Characterizing melanoma in the setting of oculocutaneous albinism: an analysis of the literature

Although it is established that individuals with albinism have increased risks for nonmelanoma skin cancers, melanomas occurring in the setting of albinism are rare. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for individual case reports describing melanoma in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). All published cases characterizing individuals with albinism and melanoma in the medical literature were gathered to evaluate any epidemiologic or histologic differences from melanomas arising in the general population. Frequencies of melanoma characteristics between the OCA literature cohort and general population were compared using Clopper-Pearson confidence intervals. From 1952 to 2018, at least 64 cases of melanoma in 56 individuals with albinism were reported in the global medical literature. The median age of diagnosis for melanoma in individuals with albinism was 41 years, and the median Breslow depth at diagnosis was 2.0 mm. The subtypes of melanoma were nodular in 33% and superficial spreading in 46% of these cases, respectively. Amelanotic melanomas comprised 65% of the cases in our OCA cohort; however, histologic subtypes were only available for fourteen of the amelanotic cases. Finally, 17% of melanomas in patients with albinism arose from preexisting lesions. Despite their rarity, melanomas arising in oculocutaneous albinism have distinct characteristics from melanomas arising in the general population. Clinicians should consider a differential diagnosis of melanoma for any potential skin malignancies in individuals with albinism.

An annotated checklist of the avifauna of Karangadu mangrove forest, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, with notes on the site’s importance for waterbird conservation

Avifaunal inventories are crucial to the formulation of conservation and management strategies for habitats and species. An annotated checklist of the birds of the Karangadu eco-tourism area located in the Palk Bay in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, was prepared. We listed a total of 107 species belonging to 18 orders and 40 families. Orders Charadriiformes, Suliformes, and Pelecaniformes dominated the habitat. Among the families, Scolopacidae (10 species) was dominant, followed by Ardeidae (9), and Laridae (8). In addition, the study also documented three globally ‘Near Threatened’ species: Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, and Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus. The observed frequency of the species was: 57% (61 spp.) common, 32.7% (35 spp.) uncommon, and 10.3% (11 spp.) rare. Categorization based on the residential status of birds revealed that 31% (33 spp.) were winter visitors, and one was a passage migrant (Rosy Starling Pastor roseus). These baseline data highlight the importance of Karangadu as an important site on the southeastern coast of India for migratory shorebird conservation priorities.

Novel study on improvement of plastics properties by blending of waste micro plastics into ABS plastics

Occupancy of waste micro plastic particles in the beach sand is found hazardous sea livings as well as creates the environmental issues. Many research attempts have been made to short out them. This investigation focuses on utilizing such micro plastic to produce cost effective ABS plasticproducts including toys manufacturing. The screened out micro plastic particles were chemically refined to obtain the pro form of Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS) and then they used (10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%and 25 wt%) with raw ABS plastic and prepared billets by injection moulding. The moulding parameters like melting temperature (230 °C, 240 °C, 250 °C and 260 °C), injection pressure (1300 bar, 1400 bar, 1500 bar and 1600 bar) and injection time (0.4s, 0.8s, 1.2s and 1.6s) to maximize the Impact, tensile and flexural strengths of proposed plastic with Taguchi method. The results reveal that 25% micro plastic reinforced specimen prepared at 250 °C, 1400 bar and 1.6s, is outperformed.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Transport of condensing droplets in Taylor-Green vortex flow in the presence of thermal noise

We study the role of phase change and thermal noise in particle transport in turbulent flows. We employ a toy model to extract the main physics: Condensing droplets are modelled as heavy particles which grow in size, the ambient flow is modelled as a two-dimensional Taylor-Green flow consisting of an array of vortices delineated by separatrices, and thermal noise are modelled as uncorrelated Gaussian white noise. In general, heavy inertial particles are centrifuged out of regions of high vorticity and into regions of high strain. In cellular flows, we find, in agreement with earlier results, that droplets with Stokes numbers smaller than a critical value, St<St_{cr}, remain trapped in the vortices in which they are initialized, while larger droplets move ballistically away from their initial positions by crossing separatrices. We independently vary the Péclet number Pe characterizing the amplitude of thermal noise and the condensation rate Π to study their effects on the critical Stokes number for droplet trapping, as well as on the final states of motion of the droplets. We find that the imposition of thermal noise, or of a finite condensation rate, allows droplets of St<St_{cr} to leave their initial vortices. We find that the effects of thermal noise become negligible for growing droplets and that growing droplets achieve ballistic motion when their Stokes numbers become O(1). We also find an intermediate regime prior to attaining the ballistic state, in which droplets move diffusively away from their initial vortices in the presence of thermal noise.

Global longitudinal strain predicts survival and response in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis. analysis of 915 patients from the ALchemy prospective trial

Background

Cardiac involvement determines prognosis in systemic AL amyloidosis. The extent is assessed by biomarker-based staging systems. This a prospective report of a large cohort of patients assessing the utility of changes in longitudinal function by 2D strain (GLS%), impairment - a hallmark of amyloidosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic role of GLS% and other echocardiographic parameters in systemic AL amyloidosis.

Methods

915 newly diagnosed patients seen at the UK National Amyloidosis Centre (February 2010–August 2017) were included. All patients underwent 6-monthly comprehensive assessments inclusive of echocardiogram. The European modification of the Mayo 2004 staging was used with Mayo stage III patients stratified into IIIa (NT-proBNP &lt;8500ng/L) and IIIb (NT-proBNP ≥8500ng/L).

Results

653/915 (71.4%) patients had cardiac involvement. Mayo stage 1, 2, 3a and 3b in 144 (15.7%), 302 (33.0%) 344 (37.6%) and 125 (13.7%) respectively. The median NT-proBNP was 2228ng/L and TNT was 0.54ng/ml. The GLS% significantly worsened with increasing Mayo stage (p&lt;0.0001 between GLS% for each Mayo stage). Poorer baseline GLS% associated with significantly worse OS and stratified patients into three groups: GLS% &lt;−12.8%: OS 69.1 months; GLS% −12.8% to −9%: OS 54.5 months; GLS% &gt;−9%: OS 45.3 months (p&lt;0.0001). On univariate analysis, 11/14 parameters predicted survival (LV wall thickness, LV ejection fraction, systolic velocities of the septal (s'sep) and lateral mitral annulus (s' lat), mitral annulus movement at the lateral corner (e' lat), transmitral early peak flow velocity (E) divided by tissue Doppler mitral annular motion velocity (e') – E/e' and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE)). Baseline GLS% &gt;−17% was independent of Mayo stage in predicting survival [Mayo II: Hazard ratio (HR) 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) p=0.02, Mayo III: HR 3.94 (95% CI: 2.13–7.32) p&lt;0.0001, Mayo IV: HR 7.49 (95% CI: 3.94–14.21) p&lt;0.0001, GLS &lt;17%: HR 2.14 (95% CI: 1.59–2.88) p&lt;0.0001]. At 12 months, only patients in a haematological complete response (CR) had significant improvement in overall GLS% (p=0.02) as well as baso-lateral (p=0.0004) and baso-septal (p=0.0001) GLS% and MAPSE (p=0.002). The OS was significantly better in patients who achieved a minimum absolute improvement in GLS% of 1.5% improvement (not reached in those with improved GLS% vs. 72 mo in those without) (p=0.034)).

Conclusion

These data show that baseline GLS% is an independent predictor of survival in AL amyloidosis. GLS% is the first functional marker that is independent of the Mayo staging in predicting outcomes and should be incorporated in prognostic staging for patients with AL amyloidosis. GLS% shows improvement in patients who achieve a complete haematologic response to treatment and improvement in GLS% of 1.5% is associated with improved outcomes. An absolute improvement in GLS% should be considered as a criterion for cardiac response in AL amyloidosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Long-acting pasireotide improves clinical signs and quality of life in Cushing's disease: results from a phase III study

PURPOSE

Cushing's disease (CD) is associated with significant clinical burden, increased mortality risk, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This analysis explored the effect of long-acting pasireotide on clinical signs of hypercortisolism and HRQoL in a large subset of patients with CD.

METHODS

In this phase III study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01374906), 150 adults with CD and a mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) level between 1.5 and 5.0 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) started long-acting pasireotide 10 or 30 mg every 28 days with dose increases/decreases permitted based on mUFC levels/tolerability (minimum/maximum dose: 5/40 mg). Changes in clinical signs of hypercortisolism and HRQoL were assessed over 12 months of treatment and were stratified by degree of mUFC control for each patient.

RESULTS

Patients with controlled mUFC at month 12 (n = 45) had the greatest improvements from baseline in mean systolic (- 8.4 mmHg [95% CI - 13.9, - 2.9]) and diastolic blood pressure (- 6.0 mmHg [- 10.0, - 2.0]). Mean BMI, weight, and waist circumference improved irrespective of mUFC control. Significant improvements in CushingQoL total score of 5.9-8.3 points were found at month 12 compared with baseline, irrespective of mUFC control; changes were driven by improvements in physical problem score, with smaller improvements in psychosocial score.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-acting pasireotide provided significant improvements in clinical signs and HRQoL over 12 months of treatment, which, in some cases, occurred regardless of mUFC control. Long-acting pasireotide represents an effective treatment option and provides clinical benefit in patients with CD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01374906.

Understanding Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19-Type Infections by Direct Numerical Simulations of Cough/Sneeze Flows

The transmission dynamics of highly contagious respiratory diseases like COVID-19 (through coughing/sneezing) is an open problem in the epidemiological studies of such diseases (Bourouiba, JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.4756. 2020). The problem is basically the fluid dynamics of a transient turbulent jet/puff with buoyancy, laden with evaporating droplets carrying the pathogen. A turbulent flow of this nature does not lend itself to reliable estimates through modeling approaches such as RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations) or other droplet-based models. However, direct numerical simulations (DNS) of what may be called "cough/sneeze flows" can play an important role in understanding the spread of the contagion. The objective of this work is to develop a DNS code for studying cough/sneeze flows by a suitable combination of the DNS codes available with the authors (developed to study cumulus cloud flows including thermodynamics of phase change and the dynamics of small water droplets) and to generate useful data on these flows. Recent results from the cumulus cloud simulations are included to highlight the effect of turbulent entrainment (which is one of the key processes in determining the spread of the expiratory flows) on the distribution of liquid water content in a moist plume. Furthermore, preliminary results on the temperature distribution in a "dry cough" (i.e., without inclusion of liquid droplets) are reported to illustrate the large spatial extent and time duration over which the cough flow can persist after the coughing has stopped. We believe that simulations of this kind can help to devise more accurate guidelines for separation distances between neighbors in a group, design better masks, and minimize the spread of respiratory diseases of the COVID-19 type.

Morphology-Dependent Photoelectrochemical and Photocatalytic Performance of γ-Bi₂O₃ Nanostructures

Simple one-step solvothermal route was used to synthesize γ-Bi₂O₃ nanostructures. Well-defined nanoflowers and finite nanorods surface morphology of the samples were revealed. The physical characterization and material confirmation was explored by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. The optical bandgap of about 2.71 and 2.72 eV was observed for nanoflower and nanorods, respectively. The highest specific surface area of 0.877 m²/g with mesoporous feature was reported for nanoflower sample. The improved photocurrent of 12.47 μA/cm² was observed for the nanoflower photoanode with lowest internal resistance and the highest stability over 3600 s, with 87% retention in photocurrent was estimated from chronoamperometry (CA) study. The effective methyl orange degradation of MO as 94% was investigated by nanoflower photocatalyst. The synthesis of metastable γ-Bi₂O₃ nanostructures with hierarchical morphology to adapt as an efficient photoanode for solar water splitting and pollutant degradation applications was reported.

BiVO₄ Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Solar Water Splitting Applications

We reported a simple and economical SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) assisted BiVO₄ solvothermal synthesis of BiVO₄ nanostructures. The implementation of pristine and SDS assisted BiVO₄ nanostructure as photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting was investigated. The good crystalline nature, defects present in the material, recombination nature and vibrational properties of the synthesized BiVO₄ nanostructures have been analyzed and confirmed by XRD, Raman, PL and FTIR studies. The constructed nanoflower oriented morphology combined with nanorods for SDS assisted BiVO₄ have been examined by SEM studies. The optical band gap differences were observed as 2.35 and 2.31 eV for pristine and SDS assisted BiVO₄ nanostructures respectively. The higher photocurrent density of 5.8 μA/cm² at 0.5 V versus RHE with lower flat band potential of -0.75 V revealed for SDS assisted BiVO₄ nanostructured photoanodes. Good conductivity, higher charge separation efficiency and 52% photocurrent retention under illumination was reported over 7200 s for the same efficient photoanode. These results suggested the substantial possibility of BiVO₄ nanostructures synthesized by using SDS surfactant could be utilized as efficient photoanodes for PEC water splitting applications.

Structure-Function Elucidation of a New α-Conotoxin, MilIA, from Conus milneedwardsi

The a-Conotoxins are peptide toxins that are found in the venom of marine cone snails and they are potent antagonists of various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Because nAChRs have an important role in regulating transmitter release, cell excitability, and neuronal integration, nAChR dysfunctions have been implicated in a variety of severe pathologies. We describe the isolation and characterization of α-conotoxin MilIA, the first conopeptide from the venom of Conus milneedwardsi. The peptide was characterized by electrophysiological screening against several types of cloned nAChRs that were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. MilIA, which is a member of the α3/5 family, is an antagonist of muscle type nAChRs with a high selectivity for muscle versus neuronal subtype nAChRs. Several analogues were designed and investigated for their activity in order to determine the key epitopes of MilIA. Native MilIA and analogues both showed activity at the fetal muscle type nAChR. Two single mutations (Met9 and Asn10) allowed for MilIA to strongly discriminate between the two types of muscle nAChRs. Moreover, one analogue, MilIA [∆1,M2R, M9G, N10K, H11K], displayed a remarkable enhanced potency when compared to native peptide. The key residues that are responsible for switching between muscle and neuronal nAChRs preference were elucidated. Interestingly, the same analogue showed a preference for α9α10 nAChRs among the neuronal types.

Understanding droplet collisions through a model flow: Insights from a Burgers vortex

We investigate the role of intense vortical structures, similar to those in a turbulent flow, in enhancing collisions (and coalescences) which lead to the formation of large aggregates in particle-laden flows. By using a Burgers vortex model, we show, in particular, that vortex stretching significantly enhances sharp inhomogeneities in spatial particle densities, related to the rapid ejection of particles from intense vortices. Furthermore our work shows how such spatial clustering leads to an enhancement of collision rates and extreme statistics of collisional velocities. We also study the role of polydisperse suspensions in this enhancement. Our work uncovers an important principle, which, if valid for realistic turbulent flows, may be a factor in how small nuclei water droplets in warm clouds can aggregate to sizes large enough to trigger rain.

A taxonomic review of the fish parasitic isopod family Cymothoidae Leach, 1818 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothooidea) of India

The parasitic isopod family Cymothoidae Leach, 1818 of the India exclusive economic zone is reviewed. A total of 56 nominal species corresponding to 48 valid species belonging to sixteen genera are reviewed from 73 host species belonging to 35 families. Mothocya plagulophora (Haller, 1880), Nerocila depressa Milne Edwards, 1840, Nerocila loveni Bovallius, 1887, Nerocila trichiura (Miers, 1877), Norileca triangulata (Richardson, 1910) and Ryukyua globosa Williams Bunkley-Williams, 1994 are redescribed. Indusa pustulosa Pillai, 1954 is synonymised with Agarna malayi Tiwari, 1952; Cymothoa krishnai Jayadev Babu Sanjeeva Raj, 1984 is synonymised with Cymothoa eremita (Brünnich, 1783) and Nerocila priacanthusi Kumari, Rao Shyamasundari, 1987 is synonymised with Nerocila arres Bowman Tareen, 1983. Ourozeuktes bopyroides (Lesueur, 1814) is revised and excluded from the Indian fauna. The Indian cymothoid species Agarna bengalensis Kumari, Rao Shaymasundari, 1990, Cymothoa asymmetrica Pillai, 1954 and Nerocila hemirhamphusi Shyamasundari, Rao Kumari, 1990 are regarded here as species inquirenda. A key to the Indian genera of the family Cymothoidae and keys to the Indian species of the genera Cymothoa, Joryma, Mothocya, and Nerocila are presented. A checklist of the valid Cymothoidae species until now reported from Indian marine fishes are compiled. Host preferences, morphological variability and distribution are discussed.

Low Surface Energy and pH Effect on SnO₂ Nanoparticles Formation for Supercapacitor Applications

The SnO₂ nanoparticles formation by hydrothermal method at different experimental conditions such as temperature, pH, reaction time, and capping agent (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide), was studied. X-ray diffraction results confirmed regular rutile crystal structure of SnO₂. The characteristic Raman peak observed at 635 cm^-1 corresponded to A_1g modes of Sn-O vibrations. The study of optical property using photoluminescence confirmed the emissive spectra of SnO₂. The infrared peak observed at 618 cm^-1 corresponded to E_u modes of Sn-O vibrations of TO phonon because of E_⊥ to c-axis. Scanning electron microscope images clearly revealed the formation of complete SnO₂ nanoparticles. The unique SnO₂ nanoparticles stacked together to form microspheres at pH-5 showed high specific capacitance of 274.8 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. The observed results confirmed the feasibility of SnO₂ nanoparticles being used as appropriate positive electrode candidate for supercapacitor applications.

Functional characterization of anti-cancer sphingolipids from the marine crab Dromia dehanni

Sphingolipids have been considered for many years only as structural components of membranes. It is now acknowledged that they are also involved in controlling cellular processes such as proliferation.The present work was designed to find the anticancer activity of the crab Dromia dehanni hemolymph in in-vivo and in vitro with special reference to the anticancer compound sphingolipids isolation and characterization. The active fraction of the purified hemolymph was subjected to NMR and ESI-MS/MS analysis. The ESI-MS/MS spectrum exhibited intense signals for sodiated molecular ions [M + Na]⁺ of sphingomyelins (SM) identified as N-2-O-Acetyl-12 pentadecenoyl sphingosine phosphorylcholine, N-9-eicosenoyl- sphinganine phosphocholine and the corresponding dehydro sphingomyelin, N-9-eicosenoyl- dehydro- sphinganine phosphocholine along with the ions at m/z 147, 184 characteristic of phosphocholine. The present study revealed D. dehaani might be a great source for the novel anti-cancer compounds which can be used for human benefits.

Application of marine-derived polysaccharides as immunostimulants in aquaculture: A review of current knowledge and further perspectives

The use of antibiotics in the feeds of cultivable aquatic animals has been generally practised to reduce infectious diseases as well as to improve the survival and growth. In recent years, many countries ban to aquatic animals due to the use of large amount of antibiotics and chemotherapies, thus alternative novel strategies are need to promote the growth of aquatic animals and control the pathogens. Dietary supplementation of marine-derived polysaccharides (MDPs) is one of the potential substitutes for antibiotics in aquatic animal feeds. Recently, the use of dietary MDPs in the aquaculture animals has been focused with much interest. In aquaculture, MDPs are used as prebiotic substance which is mostly accepted as a nutritional component for improving the growth performance and health conditions. Hence, present review is a comprehensive and an updated collection of available research reports on different MDPs (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan, laminarin, ulvan, galactan, agar, chitin and chitosan), route of administration, dosage and applications for improving aqua feeds with emphasis on its effects on growth, biochemical indices, immune response, gut microbiota and disease resistance of aquaculture animals. This review describes the sustainability of global aquaculture production by providing a best alternative to harmful antibiotics, thereby meeting the emerging consumer demand for antibiotic-free aquatic food products.

Extraction and characterization of chitin from sea snail Conus inscriptus (Reeve, 1843)

The chitin was extracted from C. inscriptus and the structure was elucidated. The yield of the C. inscriptus shell chitin was 21.65% on dry weight basis. The ash and moisture content of the chitin was 1.2 and 6.50%. The result of the molecular analysis of the chitin revealed low molecular weight (25 kDa). The crystalline structure (XRD), functional group (FT-IR), elemental analysis (EDAX), surface morphology (SEM) and thermal stability (TG/DTA) results confirmed conus chitin was in α-crystalline form. The crystalline index value (CrI) of the conus chitin was 82.13%. The FT-IR analysis of the conus chitin displayed two bands at around 1730 and 1628 cm^-1. SEM investigation of the commercial chitin and C. inscriptus chitin exposed that it was composed of nanopore and nanofibre structures. Further, the thermal stability of the conus chitin was close to the thermal stability of the commercial chitin. The results show that processing of C. inscriptus shell can lead to a high quality chitin, useful for a broad range of applications.

First record of the Gloiopotes huttoni (Thomson, 1890) (Copepoda: Caligidae) parasitic on the swordfish Xiphias gladius along the southeast coast of India

Parasitic copepods infect a large number of fishes. In particular, the family Caligidae (Crustacea) comprises more than 450 species worldwide, some of which are harmful to cultured and wild fishes. Recently, we found a parasitic copepod on the host swordfish Xiphias gladius (Xiphidae) in the coastal waters of Parangipettai, southeast coast of India. It was identified as Gloiopotes huttoni by its morphological features, and it belongs to the family Caligidae (order Siphonostomatoida). The swordfish was highly infected with about 72 caligids on a single host. Both male and female forms of G. huttoni were colonized on the beak of the swordfish and distributed mostly along the upper and lower jaws of the host, with 42 and 30 copepod parasites, respectively. Most of the copepods were ovigerous, and more females than males were recorded. It is the first record of the occurrence of G. huttoni in India.

A new species of deep-water spider crab of the genus Paramaya De Haan, 1837 from the Bay of Bengal, India (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majidae)

The identity of the majid species of Paramaya De Haan, 1837, in the Indian Ocean is clarified with the collection of fresh specimens from the Bay of Bengal. Previously identified as P.spinigera (De Haan, 1837) which is known only from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, the material from eastern India is here referred to a new species, P.mullisp. n. The new species can easily be distinguished from all congeners by its relatively shorter pseudorostral and carapace spines, more swollen branchial regions, distinctly granulated male thoracic sternum, and the G1 is not prominently curved with the dorsal projection on the sub distal part short and the tip rounded.

Redescription of Parilia alcocki Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason Alcock, 1891 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Leucosiidae) from southeast India

Parilia alcocki Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason Alcock, 1891, the type species of Parilia Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason Alcock, 1891, described from the Bay of Bengal, is one of the largest known leucosioid crabs, reaching carapace widths of over 50 mm. It is, however, not well known and its male gonopods have never been figured. A series of specimens of this species obtained from a fishing port in Tamil Nadu, India, allows for a comprehensive re-description and illustrations of the species. Its distinguishing characters from congeners are discussed.

A new large oregoniid spider crab of the genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, from the Bay of Bengal, India (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majoidea)

A new species of deep-water oregoniid spider crab of the genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, is described from the Indian Ocean. The species is distinct in possessing a prominently inflated carapace in which the median parts of the branchial regions almost meet. It can also be distinguished from its closest congeners, P.moseleyi (Miers, 1885), P.pungens (Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891), and P.ori Ahyong & Ng, 2007, in its more elongate and less spinose chelipeds and ambulatory legs, shorter third maxilliped, trapezoidal male pleon and a male first gonopod which is relatively stout with a short subdistal dorsal papilla.

Long-term treatment of Cushing's disease with pasireotide: 5-year results from an open-label extension study of a Phase III trial

BACKGROUND

Treating hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing's disease after failed surgery often requires chronic medication, underlining the need for therapies with favourable long-term efficacy and safety profiles.

METHODS

In a randomised, double-blind study, 162 adult patients with persistent/recurrent or de novo Cushing's disease received pasireotide. Patients with mean urinary free cortisol at/below the upper limit of normal or clinical benefit at month 12 could continue receiving pasireotide during an open-ended, open-label phase, the outcomes of which are described herein.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients received 5 years of pasireotide treatment. Among these, median (95% confidence interval) percentage change from baseline in mean urinary free cortisol was -82.6% (-89.0, -41.9) and -81.8% (-89.8, -67.4) at months 12 and 60. Eleven patients had mean urinary free cortisol ≤ upper limit of normal at month 60. Improvements in clinical signs were sustained during long-term treatment. The safety profile of pasireotide at 5 years was similar to that reported after 12 months. Fifteen of 16 patients experienced a hyperglycaemia-related adverse event; glycated haemoglobin levels were stable between months 6 and 60. Adverse events related to hyperglycaemia, bradycardia, gallbladder/biliary tract, and liver safety were most likely to first occur by month 6; adverse event severity did not tend to worsen over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This represents the longest prospective trial of a medical therapy for Cushing's disease to date. A subset of patients treated with pasireotide maintained biochemical and clinical improvements for 5 years, with no new safety signals emerging. These data support the use of pasireotide as an effective long-term therapy for some patients with Cushing's disease.

Occurrence, morphology and molecular characterisation of Bopyrid parasite Epipenaeon ingens Nobili, 1906 (Isopoda: Bopyridae)

Epipenaeon ingens occurs most commonly in Southeast Coast of India parasitized the penaeid shrimp. The present study provides the prevalence, morphological and molecular characterisation of E. ingens collected from the host Metapenaeopsis stridulans. In the present study highlights the significance of high prevalence and genetic diversity of E. ingens in M. stridulans. Intra specific analysis also revealed that E. ingens species detected in the present study can be easily distinguished from the other genospecies of bopyrids. Further application of this molecular tool to investigate the genetic variability among bopyrids detected in different hosts may facilitate our understanding of the significance of genetic diversity in relation to the infestation of bopyrid species in south coast of India.

High prevalence and infestation of Mothocya renardi (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) in marine fish Strongylura leiura (Bleeker 1850)

Cymothoid isopods are parasites that cause severe damage to the fish species. The present study was focused to carry out the parasitic infestation on the one of the important marine fish Strongylura leiura during the 2 years period between June 2009 and May 2011. 272 fish specimens collected and about 157 (57.72 %) fishes were infested by the cymothoid which were concealed under the gill arches of the host. Infested parasite was identified as Mothocya renardi. The prevalence rate of parasites during different seasons of the range of host specificity of isopods was studied. Variation of infestation rate also depends on the size, length and weight of the host. The sites of infestation by the parasitic crustaceans are highly specific. The infestation had affected the normal growth of the host fish and also probably leads the high levels of secondary infections.

Two Nerocila species parasitizing Pomadasys maculatus from Nagapattinam, Southeast coast of India

Two species of Cymothoidae (Nerocila loveni and Nerocila sundaica) were collected on the host fish Pomadasys maculatus from the Nagapattinam coast. Pomadasys maculatus is a new host for these parasitic isopods not previously recorded in the world. Nerocila loveni was mainly attached on the caudal peduncle of the fish and N. sundaica was collected from the pectoral fin and the body of the host. For N. loveni and N. sundaica, the prevalence reached 28.70 and 26.08 % respectively. One parasite was collected per host fish.

Parasitic isopods from marine fishes off Nagapattinam coast, India

This study was conducted from August 2013 to January 2014. Host fishes were collected from the Nagapattinam Coast, India. During the sampling period, 242 fishes were infested out of 1440 specimens examined from nine different species of marine fishes. A total of 267 parasitic isopods belonging to nine cymothoid species viz., Anilocra dimidiata (Bleeker 1857), Catoessa boscii (Bleeker 1857), Cymothoa indica (Schioedte and Meinert 1884), Joryma sawayah (Bowman and Tareen 1983), Nerocila arres (Bowman and Tareen 1983), N.loveni (Bovallius 1887) N. phaiopleura (Bleeker 1857), N. serra (Schioedte and Meinert 1881) and N.sundaica (Bleeker 1857) were collected. The Nerocila species were attached to the pectoral fin, the caudal peduncle and different regions of the body surface of the host fishes. The specimen belonging to the species Catoessa boscii, Cymothoa indica and Joryma sawayah were collected from the mouth and the branchial cavity of the infected fishes. Anilocra dimidiata was only found on the body surface of the host fish. The overall prevalence reached 16.80 %. A maximum prevalence was observed in C. boscii parasitizing Carangoides malabaricus (26.81 %) and a minimum prevalence in N. sundaica parasitizing Terapon puta (P = 7.31 %). The mean intensity ranged from 1 to 1.3.

Dynamics of circular arrangements of vorticity in two dimensions

The merger of two like-signed vortices is a well-studied problem, but in a turbulent flow, we may often have more than two like-signed vortices interacting. We study the merger of three or more identical corotating vortices initially arranged on the vertices of a regular polygon. At low to moderate Reynolds numbers, we find an additional stage in the merger process, absent in the merger of two vortices, where an annular vortical structure is formed and is long lived. Vortex merger is slowed down significantly due to this. Such annular vortices are known at far higher Reynolds numbers in studies of tropical cyclones, which have been noticed to a break down into individual vortices. In the preannular stage, vortical structures in a viscous flow are found here to tilt and realign in a manner similar to the inviscid case, but the pronounced filaments visible in the latter are practically absent in the former. Five or fewer vortices initially elongate radially, and then reorient their long axis closer to the azimuthal direction so as to form an annulus. With six or more vortices, the initial alignment is already azimuthal. Interestingly at higher Reynolds numbers, the merger of an odd number of vortices is found to proceed very differently from that of an even number. The former process is rapid and chaotic whereas the latter proceeds more slowly via pairing events. The annular vortex takes the form of a generalized Lamb-Oseen vortex (GLO), and diffuses inward until it forms a standard Lamb-Oseen vortex. For lower Reynolds number, the numerical (fully nonlinear) evolution of the GLO vortex follows exactly the analytical evolution until merger. At higher Reynolds numbers, the annulus goes through instabilities whose nonlinear stages show a pronounced difference between even and odd mode disturbances. Here again, the odd mode causes an early collapse of the annulus via decaying turbulence into a single central vortex, whereas the even mode disturbance causes a more orderly progression into a single vortex. Results from linear stability analysis agree with the nonlinear simulations, and predict the frequencies of the most unstable modes better than they predict the growth rates. It is hoped that the present findings, that multiple vortex merger is qualitatively different from the merger of two vortices, will motivate studies on how multiple vortex interactions affect the inverse cascade in two-dimensional turbulence.

Distribution of isopod parasites in Carangid fishes from Parangipettai, Southeast coast of India

Crustacean parasites absorb their nourishment directly from hosts for feeding. The present study was aimed at collecting information as possible on this so far neglected group of isopod parasites of the Carangid fishes of Parangipettai coastal environment. A very little information is available regarding the isopod parasites of Carangid fishes. In the present study six species of isopods belonging to 3 genera were found on four species of fishes. The distribution of Catoessa boscii is found throughout the year.

New record of Norileca indica from the west coast of India

Two hundred and twenty samples of Rastrelliger kanagurta from the Cochin Fisheries Harbour were collected during the month of August 2013. Forty-one specimens (32 females and 9 males) were parasitized by the cymothoid isopod Norileca indica. N. indica is recorded for the first time from the west coast of India.

Host-parasite relationships: Mothocya plagulophora parasitizing Hemiramphus far in the Southeast coast of India

Totally 384 Mothocya plagulophora were collected in the branchial cavities of Hemiramphus far from the Southeast coast of India during the study period (from July to September 2013). 204 parasites were found in the left branchial cavity and 180 in the right one. The maximum prevalence was observed in July 2013 and the minimum in September 2013. The intensity ranged from a minimum value (1.3) in July and August to a maximum (1.4) in September 2013. In most cases, the parasite was located between the second and the third branchial arch, attached either to the vomerine arch or to the internal wall of the branchial operculum.

Attitude of medical students towards occupational safety and health: a multi-national study

BACKGROUND

Work-related diseases contribute immensely to the global burden of diseases. Better understanding of attitudes of health care workers towards occupational safety and health (OSH) is important for planning.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the attitude of medical students towards OSH around the globe.

METHODS

A questionnaire assessing the attitude towards OSH was administered to medical and paramedical students of 21 Medical Universities across the globe. In the current study 1895 students, aged 18-36 years, from 17 countries were included. After having performed a principal components analysis, the associations of interest between the identified components and other socio demographic characteristics were assessed by multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis revealed 3 components. Students from lower and lower-middle-income countries had a more positive attitude towards OSH, but the importance of OSH was still rated higher by students from upper-income countries. Although students from Asian and African continents showed high interest for OSH, European and South-Central American students comparatively rated importance of OSH to be higher. Paramedical students had more positive attitude towards OSH than medical students.

CONCLUSION

The attitude of students from lower-income and lower-middle-income towards importance of OSH is negative. This attitude could be changed by recommending modifications to OSH courses that reflect the importance of OSH. Since paramedical students showed more interest in OSH than medical students, modifications in existing health care system with major role of paramedics in OSH service delivery is recommended.

Effect of the parasitic isopod, Catoessa boscii (Isopoda, Cymothoidae), a buccal cavity parasite of the marine fish, Carangoides malabaricus

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of isopod parasite Catoessa boscii (C. boscii) on Carangoides malabaricus (C. malabaricus).

METHODS

The host fish C. malabaricus infested by C. boscii were collected directly from the trawlers landed at Parangipettai coast during December 2008 to November 2009. Data regarding the total length, width, weight and sex of the host fish were recorded. Effect of infestation on C. malabaricus, the length and weight data were analysed and host specificity of isopods was also examined.

RESULTS

During the sampling period, 585 C. malabaricus were examined. Among them, 218 specimens were found to carry 243 parasites. Three pairs of isopods (one male with one female) were recorded from the host fish and each pair was attached to the tongue in the buccal cavity of the host. Another pair was also found where the male and male, female and female isopod had settled on the tongue in the buccal cavity. Gross lesions observed in the buccal cavity of infested fish showed small pin-holes in the tongue region, through which dactyls of pereopod's penetrating claws dig into the host tissues. The maximum weight loss was reported in females (5.43%) than in males (3.75%) of C. malabaricus. Due to infestation of different isopod parasites in both male and female fish, the effects on the length-weight relationship of C. malabaricus were compared. The rate of increased growth in weight in uninfested female fish was found to be higher than that of the infested. The weight gain is faster in uninfested fish than in the infested fish.

CONCLUSIONS

From the above mentioned observations, it is clear that the worst of fish on account of the infestation of isopods are the C. malabaricus succumbed to the attack of isopod parasites. Although, the infestation did not cause immediate death, it had affected the normal growth of the host fish.