Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome: A Case Report

Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome (EVC) is a infrequent inborn genetic disorder with an x-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. This is recognized by bilateral accessory little finger in upper extremity, short limbs, ectodermal dysplasia affecting teeth and nails, and congenital cardiac defect. The overall prevalence of this disease is 7 in 1000000. In this current case, a 9year old female patient reported with typical general and oral manifestations, which were key diagnostic features of EVC syndrome.

A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study to Find out the Role of Biochemical Parameters in Assessing the Severity of SARS COVID-19

Background and Objective: SARS Cov 2 virus are spreading havoc throughout the world and is responsible for the present pandemic. The clinical presentation of this pandemic has been varied from simple flu like symptoms to severe pneumonia. It is also found to affect multiple organ systems in our body.This study was conducted to find out the variations in the biochemical parameters among SARS Covid patients admitted in our hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective cross sectional survey of medical records of 258 SARS Cov 2 patients admitted in Chettinad hospital and research institute from July 2020 to September 2020. Among them 183 were males,75 were females. The details of their liver profile, renal profile, cardiac profile, ferritin levels and LDH levels were retrieved and studied Results: In this study we found a significant difference in the levels of ferritin, LDH, serum albumin, troponin I, CK-MB and BNP levels between patients admitted in ICU and ward. The patients were divided into three groups based on their age as 20-50,50-80 and more than 80 years. We found significant difference in the levels of total protein, serum albumin, ALT, BUN, troponin I and CK –MB values. Regression analysis showed ferritin, LDH and serum albumin to be independent markers in predicting disease severity (p value <0.05). Conclusion: This study has shown that ferritin, LDH and serum albumin are promising biochemical markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of SARS Covid 19 infection.

An In vitro Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Alpinia galangal and Alpinia calcarata

Background: The herbs, genus Alpinia calcarata and Alpinia galanga that underneath the family Zingiberaceae are rhizomatous and extremely aromatic. The study is to investigate the anti-diabetic activity of Alpinia galanga and Alpinia calcarata in-vitro. Material and Methods: The inhibitory effect of Alpinia galanga and Alpinia calcarata on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were evaluated. Results: The results revealed that both Alpinia galanga and Alpinia calcarata inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in a dose-dependent manner (200–1000 μg/mL). However, Alpinia calcarata possess better antidiabetic activity than Alpinia galangal. Conclusion: The presence of phenolic and other phytochemical content in the herbs might be the reason for their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Thus, the drug formulating from the herbs, Alpinia galanga and Alpinia calcarata could be part of the potential alternative for synthetic anti-diabetic drug.

Evaluation of Quality Control Data of Clinical Chemistry Parameters using Six Sigma Metrics Tool in Clinical Laboratory

Background: Physicians rely on laboratory results for treating patients. So it is the duty of laboratories to assure quality of the results released. So laboratory performance should be validated to maintain the quality. Six sigma has now gained recent interest in monitoring the laboratory quality.This study was designed to gauge the clinical chemistry parameters based on six sigma metrics. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, both the internal and external quality control data of 26 clinical chemistry parameters were collected for a period of 6 months from June 2020 to November 2020 and the six sigma analysis was done at the Central clinical biochemistry laboratory of Chettinad Hospital and research institute. Results: AST, amylase, lipase, triglyceride, HDL, iron, magnesium, creatine kinase showed sigma values more than 6.Uric acid, total protein, ALT, direct bilirubin, GGT,cholesterol, cholesterol, calcium, TIBC and phosphorus shows sigma values between 3.5 to 6. Glucose, BUN, creatinine, albumin, Na, K, Chloride, showed sigma values less than 3.5. Conclusion: Six sigma metrics can help in improving the quality of laboratory performance and also helps to standardisethe actual amount of QC that is required by the laboratory for maintaining quality.

Evaluation of Quality Control Data of Hormones Using Six Sigma Metrics Tool in Clinical Laboratory

Background: In health care system it is necessary to provide high quality and reliable test results to the patients. Many clinical laboratories are using six sigma as a tool to improve the quality control in health care system. Keeping this in mind, the present study was conducted using the quality control data of hormones under NABL(National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) which were assayed in our clinical laboratory. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, both the internal and external quality control data of 11 hormones were collected for a period of 6 months from April 2020 to September 2020 and the six sigma analysis was done. Results: Testosterone level 1(6.8), level 2(6.5) and Folate level1(6.9), level 2(6.6) showed sigma level more than 6 and hence excellent performance. The hormones, FT3 level 1(3.7), level 2(4.8), HCG level 2(3.6), TSH level 1(4.8), level 2(4.7) and Vitamin B12 level 1(4.4), level 2(4.5) showed average performance with sigma level between 3.5 and 6. The hormones, FT4 level 1(1.7), level 2(2), HCG level 1(2.2), Prolactin level 1(3), level 2(3.3), FSH level 1(1.9), level 2(2.0), LH level 1(2), level 2(1.9) and Progesterone level 1(3.4), level 2(3.3) showed poor performance with sigma level less than 3.5. Conclusion: Stringent rules need not be applied for hormones with sigma>6. Moreover, control limits can be relaxed to 3S so that false rejections can be minimized. For hormones with sigma< 6, internal QC rules have to be strictly applied and the root cause analysis has to be done. To conclude, six sigma metrics is a powerful quality control tool which helps to improve the performance of the clinical laboratory and hence the efficiency of the health cares system.

Antioxidants: Friend or foe?

Reactive oxygen species are the intermediates that are formed during the normal metabolic process which are effectively neutralized by the antioxidant system of the body. Any imbalance in this neutralization process causes oxidative stress which has been implicated as one of the cause in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disorders, cancer etc. Research has enabled the use of antioxidants as therapeutic agents in the treatment of various diseases. Literature also puts forth the negative effects of using antioxidants in the treatment of diseases. This review is a compilation of both the beneficial and detrimental effects of use of antioxidants in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and oral diseases.

Synthesis and Characterization of Schiff Base Functionalized Cyanate Esters/BMI Blends

A range of Schiff base functionalized cyanate esters and their precursors were prepared in high yield and characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and elemental analysis. One of the dicyanates was blended with bismaleimide (BMI) at various proportions to increase the toughness of BMI. The thermally initiated polymerization was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Cure studies reveal that BT4 (1: 1 weight ratio of cyanate ester and BMI) was more compatible. The thermal stability of the bismaleimide-riazine (BT) resins was studied using TGA. The 10% weight loss temperatures in N2 were above 380°C with char yield in the range of 72-86%. Moisture absorption of these blends was in the range of 0.3-2%. Chemical resistance of the BT resins was also studied towards acids, alkali and ketone solvent.

The baffling human body and the boundless nanomaterial boon-a trap for cancer crab

Life is a balance of infinite physiochemical balanced harmonies and the basic unit cell is responsible in maintaining it. Cardiovascular diseases and Cancer are the prime causes of death worldwide. Cancerous cells break the harmonious balance and result in uncontrolled growth and spread. Emerging among the existing modalities for management of cancer, as a ray of hope is Nanotechnology based treatment. Dendrimers, Quantum dots and nanobubbles contribute significantly as part of nano based diagnosis and treatment in the management of cancer. Dendrimers are nanoparticles which employ the principle of Trojan horse strategy in that encapsulation and conjugation of anti cancer agents helps in targeting the cancerous cells specifically without affecting the adjacent healthy cells. Quantum dots are cadmium based nanoparticles which when exposed to UV light glow and help in destroying the cancerous cells in the incipient stage. Nanobubbles are generated with short pulses of laser, which helps in identifying the individual cancerous cells and explodes them. Apart from them other technologies such as liposomes, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanoshells, paramagnetic nanoparticles, nanoburrs, respirocytes, microbiovores, nanopores, smart coating and nano bandaid contribute a great lot as boundless nanomaterial boon for the management of cancer, cardiovascular problems and overall systemic health.

4-Fluoro-N-(4-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)aniline

In the title compound, C13H10FNO, the benzene ring planes are inclined at an angle of 50.52 (8)°. A characteristic of aromatic Schiff bases with N-aryl substituents is that the terminal phenyl rings are twisted relative to the plane of the HC=N link between them. In this case, the HC=N unit makes dihedral angles of 10.6 (2) and 40.5 (2)° with the hy-droxy-benzene and fluro-benzene rings, respectively. In the crystal, O-H⋯N and C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of chains along the c- and b-axis directions, respectively. C-H⋯π contacts link mol-ecules along a and these contacts combine to generate a three-dimensional network with mol-ecules stacked along the b-axis direction.

Achievements and prospects of genomics-assisted breeding in three legume crops of the semi-arid tropics

Advances in next-generation sequencing and genotyping technologies have enabled generation of large-scale genomic resources such as molecular markers, transcript reads and BAC-end sequences (BESs) in chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut, three major legume crops of the semi-arid tropics. Comprehensive transcriptome assemblies and genome sequences have either been developed or underway in these crops. Based on these resources, dense genetic maps, QTL maps as well as physical maps for these legume species have also been developed. As a result, these crops have graduated from 'orphan' or 'less-studied' crops to 'genomic resources rich' crops. This article summarizes the above-mentioned advances in genomics and genomics-assisted breeding applications in the form of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for hybrid purity assessment in pigeonpea; marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) for introgressing QTL region for drought-tolerance related traits, Fusarium wilt (FW) resistance and Ascochyta blight (AB) resistance in chickpea; late leaf spot (LLS), leaf rust and nematode resistance in groundnut. We critically present the case of use of other modern breeding approaches like marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) and genomic selection (GS) to utilize the full potential of genomics-assisted breeding for developing superior cultivars with enhanced tolerance to various environmental stresses. In addition, this article recommends the use of advanced-backcross (AB-backcross) breeding and development of specialized populations such as multi-parents advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) for creating new variations that will help in developing superior lines with broadened genetic base. In summary, we propose the use of integrated genomics and breeding approach in these legume crops to enhance crop productivity in marginal environments ensuring food security in developing countries.

3-Benzyl-5-methyl-1,2-benzoxazole 2-oxide

In the title compound, C(15)H(13)NO(2), the isoxazole unit and the attached benzene ring are almost coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 1.42 (8)°. The benzyl ring is inclined to the isoxazole ring by 74.19 (8)° and is in a +sc conformation with respect to the benzisoxazole unit. In the crystal, C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming zigzag chains propagating along the b axis. There are also π-π inter-actions present involving the isoxazole and benzyl rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.5209 (10) Å], and C-H⋯π inter-actions involving the benzene ring of the benzoisoxazole unit and the methyl-ene bridging group.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers (SSR) in Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) species

Microsatellites, also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are the class of repetitive DNA sequences present throughout the genome of many plant and animal species. Recent advances in molecular genetics had been the introduction of microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structuring of natural plant populations. We have employed an enrichment strategy for microsatellite isolation by using multi-enzymes digestion, microsatellite oligoprobes, and streptavidin magnetic beads in Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.). More than 200 SSR motifs were detected (SSR motifs ≥2 repeat units or 6 bp); 80 % of the clones contained SSR motifs. When regarding SSRs with four or more repeat units and a minimum length of 10 bp, 132 of them showed repeats. Eighteen SSR markers were initially characterized for optimum annealing temperature using a gradient PCR technique. Among the 18 SSR markers characterized, five were found to be polymorphic and used to analyze 60 Sesamum germplasm accessions. The maximum number of alleles detected was four with a single primer and the least number of two alleles with three primers with an average PIC value of 0.77. SSRs are a valuable tool for estimating genetic diversity and analyzing the evolutionary and historical development of cultivars at the genomic level in sesame breeding programs.

4-(4-Methoxyphenethyl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole

In the title compound, C₂₃H₂₁N₃O, the dihedral angles formed by the mean plane of the triazole ring [maximum deviation = 0.007 (1) Å] and the three phenyl rings are 51.13 (8), 52.84 (8) and 47.04 (8)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by weak C—H⋯N inter­actions, forming infinite chains propagating along the b-axis direction.