Studies on the development of cassava based reconstituted dry starch sago with modified starch as binder and characterization of its physico-functional properties

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the status and diversity of plant species used for rearing of Eri silkworm and their traditional management in the homegardens of Mishing tribe.Methodology: A total of 45 homegardens from three villages were surveyed randomly which were primarily associated with rearing of Eri silkworm. Vegetation was studied using quadrat method. The data on traditional knowledge associated with the management of plants species for rearing of Eri silkworm were collected using semi structured questionnaires. Results: The average size of studied homegardens was 0.35 ha. A total of 243 plant species were recorded from the studied homegardens of which six species were used as food plants for rearing of Eri silkworm and 10 species were used in construction of mountage. Trees related to Eri culture contributed to 37.47% of the total importance value index (IVI) in the studied homegardens. Heteropanax fragrans (Roxb.) Seem and Ricinus communis L. were the primary food plants of Eri silkworm and were found to be dominant in the homegardens. Activities such as land preparation, sowing, pruning, weeding and watering are carried out for the management of Eri silkworm food plant species and were found to vary for different species. Interpretation: There is an urgent need to document the indigenous knowledge and traditional practices associated with the management of host and food plants used in the rearing of Eri silkworm in the present day context as it is a part of their cultural heritage and should be reoriented through integration of modern farming technique.

Cytotoxic therapy. Role of durable venous access.

Aggressive chemotherapy regimens and supportive measures in haemato-oncology patients demand reliable venous access. Experience with this method in India has been limited. During a period of six months, we have used 42 subclavian indwelling catheters and 31 cubital Cavafix long lines. The mean age of patients in the two groups was 32 years and 7 years respectively. Subclavian catheters had a median duration of catheter placement of 46 days (range 4-145) and total 1494 catheter days, while cubital longlines yielded a median duration of insertion of 14 days (range 4-27) and total 508 catheter days. Catheter related complications were infection in 25% of patients, thrombophlebitis in 22%, blockade in 12% and misplacement in 17% in both groups taken together. The patients and families were extremely satisfied with the devices. Our experience supports further use of durable venous access in cancer patients. Implanted central venous catheters should be preferred whenever feasible.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood: treatment, results and prognostic factors.

Two hundred and nine children (20 years and below) diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia between January 1980 and December 1983 were retrospectively analysed to evaluate the clinical features, prognostic factors and the results of therapy. One hundred and eighty one evaluable patients were treated with three different chemotherapy regimens consisting of vincristine and prednisolone (Group-A), vincristine, prednisolone and L-asparaginase (Group B-60 patients), and vincristine, prednisolone and adriamycin (Group C-81 patients). Complete remission was achieved in 152 (84%) patients, remission induction being 75 percent, 85 percent and 88 percent in Group A, B and C respectively. At a median follow-up of 36 months the disease free survival for complete responders was 35.5 patient. The disease-free survival for Group A, B and C was 20 percent, 47 percent 34 percent respectively indicating the superiority of a three drug regimen over the conventional two drug regimen. Patients at standard risk in each group had significantly better survival when compared to those at high risk. A 3-drug treatment regimen was superior to the 2-drug regimen and a low initial leucocyte count was an important favourable prognostic factor.

Limitations of the therapeutic regimens for myelodysplastic syndrome.

Thirty patients of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were treated over a period of 2 yr using 3 different treatment regimens. Twelve patients received hydroxyurea, 4 were given low dose cytosine arabinoside and 14 others were treated with an aggressive acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) induction regimen. A low complete remission was obtained in the first 2 groups (17 and 25% respectively), whereas 9 (64%) patients attained complete remission with the AML induction regimen. Remission in the latter group was associated with prolonged and severe pancytopenia requiring intensive support. Patients in all the 3 groups had a short duration of remission culminating in death with progressive marrow failure or evolution to AML, indicating the limitations of the current treatment strategies for MDS and highlighting the need for exploring newer therapeutic approaches.

Spontaneous complete remission in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Case records of 78 patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia have been reviewed. Complete remission occurred in seven cases following an episode of septicemia and supportive care.