Effect of enzyme pretreatment on dehulling, cooking time and protein content of pigeon pea (variety BDN2).

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of enzymatic pretreatment at different enzyme concentration, incubation time, incubation temperature and tempering water pH on the hulling efficiency, cooking quality and protein content of pigeon pea (variety BDN2). Response surface methodology based on a four-factor, five-level, central composite design was employed to study the effect of the independent variables and optimize processing conditions. A quadratic model satisfactorily described the hulling efficiency, cooking time and protein content with high value for the coefficient of determination R2 (0.95, 0.92 and 0.97 respectively). It predicted a maximum hulling efficiency of 84.35%, minimum cooking time 13.06 min and maximum protein content 22.60% at enzyme concentration, and 31.34 mg/100 g dry matter, incubation time, 8.72 h, incubation temperature, 43.47 °C and tempering water, pH 5.99. Results were also compared with hulling efficiency, cooking time and protein content obtained with traditional oil pretreated method 78.30%, 14.30 min and 18.53% respectively. It revealed that hulling efficiency and protein content of enzyme pretreated pigeon pea could be increased 2.44% and 6.77% respectively, whereas cooking time could be reduced 1.50 min compared to the oil pretreated method.

Livestock vaccination in India: an analysis of theory and practice among multiple stakeholders.

An effective and efficient disease prevention and control strategy is of paramount importance to improve the quality and quantity of livestock production in the Indian context. Although livestock vaccination is considered an emerging innovation of socioeconomic importance in the Indian dairy industry, the rate of adoption and diffusion of vaccination technology is very low at field level. In this context, the authors examined the efforts of the Government of India to protect livestock health and control disease, considered the lessons learnt from rinderpest eradication, looked at field practices and the reality on the ground, and studied the perceptions of multiple stakeholders with regards to the relevance, profitability and sustainability of vaccination. In this study, the authors consider policy implications for the Indian dairy industry using the responses of 360 dairy farmers, 80 research scientists and 40 extension workers in India. The study revealed that scientists and extension experts rated vaccination highly in terms of its relevance, profitability and sustainability, while the perception of farmers was less favourable. The study also observed that, even after implementation of various disease control programmes with heavy financial expenditure, there was a wide gap between farmers and scientists and between farmers and extension workers with regards to their perceptions of the relevance, profitability and sustainability of vaccination, while the gap was very narrow between scientists and extension workers. It can be concluded, therefore, that there is a need to generate innovations for disease control that are perceived as relevant, profitable and sustainable so as to encourage higher levels of diffusion and adoption at field level. This study recommends that farmers partner with researchers and extension workers to ensure effective generation and transfer of new dairying technologies, leading to higher production and productivity in the Indian dairy sector.

En Inde, l'amélioration qualitative et quantitative de la productivité des élevages passe nécessairement par la mise en place de stratégies efficaces et efficientes de prévention et de contrôle des maladies animales. Les producteurs de lait et de produits laitiers considèrent la vaccination du bétail comme une innovation importante au plan socio-économique mais le niveau d'adoption et de diffusion des technologies vaccinales demeure très faible sur le terrain. Ce constat a incité les auteurs à effectuer une étude visant à analyser les efforts déployés par le gouvernement indien pour protéger la santé du bétail et pour lutter contre les maladies, à déterminer le niveau de prise en compte des leçons de l'éradication de la peste bovine, et à décrire les pratiques et la situation concrète sur le terrain ainsi que la manière dont les diverses parties prenantes perçoivent la pertinence, la rentabilité économique et les effets dans le temps de la vaccination. Dans cette étude, les auteurs ont interrogé 360 éleveurs de vaches laitières, 80 chercheurs et 40 agents de vulgarisation en Inde afin de déterminer les effets des politiques zoosanitaires sur le secteur de l'élevage laitier indien. L'étude a montré que la pertinence, la rentabilité économique et les effets dans le temps de la vaccination étaient perçus très favorablement par les chercheurs et par les agents de vulgarisation, tandis que la perception des éleveurs était moins positive. L'étude a également permis de constater que l'écart manifeste entre la perception des éleveurs d'un côté et celle des chercheurs et des agents de vulgarisation de l'autre concernant la pertinence, la rentabilité et l'effet dans le temps de la vaccination subsistait même après la mise en oeuvre à grands frais de programmes de lutte contre les maladies animales, tandis que cet écart était minime entre les chercheurs et les agents de vulgarisation. Les auteurs concluent sur la nécessité de veiller à ce que les innovations mises en place en matière de lutte contre les maladies animales soient perçues comme pertinentes, rentables et durables, afin de promouvoir une meilleure appropriation et diffusion de ces méthodes sur le terrain. Les auteurs préconisent le recours à des partenariats entre les éleveurs, les chercheurs et les agents de vulgarisation afin d'assurer une conception et un transfert efficaces des technologies dans le secteur de la production de lait et d'améliorer ainsi la production et la productivité du secteur laitier indien.

En el contexto de la India, para mejorar la producción bovina tanto en calidad como en cantidad es de capital importancia disponer de una estrategia eficaz y eficiente de prevención y control de enfermedades. Aunque la vacunación del ganado está considerada una innovación incipiente de gran importancia socioeconómica para el sector lechero del país, sobre el terreno se dan índices muy bajos de adopción y difusión de las técnicas de vacunación. En tales circunstancias, los autores examinaron las iniciativas del Gobierno de la India para proteger la salud del ganado y combatir sus enfermedades, repasaron las enseñanzas extraídas de la erradicación de la peste bovina, observaron la praxis y las realidades sobre el terreno e indagaron en la percepción que tienen numerosos interlocutores del sector de la pertinencia, rentabilidad y sostenibilidad de las vacunaciones. A partir de las respuestas aportadas por 360 productores, 80 investigadores y 40 agentes de extensión del país, los autores estudian las repercusiones normativas para la industria lechera india. El proceso puso de manifiesto que los científicos y especialistas en extensión otorgan a la vacunación un lugar de privilegio por lo que respecta a su pertinencia, rentabilidad y sostenibilidad, mientras que a los productores les merece una opinión menos positiva. Los autores observaron igualmente que, aun tras la implantación de diversos programas de lucha zoosanitaria que supusieron cuantiosas inversiones económicas, existía un gran desfase entre los productores, por un lado, y los científicos y agentes de extensión, por el otro, en cuanto a la valoración que hacían de la pertinencia, rentabilidad y sostenibilidad de las vacunaciones, mientras que las opiniones de científicos y agentes de extensión apenas diferían. Cabe concluir, por lo tanto, que para inducir sobre el terreno mayores niveles de adopción y difusión es indispensable generar innovaciones de lucha zoosanitaria que sean percibidas como algo pertinente, rentable y sostenible. Los autores recomiendan que los productores trabajen en asociación con los investigadores y agentes de extensión para lograr así que se generen y transfieran eficazmente nuevas tecnologías de producción lechera, lo que a su vez redundará en un aumento de la producción y productividad del sector lechero indio.

Surgical Technique for Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone Tunnels: A New Method.

Medial patellar instability (lateral patellofemoral ligament tear) is a rare condition which is commonly associated with lateral release for lateral patellar instability. LPFL is a lateral stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint. Reconstruction of LPFL is necessary to provide stability to the patella-femoral joint in patients with instability. We describe a novel technique of trans-osseous reconstruction of LPFL to gain stability and have better graft incorporation. A doubled peroneus longus graft is inserted into the patellar tunnel and secured with an endo button on the anteromedial aspect of the patella; the other end is then inserted into the insertional point on the femur and secured with an interference screw. This is an easy, novel, and reproducible technique which can be used to reconstruct LPFL.

Surgical outcomes of T4b oral cancers: assessment of prognostic factors and a need to re-evaluate the current staging system.

T4b oral cancer is a broad umbrella term for all advanced oral cancers, the prognosis of which varies drastically for disease of the same stage, according to the extent of the masticator space involvement. This was a retrospective observational study including all consecutive T4b oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated surgically between January 2015 and January 2016 and followed up until January 2020. The disease was classified as upper disease or lower disease based on the anatomical location in relation to an imaginary plane passing through the base of the retromolar trigone. The prime objective was to evaluate overall survival and prognostic factors affecting overall survival. The projected 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 40.7% and 35.6%, respectively. The assessment of prognostic factors revealed that lower disease (lower anatomical subsites), bone invasion, and lymph nodal spread significantly affected survival. Patients with disease in an upper anatomical location without bone and nodal involvement can achieve fairly good survival (projected 5-year overall survival of 64.2%) when compared to the other subsets of patients. We propose a re-evaluation of the current staging system based on the prognostic features, so that all patients are not considered under a single stage, since their survival differs significantly.

Salvage surgery for recurrent carcinoma of the oral cavity: assessment of prognostic factors.

Salvage surgery is the most acceptable therapeutic option for disease control of loco-regional recurrences in oral cancers. Prognostic factors need to be assessed to select patients for salvage surgery who would benefit the most. This was a single-centre retrospective observational study conducted between 2015 and 2018. A total of 168 patients with recurrent oral cavity carcinoma who underwent salvage surgery were included for analysis. The primary endpoints of the study were to evaluate overall survival (rOS) after salvage surgery and prognostic factors affecting survival. In this study, the median rOS was 18 months and the median disease-free survival (rDFS) was 14 months. Advanced stage (hazard ratio (HR) 2.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.496-3.808; P = 0.001) and multimodality treatment (HR 1.642, 95% CI 1.139-2.367; P = 0.008) in the initial disease, as well as nodal spread (HR 3.794, 95% CI 1.580-9.111; P = 0.008) and perineural invasion (HR 2.167, 95% CI 1.358-3.455; P = 0.001) in the recurrent disease, were found to adversely affect survival after salvage surgery. With thorough assessment of the prognostic factors and appropriate patient selection, survival may be favourable after salvage surgery for recurrent oral cavity carcinoma.

A proposed "Radiological Evaluation Score for Bone Tumors" (REST): An objective system for assessment of a radiograph in patients with suspected bone tumor.

BACKGROUND: Although radiographs have been widely used in the evaluation of patients with suspected bone tumors, the lack of an objective radiological assessment method leads to a challenge in reaching correct diagnosis. The study aimed to propose a Radiological Evaluation Score for Bone Tumors (REST) which includes eight radiological factors [characteristics, content, cortical breach, distinctiveness, distribution, periosteal reaction, fracture, and soft tissue swelling] to form a single score along with its validation by multidisciplinary observers. METHODS: We reviewed the radiographs of 100 patients with a primary bone tumor which were selected at random from the database between January 2017 and January 2019 of a tertiary cancer center. Four reviewers (two orthopedic oncologists and two surgical oncologists) independently assessed the radiographs, based on the reporting system of REST. We constituted two groups according to the probable diagnosis of bone tumor (suspected benign tumor and suspected malignant tumor). RESULTS: The mean score in the suspected benign tumor group was 1.1 (range 0-3, 95% CI 0.8-1.3) and in malignant tumor group was 6.1 (range 2-8, 95% CI 5.8-6.4). A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for REST was with a cutoff of 3.5, with the most diagnostic value area under curve (AUC) of 0.99. The sensitivity was 98% and specificity was 100% with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 98%. The inter-observer correlation coefficient was 0.985 (p value < 0.05), and Fleiss kappa value for the prediction of the benign or malignant lesion was 0.97 (p value < 0.05). The characteristics and content of tumor, cortical erosion, distinctiveness, distribution, periosteal reaction, and soft tissue mass had a significant correlation with the aggressiveness of bone lesion p value < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The Radiological Evaluation Score for Bone Tumors (REST) is a structured reporting and objective method for the assessment of radiographs in patients with suspected bone tumors. This method is a reliable and helpful tool for clinicians in their outdoor patient department to differentiate a radiograph of a suspected benign tumor from a malignant bone tumor.

Follow-up of pregnant women exposed to chicken pox: an audit of relationship between level of antibody and development of chicken pox.

The purpose of this study was to validate through natural exposure a cut-off level of varicella zoster IgG as protective against infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). Laboratory testing to determine VZV immune status of pregnant women exposed to varicella is recommended. Quantitative assays are now available which are sensitive and specific. More than 200 consecutive requests for screening in pregnant patients with recent varicella contacts were followed-up by questionnaire. DiaSorin LIAISON and VZV time resolved fluorescence immuno assay (VZV TRFIA) were used to measure VZV antibody level. One hundred fifty out of 209 (72%) questionnaires were returned; 14 patients developed varicella, 129 did not and seven were not known. Patients who had been given VZIG and developed varicella on follow-up had a mean antibody level before VZIG of 28 mIU/ml and 62 mIU/ml, by LIAISON and TRFIA, respectively. The mean IgG level of those that did not develop varicella was 885 and 866 mIU/ml by LIAISON and TRFIA, respectively. Those with levels <100 mIU/ml were more likely to develop chicken pox than those with levels >100 mIU/ml (relative risk of 10.4 for LIAISON and 8.8 for TRFIA). On the basis of the relatively small numbers in this study, quantitative assays, using a 100mIU/ml cut-off, can differentiate between those who are susceptible and those who are protected against exposure, however follow-up studies should include sampling for VZV DNA and IgM.

Dietary restriction lowers endogenous levels of oxidative stress in different brain regions of adult mice.

Increase in the cellular burden of oxidative stress is critically involved in various pathological manifestations of aging, including age-related neurological disorders. Dietary restriction can lower reactive oxygen species formation, and thereby lower oxidative damage in the brain. The brain consists of a diverse group of neurons with varying functions. However, attenuating role of dietary restriction on oxidative stress in different regions of brain is not well known. In the present study we demonstrated that by restricting diet intake for a period of six months, mice lowered the endogenous levels of oxidative stress markedly by decreasing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl contents in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum regions of the brain. Based on these results we suggest that dietary restriction can significantly reduce oxidative stress in various regions of the brain by virtue of lowering endogenous levels of reactive oxygen species, which might prove beneficial for preserving normal brain function with age.

A proposed ''A to Z RAM (Radiograph Assessment Method)'' for triage of patients with a suspected bone tumour.

INTRODUCTION: We propose a ''A to Z RAM (Radiograph Assessment Method)'' for evaluation of Radiograph of patients with a suspected bone tumour. METHODS: In the current study, ten radiological features with letters 'A, B, C, D, E, F and Z' were used and which included the age of the patient, involved part of the bone, characteristics, content, distinctiveness, the exterior of the bone, fracture, and zone of transition. Four independent observers (orthopaedic oncologists and surgical oncologists) evaluated a set of 30 radiographs of bone tumour selected at random from our hospital database based on A to Z RAM. We classified the lesions into two groups according to the traffic signal system; Green (suspected benign lesion) and Red (suspected malignant lesion). RESULTS: There were 18 (60%) benign bone lesions and 12 (40%) malignant lesions in the current study. 91.6% of malignant tumours and 88.8% of the benign tumours were identified correctly by the four observers. The inter-observer variability with Fleiss kappa was 0.884 (95% CI 0.7-1.03 p-value < 0.05), suggestive of agreement not by chance. These radiographs were again reassessed by the four observers after 3 months. The interobserver variability by Fleiss kappa was 1.0 (95% CI 0.8-1.1) suggesting complete agreement amongst the observers. Both orthopaedic oncologists had intra-observer kappa as 1.0 each and both surgical oncologists had 0.795 and 0.930 respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed A to Z RAM is an easy to use and reproducible method for reviewing radiographs in the out-patient department along with clinical findings for better management of patients with suspected bone lesions. The A to Z RAM can be a medical triage tool and subdivide bone lesions into two subgroups i.e. suspected benign lesion with a suggestion of further investigations with MRI and biopsy and suspected malignant lesion with a suggestion of MRI or early referral to a tertiary cancer center with expertise in orthopaedic oncology. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The A to Z RAM (Radiologic Assessment Method) is a reproducible method for reviewing radiographs in the out-patient department and can be an aid for better management of patients. A to Z RAM is useful as a medical triage system, subdividing patients according to the probable diagnosis into a suspected benign lesion and suspected malignant lesion.

Re-revision total hip arthroplasty: Epidemiology and factors associated with outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of re-revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not yet well-understood. We aim to investigate the epidemiology and risk-factors that are associated with re-revision THA. METHODS: 288 revision THA were analyzed between 1/2012 and 12/2013. Patients who underwent two or greater revision THA were included. Hips with first-revision due to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) were excluded. Failure was defined as reoperation. RESULTS: 51 re-revision patients were available. Mean age was 59.6 (±14.2 years), 32 (67%) females, average BMI of 28.8 (±5.4), and median ASA 2 (23; 55%). The most common re-revision indications were acetabular component loosening (15; 29%), PJI (13; 25%) and instability (9; 18%). The most common indications for first revision in the re-revision population were acetabular component loosening (11; 27%), polyethylene wear (8; 19%) and instability (8; 19%). There was an increased risk of re-revision failure if the re-revision involved exchanging only the head and polyethylene liner (RR = 1.792; p = 0.017), instability was the first-revision indication (RR = 3.000; p < 0.001), and instability was the re-revision indication (RR = 1.867; p = 0.038). If isolated femoral component revision was indicated during the re-revision, there was a decreased risk of failure (RR = 0.268, p = 0.046). 1-year re-revision survival was 54% (23/43). DISCUSSION: Acetabular component loosening, instability, and PJI were the most common indications for re-revision. Revision due to instability is a recurrent problem that leads to re-revision failure. There was a higher infection rate in the re-revision population compared to published revision PJI. A better understanding of the indications and patient factors that are associated with re-revision failures can help align surgeon and patient expectations in this challenging population.

Comparison of the performance of the LIAISON VZV-IgG and VIDAS automated enzyme linked fluorescent immunoassays with reference to a VZV-IgG time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay and implications of choice of cut-off for LIAISON assay.

BACKGROUND: Determination of Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) immune status in pregnant women without history of chickenpox is important in identifying those who genuinely need VZV immune globulin prophylaxis following significant exposure to chickenpox or shingles. Immune status testing requires highly sensitive and specific immunoassays for timely and accurate results. OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of DiaSorin LIAISON and Biomerieux VIDAS VZV-IgG assays with reference to a VZV-IgG time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA). STUDY DESIGN: A panel of sera collected from 65 pregnant contacts of VZV and 62 individuals tested for VZV immunity was tested in all three assays. Dose-response curves were generated using International Standards W1044 and 90/690. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of VIDAS compared to VZV-TRFIA was 54.5% and 97.9% respectively and for LIAISON compared to VZV-TRFIA was 67% and 100% respectively. Both assays correlated well with TRFIA with R2 correlation coefficients of 0.79 and 0.76 respectively. Dose-response curves showed both Standards behaved in a similar manner in each assay. For VIDAS, the test cut-off value of 0.9 correlated with 275-280mIU/ml and for LIAISON a cut-off value of 150mIU/ml correlated with 208-219mIU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: By dose-response data and in comparison with TRFIA, LIAISON is more sensitive and specific than VIDAS.

A membrane network for nutrient import in red cells infected with the malaria parasite.

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exports an interconnected network of tubovesicular membranes (the TVM) that extends from the parasite's vacuolar membrane to the periphery of the red cell. Here it is shown that extracellular solutes such as Lucifer yellow enter the TVM and are delivered to the parasite. Blocking the assembly of the network blocked the delivery of exogenous Lucifer yellow, nucleosides, and amino acids to the parasite without inhibiting secretion of plasmodial proteins. These data suggest that the TVM is a transport network that allows nutrients efficient access to the parasite and could be used to deliver antimalarial drugs directly into the parasite.

Impact of postoperative radiotherapy on survival and loco-regional control in node-negative oral cavity tumours classified as T3 using the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual eighth edition.

According to the eighth edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual (AJCC8), a depth of invasion (DOI) >10mm is classified as pT3, representing a locally advanced tumour requiring postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). When node-negative, however, evidence regarding whether PORT improves loco-regional control or survival is unclear. To clarify this, two cohorts of patients were studied: (1) patients classified as pT3N0 by the seventh edition of the AJCC manual (AJCC7), with DOI >10mm and a tumour diameter >4cm (17 patients who received PORT), and (2) patients classified as pT1N0 and pT2N0 by AJCC7, with DOI >10mm and a tumour diameter <4cm (55 patients who did not receive PORT). Loco-regional control and survival were analysed. PORT was found not to impact overall survival or disease-free survival. It was also found not to impact local, regional, or distant recurrence. Although the two subsets of patients considered here (DOI >10mm with tumour diameter below or above 4cm) were previously distinct, they are both considered pT3 in AJCC8. Data from this study indicate that the routine administration of PORT to patients with a DOI >10mm may not be warranted in the absence of other risk features such as nodal disease or close margins.

Determinants of level Ib involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma and implications for submandibular gland-sparing neck dissection.

Traditional neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) involves removal of the submandibular salivary gland. Several studies have cited the low incidence of direct gland invasion by tumours and have recommended gland-sparing neck dissection. In this study, a detailed audit of level Ib involvement in OSCC was performed in order to assess the feasibility of submandibular gland-sparing in neck dissection; the rate of direct involvement by the primary tumours, the involvement of periglandular level Ib nodes, and their determinants were investigated. A total of 586 neck dissection specimens obtained between 2005 and 2014 from patients operated on at the study institution for floor of mouth, tongue, and buccal primaries, were evaluated for direct invasion of the gland and periglandular lymphadenopathy. Of 226 node-positive patients, 21 (9.3%) had direct gland invasion by tumour. Risk factors were tumour diameter >4cm (P=0.002) and depth of invasion >10mm (P=0.003). Determinants of periglandular lymphadenopathy were depth of invasion >10mm (P<0.001), perineural invasion (P=0.02), lymphovascular invasion (P=0.014), and moderate/poor differentiation (P<0.0001). Gland-sparing neck dissection is safe in early tumours (pT1pN0-1), with a good chance of minimizing xerostomia without radiotherapy. Larger tumours without clear evidence of submandibular gland invasion or suspicious level Ib lymphadenopathy may be considered for gland preservation, however the oncological safety is unclear.

Peri-operative outcomes following major surgery for head and neck cancer in the elderly: institutional audit and case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly patients have been consistently shown to receive suboptimal therapy for cancers of the head and neck. This study was performed to determine the peri-operative outcomes of these patients and compare them with those of younger patients. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 115 patients aged 70 years or more undergoing major surgery for head and neck cancers were matched with 115 patients aged 50-60 years, and univariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Elderly patients had a reduced performance status (p < 0.001) and more co-morbid illnesses (p = 0.007), but a comparable intra-operative course. They had a longer median hospital stay (p = 0.016), longer intensive care unit stay (p = 0.04), longer median tracheostomy dependence (p = 0.04) and were more often discharged with feeding tubes (p < 0.001). They also had a higher incidence of post-operative non-fatal cardiac events (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with good performance status should receive curative-intent surgery. Although hospital stay and tube dependence are longer, morbidity and mortality are comparable with younger patients.

A review of squamous cell carcinoma arising in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary.

INTRODUCTION: Germ cell tumors account for 20-25% of ovarian neoplasms. Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the most common ovarian germ cell tumor. Malignancy in MCT is seen in 1-2% of the cases. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for 80% of the cases and carries a poor prognosis. AIM: To study the clinicopathological factors, management protocols and its outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case records reviewed from August 2006 to August 2011 at our institute identified 10 women with SCC in ovarian MCT. Staging was done according to FIGO 2009 guidelines. Primary surgery followed by adjuvant treatment with platinum based chemotherapy was given. RESULTS: Median age was 53.5 years. Six out of 10 patients were postmenopausal and aged above 50 years. Abdominal pain and abdominal mass were the most common presenting symptoms. According to FIGO: Two in stage 1, five in stage 2, two in stage 3 and one in stage 4. Among six optimally cytoreduced patients, five (83%) had no evidence of disease with a median follow up of 10 months. Whereas all four (100%) suboptimally cytoreduced patients had progressive disease within 3 to 4 months of primary surgery despite chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Squamous cell carcinoma in MCT of ovary is a rarity. It carries a poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages and suboptimally cytoreduced patients. Platinum with or without taxane based chemotherapy may be useful as adjuvant treatment. However, further studies and standardization of treatment protocols are required for any recommendations.

Growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by weed management practices and Rhizobium inoculation.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity in India is low, because of many problems beset in its cultivation. One of the serious problems are weeds. Groundnut yield losses due to weeds have been estimated as high as 24 to 70 percent. This has created a scope for using herbicides in groundnut crop. A field investigation was carried out during kharif (rainy) season of 2001-2002 on a sandy loam soil at College Agronomy Farm, B.A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand, India to study the effect of weed management practices and Rhizobium inoculation on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Ten weed control treatments, comprising four treatments of sole application of fluchloralin, pendimethalin, butachlor and metolachlor, respectively each applied at 1.0 kg ha(-1); four treatments comprising of an application of the same herbicides at the same levels coupled with one hand weeding at 30 DAS; one weed-free treatment (hand weedings at 15, 30, 45 DAS); and one unweeded control. All 10 treatmets were combined with and without Rhizobium inoculation (i.e. a total of 20 treatment combinations) under a factorial randomized complete block design (FRBD) with four replications. Minimum weed dry matter accumulation (70 kg/ha) with higher weed control efficiency (90.70%) was recorded under an integrated method i.e. pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha(-1) + hand weeding at 30 DAS, which also resulted in maximum pod yield (1773.50 kg ha(-1)). This treatment was comparable to fluchloralin applied at 1.0 kg ha(-1) combined with hand- weeding at 30 DAS. Weedy conditions in the unweeded control treatment reduced pod yield by 29.90-35.95% as compared to integrated method. Significantly higher pod yield was obtained with Rhizobium inoculation than the mean value of all treatments without inoculation. For most agronomical parameters examined, Rhizobium inoculation and weed control treatments were independent in their effect.

Glycemic Status in Organophosphorus Poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphorus(OP) poisoning, in addition to its cholinergic manifestations shows metabolic derangements leading to hyperglycemia. Apart from inhibiting acetylcholinesterase it also induces oxidative stress to exhibit this manifestation. The present study aims to assess the glycemic status of OP poisoned patients and its association with various factors in OP poisoning like oxidative stress and dose of atropine. METHODS: This is a prospective study which recruited 102 patients above 18 years of age with history of OP poisoning. They were categorized into 3 grades-mild, moderate and severe based on the Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisining Scale. The routine biochemical parameters along with serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholinesterase were estimated in the study group. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia and glycosuria were observed, with majority cases of hyperglycemia (57%) noticed in the severe group. There was a rise in the random plasma glucose (RPG), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total dose of atropine across the groups along with a fall in the serum cholinesterase with increase in severity of poisoning. The fall in plasma glucose at the time of discharge was significant in all three groups when compared to the admission random plasma glucose(RPG) level. This transient hyperglycemia exhibited a significant positive association with serum MDA and dose of atropine administered during treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic status in OP poisoning may play a role in identifying the severity of poisoning at the time of admission.

Gene organization of a Plasmodium falciparum serine hydroxymethyltransferase and its functional expression in Escherichia coli.

The global emergence of drug-resistant malarial parasites necessitates identification and characterization of novel drug targets. Three reactions are involved in methylenetetrahydrofolate recycling: Thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). Malarial bifunctional DHFR-TS is a well-studied, important target of established drugs such as pyrimethamine and cycloguanil. In sharp contrast, malarial SHMT remains largely uncharacterized. In the present study, a Plasmodium falciparum SHMT coding region was characterized. It had 1603 bp including two introns near the 5'-end of the gene: one 118 bp intron immediately after the start methionine and a 159 bp intron after an additional 34 amino acids. The three exons together coded for a 442 amino acid protein with 38-47% identity to SHMT sequences from other species. Expression of malarial SHMT coding sequence (minus the introns) into glyA mutants of Escherichia coli relieved glycine auxotrophy and permitted direct assay of SHMT catalytic activity in bacterial cell lysates. This is the first SHMT cloned and expressed from a protozoan parasite. The molecular tools developed in this study will be useful for developing potential antimalarials directed at SHMT.