Groundwater quality evaluation and its suitability for domestic and irrigation use in the hard rock terrain of Olakkur block, Tamilnadu, India

Ground water is the main source of water for agriculture and domestic use in the study area. This study was aimed to evaluate the groundwater quality for domestic and irrigational purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from twenty five locations in both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon months and examined for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulphate, Nitrate and chloride. To assess the domestic suitability of groundwater, all these parameters were compared with the standards of World Health Organization and Indian standards. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and US salinity diagram were used to evaluate the groundwater for irrigation suitability. At some locations sodium and potassium values were higher than the prescribed limits. The SAR values were less than 10. Based on United States Salinity Laboratory Staff (USSL) diagram the dominant categories were C2-S1, C3-S1, C2-S1, C3-S1, C3-S2 in both pre and post-monsoon. Groundwater samples were classified as Na-HCO3 and Na-Cl water type in pre-monsoon and Ca-Na-HCO3 and Na-Cl types in post-monsoon. The geochemical analysis revealed that the groundwater samples were fit for domestic purpose. The irrigation quality assessment based on Sodium Adsorption ratio and US Salinity diagram suggested that, most of the groundwater samples were fit for irrigational activities except in certain locations where sodium and salinity values were high. Based on Piper water classification, mixing process and evaporation were the dominant geochemical process in the study area

Intra-aortic balloon pump inserted through the subclavian artery: A minimally invasive approach to mechanical support in the ambulatory end-stage heart failure patient

ObjectiveIntra-aortic balloon pumps are traditionally inserted through the femoral artery, limiting the patient's mobility. We used alternate approaches of intra-aortic balloon pump insertion to provide temporary and minimally invasive support for patients with decompensating, end-stage heart failure. The present study describes the outcomes with closed-chest, transthoracic intra-aortic balloon pumps by way of the subclavian artery.MethodsDuring a 3-year period, 20 patients underwent subclavian artery–intra-aortic balloon pump in the setting of end-stage heart failure. The balloon was inserted through a polytetrafluoroethylene graft sutured to the right subclavian artery in 19 patients (95%) and to the left subclavian artery in 1 patient (5%). The goal of support was to bridge to transplantation in 17 patients (85%) and bridge to recovery in 3 patients (15%). The primary outcome measure was death during subclavian artery–intra-aortic balloon pump support. The secondary outcomes included survival to the intended endpoint of bridge to transplantation/bridge to recovery, complications during subclavian artery–intra-aortic balloon pump support (eg, stroke, limb ischemia, brachial plexus injury, dissection, bleeding requiring reoperation, and device-related infection), emergent surgery for worsening heart failure, and ambulation during intra-aortic balloon pump support.ResultsThe duration of balloon support ranged from 3 to 48 days (mean, 17.3 ± 13.1 days). No patients died during subclavian artery–intra-aortic balloon pump support. Of the 20 patients, 14 (70%) were successfully bridged to transplant or left ventricular-assist device. Two patients (10%) required emergent left ventricular-assist device for worsening heart failure.ConclusionsAn intra-aortic balloon pump inserted through the subclavian artery is a simple, minimally invasive approach to mechanical support and is associated with limited morbidity and facilitates ambulation in patients with end-stage heart failure

Class solutions for SABR-VMAT for high-risk prostate cancer with and without elective nodal irradiation

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to find the optimal planning settings for prostate SABR-VMAT for high-risk prostate cancer patients irradiated to prostate only (PO) or prostate and pelvic lymph nodes (PPLN). METHODS: For 10 patients, plans using 6MV flattened, flattening-filter-free (FFF) 6MV (6 F) and FFF 10MV (10 F) photon beams with full and partial arc arrangements were generated and compared. The prescribed dose was 40Gy to the prostate with 25Gy to the PLN in 5 fractions. Plans were then evaluated for PTV coverage, dose fall-off, and OAR doses. The number of monitor units and the treatment delivery times were also compared. Statistical differences were evaluated using a paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank test with a significance level of 0.05%. RESULTS: A total of 150 plans were generated for this study. Acceptable PO plans were obtained using single arcs, while two arcs were necessary for PPLN. All plans were highly conformal (CI ≥1.3 and CN ≥0.90) with no significant differences in the PTV dose coverage. 6MV plans required significantly longer treatment time and had higher dose spillage compared to FFF plans. Superior plans were obtained using 10 F 300° partial arcs for PO with the lowest rectal dose, dose spillage and the shortest treatment times. For PPLN, 6 F and 10 F plans were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: SABR-VMAT with FFF photon beams offers a clear benefit with respect to shorter treatment delivery times and reduced dose spillage. Class solutions using a single 10 F 300° arc for PO and two 10 F or 6 F partial 300° arcs for PPLN are proposed. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-016-0730-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Report From the American Society of Transplantation Conference on Donor Heart Selection in Adult Cardiac Transplantation in the United States

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138918/1/ajt14354.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138918/2/ajt14354_am.pd

Transformation of β-Ni(OH)2to NiO nano-sheets via surface nanocrystalline zirconia coating: Shape and size retention

Shape and size of the synthesized NiO nano-sheets were retained during transformation of sheet-like β-Ni(OH)2to NiO at elevated temperatures via nano-sized zirconia coating on the surface of β-Ni(OH)2. The average grain size was 6.42 nm after 600 °C treatment and slightly increased to 10 nm after 1000 °C treatment, showing effective sintering retardation between NiO nano-sheets. The excellent thermal stability revealed potential application at elevated temperatures, especially for high temperature catalysts and solid-state electrochemical devices

Live 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Initial Experience Using the Fully-Sampled Matrix Array Probe

ObjectivesOur study goals were to evaluate the 3-dimensional matrix array transesophageal echocardiographic (3D-MTEE) probe by assessing the image quality of native valves and other intracardiac structures.BackgroundBecause 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography with gated rotational acquisition is not used routinely as the result of artifacts, lengthy acquisition, and processing, a 3D-MTEE probe was developed (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Massachusetts).MethodsIn 211 patients, 3D-MTEE zoom images of the mitral valve (MV), aortic valve, tricuspid valve, interatrial septum, and left atrial appendage were obtained, followed by a left ventricular wide-angled acquisition. Images were reviewed and graded off-line (Xcelera with QLAB software, Philips Medical Systems).ResultsExcellent visualization of the MV (85% to 91% for all scallops of both MV leaflets), interatrial septum (84%), left atrial appendage (86%), and left ventricle (77%) was observed. Native aortic and tricuspid valves were optimally visualized only in 18% and 11% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsThe use of 3D-MTEE imaging, which is feasible in most patients, provides superb imaging of native MVs, which makes this modality an excellent choice for MV surgical planning and guidance of percutaneous interventions. Optimal aortic and tricuspid valve imaging will depend on further technological developments. Fast acquisition and immediate online display will facilitate wider acceptance and routine use in clinical practice

Nanomaterial-based Sensors for the Study of DNA Interaction with Drugs

The interaction of drugs with DNA has been searched thoroughly giving rise to an endless number of findings of undoubted importance, such as a prompt alert to harmful substances, ability to explain most of the biological mechanisms, or provision of important clues in targeted development of novel chemotherapeutics. The existence of some drugs that induce oxidative damage is an increasing point of concern as they can cause cellular death, aging, and are closely related to the development of many diseases. Because of a direct correlation between the response, strength/ nature of the interaction and the pharmaceutical action of DNA-targeted drugs, the electrochemical analysis is based on the signals of DNA before and after the interaction with the DNA-targeted drug. Nowadays, nanoscale materials are used extensively for offering fascinating characteristics that can be used in designing new strategies for drug-DNA interaction detection. This work presents a review of nanomaterials (NMs) for the study of drug-nucleic acid interaction. We summarize types of drug-DNA interactions, electroanalytical techniques for evidencing these interactions and quantification of drug and/or DNA monitoring

Evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agricultural use in Thanjavur city, Tamil Nadu, India

As groundwater is a vital source of water for domestic and agricultural activities in Thanjavur city due to lack of surface water resources, groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agricultural usage were evaluated. In this study, 102 groundwater samples were collected from dug wells and bore wells during March 2008 and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, major ions, and nitrate. Results suggest that, in 90% of groundwater samples, sodium and chloride are predominant cation and anion, respectively, and NaCl and CaMgCl are major water types in the study area. The groundwater quality in the study site is impaired by surface contamination sources, mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and evaporation. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate concentrations strongly express the impact of surface contamination sources such as agricultural and domestic activities, on groundwater quality, and 13% of samples have elevated nitrate content (>45 mg/l as NO3). PHREEQC code and Gibbs plots were employed to evaluate the contribution of mineral dissolution and suggest that mineral dissolution, especially carbonate minerals, regulates water chemistry.Groundwater suitability for drinking usage was evaluated by the World Health Organization and Indian standards and suggests that 34% of samples are not suitable for drinking. Integrated groundwater suitability map for drinking purposes was created using drinking water standards based on a concept that if the groundwater sample exceeds any one of the standards, it is not suitable for drinking. This map illustrates that wells in zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 are not fit for drinking purpose. Likewise, irrigational suitability of groundwater in the study region was evaluated, and results suggest that 20% samples are not fit for irrigation. Groundwater suitability map for irrigation was also produced based on salinity and sodium hazards and denotes that wells mostly situated in zones 2 and 3 are not suitable for irrigation. Both integrated suitability maps for drinking and irrigation usage provide overall scenario about the groundwater quality in the study area. Finally, the study concluded that groundwater quality is impaired by man-made activities, and proper management plan is necessary to protect valuable groundwater resources inThanjavur city

Cardiac tumours in children

Cardiac tumours are benign or malignant neoplasms arising primarily in the inner lining, muscle layer, or the surrounding pericardium of the heart. They can be primary or metastatic. Primary cardiac tumours are rare in paediatric practice with a prevalence of 0.0017 to 0.28 in autopsy series. In contrast, the incidence of cardiac tumours during foetal life has been reported to be approximately 0.14%. The vast majority of primary cardiac tumours in children are benign, whilst approximately 10% are malignant. Secondary malignant tumours are 10–20 times more prevalent than primary malignant tumours. Rhabdomyoma is the most common cardiac tumour during foetal life and childhood. It accounts for more than 60% of all primary cardiac tumours. The frequency and type of cardiac tumours in adults differ from those in children with 75% being benign and 25% being malignant. Myxomas are the most common primary tumours in adults constituting 40% of benign tumours. Sarcomas make up 75% of malignant cardiac masses. Echocardiography, Computing Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the heart are the main non-invasive diagnostic tools. Cardiac catheterisation is seldom necessary. Tumour biopsy with histological assessment remains the gold standard for confirmation of the diagnosis. Surgical resection of primary cardiac tumours should be considered to relieve symptoms and mechanical obstruction to blood flow. The outcome of surgical resection in symptomatic, non-myxomatous benign cardiac tumours is favourable. Patients with primary cardiac malignancies may benefit from palliative surgery but this approach should not be recommended for patients with metastatic cardiac tumours. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may prolong survival. The prognosis for malignant primary cardiac tumours is generally extremely poor