Precise measurement of hyperfine structure in the 5P3/25P_{3/2} state of 85^{85}Rb

We demonstrate a technique to measure hyperfine structure using a frequency-stabilized diode laser and an acousto-optic modulator locked to the frequency difference between two hyperfine peaks. We use this technique to measure hyperfine intervals in the $5P_{3/2}$ state of $^{85}$Rb and obtain a precision of 20 kHz. We extract values for the magnetic-dipole coupling constant $A=25.038(5)$ MHz and the electric-quadrupole coupling constant $B=26.011(22)$ MHz. These values are a significant improvement over previous results.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Laser cooling and trapping of Yb from a thermal source

We have successfully loaded a magneto-optic trap for Yb atoms from a thermal source without the use of a Zeeman slower. The source is placed close to the trapping region so that it provides a large flux of atoms that can be cooled and captured. The atoms are cooled on the ${^1S_0} \leftrightarrow {^1P_1}$ transition at 398.8 nm. We have loaded all seven stable isotopes of Yb into the trap. For the most abundant isotope ($^{174}$Yb), we load more than $10^7$ atoms into the trap within 1 s. For the rarest isotope ($^{168}$Yb) with a natural abundance of only 0.13%, we still load about $4 \times 10^5$ atoms into the trap. We find that the trap population is maximized near a detuning of $-1.5\Gamma$ and field gradient of 75 G/cm.Comment: 4 figures, 6 page

Potential role of L-ascorbic acid with Field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) meal in diets of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during sex reversal and nursing

A synthetic androgen 17-α methyltestosterone (MT) commonly used in the production of mono-sex fry of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during the first 21 days for sex reversal has been considered to suppress immunity thereby reduce survival. Present trial was conducted to evaluate whether vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AA) supplementation would benefit in terms of survival, growth, and stress resistance. Nile tilapia fry were fed with isonitrogenous (57.8±0.2% CP) diets formulated using Field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) meal (approx. 79%) and fish meal (approx. 20%) to use as control, and five other diets were prepared by supplementing 10, 20, 30 40 and 50 g of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid per kg diet). Eighteen aquaria or glass tanks (100 L) were used having three replicates per treatment. Each aquarium was stocked with 300 fish (0.01±0.00 g). Fry were nursed for another 91 days to check their sex-ratio. Gonad histology showed increased number of spermatogonia when L-ascorbic dose was 30g/kg diet. At the end of the feeding trial results indicated significant increase (P<0.05) in growth, feed utilization and survival when fed with vitamin C at the dose of 10 g/kg diet during sex-reversal and nursing periods as compared to the control. Similarly, hematological information also showed 10 g vitamin C dose per kg diet. Polynomial regression showed that the optimum dietary ascorbic acid doses were calculated at 15.9, 10.0 and 12.0 g AA per kg diet for highest survival (83.5% max), weight gain and SGR, respectively, but the doses higher than 20 g of L-ascorbic acid/kg diet was not beneficial. Highest apparent digestibility (AD%) of protein (84.1%) was at 15.37g and AD% of lipid (91.4% max) was 17.8g of vitamin C/kg diet. Salinity challenge test also showed highest survival can be achieved at 15.8 g AA per kg diet. As the survival of fry is the most important parameter at these stages, the dose which resulted highest survival i.e., 15 g/kg diet is recommended

Early Investigations and Recent Advances in Intraperitoneal Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Metastasis.

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is an advanced stage malignancy largely refractory to modern therapy. Intraperitoneal (IP) immunotherapy offers a novel approach for the control of regional disease of the peritoneal cavity by breaking immune tolerance. These strategies include heightening T-cell response and vaccine induction of anti-cancer memory against tumor-associated antigens. Early investigations with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), vaccine-based therapies, dendritic cells (DCs) in combination with pro-inflammatory cytokines and natural killer cells (NKs), adoptive cell transfer, and immune checkpoint inhibitors represent significant advances in the treatment of PM. IP delivery of CAR-T cells has shown demonstrable suppression of tumors expressing carcinoembryonic antigen. This response was enhanced when IP injected CAR-T cells were combined with anti-PD-L1 or anti-Gr1. Similarly, CAR-T cells against folate receptor α expressing tumors improved T-cell tumor localization and survival when combined with CD137 co-stimulatory signaling. Moreover, IP immunotherapy with catumaxomab, a trifunctional antibody approved in Europe, targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and has shown considerable promise with control of malignant ascites. Herein, we discuss immunologic approaches under investigation for treatment of PM

A Study of the Clinical Spectrum and Functional Outcome of Patients with Nontraumatic Myelopathy.

The spinal cord is a vital and delicate structure of the central nervous system that is cushioned within the CSF, surrounded by the meningeal coverings, strong ligaments and encased within the protection of interlocking vertebral bones. Diseases of the spinal cord are termed as myelopathies, which can be secondary to trauma or may be due to non-traumatic causes. Nontraumatic myelopathies are of two types: compressive myelopathies and non-compressive myelopathies. Myelopathies commonly present with motor and sensory deficits along with sphincter disturbances. The clinical presentation and causes of compressive myelopathies characteristically differ from those of noncompressive myelopathies, although rare presentations in either category can mimic each other1 and pose a diagnostic dilemma to the astute clinician. The common causes of spinal cord compression are Pott‟s spine, fractures, infective abscess, arteriovenous malformations, spondylotic changes, spinal instability, tumours, multiple myeloma and metastases. The non-compressive myelopathies have wide and diverse etiologies like infective, inflammatory, demyelinating, vascular, hereditary causes or can be secondary to toxic exposure, metabolic disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Myelopathies usually present with devastating neurological consequences like para-/quadriparesis, neurogenic bladder, decubitus ulcers, spasticity, etc which can impair the quality of life and independence of the affected individual. The sequelae of spinal cord disorders are myriad, with few diseases like subacute combined degeneration showing dramatic response to treatment, producing only a mild impact on the patient‟s daily life, whereas some cases of acute transverse myelitis or cord compression can hamper the vital functions of mobility, sensation, bladder and bowel control, making the patient completely dependent on their caregivers. Little information regarding the functional outcome of nontraumatic myelopathies as a whole is available in the current literature, although the outcome of few specific myelopathies like cervical spondylotic myelopathy and acute transverse myelitis has been described. CONCLUSION : 1. The spectrum of nontraumatic myelopathy in our study population showed equal distribution of compressive as well as non-compressive myelopathy. 2. While the commonest cause of compressive myelopathy was cervical spondylotic myelopathy, demyelinating diseases with acute transverse myelitis presentation was the most common cause of non-compressive myelopathy. 3. The most common location for cord lesion was in the cervical cord based on radiological evaluation. 4. Significant number of patients remained static in their functional status at the end of 6 months. 5. Quadriparesis and bladder symptoms at initial presentation significantly showed association with the 6-month functional outcome, whereas LETM lesions on MRI showed significant association with the functional status at first presentation

A Study of the Clinical Spectrum and Functional Outcome of Patients with Nontraumatic Myelopathy.

The spinal cord is a vital and delicate structure of the central nervous system that is cushioned within the CSF, surrounded by the meningeal coverings, strong ligaments and encased within the protection of interlocking vertebral bones. Diseases of the spinal cord are termed as myelopathies, which can be secondary to trauma or may be due to non-traumatic causes. Nontraumatic myelopathies are of two types: compressive myelopathies and non-compressive myelopathies. Myelopathies commonly present with motor and sensory deficits along with sphincter disturbances. The clinical presentation and causes of compressive myelopathies characteristically differ from those of noncompressive myelopathies, although rare presentations in either category can mimic each other1 and pose a diagnostic dilemma to the astute clinician. The common causes of spinal cord compression are Pott‟s spine, fractures, infective abscess, arteriovenous malformations, spondylotic changes, spinal instability, tumours, multiple myeloma and metastases. The non-compressive myelopathies have wide and diverse etiologies like infective, inflammatory, demyelinating, vascular, hereditary causes or can be secondary to toxic exposure, metabolic disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Myelopathies usually present with devastating neurological consequences like para-/quadriparesis, neurogenic bladder, decubitus ulcers, spasticity, etc which can impair the quality of life and independence of the affected individual. The sequelae of spinal cord disorders are myriad, with few diseases like subacute combined degeneration showing dramatic response to treatment, producing only a mild impact on the patient‟s daily life, whereas some cases of acute transverse myelitis or cord compression can hamper the vital functions of mobility, sensation, bladder and bowel control, making the patient completely dependent on their caregivers. Little information regarding the functional outcome of nontraumatic myelopathies as a whole is available in the current literature, although the outcome of few specific myelopathies like cervical spondylotic myelopathy and acute transverse myelitis has been described. CONCLUSION : 1. The spectrum of nontraumatic myelopathy in our study population showed equal distribution of compressive as well as non-compressive myelopathy. 2. While the commonest cause of compressive myelopathy was cervical spondylotic myelopathy, demyelinating diseases with acute transverse myelitis presentation was the most common cause of non-compressive myelopathy. 3. The most common location for cord lesion was in the cervical cord based on radiological evaluation. 4. Significant number of patients remained static in their functional status at the end of 6 months. 5. Quadriparesis and bladder symptoms at initial presentation significantly showed association with the 6-month functional outcome, whereas LETM lesions on MRI showed significant association with the functional status at first presentation

A Study on Azhal Keel Vayu (அழல் கீல் வாயு)

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The disease “Azhal Keel Vayu” is a major ailment of the elderly. This produces pain and discomfort to the patients. The purpose of author’s work is to elucidate a good medicine from ancient Siddha literatures and to create hope and faith in their treatment. Their being a preliminary endeavour by the author, as if it would be a helping hand to the sufferers. With this view this dissertation subject was undertaken. 1. To prove the efficacy of our Siddha Medicine to the world. 2. To study the clinical cause of the disease “Azhal Keel Vayu” with keen observation on the Aetiology, Pathology, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Complications and the Treatment by making use of Siddha aspect. 3. To expose the unique diagnostic methods mentioned by Siddhars, to know the disease “Azhal Keel Vayu” alters the normal condition under the topic Mukkutram, Poripulangal, Ezhu Udal Kattukkal and Envagai thervugal. 4. To know the extent of correlation of Aetiology, Classification, Signs and Symptoms of Azhal Keel Vayu in Siddha aspect with Osteo arthritis in Modern medicine. 5. To have an idea about the incidence of the disease with age, sex, socio-economic status and climatic conditions. 6. To have a detailed clinical investigations. 7. To have a clinical trial on Azhal Keel Vayu tha author has given the drug named Keelvathathuku Choornam as internal medicine and Keelvathathuku thylam as external medicine. 8. To evaluate the Bio-chemical and Pharmacological effects of trial medicine. 9. To use modern parameters to confirm the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. 10. To insist Thokkanam (Massage) and Asanas along with medicines to achieve the good results. SUMMARY: 1. Sixty four cases with Azhal Keelvayu, diagnosed clinically. Out of them thirty two cases were admitted in the in-patient PG Sirappu Maruthuvam Ward, Govt. Siddha Medical College Hospital, Palayamkottai were observed for clinical diagnosis, lab diagnosis and treatment by the trial medicines. Out of them twenty cases were selected for study. Thirty two cases were treated as out patients. 2. Clinical diagnosis of Azhal Keel vayu was done on the basis of clinical features described in the siddha text books. 3. Laboratory diagnosis of Azhal Keelvayu was done by modern methods of examination in the Govt. Siddha Medical College Hospital, Palayamkottai. 4. The various siddha aspects of examination of the disease were carried out and recorded in a proforma. 5. The trial medicines chosen for both internal and external treatment and the management of Azhal Keelavayu • Keelvathathuku chooranam as per the severity of the complaints, the dosage were given 2 gm two times a day with milk for twenty days and above. • Keelvathathuku thylam (Externally). 6. Before starting the treatment, careful detailed history was carried out and recorded from the twenty selected patients. 7. During the period of treatment, all the patients were put under strict pathiyam-a specific dietary regimen. 8. The observation made during the clinical study shows that the main drug Keelvathathuku chooranam (Internally) is clinically effective . It has moderate analgesic action and significant anti inflammatory action. 9. The action of Keelvathathuku thylam (Externally) over the affected joint was also clinically effective.It has Significant anti inflammatory action. 10. A periodical laboratory investigation were made for all the case for blood, urine and motion test etc., along with radiological reports. 11. Since Azhal Keel vayu is a chronic disease, it required minimum treatment for twenty days, treated both internally and externally to minimize the severe pain, tenderness and Swelling, but also slight disappearance of the crepitation. CONCLUSION: All the twenty patients Selected for this Study were treated with Keelvathathuku chooranam (Internal 2gm bd with milk) and Keelvathathuku thylam (Externally). Clinical results show improvement in large number of the cases that is 60%. During the meantime of treatment, under admission all the Azhal Keel vayu patients were instructed and guided to follow the following asanas. a) Komugaasana - The Cow head Posture b) Padmasana - The Lotus Posture It was sure that no one had any remission up to 6 months. If any further recurrence or no satisfied improvement, the individuals were instructed to follow up treatment both internally and externally. It is very pleasurable to say here, the author highlights the trial medicines are found effective just relieved from pain and tenderness, severe morning stiffness, severe crepitation, arresting of marked swelling and so on. It was noted that the internal drug Keelvathathuku Chooranam was free from adverse side effects, i.e. no cases were reported either nausea or vomiting and the external application Keelvathathuku thylam was not irritant, i.e. no cases were reported itching or inflammation or eruption wherever massaged

Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid for reducing postpartum hemorrhage in vaginal delivery

Background: The use of anti-fibrinolytic therapy has potential to reduce obstetric blood loss due to profound changes that take place in the fibrinolytic system during normal childbirth. Objective was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during normal labour.Methods: Patients who planned for normal delivery and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. The pre-delivery parameters -pulse rate, blood pressure, Hb gm% and PCV% were measured for each patient. The study group received injection oxytocin (10 IU) and injection tranexamic acid (500 mg) slow intravenous route. The control group received injection oxytocin (10 IU) and placebo injection. Immediately after delivery of the anterior shoulder of the baby, when all the liquor was drained, Brasse-V drape is placed under the patient. Then the patient was given pre-weighed pads, which were weighed 2 hours post-partum. Final blood loss was calculated by combining amount of blood collected in the drape and blood absorbed by the pads.Results: The total number of patients studied was 300- equally distributed in both the groups. There was a significant increase in the pulse rate and decrease in blood pressure in the control group compared to the study group. The post-delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly reduced in the control group. The blood loss was significantly low in the study group. The need for other uterotonics, blood transfusion, and duration of hospital stay, were significantly low in study group.Conclusions: Tranexamic acid, when given prophylactically to the women with vaginal delivery who received prophylactic oxytocin, appears to reduce the blood loss effectively compared to placebo alone

Modified Context Aware Middleware Architecture for Precision Agriculture

The opportunities for researchers are enhanced with the progression in the technology of communication and computing. The ease in life of many people like farmers, educators, administers, managers, etc., is increased with more inventions of the researchers using this new technology. The progressive technology for data management is providing more amount of information. However, is the user able to access the needed information when required? This question rises to the more questions like, how to identify whether the information is as per the requirement? Whether a user is authorized or not? The answer for all the questions is to make the support aware of the context. Therefore, the present technology needs to be modified to make the system aware about the context. The process of demonstrating the services based on the context using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) with the help of illustration on mango crop is emphasized in this paper. There are many serious problems like unsuitable fertilizer use, wrong selection of crops in wrong seasons, water waste, poor publicizing in the case of farming. These problems are addressed using the ubiquitous context aware middleware architecture for precision agriculture in mango crop

Exposure to the field of renal transplantation during undergraduate medical education in the UK

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of surgeons in the field of renal transplantation, with a predicted shortage of over 20 consultants by the year 2005. Early positive exposure to the field, commencing at undergraduate level, has been identified as being vital to improving rates of recruitment. This study was performed to assess the exposure of undergraduates to the field of renal transplantation during medical education in the UK. METHODS: In October 2004 a questionnaire was sent to the clinical deans of all UK medical schools regarding undergraduate exposure to renal transplantation. RESULTS: Twenty-five replies were received, giving a response rate of 96%. All but one school had a centre for renal transplantation in their region. Three schools (12%) gave no formal lecture or tutorial on the subject during the entire course. Of the remainder, between one to four formal sessions were provided, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours duration. Six medical schools (24%) provided no compulsory clinical exposure to renal transplantation, with a further five (20%) saying that students may receive exposure by chance. The average length of attachment was three weeks. Twenty-one medical schools (84%) provided between 1–10% of students a choice to study renal transplantation, as part of electives and special study modules. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a variation between, and within, medical schools in the levels of formal teaching. If the trends in recruitment to renal transplantation are to be reversed, we have an obligation to improve upon the medical education that students currently receive