On Dependence of Resolving Power of Prism, Grating and Reflecting Echelon on Stage of Resolution and Detecting Instrument

he authors have discussed the variation of resolving power of prism, grating and reflecting echelon with the value chosen for 1min/1max at limiting resolution, which is characteristic of the stage of resolution desired and the detecting instrument

Prevalence and fungal profile of pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Aspergillus is a fungus which may present an array of pulmonary manifestations, depending on the patient’s immunological and physiological state. Although the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis occurs primarily in immunocompromised patients but the incidence is also rising in immunocompetent individuals, especially in developing countries. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis along with species identification. Materials and Methods: One hundred and three patients admitted to the Department of Chest and Tuberculosis and in the Department of Medicine from Jan 2012 to Jan 2013 were included in this study. The patients were epitomized on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms, physical examination, chest radiography, CT scans, histopathological examination, bronchoscopy and fungal examination including potassium hydroxide mount, fungal culture of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage. Species identification was done by colony characteristics, slide culture and Lactophenol Cotton blue mount. Results: Out of the 103 patients, (63 males and 40 females) Aspergillus species has been isolated from 17 (16.5%) males and 07 (6.79%) females. Various predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis have been identified in which pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic smoking and environmental exposure to asbestos, cement its tops the list. Many of the patients had multiple predisposing factors. Aspergillus species were isolated in 24 (23.3%) cases. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species isolated in 13 (54.16%) cases followed by Aspergillus flavus in 07 (29.16%) cases, Aspergillus niger in 03 (12.5 %) and Aspergillus terrus in 1 (4.16%) cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of pulmonary Aspergillosis is quite high in immunocompromised individuals and low in immunocompetent individuals. An adequate and efficient evaluation of the etiological agents has a crucial role in the management of such patients

Clinical and functional outcome of isolated posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation

Background: PCL ligament avulsion fracture injuries constitute about 3-20% of all the knee injuries. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries are uncommon and often go undiagnosed in acutely injured knees. fracture. In the long run they cause severe functional disability of the knee joint. There is no consensus concerning the optimal surgical treatment approach for these injuries. Our study was to assess the functional and clinical outcome of isolated PCL avulsion fractures with open reduction and internal fixation.Methods: This is a prospective study of 27 patients with isolated PCL avulsion fractures, done in the department of orthopaedics in RNT medical college over a 2-year period. All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw and washer. Postoperatively, patient leg was immobilized in posterior POP slab for 2 weeks, allowing toe touch weight bearing. All patients were regularly followed-up. 3 cases of post operative wound infection were detected.Results: Of the 27 patients, there were 19 males and 8 females. All the cases showed good fracture union in an average of 12 weeks post operatively. In the first 6 weeks, all of them acquired an average knee flexion of 90 degrees and by 3 months, all of them had 125 degrees of free flexion possible.2 cases showed negative posterior draw sign. The knee scoring system assessment showed 21 cases of excellent result, 4 cases of good result and 2 cases of fair result.Conclusions: Though rare, PCL avulsion fractured are to be managed properly and treated surgically. PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated through Burk and Schaffer approach with open reduction and internal fixation produces good results

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in patients with late-life depression: A case series

Depression is the most common mental illness in the elderly, and cost-effective treatments are required. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depressive symptoms, mindfulness skills, acceptance, and quality of life across four domains in patients with late-onset depression. A single case design with pre- and post-assessment was adopted. Five patients meeting the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study and assessed on the behavioral analysis pro forma, geriatric depression scale, Hamilton depression rating scale, Kentucky inventory of mindfulness skills, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, The World Health Organization quality of life Assessment Brief version (WHOQO-L-BREF). The therapeutic program consisted of education regarding the nature of depression, training in formal and informal mindfulness meditation, and cognitive restructuring. A total of 8 sessions over 8 weeks were conducted for each patient. The results of this study indicate clinically significant improvement in the severity of depression, mindfulness skills, acceptance, and overall quality of life in all 5 patients. Eight-week MBCT program has led to reduction in depression and increased mindfulness skills, acceptance, and overall quality of life in patients with late-life depression

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case series

The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on interepisodic symptoms, emotional regulation, and quality of life in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in remission. The sample for the study comprised a total of five patients with the diagnosis of BPAD in partial or complete remission. Each patient was screened to fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria and later assessed on the Beck Depressive Inventory I, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF. Following preassessments, patients underwent 8–10 weeks of MBCT. A single case design with pre- and post-intervention assessment was adopted to evaluate the changes. Improvement was observed in all five cases on the outcome variables. The details of the results are discussed in the context of the available literature. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future investigations are also discussed

Detection and Classification of Transmission Line Faults Using Stockwell Transform and Rule Based Decision Tree

This paper presents an algorithm for detection and classification of different types of the power system faults occurring on the transmission line to provide the effective protection to the line against these faults. The proposed technique uses Stockwell transform based multi-resolution analysis of the current signals for detection of the faults and rule based decision tree for classification of faults in the power system network. Faults investigated in this research work include line to ground (LG) fault, double line (LL) fault, double line to ground (LLG) fault and three phase fault with the involvement of the ground (LLLG). Proposed study is performed in MATLAB/Simulink environment

Prevalence of depression in mothers of intellectually disabled children: A cross-sectional study

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is a permanent and highly disabling condition. The birth of a disabled child induces complex feelings in mother and other family members. This study was planned to investigate phenomenology of ID and the prevalence of depression in their mothers. Objective: To find prevalence, influence of various sociodemographic variables, and its clinical correlation with depression in mothers of ID children. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed as ID were included in the study. Objective data were collected in a special Pro forma, and mothers of these patients were evaluated with the Beck's Anxiety Inventory and Beck's Depression Inventory. Results: The mean age of patients with ID was 11.52 years, had received an average of 3.01 years of schooling, mean age at diagnosis was 6.01 years, mean intelligence quotient was 45.17, and 79% had significant comorbidities. The prevalence of depression in mothers was 79%; it was more in mothers of female ID child, ID child with significant comorbidities, severer forms of retardation, and with higher levels of anxiety in the mother. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in mothers of ID children in the present study seems to be much greater than those reported from the previous studies. The determination of predictors of depression among mothers of ID children may help health professionals in identifying mothers at risk. Regular screening of mothers of ID children should be included in the protocol for management