Microbiology proficiency testing in fish and fishery products: detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.

This paper presents the results of two proficiency testing (PT) rounds conducted by the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) Chennai laboratory in 2021 for food testing laboratories in India. The PT program was designed in accordance with ISO/TS 22117, a standard for proficiency testing in food microbiology, and targeted Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp as the organisms of focus. The samples were found to be stable and recoverable during the analysis, and all PT sample packages were delivered to participant laboratories in good condition. The participant laboratories reported high sensitivity rates of 100% for PT round 061021 M and 96.49% for PT round 050721 M. The accuracy rate in PT round 061021 M was 91.89% and 92.10% in case of PT round 050721 M. However, there were some false positive and false negative results reported by some participant laboratories in both PT rounds, which may have been caused by operational errors or inconsistencies in analysis. During the PT round 061021 M, out of a total of 38 participant laboratories, five laboratories reported false positive results and one laboratory reported a false negative result. Similarly, during the PT round 050721 M, six laboratories reported false positive results which resulted in their results being deemed unsatisfactory.

"Fluorine Effects" in Conformational Orchestration of α/ß Hybrid Peptide with a 9-membered Pseudo ß-Turn Motif.

Fluorine, the tiny robust atom, with its unique features has captured the attention of scientists in recent times, especially in drug discovery with its integration in small molecules, peptides, and proteins. However, studies to understand the 'fluorine effects' on the conformation of molecules that follow 'beyond the rule of 5' are in the infancy yet significant in molecular design and function. For the first time, using short hybrid peptide sequence as an appropriate model, we examined the substitution effect (size, stereoelectronic effect, and hydrogen bonding) using X-ray diffraction, 2D-NMR, and CD studies. The comparative study on their folding patterns with hydrogen-substituted analogs can provide valuable insights into fluorinated substrates' design.

Predicting stress and interstitial fluid pressure in tumors based on biphasic theory.

The uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells causes the growth of the tumor mass. Consequently, the normal surrounding tissue exerts a compressive force on the tumor mass to oppose its expansion. These stresses directly promote tumor metastasis and invasion and affect drug delivery. In the past, the mechanical behavior of solid tumors has been extensively studied using linear elastic and nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive models. In this study, we develop a two-dimensional biomechanical model based on the biphasic assumption of the solid matrix and fluid phase of the tissues. Heterogeneous vasculature and nonuniform blood perfusion are also investigated by incorporating in the model a necrotic core and a well-vascularized zone. The findings of our study demonstrate a significant difference between the linear and nonlinear tissue responses to stress, while the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) distribution is found to be independent of the constitutive model. The proposed biphasic model may be useful for elasticity imaging techniques aiming at predicting stress and IFP in tumors.

Effect of Copper Nanoparticles on the Flexural Strength of Heat Polymerized Acrylic Resin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural strength of heat cure acrylic resin reinforced with varying concentration copper nanoparticles. The study followed ISO 20795-1-2013 guidelines for estimating the flexural strength. Hundred samples of heat cure acrylic resin of dimension were fabricated. The study had five groups and each group had 20 samples. The samples were grouped as per the concentration of copper (Cu) nanoparticles in acrylic. Three-point bending flexural strength was evaluated with universal testing machine. The load was directed at the midpoint of the sample at a cross-sectional speed of 5 mm/min. The fractured load was recorded and flexural strength was estimated. The data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance and the post hoc test. The results displayed improved flexural strength in lower Cu concentrations. The increase in flexural strength was observed in 1% (78.38 MPa), 2% (73.08 MPa), and 3% (73.08 MPa) of Cu nanoparticles and it decreased beyond 3% increase in Cu nanoparticles. The tests were statistically insignificant (P <.05). The results concluded that the optimal concentration of Cu nanoparticles to be reinforced with heat cure PMMA is 1 gm. The flexural strength decreased with an increase in concentration of Cu nanoparticles.

National and Sub-National Estimates of Household Coverage of Iodized Salt and Urinary Iodine Status among Women of Reproductive Age in India: Insights from the India Iodine Survey, 2018-19.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is a significant public health problem for many populations worldwide, including India, particularly during the "first 1000 days" of life. Though Universal Salt iodization (USI) is mandatory in India, prior to 2018-19, there was no state-wide survey with estimates of iodine concentrations in salt using iodometric titration. Taking cognizance of this fact, Nutrition International commissioned the first-of-its-kind national-level survey in India, titled the India Iodine Survey 2018-19. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted across the country to provide national and subnational estimates of iodine concentrations in household salt using iodometric titration and iodine nutrition status among women of reproductive age (15-49 y). METHODS: The survey adopted a multi-stage randomcluster probability proportional to size sampling design, covering 21,406 households in all the states and union territories (UTs) of India. RESULTS: At the national level, the household coverage of edible salt with adequate iodine (content ≥15 parts/million) was 76.3%. At the sub-national level, the coverage varied, with 10 states and 3 UTs achieving USI and 11 states and 2 UTs falling below the national average, with the highest among all the states and UTs, being Jammu and Kashmir and the lowest being Tamil Nadu. At the national level, the median urinary iodine concentration for pregnant women was 173.4 µg/L, for lactating women was 172.8 µg/L, and for non-pregnant, non-lactating women, it was 178.0 µg/L, which is within the adequate iodine nutrition range according to the WHO guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results can be widely used by various stakeholders, including government, academia, and industry, to understand the iodine nutrition status of the population, enable the scale-up of sustained efforts toward consolidating gains and achieving USI, leading to the reduction and elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

Tessier 30 Facial Cleft: A Rare Craniofacial Anomaly.

Aim: Surgical correction of median mandibular cleft with ankylossia. Background: Orofacial developmental abnormalities that involve the upper lip and face are the most common variety. The midline cleft of the mandible is one of the rarest categorized as Tessier #30, which extends along the midline of the mandible, along with ankyloglossia or aglossia. The morphogenesis of craniofacial clefts could be due to the lack of fusion or normal development of the facial processes in the first branchial arch or failure of the mesodermal penetration into the midline. Case description: This article presents a case of a 3-year-old female child with complete median cleft of the mandible and tongue with ankyloglossia. Single-stage mandibular cleft union with the concept of osteosynthesis and surgical correction of ankyloglossia was performed to restore function and esthetics at the earliest. Clinical significance: This case signifies the rarity, and as very few cases have been reported worldwide, it is mandatory and worthwhile bringing to light whenever it occurs. How to cite this article: Palukuri L, JSR, DVN Tessier 30 Facial Cleft: A Rare Craniofacial Anomaly. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):177-179.

Antenatal care is associated with adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in selected low-middle-income-countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean regions: Insights from Demographic and Health Surveys.

Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting 800 million women and children globally. Anaemia is associated with perinatal mortality, child morbidity and mortality, mental development, immune competence, susceptibility to lead poisoning and performance at work. The objective of this article is to identify whether antenatal care-seeking was associated with the uptake of iron supplementation among pregnant women, adjusting for a range of covariates. This article used data from the cross-sectional recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean regions. The individual-level data from 273,144 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were analysed from multi-country DHS. Multiple Logistic regression analyses were conducted using Predictive Analytics Software for Windows (PASW), Release 18.0. Receiving at least four antenatal care visits was significantly associated with the consumption of 90 or more iron-containing supplements in 12 low and middle income countries across three regions after adjusting for different household and respondent characteristics, while mass media exposure was found to be a significant predictor in India and Indonesia. Antenatal care seems to be the most important predictor of adherence to iron intake in the selected countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean regions.

Simultaneous determination of five metabolites of nitrofurans including the metabolite nifursol in shrimp and fish by UPLC- MS/MS: in-house method validation according to commission implementing regulation (EU) 2021/808.

For the simultaneous identification and quantification of five nitrofurans metabolites in farmed shrimp and fish, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), 1-aminohydantoine (AHD), semicarbazide (SEM), and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid hydrazide (DNSH), an accurate, precise, and specific method was developed. The mixture of water and methanol (60/40; v/v) was found to be the final optimised solvent for injection. The analytical run duration was 7 min, and the mobile phase included 2 mM methanol and ammonium formate. The new reference point for action (RPA) of 0.50 µg kg-1 as per EC/1871/2019 was taken into consideration and evaluated for the performance characteristics as per the CIR (EC)/2021/808 criteria. Specificity, relative retention time (≤0.25%) relative ion ratio (≤40%), linearity (0.25 to 2.0 µg kg-1), trueness (between 82.8 and 118.1%), repeatability (RSDr ≤14%), within lab reproducibility (RSDwr ≤16.9%), CCα (0.32-0.36 µg kg-1), ruggedness and relative matrix effect (≤14.26%) achieved acceptable values.

Modelling and simulation of fluid flow through stenosis and aneurysm blood vessel: a computational hemodynamic analysis.

In this article, the hemodynamics of nanofluid flow through the modelled stenosis-aneurysm models in the presence of the catheter has been studied. The eight stenosis-aneurysm models are developed to mimic biological observations and thus make the model more realistic. The mathematical understanding helps in treating the stenosis in the blood vessel by targeting the unhealthy region to the drug, which is coated on nanoparticles. The catheter achieves the active drug release to the aimed organs by coating on the catheter surface, which adds additional benefits. In the present hemodynamic study, the blood is modeled as a couple stress fluid; as a result, the highly non-linear momentum, temperature, and concentration equations were obtained. The fluid flow equations' complexity is further increased by incorporating the variable viscosity effects that arose due to the suspension of nanoparticles. The resultant mathematical model is solved by using the homotopy perturbation method. The convergence of the perturbed solutions is studied and depicted the degree of deformation in the case of temperature and concentration. The effects of the porous nature of the stenosis, no-slip at the catheter surface, and the free slip at the blood vessel boundary in the non-stenotic region are also considered in the model. The essential physiological property like surface shear stress is computed, and various parameters' influence on shear stress is analyzed. The present analysis can be helpful in understanding the enhancement in mass dispersion and heat transfer in unhealthy blood vessels, which could be used for drug delivery in the treatment of stenotic conditions.

Choosing an appropriate size valve for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in a native right ventricle outflow tract.

Introduction: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation has been an effective treatment for dysfuntional right ventricular tract outflow tract (RVOT). Defining a landing zone before the intervention is crucial in patients with native RVOT. Improper sizing and undefined landing zone will lead to embolization. Methods: It is a retrospective observational study from August 2020 to December 2020 in native RVOT. Three patients who had significant Right ventricle dilatation were analyzed. The multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) with magnetic resonance imaging and angiography data of all patients before the procedure were analyzed. All patients underwent an angiogram in the same sitting, before the procedure to assess the landing zone, valve diameter as well as the risk for coronary compression. We chose a valve based on valve area 23%-25% more than the area at the waist during balloon sizing. Results: All three patients underwent successful valve implantation. Valve sizes used were 27.5 mm in one and 32 mm in the other two. The mean RVOT gradient postprocedure was 11.5 mm Hg and pre procedure was 43 mmHg. There were no complications during the procedure or at a mean follow-up of 3.6 months. Conclusion: The balloon sizing gives the true narrowest diameter in comparison with MSCT, and increasing this area by 23%-25% will give the appropriate valve size for successful implantation.

The Texas A&M University Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory: A modern aeroballistic range facility.

Novel engineering materials and structures are increasingly designed for use in severe environments involving extreme transient variations in temperature and loading rates, chemically reactive flows, and other conditions. The Texas A&M University Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory (HVIL) enables unique ultrahigh-rate materials characterization, testing, and modeling capabilities by tightly integrating expertise in high-rate materials behavior, computational and polymer chemistry, and multi-physics multiscale numerical algorithm development, validation, and implementation. The HVIL provides a high-throughput test bed for development and tailoring of novel materials and structures to mitigate hypervelocity impacts (HVIs). A conventional, 12.7 mm, smooth bore, two-stage light gas gun (2SLGG) is being used as the aeroballistic range launcher to accelerate single and simultaneously launched projectiles to velocities in the range 1.5-7.0 km/s. The aeroballistic range is combined with conventional and innovative experimental, diagnostic, and modeling capabilities to create a unique HVI and hypersonic test bed. Ultrahigh-speed imaging (10M fps), ultrahigh-speed schlieren imaging, multi-angle imaging, digital particle tracking, flash x-ray radiography, nondestructive/destructive inspection, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and other techniques are being used to characterize HVIs and study interactions between hypersonic projectiles and suspended aerosolized particles. Additionally, an overview of 65 2SLGG facilities operational worldwide since 1990 is provided, which is the most comprehensive survey published to date. The HVIL aims to (i) couple recent theoretical developments in shock physics with advances in numerical methods to perform HVI risk assessments of materials and structures, (ii) characterize environmental effects (water, ice, dust, etc.) on hypersonic vehicles, and (iii) address key high-rate materials and hypersonics research problems.

A new aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) dye which self-assembles to panchromatic fluorescent flowers and has application in sensing dichromate ions.

We report for the very first time the crystal structure and self-assembly of a new aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) dye 4-(5-methoxythiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-N,N-dimethylaniline (TPA) and its application in sensing dichromate ions. TPA reveals cyan blue emission under UV and visible light. The self-assembly properties of TPA were studied extensively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which revealed the formation of beautiful flower-like morphologies. These structures revealed both green and red fluorescence under FITC and rhodamine filters respectively when observed through fluorescence microscopy connoting the panchromatic emission properties of TPA from blue to red. The interactions which cause self-assembled structure formation in TPA were also validated theoretically using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Crystal and molecular structure analysis of TPA was carried out via single-crystal X-ray diffraction to visualize the intermolecular interactions occurring in the solid-state and to study the structure-photophysical property relationship in the aggregated state. The photophysical properties of TPA were also studied extensively by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and its quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime were calculated by time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC). Interestingly, TPA could efficiently sense dichromate (Cr2O72-) ions in an acidic medium and an interesting morphological transition from a fluorescent flower to non-fluorescent disassembled structures could also be observed. The limit of detection of TPA for Cr2O72- ions was found to be as low as 5.5 nM, suggesting its exceptional sensitivity. More importantly, TPA could selectively sense Cr2O72- ions in real water samples even in the presence of other metal ions routinely present in polluted water, hence making it practically useful for water quality monitoring.

Fluorescence based miniaturized microfluidic and nanofluidic systems for biomedical applications.

Over the last two decades miniaturized microfluidic and nanofluidic systems with fluorescence setup emerged as a powerful technological platform for diverse biomedical applications. Bio-macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins are the core cellular components, their single molecule analysis allow us to understand biological processes, disease creation and progression, and development of novel treatment policies. Design and development of foolproof treatment methods requires rigorously analysis of nucleic acids and proteins such as length quantifications, sequence profiling, sequence mapping, analysis of conformational changes, analysis and recognition of epigenetic changes, and their interactions with other biomolecules. Miniaturized microfluidic and nanofluidic systems with fluorescence spectroscopy enable worldwide researchers to perform nucleic acids and proteins extractions and single molecule analysis from the trace amount of biological samples. In the present chapter we mostly highlighted over one decade applications of microfluidic and nanofluidic systems for single cell micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) isolation and detection, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mapping, DNA barcoding, identification of epigenetic mark on single DNA molecule, DNA-protein interactions study, protein sensing, protein sequencing, protein binding kinetics and many other applications. We also presented the recently reported microfluidic platform for the preparation of reproducible unisize aggregation induced emission (AIE) active nanomaterials and their biological applications.

Over-prescription of short-acting ß2-agonists for asthma in South Africa: Results from the SABINA III study.

Background: Asthma medication prescription trends, including those of short-acting ß2 -agonists (SABAs), are not well documented for South Africa (SA). Objectives: To describe demographics, disease characteristics and asthma prescription patterns in the SA cohort of the SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study conducted at 12 sites across SA. Patients with asthma (aged ≥12 years) were classified by investigator-defined asthma severity, guided by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2017 recommendations, and practice type (primary/ specialist care). Data were collected using electronic case report forms. Results: Overall, 501 patients were analysed - mean (standard deviation) age, 48.4 (16.6) years; 68.3% female - of whom 70.6% and 29.4% were enrolled by primary care physicians and specialists, respectively. Most patients were classified with moderate-to-severe asthma (55.7%; GINA treatment steps 3 - 5), were overweight or obese (70.7%) and reported full healthcare reimbursement (55.5%). Asthma was partly controlled/uncontrolled in 60.3% of patients, with 46.1% experiencing ≥1 severe exacerbations in the 12 months before the study visit. Overall, 74.9% of patients were prescribed ≥3 SABA canisters in the previous 12 months (over-prescription); 56.5% were prescribed ≥10 SABA canisters. Additionally, 27.1% of patients reported purchasing SABA over-the-counter (OTC); among patients with both SABA purchase and prescriptions, 75.4% and 51.5% already received prescriptions for ≥3 and ≥10 SABA canisters, respectively, in the preceding 12 months. Conclusion: SABA over-prescription and OTC purchase were common in SA, demonstrating an urgent need to align clinical practices with the latest evidence-based recommendations and regulate SABA OTC purchase to improve asthma outcomes. Study synopsis: What the study adds. This study provides valuable insights into asthma medication prescription patterns, particularly SABAs, across SA. Collection of this real-world data in patients treated in primary and specialty care demonstrates that SABA over-prescription and SABA OTC purchase are common, even in patients with mild asthma. These findings will enable clinicians and policymakers to make targeted changes to optimise asthma outcomes across the country Implications of the findings. SABA over-prescription represents a major public health concern in SA. Healthcare providers and policymakers will need to work together to promote educational initiatives aimed at patients, pharmacists and physicians, align clinical practices with the latest evidence-based recommendations, improve access to affordable medications and regulate SABA purchase without prescription.

AIE-MOF materials for biological applications.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), coming under the realm of coordination chemistry, are unparalleled and the most studied among the group of porous materials. Structurally, these are well-defined three-dimensional crystalline products that can be tuned for various potential applications with a range of physico-chemical properties. More recently, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and AIE of MOF material has attracted tremendous attention due to promising applications in biology. However, a chapter summarizing the work in AIE-MOFs materials has never been reported till date. A comprehensive review on the AIE and MOFs separately is beyond the reach of this chapter. Hence, we have summarized overview of recent developments in the syntheses and biological applications such as cell imaging, heparin detection, and drug delivery. In the end, conclusion, prospects and challenges in the arena of AIE-MOF materials are also highlighted.

Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Quality of Obturation Using Different Pediatric Rotary File Systems in Primary Teeth.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate the efficacy of three different pediatric rotary file systems in primary molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted mandibular primary molars were selected and divided into three groups with ten teeth each, instrumented with Kedo SG Blue rotary files, Pro AF Baby gold rotary files, and Pedo Flex rotary files, respectively. Root canal obturation was done with zinc-oxide eugenol cement and the quality of obturation was assessed using CBCT based on the extent of filling as underfilled or optimally filled and the presence or absence of voids within the filling. The data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Among the three groups, the Kedo SG Blue group showed more number of optimally filled teeth with minimal voids (p < 0.05) followed by the Pro AF Baby gold group and Pedo Flex group. CONCLUSION: Within the study limitations, the Kedo SG Blue group showed ideal endodontic obturation when compared with Pro AF baby gold and Pedo Flex rotary file systems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study will guide the pedodontists regarding the efficacy of pediatric rotary file systems and their usage protocols. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Vaishali Naidu D, Sharada Reddy J, Patloth T, et al. Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Quality of Obturation Using Different Pediatric Rotary File Systems in Primary Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):542-547.

Early multicenter experience of a new balloon expandable MyVal transcatheter heart valve in dysfunctional stenosed right ventricular outflow tract conduits.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is a surgical alternative for correcting dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract conduits in previously operated patients. MyVal transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Meril Life Sciences, India), a new transcatheter valve designed for aortic position has not been used for TPVI. METHODS: Patients with stenosed dysfunctional conduits from the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) were prestented after initial computed tomography and balloon interrogation before the implantation of MyVal. Size of MyVal was chosen based on the final diameter of the prestent. Procedural details and post-TPVI follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven patients aged 17-60 years (median 26 years) had stenosed RV-PA conduits implanted 5-17 years (median 9 years) ago for tetralogy of Fallot in three, following Ross procedure in two, repair of pulmonary stenosis, and following PA debanding in one patient each. Prestenting improved the conduit diameter from 9.3 ± 2.8 mm to 20.8 ± 1.1 mm and relieved the gradient from 87.3 ± 31.7 mmHg (50-137 mmHg) to 12.7 ± 6.4 mmHg (5-20 mmHg). A 23 mm MyVal was implanted in all the seven patients successfully; one patient needed an additional 24.5 mm MyVal valve in valve implantation for residual regurgitation. The mean fluoroscopic time and dose area product were 38.7 ± 25.3 min and 66.917 ± 39.211Gray. cm2, respectively. At a median follow-up duration of 16 months (10-22 months), all patients were asymptomatic receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with no PR and the gradient was 12.5 ± 5.8 mmHg on echocardiography. Although one patient needed an additional valve-in-valve implantation, there were no valve-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience of TPVI with MyVal THV in prestented conduits is encouraging with procedural success in all patients and acceptable mid-term outcomes.

Bis(2-methyl-pyridinium) tetra-chlorido-cuprate(II): synthesis, structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis.

The title compound, (C6H8N)2[CuCl4], crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/c. The coordination around the copper atom is a distorted tetra-hedron. The 2-methyl-pyridinium ion (C6H8N+) inter-acts with the tetra-chloro-cuprate anion through N-H⋯Cl and C-H(phen-yl)⋯Cl contacts, forming a hydrogen-bonded layer-like structure. The supra-molecular structure is further stabilized by C-H(meth-yl)⋯Cl inter-actions between the layers.

Effect of dried distillers' grain with solubles as a replacer of peanut cake for sheep fed on low quality forage.

Several concerns exist on the performance and health attributes of sheep fed on complete replacements of the traditional feed ingredients with dried distillers' grain solubles (DDGS). The study intended to know the effect of DDGS on replacing the peanut cake (PNC) at 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in sheep fed Jowar stover-based diet. Replacing PNC with DDGS increased (P < 0.05) the final body weight and concentrate intake. The weight gain and average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.086), whereas the feed conversion ratio tended to decrease (P = 0.092) with increased DDGS inclusion levels. The CP intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with an increase in DDGS levels. However, the intakes of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF increased quadratically (P < 0.01) and showed a quadratic maximum at 75% replacements group. The in vitro dry matter digestibility and 24 h-gas (ml) production linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increased DDGS inclusion levels, while the CH4 (% total gas) and CH4 (ml) showed a quadratic increase (P < 0.05). The metabolisable energy, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher for DDGS diets. Further, the Gompertz curve fitting of the gas production data revealed higher asymptotic volume with lower constant of integration (b) and rate of production (k) of the DDGS incubations. No significant differences were observed for any of the carcass characteristics, except for leg weight, which showed a linear increase (P < 0.05). Increased tendency was observed for EBW, loin eye area at 12th rib, and edible portion of the sheep fed DDGS groups. Further, the visceral organs and carcass composition did not show any significant differences, except for kidney weight (linear, P < 0.05). The income over feed cost (IOFC) was higher for 100% DDGS group with lower feed cost and higher income per Kg mutton. Replacing the traditional peanut cake with DDGS in the crop residue-based diets of growing lambs contributes to higher yields for producers.

High power custom toric intraocular lens for correcting high corneal astigmatism in post-keratoplasty and keratoconus patients with cataract.

Purpose: To analyze the outcomes of phacoemulsification with high power customized toric intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in patients with high corneal astigmatism (6-10 D Cyl) post keratoplasty and keratoconus eyes with cataract. Methods: Five eyes post keratoplasty with clear graft, four eyes with stable keratoconus, one eye with pterygium excision scar with visually significant cataract were included in this retrospective study. Phacoemulsification was done followed by implantation of custom made high power toric IOL in all patients. Outcomes included uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, BCVA), pre-operative astigmatism at the corneal plane and IOL plane, post-operative residual astigmatism, mean torus of all IOLs used were calculated. Results: The minimum follow-up time was 12 months. At the last follow-up visit, there was a significant improvement (pre-operative vs post-operative) of UDVA (1.5 ± 0.47 vs 0.28 ± 0.14 logMAR; P < 0.05), cylindrical refraction (-9.0 ± 1.80 D vs -1.1 ± 0.45 vs ; P < 0.05). Range of IOL powers used was 1.0-26.50 DSph and 9.0-15.5 DCyl. Post-operative mean residual spherical equivalent was 0.75 ± 0.5. Conclusion: This novel study describes the effectiveness of custom toric IOLs in high astigmatism in the range of 9.0-15.5 DCyl. Phacoemulsification with implantation of a customized high power toric IOL was effective in correcting high astigmatism in complex cases in our study.