Constraining chameleon field theories using the GammeV afterglow experiments

The GammeV experiment has constrained the couplings of chameleon scalar fields to matter and photons. Here we present a detailed calculation of the chameleon afterglow rate underlying these constraints. The dependence of GammeV constraints on various assumptions in the calculation is studied. We discuss GammeV--CHASE, a second-generation GammeV experiment, which will improve upon GammeV in several major ways. Using our calculation of the chameleon afterglow rate, we forecast model-independent constraints achievable by GammeV--CHASE. We then apply these constraints to a variety of chameleon models, including quartic chameleons and chameleon dark energy models. The new experiment will be able to probe a large region of parameter space that is beyond the reach of current tests, such as fifth force searches, constraints on the dimming of distant astrophysical objects, and bounds on the variation of the fine structure constant.Comment: 17 pages, 12 figures, 2 table

Awareness of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in adolescent and young girls

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder which affects the adolescent girls It affects 5% to 10% of women in their reproductive age. Awareness and accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing PCOS as it improves quality of life of the patient. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge on PCOS among the medical students.Methods: Survey of 200 girls was done to assess the knowledge on the polycystic ovarian syndrome among the medical students of different colleges studying in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year. The data was collected from the students by using structured questionnaire.Results: In present study, 51% girls had normal BMI, 19.5% were overweight, 16.5% were obese while 13% were underweight. 33.5% females had acne, 16% had irregularity of menses, 5% had hirsutism while 2% had infertility. In present study, 33% adolescent and young girls had information about PCOS from teacher, 19% got information from friend, 11.5% got information from a doctor, 3.5% got information from newspaper while 5% got information from internet. 28% adolescent and young girls were unaware of PCOS.Conclusions: Thorough knowledge of the disorder and counseling for adolescents should be included in the curriculum which will provide awareness towards the disorder and lifestyle modification. Accurate diagnosis at a younger age may be a key

Patient satisfaction of outpatient department at ESIS hospital, Nagpur, India

Background: Employee state insurance scheme (ESIS) is a multidimensional social security system providing medical facilities to the insured persons and their family through large network of hospitals and dispensaries all over India. The present study was done to measure the satisfaction of OPD (Outpatient Department) patients.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in ESI Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India on 500 patients attending OPD. Patients were approached at the end of their OPD visits to know their perceptions towards the public health facilities, during the months of September and October 2017. Data collected was analyzed.Results: In present study, out of 500 patients, 210 (42%) said that crowd was average, 270 (54%) were satisfied with queue system, 390 (78%) were satisfied with the availability of drugs, 380 (76%) were satisfied with the behaviour of pharmacist.205 (41%) patients said it was not overcrowded, 310 (62%) patients were happy with the behaviour of registration clerk, 330 (66%) were satisfied with the seating arrangements for the patients and attendants, 265 (53%) were satisfied with the cleanliness, 205 (41%) were satisfied with the condition of toilets.390 (78%) patients said that doctor was available, 270 (54%) said that waiting time was less, 325 (65%) said that doctor listened to the problem attentively, 435 (87%) said that the doctor explained nicely about the disease while 425 (85%) were satisfied with the time given by the doctor.Conclusions: Almost half of the patients were satisfied with the registration facilities, basic amenities, service by doctor and pharmacy services. Mostly, patients chose this hospital as it was free for them due to their insurance and as it was near their house. Still, there is scope for improvement

Antenatal screening for aneuploidy

Background: It is uncertain how best to screen pregnant women for the presence of fetal Down's syndrome and other aneuploides, whether to perform first-trimester screening or to perform second-trimester screening or both.Methods: Women with singleton and multiple pregnancies underwent first-trimester combined screening (measurement of nuchal translucency, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A [PAPP-A], and the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin at 10 weeks 3 days through 13 weeks 6 days of gestation). Also, second-trimester quadruple screening (measurement of alpha-fetoprotein, total human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A) and triple marker test was done from 15 to 18 weeks of gestation.Results: 12 (5%) patients had positive screening test for combined screening in first trimester, 6 (10.9%) patients had positive screening for quadruple test while 1 (2.85%) patients had positive screening for triple test. Out of 19 positive screening, 16 (84.21%) had their amniocentesis done for confirmation of diagnosis. In all 16 patients, chromosomal analysis was normal. Not a single patient turned out to have a baby with Down syndrome or any other aneuploidy. False positive rate for combined screening in first trimester was 5%, false positive rate for quadruple test in second trimester was 10.9%, false positive rate for triple marker test in second trimester was 2.85%.Conclusions: First-trimester combined screening is better than second-trimester quadruple test or triple marker test for syndrome or any other aneuploidy

Preventive gynaecology: awareness, attitude and practices of gynecologists

Background: Gynecologists are aware of screening tests of all gynecological malignancies. However, attitude and practices do not match with this. Present study was conducted in 214 gynecologists to evaluate awareness, attitude and practices of preventive gynecology.Methods: A survey was conducted among 214 gynecologists of Nagpur, using a questionnaire. This evaluated implementation of screening and preventive measures used by them for self-protection as well as for the women seeking their services. Their attitude regarding HPV vaccine as a preventive measure was also noted.Results: In present study, 160 (74.76%) gynecologists routinely advice pap smear to the patients, 54 (25.23%) gynecologists advice pap smear to the patients only if it is indicated. 102 (47.66%) gynecologists and spouses have got their own pap smear done. 192 (89.71%) were doing their self breast examination regularly and 66 (30.84%) had done their mammography. 168 (78.50%) had their ultrasound done and 98 (45.79%) had their P/V done. 132 (61.68%) are advising HPV vaccination to the patients routinely and 48 (22.42%) gynecologists had given HPV vaccination to their daughters.Conclusions: Proper and effective utilization of available facilities would depend on creating better understanding and change in their outlook. Stepping up and strengthening of preventive health care services is essential