Fabrication of Custom Made Ocular Prosthesis for Congenital Defect: A Case Report

Eyes are generally the first feature of the face to be noticed. An eye is an important feature of the facial expression, a vital organ and a symbol of beauty. Ocular prosthesis can be classified as stock shell eye, stock shell eye modified and custom-made prosthesis. A custom ocular prosthesis is a good treatment alternative when reconstruction of the defect by plastic surgery or the use of osseointegrated implants is not feasible or unaffordable. This case report highlights the same

Kinetics and equilibrium studies for methylene blue removal from simulated wastewater effluents using agricultural waste, Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Batch adsorption experiments have been carried out for the removal of cationic dye, methylene blue from aqueous solutions by using Parthenium hystrophorous L. as biosorbent. The effect of major variables such as pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time has been investigated for the sorption of methylene blue on the low cost adsorbent. Equilibrium data were fitted in Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models and their constants are determined. The data could best be explained by Freundlich isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity (qo) of 40.79mgg-1. Kinetic modeling for methylene blue adsorption is done using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It is found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model most appropriately described the adsorption kinetics. The result indicates that the weed biomass can effectively be used for methylene blue removal from simulated aqueous solutions

Food Nanotechnologies: Purchasing a Double Edge Sword

Rapid development of nanotechnology has revolutionsed various areas of conventional food science and food industry. The novel properties of nanoparticles (NPs) have led to increasing application of nanotechnology in food industry. Nanofood market have a variety of products like the creamy ice-cream, drinks with no fat, enhanced flavour with nutrients and better textured, coloured and fresh looking food. Continuous monitoring for food spoilage or contamination is possible too. Nanotechnology has transformed the food industries which claim health benefits along with better taste. With the increasing use of NPs especially in food products, where humans are in close contact of the engineered nanomaterials (NMs), it is important to ensure safety before use. Bio-nano interactions often result in novel reaction and formation of products leading to toxicity. NPs mediated toxicity mainly includes inflammation, oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Prolong use of these particles can cause detrimental effects on health. Presently, due to lack of appropriate guidelines and regulations for food nanotechnology there are uncertainties regarding risk identification. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the consequences of this technology in terms of general public and occupational health risks associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of NMs, before instigating the same in day to day use

Implications and Prevention of Noise Hazards on Board Ships

Seafarers are exposed to intense noise due to running of powerful gas turbines present in the engine room and in other compartments due to the operation of various sub systems that adversely affect their hearing acuity and proficiency. A large body of persons is employed in the Shipping industry and it is of paramount importance to preserve and promote health in the work place. Hence, this particular study was undertaken with a view to precisely quantify the noise levels associated with the operation of turbine engines and examine the impact of exposure on hearing sensitivity of the individuals. The preventive measures that can control the adverse effects like the use of ear defenders, and, supplementation of carbogen, a mixture of 5% CO2 and 95% O2 were examine

Kinetics and equilibrium studies for methylene blue removal from simulated wastewater effluents using agricultural waste, Parthenium hysterophorus L.

274-282Batch adsorption experiments have been carried out for the removal of cationic dye, methylene blue from aqueous solutions by using Parthenium hystrophorous L. as biosorbent. The effect of major variables such as pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time has been investigated for the sorption of methylene blue on the low cost adsorbent. Equilibrium data were fitted in Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models and their constants are determined. The data could best be explained by Freundlich isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity (qo) of 40.79mgg-1. Kinetic modeling for methylene blue adsorption is done using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It is found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model most appropriately described the adsorption kinetics. The result indicates that the weed biomass can effectively be used for methylene blue removal from simulated aqueous solutions

Ethnobotanical Studies of Nubra Valley - A Cold Arid Zone of Himalaya

An attempt has been made to explore traditional medicinal knowledge of Nubra valley, the cold arid zone of Himalaya. Ethnobotanical information were gathered through several visits, group discussions and cross checked with local medicine men. The study identified 65 plant species belonging to 30 families have been used to cure various diseases and ailments. Maximum number of species was recorded to be used in kidney complaints (14 spp.), cold & cough (13 spp.) and fever (11 spp.). Leaves of 27 species; whole plant extract of 20 species and root/bulb of 19 species were mostly used. Juice, raw items, paste and decoction of plant species were the common method of usage. A large number of ethnic groups with varied culture inhabiting the remote and isolated valleys of Ladakh offer a great scope for ethnobotanical studies. Over exploitation of medicinal herbs can lead to the local extinction of the valuable herbs indicating an urgent need to draw up the necessary plans for medicinal plant utilization and conservation

Biochemical Changes in Lowlanders on Descent to Plains after Prolonged Stay at High Altitude-A Cross-sectional Study

The biochemical changes taking place in human subjects following de-induction to plains from high altitude (5700-6100 m) after a prolonged slay of 9-13 months were investigated in 120 soldieri in four groups of 30 each on day 5, 30, 60 and 90 after their descent. One group of soldiers, who were never posted at high altitude served as control. Haemoglobin levels, which were initiall,v hiueh after 5 dnvs of de-induction droooed lo sienificantlv lower levels in the erouo . L ., " . studied on day 60 after de-induction. No clinically abnormal changes were noted in activities of serum enzymes, ie, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and y-glutamyl transpeptidase. Alanine aminotransferase activity was found significantly elevated in 5-day group (53.1 i0.24 IUII). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in 30-day group in comparison to groups studied on day 5,60 and 90 after de-induction from high altitude. Activity of glutathione S-transferase was more in groups studied on day 30 and 60 and may he in response to increased demand for detoxification of certain metabolites. Endogenous creatinine clearance was impaired with concomitant increase in serum creatinine levels. The creatinine clearance returned to normal only in group studied on day 90 after de-induction. Testosterone and estradiol levels were within normal physiological limits. However, there was increase in testosterone levels following ds- ~nductionR. esults of this cross-sectional study indicate that it takes 1-3 months after de-induction from high altitude for biochemical parameters to reach normal levels

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacities and Total Polyphenols in Various Edible Parts of Capparis spinosa L. Collected from Trans-Himalayas

The phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenols in the methanolic extract of leaves, flower buds, roots and fruits of Capparis spinosa collected from trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh were assessed in an effort to corroborate its medicinal and culinary potential. Highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity were observed in the leaves and least in dried fruit samples, even FRAP assay also illustrated the same trend. IC50 values of DPPH assay was highly correlated with that of ABTS (R2=0.9084) and FRAP assay (R2=0.9771). However, IC50 value of ABTS was reasonably correlated with FRAP assay (R2=0.5838). The highest phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in the leaf samples (24.78 and 5.69 mg GAE/g DW respectively), whereas it was lowest in the dried fruit samples (4.07 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW and nil, respectively). The total phenolic contents were highly correlated with IC50 value of ABTS (R2=0.9084), DPPH (R2=0.9388) and FRAP value (R2=0.9618). But, total flavonoid contents were highly correlated with ABTS (R2=0.7449), DPPH (R2=0.8791) and FRAP values (R2=0.9588). Thus, this study has validated the medicinal potential of all the edible parts of the C. spinosa

Persistence of Azoxystrobin in/on Grapes and Soil in Different Grapes Growing Areas of India

Persistence of azoxystrobin was studied in/on grapes when applied @ 150 g ai ha−1 (recommended dose) and 300 g ai ha−1 (double the recommended dose) in three grapes growing states of India, namely Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, in the year 2006–2007. A total of five sprays were given at an interval of about 15 days. Grapes and soil samples were collected after 5th spray, extracted and analysed by gas chromatography using electron capture detector. Half life of azoxystrobin on grapes varied from 5.4 to 11.2 days. Residues of azoxystrobin were much below the prescribed MRL (0.5 mg kg−1) after 21 days. The dissipation of azoxystrobin in soil followed first order rate kinetics with an average half life of 8.1 days at the recommended dose of application

Effect of Altitude and Duration of Stay on Pulmonary Function in Healthy Indian Males

The study was carried out with the objective to investigate the effect of varying altitude and duration of exposure on blood pressure, heart rate and lung function parameters in healthy Indian soldiers after adopting proper acclimatization schedule. For this purpose 17 soldiers of Indian Army, weight and height matched, were studied after obtaining written consent. Recording of Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate and lung function variables (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, MVV, FEF25-75%, MEF 25%, MEF 50%, MEF 75%, PEF) were measured at basal (290m), 800m, 3200m (day 10 and day 20) and upon de-induction. Our results demonstrate that with increasing altitude FVC declined, FEV1 did not change and due to these changes FEV1/FVC% increased. Expiratory flow rates including MEF 25%, MEF50% MEF 75%, PEF and mean expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) increased upon induction to high altitude. This increase may be due to reduction in air density causing less air resistance which accelerates lung emptying. Though the increase upon induction in all the values was transient and returned to baseline values after de-induction. MVV reflecting respiratory muscle function increased significantly upon induction to altitude in our study and returned to basal values upon de-induction. Understanding respiratory system in mountainous regions and its further correlation with other systems pertaining to acclimatization could help in laying step in unveiling mechanism of human high altitude adaptation