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When operating in space, on-board Silicon Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiodes (GM-APDs) are exposed to radiation damage that result in an increase in dark count rates. Thermal annealing has been found to mitigate the damage, although prior studies have largely focused on annealing following a single session of proton irradiation. This work reports that thermal annealing can be performed simply with the built-in thermo-electric coolers of the GM-APDs. Annealing was also done in 10 min intervals for a clearer view of the recovery curve. Mitigation of damage from repeated γ radiation was observed from the: (1) halving of the increase in dark count rates on average and (2) outperformance of room temperature annealing ( 25 ∘ C) by 33 % . Additionally, we show that heavy doses of γ radiation (21 krad) have a probability of causing Random Telegraph Signals in GM-APDs that can be suppressed by lowering the operating temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When operating in space, on-board Silicon Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiodes (GM-APDs) are exposed to radiation damage that result in an increase in dark count rates. Thermal annealing has been found to mitigate the damage, although prior studies have largely focused on annealing following a single session of proton irradiation. This work reports that thermal annealing can be performed simply with the built-in thermo-electric coolers of the GM-APDs. Annealing was also done in 10 min intervals for a clearer view of the recovery curve. Mitigation of damage from repeated γ radiation was observed from the: (1) halving of the increase in dark count rates on average and (2) outperformance of room temperature annealing ( 25 ∘ C) by 33 % . Additionally, we show that heavy doses of γ radiation (21 krad) have a probability of causing Random Telegraph Signals in GM-APDs that can be suppressed by lowering the operating temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large-scale land reclamation project was carried out in the eastern part of Singapore involving 2000 hectares of land at a foreshore location from 1991 to 2005. The land was reclaimed, by placing sand hydraulically on the seabed comprising soft marine clay. Prefabricated vertical drains with surcharge preloading and deep compaction techniques, were used to improve the soft marine clay and reclaimed sand fill. Several specialist in situ tests were conducted during the project, such as with the cone penetration test (CPT), cone pressuremeter test (CPMT), dilatometer test and self-boring pressuremeter tests. The CPMT is an in situ testing method used to measure both the soil strength and stiffness parameters. The CPMT combines the advantages of a conventional pressuremeter test and a CPT. The CPT provides a continuous profile of the soil by measuring the stress on the cone tip, the sleeve friction and the pore-water pressure. The CPMT enables the assessment of the soil strength and stiffness at selected depths. CPMT tests were conducted on both the reclaimed sand and underlying soft marine clay layers during the Changi East reclamation project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myanmar has prioritised people who inject drugs (PWID) as a key population for HIV mitigation efforts, with targets for needle and syringe distribution set at a population level. However, individual-level coverage, defined as the percentage of an individual's injecting episodes covered by a sterile syringe, is a more sensitive measure of intervention coverage. We sought to examine individual-level coverage in a sample of PWID in Myanmar.Methods: We recruited 512 PWID through urban drop-in-centres in Yangon, Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. Participants were administered a quantitative questionnaire covering five domains: demographics, drug use, treatment and coverage, and injecting risk behaviour. We calculated past fortnight individual-level syringe coverage, estimating levels of sufficient (≥100% of injecting episodes covered by a sterile syringe) and insufficient (<100%) coverage, and examined associations between key variables and insufficient coverage via logistic regression.Results: Our sample was predominately male (97%), employed (76%), and living in stable accommodation (96%), with a median age of 27. All participants reported heroin as the drug most frequently injected, and injected a median of 27 times in the past two weeks. Nineteen per cent of participants had insufficient coverage in the two weeks before interview. Insufficient coverage was positively associated with syringe re-use (AOR: 5.19, 95% CIs: 2.57, 10.48) and acquiring sterile syringes from a location other than a formal drop-in-centre (AOR: 2.04, 95% CIs: 1.08, 3.82). Participants recruited in Mandalay (AOR: 0.30, 95% CIs: 0.11, 0.80) and Pyin Oo Lwin (AOR: 0.39, 95% CIs: 0.18, 0.87) had lower odds of insufficient coverage than those recruited in Yangon.Conclusion: Our study shows coverage in selected areas of Myanmar was comparable with studies in other countries. Our results inform the delivery of harm reduction services for PWID, specifically by encouraging the use of formal drop-in-centres, over other sources of syringe distribution, such as pharmacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on various studies involving gems and gemology. These include the spectral characteristics of pink diamond suggestive of high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) treatment, irradiation and annealing, the properties of natural type Ib rough diamond, and the uranium contents of hyalite.

The article discusses the gemological laboratory of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York has examined a cape diamond exhibiting yellow phosphorescence after exposure to a long-wave ultra-violet (UV) source. It mentions the medium yellow fluorescence was noticed with the absence of phosphorescence under short-wave UV. It also mentions fiber-optic illumination revealed the blue transmission luminescence that occurs when a strong light travels through a diamond.

The gemological and spectroscopic properties of 52 colorless to fancy light-colored HPHT synthetic diamonds (40 of them colorless or near-colorless) produced by AOTC using either toroid- or BARS-press technologies were characterized. In addition to achieving excellent color grades, these commercially available faceted synthetics had a weight range of 0.05 to 0.80 ct, and possessed IF to I2 clarity. Their synthetic origin may be difficult to determine with standard gemological techniques alone, but they were conclusively identified using advanced testing methods, including photoluminescence, FTIR spectroscopy, and fluorescence imaging. Inclusions in two samples, grown by different press types, were studied using LA-ICP-MS. The trace-elemental analysis results indicated that the inclusions formed by the trapping of the solvent/catalyst melt during synthesis. Analysis of the combined multi-technique data provided insight into the identities of the solvents, catalysts, and nitrogen getters possibly used to grow high-quality HPHT synthetic diamonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to diamonds as of March 1, 2013. The New York laboratory has examined buff-top round diamonds with variation on cabochon. A natural diamond with synthetic growth has been submitted to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The East Coast Laboratory has received a green color diamond different surface coloration.

Since the introduction of immunemodulators in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there has been hope that orally effective biologic agents would be developed. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, has become the first oral biologic to receive approval for use in active RA patients. This paper reviews the efficacy and safety profile of Tofacitinib at dosages of 5mg and 10mg twice daily. Remarkable improvement in terms of ACR 20 response and HAQ-DI score was noted at month 3 and month 6. DAS 28-4 ESR < 2.6 achievement was noticeably obvious at month 6 for both dosages. No significant serious adverse events, serious infections, neutropenia, or anaemia were observed compared to placebo. In fact, Tofacitinib 5mg was even found to have significant protective effect of anaemia in the meta-analysis (P = 0.004). Tofacitinib has a noticeable efficacy in controlling disease activity in RA with a manageable safety profile. However, longer studies are needed for its long-term safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the introduction of immunemodulators in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there has been hope that orally effective biologic agents would be developed. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, has become the first oral biologic to receive approval for use in active RA patients. This paper reviews the efficacy and safety profile of Tofacitinib at dosages of 5mg and 10mg twice daily. Remarkable improvement in terms of ACR 20 response and HAQ-DI score was noted at month 3 and month 6. DAS 28-4 ESR < 2.6 achievement was noticeably obvious at month 6 for both dosages. No significant serious adverse events, serious infections, neutropenia, or anaemia were observed compared to placebo. In fact, Tofacitinib 5mg was even found to have significant protective effect of anaemia in the meta-analysis (P = 0.004). Tofacitinib has a noticeable efficacy in controlling disease activity in RA with a manageable safety profile. However, longer studies are needed for its long-term safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shone''s anomaly describes a complex involving multiple left sided cardiac obstructions, namely, parachute deformity of the mitral valve, supravalvular ring of the left atrium, subaortic stenosis and aortic coarctation. We are reporting a case of Shone''s anomaly characterised by aortic recoarctation, mitral supravalvular membrane, bicuspid aortic valve, complicated complete atrioventricular block and bradycardia-induced nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. We revealed mitral supravalvular membrane by 3D transoesophageal echocardiography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is well-known that collateral circulation is important in preserving ventricular functions, especially in coronary artery disease with total occlusion. The conus branch is distinct in having notable capacity of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. We intend to emphasize the clinical importance of the conus branch by presenting two cases in which it supplied the distal regions of total occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses an examination of two translucent diamonds with micro-inclusions submitted to the East Coast laboratory. Microscopic analysis showed small black inclusions and fractures. Gray zones were also observed, which corresponded to growth sectors. The inclusions were identified as graphite by Raman spectroscopy and the micro-inclusions were identified as water, carbonates, calcites and micas. The cubic growth developed into octahedral growth and the yellow color was caused by C-centers. The diamonds have been proven to be natural based on the DiamondView images and infrared spectra.

The article presents a study of nitrogen-doped specimens grown in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond laboratory of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to gain a better understanding on how nitrogen behaves in CVD-grown diamond.

The article presents a study of Fancy Dark brown gem-quality diamond which formed in a single growth event. It is a type Ib-IaA having a C defect, single-substitutional nitrogen atom, concentration up to 21 parts per notation. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) peaks of the H1b and H1a defects suggest that the diamond was annealed and irradiated to obtain a Fancy color grade.

The article reports on the examination of a 1.54 carat Fancy Light pink type IIa diamond with a spectacular ferropericlase inclusion at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laboratory in New York.

Introduction: Dengue is a globally prevalent mosquito-borne disease that has been endemic in Malaysia since the 1980s. Despite significant government efforts, dengue cases continue to rise. To combat this trend, fostering positive perceptions, attitudes, and practices is essential. This study aims to assess the perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate medical students in Malaysia regarding dengue prevention activities and their responses to early warnings. Methods: Participants were given online questionnaires constructed in English. Statistical tests (Unpaired t-test and chi square test) were done using Epi Info software (version 7.2.2.6). Results: Almost 100% of the students are aware of dengue fever, and 96.2% believe that it can cause mortality. Additionally, 79.5% reported having sufficient knowledge to prevent dengue infection. Furthermore, 99.4% think that an early warning system is a useful tool for the community to take preventive measures to avoid potential infection in a timely manner. However, only 23.7% of the participants checked the current dengue hotspot in their area. Regarding early warning about dengue, 95.6% reported that they would help convey this information to others, 81.4% reported that they would avoid outdoor activities, and 82.7% reported that chemical fogging is necessary. Conclusion: Most participants demonstrated a positive perception, attitude, and response regarding dengue infection and early warning systems. The study found a significant association between the participants' phases of study and their perceptions of dengue. Overall, medical students showed a favorable outlook toward dengue infection, a positive attitude toward the early warning system, and an appropriate response to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the separation of nano-polycrystalline synthetic diamond known as NPD, from black diamond counterparts, through DiamondView imaging.

The article features the largest rough diamond in Canada found by the largest diamond mine Diavik Diamond Mine, which was studied by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York. It mentions that the diamond has been classified as type Ia diamond which appeared pale yellow and with a very high concentration of nitrogen. It also states that the diamond was named as Diavik Foxfire.

Context: Handling of electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has adverse effects on the environment and human well-being. To address the environmental and health risks arising from improper e-waste disposal, it is crucial to foster responsible practices and enhance understanding of e-waste management. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of e-waste management and association of these factors with demographic variables among undergraduate medical students. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical university among medical students in Malaysia. Subjects and Methods: The selection of participants was done using purposeful sampling, and the questionnaire was distributed in the form of an online survey using Google Forms. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were calculated. Results: Out of the 135 medical students surveyed, 39.3% demonstrated a good knowledge and 27.4% displayed a good awareness. In terms of practice, 67.4% of respondents appropriately disposed of electronic gadgets, whereas 41.5% properly disposed of electrical appliances. Notably, no statistically significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and the knowledge, awareness, and practice in e-waste management among the participants. Conclusions: Our research emphasizes the insufficient knowledge, awareness, and inadequate implementation of proper practices concerning e-waste management among medical students. Fostering a supportive environment and emphasizing collaborative efforts are crucial steps that empower medical students to actively participate in and contribute to responsible electronic waste practices. This approach enables students to be proactive agents in promoting a greener and more environmentally conscious approach to electronic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides insights on the eye-visible etch channels with multiple branches containing a dark brown material found in a 0.57 carat (ct) Fancy Deep brownish yellow round brilliant diamond discovered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laboratory in New York. The openings of most of the channels are hexagonal and located under the girdle. Channel materials fluoresced blue and intersected various growth zones based on DiamondView images. Also noted is the presence of pyrrhotite and pentlandite in the etch channels.

The article discusses the results of gemological examination and photoluminiscence spectra of three blue diamonds submitted to the East Coast laboratory. The 0.42 ct diamond was color graded Fancy Light blue and the other two were graded Fancy Intense blue. Researchers found different colors of phosphorescence at various time delays in all three diamonds. It is noted that natural blue diamonds are observed to phosphorescence blue to green or red and orangy red. Meanwhile, synthetic blue diamonds usually phosphorescence blue or sometimes orange. In addition, photoluminescence spectra of the diamonds did not show the 776.5 nm peak that has been linked with red phosphorescence in natural blues.

The article discusses the gemological properties of an unusual 1.03 carat Fancy Intense yellow cushion modified brilliant diamond examined at the East Coast laboratory. It was noted that the sample had absorption features and other gemological properties that proved it was a natural color cape stone. Under ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence, the stone displayed obvious zoning with a strong greenish yellow reaction in some narrow parallel bands that extended across almost half the table facet. A Raman microspectrometer confirmed that the natural cape diamonds can have localized regions with high concentration of the H3 defect.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, regular teaching-learning activities have been replaced with online education strategies. This study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students' experiences in conducting research projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. In the study institution, undergraduate medical students had a rotation at the community medicine posting during their Semesters 6 and 7, and they needed to conduct health research projects. Upon completion of the posting, students were asked to reflect on their project using Gibbs' reflective cycle. The inclusion criteria were reflective writings of undergraduate medical students in the study institution, who conducted online research projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary qualitative data from the reflections of 40 students were included until the data were saturated and analysed with thematic analysis. The R-based Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA) software was used for data analysis. Seven salient themes emerged from the qualitative reflections: (a) sudden changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, (b) challenges, (c) feelings of students, (d) support, (e) adaptation to the online learning process, (f) perceived benefits of online research projects, and (g) self-reflection and way forward. Although there were various challenges, the students were able to overcome and develop adaptation to conduct health research projects. The educational sector should provide support to students in terms of technology and clear guidance on the project process and encourage communication and teamwork to overcome challenges. From a positive perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic situation could have a beneficial impact on implementing e-learning and conducting online surveys and research projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 37-year-old man who was diagnosed with aortic valve aneurysm after he had a cerebrovascular accident.

Abstract: The left main coronary angiography (LMCA) ranges from 3 to 6 mm in diameter and may be up to 10 to 15 mm in length in humans. We here report a case of the longest LMCA (38 mm) in a 60-year-old woman with subacute anterior myocardial infarction. In coronary angiography and coronary computerized tomography LMCA was measured to be 38 mm long. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the gemological properties of a large pendant that was submitted to the East Coast laboratory for identification. The specimen showed parallel handed structures in some areas and irregular structures in others through magnification. There were also dye concentrations in some of the cracks and fissures. It had a moderate and very weak yellow fluorescence to long- and short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The spot refractive index was 1.56 and its Raman spectrum matched that of a bovine bone reference spectrum.

An intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) serves as an important conduit for the cross-slope transport of particulate matter, including organic carbon, biological nutrients and other lithogenic minerals. Despite extensive reports on the substantial sediment influx from the Ayeyarwady River into the northern continental slope of the Andaman Sea (AS), the transport route and fate of these river-borne sediments remain poorly understood, due to lack of in situ observations of turbid INL over the slope. In this study, we present direct evidence of an INL over the northern continental slope of the AS during the winter of 2019/2020, accompanied by enhanced mid-water turbulent mixing. Mooring measurements reveal energetic internal tides with high-mode vertical structure in the study region; and beam-like structures of internal tides are observed, which could be responsible for the enhanced mid-water turbulent mixing coinciding with the INL. Moreover, available microstructure profiles reveal energetic turbulent mixing with bottom-intensified turbulent diffusivity over the study area. Numerical experiments suggest that inhomogeneous distribution of turbulent mixing over the continental slope could induce local convergence of the upwelling transport in the upslope direction, resulting in an intrusion from the boundary to the interior and consequently promoting the INL formation. The discovery of the INL and its mixing-driven generation mechanism provide new insights into sediment transport dynamics over the northern continental slope of the AS. • Direct observation of intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) over the northern continental slope of the Andaman Sea (AS). • Enhanced turbulent mixing coinciding with the INL likely caused by energy dissipation along the beam of internal tides. • Local enhancement of bottom-intensified turbulent mixing can promote the formation of the INL over the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian company New Diamond Technology is producing colorless and near-colorless HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds for the gem trade. Forty-four faceted samples synthesized using modified cubic presses were analyzed using a combination of spectroscopic and gemological techniques to characterize the quality of the material and determine the means of distinguishing them from natural, treated, and alternative laboratory-grown diamonds. These samples, with weights ranging from 0.20 to 5.11 ct, had color grades from D to K and clarity grades from IF to I2. Importantly, 89% were classified as colorless (D-F), demonstrating that HPHT growth methods can be used to routinely achieve these color grades. Infrared absorption analysis showed that all were either type IIa or weak type IIb, and photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that they contained Ni-, Si-, or N-related defects. Their fluorescence and phosphorescence behavior was investigated using ultraviolet excitation from a long-wave/short-wave UV lamp, a DiamondView instrument, and a phosphorescence spectrometer. Key features that reveal the samples' HPHT synthetic origin are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative atrial fibrillation ( POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Speckle tracking echocardiography ( STE) has been applied recently for evaluation of LA function. The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial longitudinal strain measured by STE is a predictor for the development of POAF following mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. We studied 53 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain by STE was performed. Detection of POAF was based on documentation of AF episodes by continuous telemetry throughout hospitalization. Patients who did not develop POAF were taken as group 1 and those who had POAF constituted group 2. The echocardiographic and clinical predictors of POAF were investigated. POAF occurred in 28.3% of subjects. Mean age, LAVi and BNP were found higher in group 2 while peak atrial longitudinal strain ( PALS) (13.9 ± 3.8% vs. 24.8 ± 7.3%; P < 0.001), peak atrial contraction strain ( PACS) (7.6 ± 1.95% vs. 11.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly lower. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, PALS and LAVi were independent predictor of POAF development. LA longitudinal strain was found to predict POAF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. It could be used to better identify patients at greater risk of developing POAF, and thus to guide in risk stratification and to take appropriate intensive prophylactic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents updates from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laboratory. The New York laboratory identified unusual polyphase inclusions in corundum. The 0.45 ct natural-color black heart-shaped diamond was examined at the New York laboratory. The laboratory has identified a near-colorless chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthetic diamond larger than one carat submitted for grading.

Gemological and spectroscopic properties of 43 CVD synthetic diamonds from Apollo Diamond Inc. were examined to characterize the latest generation of their CVD products. These samples, which included both faceted gems and partially polished crystals, were provided as representative examples of Apollo's 2006-2007 production. Relative to the Apollo CVD products examined in 2003, the new samples showed significant improvements in size, color, and clarity. In addition to colorless and near-colorless material, fancy orange-to-pink colors are now produced. These high-quality CVD-grown diamonds, comparable in color and clarity to natural diamonds, can be identified using a combination of gemological and spectroscopic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B infection is a major health concern in Myanmar. Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission is not universal, especially in births outside of health care facilities. Little is documented about delivery of immunization programs in rural Myanmar or in conflict-affected regions. To address this gap, this study describes the implementation of a novel community delivered neonatal hepatitis B immunization program in rural Karenni State, Myanmar. Methods: A mixed-methods study assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of hepatitis B birth dose immunization program. 1000 pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using point of care testing. Neonates of HBV positive mothers were immunized with a three dose HBV vaccine schedule at birth, 1, and 6 months of age. HBV testing was completed for children at 9 months to assess for infection. Descriptive statistics were collected including demographic data of mothers, neonatal vaccination schedule completion, and child HBV positivity at 9 months. Qualitative data examining barriers to implementation were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant-observation, and analysis of program documents. Themes were codified and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: 46 pregnant women tested HBV positive leading to 40 live births. 39 women-child dyads were followed until the 9-month age mark. With the exception of two neonates who received their birth dose past 24 hours, all children received their vaccines on time. None of the 39 children tested positive for HBV at nine months. Themes regarding barriers included adaptability of the program to the rural setting, friction with other stakeholders and not meeting all needs of the community. Identified strengths included good communication and leadership within the implementing ethnic health organization. Conclusion: A community delivered neonatal HBV vaccination program by ethnic health organizations is feasible and effective in rural Myanmar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 46-year-old man presented with a complaint of effort dyspnea. On transthoracic echocardiography a circle appeared in LVOT. It was seen freely floating, disappearing in every systole and appearing again in diastole. Turbulence was seen inside the circle with color Doppler. Transesophageal echocardiography showed aortic cusps and their coaptation to be normal. Aortic root diameters were normal at the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. There were no signs of dissection, infective endocarditis or abscess. But as the probe was advanced, left sinus of Valsalva was found to be prolapsed, and ruptured into LVOT. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E9-E11) A 46-year-old man presented with a complaint of effort dyspnea. On transthoracic echocardiography a circle appeared in LVOT. It was seen freely fl oating, disappearing in every systole and appearing again in diastole. Turbulence was seen inside the circle with color Doppler. Transesophageal echocardiography showed aortic cusps and their coaptation to be normal. Aortic root diameters were normal at the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. There were no signs of dissection, infective endocarditis or abscess. But as the probe was advanced, left sinus of Valsalva was found to be prolapsed, and ruptured into LVOT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the large high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT)-Treated Blue Type IIb diamond and mentions information on color zonation.

The article explores primary percutaneous revascularization using coronary stent as treatment in A patient with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) or acute obstruction of intestinal vessels like superior mesenteric artery. Obstruction is reportedly due to cardiac thromboembolism or thrombosis on an atherosclerotic plaque. Though surgical revascularization is treatment of choice, it is stated that primary angioplasty and stenting before intestinal necrosis may be life saving in high risk patients.

The article presents a case study of a 31 year old male who was brought to the hospital after 15 minutes of cardiac arrest. He was defibrillated after the diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation. He was then transferred to intensive care unit. After his discharge transthoracic echocardiography showed normal findings. Patient was a case of Brugada syndrome (BS). Further information on the treatment procedure done on patient and BS is also presented.

This article describes the case of a 34-year-old male patient with congenital aortic and pulmonary stenoses. The patient experienced 3-4/6 systolic murmurs on pulmonary and aortic areas. He underwent electrocardiography to examine his case. Multislice computed tomography was also performed to evaluate the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and pulmonary artery.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Entrapped thrombus in a patent foramen ovale: complicated by pulmonary embolism without paradoxical embolism," by Bilgehan Erkut et al.

The article presents abstracts on gems which include a description of the three sources of high-quality aquamarine from Minas Gerais, Brazil, an analysis of the chemical composition of nephrites from China and a comparison of mechanical mining and traditional mining in Sri Lanka.

Background The Klotho gene, described as an 'aging suppressor' gene, encodes a single-pass transmembrane protein. The extracellular part of Klotho is cleaved and released into the circulation where it may function as a vasculoprotective hormone. Coronary flow reserve ( CFR) is accepted as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction when epicardial coronary stenosis is absent. There are no data regarding the relationship between serum Klotho levels and disorders in coronary microcirculation in healthy adults. We aimed to investigate the association between serum Klotho levels and alterations in coronary microcirculation in healthy adults using echocardiographic measurements of CFR. Methods Thirty-four healthy volunteers (median age: 34 [27-39], 14 males) were enrolled in this study. The study population was divided into two subgroups according to the median value of serum Klotho levels: a high Klotho ( HK) group (n = 17, median age: 34 [30-38]; 6 males) and a low Klotho ( LK) group (n = 17, median age: 32 [26-39]; 8 males). The analysis of coronary flow velocities was performed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Results Hyperemic diastolic peak flow velocities and CFR were significantly higher in the HK group than in the LK group (70 [66-92] versus 61 [47-66], P = 0.003 and 3.0 [2.6-3.8] versus 2.2 [1.7-2.8], respectively, P = 0.001). Serum Klotho levels were positively correlated with CFR (P < 0.001). Conclusion Serum Klotho levels correlate with CFR in a healthy population. Low serum Klotho levels may potentially identify patients with impaired CFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum extends across Southeast Asia where it is associated with worsening partner drug resistance and a decline in the efficacy of frontline artemisinin-based combination therapy. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is an essential component of preventive and curative treatment in the region, but its therapeutic efficacy has fallen in Cambodia. Methods: A prospective clinical and parasitological evaluation of DP was conducted at two sites in Upper Myanmar between August 2013 and December 2014, enrolling 116 patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Patients received DP orally for 3 days together with primaquine 0.25 mg/kg on admission. Parasite clearance half-lives based on 6 hourly blood smears, and day 42 therapeutic responses were assessed as well as parasite K13 genotypes. Results: Median parasite clearance half-life was prolonged, and clearance half-life was greater than 5 h in 21 % of patients. Delayed parasite clearance was significantly associated with mutations in the propeller region of the parasite k13 gene. The k13 F446I mutation was found in 25.4 % of infections and was associated with a median clearance halflife of 4.7 h compared with 2.7 h for infections without k13 mutations (p < 0.001). There were no failures after 42 days of follow-up, although 18 % of patients had persistent parasitaemia on day 3. Conclusion: The dominant k13 mutation observed in Upper Myanmar, F446I, appears to be associated with an intermediate rate of parasite clearance compared to other common mutations described elsewhere in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Discerning this phenotype requires relatively detailed clearance measurements, highlighting the importance of methodology in assessing artemisinin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured pearls from Pinctada margaritifera can exhibit a broad range of natural bodycolors, including various pistachio-like colors ranging from greenish yellow to yellowish green. Bead-cultured pearls from P. margaritifera, treated by Ballerina Pearl Co. and possessing intense pistachio colors, have entered the market. Similar to Ballerina's "chocolate pearls," these pistachio colors are usually modified from natural gray to dark gray colors by a series of chemical and physical processes. No foreign coloring agent was detected in this study, and the treatment was generally stable. Cultured pearls treated by Ballerina's method can be identified by their appearance, UV-Vis-NIR reflectance spectra, Raman photoluminescence, and different UV fluorescence intensities under DiamondView imaging. Other experiments indicated that bleaching may not play a significant role in changing the color of these pearls. The processes may involve sophisticated chemical and physical techniques that can turn natural gray colors into stable pistachio colors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several gem stones examined in laboratory. Topics discussed include examination of pink diamonds displaying pink coloring along planes of stress and pink graining due to unknown defect, examination of yellow high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) processed diamond showing rough surface and crystal inclusions, color zoning of gem stones on the basis of cutting style and orientations, and examination of orange faced eosphorite displaying multiphase inclusions.

Objective: AA amyloidosis occurs in the setting of longstanding inflammation. An increased incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was noted in patients with chronic inflammatory disease (CID). Retrobulbar blood flow predicts future macrovascular events including CAD. Increase in carotid artery intima–media thickness is regarded as a marker for early atherosclerosis. The relationship between chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis is well known; however, the connection between amyloidosis-advanced CIDs and retrobulbar microvascular function and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is unidentified. We aimed to investigate whether retrobulbar microcirculation and CIMT were impaired or not in amyloidosis-advanced CID patients compared to normal subjects.Methods: Fourteen patients with renal AA amyloidosis and a group of healthy volunteers were included in the study. Measurement of CIMT and retrobulbar blood flow velocities was performed with ultrasound scanner and color Doppler ultrasonography.Results: The CIMT of patients with renal amyloidosis was significantly thicker than that of the normal population (p < 0.001). The resistivity index of the ophthalmic artery (OA) of patients with renal amyloidosis was significantly higher than the study group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that accelerated atherosclerosis which can be shown by increased OA resistivity index and CIMT are found in amyloidal-related CID patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents several research on gemstones published in different issues of various journals. These include occurrence of the silicon-vacancy (Si-V) defect center in natural colorless gem diamonds by C.M. Breeding and W. Wang in a previous issue of the journal "Diamond and Related Materials," pearls of Pteria-species mollusks by M. Cariño and M. Monteforte in a1995 issue and lead glass?filled rubies by S.F. McClure and others in a 2006 issue of the journal Gems & Gemology."

The article offers information various gemstones with unique characteristics. Topics discussed include a reddish brown diamond examined by the New York laboratory which was artificially irradiated to create the reddish brown color, an orange-yellow diamond examined by the New York laboratory with unusual features like cape spectrum and a yellow diamond with xenotime inclusion studied by the New York laboratory.