Fugitive dust emission control study for a developed smart dry fog system.

Air pollution due to dust emission is continuously increasing day by day in mining and allied industrial areas. Mining operations contribute a substantial amount of dust emission at the crushing, screening, and bulk material handling in loading areas. The ambient suspended dust particles create a severe nuisance to workers and local dwellers. For effective controlling of positive dust emission, an innovative automated dry fog dust suppression system (DFDSS) has been developed using hybrid nozzles, sensors, actuators, controllers, screw compressors, air receivers, pumps, motors, and water arrangement with filtration facility. The DFDSS was installed in a crushing and screening plant of an iron ore mine in India. Performance study indicted fugitive dust emission concentration values ranged from 354 to 7040 µg m-3, which was reduced to 91-300 µg m-3 after installation of DFDSS. The reduced values were within the permissible limit of 1200 µg m-3 at a distance of 25 ± 2 m in the predominant downwind direction. The installed DFDSS added a meager addition of moisture content of 0.032% in the handling iron ore material, which was below the acceptable limit of 0.1%. The DFDSS precisely regulated fugitive dust emission from various mining activities without affecting the minerals processing performance. Thus, the DFDSS can be implemented effectively in different mining and allied industries where there is a dust emission problem.

Baseline factors associated with early and late death in intracerebral haemorrhage survivors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether early and late death are associated with different baseline factors in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) survivors. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the multicentre prospective observational CROMIS-2 ICH study. Death was defined as 'early' if occurring within 6 months of study entry and 'late' if occurring after this time point. RESULTS: In our cohort (n = 1094), there were 306 deaths (per 100 patient-years: absolute event rate, 11.7; 95% confidence intervals, 10.5-13.1); 156 were 'early' and 150 'late'. In multivariable analyses, early death was independently associated with age [per year increase; hazard ratio (HR), 1.05, P = 0.003], history of hypertension (HR, 1.89, P = 0.038), pre-event modified Rankin scale score (per point increase; HR, 1.41, P < 0.0001), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (per point increase; HR, 1.11, P < 0.0001) and haemorrhage volume >60 mL (HR, 4.08, P < 0.0001). Late death showed independent associations with age (per year increase; HR, 1.04, P = 0.003), pre-event modified Rankin scale score (per point increase; HR, 1.42, P = 0.001), prior anticoagulant use (HR, 2.13, P = 0.028) and the presence of intraventricular extension (HR, 1.73, P = 0.033) in multivariable analyses. In further analyses where time was treated as continuous (rather than dichotomized), the HR of previous cerebral ischaemic events increased with time, whereas HRs for Glasgow Coma Scale score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and ICH volume decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: We provide new evidence that not all baseline factors associated with early mortality after ICH are associated with mortality after 6 months and that the effects of baseline variables change over time. Our findings could help design better prognostic scores for later death after ICH.

Risks associated with oral deferiprone in the treatment of infratentorial superficial siderosis.

OBJECTIVE: Deferiprone is an iron chelator that has recently been used to treat patients with infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS). It is considered to have a generally favourable safety profile but concerns have been raised due to the risk of agranulocytosis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral deferiprone as a treatment for patients with iSS. METHODS: We present a case series of 10 consecutive patients presenting with classical iSS treated with deferiprone. RESULTS: Ten patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.3 years (range 0.5-5.5 years). Four patients (40%) were withdrawn from treatment because of treatment-related side effects. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were neutropenic sepsis (n = 3) and fatigue (n = 1). In 2 out of the 3 cases of neutropenic sepsis, patients initially developed neutropenia without sepsis. The mean time to neutropenic sepsis following deferiprone was 1.2 years (range 0.3-2.5) with mean neutrophil count of 0.4 (range 0.3-0.5). Six patients (60%) reported no change in neurological function while on treatment, and four patients (40%) reported that their condition deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: Deferiprone was poorly tolerated, with 40% of patients withdrawing from treatment, most commonly due to neutropenic sepsis, after an average of 2 years on treatment. This study increases the number of reported cases of agranulocytosis in patients with iSS treated with deferiprone. Clinicians treating iSS patients with deferiprone should be aware that this drug has a potentially life-threatening side effect of neutropenic sepsis, and should ensure that appropriate haematological monitoring is in place.

Development and Validation of an Algorithm to Identify Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in US Administrative Claims Data.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of endometrial cancer. Diagnostic codes to identify endometrial adenocarcinoma in administrative databases, however, have not been validated. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an algorithm for identifying the occurrence of endometrial adenocarcinoma in a health insurance claims database. METHODS: To identify potential cases among women in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD), published literature and medical consultation were used to develop an algorithm. The algorithm criteria were at least one inpatient diagnosis or at least two outpatient diagnoses of uterine cancer (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) 182.xx) between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2014. Among women fulfilling these criteria, we obtained medical records and two clinical experts reviewed and adjudicated case status to determine a diagnosis. We then estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) of the algorithm. RESULTS: The PPV estimate was 90.8% (95% CI 86.9-93.6), based on 330 potential cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Women who fulfilled the algorithm but who, after review of medical records, were found not to have endometrial adenocarcinoma, had diagnoses such as uterine sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus, endometrial stromal sarcoma, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, leiomyosarcoma, or colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm comprising one inpatient or two outpatient ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes for endometrial adenocarcinoma had a high PPV. The results indicate that claims databases can be used to reliably identify cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma in studies seeking a high PPV.

Convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage has a high risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in suspected cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

The risk of future symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) remains uncertain in patients with acute convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) associated with suspected cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We assessed the risk of future sICH in patients presenting to our comprehensive stroke service with acute non-traumatic cSAH due to suspected CAA, between 2011 and 2016. We conducted a systematic search and pooled analysis including our cohort and other published studies including similar cohorts. Our hospital cohort included 20 patients (mean age 69 years; 60% male); 12 (60%) had probable CAA, and 6 (30%) had possible CAA according to the modified Boston criteria; two did not meet CAA criteria because of age <55 years, but were judged likely to be due to CAA. Fourteen patients (70%) had cortical superficial siderosis; 12 (60%) had cerebral microbleeds. Over a mean follow-up period of 19 months, 2 patients (9%) suffered sICH, both with probable CAA (annual sICH risk for probable CAA 8%). In a pooled analysis including our cohort and eight other studies (n = 172), the overall sICH rate per patient-year was 16% (95% CI 11-24%). In those with probable CAA (n = 104), the sICH rate per patient-year was 19% (95% CI 13-27%), compared to 7% (95% CI 3-15%) for those without probable CAA (n = 72). Patients with acute cSAH associated with suspected CAA are at high risk of future sICH (16% per patient-year); probable CAA might carry the highest risk.

Fungal rhinosinusitis: a prospective study in a University hospital of Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: To assess the purpose of fungal rhinosinusitis in a University hospital and to correlate histopathological findings with culture results for accurate clinical classification of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred suspected patients were included in the study. Data was collected in a brief predetermined format. Samples like nasal lavages, sinus secretions, and tissue specimens were processed and examined by microbiology culture using recommended techniques. Slide culture was done to observe the microscopic morphology. Histopathological examination was done by H and E stain and PAS stain for classification. RESULTS: Out of 100 cases of rhinosinusitis, 21 cases were culture-positive for fungal rhinosinusitis. On the basis of histopathological findings, 14 cases (66.67%) were found to be of non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Aspergillus flavus was the most common fungal isolate. CONCLUSION: Mycological profile of rhinosinusitis in Lucknow was thus evaluated. Histopathological and microbiological findings reported 21 cases of fungal rhinosinusitis among 100 suspected cases of rhinosinusitis.

Characterisation and identification of enzyme-producing autochthonous bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of two Indian air-breathing fish.

Characterisation and identification of autochthonous enzyme-producing bacteria isolated from the proximal intestine and distal intestine of two species of Indian air-breathing fish, murrel (Channa punctatus) and stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), were investigated using conventional culture technique. Population levels of proteolytic strains were highest in the digestive tract of stinging catfish. In both species, the viable counts of amylase-producing bacteria were somewhat higher than cellulase-producing bacteria. Among the gut bacteria isolated, 8 strains (4 from murrel and 4 from stinging catfish) were selected as potent enzyme-producers on the basis of quantitative enzyme assays. All these strains were Gram-positive rods, but only four isolates (CPF4, CPH6, CPH7 and HFH4) were capable of forming endospores. The tested bacteria grew in wide range of temperatures and pH. The strains were further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Two strains, CPF3 (isolated from murrel) and HFH4 (isolated from stinging catfish) showed high similarity to Bacillus sp., strain HFH7 (isolated from the stinging catfish) was most closely related to Bacillus subtilis, while five strains belonged to Bacillus licheniformis. Based on the results of the present study, we suggest that incorporation of autochthonous enzyme-producing bacteria in aquafeeds merits further investigations.

Differential phosphorylation of MAPK isoforms in keratinocyte cell line by contact allergens and irritant.

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an important mediator of cellular signaling pathways. In an attempt to investigate the role of these kinases in contact allergen/irritant-induced signaling cascades, we have utilized keratinocyte (A431 cell line) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). This group has previously reported the applicability of A431 as an APC. The role of these kinases in the elicitation pathways of allergic contact dermatitis was investigated using interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40) as a marker. Inhibitors of the isoforms of MAPK reduced the allergen-induced IL-12 release in the A431 cell line. This result suggests a possible role of the isoforms of MAPK in the development of contact allergy.

Differential regulation of free radicals (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) by contact allergens and irritants in human keratinocyte cell line.

Immune responses to chemicals resulting in sensitization and the appearance of allergic responses following subsequent exposures are dependent upon activation of T lymphocytes. On the contrary, irritant responses are independent of immune response. The aim of this project was to identify the differential signaling cascade operated in allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. Recently, we have shown that keratinocyte cell line A431 can function as an antigen presenting cell (APC) and hence can be used as a model to differentiate between an allergen and irritant molecule. Allergen- and irritant-induced regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) has been explored. Irritants induce release of ROS even at noncytotoxic concentration. ROS generation by allergens was not detected at nontoxic concentration but as the concentration was increased to a toxic dose there was a drastic increase in the ROS level compared to the untreated cells. Hence, the regulation of ROS is not significant in allergic responses but important in irritant responses. The major difference exists in the fact that the source of ROS for irritants is mitochondria, while that of allergens is mostly cytosolic. Antioxidant-induced protection from irritant-induced cell death has also been demonstrated. NO level was found to increase by allergens and irritants in a concentration-dependent manner. Hence, the regulation of ROS and NO can be used as important mediators in contact allergic and irritant dermatitis.

Role of keratinocytes in antigen presentation and polarization of human T lymphocytes.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a T-cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease in which interaction between skin keratinocytes and migrating T lymphocytes may play a critical part. In this study, the role of keratinocytes as allergen-/antigen-presenting cells (APCs) leading to activation of T lymphocytes is investigated using a human epidermal cell line A431. It is known that cultured cells do not express human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and hence can be used as APCs independent of HLA profile of both APCs and T cells from human volunteers. This cell line responded to common allergens and irritants by inducing or upregulating the cell-surface expression of HLA-DR, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and B7 mRNA transcripts in keratinocytes. In addition, allergen-primed A431 cells also induced allergen-specific proliferation of human T lymphocytes in cocultures. Anti-HLA-DR, interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) antibodies and lysosomotropic agent chloroquine inhibited the proliferation. Allergens also upregulated cytokines IL-1alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, Gro-alpha and IL-12 in keratinocytes. Further, keratinocytes activated by allergens induced polarization of activated T lymphocytes to the Th1 phenotype.

Psychiatric Morbidity in A Sub-Himalayan Tribal Community : An epidemiological Study.

This paper reports the findings obtained from an epidemiological study conducted on the Totos-a sub-Himalayan tribe who were at the verge of extinct in early 70's in the state of W.B. The place in which they live is not easily accessible to the outsiders. The present study investigated socio-demographical aspects and the level of psychiatric morbidity within the Toto community. The study had been conducted on the total population of 1021 as available in the study period of 6 weeks. A socio-demographic profile on the tribal community had been drawn. The findings showed that proportion for male and female were close to each other, though, interestingly children below 15 years of age had accounted for almost half of the entire population. The socio-demographic profile that included other bio-social and social cultural factor were also discussed. Psychiatric morbidity was investigated within the Toto community. The results showed about 50 per thousand of the Toto population were psychiatrically morbid with females being more affected than that of males. The rate of variation of different psychiatric disorder had been studied and the obtained findings indicated that the Totos mostly suffer from depression though other disorders were also found of very low rate compared to that of depression. The findings of psychiatric morbidity had been discussed with each of the socio-demographic factors after proper statistical analysis.

Alopecia universalis in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with alopecia universalis. MR, a 23 years female patient was admitted with alopecia universalis and other features of SLE like peripheral arthritis, fever, nephritis, butterfly rash over the malar regions, positive ANA and anti-ds DNA antibodies. There was a gap of four years between the onset of alopecia universalis and other clinical features of SLE. The alopecia was of non-scarry variety and responded to systemic and topical steroids.

Role of different valence states of chromium in the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis.

Chromium, a known contact sensitizer, is present at high levels in certain detergent bars (40-50 p.p.m.) sold in India. A concern was whether chromium present in such detergent bars could sensitize users or their use lead to the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis. Chromium present in detergent bars was analyzed for its valence state. It was found to be trivalent [Cr (III)] and not hexavalent [Cr (VI)]. An elicitation test on normal volunteers, as well as on volunteers who were sensitive to chromium, was carried out to determine the elicitation potential of chromium (III) in the bars. Of the 48 volunteers who completed the study, 30 did not show any positive response to either potassium dichromate, the positive control, or the detergent bar containing chromium (III). 18 volunteers who were identified as chromium-sensitive showed a positive response to potassium dichromate but not to the detergent bar containing trivalent chromium. This study clearly showed that the detergent bar with 40-50 p.p.m. of trivalent chromium did not elicit any allergic contact dermatitis even in individuals known to be chromium-sensitive. Hexavalent chromium (potassium dichromate) did however, elicit allergic contact dermatitis in these subjects.

Penile metastasis: an unusual presentation of metastatic colonic cancer.

We report here an interesting presentation of a primary colonic carcinoma in a urological setting. A previously unknown case of colonic carcinoma presented with a lesion in the glans penis which was later diagnosed as a secondary deposit from colonic cancer. Penile involvement has been implicated as a metastatic site in several tumours. Although uncommon, this presentation is not unknown. A literature review of this unusual presentation has been performed and is summarised in the article

In vitro regeneration of roots of Phyla nodiflora and Leptadenia reticulata, and comparison of roots from cultured and natural plants for secondary metabolites.

Adventitious roots, generated using leaf explants of P. nodiflora, and meristem explants of L. reticulata, were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with napthylacetic acid (2 microM) and indole butyric acid (3 microM) respectively. After 30 days, subculturing of roots in liquid MS medium with napthylacetic acid (1.5 microM) for P. nodiflora and indole butyric acid (3 microM) for L. reticulata afforded considerable increase in root mass. HPTLC profiles and microscopic examination of transverse sections of in vitro and naturally grown roots provided information on secondary metabolite accumulation vis-à-vis developmental stages of the root.

Pesticide (acephate) removal by GAC: a case study.

Pesticides are persistent pollutants which need utmost attention in agricultural pollution. They usually accumulate in the food chain, and hence are hazardous in nature. The present study reports the performance of granular activated carbon (GAC) in the removal of acephate contained in the effluent of a nearby pesticide manufacturing industry. In the batch study, the optimum dose of GAC was found to be 85 gm/litre for almost 100% removal of acephate from its initial concentration of 2.9 mg/litre which was found in the industrial effluent under treatment. The adsorption kinetics were represented closely by Langmuir isotherm. The equilibrium time was found as 80 minutes. The adsorptive capacity of GAC for acephate (pesticide) was of the order of 0.04614 mg/gm. A column system was devised and designed based on bed depth-service time (BDST) approach with the experimental value of 'a' and 'b' as 6.125 and 47.75 respectively.

Salp25D, an Ixodes scapularis antioxidant, is 1 of 14 immunodominant antigens in engorged tick salivary glands.

Rabbits or guinea pigs infested with Ixodes scapularis acquire resistance to tick bites, a phenomenon, known as tick immunity, that is partially mediated by antibody. To determine the salivary gland antigens that elicit antibodies in the host, an I. scapularis salivary gland cDNA expression library was probed with serum from tick-immune rabbits. Sera from sensitized rabbits strongly recognized 47 of 100,000 library clones in an antibody-screening assay. These 47 clones encoded 14 different I. scapularis genes, including a glutathione peroxidase homologue. Expression of these 14 genes in engorged tick salivary glands was confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The I. scapularis glutathione peroxidase homologue, named salp25D, was expressed in both unfed and fed nymphal salivary glands. Recombinant Salp25D was able to catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase. These results categorize the prominent salivary gland proteins in I. scapularis and demonstrate the presence of a potent antioxidant in tick saliva.