A retrospective study of brochoscopic profile of patients in a tertiary care centre

Background: The purpose of this study was to find out the demographic profiles, indications, bronchoscopic findings and diagnosis of the patients who underwent bronchoscopic examination.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive fiber-optic bronchoscopies was performed at RMCH from June 2015 to June 2017 to find out the demographic and clinical profile of the patients who underwent this procedure. The instrument Olympus video bronchoscope was used for the procedure.Results: Among total of 200 patients, 131 (65.5%) were males and 69 (34.5%) patients were females. 150 (75%) patients were smokers and 50 (25%) patients were non- smokers. Cough was the most common presenting symptom in 180 (90%) of the patients followed by breathlessness 138 (69%), chest pain 114 (57%), hemoptysis 80 (40%), fever 66 (33%). The most common finding is endobronchial growth in 119 (59.5%) followed by nonspecific inflammation 40 (20%), inconclusive 21 (10.5%), normal 12 (6%), suspected growth 8 (4%).Out of 200 patient biopsy was done in 65 patients (32.5%) and most common histopathological diagnosis was malignancy 42 (64.61%), pulmonary tuberculosis 10 (15.38%), Infective pathology 9 (13.8%), inconclusive 4 (6.1%).Conclusions:Bronchoscopy is a safe and useful tool for making the diagnosis of a variety of pulmonary diseases. Endobronchial growth and malignancy were the commonest findings on bronchoscopy and histopathological examination respectively. Moreover, we would like to emphasize the importance of attempting biopsy from the abnormal segment of the lung even when bronchoscopy does not show frank mucosal growth.

Ascorbate-mediated enhancement of reactive oxygen species generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes: modulatory effect of nitric oxide

Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that ascorbate potentiated enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). NO is known to modulate various function of PMNs such as chemotaxis, adherence, aggregation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of ascorbate in the PMN phagocytosis, ROS generation, and apoptosis was thus evaluated in the present study. Ascorbate and its oxidized and cell-permeable analog, dehydroascorbate (DHA), did not affect the phagocytosis but enhanced ROS generation and apoptosis following treatment with Escherichia coli or arachidonic acid. A detailed investigation on the DHA-mediated response indicated that inhibitors of DHA uptake, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, NO synthase, or ROS scavengers attenuated ROS generation. In DHA-treated cells, enhanced generation of peroxynitrite was also observed; thus, ascorbate-mediated ROS and reactive nitrogen species generation might mediate cytotoxicity toward the ingested microbes and subsequently, augmented PMN apoptosis. Results of the present study have helped in delineating the role of ascorbate in the modulation of NO-mediated ROS generation from PMNs

Breeding for Biofortification Traits in Rice: Means to Eradicate Hidden Hunger

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) supplies nourishment to about half of the population of the world’s inhabitants. Of them, more than 2 billion people suffer from ‘hidden hunger’ in which they are unable to meet the recommended nutrients or micronutrients from their daily dietary intake. Biofortification refers to developing micronutrient-rich diet foods using traditional breeding methods and modern biotechnology, a promising approach to nutrition enrichment as part of an integrated strategy for food systems. To improve the profile of rice grain for the biofortification-related traits, understanding the genetics of important biofortification traits is required. Moreover, these attributes are quantitative in nature and are influenced by several genes and environmental variables. In the course of past decades, several endeavours such as finding the important quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for improving the nutrient profile of rice seeds were successfully undertaken. In this review, we have presented the information regarding the QTLs identified for the biofortification traits in the rice

Bilobed gallbladder: a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system

Duplication of the gallbladder is a rare congenital anomaly, which Boyden first illustrated in 1926. No additional risk of cholelithiasis or malignancy with this congenital anomaly was documented. However, this congenital anomaly is associated with more risk for complications during and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. So, preoperative diagnosis is essential in identifying anatomical abnormalities to avoid biliary injuries at the time of surgery or the performance of an incomplete operation. The removal of an asymptomatic double gallbladder remains controversial. Here, we are reporting a case of the incidentally detected duplex gallbladder in a teenager and review the literature that will enrich the reader’s knowledge regarding this rare congenital anomaly

Comparison of three different techniques of endotracheal tube cuff inflation: just seal, stethoscope guided and pressure volume loop: a prospective randomized study

Background: Cuffed endotracheal tubes not only ensure a proper seal during positive pressure ventilation, but at the same time also prevent aspiration of gastric secretions. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare three methods of ETT cuff inflation-- palpation of the leak in suprasternal notch (Just seal), a stethoscope guided method of tracheal tube cuff inflation and PVL guided cuff inflation.Methods: After approval by institutional ethical committee, 192 patients of either sex in age group of 18-50 years belonging to ASA physical status I or II were enrolled. Each patient was randomly allocated into one of three groups: one group received standard 'just seal' method of tracheal cuff inflation (JS), the second group, the stethoscope-guided method (SG) and in third group cuff was inflated using Pressure Volume Loop (PVL). Volume of air introduced into the cuff and pressure within the cuff was recorded.Results: A total of 192 patients were recruited to the study. The median (IQR [range]) tracheal cuff pressure was 12 (10-22 [6-28]) cm H2O, 16 (12-24[6-38]) and 14 (10-22[8-32]) cmH2O in JS, SG and PVL group respectively. Cuff pressures within the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O fell in 25% of the patients in both JS and SG group and 31% patients in PVL group. The mean volumes of air introduced in the cuff and the resultant mean cuff pressure in all groups was found to be statistically insignificant (p= 0.4, 0.18 respectively). Tidal volume discrepancy was more and 75% of cuff pressures were less than the recommended range in JS than the other two groups.Conclusions: Real time PVL displayed on most modern anaesthesia machine is a good alternative to check for proper ETT cuff inflation, avoid high cuff pressure and monitor air leak

Directing for Higher Seed Production in Vegetables

Vegetables are essential for human health and well-being. For sustaining an excellent production of vegetable crops, the seed is a primary input. Moreover, good quality seed is an important requirement for the vegetable industry, and there is a huge demand that has been expanding, considering the fact that seed multiplication is economically pertinent for vegetable cultivars to contend commercially. But the healthy seed production is usually a sumptuous trait and tormented by agricultural tactics, genetics as well as by the environmental factors. Features like seed output of the vegetables, sizeable genetic variation, the prerequisite for advancement and acceptance of a good quality vegetable seed. Here different mechanisms for seed production in vegetable crops has been presented, also vital areas and factors influencing seed production, and eventually discourses regarding the opportunity of plant breeding to sustainably make improvements to vegetable seed production

Effect of superphosphate, urea and bioinoculants on Zinnia elegans Jacq.

Current agricultural practices depend heavily on chemical inputs, and their overuse seriously contaminates the soil health. Microbial bioinoculants are emerging as an effective greener replacement for chemical fertilizers. These bioinoculants are beneficial for plant growth and also diminishes pathogenicity. Here, we explored three microbial inoculants along with commonly used fertilizers, i.e., Superphosphate (SP) and Urea (UR) for their effectiveness on Zinnia elegans Jacq., that has considerable demand in the floral market. The experiment was conducted in three parts with recommended doses of fertilizers, low (half) doses, and high (double) doses in combination with Glomus mosseae (GM), Acaulospora laevis (AL) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF), as microbial inoculants. The consortium of microbial inoculants (GM+AL+PF) fed with the low dose of SP and UR gave the best results for growth parameters (Shoot and Root Length, Shoot and Root Weight), Floral traits (floral head number and diameter), mycorrhization pattern and for other physiological attributes (shoot phosphorus content, root phosphorus content, acidic phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase). Overall, the study establishes that microbial bioinoculants is a potential fertilizer supplement at the recommended dose supports optimum Z. elegans growth

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Vegetable Sector and its Allies

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), has created an unanticipated pandemic, that has triggered severe panic among individuals worldwide. In this direction, countries are maximizing their efforts to fight the virus and reduce infection. Vegetables due to the presence of several bioactive compounds could help build and maintain immunity against degenerative diseases and COVID-19. Therefore, sustainable vegetable supply is needed continuously. For this to happen placidly vegetable producer and vegetable sector allies must work in close cooperation with each other. This document deals with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vegetable sector and its allies