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Background: This exploratory case-control study is to evaluate the effects of supplementation of Aureobasidium pullulans-N-163 strain produced 1,3–1,− 6 beta glucan in young patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Twenty-seven male subjects aged 5–19 years with DMD were included, nine in the control arm and 18 in the treatment arm to receive N-163 beta glucan along with conventional therapies for 45 days. While performing the analysis, steroid usage was also taken into consideration, those not administered steroids (Steroid -ve) (Control, n = 5; treatment, n = 9), those administered steroids (Steroid +ve) (Control, n = 4; treatment, n = 9). Results: IL-6 showed a significant decrease in the treatment groups, especially the N-163 Steroid -ve group. IL-13 decreased in both treatment groups and TGF-β levels showed a significant decrease in the treatment groups, especially the N-163 Steroid –ve group, (p

Density (ρ) and speed of sound (u) values of L-Citrulline in aqueous solution, 0.06 mol·kg−1 aqueous Urea and aqueous 0.06 mol·kg−1 Dextrose solutions have been measured at T = (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K within the concentration range of (0.02 to 0.2) mol·kg−1.These measurements have been performed to evaluate some important parameters, viz, apparent molar volume of solute (Vϕ), limiting apparent molar volume of solute (Vϕ0), limiting apparent molar volume of transfer (ΔtrVϕ0), limiting apparent molar expansivity(Eϕ0), thermal expansion coefficient (α*), Hepler's constant (∂2Vϕ0∂T2), isentropic compressibility (κs), apparent molar compressibility (Ks,ϕ), limiting apparent molar compressibility (Ks,ϕ0), limiting apparent molar isentropic compressibility of transfer (ΔtrKs,ϕ0)and hydration number(ηH) . The results have been interpreted in terms of different interactions taking place in aqueous solutions.

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare congenital anomaly. Less than 200 cases of SGF have been documented till date. We present a case of 14-year-old male patient with swelling in the left scrotum for 3 years. Left orchidectomy was done. Histopathology showed ectopic splenic tissue surrounding testicular parenchyma suggestive of SGF. This rare congenital malformation may occur due to the proximity of developing gonad and spleen, resulting in abnormal connection between them during gestation. SGF presents a diagnostic challenge preoperatively; however, recent imaging methods can aid with the diagnosis. SGF as a rare cause of testicular swelling should be kept in mind and evaluated to avoid unnecessary orchidectomy.

In the present work the effect of nitrogen on WC9 alloy at various weight percentages was analyzed and tested for their microstructural and mechanical properties. The nitrogen was added at 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 wt. % in the solid form as nitrided ferrochrome to WC9 alloy. The samples were heat treated by solution annealing process at a temperature of 1100°C for 5 hours to improve the austenitic formation. Microstructures and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, % elongation and % reduction of WC9-N alloy were examined. It was observed that increasing nitrogen wt. % increases the mechanical properties. The obtained mechanical properties were compared with base WC9 and C12A grade steel, where it was found to be replacement for C12A grade steel at its composition at lower end. The material cost analysis for WC9-N and C12A grade steel was done and both were compared.

In this paper further result on odd mean labeling is discussed. We prove that the two star G = K1,m ∧ K1,n is an odd mean graph if and only if |m − n| ≤ 3. The condition for a graph to be odd mean is that p ≤ q + 1, where p and q stands for the number of the vertices and edges in the graph respectively.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although cardinal imaging features for the diagnostic criteria of the Dandy-Walker phenotype have been recently defined, there is a large range of unreported malformations among these patients. The brainstem, in particular, deserves careful attention because malformations in this region have potentially important implications for clinical outcomes. In this article, we offer detailed information on the association of brainstem dysgenesis in a large, multicentric cohort of patients with the Dandy-Walker phenotype, defining different subtypes of involvement and their potential clinical impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this established multicenter cohort of 329 patients with the Dandy-Walker phenotype, we include and retrospectively review the MR imaging studies and clinical records of 73 subjects with additional brainstem malformations. Detailed evaluation of the different patterns of brainstem involvement and their potential clinical implications, along with comparisons between posterior fossa measurements for the diagnosis of the Dandy-Walker phenotype, was performed among the different subgroups of patients with brainstem involvement. RESULTS: There were 2 major forms of brainstem involvement in patients with Dandy-Walker phenotype including the following: 1) the mild form with anteroposterior disproportions of the brainstem structures only (57/73; 78%), most frequently with pontine hypoplasia (44/57; 77%), and 2) the severe form with patients with tegmental dysplasia with folding, bumps, and/or clefts (16/73; 22%). Patients with severe forms of brainstem malformation had significantly increased rates of massive ventriculomegaly, additional malformations involving the corpus callosum and gray matter, and interhemispheric cysts. Clinically, patients with the severe form had significantly increased rates of bulbar dysfunction, seizures, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Additional brainstem malformations in patients with the Dandy-Walker phenotype can be divided into 2 major subgroups: mild and severe. The severe form, though less prevalent, has characteristic imaging features, including tegmental folding, bumps, and clefts, and is directly associated with a more severe clinical presentation and increased mortality.

Most umbilical hernias in infants do not need surgery and the ring will eventually close. Occasionally few complications can arise and incarceration is most common. Spontaneous rupture of the hernia and eventual evisceration is a rarely seen complication. A 3-week-old neonate having umbilical hernia presented with rupture of the sac with evisceration of bowel within a few days of first visit. No underlying cause like umbilical sepsis was found. The baby had emergency repair of the hernia with an uneventful recovery.

Background: Periarthritis or Adhesive shoulder occurs among 7-21% of the population, which was characterized by traumatic stiff shoulders in both active and passive range of actions. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy between Muscle energy technique (MET) and Mobilization technique (MT) coupled with ultrasound therapy in reduction of pain and increasing functional ability of subjects with adhesive shoulder. Methods: 30 subjects were randomly assigned for the experimental study by the selection criteria and divided into 2 groups: Group A -Muscle energy technique with ultrasound therapy (METU) and Group B- Mobilization technique with ultrasound therapy (MTU). The period of intervention was 5 sessions per week for 21 days. The therapy progress was evaluated by VAS and SPADI scores pre and post every 7 days of therapy. Results: The analysis was non-blind randomized experimental study for the subjects with adhesive shoulders. Both the treatment groups showed improvement comparing pre and post treatment, while Group A showed significant difference compared to Group B in pain relief and functional abilities. Statistically comparing the mean values of SPADI of the two treatment groups has indicated METU (28.93) as more efficient than MTU (36.80) at P≤ 0.001. Conclusion: The current study has concluded that the muscle energy technique coupled with ultrasound therapy imparts more effective solution than the mobilization technique coupled with ultrasound. Hence, this study has demonstrated a better combination therapy regimen for the treatment of periarthritic shoulder the physiotherapists. Similarly, potential of this combination therapy can be explored on other types of ailments demanding physiotherapy.

Background and Objectives : The objective in localization is selection of a suitable technique which has minimal radiation dose, cost and maximum details. Panoramic radiograph, being a screening radiograph, can satisfy the above needs. Taking this into consideration, the present study was done to evaluate the reliability of panoramic radiograph in localization of impacted permanent maxillary canines by applying the criteria suggested by Chaushu et al. and by comparing it with Clark′s rule. Materials and Methods : The study comprised of 114 subjects in the age group of 13-30 years of both the genders with 150 impacted canines visiting Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology during the study period. The study subjects were examined for clinically missing canine, and then confirmed with intra-oral peri-apical radiograph (IOPAR). Panoramic radiographs (for application of Chaushu et al. criteria) and IOPAR′s (for application of Clark′s rule) of the subjects were made and interpreted for parameters pertaining to the impacted canines. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software. Results : Determination of the bucco-palatal position from panoramic radiographs, by applying Chaushu, et al. criteria, showed that localization in bucco-palatal position was possible for 96 of the 102 impacted canines placed in the middle and coronal zones. The remaining six impacted canines, three each in the middle and coronal zones, could not be localized as they showed overlapping in their range. By excluding them, the overall agreement worked out to be 94.11%. Localization was not possible for 48 impacted canines that lied in the apical zone. Conclusion : A single panoramic radiograph can serve as a reliable indicator for determining the bucco-palatal position of the impacted canines when they lie in the middle and coronal zones. When they lie in the apical zone it is recommended to explore their presence with other conventional or advanced imaging modalities.

Gastroenteritis caused by bacterial and viral pathogens constitutes a major public health threat in the United States accounting for 35% of hospitalizations. In particular, Salmonella enterica and noroviruses cause the majority of gastroenteritis infections, with emergence of sporadic outbreaks and incidence of increased infections. Although mechanisms underlying infections by these pathogens have been individually studied, little is known about the mechanisms regulating co-infection by these pathogens. In this study, we utilized RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells to investigate the mechanisms governing co-infection with S. enterica serovar Heidelberg and murine norovirus (MNV). We demonstrate that infection of RAW 264.7 cells with S. enterica reduces the replication of MNV, in part by blocking virus entry early in the virus life cycle, and inducing antiviral cytokines later in the infection cycle. In particular, bacterial infection prior to, or during MNV infection affected virus entry, whereas MNV entry remained unaltered when the virus infection preceded bacterial invasion. This block in virus entry resulted in reduced virus replication, with the highest impact on replication observed during conditions of co-infection. In contrast, bacterial replication showed a threefold increase in MNV-infected cells, despite the presence of antibiotic in the medium. Most importantly, we present evidence that the infection of MNV-infected macrophages by S. enterica blocked MNV-induced apoptosis, despite allowing efficient virus replication. This apoptosis blockade was evidenced by reduction in DNA fragmentation and absence of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), caspase 3 and caspase 9 cleavage events. Our study suggests a novel mechanism of pathogenesis whereby initial co-infection with these pathogens could result in prolonged infection by either of these pathogens or both together.

Background: Medial sigmoid depression or medial depression of the mandibular ramus (MDMR) is a known variant of the normal radiographic anatomy. The clinical importance of MDMR has been recognized, however, its prevalence and association with patients with orthodontic needs have been poorly documented. Aims and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of MDMR on panoramic radiographs of patients with different Angle’s molar relation. Materials and Methods: Three hundred panoramic radiographs of 100 each belonging to patients with Angle’s class I, II and III molar relationship was recruited from an orthodontic clinic. The radiographs were evaluated for presence of MDMR along with its characteristics such as site and shape. The data was entered in the proforma and subjected for statistical analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of MDMR in the present study was 23.2%. MDMR was found to be more prevalent in Class II – 28 (9.3%) followed by class III-23 (7.6%) and Class I- 19 (6.3%). There was equal distribution of MDMR with respect to site and the semilunar shape was the most common 36 (34%). All these findings were statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Although MDMR is considered as a normal radiographic finding, the present study confirms the disparity in the prevalence of MDMR in patients with dentoskeletal deformities. Thus our findings suggest the importance of recognizing this entity prior to orthognathic surgery so as to avoid untoward sequelas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The traditionally described Dandy-Walker malformation comprises a range of cerebellar and posterior fossa abnormalities with variable clinical severity. We aimed to establish updated imaging criteria for Dandy-Walker malformation on the basis of cerebellar development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter study, retrospective MR imaging examinations from fetuses and children previously diagnosed with Dandy-Walker malformation or vermian hypoplasia were re-evaluated, using the choroid plexus/tela choroidea location and the fastigial recess shape to differentiate Dandy-Walker malformation from vermian hypoplasia. Multiple additional measures of the posterior fossa and cerebellum were also obtained and compared between Dandy-Walker malformation and other diagnoses. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-six examinations were analyzed (174 fetal and 272 postnatal). The most common diagnoses were Dandy-Walker malformation (78%), vermian hypoplasia (14%), vermian hypoplasia with Blake pouch cyst (9%), and Blake pouch cyst (4%). Most measures were significant differentiators of Dandy-Walker malformation from non-Dandy-Walker malformation both pre- and postnatally (P  .3). The superior posterior fossa angle, torcular location, and vermian height differentiated groups postnatally (P  .07). CONCLUSIONS: As confirmed by objective measures, the modern Dandy-Walker malformation phenotype is best defined by inferior predominant vermian hypoplasia, an enlarged tegmentovermian angle, inferolateral displacement of the tela choroidea/choroid plexus, an obtuse fastigial recess, and an unpaired caudal lobule. Posterior fossa size and torcular location should be eliminated from the diagnostic criteria. This refined phenotype may help guide future study of the numerous etiologies and varied clinical outcomes.

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain belongs to the family of Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies (HSAN). It is a rare disorder of unknown etiology associated with loss of pain sensation. Cognition and sensation is otherwise normal and there is no detectable physical abnormality. We report a case of Congenital Insensitivity to Pain in a 3 year old female child.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a relatively uncommon gingival growth that is considered to be reactive in nature and postulated to appear secondary to irritation or trauma. They usually occur in young adults with a female predominance and are solitary in nature. We report a case of peripheral ossifying fibroma in a 55-year old female.

The growing population and exhaustion of fossil fuels necessitate our search for new sources of energy. The study for this research encompasses an amalgamation of interest in alternative fuels, advanced engine technology such as variable compression ratio VCR, engine component modification, and a methodical approach to testing for assessing the effects on key performance of the engine. A 3.5 kW compression ignition (CI) engine was fueled with blends of behada, chicken fat, and turmeric oil methyl ester. Engine operating parameters, such as the compression ratio (CR), rate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and piston top geometry, are optimized to maximize engine performance. CI engine was modified by changing the piston head (square and tangential groove top) for methyl ester diesel blend operations. In the study, diesel fuel is designated as B00 and methyl ester as B20. The influence of compression ratio (CR16 and CR18) with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR 0% and EGR 10%) was evaluated. The key performance indicators: brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are investigated. Results indicate that an increase in BTE accompanies an increase in load, suggesting enhanced thermal efficiency with increased power output. The consequence of VCR is also investigated, and it is determined that a higher CR results in a higher BTE due to an increase in compression pressure and temperature, thereby enhancing combustion. Due to the re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons with the addition of EGR at a 10% rate, BTE increases further. Utilizing a piston geometry with tangential grooves and methyl ester blends also contributes to increased BTE. BSEC increases with increasing load, with an important rise observed when operating at maximum capacity. However, at CR 18, BSEC decreases as a result of enhanced combustion efficiency. EGR has different effects on BSEC depending on the geometry of the piston and the kind of fuel used. Enhanced air-fuel blending and re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons reduce the BSEC of the engine. The tangential groove top piston operates with 10% EGR. Similar to BSEC, BSFC decreases with increasing CR and improves with the use of a piston with a tangential groove and 10% EGR operation. AFR decreases as the consumption of fuel increases to meet the power demand, and higher CR values result in a lower AFR. EGT rises with load, and CR18 has a lower EGT than CR16 as a result of a higher compressing temperature and pressure. 10% EGR operation reduces EGT by decreasing the concentration of oxygen in the combustible area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]