Efficacy of Drainless Total Thyroidectomy in Intrathyroidal Lesions of Thyroid

Abstract Introduction There is difference of opinion about the placement of the drain in thyroid surgeries, and, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of drainless total thyroidectomy regarding various parameters of thyroid lesions has not been well-established. Objective To report our experience with drainless total thyroidectomy, and to define an appropriate patient population for its performance. Methods This is a retrospective case analysis of the patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for intrathyroidal lesions with or without central neck dissection in a tertiary referral hospital (number = 74). The patients, who had undergone total thyroidectomy without any drain insertion, were analyzed, and the relationships among various parameters of thyroid lesions were noted in relation to seroma and hematoma formation. Results Seroma formation was noted only in 5 out of 74 patents (6.75%). All of the seromas that occurred were observed in patients with thyroid lesions < 4 cm, and 4 out of 5 seromas were observed in patients with a malignant pathology. There was no statistically significant difference in seroma formation between patients younger or older than 50 years of age. The nature of the lesion, whether benign or malignant, did not affect the formation of seroma. Of interest is the fact that none of the 10 patients who had central neck dissection performed as part of their treatment developed seroma. Conclusions Drainless total thyroidectomy is safe across all age groups for patients harboring either benign or malignant thyroid pathologies. However, caution is to be observed in opting for drainless total thyroidectomy in patients with large lesions (> 5 cm)

Effect of Thiourea on Physiological Performance of Two Salt Affected Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars

Aims: The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of thiourea on physiological characteristics of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties under impact of salinity. Study Design: Experiment includes two rice varieties named as B-515 and KS-282, salinity level of 150 mM, thiourea of 0.25 mM alone and in combination were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Old Botanical Garden, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, between 4th July and 21st August 2015. Methodology: Transplants of two rice varieties, Basmati-515 and KS-282 were exposed to salinity (150 mM) and thiourea (0.25 mM) after one month of transplanting in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Harvesting data was taken that include fresh and dry weights, leaf area, number of tillers, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal and substomatal conductance, water use efficiency and intrinsic CO2 concentration as well as chlorophyll contents in two rice varieties. Results: Thiourea treatment enhanced photosynthetic efficiency of Basmati-515 more than KS-282 by improving the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and gas exchange attributes more than control. Conclusion: Salinity profoundly affect the physiological performance of two rice varieties especially that of KS-282, while 0.25 mM thiourea application unable to mitigate the effect of salinity but thiourea alone proved to be beneficial for both the rice varieties.

Epidemic of Scrub Typhus in Haroti Region of Rajasthan.

Scrub typhus is a rare form of disease caused by gram negative bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, of family Rickettsiaceae, transmitted by bite of infected trombiculid mite larva (chigger). The present prospective study is undertaken with the aim of the clinical manifestations, course, complications and outcome of scrub typhus in Haroti region of Rajasthan state during the recent epidemic. Method: This prospective study was conducted in indoor patients of MBS hospital and various private nursing homes in Kota city from August 2012 to November 2012. Twenty cases with positive Scrub typhus card test in the age group of 20 years to 60 years, comprising of 14 males and 06 females were included in the study group in clinically suspected cases with fever, rashes, cough with or without eschar and regional lymphadenopathy. Cases were studied in detail and followed up for improvement and any permanent damage or death. Results: Out of 20 patients, 16 patients improved and discharged from hospital in stable condition without any disability. 02 patients (10%) died because of late presentation and multiorgan involvement especially respiratory failure or meningoencephalitis. Conclusion: Haroti witnessed recent epidemic of Scrub typhus. Renal, respiratory and neurological complications were main cause of mortality and morbidity.

Alkaline phosphatase in pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Various parameters from pleural fluid have been studied to identify the cause. The diagnostic value of these parameters varies. The present study was carried out to evaluate the value of alkaline phosphatase concentration in the pleural effusions as a diagnostic tool. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with pleural effusion admitted over a period of two years were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed by pleural biopsy and cytology for malignant cells. RESULTS: Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels of more than 75 mg/dl was found in exudative effusions and less than 75 mg/dl in transudative ones. But it did not differentiate tubercular pleural effusions from other exudative ones. CONCLUSION: Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase of >75 mg/dl is a useful biochemical marker to suggest exudative effusions.