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Background : Apert syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, facial dysmorphism and syndactyly of hands and feet. Eugene Apert in 1906 describe the syndrome acrocephalosyndactyly. Case Presentation : The reporting case was a 3 months old female baby presented with early fusion of all cranial bone, facial dimorphism like hypertelorism, cleft palate and syndactyly of both hands and feet. There was some bony defect also found in radioligy. Conclusion : It is a noncurable disease but treat with multidisciplinary approach can reduce the complication and prevention can be done by genetic counselling and antenatal ultrasonography. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.21 (2); July 2022; Page 60-63

Different parts ofWe screened different HPLC fractions of EELDP based on their anti-metastatic effect. We used TLC and ESI-MS for determining the presence of various phytochemicals in EELDP and fractions. We monitored in vitro anti-metastasis effect of EELDP (0-0.6 mg/ml) and active fractions (0-0.050 mg/ml) on various human cancer cells like A549, HeLa, and U2OS.EELDP significantly reduced cell viability and cell migration in A549, HeLa, and U2OS cells. However, higher sensitivity was observed in A549 cells. We screened 2 active HPLC fractions F6 and F8 having anti-MMPs activity. EELDP and active fractions reduced metastasis via the NF-κB pathway, decreased the expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, and increased the expression of Claudin-1.Significant reduction of metastasis by EELDP at a dose of 0.1 mg/ml or by active fractions at 0.050 mg/ml implicates that the active compound(s) present in crude or fractions are extremely potent to control highly metastatic cancer.

Purpose: Radiotherapy using gamma ray is still the main therapeutic modality for the treatment of various cancers. However, local recurrence and increase of metastasis after radiotherapy is still a major therapeutic challenge. Aim of this work was to check cell migration along with activity and expression of some marker proteins involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in three different human cancer cells after exposure with gamma radiation in combination with PARP inhibitor olaparib. Materials and methods: Here, we presented cell viability, in vitro cell migration, activity of MMPs by gelatin zymography, expression of few EMT marker proteins and the signaling cascade involved in transcriptional regulation of MMPs after gamma irradiation with and without olaparib pretreatment in highly metastatic three human cancer cell lines—A549, HeLa and U2OS. Results: We observed that gamma irradiation alone increased in vitro cell migration, MMP-2,-9 activity, expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and the signaling molecules EGFR, ERK1/2, Akt, p38 that enhanced NF-kB expression in all three cell types. Olaparib treatment alone reduced in vitro cell migration along with reduction of expression of all the above-mentioned marker proteins of the EMT pathway. However, 4 h olaparib pretreatment prevented gamma ray induced activation of all these marker proteins in all three cell types. Conclusions: This data implicates that olaparib treatment in combination with gamma therapy could be promising in protecting patients from gamma-induced metastasis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common disorder, which may impair female fertility by causing ovulatory dysfunction. Lifestyle modification and insulin sensitizers are commonly used in the management of IR. This study aimed to compare the effects of metformin plus myo-inositol versus metformin alone as pre-treatment in ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance.Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2020 to June 2021. A total of 52 insulin-resistant infertile PCOS women were included in this study, who were allocated into two groups by using odd-even numbers and given two different treatments.Results: Mature follicles and mid-luteal serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in metformin plus myo-inositol group (60.9% versus 28.0% and (73.9% versus 44.0%) respectively. The ovulation rate was significantly higher in metformin plus myo-inositol group (73.9% versus 44.0%), and the pregnancy rate was higher in metformin plus myo-inositol group (26.92% versus 11.54%), but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Ovulation rate was significantly higher in metformin plus myo-inositol group than metformin alone group. The pregnancy rate was higher in metformin plus myo-inositol group but no significant difference was found between the two groups.

The atrioventricular septal defects encompass a spectrum of lesions in which the common etiology appears to be abnormal development of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions, resulting in a deficiency or absence of the atrioventricular septum [1-6]. This deficiency of the atrioventricular septum results in an ostium primum defect immediately above the atrioventricular valves and a scooped-out area in the inlet (basal) portion of the ventricular septum. Data from the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program and the Baltimore-Washington infant study defined a prevalence of 0.118 and 0.352 per 1000 live births [7,8]. Approximately, 50-75% of these patients have trisomy 21 [7-9]. When viewed from a reverse perspective, approximately 35-40% of patients with Down’s syndrome have an atrioventricular septal defect [7-9].

The atrioventricular septal defects encompass a spectrum of lesions in which the common etiology appears to be abnormal development of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions, resulting in a deficiency or absence of the the atrioventricular septum [1,2]. Data from the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program and the Baltimore-Washington infant study defined a prevalence of 0.118 and 0.352 per 1000 live births [3,4]. Approximately, 50-75% of these patients have trisomy 21 [5]. When viewed from a reverse perspective, approximately 35-40% of patients with Down’s syndrome have an atrioventricular septal defect [5].

The present perspective is a synthesis of 108 published investigations in the setting of different types of left ventricular rupture following mitral valve replacement (MVR). We identified 109 investigations and reviewed the clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques and outcomes. Clinical presentation, roentgenography, cross-sectional transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography and computerized tomography provided the diagnostic information and defined the causative mechanism. Magnetic resonance imaging had been used for further clarification of the native ventricular anatomy in high-risk subset of patients, undergoing non-traditional transapical off-pump mitral valve repair with neochordal implantation. In this article, we have attempted to address several concerning issues and controversies with reference to the possible causative mechanisms, preventive measures, the issue of chordal preservation during MVR, the degree of decalcification required in cases of heavily calcified mitral annulus, selection of appropriate sized prosthetic valves, the surgical importance of a small left ventricle, various techniques of repair, role of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest during the repair of left ventricular rupture, the role of biodegradable epicardial tissue sealants, to repair or not to repair the atrioventricular groove hematoma during mitral valve surgery, and the role of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in the perioperative period. Additionally, we have highlighted a new type of left ventricular rupture described in the literature located between the base of the papillary muscle and the apex, which can be categorized as a complication of new technologies of mitral valve repair such as NeoChord device artificial chordal implantation. We have classified this category as type IV ventricular rupture. Overall, this review attempts to address the guidelines for different surgical approaches and techniques of repair of different types of left ventricular rupture for a successful outcome. We submit that an increased appreciation of the causative mechanisms of different types of left ventricular rupture and its prevention may well contribute to improved surgical management

SUMMARY The immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) locus features a dynamic chromatin landscape to promote class switch recombination (CSR), yet the mechanisms that regulate this landscape remain poorly understood. CHD4, a component of the chromatin remodeling NuRD complex, directly binds H3K9me3, an epigenetic mark present at the Igh locus during CSR. We find that CHD4 is essential for early B cell development but is dispensable for the homeostatic maintenance of mature, naive B cells. However, loss of CHD4 in mature B cells impairs CSR because of suboptimal targeting of AID to the Igh locus. Additionally, we find that CHD4 represses p53 expression to promote B cell proliferation. This work reveals distinct roles for CHD4 in B cell development and CSR and links the H3K9me3 epigenetic mark with AID recruitment to the Igh locus., Graphical Abstract, In Brief Yen et al. demonstrate that CHD4, a component of the NuRD remodeling complex, is essential for early B cell development, represses p53 expression in mature B cells, and influences the recruitment of AID to DNA during class switch recombination.

Recent studies suggest that ultrahigh-dose-rate, “FLASH,” radiation therapy (RT) decreases normal tissue damage while maintaining tumor response compared with conventional dose rate RT. Our group has designed and tested the first system to accurately deliver dosimetrically identical FLASH Proton RT (F-PRT; 60-110 Gy/sec) or Standard Proton RT (S-PRT; 0.5-1 Gy/sec) using double-scattered protons. Our purpose is to identify if F-PRT is superior to S-PRT in protecting normal tissues, while equipotent in controlling tumor growth. We previously demonstrated that compared to S-PRT, F-PRT significantly decreases overall mortality from late epithelial gastrointestinal (GI) fibrosis (p Citation Format: Ioannis I. Verginadis, Clara Morral Martinez, Tristan Lim, Priyanka Chowdhury, Giorgos Skoufos, Michele M. Kim, Anastasia Velalopoulou, Denisa Goia, Leo Luo, Caitlin J. Foley, Zachary J. Reitman, Andrea R. Daniel, Eric Diffenderfer, Lei Dong, James Metz, David G. Kirsch, Andy Minn, Constantinos Koumenis. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and transgenic mouse models reveal differential effects of flash vs. standard proton radiotherapy on gastrointestinal tissues and tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3320.

Background: Different parts of Dillenia pentagyna have long been used in traditional medicines to cure several diseases including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) of anti-cancer effects are still unknown. We aimed to elucidate the anti-metastatic potential of ethanolic extracts of leaves of D. pentagyna (EELDP) and active fractions of it in highly metastatic human cancer cells. Methods: We screened different HPLC fractions of EELDP based on their anti-metastatic effect. We used TLC and ESI-MS for determining the presence of various phytochemicals in EELDP and fractions. We monitored in vitro anti-metastasis effect of EELDP (0-0.6 mg/ml) and active fractions (0-0.050 mg/ml) on various human cancer cells like A549, HeLa, and U2OS. Results: EELDP significantly reduced cell viability and cell migration in A549, HeLa, and U2OS cells. However, higher sensitivity was observed in A549 cells. We screened 2 active HPLC fractions F6 and F8 having anti-MMPs activity. EELDP and active fractions reduced metastasis via the NF-κB pathway, decreased the expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, and increased the expression of Claudin-1. Conclusion: Significant reduction of metastasis by EELDP at a dose of 0.1 mg/ml or by active fractions at 0.050 mg/ml implicates that the active compound(s) present in crude or fractions are extremely potent to control highly metastatic cancer.

Mechanical complications resulting from myocardial infarction usually have profound acute or chronic hemodynamic effects. Left ventricular aneurysm formation and ventricular septal rupture occurs in 10-20% patients after acute myocardial infarction [1-6]. Surgical techniques have gradually evolved since the first successful operation for post-infarct ventricular septal defect was performed by Cooley and colleagues in 1956 [2,3,6]. We present here-in a 65-year-old male patient diagnosed to have double vessel coronary artery disease [left anterior descending artery- 100% occlusion; first intramyocardial marginal branch of circumflex artery- 90% occlusion (1.5 mm diameter) and post infarct ventricular septal defect with inferior left ventricular aneurysm and unstable hemodynamics. The patient underwent double vessel aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass grafting, Dacron patch closure of the ventricular septal defect and linear Teflon felt-supported left ventricular repair. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. No intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation was required. &nbsp

Three new cyclic tetranuclear copper(II) complexes, Tetrakis{3-[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]-propionato}(tetrachloro)tetracopper(II)methanolhydrate (1·CH3OH·H2O), Tetrakis{3-[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]-propionato}(tetrathiocyanato)tetracopper(II) (2) and Tetrakis{3-[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]-propionato}(tetraazido)tetracopper(II) (3) have been synthesized by exploiting the chelating ability and bridging potential of a carboxyamine functionalized tridentate ligand, HL (HL = 3-[(2-Pyridylmethyl)-amino]-propionic acid). Complexes 1, 2 and 3 have been synthesized by carrying out reaction of the ligand HL with stoichiometric amounts of CuCl2·2H2O, CuCl2·2H2O/NH4SCN, and CuCl2·2H2O/NaN3, respectively, in the presence of NMe4OH at ambient temperature. Various analytical techniques have been employed to characterize the complexes, including single crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1. Structures of complexes 2 and 3 have been optimized by DFT calculation at B3LYP/6-311G level. Analysis of X-ray crystal structure reveals that the metallic core of complex 1 contains four distorted square pyramidal Cu(II) ions. The Cu(II) ions in each complex are arranged at the corners of a quadrilateral showing a μ2:η1:η1 syn-anti bidentate bridging mode of four carboxylate groups of L− ligands with each bridging between two Cu(II) ions. These complexes represent a new family of 16-MCCuII-4 metallocoronates with repeating -[CuII O C O]- units. In aqueous solution (pH∼7.5), the interactions of complexes with DNA have been investigated by UV–Vis and fluorescence titration spectroscopy, and viscosity measurements.

The atrioventricular septal defects encompass a spectrum of lesions in which the common etiology appears to be abnormal development of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions, resulting in a deficiency or absence of the atrioventricular septum [1-6]. This deficiency of the atrioventricular septum results in an ostium primum defect immediately above the atrioventricular valves and a scooped-out area in the inlet (basal) portion of the ventricular septum. Data from the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program and the Baltimore-Washington infant study defined a prevalence of 0.118 and 0.352 per 1000 live births [7,8]. Approximately, 50-75% of these patients have trisomy 21 [7-9]. When viewed from a reverse perspective, approximately 35-40% of patients with Down’s syndrome have an atrioventricular septal defect [7-9]. Atrioventricular septal defects include a spectrum of malformations. At one end of the spectrum is the partial atrioventricular septal defect characterized by an interatrial communication, but no interventricular communication and a connection of variable width between the left superior and left inferior leaflets. At the other end is the most extreme form with large deficiencies in the atrial and ventricular septa, and a common atrioventricular valvular orifice, known as complete atrioventricular septal defect [1-6].

The atrioventricular septal defects encompass a spectrum of lesions in which the common etiology appears to be abnormal development of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions, resulting in a deficiency or absence of the the atrioventricular septum [1,2]. Data from the New England Regional Infant Cardiac Program and the Baltimore-Washington infant study defined a prevalence of 0.118 and 0.352 per 1000 live births [3,4]. Approximately, 50-75% of these patients have trisomy 21 [5]. When viewed from a reverse perspective, approximately 35-40% of patients with Down’s syndrome have an atrioventricular septal defect [5]. Atrioventricular septal defects include a spectrum of malformations. At one end of the spectrum is the partial atrioventricular septal defect characterized by an interatrial communication, but no interventricular communication and a connection of variable width between the left superior and left inferior leaflets [6]. At the other end is the most extreme form with large deficiencies in the atrial and ventricular septa, and a common atrioventricular valvular orifice, known as complete atrioventricular septal defect [1-5].

Because of its rarity and association with life threatening complications like supraventricular arrhythmias, systemic embolization, congestive cardiac failure, prompt recognition of congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm is important in patients with an enlarged cardiac silhouette and a prominent convex bulge of the left upper cardiac border without carinal widening. We report here-in a new technique of resection of the congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm and anatomical reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch under cardiopulmonary bypass, permitting us to avoid undersizing and deformation of the left atrium. A 22-year-old woman with intermittent episodes of chronic atrial fibrillation, and transient ischemic attacks diagnosed to be suffering from congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm undergoing resection of the left atrial appendage aneurysm and anatomical reconstruction using an onlay bovine pericardial patch, thereby avoiding undersizing and deformation of the left atrium. The postoperative recovery was uneventful.

The present perspective is a synthesis of 119 published investigations in the setting of porcelain atrium and coconut atrium in the literature. We identified 60 suitable cases (porcelain atrium, n=44; coconut atrium, n=16) from 34 investigations, and reviewed the clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities utilized, surgical techniques employed and outcomes. Roentgenography, cross-sectional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, computerized tomography and fluoroscopy provided the necessary diagnostic information and defined the disease entity before surgery in all patients. Magnetic resonance imaging and selective coronary angiography had been used for further clarification of the presence of intraluminal left atrial thrombus. We then grouped the lesions into two categories, namely “porcelain atrium” and “coconut atrium” that have a bearing on the appropriate surgical approach, discussing appropriate surgical or non-surgical techniques for each group. For the overall group, taking into consideration of the patients subjected to surgical intervention, the operative mortality remains high at 20.6% [porcelain atrium: hospital death 6/30 (20%), coconut atrium: hospital death 1/4 (25%). We submit that an increased appreciation of different types of left atrial wall calcification may well contribute to improved surgical management. Keywords:Balloon mitral valvotomy; Closed mitral valvotomy; Coconut left atrium; Endoatriectomy; Giant left atrium; Left atrial calcification; Mitral valve replacement; Neovascularized left atrial thrombus; Open mitral commissurotomy; Porcelain left atrium

Summary Precise targeting of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to immunoglobulin (Ig) loci promotes antibody class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), whereas AID targeting of non-Ig loci can generate oncogenic DNA lesions. Here, we examined the contribution of G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acid structures to AID targeting in vivo. Mice bearing a mutation in Aicda (AIDG133V) that disrupts AID-G4 binding modeled the pathology of hyper-IgM syndrome patients with an orthologous mutation, lacked CSR and SHM, and had broad defects in genome-wide AIDG133V chromatin localization. Genome-wide analyses also revealed that wild-type AID localized to MHCII genes, and AID expression correlated with decreased MHCII expression in germinal center B cells and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Our findings indicate a crucial role for G4 binding in AID targeting and suggest that AID activity may extend beyond Ig loci to regulate the expression of genes relevant to the physiology and pathology of activated B cells.

Telomere DNA can form specialized nucleoprotein structure with telomere-associated proteins to hide free DNA ends or G-quadruplex structures under certain conditions especially in presence of G-quadruplex ligand. Telomere DNA is transcribed to form non-coding telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) whose biogenesis and function is poorly understood. Our aim was to find the role of telomere-associated proteins and telomere structures in TERRA transcription. We silenced four [two shelterin (TRF1, TRF2) and two non-shelterin (PARP-1, SLX4)] telomere-associated genes using siRNA and verified depletion in protein level. Knocking down of one gene modulated expression of other telomere-associated genes and increased TERRA from 10q, 15q, XpYp and XqYq chromosomes in A549 cells. Telomere was destabilized or damaged by G-quadruplex ligand pyridostatin (PDS) and bleomycin. Telomere dysfunction-induced foci (TIFs) were observed for each case of depletion of proteins, treatment with PDS or bleomycin. TERRA level was elevated by PDS and bleomycin treatment alone or in combination with depletion of telomere-associated proteins.

Objective: To study the clinicopathological features of Oto palato digital syndrome type II (OPD-II) and telomere length maintenance pathway. Design: Case-control study of OPD-II. Setting: Different clinicopathological studies along with telomere length maintenance pathways were investigated. Participants: Clinically diagnosed two OPD-II patients and four randomly selected age-matched normal individual. Main outcome measures: Studied OstiumSecondum Atrial Septal Defects (osASD) by ECG, testes image by USG, subcortical dysrythmia by EEG, image of corpus callosum by MRI, 17 α oH progesterone level in blood. telomere length, expression of telomerase and telomere-associated genes of PBMC were also measured. Results: Two children with OPD-II showed characteristic clinical symptoms such as cleft palate, broad forehead, facial dysmorphism, flat nasal bridge, low birth weight but no abnormality of the digits. The patient-1 exhibited osASD, bilateral undescended testes with hypospadiusand eventually developed seizure disorder in the follow up, ambiguous genitalia and high level of 17 α oH progesterone in blood. Interestingly, this patient showed shorter telomere length of PBMC – (~60%), low (

Background Hadron therapy is an innovative technique where cancer cells are precisely killed leaving surrounding healthy cells least affected by high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation like carbon ion beam. Anti-metastatic effect of carbon ion exposure attracts investigators into the field of hadron biology, although details remain poor. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors are well-known radiosensitizer and several PARP-1 inhibitors are in clinical trial. Our previous studies showed that PARP-1 depletion makes the cells more radiosensitive towards carbon ion than gamma. The purpose of the present study was to investigate combining effects of PARP-1 inhibition with carbon ion exposure to control metastatic properties in HeLa cells. Methods Activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) were measured using the gelatin zymography after 85 MeV carbon ion exposure or gamma irradiation (0- 4 Gy) to compare metastatic potential between PARP-1 knock down (HsiI) and control cells (H-vector - HeLa transfected with vector without shRNA construct). Expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMPs such as TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 were checked by immunofluorescence and western blot. Cell death by trypan blue, apoptosis and autophagy induction were studied after carbon ion exposure in each cell-type. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and 2-tailed paired-samples T-test. Results PARP-1 silencing significantly reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and carbon ion exposure further diminished their activities to less than 3 % of control H-vector. On the contrary, gamma radiation enhanced both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in H-vector but not in HsiI cells. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in H-vector and HsiI showed different pattern after carbon ion exposure. All three TIMPs were increased in HsiI, whereas only TIMP-1 was up-regulated in H-vector after irradiation. Notably, the expressions of all TIMPs were significantly higher in HsiI than H-vector at 4 Gy. Apoptosis was the predominant mode of cell death and no autophagic death was observed. Conclusions Our study demonstrates for the first time that PARP-1 inhibition in combination with carbon ion synergistically decreases MMPs activity along with overall increase of TIMPs. These data open up the possibilities of improvement of carbon ion therapy with PARP-1 inhibition to control highly metastatic cancers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-016-0703-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction Hadron therapy is producing promising clinical results worldwide. The major advantages are its ability to kill radio-resistant tumour and its anti-metastatic activity. In contrast cells irradiated with gamma rays have been shown to increase the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP-1) inhibitors have been widely used as radiosensitizer and many of them are in clinical trial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PARP-1 depletion in combination with either Carbon Ion Beam (CIB) or gamma irradiation on metastatic potential of cultured cancerous cells. Material and methods Cancer cells were treated with PARP-1 inhibitor and irradiated with CIB or Gamma. The irradiated cells (0–4Gy) for CIB and (0, 2, 4, 6 and 10 Gy) were tested for cell migratory assay and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Alterations of mRNA expression of the MMP-2, MMP-9 genes and in some of the genes those are involved in cell migration (Cadherin, Fibronectin, Vimentin etc.) were studied. Results and discussions The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 reduces significantly on CIB exposure, which further diminishes when cells were PARP-1 depleted. On Contrary, MMP- 2 and MMP-9 activity significantly increases when cells were irradiated with gamma, whereas, its activity gets reduced upon PARP-1 depletion on a dose dependant manner. The mRNA expression of the MMP genes and the migratory potential was also found to be down-regulated on a dose dependant manner on CIB irradiated and in PARP-1 depleted CIB irradiated cells. However, MMP expression and migratory ability of the gamma irradiated cells were only found to get reduced only in those which were PARP-1 depleted. Conclusion Thus, our study clearly demonstrates that PARP-1 inhibition in combination with either high or low LET can be a promising tool in controlling metastatic cancers.

We derive a fine-grained uncertainty relation for the measurement of two incompatible observables on a single quantum system of continuous variables, and show that continuous variable systems are more uncertain than discrete variable systems. Using the derived fine-grained uncertainty relation, we formulate stronger steering criterion that is able to reveal the steerability of N00N states that has hitherto not been possible using other criteria. We further obtain a monogamy relation for our steering inequality which leads to an, in principle, improved lower bound on the secret key rate of a one-sided device independent quantum key distribution protocol for continuous variables., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, published version

In view of the increasing importance of non-Gaussian entangled states in quantum information protocols like teleportation and violations of Bell inequalities, the steering of continuous variable non-Gaussian entangled states is investigated. The EPR steering for Gaussian states may be demonstrated through the violation of the Reid inequality involving products of the inferred variances of non-commuting observables. However, for arbitrary states the Reid inequality is not always necessary because of the higher order correlations in such states. One then needs to use the entropic steering inequality. We examine several classes of currently important non-Gaussian entangled states, such as the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator, the photon subtracted two mode squeezed vacuum, and the NOON state, in order to demonstrate the steering property of such states. A comparative study of the violation of the Bell-inequality for these states shows that the entanglement present is more easily revealed through steering compared to Bell-violation for several such states., 11 pages, 4 figures

We consider optical beams with topological singularities which possess Schmidt decomposition and show that such classical beams share many features of two mode entanglement in quantum optics. We demonstrate the coherence properties of such beams through the violations of Bell inequality for continuous variables using the Wigner function. This violation is a consequence of correlations between the $(x, p_x)$ and $(y, p_y)$ spaces which mathematically play the same role as nonlocality in quantum mechanics. The Bell violation for the LG beams is shown to increase with higher orbital angular momenta $l$ of the vortex beam. This increase is reminiscent of enhancement of nonlocality for many particle Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states or for higher spins. The states with large $l$ can be easily produced using spatial light modulators., Comment: 6 pages and 2 figures

The limitation on obtaining precise outcomes of measurements performed on two non-commuting observables of a particle as set by the uncertainty principle in its entropic form, can be reduced in the presence of quantum memory. We derive a new entropic uncertainty relation based on fine- graining, which leads to an ultimate limit on the precision achievable in measurements performed on two incompatible observables in the presence of quantum memory. We show that our derived uncertainty relation tightens the lower bound set by entropic uncertainty for members of the class of two-qubit states with maximally mixed marginals, while accounting for the recent experimental results using maximally entangled pure states and mixed Bell-diagonal states. An implication of our uncertainty relation on the security of quantum key generation protocols is pointed out., Comment: Latex, 5 pages, one encapsulated figure, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters

Arsenic contamination in drinking water has a detrimental impact on human health which profoundly impairs the quality of life. Despite recognition of the adverse health implications of arsenic toxicity, there have been few studies to date to suggest measures that could be taken to overcome arsenic contamination. After the statement in 2000 WHO Bulletin that Bangladesh has been experiencing the largest mass poisoning of population in history, we researched existing literature to assess the magnitude of groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh. The literature reviewed related research that had been initiated and/or completed since the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) under four domains: (1) extent of arsenic contamination; (2) health consequences; (3) mitigation and technologies and (4) future directions. To this means, a review matrix was established for analysis of previous literature based on these four core domains. Our findings revealed that several high-quality research articles were produced at the beginning of the MDG period, but efforts have dwindled in recent years. Furthermore, there were only a few studies conducted that focused on developing suitable solutions for managing arsenic contamination. Although the government of Bangladesh has made its population's access to safe drinking water a priority agenda item, there are still pockets of the population that continue to suffer from arsenic toxicity due to contaminated water supplies.

The weak equivalence principle of gravity is examined at the quantum level in two ways. First, the position detection probabilities of particles described by a non-Gaussian wave-packet projected upwards against gravity around the classical turning point and also around the point of initial projection are calculated. These probabilities exhibit mass-dependence at both these points, thereby reflecting the quantum violation of the weak equivalence principle. Secondly, the mean arrival time of freely falling particles is calculated using the quantum probability current, which also turns out to be mass dependent. Such a mass-dependence is shown to be enhanced by increasing the non-Gaussianity parameter of the wave packet, thus signifying a stronger violation of the weak equivalence principle through a greater departure from Gaussianity of the initial wave packet. The mass-dependence of both the position detection probabilities and the mean arrival time vanish in the limit of large mass. Thus, compatibility between the weak equivalence principle and quantum mechanics is recovered in the macroscopic limit of the latter. A selection of Bohm trajectories is exhibited to illustrate these features in the free fall case., 11 pages, 7 figures