Photometry and low resolution spectroscopy of hot post-AGB candidates

We have obtained Johnson U, B, V and Cousins R, I photometry and low resolution spectra of a small sample of hot post-AGB candidates. Using the present data in combination with JHK data from 2MASS, infrared data from the MSX catalog and the IRAS fluxes, we have studied the spectral energy distribution (SED) of these stars. Using the DUSTY code we have estimated the dust temperatures, the distances to the stars, the mass-loss rates, angular radii of the inner boundary of the dust envelopes and dynamical ages from the tip of the AGB. These candidates have also been imaged through a narrow band H-alpha filter, to search for nebulosity around the central stars. Our H-alpha images revealed the bipolar morphology of the low excitation PN IRAS 17395-0841 with an angular extent of 2.8arcsec. The bipolar lobes of IRAS 17423-1755 in H-alpha were found to have an angular extent of 3.5arcsec (south-east lobe) and 2.2arcsec (north-west lobe). The dust envelope characteristics, low resolution spectrum and IRAS colors suggest that IRAS 18313-1738 is similar to the proto-planetary nebula (PPN) HD 51585. The SED of IRAS 17423-1755, IRAS 18313-1738 and IRAS 19127+1717 show a warm dust component (in addition to the cold dust) which may be due to recent and ongoing mass-loss.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, h-alpha figure compressed with XV, paper accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Genome-wide multi-omics profiling of colorectal cancer identifies immune determinants strongly associated with relapse

The use and benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy to treat stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is not well understood since the majority of these patients are cured by surgery alone. Identification of biological markers of relapse is a critical challenge to effectively target treatments to the ~20% of patients destined to relapse. We have integrated molecular profiling results of several “omics” data types to determine the most reliable prognostic biomarkers for relapse in CRC using data from 40 stage I and II CRC patients. We identified 31 multi-omics features that highly correlate with relapse. The data types were integrated using multi-step analytical approach with consecutive elimination of redundant molecular features. For each data type a systems biology analysis was performed to identify pathways biological processes and disease categories most affected in relapse. The biomarkers detected in tumors urine and blood of patients indicated a strong association with immune processes including aberrant regulation of T-cell and B-cell activation that could lead to overall differences in lymphocyte recruitment for tumor infiltration and markers indicating likelihood of future relapse. The immune response was the biologically most coherent signature that emerged from our analyses among several other biological processes and corroborates other studies showing a strong immune response in patients less likely to relapse

Post-AGB stars with hot circumstellar dust: binarity of the low-amplitude pulsators

While the first binary post-AGB stars were serendipitously discovered, the distinct characteristics of their Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) allowed us to launch a more systematic search for binaries. We selected post-AGB objects which show a broad dust excess often starting already at H or K, pointing to the presence of a gravitationally bound dusty disc in the system. We started a very extensive multi-wavelength study of those systems and here we report on our radial velocity and photometric monitoring results for six stars of early F type, which are pulsators of small amplitude. To determine the radial velocity of low signal-to-noise time-series, we constructed dedicated auto-correlation masks. The radial velocity variations were subjected to detailed analysis to differentiate between pulsational variability and variability due to orbital motion. Finally orbital minimalisation was performed to constrain the orbital elements. All of the six objects are binaries, with orbital periods ranging from 120 to 1800 days. Five systems have non-circular orbits. The mass functions range from 0.004 to 0.57 solar mass and the companions are likely unevolved objects of (very) low initial mass. We argue that these binaries must have been subject to severe binary interaction when the primary was a cool supergiant. Although the origin of the circumstellar disc is not well understood, the disc is generally believed to be formed during this strong interaction phase. The eccentric orbits of these highly evolved objects remain poorly understood. With the measured orbits and mass functions we conclude that the circumbinary discs seem to have a major impact on the evolution of a significant fraction of binary systems.Comment: 13 pages, 15 figures, accepted for Astronomy and Astrophysic

Discovery of metabolic biomarkers for Duchenne muscular dystrophy within a natural history study

Serum metabolite profiling in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) may enable discovery of valuable molecular markers for disease progression and treatment response. Serum samples from 51 DMD patients from a natural history study and 22 age-matched healthy volunteers were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for discovery of novel circulating serum metabolites associated with DMD. Fourteen metabolites were found significantly altered (1% false discovery rate) in their levels between DMD patients and healthy controls while adjusting for age and study site and allowing for an interaction between disease status and age. Increased metabolites included arginine, creatine and unknown compounds at m/z of 357 and 312 while decreased metabolites included creatinine, androgen derivatives and other unknown yet to be identified compounds. Furthermore, the creatine to creatinine ratio is significantly associated with disease progression in DMD patients. This ratio sharply increased with age in DMD patients while it decreased with age in healthy controls. Overall, this study yielded promising metabolic signatures that could prove useful to monitor DMD disease progression and response to therapies in the future

Dentigerous cyst in primary dentition: A case report

Dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst, which apparently develops by accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown of an unerupted tooth. There is usually no pain or discomfort associated with the cyst unless there is acute inflammatory exacerbation. Management of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition needs special consideration regarding the preservation of the developing permanent tooth buds. Here, we report a case of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition in a 10-year-old male patient and its management

Institutionalising health technology assessment: establishing the Medical Technology Assessment Board in India.

India is at crossroads with a commitment by the government to universal health coverage (UHC), driving efficiency and tackling waste across the public healthcare sector. Health technology assessment (HTA) is an important policy reform that can assist policy-makers to tackle inequities and inefficiencies by improving the way in which health resources are allocated towards cost-effective, appropriate and feasible interventions. The equitable and efficient distribution of health budget resources, as well as timely uptake of good value technologies, are critical to strengthen the Indian healthcare system. The government of India is set to establish a Medical Technology Assessment Board to evaluate existing and new health technologies in India, assist choices between comparable technologies for adoption by the healthcare system and improve the way in which priorities for health are set. This initiative aims to introduce a more transparent, inclusive, fair and evidence-based process by which decisions regarding the allocation of health resources are made in India towards the ultimate goal of UHC. In this analysis article, we report on plans and progress of the government of India for the institutionalisation of HTA in the country. Where India is home to one-sixth of the global population, improving the health services that the population receives will have a resounding impact not only for India but also for global health