A new free-living nematode species, Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov. (Nematoda: Linhomoeidae), with female intersexuality from West Bengal, India

A new species of free-living soil nematode, Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov., is described from paddy field in West Bengal, India. It is characterized by moderate body length (L=1.0–3.5 mm), possesses two amphids, only four cephalic setae. Amphideal fovea distant from the anterior end, stoma small and narrow, pharynx with well-developed terminal bulb. Females with amphidelphic ovaries. Males with paired testes, ventrally arcuate, short and stout spicules, gubernaculum with clearly developed dorso-caudal apophysis. Tail long and filiform, similar in both sexes. Fourteen female intersexes of Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov., with a prominent female reproductive structure and a less conspicuous male reproductive system, were found. These female intersexes are with well-developed vulva and prominent spicules, however, lack apophysis. A checklist for known cases of intersex across various nematode orders has been appended

Three-dimensional episodic model of star formation in galaxies in the presence of dissipation

International audienceThe oscillatory model of star formation in giant and dwarf galaxies have been studied through a dynamical open system. In addition to various dynamical processes involving fractional masses of hot, warm, and cold gases, the system is subjected to dissipative processes e.g. outflow from the gaseous component caused by supernovae explosion and subsequent ram pressure stripping within the oscillation period. This is more realistic than a previous model which was considered conservative. The present episodic model has been found to be unimodal in general contrary to discrete episodes of star formation of decreasing amplitudes as found for closed systems. The duty cycles under various parametric conditions derived, vary in the range (2.0-40.0) × 107 yr for giant galaxies contrary to longer time, for example 9.0 × 107-1.0 × 109 yr for dwarf galaxies. This might be due to the low production rate of supernova in dwarf galaxies which reduces the evaporation rate of cold gas into hot gas making cold gas available for continuing the cycle for a longer time. The duty cycles have increased in both cases compared to the previous model by an order of one for giant galaxies and order of two for dwarf galaxies depending on the degree of dissipation. This might be due to the unimodal pattern of star formation which prevails for longer time in the late phase of galaxy evolution. Under very special parametric conditions limit cycles may occur I.e. star formation in discrete episodes, may occur involving one or more stable attractors especially in early-type dwarf and giant galaxies. Tendency of formation of multiple attractors are more likely in early-type giant spiral galaxies when the rate of dissipation is very slow

Depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal, India

Background: Detection of cancer and subsequent chemotherapy can lead to clinical depression in many cancer patients. Objectives: The study was conducted to find out the extent of depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and determine the factors associated with depression. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Chemotherapy Day Care Centre of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital from May to June 2013. A total of 174 cancer patients were selected and interviewed after obtaining informed consent and Institutional Ethics Committee Clearance. Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to find out depression with a score of 6 and above indicating depression. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Logistic regression was used to see the relative importance of multiple contributing factors toward depression. Results: Out of 174 cancer patients, 97 (55.7%) were found to be depressed. Depression was comparatively higher in patients ≥50 years; in males; those belonging to religion other than Hindus; who received higher education; had monthly family income ≥5000 rupees and were involved in moderate or heavy work. Nearly 70.6% of blood cancer patients; 64.3% of those who had been receiving chemotherapy for ≥6 months and 56.9% of those in their 4th or less cycle of chemotherapy were found to be depressed. Conclusion: The study revealed depression is substantially high among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in this area. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients need to be complemented by psychological support for the cancer patients