ABSTRACT
Background: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a known cause of female infertility. Worldwide incidence is 5%-10% and annual burden in India is around 4%-7%. It is known to cause tubal and endometrial damage. However, the effect on ovarian damage is poorly known. The availability of ovarian markers has contributed to an improved understanding of ovarian reserve in FGTB. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess ovarian reserve by measuring anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) amongst infertile women and analyse the effect of GTB on ovarian reserve parameters. Settings and Design: This was a prospective study at a tertiary referral centre for infertility for 18 months. Materials and Methods: A total of 133 infertile women who underwent diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test testing of an endometrial biopsy were included in the study. AMH and AFC of all the infertile women were assessed and compared between cases with and without FGTB. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent t-test was used to find the outcome differences in the distribution of values. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Fifty-eight (43.6%) cases were diagnosed with FGTB (Group I), and 75 (56.3%) cases were without FGTB (Group II). The mean AMH level 1.88 ng/ml (±1.52) and mean AFC 9.0 (±5.50) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in Group I than in Group II with AMH 3.57 ng/ml (±2.93) and AFC 12.50 (±6.0). Conclusion: In women with prolonged infertility and low ovarian reserve, FGTB should be ruled out. Early diagnosis and treatment of GTB may prevent further decline of ovarian reserve and improve the reproductive outcome.
ABSTRACT
RF-discharge lamp is a key component in space- and ground-based compact and portable atomic clocks, such as rubidium atomic frequency standards (RAFSs). Precise thermal, structural design, and control of a rubidium (Rb) bulb is of crucial importance for long-term reliable operation of the onboard clocks. An important aspect is the potting material that is used to mount the Rb bulb. Potting material directly determines the thermal contact between liquid Rb pool inside glass bulb enclosure and the heating element, which is the only path to control the Rb bulb's temperature. Failure or degradation of thermal contact of the Rb bulb with its metallic base will lead to Rb clock degradation or failure. Considering this, we have successfully designed, simulated, implemented, characterized, and tested the use of indium metal as a replacement to epoxy for the Rb bulb bonding that can be implemented in future space Rb atomic clocks. Its thermal advantage over other routine space-qualified epoxies and flexibility for multiple bonding and unbonding mechanisms make it ideal for such applications. The usefulness of key properties of indium for various other space and ground applications is discussed.
ABSTRACT
To introduce the perspective of patients who have PASC with vibrations and tremors as a prominent component, we leveraged the efforts by Survivor Corps, a grassroots COVID-19 patient advocacy group, to gather information from people in their Facebook group suffering from vibrations and tremors. Survivor Corps collected 140 emails and 450 Facebook comments from members. From the emails, we identified 22 themes and 7 broader domains based on common coding techniques for qualitative data and the constant comparative method of qualitative data analysis. Facebook comments were analyzed using Word Clouds to visualize frequency of terms. The respondents emails reflected 7 domains that formed the basis of characterizing their experience with vibrations and tremors. These domains were: (1) symptom experience, description, and anatomic location; (2) initial symptom onset; (3) symptom timing; (4) symptom triggers or alleviators; (5) change from baseline health status; (6) experience with medical establishment; and (7) impact on peoples lives and livelihood. There were 22 themes total, each corresponding to one of the broader domains. The Facebook comments Word Cloud revealed that the 10 most common words used in comments were: tremors (64), covid (55), pain (51), vibrations (43), months (36), burning (29), feet (24), hands (22), legs (21), back (20). Overall, these patient narratives described intense suffering, and there is still no diagnosis or treatment available.
ABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, radiology practices are reporting a decrease in imaging volumes. We review total imaging volume, CTA head and neck volume, critical results rate, and stroke intervention rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Total imaging volume as well as CTA head and neck imaging fell approximately 60% since the beginning of the pandemic. Critical results fell 60-70% for total imaging as well as for CTA head and neck. Compared to the same time frame a year prior, the number of stroke codes at the early impact of the pandemic had decreased approximately 50%. Proportional reductions in total imaging volume, stroke-related imaging, and associated critical result reports during the COVID-19 pandemic raise concern for missed stroke diagnoses in our population.
ABSTRACT
Forum for Medical Ethics Society (FMES), Mumbai; St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences (SJNAHS), Bengaluru; Society for Community Health Awareness Research and Action (SOCHARA,) Bengaluru and SAMA Resource Group for Women and Health, New Delhi co-hosted the joint 14th World Congress of Bioethics (WCB) and the 7th National Bioethics Conference (NBC) in Bengaluru. The theme of the Congress was, "Health for all in an unequal world: Obligations of Global Bioethics". The conference was held at an opportune time when we also commemorate 70 years of the Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and 40 years of the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978. Both declarations affirmed Health as a fundamental Human Right. We have discussed earlier the significance of the congress theme in the year 2018.
