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Amaranthus hybridus L. is known to have highly rich nutritional properties, having high content of protein, calcium, folic acid and vitamin C. Therefore, it is considered as an agriculturally efficient crop. Because of its impressive nutritional and agricultural properties Amaranthus was included as one of the 36 most potential crops by World Health Organization in 1975 (Bhattacharjcc, 2007). Alternaria alternata was isolated as a dominant fungal pathogen from its leaves, damaging the crop to a greater extent. The leaves extracts of four angiospermic plants, viz., Cassia fistula, Annona squamosa, Bauhinia variegata and Aegle marmelos were tested in vitro against A. alternata in both semisolid & broth media. Annona squamosa extract was found to be the most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of A. alternata, whereas Cassia fistula extract was least effective amongst the selected angiospermic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study Euphorbia coagulum - Banana fiber composites were prepared with varying weight % of untreated and alkali treated banana fibers. The mechanical properties, morphology and bio-degradability of the developed composites were studied. Results show that the water absorption of the composite increased with increasing fiber content and was less for the composites prepared with the treated fiber. The void content of the composite decreases from the fiber content 40% to 50% but increased at 55% fiber loading. The mechanical properties of the composites enhanced with the increase in the fiber content from 40% to 50% but deterioted at 55% fiber loading. Improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites was observed when alkali treated banana fiber was used. Morphology of the surface of the composites with different fiber ratio shows poor dispersion of fibers at 55% fiber loading and morphology of the longitudinal section of the composite prepared with untreated and treated fiber shows improvement in the dispersion of fiber in the Euphorbia coagulum matrix when alkali treated banana fiber used at fiber content 50%. The biodegradability study shows that it possesses high degree of biodegradation properties. Thus Euphorbia latex can be used for the development of bio-degradable composites from nonwood renewable resources which can be used as eco-friendly wood substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo determine the association between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) among age-related cataract.SettingIladevi Cataract and IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India.Material and methodsAn observational age-matched case-control study of 160 patients over 60 years of age with age-related cataract. A total of 40 subjects with PEX (cases) were compared with 120 subjects with cataract but without PEX (controls). A detailed medical history, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular stroke and ischaemic heart disease, was recorded. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was used to determine the risk of PVD among age-related cataract patients. Color Doppler imaging was performed on the brachial and dorsalis pedis artery to measure ABI and detect PVD. Least mean ABI was the main outcome measure, as low ABI indicates higher risk for PVD. The lowest mean ABI was measured for each subject. An ABI ratio of <0.90 was considered abnormal. The Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were used for analysis.ResultsThe lowest mean ABI in the controls was 0.98±0.03 (SD; a range of 0.86-1.08) as compared with 0.88±0.02 (SD) among the cases (a range of 0.79-0.92; P<0.001). When compared with controls, cases had a lower ABI (P<0.001) irrespective of the presence or absence of systemic illness. On multiple regression analysis adjusting for systemic illness, the presence of PEX increased the odds of a low ABI group 150 times (P<0.001).ConclusionSubjects with cataract and PEX had a significantly lower ABI as compared with controls (cataracts without PEX). PEX is associated with and may be a risk factor for PVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the authors have been developing novel fluoride-releasing dental composites containing ternary zirconium fluoride chelates. The aim of this study was to improve the physical and mechanical properties of these composites by improving the formulation of the monomers and photoinitiators. The hypothesis was that reduction of hydrophilic monomers and improvement of the photoinitiators could reduce water sorption and significantly increase the mechanical properties of the composite. The degree of conversion of the composites containing different compositions of photoinitiators was studied by Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR). Ten experimental composites containing different compositions of ethoxylated bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA), 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]-propane (BisGMA) were tested for flexural strength, viscosity, and water sorption. The experimental composite containing 20% synthesized fluoride-releasing monomer, 30% BisGMA, 30% EBPADMA, and 20% HDDMA showed significantly higher fluoride release and recharge, but physical and mechanical properties similar to those of the control composite containing 40% BisGMA, 40% EBPADMA, and 20% HDDMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a feasibility study in using two Indian bamboo species' fibers for manufacturing hygiene pads or sanitary napkins including Oxytenanthera stocksii and Bambusa bambos. The study found out that the fibers of bamboo when undergo processes including digestion of bamboo chips allow fibers to develop properties such as absorbency and water retention that are essential for hygiene pads. Bleaching of bamboo fibers also produce aesthetic quality similar to hygiene pads.

The article discusses the abstracts of several papers on economics published in the April-June 1965 issue of the "Indian Economic Journal." Some of the articles presented in the journal are: Keynesian Monetary Theory and the Developing Countries," by Anthony Bottomley; "An Empirical Estimate of the Elasticity of Substitution Production Function," by R.K. Diwan; "A Note on the Choice of Surplus-Maximising Technique," by J.C. Saigal; "Taxation and the Changes in Income Distribution," by Mahfooz Ahmad; and "On Throwing the Baby Away With the Bath-Water--An Essay in the Defense of Keynesism in Relation to the Underdeveloped Countries," by Ashok Mathur. The monetary theories of Maynard Keynes are remembered and admired in even the most backward countries. But they must be treated with considerable reservation by students of poverty and under-employment throughout the Third World. In the third article, J.C. Saigal attempts to derive the long-term surplus-maximising technique by the use of Sraffa-Neumann process analysis.

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of intracameral preservative-free 1% xylocaine on the corneal endothelium as an adjuvant to topical anaesthesia during phacoemulsification and Acrysof foldable IOL implantation. Material & Methods: This is a prospective, controlled, randomised, double-masked study. 106 patients with soft to moderately dense (Grade 1-3) senile cataract and corneal endothelial cell density of >1500/mm2 were randomised to the xylocaine group (n=53) and control group(n=53). Central endothelial specular microscopy and ultrasound corneal pachymetry were performed preoperatively. On the first postoperative day the eyes were evaluated for corneal oedema and Descemet′s folds. Ultrasound corneal pachymetry was performed at 1, 3 and 12 months. Specular microscopy was performed at 3 and 12 months. Cell loss was expressed as a percentage of preoperative cell density. Six patients could not complete one year follow-up. Chi-square and paired t test (2 tail) statistical tests were applied for analysis. Results: Four (7.54%) patients in the xylocaine group and 5 (9.43%) in the control group had a few Descemet′s folds associated with mild central stromal oedema. Corneal thickness increased from 549.3µ ± 37.2µ to 555.5µ ± 36.5µ in the xylocaine group and from 553.1µ ± 36.2µ to 559.3µ ± 40.5µ in the control group at the one-month postoperative visit. Thickness returned to the preoperative level in xylocaine group 549.6µ ± 34.5µ and control group 554.7µ ± 41.1µ at three months. (P=0.484) The percentage of cell loss was 4.47 ± 2.53% in the xylocaine group and 4.49 ± 3.09 % in the control group at one year. (P=0.97) Conclusion: Intracameral preservative-free 1% xylocaine does not appear to affect corneal endothelium adversely during phacoemulsification.

Vancomycin is one of the “last-line” classes of antibiotics used in the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Even though vancomycin was discovered in the 1950s, it was widely used after the 1980s for the treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, as the prevalence of these strains were increased. However, it is currently evident that vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci have developed for various reasons, including the use of avaparcin—an analog of vancomycin—as a feed additive in livestock. Therefore, prophylactic and empiric use of antibiotics and their analogues need to be minimized. Herein we discuss the rational use of vancomycin in treating humans, horses, farm animals, and pet animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. In present day context, more attention should be paid to the prevention of the emergence of resistance to antibiotics in order to maintain their efficacy. In order to prevent emergence of resistance, proper guidance for the responsible use of antimicrobials is indispensable. Therefore, almost all stakeholders who use antibiotics should have an in-depth understanding of the antibiotic that they use. As such, it is imperative to be aware of the important aspects of vancomycin. In the present review, efforts have been made to discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, indications, emergence of resistance, control of resistance, adverse effects, and alternative therapy for vancomycin.

Oxalis corniculata L. is a medicinally important plant. Its medicinal usage is reported in different traditional system of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani & Sidha. It possesses important activities like antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antihelmic, anti inflammatory, reported by Ashwin Kumar et al (2012). In Chhattisgarh, Oxalis corniculata L. popularly known as Tinpania bhaaji it is being consumed as a leafy vegetable crop by the local masses. A periodic survey was made to collect the infected leaves of O. Corniculata L. for pathological investigations. Cladosporium herbarum isolated as fungal pathogen showed large dark brown necrotics spots.. The pure cultures were maintained on PDA slants for further studies. Herbs and herbal extract have been used as medicine since the beginning of human civilization. People have great faith on them for their effectiveness and their inherent medicinal properties Four Angiospermic plant extract such as Cassia fistula, Annona Squamosa, Bauhinia variegata, Aegle Marmelos were tested in vitro against Cladosporium herbarum for the solid and broth media both. Aegle marmelos extract was found most effective in inhibiting the mycelia growth of Cladosporium herbarum where as Cassia fistula extract was least effective. The presence of antifungal compounds, in higher plants, has long been recognized as an important factor in disease resistance Mahadevan, (1982). Such compounds, being biodegradable and selective in their toxicity, are considered valuable for controlling some plant diseases (Singh and Dwivedi, 1987). Based on the findings of this study, there are great potentials in the control of fungal diseases using naturally occurring substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vestibular Neuronitis / Peripheral Vestibulopathy is a relatively common condition characterized by an acute attack of vertigo lasting for days to weeks. It is often associated initially with vomiting, sweating and the person may be unable to even sit, leave alone stand or walk. They often land up in an ICU with the suspicion of a cardiac event. There is usually no pain, tinnitus or deafness to point to the ear, It needs to be distinguished from a cerebellar or brainstem stroke. Methods: We analyzed 35 patients of vestibular neuronitis admitted to our hospital over the last 3 years. All of them were assessed neurologically, including cerebellar signs, vestibular testing, including Romberg's test, Fukuda test, dynamic visual acuity and head impulse test and also by using Videonystagmography (VNG). Most patients also underwent MRI and audiometry. Over the last one year or so, we have been using high dose steroids in this disorder with encouraging results. Results: We found that the diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis could be made confidently in over 80-90% of cases, using the pattern of nystagmus, Romberg's test and other clinical features. The head impulse test was positive in almost all of the cases. VNG was of considerable use in confirming the pattern of nystagmus and was diagnostic in >90% of cases. In last one year we used Methyl Prednisolone for the treatment of this disorder. It was observed that there was a faster rate of recovery in these patients. Conclusions: Head Impulse test is a very accurate test helping to differentiate Peripheral Vestibulopathy from stroke. VNG is a very useful diagnostic aid for Peripheral Vestibulopathy. Use of Methyl Prednisolone hastens the recovery from this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]