Pyranine Interaction with Amines in Micelles.

The fluorescence behavior of pyranine in anionic micellar system of sodium dodecyl sulphate was studied in the presence of selected amines. The amines included cyclopropylamine (CPA), ethylenediamine (EDA), benzylamine (BA), dibutylamine (DBA), cyclohexylamine (CHA), and polyethylenediamine (PEDA). All the studied amines quenched the intensity of pyranine. Study was performed in 0.05 M and 0.1 M SDS. The thermodynamic parameters were determined in order to understand the quenching of pyranine by the studied amines. Change in Gibbs free energy and quenching was found higher in 0.05 M SDS concentration and was found lower when SDS concentration was increased to 0.1 M SDS. Pyranine quenching by the amines studied were treated with an extended Stern-Volmer equation that produced the Stern-Volmer constant ([Formula: see text]). Binding constant (Kb), number of binding stoichiometry (n) and Gibbs free energy change (ΔGbinding) were found higher for lower surfactant concentration as compare to higher surfactant concentration. More negative (-ve) the Gibbs free energies more will be the quenching, higher will be the sensitivity and vice versa. The Gibbs free energies for all the studied amines were found in the order as cyclopropylamine > ethylenediamine > benzylamine > dibutylamine > cyclohexylamine > polyethylenediamine. Fluorescence quenching of pyranine by amines in aqueous SDS is reproducible and is useful for the determination of amines in environmental samples.

Prostate Segmentation in MRI Images using Transfer Learning based Mask RCNN.

INTRODUCTION: The second highest cause of death among males is Prostate Cancer (PCa) in America. Over the globe, it's the usual case in men, and the annual PCa ratio is very surprising. Identical to other prognosis and diagnostic medical systems, deep learning-based automated recognition and detection systems (i.e., Computer Aided Detection (CAD) systems) have gained enormous attention in PCA. METHODS: These paradigms have attained promising results with a high segmentation, detection, and classification accuracy ratio. Numerous researchers claimed efficient results from deep learning-based approaches compared to other ordinary systems that utilized pathological samples. RESULTS: This research is intended to perform prostate segmentation using transfer learning-based Mask R-CNN, which is consequently helpful in prostate cancer detection. CONCLUSION: Lastly, limitations in current work, research findings, and prospects have been discussed.

Multi Frequency Controllable In-Band Suppressions in a Broad Bandwidth Microstrip Filter Design for 5G Wi-Fi and Satellite Communication Systems Utilizing a Quad-Mode Stub-Loaded Resonator.

The key elements used for receiving and processing signals in communication systems are the bandpass filters. Initially, a common operating mechanism was applied for the design of broadband filters, i.e., by cascading low-pass filters or high-pass filters using multiple line resonators with length quarter-half- or full-wavelength with central frequency, but using these approaches, the design topology becomes expensive and complex. The above mechanisms can be possibly overcome using a planar microstrip transmission line structure due to its simple design fabrication procedure and low cost. So, pointing out the above problems in bandpass filters such as low-cost, low insertion loss, and good out-of-band performance, this article presents a broadband filter with multifrequency suppression capability at 4.9 GHz, 8.3 GHz, and 11.5 GHz using a T-shaped shorted stub-loaded resonator with a central square ring coupled to the basic broadband filter. Initially, the C-shaped resonator is utilized for the formation of a stopband at 8.3 GHz for a satellite communication system, and then a shorted square ring resonator is added to the existing C-shaped structure for the realization of two more stopbands at 4.9 GHz and 11.5 GHz for 5G (WLAN 802.11j) communication, respectively. The overall circuit area covered with the proposed filter is 0.52 λg × 0.32 λg (λg is the wavelength of the feed lines at frequency 4.9 GHz). All the loaded stubs are folded in order to save the circuit area, which is an important requirement of next-generation wireless communication systems. The proposed filter has been analyzed using a well-known transmission line theory, even-odd-mode, and simulated with the 3D software HFSS. After the parametric analysis, some attractive features were obtained, i.e., compact structure, simple planar topology, low insertion losses of 0.4 dB over the entire band, good return loss greater than 10 dB, and independently controlled mutli stopbands, which make the proposed design unique and can be used in various wireless communication system applications. Finally, a Rogers RO-4350 substrate is selected for the fabrication of the prototype using an LPKF S63 ProtoLaser machine and then measured using a ZNB20 vector network analyzer for matching the simulated and measured results. After testing the prototype, a good agreement was found between the results.

Transanal minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS): safety and feasibility for the resection of benign and malignant lesions of the rectum.

OBJECTIVES: Radical surgery for rectal tumours has high morbidity. Local excision of such tumours can be achieved without compromising oncologic safety. However tumours that are not accessible to local excision can be approached using Transanal Minimal Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). The aim of our study was to assess feasibility of TAMIS procedure in terms of complications, operating time, resection margin positivity, hospital stay and local recurrence rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty eight patients with benign adenomas or early stage adenocarcinoma, within 4 to 12 cm from anal verge who were subjected to TAMIS over a period of 3 years were included in the study. Short and long term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: TAMIS was performed for 36 benign adenomas and 12 adenocarcinomas, which were located at an average distance of 6.2 cm from anal verge. The mean operating time was 72 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications.1 (2.08%) patient suffered post operative bleeding, which was managed conservatively. 2 (4.16%) patients developed acute urinary retention who required indwelling catheterisation. Resection margin was positive in 3 (6.25%) benign cases. Average hospital stay was 2.7 days. Local recurrence occurred in 2 (4.16%) villous adenoma patients (after 11 and 13 months), whereas in malignant patients there was no recurrence at a follow up period ranging between 12 to 36 months. CONCLUSION: TAMIS is a safe and feasible procedure for benign tumours and early rectal cancers, located in low and middle rectum.

A Novel Optical Diagnostic for In Situ Measurements of Lithium Polysulfides in Battery Electrolytes.

An optical diagnostic technique to determine the order and concentration of lithium polysulfides in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery electrolytes has been developed. One of the major challenges of lithium-sulfur batteries is the problem of polysulfide shuttling between the electrodes, which leads to self-discharge and loss of active material. Here we present an optical diagnostic for quantitative in situ measurements of lithium polysulfides using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Simulated infrared spectra of lithium polysulfide molecules were generated using computational quantum chemistry routines implemented in Gaussian 09. The theoretical spectra served as a starting point for experimental characterization of lithium polysulfide solutions synthesized by the direct reaction of lithium sulfide and sulfur. Attenuated total reflection FT-IR spectroscopy was used to measure absorption spectra. The lower limit of detection with this technique is 0.05 M. Measured spectra revealed trends with respect to polysulfide order and concentration, consistent with theoretical predictions, which were used to develop a set of equations relating the order and concentration of lithium polysulfides in a sample to the position and area of a characteristic infrared absorption band. The diagnostic routine can measure the order and concentration to within 5% and 0.1 M, respectively.

Factors associated with overcrowded pediateric emergency rooms in Northern India and possible solutions: a medical school setting

Background: To quantify the extent of emergency department overcrowding in a tertiary care hospital and to identify possible solutions.Methods: A retrospective hospital record-based study was conducted at Government Medical College Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India from the Department of Pediaterics and comprised data of all the patients presenting to the emergency department between 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018. Demographic characteristics, length of stay (LOS), revisit frequency and consultation status of the patients were determined.Results: Of the 1,17,035 patients, 25,223 (43.89%) were discharged straight away while 24,113 (41.95%) were admitted to different wards and subspecialties. Besides, 6464 (11.25%) patients left the department against medical advice, 861 (1.5%) expired, 741 (1.29%) were referred to other hospitals and 67 (0.12%) were dead on arrival. Of those who were admitted, 1,4498 (60.13%) patients stayed for more than 10 hours before getting the main hospital bed. Mostly, the delays observed were due to delay in getting lab reports, already preoccupied ventilators and incubators in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, not using checklist for proper reassessment of patients and early discharge, overburdened by patients coming in just for nebulization and intravenous or intramuscular medications, the admitting residents detain the unstable patient longer in emergency department before admission to wards.Conclusions: In conclusion, cooperation of the managers, relevant departments and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary to achieve the goals to reduce overcrowding in the emergency departments.

Risk factors and outcome of Klebsiella pneumonia sepsis among newborns in Northern India

Background: The increasing clinical incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major global health care issue. Among MDR pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is one of the world's most dangerous superbugs; and becoming resistant to virtually every antibiotic available today. The objective were to study the clinical characteristics of neonatal sepsis caused by KP and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in northern india.Methods: This observational study was conducted with neonates who were admitted in NICU of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) India and whose blood culture showed growth of KP in a study period of 1 year between 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018. The data was entered into a register and presented by descriptive statistics.Results: Twenty four neonates were included in the study. The clinical presentations include refusal of feed (83.3%), lethargy (79.2%), respiratory distress (70.8%), shock (70.8%), fever (37.5%) or hypothermia (58.3%), apnea (29.2%) and abdominal distension (33.3%). Most common perinatal risk factor was prolonged labor (>24 h) seen in 79.2% of cases. C-reactive protein (CRP) level was positive in 95% of the cases. The mortality was 25%. KP strains were sensitive to colistin, polymyxin B, cotrimoxazole and tetracyclines.Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of neonatal sepsis caused by KP are usually non-specific. CRP detection is valuable for early diagnosis of sepsis. Neonatal sepsis persists as a cause of mortality in this region. Regular antimicrobial surveillance for empirical treatment remains an important component of neonatal care.

Knowledge regarding prevention of hypothermia in newborns among mothers in Northern India

Background: Neonatal hypothermia is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for newborn survival. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining a warm chain and skin-to-skin care for thermo-protection of newborn children. Since little is known about practices related to newborn hypothermia, this study’s goal was to assess the knowledge of mothers of newborns especially LBW babies on prevention of hypothermia and to provide them the knowledge of cost-effective thermal protection measures.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study using pre-tested, pre-structured questionnaire. 108 postnatal mothers having LBW babies admitted in postnatal wards of Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India were included in the study and analysed using SPSS version 20.Results: Out of 108 mothers, maximum mothers were of age less than 25 years (51%), 60% were from rural area, residing in nuclear family were 62%. Mothers attended hospital for confinement were 95% and 85% started breast feeding their babies. 45% had knowledge of keeping the baby warm by immediately wiping the baby and only 3% mothers had knowledge of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).Conclusions: Understanding and addressing community-based practices on hypothermia, prevention and management might help to improve newborn survival in resource-limited settings. Possible interventions include the implementation of skin-to-skin care in rural areas and the use of appropriate, low-cost newborn warmers to prevent hypothermia and support families in their provision of newborn thermal protection. Training family members to support mothers in the provision of thermo-protection for their newborns could facilitate these practices. Those who fail to fully attend antenatal clinics should be targeted for newborn care education.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among women of reproductive age group attending outpatient department in a tertiary centre of Northern India

Background: India with 1.35 billion people is the second most populated country in the world next to China. Total fertility rate of India is 2.2 and the current total fertility rate of Jammu and Kashmir is 1.7 which is still lagging behind various states. This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception in women of reproductive age in this set up.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in patients attending OPD (outpatient department) of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ASCOMS, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India from 1st September 2017 to 31st August 2018. 200 married women aged between 18-49 years were included in this study. Socio-demographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, attitude and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire.Results: Out of 200 women, maximum respondents belong to age group of 21-25 years (75.6%). Most of the contraceptive non-users belongs to age below 20 years (62.5%). Majority of respondents were Hindu (70.37%), maximum studied up to secondary level education (84.61%), 70.30% were housewives and 56.58% belongs to middle class. In 45% of respondents, media was the main source of information. Preferred spacing method was condom in 85% of cases. 68% women had knowledge of female sterilization. According to most women, family planning methods are meant for limitations of birth (43%) and 36% meant for spacing of birth. 80% women had positive attitude towards contraceptive usage. 50% experienced side effects with the use of contraceptives. The most common side effect was menstrual irregularities in 25% of cases. Most common reason for not using contraceptive methods among non-respondents were lack of knowledge in 50% of cases.Conclusions: The study showed that inspite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives were less because of large family norm, religious myth, cultural and political barriers. Ignorance regarding use and side effects of various contraceptive methods is another reason for inadequate practice of family planning methods.

Overcrowding and possible solutions for a busy gynecological emergency department: a hospital-based setting

Background: The objective of this study is to determine the trends of patients presenting in Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency department and to identify possible solutions.Methods: This retrospective hospital record-based study was conducted at Government Medical College Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India from the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and comprised data of all patients presenting to the emergency department between 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018.  Patients were assessed in terms of demographic features, presenting complaints, admission types (urgent, non-urgent), referral from other hospitals or coming from home. The total number of patients admitted and the number of patients sent home was also recorded.Results: A total of 1,46,366 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Out of which 63,004 (43.05%) were send home from the OPD while 83,362 (56.95%) presented to the emergency department. Of them, 49,383 (59.24%) were discharged straight away from the ED after emergency treatment and care while 339,79 (40.76%) were admitted. Out of 339,79 patients, 24,932 (73.37%) stayed in the emergency whereas 9047 (26.63%) admitted into different wards for elective procedures. Majority of the patients 26,098 (89.92%) came from home and 2927 patients (10.08%) were referred from other hospitals. Labour pains 7833 (31.42%) was the most common presentation. Trauma was the reason for admission in 112 (0.45%) patients out of 29025. 971 (3.89%) patients presented with gynecological problems. 4093 (14.10%) patients presented with non-urgent indications. Rest of all patients presented with indications which were categorized as urgent and were admitted. All data was analysed using SPSS version 20.Conclusions: To reduce the overcrowding in the emergency department and improve quality of obstetrics and gynecological services, Inpatients and Outpatient departments at primary and secondary care levels need to be strengthened. Patients with non-urgent problems should be provided adequate care at primary and secondary health care centers.

Isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility of Candida in patients with fungal sepsis

Background: In this study, our aim was to identify and isolate Candida species from patients admitted in ICU,s of our hospital and to determine their susceptibilities to various antifungal agents so as to find the local resistance pattern and guide for empirical treatment.Methods: In our study 37 strains of candida were isolated (4 Candida albicans, 33 Non-albicans Candida strains). Candida species were identified by conventional, biochemical and molecular methods. Antifungal susceptibility tests for amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole were performed with broth microdilution method and E- tests as described by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).Results: Out of 37 Candida strains, the most prevalent species were C. tropicalis (43.2%), C. parapsilosis (24.3%), C. krusei (16.2%), C. albicans (10.8%), and C. glabrata (2.7%). Among all strains four strains (10.8 %) were resistant, two Candida albicans where found resistant to fluconazole one Candida krusei and one Candida parapsilosis were found to be resistant to all azoles.Conclusions: Candidemia continues to be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and non albicans Candida species are the commonly isolated pathogen from those patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals in Indian scenario. Thus, it is imperative to perform antifungal susceptibility to select appropriate and effective antifungal therapy.

Pattern of critical congenital heart disease and their outcome in Northern India: a medical school based study

Background: Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) comprise a group of morphologically heterogeneous disorders which have one thing in common that early surgical or catheter interventional therapy is mandatory to achieve survival. Our aim in this study was to look for pattern of Critical congenital heart disease in a tertiary centre in Northern India.Methods: Our study was a hospital based prospective study conducted on all patients with suspected congenital heart disease who were brought to neonatology section of a tertiary care hospital. The methods employed for case detection used were clinical examination, pulse oximetry, chest radiograph, electrocardiogram and echocardiography.Results: Forty two neonates with suspected congenital heart disease were admitted in our NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit) and nine cases of CCHD were diagnosed. Twenty seven cases were having Non Critical cardiac lesions whereas six cases had respiratory illness. Out of nine cases of CCHD seven patients died while two are alive.Conclusions: With the advent of more screening tools the prevalence of CCHD has increased and the mortality associated with this condition is also very high. It is thus imperative to go for early surgical correction to achieve survival.