive. Out of 16 cases of chronic cervicitis with Koilocytic change, 14 (87.5%) were positive. Out of 20 chronic cervicitis cases, 12 (60%) were positive. 5 (71.43%) of the 7 cases of Koilocytic change were positive. Cervical lesions (benign, premalignant, and malignant) have a significant correlation with HPV cocktail IHC (p=0.01). Conclusion: The expression of the HPV cocktail was associated with clinical and histopathologic parameters in benign, premalignant, and malignant cervical lesions. Periodic follow-up allows patients to be better managed by providing vital data on the incidence of HPV infection in various cervical lesions. Low-grade SILs and high-grade SILs with HPV +ve infection can be monitored by HPV once a year instead of every 6 months. Patients over the age of 30 years with HPV-positive non-neoplastic cervical lesions can be monitored once every three years rather than annually. HPV is a biomarker for a better prognosis in cervical cancer, regardless of age, International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stage, or histologic type. HPV-positive tumors have a better prognosis

A STUDY OF SPECTRUM OF NEOPLASTIC AND NON-NEOPLASTIC LESIONS OF SALIVARY GLAND AND THEIR CYTOLOGICAL CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY

Objective: This current study analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of cytology of various salivary gland lesions and correlated with histopathological findings. Method: A study of 45 samples for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were obtained from patients who were posted to the department of pathology. Aspirate from all salivary gland lesions and corresponding histopathological (HPE) specimens were included. Results: Cytologic (FNAC) diagnosis reveals non-neoplastic, benign, and malignant lesions in 23% (12), 68% (31), and 4% (2) of 45 samples, respectively. While histopathological (HPE) diagnosis revealed non-neoplastic, benign, and malignant lesions in 20% (9), 62% (28), and 18% (8) of cases, respectively. The most common lesion in cytology and histology was discovered to be pleomorphic adenoma, which has a high sensitivity and specificity and can thus be used to screen all salivary gland tumors for a better therapeutic approach. The higher sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC confirms its important role in conjunction with radiological and clinical findings to provide the best initial assessment. There is a statistically significant relationship between the consistency, location, and cellularity of the lesion in benign and malignant tumours. Study concluded that on FNAC, 48% were benign in nature and 24% were malignant in nature. The sensitivity of FNAC was 86.5%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, negative predictive value was 86%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.5%. Conclusion: The study confirms the utility of FNAC as a safe and cost-effective method of distinguishing benign and malignant salivary gland lesions. FNAC had a sensitivity of 86.5%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 86%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 92.75%. FNAC and histopathology complemented each other to provide infallible diagnoses that are critical in planning future management

De novo assembly of leaf transcriptome in the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata is an important medicinal plant containing various bioactive terpenoids and flavonoids. Despite its importance in herbal medicine, no ready-to-use transcript sequence information of this plant is made available in the public data base, this study mainly deals with the sequencing of RNA from A. paniculata leaf using Illumina HiSeqTM 2000 platform followed by the de novo transcriptome assembly. A total of 189.22 million high quality paired reads were generated and 1,70,724 transcripts were predicted in the primary assembly. Secondary assembly generated a transcriptome size of ~88 Mb with 83,800 clustered transcripts. Based on the similarity searches against plant nonredundant protein database, gene ontology and eukaryotic orthologous groups, 49,363 transcripts were annotated constituting upto 58.91% of the identified unigenes. Annotation of transcripts − using kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database − revealed 5,606 transcripts plausibly involved in 140 pathways including biosynthesis of terpenoids and other secondary metabolites. Transcription factor analysis showed 6,767 unique transcripts belonging to 97 different transcription factor families. A total number of 124 CYP450 transcripts belonging to seven divergent clans have been identified. Transcriptome revealed 146 different transcripts coding for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids of which 35 contained terpene synthase motifs. This study also revealed 32,341 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in 23,168 transcripts. Assembled sequences of transcriptome of A.paniculata generated in this study are made available, for the first time, in the TSA database, which provides useful information for functional and comparative genomic analyses besides identification of key enzymes involved in the various pathways of secondary metabolism

Bilateral Primary Fallopian Tube Adenocarcinoma – A Rare Case

Although fallopian tubes are a common site of metastases, primary fallopian tube carcinoma is considered a rare disease and is often mistaken histologically and clinically for ovarian cancer. The etiology is poorly understood and presenting symptoms are variable and non-specific, with preoperative diagnosis rarely entertained. We put forth our experience of a case of bilateral primary fallopian tube carcinoma which was histopathologically diagnosed after being misinterpreted on ultrasonography