Interaction of glucosamine with uracil and thymine: a computational study.

The present study delves into the interaction of the monomer of glucosamine with uracil and thymine in vacuum and in different phases by density functional theory (DFT). Both the molecular geometries were optimized at B3LYP with a 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The binding energy, interaction energy, and solubility were calculated from the optimized molecular geometry. The dipole moment and the electronic energies were found of the optimized product in different solvents (water, ethanol, methanol, heptane, cyclohexane, and CCl4) which describes the solubility of the interactive molecule in polar and non-polar solvents. The electronic energies are nearly the same for all the solvents. Observed theoretical results are expected to guide future relevant experimental research on gene delivery by glucosamine. This will also help in enhancing pharmaceutical research as carrier drug delivery, tissue repair, gene delivery, spermicidal activity, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial resistance.

Influence of polyethylene glycol plasticizer on the structural and electronic properties of PEO-NaI complex: a density functional study.

Ab initio study has been carried out to investigate the influence of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) plasticizer on structural and electronic properties of the polyethylene oxide-sodium iodide (PEO-NaI) polymer-metal complex. DOS and PDOS analysis provided a quantitative explanation of the electronic bandgap of the PEO-NaI and PEO-PEG-NaI system. Hirshfeld population charge analysis (HPA) explains better dissociation of NaI in presence of polyethylene glycol, based on the Hard Soft Acid Base Principle. Also, an increase in amorphic content of polymer system is observed with the addition of PEG, evident from the increment in the strength of anti-bonding orbitals in COOP plot. Bond strength of the polymeric system is also found to be affected with the addition of plasticizer. The findings provide an avenue that the present polymer system [PEO-PEG-NaI] is a potential candidate to be used as an electrolyte for next-generation energy storage technology.

Evaluation of Anterolateral Plating of Distal Third Tibial Fractures.

Background Distal one-third tibial fractures with or without articular involvement can be difficult to manage. Variety of treatment methods have been suggested for these injuries, including conservative treatment, external fixation with or without limited internal fixation, intramedullary nailing, plate fixation (medial or anterolateral) and more recently minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). All of these techniques have advantages and disadvantages. None of these techniques can be considered the "gold standard" for these injuries. Objective The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of anterolateral plating of these fractures. Method Forty-five fractures of distal third of tibia were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anterolateral tibial plate from December 2011 to December 2016. All the patients were followed up at least for nine months for the study. Radiological union was finally assessed in nine months. Result All the fractures united within nine months of plating without angulation in sagittal or coronal plane. One patient (2%) had limb length shortening of more than one cm. Full range of motion of ankle and knee joint was achieved compared to the normal side by nine months follow up. 17 (38%) patients developed marginal skin necrosis. Three (7%) patients developed superficial wound infection. These complications were seen more in patients in whom posterior below knee slab was used for pre-operative splintage (as compared to calcaneal traction). Conclusion Hence distal one-third tibial fractures with or without articular involvement can be treated with anterolateral tibial plate.

Uranium series disequilibrium studies in Chenchu colony area, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

An attempt is made to understand uranium series disequilibrium in unconformity proximal related uranium mineralisation in Chenchu colony area, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The uranium mineralization in Chenchu colony is the western continuity of the Koppunuru uranium deposit and predominantly hosted by gritty quartzite/conglomerate, which occasionally transgresses to underlying basement granite/basic rock. Disequilibrium studies are based on borehole core samples (35 boreholes, No. of samples=634) broadly divided in two groups of cover rocks of Banganapalle formation (above unconformity) and basement granites (below unconformity). Linear regression coefficient between uranium and radium is 0.95, which reflects excellent correlation and significant enrichment of parent uranium. Disequilibrium studies have indicated predominant disequilibrium in favour of parent uranium (35%), which is probably due to the weathering process causing migration of some of the radionuclides while dissolution of minerals due to groundwater action might have also played a significant role. Further, escape of radon might have accentuated the disequilibrium factor resulting in an increase in the grade of the mineralization. This is well corroborated by the presence of fractures and faults in the study area providing channels for radon migration/escape.

Does Tranexamic Acid Reduce Perioperative Bleeding in Short Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation in Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Blood loss with spinal surgery is common potential cause of morbidity and often requires blood transfusion. Tranexamic acid (TXA), is effective in reducing bleeding in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. TXA used in spine surgery studies have included different cases leading to inconsistence of surgical procedures. Purpose of this prospective observational study was to examine effect of TXA decreasing bleeding in short segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: 38 patients' undergoing short segment pedicle screw for thoracolumbar fractures were enrolled in study from July 2011 to August 2013. There were 28 male and 10 female patients, with an average age of 36.5 years. Patients received 10 mg/kg of TXA or a control 30 minutes intravenously before skin incision and 3 hours post-operative and oral medication for three days. Intraoperative bleeding was estimated by weighing surgical sponges, blood collected by suction container and by subtracting all irrigation fluid. Postoperative bleeding was measured from volume in vacuum drainage bag. RESULTS: Twenty (20) patients were in control group and eighteen(18) to TXA group. There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of age, gender, co-morbidities, and operating time, preoperative Hemoglobin, PT and INR. Intra-operative bleeding in TXA group was significant than in control group. Post-operative drainage and Hemoglobin in first 48 h was reduced compared with placebo in TXA group. Need for post-operative transfusion was nil in TXA group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of TXA before surgery significantly reduces perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing short segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar spine fractures.

WITHDRAWN: Molecular characterization of mango anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato.

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Open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus: revival of the anterior approach.

INTRODUCTION: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus occur commonly in the paediatric age group. Gartland type III fractures are treated by closed manipulation and percutaneous pinning with K-wires. Open reduction is indicated in open fractures, failed closed reductions and in a dysvascular limb. There are various approaches that can be utilized to perform an open reduction. The approach of choice must be safe, surgeon and patient friendly and should provide a good access to the fracture and the important surrounding structures. The anterior approach has been described as the most versatile approach. The aim of the study was to review the advantages and drawbacks of the anterior approach and to assess the functional outcome of fractures treated via this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty five (15 male and 10 female) patients out of a hundred and twenty eight children with Gartland type III extension variety of supracondylar fractures of the humerus from underwent open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires via an anterior approach January 2007 to January 2011. The results were assessed at six months using Flynn's radiological and clinical criteria. RESULTS: Twenty five patients (19.53%) out of hundred and twenty eight patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. According to Flynn's clinical and radiological criteria, 20 (80%) were found to have excellent and 5 (20%) good results. CONCLUSION: The anterior approach is safe, easy and provides direct exposure of the surrounding neurovascular structures with good to excellent results.

Functional outcome of operatively treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures using two parallel contoured reconstruction plates.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture is controversial. Conventionally, they were treated non-operatively. However, some surgeons are now operatively treating these fractures because of continuing dissatisfaction with the outcome of conservative treatment of these fractures and improvements that have occurred in surgical techniques and complication rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome of operatively treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures using two parallel contoured reconstruction plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 patients with 14 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures involving the subtalar joint were included in the study conducted between July 2005 and December 2008. The fracture site was exposed using extended lateral approach. Internal fixation was done by two nearly parallel 3.5mm reconstruction plates and screws contoured to form a gentle curve in all cases with the fi rst plate fixed just below the articular surface. At the end of follow up, the patients' foot function was assessed by Calcaneal Fracture Scoring System of Kerr et al. Patients were also inquired about their satisfaction with their treatment outcome. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for duration of 12 to 24 months (mean 15.64 months). The outcome score as measured by Calcaneal Fracture Scoring System ranged from 48 to 94 (mean 83.64). 11 of 12 patients (91.6 %) were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Displaced intra-articular fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation, using two nearly parallel, contoured reconstruction plates through an extensile lateral approach and following the principles of treatment of intraarticular fractures, have good functional results with high patient satisfaction rate.

Osteosynthesis of intercondylar humerus fracture using Bryan and Morrey approach.

BACKGROUND: The olecranon approach has been the gold standard for surgical approaches to fracture fixation of distal articular surface of humerus. Although it provides a good exposure, it also has disadvantages of delayed union, nonunion and implant related complications at the osteotomy site. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome of displaced intra-articular distal humerus fracture fixation using an alternative approach: the Bryan and Morrey approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with twenty AO type C1 and C2 intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus had bicolumnar fixation of the distal humerus with two contoured reconstruction plates and screws on the dorsal surface or various combinations of a single reconstruction plate, screws and K-wires using a Bryan and Morrey approach. Twelve of the patients were male and eight were female. The average age of the patients was 44.8 years. Eleven patients had sustained the injury as result of fall and nine of the patients had sustained it in road traffic accidents. Right elbow was involved in fifteen patients and left in five. All patients were followed up for 12 months post operatively. RESULTS: All twenty fractures had united at 4 months follow-up. The mean fixed flexion deformity was 9.0º (range 0º-15º) and the mean arc of motion was 115.0 º (range 85 º- 130º). All patients had grade 4 triceps strength and stable elbows at the end of 12 months follow up. One patient had deep seated wound infection resulting in necrosis of the triceps tendon requiring a second operative procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Bryan and Morrey approach is a simpler, easier and better approach as compared to the other posterior approaches to the elbow joint, and therefore, can be used as the approach of choice for fixation of fractures of the distal articular surface of humerus.

Conservative treatment of nonarticular fractures of distal third tibia.

INTRODUCTION: Distal one third tibial fractures can be difficult to manage. Variety of treatment methods have been suggested for these injuries, including conservative treatment, external fixation, intramedullary nailing, and plate fixation. None of these techniques can be considered the "gold standard" for these injuries. The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the results of conservative treatment of these fractures. METHODS: Total 39 fractures of distal third of tibia were treated with closed reduction and long leg cast for six to eight weeks followed by PTB cast for six to eight weeks from January 2004 to October 2008. One year follow up was done with 32 patients, eight months follow up with three patients and four patients were lost to follow up. RESULTS: All the fractures united within six months of duration. Immediate post-reduction average angulation was 3.72 degree in sagital plane and 3.32 degree in coronal plane. Average final angulation was 5.04 degree in sagital plane and 4.32 degree in coronal plane. Average limb length shortening was 6.8 mm. Full range of motion of ankle and knee joint was achieved compared to the normal side by six months of follow up. Though there was displacement of fracture during conservative treatment final outcome was within acceptable limit. CONCLUSION: Hence distal one third tibial fractures can be treated conservatively with closed reduction and cast immobilization with numerous advantages over operative methods.

External and internal fixation for comminuted intra-articular fractures of distal radius.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are a common injury and without proper treatment leads to high functional impairment and frequent complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to see the functional outcome in patients with comminuted distal radius fractures treated with combined external fixation and open reduction and volar plating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All comminuted distal radius fractures classified as type C in AO/OTA classification were enrolled for the study from 2005 till 2008. The clinical scoring chart modified by Cooney was used to evaluate the functional outcome. RESULTS: There were twenty-two patients with the average age of 42.18 years (range 19-60) with 15 male and 7 females. The follow-up period was from 14 to 46 months. Accordingly, there were 11 (50%) excellent, 7 (31%) good, 2 (9%) fair and 2 (9%) poor results. There were very few complications in our series. In three patients additional K-wire supplementation was necessary along with external and open internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Comminuted intra-articular fractures of distal radius should be treated by open reduction and combined internal and external fixation to achieve a high rate of patient satisfaction and satisfactory functional outcome.

Evaluation of water productivity and fish yield in sewage-fed vis-à-vis fertilized based carp culture.

Reuse of wastewater in aquaculture provides a scope to enhance water productivity of the system. Quantification of nutrient inputs incorporated through treated domestic sewage with varying dosages viz. 79.3 x 10(5)lha(-1) and 67.7 x 10(5)lha(-1) and water productivity in a controlled carp culture system were assessed in comparison to those involved in a fertilized based one, with a view to correlate among physical, chemical and biological processes involved in fish yield under the systems. The net water productivities were measured on the basis of net return values (in Indian rupees; INR) from the carp production systems at a stocking density @ 5000 per ha with four species combination. Selected relevant water parameters such as dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) in sewage effluent and fertilizer based systems were monitored along with certain biological parameters viz. gross primary productivity, fish production and water productivity. The nutrient inputs in terms of total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN) in effluents, total nitrogen (TN) in fertilizers and phosphorus (P2O5) in both effluents and fertilizers were found significantly correlated with biological production. The results of the experiment revealed that the sewage incorporation at 79.3 x 10(5)lha(-1) yielded similar gross fish production as recorded from fertilizer based system, whereas net water productivity using sewage as nutrient source was found 64% higher than that of a fertilizer based system.

Sub-trochanteric fractures of the femur: results of ORIF at KMCTH.

Sub-trochanteric fractures of the femur are not commonly encountered as compared to trochanteric or neck of femur fractures. Relatively younger persons are injured more and a considerable violence is required for this fracture to occur. These fractures, treated conservatively by methods like traction, splints or casts, are often associated with complications like non-union, mal-union, shortening of the limb etc. Thus, we undertook this study of 10 consecutive cases of sub-trochanteric fractures of the femur treated by open reduction and internal fixation and bone grafting in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, from the year Nov. 2000 to April 2006. There were 4 females and 6 male patients. Their age on average was 46.8 years (range 15 to 86 years). Most of the patients were in Type II or III in Seinsheimer classification; Type II A, B, and C, one, two and one respectively, and in Type III A and B three patients each. Seven patients were treated with dynamic hip screw. Three patients with type III were managed with centro-medullary interlocking nail with one cerclage suture. They were followed for a period of minimum 6 months to 6 years (average 3.5 years). Union was achieved in all, on an average 4 months postoperatively. Results were excellent and complications like nonunion, malunion or breakage of the implants, were not encountered in any patient.

Reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations: comparing intraarticular lignocaine with intravenous anesthesia.

Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common dislocation in the body. Various methods of anesthesia are available for reduction. The objective of this study was to compare the application of intra-articular anesthesia with intravenous anesthesia for reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation. This study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) and Kathmandu Hospital and comprised of patients coming with anterior dislocation of shoulder from July 2001 to June 2005. Forty-five patients aged 17-55 years with no associated fractures of adjoining bones were included in the study. In twenty-three patients, reduction was done using intra-articular anesthesia and in 22 patients intravenous anesthesia was given. In five patients (three in intra-articular group and two in intravenous group) the reduction technique had to be changed to the Hippocratic method. In these three patients intravenous anesthesia had to be given after intra-articular anesthesia failed to relieve pain and spasm. In the intravenous group two patients had to be admitted overnight while in the intra-articular group none had to be admitted to the hospital. However, in the intra-articular group the average time taken from injection to reduction was significantly longer (<.001). The use of intra-articular lignocaine for reduction of shoulder dislocation is safe and effective especially when patients present early. In patients presenting late (more than 5 hours) intravenous anesthesia should be primarily considered as the method for shoulder reduction.

Pre-operative assessment of K-nail length in fracture shaft of femur.

INTRODUCTION: Internal fixation of diaphyseal fracture of shaft of femur in an adult by Kuntscher nail is the most common operative method of treatment in Nepal where operative facilities for the same exist. Since the complete range of K-nail sizes and length are not available in most operation theatres in Nepal, most orthopaedic surgeons assess the size and length of the K-nail pre-operatively by various methods and keep one size above and below the assessed length for the planned surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following measurements were taken in five hundred people involved in the study: Measurement No. 1: Tip of the greater trochanter to lateral knee joint line minus 2 cm. Measurement No. 2: Tip of the olecranon process to the tip of little finger, and Measurement No. 3: Tip of the greater trochanter to the upper pole of patella. An average of all three lengths were analysed to see if there were any differences in their mean lengths. RESULTS: Analysis showed that there were significant differences between the mean lengths measured by the three different methods. The average length of measurement no: 2 was 3 cm longer than the average length of measurement no: 1, which is the reference pre-operative length of K.nail. CONCLUSION: However, in practice since measurement no:2 is more convenient to perform and can also be used when the patient has sustained bilateral fractures of femur, an accurate pre-operative K-nail length assessment can be done by subtracting 3 cm from measurement no:2, i.e. the tip of the olecranon process to the tip of the little finger.

Supracondylar extension type III fracture of the humerus in children: percutaneous cross-pinning.

OBJECTIVE: Supracondylar extension type III fractures in children are difficult to treat especially in maintaining reduction after closed manipulation, thereby increasing chances of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with supracondylar extension type III fracture of the humerus attending Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) between July 2004 to December 2005, treated by closed manipulative reduction and percutaneous cross-pinning under general anaesthesia, were the subject of this prospective study. RESULTS: There were 16 females and 24 males. The mean age of the patients was 6.5 years (2 to 12 years). Left side was injured in 27 patients and right side in 13. Patients were followed for a period of one year on average (6 to 18 months). Under general anaesthesia and C-arm image intensifier, closed manipulative reduction was performed. Two K-wires of size 1.6 to 2.0 mm were introduced from lateral and medial side in crossed fashion. Ulnar nerve was protected by pushing it posteriorly during medial pinning. Long arm plaster slab was applied post-operatively. Patients were discharged the next day of operation. Callus was visible in all patients on X-rays after 3 weeks. The long arm slab and K-wires were removed and active mobilization of the elbow joint was started. Fracture union was seen in all, 6 weeks post-operatively. At follow-up, range of motion of the elbow joint was 25 to 135 degrees after 6 weeks and 0 to 140 degrees after 3 months, which was similar to that of normal side. After 3 months of operation carrying angle was 8-10 degrees in all except in two cases (0 degrees). There were no neuro-vascular complications or cubitus varus deformity in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous crossed K-wire pinning after closed manipulation in supracondylar extension type III fracture of the humerus is a reliable and safe method of treatment and is recommended in all.

First Report of Black Soft Rot of Indian Gooseberry Caused by Syncephalastrum racemosum.

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is a medicinal plant with high nutraceutical value. During November and December 2003, soft rot was noticed on harvested and stored (20 ± 5°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity) fruits at the experimental farm in Rehmanhera, Lucknow, India (26°50'N, 80°54'E). These fruits had numerous, minute brown necrotic lesions showing white mycelial growth. A pronounced halo of water-soaked, faded tissue surrounded the lesion between the fringe of mycelium and healthy tissues. The rotted surface was covered with a black, powdery layer of spores. On Czapek yeast extract agar, fungal colonies were blackish grey, moderately dense, and covered the entire petri dish. The fungus produced aseptate mycelium. The sporangial heads were 30 to 50 µm in diameter with sporangiospores found linearly within cylindrical sacs (merosporangia) borne on spicules around the columella. Sporangiospores, spherical to cylindrical in shape and borne in chains, measured 3.0 to 5.0 µm long. The fungus was morphologically and physiologically identified as Syncephalastrum racemosum Schr. (2). For pathogenicity tests, healthy fruits (10 replicates) were surface sterilized and punctured inoculated aseptically with 1.0 × 106 conidia and incubated at 20 ± 5°C Typical symptoms of the disease appeared after 4 days. The fungus exhibited a strong level of cellulolytic activity as indicated by prolific growth on Indian gooseberry fiber waste under solid-state fermentation conditions. The level of cellulase activity (1) was 21 filter paper activity unit per ml at 72 hr in culture supernatant of basal medium having carboxymethyl cellulose as the carbon source. The fungus showed resistance to tannins (as much as 2%), since it could grow well in liquid growth medium (Czapek Dox broth) with 2% tannins and aonla juice with 1.8% tannins. Since Indian gooseberry is rich in fiber (2.5 to 3.4%) and tannins (1.5 to 2.0%), this may be an important pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Syncephalastrum racemosum on Indian gooseberry fruits. References: (1) T. K. Ghose. Pure Appl. Chem. 59(2):257, 1987. (2) J. I. Pitt and A. D. Hocking. Fungi and Food Spoilage. Academic Press. North Ryde, Australia, 1985.

Acute sacrococcygeal dislocation (anterior type): a case report.

Sacrococcygeal dislocation is a rare injury. A twenty nine year old male presented to us with pain over the lowest part of spine of 5 days duration. He fell down on stairs with his buttock landing directly over the edge of the stairs. On examination, a step was felt in the continuity of sacrum and coccyx. The tip of the coccyx was not palpable. Per rectal examination revealed a small bump on running the finger along the sacrococcygeal curvature. On plain radiographs of sacro coccygeal region, lateral view revealed anterior dislocation of the coccyx over the sacrum. On antero posterior view, the injury could not be identified. Under general anaesthesia, an attempt to reduce the dislocation per rectally was tried, but failed. The patient was treated conservatively with analgesics. He refused surgery, as he was relieved of pain with analgesics.