Dual-band polarization insensitive graphene-based reconfigurable absorber in a terahertz regime.

In this paper, a dual-band graphene-based absorber is structured and investigated in a terahertz frequency domain. The designed absorber contains a plus-shaped graphene sheet, as well as four dual concentric graphene-based rings. It is designed according to the SiO2-based substrate. A dual concentric graphene ring provides more than 90% absorption from 2.36-3.24 THz, while a plus-shaped graphene sheet is accountable for absorption from 5.0-5.32 THz. The maximum absorption is found at 2.56, 3.08, and 5.16 THz with 99.81%, 97.34%, and 99.74%, respectively. The variation in the chemical potential of the graphene material offers re-configurability in the dual absorption bands. Due to the four-fold symmetry of the designed structure, the absorptivity value is approximately constant for various polarizations with a wide incident angle (more than 60°). The aforementioned features of the proposed graphene-based absorber make it appropriate in a terahertz frequency regime.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) infection in crows through ingestion of infected crow carcasses.

The present study was aimed to investigate the role of cannibalism in transmission of H5N1 avian influenza virus to house crows (Corvus splendens). Four crows were intranasally inoculated with 108.0 EID50 (A/crow/India/01CA249/2021) H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and were observed for 14 days for any overt signs of illness. Two of the infected crows showed signs of wing paralysis, incoordination, and torticollis. For cannibalism experiment, two crows showing clinical signs were euthanized on 14th day post-infection (dpi) and were kept in the isolator and four naïve healthy crows were introduced along with the euthanized crows. The viscera from the infected carcasses were eaten by all the four crows. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected up to 14 days to assess virus excretion. All four crows showed clinical signs viz., dullness, reluctance to move with ruffled feathers on 6th day post cannibalism along with neurological signs including incoordination and paralysis of the wings. All the crows gradually recovered after showing clinical signs and were euthanized on 21st day of observation period. Virus excretion was observed from 3rd to 11th day post cannibalism through both oropharyngeal and cloacal routes with maximum shedding through oropharyngeal route. The virus was isolated from lungs and trachea of one the infected crows at 21st day after euthanasia. All the four crows seroconverted against H5N1 virus infection at 14th day post cannibalism. Our study confirms the transmission of H5N1 virus in crows through cannibalism and highlights how H5N1 virus might circulate in a crow colony once they become infected.

Unusual case of coexisting large intramyometrial anterior uterine wall leiomyoma with term pregnancy.

Leiomyomas are the most common benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. The incidence during pregnancy ranges between 1.6 to 10%. The management of fibroids encountered during caesarean section poses a therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of giant anterior wall leiomyoma complicating term pregnancy which posed a great surgical challenge. We didn't go for myomectomy in the same setting because the patient was primigravida and leiomyoma occupied complete anterior wall of the uterus, an attempt of myomectomy could result in profuse uncontrollable bleeding.

Multilocus sequence typing of Clostridium perfringens strains from neonatal calves, dairy workers and associated environment in India.

Clostridium perfringens is a globally recognized zoonotic pathogen. We report isolation and genotyping of C. perfringens from neonatal calves, dairy workers and their associated environment in India. A total of 103 fecal samples from neonatal calves, 25 stool swabs from the dairy workers and 50 samples from their associated environment were collected from two dairy farms. C. perfringens was detected in 26 out of 103 (25.2%) neonatal calf samples, 7 out of 25 (28%) human stool samples and 17 out of 50 (34%) environmental samples. C. perfringens type A strains were predominant in neonatal calves (24/26; 92.3%) and associated environment (15/17; 88.2%). In contrast, strains from dairy workers mostly belonged to type F (5/7; 71.4%), which also carried the beta2 toxin gene. Seventeen strains were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for studying genotypic relationship along with 188 C. perfringens strains available from public databases. A total of 112 sequence types (STs) were identified from 205 C. perfringens strains analyzed. A Clonal complex (CC) represented by three STs (ST 98, ST 41 and ST 110) representing predominantly type F (18/20 strains) were mostly associated with human illnesses. Among predominant STs, ST 54 was associated with enteritis cases in foals and dogs and ST 58 associated with necrotic enteritis in poultry. Seventeen Indian strains were assigned to 13 STs. Genetic relatedness among strains of calves, dairy worker and associated environments indicate inter-host transfers and zoonotic spreads.

Comparison of different regimes of misoprostol for the termination of early pregnancy failure.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 20% of all confirmed pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion. Misoprostol's use in early pregnancy failure is varied and dose and route are not well established. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and the side effects of different regimes of misoprostol in causing expulsion of products of conception in early pregnancy failure. METHOD: Women patients with an ultrasound diagnosis of early pregnancy failure, less than 12 weeks gestation were divided into two, Group-A: tab. Misoprostol 800 mcg 6 hourly vaginally, upto 3 doses. Group-B tablet misoprostol 600 mcg 6 hourly, sublingually for 3 doses. All observations were noted and statistical analyzed. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 7.93 weeks. Mean induction abortion interval 18.183 h. Women patients with less than six weeks gestational age had least mean induction-abortion interval time, 15.75 ± 2.82 h in vaginal group but was highest in sublingual group 22 ± 2 h and 18.43 h in overall (P = 0.02). Though after 8 weeks, both routes were equally effective. Mean dose required in group-A was 20044 mcg and in group-B was 1564 mcg (P < 0.001). Efficacy of protocol was 88.89% in group-A and 92.85% in group-B. CONCLUSION: Both regimes had comparable efficacy, acceptability (90%) and side effects. In women patients less than six weeks period of gestation, the vaginal (800 mcg) route was distinctly superior, in women patients with 6-8 weeks the sublingual (600 mcg) route was more advantageous. The correct dose must be used for the route chosen. The route of administration should be decided in accordance with the preference of the patient and the clinical situation.

Comparative Study of Breastfeeding in Caesarean Delivery and Vaginal Delivery Using LATCH Score and Maternal Serum Prolactin Level in Early Postpartum Period.

Introduction: Practice of starting and sustaining breastfeeding is affected by many conditions, mode of delivery is one of the major factor influencing it. Purpose of the study was to see if the mode of delivery affects the subsequent lactation in early postpartum period and to raise awareness among the community about the importance of mode of delivery in early initiation of breast feeding. Materials and Methods: Present study was a hospital based observational, comparative prospective study. A sample size of 120 subjects in each group (caesarean delivery CD Group and vaginal delivery VD group) was required. Serum prolactin and LATCH score both at 1st hour and 24th hour were compared in both groups. Results: Mean LATCH score at 1st hour and 24th hour of CD Group was 5.44 ± 0.68 and 7.12 ± 0.95, respectively. The mean LATCH score at 1st hour and 24th hour of VD Group was 7.12 ± 0.94 and 8.1 ± 1, respectively. Mean serum prolactin level at 1st hour and 24th hour of CD Group was 259.68 ± 33.99 and 309.99 ± 42.27, respectively. Mean serum prolactin level at 1st hour and 24th hour of VD Group was 304.91 ± 42.07 and 333.34 ± 42.65, respectively. The mothers delivered by caesarean had main problem with latch (L) and hold (H) of the baby as compared to mothers delivered vaginally. Conclusion: Mode of delivery has a direct impact on early initiation of breast feeding. Caesarean delivery is a cause for delay in initiation of breastfeeding.

Individualized lifestyle intervention in PCOS women (IPOS): a study protocol for a multicentric randomized controlled trial for evaluating the effectiveness of an individualized lifestyle intervention in PCOS women who wish to conceive.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition which affects women in the reproductive age group. South Asian women with PCOS have a higher risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disorder compared to women from other ethnic backgrounds. Lifestyle interventions such as dietary advice and physical exercise are recommended as a first-line management option for infertile women with PCOS. Most of the randomized controlled trials evaluating the role of lifestyle interventions in infertile PCOS women were characterized by methodological issues. The uptake of lifestyle modifications as a treatment strategy in the South Asian population is complicated by a difficult-to-change conventional high-carbohydrate diet and limited availability of space for physical activity in the region. METHODS: The study is designed as an open-label, multicentre, randomized controlled trial in South Asian women with PCOS. Women attending the fertility clinic will be screened for eligibility, and women aged between 19 and 37 years who have been diagnosed with PCOS and wishing to conceive will be invited to participate in the trial. We will include women with body mass index (BMI) between ≥ 23 and ≤ 35 kg/m2 and duration of infertility ≤ 3 years. We plan to randomize women with PCOS into two groups: group A will receive the intervention which will consist of individualized advice on diet and physical exercise along with a telephonic reminder system and follow-up visits, and group B (control) will receive one-time advice on diet and physical exercise. Both groups will receive up to three cycles of ovulation induction with letrozole after 3 months of randomization during the 6-month treatment period. The primary outcome of the trial will be the live birth following conception during the intervention period. The secondary outcomes include clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, stillbirth, time to pregnancy, mean weight loss, differences in anthropometric parameters, improvement in menstrual regularity and quality of life score. DISCUSSION: The IPOS trial results could help clarify and provide more robust evidence for advocating an individualized lifestyle intervention in PCOS women who wish to conceive. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2023/04/051620. Registered on 13 April 2023.

CD4⁺T cells: differentiation and functions.

CD4⁺T cells are crucial in achieving a regulated effective immune response to pathogens. Naive CD4⁺T cells are activated after interaction with antigen-MHC complex and differentiate into specific subtypes depending mainly on the cytokine milieu of the microenvironment. Besides the classical T-helper 1 and T-helper 2, other subsets have been identified, including T-helper 17, regulatory T cell, follicular helper T cell, and T-helper 9, each with a characteristic cytokine profile. For a particular phenotype to be differentiated, a set of cytokine signaling pathways coupled with activation of lineage-specific transcription factors and epigenetic modifications at appropriate genes are required. The effector functions of these cells are mediated by the cytokines secreted by the differentiated cells. This paper will focus on the cytokine-signaling and the network of transcription factors responsible for the differentiation of naive CD4⁺T cells.

Experimental Infection and In-Contact Transmission of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Crows.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of H9N2 avian influenza virus to cause disease and intra-species transmission in house crows (Corvus splendens). A group of six crows were intranasally inoculated with 106.0 EID50 of H9N2 virus (A/chicken/India/07OR17/2021), and 24 h post-inoculation six naïve crows were co-housed with infected crows. Crows were observed for 14 days for any overt signs of illness. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected up to 14 days to assess virus excretion. No apparent clinical signs were observed in either infected or in-contact crows. Virus excretion was observed only in infected birds up to 9 days post-infection (dpi) through both oropharyngeal and cloacal routes. All six infected crows seroconverted to H9N2 virus at 14 dpi, whereas all in-contact crows remained negative to H9N2 virus antibodies. No virus could be isolated from tissues viz., lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine. Although crows became infected with the H9N2 virus, transmission of the virus was inefficient to the in-contact group. However, virus excretion through oral and cloacal swabs from infected crows suggests a potential threat for inter-species transmission, including humans. Crows, being a common synanthrope species, might have some role in influenza virus transmission to poultry and humans, which needs to be explored further.

Detection of novel sequence types and zoonotic transmission potentiality among strains of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) from dairy calves, animal handlers and associated environments.

Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most important food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize STEC from neonatal dairy calves, animal handlers and their surrounding environment and to establish the genetic relationship among isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total number of 115 samples were collected and processed for the isolation of E. coli. The occurrence rate of E. coli was 92.2% (106/115), of which, 18 were typed as STEC. Antibacterial susceptibility analysis revealed 11 (61.1%) strains as multiple drug-resistant (MDR). MLST analysis has delineated 16 sequence types (STs) including nine novel STs. Among STs, ST58 dominated with three strains and was recovered from the environment and neonatal calves. Strains from neonatal calves and humans showed genetic relatedness with significant bootstrap support values indicative of zoonotic transmission potentiality. Analysis of 211 global isolates belonging to 61 STs indicated predominant STs (ST 21, ST 33 and ST 3416) that can be either host-specific (ST 33 and ST 3416) or can be shared among human and bovine hosts (ST 21). The MLST analysis indicates genetic relatedness among isolates and the results predispose inter-host transmission and zoonotic spread.

Assessment of the Cardiac Function in Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Fetuses and Appropriate for Gestational Age Fetuses.

AIM: Aim of the study is to evaluate the myocardial performance index in intrauterine growth restricted fetuses and compare this index with appropriate for gestational age fetuses. MATERIALS & METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in S.M.S Medical College Jaipur, involving 72 singleton fetuses ≥ 28 weeks of gestation divided into two groups: 36 intrauterine growth restricted fetuses (IUGR) and 36 appropriate for gestational age fetuses (AGA). Myocardial performance index was obtained by fetal echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean myocardial performance index in the IUGR fetuses and AGA fetuses was statistically significant and that was 0.62 ± 0.02 and 0.45 ± 0.01, respectively; (p value: < 0.0001). These findings suggest that IUGR induces primary cardiac changes, which could explain the increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease in adult life. This study concluded that Fetal echocardiographic parameters (MPI) identify a high risk group within the IUGR fetuses, which could be targeted for early screening of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as for promoting a healthy diet and physical exercise.

Evaluation of Echocardiographic Systolic Parameters in Pre-Eclamptics and Normotensives Women.

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of changes in cardiovascular echocardiographic systolic parameters and their comparison with normotensives women. METHODS: This was a hospital-based prospective case-control study carried out in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in S.M.S Medical College, Jaipur, during the period from February 2013 to December 2014. In total, 100 women were enrolled in the study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All women underwent two-dimensional echocardiography at rest. Cardiac systolic parameters were recorded and studied. RESULTS: Mean LVEDV in the PIH group was 75.71 ± 4.8 versus 71.08 ± 5.6 ml in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Mean stroke volume was higher in the PIH group as compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (59.83 ± 7.4 vs. 52.48 ± 6.4 ml/min). Mean aortic root diameter in the PIH group was 2.188 ± 1.04 cm as compared to the 1.866 ± 1.06 cm in the control group which was statistically significant. Mean left ventricular outflow tract diameter was slightly higher in the PIH group as compared to the controls although the P value was not significant (2.37 ± 1.06 and 1.99 ± 1.08 cm). Mean total vascular resistance was found to be higher in the PIH group as compared to the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (1389 ± 57.04 vs. 1286 ± 45.01 dynes/sec/cm(-5)). CONCLUSION: Systolic parameters get worsened in pre-eclamptics. Early detection of change in these parameters could help to identify high-risk women who are prone to develop cardiovascular morbidity in later life.

Association of umbilical coiling index by colour Doppler ultrasonography at 18-22 weeks of gestation and perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) and perinatal outcome. METHODS: 600 primigravidas with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies had an ultrasonography between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation for aUCI by colour Doppler. The aUCI was calculated as the reciprocal of the distance between a pair of coils. It was then correlated with the following pregnancy outcomes: birth weight, mode of delivery, meconium staining of liquor, Apgar scores and gestational age. The results were statistically analysed by χ(2)-test. RESULTS: The mean aUCI was 0.41. Undercoiling was associated with spontaneous preterm delivery (47.87 %), low Apgar score (52.13 %), LBW (52.59 %), FGR (21.28 %) and NICU admission (76.34 %). Overcoiling was associated with preterm deliveries (65.38 %), increased caesarean sections (61.54 %), meconium staining of liquor (67.31 %), low Apgar score (63.46 %) and NICU admission (72.55 %). There was a positive strong correlation between aUCI and birth weight (r = +0.426). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal coiling is strongly correlated with low birth weight.