BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly and fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been found associated with CRC, especially in prognostication. The present study has been carried out to find the genetic instability as demonstrated by MSI and its clinicopathological correlation in north Indian patientsMETHODS: This prospective study was carried out on 103 CRC patients admitted for surgery between 2014 and 2018. MSI testing was done using 5-panel markers (BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250) by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The various clinicopathological factors were analysed to see their association with MSI status and also their effect on survival. Univariate analysis was performed by using the 2-tailed Student's t-test for continuous non-normally distributed variables, and categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. Multivariate correlation analysis was performed by logistic regression test using SPSS version 16.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to detect the patient's survival. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significantRESULTS: The frequency of MSI in patient population that we studied was 41.7% (43/103). MSI tumours were significantly associated with family history (OR = 5.63, p = 0.022*, 95% CI = 1.1-28.6) and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS) (OR = 2.60, p = 0.023*, 95% CI = 1.1-6.0). The patients surviving longer (< 5 years vs > 5 years) were found significantly associated with MSI-high (MSI-H) (OR = 3.76, p = 0.029*, 95% CI = 1.2-4.5CONCLUSION: Family history of cancer and presence of TILS were significantly associated with the presence of MSI-H tumours; also, patients surviving more than 5 years had more MSI-H phenotype

Abstract The corrosion inhibition property of Gymneme Sylvestre on aluminum in an acidic medium has been investigated. The experimental techniques include potentiodynamic polarization studies, electrochemical studies, quantum chemical calculation and weight loss method. The results revealed that Gymneme Sylvestre acts as a potential corrosion inhibitor of aluminum in an acidic medium, showing 82% inhibition efficiency at 800 ppm concentration of it. Furthermore, the different thermodynamic parameters, including activation energy, Gibbs free energy and enthalpy have been calculated. The results showed that adsorption of the Gymneme Sylvestre molecule onto the aluminum coupon surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The quantum chemical parameters were also calculated for major constituents of Gymneme Sylvestre.

Intrusive luxation of permanent teeth is one of the most serious traumatic dental injuries involving damage to the gingival tissue, periodontal ligament, cementum, bone and to the neurovascular supply of the pulp. In addition to disruption of normal tooth development and eruption, it can also lead to pulpal necrosis, root resorption and marginal bone loss. Based on the extent/severity, intrusion maybe classified into mild (<3mm), moderate (3-6mm) and severe (>6 mm). Available techniques for managing intrusive luxation include a wait-and-watch approach to allow for spontaneous re-eruption, orthodontic traction and surgical repositioning. The type of treatment approach employed depends upon the stage of root development, severity of intrusive luxation and the presence or absence of alveolar fractures. It is difficult to predict reliable outcomes with these approaches, since the presence of variables such as the severity of intrusion, associated crown/root fracture, stage of root development and presence of alveolar fractures may alter the prognosis. The present article presents a series of three cases with intrusive luxation of permanent incisors successfully treated using an interdisciplinary approach involving orthodontic traction along with endodontic rehabilitation.

The non-toxic anticorrosion properties of nicotinamide have been studied on aluminum in an acidic medium. The techniques included weight loss method, electrochemical measurements, quantum chemical calculations, Monte Carlo simulation, infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study gathers information about the inhibitor molecule adsorption onto the surface of metal specimens. Thermodynamic parameters were utilized to predict the adsorption mechanism. The dependence of corrosion inhibition efficiency on various parameters was examined, and it was seen that the increase in the inhibitor concentration and in temperature led to an increase in the inhibition efficiency. The dipole moment and E HOMO-E LUMO influenced the inhibition efficiency, which was observed by quantum chemical studies.

ABSTRACT Thin Film Composite Reverse Osmosis (TFC RO) membranes have undergone significant changes since inception; particularly the top polyamide layer has been tuned for optimal performance. The present paper demonstrates the novel approach to alter the polyamide membrane performance by subjecting it to ionic liquids. Ionic liquids 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride [BMIM][Cl], 1-Methyl-3-Octylimidazolium Chloride [C8MIM][Cl] and 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Bromide [BMIM][Br] were used to alter the membrane performance. About a 6.5% increase in MgSO4 rejection and about an 87% increase in water-flux were noted when the membrane was subjected to 3000 mg/L [BMIM][Cl] after 2000 mg/L sodium hypochlorite each for 2 hours. Also, the decline in contact angle from 52.86o to 43.12o by this treatment demonstrated higher hydrophilicity. Atomic force microscope images showed a decline in surface roughness with the treatment. Scanning electron micrographs were taken to understand the changes in morphology of thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes with ionic liquid treatment. Attenuated total reflectance, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis were done to evaluate the changes in chemical structure and it was found that the treatment resulted in chemical structural modification of thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes with ionic liquid treatment.

Jellyfish envenomation is a common incident in coastal areas all over the world. While the majority of reported cases are self-limiting with few lasting complications, a few deadly species can cause life-threatening and debilitating illnesses with a prolonged recovery time. Chrysaora spp. have been known to cause a diverse spectrum of manifestations. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy with jellyfish envenomation presenting with cyanosis, seizures, and hypertension not previously described in association with the Chrysaora spp.

BACKGROUND: To determine the mismatch repair (MMR) protein loss in colorectal cancer (CRC) in north Indian patients and its clinicopathological correlation. METHODS: A prospective study on patients with colorectal cancer from a tertiary level hospital conducted between May 2014 and June 2015. MMR protein loss was determined using immunohistochemistry for MLH1, MSH2, PMS2 and MSH6. RESULTS: 52 patients (38 male and 14 females) of CRC, with median age of 52.5 years who underwent resection form the study group. 18 (35%) patients were < 50 years of age. Family history of malignancy was present in 3 (6 %) patients. A total of 15 (29%) patients had loss of MMR protein of which 7 (46%) were < 50 years. Most common MMR loss was combined loss of MSH2 + MSH6 [6 (11.5%)] followed by isolated loss of PMS2 [5 (9.6%)]. MMR protein loss was more frequent in patients with right side colon cancer [12 (42%)] compared to left [3 (13%)] (p = 0.033). MMR protein loss was seen in 11 (34%) out of 32 patients fulfilling the revised Bethesda criteria compared to 4 (20%) out of 20 patients who did not fulfil the criteria (p = 0.352). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates high frequency of MMR protein loss in colorectal cancer in north Indian patients which was more common in right colon cancer. Many patients having MMR protein loss do not satisfy the revised Bethesda criteria and would have been missed if selective testing was done. Further research and larger studies are required to validate these findings and develop India specific clinical criteria.

AIM: To determine the mismatch repair (MMR) protein loss in colorectal cancer (CRC) in north Indian patients and its clinicopathological correlation. METHODS: A prospective study on patients with colorectal cancer from a tertiary level hospital conducted between May 2014 and June 2015. MMR protein loss was determined using immunohistochemistry for MLH1, MSH2, PMS2 and MSH6. RESULTS: 52 patients (38 male and 14 females) of CRC, with median age of 52.5 years who underwent resection form the study group. 18 (35%) patients were < 50 years of age. Family history of malignancy was present in 3 (6 %) patients. A total of 15 (29%) patients had loss of MMR protein of which 7 (46%) were < 50 years. Most common MMR loss was combined loss of MSH2 + MSH6 [6 (11.5%)] followed by isolated loss of PMS2 [5 (9.6%)]. MMR protein loss was more frequent in patients with right side colon cancer [12 (42%)] compared to left [3 (13%)] (p = 0.033). MMR protein loss was seen in 11 (34%) out of 32 patients fulfilling the revised Bethesda criteria compared to 4 (20%) out of 20 patients who did not fulfil the criteria (p = 0.352). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates high frequency of MMR protein loss in colorectal cancer in north Indian patients which was more common in right colon cancer. Many patients having MMR protein loss do not satisfy the revised Bethesda criteria and would have been missed if selective testing was done. Further research and larger studies are required to validate these findings and develop India specific clinical criteria.

ABSTRACT Objective: Death due to burn occurs frequently. This study investigated time-dependent alterations in cardiac troponin T (CTnT) associated with fatal burns. Methods: Cardiac tissue samples were collected from 10 medico-legal autopsies after informed consent from the relatives and post-mortem degradation by incubation of the cardiac tissue was studied at room temperature for different time periods. The cases included in this study were the subjects of burns without any prior history of disease who died in the hospital and their exact time of death was known. An efficient extraction protocol to analyse the banding pattern of cTnT in post-mortem tissue was developed. Results: The data show a distinct time-dependent profile corresponding to the degradation of cTnT by proteases found in cardiac muscle. Both post-mortem interval and cardiac tissue of burned corpse had a statistically significant effect where the greatest amount of protein breakdown was observed within the first 41.20 hours, after which intact protein slowly disappears. The average molecular weight of all fragments showed intact cTnT to be rapidly degraded into smaller fragments. Conclusion: In cases of burns, such knowledge will assist in knowing if there were previous scars that might have mimicked a burn and also help to properly evaluate the real cause of death.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La muerte debido a quemaduras ocurre con frecuencia. Este estudio investigó las alteraciones dependientes del tiempo en la troponina T cardíaca asociada con quemaduras mortales. Métodos: Se obtuvieron muestras de tejido cardíaco de 10 autopsias forenses después del consentimiento de los parientes, y se estudió la degradación post-mortem por incubación del tejido cardíaco a temperatura ambiente durante períodos de tiempo diferentes. Los casos incluidos en este estudio fueron objeto de quemaduras, no tenían ninguna historia previa de enfermedad, murieron en el hospital, y se conocía la hora exacta de la muerte. Se desarrolló un protocolo de extracción eficiente para analizar el patrón de bandas de cTnT en el tejido post-mortem. Resultados: Los datos muestran un claro perfil dependiente del tiempo, correspondiente a la degradación de la troponina cardiaca T (cTnT) por las proteasas que se encuentran en el músculo cardiaco. Tanto el intervalo post mortem (IPM) como el tejido cardíaco de los cadáveres quemados tuvieron un efecto estadísticamente significativo, en el que se observó la mayor cantidad de descomposición de proteína en las primeras 41.20 horas, tras lo cual la proteína intacta desapareció lentamente. El peso molecular promedio de todos los fragmentos mostró que el cTnT intacto se degrada rápidamente en fragmentos más pequeños. Conclusión: En los casos de quemaduras, este conocimiento servirá para saber si hubo cicatrices anteriores que podrían haber tomado la apariencia de una quemadura, y también ayudará a evaluar adecuadamente la verdadera causa de la muerte.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics and the clinical manifestations of the confirmed dengue cases over a ten-year period in Barbados, one of the English-speaking Caribbean countries. Methods: All the cases of confirmed dengue from 2000 to 2009 were retrospectively studied. Long-term trends in incidence rate, demographic characteristics such as age, gender and seasonal distribution; clinical manifestations, immunological characteristics, need for hospitalization and mortality were studied. Results: There were 3413 confirmed cases of dengue including 778 (22.8%) children and 2635 (77.2%) adults. The mean annual incidence rate of dengue was 1.36/1000 population. The median age of the persons with confirmed dengue was 27 years. The largest number of cases was seen in the 11 to 16-year age group. Hospitalization was required in 13.1% of dengue cases; 72.5% and 84% of all dengue were secondary infections among the children and adults, respectively. Dengue haemorrhagic fever accounted for 2.2% and 6% of all confirmed dengue among children and adults, respectively. The overall case fatality rate in this study was 0.35%. Conclusions: Dengue is a significant health problem primarily in adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by less severe cases and lower mortality rate.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas y manifestaciones clínicas de los casos de dengue confirmados durante un período de diez años en Barbados, uno de los países del Caribe anglófono. Métodos: Se estudiaron retrospectivamente todos los casos de dengue confirmados desde el año 2000 al 2009. Se estudiaron las tendencias a largo plazo en la tasa de incidencia, y las características demográficas como edad, género y distribución estacional. Asimismo, se estudiaron las manifestaciones clínicas, características inmunológicas, necesidad de hospitalización y mortalidad. Resultados: Hubo 3413 casos confirmados de dengue, incluyendo 778 (22.8%) niños y 2635 (77.2%) adultos. La tasa promedio de incidencia anual del dengue fue 1.36/1000 habitantes. El promedio de edad de las personas con dengue confirmado fue 27 años. El mayor número de casos se observó en el grupo de edad de 11 a 16 años. Se requirió hospitalización fue requerido en el 13.1% de los casos de dengue. En el 72.5% y el 84% de los casos de dengue hubo infecciones secundarias entre los niños y adultos, respectivamente. La fiebre hemorrágica del dengue hemorrágico representó el 2.2% y 6% de todos los casos de dengue confirmados entre niños y adultos, respectivamente. La tasa de letalidad general en el presente estudio fue de 0.35%. Conclusiones: El dengue es un importante problema de salud principalmente en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Se caracteriza por casos menos graves y tasa de mortalidad más baja.

In this study, a multilevel inverter was designed and implemented to operate a stand-alone solar photovoltaic system. The proposed system uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the multilevel inverter to convert DC voltage from battery storage to supply AC loads. In the PWM method, the effectiveness of eliminating low-order harmonics in the inverter output voltage is studied and compared to that of the sinusoidal PWM method. This work also uses adaptive neuro fuzzy inference (ANFIS) to predict the optimum modulation index and switch angles required for a five level cascaded H-bridge inverter with improved inverter output voltage. The data set for the ANFIS-based analysis was obtained with the Newton-Raphson (NR) method. The proposed predictive method is more convincing than other techniques in providing all possible solutions with any random initial guess and for any number of levels of a multilevel inverter. The simulation results prove that the lower-order harmonics are eliminated using the optimum modulation index and switching angles. An experimental system was implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.

The present study focused on utilization of the de-oiled Jatropha cake, a bio-waste from the bio diesel extraction process, as organic fertilizer. Tomato crop was subjected to different treatments comprising varying composition of the Jatropha cake fertilizer, applied at varying age of plant life-cycle. The impact on yield, morphological and nutritional parameters was studied. Results revealed that an optimal (2-3 % by weight) dose applied on the soil at the time of onset of flowering (around 45 days), significantly enhanced the yield along with improvements in morphological parameters. There were significant improvements in key nutrients viz. protein, vitamin C and reducing sugars. High value of key nutrients like TSS (total soluble solid), vitamin C, proteins, reducing sugar and tomato fruit yield were obtained with soil + 3% cake mixed in 60 day transplant. These results indicate that composted de-oiled Jatropha cake has tremendous potential of being utilized in a cost effective way as tailored organic fertilizer, as a replacement of chemical fertilizers.

There are several methods for solving fuzzy critical path problems in which ranking approaches are used to compare fuzzy numbers. In this paper, some fuzzy critical path problems are chosen to show that the results obtained with fuzzy critical path methods that use existing ranking approaches are not appropriate according to real life situations. To obtain appropriate results, a new ranking approach the Mehar ranking approach, is proposed for comparing LR flat fuzzy numbers. To show the advantages of the Mehar ranking approach over existing approaches, selected fuzzy critical path problems are solved by using the existing methods together with the Mehar ranking approach. It is shown that the obtained results are appropriate.

Daar bestaan verskeie metodes om wasige kritieke padprobleme op te los wat rangordening toepassings gebruik om wasige getalle te vergelyk. In dié artikel word 'n paar wasige kritieke padprobleme gekies om te bewys dat die resulte verkry met die wasige kritieke padmetode, wat bestaande rangordening benaderings gebruik, nie voldoende is volgens lewenswerklike voorbeelde nie. Om gepaste resultate te kry word 'n nuwe rangordening benadering, die 'Mehar rangordening benadering', voorgestel om LR plat, wasige getalle te vergelyk. Om die voordele van die Mehar benadering te wys word geselekteerde probleme opgelos met beide bestaande metodes en die Mehar rangordening benadering. Die resultate bewys dat die verkreë resultate gepas is.

In this work, thinky mixing method was used to disperse multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT's) and carbon nanofibers (CNF's) in SC-1 epoxy either in isolation or in combination with 3-roll shear mixing. To achieve better dispersion, MWCNT mixing with SC-1 resin directly or pre-mixed with a solvent and then mixed with SC-1 resin after evaporating the solvent. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flexural tests, electrical conductivity tests and micrographic analysis were performed on neat, 0.2 and 0.4wt% MWCNT/CNF infused SC-1 epoxy to observe the loading effect on thermo-mechanical properties of composites. DMA results indicated improvement on storage modulus and glass transition temperature, Tg, while flexural results exhibited enhanced flexural strength and modulus with up to 0.4wt% MWCNT/CNF infused epoxy resin over neat. TGA results revealed improved residue content but almost constant decomposition temperature for nanophased resin compared to neat. However, these enhancements were observed only up to 0.2 wt. % loading after which the properties were seen to either reduce or not significantly improve. These results indicate that the methods used for dispersion is suitable for low weight percent loading only.

Starch phosphorylase has been isolated from cabbage (Elephantopus scabar) leaves and partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation. The partially purified enzyme was desalted using Sephadex-G-25 chromatography. In the direction of polysaccharide synthesis, the enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 6.0 with two half pH optima at pH 5.3 and pH 7.1 whereas in the direction of glucose-1-phosphate formation, it showed optimum pH at pH 7.0 with half pH-optima at pH 6.4 and 7.6. The optimum temperature for the enzyme activity has been found to be 37ºC with two half temperature optima at 34ºC and 40ºC. The partially purified enzyme has been immobilized using egg shell as solid support. The percentage retention of the enzyme on egg shell was nearly 56%. After immobilization, specific activity of the enzyme increased from 0. 0225 to 0.0452. Upon immobilization, there was a slight alkaline shift in the optimum pH when assayed in both the directions. The immobilized enzyme also displayed increased optimum temperature and thermo-stability and could be reused number of times. The increase in thermo-stability and reusability of the immobilized enzyme has been exploited for the production of glucose-1-phosphate, a cytostatic compound used in cardio-therapy. The glucose-1-phosphate produced has been purified with nearly 95% purity after adsorption chromatography on norite and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose.