A generalization of fixed point results in complex–valued quasi–partial b–metric space

The aim of this paper is to establish and prove several results on fixed point portrayed in complex valued metric spaces i.e. to bring in a new type of extended bmetric space, which we call complex–valued quasi–partial b–metric space by considering an adequate partial order in the complex field and partial b–metric functions. Within this paper, fixed point results are obtained in complex–valued quasi–partial b–metric space. To substantiate the authenticity of our results and to distinguish them from existing ones, some illustrative examples are also furnished with graphs.Publisher's Versio

Implementing and Characterizing Real-time Broadband RFI Excision for the GMRT Wideband Backend

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is being upgraded to increase the receiver sensitivity. This makes the receiver more susceptible to man-made Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). To improve the receiver performance in presence of RFI, real-time RFI excision (filtering) is incorporated in the GMRT wideband backend (GWB). The RFI filtering system is implemented on FPGA and CPU-GPU platforms to detect and remove broadband and narrowband RFI. The RFI is detected using a threshold-based technique where the threshold is computed using Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) estimator. The filtering is carried out by replacing the RFI samples by either noise samples or constant value or threshold. This paper describes the status of the real-time broadband RFI excision system in the wideband receiver chain of the upgraded GMRT (uGMRT). The test methodology for carrying out various tests to demonstrate the performance of broadband RFI excision at the system level and on radio astronomical imaging experiments are also described.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

Comparative study of ultrasound guided supra-scapular nerve block versus intra-articular steroid injection in frozen shoulder

Background: Frozen shoulder is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems seen in orthopaedics. Many treatment modes are available however, it is difficult to treat and data on the comparative efficacy of various interventions are limited. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IASI) is a commonly used to treat frozen shoulder pain. Supra-scapular nerve block (SSNB) is also effective method to treat pain in chronic diseases that affect the shoulder. The present study was done to compare efficacy of ultrasound guided SSNB and IASI in management of painful frozen shoulder.Methods: 60 patients with painful frozen shoulder were divided in two groups, Group A received ultra-sound guided SSNB with 6 ml 0.5% Bupivacaine; Group B received IASI using 40 mg Triamcinolone. Outcome measures were shoulder ranges mainly lateral rotation and abduction, shoulder pain and disability index and visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were followed-up on 2nd day, at 1st, 3rd and 6th week.Results: All baseline parameters improved significantly in both groups; however, on comparison Group A showed significant improvement in passive lateral rotation on 2nd day and 1st week follow up (P =0.038 and 0.040 respectively). VAS score showed significance at all follow-up in Group A, whereas, in Group B significance was seen after 1 week. On inter group comparison Group A shows significance on 2nd day (P =0.050), 1st week (P =0.042) and 3rd week (P =0.036).Conclusions:Both SSNB and IASI have efficacy in management of frozen shoulder. But supra-scapular nerve block is better than intra-articular injection and should be considered prior to steroid as it has early onset pain relief, early improvement in ranges, potentially lesser contraindications and side effects.

Incidence of Anaerobic Bacteria in 118 Patients with Deep-space Head and Neck Infections from the People’s University Hospital of Maxillofacial Surgery, Bhopal, India

susceptibility to antibacterial agents of anaerobic strains in 118 patients with head and neck abscesses (31) and cellulitis (87). Materials and methods: In total, 118 pus specimens from 118 consecutive patients with abscesses (31 cases) and cellulitis (87) of the head and neck were evaluated from 2006 to the end of 2011. The patients were admitted to the University Hospital of Maxillofacial Surgery, Bhopal, India, and comprised 76 men and 42 women: Four children, 103 adults and 11 elderly people. Results: Anaerobic bacteria (174 strains within 18 genera) were found in 88 (74.6%) of the 118 specimens. Anaerobes only were present in 23 (19.5%) specimens, aerobic/facultative bacteria only in 20 (16.9%) and mixed aerobic/anaerobic flora in 65 (55.1%). No growth was detected in 10 (8.5%) specimens. Two or more anaerobes per specimen were found in 56 (63.6%) of the specimens yielding anaerobes. The incidence of isolation of anaerobes from patients with identified odontogenic sources of infection was 82.2% (60 of 73 cases) and that in patients with other sources of infection was 71.4% (15 of 21, p > 0.20).  Conclusion: The start of empirical treatment could influence the frequency or rate of isolation of Fusobacterium species. The involvement of the Bacteroides fragilis group in some head and neck infections should be considered.&nbsp

Cytomorphology of Castleman’s Disease of Parotid Gland: Pitfalls and Diagnostic Dilemma in a Young Adult

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy, effective diagnostic tool that makes it the procedure of choice for all accessible swellings in the body. Castleman’s disease (CD) may present as unicentric or multicentric swelling hence is subjected to FNAC very frequently. CD mainly presents mediastinal nodes, nonetheless when present in salivary glands such as parotid, it is often diagnosed clinically as a salivary gland tumor. However, due to lack of adequate literature on its cytological features and nonspecific radiological findings, the condition is often misdiagnosed. There are few case series on cytological features of CD and even fewer cases of CD in the parotid gland. Histopathology serves as the gold standard of diagnosis for CD. In superficial locations, these swellings are easily subjected to direct fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Radiologically guided FNA can be performed for deeper locations. Hence, the authors present a case of 19 year old male patient, who presented with a small superficial, preauricular swelling for FNAC. The initial FNAC yielded no conclusive opinion. however a repeat FNAC and histopathological examination led to the final diagnosis. This case report aims to highlight the cytomorphological and histopathological features of CD in the Parotid gland and various difficulties encountered in making the final diagnosi

Maintaining Blood Glucose Levels in Range (70–150 mg/dL) is Difficult in COVID-19 Compared to Non-COVID-19 ICU Patients—A Retrospective Analysis

Beta cell dysfunction is suggested in patients with COVID-19 infections. Poor glycemic control in ICU is associated with poor patient outcomes. This is a single center, retrospective analysis of 562 patients in an intensive care unit from 1 March to 30 April 2020. We review the time in range (70–150 mg/dL) spent by critically ill COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients, along with the daily insulin use. Ninety-three in the COVID-19 cohort and 469 in the non-COVID-19 cohort were compared for percentage of blood glucose TIR (70–150 mg/dL) and average daily insulin use. The COVID-19 cohort spent significantly less TIR (70–150 mg/dL) compared to the non-COVID-19 cohort (44.4% vs. 68.5%). Daily average insulin use in the COVID-19 cohort was higher (8.37 units versus 6.17 units). ICU COVID-19 patients spent less time in range (70–150 mg/dL) and required higher daily insulin dose. A higher requirement for ventilator and days on ventilator was associated with a lower TIR. Mortality was lower for COVID-19 patients who achieved a higher TIR.Authors would like to acknowledge Chris C. Naum for his assistance with payment of the article processing fee

Minimizing Incision in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Initial Experience and Comparative Analysis of Upper Midline Incision in 115 Recipients

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) needs “Mercedes Benz” or “J-shaped” incision, causing short and long-term complications. An upper midline incision (UMI) is less invasive alternative but technically challenging. Reporting UMI for recipients in LDLT vs. conventional J-shaped incision. Retrospective analysis, July 2021 to December 2022. Peri-operative details and post-transplant outcomes of 115 consecutive adult LDLT recipients transplanted with UMI compared with 140 recipients with J-shaped incision. Cohorts had similar preoperative and intraoperative variables. The UMI group had significant shorter time to ambulation (3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.6 ± 1.3 days, p = 0.001), ICU stay (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.001), but a similar hospital stay (15.6±7.6 vs. 16.1±10.9 days, p = 0.677), lower incidence of pleural effusion (11.3% vs. 27.1% p = 0.002), and post-operative ileus (1.7% vs. 9.3% p = 0.011). The rates of graft dysfunction (4.3% vs. 8.5% p = 0.412), biliary complications (6.1% vs. 12.1% p = 0.099), 90-day mortality (7.8% vs. 12.1% p = 0.598) were similar. UMI-LDLT afforded benefits such as reduced pleuropulmonary complications, better early post-operative recovery and reduction in scar-related complaints in the medium-term. This is a safe, non-inferior and reproducible technique for LDLT