Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Quality of life amongst patients with diverting umbilical stomas in rectal surgery: a single centre prospective randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

The umbilical stoma (umbistoma) has been proposed as a viable alternative site for a temporary defunctioning stoma. Suggested advantages of the umbistoma include decreased number of surgical incisions required, improved cosmesis and ease of reversal surgery. This study aimed to assess the patient experience of umbilical loop ileostomies in rectal surgery, with the primary outcome being patient reported quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A total of 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery were randomly allocated to have a defunctioning ileostomy at a conventional site (right iliac fossa) or at the umbilicus. Patient-reported QoL was assessed at 6 weeks using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were number of stomas reversed, length of time awaiting stoma reversal surgery, duration of operative time for stoma reversal, length of hospital stay following stoma reversal and rate of parastomal or post reversal incisional hernias.

RESULTS

Patients who had an umbilical stoma scored significantly lower on the Stoma-QoL questionnaire compared to the conventional group, particularly on questions regarding feelings of tiredness, body insecurity and anxiety. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in relation to secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There may be potential disadvantages to the umbilical stoma with negative impacts on body image and subsequent increased social anxiety. Patient selection and adequate counselling will be important when considering an umbilical stoma. Further larger scale prospective studies are required to further validate the feasibility and longer-term safety of umbilical stomas in both clinical outcomes as well as patient QoL.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Local anaesthetic for pain post rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids: a prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Rubber band ligation (RBL) is a widely accepted intervention for the treatment of haemorrhoids. However, post procedure pain is a common complaint. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of local anaesthetic (LA) to the haemorrhoid pedicle base, post RBL, aids in reducing early post-procedure pain. Additionally, to compare perceived perianal numbness, oral analgesia usage and total consumption, and adverse events.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were recruited from colorectal clinics in two Australian hospitals between 2018-2019. Patients randomised to the intervention (LA) group received 2mls bupivacaine 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200,000 to each haemorrhoid base. Patients in the control group were not administered LA. Pain scores were recorded over 48 h using visual analogue scales. Analgesia consumption was documented and other secondary objectives were recorded dichotomously (yes/no).

RESULTS

At 1 h post-procedure, patient reported pain scores were significantly lower in the LA group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in pain scores between the groups at 4, 24 or 48 h. Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups with respect to oral analgesia usage, perianal numbness or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

LA to the haemorrhoid pedicle post RBL may significantly reduce early post procedure pain without any increased risk of adverse effects.

A short review on cervical cancer cell lines characterization and their corresponding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type expression

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. Extensive research is ongoing to develop efficient diagnostics and therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer, which rely on the preliminary studies based on cervical cell lines. It is essential to characterize these cell lines to ensure the suitability of the cells for each study. In this review, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule expressed on each cervical cancer line is presented. HLA characterization of the cervical cancer cell lines is essential to increase the specificity of treatment towards certain type of cervical cancer, allowing accurate therapy. HLA characterization is also important for the generation of novel diagnostics and/or therapeutics molecules, especially for HLA-based strategies.

Tomographic entanglement indicators from NMR experiments

In recent years, the performance of different entanglement indicators obtained directly from tomograms has been assessed in continuous-variable and hybrid quantum systems. In this paper, we carry out this task in the case of spin systems. We compute the entanglement indicators from actual experimental data obtained from three liquid-state NMR experiments, and compare them with standard entanglement measures calculated from the corresponding density matrices, both experimentally reconstructed and numerically computed. The gross features of entanglement dynamics and spin squeezing properties are found to be reproduced by these entanglement indicators. However, the extent to which these indicators and spin squeezing track the entanglement during time evolution of the multipartite systems in the NMR experiments is very sensitive to the precise nature and strength of interactions as well as the manner in which the full system is partitioned into subsystems. We also use the IBM quantum computer to implement equivalent circuits that capture the dynamics of the multipartite system in one of the NMR experiments and carry out a similar comparative assessment of the performance of tomographic indicators. This exercise shows that these indicators can estimate the degree of entanglement without necessitating detailed state reconstruction procedures, establishing the advantage of the tomographic approach.

DNA Extraction and Quantification of Some Economically Important Fruits in Tamil Nadu

Humans can benefited greatly from functional foods in order to preserve good health. The research began with the extraction of DNA from the white edible section of Cocos nucifera and the flesh of Borassus flabellifer fruits using the simple, Edward, PCI, and CTAB methods. To confirm the existence of DNA, the complete isolated DNA was examined using the DPA and Keller-killani tests. Following the identification test, UV spectroscopy was used to quantify the results by taking the absorbance of the samples at 260nm and 280nm and quantified using absorbance ratio procedure. When compared to other procedures, the CTAB approach produces acceptable results at low temperatures. Both the white edible part of Cocos nucifera and flesh of Borassus flabellifer gave high purity DNA on extraction. Further the concentration of DNA obtained from Cocos nucifera was 4.94, 4.7, 5.25 and 8.25 µg\ml by simple, Edward PCI and CTAB methods respectively and for Borassus flabellifer the concentration DNA isolated was found to be 2.48, 2.14, 4.25, 6.4 µg\ml by simple, Edward PCI and CTAB methods respectively.

Sub-lethal effects of calcium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate on Western clawed frog embryos

Naphthalene sulfonic acids (NSAs) are used as additives in lubricants, dyes, and greases and commonly act as surfactants in many industrial processes. The calcium salt of dinonyl NSA (calcium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate; CaDNS) is listed among thousands of chemicals identified as priorities for assessment by the Government of Canada's Chemical Management Plan due to the limited toxicity data. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to establish the toxicity of CaDNS to Western clawed frog (Silurana tropicalis) embryos and 2) to assess the sub-lethal effects and mechanisms of toxicity of CaDNS in amphibians through targeted gene expression and metabolite analyses. Frog embryos were exposed to water overlying sand spiked with a range of concentrations of CaDNS (17-1393 μg/g) over a 72-h period. Results indicated significantly higher mortality and presence of malformations in frog larvae exposed to over 672 μg/g CaDNS in the sand (14 ng/mL CaDNS in the water) compared to control treatments. An overall decrease in the glutathione redox cycle was observed, including decreases in relative mRNA levels of enzymes (glutathione S-transferase (gst), glutathione reductase (gsr), glutathione peroxidase (gpx)) and decreases in the glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) metabolite concentrations. In addition, transcript levels of genes involved in antioxidant capacity and essential amino acid metabolites decreased significantly in embryos exposed to low levels of CaDNS. This is the first study to assess the toxicity of NSAs in amphibians, contributing important data to aid in the assessment of NSAs.

Subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation: clinical follow-up at median of 15 years

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation is characterised by prolonged colonic transit and reliance on laxatives. The pathophysiology is poorly understood and in its most severe form, total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the final treatment option. We present a follow-up study of the long-term function in patients who had surgery for laxative-resistant slow transit constipation.

METHODS

A postal survey was sent to assess bowel frequency, abdominal pain, St Mark's continence score, satisfaction with procedure, likelihood to choose the procedure again, and long-term rates of small bowel obstruction and ileostomy. Longitudinal data from a subgroup studied 23 years previously are reported.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (male = 2) were available for follow-up out of an initial cohort of 102. Mean time since surgery was 15.9 years (range 1.7-29.7) years. Fifty percent had < 4 bowel motions per day, most commonly Bristol stool 6, mean St Mark's score 7.45. Twenty-one percent had severe incontinence. Satisfaction and likelihood to choose surgery were high (median 10/10). There was a high rate of small bowel obstruction, suggesting pan-intestinal dysmotility in some cases. Conversion to ileostomy occurred in 8 patients. In the longitudinal follow-up in 15 subjects, continence deteriorated (p < 0.01), stool consistency softened (p < 0.01), and stool frequency fell (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory stool frequency was achieved in the long term, and although 21% had incontinence scores > 12, patient satisfaction was high. This is the longest reported follow-up of colectomy for slow transit constipation, with longitudinal outcomes reported. There was considerable attrition of patients, so larger, longitudinal studies are required to better ascertain the functional outcomes of these patients.

First-passage properties of mortal random walks: Ballistic behavior, effective reduction of dimensionality, and scaling functions for hierarchical graphs

We consider a mortal random walker on a family of hierarchical graphs in the presence of some trap sites. The configuration comprising the graph, the starting point of the walk, and the locations of the trap sites is taken to be exactly self-similar as one goes from one generation of the family to the next. Under these circumstances, the total probability that the walker hits a trap is determined exactly as a function of the single-step survival probability q of the mortal walker. On the nth generation graph of the family, this probability is shown to be given by the nth iterate of a certain scaling function or map q→f(q). The properties of the map then determine, in each case, the behavior of the trapping probability, the mean time to trapping, the temporal scaling factor governing the random walk dimension on the graph, and other related properties. The formalism is illustrated for the cases of a linear hierarchical lattice and the Sierpinski graphs in two and three Euclidean dimensions. We find an effective reduction of the random walk dimensionality due to the ballistic behavior of the surviving particles induced by the mortality constraint. The relevance of this finding for experiments involving travel times of particles in diffusion-decay systems is discussed.

Is there a difference in adenoma detection rates between gastroenterologists and surgeons?

AIM

To compare the adenoma detection rate (ADR) between gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons at Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

METHODS

A total of 300 colonoscopies performed by gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons at Box Hill Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from May 2016 to June 2017. Exclusion criteria were: Patients ≤ 50 years old, colonoscopies with failure of caecal intubation, patients who previously had colon cancer and/or a colonic resection, history of polyposis syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease, or a colonoscopy within the last 10 years. Patient demographics, indications, symptoms and procedural-related outcomes were measured.

RESULTS

The ADR was not significantly different between gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons (34% vs 34.67%; P = 0.90). The adjusted odds ratio correcting for gender, age, 1^st degree relative with colorectal cancer, previous colonoscopy, trainee involvement and caecal or terminal ileum intubation rate was 1.19 (0.69-2.05).

CONCLUSION

Both specialties at our institution exceed benchmark standards suggested by published Australian and American guidelines. An association between endoscopist specialty and ADR was not observed.

The Use of Communication Apps by Medical Staff in the Australian Health Care System: Survey Study on Prevalence and Use

Background

The use of communication apps on mobile phones offers an efficient, unobtrusive, and portable mode of communication for medical staff. The potential enhancements in patient care and education appear significant, with clinical details able to be shared quickly within multidisciplinary teams, supporting rapid integration of disparate information, and more efficient patient care. However, sharing patient data in this way also raises legal and ethical issues. No data is currently available demonstrating how widespread the use of these apps are, doctor’s attitudes towards them, or what guides clinician choice of app.

Objective

The objective of this study was to quantify and qualify the use of communication apps among medical staff in clinical situations, their role in patient care, and knowledge and attitudes towards safety, key benefits, potential disadvantages, and policy implications.

Methods

Medical staff in hospitals across Victoria (Australia) were invited to participate in an anonymous 33-question survey. The survey collected data on respondent’s demographics, their use of communication apps in clinical settings, attitudes towards communication apps, perceptions of data “safety,” and why one communication app was chosen over others.

Results

Communication apps in Victorian hospitals are in widespread use from students to consultants, with WhatsApp being the primary app used. The median number of messages shared per day was 12, encompassing a range of patient information. All respondents viewed these apps positively in quickly communicating patient information in a clinical setting; however, all had concerns about the privacy implications arising from sharing patient information in this way. In total, 67% (60/90) considered patient data “moderately safe” on these apps, and 50% (46/90) were concerned the use of these apps was inconsistent with current legislation and policy. Apps were more likely to be used if they were fast, easy to use, had an easy login process, and were already in widespread use.

Conclusions

Communication app use by medical personnel in Victorian hospitals is pervasive. These apps contribute to enhanced communication between medical staff, but their use raises compliance issues, most notably with Australian privacy legislation. Development of privacy-compliant apps such as MedX needs to prioritize a user-friendly interface and market the product as a privacy-compliant comparator to apps previously adapted to health care settings.

High Serum Levels of Soluble Fas (sFas) in Ckd Patients: Effects of Renal Clearance, Reabsorption and Synthesis

Purpose

Increased serum concentrations of soluble Fas (sFas) have been reported in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little is known about the renal clearance of sFas, whether sFas is reabsorbed in the renal tubules, or the behavior of sFas synthesis in CKD.

Materials and Methods

We studied 69 patients with CKD (60±15 years old, creatinine clearance 37+19 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 14 healthy subjects (61±17 years, creatinine clearance 79±24 ml/min/1.73 m2). ELISA was used to measure the levels of sFas (pg/mL) and retinol binding protein (RBP - mg/L). RT-PCR was used to quantify sFasmRNA of leukocytes.

Results

Serum sFas levels were significantly higher in patients with CKD (2781±1214 vs. 2196±773, p=0.02). The concentrations of sFas in 24-hour urine samples (23±27 vs. 40±17, p=0.006) and sFas Clearance (0.019±0.022 vs. 0.036±0.020, p=0.01) were significantly lower in patients with CKD. sFas clearance correlated with creatinine clearance (r=0.25, p=0.02). Urine concentrations of RBP correlated with sFas concentrations in the urine (r=0.80, p<0.001). sFasmRNA were higher in patients with CKD (3.9±1.8 vs. 2.5±0.9, p<0.001).

Conclusions

In CKD patients, the decrease in renal function is followed by a decrease in sFas clearance and an increase in serum sFas. In patients with proximal tubule dysfunction (high urinary RBP concentrations), urinary sFas is also increased, suggesting that sFas is reabsorbed by the proximal tubule. It is possible that an increase in sFas synthesis also contributes to the increase of serum sFas concentrations in uremia.

Effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper, and selenium on post-hatch performance of broiler chicken

Background and Aim:

Nanoparticles can bypass conventional physiological ways of nutrient distribution and transport across tissue and cell membranes, as well as protect compounds against destruction prior to reaching their targets. In ovo administration of nanoparticles, may be seen as a new method of nano-nutrition, providing embryos with an additional quantity of nutrients. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium on the hatchability and post hatch performance of broiler chicken.

Materials and Methods:

Nano form of zinc at 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/egg, nano form of copper at 4, 8, 12 and 16 µg/egg and nano form of selenium at 0.075, 0.15, 0.225 and 0.3 µg/egg were in ovo supplemented (18^th day incubation, amniotic route) in fertile broiler eggs. Control group in ovo fed with normal saline alone was also maintained. Each treatment had thirty replicates. Parameters such as hatchability, hatch weight and post hatch performance were studied.

Results:

In ovo feeding of nano minerals were not harmful to the developing embryo and did not influence the hatchability. Significantly (p<0.05) best feed efficiency for nano forms of zinc (2.16), copper (2.46) and selenium (2.51) were observed, when 40, 4 and 0.225 µg/egg respectively were in ovo supplemented. Except in nano form of copper at 12 µg per egg which had significantly (p<0.05) highest breast muscle percentage there was no distinct trend to indicate that dressing percentage or breast muscle yield was influenced in other treatments.

Conclusion:

Nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium can be prepared at laboratory conditions. In ovo feeding of nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium at 18^th day of incubation through amniotic route does not harm the developing embryo, does not affect hatchability.

Zinc/copper ratio: a predictor of pancreatic function in chronic pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND

The role of trace elements in the maintenance of normal pancreatic function is unclear.

AIM

To estimate trace elements (zinc and copper) in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients and study their relationship with exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Methods: The study involved 101 CP patients and 113 healthy controls. Disease characteristics and imaging features were recorded. Erythrocyte zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Fecal pancreatic elastase1 was estimated by polyclonal antibody ELISA method as a marker of pancreatic exocrine function.

RESULTS

The mean erythrocyte Zn level and Zn/Cu ratio were significantly lower whereas the copper level was significantly higher in CP patients than controls. The mean Zn level and Zn/Cu ratio was significantly lower in CP patients with diabetes and those with low elastase1 as compared to non-diabetics and those with normal elastase1 respectively. Erythrocyte Cu level was significantly higher in CP patients with diabetes and with low elastase1 than those without diabetes and with normal elastase1 levels respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between elastase1 and Zn/Cu ratio (r = 0.396, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to predict the development of exocrine insufficiency and it indicated an area under curve (AUC) of 0.838 ± 0.047 (95% CI: 0.746-0.93). The optimal cutoff value was 9.03 (sensitivity 86.5%, specificity 73.5%). When the same was performed to predict the development of diabetes, the AUC was 0.710 ± 0.05 (95% CI: 0.607-0.812). The optimal cutoff value was 7.2 (sensitivity 69.1%, specificity 69.7%).

CONCLUSION

Low erythrocyte Zn/Cu ratio was found to be associated with exocrine and endocrine insufficiency in CP patients.

Evaluation of Thermodynamic Properties for the Biosorption of Chromium by Using Cherry Leaves (<i>Muntingia calabura</i> L.)

Chromium is a heavy metal which has widely used in tannery and electroplating industries. Contaminations of these industrial metals into the river possess major threat to an environment. Therefore, biosorption is a technique which is applied for the sorption of heavy metal by a biomaterial. In the present study reveals that cherry leaves was used as a biomaterial and for that the thermodynamic properties was evaluated for the biosorption of chromium. From the thermodynamic studies it was found that the reaction was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic because the values of ∆G = negative, ∆S = negative and ∆H = positive. So, it was concluded that the experiment was thermodynamically feasible.

Kinetic Studies for the Biosorption of Chromium Using Cherry Leaves (<i>Muntingia calabura</i> L.)

Biosorption is an attractive technology which is used for the sorption of substances by a biomaterial. In this present work the heavy metal chromium was subjected to biosorption because of their non-degradability nature and causes water and land pollution. Cherry leaves were used as a biomaterial for the biosorption. Kinetic studies were performed for the biosorption experiment. From the experiment it was found that the reaction follows pseudo first order reaction because of the larger value of regression coefficient R2 and lower value of standard errors (χ2) for pseudo first order reaction than second order reaction.

Kinetic Studies for the Biosorption of Chromium Using Cherry Leaves (<i>Muntingia calabura</i> L.)

Biosorption is an attractive technology which is used for the sorption of substances by a biomaterial. In this present work the heavy metal chromium was subjected to biosorption because of their non-degradability nature and causes water and land pollution. Cherry leaves were used as a biomaterial for the biosorption. Kinetic studies were performed for the biosorption experiment. From the experiment it was found that the reaction follows pseudo first order reaction because of the larger value of regression coefficient R2 and lower value of standard errors (χ2) for pseudo first order reaction than second order reaction.

Evaluation of Thermodynamic Properties for the Biosorption of Chromium by Using Cherry Leaves (<i>Muntingia calabura</i> L.)

Chromium is a heavy metal which has widely used in tannery and electroplating industries. Contaminations of these industrial metals into the river possess major threat to an environment. Therefore, biosorption is a technique which is applied for the sorption of heavy metal by a biomaterial. In the present study reveals that cherry leaves was used as a biomaterial and for that the thermodynamic properties was evaluated for the biosorption of chromium. From the thermodynamic studies it was found that the reaction was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic because the values of ∆G = negative, ∆S = negative and ∆H = positive. So, it was concluded that the experiment was thermodynamically feasible.

Determination of Adsorption Isotherm Models for the Biosorption of Chromium Using Cherry Leaves (<i>Muntingia calabura</i> L.)

Contaminations of industrial metals into the river possess major threat to environment. Chromium is a heavy metal which has the wide applications in tannery and electroplating industries. Above the permitted level of Chromium(VI) into surface water leads to severe health hazards. Therefore, biosorption is a technology used for the sorption of heavy metal. In this present study adsorption isotherm models was studied for the biosorption of chromium by cherry leaves. From the adsorption isotherms it was found that the experimental data fits well with the Langmuir isotherm than the Freundlich isotherm. The monolayer capacity Qm was fond to be 11.98 mg/l and the adsorption affinity was found to be positive which indicates the efficient biosorption of chromium

Mercury Induced Oxidative Stress of Antioxidants in Clitoria ternatea L

Biofertilizers are the special formulation of specific beneficial microorganisms that promote the growth of plant crops by converting the unavailable form of nutrients into available form. Here, the effect of heavy metal stress on antioxidant enzymes were studied in Clitoria ternatea L.leaves. Clitoria ternatea L.plant was grown for 30 days and the heavy metal mercuric chloride was sprayed after 10 days from the date of planting. Effect of mercuric chloride was observed in treated plants. The selected plant Clitoria ternatea L. was grown under mercuric chloride treatment in a specified concentration 1 µg/10 ml. The control plant maintained without the treatment of mercuric chloride. Antioxidant effect of mercuric chloride was measured under controlled and treated conditions. The selected plant Clitoria ternatea L.was grown under mercuric chloride in treatment. Further it increases H2O2 content and the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were observed in mercuric chloride treated plants when compared with control. Here mercuric chloride was accumulated more in matured leaves. The results are discussed with the literature.

Phytochemical Screening of <i>Justicia simplex</i> D. Don a Valuable Medicinal Plant Extract against Dental Pathogens

The plant Justicia simplex D.Don is traditional herb, people used it in different diseases, they treat fever and burning of the body, strengthen the lungs, the teeth and stop vomiting. The plant exhibited more promising bacterial activity against various microorganisms. Hence, in the present study this plant is also tested against the dental pathogens. The plant was extracted from four different solvents was tested for the presence of phytochemicals in it. After analyzing, its antimicrobial activity is tested against fungi and bacteria. Then a dental carrier Streptococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which was collected from the K.S.R. Institute for Dental Science and Research. The isolates were used to check the activity against Justicia simplex D.Don. Based on the positive result obtained against various analyses, it is formulated successfully into a tooth paste. The present study on Phytochemical screening of Justicia simplex D.Don a valuable medicinal plant extract against Dental pathogens enables the use of this plant for the formulation of tooth powder against dental pathogens. The result is more effective against dental pathogens by herbal tooth powder

Analytic expression for the mean time to absorption for a random walker on the Sierpinski fractal. III. The effect of non-nearest-neighbor jumps

We present exact, analytic results for the mean time to trapping of a random walker on the class of deterministic Sierpinski graphs embedded in d≥2 Euclidean dimensions, when both nearest-neighbor (NN) and next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) jumps are included. Mean first-passage times are shown to be modified significantly as a consequence of the fact that NNN transitions connect fractals of two consecutive generations.

Short versus long-acting local anaesthetic in open carpal tunnel release: which provides better preemptive analgesia in the first 24 hours?

Open carpal tunnel release is commonly performed under local anaesthesia. No study has compared intra-operative short- versus long-acting local anaesthetics as preemptive analgesics in carpal tunnel surgery. In this single-blinded prospective study, 100 consecutive carpal tunnel releases were performed by a single surgeon at one institution with either lignocaine (n = 50) or ropivacaine (n = 50). Allocation was performed via the method of alternation. Subjects were given a questionnaire to answer the following: (1) time to first incidence of pain, (2) quality of first night's sleep, and (3) mean numerical pain scores in the first 24 hours. The time to the first postoperative pain was significantly shorter in the lignocaine group (5.58 vs. 9.17 hours, p < 0.035). There were no significant difference in the incidence of poor first night's sleep (16% vs. 26%, p = 0.28) or mean pain scores in the first day (3.6 vs. 2.9, p = 0.16). Existing evidence advocates for long-acting intraoperative local anaesthetic because it results in a longer duration of postoperative analgesia, however, our study suggests that it may also result in a poorer first night's sleep.

Effects of micronutrient status on oxidative stress and exocrine pancreatic function in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Micronutrient deficiency and oxidative stress in relation to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency among chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients needs closer scrutiny. In this study, we examined the role of micronutrients (Zn and Cu) on oxidative stress related parameters and stool elastase-1 in tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) patients. We also compared oxidative stress parameters in CP patients with low and normal pancreatic stool elastase-1, estimation of which is the best available test for detecting pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Ninety-one (56 male and 35 female) TCP cases, 84 ACP cases and 113 (60 male and 24 female) healthy controls were studied. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and zinc and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduced significantly, while thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and copper level increased significantly in erythrocytes of both ACP and TCP patients in comparison to healthy controls. However, we did not find differences in these parameters between diabetic and non-diabetic TCP patients or between diabetic and non-diabetic ACP patients. The study suggested an association between pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and oxidative parameters, while zinc deficiency was found to be correlated with SOD and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in CP, irrespective of its etiology.

Isolation of viable Toxoplasma gondii cysts from brain samples for oral infection

AIM

A method was developed to separate contaminant-free viable Toxoplasma gondii cysts from brain samples of infected mice for molecular biology studies and reinfection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mice brains were homogenized and washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) Tween 80 prior to fractionation using 19-22% dextran solution. Finally, the supernatant was purified by two-step membrane filtration (100-160 microm and < 10 microm) to obtain pure T. gondii cyst. The isolates were analyzed through microscopic observation, qPCR and by reinfection of new batch of mice.

RESULTS

T. gondii cysts were best isolated with 21% dextran solution and two step filtration.

CONCLUSIONS

The method was observed not to disrupt the integrity of the cysts containing bradyzoites. In addition, the isolated cysts in the filtrate were found to be contaminant-free, viable and able to infect healthy mice when introduced orally; which, mimics the natural infectivity pathway.

Use of prednisolone to aid propagation of Toxoplasma gondii in mice

AIM

To determine the usefulness of prednisolone in increasing the number of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mice were water-fasted prior to being immunosuppressed with oral inoculation of prednisolone. Tachyzoites of 7T gondii RH strain were inoculated into mice and the number of the parasites in the intraperitoneal fluids was then determined at 96 hs post-infection. In addition, tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 strains were orally introduced into mice and the number of brain cysts formed was observed by microscopic observation at 45 days post-infection.

RESULTS

T. gondii propagation was found to be significantly improved by introduction of the prednisolone (p = 0.0004); and the number of parasite showed positive correlation with the increment in dosage of prednisolone (r = 0.9051).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of prednisolone greatly improved the number of parasite formed in mice: both tachyzoite and cyst forms.

Synovial sarcoma of the pharynx causing airway obstruction

This is the first reported Australian case of synovial sarcoma of the pharynx. A 29-year-old man had a large hypopharyngeal mass excised and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. No recurrence was seen 12 months later.

Comparison of haematological parameters in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Readily available laboratory tests are extremely useful in achieving a better understanding of diseases, and thereby, allow thoughtful management decisions to be made. The examination of peripheral blood smears usually provides excellent clues to the cause of the disease. The main objective of this study was to compare the haematological parameters of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and assess whether these tests have any discriminant value between the two conditions.

METHODS

The haematological parameters were investigated in 105 NAFLD patients, 40 ALD patients, 32 alcoholics and 77 normal participants.

RESULTS

The haemoglobin, red blood cell, haematocrit, lymphocyte count and platelet count were significantly reduced, while the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and prothrombin time expressed as an international normalised ratio (PT/INR) were significantly elevated in ALD patients compared to the other groups. The platelet count was significantly reduced, while the PT/INR and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significantly elevated in alcoholics compared to normal participants. ESR was also significantly elevated in ALD patients compared to normal participants and NAFLD patients. Compared to the control group, the NAFLD patients have significantly higher haematocrit and significantly lower platelet count.

CONCLUSION

Chronic alcoholism is associated with inflammation and haematotoxic effects, while NAFLD has limited effect on haematological parameters.

Radiographic assessment of alignment following TKA: outline of a standardized protocol and assessment of a newly devised trigonometric method of analysis

BACKGROUND

An important determinant of long-term outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is post-operative alignment as measured on radiographs. Thus far, radiographs have been measured using the goniometer method (GM) and no standard protocol has been followed. The aim of this prospective study was to: (i) outline a protocol for radiographic measurement following TKA; and (ii) compare the accuracy of the traditional GM with a new trigonometric method (TM) of radiographic analysis.

METHODS

A protocol for the measurement of alignment on radiographs following TKA was outlined in detail with step-by-step instructions. A new TM of angle measurement was also delineated. Alignment was measured on 51 post-operative TKA radiographs. A single angle was chosen and measured by two observers using both the GM and TM.

RESULTS

The TM had a precision of 1.06 degrees compared with 1.5 degrees using the GM. The standard deviation of the TM was significantly smaller than the GM (P= 0.033). The intra-class correlation coefficient of the TM was 0.94 versus 0.90 for the GM.

CONCLUSION

The study detailed a protocol for the measurement of axial alignment of the limbs and components following TKA, and provided evidence that a newer TM of angle measurement was superior in terms of precision and intra-rater reliability in comparison with the traditional method.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in 9 patients with tropical pancreatitis and identified gene mutations

The etiopathogenesis of tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) remains unclear. Malnutrition, dietary toxins like cyanogens in cassava and micronutrient deficiency are proposed factors. The description and characterization of genetic factors in TCP has added a new dimension to the understanding of pathogenesis of the disease. However, there is sparse data on the association of TCP with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations. We report 8 patients of TCP with CFTR gene mutations, including one with a novel mutation, and describe the clinical profile of these patients. Further prospective genetic studies on the association of CFTR gene mutations are essential in order to unravel the genetic basis of TCP.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in patients with chronic liver disease from Kerala: impact on vaccination policy

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination is recommended worldwide for patients with chronic liver disease to prevent decompensation due to superinfection with HAV. There are recent reports of decline in HAV seroprevalence in developing countries, where hepatitis A was considered hyperendemic. This phenomenon would have implication on policy of hepatitis A vaccination in chronic liver disease in our region. The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HAV antibodies in patients with chronic liver disease and to assess the relevance of hepatitis A vaccination in these patients. Three hundred patients (268 males and 32 females) with chronic liver disease, seen at the department of gastroenterology at Amrita institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Cochin, were tested for the presence of IgG anti-HAV antibodies in their sera using a commercially available ELISA kit. The mean age of the patients was 53.7 years. Of these 280 patients (93.33%) tested positive for IgG anti-HAV. Routine vaccination without testing for HAV antibodies is not recommended in chronic liver disease, as there is a high prevalence of pre-existing antibodies in these patients in our region.

Colorectal cancer distribution in 220 Indian patients undergoing colonoscopy

AIM

Colorectal cancer is one of the major cancers in the developed world. The incidence of colorectal cancer is low in India. The aim of the present study was to describe the anatomical distribution and age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer in India.

METHODS

Retrospective descriptive analysis of anatomical distribution, age at diagnosis and demography of 220 cases (149 [67.7%] men) of adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum diagnosed at colonoscopy over a period of five years.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 58.4 years (SD 13.3; range 23-85 years). Twenty-eight (12.7%) cases were below the age of 40 years. The majority (31.8%) cases were aged between 61-70 years. Most of the tumors (n=163, 74%) were located distal to the splenic flexure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that bleeding per rectum (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.2-6.2) was associated with distal cancer, and palpable mass (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.7-8.6) was associated with proximal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one-third of the colorectal cancers in this series occurred in the seventh decade and were located distal to the splenic flexure.