Potential of X-ray imaging to detect citrus granulation in different cultivars with progress in harvesting time

Granulation, a physiological disorder of citrus is manifested by shriveled juice sacs and internal dryness. Extractable juice in granulated tissue is drastically reduced as a consequence of gelatinization and secondary epidermis formation. Since, the defect cannot be detected externally it leads to consumer dissatisfaction and poor returns to farmers. Processing industry also faces huge economic loss due to reduction in the juice recovery from granulated fruit. In this context, here, we studied the possibility of developing an image processing algorithm through MATLAB software to detect granulation with advancement of maturity via X-ray micrographs. Fruit of eight citrus cultivars comprising of granulation susceptible and tolerant varieties harvested at four different intervals were exposed to X-rays. Voltage of 46 kV and current of 6.5 mA given to fruit for an exposure time of 320 mAs gave the best X-ray image contrasts. The developed algorithm could effectively distinguish the healthy and granulated fruit with an accuracy of 90% as validated by subsequent destructive analysis when estimated for four different harvesting dates. The imaging technique can be employed by the processors to determine the severity of granulation and to sort out fruit online which will help in saving economic losses.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in non-small-cell lung carcinomas: A retrospective analysis of 1036 lung cancer specimens from a network of tertiary cancer care centers in India.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation plays a vital role in the prognosis of patients with lung cancer. However, there is a dearth of studies on EGFR mutation in Indian population. In this retrospective study conducted at a network of tertiary cancer care centers across India, we evaluated the proportion of EGFR mutation in patients with non‑small‑cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1036 cases of non‑small lung cancer were assessed for EGFR mutation status using Scorpion amplified refractory mutation system real time polymerase chain reaction method from fine needle aspiration cytology core biopsy, pleural fluid and cell blocks. For a few cases, macro dissection of tumor from H and E slides was also performed for EGFR analysis. EGFR Status was assessed for the most commonly known driver mutations in Exons 18, 19, 20 and 21, which contributes to a total of 29 somatic mutations including the resistance mutation T790M. RESULTS: Around 39% of the cohort was female and 61% were male. Mutation was positive in 40.3% and negative (wild type) in 59.7%. There was 1.8% mutation in exon 18, 24.6% in exon 19, 1.6% in exon 20 and 12.8% in exon 21. 38.2% had a mutation in a single site and 1.1% had a mutation in two sites. Overall mutation was significant in females (50.5% vs. 33.9%) compared with males (c2 = 28.3, P < 0.001). Mutation was significant in exon 21 (16.8% vs. 10.3%, c2 = 9.44, P = 0.002) and exon 19 (30.7% vs. 20.7%, c2 = 13.2, P < 0.001) in females compared with males. CONCLUSION: EGFR is expressed differentially/ mutated in patients with NSCLC. Further studies to unravel the predictors for acquired genetic alterations of EGFR are needed.

Rare causes of voice hoarseness: a case report.

We report two contrasting and rare cases of voice hoarseness in young patients of tubercular aetiology. First case report is of isolated tubercular recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in a patient who presented with hoarseness of voice. Chest radiograph showed a left hilar prominence and bronchial washings isolated acid-fast bacilli. Hoarseness of voice as an initial symptom due to isolated vocal cord palsy with no morphological lesions in the larynx and without obvious parenchymal infiltration often poses a diagnostic dilemma. Second case report highlights the possibilities of tuberculosis of the vocal cords mimicking tumour of the larynx. This patient had an ulcerative growth involving the vocal cord which was initially mistaken for malignancy. Patient also had concomitant miliary shadowing in the lungs and laryngoscopic biopsy revealed the growth to be tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and intervention with antitubercular treatment is vital as it results in complete recovery with reversal of vocal hoarseness.

Physical and behavioral development in rats after late prenatal exposure to diazepam.

The effect of late prenatal exposure to diazepam (DZP) on physical and behavioral development of rat pups was investigated. Prenatal exposure to DZP (20 mg/kg, sc, in last week of pregnancy) did not alter litter size and no gross malformations were noted at birth. Body weight at birth and subsequent weight gain was significantly less in these animals. The development of reflexes and neuromuscular maturation was normal. Open field locomotor activity and rearing scores were significantly decreased. Test of social play in juvenile rats revealed normal pattern of sexual dimorphism with increased masculinized behavior. Acquisition and retention of passive avoidance task was not affected by DZP exposure, however, retention of brightness discrimination task was significantly decreased. The hypnotic effect of a challenge dose of DZP and convulsive effect of pentylene tetrazole remained unaltered. Open field activity test in adult animals revealed increased ambulation. Probe dose of amphetamine in these animals caused paradoxical decrease in activity. It is concluded that exposure to high dose of DZP during late prenatal period may not manifest in physical or neuromuscular impairment during early development period, except for weight loss, however, it may have long term effects on behavior becoming manifest in adolescence and at maturity.