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Objective: It is worthy to note that the benzimidazole, thiazolidine-2,4-dione and 1,2,3-triazole pharmacophores have keen role in anticancer drug discovery. In order to overcome the limitations associated with reported antimitotic compounds, our group is first time combining these three pharmacophores and revealing their in vitro anticancer and anti-mitotic activities. Methods: As a part of our efforts on the development of novel anticancer agents, in this study, we concentrated on the synthesis of benzimidazole-thiazolidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazoles (VIIa-–VIIl) via piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation and Cu(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions as key approaches. Then, in vitro anticancer and tubulin polymerization inhibition (VIIa–VIIl) were studied via IC50 values. Finally, docking interactions of three potent compounds (VIIg), (VIIh), and (VIIk) towards α,β-tubulin were studied using AutoDock tools. Results and Discussion: Three compounds namely (VIIg), (VIIh), and (VIIk) showed better results against A549, MCF-7, and HeLa human cancer cell lines than standard drug nocodazole. In addition, compounds (VIIg) and (VIIh) have shown greater inhibitory potency with IC50 values 0.62 and 0.31 μM respectively than standard Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) against tubulin polymerization. Finally, in silico molecular docking studies for the compounds (VIIg), (VIIh), and (VIIk) with α,β-tubulin showed that they have great binding interactions with the target protein and to be specific the compound (VIIh) displayed highest binding energy, i.e. –9.23 kcal/mol. Conclusions: We propose that the remarkable in vitro anticancer activity of compounds (VIIg), (VIIh), and (VIIk), would be due to their tubulin polymerization inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Synthesis of some new coumarin-thiazolidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazoles and evaluation of their anti-lung cancer activity. Methods: Well-known reaction like Knoevenagel condensation and Cu (I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition were used. MTT assay was used in anticancer activity. Autodock tools were used foe docking studies. Results and Discussion: The fourteen compounds were screened against A549 and NCI-H460 and compared with Doxorubicin. In addition to this tubulin polymerization inhibition assay and docking studies were performed on some active compounds. Conclusions: Synthesized some new 1,2,3-triazole hybrids and tested their anticancer activity and screened for binding interaction with tubulin. Some of the compounds were found active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the effect of samarium (rare earth metal) doping on the morphological, structural, optical, magnetic, dielectric, and electrical properties of copper–iron oxide ferrite composites [CuFe2−xSmxO4 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1)] (abbreviated as SCFO). The CuFe2−xSmxO4-based ferrites were synthesized by the solution combustion technique. The morphological and structural features and elemental composition of these doped ferrites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The analysis revealed improved structural features for (Sm3+)-doped copper–iron oxide ferrites and the formation of a homogeneous composite structure. Doping of a rare earth metal (Sm3+) into the Cu–Fe–O ferrite significantly enhanced the room-temperature electrical conductivity of the doped ferrite in comparison to its pure counterpart. The energy band gap value of the higher-concentration sample was found to decrease significantly in comparison to the pure ferrite due to enhanced charge density across the grain boundaries. Further, it was observed that (Sm3+) doping led to improved optical, magnetic, and dielectric response of the doped ferrites which was dependent on the concentration of the dopant. The dielectric constant of these doped ferrites was found to be higher at lower frequencies and decreased dramatically with increased frequencies due to the greater dielectric dispersion as well as electron hopping in the higher-frequency region. The magnetic properties showed strong dependence on both the sintering temperature and concentrations of (Sm3+) doping. The optical bandgap decreased significantly with the increase in concentration of (Sm3+) doping. In light of the ease of synthesis, improved electrical conductivity, and dielectric, magnetic, and optical properties, these SCFO ferrites hold promise as a potential material for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report, an enhanced dielectric and electromagnetic shielding interference (EMI) shielding properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) doped with iron–cobalt (Fe–Co–O4) ferrite composites in broadband microwave frequencies (GHz) as well as strain sensors. The surface morphology, particle size, structures, and optical absorption properties were characterized different analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and UV–Visible spectroscopy methods. The synthesized ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) were used to study the dielectric, magnetic, EMI shielding in broadband frequencies, and strain sensing applications. The doping of rGO into Fe–Co–O4 lead to the formation of superior conducting grains and enhances the dielectric, magnetic, and EMI shielding properties of the ferrite composites. Amongst different samples prepared, rGO-doped Fe–Co–O4 ferrites with thickness 0.5 mm exhibit superior absorption-dominated EM shielding features with shielding efficiency of − 24.16 dB (which is equal to 99.50% of absorption) in the broadband microwave frequency regime. Furthermore, the prepared rGO-doped Fe–Co–O4 ferrite composite shows the excellent long-term stability in terms of EMI shielding efficiency under the variable mechanical strains. In addition to the good level of the shielding efficiency, this rGO-doped Fe–Co–O4 composite relays superior mechanical strain sensing response. Due to excellent properties, such as light weight, mechanically robust, enhanced EMI-SE, and excellent level of strain sensing behaviour, these ferrites-based composites could be employed as a covering layer in next-generation folding and wearable electronic gadgets for potential broadband shielding and mechanical strain sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting polymers with metal/metal oxide nanocomposites have recently attracted more attention from both the scientific sector and industry, with a focus on electrical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Free-standing PPY-PVA/Ni (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) ternary composite films were chemically synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, binder matrix) using ammonium persulfate as the oxidizing agent and coated with different concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05 M) of Ni+ ions using Adathoda vasica leaf extract as a reducing agent. The effect of PPY-PVA/Ni nanocomposites on the electrical and EMI shielding properties of nanocomposites was studied. The crystal structure of the dopant (Ni nanoparticles), thermal degradation and morphology of these composites were characterized by XRD, FESEM and TG analysis. The maximum electrical conductivity (4.2 × 10–4 S/cm) was also achieved by doping PPY-PVA binary composites with 0.01 M Ni+ ions to form PPY-PVA/Ni-1 ternary nanocomposites. This significant increase in electrical conductivity achieves an EMI shielding effect of up to ~16.5 dB in the frequency range from 2.1 to 3 GHz (S-Band). An increase in electrical conductivity and EMI shielding for composites with hybrid fillers (PPY-PVA/Ni) demonstrates the synergistic benefits of such fillers when used together. Hence, these conducting polymers with metal/metal oxide nanocomposites could have the potential to be advantageous materials for technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People around the globe are suffering from different types of brain–heart disorders. Early detection of these disorders may increase the lifespan of humans. Numerous inherited and non-hereditary central nervous system disorders (CNSDs) may have an effect on brain–heart diseases either directly or indirectly. However, the clinical predictions of these CNSDs are time-consuming. So, a computer-aided detection-based artificial intelligence model can be used to predict and classify CNSDs with high accuracy. This article is focused on the implementation of CNSD-Network (CNSD-Net) for joint brain–heart disorders identification through collective analysis of EEG and ECG signals to trace the problems related to epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's and sleep disorders. Initially, minimum mean-square-error short-time spectral amplitude is performed as a preprocessing operation, which removes different types of noise from the dataset. Then, disease-specific features and disease-dependent features are extracted using a transfer learning-based AlexNet model from the denoised signal. In addition, a nature-inspired remora optimization algorithm is used to extract the optimal features. In addition, a deep Q neural network is used to classify various central nervous system diseases from optimal trained features. The simulations proved that the proposed CNSD-Net resulted in superior performance when compared to conventional approaches in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the orbit determination accuracy of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellites is better than 20 m using the measurements from one-way ranging network of stations. The NavIC ephemerides along with time are continuously transmitted from the NavIC satellites. The transmitted ephemerides are also known as the broadcast ephemerides. These ephemerides are functions of precise orbit determination and dynamical model used for the orbit propagation and are one of the major error sources in the NavIC receiver position. In this paper, a study has been carried out to improve the orbit determination. This is performed through the precise orbit determination using extended tracking network with a sufficiently long baseline tracking stations (LBTS). We first attempted to fix a suitable number of LBTS based on several criteria, such as geometry, elevation cut-off angle, minimum tracking duration, etc. LBTS are optimally selected to reduce the along-track, in-track and cross-track errors in the estimated orbit. We also address the precise orbit determination of NavIC satellites by employing a weighed least square differential correction method. In the orbit determination process, the numerical integration orbit propagator using Cowell's method, a step-by-step algorithm, is utilized. The simulated one-way range measurements are used for the precise orbit determination with a white noise sigma of 10 cm. We found that the observed position accuracy improvements are better than 10 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is an application-based network belonging to the class of mobile ad hoc networks. The nodes in the VANET are interconnected and communicate through wireless media and the Internet. This subsequently leads to data security issues. Several secured communication and routing protocols for VANET have been proposed so far. However, security complaints are still rising. The motivation is to provide a secured communication strategy (SCS) in which each node of VANET needs to be authenticated and authorized to participate in the communication network. The SCS comprises two phases, namely node authentication and authorization phases. The details of every node are collected and saved in the authentication phase and validated in the authorization phase. Whenever a new node is admitted into the VANET functionalities, it must fulfill the requirement of answering a set of credentials given by the admin. The logistic regression model is used to overcome the computation complexity. The simulation of SCS is carried out in NS2 software, and the results are verified in terms of throughput, packet delivery ratio, packet loss, and delay. The performance is evaluated by comparing the results with earlier methods to prove its efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the clinical setting, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a frequent, but under-diagnosed entity. SIBO is linked to various gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI disorders with potentially significant morbidity. The optimal management of SIBO is undefined while there is a lack of published consensus guidelines. Against this background, under the auspices of the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (INMA), formerly known as the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association (IMFDA), experts from the Asian-Pacific region with extensive research and clinical experience in the field of gut dysbiosis including SIBO developed this evidence-based practice guideline for the management of SIBO utilizing a modified Delphi process based upon 37 consensus statements, involving an electronic voting process as well as face-to-face meetings and review of relevant supporting literature. These statements include 6 statements on definition and epidemiology; 11 on etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology; 5 on clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and predictors; and 15 on investigations and treatment. When the proportion of those who voted either to accept completely or with minor reservations was 80% or higher, the statement was regarded as accepted. The members of the consensus team consider that this guideline would be valuable to inform clinical practice, teaching, and research on SIBO in the Asian-Pacific region as well as in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AstroSat Proposal Processing System (APPS) is a mission critical software solution designed and developed by the joint efforts of Indian Space Research Organization and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics. It facilitates the participation of global scientific community to submit scientific proposals for observations with India's first multi-wavelength space observatory. The software systematizes the proposal submission and review process before the successful proposed observations are scheduled to carryout scientific observations. This paper describes the overall architecture of the system, implementation stratagems, administrative aspects and security aspects of the software. The paper also describes the techniques adopted for seamless day-to-day operations in meeting the mission requirements. As a future direction, the paper summarizes the roadmap for development of a generic multi-mission proposal handling model from the experiences gained through APPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground data processing, archival and dissemination of the science data for India's first multi wavelength astronomical spacecraft, AstroSat is carried out from Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC). The proposals submitted by users worldwide are grouped into observations and are observed in multiple orbit segments. Large volume of data in various configurations from different payloads and the inherent diversity of data products resulting from observations had demanded intricate procedures in handling the data processing, archival and dissemination scenario at ISSDC. The paper describes the layered approach followed in implementing a software stack for establishing and operating a completely automated pipeline for data processing, archival and dissemination of astronomical data. The operations of the automated pipeline, challenges faced during the implementation and the strategies adapted to overcome them are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AstroSat is India's first dedicated astronomical observatory in space with multi-wavelength payload on a single platform. It enables simultaneous observations in the desired wavebands. The increase in the number of payloads has also led to an increase in the complexity in space segment design, ground segment design, and mission operation management. Each payload instrument and mainframe has its own constraint for the operation, which needs to be satisfied to ensure the safety of the systems. In this paper, we explain the challenges in ground operations for mission management with various constraints. Also, we list the various constraints, both geometric and otherwise, with respect to the mainframe systems and payload instruments of AstroSat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chandrayaan-2, India's second Moon mission, comprised of Orbiter, Lander and Rover modules was launched on July 22, 2019. The Chandrayaan-2 (CH2) Orbiter, which carries eight scientific payloads, is placed into a circular lunar orbit of 100 km altitude with an orbital period of around 120 minutes. After the successful injection of the spacecraft in the intended Earth parking orbit, it started facing eclipses during the Earth bound, Trans lunar, and lunar phases. This paper describes a high-fidelity orbit prediction propagator known as the Satellite Precise Orbit Propagator (SPOP), and an Earth shadow eclipse prediction model: the projection map method for the lunar orbiting spacecraft. The orbit and eclipse prediction models are simulated for the CH2 Orbiter. Results obtained by the models compare well with globally popular commercial package, Systems Tool Kit (STK) of Analytic Graphic Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the propagation of fast electrons generated in the interaction of ultrashort, ultra-high-intensity laser pulses with thin metallic foils and double-layer targets. Implicit estimation of the fast electron source size was done by measuring the X-ray source size from the rear as well front sides of the target foils, using the knife-edge technique. A significantly larger (~4 times) source size was measured from the rear surface compared to that from the front surface. The variation of the X-ray source size was studied as a function of the laser pulse duration and the amplified spontaneous emission pre-pulse contrast. The half divergence cone angle of the fast electron generated by irradiating the target at a laser intensity of ~1.3 × 10 W cm was estimated to be 37°. These results can be important in understanding the propagation of fast electrons through solid materials under different intensity and pre-pulse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New insights from a rapidly developing field of research have ushered in a new era of understanding of the complexity of host-microbe interactions within the human body. The paradigm shift from culturing to metagenomics has provided an insight into the complex diversity of the microbial species that we harbor, revealing the fact that we are in fact more microbes than human cells. The largest consortium of these microbes resides in the gut and is called the gut microbiota. This new science has expanded the ability to document shifts in microbial populations to an unparalleled degree. It is now understood that signals from the microbiota provide trophic, nutritional, metabolic, and protective effects for the development and maintenance of the host digestive, immune, and neuroendocrine system. Evidence linking changes in the gut microbiota to gastrointestinal and extraintestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, and celiac disease have begun to emerge recently. Probiotics act through diverse mechanisms positively affecting the composition and/or function of the commensal microbiota and alter host immunological responses. Well-controlled intervention trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis provide convincing evidence for the benefit of probiotics in prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal as well as extraintestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) commonly experience diarrhea at some time during their illness. A variety of enteric pathogens are identified in 50-80% of these patients, depending on the intensity of the diagnostic work-up that is done. In addition to the common enteric pathogens, several unusual enteric pathogens are recognized to cause diarrhea especially in HIV patients. These include protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidia, Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayatenensis and Microsporidium species bacteria such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, fungi including Candida albicans and Histoplasma capsulatum, and viruses such as astroviruses and caliciviruses. Diagnosis of these infections sometimes involves special procedures not readily available every where, and empiric therapy based on knowledge of the likely pathogens has been advocated for developing countries. This article reviews the currently available data on geographic variation of enteric pathogens in HIV patients with diarrhea and outlines a rational strategy for empiric therapy of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibition of electroneutral NaCl absorption by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) results in fluid malabsorption in cholera. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) stimulate electroneutral NaCl absorption from the colon. The present study investigated effects of elevated cAMP on SCFA-stimulated NaCl absorption in rat distal colon. The effect of SCFA on fluxes of 22Na and 36Cl was studied under voltage-clamp conditions, in the presence and absence of secretagogues inducing mucosal cAMP elevation [ie, theophylline, cholera toxin (CT) and forskolin]. The effect of butyrate concentration on Na absorption in CT- and theophylline-treated mucosa was compared with control normal mucosa. cAMP was measured in isolated colonocytes in the presence of secretagogues with and without SCFA using a radioassay method. All secretagogues were noted to inhibit net Na absorption and to induce net Cl secretion. In the presence of SCFA, net Na absorption was normal, and net Cl secretion was partly reversed. The flux data indicated that NaCl absorption from secreting colon was stimulated by SCFA and that Cl secretion was partially inhibited. The effects of SCFA on NaCl absorption were similar regardless of the secretagogue used. The kinetics of butyrate-stimulated Na absorption were altered by theophylline and CT, which decreased Km (6.87 and 7.17, respectively, compared to 10.75 mM for control) and increased Vmax (4.55 and 8.33 compared to 3.45 mM/eq/cm2/hr for control). cAMP production by colonocytes in response to secretory stimuli was significantly reduced (34.4%) by butyrate but not by acetate or propionate. In conclusion, SCFA-stimulated Na absorption is up-regulated by cAMP and may be an absorptive pathway that can be utilized in the therapy of cholera. Effects of butyrate on cAMP generation are also likely to be useful in secretory diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited data on celiac disease in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis or idiopathic noncirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH). Our objective was to evaluate for celiac disease in patients with portal hypertension in India. Methods: Consecutive patients with portal hypertension having cryptogenic chronic liver disease (cases) and hepatitis B- or C-related cirrhosis (controls) were prospectively enrolled. We studied tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody and duodenal histology in study patients. Result: Sixty-one cases (including 14 NCIPH patients) and 59 controls were enrolled. Celiac disease was noted in six cases (including two NCIPH patients) as compared to none in controls. In a significant proportion of the remaining study subjects, duodenal biopsy showed villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and lamina propria inflammation, not accompanied by raised intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs); this was seen more commonly in cases as compared to controls. An unexpectedly high rate of tTG antibody positivity was seen in study subjects (66 %) of cases as compared to 29 % in controls ( p-value < 0.001), which could indicate false-positive test result. Conclusion: In this study, 10 % of patients with unexplained portal hypertension (cryptogenic chronic liver disease) had associated celiac disease. In addition, an unexplained enteropathy was seen in a significant proportion of study patients, more so in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease. This finding warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) was established as the cornerstone of therapy for dehydration secondary to acute infectious diarrhea approximately 40 years ago. The efficacy of ORS is based on the ability of glucose to stimulate Na and fluid absorption in the small intestine via a cyclic AMP-independent process. Despite the establishment that ORS is the primary reason for the substantial reduction in morbidity and mortality from diarrhea in children in developing countries, the use of ORS has lagged for many reasons. This review highlights efforts to establish a major reformulation of ORS following the demonstration that short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) stimulate colonic Na and fluid absorption by a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism. The addition of high-amylose maize starch (HAMS), a microbially-fermentable (or 'resistant') starch, to ORS results in delivery of non-absorbed carbohydrate to the colon where it is fermented to SCFA. To date, three randomized controlled trials with a HAMS-ORS in south India have demonstrated a substantial decrease in diarrhea duration in both adults and children hospitalized for acute diarrhea. Significant efforts are now underway to establish this dual-action, modified HAMS-hypoosmolar ORS solution as the standard ORS for the treatment of dehydration from acute diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is most often caused by cancer stem cells that form only a small part of the cell population of tumors at clinical presentation, but are responsible for their biological attributes including invasion, metastasis, radioresistance and chemoresistance. Like stem cells in adult tissue, cancer stem cells show evidence of symmetric division to maintain their population and also divide asymmetrically to generate more-differentiated cells. We review here the different signaling mechanisms associated with cancer stem cells in CRC. Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling are very important for maintenance and proliferation of the cancer stem cell population in CRC. In addition, signaling related to dietary components and body metabolism and signals from the gut microbiome, transduced via appropriate receptors and signaling pathways, contribute to generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells. The critical function of the tumor microenvironment, including stromal and endothelial cells, in enabling cancer stem cells to induce CRC is also briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the etiology, presentation, complications and management of chronic pancreatitis in children. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Gastroenterology department at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India between January 2005 and December 2010. Participants: 99 Children (<18 yrs) diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis based on clinical and imaging features. Main outcome measures: Etiology, clinical presentation, complications and management of chronic pancreatitis in children. Results: Of 3887 children who attended the Gastroenterology department, 99(2.5%) had chronic pancreatitis, of which 60 (60.6%) were males. In 95(95.9%) patients no definite cause was detected and they were labeled as Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. All patients had abdominal pain, while 9(9.1%) had diabetes mellitus. Of the 22 children tested for stool fat, 10(45.5%) had steatorrhea. Pancreatic calcification was seen in 69 (69.7%). 68 (71.6%) patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis had calcification. Calcific idiopathic chronic pancreatitis was more frequent in males (67.6% vs. 48.1%, P=0.07), and was more commonly associated with diabetes mellitus (13.2% vs. none, P=0.047) and steatorrhea (61.5% vs. 16.7%, P=0.069). Pseudocyst (17.1%) and ascites (9.1%) were the most common complications. All children were treated with pancreatic enzyme supplements for pain relief. 57 patients were followed up. With enzyme supplementation, pain relief was present in 32 (56.1%) patients. Of those who did not improve, 10 underwent endotherapy and 15 underwent surgery. Follow up of 8 patients who underwent endotherapy, showed that 5 (62.5%) had relief. Follow up of 11 patients who underwent surgery showed that only 3 (27 %) had pain relief. There was no death. Conclusions: Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis is the predominant form of chronic pancreatitis in children and adolescents. It can present with or without calcification. The calcific variety is an aggressive disease characterized by early morphological and functional damage to the pancreas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine whether the pattern of arthropathy in patients with suspected enteropathic arthritis bore any relation to their gut histology and specifically to chronic nonspecific gut inflammation. Records of 39 patients with suspected enteropathic arthritis from rheumatology clinic between January 2006 and December 2008 who had undergone ileocolonoscopic biopsy were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were grouped into 3 categories, namely those with normal bowel histology, those with mild nonspecific chronic changes, and those with histology suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with nonspecific chronic gut inflammation had higher occurrence of axial involvement with or without peripheral articular involvement as compared to those with normal gut histology (8/9 vs. 10/21, P = 0.049), and this pattern was similar to that in patients with IBD. Wrist joint involvement was more common in patients with normal bowel histology (12/21) than the other two groups ( P = 0.003). All groups had fared well on follow up while taking treatment with sulphasalazine and methotrexate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton radiography technique has been used to investigate the incidence of a 3 ×1019 W/cm2 infrared pulse with a 125 μm-diameter gold wire. The laser interaction is observed to drive the growth of a radial electric field ∼ 1010 V/m on the surface of the wire which rises and decays over a temporal window of 20 ps. Such studies of the ultrafast charging of a solid irradiated at high-intensity may be of relevance to schemes for laser-driven ion acceleration and the fast-ignitor concept for inertial confinement fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of laser-driven, relativistic electron beams in plasmas is a phenomenon of relevance to applications such as the Fast Ignition of fusion targets. In this paper, we report on experiments where the transport of hot electron currents through foam targets has been studied using the proton imaging technique. Strong filamentation has been observed, possibly due to electromagnetic instabilities of the Weibel type. The experiments were performed at the RAL Petawatt laser facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in characteristics of solutions used for oral rehydration therapy, to provide significant reductions in amount and duration of diarrhea, are expected to contribute to wider use of these fluids. Recent studies suggest that these may come about from reducing the osmolality of the solution, and by providing short chain fatty acids for better fluid absorption from the colon. This article briefly reviews the physiology of intestinal and colonic absorption in diarrhea, and indicates the further studies that are needed to translate the above advances into universal practice for the treatment of diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five hundred children below the age of 12 years suffering from lung tuberculosis viz., primary complex (PC) or progressive primary complex (PPC) were studied. Diagnosis was based on Kenneth Jones criteria; selected cases having score of 5 or more. One hundred and eighty cases of PC were given A-1 (6 RH) regimen, while 312 cases of PPC were given A-2 (2SHRZ/4 RH) or A-3 (2 SRH/4 RH) or A-4 (2 RHE/4 RH) regimen. Follow-up was done for 6 months after completing the treatment to observe the relapse rate. In cases of PC, 6 RH regimen appeared adequate and cheaper with no relapse rate. In cases of PPC with short course chemotherapy, compliance of patients had been very good. Relapse rate was up to 13% which is acceptable. Drug toxicity was very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dimensional systems are formed by planar metal dithiolene complexes which stack as columnar structures in the solid state. Stronger interactions among units within a chain leads to highly anisotropic magnetic properties. The magnetic effects are a manifestation of exchange interaction, J and can be studied through detailed epr techniques in conjunction with magnetic susceptibility and x-ray crystal structure. A brief review of such studies carried out mostly in our laboratory is presented along with the relevant background materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical properties of a methyl ester homolog of bacteriochlorophyll d (BChl d) and bacteriochlorophyll c (BChl c) in HO, hexanol-saturated HO and methanol were studied by absorption, fluorescence emission, and circular dichroism (CD). In HO, BChl d spontaneously forms an aggregate similar to that formed in hexane, with absorption maximum at 730 nm and fluorescence emission at 748 nm. For the pigment sample in hexanol-saturated HO, while the absorption peaks at 661 nm, only slightly red-shifted compared to the monomer, the fluorescence emission is highly quenched. When diluted 2-3 fold with HO, the absorption returns to around 720 nm, characteristic of an aggregate. The CD spectrum of the HO aggregate exhibits a derivative-shaped feature with positive and negative peaks, while the amplitude is lower than that of chlorosomes. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of BChl d aggregates in HO and hexane were measured. A 1644 cm band, indicative of a bonded 13-keto group, is detected for both samples. A marker band for 5-coordinated Mg was observed at 1611 cm for the two samples as well. To study the kinetic behavior of the samples, both single-photon counting (SPC) fluorescence and transient absorption difference spectroscopic measurements were performed. For BChl d in hexanol-saturated HO, a fast decay component with a lifetime of 10 to 14 ps was detected using the two different techniques. The fast decay could be explained by the concentration quenching phenomenon due to a high local pigment concentration. For the pigment sample in HO, SPC gave a 16 ps component, whereas global analysis of transient absorption data generated two fast components: 3.5 and 26 ps. The difference may arise from the different excitation intensities. With a much higher excitation in the latter measurements, other quenching processes, e.g. annihilation, might be introduced, giving the 3.5 ps component. Finally, atomic force microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of BChl d in HO and hexanol-saturated HO. Pigment clusters with diameters ranging from 15 to 45 nm were observed in both samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choledochal cysts are rare cystic transformations of the biliary tree that are increasingly diagnosed in adult patients. We report here a case of spontaneous rupture of a choledochal cyst in a pregnant young lady with chronic pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]