Wandering airway foreign body in early infancy

Accidental impaction of objects in the respiratory passage is a life-threatening condition. A 9-month-old male infant was admitted with fever, cough and respiratory distress without history of choking. He was treated as wheezy bronchitis with appropriate therapy but, did not show response. HRCT showed an impacted foreign body in the trachea which caused a partial luminal compromise. Two attempts to remove foreign body by rigid bronchoscope failed, and tracheostomy was performed due to fall in oxygen saturation. After stabilization, again saturation was falling and air entry was absent on right hemithorax. Considering the possibility of movement of foreign body in right bronchus, bronchoscope was reintroduced and foreign body was removed in piecemeal. This process was complicated with cardiorespiratory arrest, twice from which the patient was revived. Postoperative period was uneventful. So, high index of suspicion is required to diagnose such a foreign body of the tracheobronchial tree to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Pulmonary hydatid cyst in children

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with global existence caused by tapeworm of family Taeniidae and genus Echinococcus. It is transmitted by feco oral route or direct contact with dogs. A 7-year-old female was admitted with cough, fever, chest pain and history of contact with dog. Chest radiography showed round to oval mass with air fluid level while ultrasonography of thorax was suggestive of a large cystic lesion in right mid zone with dense moving echo and multiple hyper echoic foci with connected artifacts without calcification. Computerized tomography showed large cystic lesion containing fluid with air within it in right mid zone. Initially cystic aspiration followed by pericystectomy was done. Health education, hand washing practices, creating awareness and protection of intermediate host by vaccine will help to control the disease.

Fracture Of Humerus In A Newborn During Cesarean Section: A Case Report

Risk of birth injuries and long bone fractures are common in vaginal breech deliveries but have also occurred in the cesarean section. Here, we report the case of a term neonate who was admitted with swelling and paucity of movement of the right arm with a history of energetic traction during the emergency cesarean section. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiography and managed by plaster of paris slab. Obstetrician and pediatrician should remain vigilant regarding such rare complications so that these cases are not overlooked, as timely intervention and management are necessary to prevent disability and deformities in the future.

Utility of cord blood bilirubin as a predictors of significant neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term neonate

Background: Clinical jaundice is evident in more than two-third neonates in their early neonatal life. Early identification of neonates at risk might allow early intervention and prevent complication. Objective of the study was to assess the cord blood bilirubin level as a tool to screen the risk of development of subsequent significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 2 years on 1040 healthy term neonates. Demographic profile, relevant maternal and neonatal information were recorded. Measurement of cord blood bilirubin, blood group/Rh typing and serum bilirubin at the end of 24 & 72 hours was done to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia.Results: Incidence of significant hyperbilirubinemia was 11.53%. Gender, gestational age, mode of delivery and birth weight had no correlation with development of significant jaundice. 800 (76.93%) neonates had cord blood bilirubin level ?3.0mg/dl and 240 (23.07%) neonate had cord blood bilirubin level >3.0mg/dl. Out of 240 (23.07%) neonates with higher cord bilirubin (>3.0 mg/dl), 108 (45%) had significant hyperbilirubinemia at the end of 24 hours with sensitivity 90.00%, specificity 85.65%, positive predictive value 45.00% and negative predictive value 98.50% while 110 (45.83%) neonates were observed with serum bilirubin >17mg/dl at the end of 72 hours with cord blood bilirubin >3mg/dl with sensitivity 91.67%, specificity 84.52% positive predictive value 45.83% and negative predictive value-98.61% and this difference was statistically significant.Conclusions: Neonates with cord blood bilirubin level ?3mg/dl can be safely discharged early whereas neonates with bilirubin >3mg/dl will need close follow up to check for development of subsequent significant jaundice. Hence cord blood bilirubin levels help to determine and predict the possibility of significant jaundice among healthy term neonates.

Phytoplankton diversity in the Parangipettai coastal waters, southeast coast of India.

An investigation was carried out during June 2005 to May 2007 on hydrography, composition and community structure of phytoplankton including chlorophyll a in Parangipettai coastal waters (southeast coast of India). Air and surface water temperatures varied from 25.5 to 31.2 °C and from 25 to 29.3°C, respectively. Salinity values varied from 5 to 33.1‰ and the pH ranged between 7.2 and 8.3. Dissolved oxygen content varied from 3.1 to 7.9 mg l-1 while the light extinction coefficient values (LEC) ranged between 1.8 and 11.0 cm. The range of inorganic nutrients viz., nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were: 6.5 - 27.0 µM; 1.0 - 8.9 µM; 0.1 - 3.0 µM and 15.0 - 140 µM, respectively. The range of chlorophyll a was: 2.0 - 7.5 µg l-1. Presently, 117 phytoplankton species representing different classes viz: Bacillariophyceae (66); Dinophyceae (22); Cyanophyceae (19); Chlorophyceae (7) and Chrysophyceae (3) were recorded. The phytoplankton cell abundance varied from 0.14 to 132 cells ml-1, with peak diversity (3.52 bits ind.-1) during summer season. The maximum abundance was found during summer season coinciding with the stable hydrographical conditions. Canonical Correspondence Analysis was applied in this study for discriminating environmental factors effecting on phytoplankton community at species level.

Impact of mineral deposition on shrimp, Penaeus monodon in a high alkaline water.

This study compares water quality parameters, shrimp growth and mortality rates, and biomass at harvest in two ponds of equal size, seeded with the same density (7 m-2) of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Monodon Baculo Virus (MBV) negative post-larvae (PL)-20 of shrimp, Penaeus monodon in the Vellar estuary of South India. The primary difference between the ponds was the water source; one was filled from the estuary and the second with water from bore wells with high alkalinity. Temperature in both ponds was similar and reached 32oC after 185 days of culture. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were within the acceptable range although levels in the alkaline pond were near the lower limit for the last 90 days before harvest. Salinity levels were similar in both ponds, above optimal levels, and increased over the 185 days. Alkalinity in the estuarine water was typically < 50 ppm and again 200-320 ppm in the alkaline pond. In the alkaline pond, beginning on the 75th day mineral deposits was observed covering all parts of the shrimp including the eye and the inner gill chambers, and by harvest, 42% of the shrimp showed this coating. Elemental analysis identified the major constituents as calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Survival rates in the estuarine-water-fed pond was 92% with a total pond biomass at harvest of 1.65 tons ha-1 compared to survival of 79% in the alkaline pond and a biomass at harvest of 1.020 tons ha-1. When well water must be used, its alkalinity should be monitored and diluted with water from other sources.

Seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals in water and sediments of Uppanar estuary, Nagapattinam, India.

The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metals in water and sediments in Uppanar Estuary, Nagapattinam, Southeast coast of India during January to December 2007. The minimum and maximum values of atmospheric and surface water temperatures (oC), salinity (‰), pH and dissolved oxygen (ml l-1) were: 26.0-35.0; 25.0-33.5; 8.0-35.0; 7.2- 8.2 and 2.8-5.5 respectively. The ranges of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were: 7.05-24.23; 0.82-3.15; 0.31-2.18 and 40.0-198.0 (5M) respectively. The ranges of heavy metals in water (5g 1-1) and sediment (5g g-1) copper, zinc, cadmium and mercury were: 2.45-18.25; 26.43-101.24; 1.23-24.35 and 0.01-0.22 and 5.02-81.27; 22.47-75.42; 2.25-10.06 and 0.01-0.16 respectively.

Identification of Parapenaeopsis stylifera, a new host for Epipenaeon ingens.

Epipenaeon ingens (Isopoda: Bopyridae) is reported for the first time from Parapenaeopsis stylifera (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in South India. According to the month the parasitic prevalence ranged from 0.0 to 2.9%. A characteristic bulge of the branchial chamber, growth retardation and degenerated sex organs were observed in the infested shrimp.

Seasonal variations of plankton diversity in the Kaduviyar estuary,Nagapattinam, southeast coast of India.

The results of an investigation carried out during October 2005 to September 2006 on hydrography, composition and community structure of phytoplankton and zooplankton including chlorophyll ‘a’ (Chl-a) content and primary productivity (PP) at the Kaduviyar estuary (Southeast coast of India) are reported. Air and surface water temperatures (oC) varied from 23 to 29 and from 24 to 31 respectively while the light extinction coefficient values (LEC) ranged between 0.15 and 0.59. Salinity values (‰) varied from 4 to 34 and the pH ranged between 7.8 and 8.3. Variation in dissolved oxygen content was from 3.06 to 5.63 mg l-1. The ranges of inorganic nutrients (µM) viz., nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicate and ammonia were: 0.36-12.65; 0.06-1.86; 0.06-4.57; 17.96-235.06 and 0.001-0.75 respectively. The ranges of Chlorophyll ‘a’ (mg m-3) and the primary productivity (mgCm-3hr-1) values were: 3.4-12.8 and 55-119 respectively. Presently, 85 phytoplankton species representing different classes viz: Bacillariophyceae (58); Dinophyceae (16); Cyanophyceae (7); Chlorophyceae (3) and Chrysophyceae (1) were recorded. The phytoplankton density varied from 14,135 to 74,697 cells l-1, with peak diversity (3.46 bits ind.-1) during premonsoon season. The maximum density was found during summer season coinciding with the stable hydrographical conditions. Totally 92 species of zooplankton besides 18 larvae were recorded and the copepods formed the dominant group. The occurrence of most of the zooplankton species showed a distinct seasonal pattern, which was closely associated with the species-specific environmental conditions. That way the environmental factors exert major influence on the species composition, abundance and diversity of zooplankton. The zooplankton density (org. l-1) ranged between 4342 and 14,002 and between 4867 and 15,816 at stations 1 and 2 respectively. Kaduviyar estuarine waters were very rich in zooplankton diversity (bits ind.-1) viz: 5.29 at station 2 which was slightly higher than 5.27 at Station 1. Higher values of zooplankton density and species diversity were found during premonsoon and summer seasons and which showed positive correlation with salinity. The seasonal distribution and abundance of plankton are discussed in relation to hydrographical parameters.

Biochemical composition of wild copepods, Acartia spinicauda and Oithona similisfrom Parangipettai coastal waters in relation to environmental parameters.

Percentage composition of protein, lipid, carbohydrate and amino acids of copepods, Acartia spinicauda and Oithona similis collected from Parangipettai coastal waters were estimated following standard methodologies. Of the principal biochemical constituents, protein formed the major component followed by lipid and carbohydrate. Biochemical composition analysis of wild copepods indicated their nutritional rank. The ranges of protein, lipid and carbohydrate (%) contents (of A. spinicauda and O. similis) were 67.33-75.45; 12.42-16.58; 6.69-7.98 (Stn 1); 68.10-74.62; 12.65-17.81; 4.41-7.34 (Stn 2); 68.65-74.93; 14.55-17.69; 4.01-7.90 (Stn 3) and 59.53-69.61; 10.76-17.68; 3.43-6.59 (Stn 1); 62.39-67.09; 10.26-15.65; 3.78-5.85 (Stn 2) and 59.57-67.60; 9.89-15.44; 3.71-5.72 (Stn 3) respectively. Totally 16 amino acids were observed in these wild copepods, with threonine, glutamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, serine, valine and methionine as the dominant ones. The minimum and maximum values of atmospheric and surface water temperatures (°C), salinity (‰), pH and dissolved oxygen (ml l-1) were 28.5-35; 28.7-34.2; 14.5-35.7; 7.4-8.6 and 3.0-7.2 respectively. The ranges (µM) of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were 7.9-52.9; 0.6-9.6; 0.5-7.5 and 8.2-140.5 respectively. The results supported the view that protein may function as a metabolic reserve in copepods and that the availability of a constant supply of food may render large amount of lipid storage unnecessary in tropical copepods.

Phytoplankton diversity in Pichavaram mangrove waters from south-east coast of India.

The results of an investigation carried out during September 2002 to August 2003 on hydrography, composition and community structure of phytoplankton including chlorophyll ‘a’ (Chl-a) content and primary productivity (PP) of the Pichavaram mangrove (South-east coast of India) are reported. Atmospheric and surface water temperatures varied from 30.0 to 34.8oC and from 29.7 to 34.2oC respectively while the light extinction coefficient values (LEC) (K) ranged between 3.2 and 14.9. Salinity values varied from 9.6 to 35.4‰ and the pH ranged between 7.2 and 8.6. Variation in dissolved oxygen content was from 3.2 to 6.5 ml l-1. The ranges of inorganic nutrients viz., nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were: 7-36.23, 0.31-5.46, 0.28-3.70 and 12.26-56.64 μM respectively. Chlorophyll ‘a’ content ranged between 0.20 and 105.60 ;g l-1 and the ranges of gross and net primary productivities (PP) were: 16.54-826.8 and 11.52-610.2 mg C m-3 hr -1respectively. Presently a total of 94 species of phytoplankton were identified. Among these, the diatoms formed predominant group. Population density of phytoplankton varied from 400 to 3,21,000 cells-1. While the peak diversity (5.23 bits / ind.) of the phytoplankton was observed during summer season, the maximum population density was found during summer season coinciding with the stable hydrographical conditions.

Seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of Pichavaram mangroves, southeast coast of India.

All the physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, salinity pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrients like nitrate, nitrite, inorganic phosphate and reactive silicate were studied in Pichavaram mangroves, southeast coast of India, for a period of two years (April 2000-March 2002). Air and surface water temperatures varied from 27 degrees C to 38 degrees C and from 26 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Salinity varied from 3.0 per thousand to 33.0 per thousand and the pH ranged between 7.2 and 8.2. Variation in dissolved oxygen content was from 2.4 to 5.0 ml l(-1). Concentrations of nutrients viz nitrates (9.50 to 32.12 microM), nitrites (1.07 to 5.99 microM), phosphates (0.73 to 2.36 microM) and reactive silicates (22.1 to 89.8 microM) also varied independently.

Seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of water, sediment and soil texture in arid zone mangroves of Kachchh-Gujarat.

The present study was carried out to determine the physicochemical characteristics of water and sediment and the textural aspects of sediments in western mangroves of Kachchh-Gujarat, west coast of India, for a period of two years during 1999-2000. Surface water and sediment temperatures varied from 17 degrees C to 37 degrees C and from 18.4 degrees C to 37 degrees C respectively. Tidal amplitude varied from 0.03 m to 3.78 m. Salinity varied from 34.0 to 44 per thousand and the pH in water and sediment ranged between 7.0 and 8.9 and 6.29 and 8.45 respectively. Variation in dissolved oxygen content was from 3.42 to 5.85 ml l(-1). Concentrations of nutrients viz. nitrate (0.23 to 7.26 microM), nitrite (0.04 to 0.87 microM), phosphate (0.13 to 3.12 microM) and reactive silicate (4.23 to 19.02 microM) also varied independently Total organic carbon varied from 0.29% to 2.56% and the total inorganic phosphorus ranged between 0.12 mg g(-1) and 1.97 mg g(-1). Total nitrogen varied from 0.02 mg g(-1) to 1.95 mg g(-1). Sediment textures ranges in terms of % of sand, clay and silt were: 0.26-19.2; 7.6-47 and 47-87.4 respectively in all the 3 stations. The nature of soil texture is characterized by the abundance of silty loam, silty clay and silty clay loam.

Abundance and seasonal variations of phytoplankton in the creek waters of western mangrove of Kachchh-Gujarat.

The phytoplankton was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively in regard to their abundance in creek waters at three sites along the western mangrove of Kachchh. In total one hundred and four species of phytoplankton were identified. Among them 82 species diatoms (Bacillariophyceae), 16 species dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae), 3 species blue greens (Cyanophyceae) and 2 species were green algae. The density in all the three sites varied from 94,166.67 to 2,44,500 cells l(-1). The salinity ranged from 36 to 44 per thousand, temperature 17 to 35 degrees C and pH ranged from 7 to 8.9 respectively. These semi arid zone mangrove creek area having high densities were recorded during monsoon and early winter season.

Effect of isopod parasite, Cymothoa indica on gobiid fish, Oxyurichthys microlepis from Parangipettai coastal waters (South-east coast of India).

The present study reported for the first time on the effect of isopod parasite, Cymothoa indica infestation on Oxyurichthys microlepis an ecologically important gobiid fish from Parangipettai coastal environment (South-east coast of India). The loss of weight in host fishes (male 20.47 and female 32.84%) were observed due to parasitism. The weight of uninfested female fish was found to be higher than that of infested one. The calus like thickening developed on the gill arch and gill filaments of host fish due to the persistent irritation caused by the appendages of the parasite. The reduction of gill surface area was observed due to the attachment of the parasites. The maximum reduction noticed in the first gill arch is mainly due to the heavy pressure exerted by the parasite. Details of gross lesions observed in the branchial chamber, buccal cavity and body surface was enumerated. Heavy infestations of parasitic juveniles have the potential to kill small fingerlings. The swimming capacity of the fish was also found to be affected.

On the occurrence of a double parasitism (copepod and isopod) on the anchovy fish in India.

A double parasitism (isopod and copepod) on anchovy fish, Stolephorus commersonii Lacepede, 1803 was recorded from Parangipettai (India) coastal waters during June, 2004. This is the first report from this region and the infestation is discussed in relation to environmental parameters in this short communication.

Treatment of spent wash in anaerobic mesophilic suspended growth reactor (AMSGR).

Approximately 400 KL of spent wash or vinasse per annum is generated at an average COD concentration of 100,000 mg/l, by over 250 distilleries in India. There is an urgent need to develop, assess and use ecofriendly methods for the disposal of this high strength wastewater. Therefore, an attempt was made to investigate a few aspects of anaerobic digestion of spent wash collected from a distillery. The study was carried out in a 4 L laboratory scale anaerobic mesophilic suspended growth reactor. After the successful startup, the organic loading was increased stepwise to assess the performance of the reactor. During the study period, biogas generated was recorded and the maximum gas generated was found to be 16.9 L at an Organic Loading Rate (OLR) of 38 g COD/L. A 500% increase in the Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) concentration (2150 mg/L) was observed, when the OLR was increased from 38 to 39 g COD/L. During the souring phase the removal of COD, Total Solids (TS) and Volatile Solids (VS) were in the order of 52%, 40% and 46% respectively. The methane content in the biogas varied from 65% to 75%.

Growth of Brassica juncea under chromium stress: influence of siderophores and indole 3 acetic acid producing rhizosphere bacteria.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains A3 and S32 have been shown to promote the growth of Brassica juncea under chromium stress which has been related to the microbial production of siderophores and indole 3 acetic acid (IAA). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the importance of siderophores and IAA producing PGPR on the growth of Brassica juncea under chromium stress. The production of IAA and siderophores were observed in the strains A3 and S32, respectively. Both PGPR strains promote the growth of Brassica juncea under chromium stress. The maximum growth was observed in plants inoculated with siderophores producing strain 32. Both the bacterial inoculum did not influence the uptake of chromium by plants. The present observation showed that PGPR isolates A3 and S32 are capable of protecting the plants against the inhibitory effects of chromium by producing the siderophores and IAA.