End Of Sixth Month Research Articles

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Escalating Intravenous Infusions of Lignocaine and Ketamine in Reducing Pain and Disability for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, disability, sleep, memory and mood issues. The pain of fibromyalgia is difficult to manage and has no complete remission. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications have been tried to minimise symptoms and improve general health. Hence, a trial was conducted to evaluate lignocaine and ketamine as pharmacological modalities to treat fibromyalgia. Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of intravenous (i.v.) lignocaineketamine infusions in reducing pain and disability in fibromyalgia syndrome. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Basaveshwara Medical College and Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India, between March 2021 and March 2022, on patients aged between 18-60 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome. Sixty patients were included in the study. Escalating doses of i.v. lignocaine of 5 mg/kg, 6 mg/ kg and 7 mg/kg followed by escalating doses of i.v. ketamine of 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg were administered on alternate days over a period of 12 days. Infusions were given in 50 mL normal saline through syringe pump over a period of 45 minutes. Pre and postinfusion 11 point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score was used to assess pain and World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 score to assess disability. Data are presented as mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was done by using the t-test for pre and post-treatment score, with a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The present study showed female predominance of 42 out of 60 patients (70%) compared to males 18 out of 60 (30%). Pretreatment average baseline NRS score was 8.8. The mean reduction in NRS scores after lignocaine-ketamine infusions at the end of one month was 1.40 and at sixth month 1.25 which was statistically significant (p-value=0.001). Pretreatment mean average disability score was 2.70 and at the end of sixth month it was 0.59 which was statistically significant (p-value=0.001). Three patients did not have reduction in NRS scores and reported mild to moderate side-effects in the form of dizziness, headache and raised blood pressure. Conclusion: Combined infusions of lignocaine-ketamine resulted in significant reduction in pain and disability in patients with fibromyalgia. Higher and repeated doses seem to be more effective and resulted in longer pain relief. Long-term follow-up periods are needed to determine the effectiveness, dose response and safety of these infusions as a therapeutic modality for fibromyalgia.

Modified small-incision cataract surgery for combined extraction - A comparative study of two techniques.

To explore straight incision technique in terms of efficacy for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering by small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) trab versus modified "frown" incision with triangular scleral flap technique. This study was done at a tertiary health center. It included 44 eyes diagnosed with cataract and coexisting primary glaucoma that underwent SICS with trabeculectomy using modified "frown" incision with triangular scleral flap technique and straight incision in group A (n = 22) and B (n = 22), respectively. Postoperative evaluation was done at first postoperative day, then at the end of first week, third week, and 6 weeks; at the end of third month and finally at the end of sixth months. Data were entered and analyzed via Microsoft Excel sheet and SPSS software using Mann-Whitney U test for averages and Chi-square test for categorical values. Mean preoperative IOP in groups A and B were 38.6 and 29.1 mm Hg respectively, by applanation tonometry. After 6-month follow-up, mean of difference in IOP (preoperative - postoperative) for group A was 20.8 ± 8.3 mm Hg and that for group B was 17.2 ± 13.5 mm Hg. Capacity of IOP reduction of both techniques was found to be comparable and did not show much difference up to the end of 6 months. Mastering technique of group A (modified "frown" incision with triangular scleral flap technique) requires more expertise; the simpler straight incision technique provided in group B may be effectively used by the novice and current era Ophthalmologists to combat glaucoma coexistant with cataract.

Efficacy of Two-In-One Model Traps and Sun Drying against Callosobruchus Maculatus (F.) in Mungbean

Detection of insect infestations is essential for quality assurance and helps in locating insect infestations, for early diagnosis of low-level infestation and to ascertain the success of control measures. This study evaluates the efficacy of two-in-one model trap against cowpea bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) in stored mungbean in six months of storage. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) developed two-in-one model traps were used. The observations on number of adult beetles trapped, % weight loss and grain damage were recorded at the end of each month, for six months. The results obtained conclude that use of one trap and sun drying of mungbean grains for five days is significantly effective in reducing the number of adult beetles. No weight loss and grain damage were recorded with this treatment, where only one trap/ container was used followed by sun drying for five days at the end of fourth month. Similar results were obtained up to six months. The % weight loss of 1.75 and 4.00% grain damage observed at the end of sixth month with one trap and three day sun drying of grains exhibit its efficacy.

Mathematical modeling and kinetic behavior of Indian Umblachery cow butter and its nutritional degradation analysis under modified atmospheric packaging technique

AbstractMain objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of polyphenols enrichment, modified atmosphere packaging (CO2: 20%, N2: 75%, O2: 5%) and storage time on the shelf‐life solidity and nutritional degradation of butter from Indian native breed of Umblachery cow. The butter samples were incorporated and enriched with polyphenols and flavonoids from the seed coat extracts of Cajanus cajan (136.5 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g and 68.7 mg of quercetin equivalents/g) and butylated hydroxyl anisole (200 ppm) and the oxidative solidity and nutritional and flavor retention was evaluated without changing its organoleptic properties during 6 months of storage with and without MAP at 4, 15, and 25°C. SCECC significantly reduced the formation of oxidation products and the kinetics of shelf‐life of butter with predictive Arrhenius model was assessed in real time and accelerated according to temperature with the maximum activation energy of 5,309.2 J/mol for SCECC enriched and 3,191.4 J/mol for butylated hydroxyl anisole incorporated samples with modified atmosphere packaging at 4°C for peroxide value. The loss of polyphenols during storage was analyzed and it was 21–36% at 4°C and 31–55% at 25°C with and without modified atmosphere packaging at the end of sixth month. Organoleptic evaluations indicated that the samples treated with polyphenols combined with modified atmosphere packaging had lowermost lipid deterioration and exhibited high level of protective effects on nutritional degradation and recorded highest overall acceptability at 4°C and minimum level of sensorial behavior was observed at 25°C at the end of sixth month.Practical ApplicationsEnrichment of polyphenols with food emulsion can profitably influence their oxidative stability and the emulsions should sustain optimal quality and stability throughout the storage period. Lipid oxidation is the major deteriorative process with substantial commercial implications in terms of product cost. Due to the heavy demand for natural antioxidants, the polyphenols of seed coat extracts of Cajanus cajan have been used and correlated these results with enhancement of butter and increase its shelf life by modified atmospheric packaging. The activation energy and the rate constant of chemical reaction enabled the construction of kinetic models, which helped to estimate rate of changes in the butter sample. In order to estimate quality changes, we evaluated the polyphenolic loss, sensory features, and microbiological changes. The results of this study may deliver technical basis in the utilization of SCECC as a natural antioxidant with MAP to prevent lipid rancidification or nutritional loss in butter.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of androgenic alopecia: A Comparative Controlled Study.

Scalp injection with mesotherapy (LC cell hair essence) helps in anchoring hair follicles and might have good therapeutic efficacy and lower side effects than Botox in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). To assess the trichoscopy and the clinical therapeutic response of LC hair essence serum injection vs. botulinum toxin (A) injection in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Sixty-two AGA patients were included in the present study. Group I consisted of 31 patients who were injected with 1ml of LC hair essence serum diluted with 0.5ml of 0.9% normal saline once weekly for 8weeks, and Group II involved 31 patients who were injected with 50 units of botulinum toxin A. Trichoscopic examination and photo documentation were done for every case before starting treatment (baseline) and after treatment with monthly follow-up to the patients. There was a significant difference between baseline trichoscopy findings and at the end of sixth month in Botox group, and the difference was highly significant in LC group; there was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of side effects (irritation and headache) among Group II compared with that of Group I. Botox can induce significant results in the treatment of AGA with mild and tolerable side effects but with high cost, while LC hair serum exhibit excellent results with fewer side effects.

Two trade names of deferasirox (Osveral® and Exjade®) in reduction of iron overload parameters in major beta-thalassemia patients: A randomized open labeled clinical trial.

Background:Beta-thalassemia major patients typically require chronic transfusion and iron-chelating agents to reduce serum iron overload. Osveral® is an available Iranian brand name of deferasirox used by majority of thalassemic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Osveral® vs. Exjade® in major beta- thalassemia patients.Methods:In this randomized clinical trial, all patients received a single daily dose of 30 mg/kg either of Osveral® or Exjade® for 6 months. Primary outcome was the mean of bimonthly changes in serum ferritin concentration and secondary outcomes included mean changes of heart and liver MRI T2* after a year.Results:Finally, 80 patients completed the study. The mean serum ferritin level at the end of sixth month significantly decreased in Osveral® and Exjade® groups (p<0.01). After a year, means cardiac MRI T2* in Osveral® group were changed from 25.9±9.6 ms to 25.4±9.7 ms and in Exjade® group from 24.8±9.2 ms to 26.9±5.9 ms, with no significant difference (P=0.43). Mean liver MRI T2* for Osveral® and Exjade® groups were 8.6±6.4 ms (baseline 6.3±4.7) and 6.3±4 ms (baseline 4.9±3.5), respectively and there was no significant difference between two study arms (P=0.1).Conclusion:Osveral® decreased significantly the serum ferritin level and improved heart and liver iron overload as efficient as Exjade®. It can be a suitable cost-effective alternative agent in beta-thalassemia major patients.

Disinfection Measures during COVID-19

Corona illness 2019 (covid-19) has been occured by widspread serious lung condition due to infection with newly emerging Corona virus 2 during 2019. The infection threatened people health world-wide. Covid2-19 started in China and caused an aggregate of few affirmed cases and few of them passing till end of sixth month. Infection occurs essentially through lung droplets and infect near by people. Individual to-individual infection occur by conveyance by droplets from hack, wheeze, drop inward breath, and infection through upper dry epithelium polluted by emissions of complete respiratory tract system of a infected individual had been demonstrated about corona spread. As infection advanced, a progression of intricacies will in general grow, particularly in fundamentally sick and immunocompromised patients. Neurotic investigations demonstrated delegate highlights of intense lung misery condition (ARDS) and involvement of different organs too. Nonetheless, no particular antiviral medications or immunizations are promptly accessible to the medical care of this deadly infection. The adequacy of some encouraging antibacterial should be examined to continuous health preliminaries. In this conditions, strong consideration, safety measures, and physical distansing are the lone preventive measuresfor protection against CORONA. To sanitize the climate, fundamentally compound bactericidal are being utilized powerfully. Notwithstanding, because of frenzy state, fear, and ignorance, individuals are utilizing it fiercely, which can adversely affect human wellbeing and climate. This audit examines the likely negative impact of disinfectants, whenever utilized improperly. Here, we will likewise talk about safe preventive choices as an option in contrast to strong utilization of sterilization strategies to battle against CORONA.

Effectiveness of Angioplasty in Treatment of Diabetic Foot Patients with Infragenicular Single Stenosis or Occlusion: A Prospective Study

Background: Diabetes is linked to both microvascular and macrovascular complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy (microvascular) and ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease (macrovascular), resulting in organ and tissue damage in approximately one third to one half of people with diabetes. Objectives: The aim of the current work was to examine the effectiveness and safety of infragenicular angioplasty in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to single stenosis or occlusion. Patients and Methods: The current study was a prospective cohort investigation that recruited diabetic patient with infragenicular CLI with or without supragenicular lesion at Vascular Surgery Department, Aswan University Hospital. The primary endpoint in our study was the primary patency at the end of sixth month of follow-up. Results: This study included 20 patients with age ranged between 42 years and 82 years; the majority of patients were males (75%). Eighteen patients (90%) had immediate success; after six months, 14 patients (70%) remained patent.By the end of the sixth month post-revascularization, 15 patients (75%) had limb salvage, while four out of the remaining patients had rest pain relief (80%). Healing of minor ulcers occurred in 80% of the patients, and healing of tissue after debridement or minor amputation occurred in 60% of the patients. Conclusion: It could be concluded that infragenicular angioplasty exhibited efficacy in the management of CLI due to single stenosis or occlusion in diabetic patients, with acceptable patency rate and safety profile.

Clinical evaluation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic pit and fissure sealants among 7-10 year old school children: a split mouth study design

Introduction: The study was done to compare the effectiveness of hydrophobic and hydrophilic pit and fissure sealant retention among 7-10 year old school children. Material and Methods: The present split mouth randomized trial was conducted on the occlusal surfaces of permanent first mandibular molars to compare and assess the retention along with other outcome variables like colour match, marginal discolouration, marginal adaptation, anatomic form, postoperative sensitivity, caries formation and surface roughness properties of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic pit and fissure sealants at 3rd and 6th month. The data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS software and results were generated. Results: In the present study among the 50 restorations in the hydrophobic pit and fissure sealants (Group I), 48 (96%) restorations were retained at the end of third month and 45(90%) were retained at the end of sixth month. Among the 50 restorations in the hydrophilic pit and fissure sealants (Group II), 49(98%) restorations were retained at the end of third month, and 46(92%) at the end of sixth month were retained. There was no significant difference in the number of completely retained restorations at the end of six months (p = 1.00) among both the groups. The assessment of all the other outcome variables between both the interventions showed that the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that the hydrophilic pit and fissure sealant was similar to the hydrophobic pit and fissure sealant in terms of retention, colour match, marginal discolouration, marginal adaptation, anatomic form and surface roughness properties with. Keywords Pit and fissure sealants; Moisture tolerant; 7-10 years; School children; Mandibular teeth.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of I-NEED Program: Improving Nurses’ Detection and Management of Elder Abuse and Neglect—A 6-Month Prospective Study

Elder abuse and neglect (EAN) goes largely unrecognized and underreported globally by health care professionals. Despite acknowledging their role to intervene elder abuse, health care professionals lacked knowledge and skills in this issue. This is a single-blinded, three-armed, cluster randomized controlled trials aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the face-to-face Improving Nurses' dEtection and managEment of elDer abuse and neglect (I-NEED) intensive training program and I-NEED educational video in improving primary care nurses' knowledge, attitude, and confidence to intervene EAN; 390 primary care nurses were randomized equally into two intervention groups-ITP group (intensive training program) and ITP+ group (intensive training program and educational video)-and a control group. The knowledge, attitudes, and confidence to intervene EAN were measured using questionnaires at four intervals during 6-month follow-up. A total of 269 primary care nurses participated in this study. There was a significant increase in knowledge, attitude, and confidence to intervene EAN immediately post intervention observed in both intervention groups compared to the control group (p < .001). At the end of sixth month, there was an increase of knowledge favoring ITP group than the ITP+ group (p < .001). There is, however, no significant difference in attitude score between ITP and ITP+ group. There is a significant difference of confidence to intervene among the participants between both intervention groups with ITP+ participants reporting higher scores post intervention (p < .05). An intensive training module improved the knowledge, attitude, and confidence to intervene EAN. Other co-existing barriers for abuse victims getting help, resources, policy, and law of EAN need further highlights.

Microneurosurgical Management of Upper Cervical Spinal Schwannoma: An Experience of 30 Cases

Aim: We prospectively recorded the clinical features, radiological features, surgical approaches &amp; findings, postoperative follow up &amp; ultimate neurological outcome of upper cervical spinal schwannomas and then we evaluated the records retrospectively. Materials and Method: 30 upper cervical spinal schwannomas patient who underwent surgery (microneurosurgically) from 2007 to 2014 in the department of neurosurgery Dhaka Medical College and private hospitals are included in this retrospective study. After operation all patients were followed up regularly both clinically and neuro-radiologically. Results: Out of 30 cases 16 male and 14 females. The male to female ratio was 1.4: 1, Age range from 8 to 60 years with mean age 35 Years. Most of the patients are in middle years age group The mean duration of symptoms at the time of presentation was 32 months (range 06 months-5 years). Four schwannomas were completely extradural, fourteen were intradural and rest twelve were intradural or hourglass type (both extra and intradural) as identified during surgery. The posterior midline approach was used in all patients. A C2 hemilaminectomy or C2 laminectomy with or without cutting of posterior arch of atlas was used for most intradural and large in terdural C2 schwannomas. Tumor removal was complete in all cases. Preservation of the nerve root fibers was not possible in 18 cases and was possible only in 12 cases. In one patients CSF leak developed after operation. One patient who had severe myelopathic features with bed sore failed to improve and expired 5 months after operation. Rest of the patients showed postoperative improvement in their preoperative symptoms and returned to their normal life by the end of sixth month. There was one tumor recurrence in any patient till last follow up. Conclusion: Proper 3-D anatomical orientation &amp; physiological knowledge, deep neuro-radiological observation, pathological appreciations and micro-neurosurgical skill and expertization can make the surgical management of these tumors ( in a surgically complex site) simple with gratifying result (i.e.neurological outcome) without extensive bone removal or soft tissue manipulation through a standard midline posterior approach. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2019; 9(1): 44-48

Standard daily dosage versus pulse dosage of Isotretinoin in acne vulgaris: A hospital based comparative study

Background: Acne is a multi factorial disease ranging from a couple of comedones and pustules to severe nodulocystic fulminantacne. Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic-acid) drug affect all the factors involved in pathogenesis of acne and approved by Food and Drug Administration in 1982. It causes several dose-dependent mucocutaneous and systemic side effects and cost effectObjective: To assess and compare the efficacy and tolerability of two regimens (daily conventional and pulse dose) in moderate to severe acne vulgaris.Methodology: This is a prospective randomized comparative study in moderate to severe acne vulgaris in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). In group A conventional dose of 20 mg of oral isotretinoin was given daily and in group B 20 mg of oral isotretinoin was given thrice (Pulse Dosage in alternate day) in a week for six months. The baseline haematological, biochemical and radiological (lumbosacral spine) was compare on first, third and six month.Results: Seventy-four patients were enrolled with mean age of 21.73 years. Patients with daily regimen show good response throughout the therapy for six months (1st, 3rd 6th months), where as those in pulse therapy show moderate to poor response during early month and gradually improve by end of sixth month. At end of sixth month, both the regimen show good response and was statistically significant.Conclusion: However, the pulse dose regimen makes the treatment more acceptable, for patients with acne than the classical standard daily regimen, in term of side effects and cost effectiveness and patient compliance. Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 7, No. 2, Issue 24, Apr.-Jun., 2018, Page: 68-74

Correlation of Longitudinal Gray Matter Volume Changes and Motor Recovery in Patients After Pontine Infarction.

The mechanisms of motor functional recovery after pontine infarction (PI) remain unclear. Here, we assessed longitudinal changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and examined the relationship between GMV and clinical outcome. Fifteen patients with unilateral PI underwent magnetic resonance imaging and neurological exams five times during a period of 6 months. Another 15 healthy participants were enrolled as the normal control (NC) group and were examined with the same protocol. The MR exam included routine protocol and a 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo scan. Changes in GMV were assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Furthermore, the correlations between GMV changes in regions of interest and clinical scores were assessed. Compared with NCs, the decreased GMVs in the contralateral uvula of cerebellum and the ipsilateral tuber of cerebellum were detected at third month after stroke onset. At the sixth month after stroke onset, the decreased GMVs were detected in the contralateral culmen of cerebellum, putamen, as well as in the ipsilateral tuber/tonsil of cerebellum. Compared with NC, the PI group exhibited significant increases in GMV at each follow-up time point relative to stroke onset. Specifically, the significant GMV increase was found in the ipsilateral middle frontal gyrus and ventral anterior nucleus of thalamus at second week after stroke onset. At first month after stroke onset, the increased GMVs in the ipsilateral middle temporal gyrus were detected. The significant GMV increase in the ipsilateral mediodorsal thalamus was noted at third month after stroke onset. At the end of sixth month after stroke onset, the GMV increase was found in the ipsilateral mediodorsal thalamus, superior frontal gyrus, and the contralateral precuneus. Across five times during a period of 6-month, a negative correlation was observed between mean GMV in the contralateral uvula, culmen, putamen, and ipsilateral tuber/tonsil and mean Fugl-Meyer (FM) score. However, mean GMV in the ipsilateral mediodorsal thalamus was positively correlated with mean FM score. Our findings suggest that structural reorganization of the ipsilateral mediodorsal thalamus might contribute to motor functional recovery after PI.

Comparing Weekly versus Three Weekly Schedules of Cisplatinum Concomitant with Radical Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Carcinoma Uterine Cervix

Aims and 0bjectives: To determine and evaluate the difference/s, in terms of tumor control and side effects, between weekly and three weekly cisplatin concomitant with radical course of radiotherapy for locally advanced carcinoma of cervix. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on sixty previously untreated, histopathologically proven patients of locally advanced carcinoma of uterine cervix. The patients were treated with External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) 50Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks and concomitant cisplatin, followed by intra-cavity HDR brachytherapy (ICBT) 700cGy to point A, once in a week for three weeks. The patients were assigned randomly either of two groups of 30 patients each. In Group I (Study Group) the patients received three weekly cisplatin 75 mg/m2 for 2 cycles while in Group II (Control Group) the patients received weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 for 5 cycles. Evaluation of response and toxicity was done weekly during treatment and monthly thereafter. The data thus obtained was assessed and analysed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical tool. Results: There was statistically insignificant higher incidence of hematological , skin , mucosal toxicity and GI toxicity in group I. Stage wise disease status at the end of sixth month follow up was as follows: Stage IIA-NED* (80% vs. 100%), RD** (20% vs. 0%);Stage IIB - NED (80% vs. 76.67%), RD (20% vs. 23.53%); Stage IIIA - NED (60% vs. 100%), RD (40% vs. 0%); Stage IIIB- NED (60% vs. 60%), RD (40% vs. 40%). Tumor response was not significantly different in the two groups with respect to age distribution, rural/ urban distribution, histopathological distribution and treatment interruption (*No Evidence of Disease **Residual Disease). Conclusion: Three weekly cisplatin, concomitant with radiation seems to be the potential, effective and acceptable alternate as standard of treatment for locally advanced carcinoma cervix; especially for increased work load and limited resource facilities.

Quality Evaluation of Edible Fish Flour Prepared from Indian Oil Sardine (Sardinella longiceps )

The objective of the study was to use fatty fish (Sardinella longiceps) for fish flour preparation intended for human consumption. Fish flour was prepared, vacuum packed and its quality evaluation during storage at room temperature was done. Among the quality parameters, trimethyl amino nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) of fish flour were ranged from 0.03 to 7.08 mg% and 1.72 to 14.5 mg%, respectively, during 6 months of storage and found within the acceptable limits. Free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (PV) of fish flour were found to be 0.06% oleic acid, 2.17 mg malondialdehyde/kg of fat and 7.14 meq of O2/kg of fat at the end of sixth month of storage period and were found very well within the acceptable limits. There was slight increase in the pH value from 6.7 at zeroth day to 7.1 at sixth month of storage. Redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values were increased with the prolonged storage period. Organoleptic characteristics such as appearance, odor and flavor were also evaluated by 10 expert panelists in 9-point hedonic scale and the product was accepted by the panelists. The product was acceptable up to 6 months in vacuum packed condition at room temperature. Practical Applications Fish flour is a dried powder, prepared from dressed fish and highly nutritious which contains high quality proteins with all essential amino acids and minerals. Also, it contains high amount of energy could be supplemented to the food items. In this study we have tried to establish the storage life of fish flour from Indian oil sardine by evaluating the biochemical changes in the same. This understanding will not only provide value addition but also give better economic returns to the fishing sector.

Detection of gamma irradiated spices with OSL method and its reliability

Introduction: Irradiation has been accepted as an effective food safety method for various foods over 50 years. Gamma rays from radioactive isotopes of Cobalt 60 or Cesium 137 are used for food irradiation applications. Main concern about food irradiation is the detection of these irradiated foods and also loss of detection of irradiation through storage period. Photo Stimulated Luminescence (PSL) is one of the physical techniques that can be used for irradiation detection. The aim of this study is to analyze the behavior of PSL signals of irradiated spices with respect to storage period, storage temperature, origin and type of samples. Material and Methods: Red pepper, thyme and cumin were used as samples and 4°C and 25°C were selected as storage temperature. Storage period was set as six months after irradiation application. During six months storage period, PSL signal was not detectable for most of the origin and sample type. At the end of sixth month, an spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) analysis was performed to detect the accuracy of the PSL technique. Results: With respect to the results of these experiments, it was seen that, most of the samples was observed as false unirradiated by PSL technique, however ESR analyze the samples as irradiated at the end of sixth month. Conclusion: According to the statistical analysis, origin and type of sample were determined as the dependent parameters of PSL detection.

Glycemic index and quality evaluation of little millet (Panicum miliare) flakes with enhanced shelf life.

Little millet is a minor cereal crop contains several nutraceutical components. Ready To Cook (RTC) flakes of the millet exhibited higher total dietary fiber content (22.40%) compared to dehulled grain (15.80%). One serving (30g) of RTC flakes provided 2.25g of protein, 0.13g of fat, 0.13g of total minerals, 9.67mg of iron and zero trans fats. The flakes possessed a medium Glycemic Index (GI) of 52.11 ranging from 41.57 to 61.80 among normal volunteers. Glycemic Load (GL) of the flakes was a low of 9.24. The RTC flakes exhibited an acceptability index of 81.11. The flakes possessed a shelf life of more than 6months with an acceptability index of 67.55, moisture content of 11.82 per cent and Free fatty acid content of 18.02 per cent at the end of sixth month of storage period.

Oral Zinc Sulphate in Treatment of Alopecia Areata (Double Blind; Cross-Over Study)

Background: Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that encountered world-wide. Many modalities have been used but no one was universally effective. Zinc sulphate has been used in the treatment of many skin diseases. Objective: To establish the effectiveness of oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata Patients and Methods: Patients with alopecia areata who attended the Department of Dermatology-Baghdad Teaching Hospital was recruited into randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross- over trial between February 2008 and September 2009. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either zinc sulphate 5mg /kg/day in three divided doses (Group A) or identical placebo capsules (Group B). Zinc sulphate and placebo capsules were given in a double-blind manner, following 3 months of starting the treatment, the patients crossed over, i.e. patients on zinc sulphate shifted to placebo and vice versa. Results: One hundred patients (60 males and 40 females) with patchy AA met the inclusion criteria and enrolled for the study. Sixty-seven patients completed the study, 41(61%) males and 26 (39%) females, their ages ranged from 1.6 - 68 (22.031 ± 14.8505) years. Duration of the disease ranged from 1 - 48 (14.4 ±14.8875) weeks. In group A, at the end of third month, complete hair re-growth with terminal hairs have been obtained in 22 (59.45%) patients. After shifting to placebo treatment the hair continued to grow without relapse and at the end of sixth month, the complete hair re-growth was occurred in 23(62.16%) patients. In group B, at the end of third month, complete hair re-growth had been obtained in 3 (10%) patients. While, after shifting to zinc sulphate the complete hair re-growth obtained in 20 (66.67%) patients. No important side effects were reported apart from mild gastric upset in 8 (11.9%) patients. Conclusion: Oral zinc sulphate is one of the effective treatment options for AA with low relapse rate after stopping of the treatment.

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus conventional alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy for correction of mild and moderate myopia

Purpose The aim of the study was to compare both transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK) and PRK for correction of mild and moderate myopia with respect to effectiveness, visual recovery pain, and safety. Materials and methods In this prospective case-control series, group I with 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent -1.00 to -6.00 D underwent trans-PRK using Schwind Amaris 500E excimer laser, with trans-PRK plate form. A case-adjusted group II (the control group) with 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent -1.00 to -6.00 D underwent alcohol-assisted PRK using Visx S4 excimer laser. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was measured on the first day, at first week, 1 month, and 6 months along with manifest refraction. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scale. Occurrence of complications was documented. Results Patients in group I showed faster visual recovery with a mean UCVA of 0.3 on the first postoperative day compared with those in group II (0.2); however, both groups reached a mean UCVA of 0.9 by the end of sixth month. Manifest refraction was comparable in both groups. Pain was significant in group II with a score of 4 on the first day declining to 0 by the end of the first week compared with group I with a mean pain score of 3 on the first day and 0 by the end of day 4. No complications were recorded in either of the two groups along the study time. Conclusion Trans-PRK may offer a safe, less painful, and effective alternative to alcohol-assisted PRK in the treatment of mild and moderate myopia, especially in cases of thin cornea.

Köpeklerde Kalça Eklemi Çıkığının Modifiye Sentetik Kapsül Tekniği ile Sağaltımı: 6 Olgu

In this study, it was aimed to investigate that long-term clinical efficacy of modified synthetic capsule technique in treatment of coxofemoral luxation in dogs. As animal materials, six dogs which different breeds, sex and ages that detected coxofemoral luxation in clinical and radiological examination were subjected. As different from modified synthetic capsule technique, two cortical screws were inserted into the dorsal rim about 5 mm away from the acetabular edge at the 10and 12-o’clock positions for the left hip and the 12and 2-o’clock positions for the right hip. Also, the transverse hole was created in greater trochanter. Non-absorbable monofilament suture material was tied to the screw heads previously and then the suture ends were passed as crosswise through the transverse tunnel in the trochanter major. Subsequently, the suture material was tied on the greater trochanter by stretching following that the femoral head was placed into the acetabulum. It was seen that there was no complication related with the reduction or screws in clinical and radiological examinations of the dogs at fourth week. We determined that five dogs recovered “perfect” and one dog “good” end of sixth months.