Histopathological study of nasal masses, a one year retrospective study in a tertiary care centre of Assam

Background: Prolapsed lining of the nasal sinuses are defined as nasal polyp. Diseases of the nasal cavity include viral, bacterial and fungal infections, nasal cavity tumors (benign and malignant) as well as inflammations of the nasal mucosa. This study was undertaken to note the various histopathological patterns of nasal masses, their classification and relative distribution of various lesions with regard to age and sex in our setting.Methods: The study is done for a period of 1 year (July 2018 to June 2019). In this study, 30 patients are selected who presented in our hospital with nasal masses and having multiple types of clinical presentations.Results: Total 30 cases presented as nasal mass. Overall male to female ratio was 2.3:1. Nonneoplastic nasal masses formed the largest group of lesions; 24 cases (80%), followed by 6 cases (20%) of neoplastic nasal masses. Inflammatory polyp was the commonest non neoplastic lesion constituting 22 cases followed by rhinosporidiosis with 2 cases. Out of the 6 neoplastic nasal masses, 5 were benign and 1 was malignant. Out of the benign neoplastic masses, inverted papilloma constituted 3 cases and nasopharyngeal angiofibroma constituted 2 cases. Malignant neoplastic mass was embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.Conclusions: Nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea are the most common symptoms of presentation. Simple inflammatory nasal polyps are the most common histological pattern seen in our environment, and surgery is the best modality of treatment

Challenges in compression testing of 3D angle-interlocked woven-glass fabric-reinforced polymeric composites.

This paper describes the challenges in using testing standards such as D6641/D6641M-14, for determination of compressive strength of 3D angle interlocked glass fabric reinforced polymeric composites (3D-FRPC). It makes use of both experimental investigation and finite element analysis. The experimental investigation involved testing both 2D and 3D-FRPC using ASTM D6641/D6641M-14 and subsequent scanning electron microscopic imaging of failed specimens to reveal the stress state at failure. This was further evaluated using laminate level finite element (FE) analysis. The FE analysis required input of effective orthotropic elastic material properties of 3D-FRPC, which were determined by customizing a recently developed micro-mechanical model. The paper sheds new light on compressive failure of 3D angle interlocked glass fabric composites, as only scarce data is available in literature about this class of materials. It showed that although the tests produce acceptable strength values the internal failure mechanisms change significantly and the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variance (COV) of 3D-FRPC comes out to be much higher than that of 2D-FRPC. Moreover, while reporting and using the test data some additional information about the 3D-fabric architecture, such as the direction of angle interlocking fabric needs to be specified. This was because, for 3D angle interlocking of fabric along warp direction, the strength values obtained in the warp and weft direction were significantly different from each other. The study also highlights that due to complex weave architecture it is not possible to achieve comparable volume fractions with 2D and 3D fabric reinforced composites using similar manufacturing parameters for the vacuum assisted resin infusion process. Thus, the normalized compressive strength values (normalized with respect to volume fraction) are the highest for 3D-FRPC when measured along the warp direction, they are at an intermediate level for 2D-FRPC and the lowest for 3D-FRPC, when measured in the weft direction.DelPHE 780 Project grant (DFID UK

Altered sterol metabolism in budding yeast affects mitochondrial iron–sulfur (Fe-S) cluster synthesis

Ergosterol synthesis is essential for cellular growth and viability of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and intracellular sterol distribution and homeostasis are therefore highly regulated in this species. Erg25 is an iron-containing C4-methyl sterol oxidase that contributes to the conversion of 4,4-dimethylzymosterol to zymosterol, a precursor of ergosterol. The ERG29 gene encodes an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein, and here we identified a role for Erg29 in the methyl sterol oxidase step of ergosterol synthesis. ERG29 deletion resulted in lethality in respiring cells, but respiration-incompetent (Rho- or Rho0) cells survived, suggesting that Erg29 loss leads to accumulation of oxidized sterol metabolites that affect cell viability. Down-regulation of ERG29 expression in Δerg29 cells indeed led to accumulation of methyl sterol metabolites, resulting in increased mitochondrial oxidants and a decreased ability of mitochondria to synthesize iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters due to reduced levels of Yfh1, the mammalian frataxin homolog, which is involved in mitochondrial iron metabolism. Using a high-copy genomic library, we identified suppressor genes that permitted growth of Δerg29 cells on respiratory substrates, and these included genes encoding the mitochondrial proteins Yfh1, Mmt1, Mmt2, and Pet20, which reversed all phenotypes associated with loss of ERG29 Of note, loss of Erg25 also resulted in accumulation of methyl sterol metabolites and also increased mitochondrial oxidants and degradation of Yfh1. We propose that accumulation of toxic intermediates of the methyl sterol oxidase reaction increases mitochondrial oxidants, which affect Yfh1 protein stability. These results indicate an interaction between sterols generated by ER proteins and mitochondrial iron metabolism

Removal of basic green 5 by carbonaceous adsorbent: Adsorption kinetics

The Eucalyptus lenceolata wood was collected from Malakand division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Chemical activation of sample was conducted for surface efficiency. Batch studies were performed to address various experimental parameters like, contact time, temperature and adsorbent dosage for the removal of dye. For elemental analysis, surface morphology and for identification of different functional groups, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were applied, respectively. Removal of dye (Basic Green 5) was studied on raw and activated samples by kinetics adsorption at different temperature. BET adsorption isotherm was used to characterize the surface area of the sample. Under the conditions investigated, a higher carbonization temperature promoted development of porous structures. Intraparticle diffusion, Elovich and Bhangam models were used for adsorption kinetics studies. From adsorption kinetic data thermodynamic parameters like ΔH≠, ΔS≠ and ΔE≠ were determined. The results show that the adsorption is spontaneous process. The endothermic nature of adsorptive process is due to the positive value of enthalpy. The negative entropy shows that acids molecules on the surface of adsorbent take an oriented position. The results shows that all the models were best fitted for these data of adsorption.               KEY WORDS: Activated carbon, Adsorption, SEM, EDS, FTIR, Surface area Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2017, 31(3), 411-422. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v31i3.

XMM-Newton view of a hard X-ray transient IGR J17497-2821

We present spectral and energy-dependent timing characteristics of the hard X-ray transient IGR J17497–2821 based on XMM–Newton observations performed five and nine days after its outburst on 2006 September 17. We find that the source spectra can be well described by a hard ( ∼ 1.50) power law and a weak multicolour disc blackbody with inner disc temperature kTin ∼ 0.2 keV. A broad iron Kα line with FWHM ∼ 27 000 km s−1, consistent with that arising from an accretion disc truncated at large radius, was also detected. The power density spectra of IGR J17497–2821, derived from the high-resolution (30 µs) timing-mode XMM–Newton observations, are characterized by broad-band noise components that are well modelled by three Lorentzians. The shallow power-law slope, low disc luminosity and the shape of the broad-band power density spectrum indicate that the source was in the hard state. The rms variability in the softer energy bands (0.3–2 keV) found to be ∼1.3 times that in 2–5 and 5–10 keV energy bands. We also present the energy-dependent timing analysis of the RXTE/PCA data, where we find that at higher energies, the rms variability increases with energy. Key words: methods: observational – X-rays: binaries – X-rays: individual: IGR J17497

Spectrum of pigmented lesions of skin: a retrospective study in a tertiary health care of Southern Assam

Background: Pigmented lesions are one of the most common cause for dermatological consultation.  Most of them are benign, while a majority of them have malignant transformation and are called as melanoma. A careful histopathological interpretation by the pathologist is needed in the diagnosis and management of these lesions. Aims and objectives of the study were- 1. To study the spectrum of various pigmented skin lesions.  2.  To establish the correlation between the microscopic pathological findings of various skin lesions with the presenting clinical features.Methods: A 3-year study was conducted in the pathology department of tertiary care centre on all skin biopsy tissue which came as pigmented lesion. The entire skin biopsy is submitted for routine processing and embedded in paraffin wax. 3-5 mm thick paraffin sections of the skin biopsy are stained with H and E.Results: Out of 432 skin biopsies studied during this period, 58 cases were diagnosed as pigmented skin lesions. Of these, the biopsy tissue was inadequate in 5 cases while five cases presented with non-specific findings. Of the remaining cases, 15 were malignant and 33 were benign lesions. Only 18 of these were of melanocytic origin with 8 cases of malignant melanoma and 10 nevi. In the present study an analysis of the clinical diagnosis with the histopathological diagnosis revealed a positive correlation in 54% cases.Conclusions: A good clinical correlation and biopsy with histopathological diagnosis is necessary for the accurate diagnosis and definite treatment of patients with pigmented skin lesions

Withering timings affect the total free amino acids and mineral contents of tea leaves during black tea manufacturing

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of withering timings (i.e. 0, 21, 22, 23 and 24h) on the moisture, total free amino acids, ash, essential and toxic mineral element contents of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) leaves during black tea manufacturing. Moisture, ash, Na, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Al, Ni and Pb contents were significantly (P<0.05) affected by withering, whereas non-significant (P>0.05) results were noted for total free amino acids, K, Fe and Cd contents. The highest moisture content (76.4%) was examined in fresh leaves that progressively decreased to 63.8% in 24h withering. Total free amino acid contents gradually increased up to 23h and then decreased. Ash, P, Cu, Zn and Mn contents showed an increasing trend with withering time. Conversely, significantly lowered amounts of Na (162.5mg/kg) and Mg (803mg/kg) were recorded in tea leaves after 24h withering. Among the toxic elements, Al, Ni and Pb contents were progressively increased over withering time. It was concluded that tea is a potential source of essential chemical constituents and during processing proper care should be taken to produce high quality black tea

Oral health behind the bars: oral health seeking behavior among jail prisoners at central jail of Peshawar, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Background: The oral health care-seeking behavior among prison inmates is an overlooked area, often leading to deteriorating general health due to the prisoners’ limited awareness of oral hygiene practices. It is crucial to address this issue and understand the factors associated with oral healthcare-seeking behavior in prisons. Objective: To assess the oral healthcare-seeking behavior of prison inmates at Central Prisoner Jail, Peshawar Pakistan and to look the factors associated with their dental care utilization. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Central Prisoner Jail, Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from November 2021 to April 2022. A consecutive sampling technique was used to collect data from both convicted and under-trial prisoners by using a pre-tested WHO Basic Oral Health Survey 2013 tool. Our outcome variable was “Visit to a dentist in the last 12 months (Never/Once or more than one visit). Chi-square test was used to determine univariate association with other explanatory variables while multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders. Result: A total of 225 participants were recruited to the study with a mean (SD) age of 32.9(11.4). More than two-thirds of 200(88.9%) of the participants were males. One-third of the sample never visited the dentist75(33.3). Participants who completed college/university education and never visited the dentist in the last 12 months constituted a smaller proportion (17.6%) compared to those who visited the dentist once or more than once n = 28(82.4%, p-value = 0.003). Individuals who were using toothbrushes were most frequently visiting the dentist n = 130(72.6%=p value = 0.001) as compared to never visitors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Participants who experienced teeth pain or discomfort had 0.42 times lower odds of visiting the dentist compared to those who did not experience any pain or discomfort [AOR 0.42 (95% CI 0.17–0.80), p = 0.04]. Similarly, Participants who do not use any denture have 4.06 times higher odds[AOR 4.06(95% CI 1.76–9.36), p = 0.001] of visiting the dentist compared to those who use a denture. Conclusion: Our result demonstrates that those prisoners who were experiencing tooth pain or discomfort and not using dentures were the strong predictors with lower dental visit frequency to seek oral health care

SYNTHESIS, COMPUTER AIDED SCREENING AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF 2/3-SUBSTITUTED-6(4-METHYLPHENYL)-4,5-DIHYDROPYRIDAZIN3(2H)-ONES, AND PYRIDAZINE SUBSTITUTED TRIAZINE

The present research work involved synthesis of some novel pyridazine derivatives and evaluation of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental animals to obtain safer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Friedal craft acylation reaction of succinic anhydride with toluene in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride gave 4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-butanoic acid (1). The aryl propionic acid 1 on reaction with phenyl hydrazine and hydrazine hydrate yielded the pyridazinone derivative 2 and 3, respectively. Reaction of the compound 3 with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) produced the corresponding chloropyridazine derivative 4. A 4-hydroxymethyl derivative of dihydropyridazinone (5) was synthesized by condensing 3 with methanol and formaldehyde (HCHO). The compound 5 on further treatment with guanidine hydrochloride in ethanol gave the pyridazino-triazine (6). The synthesized compounds were investigated for their analgesic activity in mice and anti-inflammatory activity in Wistar albino rats. The molecular, pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties of the synthesized compounds were calculated by Molinspiration and Osiris property explorer software. The results of in-vivo anti-inflammatory studies revealed that the compound. 4 showed maximum inhibition in paw edema volume followed by compound no. 3 while the compound no. 4 exhibited excellent  peripheral analgesic activity (74%) followed by the compound no. 5. Compound no. 4 and 5 also showed good central analgesic effect increased the reaction time to 90 minutes. All the title compounds except compound 5 are predicted to be safe by Osiris online software and are likely to have good oral bioavailability as they obey Lipinski’s rule of five for drug likeness