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Changes in the nutritional quality of four varieties (148, 3541, CSH-1 and LYJ) of jowar (Sorghum vulgare) grains when stored for prolonged periods under household (Indian) conditions were studied. Storage in a gunny bag or a metal bin for six to ten months at ambient temperature and humidity caused the grains to be infested by the common household pest Tribolium castaneum. The variety LYJ was least infested despite storage for ten months suggesting its resistance to insect attack. A commercial mercury preservative failed to protect the susceptible varieties from insect attack. The protein quality of grains, gdnerally, remained unaffected by moderate insect infestation or storage per se. But high insect infestation (30%) caused a significant decrease in protein quality. Rats fed on diets based exclusively on jowar and small amounts of Bengal gram showed decreased growth of those rats fed grains from the most infested containers, but otherwise appeared normal. Blood haemoglobin, packed cell volume and liver vitamin A concentrations were similar in animals fed different diets. Liver histology was found to be normal in all animals. Insect-infested grains showed significant losses in total fat, mineral matter, thiamin and riboflavin.

Summary A number of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy devices are now available for clinical use. Recently, a new percutaneous dilational tracheostomy device, the ‘T‐Dagger™’ (Criticure Invasives, India), has been introduced for rapid bedside percutaneous tracheostomy. In a prospective preliminary study, we have performed percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) using the T‐Dagger™ in 20 adult ventilated patients in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new device. The T‐Dagger™ facilitated bedside PDT in about 3 min with no untoward incidents. There was no significant bleeding, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, tracheal wall injuries or difficulty in ventilation in any of the patients. We conclude that the T‐Dagger™ shows early promise in bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. However, controlled studies are required in a larger patient population before it can be recommended for routine use.

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