A Review on Audio Cryptography

Volume 3 Issue 7 (July 2015

Frequency Of Development Of Connective Tissue Disease In Statin-Users Versus Nonusers

Statins have pleiotropic properties that may affect the development of connective tissue diseases (CTD). The objective of this study was to compare the risk of CTD diagnoses in statin users and nonusers. This study was a propensity score-matched analysis of adult patients (30 to 85 years old) in the San Antonio military medical community. The study was divided into baseline (October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005), and follow-up (October 1, 2005 to March 5, 2010) periods. Statin users received a statin prescription during fiscal year 2005. Nonusers did not receive a statin at any time during the study. The outcome measure was the occurrence of 3 diagnosis codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification consistent with CTD. We described co-morbidities during the baseline period using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We created a propensity score based on 41 variables. We then matched statin users and nonusers 1:1, using a caliper of 0.001. Of 46,488 patients who met study criteria (13,640 statin users and 32,848 nonusers), we matched 6,956 pairs of statin users and nonusers. Matched groups were similar in terms of patient age, gender, incidence of co-morbidities, total Charlson Comorbidity Index, health care use, and medication use. The odds ratio for CTD was lower in statin users than nonusers (odds ratio: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.64 to 0.99; p = 0.05). Secondary analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. In conclusion, statin use was associated with a lower risk of CTD. Published by Elsevier Inc.Pharmac

Calcium-rich gap transients in the remote outskirts of galaxies

From the first two seasons of the Palomar Transient Factory, we identify three peculiar transients (PTF09dav, PTF10iuv, PTF11bij) with five distinguishing characteristics: peak luminosity in the gap between novae and supernovae (M_R ≈ - 15.5 to -16.5), rapid photometric evolution (t_(rise) ≈12-15 days), large photospheric velocities (≈6000 to 11000 km s^(-1)), early spectroscopic evolution into nebular phase (≈1 to 3 months) and peculiar nebular spectra dominated by Calcium. We also culled the extensive decade-long Lick Observatory Supernova Search database and identified an additional member of this group, SN 2007ke. Our choice of photometric and spectroscopic properties was motivated by SN 2005E (Perets et al. 2010). To our surprise, as in the case of SN 2005E, all four members of this group are also clearly offset from the bulk of their host galaxy. Given the well-sampled early and late-time light curves, we derive ejecta masses in the range of 0.4--0.7 M_⊙. Spectroscopically, we find that there may be a diversity in the photospheric phase, but the commonality is in the unusual nebular spectra. Our extensive follow-up observations rule out standard thermonuclear and standard core-collapse explosions for this class of "Calcium-rich gap" transients. If the progenitor is a white dwarf, we are likely seeing a detonation of the white dwarf core and perhaps, even shock-front interaction with a previously ejected nova shell. In the less likely scenario of a massive star progenitor, a very non-standard channel specific to a low-metallicity environment needs to be invoked (e.g., ejecta fallback leading to black hole formation). Detection (or lack thereof) of a faint underlying host (dwarf galaxy, cluster) will provide a crucial and decisive diagnostic to choose between these alternatives

A prospective observational study on recurrent pregnancy loss and its causes

Background: Our objective was to study and evaluate the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. Methods: A prospective observational study was done over a period of 6 months from July-December 2022 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology at BJ Medical College. It was observed that out of 3124 total deliveries, 40 patients had the history of recurrent pregnancy loss (1.2%). Results: Out of total 3125 deliveries, 40 patients were identified with the above mentioned criteria, and the incidence level of recurrent pregnancy loss was calculated to be 1.2%. The results obtained were compiled and tabulated to observe that the maximum number of cases fell in the age group of 26-30 years and 70% of them belonged to the urban areas. 65% cases had primary pregnancy loss and 35% had secondary pregnancy loss. Second trimester losses were seen in 57.5% cases. The causes of the recurrent pregnancy loss were identified and categorised, where it was identified that uterine anomaly contributed to a large number of cases (30%). Conclusions: Detailed work up to identify the cause like blood investigations for analysing endocrine causes, USG/ MRI to identify uterine structural anomalies, genetic analysis and karyotyping of the fetus and both the parents to identify the genetic causes were carried out. Apart from treating the underlying causes, psychological counselling of the couple also becomes necessary. Lifestyle modification should always be advised to couples with such history.

Functional outcome of humeral shaft fractures in adults treated with titanium elastic nailing

Background: This study was done to analyse the functional outcome of humeral shaft fractures (upper and middle third) managed with closed ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing.Methods: This was a prospective study of 20 patients, aged between 18 and 60 years, with humeral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing from May 2016 to April 2018 at our institute. Upper and middle humeral shaft fractures of both sexes were included in the study.Results: Eighteen (90%) fractures united in 12-20 weeks. Two (10%) patients had delayed union which ultimately united without any intervention. Two (10%) patients developed shoulder stiffness due to nail impingement. By evaluating ASES score, good to excellent results were noted in 18 (90%) and moderate in 2 (10%). There were 15 males and 5 females with an average age 32.75 years (range: 18-60 years).Conclusions: Titanium elastic nailing is a good method for treatment of humeral shaft fractures in adults. It provides early fracture union, high union rates, minimal soft tissue damage, early rehabilitation and short hospital stay

Real-time Detection and Rapid Multiwavelength Follow-up Observations of a Highly Subluminous Type II-P Supernova from the Palomar Transient Factory Survey

The Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) is an optical wide-field variability survey carried out using a camera with a 7.8 deg^2 field of view mounted on the 48 inch Oschin Schmidt telescope at Palomar Observatory. One of the key goals of this survey is to conduct high-cadence monitoring of the sky in order to detect optical transient sources shortly after they occur. Here, we describe the real-time capabilities of the PTF and our related rapid multiwavelength follow-up programs, extending from the radio to the γ-ray bands. We present as a case study observations of the optical transient PTF10vdl (SN 2010id), revealed to be a very young core-collapse (Type II-P) supernova having a remarkably low luminosity. Our results demonstrate that the PTF now provides for optical transients the real-time discovery and rapid-response follow-up capabilities previously reserved only for high-energy transients like gamma-ray bursts

Novel approaches in development of cell penetrating peptides

Therapeutic cargos which are impermeable to the cell can be delivered by cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPP-cargo complexes accumulate by endocytosis inside the cells but they fail to reach the cytosolic space properly as they are often trapped in the endocytic organelles. Here the CPP mediated endosomal escape and some strategies used to increase endosomal escape of CPP-cargo conjugates are discussed with evidence. Potential benefits can be obtained by peptides such as reduction in side effects, biocompatibility, easier synthesis and can be obtained at lower administered doses. The particular peptide known as cell penetrating peptides are able to translocate themselves across membrane with the carrier drugs with different mechanisms.  This is of prime importance in drug delivery systems as they have capability to cross physiological membranes. This review describes various mechanisms for effective drug delivery and associated challenge

Towards a membrane proteome in Drosophila: a method for the isolation of plasma membrane

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The plasma membrane (PM) is a compartment of significant interest because cell surface proteins influence the way in which a cell interacts with its neighbours and its extracellular environment. However, PM is hard to isolate because of its low abundance. Aqueous two-phase affinity purification (2PAP), based on PEG/Dextran two-phase fractionation and lectin affinity for PM-derived microsomes, is an emerging method for the isolation of high purity plasma membranes from several vertebrate sources. In contrast, PM isolation techniques in important invertebrate genetic model systems, such as <it>Drosophila melanogaster</it>, have relied upon enrichment by density gradient centrifugation. To facilitate genetic investigation of activities contributing to the content of the PM sub-proteome, we sought to adapt 2PAP to this invertebrate model to provide a robust PM isolation technique for <it>Drosophila</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We show that 2PAP alone does not completely remove contaminating endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane. However, a novel combination of density gradient centrifugation plus 2PAP results in a robust PM preparation. To demonstrate the utility of this technique we isolated PM from fly heads and successfully identified 432 proteins using MudPIT, of which 37% are integral membrane proteins from all compartments. Of the 432 proteins, 22% have been previously assigned to the PM compartment, and a further 34% are currently unassigned to any compartment and represent candidates for assignment to the PM. The remainder have previous assignments to other compartments.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A combination of density gradient centrifugation and 2PAP results in a robust, high purity PM preparation from <it>Drosophila</it>, something neither technique can achieve on its own. This novel preparation should lay the groundwork for the proteomic investigation of the PM in different genetic backgrounds in <it>Drosophila</it>. Our results also identify two key steps in this procedure: The optimization of membrane partitioning in the PEG/Dextran mixture, and careful choice of the correct lectin for the affinity purification step in light of variations in bulk membrane lipid composition and glycosylation patterns respectively. This points the way for further adaptations into other systems.</p

Comparative evaluation of antihypertensive drugs in the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is associated with various adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. The use of anti-hypertensive drugs in pregnancy is controversial. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of nifedipine, methyldopa and labetalol monotherapy in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.Methods: A total of 60 pregnant women with blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or more with ≥1+ proteinuria between 20 and 38 weeks of gestation were randomly allocated to receive nifedipine (n=20), methyldopa (n=20) or labetalol (n=20). Blood pressure was measured at 0, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of initiation of antihypertensive drugs. Patients were also followed up for development of adverse drug effects during this period.Results: Antihypertensive treatment with methyldopa was associated with reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 50 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 30 mmHg at 72 h. For the same period treatment with nifedipine was associated with reduction in SBP by 54 mmHg and DBP by 30 mmHg. Treatment with labetalol was associated with reduction in SBP by 70 mmHg and DBP by 36 mmHg at 72 h.Conclusions: Labetalol was more effective than methyldopa and nifedipine in controlling blood pressure in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension while methyldopa and nifedipine are equally effective in controlling blood pressure

Exclusion of a luminous red giant as a companion star to the progenitor of supernova SN 2011fe

Type Ia supernovae are thought to result from a thermonuclear explosion of an accreting white dwarf in a binary system, but little is known of the precise nature of the companion star and the physical properties of the progenitor system. There are two classes of models: double-degenerate (involving two white dwarfs in a close binary system) and single-degenerate models. In the latter, the primary white dwarf accretes material from a secondary companion until conditions are such that carbon ignites, at a mass of 1.38 times the mass of the Sun. The type Ia supernova SN 2011fe was recently detected in a nearby galaxy. Here we report an analysis of archival images of the location of SN 2011fe. The luminosity of the progenitor system (especially the companion star) is 10–100 times fainter than previous limits on other type Ia supernova progenitor systems, allowing us to rule out luminous red giants and almost all helium stars as the mass-donating companion to the exploding white dwarf