"Pre and Post Treatment Comparison of S/Z Ratio in Benign Laryngeal Lesions".

Benign laryngeal lesions like vocal nodules, vocal polyp, vocal fold cysts are mostly found in patients complaining of change in voice. S/Z ratio has become the most frequently used clinical tool to assess phonatory mechanics. This study shows the pre-treatment and post-treatment comparison of S/Z ratios in patients with benign laryngeal lesions. To evaluate the outcome of microlaryngeal surgery in patients with benign laryngeal lesions using S/Z ratio as an outcome parameter. During this study, 65 patients with complaints of change in voice, with clinical evidence of benign laryngeal lesions underwent microlaryngeal surgery. Improvement in symptoms were measured preoperatively and postoperatively using S/Z ratio. This ratio was calculated by asking the patient to to maximally sustain 'S' and 'Z', repeated thrice. S/Z ratio was calculated by dividing the maximum duration for which /S/ was sustained by the maximum duration for which /Z/ was sustained. A ratio of more than 1.4 suggested a vocal cord disorder. There was statistically significant difference observed in S/Z ratio values, from pre-treatment to 6 months post-treatment, with P value 0.001. Pre and post treatment assessment of patients with benign vocal fold lesions showed significant improvement in S/Z ratio postoperatively. It is the simplest and a reliable objective method of voice assessment and can also be used in assessing the outcome of the treatment.

Polysomnographic Assessment on Osahs Outcomes in Patients with Nasal Obstruction Undergoing Septoplasty with Partial Inferior Turbinectomy.

The relationship between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea has raised interest among otolaryngologists since years. There are studies that suggest that surgical correction of nasal obstruction improves sleep quality and reduces symptoms of sleep apnea. This lead to our study to understand the effect of nasal surgery on obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). AIM: To assess the effect of nasal surgery in improvement in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome in patients with nasal obstruction by Polysomnography (PSG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients with nasal obstruction who underwent septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction procedure with pre and post operative assessment of respiratory distress index (RDI) including apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI), obstructive apnoea index (OAI), Snoring Index (SI) using polysomnography (PSG). RESULT: Nasal correction surgery showed statistically significant improvement (p-value < 0.001) in RDI from 13.66 to 6.66, OAI from 6.34 to 3.18 and Snoring Index from 161.77 to 62.23 as assessed by polysomnography. There was statistically significant improvement in minimal saturation levels (during sleep) and positional sleep apnoea. CONCLUSION: Isolated nasal surgery like septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction improved sleep parameters and alleviated OSA symptoms in patients with static nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. However, patients with multilevel or dynamic airway obstruction may need further intervention.

ß-keto amyrin isolated from Cryptostegia grandiflora R. br. inhibits inflammation caused by Daboia russellii viper venom: Direct binding of ß-keto amyrin to phospholipase A2.

The search for mechanism-based anti-inflammatory therapies is of fundamental importance to avoid undesired off-target effects. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is a potential molecular target for anti-inflammatory drugs because it fuels arachidonic acid needed to synthesize inflammation mediators, such as prostaglandins. Herein, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ß-keto amyrin isolated from a methanolic extract of Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br. Leaves can inhibit inflammation caused by Daboia russellii viper (DR) venom that mainly contains PLA2. We found that ß-keto amyrin neutralizes DR venom-induced paw-edema in a mouse model. Molecular docking of PLA2 with ß-keto amyrin complex resulted in a higher binding energy score of -8.86 kcal/mol and an inhibition constant of 611.7 nM. Diclofenac had a binding energy of -7.04 kcal/mol and an IC50 value of 620 nM, which predicts a poorer binding interaction than ß-keto amyrin. The higher conformational stability of ß-keto amyrin interaction compared to diclofenac is confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation. ß-keto amyrin isolated from C. grandiflora inhibits the PLA2 activity contained in Daboia russellii viper venom. The anti-inflammatory property of ß-keto amyrin is due to its direct binding into the active site of PLA2, thus inhibiting its enzyme activity.

Progress towards blue emitting MgO-ZnO-Ga2O3 nanocomposites synthesized by bio mediated route.

MgO-ZnO-Ga2O3 nanocomposites are synthesized by solution combustion method using Aloe Vera gel as a reducing agent to increase the efficiency of blue emission. The appearance of Bragg reflections corresponding to MgO, ZnO and Ga2O3 clearly indicates the formation of nanocomposites. The surface morphology consists irregular shape and sized NPs. The Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the purity of the sample. The band energy gap was tuned to 3.1 eV. The Photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra was discussed and compared it with emission spectra of individual oxides as well as with other reported blue emitted nanophosphors. Further, the chromaticity coordinates and Color correlated temperature coordinates clearly confirms their warm blue emission. Further, the powder dusting method was employed to collect the latent fingerprints on the pores and non-pores surfaces. The synthesized MgO-ZnO-Ga2O3 nanocomposites exhibits well-resolved ridge patterns that can be used to identify latent finger prints with clarity. From all these results, the present synthesized MgO-ZnO-Ga2O3 nanocomposite might find an application in display technology as a blue nanophosphor material and for latent finger print detection in crime investigation.

A clinical comparative study of thyroid surgeries with and without drain.

Most of the thyroid surgeries are accompanied by drain placement. The possibility of hematoma or seroma formation postoperatively is of concern to surgeons, as, thyroid is a highly vascular structure and a minor hemorrhage might also turn out to be life threatening, despite actual incidence of it being only 0.3-1%. Thus, drains are placed with an intention to obliterate dead space and clear the collecting blood or serum. Conversely, several studies have indicated chances of clots blocking the drainage tube and resulting in missing out of early detection of a massive bleed. Drains have also been known to add more discomfort to the patient, increase chances of infection, increase post operative pain, scar formation and longer duration of hospital stay. Thus, some surgeons believe in not placing a drain. To compare the outcomes of thyroid surgeries done with drain versus those thyroid surgeries done without drain. 40 patients, of either sex, between 18 and 70 years of age, who underwent thyroid surgeries for various thyroid disorders over a period of 6 months, were randomly allocated to either 'with drain' (group A) or 'without drain' (group B). The surgeon was made aware of drain status only intraoperatively. Patients were assessed for post-operative pain based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6 and 24 h post-operatively. Post-operative complications including hematoma, seroma, and wound infection, if any, along with duration of hospitalization, were also documented. Patient was followed up one week post-operatively for wound check and suture removal. Both groups were homogenous according to age, sex, TIRADS, Bethesda, diagnosis and surgery performed. Postoperative pain at 6 and 24 h was significantly higher in group A than in group B [6.15 ± 1.31 vs 3.50 ± 0.88 (p = 0.001) (6 h), 4.45 ± 0.99 vs 1.20 ± 1.10 (p = 0.001) (24 h)]. Mean duration of hospitalization following thyroid surgery was significantly higher among group A than group B [3.80 ± 1.15 vs 2.15 ± 0.36 days (p = 0.001)]. Though not statistically significant, wound pain at 1 week and overall complications were higher in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.182, p = 0.127 respectively). Thyroid surgeries done without drain placement are likely to cause significantly lesser post-operative pain and shorter duration of hospitalization.

Effect of Eu3+ doping on structural and optical properties of zirconium titanate.

The Europium activated (1-9 mol %) Zirconium Titanate nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by the green solution combustion method using Aloe Vera gel extract as a reducing agent, followed by the calcination at 720 °C for 3hrs. All the synthesized samples crystallize in a pure orthorhombic crystal structure with the space group of Pbcn. The surface and bulk morphology were analyzed. The crystallite size increases, whereas the direct energy band gap was found to decrease with an increase in dopant concentration. Further, the effect of dopant concentration on the photoluminescence properties was studied. The presence of Eu3+ ion in the trivalent state in the host lattice was confirmed by its characteristic emission at 610 nm due to 5D0→7F2 (λex = 464 nm). The CIE coordinates were found in the red region of the CIE 1931 diagram. The CCT coordinates lie in the range 6288-7125 K. The Judd-Ofelt parameters and derived quantities were analyzed. This theory confirms the high symmetry of Eu3+ ions in the host lattice. These findings imply that ZTO:Eu3+ can be employed as a nanopowder material in a red-emitting phosphor material.

Red emission of copper aluminate synthesized via chemical and bio-mediated routes.

For the first time, copper aluminate nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by a combustion method using urea as a fuel (CAOU) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) extract as a reducing agent (CAOT). The Bragg reflections of the as-formed product confirm the formation of a cubic phase with Fd3̄m space group. The crystallite size, crystallinity and other structural parameters are discussed. The surface morphology of CAOU is agglomerated in nature whereas that of CAOT is hexagonal in shape. The smaller crystallite size CAOT NPs show a higher energy band gap. The photoluminescence (PL) analysis excited at 302 nm shows that the CIE coordinates fall in the red region. The oxygen defects are mainly responsible for the PL emission. The CCT coordinates confirm that both CAOU and CAOT NPs can find an application in warm light emitting diodes.

Photoluminescence, antibacterial, X-ray/gamma ray absorption, supercapacitor and sensor applications of ZrTiO4 nanorods.

In the present communication, ZrTiO4 nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by the solution combustion method using urea (ZTOU) and oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) (ZTODH) as fuel and calcined at 700 °C. The synthesized samples were characterized with different techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction studies show the presence of diffraction peaks corresponding to ZrTiO4. In addition to these peaks, a few additional peaks corresponding to the monoclinic and cubic phases of ZrO2 and the rutile phase of TiO2 are observed. The surface morphology of ZTOU and ZTODH consists of nanorods with different lengths. The TEM and HRTEM images confirm the formation of nanorods along with NPs, and the estimated crystallite size matches well with that of PXRD. The direct energy band gap was calculated using Wood and Tauc's relation and was found to be 2.7 and 3.2 eV for ZTOU and ZTODH respectively. The photoluminescence emission peaks (λ = 350 nm), CIE and CCT of ZTOU and ZTODH clearly confirm that the present nanophosphor might be a good nanophosphor material for blue or aqua green light emitting diodes. Furthermore, antibacterial activity and a viability test were conducted on two food borne pathogens. The X-ray/gamma ray absorption properties are also studied, which clearly show the ZrTiO4 might be a good absorbing material. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis of ZTOU nanorods shows very good redox peaks compared to that of ZTODH. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, the charge-transfer resistances for prepared nanorods ZTOU and ZTODH are found to be 151.6 Ω, and 184.5 Ω respectively. The modified graphite electrode with ZTOU shows good sensing activity for both paracetamol and ascorbic acid, compared to ZTODH.

Belowground carbon allocation, root trait plasticity, and productivity during drought and warming in a pasture grass.

Sustaining grassland production in a changing climate requires an understanding of plant adaptation strategies, including trait plasticity under warmer and drier conditions. However, our knowledge to date disproportionately relies on aboveground responses, despite the importance of belowground traits in maintaining aboveground growth, especially in grazed systems. We subjected a perennial pasture grass, Festuca arundinacea, to year-round warming (+3 °C) and cool-season drought (60% rainfall reduction) in a factorial field experiment to test the hypotheses that: (i) drought and warming increase carbon allocation belowground and shift root traits towards greater resource acquisition and (ii) increased belowground carbon reserves support post-drought aboveground recovery. Drought and warming reduced plant production and biomass allocation belowground. Drought increased specific root length and reduced root diameter in warmed plots but increased root starch concentrations under ambient temperature. Higher diameter and soluble sugar concentrations of roots and starch storage in crowns explained aboveground production under climate extremes. However, the lack of association between post-drought aboveground biomass and belowground carbon and nitrogen reserves contrasted with our predictions. These findings demonstrate that root trait plasticity and belowground carbon reserves play a key role in aboveground production during climate stress, helping predict pasture responses and inform management decisions under future climates.

Drought and warming alter gross primary production allocation and reduce productivity in a widespread pasture grass.

Carbon allocation determines plant growth, fitness and reproductive success. However, climate warming and drought impacts on carbon allocation patterns in grasses are not well known, particularly following grazing or clipping. A widespread C3 pasture grass, Festuca arundinacea, was grown at 26 and 30°C in controlled environment chambers and subjected to drought (65% reduction relative to well-watered controls). Leaf, root and whole-plant carbon fluxes were measured and linked to growth before and after clipping. Both drought and warming reduced gross primary production and plant biomass. Drought reduced net leaf photosynthesis but increased the leaf respiratory fraction of assimilated carbon. Warming increased root respiration but did not affect either net leaf photosynthesis or leaf respiration. There was no evidence of thermal acclimation. Moreover, root respiratory carbon loss was amplified in the combined drought and warming treatment and, in addition to a negative carbon balance aboveground, explained an enhanced reduction in plant biomass. Plant regrowth following clipping was strongly suppressed by drought, reflecting increased tiller mortality and exacerbated respiratory carbon loss. These findings emphasize the importance of considering carbon allocation patterns in response to grazing or clipping and interactions with climatic factors for sustainable pasture production in a future climate.

Fear of Falling and Functional Mobility in Elders with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Coastal Karnataka, India: A Hospital-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Aging with diabetic neuropathy is likely to predispose people to falls. Despite being a high-risk population, estimates of falls and their associated factors are poorly documented in elderly diabetic neuropathy patients living in coastal Karnataka, India. OBJECTIVE: To investigate fear of falling and functional mobility, as an approximate measure of clinical fall risk, and explore the associated risk factors in elderly diabetic neuropathy patients living in coastal Karnataka, India. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 316 elders aged 60 to 80 with diabetic neuropathy. A detailed diabetic foot evaluation was done. Self-reported fear of fall and functional mobility was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale- International and Timed Up and Go test, respectively, with published cut-points. Additionally, a recall of 12 months of fall history was recorded. RESULTS: Descriptive analysis showed that self-reported fear of fall and below-average functional mobility was present in 39% and 49% of the elders with diabetic neuropathy, respectively. Spearman's correlational analysis revealed that self-reported fall concerns and functional mobility are significantly interdependent. Regression analysis suggested female gender, the severity of neuropathy, and previous falls as significant modifiers for fear of falls and poor functional mobility. CONCLUSION: Half of the elders (49%) with diabetic neuropathy have poor functional mobility and 39% have a fear of falling. Improving physical function and addressing fall concerns of elders with diabetic neuropathy can result in greater confidence to participate in everyday activities and contribute to their better health. Hence, early fall risk identification is recommended for providing better health care to these individuals.

Pastures and Climate Extremes: Impacts of Cool Season Warming and Drought on the Productivity of Key Pasture Species in a Field Experiment.

Shifts in the timing, intensity and/or frequency of climate extremes, such as severe drought and heatwaves, can generate sustained shifts in ecosystem function with important ecological and economic impacts for rangelands and managed pastures. The Pastures and Climate Extremes experiment (PACE) in Southeast Australia was designed to investigate the impacts of a severe winter/spring drought (60% rainfall reduction) and, for a subset of species, a factorial combination of drought and elevated temperature (ambient +3°C) on pasture productivity. The experiment included nine common pasture and Australian rangeland species from three plant functional groups (C3 grasses, C4 grasses and legumes) planted in monoculture. Winter/spring drought resulted in productivity declines of 45% on average and up to 74% for the most affected species (Digitaria eriantha) during the 6-month treatment period, with eight of the nine species exhibiting significant yield reductions. Despite considerable variation in species' sensitivity to drought, C4 grasses were more strongly affected by this treatment than C3 grasses or legumes. Warming also had negative effects on cool-season productivity, associated at least partially with exceedance of optimum growth temperatures in spring and indirect effects on soil water content. The combination of winter/spring drought and year-round warming resulted in the greatest yield reductions. We identified responses that were either additive (Festuca), or less-than-additive (Medicago), where warming reduced the magnitude of drought effects. Results from this study highlight the sensitivity of diverse pasture species to increases in winter and spring drought severity similar to those predicted for this region, and that anticipated benefits of cool-season warming are unlikely to be realized. Overall, the substantial negative impacts on productivity suggest that future, warmer, drier climates will result in shortfalls in cool-season forage availability, with profound implications for the livestock industry and natural grazer communities.

Antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimutagenic properties of stem bark and seed fractions of Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.).

AIMS: The aim was to compare the anticancer and antimutagenic potency of Polyalthia cerasoides seeds and stem bark. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative, apoptotic, antioxidation to DNA, and antimutagenic activity of alcoholic (PS-1 and PS-3) and petroleum ether (PS-2 and PS-4) stem bark and seed fractions of P. cerasoides. METHODS: P. cerasoides stem bark and seeds were extracted with ethanol: water mixture (9:1 ratio v: v) and fractionated with petroleum ether. Fractions were investigated for antiproliferative effect using cell by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a tetrazole assay (cell line used liver [HepG2] and cervical [HeLa] cancer cell lines), DNA damage protection using hydroxyl radical and antimutagenic effect using chromosome aberration test. RESULTS: PS-1 (IC50 10 µg/ml) and PS-3 (IC50 11 µg/ml) showed maximum antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cell lines, whereas, PS-1 (IC50 10 µg/ml), PS-2 (IC50 24 µg/ml), and PS-3 (IC50 11 µg/ml) showed better antiproliferative activity against HeLa cell lines. PS-3 and PS-4 were protective against oxidation to the supercoiled DNA molecule. Further, petroleum ether extract of both seed (PS-2) and stem bark (PS-4) showed good antimutagenicity as revealed by the less chromosomal aberrations compared to PS-1 and PS-3 fractions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the beneficial effect of fractions against oxidation of DNA, antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimutagenic activity. Probably, this property would be attributable by their phenolic and steroid constituents. Therefore, this plant could be used as a potential source of nutraceutical agents.

Variations in the origin, course and branching pattern of dorsalis pedis artery with clinical significance.

Pulsations of the dorsalis pedis artery are commonly used to evaluate the peripheral arterial diseases like thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or Buerger's disease, in lower limbs. Dorsalis pedis artery is a direct extension from the anterior tibial artery and major vascular supply for the dorsum of the foot. But arterial variations in lower limbs are common due to rich distal anastomoses around the ankle joint. Absence of dorsalis pedis arterial pulse does not indicate peripheral arterial disease always as it is sometimes replaced by the enlarged perforating branch of peroneal artery, it may be absent or very thin, deviate laterally on the dorsum of foot. Aim of the present study is to observe the variations in origin, course and branching pattern of dorsalis pedis artery because of its clinical significance. During routine dissection of lower limbs for undergraduates we came across rare variations in the dorsalis pedis artery in its origin, course and branching pattern. Normal anatomic description was found in 27 limbs. In 13 specimens we noted variations, includes bilateral anomalous origin of dorsalis pedis artery, bilateral lateral deviation of dorsalis pedis artery, double dorsalis pedis artery, trifurcation of dorsalis pedis artery and absence of arcuate artery. Knowledge about the arterial variations around the ankle is important to orthopaedic, vascular surgeons and radiologists to prevent complications during surgical interventions.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the male and female Bombyx mori larval instars exposed to thermal stress.

Gender sensitivity to ambient heat, despite well known in insect species, how it manifests during young and late larval instars of Bombyx mori is still unclear. To uncover this cryptic feature, different instars male and female larvae were subjected to varied thermal stress separately and sex-stage specific expression of proteins was investigated. Interestingly, heat shock proteins (HSPs) 90 and 70 were expressed differently in all the instars and also between male and female larvae as confirmed by immunoblot assay. Besides up- and downregulation of few HSPs and other normal proteins, discreet expression of protein was noticed in the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of male than female larvae which were identified as HSP70 by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction results show 3.98- and 4.86-fold higher levels of Bmhsp70 and Bmhsp90 transcripts in male and female larvae, respectively, as a response to 40°C heat shock (HS) treatment. Conversely, in spite of the massive production of HSPs due to HS at 45°C, all the larvae were found dead, which is a strong proof of concept for autophagy. Comparatively, female larvae HS at 40°C succeed to spin cocoons with increased weight and silk contents than non-HS larvae. Comprehensively, in the present study, we have noticed a strong correlation for the first time that Bmhsp90 and Bmhsp70 genes expressions due to thermal stress are not only sex specific but also explicit preferential and coordinated action on survivability and biosynthetic potential of the silkworm, B. mori larvae during different instars.

Screening for basal metabolic rate and visceral fat among postmenopausal osteoporosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is an increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR) which is associated with level of glycaemic control. Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis have decreased BMR. The aim of the present study is to find the BMR using Meffin-St Jeor predictive equation in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have attained menopause with osteoporosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: 100 women who have attained menopause, who were diagnosed to have osteoporosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assessed for BMR using Meffin-St Jeor predictive equation. Detailed history of diabetes and menopause were obtained. Blood glucose value was measured using standard glucometers. Body composition for visceral fat (VF) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Level of physical activity of the participants was measured using global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). RESULTS: The median BMR of the participants was 1.075 (714, 1483.25). Statistically significant correlation was found between BMR and GPAQ (rs = 0.731), BMR and VF (rs = 0.678). However BMR was not correlated with FBS (rs = 0.083) duration of diabetes (rs = -0.046). CONCLUSION: There is a decrease in BMR in women with T2DM with postmenopausal osteoporosis. BMR was significantly correlated with level of physical activity and visceral fat.

Knowledge Assessment of E-Bug Assisted Antimicrobial Resistance Education Module in Class VII School Students of South Indian Coastal Town of Manipal.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognized public health threat today globally. Although many active and passive stewardship strategies are advocated to counter AMR clinically, educating school going children on AMR could be a cost-effective measure to minimize AMR development in the future. We implemented NICE's e-bug as a module to educate class VII school students on AMR determinants. A prospective quasi-experimental study on 327 students from nine different schools of class VII around Manipal town, Udupi district, Karnataka state, India were included in the study. Ten questions on AMR determinants from the e-bug program were used in written pre-test. After an education intervention, a post-test was conducted. Descriptive statistics to estimate epidemiological characteristics, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Kruskal⁻Wallis tests were applied to analyze statistical significance of pre/post-test performance scores and between schools. Students had inadequate knowledge on seven AMR determinants (antimicrobial indication, its course, hand hygiene, fermentation, spread of infection, microbial multiplication and characteristics of microbe) as analyzed from the post-test performance (p < 0.05). Comparison of post-test performance between schools showed significant improvement in scores (p < 0.05) for three questions (definition on antimicrobial, cover while cough/sneezing and microbial characteristics). Although students exhibited sub-optimal knowledge on some AMR determinants, they showed keenness to learn, which was evident by their post-test performance. Our findings and previous similar studies from Europe are suggestive of early pedagogic interventions on AMR through inclusion of such education modules in the regular school curriculum could be a potential tool for AMR prevention.

Gamma, X-ray and neutron shielding parameters for the Al-based glassy alloys.

The X-ray and gamma radiation shielding parameters (mass attenuation coefficient, mean free path, half value layer, tenth value layer, effective atomic numbers, electron density, exposure buildup factors, relative dose, dose rate and specific gamma ray constant) have been studied for the Al-based glassy alloys Al86Y7Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5, Al85Y8Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5, Al84Y9Ni4Co1.5Fe0.5Pd1, Al80Y13Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5, Al70Y23Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5 and Al60Y33Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5. For the same alloys, the neutron shielding parameters (coherent neutron scattering length, incoherent neutron scattering lengths, coherent neutron scattering cross section, incoherent neutron scattering cross sections, total neutron scattering cross section and neutron absorption cross sections) have also been explored. Al60Y33Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5 was found to be a good shielding material for the X-ray/gamma radiation, while Al86Y7Ni5Co1Fe0.5Pd0.5 is a good shielding material for neutrons.

Hand dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus frequently show complications in feet and hands. However, the literature has mostly focused on foot complications. The disease can affect the strength and dexterity of the hands, thereby reducing function. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on identifying the existing evidence on how type 2 diabetes mellitus affects hand strength, dexterity and function. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus and Web of Science, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials for reports of studies of grip and pinch strength as well as hand dexterity and function evaluated by questionnaires comparing patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls that were published between 1990 and 2017. Data are reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 2077 records retrieved, only 7 full-text articles were available for meta-analysis. For both the dominant and non-dominant hand, type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affected grip strength (SMD: -1.03; 95% CI: -2.24 to 0.18 and -1.37, -3.07 to 0.33) and pinch strength (-1.09, -2.56 to 0.38 and -1.12, -2.73 to 0.49), although not significantly. Dexterity of the dominant hand did not differ between diabetes and control groups but was poorer for the non-dominant hand, although not significantly. Hand function was worse for diabetes than control groups in 2 studies (MD: -8.7; 95% CI: -16.88 to -1.52 and 4.69, 2.03 to 7.35). CONCLUSION: This systematic review with meta-analysis suggested reduced hand function, specifically grip and pinch strength, for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy controls. However, the sample size for all studies was low. Hence, we need studies with adequate sample size and randomized controlled trials to provide statistically significant results.

Bilateral Primary Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube.

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma is considered one of the rarest female genital cancers, and its bilateral occurrence is even rarer. Because of the rarity of fallopian tube carcinomas as well as the clinical presentation which simulates an ovarian cancer, a correct preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube carcinoma is seen only in 4% of cases, and is usually first appreciated by Pathologists. We are reporting our experience of a case of bilateral primary serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube in a 36-year-old female.