A CASE REPORT ON TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that affects large arteries, mainly the aorta and its branches. It is also called a pulseless disease because of diminished or absent pulses in the upper extremities of the patient. The coronary, pulmonary and renal arteries are also affected in the progression of the disease. The prevalence of the disease is more in Asian countries and it has unknown etiopathogenesis. Here we discuss a case of TA in a 15 y old girl who was admitted with moderate LV dysfunction. The diagnosis was carried out from the results of CT aortogram which showed stenosis of right common carotid, left subclavian, left vertebral artery, right renal artery and lower lobe pulmonary arteries and other clinical examinations. Treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide along with symptomatic treatment. But the disease progressed with the development of complications like peripheral leg ulcers. The patient was initiated palliative care in view of altered sensorium and severe LV dysfunction, but the patient succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest. Early identification and initiation of aggressive treatment can help in symptom-free survival

Bank Lending Channel Effectiveness and Loan Sales in the US

This paper examines whether banks that sell loans in the secondary market respond differently to a monetary policy innovation from those that do not engage in loan sales. We answer this question by measuring the policy response while controlling for loan sales activities. Using a simple theoretical model and U.S. bank-level Call Report longitudinal data for the period 1991Q1-2008 Q4, we conduct a dynamic panel regression analysis. We find that the long-run response to a typical policy shock is three times greater for mid-size banks engaging in loan sales. Given the increase in proportion of banks engaging in loan sales, this finding has strong implications for policy makers and bank industry volatility

Implementation of a new third order weighted Runge-Kutta formula based on Centroidal Mean for solving stiff initial value problems

A new third order weighted Runge-Kutta formula based on Centroidal Mean(CeM) is derived and implemented. To illustrate the effectiveness of the method, a stiff problem has been chosen and compared with the classical fourth order Runge-Kutta method and the third order weighted  Runge-Kutta method based on Contraharmonic Mean(CoH). The stability of the new method is analysed. The investigation undertaken in the study reveals that the third order RK method based on CeM suits very well and indicates that this method is superior compared to the other methods discussed for the stiff initial value problems

Numerical Solution of NTH - Order Fuzzy Initial Value Problems by Fourth Order Runge-Kutta Method Basesd On Contrahamonic Mean

In this paper, a numerical method for Nth - order fuzzy initial value problems (FIVP) based on Seikkala derivative of fuzzy process is studied. The fourth order Runge-Kutta method based on Contra-harmonic Mean (RKCoM4) is used to find the numerical solution of this problem and the convergence and stability of the method is proved. This method is illustrated by solving second and third order FIVPs. The results show that the proposed method suits well to find the numerical solution of Nth - order FIVPs

A Comparative and Correlative Study of Serum Homocysteine Level In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy. Homocysteine is naturally obtained by diet containing methionine which is one of the essential amino acids. The role of homocysteine is an independent risk factor of gestational diabetes mellitus has not been extensively studied in India. Due to multiple factors like dietary, life style, socio economic status and other ethnic differences, the results found in the western studies cannot be applicable to our population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to study the association of serum homocysteine levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and to compare the serum homocysteine levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and in normal pregnancy. METHODS: This case control study comprised 30 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and 20 patients of normal pregnancy in the age group of 18 to 35 years attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology department OPD or admitted to Raja Merasutar Hospital, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur, Serum Homocysteine, Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, were determined. Data were analyzed with appropriate statistical analyzer. Serum homocysteine levels were estimated in all of them and its correlation to gestational diabetes mellitus and in normal pregnancy was studied. RESULTS: The serum homocysteine levels were statistically higher among the cases as compared to the controls. The mean value of serum homocysteine in control group is 3.8 ± 0.95 and in gestational diabetes patients is 16.30 ± 6.09. Its ‘p’ value is significant (p .000 < 0.05). Total cholesterol level is significantly elevated in gestational diabetes patients. The mean value of Total cholesterol in control group is 187.70±18.2 and in gestational diabetes patients is 211.50 ±28.799. Its ‘p’ value is significant (p=0.002). In our study, 12 patients of gestational diabetes patients had elevated serum Triglyceride level. In control group, all had the normal triglyceride level. The mean value of serum triglyceride level is 113.30 ± 16.10 in control group. In study group (gestational diabetes patients), the mean value is 140.20 ± 22.15. CONCLUSION: There is significant association between homocysteine with gestational diabetes mellitus. Higher homocysteine levels were observed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Hyperhomocysteinemia is found in 56.66% of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Hyperhomocysteinemia is found to be an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus patients. The average levels of Total cholesterol, were significantly found to be higher in GDM cases compared to controls

Soil Invertebrates of \u3cem\u3eLasiurus sindicus\u3c/em\u3e Based Grazing Lands: Impact of Management and Grazing Intensity

Arid Western plains of India are dominated by pasture and grazing lands. Lasiurus sindicus (LS) is the dominant na-tive grass species growing on sandy plains and low dunes under the low rainfall extreme desert climate. Palatability and higher crude protein (8-14% in early vegetative growth, 4-6% in 80-120 days of growth) make this grass a highly preferred grazing species. Since drought is frequent (47%) in this part of the country the LS grasslands are under tremendous grazing pressures and classified under poor or very poor condition for livestock. It is imperative to re-store the natural resources on which this grassland depends. Soil invertebrates especially soil collembola and mites are an integral part of this grassland ecosystem. Their community structure changes in response to the changes in management and other factors, and may serve as a tool for rapid impact assessment of restoration measures. With this background, Lasiurus sindicus grazing lands in Jaisalmer District of Western Rajasthan of India were evaluated, to understand the impact of grazing intensity and management practices on the community structure of the soil invertebrates

Influence of nitrogen application on direct seeded rice in old and new Cauvery Delta zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Direct seeded rice is a boon to farmers where the water release from the reservoir is delayed. Nitrogen fertiliser management is one of the strategies bto rectify the nutrient-related issue in Direct seeded rice. The present study aimed to optimize the nitrogen dose for direct-seeded rice in the new and old Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu. Field experiments were conducted during kuruvai and samba seasons at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai and Agricultural research station Thanjavur representing old and new Cauvery delta regions during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Totally from eight experiments, the results of four field experiments in each location revealed the highest grain yield in the treatment T6 -application of 150 kg Nha-1 (5596kg/ha) which was statistically on par with treatment T5 -125kg N/ha (5326 kg/ha) in old delta and new delta. The higher grain yield was recorded in the T6 (5140 kg/ha), statistically on par with T5 (4550 kg/ha). The higher available nitrogen content of 312 kg/ ha,292 kg/ha was recorded for N application @ 150kg/ha, which was statistically on par with  309 kg/ha and 289 kg/ha, respectively, both the kuruvai and samba seasons for N application of 125 kg/ha. In the new CDZ, the same trend was followed as that of the old delta. Based on economics, N applied @125 kg/ha recorded a higher BC ratio for direct-seeded rice. For the benefit of farmers of both deltaic regions, the nitrogen application of 125 kg ha-1 for direct-seeded rice is recommended

Atrial Arrhythmias in Astronauts - Summary of a NASA Summit

Background and Problem Definition: To evaluate NASA s current standards and practices related to atrial arrhythmias in astronauts, Space Medicine s Advanced Projects Section at the Johnson Space Center was tasked with organizing a summit to discuss the approach to atrial arrhythmias in the astronaut cohort. Since 1959, 11 cases of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia have been recorded among active corps crewmembers. Most of the cases were paroxysmal, although a few were sustained. While most of the affected crewmembers were asymptomatic, those slated for long-duration space flight underwent radiofrequency ablation treatment to prevent further episodes of the arrhythmia. The summit was convened to solicit expert opinion on screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, to identify gaps in knowledge, and to propose relevant research initiatives. Summit Meeting Objectives: The Atrial Arrhythmia Summit brought together a panel of six cardiologists, including nationally and internationally renowned leaders in cardiac electrophysiology, exercise physiology, and space flight cardiovascular physiology. The primary objectives of the summit discussions were to evaluate cases of atrial arrhythmia in the astronaut population, to understand the factors that may predispose an individual to this condition, to understand NASA s current capabilities for screening, diagnosis, and treatment, to discuss the risks associated with treatment of crewmembers assigned to long-duration missions or extravehicular activities, and to discuss recommendations for prevention or management of future cases. Summary of Recommendations: The summit panel s recommendations were grouped into seven categories: Epidemiology, Screening, Standards and Selection, Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation Manifesting Preflight, Atrial Fibrillation during Flight, Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation, and Future Researc