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Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) is a protease inhibitor that affects protein digestibility; however, it is increasingly being recognised as anutraceutical and cosmeceutical molecule. In the present study, BBI concentration during soybean seed development, its loss during processing treatments, and the level in commercial soy products were determined. Significant differences for BBI concentration were observed across the genotypes and seed development stages. Genotype × seed development stage interaction was also found to be significant (P<0.05) for BBI concentration. Boiling, autoclaving, microwave irradiation, and sprouting resulted in significant (P<0.05) loss of BBI. Minimum loss was observed in sprouting, while autoclaving for 5 min completely deactivated BBI. Microwave irradiation of the soaked seeds resulted in higher BBI loss than of dry seeds. Among the commercial soy products, BBI concentration was high in soy flour brands, minuscule in ready-to-cook miso soup and undetectable in extruded soy products and roasted soy nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of UV-B protective mechanisms in aquacultural species is essential for the sustainable production of healthy aqua crop. Freshwater carp Catla catla larvae (13.5 ± 1.12 mg) were fed with a diet containing 0.5% vitamin C (D1) and a control diet (D2) for 40 days. Each group was exposed to two doses of UV-B irradiation: 360 (5 min, D15 min and D25 min) and 720 mJ cm−2 (10 min, D110 min and D210 min) for 15 days. Significantly (p ＜ 0.05) higher survival and average weight were recorded in D1 compared to D2 exposed to the same dose. Also, significantly (p ＜ 0.001) higher nitric oxide synthase and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and heat shock protein 70 levels were recorded in D15 min compared to the other groups. A direct relationship was found between the dose of UV-B and DNA fragmentation in muscles. DNA damage indices such as tail DNA, tail extent moment and olive tail moment were significantly (p ＜ 0.01) lower in D15 min. Thus, supplementation of vitamin C in the diet provides UV-B protection to larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence is believed to be elevated in Punjab, India; however, state-wide prevalence data are not available. An understanding of HCV prevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution can be used to plan control measures in Punjab. Methods: A cross-sectional, state-wide, population-based serosurvey using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design was conducted October 2013 to April 2014. Children aged ≥5 years and adults were eligible to participate. Demographic and risk behavior data were collected, and serologic specimens were obtained and tested for anti-HCV antibody, HCV Ribonucleic acid (RNA) on anti-HCV positive samples, and HCV genotype. Prevalence estimates and adjusted odds ratios for risk factors were calculated from weighted data and stratified by urban/rural residence. Results: 5,543 individuals participated in the study with an overall weighted anti-HCV prevalence of 3.6% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 3.0%–4.2%) and chronic infection (HCV Ribonucleic acid test positive) of 2.6% (95% CI: 2.0%–3.1%). Anti-HCV was associated with being male (adjusted odds ratio 1.52; 95% CI: 1.08–2.14), living in a rural area (adjusted odds ratio 2.53; 95% CI: 1.62–3.95) and was most strongly associated with those aged 40–49 (adjusted odds ratio 40–49 vs. 19–29-year-olds 3.41; 95% CI: 1.90–6.11). Anti-HCV prevalence increased with each blood transfusion received (adjusted odds ratio 1.36; 95% CI: 1.10–1.68) and decreased with increasing education, (adjusted odds ratio 0.37 for graduate-level vs. primary school/no education; 95% CI: 0.16–0.82). Genotype 3 (58%) was most common among infected individuals. Discussion: The study findings, including the overall prevalence of chronic HCV infection, associated risk factors and demographic characteristics, and genotype distribution can guide prevention and control efforts, including treatment provision. In addition to high-risk populations, efforts targeting rural areas and adults aged ≥40 would be the most effective for identifying infected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorine is a double edged sword as its higher levels are linked with dental/skeletal fluorosis while its deficiency is associated with dental caries.1 Skeletal fluorosis may remain asymptomatic or may present with myeloradiculopathy secondary to cord compression and nerve root involvement. Neurological complication including quadriparesis is a rare complication of endemic fluorosis. Since the changes of dental and skeletal fluorosis are irreversible, prevention is the mainstay of controlling the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive, and accurate stability indicating HPTLC method has been developed and validated for estimation of Azilsartan medoximil in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form. Separation of the drug was carried on precoated silica gel 60 F254 aluminum plates using Toluene: Methanol: Ethyl acetate (8:2:1 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The retention factor (Rf) for Azilsartan medoximil was found to be 0.50 ± 0.03. The detection of band was carried at 250 nm. Stress testing of Azilsartan medoximil was carried out according to the International conference of harmonization (ICH) guidelines Q1A (R2). The drug was subjected to acid, base, neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal degradation and photolysis. The method was successfully validated according to ICH guidelines Q2 (R1). The data of linear regression analysis indicated a good linear relationship over the range of 100-800 ng/band concentrations with correlation coefficient 0.994. The accuracy of the method was established based on the recovery studies. The LOD and LOQ were 24.13 and 73.13 ng/band respectively. Azilsartan medoximil showed considerable degradation under alkali, acidic, oxidative and neutral hydrolytic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The bicipital aponeurosis (BA) is a fascial expansion which arises from the tendon of biceps brachii and dissipates some of the force away from its enthesis. It helps in dual action of biceps brachii as supinator and flexor of forearm. The aim of the present work was to study the morphology of BA. Thirty cadaveric upper limbs (16 right and 14 left side limbs) were dissected and dimensions of the BA were noted. The average width of aponeurosis at its commencement on the right was 15.74 mm while on the left it was 17.57 mm. The average angle between tendon and aponeurosis on the right was 21.16° and on the left it was 21.78°. The fibres from the short head of the biceps brachii contributed to the formation of proximal part of aponeurosis. Fascial sheath over the tendon of long head of biceps brachii was seen to form the distal part of the aponeurosis. In 5 cases, large fat globules were present between the sheath and the tendon. Histologically: The aponeurosis showed presence of thick collagen bundles. Fascial sheath covering the tendon of long head extended towards the aponeurosis and passed superficial to the tendon of biceps. Blood vessels and adipose tissue were found to be present between fascial sheath and the tendon. This morphological description of BA may be helpful 1) in elucidating the dynamic role that BA plays in normal functioning and 2) to the surgeons in the repair of ruptured biceps brachii tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies are thought to be the most common cause of secondary immunodeficiency and may reduce resistance to infection. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vitamin A with Zinc and vitamin D with Calcium supplementation on sputum conversion and blood profile during the initial two months of therapy. The study was carried out in forty sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients out of whom only thirty seven cases completed the study. The patients were divided into Group I (n=13) received antitubercular drugs only while group II (n=11) and group III (n=13) received vitamin D with Calcium and vitamin A with zinc respectively along with anti tubercular therapy. After two months of therapy all patients of group III become sputum negative (100%) while in group II and group I, the sputum conversion rate was 90.90% and 84.61% respectively. The two month supplementation of vitamin-A with Zinc and vitamin-D with Calcium in sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients taking anti tubercular therapy complemented the recovery of patients with active tuberculosis and blood profile of these patients was also improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the risk of early spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) in asymptomatic women with a sonographic cervical length of ≤ 15 mm in the mid-trimester changes as a function of gestational age at diagnosis.Methods: This cohort study included 109 asymptomatic patients with a sonographic cervical length of ≤ 15 mm diagnosed at 14-24 weeks of gestation. Women with a multifetal gestation, cerclage and a cervical dilatation of > 2 cm were excluded. The study population was stratified by gestational age at diagnosis (< 20 weeks vs. 20-24 weeks) and by cervical length (≤ 10 mm vs. 11-15 mm). The primary outcome variables were PTD at < 28 and < 32 weeks of gestation and the diagnosis-to-delivery interval.Results: The median gestational age at diagnosis of a short cervix before 20 weeks and at 20-24 weeks was 18.9 and 22.7 weeks, respectively. Women diagnosed before 20 weeks had a higher rate of PTD at < 28 weeks (76.9% vs. 30.9%; P < 0.001) and at < 32 weeks (80.8% vs. 48.1%; P = 0.004), and a shorter median diagnosis-to-delivery interval (21 vs. 61.5 days, P = 0.003) than those diagnosed at 20-24 weeks. The rate of amniotic fluid sludge was higher among patients diagnosed with a short cervix at < 20 weeks of gestation than in those in whom it was diagnosed between 20 and 24 weeks (92.3% vs. 48.2%; P < 0.001).Conclusions: Asymptomatic women with a sonographic cervical length of ≤ 15 mm diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation have a dramatic and significantly higher risk of early preterm delivery than women diagnosed at 20-24 weeks. These findings can be helpful to physicians in counseling these patients, and may suggest different mechanisms of disease leading to a sonographic short cervix before or after 20 weeks of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a cohort study that determine whether the risk of early spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) in asymptomatic women with a sonographic cervical length of less than equal to 15 mm in the mid-trimester alters as a function of gestational age at diagnosis. It states that the study population comprise of 109 asymptomatic patients. The study finds that asymptomatic women have a dramatic and significantly higher risk of early preterm delivery than women diagnosed at 20-24 weeks.

The present paper deals with the study of vorticity of hydromagnetic free convection flow past an infinite vertical plate. The vorticity of the flow has been found for different values of Prandtl number (Pr), magnetic parameter (M), permeability parameter (Ko), and Grashof number (Gr). Some important conclusions have been drown on the effect of Prandtl number, magnetic parameter, permeability parameter and Grashof number over the vorticity of the flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a cross-sectional study which examines the relation between flow impedance in the maternal and fetal circulation, and the concentration of plasma soluble endoglin (sEng) in pre-eclampsia (PE) patients. It says the study divided the subjects accordingly to Doppler abnormalities in the uterine and umbilical arteries and their sEng concentrations were determined. Results show high plasma concentrations sEng among PE patients and suggests sEng association with PE mothers.

Objective: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are used for contraception worldwide; however, the management of pregnancies with an IUD poses a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of pregnancy in patients with an IUD. Study design: A retrospective cohort study (December 1997-June 2007) was conducted. The cohort consisted of 12,297 pregnancies, of which 196 had an IUD. Only singleton pregnancies were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders between the groups. Results: 1) Pregnancies with an IUD were associated with a higher rate of late miscarriage, preterm delivery, vaginal bleeding, clinical chorioamnionitis, and placental abruption than those without an IUD; 2) among patients with available histologic examination of the placenta, the rate of histologic chorioamnionitis and/or funisitis was higher in patients with an IUD than in those without an IUD (54.2% vs. 14.7%; P<0.001). Similarly, among patients who underwent an amniocentesis, the prevalence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) was also higher in pregnant women with an IUD than in those without an IUD (45.9% vs. 8.8%; P<0.001); and 3) intra-amniotic infection caused by Candida species was more frequently present in pregnancies with an IUD than in those without an IUD (31.1% vs. 6.3%; P<0.001). Conclusion: Pregnant women with an IUD are at a very high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This finding can be attributed, at least in part, to the high prevalence of intra-amniotic infection and placental inflammatory lesions observed in pregnancies with an IUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by dysregulation of adipokines production and/or secretion, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of type-2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic complication closely related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Recently, an association between circulating maternal visfatin, a novel adipokine with metabolic and immunoregulatory properties, and impaired glucose metabolism as well as with altered fetal growth, has been proposed. The aims of this study were to determine whether there is an association between maternal plasma visfatin concentration, GDM, and a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborn. Study design: This cross-sectional study, included pregnant women at term in the following groups: 1) normal pregnancy and an appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonate (n=54); 2) normal pregnancy and an LGA newborn (n=47); 3) GDM and an AGA newborn (n=56); 4) GDM and an LGA newborn (n=45). The study population was further stratified by first trimester BMI (<25 vs. >=25 kg/m2). Maternal plasma visfatin concentration was determined by ELISA. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results: 1) Among women who delivered an AGA neonate, the median maternal plasma concentration of visfatin was higher in patients with GDM than in those with a normal pregnancy; 2) Among women with a normal pregnancy, those who delivered an LGA neonate had a higher median maternal plasma visfatin concentration than those who delivered an AGA neonate; 3) among patients with normal BMI, there were no significant differences in the median maternal plasma visfatin concentration between the four study groups; and 4) maternal GDM, as well as delivery of an LGA neonate were independently associated with a higher maternal plasma visfatin concentrations. Conclusion: The linkage between increased maternal circulating visfatin and the presence of GDM or delivery of an LGA neonate supports the hypothesis that perturbation of adipokines homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of GDM or excess fetal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Adiponectin is an anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic adipokine that circulates in oligomeric complexes including: low molecular weight (LMW) trimers, medium molecular weight (MMW) hexamers, and high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are changes in adiponectin multimers in pregnancy and as a function of maternal weight. Study design. In this cross-sectional study, plasma concentrations of total, HMW, MMW, and LMW adiponectin were determined in women included in three groups: (1) normal pregnant women of normal body mass index (BMI) (n = 466), (2) overweight pregnant women (BMI ≥25; n = 257), and (3) non-pregnant women of normal weight (n = 40). Blood samples were collected once from each woman between 11 and 42 weeks of gestation. Plasma adiponectin multimer concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results. (1) The median HMW adiponectin concentration and the median HMW/total adiponectin ratio were significantly higher, and the median LMW adiponectin concentration was significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. (2) Among pregnant women, the median plasma concentration of total, HMW, and MMW adiponectin was significantly higher in normal weight women than in overweight patients. (3) Maternal HMW was the most prevalent adiponectin multimer regardless of gestational age or BMI status. (4) There were no significant differences in the median concentration of total, MMW, and LMW adiponectin and their relative distribution with advancing gestation. Conclusion. Human pregnancy is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in adiponectin multimers, especially the most active isoform, HMW adiponectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Visfatin, a novel adipokine originally discovered as a pre-B-cell colony enhancing factor, is expressed by amniotic epithelium, cytotrophoblast, and decidua and is over-expressed when fetal membranes are exposed to mechanical stress and/or pro-inflammatory stimuli. Visfatin expression by fetal membranes is dramatically up-regulated after normal spontaneous labor. The aims of this study were to determine if visfatin is detectable in amniotic fluid (AF) and whether its concentration changes with gestational age, spontaneous labor, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (preterm PROM) and in the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, visfatin concentration in AF was determined in patients in the following groups: 1) mid-trimester (n=75); 2) term not in labor (n=27); 3) term in spontaneous labor (n=51); 4) patients with preterm labor with intact membranes (PTL) without MIAC who delivered at term (n=35); 5) patients with PTL without MIAC who delivered preterm (n=52); 6) patients with PTL with MIAC (n=25); 7) women with preterm PROM without MIAC (n=26); and 8) women with preterm PROM with MIAC (n=26). Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results: 1) The median AF concentration of visfatin was significantly higher in patients at term than in mid-trimester; 2) Among women with PTL who delivered preterm, the median visfatin concentration was significantly higher in patients with MIAC than those without MIAC; 3) Similarly, patients with PTL and MIAC had a higher median AF visfatin concentration than those with PTL who delivered at term; 4) Among women with preterm PROM, the median AF visfatin concentration was significantly higher in patients with MIAC than those without MIAC. Conclusions: 1) Visfatin is a physiologic constituent of AF; 2) The concentration of AF visfatin increases with advancing gestational age; 3) AF visfatin concentration is elevated in patients with MIAC, regardless of the membrane status, suggesting that visfatin participates in the host response against infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether premature labor is associated with changes in the maternal plasma concentration of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), a marker of platelet activation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included patients in the following groups: 1) non-pregnant (n=21); 2) normal pregnancy (n=71); 3) normal pregnancy at term with (n=67) and without labor (n=88); 4) preterm labor (PTL) with intact membranes (n=136) that was divided into the following sub-groups: 4a) PTL who delivered at term (n=49); 4b) PTL without intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) who delivered preterm (n=54); and 4c) PTL with IAI who delivered preterm (n=33). sCD40L concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The median maternal plasma sCD40L concentration was higher in pregnant than non-pregnant women (P=0.017). Patients with PTL had a higher median maternal plasma sCD40L concentration than women with normal pregnancies, regardless of the presence or absence of IAI and gestational age at delivery (P<0.001 for all comparisons). IAI was not associated with a higher median maternal plasma concentration of sCD40L. CONCLUSIONS: Normal pregnancy is a state in which there is a physiologic increase of sCD40L. PTL was associated with an increased median maternal plasma sCD40L concentration that could not be accounted for by IAI. Thus, our findings suggest that platelet activation occurs during an episode of preterm labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: CCL20, also known as MIP-3 alpha, is a chemokine that participates in chemotaxis of immature dendritic cells, effector/memory T-cells, and B-lymphocytes. The objectives of this study were to determine whether CCL20 can be detected in amniotic fluid (AF) and if AF concentration of this chemokine changes with advancing gestational age, parturition (term and preterm), and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including the following groups: (1) mid-trimester of pregnancy (n=65); (2) term not in labor (TNL; n=22); (3) term in labor (TIL; n=47); (4) spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) who delivered at term (n=57); (5) spontaneous PTL without IAI who delivered preterm (n=71); and (6) spontaneous PTL with IAI (n=38). AF CCL20 concentrations were determined using ELISA. RESULTS: (1) The median AF CCL20 concentration in TNL was higher than that of mid-trimester patients; (2) Women in spontaneous labor at term had a higher median AF concentration of CCL20 than patients at term not in labor; (3) Patients with spontaneous PTL and IAI had a significantly higher median AF concentration of CCL20 than those without IAI who delivered preterm and those who delivered at term. Moreover, women with spontaneous PTL without IAI who delivered preterm had a significantly higher median AF concentration than those with PTL who subsequently delivered at term. CONCLUSIONS: (1) CCL20 is a physiologic constituent of AF and its concentration increases as term approaches; (2) spontaneous labor (term and preterm) in the absence of IAI is associated with increased bioavailability of AF CCL20 suggesting that an increase in CCL20 is part of the common pathway of human parturition; (3) patients with IAI had dramatic elevations in the AF CCL20 concentrations suggesting that this chemokine participates in the host response to infection or other stimuli associated with intra-amniotic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the term amniotic fluid sludge. It is noted that the presence of free-floating hyperchogenic material within the amniotic fluid in close proximity to the uterine cervix has been described in women with an episode of preterm labor and in asymptomatic women at risk for spontaneous preterm delivery in the mid-trimester of pregnancy. It has been pointed out that the term amniotic fluid sludge was proposed to refer to such sonographic finding.

The article assesses the clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid (AF) sludge among asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. A randomized controlled trial was administered involving 281 patients with or without AF sludge, who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination between 13 and 29 completed weeks of gestation. Results of the study suggest that AF sludge is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery.

Objectives: To determine the clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid (AF) 'sludge' among asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 281 patients with (n = 66) or without (n = 215) AF 'sludge', who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination between 13 and 29 completed weeks of gestation. Patients with threatened preterm labor, multiple gestation, fetal anomalies, placenta previa or uterine contractions were excluded.Results: The prevalence of AF 'sludge' in the study population was 23.5% (66/281). The rates of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 35 weeks and < 37 weeks of gestation were 14.7% (29/197), 21.3% (46/216), 28.7% (62/216) and 42.1% (91/216), respectively. Patients with 'sludge' had: (1) a higher rate of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks (46.5% (20/43) vs. 5.8% (9/154); P < 0.001), < 32 weeks (55.6% (25/45) vs. 12.3% (21/171); P < 0.001) and < 35 weeks (62.2% (28/45) vs. 19.9% (34/171); P < 0.001); (2) a higher frequency of clinical chorioamnionitis (15.2% (10/66) vs. 5.1% (11/215); P = 0.007), histologic chorioamnionitis (61.5% (40/65) vs. 28% (54/193); P < 0.001) and funisitis (32.3% (21/65) vs. 19.2% (37/193); P = 0.03); (3) a higher frequency of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) (39.4% (26/66) vs. 13.5% (29/215); P < 0.001), lower gestational age at preterm PROM (median 24.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 22.3-28.1) weeks vs. 32.3 (IQR, 27.7-34.8) weeks; P < 0.001); and (4) shorter median ultrasound-to-delivery interval ('sludge' positive 127 days (95% CI, 120-134 days) vs. 'sludge' negative 161 days (95% CI, 153-169 days); P < 0.001) and ultrasound-to-preterm PROM interval ('sludge' positive 23 days (95% CI, 7-39 days) vs. 'sludge' negative 57 days (95% CI, 38-77 days); P = 0.003) than those without 'sludge'. AF 'sludge' was an independent explanatory variable for the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks and < 35 weeks, preterm PROM, microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and histologic chorioamnionitis. Moreover, the combination of a cervical length < 25 mm and 'sludge' conferred an odds ratio of 14.8 and 9.9 for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks, respectively.Conclusions: AF 'sludge' is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery, preterm PROM, MIAC and histologic chorioamnionitis in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. Furthermore, the combination of 'sludge' and a short cervix confers a higher risk for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks than a short cervix alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intranasal midazolam for seizures and various procedures.Methods: Prospective randomized study. Total 125 children of all ages of either sex, for seizure episode (n-76) and various invasive and non-invasive procedures (n-49) received either intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/Kg) or intravenous diazepam (0.3 mg/Kg). RESULTS. Mean time from arrival at hospital to starting treatment was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [2.34+/-0.90; minute vs 4.61+/-1.08 minute p< 0.001]. Mean time to control seizures after arrival in hospital was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [5.25+/-0.86 minute vs 6.51+/-1.06 minute p.Conclusion: Midazolam by the intranasal route provides safe and equally effective non-invasive method of sedation for procedures and seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olyset® nets are highly effective in killing anopheline mosquitoes within 3 min of exposure, as evidenced in cone bioassay tests. These nets also showed their efficacy on other vector mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus) at higher exposure periods. The efficacy remained at ∼90% even after 20 washings at an interval of 24 h against Anopheles culicifacies and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Use of the nets inside the house also resulted in drastic reduction of daytime resting density of mosquitoes because of high repellency, excitorepellency, and killing action of the nets. Pilot studies are indicated to evaluate the impact of use of Olyset nets on vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, and its cost-effectiveness in comparison to conventional indoor residual spraying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of allogeneic transplantation for myeloproliferative diseases other than chronic myeloid leukemia is not welt established. In all, 20 patients with a median age of 51 years underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for myelofibrosis (n = 5), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) (n =8) and Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-negative/BCR-ABL-negative chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n =7) in our institution. Patients who developed acute leukemia prior to HSCT were excluded from this analysis. A total of 15 patients received related and five patients received unrelated donor transplants. One patient failed to engraft. After a median follow-up of 17.5 months, actuarial survival at 2 years was 47% (95% CI 2%-67%), and disease-free survival 37% (95% CI 17-58%). Allogeneic transplantation may provide a therapeutic option for patients with myelofibrosis, CMML and Ph chromosome- negative/BCR-ABL-negative CML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]