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Polymeric composites are used worldwide due to their enhanced applications in various sectors such as automotive, defense, aerospace, marine, and many others. Its lightweight and high‐strength applications make it convenient to use in high‐security fields such as defense and aerospace. Thus, it is essential to characterize composite materials for product development. Numerical simulation of composites has advantages over experimental characterization. The paper presents the mechanical behavior of polymer textile composites, employing geometrical modeling and a numerical simulation approach, under several loading conditions such as tension, compression, flexural, and impact loading. Failure mechanisms are also discussed with different failure modes and damage criterions. This review paper is limited to high‐strength fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, and Glass fibers in unidirectional and woven formation. Various test specimens used in mechanical characterizations are presented with significant research summaries. Classification charts are also provided for a better understanding of the numerical simulation approach for characterizing the mechanical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination characteristics help predict the degree of invasive success of a species based on capacity of the seeds to germinate and recruit into novel habitats. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Bush mint, Pignut; Lamiaceae) is an invasive plant that is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We conducted a study to understand the role of seed size dimorphism in differentiation of germination niche in H. suaveolens.We subjected small and large seeds to varying environmental conditions of temperature (°C), photoperiod (light/dark), salt (NaCl; mM), pH, osmotic potential (MPa), different soil types and ratios (clay:sand) and burial depth (cm). Different germination indices were calculated and their interaction with seed dimorphism studied.There was a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between germination indices and seed dimorphism throughout the treatments. Large seeds had higher germination percentage and rate, indicating higher germination capacity. In addition, these displayed more asynchronous germination under various environments. Small seeds, on the other hand, required a longer germination time as compared to large seeds, indicating slower germination.Differential responses of the two seed morphs to varying environmental conditions, therefore, help H. suaveolens to differentiate its germination niche and establish in heterogeneous environments. These findings will help in devising appropriate management and eradication strategies based on germination ecology of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model is formulated to study the thermoelastic diffusion in the plate using two temperature fractional order theory in materials having temperature-dependent elastic properties. Governing equations for the considered two-dimensional problem are deduced. The plate is considered as unstrained and unstressed at uniform temperature initially. Governing equations are non-dimensionalized and simplified by making use of potential functions. A combination of Laplace and Fourier transform is used to reduce the problem to ordinary differential equations. The arbitrary constants in solution are obtained by considering the loading environment on surfaces. The physical quantities like stresses, temperature field, mass concentration and chemical potential are determined analytically in the closed-form. A numerical transform inversion technique is used to obtain the resulting quantities for the original region and displayed in the form of graphs to present the different physical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is an important technique that may be used for quantitative phase imaging of unstained biological cell samples. Since the DHM technology is not commonly used in clinics or bioscience research labs, at present there is no well‐accepted focusing criterion for unstained samples that users can follow while recording image plane digital holograms of cells. The usual sharpness metrics that are useful for auto‐focusing of stained cells do not work well for unstained cells as there is no amplitude contrast. In this work, we report a practical method for estimating the best focus plane for unstained cells in the digital hologram domain. The method is based on an interesting observation that for the best focus plane the fringe pattern associated with individual unstained cells predominantly shows phase modulation effect in the form of bending of fringes and minimal amplitude modulation. This criterion when applied to unstained red blood cells shows that the central dip in the doughnut‐like phase profile of cells is maximal in this plane. The proposed methodology is helpful for standardizing the usage of DHM technology across different users and application development efforts. Lay Description: Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is slowly but steadily becoming an important microscopy modality and gaining acceptability for basic bio‐science research as well as clinical usage. One of the important features of DHM is that it allows users to perform quantitative imaging of unstained transparent cells. Instead of using dyes or fluorescent labelling, DHM systems use quantitative phase as a contrast mechanism which depends on the natural refractive index variation within the cell samples. Since minimal wet lab processing is required in order to image cell samples with a DHM, cells can be imaged in their natural state. While DHM is gaining popularity among users, the imaging protocols across the labs or users need to be standardized in order to make sure that the same quantitative phase parameters are used for tasks such as quantitative phased based cell classification. One of the important operational tasks for any microscopy work is to focus the sample under study. While focusing comes naturally to users of brightfield microscopes based on image contrast, the focusing is not straightforward when samples are unstained so that they do not offer any amplitude contrast. When performing quantitative phase imaging, defocus can actually change the phase profile of the cell due to near‐zone (Fresnel) diffraction effects. So unless a standardized focusing methodology is used, it will be difficult for multiple DHM users (potentially at different sites) to agree on quantitative results out of their phase images. DHM literature has prior works which perform numerical focusing of recovered complex wave‐field in the hologram plane to find the best focus plane. However such methods are not user friendly and do not allow user the same focusing experience as in a brightfield microscope. The numerical focusing is therefore a reasonably good method for an optics researcher but not necessarily so for a microscopy technician looking at cell samples with a DHM system in a clinical setting. The present work provides a simple focusing criterion for unstained samples that works directly in the hologram domain. The technique is based on an interesting observation that the when an unstained cell sample is in the best‐focus plane, its corresponding hologram (or fringe pattern) predominantly shows phase modulation manifested by bending of fringes at the location of the cell. This criterion can be converted into a simple numerical method as we have used to find the best‐focus plane using a stack of through focus holograms. We believe that the technique can be used manually by visually observing the holograms or can be converted to an auto‐focus algorithm for a motorized DHM system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevertheless, this study provides some insight into incidence and risk factors of adverse skin reactions to PPE and such information may prove beneficial to HCWs fighting COVID-19. Adverse skin reactions related to PPE among healthcare workers managing COVID-19 The limitations of this study include inability to validate the perceived adverse skin reactions by participants and evaluate the severity of these reactions. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we define the quadratic‐phase Fourier wavelet transform (QPFWT) and discuss its basic properties including convolution for QPFWT. Further, inversion formula and the Parseval relation of QPFWT are also discussed. Continuity of QPFWT on some function spaces are studied. Moreover, some applications of quadratic‐phase Fourier transform (QPFT) to solve the boundary value problems of generalized partial differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests Trendelenburg positioning can produce a significant rise in intra-ocular pressure. Peri-operative vision loss in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been reported with the rise in intra-ocular pressure suggested as a possible factor. Acetazolamide decreases intra-ocular pressure by reducing the formation of aqueous humour, so we aimed to investigate if it could attenuate the intra-ocular pressure rise that can occur in the Trendelenburg position. Nine healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind crossover comparison of placebo or acetazolamide with a minimal 4 days' washout period before the second study day. One and a half hours after taking the medication, volunteers lay head-down at 17° for 4 h. Intraocular pressure measurements were repeated in both eyes every 30 min over a 4-h period. There were two males and seven female volunteers, with a mean (SD) age of 54.3 (18.5) years. The mean (SD) increase in intra-ocular pressure following 4 h in the Trendelenburg position was 3.17 (4.63) mmHg after the placebo, and 0.02 (4.01) mmHg (p = 0.02) after acetazolamide. We have shown than acetazolamide can attenuate the rise that occurs in intra-ocular pressure when in the Trendelenburg position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Koebner phenomenon refers to triggering of a skin disorder at sites of cutaneous trauma or any other dermatosis.1 We report an unusual colocalization of pigmentary mosaicism and extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (EG-LSA) in a child. Histopathological examination of a sclerotic plaque showed moderate focal acanthosis with effaced rete ridges, focal basal cell vacuolization, band-like lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and homogenized collagen with papillary dermal hyalinosis (Fig. 3 Torchia D, Happle R. Segmental hypomelanosis and hypermelanosis arranged in a checkerboard pattern are distinct naevi: flag-like hypomelanotic naevus and flag-like hypermelanotic naevus. [Extracted from the article]

Marine phytoplankton biomass and community structure are expected to change under global warming, with potentially significant impacts on ocean carbon, nutrient cycling, and marine food webs. Previous studies have indicated decreases of primary production and chlorophyll a concentrations and oligotrophic gyre expansions from satellite ocean‐color measurements, purportedly due to global warming. We review this topic via a reanalysis of a novel backscattering‐based phytoplankton functional type and phytoplankton biomass time series over the 1997–2010 period. Unlike previous work, we find that globally the biomass and the percent of large (small) phytoplankton increase (decrease). The oligotrophic gyres contract or expand depending on the chlorophyll a threshold definition employed. In the subtropical gyres, chlorophyll a trends are likely due to physiological changes, while the increasing biomass trends are due to winds and relevant mixing length scale increases. Key Points: Unexpected increases in the global phytoplankton biomassPhytoplankton biomass in tropics is driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Accurate localization of the epileptic focus is essential for surgical treatment of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Electric source imaging (ESI) is increasingly used in pre‐surgical evaluation. However, most previous studies have analysed interictal (II) discharges. Prospective studies comparing the feasibility and accuracy of II and ictal (IC) ESI are lacking. Methods: We prospectively analysed long‐term video‐electroencephalography recordings (LTM) of patients admitted for pre‐surgical evaluation. We performed ESI of II and IC signals using two methods, i.e. equivalent current dipole (ECD) and a distributed source model (DSM). LTM recordings employed the standard 25‐electrode array (including inferior temporal electrodes). An age‐matched template head model was used for source analysis. Results were compared with intracranial recordings, conventional neuroimaging methods [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)] and outcome at 1 year after surgery. Results: A total of 87 consecutive patients were analysed. ECD gave a significantly higher proportion of patients with localized focal abnormalities (94%) compared with MRI (70%), PET (66%) and SPECT (64%). Agreement between the ESI methods and intracranial recording was moderate to substantial (k = 0.56–0.79). A total of 54 patients were operated (47 patients more than 1 year ago) and 62% of them became seizure‐free. The localization accuracy of II‐ESI was 51% for DSM and 57% for ECD, and that for IC‐ESI was 51% for DSM and 62% for ECD. The differences between the ESI methods were not significant. Differences in localization accuracy between ESI and MRI (55%), PET (33%) and SPECT (40%) were not significant. Conclusions: The II‐ESI and IC‐ESI of LTM data have high feasibility and their localization accuracy is similar to that of conventional neuroimaging methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of various heat treatment procedures on microstructure, dislocation density, hardness, tensile characteristics, and impact toughness of P92 steel was examined in the current experiment. The martensitic microstructure and average microhardness of 463 HV 0.2±8 HV 0.2 of the normalized steel were prevalent. A tempering procedure was carried out at 760 °C for a range of 2 hours to 6 hours. Additionally, an X‐ray diffraction examination was carried out, and the results were used to determine the dislocation density. The normalized sample was characterized by a high dislocation density. The dislocation density was decreased by tempering of normalized samples. With an increase in tempering time, the effect of the treatment coarsened the grains, precipitates, and decreased the area fraction of precipitates. After tempering, MX, M23C6, and M7C3 types precipitates were found to have precipitated, according to energy dispersive spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction research. The ideal tempering period was determined to be 4 hours at a tempering temperature of 760 °C based on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics. Steel that was tempered at 760 °C for 4 hours had a yield strength of 472 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 668.02 MPa, and an elongation of 26.05 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiotic recombination contributes to augmentation of genetic diversity, exclusion of deleterious alleles and proper segregation of chromatids. PRDM9 has been identified as the gene responsible for specifying the location of recombination hotspots during meiosis and is also the only known vertebrate gene associated with reproductive isolation between species. PRDM9 encodes a protein with a highly variable zinc finger ( ZF) domain that varies between as well as within species. In the present study, the ZF domain of PRDM9 on chromosome 1 was characterized for the first time in 15 goat breeds and 25 sheep breeds of India. A remarkable variation in the number and sequence of ZF domains was observed. The number of ZF repeats in the ZF array varied from eight to 12 yielding five homozygous and 10 heterozygous genotypes. The number of different ZF domains was 84 and 52 producing 36 and 26 unique alleles in goats and sheep respectively. The posterior mean of dN/ dS or omega values were calculated using the codeml tool of pamlx to identify amino acids that are evolving positively in goats and sheep, as positions −1, +3 and +6 in the ZF domain have been reported to experience strong positive selection across different lineages. Our study identified sites −5, −1, +3, +4 and +6 to be experiencing positive selection. Small ruminant zinc fingers were also found to be evolving under concerted evolution. Our results demonstrate the existence of a vast diversity of PRDM9 in goats and sheep, which is in concert with reports in many metazoans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit rot of chillies (Capsicum annuumL.), caused byColletotrichum capsiciunder tropical and subtropical conditions, results in qualitative and quantitative yield losses. Based on variation in cultural and morphological traits ofC. capsicipopulations, 37 isolates were categorized into five groups designated, respectively, as Cc-I, Cc-II, Cc-III, Cc-IV and Cc-V. In culture, most of the isolates produced cottony, fluffy or suppressed colonies. However, no significant differences were noticed in shape and size of conidia. The reaction of the 37 isolates on an indigenously developed differential set ofCapsicumcultivars indicated the existence of different virulences in Himachal Pradesh (HP) chilli populations. Fifteen pathotypes of the pathogen were characterized from various chilli-growing regions of HP. Pathotype CCP-1 was most virulent and attacked all the differential cultivars. The genetic relationship between five morphological groups recognized withinC. capsiciwas investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Molecular polymorphism generated by RAPD confirmed the variation in virulences ofC. capsiciand different isolates were grouped into five clusters. However, four isolates (Cc-5, Cc-33, Cc-29 and Cc-37) exhibited identical RAPD haplotypes. The pathological and RAPD grouping of isolates suggested no correlation among the test isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Portal vein obstruction may be due to portal vein thrombosis ( PVT) or its sequale, the portal cavernoma. PVT is a common complication in liver cirrhosis, however, it may also occur as a primary vascular disorder, in absence of any liver disease. Aim To review the current knowledge on nomenclature, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and management of adult patients with obstruction in the portal vein, either as a primary vascular disease in adults, or as a complication of liver cirrhosis. Methods A structured search in PubMed was performed using defined keywords (portal vein obstruction, extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction, PVT and portal cavernoma), including full text articles and abstracts in English language. Results Several causes, operating both at local and systemic level, might play an important role in the pathogenesis of PVT. Frequently, more than one risk factor could be identified; however, occasionally no single factor is discernible. Diagnosis of portal vein obstruction depends on clinical presentation, imaging and laboratory investigations. Prompt treatment greatly affects the patient's outcome. Conclusions Portal vein obstruction occurring either due to thrombosis in the portal vein or due to the portal cavernoma, can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with or without cirrhosis. In recent years our understanding of etio-pathogenesis of portal vein obstruction has evolved tremendously, which has led to significant improvement in treatment outcomes. There are still areas where more studies are needed to better clarify the management issues of portal vein obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The potential impact of concomitant iron deficiency on hemoglobin A2 (HbA2)-based identification of β-thalassemia trait (β TT) is a worrisome issue for screening laboratories. This is especially true for resource-constrained settings where iron deficiency is widespread and molecular confirmatory tests for borderline low HbA2 values may be unavailable. Methods Obligate β TT carrier individuals ( n = 752) were identified during screening studies on the parents of thalassemia major patients. HbA2%, complete blood counts and serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation were studied. Iron-deficient individuals ( n = 135) with normal range HbA2% were taken as controls. Results Concomitant iron deficiency (defined as ferritin ≤15 ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation ≤15%) was present in 20.7% (156/752) βTT cases, that is, 33.3% females (122/366) and 8.8% males with βTT (34/386). Mean HbA2 in iron-replete βTT was 5.4 ± 0.8 (range 3.1-7.9) and in iron-deficient βTT was 5.4 ± 0.9 (range 3.3-7.6). HbA2 < 4.0% was found in 23/752 (3.1%) βTT: 13/595 iron-replete (2.2%) and 10/157 (6.4%) iron-deficient βTT individuals. However, five of the 10 iron-deficient βTT cases carried the silent CAP+1 (A>C) β-thalassemia allele accounting for the borderline HbA2%. On a separate analysis, all five severely anemic βTT (Hb < 80 g/L) and 16/17 βTT with severe hypoferritinemia (<5 ng/mL) had HbA2 > 4.5%. The single case with serum ferritin 4.8 ng/mL and HbA2 3.3% showed a CAP+1 (A>C) mutation. Conclusions Iron deficiency was prevalent among north Indian β TT individuals, especially women. After adjusting for other causes of low HbA2 in β TT, iron deficiency, even when very severe, was very unlikely to interfere significantly with HbA2-based identification of β TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The sooty mangabey is a vulnerable West African species that naturally harbors simian immunodeficiency virus ( SIV) without pathological symptoms. We present normative hematology and serum chemistry values for this species. Methods Hematology analytes from 136 females and 96 males and serum chemistry analytes from 57 females and 26 males were studied. Results Values of several analytes fell outside published reference ranges in the rhesus monkey, a laboratory standard for Old World primates. Erythrocyte-related parameters were higher in mangabeys than in rhesus monkeys, while platelet counts were lower. Mangabeys also had higher gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and lower urea nitrogen levels. Males had higher erythrocyte-associated values than females. Albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, calcium, and creatinine changed with age in patterns similar to those reported for the rhesus monkey. Conclusions The unique blood profile of the mangabey should be taken into account in clinical and experimental studies of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Tropical febrile illnesses such as malaria and dengue are challenging to differentiate clinically. Automated cellular indices from hematology analyzers may afford a preliminary rapid distinction. Methods Blood count and VCS parameters from 114 malaria patients, 105 dengue patients, and 105 febrile controls without dengue or malaria were analyzed. Statistical discriminant functions were generated, and their diagnostic performances were assessed by ROC curve analysis. Results Three statistical functions were generated: (i) malaria- vs.-controls factor incorporating platelet count and standard deviations of lymphocyte volume and conductivity that identified malaria with 90.4% sensitivity, 88.6% specificity; (ii) dengue- vs.-controls factor incorporating platelet count, lymphocyte percentage and standard deviation of lymphocyte conductivity that identified dengue with 81.0% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity; and (iii) febrile-controls- vs.-malaria/dengue factor incorporating mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, neutrophil percentage, mean lymphocyte and monocyte volumes, and standard deviation of monocyte volume that distinguished malaria and dengue from other febrile illnesses with 85.1% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity. Conclusions Leukocyte abnormalities quantitated by automated analyzers successfully identified malaria and dengue and distinguished them from other fevers. These economic discriminant functions can be rapidly calculated by analyzer software programs to generate electronic flags to trigger-specific testing. They could potentially transform diagnostic approaches to tropical febrile illnesses in cost-constrained settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Serological markers such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ( ANCA) and anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody ( ASCA) may be associated with pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis ( IPAA). Aim To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association of ANCA and ASCA status with risk of acute and chronic pouchitis after IPAA. Methods We searched multiple databases (upto September 2012) for studies reporting ANCA and/or ASCA status along with risk of acute or chronic pouchitis after IPAA in adults with ulcerative colitis ( UC). We abstracted odds ratio ( OR) or raw data from the individual studies to calculate summary OR estimates with 95% CIs using random-effects model. Results Eight studies reporting 184 cases of acute pouchitis and six studies reporting 151 cases of chronic pouchitis were included. The odds of chronic pouchitis were 76% higher in ANCA-positive patients than ANCA-negative (six studies; OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19-2.61; P < 0.01). ASCA-positivity was not associated with the risk of chronic pouchitis (three studies; OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.49-1.59; P = 0.68). Neither ANCA (eight studies; OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.79-3.02; P = 0.21) nor ASCA-positivity (two studies; OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.25-6.54; P = 0.77) were associated with the risk of acute pouchitis. Conclusions The risk of chronic pouchitis after IPAA is higher in ANCA-positive patients, but the risk of acute pouchitis is unaffected by ANCA status. ASCA status was not associated with the risk of acute or chronic pouchitis. This information may be used to counsel UC patients regarding their risk of pouchitis after IPAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal low temperature ( LT) adversely affects growth of plants. The onset of LT in temperate zones also entails the process of cold acclimation, preparing the plants to withstand freezing temperatures. During this process of cold acclimation a number of physiological, biochemical and molecular changes occur. A differentially expressed enolase gene in wheat plants exposed to LT was previously identified by cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism. In this study, two wheat enolase cDNA, TaENO-a and TaENO-b amplified by 5′,3′ rapid amplification of cDNA end ( RACE)- PCR (polymerase chain reaction), were isolated and characterised. Quantitative real-time PCR ( QPCR) was done to assess their expression patterns in leaf and crown tissues of wheat plants exposed to LT. BLAST searches and bioinformatic analyses were done to determine the structure, domains and phylogeny of the cloned sequences. The two cDNA sequences differed mostly in the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. Deduced amino acid sequence showed high identity to bacteria, yeast, fungi, human and plant enolases with conserved putative DNA-binding and repressor domains. A genomic clone containing 17 exons distributed over 4.5 kb structurally shared a high degree of similarity to rice enolase. QPCR revealed combined effects of LT and ageing on expression of TaENO-a and TaENO-b. Down-regulation of TaENO-a was observed with age in the crown tissues upon exposure to LT, but in leaf initial up-regulation was followed by down-regulation. Expression of TaENO-b was similar to expression patterns previously reported for cold-regulated ( COR) genes in wheat, wherein the recessive vrnA-1 allele influenced its expression in the leaf and genetic background determines its expression in the crown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 or HAP, is an important bio-material, which is having application in bone implants and dentistry. In the present study, zinc doped nano-hydroxyapatite (Zn-HAP) was synthesized via chemical precipitation route using surfactant mediated approach. The doping of zinc was confirmed by EDAX. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed the typical hydroxyapatite pattern with broadening and extra peaks were observed for higher concentration. The average crystallite size was calculated by applying the Scherrer's formula to powder XRD pattern and was found in the range of 16 to 33 nm. The morphology of synthesized nano-particles was also confirmed using TEM. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of various bonds. The dielectric study was carried out at room temperature within the frequency range from 102 Hz to 107 Hz and the variations of dielectric constant with frequency of applied field as well as with the concentration of zinc were studied. It was found that as the concentration of zinc increased the dielectric constant increased. The variations of dielectric loss and a.c. conductivity with frequency of applied field were studied. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 487-493 Summary Background Erosive oesophagitis appears to be more common in white vs. nonwhite patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aim To evaluate the association between race and erosive oesophagitis healing in patients with GERD treated with once-daily proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Methods Data from five double-blind trials of once-daily treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg vs. omeprazole 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg for erosive oesophagitis healing (evaluated at weeks 4 and 8 by endoscopy) were pooled and stratified by baseline race and Los Angeles (LA) severity grade. Multiple logistic regression models were fit with erosive oesophagitis healing (dependent variable) and race (independent variable), with adjustments for treatment, study, baseline LA grade, age, gender, BMI, Helicobacter pylori status, hiatal hernia and interactions of these factors with race. Results Of 11 027 patients, 91% were white. Nonwhite ( n = 978) and black ( n = 613) patients were less likely to have severe baseline erosive oesophagitis (LA grade C or D) than white patients [adjusted OR: 0.69 (95% CI, 0.61-0.79) and 0.67 (0.57-0.78), respectively; P < 0.0001]. At week 8, nonwhite and black patients had lower healing rates than white patients [OR: 0.75 (0.63-0.89) and 0.67 (0.54-0.83), respectively; P ≤ 0.001]. Greater odds of healing were associated with less severe baseline LA grade, increasing age, hiatal hernia, esomeprazole treatment (vs. lansoprazole or omeprazole) and lansoprazole treatment (vs. omeprazole) (all P ≤ 0.0009); no factor interacted significantly with race. Conclusions Nonwhite patients with GERD had less severe baseline erosive oesophagitis, but were less likely than white patients to have erosive oesophagitis healing after 8-week PPI therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 105–112 Background Cirrhosis with arterial hypertension is not uncommon. Haemodynamic alterations in these patients and the effects of beta-blocker on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and systemic haemodynamics have not been evaluated. Aims To compare the systemic haemodynamic alterations in hypertensive and normotensive cirrhotics, and to investigate the effects of propranolol on these parameters. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive hypertensive cirrhotic patients ( n = 33) who underwent haemodynamic assessment and paired HVPG measurement was done. Normotensive cirrhotics ( n = 50) served as controls. Results Hypertensive patients had a significantly higher heart rate, systemic (SVRI), and pulmonary vascular resistance. There was a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the hypertensive cirrhotic group from 112 (107–130) mmHg to 95 (77–114) mmHg ( P < 0.01), but no change in the normotensives. SVRI remained the same in the hypertensive cirrhotic group, but it increased in the normotensives. There was no correlation between MAP reduction and HVPG reduction. Conclusions The frequency of HVPG response with propranolol treatment in hypertensive cirrhotics is similar to normotensive cirrhotics. Propranolol treatment reduces MAP significantly in hypertensive patients with cirrhosis. Treatment with a nonselective beta-blocker is a good strategy for hypertensive cirrhotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid metal insulator metal plasmonic waveguide has been investigated at 1550 nm wavelength using frequency‐domain electromagnetic solver of computer simulation technology microwave studio. This waveguide overcomes the limitations of conventional plasmonic metal insulator metal waveguide and provides good balance between propagation length and confinement. Propagation length up to 2.5 mm and confinement factor more than 80% have been observed. Waveguide bends such as 90° and S‐shaped, based on the presented waveguide have been examined; these bends exhibit more than 90% transmission efficiency in a confinement area of 40 × 200 nm2. The application of these structures in the design of chip scale integrated circuitry is motivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A beta-blocker is recommended for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding; however, only one-third have hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) response. The role of addition of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) to beta-blocker and benefits of HVPG-guided ‘ a la carte’ approach remain unclear. Aim To determine the benefits of HVPG-guided pharmacotherapy in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding using beta-blocker and ISMN. Patients and methods Consecutive patients of cirrhosis, with high-risk varices, with no previous variceal bleeding were included. After baseline HVPG, patients received incremental propranolol to achieve HR of 55/min. After one-month, HVPG was repeated to determine response (<12 mmHg or ≥20% reduction). ISMN was added in nonresponders and HVPG repeated. Patients were followed up for 24 months. Results Of 56 patients (age 47 ± 13, males 79%) from 89 eligible patients, 21 (38%) responded to beta-blocker alone. Six additional patients responded to combination. Thus, overall 48% (27/56) patients responded. Variceal bleeding occurred in seven of 56 (13%) patients [one of 27 (4%) responder, five of 23 (22%) nonresponders and one of six (17%) with unknown response; P = N.S.]. The actuarial probability of variceal bleeding at median 24 months was 4% in responders and 22% in nonresponders ( P < 0.05). Ten (18%) patients developed adverse effects to propranolol and six of 35 (17%) to nitrates requiring dose reduction. Risk factors of variceal bleed were grade IV varices and haemodynamic nonresponse. Conclusions For primary prophylaxis, a beta-blocker is effective in 38% and addition of ISMN raises the response rate to about half of patients. The HVPG-guided ‘ a la carte’ approach may be considered for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dexlansoprazole MR employs a dual delayed-release delivery system that extends drug exposure and prolongs pH control compared with lansoprazole. Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of dexlansoprazole MR in healing erosive oesophagitis (EO). Methods Patients in two identical double-blind, randomized controlled trials ( n = 4092) received dexlansoprazole MR 60 or 90 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily. Week 8 healing was assessed using a closed testing procedure – first for non-inferiority, then superiority, vs. lansoprazole. Secondary endpoints included week 4 healing and week 8 healing in patients with moderate-to-severe disease (Los Angeles Classification grades C and D). Life-table and crude rate analyses were performed. Symptoms and tolerability were assessed. Results Dexlansoprazole MR achieved non-inferiority to lansoprazole, allowing testing for superiority. Using life-table analysis, dexlansoprazole MR healed 92–95% of patients in individual studies vs. 86–92% for lansoprazole; the differences were not statistically significant ( P > 0.025). Using crude rate analysis, dexlansoprazole MR 90 mg was superior to lansoprazole in both studies and 60 mg was superior in one study. Week 4 healing was >64% with all treatments in both studies. In an integrated analysis of 8-week healing in patients with moderate-to-severe EO, dexlansoprazole MR 90 mg was superior to lansoprazole. All treatments effectively relieved symptoms and were well tolerated. Conclusion Dexlansoprazole MR is highly effective in healing EO and offers benefits over lansoprazole, particularly in moderate-to-severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma continues to increase in the US and the Western world, with the 5-year survival rate for this cancer still being very dismal.The diagnosis of Barrett's metaplasia and dysplasia (i.e. screening and surveillance) currently requires endoscopy with biopsy of the abnormally appearing distal oesophagus. Surveillance endoscopy in patients with Barrett's oesophagus relies on the performance of random biopsies from the metaplastic segment, with the aim of identifying dysplasia and/or cancer. However, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia are not uniformly distributed within the columnar-lined mucosa in the distal oesophagus, and the sensitivity of standard endoscopy with biopsy for the detection of these lesions is low.New techniques to improve the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis, as well as to identify patients at high risk for neoplasia development, have recently been developed and most are currently being evaluated in clinical studies. The results with these techniques, although promising, are still preliminary. They hold promise for the improved detection of dysplasia and neoplasia at an early stage of development, with a greater chance for early treatment, and therefore a greater likelihood of either cure of adenocarcinoma or prevention of its development from dysplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barrett's oesophagus, a complication of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, is the premalignant lesion for oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Described in the 1950s by Norman Barrett, the diagnostic criterion for this lesion has evolved significantly over the last three decades. Endoscopic Barrett's oesophagus requires the recognition of columnar mucosa in the distal oesophagus; documentation of metaplastic tissue is confirmed by random biopsies. Given this changing definition of Barrett's metaplasia, the prevalence rates vary in the literature depending on the diagnostic criteria applied. However, it is generally accepted that approximately 10% of patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease will be diagnosed with this condition. There are no population-based studies on the prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus, but emerging data indicate that it may be equally prevalent in asymptomatic individuals. These studies require confirmation. Although the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing rapidly, it is unclear whether the true incidence of Barrett's oesophagus is increasing at the same time. On the other hand, metaplasia at the gastro-oesophageal junction appears to be distinct from Barrett's oesophagus, is probably not related to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and is a common finding if routine biopsies are obtained at the gastro-oesophageal junction. This article reviews our current understanding of the diagnosis, definition and prevalence of both of these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite implementation of screening and surveillance strategies, a significantly large number of patients with Barrett's oesophagus remain undiagnosed. In those who are identified, the management options include acid reduction therapies with proton pump inhibitors or anti-reflux surgery. Endoscopic ablative therapies have also been attempted. In addition to having inherent procedure-related risks with ablative therapies, these alternatives may be limited by high rates of failure, need for continued acid suppressive therapy, metaplasia persistence under otherwise normal appearing tissue, need for procedural expertise, and continued risk for adenocarcinoma development. Therefore, a widely applicable chemoprevention strategy that cost-effectively reduces the rate of progression from oesophagitis to adenocarcinoma in high-risk patients and perhaps those at lower rates of risk is highly desirable. The AspECT trial currently underway is seeking to determine the effects of high- and low-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy with and without low-dose aspirin as Barrett's oesophagus chemoprevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A number of endoscopic techniques have been described for the treatment of reflux disease. These include endoscopic plicators, which place submucosal or transmural sutures around the lower oesophageal sphincter, the Stretta procedure, which places minute areas of thermal injury in the muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter and cardia, and injection techniques, in which inert substances are injected into the mucosa or the muscle of the lower oesophagus. The mechanism of action of these procedures has been studied to varying degrees. The Stretta procedure is the only endoscopic technique that has been shown to be effective in a sham-controlled trial. Complication rates are generally low, but serious complications have been reported in some cases. The results with some of these techniques are promising, but all procedures described to date are limited by the absence of large, rigorously controlled trials against a form of treatment that has been proven to be both safe and effective (medical therapy). Future studies will need to use controls, validated outcome measures and pre-determined end-points and to provide comparative and long-term data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: Mozzarella cheeses were made with a single culture (SC) or a mixed culture (MC) using 1x or 6x of cheese coagulants chymosin or Cryphonectria parasitica (CP). Melt area increased only by approximately 80% in cheeses made with SC against 230% in the cheeses made with MC after 30 d of storage. Soluble nitrogen was also higher in MC cheeses as compared to SC cheeses. Both the elastic (G') and the viscous (G') modulus decreased with storage. Decrease in both moduli was greater in the MC cheeses at 6× enzyme level compared to SC cheeses at 1× enzyme level. The synergism between coagulating enzyme and starter culture was beneficial, which improved melt and flow of Mozzarella cheese and had profound effects on the viscoelastic properties of Mozzarella cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The falling prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and related diseases (peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer) in developed countries has been paralleled by an increased recognition of gastro-oesophageal reflux and its complications. These epidemiological data do not support a role for H. pylori in the pathogenesis of reflux disease, but suggest a negative association with the increasing incidence of oesophageal diseases. This has led some investigators to propose a ‘protective’ role of H. pylori infection against the development of oesophageal diseases. In these patients, pre-existing lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction, susceptibility to reflux, unmasking of latent reflux and the patterns and severity of gastritis are probably important factors contributing to the development of oesophageal diseases. The most likely mechanism by which H. pylori infection may protect against reflux is by decreasing the potency of the gastric refluxate in patients with corpus-predominant gastritis. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with reflux disease is probably no greater than that in those without reflux, and there are conflicting data indicating that reflux symptoms or erosive oesophagitis develop after H. pylori eradication. It is also unclear whether H. pylori augments the antisecretory effects of proton pump inhibitors or accelerates the development of atrophic gastritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axonal caliber in vertebrates is attributed, in part, to the extensive phosphorylation of NFM and NFH C-terminal tail domain KSP repeats by proline-directed kinases. The squid giant axon, primarily involved in rapid impulse conduction during jet propulsion motility, is enriched in squid-specific neurofilaments, particularly the highly phosphorylated NF-220. Of the 228 serine-threonine candidate phosphate acceptor sites in the NF-220 tail domain (residues 401–1220), 82 are found in numerous repeats of three different motifs SAR/K, SEK/R, K/RSP, with 62 of these tightly clustered in the C-terminal repeat segment (residues 840–1160). Characterization of the in vivo NF-220 phosphorylated sites should provide clues as to the relevant kinases. To characterize these sites, proteolytic digests of NF-220 were analyzed by a combination of HPLC, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and database searching. A total of 53 phosphorylation sites were characterized, with 47 clustered in the C-terminal repeat segment (residues 840–1160), representing 76% (47/62) of the total acceptor sites in the region. As in mammalian NFH, approximately 64% of the K/RSP sites (14/22) in this region were found to be phosphorylated implicating proline-directed kinases. Significantly, 78% of serines (31/40) in the KAES*EK and EKS*ARSP motifs were also phosphorylated suggesting that non proline-directed kinases such as CKI may also be involved. This is consistent with previous studies showing that CKI is the principal kinase associated with axoplasmic NF preparations. It also suggests that phosphorylation of large macromolecules with multiple phospho-sites requires sequential phosphorylation by several kinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a premalignant and crippling condition of the oral mucous membrane, was studied to identify its relationship to various chewing and smoking habits. Two hundred and thirty-six consecutive cases of OSF were compared with 221 control subjects matched for age, sex and socio-economic conditions. It was found that chewing of areca nut/quid or pan masala (a commercial preparation of areca nuts, lime, catechu and undisclosed colouring, flavouring and sweetening agents) was directly related to OSF. Also, pan masala was chewed by a comparatively younger age group and was associated with OSF changes earlier than areca nut/quid chewing. However, chewing or smoking tobacco with various other chewing habits did not increase the risk of developing OSF. It was also found that frequency of chewing rather than the total duration of the habit was directly correlated to OSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-gel hybridization patterns were studied in a set of nine diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) genotypes using 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) probes in combination with 14 different restriction enzymes. Multilocus fingerprints due to SSR probes, shown earlier to be characteristic of a majority of plant genomes, were not obtained and only a very low level of polymorphism was detected when using as many as 142 probe-enzyme combinations. The hybridization of a prominent solitary high molecular weight fragment (>23 kb) with a number of SSR probes suggested the presence of these SSRs (micro-satellites) within the long stretches of repeated DNA sequences. This indicates that the genome of bread wheat differs from that of other plants in the organization and distribution of SSRs and that SSR probes detect very little polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid metal insulator metal plasmonic waveguide has been investigated at 1550 nm wavelength using frequency-domain electromagnetic solver of computer simulation technology microwave studio. This waveguide overcomes the limitations of conventional plasmonic metal insulator metal waveguide and provides good balance between propagation length and confinement. Propagation length up to 2.5 mm and confinement factor more than 80% have been observed. Waveguide bends such as 90° and S-shaped, based on the presented waveguide have been examined; these bends exhibit more than 90% transmission efficiency in a confinement area of 40 × 200 nm2. The application of these structures in the design of chip scale integrated circuitry is motivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Inappropriate Use of Protein C, Protein S, and Antithrombin Testing for Hereditary Thrombophilia Screening: an Experience from a Large University Hospital," by Tientadakul and colleagues in the December 2011 issue.

A new foliar disease was observed on sissoo in Jaipur and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan, India. The disease occurred in approximately 30% of the trees surveyed. Leaf spots were mostly irregular and these start from leaf margin to inwards. The fungus was identified as Curvularia affinis Boedijn and Koch's postulates fulfilled. On the basis of the literature, this is the first report of C. affinis causing leaf spot of Dalbergia sissoo from India as well as worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by P. Sharma and A. Kumar to a letter to the editor about their article "The propranolol therapy in cirrhotic patients" in the previous issue is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented to report on the case of a 25-year-old man who has nevus depigmentosus that affects his iris and skin.

Presents a letter to the editor about dual cervical parasitosis in a psychiatric patient.

Presents a letter to the editor about the clinical features of dementia in an Indian population.

A response from the authors of the article "portal vein obstruction - epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, prognosis and treatment" is presented.

IgA vasculitis (earlier known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura) is the most common vasculitis characterized by triad of purpura, arthritis, and abdominal pain. A 20-year-old male presented with fever, pain abdomen, vomiting, and joint pains of 3 days duration. Skin biopsy showed inflammatory infiltrate around the vessels with plump endothelial cells, leucocytoclasia, and extravasation of red blood cells characteristic of vasculitis (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

Review: 28 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by K. L. Goh and colleagues to their article "Erosive oesophagitis (EO) with particular reference to Asians," published in 2011 issue is presented.

An abstract of the article "First Report of Embellisia Allii Causing Skin Blotch or Bulb Canker of Onion from India," by R. K. Mishra and colleagues is presented.