A novel method to estimate the dead layer of HPGe detector for Monte Carlo FEPE computation

In this study, a novel method to determine the surface and lateral dead layers of p-type HPGe detector is proposed to compute the full energy peak efficiency (FEPE). The method employed standard radioactive point sources 241Am, 133Ba and FEPE measurement at low energies to estimate the thickness of frontal and lateral dead layers. The method is simple to apply, requires only two standard radioactive sources to estimate the optimum thickness of frontal and lateral dead layers. The proposed method is validated by measuring the efficiency of various point sources and a volume source in the energy range from 59 to 1408 keV. The measured efficiencies agree to simulation with relative deviation less than 4.0% at each energy. The proposed detector model enables to calibrate the detector for environmental radioactivity measurement without standard volume sources.

Clinical manifestations and outcome of patients with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Pakistan. A single-center experience

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly progressing central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater. The disease progression is very rapid, and the outcome is nearly always fatal. We aim to describe the disease course in patients admitted with PAM in a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan between the periods of 2010 to 2021. A total of 39 patients were included in the study, 33 males (84.6%). The median age of the patients was 34 years. The most frequent presenting complaint was fever, which was found in 37 patients (94.9%) followed by headache in 28 patients (71.8%), nausea and vomiting in 27 patients (69.2%), and seizures in 10 patients (25.6%). Overall, 39 patients underwent lumbar puncture, 27 patients (69.2%) had a positive motile trophozoites on CSF wet preparation microscopy, 18 patients (46.2%) had a positive culture, and 10 patients had a positive PCR. CSF analysis resembled bacterial meningitis with elevated white blood cell counts with predominantly neutrophils (median, 3000 [range, 1350-7500] cells/μL), low glucose levels median, 14 [range, 1-92] mg/dL), and elevated protein levels (median, 344 [range, 289-405] mg/dL). Imaging results were abnormal in approximately three-fourths of the patients which included cerebral edema (66.7%), hydrocephalus (25.6%), and cerebral infarctions (12.8%). Only one patient survived. PAM is a fatal illness with limited treatment success. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment can improve the survival of the patients and reduce mortality.

Expression analysis of transcription factors in sugarcane during cold stress

Transcription factors (TF) are a wide class of genes in plants, and these can regulate the expression of other genes in response to various environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic). In the current study, transcription factor activity in sugarcane was examined during cold stress. Initially, RNA transcript reads of two sugarcane cultivars (ROC22 and GT08-1108) under cold stress were downloaded from SRA NCBI database. The reads were aligned into a reference genome and the differential expression analyses were performed with the R/Bioconductor edgeR package. Based on our analyses in the ROC22 cultivar, 963 TF genes were significantly upregulated under cold stress among a total of 5649 upregulated genes, while 293 TF genes were downregulated among a total of 3,289 downregulated genes. In the GT08-1108 cultivar, 974 TF genes were identified among 5,649 upregulated genes and 283 TF genes were found among 3,289 downregulated genes. Most transcription factors were annotated with GO categories related to protein binding, transcription factor binding, DNA-sequence-specific binding, transcription factor complex, transcription factor activity in RNA polymerase II, the activity of nucleic acid binding transcription factor, transcription corepressor activity, sequence-specific regulatory region, the activity of transcription factor of RNA polymerase II, transcription factor cofactor activity, transcription factor activity from plastid promoter, transcription factor activity from RNA polymerase I promoter, polymerase II and RNA polymerase III. The findings of above results will help to identify differentially expressed transcription factors during cold stress. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regulation of the transcription activity of many genes. Therefore, this study provides the molecular basis for improving cold tolerance in sugarcane and other economically important grasses.

Thermoluminescence study of pellets prepared using NaCl from Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan

In this study, the thermoluminescence characteristics of naturally occurring salt (NaCl) were assessed for the development of a radiation dosimeter. For this purpose, mined crystalline samples of salt were procured directly from Khewra salt mines in Pakistan. The samples were hand crushed, sieved, and compressed to pellets comparable in size to standard TLD chips, and irradiated to gamma radiation doses in the range of 5 mGy and 5000 mGy. Thermoluminescence (TL) response showed three main peaks in the glow curve around 115-130 °C, 150-170 °C, and 220-240 °C. A linear TL response was observed for the dose range of 5-100 mGy. The TL response became supra-linear for the dose ranges of 100-1000 mGy and 1000-5000 mGy. The T_m-T_stop method was applied to identify the overlapping peaks of the glow curve. Computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) was then employed for the characterization of electron trap parameters such as frequency factor (s), activation energy (E), and the kinetic order (b), using General Order (GO) kinetics. The figure-of-merit (FOM) was found to be 1.08%, 0.94%, 0.77%, and 0.75%, at 500 mGy, 1 Gy, 2 Gy, and 5 Gy, respectively. The TL intensity faded by 20% within the first 24 h after irradiation and finally stabilized after two weeks. In addition, structural, morphological, and elemental analyses, were also performed using various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the salt crystallizes in a face-centered cubic structure. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs indicated that the crystallites are closely packed and cubic-shaped with non-uniform size, and mostly found in the agglomerated form. Similarly, the elemental analysis confirmed the presence of impurities such as Mg, Sr, S, K, O, and Ca, in the samples. The present study concludes that the pellets made from salt samples from Khewra mines have a potential for use as radiation dosimeters.

Optical characterization of non-thermal plasma jet energy carriers for effective catalytic processing of industrial wastewaters

An argon plasma jet was sustained in open air and characterized for its chemical composition. The optically characterized plasma jet was used to treat industrial wastewater containing mixed textile dyes and heavy metals. Since plasma jet produces UV-radiations, the photocatalytic TiO₂ was used to enhance plasma treatment efficiency especially for degradation of dyes. Mixed anatase and rutile phases of TiO₂ (5.2-8.5 nm) were produced through surfactant assisted sol-gel approach. The emission spectrum confirmed the presence of excited argon, OH, excited nitrogen, excited oxygen, ozone and nitric oxide in the plasma jet. The spectral lines of excited Ar, NO, O₃, OH^-, N₂, [Formula: see text], O, [Formula: see text] and O⁺ species were observed at wavelength of 695-740 nm, 254.3 nm, 307.9 nm, 302-310 nm, 330-380 nm, 390-415 nm, 715.6 nm, 500-600 nm and 400-500 nm. These reactive species decompose the organic pollutants and separate the heavy metals from the water samples. The conductivity of plasma exposed water samples increased while pH and hardness decreased. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis confirmed the presence of heavy metals in the samples, which were effectively removed through plasma treatment. Finally, the effect of plasma treatment on Staphylococcus aureus strains was more pronounced than Escherichia coli strains.

Reorganising for COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Structural Modifications by the Department of Internal Medicine in Low to Middle-income Countries

Scientists classified the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a novel coronavirus on January 7, 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the SARS-CoV-2 outburst a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. Since its origin, this virus has disrupted the best healthcare systems, economies, and strained financial resources; and for underdeveloped countries' healthcare systems, the virus has become a crisis. To tackle the potential hazards from this virus, our Department restructured the services that not only helped us to cope with the pandemic, but also provided an example to copy for other contemporary institutes. This article aims to describe the measures and structural changes undertaken by the Internal Medicine Department, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan. Key Words: COVID-19, Internal medicine, Structural modifications, Pandemic.

Temperature-Dependent Functional Response of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Eggs of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Laboratory

Simple Summary

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a notorious and polyphagous pest of several economically important agricultural crops. It is worldwide in distribution and primarily managed through typical dependence on insecticides, which resulted in health and the environmental challenges and selected for resistance development in S. litura field populations. Resistance caused chemical control failures and S. litura outbreaks around the world. This necessitated development of eco-friendly alternative approaches such as biological control. With this view, current study investigated the functional response of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at various growth stages (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars, and male and female stages) and temperatures (i.e., 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) against S. litura eggs to enable the recognition of efficient biocontrol stages that could be utilized to suppress S. litura populations. In our findings, egg consumption depended on the growth stage of the predator as well as temperature. All stages consumed S. litura eggs, but more promising stages with active egg consumption were the 4th instar and adults (male and female) typically at higher temperatures (25–35 °C). We conclude that these stages may be exploited to suppress S. litura populations in fields and greenhouses.

Abstract

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of several economically important crops with worldwide distribution. Use of insecticides is the principal strategy for its management, which has subsequently led to insecticide resistance and control failures. Functional response of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at larval and adult stages was evaluated in this study, using S. litura eggs as the prey at various temperatures varying between 15 and 35 °C. Based on logistic model findings, linear parameters of various predatory stages of H. axyridis at various temperatures were significantly negative, which indicate a type II functional response. The theoretical maximum number (T/T_h) of eggs consumed increased with increasing temperature across all predatory stages. According to the random predator equation, the coefficients of attack rate increased and that of handling time decreased as the temperature increased. The 4th instar and adult stages were superior candidates for biocontrol of the target prey, typically at higher temperatures. The maximum attack rate (0.546 ± 0.058 h⁻¹) and lowest handling time (0.189 ± 0.004 h) were exhibited by the females at 30 and 35 °C, respectively, whereas these parameters were inferior for early instars. These findings clearly depict that the 4th instar and adult predators are efficient egg consumers and can serve as potential suppressors of S. litura field populations. The limitations of the predictions formulated by functional response trials are also discussed.

Determination of fitness traits of Orius strigicollis Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using two-sex life table analysis

Background

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive insect pest of cotton crops in China and globally, which is actively predated on by Orius strigicollis. Studies on the fitness or survival of O. strigicollis fed on P. gossypiella at different temperatures have not been reported. The fitness of O. strigicollis may be well explained using two-sex life table parameters. Thus, the present study provides important insights for the effective biocontrol of P. gossypiella.

Methodology

Considering the importance of fitness parameters and biocontrol, the present study explores the feeding potential and age-stage, two-sex life table traits of O. strigicollis on P. gossypiella eggs at different temperatures (24, 28 and 32 °C) in the laboratory.

Results

The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was higher at 28 °C (0.14 d⁻¹) than at 24 °C (0.0052 d⁻¹) and 32 °C (0.12 d⁻¹). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (R₀) was higher at 28 °C (17.63 offspring) than at 24 °C (1.13 offspring) and 32 °C (10.23 offspring). This concluded that the maximum feeding potential and growth capacity of O. strigicollis could be attained at 28 °C when fed on P. gossypiella eggs. O. strigicollis adults preferred to feed on P. gossypiella eggs compared with first instar larvae. Based on these results, the present study suggests that O. strigicollis represents a promising biological control agent against P. gossypiella eggs in cotton fields.

Predatory functional response and fitness parameters of Orius strigicollis Poppius when fed Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum as determined by age-stage, two-sex life table

Background

The polyphagous predatory bug O. strigicollis is an active predator used to control thrips and aphids. The whitefly species Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum are voracious pests of different economic agricultural crops and vegetables.

Method

In this study, the Holling disc equation and the age-stage, two-sex life table technique were used to investigate the functional response and biological traits of third instar nymphs and adult female O. strigicollis when presented third instar nymphs of both whitefly species as prey.

Results

The results showed a type II functional response for each life stage of O. strigicollis when fed each whitefly species. The calculated prey handling time for different O. strigicollis life stages were shorter when fed T. vaporariorum than when fed B. tabaci nymphs. In contrast, the nymphal development of O. strigicollis was significantly shorter when fed B. tabaci than T. vaporariorum nymphs. Additionally, the total pre-oviposition period of adult females was statistically shorter when fed B. tabaci nymphs than T. vaporariorum nymphs. Furthermore, the survival rates and total fecundity of O. strigicollis were higher when fed B. tabaci than T. vaporariorum. There were no significant differences in any population parameters of O. strigicollis when fed either whitefly species. These results show that O. strigicollis could survive and maintain its populations on both species of whitefly and could therefore serve as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM).

Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan

A self-administered validated (Cronbach's alpha=0.077) questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Findings showed that HCWs have good knowledge (93.2%, N=386), a positive attitude [mean 8.43 (standard deviation 1.78)] and good practice (88.7%, N=367) regarding COVID-19. HCWs perceived that limited infection control material (50.7%, N=210) and poor knowledge regarding transmission (40.6%, N=168) were the major barriers to infection control. Regression analysis indicated that pharmacists were more likely to demonstrate good practice than other HCWs (odds ratio 2.247, 95% confidence interval 1.11-4.55, P=0.025). This study found that HCWs in Pakistan have good knowledge, but there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge and practice that warrant attention.

Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan

A self-administered validated (Cronbach's alpha=0.077) questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Findings showed that HCWs have good knowledge (93.2%, N=386), a positive attitude [mean 8.43 (standard deviation 1.78)] and good practice (88.7%, N=367) regarding COVID-19. HCWs perceived that limited infection control material (50.7%, N=210) and poor knowledge regarding transmission (40.6%, N=168) were the major barriers to infection control. Regression analysis indicated that pharmacists were more likely to demonstrate good practice than other HCWs (odds ratio 2.247, 95% confidence interval 1.11-4.55, P=0.025). This study found that HCWs in Pakistan have good knowledge, but there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge and practice that warrant attention.

Study of CdTe detection efficiency for medical applications using Geant4-based stochastic simulations

The determination of detection efficiency and peak-to-total ratios has been performed for rectangular CdTe detectors for various x-ray and low-energy γ-ray source configurations including parallel beams, point, and cylindrical sources. The dependence of efficiency values on axial and off-axial distances, detector thickness and area, and source dimensions has been studied. The detector model developed in this work has been validated by comparing the Monte Carlo simulated values of detector efficiency for a parallel incident beam with the available published data and good agreement has been found with discrepancies remaining within 2% throughout the energy range. Geant4 simulations show nearly 100% photopeak and total efficiency with peak-to-total ratios approaching a maximum value of 1.0 for photons in the 4-70 keV energy range. Similar high values of detection efficiency have been obtained for brachytherapy I-125 seed sources having cylindrical geometries which indicates the suitability of CdTe detectors for the calibration of sources used in therapy. The logistic power curve was found excellent for empirically fitting the photopeak efficiency variations with axial displacement of the I-125 brachy source in the horizontal configuration. Geant4 simulations clearly show that small thicknesses, of the order of 0.5 mm, of CdTe material are sufficient for attaining almost 100% detection efficiency for low-energy photons having energies up to 100 keV.

Pulsed radiofrequency modulation for lingual neuralgia

Pulsed radiofrequency modulation (PRM) is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used successfully to treat neuropathic pain. Its use to treat lingual neuralgia has not to our knowledge been described previously, and we report a case.

Advances in heart failure: natriuretic peptide testing

Natriuretic peptide testing in the form of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or NT-proBNP measurement has revolutionized modern heart failure (HF) diagnostics for those patients with acute symptoms, and promises to have similarly profound effects not only for the earlier recognition of those with HF, but also for the therapy of patients across the entire spectrum of HF. Future efforts are necessary to better understand the complex biology of the natriuretic peptides, to further optimize use of the assays for their measurement, and to gain clarity regarding the appropriate venue for their measurement. The ultimate goal is to recognize more readily and treat the syndrome that is HF, in order to reduce the considerable morbidity and mortality among those so afflicted.

Sampling methods as abundance indices for adult Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in citrus

Beat sampling and two type of traps, cup traps and Tedders traps, were evaluated as sampling methods to detect and estimate population densities of adult Diaprepes abbreviatus L. weevils newly colonizing young citrus trees. The study was conducted over a 65-wk period across a 0.25-ha area of 80 citrus trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] (1.2-1.5 m tall). Beat samples were taken weekly to determine the number of trees infested and number of new adult weevils per tree. Sixteen of the 80 trees studied were each monitored weekly using one of the following trapping methods: cup traps in trees, cup traps on a stake in the ground within the tree drip line, cup traps on a stake in the ground outside of the drip line, Tedders traps on the ground within the drip line, and Tedders traps on the ground outside of the drip line. Weevils collected each week from trees and traps were removed from the study site. Based on the coefficients associated with Taylor's power law, the optimum numbers of trees to sample for an SEM equal to 25% of the mean estimate decreased from 50 trees at a mean of 0.5 new weevils per tree to 30 trees at a mean of 0.8 new weevils per tree. A significant relationship was found between the weekly mean number of new weevils per tree and the proportion of trees infested, a binomial relationship that could be further explored in the search for a sampling program for adult D. abbreviatus. Regression analyses indicated that three of the trapping methods served at least as weak indices of the presence and abundance of new weevils: cup traps in trees, Tedders traps inside the dripline and Tedders traps outside the dripline. Cup traps in trees and Tedders traps inside the dripline captured the most weevils and most frequently detected weevils. Although relatively inefficient as abundance indices of populations of new weevils, these two trapping methods appeared to have some value with respect to signaling when weevils first appeared in trees during the spring.

Microbiological and biochemical characteristics of Canestrato Pugliese cheese made from raw milk, pasteurized milk or by heating the curd in hot whey

Canestrato Pugliese cheeses were produced from raw ewes' milk (R and R(II) cheeses), pasteurized ewes' milk (P cheese) and by heating the curd in hot whey according to a traditional protocol (T cheese). R(II) differed from R cheese mainly by having been produced from raw milk with a higher number of somatic cells, 950.000 vs. 750.000 ml(-1), respectively. Compared to P and T cheeses, R and R(II) cheeses had a higher concentration (one or two orders of magnitude) of cheese-related bacteria such as adventitious mesophilic lactobacilli, enterococci and staphylococci. At the end of ripening, all cheeses contained less than 1.0 log cfu g(-1) of total and fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected. As shown by phenotypic identification and RAPD-PCR, R cheese contained the largest number of mesophilic lactobacilli species and the greatest diversity of strains within the Lactobacillus plantarum species. Primary proteolysis did not differ appreciably among the cheeses. On the contrary, both urea-PAGE and the RP-HPLC analyses of the water-soluble N fractions showed the more complex profiles in cheeses produced by raw milks. R and R(II) cheeses had the highest values of water-soluble N/total N (ca. 30%) and the highest concentration of total free amino acids (ca. 40 mg g(-1) which approached or exceeded those reported for Italian cheeses with very high level of proteolysis during ripening. The main differences between R-R(II) and P-T cheeses were the concentrations of aspartic acid, proline, alanine, isoleucine, histidine and lysine. The water-soluble extracts of R and R(II) cheeses contained levels of amino-, imino- and di-peptidase activities, which were about twice those found in P and T cheeses. Cheeses differed slightly in the concentration of total free fatty acids that ranged between 1673 and 1651 mg kg(-1) in R and R(II) cheeses, and 1397 and 1334 mg kg(-1) in P and T cheeses. Butyric, caproic, capric, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were found at the highest concentrations.

Hepatic resection at a community hospital

Hepatic resection remains the "gold standard" in the primary management of primary and metastatic tumors to the liver. Advanced surgical techniques along with more modern and sophisticated equipment have led to an increasing number of hepatic resections being performed with a concomitant decrease in morbidity and mortality. We followed prospectively 18 consecutive hepatic resections performed over a period of approximately 2.5 years. The setting was a community teaching hospital with a low volume of referrals for hepatic resection. Sixteen (88%) had metastatic disease and two had primary liver disease. There were four trisegmentectomies, four lobectomies, four segmentectomies, and six large wedge re-sections. Average estimated blood loss was 608 ml. Seven patients required transfusions. Complications occurred in five patients (27%). In-hospital mortality was 0%. Our experience suggests that liver resections in a low-volume community hospital can be performed safely provided an experienced surgical team with familiarity of advanced surgical techniques and sophisticated equipment used in hepatic resection is readily available.

Diaphragmatic rupture: A complication of violent cough

The cough is a complex physiologic response designed to protect airways from unwanted secretions and foreign materials. Violent and paroxysmal coughs are associated with many complications. In this article, we will discuss a patient who sustained diaphragmatic rupture as a result of violent coughing. The possible mechanisms of this rare complication are explained.

Intradialytic serial vascular access flow measurements

Hemodialysis vascular access failure represents a major source of morbidity and mortality in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. Serial vascular access blood flow (VABF) measurements are being used as a screening method at an increasing rate. There are limited data on the changes in VABF throughout the hemodialysis session, which may potentially affect the validity of VABF measurement. This study is performed to evaluate the trend in VABF during a given hemodialysis session by serial VABF measurements, along with potential factors that may affect VABF. Thirty-two CHD patients had serial VABF measurements performed during a hemodialysis session. Each patient had three serial VABF measurements during a hemodiaysis treatment (within 30, 90, and 150 minutes from the start of hemodialysis). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), ultrafiltration rate, and patient symptoms were recorded simultaneously. The mean VABF was 1,344 +/- 486 mL/min within 30 minutes of hemodialysis and decreased to 1,308 +/- 532 and 1,250 +/- 552 mL/min after 90 and 150 minutes, respectively. This trend was statistically significant (P = 0.03). There was a strong correlation between VABF measurements and MAP, which was more pronounced after 90 minutes of initiation of hemodialysis (r = 0.68; P < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis, it can be predicted that after 90 minutes of hemodialysis, each 10% decrease in MAP would result in an expected decrease of 8% in VABF. There was no effect of type of vascular access, baseline VABF, or amount of ultrafiltration on VABF changes. In conclusion, VABF measurements can be performed up to 2 to 2(1/2) hours from the start of hemodialysis in the majority of patients. The major determinant of VABF changes is MAP. In a subset of patients with a decrease MAP greater than 15%, it is advisable to perform VABF measurement either at the first 90 minutes of hemodialysis or postpone it to another treatment session, when MAP is more stable.

Reversible dementia due to dural arteriovenous fistula: a simple surgical option

Dural AVMs can produce a wide variety of symptoms related to raised intracranial pressure, venous congestion, and cerebral ischaemia. We present a unique case of reversible dementia, due to venous hypertension. The cerebral ischaemia was caused by extensive bilateral arteriovenous malformations of the external carotid system, which drained into the superior sagittal and transverse sinuses and resulted in venous hypertension. Although partial occlusion by endovascular embolization and ligation procedures had some effect, only 'scalping and silastic implantation' gave satisfactory amelioration of symptoms.

Traumatic extradural hematoma of delayed onset is not a rarity

During a 4.5-year period, 73 patients with traumatic extradural hematoma (EDH) were admitted to the neurosurgical unit of the same hospital and managed with surgical evacuation. Of these consecutive admissions, 22 patients with delayed EDH are reported. The incidence of this condition (30%; 22 of 73) contrasts with reports in the literature of 0 to 10%. This may be related to the availability of computed tomography and its liberal and early use in all head injuries. The overall mortality of traumatic EDH (5%; 4 of 73) was related to cases of delayed onset EDH. In addition to a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis of delayed EDH can be facilitated by liberal use of intracranial pressure monitoring and serial computed tomography.

Zinc, copper and lead levels in blood, spinal cord and different parts of the brain in rabbit: effect of zinc-intoxication

The effect of zinc (8 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) administration daily for 7 consecutive days was studied on the levels of Zn++, Cu++ and Pb++ in the blood, spinal cord and different regions of the brain in rabbits. It was found that with increase in Zn++ concentration there was a decrease in copper levels and an increase in lead levels in almost all parts of the brain. In the blood, both copper and lead levels were significantly decreased. No definite mechanism for the changes can be postulated. The study suggests that changes of Zn++ concentration beyond physiological limits can affect the concentration of other essential and non-essential metal ions.