Role of immunoturbidimetric plasma fibrin D-dimer test in patients with coronary artery disease as well as ischemic heart disease in emergency medicine

The aim of the present was to assess the value of the ELISA D-dimer (hemostatic marker) assay in patients with coronary artery disease as well as ischemic heart disease presenting to the emergency department with chest pain syndrome. Methods: We measured levels of D-dimers (µg/ml by immunoturbidimetric assay) in 120 patients with angiographically proved CAD, consecutive outpatients with chest pain, arterial fibrillation, acute coronary syndromes and 240 age and sex matched healthy controls. Demographic characteristics were assessed by a standardized questionnaire, and a complete lipid profile was performed for all subjects. In addition to this inflammatory marker C- reactive protein was also measured. Result: The distribution of D-dimer levels skewed to the right, and plasma mean levels were higher in cases than in control (mean: 2.51±3.60 vs .41±.59 µg/ml; p<0.001). In contrast, correlation of D-dimer was found with C-reactive protein (p<0.001) and is higher in cases than controls. Conclusion: Plasma D-dimer levels are strongly and independently associated with the presence of CAD in patients with stable angina. These results support the concept of a contribution of intravascular fibrin to atherothrombogenesis

Rheology of Fumed Silica and Polyethylene Glycol Shear Thickening Suspension with Nanoclay as an Additive

Shear thickening properties of fumed silica-polyethylene glycol (PEG) with shear thickening fluid (STF) of different concentrations and with an organically modified clay, Nanomer I.28 E as nano-additive have been investigated by both steady-state and dynamic state rheology. Difference in rheology if instead of nanoclay, an equal wt% of additional fumed silica is added to 20 per cent fumed silica-PEG200 STF, has been studied. At 25 °C, in case of addition of nanoclay the increase in critical viscosity is less than that observed for same additional amount of fumed silica. Interestingly, an opposite result is seen at higher temperatures i.e. 45 °C and 55 °C. Moreover, the difference in steady-state and dynamic state viscosity values decreases on addition of nanoclay. It is noted that an increase in concentration of clay increases the value of dynamic parameters whereas for STF of only fumed silica particles the values are constant irrespective of the change in concentration. More importantly, ease of processing, elasticity, stability and consistency of rheological results of STF increases to a significant extent on addition of relatively inexpensive nano-additive

Demographic profile and functional outcome following fixation of malleolar fractures in adults

Background: Malleolus are important structures which forms part of ankle mortise and provide stability to it. This article underlines the current demographic profile of patients sustaining malleolar fractures in adults. It also discusses the modalities of treatment and functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures as well as the improvement in functional outcome following early mobilization.Methods: 30 patients sustaining malleolar fractures who attended the Department of Orthopedics were included in the study. The patients were operated as and when the soft tissue condition permitted and were followed up in outpatient department at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months where functional outcome based on Baird and Jackson scoring system was assessed.Results: In this study, the average age of patients was 43.8 years with a male preponderance. Supination-external rotation was the most common mechanism of injury following a slip or twisting injury. According to Baird and Jackson scoring system 20% patients had excellent, 50% patients had good results, 20% patients had fair results and 10% patients had poor results.Conclusions: 70% patients had excellent to good results following fixation of malleolar fractures. Early mobilization was started in 5 patients with 80% patients showing excellent results. Open reduction and Internal fixation proved to be an excellent procedure leading to union in all cases, less complication and early resumption of routine activities.

Integrated management of late blight of potato

Late blight of potato is the major biotic constraint responsible for reduction in yield and quality of the pota-to crop. Globally, late blight is managed through application of multiple fungicidal chemical sprays affecting both human health and environment. Now a days, methods of biological control are gaining importance as these are non-toxic and also environment friendly. However, Phytophthora infestans multiplies very fast; therefore, biological con-trol method alone is not a viable option to manage late blight. Hence, integration of both methods is essential. Eleven treatments consisting of biocontrol agents and fungicides were evaluated against the late bight in three consecu-tive seasons (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14) at ICAR-CPRIC, Modipuram. Meerut. The results revealed that the treat-ments ( T1 to T10) are effective for managing the disease up to certain level; however, lowest average disease se-verity (27.89%) was recorded in treatment when Bacillus subtilis (B5-0.25%) + Trichoderma viride (TV-0.7%) was applied before disease appearance followed by cymoxanil8+mancozeb 64%WP (0.3%) at onset of late blight and one more spray of B5+ TV after seven days. The next best treatment was application of B5+ TV before appearance of disease followed by metalaxyl 8+mancozeb 64%WP (0.25%) at onset of late blight and one more spray of B5+ TV against control (average disease severity 91.94%) with higher yield also except the treatment of three spray of mancozeb 75% WP (0.2%). These treatments could be integrated in farmer practices

Wide resection and stabilization of ulnar stump by extensor carpi ulnaris for giant cell tumor of distal ulna: two case reports

The distal end of ulna is an extremely uncommon site for primary bone tumors in general and giant cell tumor in particular. Wide resection is usually indicated in such cases and at times it may be necessary to remove of a long segment of the distal ulna. Any ulnar resection proximal to the insertion of pronator quadratus can lead to instability in the form of radio-ulnar convergence and dorsal displacement (winging) of the ulnar stump. This can result in diminution of forearm rotation and weakness with grasp. Stabilization of the ulnar stump after resection for a giant cell tumor was described by Kayias & Drosos. We are adding two more cases to the literature. Both patients had excellent functional outcome and there were no instances of recurrence at three years of follow-up