Simulation of old open clusters for UVIT on ASTROSAT

Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) is one of the payloads on the first Indian multi wavelength satellite ASTROSAT expected to be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the year 2015. We have performed simulations of UV studies of old open clusters for the UVIT. The colour magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and spatial appearances have been created using 10 filters of FUV channel (130 - 180 nm) and NUV channel (200 - 300nm) available for observations on the UVIT, for three old open clusters M67, NGC 188 and NGC 6791. The CMDs are simulated for different filter combinations, and they are used to identify the loci of various evolutionary sequences, white dwarfs, blue stragglers, red giants, sub giants, turn off stars and the main sequence of the clusters. The present work helps in identifying the potential area of study in the case of three old open clusters, by considering the availability of filters and the detection limits of the instrument. We also recommend filter combinations, which can be used to detect and study the above mentioned evolutionary stages. The simulations and the results presented here are essential for the optimal use of the UVIT for studies of old open clusters.Comment: Accepted for publication in RAA; 25 pages, 19 figures, 1 tabl

Study of various congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal autopsy

Background: The study of dead is to save the livings. The growing awareness that still births and infant mortalities are unable to reduction has led to a wide spread desire for more information regarding the cause of these deaths. Congenital malformations have become important cause of fetal and neonatal (perinatal) mortality in developed countries and would very soon be increasingly important determinants of fetal and neonatal mortality in developing countries like India. In spite of antenatal diagnostic modality still the fetal autopsy plays the vital role in the conformation as well as identification of congenital anomalies and also for the counseling of the parents, to prevent the fetal congenital anomalies in further pregnancies. This study was undertaken with the purpose of finding out cause of death during the perinatal period at government maternity hospital and pediatric department S.V.R.R.G.G.H. & S.V. medical college Tirupati, and to study the clinical and pathological findings (Gross & microscopic) in fetal and neonatal death.Methods: The present study of congenital anomalies in fetal and neonatal deaths was done at S.V. medical college, Tirupati, over a time period of 2 years from September 2008 to 2010 August. Consent for autopsy in requested compassionately, respectfully and fully informed. The present study included dead fetus and neonates with gestational age above 20 weeks of intra uterine life and within 7 days of post natal life. All fetuses of gestational age <20 weeks and all neonates above 7 days of age were excluded from the study. The study also obtained clearance from the ethical committee of the institution. Autopsy was performed by standard technique adopted by Edith L. Potter. External and internal findings followed by histopathological examination, and autopsy findings were compared with available ultrasound findings.Results: A total of 46 Autopsies performed, 40 (87%) were fetal deaths, 6 (13%) were early neonatal deaths. In a total of 46 fetuses, there were 13 male and 33 female babies. On external examination of 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 8 (17.39%) babies showed congenital malformation. On internal examination of the 46 fetal and Neonatal (perinatal) deaths, 4 babies showed internal congenital anomalies. A total of 46 anatomical and histopathologic examinations were done among fetal and neonatal (perinatal) deaths. Out of 13 autopsies on male babies, 2 had congenital malformation and 33 autopsies on female babies, 7 had congenital malformations. Congenital anomalies were commonest in the birth weight group of 1000-1500 grams accounting for 9 cases. Malformations of central nervous system (33.33%) were most common followed by musculoskeletal system (16.66%), genitourinary and respiratory system (8.33%) respectively.Conclusion: Most number of perinatal deaths occurred in low birth weight and preterm babies. Study of malformations greatly helpful in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in successive pregnancies

Structural and binding studies of 2′- and 3-fucosyllactose and its complexes with norovirus capsid protein by molecular dynamics simulations

Human breast milk contains free oligosaccharides (Human Milk Oligosaccharides–HMOs) that help to protect breastfed infants against a variety of infectious diseases and act as decoy receptors. In breast milk, HMOs are the third most abundant compounds after lactose and lipids. Structural and conformational models of HMOs are quite crucial to studying the interaction with proteins and molecular recognition phenomenon. Molecular dynamics simulations for two trisaccharides HMOs (2′-FL and 3-FL) were carried out for 250 ns and the conformational models were subsequently substantiated by three replicate simulations. The conformer models of HMOs 2′-FL and 3-FL were deposited in the 3-Dimensional Structural Database for Sialic acid-containing CARbohydrates (3DSDSCAR) database website (www.3dsdscar.in). HMOs were then docked into the active site of norovirus capsid protein and are simulated for 100 ns duration. Each complex system was stabilized by direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonding interactions. Binding free energy calculations predict two possible binding modes for each complex system. The conformational flexibility and binding stability of the complex systems were calculated. The protein folding/unfolding and compactness seem to be better for the two HMOs. From a general perspective, we found that both 2′-FL and 3-FL exhibited higher binding efficacy towards norovirus capsid protein and according to the structural stability, 3-FL might be used as a preventive inhibitor for norovirus infection. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma</p

Undiagnosed case of klippel-trenaunnay syndrome presenting as extensive heterotrophic ossification and flexion deformity of right lower limb requiring amputation: A case report

Klippel-Trenaunnay Syndrome is a rare disease characterized by a clinical triad of capillary malformation, soft tissue and bony hypertrophy, and atypical varicosity. This syndrome ranges from asymptomatic disease to life-threatening bleeding, embolism, and deformities. Management includes early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of complications. We present a case of a 43-year-old male presenting with pain, swelling and deformity of the right leg for 30 years. On examination, diffusely enlarged tender right limb with several dark patchy discolorations, multiple tortuous vessels were found. Right leg X-ray showed heterotrophic ossification and distortion of ankle joint. Due to chronic severe pain, recurrent infection, contracture and flexion deformity of right leg, the patient underwent above knee amputation. This case focuses on the variable presentation and multiple problems faced by patients with Klippel-Trenaununay Syndrome as they get diagnosed late and shows the importance of high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and prevention of complications