Suresh Gupta

Efficiency of SCNT Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos in Different Culture Medium and Analysis of mRNA Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factors During Embryogenesis

Growth factors in culture media are known to affect the embryo production rates in in vitro production cultures. To improve the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) derived embryos in Indian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), embryos were cultured in three different culture mediums viz. Group-A; TCM-199 + FBS, Group-B; TCM-199 + Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and Group-C; CR1aa + BSA. Embryo production rate and expression level of insulin-like growth factor genes (IGF-1, IGF-1R, IGF-2 and IGF-2R) were analysed in embryo culture. Cleavage and blastocyst production rates were 62.5% and 22.3% in Group-A, 53.8% and 13.0% in Group-B and 62.0% and 19.2% in Group-C respectively, whereas in in vitro fertilization (IVF) control cultured in TCM-199 plus 10% FBS, rates were 79.1% and 29.4%. Relative gene expression of SCNT embryos was compared with that in IVF control. IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA expression at blastocyst stage was up-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in all culture groups, while IGF-1R and IGF-2R expression was down regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in Group-B and Group-C. In conclusion, the higher mRNA levels at certain stages in different culture conditions affected in vitro development of SCNT embryos. These results show that the transcript level of the insulin-like growth factor genes was significantly altered by in vitro culture condition. Culture medium TCM-199 with 10% FBS produced higher number of embryos and was able to co-op with gene expression of IVF control. Differences continue to be observed between SCNT cultured and IVF embryos, and until these differences are minimized, aberrations in SCNT embryonic development will continue to arise.

Disposable diapers: Safe and effective

Nappy rash is a common problem in infants due to their thinner skin, wetness, heat and friction under cloth nappy, fecal enzymes and alkaline urine. The disposable diapers containing Super Absorbent Material (SAM) reduce the incidence of nappy rash. SAM quickly absorbs urine and keeps the skin dry. Also disposable diapers prevent fecal contamination by absorbing the urine and containing stools.

Boiling heat transfer from a PTFE coated heating tube to alcohols

This paper presents an investigation on nucleate pool boiling of alcohols on a 21 μm thick polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated brass heating tube at atmospheric and subatmospheric pressures. The alcohols are methanol, ethanol and isopropanol. Boiling characteristics on such a surface are compared with those on an uncoated one. Augmentation of boiling heat transfer coefficient due to coating of PTFE is a function of heat flux and pressure. Data analysis yields a criterion for the augmentation of heat transfer coefficient for the boiling of alcohols on a PTFE coated heating tube.

Autism and Allergy – Are They Linked?

Abbreviations ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ASD Autism Spectrum Disorders BBB Blood Brain Barrier DSM5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition EEG Electroencephalogram IgE Immunoglobulin E IL InterLeukin IU International Units MC Mast cell mg milligram ml milliliter MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging SPT Skin Prick Test Th cells T helper cells TNF Tumor Necrosis Factor

Correction to: Common Pediatric Medical Emergencies in Office Practice

The published online version contains an inadvertent error. On page 8, under the heading “Approach to a Child with Trauma” there is a box with “Primary Survey & Resuscitation”.

Pediatric Practice on Parents’ Presentation: ARM Luthful Kabir (ed)

The blue cover of the book with a sketch of parents with a child reflect the theme and concept of this work. This book spread over 900 pages is distinct and different and stands out in the crowd with its unique way to deal with this subject. The book addresses the constellations of symptoms with which children are brought by their parents to the pediatricians. The approach seems to be more true-life, practical and pragmatic at the same time. The book has 74 scenarios which are explained with 182 real case examples. The addition of 536 pictures makes this book very interesting and engaging. The tabular format along with cluster clues as highlighter, makes it decipherable and user friendly. Through the 74 scenario, the author discusses the common differential diagnosis along the line of history, physical examination and investigations. Though the content of the book reflects the childhood disease pattern and cultural background of Bangladesh, however a similar pattern is seen in South East Asia including India. So the manuscript seems to be useful for Indian pediatricians too. A significant emphasis has been placed on growth monitoring and parental counseling. The author has also included art of history taking and physical examination along with growth charts, immunization; schedule and nutritional advice. The book has limited itself to initial treatment and the detailed management protocols need to be taken care of. Though the book is humbly priced at 20

Lymphangioma of mesentery in a child: a case report.

but its weight (2 kg) may make it difficult to carry everywhere. Overall it is a useful resource for pediatricians while working in indoor wards, emergency or office practice.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Summary and ConclusionA case of lymphangioma of the mesentery in 2 3-year-old boy is presented. Regarding the aetiopathogenesis, consensus of opinion is that these are hamartomatous malformations. Most of the cases present with pain and swelling in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Intravenous pyelograms and barium meal studies may help in establishing the diagnosis. Simple enucleation if possible should be done. Resection with anastomosis may be required in some cases.