Triboelectric Energy Harvesting from Highly Conjugated Fused Aromatic Ladder Structure Under Extreme Environmental Conditions.

Practical application of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has been challenging, particularly, under harsh environmental conditions. This work proposes a novel 3D-fused aromatic ladder (FAL) structure as a tribo-positive material for TENGs, to address these challenges. The 3D-FAL offers a unique materials engineering platform for tailored properties, such as high specific surface area and porosity, good thermal and mechanical stability, and tunable electronic properties. The fabricated 3D-FAL-based TENG reaches a maximum peak power density of 451.2 µW cm-2 at 5 Hz frequency. More importantly, the 3D-FAL-based TENG maintains stable output performance under harsh operating environments, over wide temperature (-45-100 °C) and humidity ranges (8.3-96.7% RH), representing the development of novel FAL for sustainable energy generation under challenging environmental conditions. Furthermore, the 3D-FAL-based TENG proves to be a promising device for a speed monitoring system engaging reconstruction in virtual reality in a snowy environment.

Reintroduction of Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Through COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience at a High-Volume Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Centre in India.

Background: COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic in March 2020. Government of India declared a countrywide lockdown on 24 March 2020. All elective surgeries including Hip and Knee arthroplasty were postponed in view of pandemic. Gradually cases were resumed after stepwise unlock measures. The aim of this study is to assess how hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries were affected during first wave of pandemic, and how situation was tackled by an arthroplasty unit of a tertiary-care hospital in India. Methods: This study was a single-centre retrospective observational study. Data pertaining to patient demographic details, surgery, preoperative screening for COVID-19, duration of hospital stay, and post-op 30-day complications were collected from hospital records and analyzed. These data were compared with 2019 data. Results: There was significant decrease (88.45%) in total number of hip and knee arthroplasty cases between March 2020 and November 2020 as compared to the same duration in 2019. 30-day mortality was only 2 deaths both who died due to COVID-19-related complications. Duration of stay in hospital and post-operative complications were not statistically and significantly affected. There was a statistically significant increase in tourniquet time compared to the previous year. If deaths due to COVID-19 are excluded, there was statistically no significance difference in 30-day mortality rate. Conclusion: Following strict local policy for patient selection and reducing the number of post-operative patient visits to the hospital allowed us to perform hip and knee arthroplasty safely with minimum COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00930-6.

Gender inequalities in prevalence, pattern and predictors of multimorbidity among geriatric population in rural West Bengal.

Context: Multimorbidity is considered as a priority for global health research. It is defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic health conditions in an individual. It is increasingly being recognized as a major concern for primary care physicians due to its huge impact on individual, family, and societal level. Aim: The aim of this study was to find the quantum of gender-related inequalities and determinants of multimorbidity among the elderly people in a rural part of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among 246 elderly people (60 years and above) in a community setting from Oct 2017 to Sep 2018. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the predictors of multimorbidity. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc.). Results: Approximately 82% of the study subjects were suffering from multi-morbidity with a significant difference between males (80.9%) and females (88.5%). In binary logistics, people of both the genders aged >70 years, who had less than primary level education, had more than three children, whose source of income was from their children (sons/daughters), were dependent on others for daily routine were at high risk of being multimorbid; whereas depression was a significant predictor of multimorbidity in females and not in males. In multivariable analysis, age remained the only significant predictor for both the gender and for females; depression remained significant after adjusting with significant variables in binary logistics. Conclusion: Morbidity screening at each visit, individual as well as family counseling and lifestyle modifications help to cope with the rising burden of multimorbidity at the primary care level. More insight into the epidemiology of multi-morbidity is necessary to take steps to prevent it, lower its burden and align health-care services as per needs.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, Evaluation, and Shelf-Life Study of Silver Nanoparticles against Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera).

Nanoparticles provide a promising and alternative platform of eco-friendly technologies that encompasses better cost-resilient remedies against one of the most economically harnessing insect pests of cotton. The main goal of this research was to provide a better management strategy through biologically synthesizing (sunlight exposure method) green nanoparticles from leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and Pongamia pinnata and proving their bioefficacy on H. armigera (2nd instar). Characterization of bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles was carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy for confirming the formation of nanoparticles, a Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) for determining the size/distribution of particles, and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for analyzing the surface topology of nanoparticles. The results obtained from PSA analysis showed that A. indica and P. pinnata-based silver nanoparticles had an average diameter of 61.70 nm and 68.80, respectively. Topographical images obtained from SEM proved that most of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape. A. indica-based silver nanoparticles were found to be comparatively more efficient and have higher insecticidal activity compared to P. pinnata-based nanoparticles. A. indica-based AgNPs recorded larval mortality of 60.00 to 93.33 percent at the concentrations of 500 to 2000 ppm, followed by P. pinnata-based nanoparticles, with 60.00 to 90.00 percent larval mortality. Shelf-life studies revealed that A. indica-based AgNPs had the maximum negative zeta potential of -58.96 mV and could be stored for three months without losing bioefficacy and up to six months with negligible reduction in bioefficacy. Symptoms caused by silver nanoparticles were leakage of body fluids, sluggishness, inactiveness, brittleness, etc.

SARS-CoV-2 Kappa Variant Shows Pathogenicity in a Syrian Hamster Model.

Objectives: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.617 variants in India has been associated with a surge in the number of daily infections. We investigated the pathogenic potential of Kappa (B.1.617.1) variant in Syrian golden hamsters. Methods: Two groups of Syrian golden hamsters (18 each) were inoculated intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 isolates, B.1 (D614G) and Kappa variant, respectively. The animals were monitored daily for the clinical signs and body weight. Throat swab, nasal wash, and organ samples (lungs, nasal turbinate, trachea) were collected and screened using SARS-CoV-2-specific RT-qPCR. Histopathologic evaluation of the lung samples was performed. Results: The hamsters infected with the Kappa variant demonstrated increased body weight loss compared to the B.1 lineage isolate. The highest viral RNA load was observed in the nasal turbinate and lung specimens of animals infected with both variants. A significantly higher sgRNA load was observed in the nasal swabs (7 DPI), trachea (3 DPI), and lungs (3 DPI) of hamsters infected with the Kappa variant. Neutralizing antibody response generated in the B.1 lineage-infected hamster sera were comparable against both B.1 and Kappa variant in contrast to Kappa variant-infected hamsters, which showed lower titers against B.1 lineage isolate. Gross and microscopic evaluation of the lung specimens showed severe lung lesions in hamsters infected with Kappa variant compared to B.1. Conclusions: The study demonstrates pathogenicity of Kappa variant in hamsters evident with reduced body weight, high viral RNA load in lungs, and pronounced lung lesions. Both Kappa variant- and B.1-infected hamsters produced neutralizing antibodies against both variants studied.

Novel hypergravity treatment enhances root phenotype and positively influences physio-biochemical parameters in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Hypergravity-an evolutionarily novel environment has been exploited to comprehend the response of living organisms including plants in the context of extra-terrestrial applications. Recently, researchers have shown that hypergravity induces desired phenotypic variability in seedlings. In the present study, we tested the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable phenotype/s for potential terrestrial crop improvement applications. To investigate, bread wheat seeds (UAS-375 genotype) were subjected to hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12, and 24 h), and evaluated for seedling vigor and plant growth parameters in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. It was also attempted to elucidate the associated biochemical and hormonal changes at different stages of vegetative growth. Resultant data revealed that hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12 h) significantly enhanced root length, root volume, and root biomass in response to hypergravity. The robust seedling growth phenotype may be attributed to increased alpha-amylase and TDH enzyme activities observed in seeds treated with hypergravity. Elevated total chlorophyll content and Rubisco (55 kDa) protein expression across different stages of vegetative growth in response to hypergravity may impart physiological benefits to wheat growth. Further, hypergravity elicited robust endogenous phytohormones dynamics in root signifying altered phenotype/s. Collectively, this study for the first time describes the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable root phenotype that could be potentially exploited for improving wheat varieties for better water usage management.

Antianemic activity of polyherbal formulation, Raktavardhak Kadha, against phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats.

BACKGROUND: Over two billion people around the world suffer from anemia. Majority of populations are using dietary supplements and herbal medicines for the management of the anemic conditions. Many polyherbal formulations such as RaktavardhakKadha (RK), are available in the Indian market as a nutritional supplement and herbal-based medicine for anemia. OBJECTIVES: The present study is aimed at investigating antianemic potential of polyherbal formulation, RK, against phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RK was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and iron estimation. Anemia was induced by phenylhydrazine administration (40 mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 consecutive days. Antianemic activity of RK was investigated at the dose of 1.8 ml/kg, twice daily for 12 days by estimating blood parameters and pathological changes in liver, heart, spleen and bone marrow. RESULTS: RK was found to contain saponins, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. Iron content was found to be 5 mg/100 ml in RK. Anemia induction by phenylhydrazine injections to rats caused significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin and hematocrit. These decreased levels of RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit in blood was significantly improved by the treatment with RK. Furthermore, RK restored pathological changes in liver, heart, spleen and bone marrow tissues near to normal. CONCLUSION: This study suggests antianemic activity of RK, which can be attributed to its iron content and ability to prevent hemolysis.

SARS CoV-2 variant B.1.617.1 is highly pathogenic in hamsters than B.1 variant

BackgroundThe recent emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.617 in India has been associated with a surge in the number of daily infections. This variant has combination of specific mutations L452R, E484Q and P681R reported to possibly enhance the transmissibility with likelihood of escaping the immunity. We investigated the viral load and pathogenic potential of B.1.617.1 in Syrian golden hamsters. MethodsTwo groups of Syrian golden hamsters (9 each) were inoculated intranasally with SARS CoV-2 isolates, B.1 (D614G) and B.1.617.1 respectively. The animals were monitored daily for the clinical signs and body weight. The necropsy of three hamsters each was performed on 3, 5- and 7-days post-infection (DPI). Throat swab (TS), nasal wash (NW) and organ samples (lungs, nasal turbinate, trachea) were collected and screened using SARS-CoV-2 specific Real-time RT-PCR. ResultsThe hamsters infected with B.1.617.1 demonstrated increased body weight loss compared to B.1 variant. The highest viral load was observed in nasal turbinate and lung specimens of animals infected with B.1.167.1 on 3 DPI. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) and IgG response in hamsters of both the groups were observed from 5 and 7 DPI respectively. However, higher neutralizing antibody titers were observed against B.1.167.1. Gross pathology showed pronounced lung lesions and hemorrhage with B.1.671 compared to B.1. ConclusionsB.1617.1 and B.1 variant varied greatly in their infectiousness, pathogenesis in hamster model. This study demonstrates higher pathogenicity in hamsters evident with reduced body weight, higher viral load in lungs and pronounced lung lesions as compared to B.1 variant. SummaryB.1.617.1 is the new SARS-CoV-2 lineage that emerged in India. Maximal body weight loss and higher viral load in hamsters infected with B.1.617.1. It caused pronounced lung lesions in hamsters compared to B.1 variant which demonstrates the pathogenic potential of B.1.617.1.

Elder abuse and its predictors: a cross-sectional study in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India.

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is an important public health problem hidden from public view in spite of its detrimental effect on physical and mental health. In the last three decades, there is responsiveness toward abuse of children and spouses worldwide but even today abuse and neglect of aged people seem to be the matter of least concern. This study aims to reveal the magnitude of elder abuse and its predictors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a community setting among elderly people (60 years and older) from October 2015 to September 2017 in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India. Elder abuse was elicited by questions adapted from the Actual Abuse Tool. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 16.0). Logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the factors associated with elder abuse. RESULTS: The study found that 25.6% of the respondents had experienced abuse, psychological abuse being the commonest type. Disability was the most common perceived risk for abuse. Univariate logistic regression showed higher age (70 years and older), female gender, who were Scheduled caste, living in a nuclear family, having more than three children, financially and functionally dependent, who was suffering from depression and multimorbidity had increased odds of being abused. In multivariable logistic regression, people aged above 70 years, living in a nuclear family and dependent for instrumental activities of daily living remained significant predictors of abuse. CONCLUSION: Around one in four of the respondents was abused in a 1 year duration which implies the urgent need for action. Routine screening for elder abuse at ground level and abuse prevention campaigns can be an important measure to alleviate this hidden problem. Also, there is a need to explore culturally specific forms of elder abuse to provide an age-friendly environment.

Are we missing 'previously treated' smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis under programme settings in India? A cross-sectional study.

Background: In 2007, a field observation from India reported 11% misclassification among 'new' patients registered under the revised national tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Ten years down the line, it is important to know what proportion of newly registered patients has a past history of TB treatment for at least one month (henceforth called 'misclassification'). Methods: A study was conducted among new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients registered between March 2016 and February 2017 in 18 randomly selected districts to determine the effectiveness of an active case-finding strategy in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We included all patients detected through active case-finding. An equal number of randomly selected patients registered through passive case-finding from marginalised and vulnerable populations in the same districts were included. Before enrolment, we enquired about any history of previous TB treatment through interviews. Results: Of 629 patients, we interviewed 521, of whom, 11% (n=56) had past history of TB treatment (public or private) for at least a month: 13% (34/268) among the active case-finding group and 9% (22/253) among the passive case-finding group (p=0.18). No factors were found to be significantly associated with misclassification. Conclusion: Around one in every ten patients registered as 'new' had previous history of TB treatment. Corrective measures need to be implemented, followed by monitoring of any change in the proportion of 'previously treated' patients among all registered patients treated under the programme at national level.

Patient characteristics, health seeking and delays among new sputum smear positive TB patients identified through active case finding when compared to passive case finding in India.

BACKGROUND: Axshya SAMVAD is an active tuberculosis (TB) case finding (ACF) strategy under project Axshya (Axshya meaning 'free of TB' and SAMVAD meaning 'conversation') among marginalized and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India. OBJECTIVES: To compare patient characteristics, health seeking, delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation among new sputum smear positive TB patients detected through ACF and passive case finding (PCF) under the national TB programme in marginalized and vulnerable populations between March 2016 and February 2017. METHODS: This observational analytic study was conducted in 18 randomly sampled Axshya districts. We enrolled all TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF in the same settings. Data on patient characteristics, health seeking and delays were collected through record review and patient interviews (at their residence). Delays included patient level delay (from eligibility for sputum examination to first contact with any health care provider (HCP)), health system level diagnosis delay (from contact with first HCP to TB diagnosis) and treatment initiation delays (from diagnosis to treatment initiation). Total delay was the sum of patient level, health system level diagnosis delay and treatment initiation delays. RESULTS: We included 234 ACF-diagnosed and 231 PCF-diagnosed patients. When compared to PCF, ACF patients were relatively older (≥65 years, 14% versus 8%, p = 0.041), had no formal education (57% versus 36%, p<0.001), had lower monthly income per capita (median 13.1 versus 15.7 USD, p = 0.014), were more likely from rural areas (92% versus 81%, p<0.002) and residing far away from the sputum microscopy centres (more than 15 km, 24% versus 18%, p = 0.126). Fewer patients had history of significant loss of weight (68% versus 78%, p = 0.011) and sputum grade of 3+ (15% versus 21%, p = 0.060). Compared to PCF, HCP visits among ACF patients was significantly lower (median one versus two HCPs, p<0.001). ACF patients had significantly lower health system level diagnosis delay (median five versus 19 days, p = 0.008) and the association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Patient level and total delays were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Axshya SAMVAD linked the most impoverished communities to TB care and resulted in reduction of health system level diagnosis delay.

Active case finding among marginalised and vulnerable populations reduces catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on whether active case finding (ACF) among marginalised and vulnerable populations mitigates the financial burden during tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations on prevalence and inequity of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis among TB-affected households when compared with passive case finding (PCF). METHODS: In 18 randomly sampled ACF districts in India, during March 2016 to February 2017, we enrolled all new sputum-smear-positive TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF. Direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs due to TB diagnosis were collected through patient interviews at their residence. We defined costs due to TB diagnosis as 'catastrophic' if the total costs (direct and indirect) due to TB diagnosis exceeded 20% of annual pre-TB household income. We used concentration curves and indices to assess the extent of inequity. RESULTS: When compared with patients detected through PCF (n = 231), ACF patients (n = 234) incurred lower median total costs (US$ 4.6 and 20.4, p < 0.001). The prevalence of catastrophic costs in ACF and PCF was 10.3 and 11.5% respectively. Adjusted analysis showed that patients detected through ACF had a 32% lower prevalence of catastrophic costs relative to PCF [adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI): 0.68 (0.69, 0.97)]. The concentration indices (95% CI) for total costs in both ACF [-0.15 (-0.32, 0.11)] and PCF [-0.06 (-0.20, 0.08)] were not significantly different from the line of equality and each other. The concentration indices (95% CI) for catastrophic costs in both ACF [-0.60 (-0.81, -0.39)] and PCF [-0.58 (-0.78, -0.38)] were not significantly different from each other: however, both the curves had a significant distribution among the poorest quintiles. CONCLUSION: ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations reduced total costs and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis, but could not address inequity.

Waste packaging polymeric foam for oil-water separation: An environmental remediation.

Nowadays, its urgent need to develop and fabricate efficient, low cost, eco-friendly, oil-water separation methodologies especially for variety of polluted water in the environments. To deals with serious oil spills and industrial organic pollutants, here in we have developed a highly efficient oil-water separation methodology by using waste material such as expanded polyethylene (EPE) polymeric foam which is most commonly used for packaging as a shock absorber and most abundantly available in the surroundings as waste. Oil-water separation setup was fabricated by using waste EPE polymeric foam without any pre-treatment. By simply scratching, special properties (wettability performance) such as hydrophobicity, leophilicity, and low water adhesion was imparted to the EPE polymeric foam. The different types of oil-water mixture used for the study and separation were achieved almost up to 78%. The oil absorption efficiency of the EPE polymeric foam was within range of 0.491-0.788 g/g. In addition to efficient oil-water separation, the modified EPE polymeric foam exhibited fast and continuous oil-water separation solely by gravity. The easy operation, chemical durability, and efficiency of the waste EPE polymeric foam give it high potential for use in industrial and consumer applications for large scale oil-water separation.

Causality Assessment of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction Associated with Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate: Application of the Bradford Hill Criteria.

Causality assessment is crucial to post-marketing pharmacovigilance and helps optimize safe and appropriate use of medicines by patients in the real world. Self-reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are common in the general population as well as in patients with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis. Intranasal corticosteroids, including intranasal fluticasone propionate (INFP), are amongst the most effective drugs indicated in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis. While intranasal corticosteroids are associated with olfactory and gustatory dysfunction and are currently labeled for these adverse events, causality assessment has not been performed to date. Although there is no single widely accepted method to assess causality in pharmacovigilance, the Bradford Hill criteria offer a robust and comprehensive approach because nine distinct aspects of an observed potential drug-event association are assessed. In this literature-based narrative review, Hill's criteria were applied to determine causal inference between INFP and olfactory and gustatory dysfunction.

Zika virus Pathogenesis in Infant Mice after Natural Transmission by the Bite of Infected Mosquitoes.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to understand natural disease progression in infant CD1 mice after the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected by the Zika virus (ZIKV, MR-766 strain). METHODS: A. aegypti mosquitoes were experimentally infected with ZIKV MR-766 strain via the oral feeding route. Infected mosquitoes were allowed to feed on infant CD1 mice. Sick mice were euthanized, and their organs were collected and subjected to real-time RT-PCR, histo-pathology, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms appeared in mice after 4-5 days of being bitten by mosquitoes, following which they were euthanized. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of viral RNA in various organs such as the brain, liver, kidney, spleen, lungs, and intestines of the mice. The brain tissue specimens showed higher viral loads as determined by threshold values (Ct value) in the real-time RT-PCR assay. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies also revealed the presence of the virus and associated lesions in the brain, indicating that ZIKV shows tropism for neuronal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates ZIKV pathogenesis in infant CD1 mice and that these mice are highly susceptible to natural infection with this ZIKV strain.

Comparison of conventional infrainguinal versus modified proximal suprainguinal approach of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for postoperative analgesia in Total Hip Arthroplasty. A prospective randomized study.

Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB) has been widely used as a postoperative analgesic adjunct to opioids for total hip arthroplasty (THA), either by the conventional infrainguinal approach or the modified proximal suprainguinal approach irrespective of any specific advantage of one over the other. This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of the two techniques of FICB for postoperative analgesia. The 40 patients scheduled for THA were recruited for Intervention (s) and randomized to receive FICB either by suprainguinal approach (group S) or infrainguinal approach (group I) for postoperative analgesia with 40 ml of 0.2% bupivacaine, in addition to postoperative patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and PCA morphine consumption was used to assess the postoperative pain at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. The primary outcome was cumulative PCA morphine consumption in 24 hours. The pain intensity as measured by VAS scores showed significant reduction of intensity at 6 hours post block in group S as compared to group I (median [IQR]; 2[0-3]; 3[2.25-3]; p = 0.001) but, there was no significant difference in VAS at 12 and 24 hours. Postoperatively, there was significant difference in time to first PCA morphine demand (356.28 ± 33.32 vs 291.48 ± 37.17, p = < 0.001, respectively) in-group S vs. group I. The postoperative morphine consumption was also significantly less in group S compared to group I at 6, 12 and 24 hours and the cumulative morphine consumption in 24 hours (6.95 ± 2.14 vs 10.50 ± 2.24, p = < 0.001 respectively) was also less. In conclusion, in THA, suprainguinal approach of FICB has a superior postoperative analgesic efficacy compared to infrainguinal approach of FICB along with significantly less morphine consumption in first 24 hours.

Development of a predictive model for daughter pregnancy rate and standardization of voluntary waiting period in Murrah buffalo.

A predictive model for daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) in Indian Murrah buffaloes has been developed. The data pertaining to first lactation reproduction traits, viz., age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), and number of services per first conception (NS/FCON) of 719 Murrah buffaloes calved from 1985 to 2010 at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana), India were adjusted against significant environmental influence. First lactation reproduction records of 474 Murrah buffaloes were used for determining voluntary waiting period (VWP) and estimating DPR. Seven simple and multiple regression models in each case were developed where the buffaloes had their first insemination after 63 days (DPR 63), 84 days (DPR 84), and 105 days (DPR 105) of first calving. Among the seven models (I to VII) for DPR 63, DPR 84, and DPR 105, model II, having only FSP as an independent reproduction variable, was found to be the best prediction model, based on the four statistical criterions (high coefficient of determination (R 2), low mean sum of squares due to error (MSSe), conceptual predictive (CP) value, and Bayesian information criterion (BIC)). Three linear equations were developed using model II, viz., DPR 63 = 0.0033 (274 − FSP), DPR 84 = 0.0027 (332 − FSP), and DPR 105 = 0.0027 (310 − FSP). The average errors for the prediction of DPR 63, DPR 84, and DPR 105 were 1, 13, and 8 %, respectively. Therefore, 63 days of VWP is the optimum period for getting the best DPR in Indian Murrah buffaloes.

Papillary endolymphatic sac tumor: a case report.

Glandular tumors involving the middle ear are rare and distinguishing between adenoma and adenocarcinoma remains difficult. A distinct subclass of these tumors demonstrates microscopic papillary architecture and has a propensity to erode the petrous bone and extend intracranially. The term "aggressive papillary middle ear tumor" has recently been proposed to describe this more invasive type of middle ear tumor. These tumors cause symptoms even when microscopic in size. Although histologically benign, they have been locally destructive with frequent intracranial extension and patients may die of uncontrolled local disease. These tumors do not metastasize but there is single case report of drop metastasis to the spine in the literature. Hence this tumor must be distinguished from other benign tumors of the middle ear. These rare neoplasms constitute a distinct pathological entity and deserve wider recognition.

Efficacy, safety and tolerability of salbutamol + guaiphenesin + bromhexine (Ascoril) expectorant versus expectorants containing salbutamol and either guaiphenesin or bromhexine in productive cough: a randomised controlled comparative study.

Patients with acute bronchitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis suffer from cough with tenacious bronchial secretions requiring expectorants in addition to bronchodilating therapy. The present one-week, multicentric, prospective, randomised, double-blind study compared the efficacy and tolerability of three expectorant formulations in 426 patients with productive cough associated with varied aetiology after approval by the institutional review boards. Selected patients received 7 days' treatment with either fixed dose combination (FDC) of salbutamol 2 mg + bromhexine HCI 8 mg + guaiphenesin 100 mg (group A) or salbutamol 2 mg+ guaiphenesin 100 mg expectorant (group B) or salbutamol 2 mg + bromhexine 8 mg (group C) thrice daily after obtaining their informed consent. In group A, there was improvement of symptoms in a larger number of patients and earlier onset of action in reducing cough frequency and severity and improving sputum characteristics as compared to the other two groups. More patients in group A reported excellent efficacy (44.4%) as compared to only 14.6% in Group B and 13% in Group C. Cough expectorant containing salbutamol + bromhexine +guaiphenesin could be the expectorant of choice in alleviating productive cough since it scored in terms of efficacy as well as tolerability over salbutamol with either bromhexine or guaiphenesin alone.