Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) lymphangiography is a novel imaging technique with a potential role in suspected cases of lymphatic leaks. A 15-year-old male with a post operative chylous leak and an 8-year-old male who developed chylous ascites secondary to disseminated tuberculosis are presented. Both children underwent MR lymphangiography. CONTRIBUTION: The role of DCE-MR lymphangiography in cases of chylous ascites to help guide appropriate management

Aluminium metal matrix composites are highly dominated composites for various applications such as military, marine, aircraft, aerospace and automobile because of their corrosion resistance, tribological and mechanical properties. In this research, aluminium alloy 5032 composite reinforced with SiCnp (4, 8, 12 and 16 wt.%) was manufactured using stir casting method and subjected to various mechanical, metallurgical and wear tests. The novelty of this research lies in the fabrication and characterization of Al5032/SiCnp composites, which has been not done before. The Energy Dispersive X ray analysis (EDAX) was used to examine the presence of SiC in Al5032 matrix and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the microstructure of the composite. Further micro hardness, wear resistance, tensile and impact tests were carried out. The aforesaid properties increases upto 12 wt.% addition of silicon carbide in Al5032 alloy and thereafter reduces. The nanocomposite Al5032/12wt.%SiC exhibits 98 HV, 256 MPa tensile strength, 19 MPa impact strength and 5 mg wear loss.

Abstract Introduction Chronic otitis media is a widely prevalent condition in developing countries and is a cause of correctable hearing loss. The most frequent ossicular chain defect found during surgery for chronic otitis media has been a discontinuity of the incudostapedial joint. This study observes the effect of incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage on the hearing of the patient. Objectives To evaluate improvement in hearing by incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage interposition graft in tympanoplasty and to identify the independent factors associated with erosion of the long process of incus among patients with chronic suppurative otitis media tubotympanic type. Methods This study was conducted in the department of ear, nose and throat (ENT) amongst 22 patients with tubotympanic-type chronic suppurative otitis media who were found to have erosion of the long process during tympanoplasty. These patients underwent incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage. Their hearing was again reassessed at 12 weeks postsurgery, and the changes were observed. Results A statistically significant improvement in air conduction by 15.14 dB was found after undergoing incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in bone conduction (p value > 0.05). A total of 59.1% of patients in the study had an improvement in hearing ranging from11 to 20 dB. It was also found that 50% of the patients had a postoperative hearing of 10 to 20 dB. Conclusion Conchal cartilage interposition graft effectively improved hearing when used for the reconstruction of the incudostapedial joint during tympanoplasty in patients of chronic suppurative otitis media.

Abstract Introduction Chronic suppurative otitis media is a common ailment in developing countries, and it generally presents with otorrhea and hearing loss. Different surgical procedures have been used to treat otitis media; among them is myringoplasty, which is a procedure that includes repair of the tympanic membrane. Platelet concentrates have been used widely in different types of wounds and are found to improve wound healing. Hence, the use of platelet-rich fibrin in myringoplasty will also improve the tympanic membrane healing. Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of autologous platelet-rich fibrin on graft uptake in myringoplasty. Methods Eighty-six patients were observed during the study period of two years. Forty-three patients in the study group underwent myringoplasty aided with plateletrich fibrin, and 43 patients in the control group went through the same procedure but without the platelet-rich fibrin. The patients were observed for three months postoperatively by a blinded observer. Results A total of 4.7% of the patients in the study group had postoperative infection, compared with a rate of 19% in the control group (p = 0.039). The graft uptake success rate was found to be 97.7% in the study group as compared with 81% in control group (p = 0.012). The results were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion Being autologous in nature, and by comparing the groups, platelet-rich fibrin is safe for patients. The postoperative graft uptake rate is better in cases in which plateletrich fibrin was used. The postoperative infection rate was also lower in the same group.

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are ubiquitous and life threatening. Evolution of resistant strains has necessitated the need to continuously discover new drugs to combat such organisms. Diphenyl ethers, such as triclosan, have recently shown potential as antibacterial agents. In this study, a series of diphenyl amines were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida) bacteria. Preliminary results showed that six of the twelve synthesized molecules were active against Staphylococcus aureus. Most notable amongst them were compounds 2(2,4-dinitrophenylamino)phenol and 2(2-dinitrophenylamino)phenol having minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 7.8-15.6 µg mL-1 and 7.8-62.5 µg mL-1respectively for all the eight selected organisms. Five active compounds from the preliminary results were further screened against resistant S. aureus cultures where compounds 2(2,4-dinitrophenylamino)phenol, 2(2-dinitrophenylamino)phenol and 2-chloro-N-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenylamino)phenyl)acetamide gave encouraging results having MIC in the range 3.9-7.8 µg mL-1for most of the organisms. Results obtained above for the selected organisms and the resistant S. aureus strains conclude that hydroxyl group at 2-position of ring B potentiates the antibacterial activity and overcomes the antibiotic resistance.

The design of a novel compact dual band PIFA (Planar Inverted F-Antenna) as an embedded antenna is reported in this paper for mobile radio applications. The new shorted planar antenna is realized using copper sheet of thickness 1mm and air as the dielectric substrate. The radiating patch consists of a branch line slit to reduce the size of the antenna having a ground size of 36 x 80 mm2. It can be used in internal mobile antennas for applications in GSM band, GCV (1.85 - 1.99GHz), PCS - 1900, IMT-2000 and UMTS 2100 networks. The simulations are done using the Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) software tool. The two operating frequency ranges obtained have good matching and radiation characteristics. The simulated results are well supported by measured results of the prototype of the antenna fabricated.

In this article, Sodium alginate and Lignosulphonic acid blends were prepared in different weight ratios by solution casting method. Swelling experiments were conducted for Sodium alginate and its blends by adding calcium chloride for various intervals in a pH 7.4 medium. The strength of the films increases after their treatment with CaCl2 at higher intervals forming an alginate network. The SA/LS blend (80/20) is subjected for sorption studies at variable pH 1.2 & 7.4, in order to test the suitability of the blends for controlled drug delivery. Further, experiments were conducted for de-crosslinking using 0.1M HCl. The solvent uptake for the blends decreased with increasing LS content in the blends. Blends were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy in order to study the crystallinity and molecular interactions. XRD confirms the reduction in cluster space in blends leading to lower uptake of solvent.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty by the dorsal onlay technique in long anterior urethral stricture (> 2 cm long) through the midline perineal incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2003, 43 patients with long anterior urethral strictures were managed by dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty. After voiding trial, they were followed up at 3 months with uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and American Urological Association symptoms score (AUA symptoms scores). Successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with a maximum one attempt of VIU after catheter removal. Patients were further followed-up with uroflowmetry at 3 months interval and RGU every 6 months interval. RESULTS: Mean stricture length was 4.8 cm (range 3 to 9 cm) and mean follow up was 48 months (range 12 to 84 months). Only five patients were found to develop stricture at anastomotic site, during follow-up. Two of them voided normally after single attempt of VIU. Other three patients (6.9%) required further open surgery or repeat VIU during follow up and were considered as failure. CONCLUSION: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty is a simple technique with good surgical outcome.

2-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles (AT), 2-amino-5-methyl-1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles (AMT), 2-amino-5-ethyl -1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles (AET) and 2-amino-5-propyl -1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles (APT) were synthesized. FT-IR and NMR studies were done in order to confirm the composition of the synthesized inhibitors. These compounds were evaluated as inhibitors for mild steel in 20% formic acid and 20% acetic acid by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques. Scanning electron microscopic study (SEM) was also used to investigate the surface morphology of inhibited and uninhibited metal samples. The inhibition efficiency of these compounds was found to vary with the inhibitor concentration, immersion time, temperature and acid concentration. The adsorption of these compounds on the steel surface from both acids were found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. These compounds are mixed type inhibitors in both acid solutions. Various thermodynamic parameters (Ea, ΔGads, ΔQ, ΔH, ΔS, t1/2) have also been calculated to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition. Electrochemical impedance study was used to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition.

In 1983 the World Health Assembly declared alcohol-related problems to be among the world’s major health concerns. Since then, alcohol consumption has risen in developing countries, where it takes a heavy toll. Alcohol-related problems are at epidemic levels in the successor states of the Soviet Union and are responsible for 3.5% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost globally. Substantial evidence exists of the relationship between the levels and patterns of alcohol consumption on the one hand and the incidence of alcohol-related problems on the other. Over the past 20 years, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of public policies involving, for example, taxation and restrictions on alcohol availability, in reducing alcohol-related problems. In the wake of rapid economic globalization, many of these policies at national and subnational levels have been eroded, often with the support of international financial and development organizations. Development agencies and international trade agreements have treated alcohol as a normal commodity, overlooking the adverse consequences of its consumption on productivity and health. WHO is in a strong position to take the lead in developing a global alcohol policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems, providing scientific and statistical support, capacity-building, disseminating effective strategies and collaborating with other international organizations. Such leadership can play a significant part in diminishing the health and social problems associated with alcohol use.

En 1983 la Asamblea Mundial de la Salud declaró que los problemas relacionados con el alcohol eran uno de los problemas de salud más graves en todo el mundo. Desde entonces, el consumo de alcohol ha seguido aumentando en el mundo en desarrollo, especialmente en Asia. El alcoholismo ha adquirido dimensiones epidémicas en los Estados nacidos de la Unión Soviética, donde los posibles efectos protectores del consumo de pequeñas cantidades de alcohol contra las coronariopatías se ven más que contrarrestados por la incidencia de defunciones atribuibles a cardiopatías relacionadas con el etilismo crónico. A nivel mundial el alcohol causa el 3,5% de las pérdidas de años de vida ajustados en función de la discapacidad, y las regiones en desarrollo pagan buena parte de ese tributo. Existen abundantes pruebas de la existencia de una relación entre los niveles y modalidades de consumo de alcohol por una parte y la incidencia de problemas relacionados con el alcohol por la otra. A lo largo de los últimos 20 años las investigaciones han demostrado la eficacia que, en lo que respecta a controlar o reducir los problemas relacionados con el alcohol, tienen las políticas públicas que aplican, por ejemplo, impuestos, restricciones a la venta de bebidas alcohólicas, medidas de disuasión de los comportamientos dañinos propiciados por el alcohol y prácticas de intervención de los camareros. Otras políticas prometedoras entrañan la adopción de medidas restrictivas de la publicidad del alcohol, la inclusión de advertencias sobre el alcohol en las botellas, el acceso a tratamientos, las campañas de educación del público, el control de la inocuidad de los productos y una restricción eficaz de la producción y venta ilícitas de alcohol. Tras el rápido proceso de globalización económica, muchas de esas políticas se han visto erosionadas a nivel nacional y subnacional, a menudo con el apoyo de organizaciones financieras y de desarrollo internacionales. Con frecuencia se ha exagerado la contribución potencial de la producción industrial de alcohol al desarrollo nacional, mientras se ignoraban los efectos adversos de esa sustancia. En los acuerdos comerciales internacionales se ha tendido a tratar el alcohol de la misma manera que otros productos básicos, pasando por alto las consecuencias potenciales para la productividad y la salud. La OMS ocupa una posición privilegiada para tomar la iniciativa del desarrollo de una política mundial sobre el alcohol consistente en una serie de principios y estrategias que guíen las medidas nacionales e internacionales de reducción de los problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Aunque en general las políticas al respecto deberían ser adoptadas a nivel nacional y subnacional, y si bien cada país o comunidad debería encontrar su propia combinación de políticas compatible con la cultura y los valores locales, para prevenir los problemas relacionados con el alcohol es necesario un liderazgo mundial. La OMS puede proporcionar las pruebas estadísticas y científicas necesarias para apoyar la adopción de políticas eficaces contra el alcohol, alentar la realización de investigaciones sobre el nivel de los problemas y la eficacia de diversas estrategias, catalogar y crear los medios necesarios para aplicar las políticas más eficaces a nivel nacional y subnacional, y potenciar la colaboración con otras organizaciones internacionales a fin de prevenir los problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Ese liderazgo mundial podría ser decisivo para reducir la magnitud de los problemas sanitarios y sociales asociados al consumo de esa sustancia.

En 1983, l’Assemblée mondiale de la Santé a déclaré que l’alcoolisme était l’un des principaux problèmes de santé dans le monde. Depuis, la consommation d’alcool a augmenté dans les pays en développement, et notamment en Asie. Les problèmes liés à l’alcool ont pris la dimension d’une épidémie dans les Etats successeurs de l’Union soviétique où la mortalité par cardiopathie due à une forte consommation prolongée surpasse largement la protection contre les cardiopathies coronariennes que peut conférer la consommation d’alcool en faible quantité. L’alcool est responsable de 3,5% des années de vie ajustées sur l’incapacité perdues dans le monde, et les pays en développement sont gravement touchés. De très nombreuses données confirment la relation qui existe entre les niveaux et les schémas de consommation d’alcool d’une part et l’incidence des problèmes liés à l’alcool d’autre part. Des recherches faites au cours de ces vingt dernières années ont démontré l’efficacité, pour combattre ou réduire les problèmes liés à l’alcool, des politiques publiques fondées, par exemple, sur la taxation, la limitation de l’accès à l’alcool, les mesures dissuasives destinées à prévenir les dommages causés par l’alcool et les interventions axées sur le refus de servir de l’alcool à certaines personnes. Il existe d’autres politiques prometteuses, notamment celles qui concernent la limitation de la publicité en faveur des boissons alcoolisées, les mises en garde apposées sur les bouteilles d’alcool, l’accès au traitement, les campagnes d’éducation du public, les contrôles de l’innocuité des produits et la limitation effective de la production et de la vente illicites d’alcool. La mondialisation rapide de l’économie a quelque peu affaibli un grand nombre de ces politiques aux niveaux national et infranational, et souvent les organisations internationales de financement et de développement y ont contribué. La contribution potentielle de la production industrielle de boissons alcoolisées au développement national a souvent été surestimée, tandis que les dangers de l’alcoolisme étaient passés sous silence. Les accords commerciaux internationaux ont eu tendance à traiter l’alcool comme une marchandise ordinaire, sans tenir compte de ses conséquences potentielles pour la productivité et la santé. L’OMS est bien placée pour diriger l’élaboration d’une politique mondiale de lutte contre l’alcoolisme composée d’un ensemble de principes et de stratégies applicables à l’action nationale et internationale destinée à réduire les problèmes liés à l’alcool. S’il est vrai que l’adoption des politiques relatives à la consommation d’alcool devrait en général intervenir aux niveaux national et infranational, et qu’il appartient à chaque pays et à chaque communauté de choisir ses propres politiques en fonction de sa culture et de ses valeurs locales, la prévention des problèmes liés à l’alcool doit être gérée au niveau mondial. L’OMS peut fournir les données statistiques et scientifiques qui étaieront des politiques efficaces de lutte contre l’alcoolisme, encourager la recherche sur les niveaux des problèmes et l’efficacité de diverses stratégies, recenser et renforcer les capacités de mise en œuvre des politiques nationales et infranationales les plus efficaces et établir des liens de collaboration avec d’autres organisations internationales pour prévenir les problèmes liés à la consommation d’alcool. En assumant ce rôle directeur mondial, l’OMS pourrait influer de façon déterminante sur l’action menée pour réduire l’ampleur des problèmes de santé et des problèmes sociaux associés à la consommation d’alcool.