STUDY OF MAGNITUDE OF UTI CAUSED BY ESBL-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Objective: Globally, urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Escherichia coli that produce extended-spectrum lactamase (ESBL) have become more common. Our study determined the magnitude of UTI occurring due to ESBL-producing E. coli and associated risk factors. Different methods for their phenotypic detection were also compared. Methods: Uropathogenic E. coli isolated in significant numbers were assayed microbiologically. E. coli isolates (n=247) that were found significant in number tested for ESBL production using three different phenotypic methods: Phenotypic combined disk diffusion test (PCDDT), double-disk approximation test (DDAT), and E-test for ESBL production. An antibiotic susceptibility test was performed for different antibiotics. Various risk factors associated with UTIs were correlated with ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing E. coli. Results: We found that diabetes mellitus type 2 was the most common risk factor for UTI caused due to ESBL-producing E. coli (25%). Pregnant females and patients having recurrent UTI showed less positivity for ESBL production. DDAT detected 32 ESBL-positive isolates and PCDDT detected 37 positive isolates. E-test was taken as the gold standard for ESBL detection which detected 49 isolates as ESBL producers. The highest sensitivity (71.2%) and specificity (75%) were shown by PCDDT. Conclusion: According to the study conducted, it was concluded that PCDDT was the most reliable and economic method for phenotypic detection of ESBL

Kernel Flow:a high channel count scalable time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy system

Significance: Time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) has been considered as the gold standard of noninvasive optical brain imaging devices. However, due to the high cost, complexity, and large form factor, it has not been as widely adopted as continuous wave NIRS systems. Aim: Kernel Flow is a TD-fNIRS system that has been designed to break through these limitations by maintaining the performance of a research grade TD-fNIRS system while integrating all of the components into a small modular device. Approach: The Kernel Flow modules are built around miniaturized laser drivers, custom integrated circuits, and specialized detectors. The modules can be assembled into a system with dense channel coverage over the entire head. Results: We show performance similar to benchtop systems with our miniaturized device as characterized by standardized tissue and optical phantom protocols for TD-fNIRS and human neuroscience results. Conclusions: The miniaturized design of the Kernel Flow system allows for broader applications of TD-fNIRS.</p

Statistical process control for autocorrelated data on grid

Assumptions of normality and independence are key assumptions made in the development and use of control charts. However for much industrial data, the assumption of independence is hard to justify. Control charts for the sample mean and sample standard deviation are obtained, when the observations are taken over a grid on a two-dimensional surface. It is assumed that the observations follow an autoregressive process of order one in both the directions. The results have been applied to road pavement data on road corse thickness observed on a two dimensional grid

Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol in Prasramsini Yoni Vyapat (Second Degree Uterine Prolapse)

At present stage due to modern lifestyle, nuclear family and working motherhood, the rest needed for the women during menses time and during and after delivery have been reduced. Protrusion of the pelvic organs into or out of the vaginal canal is termed as Pelvic organ prolapse. It is also called pelvic relaxation. It results from weakening or damage to pelvic supporting structures, which can occur generally throughout the vagina or at specific sites. This problem may develop after child birth, progression of age, and injury to the muscles and organs situated there. Anything that causes increased pressure in the abdomen can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Some common causes include: pregnancy, labour, and childbirth (the most common cause) etc. Acarya Susrutha mentions that in Prasramsini, any irritation causes excessive vaginal discharge/displacement and labour is difficult/abnormal. Dalhana explains the reason for difficult labour is abnormality in passage. Clinical features of Pitta vitiation i.e., burning sensation and heat etc. are present. According to WHO estimation, the global prevalence of uterine prolapse is 2- 20%. As Prasramsini is a Pittaja yoni vyapat and Vata is the main Dosa involved in all the Yoni vyapat, the drug selected for the study is mainly Vata pitta hara and Balya. Hence an attempt was made by giving tablet Neo (Charak pharmaceuticals) orally, and Mahamasha tailam for Abyangam and Yoni pichu dharana