Modified CFBG-based approach for chromatic dispersion compensation in high speed DWDM links

Chromatic dispersion (CD) is a major concern in high speed fiber optics communication systems. This work presents an efficient optical compensation technique with reduced complexity to mitigate CD effects in single mode fiber (SMF) at high data rates. The proposed method includes a post-dispersion mitigation system using a single linear chirped fiber Bragg grating (CFBG) with tanh apodization. Here, various parameters of CFBG, such as grating length, effective refractive index, and apodization function, are optimized to achieve effective CD compensation. Then, the system is extended to a 16-channel WDM link with each channel carrying data at 25 Gbps over 100 km. The simulation results show that the proposed model enhances the system performance while minimizing overall system complexity. The proposed system is also compatible with the prevailing fiber optics networks. The results are consistent with the findings published in recent studies.

Massive perinatal left ventricle infarction treated with tissue plasminogen activator: No ECMO - A case report

Neonatal myocardial infarction due to coronary thrombus is a rare cause of acute heart failure and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a rare case of a full-term newborn who developed coronary artery thrombus treated with intracoronary recombinant tissue plasminogen activator infusion while undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. Also, we describe a unique treatment strategy to support systemic circulation sparing the patient from neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its complications. Neonatal myocardial infarction should be suspected and ruled out in sick newborns.

Effect of satapushpa churnam with tila tailam in oligomenorrhea associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background

Current medical intervention of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) mainly includes hormonal therapies which have long-term health consequences.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural drug satapushpa (Anethum sowa Kurz.) powder with tilatailam (sesame oil) as anupanam (vehicle) in oligomenorrhoea associated with PCOS.

Materials and methods

A single-group, before and after intervention study in the outpatient department and inpatient department of Government Ayurveda teaching hospital for women and children was done among women aged 18–35 years. Individuals diagnosed with oligomenorrhoea for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles and fulfilling Rotterdam's criteria of PCOS were included. Six grams of powder was given morning and evening along with 12 ml of tilatailam for three months. Effectiveness was assessed at 3rd and 6th months.

Results

A total of 30 patients were recruited; the mean (SD) age was 22.6 (3.9) years. Majority were students (86.7%), residing in urban areas (60%), and unmarried (80%). Almost one-third of the participants had kapha-vata prakriti. There was no significant change in menstrual duration and amount of bleeding. However, a significant reduction in the menstrual interval was observed after three months of treatment (p = <0.001). Similarly, the median interquartile range (IQR) volume of the right ovary was reduced from 10 (7.2–14.8) to 5.3 (4.7–7.6) cm³ (p=<0.001), and the median (IQR) volume of the left ovary reduced from 9.1 (6.7–11.9) to 5.1 (4.6–7.1) cm³ (p=<0.001).

Conclusion

Treating PCOS using satapushpa powder and tilatailam for three months effectively regularizes the menstrual interval and reduces ovarian volume.

Height and dental caries among 13-year-old adolescents in India: A sociobehavioral life course approach

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between height and dental caries among 13-year-old adolescents in schools of Bangalore, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 1900 schoolchildren aged 13 years from both government and private schools of Bangalore using stratified random sampling. Demographic data; family-related factors; and general and oral health-related factors such as frequency of sugar consumption, dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and dental attendance were interviewed using both open-ended and close-ended questions. Anthropometric measurements for height and weight were performed. Clinical examination was done and caries was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index (WHO criteria, 1997). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, and descriptive statistics including percentages, mean, and frequencies were performed. Student's t-test and ANOVA were applied to find the significant differences between mean DMFT among groups. Categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square test for differences between groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find the correlation among dental caries and height and body mass index (BMI).P value was set at a statistical significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental caries among the study population was 36.3% which was higher among girls as compared to boys. Dental caries was found to be significantly associated with socioeconomic status, family structure, birth order, use of oral hygiene aids, mouthrinsing, last dental visit, weight, and BMI. Height and BMI showed a strong negative correlation with dental caries.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed a significant negative correlation between height and dental caries. However, since both caries and height are a dynamic phenomenon, hence a longitudinal study exploring the possible relationship should be considered.

Study protocol: families and childhood transitions study (FACTS) - a longitudinal investigation of the role of the family environment in brain development and risk for mental health disorders in community based children

Background

Extant research has demonstrated that parenting behaviour can be a significant contributor to the development of brain structure and mental health during adolescence. Nonetheless, there is limited research examining these relationships during late childhood, and particularly in the critical period of brain development occurring between 8 and 10 years of age. The effects of the family environment on the brain during late childhood may have significant implications for later functioning, and particularly mental health. The Families and Childhood Transitions Study (FACTS) is a multidisciplinary longitudinal cohort study of brain development and mental health, with two waves of data collection currently funded, occurring 18-months apart, when child participants are aged approximately 8- and 10-years old.

Methods/design

Participants are 163 children (M age [SD] = 8.44 [0.34] years, 76 males) and their mothers (M age [SD] = 40.34 [5.43] years). Of the 163 families who consented to participate, 156 completed a video-recorded and observer-coded dyadic interaction task and 153 completed a child magnetic resonance imaging brain scan at baseline. Families were recruited from lower socioeconomic status (SES) areas to maximise rates of social disadvantage and variation in parenting behaviours. All experimental measures and tasks completed at baseline are repeated at an 18-month follow-up, excluding the observer coded family interaction tasks. The baseline assessment was completed in October 2015, and the 18-month follow up will be completed May 2017.

Discussion

This study, by examining the neurobiological and mental health consequences of variations in parenting, has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of child development and risk processes. Recruitment of lower SES families will also allow assessment of resilience factors given the poorer outcomes often associated with this population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0905-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tobacco use among high school children in Bangalore, India: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco use among school children is becoming a serious problem in developing countries. The early age of initiation underscores the urgent need to intervene and protect this vulnerable group from becoming victims of this addiction.

AIM

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about tobacco use among 13-15 year old school children of Bangalore City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed and data on tobacco usage was collected from 1288 students aged 13-15 years studying in six government and private schools of Bangalore using a self-administered closed ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15.0 and descriptive statistics was applied. Chi-square tests were used to determine the significant differences in the variables of interest.

RESULTS

Out of 1288 children, 1281 (99.5%) children had heard about tobacco and 1162 (90.2%) students knew the harmful effects of tobacco. Only 28 (2.2%) had used tobacco products. Peer pressure was the main reason for tobacco use among children and age was not a barrier in buying tobacco products. Television (58%) was the main source of information for tobacco products followed by newspapers (26%) and movies (16%).

CONCLUSION

It is encouraging to find that majority of the 13-15 year old children surveyed in the present study did not use tobacco and were aware of the health risks associated with tobacco use. This calls for the school authorities to be included in stricter implementation and monitoring of the implementation of legislation. Regular and systematic education programs catering to teachers, children, and also their parents should be undertaken.

Investigation of an Outbreak of Hepatitis A in a Coastal Area, Kerala, Southern India

An outbreak investigation was initiated following an unusual occurrence of hepatitis A reported among people residing in the coastal belt of Vadi to Vedikunnu area, Kollam district, Kerala, southern India. The time frame of disease occurrence, pattern of its distribution, and the incubation period of hepatitis A infection indicated the probability of occurrence of the outbreak as a result of pipe line water contamination due to mixing of sewage from a canal. The results add evidence to the epidemiology of hepatitis A in the state and warrant the establishment of an efficient water quality surveillance system.

Dispositional mindfulness is predicted by structural development of the insula during late adolescence

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Adolescence is a critical period for the development of self-regulatory abilities.

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The cultivation of mindfulness has been associated with improved self-regulation.

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We examined brain development and dispositional mindfulness in adolescence.

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Adolescents with higher levels of mindfulness demonstrated less thinning in the left anterior insula.

Adolescence is a critical period of development, in which the increasing social and cognitive demands of independence need to be met by enhanced self-regulatory abilities. The cultivation of mindfulness has been associated with improved self-regulation in adult populations, and it is theorized that one neurodevelopmental mechanism that supports this capacity is the development of the prefrontal cortex. The current study examined the neurodevelopmental mechanisms associated with dispositional mindfulness in adolescence. Using a longitudinal within-persons design, 82 participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments at approximately ages 16 and 19, and also completed self-reported measurements of mindfulness at age 19. It was hypothesized that adolescents who demonstrated greater thinning of frontal cortical regions between the age of 16 and 19 would exhibit higher dispositional mindfulness levels at age 19. Results indicated that, contrary to predictions, adolescents with higher levels of mindfulness demonstrated less thinning in the left anterior insula. By contrast, higher IQ was associated with greater thinning of the right caudal middle frontal and right superior frontal regions. The involvement of insula development in mindfulness is consistent with a direct role for this structure in managing self-regulation, and in doing so concords with recent models of self-referential interoceptive awareness.

Below the poverty line and non-communicable diseases in Kerala: The Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases in Rural Areas (ENDIRA) study

INTRODUCTION

India carries the greatest burden of global non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Poverty is strongly associated with NCDs but there are few prevalence studies which have measured poverty in India, particularly in rural settings.

METHODS

In Kerala, India, a population of 113,462 individuals was identified. The "Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases in Rural Areas" (ENDIRA) study was conducted via ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists). Standardised questionnaires were used in household interviews of individuals ≥18years during 2012 to gather sociodemographic, lifestyle and medical data for this population. The Government of Kerala definition of "the poverty line" was used. The association between below poverty line (BPL) status, NCDs and risk factors was analysed in multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

84,456 adults were included in the analyses (25.4% below the poverty line). The prevalence of NCDs was relatively common: myocardial infarction (MI) 1.4%, stroke 0.3%, respiratory diseases 5.0%, and cancer 1.1%. BPL status was not associated with age (p=0.96) or gender (p=0.26). Compared with those above the poverty line (APL), the BPL group was less likely to have diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia (p<0.0001), and more likely to smoke (p<0.0001). Compared with APL, BPL was associated with stroke (OR 1.33, 1.04-1.69; p=0.02) and respiratory disease (OR 1.23, 1.15-1.32; p<0.0001) in multivariable analyses, but not MI or cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In rural Kerala, BPL status was associated with stroke and respiratory diseases, but not with MI and cancer although it was associated with smoking status, compared with above poverty line status.

Prevalence of early childhood caries among 3-5 year old pre-schoolers in schools of Marathahalli, Bangalore

BACKGROUND

Dental caries among preschool children is still a major public health problem in many developing countries including India. Hence the aim of the present study was to find out the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries among 3-5 year old pre-schoolers in schools of Marathahalli, Bangalore.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted on 717 pre-schoolers in 6 schools of Marathahalli. Clinical examination was performed and deft index was recorded using Gruebell's criteria. Early Childhood Caries was diagnosed using Early Childhood Caries Diagnostic Criteria, consistent with the NIDCR workshop statement. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.0 and descriptive statistics was applied. Chi-square test was used to find out the significant differences. The level of significance was taken at P value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Prevalence of early childhood caries was 40% with a mean deft of 1.89 (+3.3) and Significant Caries Index score was 5.51. 44.8% of 3 year old had Early Childhood Caries, 35% of 4 year old children and 41% of 5 year old had Early Childhood Caries. Almost, all of deft was due to untreated caries.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study calls for a need to focus on pre-schoolers' oral health and parental education for prevention and early detection of Early Childhood Caries. A high Significant Caries Index in this study population indicates a more targeted approach for high risk pre-schoolers.

A cohort study of male subjects attending an alcoholics anonymous program in India: one-year follow-up for sobriety

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to follow up a cohort of subjects who completed detoxification treatment and a deaddiction program based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) model. The factors associated with complete abstinence were investigated.

METHOD

Patients (187 men) admitted consecutively to an addiction facility, who fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, were recruited for the study. Patients with major psychopathology were excluded from the cohort. The program was based on the principles of AA. The final outcome at 1 year was determined by visiting the patient and talking to the family and members of the local AA group.

RESULTS

Of the 187 initially recruited, five were excluded due to the presence of major psychopathology, one committed suicide and seven could not be traced. Of the 174 patients followed up, 58 (33.3%) remained sober (complete abstinence for the past year) at 1 year. Patients coming from distant places and those with follow-up workers in their localities fared better than those from the local area and those from towns where there was no one to motivate them to continue with AA meetings. These variables were significantly associated with sobriety even after adjusted for other confounders using multivariate techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

A third of the cohort remained sober at 1-year follow-up. The patients' initial motivation and continued support once they returned to their communities were associated with being sober at follow-up.

Acceptability of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy without intravenous sedation: patients' versus endoscopist's perception with special reference to older patients

BACKGROUND

Unsedated oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is considered by most endoscopists to be a quick, safe, and well tolerated procedure. Older patients are said to tolerate it better than younger patients. However, patients' perception of the discomfort for the unsedated OGD has not been well studied.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to compare (1) patients' perception of discomfort with the endoscopist's perception of patients' discomfort for the unsedated OGD, (2) tolerability between older (> or =75 years) and younger (<75 years) patients.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

A total of 130 consecutive patients attending a day case endoscopy unit were recruited for the study. The patients and endoscopist recorded their assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The results were analysed using non-parametric tests. Thirty patients were excluded from the study based on exclusion criteria. Sixty three (57%) patients were aged > or =75 years and 37 (43%) were <75 years.

RESULTS

A significant difference was noted between patients' perception of the discomfort and the endoscopist's assessment of the patient's discomfort as suggested by the overall higher VAS scores for patients (median 4.9, SD 2.6) than those of the endoscopist (median 2.2, SD 1.2), giving a significant difference in median VAS score of 3.4 (p<0.001). Older and younger patients had similar scores, with median (SD) VAS scores of 4.8 (2.5) for > or =75 years and 4.9 (2.8) for <75 years. The endoscopist's median scores for these two groups were 2.2 (1.2) and 2.1 (1.3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' discomfort during OGD performed without sedation was greatly underestimated by the endoscopist. There was no significant difference in acceptability between old and the young patients.

Outcome of renal replacement therapy in the very elderly

BACKGROUND

In a retrospective case-note and computer database analysis we assessed the outcome of very elderly patients (> or = 75 years old) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on renal replacement therapy (RRT).

METHODS

Fifty-eight individuals aged 75 or over (group 1) commenced RRT between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995. Comparisons were made with other patients commencing RRT who were divided into two groups: group 2 (201 individuals 65-74 years old) and group 3 (379 patients <65 years old). All subjects were followed up until the point of assessment (30 June 1998), the time of death, or withdrawal from dialysis. Survival rates in the three groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier method. The number of hospital admissions, length of in-patient stay, and complications rate on RRT were assessed for group 1.

RESULTS

One-year survival rates in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 53.5, 72.6, and 90.6% respectively and the 5-year survival rates were 2.4, 18.8, and 61.4% respectively. The very elderly spent 20% of their time in hospital, 46% had two co-morbid factors at the outset, and 26% developed multiple complications while on RRT. Withdrawal from dialysis remained the most common cause of death in this group of individuals (38%), followed by cardiovascular causes (24%) and infections (22%).

CONCLUSION

Very elderly ESRD patients on RRT have a very poor outcome and, since they are the largest growing group of RRT patients, this has important implications for future health policies.