Land suitability analysis for turmeric crop for humid tropical Kerala, India, under current and future climate scenarios using advanced geospatial techniques.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric cultivation primarily thrives in India, followed by Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. India leads globally in both area and production of turmeric. Despite this, there is a recognized gap in research regarding the impact of climate change on site suitability of turmeric. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate both the present and future suitability of turmeric cultivation within the humid tropical region of Kerala, India, by employing advanced geospatial techniques. The research utilized meteorological data from the Indian Meteorological Department for the period of 1986-2020 as historical data and projected future data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Four climatic scenarios of shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR6 model of MIROC6 for the year 2050 (SSP 1-2.6, SSP 2-4.5, SSP 3-7.0 and SSP 5-8.5) were used. RESULTS: The results showed that suitable area for turmeric cultivation is declining in future scenario and this decline can be primarily attributed to fluctuations in temperature and an anticipated increase in rainfall in the year 2050. Notable changes in the spatial distribution of suitable areas over time were observed through the application of geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Importantly, as per the suitability criteria provided by ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS & LUP), all the districts in Kerala exhibited moderately suitable conditions for turmeric cultivation. With the GIS tools, the study identified highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable areas of turmeric cultivation in Kerala. Presently 28% of area falls under highly suitable, 41% of area falls under moderately suitable and 11% falls under not suitable for turmeric cultivation. However, considering the projected scenarios for 2050 under the SSP framework, there will be a significant decrease in highly suitable area by 19% under SSP 5-8.5. This reduction in area will have an impact on the productivity of the crop as a result of changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the present research suggests that the state of Kerala needs to implement suitable climate change adaptation and management strategies for sustaining the turmeric cultivation. Additionally, the present study includes a discussion on potential management strategies to address the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions for optimizing turmeric production in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study of Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

A major global public health concern is the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. While still battling communicable diseases, Bangladesh is already inundated with non-communicable diseases. Type 2 diabetes has been found in almost 90.0% of all instances of diabetes. The main risk factors for type 2 diabetes are an excessively caloric diet, advanced age, sedentary behavior and obesity. Along with preexisting risk factors, many micro-nutrients have been related to a rise in the incidence of diabetes. The study's objective was to measure and contrast the zinc levels in serum between individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019 at the Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the subjects were chosen using a purposeful (non-random) sample method. In total, 100 people participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: 50 individuals who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were chosen as cases and 50 individuals who appeared to be in generally excellent health were chosen as controls. For the analytical aims of this investigation, serum zinc levels were examined. All values were expressed as the mean SD. The statistical analyses were carried out using the Windows program statistics package for social science (SPSS). The statistical significance of the difference between the case and control groups was evaluated using the Student's unpaired 't' test. A thorough research revealed that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had significantly lower mean serum zinc levels than healthy controls (case group was 110.96±13.60 and control group 130.18±9.95µg/dl). Cross-sectional research was used in this study. The current study's findings showed that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had dramatically changed serum zinc levels. The study's hypothesis was verified as a result.

Relationship of Serum Creatinine Level in Heart Failure Patients in Bangladesh.

Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stuff. In collaboration with department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh this cross-sectional study from January to December 2018 was performed in the department of Biochemistry in Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of serum creatinine in patients with heart failure (HF) for management purpose. In this study 120 subjects were included, where 60 patients of diagnosed HF acts as case group and 60 individuals were normal healthy acts as control group. Serum creatinine was determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 21. Among the study groups the mean serum creatinine levels were 2.20±0.87mg/dl and 0.92±0.26mg/dl in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum creatinine level was highly significantly (p<0.001) increased in HF patients in comparison to that of control group.

Outpatient Opioid Dispensing Patterns for SC Medicaid Children 1-36 Months Old.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify the most common diagnostic categories linked to dispensed opioid prescriptions among children 1-36 months old and changes in patterns over the years 2000 to 2017. METHODS: This study used South Carolina's Medicaid claims data of pediatric dispensed outpatient opioid prescriptions between 2000 and 2017. The major opioid-related diagnostic category (indication) for each prescription was identified using visit primary diagnoses and the Clinical Classification System (AHRQ-CCS) software. The variables of interest were the rate of opioid prescriptions per 1,000 visits for each diagnostic category and the relative percentage of opioid prescriptions assigned to each category compared to all categories. RESULTS: Six major diagnostic categories were identified; Diseases of the respiratory system (RESP), Congenital anomalies (CONG), Injury (INJURY), Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs (NEURO), Diseases of the digestive system (GI), and Diseases of the genitourinary system (GU). The overall rate of dispensed opioid prescriptions per category declined significantly for four diagnostic categories throughout the study period, RESP by 15.13, INJURY by 8.49, NEURO by 7.33, and GI by 5.93. Two categories increased during the same time, CONG (by 9.47) and GU (by 6.98). RESP was the most prevalent category linked to a dispensed opioid prescription within 2010-2012 (almost 25%) but CONG was the most prevalent by 2014 (17.77%). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Among Medicaid children 1-36 months old, annual dispensed opioid prescription rates declined for most major diagnostic categories (RESP, INJURY, NEURO, and GI). Future studies should explore alternatives to current opioid dispensing practices for GU and CONG cases.

HbA1c and Troponin-I Levels and Their Relationship in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome is a growing public health concern. Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to develop acute coronary syndrome due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Acute coronary syndrome is common in diabetes mellitus and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. Troponin-I is a biochemical marker for cardiac muscle injury. Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is also regarded as an independent risk factor for acute coronary syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus.The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of HbA1c and Troponin-I level in patients with acute coronary syndrome. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. Total study subjects were ninety five of both gender selected from the admitted patients of the cardiology department of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome was confirmed by cardiologist. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was confirmed by Random Blood Glucose (RBG) level. Study subjects were grouped, acute coronary syndrome with diabetes mellitus as Group A and acute coronary syndrome without diabetes mellitus as Group B. Baseline parameters was recorded in data collection sheet. HbA1c, Troponin-I level of all study subjects were analyzed and recorded. Mean age of the study subjects in Group A and Group B were 51.06 years and 51.66 years respectively. Male gender was predominant in both groups. Mean SBP and DBP were significantly higher in Group A than Group B. Mean HbA1c level of the study subjects in Group A was significantly higher than Group B (p=0.001). Mean Troponin-I level in Group A was also significantly higher than Group B (p=0.023). HbA1c and Troponin-I levels were positively correlated in Group A (r=0.471, p=0.001). The present study demonstrated significant positive correlation of HbA1c and Troponin-I level in diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Study of Changes in Serum Copper Level in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) commonly known as heart attack is defined pathologically as the irreversible death of myocardial cells caused by ischemia. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood cholesterol and excessive alcohol intake. The major cause of acute MI is coronary atherosclerosis with superimposed luminal thrombus, which accounts for more than 80% of all infarcts. Micronutrients and trace elements are very essential for normal functioning of the body. Even though they are required in very small amount, an alteration in the level of this element may lead to serious diseases like CAD and its consequences. The injury induced by reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium could result partially from the cytotoxic effects of oxygen free radicals. Copper is involved in several of the reactions in the protection from free radical damage. So, this study was designed to evaluate serum cupper level in AMI patients. This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2017. Total number of subjects was 120 in number. Among them 60 were diagnosed case of acute myocardial infarction and 60 were apparently healthy volunteers. Data were collected using pre-designed data collection sheets. After proper counseling informed written consent was taken from the study population. The study revealed that mean serum copper level was higher in case group as compared to control group. The mean±SD values of copper were 105.44±24.15µg/dl and 146.49±23.52µg/dl in control and case group respectively. The level of significance was 0.001 (p<0.05). After analyzing the results of the study it is concluded that serum copper level was significantly higher in Acute Myocardial Infarction patients than normal individuals. Therefore, estimation of serum copper level in AMI patients might be useful to take appropriate measure to prevent free radical induced reperfusion injury.

Study of Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a significant global public health concern, particularly in emerging nations like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is already overrun with non-communicable diseases while still battling communicable diseases. About 90.0% of all cases of diabetes that have been diagnosed are type 2 diabetes. High calorie diet, age, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Different micronutrients have been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes in addition to existing risk factors. The goal of the study was to assess the serum levels of calcium and magnesium in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and compare them to those in healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019 at the Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Department of Biochemistry in cooperation with the Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Purposive (non-random) sampling was used to pick the subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study had 100 individuals in total. Out of them, 50 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been diagnosed were chosen as cases, and another 50 people who appeared to be in generally good health were chosen as controls. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were measured for this study's analytical purposes. The mean±SD was used to express all values. The statistical package for social science (SPSS), a Windows application, was used to conduct the statistical analyses. Using the Student's unpaired 't' test, the statistical significance of the difference between the case and control groups was assessed. Following comprehensive analysis, it was discovered that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had considerably lower mean serum calcium (in case group was 8.46±0.63 and control group 8.86±0.64mg/dl) and magnesium levels (in case group was 2.09±0.42 and control group 2.24±0.16mg/dl) than healthy controls. According to the results of the current investigation, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had significantly altered serum calcium and magnesium levels. As a result, the study's hypothesis was accepted.

Rehabilitation of Maxillary Bilateral Regional Odontodysplasia in a 7-Year-Old Child Using Modified Essix Retainer.

Regional odontodysplasia (RO), also called ghost teeth, is a rare nonhereditary developmental dental anomaly affecting the epidermal and mesenchymal tissues associated with the development of tooth which can affect both primary and permanent dentition. It can affect the child's overall quality of life and sometimes may lead to skeletal malocclusion. Management of such patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. Essix retainers are being widely used as retention appliances. Various modifications of this appliance are also being attempted. Thus, this article aims to focus on the use of Essix retainer as an interim prosthesis by modifying it with the incorporation of pontics to manage partial edentulousness and mild orthodontic corrections in a 7-year-old child diagnosed with bilateral RO.

Evaluation of Liver Function Tests in ß-Thalassemia Major Children.

Thalassemia is the most prevalent single gene defect in human beings worldwide. Repeated blood transfusions along with chelation therapy are mainstay of treatment in thalassemia patients. However these recurrent blood transfusions result in iron overload which along with chelation therapy causes deterioration of liver function. Aim of the study was to evaluate the liver function tests in ß-thalassemia major patients. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. In this study, 50 diagnosed patients of ß Thalassemia major (Group A) and 50 apparently healthy children (Group B) of both sexes were selected from the department of Paediatrics, Dhaka medical college. The study parameters were serum ferritin, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP. The results were compared statistically between groups. Serum ferritin level (mean±SD) in thalassemic major patients in Group A (890±446.38 microgram/L) which is significantly higher above normal level. Serum bilirubin in Group A (3.27±2.62 mg/dl) and in Group B (0.48±0.24 mg/dl), Serum ALT in Group A (53.06±34.0 U/L) and in Group B (16.70±4.81 U/L), AST in Group A (84.56±33.54 U/L) and in Group B (11.60±2.72 U/L) and ALP levels in Group A (422.42±226.99 IU/L) and in Group B (221.86±80.54 IU/L). All the values were significantly higher (p<0.001) in ß-thalassemia patient than that of normal children. This study concludes that liver function parameters are significantly higher in ß thalassemia major patients. So routine evaluation of liver function tests may be advocated for thalassemic patients to predict early onset of hepatic dysfunction.

Cold abscess of dental origin in a 7-year-old child.

Abscess related to an infected tooth is mostly associated with pyogenic infection, but sometimes, it can be asymptomatic and indicate a chronic condition. This case report shows cold abscess with a draining sinus due to dental origin. A 7-year-old female patient complained of pain with respect to grossly decayed tooth and recurrent swelling with no response to medications. After investigations and management of the lesion, it was concluded as abscess due to chronic granulomatous infection. Cold abscess is a classical manifestation of tuberculosis with no signs of inflammation. More than 60% of cases of this pathology occur in patients below 15 years old. It needs various clinical, histopathological, and laboratory investigations. Although rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis when no improvement occurs postroutine therapy to prevent serious complications. Furthermore, various precautions should be taken by the clinicians to prevent cross-infection.

Association between Serum Albumin Status with Heart Failure (HF) Patients in Bangladesh.

In collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh this cross sectional study was performed in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College from January 2018 to December 2018. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship of serum albumin in patients' with heart failure (HF) as a resource to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 patients in case group were diagnosed HF patients and as control group 60 individuals were normal healthy. Serum albumin was determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 21. Among the study groups the mean serum albumin levels were 3.25±0.59 and 4.14±0.38 in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum albumin level was highly significantly (p<0.001) decreased in HF patients in comparison to that of control group.

Serum Amino-Terminal Pro-B Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) Status among Heart Failure (HF) Patients in Bangladesh.

This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2018 to December 2018. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship of serum NT-pro BNP in heart failure (HF) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed HF patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum NT-pro BNP concentration was measured by Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA) from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 21. Among the study group the mean serum NT-pro BNP levels were 4931.93±7229.36 and 999.47±49.99 pg/ml in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum NT-pro BNP level was highly significant (p<0.001) increased in heart failure patients comparison to that of control group.

Relationship of Cardiac Troponin (CTn-I) with Heart Failure Patients in Bangladesh.

This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2018 to December 2018 to explore the relationship of serum Troponin I in heart failure (HF) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed HF patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum Troponin I concentration was measured by Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA) from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 21. Among the study groups the mean serum Troponin I levels were 2.78±7.26 and 0.96±0.05 in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum Troponin I level was significantly (p<0.05) increased in heart failure patients comparison to that of control group.

Should we start a nationwide screening program for critical congenital heart disease in Turkey? A pilot study on four centres with different altitudes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the feasibility of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening test by pulse oximetry in four geographical regions of Turkey with different altitudes, before implementation of a nationwide screening program. METHODS: It was a prospective multi-centre study performed in four centres, between December, 2015 and May, 2017. Pre- and post-ductal oxygen saturations and perfusion indices (PI) were measured using Masimo Radical-7 at early postnatal days. The results were evaluated according to the algorithm recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Additionally, a PI value <0.7 was accepted to be significant. RESULTS: In 4888 newborns, the mean screening time was 31.5 ± 12.1 hours. At first attempt, the mean values of pre- and post-ductal measurements were: saturation 97.3 ± 1.8%, PI 2.8 ± 2.0, versus saturation 97.7 ± 1.8%, PI 2.3±1.3, respectively. Pre-ductal saturations and PI and post-ductal saturations were the lowest in Centre 4 with the highest altitude. Overall test positivity rate was 0.85% (n = 42). CCHD was detected in six babies (0.12%). Of them, right hand (91 ± 6.3) and foot saturations (92.1 ± 4.3%) were lower compared to ones with non-CCHD and normal variants (p <0.05, for all comparisons). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio of the test were: 83.3%, 99.9%, 11.9%, 99.9%, and 99.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that pulse oximetry screening is an effective screening tool for congenital heart disease in newborns at different altitudes. We support the implementation of a national screening program with consideration of altitude differences for our country.

'The clock keeps ticking'--the role of a community-based intervention in reducing delays in seeking emergency obstetric care in rural Bangladesh: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of a community-based intervention in reducing delays in accessing emergency obstetric care (EmOC) in rural Bangladesh, and the factors associated with delayed decision making, reaching the health facility and receiving treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. METHODS: Multistage random sampling was used to select 540 villages, from which 1200 women who reported obstetric complications in March-April 2010 were interviewed. RESULTS: The median time taken to make the decision to access health care was significantly lower in the intervention areas compared with the control areas (80 vs 90 min). In addition, the median time taken to reach the health facility was significantly lower in the intervention areas compared with the control areas (110 vs 135 min). However, no difference was found in the median time taken to receive treatment. Multiple linear regressions demonstrated that the community intervention significantly reduced decision making and time taken to reach the health facility when accessing EmOC in rural Bangladesh. However, for women experiencing haemorrhage, the delays were longer in the intervention areas. Protective factors against delayed decision making included access to television, previous medical exposure, knowledge, life-threatening complications during childbirth and use of a primary health facility. Financial constraints and traditional perceptions were associated with delayed decision making. Complications during labour, use of a motorized vehicle and use of a primary health facility were associated with faster access to EmOC, and poverty, distance, transportation difficulties and decision made by male guardian were associated with slower access to EmOC. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention appeared to reduce the time taken to make the decision to access health care and the time taken to reach the health facility when accessing EmOC. This study provides support for a focus on emergency preparedness for timely referral from the community.

OsACA6, a P-type IIB Ca²âº ATPase promotes salinity and drought stress tolerance in tobacco by ROS scavenging and enhancing the expression of stress-responsive genes.

Calcium (Ca²âº) regulates several signalling pathways involved in growth, development and stress tolerance. Cellular Ca²âº homeostasis is achieved by the combined action of channels, pumps and antiporters, but direct evidence for a role of Ca²âºATPase pumps in stress tolerance is lacking. Here we report the characterization of a Ca²âº ATPase gene (OsACA6) from Oryza sativa, and elucidate its functions in stress tolerance. OsACA6 transcript levels are enhanced in response to salt, drought, abscisic acid and heat. In vivo localization identified plasma membranes as an integration site for the OsACA6-GFP fusion protein. Using transgenic tobacco lines, we demonstrate that over-expression of OsACA6 is triggered during salinity and drought stresses. The enhanced tolerance to these stresses was confirmed by changes in several physiological indices, including water loss rate, photosynthetic efficiency, cell membrane stability, germination, survival rate, malondialdehyde content, electrolyte leakage and increased proline accumulation. Furthermore, over-expressing lines also showed higher leaf chlorophyll and reduced accumulation of H2O2 and Na⁺ ions compared to the wild-type. Reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in transgenic lines. The increased proline accumulation and ROS scavenging enzyme activities in transgenic plants over-expressing OsACA6 efficiently modulate the ROS machinery and proline biosynthesis through an integrative mechanism. Transcriptional profiling of these plants revealed altered expression of genes encoding many transcription factors, stress- and disease-related proteins, as well as signalling components. These results suggest that Ca²âº ATPases have diverse roles as regulators of many stress signalling pathways, leading to plant growth, development and stress tolerance.

Photo-anthropometric study on face among Garo adult females of Bangladesh.

Facial anthropometry has well-known implications in health-related fields. Measurement of human face is used in identification of person in Forensic medicine, Plastic surgery, Orthodontics, Archeology, Hair-style design and examination of the differences between races and ethnicities. Facial anthropometry provides an indication of the variations in facial shape in a specified population. Bangladesh harbours many cultures and people of different races because of the colonial rules of the past regimes. Standards based on ethnic or racial data are desirable because these standards reflect the potentially different patterns of craniofacial growth resulting from racial, ethnic and sexual differences. In the above context, the present study was attempted to establish ethnic specific anthropometric data for the Christian Garo adult females of Bangladesh. The study was an observational, cross-sectional and primarily descriptive in nature with some analytical components and it was carried out with a total number of 100 Christian Garo adult females aged between 25-45 years. Three vertical facial dimensions such as facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion', nasal length and total vermilion height were measured by photographic method. Though these measurements were taken by photographic method but they were converted into actual size using one of the physically measured variables between two angles of the mouth (chilion to chilion). The data were then statistically analyzed by computation to find out its normatic value. The study also observed the possible 'correlation' between the facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' with nasal length and total vermilion height. Multiplication factors were estimated for estimating facial height from nasal length and total vermilion height. Comparison were made between 'estimated' values with the 'measured' values by using't' test. The mean (+/- SD) of nasal length and total vermilion height were 4.53 +/- 0.36 cm and 1.63 +/- 0.23 cm respectively and the mean (+/- SD) of facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' was 16.88 +/- 1.11 cm. Nasal length and total vermilion height showed also a significant positive correlation with facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion'. No significant difference was found between the 'measured' and 'estimated' facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' for nasal length and total vermilion height.

Hydroprocessing of sunflower oil-gas oil blends over sulfided Ni-Mo-Al-zeolite beta composites.

Mixtures of sunflower oil and a straight run gas oil in the diesel fuel range were hydroprocessed over sulfided NiO(3%)-MoO3(12%)-γ-Al2O3 incorporating 0, 15 or 30 wt.% zeolite beta (BEA). The studies were carried out at 320-350 °C; 30-60 bars, and weight hourly space velocities (WHSV), 1-4 h(-1). Catalyst containing 30% BEA achieved nearly 100 % conversion of the vegetable oil into hydrocarbons at 330 °C, 60 bars and a WHSV of 2 h(-1) compared to 95.5% by the Ni-Mo-γ-alumina catalyst without BEA. Hydroprocessing with blends containing oleic acid revealed that the catalysts were able to transform the acid into hydrocarbons. An analysis of the ratios of the n-C18 and n-C17 paraffins formed from the vegetable oil at different process conditions revealed that the catalyst containing 15% BEA was most active for hydrodeoxygenation. The gas oil-hydrodesulfurization activity of the Ni-Mo-Al2O3 was enhanced by the addition of BEA by more than 10%.

The maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus.

The most studied recess of the sphenoid sinus seems to be the lateral one, which is highly variable. Less attention seems to be paid to the maxillary recess, extending anterior, inferior and lateral towards the maxillary sinus. Twenty patients were referred for CT of the paranasal sinuses (axial CT), during a 3-month period. After examining the morphology of the sphenoid sinuses, the authors found bilateral maxillary recesses in one patient. On either side, the maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus was directed anterior and lateral, being separated from the maxillary sinus by a distinctive bony wall; the longitudinal size of these recesses was 1.36 cm, on the left, and 1.22 cm, on the right. As it becomes part of the antero-medial wall of the pterygopalatine fossa, the maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus should be evaluated prior to the endoscopic endonasal approach of the fossa; the detail becomes more relevant when one takes into account the fact that in our case, on the right side, the CT-scan suggested that the sphenopalatine artery could traverse directly through the maxillary recess. Therefore, such a maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus seems to be anatomically located in the situs of the orbital process of the palatine bone and thus, it assumes the respective topography. The differential diagnosis with a Haller cell is relevant--the surgical procedures that approach a Haller cell could lead to a misdiagnosed maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus into the middle nasal meatus. This aspect determined us to consider the maxillary recess of the sphenoid sinus as a false Haller cell and to claim the imperative of a CT-evaluation performed prior to interventions.