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Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization is a popular fundamental technique of linear algebra, having wide-spread applications in state-of-the art and next-generation signal processing and communication technologies including Blind Source Separation, Independent Component Analysis, MIMO technology, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, and QR Decomposition. On the other hand, Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC) is a technique being extensively used for the efficient implementation of complex arithmetic operations in various signal processing and communication modules. For all the aforementioned applications including FastICA and QR decomposition, CORDIC is being used widely for all the modules except GS where still costly multipliers, dividers, square root, and addition operations are being used. It motivated us to investigate the design for GS using CORDIC resulting in low-power and low-complex architecture of the entire design. In this paper, we propose a CORDIC-based low-complexity, low-power architecture design methodology for the n-dimensional GS algorithm where a single CORDIC unit can be re-used for implementation of several processing and communication modules on-chip. The proposed architecture precludes the use of additional arithmetic units to perform costly operations by recursive use of CORDIC, and thus significantly reduces its hardware complexity. The proposed architecture reduces the power consumption by 74–86 % and the area by 12–40 % for 3D to 6D GS, respectively, over the conventional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on therapy and outcome of dense deposit disease (DDD), C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), and immune-complex MPGN (IC-MPGN) in children are limited. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study from 2007 to 2019, kidney biopsies were reviewed to include patients aged <18-years with C3 glomerulopathy and IC-MPGN. Initial immunosuppression comprised prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil (n = 51), tacrolimus (n = 11), and/or IV cyclophosphamide (n = 20). Clinicopathological features, response to therapy, and adverse outcome (eGFRcr < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or death) were evaluated. Results: A total of 92 patients were classified as DDD (n = 48, 52.2%), C3GN (n = 26, 28.3%), and IC-MPGN (n = 18, 19.6%) by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy; 8 patients with DDD were misclassified as IC-MPGN on immunofluorescence. At last follow-up (median 4.3 years), complete or partial remission occurred in 28.5, 36.1, and 16.7% patients with DDD, C3GN, and IC-MPGN, respectively. Serum albumin at onset < 2.5 g/dL (HR = 0.29, P = 0.005) and persistently low serum C3 (HR = 0.34, P = 0.02) were associated with lack of remission. The 5-year kidney survival was 62.6, 85.5, and 88.5% in patients with DDD, C3GN, and IC-MPGN, respectively (log-rank, P = 0.006). Presentation as rapidly progressive GN (HR = 11.2, P < 0.001), age > 10 years at onset (HR = 4.0, P = 0.004), and DDD (HR = 4.2, P = 0.02) were independently associated with adverse outcome; achieving remission was protective (HR = 0.04; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Outcome in patients with C3 glomerulopathy and IC-MPGN was unsatisfactory, and only a small proportion of patients achieved complete or partial remission. Patients with DDD were more likely to present with rapidly progressive GN and were at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including kidney failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let f(u) and g(v) be two polynomials, not both linear, which split into distinct linear factors over F q . Let R = F q [ u , v ] / ⟨ f (u) , g (v) , u v - v u ⟩ be a finite commutative non-chain ring. In this paper, we study general skew cyclic codes and θ t -skew constacyclic codes over the ring R where θ t is an automorphism of R . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Frozen section is a well-established method for providing rapid and accurate intraoperative diagnosis. Cytological techniques such as imprint and scrape cytology and intraoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology are conventionally considered as less accurate alternatives to the frozen section. However, inexperienced hands, scrape cytology has been shown to provide remarkably accurate results comparable to the frozen section. Aims: The aims of this study are as follows: (1) To evaluate the diagnostic utility of scrape cytology in the intraoperative diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms. (2) To compare the accuracy of scrape cytology with frozen section in the intraoperative diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 3 years from 2014 to 2017. A total of 60 cases of clinically and radiologically suspected ovarian masses were included in the study. Thirty cases were evaluated using frozen section and 30 cases using scrape cytology alone. The intraoperative diagnosis of both was compared with the final paraffin section histopathology. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of scrape cytology and frozen section in determining a benign and malignant nature of neoplasm was 96% and 100%, respectively. In 93% of cases, scrape cytology enabled correct categorization of the tumor as surface epithelial, germ-cell tumor, sex cord-stromal, or others. Conclusion: Scrape cytology is an adjunct to frozen section for providing an intraoperative diagnosis; however, in resource-poor settings, it can be used as a stand-alone method for aiding intraoperative decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case study of a 17‑month old boy who was diagnosed with hypomagnesemia (HSH) with secondary hypocalcemia with a novel TRPM6 mutation. It presents clinical and biochemical characteristics of inherited hypomagnesemia disorders. It states that hyperphosphatemia is associated with decreased secretion as well as resistance to Parathyroid hormone (PTH) action in the presence of hypomagnesemia. It presents information on importance of measuring serum magnesium.

In this report, the effect of incorporation of hydrothermally prepared TiO2-Au nanocomposites in the photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), prepared from commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles, has been investigated. Electrophoretic deposition technique has been utilized for nanocomposite-doped photoanode preparation. The formation of hydrothermally prepared TiO2-Au nanocomposites has been confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy. The HRTEM images establish that the particle size of Au nanoparticles dispersed in TiO2 matrix varies from 2 to 45 nm. TiO2-Au photoelectrode has been characterized by XRD, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy in order to confirm the successful preparation of plasmonic photoanodes. Measurement of current-voltage characteristics of the plasmonic dye-sensitized solar cells under the solar simulator illumination (100 mW/cm2, AM 1.5) shows enormous enhancement of power conversion efficiency. The PCE of plasmonic DSSCs is 10.1%, which is 134% greater than the DSSCs with pristine TiO2 photoanode of the same thickness. Electro-impedance spectroscopy reveals that the back electron transfer from the conduction band of Au-TiO2 photoanode to either dye or electrolyte has been significantly suppressed in the DSSC with plasmonic photoelectrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heating/frying and reuse of edible fats/oils induces chemical changes such as formation of trans fatty acids (TFAs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heating/frying on formation of TFAs in fats/oils. Using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector, TFA was estimated in six commonly used fat/oils in India (refined soybean oil, groundnut oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, clarified butter, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil), before and after subjecting them to heating/frying at 180 °C and 220 °C. All six fats/oils subjected to heating/frying demonstrated an increase in TFAs ( p < 0.001), saturated fatty acids ( p < 0.001) and decrease in cis -unsaturated fatty acids ( p < 0.001). The absolute increase in TFA content of edible oils (after subjecting to heating/reheating) ranged between 2.30 ± 0.89 g/100 g and 4.5 ± 1.43 g/100 g; amongst edible fats it ranged between 2.60 ± 0.38 g/100 g and 5.96 ± 1.94 g/100 g. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups (heating and frying; p = 0.892). Considering the undesirable health effects of TFA, appropriate guidelines for heating/re-frying of edible fats/oils by Asian Indians should be devised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Efforts are ongoing to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Novel blood and tissue-based biomarkers, advanced imaging modalities and image-guided biopsy techniques have further improved cancer detection rates. However, approximately 30–40% of cancers are still missed. Analysis of radical prostatectomy specimens is the only gold standard method for confirming the presence or absence of cancers. In this article, we aim to study those cancers that are missed by standard biopsy techniques and advanced imaging modalities, the so-called 'Stealth' prostate cancers. We focus on the lobe of the prostate where cancer is not detected on standard biopsy or by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article helps to explain the significant false negative rates for current diagnostic modalities for prostate cancer. This will help future research to develop new strategies to improve the detection of these 'stealth' tumors. Background: The aim of this study was to determine the false negative rates of prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI–ultrasound (US) 12-core systematic prostate biopsy (PBx) by analyzing radical prostatectomy specimens. Methods: This retrospective study included 3600 prostate cancer (PCa) patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Based on comparison of lobe-specific data on final pathology with preoperative biopsy and imaging data, the study population was subdivided into group I—contralateral (CL) benign PBx (n = 983), group II—CL and/or bilateral (BL) non-suspicious mpMRI (n = 2223) and group III—CL benign PBx + non-suspicious mpMRI (n = 688). This population was studied for the presence of PCa, clinically significant PCa (csPCa), extracapsular extension (ECE) (pathological stage pT3), positive frozen section and final positive surgical margin (PSM) in the CL lobe. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: In subgroups I, II and III, PCa was respectively detected in 21.5%, 37.7% and 19.5% of cases, and csPCa in 11.3%, 16.3% and 10.3% of cases. CL pT3 disease was seen in 4.5%, 4% and 5.5%, and CL surgical margins and/or frozen section analysis were positive in 6%, 7% and 5% of cases in subgroups I, II and III, respectively. Conclusions: There are still significant rates of false negatives in the standard care diagnostics of PCa. Further strategies are required to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and determination of tumor location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, ibuprofen, and nimesulide, during pregnancy has been reported to cause nephrotoxicity in the fetus. However, neonatal renal failure following antenatal exposure to diclofenac has not been reported in the literature. We report three cases of neonatal renal failure, including a pair of twins, following ingestion of diclofenac by the mother during pregnancy. Case-Diagnosis/Treatment: Cases 1 and 2 involved a pair of twins born to a mother with oligohydramnios. The first twin had nonoliguric renal failure with incomplete recovery at day 17 of life. The second twin developed anuria and hyperkalemia on day 2 of life, for which peritoneal dialysis was initiated. After 20 days of peritoneal dialysis, the second twin remained oligo-anuric, developed peritonitis, and died. Case 3 involved a female infant born to a primigravida with severe oligohydramnios. The baby developed oliguria and renal failure after birth, which was managed conservatively. Creatinine normalized by day 15 of life and remained normal at 1 year of age. Ultrasonography in the first week of life showed that all three infants had normal-sized kidneys. Both mothers had been administered diclofenac during pregnancy. Conclusions: In utero exposure to diclofenac may be associated with neonatal renal failure that may be transient or irreversible. We recommend that the use of diclofenac during pregnancy be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of abdominal obesity including intra-abdominal and subcutaneous adiposity along with other cardiometabolic risk factors in urban Asian Indians living in New Delhi. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological descriptive study with 459 subjects (217 males and 242 females), representing all socio-economic strata in New Delhi. The anthropometric profile [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and skinfold thickness], fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile were recorded. Percent body fat (%BF), total abdominal fat (TAF), intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAT) were quantified using predictive equations for Asian Indians. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was high [by BMI (>25 kg/m2), 50.1%]. The prevalence of abdominal obesity (as assessed by WC) was 68.9%, while that assessed by TAF was 70.8%. Increased IAAT was significantly higher in females (80.6%) as compared to males (56.7%) (p = 0.00) with overall prevalence being 69.3%. The overall prevalence of high SCAT was 67.8%, more in males (69.1%) vs. females (66.5%, p = 0.5). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and hypertension was 8.5%, 45.3% and 29.2%, respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and low levels of HDL-c were prevalent in 42.7%, 26.6% and 37% of the subjects, respectively. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was significantly higher in males (p = 0.007); however, low levels of HDL-c were more prevalent in females as compared to males (p = 0.00). Conclusion: High prevalence of generalized obesity, abdominal obesity (by measurement of WC, TAF, IAAT and SCAT) and dysmetabolic state in urban Asian Indians in north India need immediate public health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent data indicate a rise in obesity both in children and adolescents in developing countries. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in urban children in New Delhi has shown an increase from 16% in 2002 to about 24% in 2006-2007. Our recent data show that the prevalence among adolescent children was 29% in private schools and 11.3% in government funded schools. While India already has highest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally, rapid rise of obesity in children is the prime reason for increasing insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome and raised levels of C-reactive protein. Excess body fat, thick truncal subcutaneous fat, and abdominal adiposity are important predisposing factors for development of insulin resistance in Asian Indian children. As compared to other ethnic groups, children with ancestral origin in South Asia manifest adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic perturbations earlier in life and these derangements are of higher magnitude than white Caucasian children. Since the metabolic syndrome and obesity track into adulthood, these clinical entities need to be recognized early for effective prevention of T2DM and coronary heart disease. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, maintenance of high levels of physical activity and normal weight are most important prevention strategies. Both high-risk surveillance and cost-effective population intervention programs are urgently needed. In this context, we have launched one of the largest program ("MARG", The Path) to curb childhood obesity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, an effort has been made to develop an efficient PbS quantum dot-sensitized photoanode by simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reduction technique to enhance the overall photovoltaic performance of PbS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. Three strategies have been adopted for the improvement of the photovoltaic performance of PbS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, i.e., (i) by incorporation of TiO2-Au nanocomposites, where Au nanoparticles of different sizes are embedded into a TiO2 matrix, and (ii) variation of temperature at which quantum dots are deposited (iii) by postdeposition annealing of QD-sensitized photoanode in Ar atmosphere. We have used electrophoretic deposition technique to develop the nanocomposite-doped photoanode. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms that the Au particles dispersed in the TiO2 matrix vary from 2 to 50 nm and PbS quantum dot size ranges 3.5-6 nm. The optical absorption of PbS quantum dot-sensitized TiO2-Au-incorporated photoanode is substantially enhanced as confirmed from the UV-visible absorption spectra measurements. The current-voltage characteristics of all the plasmonic quantum dot-sensitized solar cells under illumination (100 mW/cm2, AM 1.5) show significant improvement in power conversion efficiency using the abovementioned strategies. The maximum power conversion efficiency observed in PbS quantum dot-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells is 7.0%. Electroimpedance spectroscopy has been utilized to understand the recombination kinetics in these solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the associations of high body fat and low muscle mass with arterial stiffness in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in North India. Methods: In this cross sectional study, subjects with T2DM (males n = 110, females n = 58, mean age: 53.8 ± 10.0 years) were recruited. Anthropometry and body composition analysis were performed and measures of glycemia, lipids and PWV were analyzed. Results: Significant positive correlation was observed between PWV and body fat (p < 0.05), left leg fat (p < 0.05), and right leg fat (p < 0.01) percentages only in females. In males, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and truncal fat free mass (p < 0.05) and fat free mass in right arm (p = 0.05) and left arm (p < 0.05). In both males and females, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and fat free mass in left leg (p < 0.01) and for right leg fat free mass only in females. Conclusion: Excess adiposity and low fat free mass are associated with arterial stiffening in Asian Indians with T2DM in North India, with significant gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the response rate of transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI)-reactive donors after notification of their abnormal test results for the year 2012. Materials and Methods: This study is an observational descriptive study performed in our department over a period of 1 year. We evaluated the response rate of TTI-reactive donors after notification of their abnormal test results over 1 year as per the existing strategy (three telephonic and two postal communications). Results: During the study period, among the annual donation of 15,322 units, 464 blood donors were found to be seroreactive. Of these 464 seroreactive cases, 47 were HIV positive, 284 were reactive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 49 were Hepatitis C (HCV) positive and 84 were VDRL reactive. The TTI-reactive donors (464) for various markers were contacted: 229 (49.4%) telephonically and the remaining 235 (50.6%) not contacted on phone were informed by post. Of the 229 contacted donors, the response rate was 98.2% as only 225 donors reported (221 on the first, three on second and one on the third call) for one to one counseling. The remaining four non-responders were - one HIV and three HBsAg reactive. The remaining 235 (50.6%) reactive donors did not respond to any communication. Conclusion: Donor notification and post-donation counseling are an essential aspect of the blood bank that entails provision of information on serological status, assess the impact of test results on the donor and finally referral for medical care. As in our data only 49.4% of the blood donors could be contacted successfully, incomplete demographic details was the major limiting factor in communicating with rest. Of the 229 contacted donors, the response rate was 98.2%. A large majority (94.75%) of the notified donors in our study contacted their health care provider when given clear instructions to do so. These results are encouraging because they indicate that a major element of the notification message is acted upon when it is worded clearly. The very high response rate of the contacted donors ensured their concern for knowing their test result status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is increasing in India. However, knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of health and nutrition in mothers and children have not been researched. Objective: To assess knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle practices in a nationally representative sample of urban children and mothers in India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 1,800 children aged 9-18 years and their mothers, using qualitative (focus group) and quantitative (semi-structured survey) data. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity among the children was 19.2% in males and 18.1% in females; 64.8% of mothers were either overweight [body mass index (BMI) 23.0-24.9; 23.3%] or obese (BMI >25.0; 41.5%). Household family income, related socioeconomic factors, and overweight in mothers were most significantly associated with obesity in children (all p ≤ 0.001). Dietary consumption patterns (snacking, fast food etc.) showed a marked association between mothers and children (all p ≤ 0.000). Focus group discussion revealed several interesting attitudes and misconceptions among children ('home-cooked food is old fashioned') and mothers ('a child with chubby cheeks is healthy, not fat'). Importantly, only a few mothers understood that excess weight or diets are contributory factors of morbidities in children or themselves. Conclusions: This study highlights the poor knowledge, faulty attitudes and practices of urban Asian Indian mothers and their children in a highly correlated manner. These knowledge gaps must be addressed to formulate effective strategies for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity and their associated factors in a large sample of urban Indian schoolchildren. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 5 cities in India. Height and weight were measured in 38,296 children and waist circumference was measured in 29,244 children aged 8-18 years. The prevalence was compared with respect to age, gender, type of school and city of residence. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for age was 13.3 ± 2.4 years and 18.3 ± 4.3 kg/m2 for BMI. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in 8- to 18-year-old children, respectively, was 14.4 and 2.8% by IOTF cutoffs, 14.5 and 4.8% by CDC cutoffs and 18.5 and 5.3% by WHO cutoffs. When applying the cutoffs specific for Indian ethnicity in 14- to 18-year-old children, the prevalence was higher (21.1 and 12.3%, respectively) as compared to the IOTF, WHO and CDC cutoffs. The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity in urban Indian schoolchildren was 4.5%. The prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity was significantly higher in females than males (p < 0.001). High socioeconomic status and residing in cities with a population greater than 4 million were independently associated with overweight and abdominal obesity (p < 0.001). On extrapolating these data, more than 15 million children would currently be overweight and 4 million abdominally obese in urban India. Conclusions: There is a substantial burden of childhood obesity in India, which necessitates comprehensive urban-based campaigns for its prevention and control. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]