Introduction: Correlation of Pirani score and foot bimalleolar (FBM) angle has been used in few studies but correlation of FBM angle with ultrasonography has never been evaluated so they are being correlated in assessing the severity of clubfoot in neonates treated by Ponseti method. Material and Methods: Thirty-two feet with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformity in neonates were prospectively treated by the Ponseti method. FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were measured three times i.e. at the time of initial presentation, at four weeks of treatment and at completion of treatment. The feet were divided according to the Pirani score in groups: one (0-2.0), two (2.5-4) and three (4.5-6). Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were evaluated using Pearson correlation/regression. Results: Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound has the potential to accurately depict the pathoanatomy in clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasound are objective methods to assess the severity of clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasonography correlated in severity of deformity and correction achieved along the course of treatment.
Introduction: Restoration of a functional hand is the ultimate goal following a distal radius tumour resection. The early outcomes of mobile wrist reconstruction are satisfactory; however, long-term results are unpredictable due to late wrist instability and degenerative arthritis. Our aim is to compare mobile wrist reconstruction with wrist fusion (pan-carpal fusion) in our cohort of patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for functional outcomes of all patients who underwent resection for distal radius tumour and treated with either fusion or reconstruction of the wrist in a single institution from years 2000-2013 with a minimum of three years follow-up. Results: Eleven patients were included in the study, six of whom had wrist reconstruction with proximal fibula graft and the remaining five wrist fusion, with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score was 82.78%, ranging from 70% to 93.3%. Average grip strength compared to the normal contralateral hand was 60.0% for total wrist fusion, which was better than wrist reconstruction with 58.07%. There was no difference in the functional outcome between fusion and mobile reconstruction in our study. Osteoarthritis changes and subluxation of the wrist joint were the most common findings in the long-term follow-up for this group. Conclusion: There was no difference in the functional outcome of the long-term follow-up between the two groups.
Introduction: Ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique provides high union rate with the added benefits of early weight-bearing, and the unique advantage of its ability to promote regeneration of soft tissue around the bone, including skin, muscle and neuro-vascular structures, and its versatility to allow correction of the position of the foot by adjusting the frame post-operatively as needed. We describe our experience with this technique and the functional outcomes in our patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 20 ankle fusion cases using the Ilizarov method between the years 2007 and 2017. We defined success in treatment by loss of preoperative symptoms and radiological union on plain radiographs of the ankle. Results: Fusion was achieved in all patients (100%). Immediate post-operative ambulation was with full weight bearing (FWB) in 16 (83%) of the participants and non-weight bearing (NWB) in 3 patients (17%). Post-procedure 11 patients (67%) of the participants who were full weight bearing required some form of support for walking for 2-3 weeks. Post-operatively three patients had pin tract infection requiring intravenous antibiotics. Radiological union took range of 6-12 weeks, mean union time was 8 weeks. Only one patient required bone grafting due to bone loss. Average follow-up period was 10-45 months. Conclusion: The Ilizarov technique has a high union rate and leads to general favourable clinical outcome and may be considered for any ankle arthrodesis but is especially useful in complex cases such as for revisions, soft-tissue compromise, infection and in patients with risk for non-union. Early weight bearing is an extra benefit.
Introduction: Early diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) is essential to prevent significant functional disability. There is no single test for diagnosis. Despite an array of investigations available, definitive diagnosis at early stage before starting antitubercular drugs is still a challenge. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between February 2016 and October 2017. All children less than 18 years of age with suspected osteoarticular tuberculosis were included. The cases were subjected to simple needle aspiration from whichever site was accessible. Multiple sample aspirations were done at site of involvement. Smears were prepared from the aspirated material. Results: Ziehl-Neelsen staining for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) showed deep pink red rods under light microscopy. Features suggestive of tuberculosis can be seen by May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining. Auramine-O staining method of detecting AFB under fluorescent microscope shows the bacilli as greenish yellow slender curved rods in dark background. Fluorescent microscopy has higher sensitivity and comparable specificity. In our study, microbiological confirmation of OATB could be done in 100% cases where the lesion could be accessed for aspiration. The molecular techniques are relatively more expensive and not available everywhere. Conclusion: Meticulous search for AFB in a well stained smear using three different staining methods provides a direct evidence of infection over costly imaging especially in poor patients seen in resource limited settings.
Introduction: Plating in distal tibia fractures are associated with higher rate of soft tissue complications. As adequate soft tissue cover is available over anterolateral surface of the tibia, use of anterolateral plate fixation in distal tibia fractures has increased. The purpose of our research is to evaluate the outcomes of anterolateral locking plate fixation in distal tibia fractures using ORIF. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 25 patients, who had distal tibia fractures and underwent open reduction and anterolateral plating. Bone and soft tissue healing and complications encountered were analysed. Result: Full weight bearing was allowed at an average of 5.4 months (range: 3-12 months) after seeing radiological union. We have observed superficial wound infection in four cases. Two cases had marginal necrosis, two cases had sensory disturbance over dorsolateral aspect of foot and two cases had delayed non-union. Mean length of surgical incision was 9cm (range: 5-12 cm). Conclusion: Open reduction internal fixation of distal tibia fractures with anterolateral plating is a reliable way of fracture fixation and stabilisation with proper surgical technique and aseptic precautions.
Acquired radial clubhand deformity can be a consequence of large bone gap left by premature extensive radius osteomyelitis sequestrectomy. Single-bone forearm reconstruction is a salvage procedure when other motion-preserving techniques are not feasible. Here we present a child who developed radial clubhand deformity after an untimely sequestrectomy of radius diaphysis. In view of limited microsurgical expertise in our centre, single-bone forearm procedure was done utilising simple Kirshner wires to achieve radio-ulnar fusion. The procedure resulted in pain-free stable wrist, restoration of hand function and improved cosmesis.
Disc herniation is one of most common causes of spine surgery. Because of the presence of posterior longitudinal ligaments, disc fragments often migrate into the ventral epidural space. A posterior epidural herniation of a disc fragment is a rare occurrence. We report two cases of posterior migrated disc fragments, with, radiological and clinical findings. Because of the rarity of a posterior migration of the intervertebral disc fragments, a differential diagnosis can be challenging. This painful syndrome associated with neurological lower limb deficits can be confused initially, with other posterior epidural space-occupying lesions such as tumours, abscess or hematomas. A gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan is the gold standard for a correct diagnosis. Early surgical decompression of the spine with a posterior approach remains the optimal technique in ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.
Giant cell tumour (GCT) is a benign tumour but can be locally aggressive and with the potential to metastasise especially to the lungs. Successful treatments have been reported for long bone lesions; however, optimal surgical and medical treatment for spinal and sacral lesions are not well established. In treating spinal GCTs, the aim is to achieve complete tumour excision, restore spinal stability and decompress the neural tissues. The ideal surgical procedure is an en bloc spondylectomy or vertebrectomy, where all tumour cells are removed as recurrence is closely related to the extent of initial surgical excision. However, such a surgery has a high complication rate, such as dura tear and massive blood loss. We report a patient with a missed pathological fracture of T12 treated initially with a posterior subtraction osteotomy, who had recurrence three years after the index surgery and subsequently underwent a three level vertebrectomy and posterior spinal fusion.
Hip geometry abnormalities found in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) could promote premature hip joint degeneration which needs treatment. We report the case of a 45-year old male with right hip arthrosis who underwent two-incision minimally invasive (MIS-2) total hip arthroplasty (THA), with satisfactory outcome. This technique could be an alternative approach for performing THA in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses.
MeSH terms: Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary; Hip; Hip Joint; Humans; Joint Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
The mechanical properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based membranes for ultrafiltration, such as oil-water separation and heavy metals from water, are often characterised in the dry state but little is known about the membrane properties in the hydrated state. This dataset comprised mechanical properties and structure-related properties of electrospun PAN-based membranes. The mechanical dataset described the yield strength and strain, stiffness, resilience energy, fracture strength, strain at fracture and fracture toughness of electrospun neat PAN and halloysite nanotube (HNT) reinforced PAN membranes in both hydrated and dry states. The data related to the hydrated state were derived from direct measurements of the mechanical properties of the PAN-based membrane using a novel environmental micromechanical tester. The structure-related dataset comprised electron micrographs and quantitative measurements (fibre diameter and pore diameter) derived from the micrographs. For further interpretation and discussion of the dataset, the reader is referred to the research data article, "Direct measurement of the elasticity and fracture properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/halloysite fibrous mesh in water" (Govindasamy et al., 2014).
Metabolic regulation is important during seed germination for the establishment of seedling. The germination strategy of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) seed is thought to be unique due to its recalcitrant characteristic (sensitive to coldness and drying). To investigate the metabolic changes during seed germination, we performed metabolomics analysis on germinating mangosteen seed sown after zero, one, three, five, seven and nine days. Sampled mangosteen seeds were subjected to methanol extraction prior analysis using Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS). MS data were further analyzed using ProfileAnalysis (version 2.1). This is one of the earliest reports in metabolite identification and profiling of mangosteen seed at different germination stages. This data article refers to the article entitled "Metabolite profiling of mangosteen seed germination highlights metabolic changes related to carbon utilization and seed protection" (Mazlan et al., 2019) [1].
MeSH terms: Methanol; Biological Phenomena; Carbon; Chromatography, Liquid; Desiccation; Seeds; Germination; Garcinia mangostana; Seedlings; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Metabolomics
This paper provides data and information on Beirut Arab University׳s existing old building in Lebanon. The building was primarily designed to resist gravity loads only, with no attention to seismic or lateral load effects. The data shows that there is a need to improve the conditions of the existing old building by applying new features that function as seismic capacity resistance. The first feature was applied by adding RC-shear walls to the existing building, and the second feature was by implementing concentric steel bracing at the peripheral face of the building. In this article, a set of critical parameters to identify the seismic design of buildings was associated in this data. The parameters were described in terms of dynamic properties as follows: (a) natural fundamental period, (b) mode shapes, (c) torsional irregularity, (d) stiffness and ductility, and (e) plastic hinges formation. Particularly, the estimated cost analysis of added materials plays an important role in choosing the suitable retrofitting technique for old buildings.
Presently, tissue engineering approaches have been focused toward finding new potential scaffolds with osteoconductivity on bone-disease-affected cells. This work focused on the cisplatin (CDDP)-loaded graphene oxide (GO)/hydroxyapatite (HAP)/chitosan (CS) composite for enhancing the growth of osteoblast cells and prevent the development of osteosarcoma cells. The prepared composites were characterized for the confirmation of composite formation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. A flowerlike morphology was observed for the GO/HAP/CS-3/CDDP composite. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to observe the controlled release of CDDP from the GO/HAP/CS-3/CDDP composite, and 67.34% of CDDP was released from the composite over a time period of 10 days. The GO/HAP/CS-3/CDDP nanocomposites showed higher viability in comparison with GO/HAP/CS-3 on MG63 osteoblast-like cells and higher cytotoxicity against cancer cells (A549). The synthesized composite was found to show enhanced proliferative, adhesive, and osteoinductive effects on the alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblast-like cells. Our results suggested that the CDDP-loaded GO/HAP/CS-3 nanocomposite has an immense prospective as a bone tissue replacement in the bone-cancer-affected tissues.
This research work was executed to determine chemical composition, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial potential of the essential oils extracted from the leaves and stem of Daphne mucronata Royle. From leaves and stem oils fifty-one different constituents were identified through GC/MS examination. The antioxidant potential evaluated through DPPH free radical scavenging activity and %-inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The stem's essential oil showed the good antioxidant activity as compared to leaves essential oil. Results of Antimicrobial activity revealed that both stem and leaves oils showed strong activity against Candida albicans with large inhibition zone (22.2 ± 0.01, 18.9 ± 0.20 mm) and lowest MIC values (0.98 ± 0.005, 2.44 ± 0.002 mg/mL) respectively. Leaves essential was also active against Escherichia coli with inhibition zone of 8.88 ± 0.01 mm and MIC values of 11.2 ± 0.40 mg/mL. These results suggested that the plant's essential oils would be a potential cradle for the natural product based antimicrobial as well as antioxidant agents.
Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) is a medicinal plant of Southeast Asia. As a result of its opioid-like effects, it remains unknown whether consumption of kratom tea is associated with impaired cognitive function. We assessed the cognitive function of 70 regular kratom users and 25 control participants using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Participants performed six neuropsychological tasks that assessed motor, learning and memory, attention and executive function. Relative to control participants, higher consumption (>3 glasses daily or mitragynine doses between 72.5 mg and 74.9 mg) of kratom tea was selectively associated with impaired performance on the Paired Associates Learning task, reflecting deficits in visual episodic memory and new learning. Overall, the performance of kratom users compared to control participants, and the performance of high (>3 glasses per day) as well as low (≤3 glasses per day) kratom using groups, were comparable on all neuropsychological domains. Higher intake of kratom juice (>3 glasses daily) did not appear to impair motor, memory, attention or executive function of regular kratom users.
Clinacanthus nutans is the native medicinal herbs that grow in tropical climate, mainly can be found in Malaysia and Thailand. Clinacanthus nutans is used to boost immunity and for detoxification. It is claiming to promote bowel movement and other health promotions, such as skin care, diuresis and cancer (such as lung, ovary, uterine, prostate, nasopharyngeal and breast). This study focused on the effects of solvents towards antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of C. nutans (Belalai Gajah/ Sabah Snake Grass) leaves and stems. Freeze-dried leaves and stems were homogenized before testing its antimicrobial properties. The 70% acetone (Merck, Germany) was prepared by dissolving fine powder of C. nutans in 1:10 solvent ratio with 70% acetone using ultrasonic extraction for 1 h in an ultrasonic bath (Soniclean, Thebarton, Australia). Ten bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella boydii, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidemidis) and four fungi (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus stolonifer and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used in the antimicrobial study employing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microcidal concentration (MMC) methods. The data obtained were statistically analysed using SPSS Inc. Version 22 (Chicago, USA). The MIC values of acetone extracts for the selected bacteria and fungi ranged between 6.25 – 100.00 mg/ mL while the MMC values of acetone extracts for the selected bacteria and fungi were between 25.00 - >100.00 mg/ mL. Recommendation on phytochemicals investigation should be conducted to determine the potential of compounds toward antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The purpose of the current study was to isolate and identify subclinical mastitis causing bacteria from milk samples of dairy goats. The milk samples from individual dairy goats were collected from several dairy goat farms around Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Major bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus spp. (73.2%). Coagulase negative staphylococci encompassing 68.3% of the isolates, whereas 4.9% was coagulase positive staphylococci. Bacillus spp. constituted 12.2% out of the isolates. Listeria spp. and Neisseria spp. both were represented 7.3%. There is a need to discuss the potential hazards of these bacteria in affecting milk quality, health of goats and food safety to consumers. The findings also emphasize the need to study the exact species of bacteria isolated in order to plan for their prevention as well as to assist veterinarians in prescribing correct antibiotic therapy.
Implication of drying techniques in preservation of fruit juice has huge advantage in quality control and packaging sector. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of drying techniques and maltodextrin concentrations on physicochemical attributes of pink guava powder. Pink guava puree was dried at -110ºC and 0.001 mbar by freeze drying and at 170ºCinlet air temperature and 350 ml/hr feed flow rate by spray drying with 10-20% maltodextrin concentration (MDC). The drying methods (DM) and MDC had significant effect on powder properties. Spray drying was more effective reducing the moisture content and water activity to 2.86% and 0.377, respectively, whereas, freeze drying was more suitablein the retention of color, lycopene and vitamin C. Spray drying was more economic method compared to freeze drying. Overall, spray-dried pink guava powder produced with 20% MDC had better quality than that of freeze-dried powder in terms of lowest moisture content (2.17%), lowest water activity (0.33), highest glass transition temperature (215ºC), less electricity and time consumption, anda moderate retention of lycopene and vitamin C.
Taking into account the many cases of malnutrition related deaths in especially sub-Saharan Africa, the current research effort was conceived with the objective of appraising the nutritive potential of Moringa oleifera L. plant through the evaluation of proper agronomic practice that will enhance its nutritive potential. Measured quantity of dried roots, stem, and leaves portions of 5 months old Moringa oleifera L. seedlings, grown under various applied phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) rates were analysed for essential and non-essential amino acids content, total antioxidants, secondary metabolites (phenolics and flavonoids), and mineral nutrient elements. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of 9 essential and 7 non-essential amino acids, with a range of 4.24 to 10.04 gkg-1 recorded for leucine, threonine, histidine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. The 2,2ꞌ- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay revealed strong antioxidants presence (up to 68% DPPH scavenging activity and a high level FRAP potential of 2500 mg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) / 100g dry weight (DW). Folin-Ciocalteu’s and aluminium chloride calorimetric assay revealed high levels of secondary metabolites (ranging from 1000 to 1350 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100g DW total phenolics and up to 2400 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/1mg DW total flavonoids), and the nitric acid wet digestion procedure revealed a lot of mineral nutrient elements (with significant values of up to 19.13 g kg-1 maximum content acquired from calcium (Ca) and up to 9.90 g kg-1 recorded for iron (Fe). These nutritive components are noted to be highest in the leaves portion, followed by the roots, and then the stem parts. Based on its recognised rich base nutritive content, Moringa oleifera L. is a tree plant of nutraceuticals importance for impoverished communities.
Temperature management is the most important tool to extend shelf-life and indirectly delay losses of quality parameters in vegetables during postharvest storage. Quality losses are enhanced by use of improper packaging material, extended storage, higher temperatures, low relative humidity, physical damage and chilling injuries. Packaging helps to keep food from drying out and to preserve nutritive values, flavour, texture and colour. Broccoli and cauliflower stored at inappropriate temperature and humidity would easily deteriorate as they are highly perishable. Most of the time, domestic consumers store these vegetables under common refrigerated conditions with or without packaging until being used for consumption. The quality deterioration of these vegetables occurs rapidly in both situations. Thus the aim of this research was to determine the effect of different types of packaging including plastic bag, cling film (shrink wrap) and white paper on the quality parameters including antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and colour of fresh-cut broccoli and cauliflower at chilled temperature 8-10°C for 21 days. Fresh-cut broccoli was found to contain higher amount of total phenolic content (274 mg/100g) and antioxidant activity (179 mg/100g) compared to cauliflower that has total phenolic content (137 mg/100g) and antioxidant activity (163 mg/100g). Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of broccoli and cauliflower that was packed with plastic bag, shrink wrap and paper decreased after 21 days of storage. Yellowing in broccoli significantly increased, reflecting the b* values, from 6.9 (control) to 29.89 (cling film), 23.2 (paper) and 24.99 (plastic bag), respectively. Darkening in cauliflower also significantly increased, reflecting the L* values, from 65.07 (control) to 87.43 (plastic bag), followed by shrink wrap, and paper which was 86.51 and 84.69, respectively, after 21 days. Among the three types of packaging materials, white paper was efficient to maintain the quality (based on colour, antioxidant and total phenolic compounds).