AI Topology based sensor fault diagnosis in induction motor drive

Recently, Induction motor (IM) become the most prevalent machine type and finds an applications in many fields such as industries, electric cars etc., A typical IMD system includes IM, power controller, converter and measurement sensors. The effective performance of the IM indirectly depends upon the sensors connected with IMD. Recently, sensor fault diagnosis plays a vital role in IMD control. Thus, this work formulated a unique methodology using current vector determined from the stator currents of IM to identify sensor failures. ANN topology is incorporated to detect the Sensor failure. MATLAB software is utilized to verify the efficacy of the suggested topology. To demonstrate the practicality of this technology, experimental verification is carried out. The efficiency of the proposed approach for IM drives is demonstrated by both simulation and experimental findings. From the obtained results, it is proven that this technique detects the failure of the sensors within less time duration (about 0.25 ms). Hence, it can be effectively utilized in automobile industry.

Comparison of dexamethasone administration through sublingual and intramuscular routes for evaluation of pain, swelling, and trismus after impacted mandibular third molar surgery-a prospective randomized controlled study

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of dexamethasone when administered preoperatively through sublingual and intramuscular routes for evaluating the reduction in pain, swelling, and trismus after removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients who required surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars under local anesthesia. A total of 150 patients were considered for the study who were divided into two groups of 75 patients each. Patients in the sublingual group were administered with 2 ml of dexamethasone 8 mg along with 2 ml of normal saline through sublingual route and patients in the intramuscular group were administered with 2 ml of dexamethasone 8 mg through intramuscular route 1 h before the commencement of mandibular third molar surgery. The subjects of all two groups were evaluated for pain, swelling, and trismus on 1^st, 3^rd, and 7^th postoperative days.

RESULTS

Patients in the sublingual group had significantly less pain and increased mouth opening on 1^st, 3^rd, and 7^th postoperative days when compared to patients in the intramuscular group (P < 0.05), while the amount of swelling in the sublingual group was significantly less only on the 3^rd and 7^th postoperative days when compared to patients in the intramuscular group (P < 0.05). Four patients in the sublingual group consumed one dose of paracetamol 500 mg as a rescue drug on the day of surgery. In the intramuscular group, 9 patients consumed one dose of the same rescue drug on the day of surgery and 11 patients consumed one dose of rescue drug both on the day of surgery and on the 1^st postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that preoperative administration of dexamethasone 8 mg through sublingual route had better efficacy than intramuscular route in controlling pain, swelling and trismus after mandibular third molar surgery.

One-Pot Synthesis of Porous Crystal Structured Nanosponge-Like Pristine Copper Metal-Organic Framework for Hybrid Supercapacitor Application

Hybrid supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices where high-power delivery is needed in continuous supply (like e-vehicles, cranes, industrialized machines, etc.). Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are the leading porous materials, and...

Jagat and Bala intraocular lens supporting system: An artificial platform for intraocular lens implantation in an aphakic patient with inadequate capsular support

We describe a novel device, Jagat and Bala Intraocular lens Supporting System (JBISS), an artificial Intraocular lens (IOL) platform that facilitates IOL fixation in an aphakic patient with poor capsular support and also facilitates IOL exchange in case of myopic shift or refractive surprise. Implantation of JBISS along with IOL was carried out in four patients and results are promising without any adverse events.

Association of Gut Microbiome and Vitamin D Deficiency in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Few preclinical studies have shown that Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis and chronic inflammation. This pilot study was designed to look at the gut microbiome composition in KOA patients and normal individuals with or without vitamin D deficiency (VDD, serum vitamin D <30 ng/mL).

METHODS

This pilot study was conducted prospectively in 24 participants. The faecal samples of all the participants were taken for DNA extraction. The V3-V4 region of 16s rRNA was amplified, and the library was prepared and sequenced on the Illumina Miseq platform.

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) age was 45.5 (±10.2) years with no defined comorbidities. Of 447 total Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), a differential abundance of 16 nominally significant OTUs between the groups was observed. Linear discriminate analysis (LEfSe) revealed a significant difference in bacteria among the study groups. Pseudobutyrivibrio and Odoribacter were specific for VDD, while Parabacteroides, Butyricimonas and Gordonibacter were abundant in the KOA_VDD group, and Peptococcus, Intestimonas, Delftia and Oribacterium were abundant in the KOA group. About 80% of bacterial species were common among different groups and hence labelled as core bacterial species. However, the core microbiome of KOA and VDD groups were not seen in the KOA_VDD group, suggesting that these bacterial groups were affected by the interaction of the KOA and VDD factors.

CONCLUSION

Parabacteroides, Butyricimonas, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Odoribacter and Gordonibacter are the predominant bacteria in vitamin D deficient patients with or without KOA. Together these results indicate an association between the gut microbiome, vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis.

Efficacy and Safety of Remogliflozin Etabonate, a New Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Trial

Background

Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but many patients either cannot tolerate it or cannot achieve glycemic control with metformin alone, so treatment with other glucose-lowering agents in combination with metformin is frequently required. Remogliflozin etabonate, a novel agent, is an orally bioavailable prodrug of remogliflozin, which is a potent and selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor.

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of remogliflozin etabonate compared with dapagliflozin in subjects with T2DM in whom a stable dose of metformin as monotherapy was providing inadequate glycemic control.

Methods

A 24-week randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, three-arm, parallel-group, multicenter, phase III study was conducted in India. Patients aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 65 years diagnosed with T2DM, receiving metformin ≥ 1500 mg/day, and with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥ 7 to ≤ 10% at screening were randomized into three groups. Every patient received metformin ≥ 1500 mg and either remogliflozin etabonate 100 mg twice daily (BID) (group 1, n = 225) or remogliflozin etabonate 250 mg BID (group 2, n = 241) or dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (QD) in the morning and placebo QD in the evening (group 3, n = 146). The patients were followed-up at weeks 1 and 4 and at 4-week intervals thereafter until week 24. The endpoints included mean change in HbA1c (primary endpoint, noninferiority margin = 0.35), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), bodyweight, blood pressure, and fasting lipids. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), safety laboratory values, electrocardiogram, and vital signs were evaluated.

Results

Of 612 randomized patients, 167 (group 1), 175 (group 2), and 103 (group 3) patients with comparable baseline characteristics completed the study. Mean change ± standard error (SE) in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was − 0.72 ± 0.09, − 0.77 ± 0.09, and − 0.58 ± 0.12% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The difference in mean HbA1c of group 1 versus group 3 (− 0.14%, 90% confidence interval [CI] − 0.38 to 0.10) and group 2 versus group 3 (− 0.19%; 90% CI − 0.42 to 0.05) was noninferior to that in group 3 (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between group 1 or group 2 and group 3 in change in FPG, PPG, and bodyweight. The overall incidence of TEAEs was comparable across study groups (group 1 = 32.6%, group 2 = 34.4%, group 3 = 29.5%), including adverse events (AEs) of special interest (hypoglycemic events, urinary tract infection, genital fungal infection). Most TEAEs were mild to moderate in intensity, and no severe AEs were reported.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the noninferiority of remogliflozin etabonate 100 and 250 mg compared with dapagliflozin, from the first analysis of an initial 612 patients. Remogliflozin etabonate therefore may be considered an effective and well-tolerated alternative treatment option for glycemic control in T2DM.

Trial Registration

CTRI/2017/07/009121.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40265-020-01285-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Alternate iris bypass technique of iridodialysis repair

We describe a novel technique “alternate iris bypass technique” of iridodialysis repair in four patients experiencing traumatic iridodialysis along with cataract. In these cases, we have combined iridodialysis repair with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The main advantage of this technique is that edges of the iridodialysis can be visible till the end of the repair by bypassing the iris tissue in alternate bites which helps in minimizing the corectopia of the pupil and localized iris clumping.

The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio: A Relevant Marker of Gut Dysbiosis in Obese Patients?

The gut microbiota is emerging as a promising target for the management or prevention of inflammatory and metabolic disorders in humans. Many of the current research efforts are focused on the identification of specific microbial signatures, more particularly for those associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Some studies have described that the gut microbiota of obese animals and humans exhibits a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared with normal-weight individuals, proposing this ratio as an eventual biomarker. Accordingly, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is frequently cited in the scientific literature as a hallmark of obesity. The aim of the present review was to discuss the validity of this potential marker, based on the great amount of contradictory results reported in the literature. Such discrepancies might be explained by the existence of interpretative bias generated by methodological differences in sample processing and DNA sequence analysis, or by the generally poor characterization of the recruited subjects and, more particularly, the lack of consideration of lifestyle-associated factors known to affect microbiota composition and/or diversity. For these reasons, it is currently difficult to associate the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio with a determined health status and more specifically to consider it as a hallmark of obesity.

Oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC): a rare presentation in the palate

Introduction: Oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma with an unusual presentation in the palate. Observation: This case report presents a 68 year old male who reported with pain in the roof of the jaw for the past one month. The patient gave a history of a small ulcer over the right palatal region since a year which gradually increased in size. History also revealed that he was a tobacco chewer for around five years and had quit the habit one year back. Clinically, a proliferative growth in the right palatal region was apparent. The growth was firm in consistency and had well-defined borders that crossed the midline of palate. Based on the noticeable clinical signs, the case was provisionally diagnosed as verrucous carcinoma. Histopathology report of the incisional biopsy confirmed the case to be non-invasive oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma. Commentary: OPSCC displays either a papillary variant or exophytic pattern. It has a better prognosis than squamous cell carcinoma of similar clinical stage but is worse than verrucous carcinoma. Conclusion: Since OPSCC may mimic other benign conditions of oral cavity, evaluation of clinical parameters that are associated with the risk of carcinoma is mandatory. This article highlights the significance of histopathological examination that aids the clinician to arrive at a diagnosis for any suspicious papillary lesions.

Supercapacitor and non-enzymatic biosensor application of an Mn2O3/NiCo2O4 composite material

Energy storage mechanism and catalytic performance of the Mn₂O₃/NiCo₂O₄ composite material.

The down regulation of PTP1B expression and attenuation of disturbed glucose and lipid metabolism using Borassus flabellifer (L) fruit methanol extract in high fat diet and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Borassus flabellifer L. is a tall palm traditionally used for its stimulating, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities; it is rich in fibers and various pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Borassus flabellifer fruit methanol extract (BF-M) on diabetic rats induced with High Fat Diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ). When BF-M (100 or 200 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days orally it led to a sharp decline in triglycerides, total cholesterol, free unsaturated fat, glucose-6-phosphate, fasting blood glucose and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase in contrast to diabetic control. BF-M also downregulated Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B. In vitro study showed the IC₅₀ value to be 23.98 μg/mL. BF-M significantly increased serum insulin, glycogen content, and body weight. Western blot analysis exhibited significant inhibition of PTP1B in pancreatic tissue which was confirmed by histology and immunohistological studies. GC-MS analysis revelaled that the presence of major compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (47.56%), Guanosine (21.01%) and n-hecxadeconoic acid (25.14%) in BF-M. In short, BF-M exerted antidiabetic property by down regulating PTP1B expression, and eventually enhancing glucose stimulated insulin release; it also exhibited favorable effects in diabetes and its secondary complications.

Comparison of primary and secondary closure with a buccal mucosal-advancement flap on postoperative course after mandibular impacted third molar surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare primary and secondary wound closure with a buccal mucosal-advancement flap technique on the postoperative course after mandibular impacted third molar surgery.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 150 patients who required surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars under local anesthesia. The study subjects were divided into three groups of 50 patients each, based on the type of closure over the third molar socket. Patients in group I underwent primary closure of the socket with hermetic suturing of the flap, including the vertical release. In group II, a secondary closure was performed, leaving the socket communicating with the oral cavity. In group III, a buccal mucosal-advancement flap technique was employed to achieve primary closure of the flap over the socket while leaving the anterior vertical release, generously patent. All the patients were assessed for pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS), swelling, and mouth opening at postoperative intervals of 2, 4, and 7 days. The wound healing was assessed on day 7.

RESULTS

Patients in the buccal mucosal-advancement flap group had significantly less pain and swelling and increased mouth opening compared with primary and secondary closure. Wound dehiscence was seen in 18 patients and alveolar osteitis in 4 patients in primary closure. Delayed wound healing with food accumulation was seen in 6 patients in secondary closure. No complications of flap dehiscence or breakdown were observed in the buccal mucosal-advancement flap group.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that the buccal mucosal-advancement flap technique was a superior closure technique with less pain, swelling, trismus, and satisfactory wound healing compared with both primary and secondary closure after mandibular third molar surgery.

Effect of Native and Acetylated Dietary Resistant Starches on Intestinal Fermentative Capacity of Normal and Stunted Children in Southern India

The health benefits of dietary amylase resistant starch (RS) arise from intestinal microbial fermentation and generation of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). We compared the intestinal fermentative capability of stunted and nonstunted ('healthy') children in southern India using two types of RS: high amylose maize starch (HAMS) and acetylated HAMS (HAMSA). Twenty children (10 stunted and 10 healthy) aged 2 to 5 years were fed biscuits containing HAMS (10 g/day) for two weeks followed by a 2-week washout and then HAMSA biscuits (10 g/day) for 2 weeks. Fecal samples were collected at 3-4 day intervals and pH and SCFA analyzed. At entry, stunted children had lower SCFA concentrations compared to healthy children. Both types of RS led to a significant decrease in fecal pH and increase in fecal acetate and propionate in both healthy and stunted children. However, while HAMS increased fecal butyrate in both groups of children, HAMSA increased butyrate in healthy but not stunted children. Furthermore, healthy children showed a significantly greater increase than stunted children in both acetate and butyrate when fed either RS. No adverse effects were reported with either RS. Stunted children have impaired capacity to ferment certain types of RS which has implications for choice of RS in formulations aimed at improving microbial function in stunted children.

Frequency of HLA celiac disease risk alleles and haplotypes in healthy adults in Tamil Nadu

Celiac disease (CeD) occurs only in individuals who are able to express human leukocyte antigens (HLA) DQ2 or DQ8, and these are expressed in nearly a third of healthy people in the West. As the disease is very uncommon in Tamil Nadu, we evaluated the possibility that the relevant genes are infrequent in this population. Four hundred healthy adults without any gastrointestinal abnormalities were recruited from Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood and amplified by PCR using the allele-specific primers for the following alleles-DQA1*0201, 0301, and 0501 and DQB1*02, 0201, and 0302, which determine the CeD risk haplotypes. Among the 400 healthy adults, the presence of DQ2.5 (DQB1*0201-DQA1*0501) and DQ2.2 (DQB1*02-DQA1*0201) haplotypes was found in 8.25% and 14.25%, respectively. DQ8 (DQB1*0302-DQA1*0301) haplotype was identified in only 3% of healthy individuals. Overall, approximately a quarter of healthy adults in Tamil Nadu had the potential CeD risk haplotypes of HLA DQ2.5, DQ2.2, and DQ8.

Sequential testing with different tissue transglutaminase antibodies, a new approach for diagnosis of celiac disease

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of celiac disease (CeD) in clinical practice relies on serological testing for IgA antibodies to human tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) which diagnose CeD autoimmunity. We compared three kits for their performance in diagnosis of the disease and evaluated the point prevalence of CeD autoimmunity in a South Indian urban population.

METHODS

In the first part of the study, sera from 90 patients with documented CeD and 92 healthy controls were tested for anti-tTG using three different kits. One thousand nine hundred and seventeen healthy adults residing in urban areas of Vellore and Kancheepuram districts were tested for CeD autoimmunity using a sequential two-test strategy.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, false positivity, false negativity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the three assays respectively were as follows: 95.5%, 82.6%, 17.3%, 4.4%, 84.3%, and 95% for the Aeskulisa New Generation Assay; 85.5%, 100%, 0%, 14.4%, 100%, and 87.6% for Quanta Lite; and 71.1%, 100%, 0%, 28.8%, 100%, and 71% for Celiac Microlisa. The ROC curves showed good discrimination for all three ELISAs with an AUC of 0.947, 0.950, and 0.886 for the Aeskulisa, Quanta Lite, and Celiac Microlisa, respectively. Of 1917 (males 908, females 1009) healthy adults, 113 (5.89%) were seropositive for IgA anti-htTG in the Aeskulisa test. Two of the latter tested positive in the Quanta Lite assay and/or the Celiac Microlisa assay. The CeD autoimmunity prevalence in this urban population was 1.0 per thousand (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 3.7 per thousand).

CONCLUSION

Sequential testing for anti-tTG using first a highly sensitive assay followed by a very specific assay is a new strategy for screening for CeD in clinical practice.

Click chemistry-assisted, bis-cholesteryl-appended, isosorbide-based, dual-responsive organogelators and their self-assemblies

A new series of symmetric, bis-cholesteryl-appended, isosorbide derivatives (BCIE, BCIC2 and BCIC4) were designed as gelators to respond to changes in their environment and were synthesized successfully. Among these derivatives, BCIE can gel a wide variety of organic solvents (23 solvents), suggesting that BCIE acts as a more versatile gelator than BCIC2 and BCIC4. The CGC of the gels varies from 1.53 mM in 1-hexanol to 23 mM in pyridine. The results of the gelation ability in different solvents revealed that changing the linking group (ester/carbamate) attached to the cholesteryl units can produce a dramatic change in the gelation behavior of the compounds. The morphology of the as-formed organogels can be regulated by changing the types of organic solvents. The results from electron microscopy studies revealed that the gelator molecule self-assembled into different aggregates, from wrinkled fibers to dense fibers, with the change of solvents. The gels of BCIE in 1-hexanol and 1-octanol exhibited strong CD (circular dichroism) signals, indicating that the gelation induced supramolecular chirality in these gel systems. Secondary forces of van der Waals and π-π stacking (from both 1,2,3-triazole and aromatic units) played important roles in the aggregation of compounds in the solvents according to FTIR and variable temperature (1)H-NMR analysis, and a mechanism for the gel formation was proposed. The gel-to-sol phase transition can be triggered by the addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and the gel state was obtained slowly (after 1 day) when neutralizing with triethyl amine (TEA), which indicated that the sol ⇄ gel phase transitions are tunable by pH, which is further supported by (1)H-NMR and SEM analysis. In addition, the gel stability of BCIE was investigated using Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Ag(2+), Fe(3+), Hg(2+), Mg(2+), Pd(2+), Al(3+) and Zn(2+), and the results showed that the gel-to-sol phase transition process could be selectively controlled by interaction with Pd(2+) and Zn(2+) because complexation with 1,2,3-triazoles destroyed the interactions between the triazoles, collapsing the gel, which was further evidenced by (1)H-NMR and SEM analysis. However, the gel stability of BCIE was enhanced by the addition of Pd(2+) and Zn(2+) in the presence of pyridine, whereas the gel collapsed in other solvents, which may be due to the chelating effect of the pyridine moiety. Another interesting feature of this gel is that when using the gelator as a stabilizer, stable water in oil (W/O) gel-emulsions were created, in which styrene can be used as the continuous phase and water as the dispersed phase with the stabilizer in the continuous phase of only 2% (w/v). Gel-emulsions were observed with any ratio of water to styrene.

Prevalence of Adult Celiac Disease in India: Regional Variations and Associations

OBJECTIVES

Although celiac disease (CeD) affects 1% of people in the northern part of India, it is believed to be uncommon in the southern and northeastern parts because of significant differences in dietary pattern and ethnicity. We estimated the prevalence of CeD in these three populations. In a subset, we also investigated differences in the prevalence of HLA-DQ 2/8 allelotype and dietary grain consumption.

METHODS

A total of 23,331 healthy adults were sampled from three regions of India-northern (n=6207), northeastern (n=8149), and southern (n=8973)-and screened for CeD using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody. Positive tests were reconfirmed using a second ELISA. CeD was diagnosed if the second test was positive and these participants were further investigated. A subsample of participants was tested for HLA-DQ2/-DQ8 and underwent detailed dietary evaluation.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted prevalence of celiac autoantibodies was 1.23% in northern, 0.87% in northeastern, and 0.10% in southern India (P<0.0001). Prevalence of CeD and latent CeD, respectively, was 8.53/1,000 and 3.70/1,000 in northern, 4.66/1,000 and 3.92/1,000 in northeastern, and 0.11/1,000 and 1.22/1,000 in the southern part. The population prevalence of genes determining HLA-DQ2 and/or -DQ8 expression was 38.1% in northern, 31.4% in northeastern, and 36.4% in southern India. Mean daily wheat intake was highest in northern (455 g) compared with northeastern (37 g) or southern part (25 g), whereas daily rice intake showed an inverse pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

CeD and latent CeD were most prevalent in northern India and were the least in southern India. The prevalence correlated with wheat intake and did not reflect differences in the genetic background.

Non-centralised service for palliative stenting of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a common, debilitating and frequently pre-terminal symptom of intra-abdominal malignancies. Traditional 'gold standard' treatment has been palliative surgical gastro-enterostomy. Over the past two decades, use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) to relieve malignant GOO has become first-line treatment. We present the results from a single district general hospital in the UK in which malignant GOO was treated with SEMSs over a six-year period.

METHODS

All patients who underwent palliative stenting for malignant gastro-duodenal tumours in our centre for six years up to January 2013 were assessed retrospectively. Outcomes were assessed with regard to: technical and clinical success; return to oral nutrition; prevalence of complications and re-intervention; and overall survival.

RESULTS

Thirty-two stents were implanted in 29 patients. Technical success was 100%. Clinical success and return to oral nutrition were both 91%. The prevalence of complications was 16%. The prevalence of re-intervention was 13%. Mean survival was 91 (range, 5-392) days. Median wait from decision to implant a stent to stent implantation was 1 (range, 0-14) day. Overall, 25 covered and nine uncovered stents were implanted.

CONCLUSION

Stent implantation for GOO in this patient group is an established and preferable alternative to surgical intervention. Much of the treatment for malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract has now been centralised. Our data showed comparable results with published data for these procedures, with a high prevalence of success and low prevalence of major complications. It is of considerable benefit to these patients not to have to travel to a regional centre for stent implantation.

Antihyperglycemic effect of Hypericum perforatum ethyl acetate extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Hypericum perforatum (H. perforatum) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Acute toxicity and oral glucose tolerance test were performed in normal rats. Male albino rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). H. perforatum ethyl acetate extract was orally administered to diabetic rats at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses for 15 days to determine the antihyperglycemic activity. Biochemical parameters were determined at the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

H. perforatum ethyl acetate extract showed dose dependant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 30 min of extract administration, FBG was reduced significantly when compared with normal rats. H. perforatum ethyl acetate extract produced significant reduction in plasma glucose level, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose-6-phosphatase levels. Tissue glycogen content, HDL-cholesterol, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly increased compared with diabetic control. No death or lethal effect was observed in the toxic study.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that H. perforatum ethyl acetate extract possesses potent antihyperglycemic activity in STZ induced diabetic rats.

Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria present in home made curd in southern India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The human gut microbiota play a significant role in nutritional processes. The concept of probiotics has led to widespread consumption of food preparations containing probiotic microbes such as curd and yogurt. Curd prepared at home is consumed every day in most homes in southern India. In this study the home-made curd was evaluated for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potential.

METHODS

Fifteen LAB (12 lactobacilli, 1 l0 actococcus , 2 Leuconostoc) and one yeast isolated from home-made curd were evaluated for resistance to acid, pepsin, pancreatin and bile salts; antimicrobial resistance; intrinsic antimicrobial activity; adherence to Caco-2 epithelial cells; ability to block pathogen adherence to Caco-2 cells; ability to inhibit interleukin (IL)-8 secretion from HT-29 epithelial cells in response to Vibrio cholerae; and ability to induce anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in THP-1 monocyte cells.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus abundance in fermenting curd peaked sharply at 12 h. Nine of the strains survived exposure to acid (pH 3.0) for at least one hour, and all strains survived in the presence of pancreatin or bile salts for 3 h. None showed haemolytic activity. All were resistant to most antimicrobials tested, but were sensitive to imipenem. Most strains inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium while five inhibited growth of V. cholerae O139. Seven strains showed adherence to Caco-2 cells ranging from 20-104 per cent of adherence of an adherent strain of Escherichia coli, but all inhibited V. cholerae adherence to Caco-2 cells by 20-100 per cent. They inhibited interleukin-8 secretion from HT-29 cells, in response to V. cholerae, by 50-80 per cent. Two strains induced IL-10 and IL-12 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in THP-1 cells.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

LAB in curd had properties consistent with probiotic potential, but these were not consistent across species. LAB abundance in curd increased rapidly at 12 h of fermentation at room temperature and declined thereafter.

The use of self-expanding metal stents in the management of large bowel obstruction and malignant fistulating disease: a large district general experience

The following abstracts won prizes at the 153rd East Midlands Surgical Society meeting held on 9 November 2012 at Leicester General Hospital. First prize was won by George et al. The paper by Ogunbiyi et al was placed second and the paper by Khanna et al was placed third.

A cephalometric study to determine the center of anteroposterior curve of occlusion in the cranium

Proper management of the occlusal plane is an essential consideration when multiple long span posterior restorations are designed. When restorations are added to an existing tooth arrangement characterized by rotated, tipped or extruded teeth, excursive interferences may be incorporated. The curve of Spee which exists in natural dentition, allows harmony to exist between the anterior teeth and the condylar guidance. Broadrick fag or occlusal plane analyzer is used to assist in the reproduction of tooth morphology that is commensurate with the curve of Spee when posterior restorations are designed; its use prevents the introduction of protrusive interferences. The current study determines the relationship of the center of anteroposterior curve of occlusion in the cranium and its relationship to other cephalometric landmarks and also evaluates the relationship of anteroposterior curve of occlusion to the condyle.

Ten-year experience of esophageal self-expanding metal stent insertion at a single institution

Palliation of malignant dysphagia can be achieved using self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). This study was conceived to confirm that the insertion of SEMS improved patient symptoms without serious complications and to allow comparison with recent national data. Retrospective case note review of all patients receiving SEMS over a 10-year period between March 1999 and February 2009 was used in this study. There were 138 consecutive patients (50 female), median age of 75 (range 46-90) years, 122 (88.5%) had primary malignant disease of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction. In total, 250 endoscopic examinations were carried out, with 200 interventional procedures, including the insertion of 156 SEMS. Before stenting, 74.2% of patients had a dysphagia score of 2-3. Following stent insertion, dysphagia scores improved to 0-1 in 90.3% of patients (P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed ranks). No complications were encountered in 61 (44%) patients. Chest pain was the most frequent difficulty, encountered in 50 (36%) patients. Tumor overgrowth occurred in 17 (12.3%) patients and food bolus obstruction was seen in 7% of patients. There were no esophageal perforations attributable to SEMS insertion. Overall 30-day mortality for those with esophago-gastric malignancy was 11.6% (16 patients), although the SEMS-related mortality was 2.2% (3 patients). Median survival from SEMS insertion was 3 (IQR 1.5-7) months. Patients requiring re-intervention for tumor overgrowth had a significantly longer median survival of 9.2 months (P= 0.001, log rank). SEMS were well tolerated with overall mortality and complication rates comparable to national data. For the longer survivors, re-intervention for recurrent dysphagia was not unusual.

Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes from India and Malaysia treated with sitagliptin or a sulfonylurea during Ramadan: a randomized, pragmatic study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia between sitagliptin and sulfonylurea in Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes who fasted during Ramadan.

METHODS

In a multicenter, pragmatic, randomized study, patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from clinical centers in India (n = 765) and Malaysia (n = 105). Eligible patients (age ≥ 18 yrs) expressed their intention to daytime fast during Ramadan, were treated with a stable dose of sulfonylurea with or without metformin for ≥3 months prior to screening visit, and had an HbA(1c) ≤ 10%. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either switch to sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. or remain on their pre-study sulfonylurea. Daily diary cards were completed to document information on hypoglycemic symptoms and complications. The primary endpoint was the overall incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia during Ramadan.

RESULTS

Of the 870 patients randomized, 848 (n = 421 for sitagliptin and 427 for sulfonylurea) returned ≥1 completed diary card and were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients who recorded ≥1 symptomatic hypoglycemic event during Ramadan was lower with sitagliptin (3.8%) compared to sulfonylurea (7.3%). The risk of symptomatic hypoglycemia was significantly lower with sitagliptin (risk ratio [95% CI] = 0.52 [0.29, 0.94]; p = 0.028). By country, the proportions of patients who recorded ≥1 symptomatic hypoglycemic event during Ramadan were 4.1% vs. 7.7% in India and 1.9% vs. 3.8% in Malaysia for sitagliptin and sulfonylurea, respectively. No patient discontinued treatment due to a hypoglycemic event. One patient on sitagliptin and seven on sulfonylurea had an event that required non-medical assistance. No events required medical assistance. Both treatments were generally well tolerated.

LIMITATIONS

Symptomatic hypoglycemic events did not require a confirmatory blood glucose measurement, which may have overestimated hypoglycemic events. Measures of glycemic control and body weight were not assessed.

CONCLUSION

Switching antihyperglycemic treatment to sitagliptin from a sulfonylurea reduced the risk of symptomatic hypoglycemia by approximately 50% for Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes who fasted during Ramadan.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01340768.

Clinical and histological comparison of polyglycolic acid suture with black silk suture after minor oral surgical procedure

Any suture material, absorbable or nonabsorbable, elicits a kind of inflammatory reaction within the tissue. Nonabsorbable black silk suture and absorbable polyglycolic acid suture were compared clinically and histologically on various parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study consisted of 50 patients requiring minor surgical procedure, who were referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Patients were selected randomly and sutures were placed in the oral cavity 7 days preoperatively. Polyglycolic acid was placed on one side and black silk suture material on the other. Seven days later, prior to surgical procedure the sutures will be assessed. After the surgical procedure the sutures will be placed postoperatively in the same way for 7 days, after which the sutures will be assessed clinically and histologically.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that all the sutures were retained in case of polyglycolic acid suture whereas four cases were not retained in case of black silk suture. As far as polyglycolic acid suture is concerned 25 cases were mild, 18 cases moderate and seven cases were severe. Black silk showed 20 mild cases, 21 moderate cases and six severe cases. The histological results showed that 33 cases showed mild, 14 cases moderate and three cases severe in case of polyglycolic acid suture. Whereas in case of black silk suture 41 cases were mild. Seven cases were moderate and two cases were severe. Black silk showed milder response than polyglycolic acid suture histologically.

CONCLUSION

The polyglycolic acid suture was more superior because in all 50 patients the suture was retained. It had less tissue reaction, better handling characteristics and knotting capacity.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as an alternative to cholecystectomy in high risk patients with biliary sepsis: a district general hospital experience

INTRODUCTION

Cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for patients with acute cholecystitis. However, percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is an alternative for patients at high risk for surgery. We present our five-year clinical experience with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of PC in high risk patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 30 consecutive patients who underwent PC at our institution. The indications for cholecystostomy, route of insertion, technical success, clinical improvement, length of hospitalisation, in-hospital or 30-day mortality, complications, subsequent admissions and performance of interval cholecystectomy were recorded. The median follow-up period was 25 months (range: 1-52 months).

RESULTS

Thirty-two PCs were performed in thirty patients (mean age: 76.1 years; range: 52-90 years). The indications for PC were acute calculous cholecystitis (29/32), acalculous cholecystitis (1/32) and emphysematous cholecystitis (2/32). The route of insertion was transperitoneal for 22/32 PCs (68.8%) and transhepatic for 10/32 (31.2%). The procedure was technically successful in all patients although 2/22 transperitoneal drains (9.1%) were dislodged subsequently. Twenty-seven PCs (84.4%) resulted in clinical improvement within five days. The in-hospital or 30-day mortality rate was 16.7% (5/30). Eleven patients (36.7%) had a subsequent cholecystectomy: 6 were laparoscopic and 5 converted to open procedures at a median interval of 58 days (range: 1-124 days).

CONCLUSIONS

PCs are straightforward with few complications. Most patients improve clinically and the procedure can therefore be used as a definitive treatment in unfit patients or as a bridge to surgery in those who might subsequently prove fit for a definitive operation.

Spectral and electrochemical studies of bis(diimine)copper(II) complexes in anionic, cationic and nonionic micelles

The spectral and redox behavior of bis(diimine)copper(II) complexes, where diimine is bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and dipyrido-[3,2-d:2',3'-f]-quinoxaline, are significantly different in aqueous and in aqueous SDS, CTAB and Triton X-100 micellar solutions. The (1)H NMR spectral study in aqueous (D(2)O) and aqueous micelles reveals that the Cu(II) complexes interact more strongly with SDS than with CTAB and Triton X-100 micelles and at sites on SDS micelles different from those on the latter. Ligand Field spectral studies reveal that the complexes exist as the dicationic aquated species [Cu(diimine)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), which interacts strongly with the anionic SDS micelles through columbic forces. However, they exist as [Cu(diimine)(2)(H(2)O)Cl](+) and/or [Cu(diimine)(2)H(2)] located in the hydrophobic microenvironments in Triton X-100 and CTAB micelles. The attainment of reversibility of the redox systems in the micellar microenvironments is remarkable and this illustrates that the Cu(II) and Cu(I) species undergo stereochemical changes suitable for reversible electron-transfer. The remarkable differences in spectral and electrochemical properties of Cu(II) complexes in aqueous and aqueous micellar solutions illustrate that the complexes are nestled largely within the micellar environments and imply that the accessibilities of the complexes to electron-transfer are different and are dependent on the nature of micelles as well as the nature and hydrophobicity of the diimine ligands.

Faecal bifidobacteria in Indian neonates & the effect of asymptomatic rotavirus infection during the first month of life

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Bifidobacteria colonize the gut after the first week of life and remain an important component of the gut microbiota in infancy. This study was carried out to characterize the diversity and number of bifidobacteria colonizing the gut in Indian neonates and to investigate whether asymptomatic infection with rotavirus in the first month of life affected gut colonization by bifidobacteria.

METHODS

DNA was isolated from faeces of 14 term-born neonates who were under surveillance for rotavirus infection. Bacterial and bifidobacterial diversity was evaluated by temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE) of 16S rDNA amplified using total bacteria and bifidobacteria-specific primers. Real time PCR, targeting 16S rDNA, was used to quantitate faecal bifidobacteria and enterobacteria.

RESULTS

TTGE of conserved bacterial 16S rDNA showed 3 dominant bands of which Escherichia coli (family Enterobacteriaceae) and Bifidobacterium (family Bifidobacteriaceae) were constant. TTGE of Bifidobacterium genus-specific DNA showed a single band in all neonates identified by sequencing as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis. Faecal bifidobacterial counts (log 10 cfu/g faeces) ranged from 6.1 to 9.3 and enterobacterial counts from 6.3 to 9.5. Neonates without and with rotavirus infection in the first week of life did not show significant differences in the median count of bifidobacteria (log 10 count 7.48 vs. 7.41) or enterobacteria (log 10 count 8.79 vs. 7.92).

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

B. longum subsp. infantis was the sole bifidobacterial species colonizing the gut of Indian neonates. Asymptomatic rotavirus infection in the first month of life was not associated with alteration in faecal bifidobacteria or enterobacteria.

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights an Indian Perspective

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the Indian Innovation System, IPR system and other related activities such as Judicial System, Enforcement System, and Academic Institutions etc. The paper is based on the existing data and relates those data and results to the India’s Intellectual Property Rights System, Innovation, Research and Development. This paper focus on the recent reforms in IPR laws to achieve a legal framework for protecting IPR that is comparable to that of most developed nations. As a part Information Technology, three major IT organizations focus on innovation and research discussed in addition to an overview about major multinational companies’ research initiatives in India.  

Metronidazole effects on microbiota and mucus layer thickness in the rat gut

Both mucus and mucosa-associated bacteria form a specific environment in the gut; their disruption may play a crucial role in the development of intestinal bowel disease (IBD). Metronidazole, an antibiotic used in the treatment of IBD, alters gut microbiota and reduces basal oxidative stress to proteins in colonic tissue of healthy rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the altered microbiota due to the metronidazole on the thickness of the mucus layer. This study was performed in healthy untreated rats (control group) or rats treated by metronidazole (metronidazole-treated rats, 1 mg mL(-1) in drinking water for 7 days). Both PCR-temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed an altered microbiota with an increase in bifidobacteria and enterobacteria in metronidazole-treated rats compared with control rats. Moreover, a dominant bifidobacterial species, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, was detected. Using qPCR and FISH, we showed that bifidobacteria were also increased in the microbiota-associated mucosa. At the same time, the mucus layer thickness was increased approximately twofold. These results could explain the benefits of metronidazole treatment and warrant further investigations to define the role of bifidobacteria in the colonic mucosa.

Bacterial succession in the colon during childhood and adolescence: molecular studies in a southern Indian village

BACKGROUND

The colonic bacterial flora, largely anaerobic, is believed to establish and stabilize in the first 2 y of life.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to determine whether the bacterial flora of the colon undergoes further changes (succession) during childhood and adolescence.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study examined fecal samples from 130 healthy children and adolescents in the age group 2-17 y and from 30 healthy adults (median age: 42 y) residing in a single village in southern India. DNA was extracted and subjected to 16S rDNA-targeted real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine the relative predominance of Bifidobacterium genus, Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group, Lactobacillus acidophilus group, Eubacterium rectale, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

RESULTS

Bifidobacterium species and Bacteroides-Prevotella group were dominant fecal bacteria overall. E. rectale and Lactobacillus species were considerably less abundant. Clear age-related differences emerged, with a steep decline in Bifidobacterium species in adults (P < 0.0001), a steep decline of Lactobacillus species >5 y of age (P < 0.0001), an increase in Bacteroides during late adolescence and in adults (P = 0.0040), an increase in E. rectale during childhood and adolescence followed by a steep decline in adults (P < 0.0001), and a late childhood peak of F. prausnitzii with decline in adolescents and adults (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the bacterial flora occur during childhood and adolescence characterized by reduction in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and an increase in Bacteroides, E rectale, and F. prausnitzii peaked during late childhood in this population.