Dye Test Research Articles

A Clinical Study on the Surgical Management of Third Eyelid Gland Prolapse in Dogs

Background: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two different surgical methods for management of third eyelid gland prolapse in dogs. Methods: The study was conducted on 14 eyes of 11 dogs presented with third eyelid gland prolapse for surgical treatment. Two groups dogs were subjected to clinical and ophthalmic examination based on the surgical technique used i.e., Group I (n=8) in which modified Morgan’s pocket technique, Group II (n=6) in which modified orbital rim anchorage technique was used. Among the breeds brachycephalic dogs (54.54%, n=6) followed by mesocephalic dogs (45.45%, n=5). The modified Morgan’s pocket technique was adopted in 8 eyes of 7 dogs (1 bilateral, 6 unilateral) and the modified orbital rim anchorage technique was performed in 6 eyes of 4 dogs (2 bilateral, 2 unilateral). In Group I, the mean pre-operative Schirmer tear test value was 16.87±0.72 mm/min and in Group II, it was 17.33±0.67 mm/min, both values increased on 30th Post-operative day. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups (p greater than 0.05), but there were significant differences within each group (p less than 0.05). The fluorescein dye test was repeated on 1st,7th,14th, 30th days post-operatively and found positive in the left eye of one dog with the reduced bilateral cherry eye on 7th post-operative day in group I. Third eyelid mobility was normal post-operatively in all the cases of group I. Whereas in group II, it is restricted in all the cases. Three cases regained normal contour by the 10th post-operative day whereas 5 cases by the 14th postoperative day in group I. In group II, 3 cases regained normal contour by 12th post-operative day and 3 cases regained by 14th post-operative day. One case in the group I tested positive for superficial corneal ulcer on the 7th post-operative day. One dog in group I had a recurrence after 45 days of repositioning. One dog in group II with reduced bilateral cherry eye had a recurrence in the left eye 30 days after surgery. Result: Present study, Modified Morgan’s pocket technique was considered superior over the modified orbital rim anchorage technique in view of technical feasibility and unrestricted third eyelid mobility.

Characterization of Glossy Spike Mutants and Identification of Candidate Genes Regulating Cuticular Wax Synthesis in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Cuticular waxes comprise the hydrophobic layer that protects crops against nonstomatal water loss and biotic and abiotic stresses. Expanding on our current knowledge of the genes that are involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and regulation plays an important role in dissecting the processes of cuticular wax metabolism. In this study, we identified the Cer-GN1 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant that is generated by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis with a glossy spike phenotype that is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. A physiological analysis showed that the total cuticular wax loads of Cer-GN1 were one-third that of the progenitor wild-type (WT), and its water loss rate was significantly accelerated (p < 0.05). In addition, Cer-GN1 was defective in the glume's cuticle according to the toluidine blue dye test, and it was deficient in the tubule-shaped crystals which were observed on the glume surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Using metabolomics and transcriptomics, we investigated the impacts of cuticular wax composition and waxy regulatory genes on the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes of Cer-GN1. Among the differential metabolites, we found that 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, which is one of the predominant C16 and C18 fatty acid-derived cutin monomers, was significantly downregulated in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to that of WT. We identified two novel genes that are located on chromosome 4H and are downregulated in Cer-GN1 (HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185) that encode long-chain fatty acid omega-monooxygenase CYP704B1, which regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. A quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the expression levels of HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 were downregulated at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after the heading stage in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to those of WT. These results suggested that HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 have CYP704B1 activity, which could regulate the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley. Their downregulation in Cer-GN1 reduced the synthesis of the cuticular wax components and ultimately caused the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes. It is necessary to verify whether HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 truly encode a CYP704B1 that regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley.

Ophthalmic examination findings in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta, Linnaeus 1758)

This study aimed to document normal ophthalmic findings and ocular anomalies in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and to establish reference intervals for the Schirmer tear test-1 (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Sixty healthy adult lemurs (22 females, 38 males) aged from 6 months to 28 years underwent ophthalmic examination. Direct illumination, STT, diffuse and slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein dye test, IOP measurement, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on each eye. Reference intervals were calculated non-parametrically for STT and IOP. The eyes of three lemurs, which had died from unrelated reasons, were examined histopathologically. The median STT in the lemurs was 9 mm/minute, with an estimated 95% reference interval of 2–15 mm/minute. The median IOP was 18 mmHg, with an estimated 95% reference interval of 11–24 mm Hg. Ophthalmic abnormalities were noted in 21 of 120 (17.5%) eyes, including third eyelid laceration, corneal leukoma, cataracts, chronic uveitis, and vitreous degeneration. Reference intervals of physiological ophthalmic parameters and the most common ophthalmic findings are defined and can be useful for clinical veterinarians during the eye examinations of ring-tailed lemurs.

Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus Co-Delivered with Modified PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Temozolomide against Glioblastoma Cells: Developing an Effective Treatment Strategy.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered to be one of the most serious version of primary malignant tumors. Temozolomide (TMZ), an anti-cancer drug, is the most common chemotherapeutic agent used for patients suffering from GBM. However, due to its inherent instability, short biological half-life, and dose-limiting characteristics, alternatives to TMZ have been sought. In this study, the TMZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by employing the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The prepared TMZ-PLGA-NPs were characterized using FT-IR, zeta potential analyses, XRD pattern, particle size estimation, TEM, and FE-SEM observations. The virotherapy, being safe, selective, and effective in combating cancer, was employed, and TMZ-PLGA-NPs and oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) were co-administered for the purpose. An AMHA1-attenuated strain of NDV was propagated in chicken embryos, and the virus was titrated in Vero-slammed cells to determine the infective dose. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of the TMZ, NDV, and the TMZ-PLGA-NPs against the human glioblastoma cancer cell line, AMGM5, and the normal cell line of rat embryo fibroblasts (REFs) were evaluated. The synergistic effects of the nano-formulation and viral strain combined therapy was observed on the cell lines in MTT viability assays, together with the Chou–Talalay tests. The outcomes of the in vitro investigation revealed that the drug combinations of NDV and TMZ, as well as NDV and TMZ-PLGA-NPs exerted the synergistic enhancements of the antitumor activity on the AMGM5 cell lines. The effectiveness of both the mono, and combined treatments on the capability of AMGM5 cells to form colonies were also examined with crystal violet dyeing tests. The morphological features, and apoptotic reactions of the treated cells were investigated by utilizing the phase-contrast inverted microscopic examinations, and acridine orange/propidium iodide double-staining tests. Based on the current findings, the potential for the use of TMZ and NDV as part of a combination treatment of GBM is significant, and may work for patients suffering from GBM.

Cytoprotective Activity of Newly Synthesized 3-(Arylmethylamino)-6-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridin-2(1H)-Ones Derivatives.

Currently, studies are being conducted on the possible role of the cytoprotective effect of biologically active substances in conditions of cerebral hypoxia or cardiomyopathies. At the same time, oxidative stress is considered one of the important mechanisms of cellular cytotoxicity and a target for the action of cytoprotectors. The aim of this study is to search for derivatives of 3-(arylmethylamino)-6-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-2(1H)-ones. The probability of cytoprotective action was assessed by measuring cell viability using two tests (with neutral red dye and MTT test). It was found that some derivatives of 3-(arylmethylamino)-6-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-2(1H)-ones under the conditions of our experiment had a pronounced cytoprotective activity, providing better cell survival in vitro, including the MTT test and conditions of blood hyperviscosity. To correlate the obtained results in vitro, molecular docking of the synthesized derivatives was also carried out. The standard drug omeprazole (co-crystallized with the enzyme) was used as a standard. It was shown that all synthesized derivatives of 3-(arylmethylamino)-6-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-2(1H)-ones had higher affinity for the selected protein than the standard gastro-cytoprotector omeprazole. The studied derivatives of 3-(arylmethylamino)-6-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-2(1H)-ones also fully satisfy Lipinski’s rule of five (RO5), which increases their chances for possible use as orally active drugs with good absorption ability and moderate lipophilicity. Thus, the results obtained make it possible to evaluate derivatives of 3-(arylmethylamino)-6-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-2(1H)-ones as having a relatively high cytoprotective potential.

Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Enamel Cracks: A Narrative Review.

Cracked teeth can pose a diagnostic dilemma for a clinician as they can mimic several other conditions. The constant physiological stress along with any pathological strain like trauma or iatrogenic causes can lead to the development of microcracks in the teeth. Constant exposure to immense stress can cause the progression of these often-undiagnosed tooth cracks to cause tooth fractures. This review aims to outline the etiology of tooth cracks, their classification, and recent advances in the diagnosis of enamel cracks. Diagnosing a cracked tooth can be an arduous task as symptoms differ according to the location and extension of the incomplete fracture. Early detection is critical because restorative treatment can prevent fracture propagation, microleakage, pulpal or periodontal tissue involvement, and catastrophic cusp failure. Older methods of crack detection are not sensitive or specific. They include clinical examination, visual inspection, exploratory excavation, and percussion test. The dye test used blue or gentian violet stains to highlight fracture lines. Modern methods include transillumination, optical coherence tomography Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SSOCT), near-infrared imaging, ultrasonic system, infrared thermography, and near-infrared laser. These methods appear to be more efficacious than traditional clinical dental imaging techniques in detecting longitudinal tooth cracks. Clinically distinguishing between the various types of cracks can be difficult with patient-reported signs and symptoms varying according to the location and extension of the incomplete fracture. Cracks are more common in restored teeth. Technological advances such as transillumination allow for early detection and enhanced prognosis.

CORRELATION OF EUSTACHIAN TUBE FUNCTION WITH TYMPANOPLASTY OUTCOME

Background– Eustachian tube play a vital role in the pathogenesis of middle ear cleft disease.Normal eustachian tube function (ETF) is responsible for successful tympanoplasty outcome. Pre operative ETF test should be done. Aim & objective– To evaluate the role of Eustachian tube function in successful graft uptake in tympanoplasty. Method – a prospective study was done on 50 patients, with mucosal type of chronic otitis media (COM). Eustachian tube function (ETF) was assessed with various methods like impedance audiometry (Toynbee's method),methylene blue dye test etc, and correlation of graft uptake with preoperative ETF was done. Result– Out of 50 patients,78% had normal tubal function and 22% had partially impaired tubal function. Tympanoplasty was successful in 92.3% patients with normal ETF and 54.5% patients with partially impaired ETF. Conclusion– There is a strong association between ETF and graft uptake.Thus,proving that eustachian tube plays a major role in the graft uptake.So preoperative ETF should be done.

Assessment of Perinatal Clinical Characteristics, Perinatal Risk Factors, and Microbial Profile in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Study.

PurposeTo assess the perinatal risk factors, clinical characteristics, and microbial profile in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in pediatric patients of age <5 years. After a thorough clinical evaluation, the diagnosis of the CNLDO was confirmed by a Jones dye test or fluorescein dye disappearance test. A microbiological culture of lacrimal sac resurge was done with a sterile swab stick without touching the lid margins. Antibiotic susceptibility was then performed for the standard antibiotics.ResultsSeventy-one eyes of 52 children were included in the study. The mean age was 3.4 months. Our research found an equal number of cases born via spontaneous vaginal delivery and Caesarean section. Nine children (17.3%) had associated systemic and ocular anomalies. The number of cultures that were positive for any growth was 19 (27%). The most common isolate was Streptococcus pneumoniae which constituted eight cases (42%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.8%), and Escherichia coli (10.5%). Other organisms that grew were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli. Gram-positive organisms were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, amoxiclav, and oxacillin, and most of them were resistant to erythromycin. In comparison, gram-negative organisms showed 62.5% resistance and 37.5% susceptibility to ciprofloxacin.ConclusionsCNLDO was more commonly unilateral, in male, preterm, and normal birth weight infants. Bilateral CNLDO was more commonly associated with coexisting ocular or systemic anomalies. Prematurity, delivery by Caesarean section, and presence of congenital anomalies were associated with a prolonged course. S. pneumoniae was the predominant isolate in our patient population.

Green production of self-assembled silver nanoarrays on flexible substrate for direct detection and catalytic degradation of organic water pollutants

Facile eco-friendly green chemistry assisted (hybrid tea rose petals extract) self- assembled plasmonic silver nano structure arrays (AgNS) were fabricated on a flexible substrate. In-situ self-assembly during the reduction process lead to organize arrays like AgNS with smaller size Ag nanocubes. Synthetic mechanisms detailed with optimizations were deliberately projected with UV–visible absorption spectroscopic studies. Structural studies indicated the cubic system of silver with an average crystalline size of 20 nm. Electron microscopic images elucidate the array like self-assembled Ag cubes; outstand for high phase purity with 95.6% of Ag. As well, UV–vis absorption results confirmed the shape confinement of self-assembled Ag nanocubes with the SPR band located around 450–490 nm. Feasibility of AgNS array in catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye tests was assessed with efficient degradation of 97% within 8 min. Ever since AgNS were forthright in field of calorimetry detection, H2O2 calorimetry studies were portrayed. Further on, fabrication of flexible, cost-effective plastic SERS support as sensor was developed with AgNS array (GAFPS) is yet another milestone achieved in SERS sensor platform. Raman probe molecule (Rhodamine 6G (R6G)) was exploited in optimization experiments for SERS detection. The optimized GAFPS SERS sensor involved in detection of Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes; Sensor sensitivity studies succeeded with its sensitivity limit down to nano-molar range for RhB whereas close to pico-molar range for MB. In nutshell, multifaceted features of self-assembled plasmonic AgNS brings in state of art in the detection and degradation of industrial waste water management systems.

Applying fluorescent dye assays to discriminate Escherichia coli chlorhexidine resistance phenotypes from porin and mlaA deletions and efflux pumps

Bacterial resistance to the antiseptic chlorhexidine (CHX), is a growing problem, recently shown to be caused by deleterious mutations to the phospholipid transport system component (mlaA) as well as efflux pump overexpression. Comparisons of CHX resistance mechanisms, such as porin deletions (ompCF), and over-expressed efflux pumps (acrB, qacE, aceI), are lacking and may be distinguishable using antiseptic rapid fluorescent dye testing assays. Using E. coli K-12 CHX adapted isolates (CHXR1), gene deletion mutants, and over-expressed transformants the phenotypes of these CHX resistance genes were compared using antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST), rapid fluorescent propidium iodide dye-based membrane integrity assays (RFDMIA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AST findings showed CHXR1, ΔacrB, ΔompCF, and transformants pCA24N-aceI and pCA24N-mlaA conferred greater (two to fourfold) MIC changes when compared to matched controls. Examination of these mutants/transformants using CHX RFDMIA showed that porin dual-deletions (ΔompCF) and mlaA alterations (ΔmlaA; pCA24N-mlaA, CHXR1) were distinguishable from controls. Results for over-expressed (pMS119EH-aceI) and deleted (ΔacrB) efflux pump RFDMIA could not be distinguished with propidium iodide, only with ethidium bromide, suggesting propidium iodide is better suited for detecting porin and mlaA associated CHX resistance mechanisms. SEM of CHXR1 and unadapted E. coli cells exposed to increasing CHX concentrations revealed that CHX does not visibly damage cell envelope integrity at any tested concentration but did identify elongated CHXR1 cells. ΔmlaA confers similar levels of CHX resistance as efflux overexpression and porin deletions, however, only outer membrane-altering porin and mlaA deletions can be reliably distinguished using RFDMIA.

A Study Comparing the Subsurface Vortex Characteristics in Pump Sumps

The vortex generated around the suction region of the pump sump causes problems such as damage to the pump, increased maintenance costs, and failure to supply coolant smoothly. Therefore, analyzing vortices is essential in pump sump design. However, the CFD analysis alone is insufficient in pump sumps vortex analysis since the reliability of the results is doubtful in scaled model tests. This study conducted the model test to validate a suitable CFD simulation method by identifying the Type 2 vortex among the three types of subsurface vortices. The dye test and PIV technology were used to visualize the Type 2 subsurface vortices, whereas the PIV vorticity results were then compared to the CFD results. The average vorticity of 60.2 (1/s) was identified as the reference level of Type 2 subsurface vortices formation by mapping the dye test results with the PIV vorticity results. Furthermore, the average vorticities of 84.63 (1/s) and 85.15 (1/s) were recorded in the presence of Type 2 subsurface vortices in PIV and CFD, respectively, and these values can be applied to the designing of pump sumps.

Optimizing clinical outcomes for endoscopic lacrimal duct recanalization in patients with complete PANDO.

The study aims to describe modifications and refinements in the technique and technology of Transcanalicular Endoscopic Lacrimal Duct Recanalization (TELDR) based on anatomical foundations to optimize its clinical outcomes in patients with complete Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (PANDO). The medical records of 115 patients who underwent TELDR procedures from January 2018 to July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 115 patients, only those 35 patients with complete PANDO characterized by longstanding epiphora of 3-5years duration, dense, diffuse fibrous tissue obstruction involving the sac, sac duct junction and the entire length of the nasolacrimal duct were included in the study. Parameters for success were analyzed based on patency on irrigation, functional endoscopic dye test, and improvement of epiphora. Forty-five cases from 35 patients with complete PANDO were included in the study. The mean length of time from the date of operation to silicone stent removal was 8.1weeks, while the mean length of follow-up starting from the removal of silicone stent to last follow-up was 61.0weeks. There were 95.6% anatomic patency on canalicular irrigation with saline and 95.6% functional patency based on functional endoscopic dye test. There was significant improvement of epiphora (p value of < 0.0001) post-operatively. The results of modified TELDR improved clinical outcomes and could be a definitive treatment in patients with complete PANDO with longstanding, dense, diffuse, fibrous tissue obstruction. Patients who experience reobstruction, may undergo a repeat of the recanalization approach.

Investigation of Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Horses and Donkeys in Muş Province of Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in equidae in the province of Muş, Turkey. The study material consisted of 210 equidae including 159 horses and 51 donkeys in Mus province. In serum samples, anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and titers were detected using Sabin Feldman Dye Test (SFDT). Seropositivity was found in 115 (54.76 %) of the 210 equidae tested in the study. The rate of seropositivity in donkeys (92.16%) was higher than the rate in horses (42.77%), and statistical significance was observed (P&lt;0.001). T. gondii antibody was detected in 68 (42.77%) of the horse sera examined by SFDT. When T. gondii seropositivity was evaluated according to gender, it was found to be 47.92% in females and 32.92% in males. No statistical difference was observed between the gender groups (P&gt; 0.05). When T. gondii seropositivity was evaluated according to age, seropositivity rate in the equidae older than 10 years was found to be higher as 46.67%, but no statistical significance was observed among the age groups. T. gondii antibody was detected in 47 (92.16%) of donkey sera examined by SFDT. When T. gondii seropositivity was evaluated according to gender, the rate of seropositivity was found to be 89.47% in females and 93.75% in males. No statistical significance was observed between the gender groups (P&gt;0.05). When T. gondii seropositivity was evaluated according to age, the seropositivity rate in those older than 10 years was found to be higher as 96.30%, but no statistical significance was observed among the age groups (P&gt;0.05). As a result of scanning the equidea in Muş province by SFDT, seropositivity rate was found as 42.77% in horses and 92.16% in donkeys.Keywords: Donkey, Horse, SFDT, Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis

“Dipping Time” for Irrisept Solution on Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Hydrophilic Coating: No Difference From 1 to 60 minutes

ABSTRACT Introduction Since hydrophilic coated penile prostheses (PP) first came out, people have discussed how long should the PP be submerged in whatever solution the surgeon decided to “dip” the implant into hoping for the solution to absorb onto the coating of the PP. There has been much discussion and several studies on different antimicrobial agents to soak the Titan PP into. Irrisept is FDA approved to irrigate surgical wounds and company statements appear to show that 99.9% of bacteria and fungus are covered by the solution. Objective For the first time in the known literature, we evaluate dipping time of the hydrophilic coating of the Titan PP. Methods The Titan PP was soaked in Irrisept solution or normal saline for 1, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. All parts were placed in a 35°C oven for 15 minutes to dry before Congo Red Dye test. Congo Red Dye testing was performed per test method VV-0199713, which is the approved FDA test for ensuring product reliability. The testing was done by an independent third company. Results There was no noticeable effect or difference of coating adherence between different soaking times for Irrisept solution or normal saline. Pre-connected IPP products including both pumps and cylinders were tested. (Figure 1 Congo Red stain) Conclusions There appears to be no difference in soaking time from 1, 15, 30 or 60 minutes for Irrisept solution or normal saline. Biocompatibility and long-term device performance have not been verified using the Irrisept solution. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Coloplast Clarification Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast

Does Irrisept Dipping/Irrigation Adversely Affect the Hydrophilic Coating of Titan Implants?

ABSTRACT Introduction Prosthetic infections occur in 1-3% of virgin implants. Titan penile prostheses (PP) have a hydrophilic coating that can absorb any antibiotic/antifungal solution for infection prevention. The ideal solution for dipping non-coated implants is yet to be described, however, reports of various solutions exist. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a very broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral solution that has been used for skin preparation for surgery because of its excellent profile for known pathogens. Irrisept is the first and only chlorhexidine 0.05% solution that has been FDA cleared for intra-corporal wound lavage in humans. When considering a new dipping solution, we must always weigh the effectiveness of any dipping solution with the caustic properties of the solution on the device and tissue. Objective The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effects of Irrisept solution on Coloplast's hydrophilic coating incorporated on the Titan penile prosthesis (PP). Methods Pre-connected Titan PP product including both pumps and cylinders were tested. The Titan PP was soaked in Irrisept solution and normal saline for 1, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. After soaking, all parts were dried for 15 minutes in a 35°C oven, and then went through the Congo Red Dye Test. Congo Red dye testing was performed per the approved FDA test method for ensuring product reliability. (Coloplast’ internal Test Method.) Results All the PPs tested achieved satisfactory coating results. There was no noticeable effect or difference of coating adherence between the saline soaked control and Irrisept soaked devices. And there was no noticeable effect or difference of coating adherence between different soaking time. (Figure 1 Congo Red stain) Conclusions Soaking the Titan PP in Irrisept solution does not effect the hydrophilic coating of the implant when compared to saline. There was also no difference in hydrophilic coating compared to saline controls at various times of dipping (1, 15, 30 and 60 min). Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Coloplast Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast

Frequency of Causes of Female Infertility Diagnosed Through Laparoscopy in Females Presenting in a Tertiary Care Hospital

OBJECTIVE To report the frequency of causes of female infertility by laparoscopy in females presenting in a tertiary care hospital MATERIALS &amp; METHODS Study design: Cross sectional study Setting: Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology, Shalimar Hospital, Lahore Duration of study: July 01, 2020, till July 31, 2021 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE: A total of 370 females fulfilling selection criteria were selected from operation theatre of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shalimar Hospital Lahore. Informed consent was obtained from each case. Demographic information (name, age, BMI, duration of marriage, type of infertility, and parity) will also be noted. Then females underwent laparoscopy under general anesthesia by researchers. On laparoscopy, the pelvis was inspected, including uterus, fallopian tubes, round ligaments, uterovesical pouch, uterosacral ligaments, and Pouch of Douglas. The tubes were inspected for any abnormality in their length and shape and patency was checked by retrograde dye test. Both ovaries were examined regarding their size, shape, thickness of peripheral follicles, evidence of ovulation and their relationship with fimbrial end of the tubes. Peritubal, periovarian and omental adhesions, tubo-ovarian masses, endometriotic deposits, fibroid, presence of fluid in the Pouch of Douglas or any other pathology, if present was noted. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: The mean age of our cases was 33.93 ± 5.81 years with minimum and maximum ages of 18 and 45 years. According to the etiology of infertility, 5(1.4%) cases had unexplained infertility, 140(37.8%) cases had tubal infertility, 60(16.2%) cases had polycystic ovaries, 41(11.1%) cases had Peritubal and peri-ovarian adhesion, 71(19.2%) cases had endometriosis, 38(10.3%) females had fibroids and 20(5.4%) cases had an ovarian cyst. CONCLUSION: We conclude that on diagnostic laparoscopy the frequency of causes of female infertility was found to be tubal infertility (37.8%), followed by endometriosis (19.2%), polycystic ovaries (16.2%), Peri-tubal and peri-ovarian adhesion (11.1%), fibroids (10.3%), ovarian cyst (5.4%), unexplained infertility (1.4%).

ASSESSMENT OF EUSTACHIAN TUBE FUNCTION IN MIDDLE EAR DISEASES

Objective - Purposes of the current study evaluate the function of eustachian tube and compare the outcome of surgery with normal and abnormal eustachian tube functions. Research Design- The present study was using the purposive observational clinical research design. Method-This prospective clinical study was conducted at the department of otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck surgery, command hospital (eastern command), Kolkata, for a period of eighteen months from Jan 2013 to Jun 2014. The study group comprised of 52 patients who were diagnosed to have Chronic Otitis Media (mucosal disease). The details of history with special emphasis on ear discharge, duration, character and period of dryness were noted. Statistical Analyses- Purpose of the current study descriptive analyses was done with the help of SPSS. Result- The present study shown the age group of 41-60 years (40.38%), mean of age is 39.35 years and standard deviation 17.61 was higher than other age group. Male patients were 28 (53.84%) higher than female patients 24 (46.16%). Methylene blue dye test, otologic instillation test and toynbee's test, were performed, the toynbee's test was statistical signicant in other test. Conclusion- Eustachian tube function tests (Toynbee test) correlated well with severity of disease. The outcome of the middle ear surgery would be a success in normal eustachian tube function, while in dysfunction the outcome need necessarily not be a failure. Tympanometry is a safe easy and effective method to assess the tube function. Gross dysfunction of eustachian tube function predicts poor result.

Recovery and Valorization of Bioactive and Functional Compounds from the Discarded of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Fruit Peel

This work focused on the recovery and application of bioactive and functional compounds (BFC) from a waste matrix, the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller fruit peel (OFP), using different extraction methods: maceration and Extractor Naviglio®. The presence of BFC was initially evaluated by following the extraction yields and antioxidant activity using the Folin-Ciocȃlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The quali-quantitative content of BFC was also verified with UHPLC/UV-ESI-HRMS profile of OFP extracts. The evaluation of the BFC yields is aimed at using extract components, such as betanins, in the technological application as textile dye based on natural pigments: we evaluated the stability of the extracted dyes, tested the dyeing power and assessed the stability of the dye on the textile material. The results showed different compositions depending on the polarities of the solvents. The ethanol-water mixture extracts obtained using Naviglio method revealed an important presence in terms of total phenolic compound yields. Wool, linen and cotton fibers were chosen for the dyeing tests. Rock alum and lemon juice, two etching methods, were used. Results suggest that the OFP may be of great interest as a natural source of BFC for food, nutraceutical and technological applications in the sustainability context.

A Fluorescent Tracer Based on Castor Oil for Monitoring the Mass Transfer of Fatliquoring Agent in Leather.

Fatliquoring is one of the most important processes in leather making, in which the collagen fibers are split effectively, while the crust acquires a good softness and mechanical strength. The effectiveness of fatliquoring depends not only on the variety and dosage of fatliquoring agent but also on its distribution in hierarchical collagen fiber layers. Up to now, the research about the mass transfer of fatliquoring agent in leather is very limited because quantifying the distribution of invisible fatliquor in leather is very difficult. In this paper, a fluorescent tracing technique based on modified castor oil was established and send used to investigate the mass transfer of fatliquor in leather. The crucial fluorescent tracer was synthesized favorably by the reaction of castor oil, successively with maleic anhydride and 5-aminofluorescein, which was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and DSC. The fluorescent tracer was pH-sensitive and emitted an intense fluorescent signal at pH 8–10. Then, it was applied to monitor the fatliquoring process in real-time. Compared with Sudan IV or Nile Blue sulphate dyeing tests, this fluorescent tracing technique could conveniently visualize and quantify the penetration and distribution of fatliquor in leather process.

Illicit discharge detection in stormwater drains using an Arduino-based low-cost sensor network

Illicit discharges in urban stormwater drains are a major environmental concern that deteriorate downstream waterway health. Conventional detection methods such as stormwater drain visual inspection and dye testing have fundamental drawbacks and limitations which can prevent easy location and elimination of illegal discharges in a catchment. We deployed 22 novel low-cost level, temperature and conductivity sensors across an urban catchment in Melbourne for a year to monitor the distributed drainage network, thereby detecting likely illicit discharges ranging from a transitory flow with less than 10 minutes to persistent flows lasting longer than 20 hours. We discuss rapid deployment methods, real-time data collection and online processing. The ensemble analysis of all dry weather flow data across all sites indicates that: (i) large uncertainties are associated with discharge frequency, duration, and variation in water quality within industrial and residential land uses; (ii) most dry weather discharges are intermittent and transient flows which are difficult to detect and not simply due to cross-connections with the sewerage network; (iii) detectable diurnal discharge patterns can support mitigation efforts, including policies and regulatory measures (e.g., enforcement or education) to protect receiving waterways; and, (iv) that it is possible to cost effectively isolate sources of dry weather pollution using a distributed sensor network.