Prospective study on antimicrobial protein of Spirastrella inconstans against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The bioactive compound have to be extracted from the marine sponge Spirastrella inconstans for treatment against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which were isolated from the chronicwound of fisherman community of east and west coastal villages of India. About 100 MRSA strains were isolated from the pus samples and confirmed using standard biochemical tests. Since those strains developed resistance to almost all type of antibiotics, alternative bioactive compounds are needed for the treatment. Spirastrella inconstans was selected in which the crude bioactive compound were extracted by solvent extraction method. The antimicrobial activity was performed using agar well cutting and paper disc diffusion methods, in which chloroform extract was the most active compared to that of other solvents, with a maximum of 30 mm diameter of zone of inhibition. That crude extract protein was estimated by using Lowry’s method. The protein was precipitated using ammonium sulphate precipitation method and purified using dialysis. The purified protein was found to be of 3,000 Da molecular weight by SDS-PAGE, it can be used for the treatment of wound infection though the structural and molecular elucidations need to be done in the future

A Mathematical Model for the Release of Vasopressin using Fuzzy Step-Stress Approach

The theoretical study was to investigate the release of the hormones Vasopressin and Oxytocin from explants of the hypothalamoneurohypophysial system (HNS). A mathematical model using fuzzy constant step –stress approach was developed and used this model to calculate the mean values of the release of Vasopressin and Oxytocin. The result shows that a synergistic effect of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation of Vasopressin and Oxytocin. Keywords: Fuzzy step-stress mean value, Vasopressin, oxytocin 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 97Mxx, 93A30, 60A8

Study on Renal stones: A review

Renal stones represent one of the most prevalent urological conditions, arising from the abnormal accumulation of crystalline materials within the kidney, ultimately leading to renal impairment and urinary tract obstruction. This affliction encompasses four distinct types categorized by their chemical composition, with analysis typically conducted through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Numerous studies have highlighted the significant prevalence of bacterial presence in renal stones, correlating with a heightened risk of urinary tract infections among urolithiasis patients. This study provides a comprehensive overview of renal stones, exploring their various types, morphologies, diagnostic methodologies, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations, while also delving into the associated infection dynamics. The bacterial species isolated from stone samples are thoroughly examined, elucidating their bacteriological profiles, with particular emphasis placed on their interactions with different stone types. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v14.i2.367

Role of optical coherence tomography in management of post operative cystoid macular edema

INTRODUCTION: High resolution cross sectional imaging of the retina is useful for identifying, monitoring and quantitatively assessing macular diseases. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new medical diagnostic imaging technology which can perform micron resolution, cross sectional or tomographic imaging in biological tissues. Cross sectional images of the retina are obtained at the resolution of 10 microns. OCT uses low coherence or white light interferometry to perform high resolution measurements and imaging. The infra red light beam has a wavelength of 820 nm. Post Operative Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) frequently occurs following cataract surgery. It can also occur following YAG capsulotomy, Cryo, Laser photocoagulation, scleral buckling and Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP). Cystoid macular edema is the result of accumulation of fluid in the outer plexiform and inner nuclear layers of the retina centrered about the foveala and formation of fluid filled cyst like changes. OCT offers an objective test for quantitative evaluation of patients with CME. OCT can quantitatively assess retinal thickness and demonstrate any associated RPE structural anomalies beneath edematous retina which can be obscured by leakage on angiography. Measurement of retinal thickness by OCT correlate more strongly with visual acuity than presence of leakage on angiography. The aim of the present dissertation is to study optical coherence tomographic features in post operative CME and monitor it with OCT. AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To study the optical coherence tomography features of post operative CME. 2. To assess the role of optical coherence tomography in monitoring, diagnosis and followup of cystoid macular edema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with Clinical diagnosis of CME who presented to the Retina Clinic of Institute of Ophthalmology, Joseph Eye Hospital, Trichy between May 1st 2005 to April 30, 2006, were included in this study. Inclusion Criteria Inclusion criteria were all patients with clinical diagnosis of CME > 4 weeks following ocular surgery. Exlusion Criteria • CME due to other causes including Diabetic retinopathy, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion, Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, Uveitis • Patients who did not complete minimum followup period of 3 months. A standard protocol was used to collect and document all the details regarding the cases included in this study. A detailed information about history and complaints of the patients were taken. This included o Type / date of surgery o Complications of surgery o Chief complaints o Duration of symptoms RESULTS: The demographical data includes age, sex of the patients, laterality, type of surgery, duration of problem, pretreatment and post treatment BCVA, macular thickness. The minimum follow up period was 6 months. Patients included in this study were subjected to FFA, OCT at the time of presentation and also at first and second review after 1 and 2 months respectively. DISCUSSION: Optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive, non contact imaging system that uses superluminescent diode light source to create high resolution, real time, cross sectional tomographic images of retina. In our study it was used in 20 patients with post operative CME. Clinical findings in CME may be subtle without matching with visual acuity. OCT can play an important role in these eyes. OCT can also prove useful for objective followup in these cases. In our study, the maximum number of patients were between 51 – 60 years age group (Mean 61.85 years) which was similar to the study done by Jalementel65 and associates (Avg. 69.883). In our study males were more compared with females (4 : 1). Williamson et al. in their study have mentioned the sex ratio to be 1.2 : 1. The main risk factors for development of CME in our study were PC rent, vitreous loss, AC IOL, ECCE. Tina A et al. in their study have mentioned ruptured PC, ECCE, retained lens fragments, vitreous loss, iris trauma, AC IOL, Post uveitis as major risk factors. SUMMARY: In this prospective, non comparative study, 20 eyes of 20 patients with post operative cystoid macular edema were included. FFA was done for all the patients. Optical coherence was done to all patients at presentation and during follow up. OCT was used to quantitatively assess retinal thickness and demonstrate any associated RPE structural anomalies beneath the oedematous retina, which can be obscured by leakage on angiography. Line scan was done through the leak site

Structural and properties of Zn-Al2O3-SiC nano-composite coatings by direct electrolytic process

In this paper, Zn-SiC and Zn-Al2O3-SiC composite coating were fabricated by electrodeposition technique from sulfates bath. The resulting composite coating was carried out by adding Al2O3/SiC particulate to a zinc-containing bath. The properties of the composite coating were investigated by SEM equipped with EDS, XRD, and AFM. The electrochemical behavior of the coating alloy was evaluated in 3.65 % NaCl with linear polarization technique and mechanically examined by durascan microhardness tester. The morphology of the thermal treated coatings at 400 °C in 6 h was viewed with high optical microscope (OPM). The results show hardness, thermal stability, and anti-corrosion properties of Zn-Al2O3-SiC were improved significantly as against Zn- SiC coating matrixes. This was attributed to dispersive strengthening effect and grain induced effort of Al2O3/SiC particulate. The decrease in corrosion and thermal stability at 15 g/L of SiC concentration may be as a result of agglomeration and the superimposed particle in the plating bath

Exploring the Hand Microbiota of Fishmongers: Unveiling the Bacterial Spectrum

Background: Bacteria are tiny unicellular organisms that are ubiquitous. Hands are a more significant source of infection when compared to other parts of the body. The hands of fishmongers can carry different types of pathogenic organisms, leading to food poisoning, diarrhea, and other bacterial infections, both for themselves and others. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bacteria, both commensals and pathogens, isolated from the hands of fishmongers and other workers. Materials and methods: The samples were collected from the hands of 50 fishmongers and 20 daily wage workers using sterile cotton swabs. They were transported to the laboratory without any delay and inoculated on Nutrient agar, then incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. Identification of the Genus and species of the isolated bacteria was done by the conventional method. Results: Out of 50 samples, the predominant organism isolated was identified as Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) - (34%), followed by Bacillus spp. (20%), Acinetobacter spp. (12%), Escherichia coli (10%), and Klebsiella spp. (9%), Staphylococcus aureus (7%) Corynebacterium species (6%) and the less frequently isolated organisms were Aeromonas species (2%).  20 samples collected from the hands of other workers yielded CoNS (51%), Bacillus species (25%) predominantly followed by Corynebacterium species (18%), Staphylococcus aureus (3%), and Aeromonas species (3%). Conclusion: This study concluded that the percentage of pathogenic bacteria was higher in the hands of fishmongers compared to the control group and it highlights the need for more intensive efforts to promote hygiene and hand wash behavior among them. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v14.i2.383

Economic sustainability and energy efficiency of irrigated urdbean [Vigna mungo] under different sowing methods and weed management practices

A field experiment was conducted at the Pulse Farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India, during the summer season of 2024 to evaluate the energetics and economic viability of summer irrigated urdbean (Vigna mungo) under different sowing and weed management methods. A split-plot design was employed and treatments were replicated thrice. The results indicated that sowing in Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed (FIRB) and weed management through pre-emergence application of herbicides, followed by mechanical weeding (baby weeder) at 20 days after sowing (DAS), produced the highest yields of 833 kg/ha and 850 kg/ha, respectively. In terms of energy productivity, sowing in FIRB with the weed-free plot achieved 0.63 kg/MJ, followed by the same method of planting with the pre-emergence application of herbicides followed by one-hand weeding at 20 DAS (0.57 kg/MJ). A similar trend was observed in energy use efficiency, with values of 9.22 and 8.35, respectively. Economically, urdbean sowing by seed drill and pre-emergence application of herbicides followed by mechanical weeding at 20 DAS resulted in the highest benefit-cost ratio of 2.01, followed by the sowing in FIRB with the pre-emergence application of herbicides followed by mechanical weeding at 20 DAS. Hence, the study concluded that sowing in furrow irrigated raised beds with weed management through hand weeding and mechanical weeding at 20 DAS provides higher energy use efficiency and economic sustainability

Turmeric planting methods and mechanization strategies: A review towards the development of a fully automatic planter

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a major crop in India accounting for 80 % of global production, faces challenges such as pest infestations, diseases, climate change and economic volatility, necessitating precision agriculture strategies to enhance sustainability. Planting is a critical determinant of crop yield and quality; however, conventional manual methods remain labor-intensive and inefficient, underscoring the need for mechanization. Mechanical turmeric planters have been shown to decrease the cost and time associated with planting by 59.52% and 96.57 %, respectively. This review examines key turmeric planting methods, including flat-bed, ridge-and-furrow and raised-bed systems, while analyzing the engineering properties of turmeric rhizomes relevant to planter design. It has been found that ridge planting has produced 86.78 q ha-1 of yield compared to flat-bed planting of 67.26 q ha-1 and raised bed planting significantly reduced disease incidence, with only 9.6 % leaf spot and no rhizome rot observed, compared to 22.5 % leaf spot using the flat bed method. The evolution of planting technology from manual to semi-automatic and fully automatic systems is discussed, along with a critical assessment of metering mechanisms such as vertical rotating discs, multistage rotating cups and auger conveyors. The influence of furrow opener design and operational parameters, including planting speed and accuracy, on field performance was also reviewed. By identifying research gaps related to the impact of rhizome properties on planter efficiency, this study concludes that optimized automatic planters tailored to turmeric’s specific agronomic requirements can enhance planting precision, improve productivity and contribute to sustainable cultivation practices

Age-Based Differences in Care Setting Transitions over the Last Year of Life

Context. Little is known about the number and types of moves made in the last year of life to obtain healthcare and end-of-life support, with older adults more vulnerable to care setting transition issues. Research Objective. Compare care setting transitions across older (65+ years) and younger individuals. Design. Secondary analyses of provincial hospital and ambulatory database data. Every individual who lived in the province for one year prior to death from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007 was retained (N = 19, 397). Results. Transitions averaged 3.5, with 3.9 and 3.4 for younger and older persons, respectively. Older persons also had fewer ER and ambulatory visits, fewer procedures performed in the last year of life, but longer inpatient stays (42.7 days versus 36.2 for younger persons). Conclusion. Younger and older persons differ somewhat in the number and type of end-of-life care setting transitions, a matter for continuing research and healthcare policy

Efficient VQE Approach for Accurate Simulations on the Kagome Lattice

The Kagome lattice, a captivating lattice structure composed of interconnected triangles with frustrated magnetic properties, has garnered considerable interest in condensed matter physics, quantum magnetism, and quantum computing.The Ansatz optimization provided in this study along with extensive research on optimisation technique results us with high accuracy. This study focuses on using multiple ansatz models to create an effective Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) on the Kagome lattice. By comparing various optimisation methods and optimising the VQE ansatz models, the main goal is to estimate ground state attributes with high accuracy. This study advances quantum computing and advances our knowledge of quantum materials with complex lattice structures by taking advantage of the distinctive geometric configuration and features of the Kagome lattice. Aiming to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of VQE implementations, the study examines how Ansatz Modelling, quantum effects, and optimization techniques interact in VQE algorithm. The findings and understandings from this study provide useful direction for upcoming improvements in quantum algorithms,quantum machine learning and the investigation of quantum materials on the Kagome Lattice.Comment: 7 pages,7 figure