Role of Ultrasound Scan in Non-Traumatic Acute Abdomen Presenting in Surgery Department of a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: An acute abdomen is defined as a clinical condition characterized by severe abdominal pain developing suddenly over several hours or less. Ultrasonography (USG) helps the managing surgeons arrive at early diagnosis and rule out alternative diseases, thus reducing negative laparotomy rate. This study analyzed the diagnostic yield of USG in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen presenting to Surgery department via Emergency department/outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 110 patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain who were sent for USG examination. The percentage concordance of USG diagnosis with the final diagnosis at discharge was determined in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for acute abdomen. Results: Of 110 patients, correct clinical diagnosis was made in 83 patients (75%) while USG made a correct diagnosis in 101 patients (91%). Hence, with the help of USG, accuracy of diagnosing cause of acute abdomen increased by 16 %. The sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 87.7% and 98.3% respectively. Conclusion: USG is easily available and non-invasive modality without radiation exposure and requiring minimal patient preparation. USG should, therefore, be an important routine diagnostic investigation in patients presenting with acute abdomen

Aggravation of cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in mice by aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos (L.)

Aegle marmelos (L.) (Rutaceae) commonly known as bael is an important medicinal fruit tree. The present study focused on the effects of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos (AEAM) on the testis and sperm characteristics induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA) in mice. Thirty six adult Parke’s strain mice were divided into six groups: group I given only distilled water (control); group II administered with AEAM alone once in a week for five weeks; group III administered with CPA (200 mg/kg b.w., intraperitoneally) once in a week for five weeks and group IV-VI CPA along with AEAM (400, 500 and 600 mg/kg b.w., orally). CPA was found to reduce gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm counts, motility, viability, antioxidant activities and induced histopathological changes of testis. In the group administered AEAM with CPA an exacerbation of sperm count, motility and viability of the cauda epididymis, GSI, antioxidant activities and architecture of testis was observed. The results suggest that the administration of AEAM may aggravate CPA-induced reproductive toxicity. It may be helpful in preparation of natural male contraceptives

Pattern of Lumbar MRI Changes in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability worldwide. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent non-invasive imaging modality for morphologic evaluation of the lumbar spine in patients with chronic low back pain because of its high contrast resolution and lack of ionizing radiation. This study was done to see the patterns of MRI changes in patients with chronic low back pain in a tertiary care center in Western Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on patients presenting with chronic low back pain. Eleven MRI parameters were noted and analyzed. Chi square test and Fisher’s Exact test were employed to see the associations between the various MRI findings. Results: A total of 108 patients were evaluated during the study period. MRI changes were noted in over 95% of the cases. Degenerative changes were the most common cause of low back pain, disc bulge being the most common MRI finding. A significant association was found between radiculopathy and decreased lumbar lordosis and vertebral endplate changes. Conclusion: MRI is an invaluable tool in the evaluation of chronic LBP because of its high resolution and lack of ionizing radiation. Significant MRI findings are noted in most of the cases of chronic LBP, degenerative changes being the most common and ranging from congenital to malignant lesions

Methodological breakdown of potato peel’s influence on starch digestibility, in vitro glycemic response and pasting properties of potato

A Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major staple food consumed worldwide. Potato peel is an important constituent that is generally discarded and considered agricultural waste before processing or cooking. The present investigation is an attempt to utilize different contents of potato peels (PP) with potato flesh (PF) of processing cultivar (Kufri Chipsona 3) and table cultivar (Kufri Jyoti), which affect starch nutritional profile, glycemic response, and pasting properties. The combination of PP at different concentrations of 5, 10, and 15%, respectively, to PF showed a significant reduction ( P  < 0.05) in starch hydrolysis index (SHI), glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL). Similarly, there was also a significant increase in the resistant starch content of the PP + PF combination. The maximum change in the predicted glycemic response was observed in the PP with 15%. A higher reduction in the in vitro glycemic response was observed in the Kufri Chipsona 3 as compared to Kufri Jyoti. The pasting properties of also showed significant changes with the addition of PP to the PF flour, which might be due to the change in intrinsic properties such as amylose and amylopectin content. The current investigation will help to provide an understanding of the use of PP in the processing industries to prepare low-GI food products.La papa ( Solanum tuberosum L.) es uno de los principales alimentos básicos consumidos en todo el mundo. La cáscara de la papa es un componente importante que generalmente se desecha y se considera un residuo agrícola antes de procesarla o cocinarla. La presente investigación es un intento de utilizar diferentes contenidos de cáscaras de papa (PP) con pulpa (PF) de la variedad de procesamiento (Kufri Chipsona 3) y la variedad de mesa (Kufri Jyoti), que afectan el perfil nutricional del almidón, la respuesta glucémica y las propiedades de pegado. La combinación de PP a diferentes concentraciones de 5, 10 y 15%, respectivamente, a PF mostró una reducción significativa ( P < 0.05) en el índice de hidrólisis del almidón (SHI), el índice glucémico (IG) y la carga glucémica (CG). Del mismo modo, también hubo un aumento significativo en el contenido de almidón resistente de la combinación PP+PF. El cambio máximo en la respuesta glucémica predicha se observó en el PP con un 15%. Se observó una mayor reducción de la respuesta glucémica in vitro en el Kufri Chipsona 3 en comparación con el Kufri Jyoti. Las propiedades de la pasta también mostraron cambios significativos con la adición de PP a la harina de PF, lo que podría deberse al cambio en las propiedades intrínsecas como el contenido de amilosa y amilopectina. La presente investigación ayudará a comprender el uso de PP en las industrias de procesamiento para preparar productos alimenticios de bajo índice glucémico.Universidade de Vigo/CISU

Management of Cosmetic Embarrassment Caused by<i>Malassezia</i>spp. with Fruticose Lichen<i>Cladia</i>Using Phylogenetic Approach

During anti-Malasseziascreening of plants by CLSI broth microdilution method,Cladia aggregata(Swartz) Nyl. (family Cladoniaceae), a fruticose lichen from Sikkim (northeast Himalayan region), has been found effective at minimum inhibitory concentrations (mg/mL) of 2.72, 0.63, and 1.28 against yeast-like fungi namely,M. furfur, M. globosaandM. sympodialis,respectively. These test pathogens are responsible for pityriasis versicolor (PV) and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) in humans. We tried to establish the reason for variable MICs against variousMalasseziaspp. using bioinformatical tools, thereby reducing the cost of the experimentation. This is the first report on anti-Malasseziaactivity ofC. aggregataand thus can serve as a potential source for the development of cosmaceuticals.</jats:p

Sphincter saving anorectoplasty (SSARP) for the reconstruction of Anorectal malformations

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This report describes a new technique of sphincter saving anorectoplasty (SSARP) for the repair of anorectal malformations (ARM).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty six males with high ARM were treated with SSARP. Preoperative localization of the center of the muscle complex is facilitated using real time sonography and computed tomography. A soft guide wire is inserted under image control which serves as the route for final pull through of bowel. The operative technique consists of a subcoccygeal approach to dissect the blind rectal pouch. The separation of the rectum from the fistulous communication followed by pull through of the bowel is performed through the same incision. The skin or the levators in the midline posteriorly are not divided. Postoperative anorectal function as assessed by clinical Wingspread scoring was judged as excellent, good, fair and poor. Older patients were examined for sensations of touch, pain, heat and cold in the circumanal skin and the perineum. Electromyography (EMG) was done to assess preoperative and postoperative integrity of external anal sphincter (EAS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The patients were separated in 2 groups. The first group, Group I (n = 10), were newborns in whom SSARP was performed as a primary procedure. The second group, Group II (n = 16), were children who underwent an initial colostomy followed by delayed SSARP. There were no operative complications. The follow up ranged from 4 months to 18 months. Group I patients have symmetric anal contraction to stimulation and strong squeeze on digital rectal examination with an average number of bowel movements per day was 3–5. In group II the rate of excellent and good scores was 81% (13/16). All patients have an appropriate size anus and regular bowel actions. There has been no rectal prolapse, or anal stricture. EAS activity and perineal proprioception were preserved postoperatively. Follow up computed tomogram showed central placement the pull through bowel in between the muscle complex.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The technique of SSARP allows safe and anatomical reconstruction in a significant proportion of patients with ARM's without the need to divide the levator plate and muscle complex. It preserves all the components contributing to superior faecal continence, and avoids the potential complications associated with the open posterior sagittal approach.</p

Exploring potato seed research: a bibliometric approach towards sustainable food security

IntroductionPotato is considered to be complete food that will not only ensure food security but also alleviate poverty. Seed production of potato requires specific temperatures and conditions. In response to the growing emphasis on sustainable production, there has been an increasing focus on research on tuber seed production.MethodsIn our study, we have employed bibliometric analysis to investigate the trends in potato seed research and assess its correlation with sustainable development. Tabular analysis and network analysis are employed in the study to understand the prominent authors and institutions and research trends across time. For this purpose, Biblioshiny and Vosviewer software were used. The steps of bibliometric analysis were used, which included data retrieval from Dimensions software. Owing to its limitations, a major analysis was conducted without affecting the results.Result and discussionIt was found from the analysis that it was SDG 2 that was mostly linked with the theme of potato seed production. The results depicted an increasing trend of publications and citations. Co-authorship analysis of authors showed high linkage among groups of authors that formed clusters while other authors remained disconnected. Among countries United States, China and the United Kingdom had a higher impact on publications and citations. Our analysis showed that there is still scope for collaboration among countries as there is no evidence of multidisciplinary interlinkages. By understanding the current research landscape, identifying influential works and authors, and uncovering collaboration patterns, we can pave the way for future advancements in potato seed production. Ultimately, this research contributes to achieving sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations

Accelerated Sulphate Attack Study on Cement – Metakaolin – Flyash Concretes

Durability is that property of concrete which plays the prime role in governing the lifespan and serviceability of a structure with regard to its intended usage. Environmental conditions of the surroundings are the main criteria which decide the longevity and performance of concrete. For understanding the durability of concrete structures, analysis of the impact of chemical attacks may be crucial. As sulphate attacks are predominant chemical attacks on concrete structures, their study can interpret it when they are subjected to deterioration followed by damage. In this study, the effectiveness of ternary blends of OPC with metokaolin (MK) and flyash (FA) in sulphate resistance of concrete exposed to accelerated effect (i.e. by wetting and drying cycles) in 10% solution of sodium sulphate has been investigated. To assess the level of sulfate attack, the changes in strengths of concrete specimens and their weight change were measured after certain numbers of deterioration cycles. Cubes, prisms and cylinders of concrete were tested for compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths respectively whereas the weight changes (in percent) were measured for all the specimens. Combination of OPC with MK and FA has proved its effectiveness in improving the resistance against sulphate attack.</jats:p