Examples of dynamic chirality in nuclei

In many cases the chirality was almost observed but the transition probabilities are different. This fact is clearly seen in the cases of 134Pr and 102Rh. In the case of chirality, the yrast and the side bands should be nearly degenerate. In the angular momentum region where chirality sets, the B(E2) values of the electromagnetic transitions deexciting analog states of the chiral twin bands should be almost equal. Correspondingly the B(M1) values should exhibit staggering. Our lifetime measurements in the cases of 134Pr and 102Rh and the theoretical analysis do not support static chirality. Chirality has mainly a dynamical character in both nuclei. In the present paper, we compare our results with the results for other chiral candidate nuclei, which fulfill static chirality conditions.

Comparative Effects of Buprenorphine and Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine Spinal Anaesthesia in Elderly Male Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Prostrate: A Randomized Prospective Study

Background and Aims

Transurethral resection of the prostate is a commonly performed urological procedure in elderly men with spinal anaesthesia being the technique of choice. Use of low-dose spinal anesthetic drug with adjuvants is desirable. This study compares the sensorimotor effects of addition of buprenorphine or dexmedetomidine to low-dose bupivacaine.

Methods

Sixty patients were randomly allocated to three different groups. All received 1.8 mL 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally. Sterile water (0.2 mL) or buprenorphine (60 μg) or dexmedetomidine (5 μg) was added to control group (Group C), buprenorphine group (Group B), and dexmedetomidine group (Group D), respectively. Time to the first analgesic request was the primary objective, and other objectives included the level of sensory-motor block, time to two-segment regression, time to S₁ sensory regression and time to complete motor recovery. ANOVA and post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

All sixty patients completed the study. Postoperative analgesia was not required in the first 24 h in a total of 10 (50%), 12 (60%) and 15 (75%) patients in groups C, B, and D, respectively. Time to S₁ regression was 130 ± 46 min (Group C), 144 ± 51.3 min (Group B) and 164 ± 55.99 min (Group D), P = 0.117. Time to complete motor recovery was 177 ± 56.9 min (Group C), 236 ± 60 min (Group B) and 234 ± 61.71 min (Group D), P < 0.001.

Conclusion

Addition of buprenorphine (60 μg) or dexmedetomidine (5 μg) to intrathecal bupivacaine for transurethral resection prolongs the time to the first analgesic request with comparable recovery profile.

Transitions in mesocarp colour of mango fruits kept under variable temperatures

The impact of variable temperatures on mesocarp colour development and physico-chemical changes of mango fruits cv. Langra during ripening has been investigated. Physiological mature mango fruits were kept in temperature regulated chambers (20 and 25 °C) and at room temperature (29.8-33.6 °C). Progress in development of mesocarp colour, β-carotene, sensory quality (SQ) and total soluble solids (TSS) content of fruits were analysed periodically from 48 to 168 h of ripening period. The progress of ripening period was accompanied by an overall increase in colorimetric value redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma or saturation (C*), a reduction in lightness (L*) and hue angle (h⁰) values. Colour development was found to be more in fruits ripened at higher temperatures than the fruits at lower temperature. β-carotene content of pulp improved with ripening of fruits up to 120 h of ripening period. Fruits ripened at 25 °C recorded maximum sensory quality score. Pearson's correlation matrix studies revealed that fruit mesocarp colour a*, b*, C* values were directly correlated with β-carotene, SQ and TSS with progress of ripening period.

Chikungunya outbreak in Delhi, India, 2016: report on coinfection status and comorbid conditions in patients

Chikungunya fever is a major public health issue in India affecting billions. After 2010, the infection was in a decline until in 2016, when a massive outbreak affected the country. In this report, we present serologic and molecular investigations of 600 patient samples for chikungunya and dengue viruses along with clinical and comorbidity features. We recruited 600 patients during this outbreak and evaluated them for chikungunya and dengue virus antibodies and virus RNA through IgM, NS1 antigen and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We further evaluated Zika virus RNA by qPCR. Additionally, we documented all clinical and comorbid features that were observed during the outbreak in the hospital. We report a total incidence rate of 58% of chikungunya during the outbreak in our hospital. Within the recruited patients, 70% of the patients were positive for chikungunya virus IgM whereas 24.17% were positive by qPCR. None of the samples was positive for Zika virus RNA. Additionally, coinfection of dengue and chikungunya was seen in 25.33% of patients. Analysis of clinical features revealed that 97% of patients had restricted movements of the joints with other features like swelling, itching and rashes of varying severity observed. Twelve patients presented with comorbid conditions, and two fatalities occurred among these comorbid patients. The high incidence of coinfection in the current outbreak warrants implementation of routine testing of both chikungunya and dengue virus in suspected patients for better patient management. The post-acute phase complications reported in the hospitals require in-depth studies to understand the actual impact of the current outbreak.

Deranged regulatory T-cells and transforming growth factor-β1 levels in type 1 diabetes patients with associated autoimmune diseases

Aim:

This study was designed to enumerate regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and estimate transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients with respect to disease duration and associated autoimmune diseases.

Methods:

One hundred and fifty patients and twenty healthy controls were recruited in the study. The patients were subcategorized into eight categories on the basis of disease duration (new onset [NO] and long standing [LS]) and associated diseases, i.e., celiac disease (CD) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AiTD). Treg cells were assessed as CD4⁺ CD25^hi+, FOXP3⁺ cells and serum TGF-β1 levels were assessed by ELISA.

Results:

The frequency of Tregs and levels of TGF-β1 were significantly increased in the patients compared to the healthy controls. Among the different categories of the patients, no significant differences were seen for TGF- β1 levels, but for Tregs in patients with T1D and AiTD (P = 0.035). A significant correlation was also found between percentage count of Tregs and TGF-β1 levels in NO cases in all disease subcategories, but not in LS patients.

Conclusion:

Thus, there was an increased percentage of Tregs and serum levels of TGF-β1 in T1D patients, irrespective of the disease duration and associated autoimmune diseases. The significant correlation in these two parameters at the onset of the disease, but not in LS disease, indicates that the immunological milieu in LS autoimmune diseases is more complicated with disease-associated conditions such as prolonged hyperglycemia, insulin therapy, and/or continued gluten in diet. Treatment and modulation of these long-term complications for improving immunological parameters require further research.

Physico-chemical changes during progressive ripening of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari under different temperature regimes

The effect of different temperature regimes on ripening quality of mango cv. Dashehari was investigated. Fruits were kept at 20, 25 °C in temperature controlled chambers and at room temperature. Fruits were analyzed periodically for physico-chemical characteristics after every 24 h interval up to 168 h of ripening period. Development of soluble solid contents (SSC), flesh softening and physiological loss of weight of fruits occurred progressively during ripening. Progression of ripening changes in fruit were found to be less at 20 and 25 °C than at room temperature. β-carotene content of pulp improved with ripening but declined after 144 h. Sensory quality (SQ) of mangoes ripened at lower temperature maintained for longer duration and were more acceptable than fruits ripened at room temperature. Pearson's correlation matrix studies showed the inverse relationship of quality parameters SSC, β-carotene and SQ with firmness and titratable acidity during progressive ripening of fruits. Further, principal component analysis for extensive view of changes in quality parameters and their contribution to overall variability revealed that sensory quality (F1) contributed to maximum variation in ripening indices of fruit.

Topoisomerase I and II Inhibitors: A Patent Review

BACKGROUND

Topoisomerases are a set of nuclear enzymes that play a vital role in handling of topological consequences of DNA during various genetic activities necessary for vitality of cell. Inhibition of these enzymes consequently leads to the blockage of ligation step of the cell cycle which generates single and double strand breakage in DNA strand. Introduction of these breaks subsequently leads to programmed cell death (Apoptosis).

OBJECTIVE

In the past several years, topoisomerases have become one of the most expedient and strategic molecular targets for anticancer drugs and numerous patents have been filed and published on topoisomerase inhibitors. This review compiles the patent literature up to 2016 embracing topo I and II inhibitors as well as dual inhibitors which are structurally adjacent to camptothecin (CPT), natural products such as lamellarins and synthetic trisubstituted pyridines. The present assemblage can be extremely advantageous for the medicinal chemists who are in crave for the development of potential anticancer agents targeting topoisomerases.

CONCLUSION

Recent patents indicated that some of the nitrogen containing heteroaromatic compounds have immense potential to inhibit topoisomerase enzyme. In particular, fused N-Heterocycles can be anticipated for their promising therapeutic potential alone or in combination with other anticancer agents. Naphthyridinone and indenoisoquinoline derivatives, described in the preceding sections of this review, are endowed with significant potency against topoisomerase I which clearly indicates the need of preclinical and clinical studies to place them in forefront as potential future drug candidates.

Deciphering the consumer behaviour facets of functional foods: A literature review

This paper presents a systematic literature review of studies investigating various facets of consumer behaviour towards functional foods. It focuses on published international research on functional food attitude and behaviour from across the world. Research papers (n = 112) that were identified were coded in terms of study type, variables studied, product type, participant profile, research methodology and analysis details, as well as results and implications for future research. Results provide a systematic overview of the context in which behaviour towards functional foods have been examined in the past and provide a synthesis of findings in four categories of determinants, namely (1) Personal Factors, (2) Psychological Factors, (3) Cultural & Social Factors, and (4) Factors relating to the functional food product. A reference model for the relationships between these factors and behaviour of consumers is derived.

Improved Cl2 sensing characteristics of reduced graphene oxide when decorated with copper phthalocyanine nanoflowers

A novel gas sensing platform involving a hybrid of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets with unsubstituted copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) nanoflowers has been explored as a room temperature ppb level chemiresistive chlorine (Cl₂) sensor with a detection limit as low as 1.97 ppb.

Brassinosteroids: A Promising Option in Deciphering Remedial Strategies for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice

Rice is an important staple crop as it feeds about a half of the earth's population. It is known to be sensitive to a range of abiotic stresses which result in significant decline in crop productivity. Recently, the use of phytohormones for abiotic stress amelioration has generated considerable interest. Plants adapt to various environmental stresses by undergoing series of changes at physiological and molecular levels which are cooperatively modulated by various phytohormones. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of naturally occurring steroidal phytohormones, best known for their role in plant growth and development. For the past two decades, greater emphasis on studies related to BRs biosynthesis, distribution and signaling has resulted in better understanding of BRs function. Recent advances in the use of contemporary genetic, biochemical and proteomic tools, with a vast array of accessible biological resources has led to an extensive exploration of the key regulatory components in BR signaling networks, thus making it one of the most well-studied hormonal pathways in plants. The present review highlights the advancements of knowledge in BR research and links it with its growing potential in abiotic stress management for important crop like rice.

Second-order nonlinear polarizability of ferrocene–BODIPY donor–acceptor adducts. Quantifying charge redistribution in the excited state

Ferrocene–BODIPY based donor–acceptor systems linked either directly or through an N-phenylmethanimine or ethynylbenzene linker with improved second-order nonlinear polarizability.

Comparison of Epidural Analgesia with Transversus Abdominis Plane Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Relief in Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background:

Anesthesiologists play an important role in postoperative pain management. For analgesia after lower abdominal surgery, epidural analgesia and ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block are suitable options. The study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of both techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-two patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomized to postoperatively receive lumbar epidural catheter (Group E) or ultrasound-guided TAP block (Group T) through intravenous cannulas placed bilaterally. Group E received 10 ml 0.125% bupivacaine stat and 10 ml 8^th hourly for 48 h. Group T received 20 ml 0.125% bupivacaine bilaterally stat and 20 ml bilaterally 8^th hourly for 48 h. Pain at rest and on coughing, total paracetamol and tramadol consumption were recorded.

Results:

Analgesia at rest was comparable between the groups in the first 16 h. At 24 and 48 h, Group E had significantly better analgesia at rest (P = 0.001 and 0.004 respectively). Patients in Group E had significantly higher number of patients with nil or mild pain on coughing at all times. Paracetamol consumption was comparable in both groups, but tramadol consumption was significantly higher in Group T at the end of 48 h (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

For lower abdominal surgeries, analgesia provided by intermittent boluses of 0.125% is comparable for first 16 h between epidural and TAP catheters. However, the quality of analgesia provided by the epidural catheter is superior to that provided by TAP catheters beyond that both at rest and on coughing with reduced opioid consumption.

Reactive oxygen species generating system and brassinosteroids are linked to salt stress adaptation mechanisms in rice

Salinity stress is one of the major environmental challenges which adversely affects plant growth and productivity. The acquisition of salinity stress tolerance has been an interesting area of investigation for plant abiotic stress management. Recently, we investigated the interdependency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating and scavenging system for offering salt stress adaptation in rice. In continuation to our earlier findings, in the present study we analyzed the transcript level expression of different respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rbohs) genes in salt sensitive and salt tolerant cultivars of rice to corroborate this result with their activities. Brassinosteroid (BR) is known to confer abiotic stress tolerance by modulating ROS machinery, and hence in the present study, the expression of key genes associated in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signaling in salt sensitive and tolerant cultivar of rice was also conducted. In the present investigation, the other stress markers involving proline catabolism and anabolism along with chlorophyllase has been analyzed to get a better insights to our understanding of salt stress adaptation mechanisms in rice.

Association of aldose reductase gene (AKR1B1) polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy

AIMS

Present study aimed to investigate the association of aldose reductase (AKR1B1) gene polymorphism (-106C>T; rs759853) with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients from north India.

METHODS

The present case-control association study recruited 926 subjects, including 487 DR patients and 439 individuals with confirmed T2DM as controls (CDR). AKR1B1 -106C>T polymorphism analysis in these 926 subjects was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequence analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS package.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed between the two analyzed groups in the age of onset of diabetes (p=0.000) and duration of diabetes (p=0.000). Genotype distribution of AKR1B1 -106C>T polymorphism differed significantly between DR and CDR groups (p=0.02), however, distribution of allele frequency did not differ significantly (p=0.19). Binary logistic regression analyses showed an association of homozygous recessive TT genotype with diabetic retinopathy (OR: 1.61%, 95% CI, 1.39-2.284, p<0.01) in comparison to wild type CC genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a statistically significant association of AKR1B1 -106C>T polymorphism with retinopathy in North Indian patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of association of -106C>T polymorphism in AKR1B1 in DR patients from India.

National Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score ≥40: The Impact of Share 35

In certain regions of the United States in which organ donor shortages are persistent and competition is high, recipients wait longer and are critically ill with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores ≥40 when they undergo liver transplantation. Recent implementation of Share 35 has increased the percentage of recipients transplanted at these higher MELD scores. The purpose of our study was to examine national data of liver transplant recipients with MELD scores ≥40 and to identify risk factors that affect graft and recipient survival. During the 12-year study period, 5002 adult recipients underwent deceased donor whole-liver transplantation. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were 77%, 69%, 64% and 50%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 80%, 72%, 67% and 53%, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified previous transplant, ventilator dependence, diabetes, hepatitis C virus, age >60 years and prolonged hospitalization prior to transplant as recipient factors increasing the risk of graft failure and death. Donor age >30 years was associated with an incrementally increased risk of graft failure and death. Recipients after implementation of Share 35 had shorter waiting times and higher graft and patient survival compared with pre-Share 35 recipients, demonstrating that some risk factors can be mitigated by policy changes that increase organ accessibility.

Association analysis of PPARγ (p.Pro12Ala) polymorphism with type 2 diabetic retinopathy in patients from north India

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to examine the association of PPARγ (p.Pro12Ala) polymorphism with type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients from north India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this case-control association study a total of 1325 subjects (717 DR patients and 608 individuals with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without retinopathy taken as controls (CDR)), were recruited. Genotyping for PPARγ (p.Pro12Ala) polymorphism was performed by Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays using Real time PCR.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed between the two analyzed groups in the duration of diabetes and random blood glucose levels (p = 0.000 and p = 0.011, respectively). However, genotype and allele frequency distribution of PPARγ (p.Pro12Ala) polymorphism did not differ significantly between DR and CDR groups (p = 0.507 and 0.625, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest no significant association of p.Pro12Ala polymorphism with retinopathy in tested type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients as compared to T2DM individuals take as controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of association analysis of p.Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPARγ in DR patients from India.

Interdependency of Reactive Oxygen Species generating and scavenging system in salt sensitive and salt tolerant cultivars of rice

BACKGROUND

Salinity stress is a major constrain in the global rice production and hence serious efforts are being undertaken towards deciphering its remedial strategies. The comparative analysis of differential response of salt sensitive and salt tolerant lines is a judicious approach to obtain essential clues towards understanding the acquisition of salinity tolerance in rice plants. However, adaptation to salt stress is a fairly complex process and operates through different mechanisms. Among various mechanisms involved, the reactive oxygen species mediated salinity tolerance is believed to be critical as it evokes cascade of responses related to stress tolerance. In this background, the present paper for the first time evaluates the ROS generating and the scavenging system in tandem in both salt sensitive and salt tolerant cultivars of rice for getting better insight into salinity stress adaptation.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis of ROS indicates the higher level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lower level of superoxide ions (O(2-)) in the salt tolerant as compared to salt sensitive cultivars. Specific activity of ROS generating enzyme, NADPH oxidase was also found to be more in the tolerant cultivars. Further, activities of various enzymes involved in enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidant defence system were mostly higher in tolerant cultivars. The transcript level analysis of antioxidant enzymes were in alignment with the enzymatic activity. Other stress markers like proline were observed to be higher in tolerant varieties whereas, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents and chlorophyll content were estimated to be more in sensitive.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed significant differences in the level of ROS production and antioxidant enzymes activities among sensitive and tolerant cultivars, suggesting their possible role in providing natural salt tolerance to selected cultivars of rice. Our study demonstrates that the cellular machinery for ROS production and scavenging system works in an interdependent manner to offer better salt stress adaptation in rice. The present work further highlights that the elevated level of H2O2 which is considered as a key determinant for conferring salt stress tolerance to rice might have originated through an alternative route of photocatalytic activity of chlorophyll.

Nickel oxide nanowires: vapor liquid solid synthesis and integration into a gas sensing device

In the field of advanced sensor technology, metal oxide nanostructures are promising materials due to their high charge carrier mobility, easy fabrication and excellent stability. Among all the metal oxide semiconductors, nickel oxide (NiO) is a p-type semiconductor with a wide band gap and excellent optical, electrical and magnetic properties, which has not been much investigated. Herein, we report the growth of NiO nanowires by using the vapor liquid solid (VLS) technique for gas sensing applications. Platinum, palladium and gold have been used as a catalyst for the growth of NiO nanowires. The surface morphology of the nanowires was investigated through scanning electron microscopy to find out which catalyst and growth conditions are best for the growth of nanowires. GI-XRD and Raman spectroscopies were used to confirm the crystalline structure of the material. Different batches of sensors have been prepared, and their sensing performances towards different gas species such as carbon monoxide, ethanol, acetone and hydrogen have been explored. NiO nanowire sensors show interesting and promising performances towards hydrogen.

Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C in Renal Transplant Recipients With Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents

The direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) constitute an emerging group of small molecule inhibitors that effectively treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a common comorbidity in end-stage renal disease patients. To date, there are no data to guide use of these agents in kidney transplant patients. The authors collected data from 20 consecutive kidney recipients treated with interferon-free treatment regimens for HCV at their center: 88% were infected with genotype 1; 50% had biopsy-proved advanced hepatic fibrosis on their most recent liver biopsy preceding treatment (Metavir stage 3 fibrosis [F3] or F4); and 60% had failed treatment pretransplantation with interferon-based therapy. DAA treatment was initiated a median of 888 days after renal transplantation. All patients cleared the virus while on therapy, and 100% have achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after completion of DAA therapy. The most commonly used regimen was sofosbuvir 400 mg daily in combination with simeprevir 150 mg daily. However, four different treatment approaches were used, with comparable results. The DAAs were well tolerated, and less than half of patients required calcineurin inhibitor dose adjustment during treatment. Eradication of HCV infection with DAAs is feasible after kidney transplantation with few treatment-related side effects.

National Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score ≥40: The Impact of Share 35

In certain regions of the United States in which organ donor shortages are persistent and competition is high, recipients wait longer and are critically ill with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores ≥40 when they undergo liver transplantation. Recent implementation of Share 35 has increased the percentage of recipients transplanted at these higher MELD scores. The purpose of our study was to examine national data of liver transplant recipients with MELD scores ≥40 and to identify risk factors that affect graft and recipient survival. During the 12-year study period, 5002 adult recipients underwent deceased donor whole-liver transplantation. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were 77%, 69%, 64% and 50%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 80%, 72%, 67% and 53%, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified previous transplant, ventilator dependence, diabetes, hepatitis C virus, age >60 years and prolonged hospitalization prior to transplant as recipient factors increasing the risk of graft failure and death. Donor age >30 years was associated with an incrementally increased risk of graft failure and death. Recipients after implementation of Share 35 had shorter waiting times and higher graft and patient survival compared with pre-Share 35 recipients, demonstrating that some risk factors can be mitigated by policy changes that increase organ accessibility.

Follow-up with primary care providers for elevated glycated haemoglobin identified at the dental visit

OBJECTIVES

This study examined patient experiences after receiving elevated diabetes screening values using blood collected at a dental clinic. It explores patients' reactions to screening, whether or not they sought recommended medical follow-up, and facilitating factors and barriers to obtaining follow-up care.

METHODS

At the comprehensive care clinics at a large, urban College of Dentistry in the United States, haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) values were obtained from 379 study participants who had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes. In all, 169 (44.6%) had elevated HbA1C values. We analysed quantitative and qualitative data concerning these patients' follow-up with primary care providers (PCPs).

RESULTS

We were able to contact 112 (66.3%) of the 169 study participants who had an elevated HbA1C reading. Of that group, 61 (54.5%) received recommended follow-up care from a PCP within 3 months, and an additional 28 (25.0%) said they intended to seek such care. Qualitative themes included the following: the screening letter - opportunity or burden, appreciation for the 3-month follow-up call and barriers to medical follow-up that included the following: lack of knowledge about diabetes, not understanding the importance of follow-up, busyness, financial concerns, fear and denial.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate that dentists, dental hygienists and nurses are well poised to discover and translate new models of patient-centred, comprehensive care to patients with oral and systemic illness.

Breast reconstruction in low resource settings: Autologous latissimus dorsi flap provides a viable option

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction (BR) plays a significant role in the woman's physical, emotional and psychological recovery from breast cancer. However, the current most accepted methods of reconstruction are expensive, may require microsurgical skills and can be offered to a very small number of patients seeking treatment in tertiary care centers. For the large majority of women seeking treatment in public hospitals, solution lies in finding a method of reconstruction, which is autologous, produces a reasonable match to the contralateral breast in size, shape and symmetry and produces minimal donor site morbidity. It should also be a technique, which is cost effective and can withstand the effects of radiotherapy (RT). The autologous latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is one such versatile technique, which can serve as an ideal reconstructive option for the majority of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a period of 6 years, 19 patients underwent immediate BR using this flap in the Department of General Surgery. Patients who were young (mean age 37.4 years), had small to medium sized breasts, with operable breast cancer (Stage II and IIIa) were selected for the procedure.

RESULTS

Satisfactory cosmetic results as rated by patients as well as surgeons were achieved in the majority. Donor site morbidities were seroma formation (78%) and donor site wound breakdown (21%). Post-operative RT was well-tolerated by the reconstructed breast.

CONCLUSION

Autologous LD flap reconstruction is a safe and economical option for BR in low resource settings and is suitable for women with small and medium sized breasts.

Screening difficult-to-reach populations for tuberculosis using a mobile medical unit, Punjab India

BACKGROUND

In India, the National Health Mission has provided one mobile medical unit (MMU) per district in the state of Punjab to provide primary health care services for difficult-to-reach populations.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the number of patients with presumptive tuberculosis (TB) and the number of TB cases detected and treated among patients who used the MMU services from May to December 2012 in Mohali district, Punjab, India.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted and registers of the out-patient, laboratory, radiology, and TB departments of the MMU were reviewed to determine the number of persons presumed to have TB and the number of persons diagnosed with TB.

RESULTS

Of 8346 patients who attended the MMUs, 663 (8%) had symptoms suggestive of TB. Among those with TB symptoms, 540 (81%) were evaluated for pulmonary TB using sputum examination or chest X-ray. In total, 58 (11%) patients had clinical or laboratory evidence of pulmonary TB, of whom 21 (36%) started anti-tuberculosis treatment.

CONCLUSION

As MMUs are an integral part of the general public health system, these units have the potential to detect TB cases among difficult-to-reach populations. Additional research is required to optimise the diagnosis of TB at MMUs and to increase rates of TB treatment initiation.

Indole-BODIPY: a “turn-on” chemosensor for Hg2+ with application in live cell imaging

A noval BODIPY probe appended with electron rich indolic units at the β-pyrrolic position, acts as a ‘turn-on’ chemosensor for Hg²⁺ in solution as well as in HeLa cells.

Combined application of FBG and PZT sensors for plantar pressure monitoring at low and high speed walking

BACKGROUND

Clinical monitoring of planar pressure is vital in several pathological conditions, such as diabetes, where excess pressure might have serious repercussions on health of the patient, even to the extent of amputation.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this paper is to experimentally evaluate the combined application of the Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) and the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoceramic sensors for plantar pressure monitoring during walk at low and high speeds.

METHODS

For fabrication of the pressure sensors, the FBGs are embedded within layers of carbon composite material and stacked in an arc shape. From this embedding technique, average pressure sensitivity of 1.3 pm/kPa and resolution of nearly 0.8 kPa is obtained. These sensors are found to be suitable for measuring the static and the low-speed walk generated foot pressure. Simultaneously, PZT patches of size 10 × 10 × 0.3 mm were used as sensors, utilizing the d<formula>_{33}</formula> (thickness) coupling mode. A sensitivity of 7.06 mV/kPa and a pressure resolution of 0.14 kPa is obtained from these sensors, which are found to be suitable for foot pressure measurement during high speed walking and running. Both types of sensors are attached to the underside of the sole of commercially available shoes. In the experiments, a healthy male subject walks/runs over the treadmill wearing the fabricated shoes at various speeds and the peak pressure is measured using both the sensors. Commercially available low-cost hardware is used for interrogation of the two sensor types.

RESULTS

The test results clearly show the feasibility of the FBG and the PZT sensors for measurement of plantar pressure. The PZT sensors are more accurate for measurement of pressure during walking at high speeds. The FBG sensors, on the other hand, are found to be suitable for static and quasi-dynamic (slow walking) conditions. Typically, the measured pressure varied from 400 to 600 kPa below the forefoot and 100 to 1000 kPa below the heel as the walking speed varied from 1 kilometer per hour (kmph) to 7 kmph.

CONCLUSIONS

When instrumented in combination, the two sensors can enable measurements ranging from static to high speed conditions Both the sensor types are rugged, small sized and can be easily embedded in commercial shoes and enable plantar pressure measurement in a cost-effective manner. This research is expected to have application in the treatment of patients suffering from diabetes and gonarthrosis.

Physicochemical standardization, HPTLC profiling, and biological evaluation of Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa: A comparative study of three famous commercial brands

Background:

Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa is a polyherbal formulation that is available commercially as an over the counter drug. There are three famous brands that are available in the market. However, there are no comparative reports on the physicochemical, chromatographic, and biological profiles of Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa manufactured by these famous companies.

Aims:

The present study deals with the physicochemical standardization, high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profiling, and biological evaluation of Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa.

Materials and Methods:

Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa manufactured by three leading companies were purchased from Jalandhar, Punjab. The physicochemical standardization of the samples was carried out in accordance with the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Authentified Eisenia foetida were procured from Ujjwal Ujala Vermiculture Group, Amritsar. The anthelmintic activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability of Aśvagandhādyariṣṭa was determined.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data of anthelmintic activity were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean of six earthworms in each group. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Dunnet t-test. The difference in values at P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

Most of the physicochemical standardization parameters mentioned as per the API were found to be within limit. HPTLC profiling showed the presence of withanolide D in commercial samples. Out of three commercial brands, ASA-DAB was the most active as compared to the ASA-BDN and ASA-AVP at the concentration of 200 mg/ml for anthelmintic activity against E. foetida. ASA-DAB showed the best antioxidant activity in both the in vitro assay at the concentration of 100 μg/ml.

Conclusions:

The ability of this formulation to scavenge free radicals supports its medical claim of antistress formulation. The anthelmintic potential of this formulation helps us conclude that it can also be considered as a general tonic because it provides relief from helminths.

Candidates for twin chiral bands in 102Rh

Excited states in 102Rh, populated in the fusion-evaporation reaction Zr94(11B,3n)102Rh at a beam energy of 36 MeV, were studied using the Indian National Gamma Array spectrometer at Inter University Accelerator Center, New Delhi. The angular correlations and the electromagnetic character of some of the gamma-ray transitions observed were investigated in detail. A new chiral candidate sister band was found. Lifetimes of exited states in both chiral candidate bands of 102Rh were measured for the first time in the A∼100 mass region by means of the Doppler-shift attenuation technique. The derived reduced transition probabilities are compared to the predictions of the two quasiparticles plus triaxial rotor model. Both experimental results and calculations do not support the presence of static chirality in 102Rh.