Understanding Gay and Lesbian Aging

Studying the aging process of gay men and lesbians is problematic because it assumes that sexual orientation as such is a valid ontological concept and research category. As a master status, sexual orientation by itself is not a particularly useful explanatory variable. Objectivity is further limited by the sexism and homophobia of both the sociological profession and its in-house researchers and theoreticians. Perceptions of gay/lesbian aging are particularly colored by the heterosexist emphasis on family life. Arguments are made that institutionalization of the elderly is really the political manifestation of personal and social values which are insensitive to the needs of minorities in general and same-sexers in particular

Inductor based switching DC-DC converter for low voltage power distribution in SLHC

In view of a power distribution scheme compatible with the requirements of the SLHC environment, we are evaluating the feasibility of on-board inductor-based DC-DC step-down conversion. Such converter should be an integrated circuit and capable of operating in harsh radiation environments and in the high magnetic field of the experiments. In this paper we present results concerning the choice of the technology, the search for the magnetic components and the calculations of the expected efficiency

Preferential Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform B Expression May Contribute to the Faster Velocity of Contraction in Veins versus Arteries

Smooth muscle myosin heavy chains occur in 2 isoforms, SMA (slow) and SMB (fast). We hypothesized that the SMB isoform is predominant in the faster-contracting rat vena cava compared to thoracic aorta. We compared the time to half maximal contraction in response to a maximal concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1; 100 nM), potassium chloride (KCl; 100 mM) and norepinephrine (NE; 10 µM). The time to half maximal contraction was shorter in the vena cava compared to aorta (aorta: ET-1 = 235.8 ± 13.8 s, KCl = 140.0 ± 33.3 s, NE = 19.8 ± 2.7 s; vena cava: ET-1 = 121.8 ± 15.6 s, KCl = 49.5 ± 6.7 s, NE = 9.0 ± 3.3 s). Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction supported the greater expression of SMB in the vena cava compared to aorta. SMB was expressed to a greater extent than SMA in the vessel wall of the vena cava. Western analysis determined that expression of SMB, relative to total smooth muscle myosin heavy chains, was 12.5 ± 4.9-fold higher in the vena cava compared to aorta, while SMA was 4.9 ± 1.2-fold higher in the aorta than vena cava. Thus, the SMB isoform is the predominant form expressed in rat veins, providing one possible mechanism for the faster response of veins to vasoconstrictors

Earliest signs and management of leakage after bariatric surgeries: Single institute experience

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of treatment in patients who develop gastrointestinal leaks after different bariatric surgeries.Methods: Retrospective review of 632 consecutive bariatric surgical procedures performed from 1999–2009 in Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt.Results: Leakage occurred in 10 patients. Symptoms and signs included tachycardia, fever, tachypnea, left shoulder pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, and/or change in the nature of the drain effluent. The earliest signs of presentation were tachycardia and unilateral decrease in air entry in all patients. The average time to diagnosis was 3.9± 2.6 days. In four patients contrast study was negative (40%). Six leaks occurred after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (6.3%), 2 after laparoscopic gastric bypass (3.6%), one after open gastric bypass (2.3%), and 1 after laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (2.4%). The most common leak location was at the esophagogastric junction (70%). Four patients (40%) required reoperations. A percutaneous abdominal drainage was placed in five patients (50%). In 2 patients (20%), the prophylactic drain was maintained in situ till cessation of leakage. Two patients (20%) died. Mean hospital length of stay was 13.9 ± 7.8 days.Conclusions: Tachycardia and unequal breath sound in the early postoperative course are worrisome signs that warrant laparoscopic exploration even if contrast studies were negative. Patients with signs of sepsis or hemodynamic instability require emergent exploration. Leaks that are more insidious may be treated successfully with percutaneous drainage or maintenance of prophylactic drains.Keywords: Morbid obesity; Bariatric surgery; Complication; Lea

Spectral Data Augmentation Techniques to quantify Lung Pathology from CT-images

Data augmentation is of paramount importance in biomedical image processing tasks, characterized by inadequate amounts of labelled data, to best use all of the data that is present. In-use techniques range from intensity transformations and elastic deformations, to linearly combining existing data points to make new ones. In this work, we propose the use of spectral techniques for data augmentation, using the discrete cosine and wavelet transforms. We empirically evaluate our approaches on a CT texture analysis task to detect abnormal lung-tissue in patients with cystic fibrosis. Empirical experiments show that the proposed spectral methods perform favourably as compared to the existing methods. When used in combination with existing methods, our proposed approach can increase the relative minor class segmentation performance by 44.1% over a simple replication baseline.Comment: 5 pages including references, accepted as Oral presentation at IEEE ISBI 202

Quantifying uncertainty in the measurement of arsenic in suspended particulate matter by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with hydride generator

Arsenic is the toxic element, which creates several problems in human being specially when inhaled through air. So the accurate and precise measurement of arsenic in suspended particulate matter (SPM) is of prime importance as it gives information about the level of toxicity in the environment, and preventive measures could be taken in the effective areas. Quality assurance is equally important in the measurement of arsenic in SPM samples before making any decision. The quality and reliability of the data of such volatile elements depends upon the measurement of uncertainty of each step involved from sampling to analysis. The analytical results quantifying uncertainty gives a measure of the confidence level of the concerned laboratory. So the main objective of this study was to determine arsenic content in SPM samples with uncertainty budget and to find out various potential sources of uncertainty, which affects the results. Keeping these facts, we have selected seven diverse sites of Delhi (National Capital of India) for quantification of arsenic content in SPM samples with uncertainty budget following sampling by HVS to analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer-Hydride Generator (AAS-HG). In the measurement of arsenic in SPM samples so many steps are involved from sampling to final result and we have considered various potential sources of uncertainties. The calculation of uncertainty is based on ISO/IEC17025: 2005 document and EURACHEM guideline. It has been found that the final results mostly depend on the uncertainty in measurement mainly due to repeatability, final volume prepared for analysis, weighing balance and sampling by HVS. After the analysis of data of seven diverse sites of Delhi, it has been concluded that during the period from 31st Jan. 2008 to 7th Feb. 2008 the arsenic concentration varies from 1.44 ± 0.25 to 5.58 ± 0.55 ng/m3 with 95% confidence level (k = 2)

A group-based approach to stabilisation and symptom management in a phased treatment model for refugees and asylum seekers

BACKGROUND: Traumatised asylum seekers and refugees may present with significant and complex mental health problems as a result of prolonged, extreme, and multiple traumatic events. This is further complicated by ongoing complex social circumstances. CONCEPTS: In our work at the Traumatic Stress Clinic (TSC), the understanding afforded by the concept of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) together with the related notion of a phased treatment model, provides a useful framework for organising our work with this population. CLINICAL APPLICATIONS: An explication of complex PTSD as it applies to our client group is presented, followed by a description of our phased treatment model and an outline of the core principles, which guide our clinical approach. Our symptom management and stabilisation groups have been developed and refined over time and draw on techniques from a variety of cognitive behavioural therapies. These are described in some detail with illustrative clinical case vignettes. CONCLUSION: This paper concludes with some reflections on the challenges inherent to working with this complex client group

Risk stratification of renal transplant recipients using routine parameters: Implication of learning from SARS-CoV-2 into transplant follow-up program.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a global pandemic that is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality among recipients of solid organ transplantation. In the course of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, various laboratory markers have been identified as predictors for high risk of mortality. AIM: To risk stratify renal transplant recipients (RTxR) using general demographic parameters, comorbidities and routine laboratory markers for the severity of the disease and its outcomes. We believe that learning about these routinely moni tored parameters can help us plan better strategies for the RTxR follow-up program. METHODS: This present study includes RTxR who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to February 2021. We recorded the basic demographics, comorbidities and routine laboratory markers. We investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on RTxRs and risk-stratified the progression of disease severity and outcomes in terms of recovery or mortality. RESULTS: From 505 RTxRs in our renal transplant follow-up program, 29 (7.75%) RTxRs had PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. We recorded 8 deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infection giving an overall mortality rate of 1.6% but a significant 27.6% mortality in SARS-CoV-2 positive recipients. Age more than 68 years, non-Caucasian ethnicity and male gender were associated with a significant drop in survival probability; P ≤ 0.001. < 0.001 and < 0.0001 respectively. 87.5% of the deceased were diabetic; P ≤ 0.0.0001. Estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 26 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum albumin less than 20 g/L, Hemoglobin less than 9.6 g/L and serum calcium less than 1.70 mmol/L were all associated with significantly increased risk of mortality; P = 0.0128, < 0.001, < 0.0001 and 0.0061 respectively. CONCLUSION: This study has identified some routinely used modifiable parameters in predicting a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. This knowledge can be used in RTxR follow-up programs by addressing these parameters early to help reduce the morbidity and mortality in RTxRs