Implications of precision measurements on texture specific fermion mass matrices

Implications of texture specific mass matrices have been investigated for both quarks and neutrinos. Interestingly, for the case of quarks Fritzsch-like texture 4 zero mass matrices have been found to be compatible with the present precisely known sin2\beta as well as other precise CKM matrix elements. In the case of leptonic mass matrices, for both Majorana and Dirac neutrinos we find that for texture 4, 5, 6 zero mass matrices the inverted hierarchy and degenerate scenarios of neutrino masses are ruled out by the present data.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Texture specific mass matrices with Dirac neutrinos and their implications

Considering Dirac neutrinos and Fritzsch-like texture 6 zero and 5 zero mass matrices, detailed predictions for cases pertaining to normal/inverted hierarchy as well as degenerate scenario of neutrino masses have been carried out. All the cases considered here pertaining to inverted hierarchy and degenerate scenario of neutrino masses are ruled out by the existing data. For the normal hierarchy cases, the lower limit of m_nu_1 and of s_13 as well as the range of Dirac-like CP violating phase delta_l would have implications for the texture specific cases considered here.Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures, Accepted for publication in Physical Review

Relationship of decreased amniotic fluid and perinatal outcome: a comparative study

Background: A decreased amniotic fluid volume is frequently one of the first clues to an underlying fetal abnormality or maternal diseased state. Isolated oligohydramnios may occur in late pregnancy in patients with no other high risk factors and diagnosed on routine ultrasound. This study was conducted to assess the effect of oligohydramnios on perinatal outcome at or beyond 34 weeks of gestation with amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≤ 5.Methods: 50 cases and equal controls were taken in the study which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A written and informed consent was taken from all the subjects entering into the study. An ultrasound examination was performed on all the subjects entering the study. Phelan method was used for measurement of AFI. Measurement of the deepest pool in each quadrant was summated and AFI was recorded in centimeters.Results: Anthropometric variables were comparable in both the groups. The distribution of non-stress test (NST) and onset of labor was significantly different in both the groups. The presence of meconium stained liquor was non significantly same in both groups. Regarding neonatal outcome, birth weight less than 2.5 kg and APGAR score less than 7 was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls.Conclusions: Oligohydramnios (AFI< 5) was associated with more number of preterm deliveries, non-reactive NST, fetal distress and more NICU admissions. More studies are needed for defining threshold levels for measuring AFI

Exploring the parameter space of texture 4 zero quark mass matrices

We have attempted to extend the parameter space of the elements of the texture 4 zero Hermitian quark mass matrices, to include the case of `weak hierarchy' amongst them along with the usually considered `strong hierarchy' case. This has been carried out by giving wide variation to the hierarchy defining parameters D_U and D_D, having implications for the structural features of the mass matrices. We find that not only the weakly hierarchical mass matrices are able to reproduce the strongly hierarchical mixing angles but also both the phases having their origin in the mass matrices have to be non zero to achieve compatibility of these matrices with recent quark mixing data. Further noting the difference between the exclusive and inclusive values of V_ub, we have carried out separate analyses corresponding to these.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, version accepted for publication in Journal Of Physics

Deodorant cap lodged in the rectum: A case report

Anorectal foreign bodies are rare but have shown a rising trend in recent times. Various kinds of a foreign object may be observed in&nbsp;the rectum, including sharp instruments which may pierce rectum, colon, or create visceral organ injuries. Most common presenting&nbsp;symptoms include abdominal, rectal pains and bleeding per rectum. Without proper history and examination, these foreign objects can&nbsp;easily be missed in the emergency department as these are still a matter of taboo especially in countries like India. We report a case of anelderly gentleman who presented to the emergency with bleeding per rectum and did not initially give a history of foreign body insertion

Use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease : an update

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), once considered a disease of the Western hemisphere, has emerged as a global disease. As the disease prevalence is on a steady rise, management of IBD has come under the spotlight. 5-Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and biologics are the backbone of treatment of IBD. With the advent of biologics and small molecules, the need for surgery and hospitalization has decreased. However, economic viability and acceptability is an important determinant of local prescription patterns. Nearly one-third of the patients in West receive biologics as the first/initial therapy. The scenario is different in developing countries where biologics are used only in a small proportion of patients with IBD. Increased risk of reactivation of tuberculosis and high cost of the therapy are limitations to their use. Thiopurines hence become critical for optimal management of patients with IBD in these regions. However, approximately one-third of patients are intolerant or develop adverse effects with their use. This has led to suboptimal use of thiopurines in clinical practice. This review article discusses the clinical aspects of thiopurine use in patients with IBD with the aim of optimizing their use to full therapeutic potential.Peer reviewe