Soil organic matter characterization in rubber based systems in central Kerala - A spectroscopic approach

Land use and agro-management practices influence the quantity and quality of soil organic matter. Soil properties to a large extent are influenced by the content and nature of soil organic matter. A field study was conducted in two locations, one at Amayannoor and the other at Mundakayam in Kottayam district, Kerala to undertake the spectroscopic characterization of soil organic matter. The four rubber systems investigated at Amayannoor were mature rubber, immature rubber with cover crop Pueraria phaseoloides, immature rubber with inter-crop banana and immature rubber with inter crop pineapple. At Mundakayam, mature rubber, immature rubber with cover crop Mucuna bracteata, immature rubber with inter crop banana, and immature rubber with inter crop pineapple were investigated. Both, UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopic studies were carried out. Soil organic matter under mature rubber was observed to be more aromatic than soil under immature systems at both locations. Among the different immature systems, the soil organic matter in rubber-Pueraria system showed the presence of more carbohydrates and polysaccharides than rubber-pineapple and rubber-banana systems. However, rubber-Mucuna system showed relatively higher aromaticity than rubber-pineapple and rubber-banana systems. This study confirms the earlier reports about the faster decomposition of soil organic matter in rubber-Pueraria system and slower decomposition of soil organic matter in mature rubber plantation. This spectral investigation also revealed the specific nature viz., higher aromaticity of the soil organic matter in rubber-Mucuna system which contributed towards the buildup of soil carbon in the system

Clinical perspective: caesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum and role of pelvic packing

Caesarean hysterectomy (CH) is considered the gold standard for management of morbidly adherent placenta, now termed as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). If bleeding is not controlled following removal of uterus, it is sometimes necessary to pack the pelvis and continue monitoring with correction of bleeding and physiological parameters in operating room and intensive care unit. This now comes under the damage control approach, being driven primarily by abnormal physiology rather than anatomical reconstruction. The pelvic packs are removed after about 48 hours. This retrospective study was done in patients with antenatal diagnosis of PAS who required CH, comparing those who required pelvic packing with those who did not. The variables compared were pre-operative (clinical and radiological), intra-operative (duration of surgery, blood loss and transfusion requirements of whole blood and blood products), and the final histopathological diagnosis. Outcome variables in terms of duration of hospital stay, re-admissions, re-laparotomy and complications were also compared. Over two years, three of eight patients with PAS required pelvic packing following CH. There were no differences between the two patient groups with any of the predictor variables or outcomes other than requirement of blood products. This suggests pelvic packing is a safe and efficacious procedure in intractable haemorrhage following CH for PAS. Pelvic packing needs greater awareness amongst obstetricians as the incidence of PAS is likely to increase

Ab-initio Calculations of Structural, Electronic, Elastic and Mechanical Properties of REIn3 and RETl3 (RE= Yb & Lu) Intermetallic Compounds

A theoretical study of structural, electronic and elastic properties of REIn3 and RETl3 (RE = Yb & Lu) intermetallics have been investigated systematically using first principles density functional theory. The calculations are carried out using generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) for the exchange correlation potential. The ground state properties such as lattice parameter (a0), bulk modulus (B) and its pressure derivative (B′) are calculated which show well agreement with the experimental and other available theoretical results. We first time predict elastic constants for these compounds. From energy dispersion curves, it is found that these compounds are metallic in nature. Both of these compounds are found to be ductile in nature in accordance with Pugh’s criteria.. Keywords: Rare-earth; Density functional theory; Elastic constants

Successful management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage due to post caesarean wound dehiscence with uterine artery embolisation

Caesarean scar dehiscence usually presents as secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) with persistent spotting, fever or abdominal distension. The known management are either with laparotomy followed by resuturing of the scar or hysterectomy. However, most of the patient ultimately undergo hysterectomy due to the persistence of vaginal bleeding. We presented a case of PPH secondary due to scar dehiscence post lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), which was successfully managed with bilateral uterine artery embolization without hysterectomy. Our patient presented with vaginal bleeding on 16th post LSCS day and USG showed presence of a hyperechoic area measuring 5×6 cm more towards the right angle suggestive of the scar dehiscence with hematoma. She underwent bilateral uterine artery embolization and had decreased in the vaginal bleeding with gradual regression in the size of the hematoma over a period of time. Radiological intervention with bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) can be used as one of the modalities of management for the hemodynamically stable patient

Breech presentation at term: outcomes and mode of delivery in a tertiary care teaching hospital In South India

The aim of this study was to study the outcomes of all patients who presented with breech presentation at term (≥37 weeks), to assess what percentage of patients were offered External cephalic version (ECV), the rates of success of the procedure and the rates of vaginal delivery following successful ECV. It was a retrospective study of 669 patients diagnosed with breech at term, their clinical records were retrieved and data like age, BMI, parity, type of breech and scan findings noted. ECV was done in 256 patients and was successful in 35.5% of women with 51.1% being multigravidas and 26.8% in primigravidas. 76.9% of women with successful ECV delivered vaginally.  There was no significant fetal or maternal morbidity documented as a result of ECV in this study.

The Effect of Distance Education: A Meta-Analytic Assessment of Simonson's Equity Theory based on Synchronous and Asynchronous

Simonson, Schlosser and Hanson (1999) argue that a new theory called “equivalency theory” is needed to account for the unique features of the “teleconferencing” (synchronous) model of DE that is prevalent in many North American universities. Based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of the comparative literature of DE (Bernard, Abrami, Lou, Wozney, Borokhovski, Wallet, Wade, Fiset, & Huang, in press), we are able to assess empirically whether equivalency has been achieved in prior comparative DE research. This paper includes a brief summary of the results of the split between synchronous and asynchronous patterns of DE, and addresses the implications these data have for developing separate theories of DE for synchronous (i.e., group-based) and asynchronous (i.e., individualized) applications. We examine data based on achievement, attitude and retention outcomes and coded study features (i.e., methodological, pedagogical and media) relating to them

First Principles Study of Structural, Electronic, Elastic and Mechanical Properties of GdSn3 and YbSn3 Intermetallic Compounds

First principles study of structural, electronic, elastic and mechanical properties of ferromagnetic GdSn3 and non-magnetic YbSn3 rare-earth intermetallics, which crystallize in AuCu3-type structure, is performed using density functional theory based on full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The ground state calculations are carried out within PBE-GGA, PBE-sol GGA and LSDA approximations   for the exchange correlation potential. The calculated ground state properties such as lattice constants and bulk moduli agree well with the experiment as well as other theoretical results. We report elastic constants for these compounds for the first time. Both these compounds are found to be ductile in nature. The computed electronic band structures show metallic character. We also report mechanical properties of these compounds for the first time.    Keywords: Rare-earth; Density functional theory; Elastic constants

A five year retrospective study on maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancy after cardiac surgery

Background: Pregnancy is a hypercoaguable state with physiological haemodynamic changes occurring during pregnancy. There is a progressive increase in intravascular volume in second trimester of pregnancy and increase in cardiac output. Pregnancy makes a significant impact on cardiovascular system. It is important to evaluate and study the effect of pregnancy on women with surgically corrected heart conditions so as to preempt potential complications.Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with prior history of cardiac surgery and their pregnancy outcomes in a tertiary center of Southern India over a period of five years from January 2011 to December 2016.Results: In this study, descriptive statistical analysis was done in 87 women with pregnancy following cardiac surgery. 58.6% were nulliparous. Around 52% had associated obstetric risk factors. The most common cardiac surgery in this population was Mitral valve replacement (40.2%) and Atrial septal defect closure (37.9%). Women belonged to NYHA class I in 90.8% of cases. 58.6% had vaginal delivery and 36.8% had caesarean section. 6 women had postpartum haemorrhage which was medically managed, and 6 women needed ICU care.74.7% women had term deliveries. 18.4 % of the babies were less than 2.5 kg weight at birth. 13 babies required Neonatal ICU care.Conclusions: Maternal and neonatal outcome mainly depends on the functional cardiac status of women before conception. In this study we emphasize on the importance of multidisciplinary team approach involving cardiologist, obstetrician and neonatologist in the management of women with prior cardiac surgery

EFFECT OF NIRGUNDI (VITEX NEGUNDO LINN.) PATRA ARKA AS ASCHOTHANA (EYE DROPS) IN CATARACT-A CLINICAL STUDY

Purpose: Age-related cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness and avoidable visual impairment in the world. There is no time-tested, FDA-approved, or clinically proven medical treatment exists till date to delay, prevent, or reverse the progression of senile cataract. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is a Chakshushya single drug mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Various animal experimental study and invitro studies in recent years using flavonoids extracted from leaves of Vitex negundo on selenite induced cataract models proved to be beneficial in arresting the progression of cataract. Hence a clinical study with Vitex negundo eye drops in the form of Arka was planned with primary objective to assess the effect of Nirgundi patra arka as Aschotana (eye drops) in pre senile cataract. Methods: The study design was interventional pre and post evaluation without control. Patients were advised to instill Nirgundi patra arka two drops thrice daily i.e. 6 am, 12 pm and 6pm for a period of 6months. Log mar visual acuity score and contrast sensitivity score were recorded before treatment, 3rd month of treatment, after treatment, 9th month (1st follow up) and 12th month (2nd follow up). Slit lamp photographs were recorded before treatment and 12th month. Study and follow up were done in 31 eyes. Result: The intervention is statistically significant while considering visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. All the 27 cases of nuclear cataract responded to the intervention, while only 83.3% of posterior sub capsular cataract and 60% of cortical cataract showed response. But the change was not significant statistically. Conclusion: The intervention was effective in improving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in all types of pre senile cataract. Clinical assessment revealed the study was effective in preventing the progression of pathogenesis in early stage of nuclear cataract