Diversity of macrofauna from continental shelf off Singarayakonda (southeast coast of India)

The present study was undertaken to study the benthic productivity of shelf region off Krishna River mouth. Standing stock of macrobenthos and its distribution were studied. Sampling was done onboard FORV Sagar Sampada from depths as 30, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 m using Smith-McIntyre grab having a bite area of 0.2 m2. After identification, data were treated using statistical package PRIMER v6. The nature of the sediment was medium sand up to 150 m depth and fine silt at 200 m. The benthic biomass (0.2977-3.1091 mg 0.2 m(-2)), abundance (58-289 nos. 0.2 m(-2) and number of species (12-48) decreased with increase in depth. The total number of species recorded was 69. Species estimators showed the possibility of collecting 129 species (Chao1) with intense sampling. Polychaetes formed the largest group with 40 species followed by molluscs (15 species) and crustaceans (14 species). The Spearman rank correlation (Rho) value (0.513) which was significant at 1.1% showed gradual change in species composition with increase in depth. The Pi value (3.78) comparing the similarity of benthos at 200 m depth with those of other depths (30, 150, 100, 75 and 50 m) showed significant differences (0.6%). Matching of biotic variables with that of environment showed the influence of dissolved oxygen on the distribution of macrobenthos (Rho 0.757). Intense sampling should be done to record all the species as shown by species estimators besides studying shelf productivity off other rivers and relating it with nutrient discharge and other environmental factors including sediment nature.

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF TPR SOLE: AN APPROACH TO IMPROVE SLIP RESISTANCE ON QUARRY AND CERAMIC TILES

Human slip on smooth surfaces is a common accident, even though the footwear soling materials are designed with cleats and treads to provide more friction with the floor. About 20% of footwear is made with thermoplastic rubber (TPR; styrene-butadiene-styrene) soles. The slip resistance property under wet-flooring conditions of this kind of sole is poor because of the nonionic nature of the polymer. Chemical surface modification can be exploited to improve the slip-resistance property of TPR soles. The surface is chemically modified with trichloroisocyanuric acid in a methyl ethyl ketone medium (TCI/MEK; at 1, 2, and 3%) to introduce chlorinated and oxidized moieties to the rubber surface. The extent of surface modification produced in TPR with this change can be tested using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle and surface roughness measurements. The improvement in slip resistance can be evaluated by measuring the coefficient of friction using a dynamic slip-resistance tester. The extent of the change in the functional physical properties, such as surface roughness, contact angle, work adhesion, in slip resistance can be improved by optimizing the concentration of trichloroisocyanuric acid. Physicomechanical properties of unmodified and modified soles that are essential for wear performance can be tested and compared. Quantitative changes on the surface of modified rubber soles increases surface roughness, reduces contact angles, and increases work energy, so there is a considerable increase in the coefficient of friction, especially under wet floor conditions. The chemical surface treatment tends to reduce the bulk mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance, because cyanuric acid attacks the sole. The coefficient of friction produces a positive trend at 1 and 2% TCI/MEK treatments, but the trend is negative at a 3% concentration. The optimum surface treatment level for surface modification to enhance the slip resistance of TPR is 2% TCI/MEK.

Improved upper limits on the stochastic gravitational-wave background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Ω_{GW}(f)=Ω_{α}(f/f_{ref})^{α}, we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of α=0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Ω_{GW}(f)<5.6×10^{-6}. For the 600-1000 Hz band, Ω_{GW}(f)<0.14(f/900  Hz)^{3}, a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Ω_{GW}(f)<1.8×10^{-4} using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Ω_{GW}(f)<1.0(f/1300  Hz)^{3} for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

A multidisciplinary team approach to two-stage revision for the infected hip replacement

We report the five year outcomes of a two-stage approach for infected total hip replacement. This is a single-surgeon experience at a tertiary centre where the more straightforward cases are treated using single-stage exchange. This study highlights the vital role of the multidisciplinary team in managing these cases.

A total of 125 patients (51 male, 74 female) with a mean age of 68 years (42 to 78) were reviewed prospectively. Functional status was assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS). The mean HHS improved from 38 (6 to 78.5) pre-operatively to 81.2 (33 to 98) post-operatively. Staphylococcus species were isolated in 85 patients (68%).

The rate of control of infection was 96% at five years. In all, 19 patients died during the period of the study. This represented a one year mortality of 0.8% and an overall mortality of 15.2% at five years. No patients were lost to follow-up.

We report excellent control of infection in a series of complex patients and infections using a two-stage revision protocol supported by a multidisciplinary approach. The reason for the high rate of mortality in these patients is not known.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1312–18

A rapid appraisal of access to and utilisation of psychotropic medicines in Bihar, India

Background

A major aspect of providing mental healthcare is access to and use of psychotropic medications. Bihar is a state in northeast India with limited mental healthcare provision; consequently access to and utilisation of psychotropic medications are likely to be limited. However, to date there has been no research assessing the situation. This study therefore aims to analyse the psychotropic medications management cycle (selection, procurement, distribution and use), and identify the barriers to access and utilisation, and their underlying causes.

Method

A rapid appraisal method was used in which primary and secondary data sources were collected and analysed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-two stakeholders and twenty-one service users from the government, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and private sectors. The qualitative data collected was analysed using a comparative thematic approach. The research was supported by the NGOs BasicNeeds and Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra.

Results

Availability, distance and cost were the main barriers to access and utilisation. At the medical college hospital level a lack of supply appears to be due to a discrepancy between orders made by the hospital and medications supplied by the manufacturers. At the primary health centre and district hospital level the main barrier is a cycle between lack of demand for treatments for mental illness by doctors and patients.

Conclusion

Further investigation and monitoring is necessary to ensure the availability of psychotropic medications at the medical college hospital level. In addition, implementation of the District Mental Health Programme is likely to address the access and utilisation barriers due to its potential to break the current cycle of lack of demand.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

An Assessment of Drawing Age in Pre-School Children Using 'Draw-A-Man' Test

Introduction: Goodenough-Harris ‘Draw-a-Man’ Test has been traditionally used as a simple tool to measure mental development in a child. There have very few studies looking at utility of ‘Draw a man’ test in the Indian subcontinent in the recent past. We carried out an assessment of correlation of drawing age with chronological age in pre-school children by the ‘Draw- a- man test’ and looked for any associations with respect to a deviation (delay or advancement) in the calculated drawing age.  Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 100 neurologically normal pre-school children between 36 to 72 months. The data was then analyzed with Pearson correlation and Chi square test on SPSS version 14.0 Result: There was a low positive correlation between drawing age and chronological age (Pearson correlation: r=+0.31, p=0.002).There were more boys (p=0.004) and more children with prematurity (p=0.012) in the group with low or equal drawing age compared to chronological age. Conclusion: In view of the low positive correlation found in our study, further studies with a larger sample need to be conducted to establish the ‘Draw-a-man’ test as a screening tool for mental age assessment in our subcontinent. We did find a significant association of deviation of drawing age from chronological age with respect to gender and prematurity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.9299   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):14-17

Interaction of free-living marine nematodes in the artificial mangrove environment (Southeast Coast of India)

Free-living marine nematode diversity was analyzed between Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata mangrove covers of the Vellar Estuary (southeast coast of India). A total of 4,976 specimens of free-living marine nematodes were collected in 56 species. Comparatively, a higher species richness was obtained for A. marina (52 species) than for R. mucronata (44 species), whereas 40 species commonly existed in both mangrove covers. A higher density of nematodes was found in sediments of sandy nature, whereas there was lower total organic carbon compared to silt/clay composition; epigrowth feeders were dominant over the other feeding groups based on organic enrichment in surface sediments. Principal component analysis clearly explained the relationship between the environmental parameters of various months. Higher R values of analysis of similarities revealed significant differences in nematode assemblages between months, and it was quite evident by non-metric multidimensional scaling. Diversity indices showed higher values in the dry months. RELATE analysis explained serial changes in nematode species composition between months, and a relationship between biotic and abiotic variables was clarified using the BIO-ENV procedure. Viscosia spp., Metachromadora spp., Theristus spp., and Sphaerolaimus spp. were candidate species of A. marina leaf interaction by observation.

Acetabular impaction bone grafting in total hip replacement

The increasing need for total hip replacement (THR) in an ageing population will inevitably generate a larger number of revision procedures. The difficulties encountered in dealing with the bone deficient acetabulum are amongst the greatest challenges in hip surgery. The failed acetabular component requires reconstruction to restore the hip centre and improve joint biomechanics. Impaction bone grafting is successful in achieving acetabular reconstruction using both cemented and cementless techniques. Bone graft incorporation restores bone stock whilst providing good component stability. We provide a summary of the evidence and current literature regarding impaction bone grafting using both cemented and cementless techniques in revision THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:98–102.

Awareness of dental office medical emergencies among dental interns in southern India: an analytical study

Medical emergencies in dental practices are common, and specific training and skills are needed to manage the situations. Dental curricula provide training in basic life support in medical emergency management. In India, the internship is the final stage before graduation, and the interns are future practitioners. Managing emergency situations increases the confidence level among new graduates. Training and skill improvement through various training programs on medical emergencies will improve the quality of dental practice, and it is beneficial to the patients. Knowledge of medical emergencies by dental interns is important since they go for practice without supervision. This study was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of medical emergencies among dental interns in the southern part of India. Based on the results, dental curricula need to include more rigorous training in emergency management.

Esophageal small-cell cancer: study of a rare disease

Optimal treatment of esophageal small-cell cancer, a rare disease, lacks consensus. Based on its lung small-cell cancer analog, we hypothesized that chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy would be optimal. This hypothesis was tested by studying the collective published literature. A meta-analysis of individual patients from 148 articles (1952-2010) explored treatment and outcome of 577 patients with esophageal small-cell cancer. Hazard function frailty modeling identified optimum therapy after accounting for article-level and patient-level heterogeneity. Fifty-nine percent of publications reported one patient and 25% five or more. Sixty-six percent of patients were men, mean age was 63 ± 11 years, and 64% had localized disease. One, 3-, and 5-year survival was 37%, 14%, and 11%, respectively. Survival variation among articles was substantial (P = 0.004), with survival improving across time (P < 0.0004). Chemotherapy was associated with better survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.53, 68% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-0.65; P = 0.002) than surgery alone, radiotherapy alone, nonstandard therapy, or no therapy. Adding local therapy, either surgery (HR = 0.41, 68% CI = 0.34-0.51; P < 0.0001) or radiotherapy (HR = 0.33, 68% CI = 0.27-0.41; P < 0.0001), to chemotherapy further improved survival. Adding both did not provide further benefit. The strategy of borrowing from consensus treatment of lung small-cell cancer and analyzing the scarce available esophageal small-cell cancer literature may be beneficial in the study of rare diseases. It confirmed that chemotherapy should be the mainstay of therapy, with additional benefit from adjuvant therapy with either surgery or radiotherapy; both are not needed.

Heavy metal enrichment in the seagrasses of Lakshadweep group of islands--a multivariate statistical analysis

An assessment on heavy metal (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) accumulation by seven seagrass species of Lakshadweep group of islands was carried out using multivariate statistical tools like principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Among all the metals, Mg and Al were determined in higher concentration in all the seagrasses, and their values varied with respect to different seagrass species. The concentration of the four toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) was found higher in all the seagrasses when compared with the background values of seagrasses from Flores Sea, Indonesia. The contamination factor of these four heavy metals ranged as Cd (1.97-12.5), Cu (0.73-4.40), Pb (2.3-8.89) and Zn (1.27-2.787). In general, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculated was found to be maximum for Halophila decipiens (58.2). Results revealed that Halophila decipiens is a strong accumulator of heavy metals, followed by Halodule uninervis and Halodule pinifolia, among all the tested seagrasses. Interestingly, the small-leaved seagrasses were found to be efficient in heavy metal accumulation than the large-leaved seagrass species. Thus, seagrasses can better be used for biomonitoring, and seagrasses can be used as the heavy metal sink as the biomass take usually long term to get remineralize in nature.

PRIME: a programme to reduce the treatment gap for mental disorders in five low- and middle-income countries

Crick Lund and colleagues describe their plans for the PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME), which aims to generate evidence on implementing and scaling up integrated packages of care for priority mental disorders in primary and maternal health care contexts in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, South Africa, and Uganda.