Multiline 3D beamforming using micro-beamformed datasets for pediatric transesophageal echocardiography.

Until now, no matrix transducer has been realized for 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in pediatric patients. In 3D TEE with a matrix transducer, the biggest challenges are to connect a large number of elements to a standard ultrasound system, and to achieve a high volume rate (>200 Hz). To address these issues, we have recently developed a prototype miniaturized matrix transducer for pediatric patients with micro-beamforming and a small central transmitter. In this paper we propose two multiline parallel 3D beamforming techniques (µBF25 and µBF169) using the micro-beamformed datasets from 25 and 169 transmit events to achieve volume rates of 300 Hz and 44 Hz, respectively. Both the realizations use angle-weighted combination of the neighboring overlapping sub-volumes to avoid artifacts due to sharp intensity changes introduced by parallel beamforming. In simulation, the image quality in terms of the width of the point spread function (PSF), lateral shift invariance and mean clutter level for volumes produced by µBF25 and µBF169 are similar to the idealized beamforming using a conventional single-line acquisition with a fully-sampled matrix transducer (FS4k, 4225 transmit events). For completeness, we also investigated a 9 transmit-scheme (3 × 3) that allows even higher frame rates but found worse B-mode image quality with our probe. The simulations were experimentally verified by acquiring the µBF datasets from the prototype using a Verasonics V1 research ultrasound system. For both µBF169 and µBF25, the experimental PSFs were similar to the simulated PSFs, but in the experimental PSFs, the clutter level was ~10 dB higher. Results indicate that the proposed multiline 3D beamforming techniques with the prototype matrix transducer are promising candidates for real-time pediatric 3D TEE.

Potency dependent activity of homeopathic nanomedicine- classical and quantum electrodynamical approach

The effect of homeopathic medicine on biological and physical system is directly related to its potency [1]. However, from physico-chemical point of view it is difficult to explain this effect at such high dilution, as then the existence of even trace amount of particle is questionable. It has been reported that during the process of potentization, a large amount of mechanical energy gets transferred to the medium due to succussion [2]. This energy in all probability reduces the size of the drug aggregates. The drug then penetrates easily through the membrane barrier, and thereby gives rise to enhanced activity of the medicine. It has been experimentally proved by us and supported by others that indeed a reduction of size of the aggregates takes place with increase in potency [3]. Using five different homeopathic medicines, their sizes at three different potencies have been estimated and a general mathematical expression relating the size of the particle (Y) and the corresponding potency (X) has been derived as follows Y = a X -n. (AU)

Balance quality assessment as an early indicator of physical frailty in older people.

Frailty is an increasingly common geriatric condition that results in an increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as falls. The most widely-used means of detecting frailty is the Fried phenotype, which includes several objective measures such as grip strength and gait velocity. One method of screening for falls is to measure balance, which can be done by a range of techniques including the assessment of the Centre of Pressure (CoP) during a balance assessment. The Balance Quality Tester (BQT) is a device based on a commercial bathroom scale that can evaluate balance quality. The BQT provides instantaneously the position of the CoP (stabilogram) in both anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions and can estimate the vertical ground reaction force. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between balance quality assessment and physical frailty. Balance quality was compared to physical frailty in 186 older subjects. Rising rate (RR) was slower and trajectory velocity (TV) was higher in subjects classified as frail for both grip strength and gait velocity (p<;0.05). Balance assessment could be used in conjunction with functional tests of grip strength and gait velocity as a means of screening for frailty.

Occurrence of gravid Loa loa in subconjunctival space of man: a case report from West Bengal, India.

Loa loa a benign filarial eye worm is endemic in tropical rain forests areas of west and central Africa. Reports of its sporadic recovery from India are available mostly from the travellers and miogrants. This is the fifth report from India in 100 years. One 10.5 cm long gravid female eye worm Loa loa was recovered from the subconjunctival area of a 50 year old Indian lady with history of trekking in swamp areas in the Himalayas in Kumayun district. She was suffering from recurrent attacks of swelling, pain and redness of right eye and fleeting itchy rashes all over the body. Slit lamp examination revealed an indistinct coiled structure in the sub conjunctival space. Through a small nick, the structure was pulled out and was found to be a live worm which was identified as a gravid female species of Loa loa.

Spiral growth of one dimensional titania nanostructures using anodic oxidation.

One dimensional spiral titania nanostructures were obtained by anodization of pure titanium from fluoride containing solutions of phosphoric acid. The formation of nanotubes was found to be dependant on current density. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) shows the diameter of tubes around 70-100 nm which is consistent with the High Resolution Transmission Electron Micrographs (HRTEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images. HRTEM showed the one dimensional growth as spiral in nature which was also supported by AFM images. This anisotropic growth is compared with the possible growth mechanisms.

A lymphatic filarial survey revealing a focus of Brugia malayi in the coastal region of west Bengal.

Random night blood samples were examined from 528 subjects in an endemic zone of lymphatic filariasis, in the coastal region of West Bengal. There were 136 cases out of 528 who were symptomatic, with or without recurrent episodes of fever, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis and with various degrees of lymphoedema. Examination of blood samples revealed microfilaria in 43 cases of which 42 were asymptomatic and only one was symptomatic with lymphoedema. All the microfilariae were of the species Brugia malayi.

Studies on the life cycle of Artyfechinostomum oraoni Bandyopadhyay, Manna & Nandy 1989: embryogenesis & development in the intermediate host.

A study was undertaken to elucidate the life cycle of the parasite A.oraoni, isolated from man. For the purpose, operculated eggs were isolated from faeces of oraon tribals belonging to the village Bandipore, district North 24-Parganas of West Bengal province of India. The purified eggs were incubated at different temperatures, salinity and pH. Larvae (miracidia) could be observed to develop between the 7th and 8th day of incubation at a temperature range between 22 degrees-30 degrees C. While the optimum pH was observed to be neutral, larval development did not take place at salinity beyond 0.8 per cent. To identify the correct intermediate host, all available species of snails from the study village were colonised and infected with the laboratory hatched miracidia from human derived operculated eggs. It was observed that of all the snails infected, only Lymnaea supported the development of rediae from miracidia, which could be observed on the 32nd post infection day. Considering the results of the experimental study, it was hypothesised that Lymnaea spp. of snails under natural condition also, might act as the first intermediate host for A. oraoni.

Pathogenicity of Artyfechinostomum oraoni in naturally infected pigs.

In an attempt to establish the diarrhoeogenic potential of the newly identified Artyfechinostomum oraoni, which was associated with human diarrhoea in a tribal community near Calcutta, India, two naturally infected domestic pigs of the locality were followed in captivity. Both pigs developed fatal diarrhoea after 5 months. The autopsy revealed a massive infection with the echinostome on a haemorrhagic and oedematous mucosa of the jejunum and duodenum extending up to pyloric end of the stomach. It is suggested that similar pathology might also be operating in the infected man.

[Granulocyte metabolism in workers at a coke-processing plant]. / Metabolizm granulocytów pracowników koksowni.

Acid phosphatase activity examinations and nitrotetrazolium blue reduction test after latex stimulation in peripheral blood neutrophils were performed in the group of 32 coking plant workers. Reference group consisted of 150 men not exposed to any toxic substances. Neutrophils of coking plant workers, comparing with the reference group, revealed decreased activity of acid phosphatase and impaired reduction of nitrotetrazolium blue after latex stimulation. The results suggest the possibility of toxic influence of coking plant environment on the lysosomal enzymes and oxygen-dependent metabolism of neutrophils what subsequently may diminish bactericidal powers.

[Neutrophil function in the peripheral blood of workers in a coke plant]. / Czynnosc granulocytów obojetnochlonnych krwi obwodowej pracowników koksowni.

In workers of the cooking plant the resting metabolism of peripheral blood neutrophils has been evaluated. The nitrotetrazolium blue reduction has been used for evaluation of above phenomenon. Simultaneously analogous investigations have been performed in properly selected control group. It has been stated that the cooking plant environment represents a strong stimulator of the neutrophil resting metabolism as seen by significant increase of the formazan-positive cells when compared with that in the control group.

[Acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase activities in peripheral blood lymphocytes of coke plant workers]. / Aktywnosc fosfatazy kwasnej i esterazy nieswoistej w limfocytach krwi obwodowej pracowników koksowni.

In 32 workers of coking plants cytoenzymatic reaction was examined in lymphocytes peripheral blood to determine the presence of acid phosphatase and unspecific esterase expressed in total score values. Statistically significant decrease of unspecific esterase activity and lower mean values of acid phosphatase activity were found as compared to the results obtained in the control group. It seems that periodical determinations of cytoenzymatic activity of unspecific esterase in lymphocytes of peripheral blood may be useful in assessment of biological effects of occupational exposure in coking plants workers.

[Protoporphyrin level in erythrocytes of workers in coke-producing plants]. / Zawartosc protoporfiryny w krwinkach czerwonych pracowników zakladów koksochemicznych.

Peripheral blood samples from workers of a coke factory were examined to determine protoporphyrin content in erythrocytes and haemoglobin concentration. Statistically significant increase of protoporphyrin level was found in the coke factory workers, as compared with the control group whereas haemoglobin content was very similar in both the groups. The results indicate that the working environment of coke factory may induce protoporphyrin synthesis in erythrocytes as well as inhibit generation of iron porphyrins.

[Cytochemical analysis of selected enzymes in granulocytes from the peripheral blood of coke plant employees]. / Badanie cytochemiczne niektórych enzymów w granulocytach obojetnochlonnych krwi obwodowej pracowników zakladów koksochemicznych.

Cytochemical reactions detecting catalase and myeloperoxidase in the peripheral blood neutrophils were carried out in coke plants employees. Intensity of the cytochemical reactions were expressed as total score and compared with the values obtained in corresponding control group. An increase in both enzymes activity, especially catalase, was seen. It is assumed that the in enzymatic activity may be related to iron-porphyrins being prosthetic group of these enzymes.

[Various non-specific immunity proteins in the blood serum of workers in the coke-processing industry]. / Niektóre bialka odpornosci nieswoistej w surowicy krwi u pracowników koksowni.

The concentrations of certain proteins related to non-specific immunity were determined in the serum of cokery workers and in a matched control group. No changes were found in the concentrations of the main proteins of the properdin system, that is properdin and third fraction of complement. However, the level of transferrin was higher in cokery workers. It seems that the harmful effects of the working environment were not changing the function of the properdin system. Raised transferrin level seems to be only a biochemical trace of exposure without essential importance.

Effect of levamisole on bacterial index in BL and LL leprosy.

A 150 mg levamisole tablet once in every fortnight along with specific antileprosy drugs were administered to ten patients each in BL and LL groups of leprosy. A similar number of patients in each group receiving only specific antileprosy treatment served as controls. After 11/2 years of study a more significant improvement was noted in the bacteriological status in the levamisole-treated group. Thus, levamisole can be used as an effective adjunct for quicker recovery in lepromatous patients.