LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY: A STUDY IN KODAGU DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA

The financial world today is so much influenced by technology and is as such very innovative with a lot of financial products. Hence it becomes imperative for all to be financially literate. It is very important to be cautious in all our financial dealings and management of financial resources both at individual and at organization level. This paper focuses on the level of financial literacy in Kodagu district of Karnataka. The sample consisted of people with graduation as the minimum qualification. The study reveals that the level of financial literacy (knowledge, behavior and attitude towards financial matters) among the graduate population is quite satisfactory, though there is a scope for more people to adopt or use various financial products and services. Also the sample respondents were found to exercise caution when taking financial decisions.

In silico screening of plant peptides against the envelope protein of dengue virus

@#Peptide therapeutics are found to be an emerging and attractive class of treatment due to their highly specific and safe nature. Hence twenty plant peptides were subjected to screening by molecular docking against the envelope protein of the dengue virus using Clus Pro, Patch Dock, and HADDOCK servers. Physicochemical parameters, allergenicity, and toxicity profile of the plant peptides were estimated by Protparam analysis, AllergenFP, and ToxinPred web servers. Six potential compounds namely Ginkbilobin, Cycloviolin-D, Circulin-B, Circulin-A, Cycloviolacin-013, and Circulin-C showed the highest binding energy with both nonallergenic and nontoxic properties. They also exhibited desirable half-lives extending to 30 hrs except for Ginkbilobin, which showed the least half-life of 4.4 hours and non-polar activity. The residues of Ala-4 of Ginkbilobin; Arg-30 of Cycloviolin D; Arg-29 of Circulin A and C interacted with the Try 101 of the domain II of Envelope protein, implying the possible inhibition of the insertion process of the trimeric E protein during fusion with the host cells. Thus, the identified plant peptides could serve as potential leads upon further subjection to in vitro studies.

Prise en charge des hémopathies malignes au centre national d'oncologie médicale et de radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara d'Abidjan / Managem ent of hem atologic neoplasm sat the Centre National d'Oncologie Médicale et de Radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara ofAbidjan

Introduction. Les hémopathies malignes sont des proliférations anormales et anarchiques de cellules hématopoïétiques à point de départ médullaire ou périphérique. Notre étude qui avait pour objectif de faire le bilan de la prise en charge des hémopathies malignes au Centre national d'oncologie médical et de radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive d'une durée de 2 ans 3 mois allant du 1er janvier 2018 au 31 Mars 2020 portant sur 80 dossiers de malades porteurs d'hémopathies malignes et prise en charge dans le centre. Résultats. Notre étude a permis de recenser 2,2% d'hémopathies malignes sur les 3650 cas de pathologies cancéreuses recensées au CNRAO, soit une incidence 26,66 cas/an avec un sex-ratio 1,2. Les syndromes lymphoprolifératifs (SLP) sont les plus fréquents (96,25 %), sous trois principales formes: lymphomes malins non hodgkiniens (LMNH) non Burkitt (51,25%), leucémie myéloïde chronique (20%) et le myélome multiple (16,25%). Les LMNH représentent 51,25% des HM recensées avec 41,46 % de lymphomes de haut grade de malignité. La chimiothérapie était de mise chez tous nos patients. Ainsi sur 41 cas de LMNH, seulement 12 (29,27%) ont bénéficié du protocole R-CHOP. On notait 46,34% de réponse complète. Dans notre étude, le LH représentait 8,75% il était traité à 71,43% avec le protocole ABVD avec une réponse complète chez 6 patients. 37,5% des patients porteurs de leucémie myéloïde chronique ont reçu le Rituximab; ils ont été traités par les protocoles COP (31,25%), CHOP (31,25%), RCVP (12,5%) et R-CHOP (25%). La réponse thérapeutique était complète à 68,75%. Le protocole utilisé dans le traitement du myélome multiple a été le VMCD-REV à 76,92% avec pour réponse thérapeutique complète chez 6 patients, 3 réponses partielles et 4 en cours de traitement. Conclusion. Les SLP qui sont les plus fréquents des HM avec trois principales formes: LMNH non Burkitt, leucémie myéloïde chronique et myélome multiple. Nous avons cependant des difficultés quant à la mise en route de la chimiothérapie.

Introduction. Hematologic neoplasms are abnormal and anarchic proliferations of hematopoietic cells with a medullary or peripheral starting point. Our study aimed to report the management of hematological malignancies at the Centre National d'Oncologie Médicale et de Radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara (CNRAO). Methods. This was a descriptive retrospective study lasting 2 years 3 months from January 1st, 2018 to March 31st, 2020 concerning 80 patients with hematologic neoplasms who were managed in the CNRAO. Results. Hematologic neoplasms represented 2.2% of cancers (80/3650) at CNRAO, giving an annual incidence of 26.66 cases. The sex ratio was 1.2. Lymphoproliferative syndromes were the most common subgroups (96.25%). These were mainly non-Burkitt non Hodgkin lymphoma (51.25%), high grade lymphomas (41.46%), chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (20%) and multiple myeloma (16.25%). Chemotherapy was administered to all patients. Among 41 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 12 (29.27%) benefited from the R-CHOP protocol and full response was observed in 46.34% of them. We found 7 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (8.75%) and the ABVD protocol was used for 6 cases (71.43%). Six out of these seven patients were in complete response. Among the 16 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 6 (37.5%) received Rituximab. The distribution of the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was as follows: COP 31.25%, CHOP 31.25%, RCVP 12.5% and R-CHOP 25% and 68.75% had full response. The most common treatment protocol for multiple myeloma was VMCD-REV (76.92%). Six patients had complete response, 3 had partial response and 4 were in the course of treatment. Conclusion. In our practice, hematologic neoplasms are mainly lymphoproliferative syndromes and the most common varieties are non-Burkitt non Hodgkin lymphoma, high grade lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma and multiple myeloma. We have difficulties in getting chemotherapy started.

Role of PPI and importance of anti-reflux agents in the treatment of NERD

Background: Esomeprazole, an S-isomer of omeprazole, is a much more potent acid inhibitor than most other currently available PPIs and gives excellent results. Therefore, it is a first-line drug for acid-related diseases like NonErosive Reflux Disease (NERD). Yet, patients demand faster onset and response. Aim : To establish the role of esomeprazole and the importance of anti-reflux agents like a combination of two antacids (calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate) and alginate in treating NERD. Conclusion: Esomeprazole therapy shows potential efficacy in the continuous maintenance treatment of the NERD. However, it is suggested that to improve the efficiency of esomeprazole for the treatment of NERD; we can supplement the drug with antacids (sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate) and alginates.

Phenotypic Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Associated with the Main Mycoses of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Aims: To study the diversity of fungal pathogens associated with cashew mycoses in Togo. Study Design: This research project was initiated by the Mycology Research and Applications Unit of the Botany and Plant Ecology Laboratory (LBEV) in order to have adequate information on cashew mycoses in Togo. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology (LBEV) of the University of Lome (UL) and of Crop Protection and Biosafety Laboratory of Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), February to August 2020. Methodology: A total of 148 symptomatic samples (leaves, buds, inflorescences, nuts, and apples) were collected from cashew trees in the East Mono prefecture of Togo. Malt-agar medium supplemented with chloramphenicol at 0.5 g/l was used for the isolation of fungal pathogens. The characterization of these fungal pathogens was carried out from the 7th day based on their macroscopic (texture, color, diameter of growth) and microscopic (hypha, spore, fruiting body) characters. Results: This study revealed the presence of five mycoses in cashew orchards in the East Mono prefecture. These are leaf anthracnose, bud’s dieback, black rust, leaf yellowing, and powdery mildew. In total, 12 fungal genera were encountered and 14 species of fungal pathogens were identified on all the samples collected: Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp., Mucor sp., Sporotrichum sp., Fusarium nivale, Fusarium moliniforme, Fusarium moliniforme var. subglutinans, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia geneculata, Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria brassicisola, Beltrania rhombica Penz., Thielavia coactilis Nicot, Helminthosporium avenae, Helminthosporium siccans, Phoma eupyrena, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger. Conclusion: It would be of great interest to train cashew producers in the East Mono prefecture on the recognition of the symptoms of these mycoses and their management.

Molecular characterization of BK virus detected in renal transplant patients in Sri Lanka: a preliminary study

Background & objectives: BK virus (BKV) is a polyomavirus and cause of a common infection after renal transplantation which could be preceded to BKV-associated nephropathy. It has four main subtypes (I–IV). BKV subtypes II and III are rare, whereas subtype I shows a ubiquitous distribution. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevailing BKV subtypes and subgroups in renal transplant patients in Sri Lanka. Methods: The presence of BKV in urine was tested through virus load quantification by real-time PCR from 227 renal transplant patients who were suspected to have BKV infection. Of these patients only 41 were found to be BKV infected (>103copies/ml) and those were subjected to conventional PCR amplification of VP1 gene followed by BKV genotyping via phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequencing data. Results: Persistent BK viral loads varied from 1×103 to 3×108 copies/ml. Of the 41 patient samples, 25 gave positive results for PCR amplification of subtyping region of VP1 gene of BKV. BKV genotyping resulted in detecting subtype I in 18 (72%) and subtype II in seven (28%) patients. BKV subgroups of Ia, Ib-1 and Ib-11, and Ic were identified with frequencies of 6/18 (33.3%), 6/18 (33.3%), 5/18 (27.8%), and 1/18 (5.6%), respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Findings from this preliminary study showed a high occurrence of subtype I, while the presence of subtype II, which is rare and less prevalent, was a novel finding for this Asian region. This emphasizes the need for further molecular and serological studies to determine the prevalence of different BKV subtypes in Sri Lanka

Role of aerobic physical training on cardiac autonomic and morphophysiological dysfunction in hypertensive rats subjected to ovarian hormone deprivation

Here we investigated the effects of physical training on cardiovascular autonomic control and cardiac morphofunctional parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) subjected to ovarian hormone deprivation. Forty-eight 10-week-old SHRs were divided into two groups: ovariectomized (OVX, n=24) and sham (SHAM, n=24). Half of each group (n=12) was trained by swimming for 12 weeks (OVX-T and SHAM-T). Cardiac morphology and functionality were assessed using echocardiography, and autonomic parameters were assessed using double pharmacological autonomic block, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and analyses of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV). Ovariectomy did not influence the cardiac autonomic tonus balance unlike physical training, which favored greater participation of the vagal autonomic tonus. Ovariectomy and aerobic physical training did not modify HRV and BRS, unlike BPV, for which both methods reduced low-frequency oscillations, suggesting a reduction in sympathetic vascular modulation. Untrained ovariectomized animals showed a reduced relative wall thickness (RWT) and increased diastolic and systolic volumes and left ventricular diameters, resulting in increased stroke volume. Trained ovariectomized animals presented reduced posterior wall thickness and RWT as well as increased final diastolic diameter, left ventricular mass, and stroke volume. Ovarian hormone deprivation in SHRs promoted morphofunctional adaptations but did not alter the evaluation of cardiac autonomic parameters. In turn, aerobic physical training contributed to a more favorable cardiac autonomic balance to the vagal autonomic component and promoted morphological adaptations but had little effect on cardiac functionality.

HIV exposure and its association with paediatric ICU outcomes in children admitted with severe pneumonia at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa

Background. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of under-5 death in South Africa and accounts for a substantial burden of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. However, little is known about PICU outcomes in HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU) children with pneumonia, despite the growing size of this vulnerable population. Objectives. To determine whether HIV exposure without infection is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity in children admitted to PICU with pneumonia. Methods. This retrospective review included all patients with pneumonia admitted to the PICU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. Patients were classified as HIV-unexposed (HIV-U), HIV-EU and HIV-infected. Medical records were reviewed to determine survival to PICU discharge, duration of PICU admission and duration of mechanical ventilation. Survival analysis was used to determine the association between HIV infection/exposure with mortality, and linear regression was used to examine the association with length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. This study included 107 patients: 54 were HIV-U; 28 were HIV-EU; 23 HIV-positive; and 2 had an unknown HIV status. Results. Overall, 84% (n=90) survived to PICU discharge, with no difference in survival based on HIV infection or exposure. Both HIV-EU and HIV-U children had significantly shorter PICU admissions and fewer days of mechanical ventilation compared with HIV-infected children (p=0.011 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion. HIV-EU children behaved similarly to HIV-U children in terms of mortality, duration of PICU admission and length of mechanical ventilation. HIV infection was associated with prolonged length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay but not increased mortality.

Pharmacological management of post-traumatic seizures in a South African paediatric intensive care unit

Background. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions in South Africa. Optimal care of these patients includes the prevention and control of post-traumatic seizures (PTS) in order to minimise secondary brain injury. Objectives. To describe the demographics of children admitted to a South African PICU, to describe the characteristics of PTS, and to describe the prophylactic and therapeutic management of PTS within the unit. Method. A 3-year retrospective chart review was conducted at the PICU of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto, Johannesburg, from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018. Results. Seventy-eight patients were admitted to the PICU, all with severe TBI. A total of 66 patient files were available for analysis. The median age of admission was 6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4 - 9) with the majority of trauma secondary to mechanical injury (89%). Prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were initiated in 44 (79%) patients. Early PTS occurred in 11 (25%) patients who received prophylaxis and 4 (33%) who did not. Three (5%) patients developed late PTS, resulting in an overall incidence of PTS of 43%. The most common seizure type was generalised tonic clonic (82%). Children diagnosed with PTS were a median of 2 years younger than those without PTS, with increased prevalence of seizures (83% v. 38%) in children below 2 years of age. Maintenance therapy was initiated in all patients consistent with recommended dosages. Of the total 167 anti-epileptic levels taken during maintenance, only 56% were within target range. Of the initial 78 patients, 8 died (10%). The median length of stay was 7 (IQR 5 - 12) and 8 (IQR 8 - 24) days longer in ICU and hospital respectively, in children with PTS. Conclusion. PTS is a frequent complication of severe TBI in children. There was considerable variation in the approach to both prophylaxis and maintenance therapy of PTS in terms of choice of agent, dosage, frequency of drug monitoring and approach to subtherapeutic levels. It is clear that more high-level studies are required in order to better inform these practices

Ingestive behavior of Girolando heifers in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forestry (ICLF) systems / [Comportamento ingestivo de novilhas Girolando mantidas em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF]

Aiming to compare integrated crop, livestock (ICL) and forest (ICLF) systems in relation to ingestive behavior of dairy heifers, a 2 × 2 crossover trial was conducted with two periods and two systems. Eight Girolando (3/4holstein × 1/4 Gyr) heifers were evaluated in pasture of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha 'Xaraes' syn Brachiaria brizantha) managed with intermittent stocking. The ICLF systemhad eucalyptus trees planted in tiers with 65% crown cover. Ingestive behavior parameters were obtained using acoustic data collected with mP3 recorders for 48hours. Statistical analysis was performed using the mixed procedure of SAS, and means were compared using the Tukey-Kramer test at 5% significance. The dry mater intake (DMI), number of daily grazing sessions, and the duration of the grazing sessions did not differ (P<0.05) between systems. A higher (P<0.05) bite rate and total daily bites and lower (P<0.05) bite mass was observed in the ICLF system in relation to ICL. Heifers in shaded pasture change their ingestive behavior in comparison with those in full-sun pasture.(AU)

Com o objetivo de comparar sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF) em relação ao comportamento ingestivo de novilhas leiteiras, conduziu-se um ensaio em delineamento crossover 2 × 2, com dois períodos e dois sistemas. Oito novilhas Girolando foram mantidas em pastagens de capim-xaraés (Urochloa brizantha 'Xaraes' syn Brachiaria brizantha) manejadas com lotação intermitente. No sistema ILPF, havia renques de eucalipto com 65% de cobertura de copa. O comportamento ingestivo foi avaliado pela análise de áudios coletados com gravadores de Mp3, durante 48 horas. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se Proc mixed SAS. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste Tukey-Kramer, ao nível de 5% de significância. A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS), o número de sessões de pastejo por dia e a duração das sessões de pastejo não diferiram (P<0,05) entre os sistemas. As maiores (P<0,05) médias de taxa de bocado e de número de bocados por dia e a menor (P<0,05) média de massa de bocado foram observadas no ILPF quando comparado ao ILP. Novilhas em pastagem sombreada alteram seu comportamento ingestivo quando comparadas àquelas que são mantidas em pastagem a pleno sol.(AU)

Children caught in the long shadow of COVID-19

Despite the more transmissible delta variant being associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in unvaccinated adolescents, children have remained relatively spared from severe disease. Nevertheless, children are indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to have far-reaching consequences. The effect of disruptions of seasonal patterns of circulation of respiratory pathogens on future immunity against such pathogens, childhood immunization programmes, and HIV and tuberculosis treatment programmes poses a threat to the future wellbeing of children. Furthermore, the economic devastation caused by the pandemic, including an increase in unemployment, gives rise to numerous challenges, such as food insecurity, which is likely to worsen childhood nutritional status. Also, COVID-19 has ongoing effects on the mental wellbeing of children, driven in part by the interruption of schooling and other opportunities to socialize. An increase in psychological illnesses has manifested in children consequent to the stresses of the pandemic, lockdowns, caregiver deaths. In this article, we highlight the indirect effects of COVID-19 on children, and suggest solutions to mitigate against the long-term sequelae. A focused health, nutrition, education and child protection response is required from government and healthcare practitioners to safeguard the health and wellbeing of South African children.

Choreoathetosis and dystonia in a child with COVID­19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome

Neurological complications of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are well described. We report an unusual presentation in a 9-year-old girl presenting with status epilepticus, who thereafter developed choreoathetosis and dystonia. She was initially managed with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone for presumed autoimmune encephalitis. However, she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and met the clinical and laboratory criteria for MIS-C. She remained encephalopathic with abnormal movements and dystonia for 8 days from presentation but was discharged home with complete clinical recovery after 2 weeks.

Histological analysis of elastic cartilages treated with alkaline solution / Análise histológica de cartilagens elásticas tratadas com solução alcalina

The elastic cartilage is composed by chondroblasts and chondrocytes, extracellular matrix and surrounded by perichondrium. It has a low regeneration capacity and is a challenge in surgical repair. One of obstacles in engineering a structurally sound and long-lasting tissue is selecting the most appropriate scaffold material. One of the techniques for obtaining biomaterials from animal tissues is the decellularization that decreases antigenicity. In this work, alkaline solution was used in bovine ear elastic cartilages to evaluate the decellularization and the architecture of the extracellular matrix. The cartilages were treated in alkaline solution (pH13) for 72 hours and lyophilized to be compared with untreated cartilages by histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff slides). Areas of interest for cell counting and elastic fiber quantification were delineated, and the distribution of collagen and elastic fibers and the presence of non-fibrous proteins were observed. The results demonstrated that the alkaline solution caused 90% decellularization in the middle and 13% in the peripheral region, and maintenance of the histological characteristics of the collagen and elastic fibers and non-fibrous protein removal. It was concluded that the alkaline solution was efficient in the decellularization and removal of non-fibrous proteins from the elastic cartilages of the bovine ear.(AU)

A cartilagem elástica é composta por condroblastos e condrócitos, matriz extracelular e envolta por pericôndrio. Possui uma baixa capacidade de regeneração e é um desafio em reparos cirúrgicos. Um dos obstáculos na engenharia de tecido estruturalmente sólido e de longa duração é a seleção do material de arcabouço mais adequado. Uma das técnicas para obtenção de biomateriais oriundos de tecidos animais é a descelularização, que diminui a antigenicidade. Neste trabalho, foi utilizada solução alcalina em cartilagem elástica auricular bovina para avaliar a descelularização e a arquitetura da matriz extracelular. As cartilagens foram tratadas em solução alcalina (pH13) durante 72 horas e liofilizadas, e comparadas com cartilagens não tratadas por análise histológica (hematoxilina-eosina, tricrômio de Masson e Verhoeff). Foram determinadas as áreas de interesse para contagem celular e quantificação de fibras elásticas, observada a distribuição de colágeno e fibras elásticas e a presença de proteínas não fibrosas. Os resultados demonstraram que a solução alcalina causou 90% de descelularização na região central e 13% na região periférica, manutenção das características histológicas do colágeno e fibras elásticas e remoção das proteínas não fibrosas. Concluiu-se que a solução alcalina foi eficiente na descelularização e retirada de proteínas não fibrosas de cartilagens elásticas da orelha de bovinos.(AU)

Aloenxertos ósseos e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita em falha óssea ulnar em galinhas (Gallus gallus domesticus), aspectos radiográficos e histológicos / Bone allografts and synthetic grafts hydroxyapatite on ulnar bone defect in fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), radiographic and histological aspects

Dos atendimentos ortopédicos realizados em aves no HCV-UFRGS, 86% são fraturas, sendo aproximadamente 30% delas cominutivas com perda óssea expressiva, justificando a importância da utilização de enxertos em fraturas de aves. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar dois aloenxertos e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita em defeito ósseo de galinhas. Utilizaram-se 30 galinhas separadas em três grupos: aloenxerto congelado em ultra-freezer (GUF), aloenxerto congelado em nitrogênio líquido (GNL) e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (GHA). Nos três grupos, os enxertos foram aplicados com placas e parafusos bloqueados de 2mm na ulna direita das aves, avaliando-se a evolução por meio de exames radiográficos até serem completados 90 dias de pós-operatório e o resultado final mediante exame histológico. A média e desvio-padrão relacionando o tempo de consolidação óssea radiográfica foi: GNL 61,67±21,79 dias (90% de consolidação), GUF 47,14±13,50 dias (70% de consolidação) e GHA 70±18,17 dias (60% de consolidação). Houve diferença significativa no tempo de consolidação óssea entre o GUF e o GHA. Histologicamente, os enxertos do GUF foram os que estavam em consolidação mais avançada. Os aloenxertos do GNL foram superiores no preenchimento de falha óssea ulnar de galinhas.(AU)

Of the orthopedic visits performed on birds at HCV-UFRGS, 86% are fractures, and approximately 30% of them are comminuted with expressive bone loss, justifying the importance of the use of grafts in bird fractures. The objective of this work was to test two allografts and a synthetic HADC graft on finishing in Gallus gallus domesticus. 30 laying hens were used, divided in three groups: frozen allograft in ultrafreezer (UFG); frozen allograft in liquid nitrogen (LNG); calcium deficient synthetic hydroxyapatite graft (HAG). The three graft groups were exposed to serial radiographs until the 90 postoperative days, as well as the histological examination at the end of the experiment were: LNG 61.67±21.79 days (90% consolidation), UFG 47.14±13.50 days (70% consolidation) and HAG 70±18.17 days (60% consolidation). There was a significant difference in bone healing time between GUF and GHA. Histologically, GUF grafts were the ones that were in the most advanced consolidation. LNG allografts were superior in filling ulnar bone failure of fowl.(AU)

Antioxidant effect on viability of boar semen cooled to 15°C / Influência de antioxidantes na viabilidade do sêmen suíno resfriado a 15°C

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of Vitamin C, reduced Glutathione and trolox on sperm characteristics of pork refrigerated semen. Six pigs were collected through the technique of gloved hand (10 ejaculates/animals). The semen was diluted in MR-A®. After the previous evaluations, the treatments were added: Control group: diluent only; Vitamin C Group: 200µM/mL Vitamin C; Trolox Group: 200µM/mL Trolox; Glutathione group: 2.5mM/ml Reduced glutathione. The semen was stored in thermal boxes and placed inside the refrigerator at 15oC and evaluated at D0, 12, 48, 72 hours. After 30 hours of incubation, each treatment was divided into two equal fractions and the same concentration of antioxidants was added in one of the parts. The results show that reduced glutathione supplementation preserves sperm motility after 24 hours but also has a higher percentage of acrosome intact in the presence of this antioxidant. There was no effect of adding a second dose of the antioxidants. In conclusion, the addition of reduced Glutathione to the swine semen diluent is a promising alternative for better preservation of sperm characteristics and the addition of the second dose of antioxidants during storage is detrimental to semen.(AU)

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a adição da vitamina C, da glutationa reduzida e do trolox sobre características espermáticas do sêmen refrigerado de suínos. Seis cachaços foram coletados pela técnica de mão enluvada (10 coletas/animal). O sêmen foi diluído em MR-A®. Após as avaliações prévias, os tratamentos foram adicionados: grupo controle: apenas diluidor; grupo vitamina C: 200µM/mL de vitamina C; grupo trolox: 200µM/mL de trolox; grupo glutationa: 2.5mM/mL de glutationa reduzida. O sêmen foi armazenado em caixas térmicas e alocado dentro do refrigerador a 15oC e avaliado nos tempos zero, 12, 48 e 72 horas . Após 30 horas de incubação, cada tratamento foi dividido em duas frações iguais e adicionou-se a mesma concentração de antioxidantes em uma das partes. Os resultados demonstram que a suplementação de glutationa reduzida preserva a motilidade espermática após 24 horas, bem como tem maior percentual de acrossoma intacto na presença desse antioxidante. Não houve efeito ao se adicionar uma segunda dose dos antioxidantes. Em conclusão, o acréscimo da glutationa reduzida ao diluidor de sêmen suíno é uma alternativa promissora para melhor preservação das características espermáticas, e a adição da segunda dose dos antioxidantes durante o armazenamento é prejudicial ao sêmen.(AU)

Clinical Targeted Next-Generation sequencing Panels for Detection of Somatic Variants in Gliomas / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels for solid tumors have been useful in clinical framework for accurate tumor diagnosis and identifying essential molecular aberrations. However, most cancer panels have been designed to address a wide spectrum of pan-cancer models, lacking integral prognostic markers that are highly specific to gliomas. @*Materials and Methods@#To address such challenges, we have developed a glioma-specific NGS panel, termed “GliomaSCAN,” that is capable of capturing single nucleotide variations and insertion/deletion, copy number variation, and selected promoter mutations and structural variations that cover a subset of intron regions in 232 essential glioma-associated genes. We confirmed clinical concordance rate using pairwise comparison of the identified variants from whole exome sequencing (WES), immunohistochemical analysis, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. @*Results@#Our panel demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting potential genomic variants that were present in the standard materials. To ensure the accuracy of our targeted sequencing panel, we compared our targeted panel to WES. The comparison results demonstrated a high correlation. Furthermore, we evaluated clinical utility of our panel in 46 glioma patients to assess the detection capacity of potential actionable mutations. Thirty-two patients harbored at least one recurrent somatic mutation in clinically actionable gene. @*Conclusion@#We have established a glioma-specific cancer panel. GliomaSCAN highly excelled in capturing somatic variations in terms of both sensitivity and specificity and provided potential clinical implication in facilitating genome-based clinical trials. Our results could provide conceptual advance towards improving the response of genomically guided molecularly targeted therapy in glioma patients.

Cross-country transport and isolation and identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae by use of alternate sources of blood supplemented media among laboratories in India

Background: The isolation of S. pneumoniae (Sp) depends on specimen integrity / transport, media and expertise. The non-availability of sheep blood agar poses a challenge in identification of colonial morphology and identification in India. Methods: Laboratories processed swabs containing either pure Sp or Sp in mixed cultures with a second (confounding) bacterium shipped across the country in cold conditions. Duplicate set of swabs was shipped back to the central laboratory to assess the impact of shipping on culture viability. The identical swab was cultured on sheep, human blood and one additional agar plate used in the laboratory. Results: 46/60(77%) of cultures containing only Sp were correctly identified. In specimens where Sp was present in mixed culture, the proportion of isolates in which Sp was correctly identified varied, with most variability attributed to the particular confounding organism rather than the media. There was no discernible impact of temperature-controlled (4-6°C) transport on the isolation of Sp from culture swabs. Conclusions: The study clearly elucidates the ability of laboratories for isolation of S. pneumoniae on human blood agar in resource limited settings. The results highlight the difficulties inherent in correctly identifying pathogens in mixed cultures in needs improvement using standardized tests across the study centers. The study also reaffirms the ability to transport biological specimens over long geographical distances without loss.

Efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia and Momordica charantia Leaves Extracts against Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae Gile (Diptera: Culicidae)

The gastrointestinal tracts were cut open and the contents of the various sections were put into separate Petri dishes containing normal saline. The skin and the bladder were observed directly under a dissecting microscope for the presence of cysts and monogeneans. The parasites were fixed and preserved in 70% alcohol following standard procedure. Parasites recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of the anurans include Cosmocerca ornata, Deising, 1861,Cosmocerca cummutata, Diesing, 1851 Paracosmocerca mucronata, Kung and Wu, 1945, Ampliceacum africanum, Taylor, 1924, Gendria liberrei Bain and Philipon, 1969 and Chenospirura asturiHsu, 1957Others were Procamallus brevis Kung, 1948 and Camallanus dimitrovi Durette-Desset and Batcharov, 1974. Some of the parasites are zoonotic while a few others are established parasites of African fishes and water Birds raising probable public health concerns from the findings. Further works aimed at unravelling the biodiversity of hosts and parasites in thelush ecosystem of Ondo state, as well as identification of organisms involved in the life cycle are noted. Methodology: Larvae and pupae of Anopheles gambiaewere reared inthe laboratory at ambient temperature of 28±2°Cand relative humidity of 75±5%. The leave extracts of T. diversifolia and M. charantia were extracted with methanol and were prepared at concentrations, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. The larvae and pupae of A. gambiae were exposed to these concentrations of the plant extract for 24 hours. Mortality of the larvae and pupae was monitored and recorded. Probit analysis was used to determine the LC50. Results: Date of this research revealed that at all levels of concentrations, mortality of both the larvae and pupae of this insect increased with increase in the concentrations regardless the type of plant extract used. The leave extract of T. diversifoliahavinga lower value of LC50(larvae: 0.20%; Pupae: 0.27%) was more potent than extract from M. charantiahaving a higher value of LC50(larvae: 0.31%; Pupae: 0.44%) after 24 hours Post Treatment of larvae and pupae of A. gambiae. T. diversifoliahad significanteffect on the larvae of A. gambiaewith percentage mortality ranges from 23.33-100% within 24hrs of exposure when compared with M. charantiathat had 16.67-100% of mortality larvae of A. gambiae.Conclusion: The obtained results from this research revealed that extracts from the two plants exhibited great insecticidal properties against larvae and pupae of A. gambiae. Therefore, more exploration on the use of these plants for the development of insecticides at commercial level should be done

Hepatitis B Infection in People Living with HIV/AIDS; A Retrospective Study of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital

Introduction:Comorbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) increases with disease severity. This may be attributed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) toxicity and HIV/AIDS-related infections. Aim:Weinvestigated the presence of comorbidities among PLWHA and reported their clinical and biochemical characteristicsMethods:This study was conducted at the EffiaNkwantaRegional Hospital (ENRH) in the South-Western part of Ghana. A retrospective data of 500 participants (134 males and 366 females) wascollected from HIV/AIDS patients on HAART (January 2012 to January 2016). Sociodemographic characteristics and laboratorydata of patients were retrieved frompatients’ clinical files and laboratory database respectively. Data wasanalyzed with SPSS for both descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: A total of 96 (19.2%) comorbiditieswere recorded (N=500). The most prevalent comorbidity was hepatitis B virus infection (34.4%). Among the 96 HIV/AIDS patients who had comorbidities, 27 (28.1%) were males and69 (71.9%) were females. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the HIV/AIDS patients with comorbidities was similar to that of those without comorbidities (113.84 ± 16.73 vs 115.32 ± 15.68). Majority of the participants with comorbidities 59 (61.5%) and those without comorbidities 227 (56.2%) were found to be on the same therapy combination (TDF+3TC+EFV). The decreased CD4 cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum potassium and creatinine were similar in the participants(those with comorbidities and those without comorbidities). None of the demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were associated with the presence of comorbidities.Conclusion:The total prevalence of commodities was 19.2% and themostprevalent commodity was HBV(34.4%). The comorbidities were common among females, themarried and old people living with HIV/AIDS. Early and regular screening will be a key prevention and control strategy for the HIV/AIDS-associated commodities

Clinical challenges with excipients in insulin formulations and role of concentrated insulin

Most of the insulin formulations in clinical use contain phenol, meta-cresol or both as excipients. These excipients in insulin preparations provide stability and have antimicrobial properties. However, they are reported to be associated with undesirable side-effects especially localised allergic reactions. Amount of excipients injected per unit dose of insulin is a major determining factor in causation of these reactions. This review discusses the excipients in different insulin formulations available in India with potential of precipitating undesirable effects and the use of concentrated insulins to reduce these complications. To avoid the detrimental effects associated with excipients, removal of preservatives or use of insulin preparations devoid of excipients can be an option. Besides these approaches, one approach that can be considered is the use of concentrated insulin to reduce the volume of insulin dose and thereby the excipients. Concentrated insulins address the high insulin requirements of the growing population of patients with type 2 diabetes who require higher insulin doses. Concentrated insulins help in reduction of dose volume as well as amount of excipients injected per unit dose of insulin. U200 (concentrated r-DNA Human Insulin Premix 30/70-200 IU/ml) can be advantageous with better absorption from smaller quantity injected, lesser variability in absorption, lesser pain and discomfort due to smaller quantity, lesser chances of hypoglycaemia all of which can lead to better patient compliance. Thus, concentrated insulin U200 can be one of the alternatives to prevent/reduce clinical complications with excipients in insulins.