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Background: Oral cancer remains the commonest form of cancer and cancer-related deaths among Indian males due to popularity of avoidable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. A workplace oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation study was commenced on World No Tobacco Day 2007 at a chemical industry in rural Maharashtra. Aims: The objectives were to screen the employees for oral neoplasia and to correlate it with their tobacco consumption pattern. In addition, the objective was to provide tobacco cessation services at the workplace. Materials and Methods: This is an interventional cohort study among 104 employees of a chemical industrial unit in rural Maharashtra. Naked eye examination of the oral cavity was performed for all employees by a doctor irrespective of the tobacco habits at the beginning and at the end of 1 year. In between, the tobacco users were regularly examined during each follow-up. Statistical analysis used: Through personal interviews of the participants, data were manually recorded and were transferred to electronic data base. Data analysis was conducted in STATA™ 8.2 on intention to treat basis. Results and Conclusions: Among the 104 employees, 50 (48.08%) were current tobacco users at the beginning of the program. Oral precancers were seen exclusively among 20 (40%) tobacco users. After 1 year of workplace tobacco cessation intervention, 80% of oral precancers regressed. This shows that screening of the oral cavity at the workplace is effective when combined with tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article demonstrates a new method of performing synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy (SMS) that involves using a high-speed periodic shutter near the focal spot of a microfocused X-ray beam. It discusses the time-domain measurement of results that prove the principle of the method and improvements to deliver a pure beam of photons with unavailable spectral brightness. It also notes that the method improves signal rates and suppress electronic scattering by orders of magnitude.

The high-pressure behavior of nanocrystalline mackinawite (FeS) with particle sizes of 6, 7 and 8 nm has been investigated by high-energy X-ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis. An irreversible first-order structural phase transition from tetragonal mackinawite to orthorhombic FeS-II was observed at about 3 GPa. The transition is induced by the closure of the van der Waals gap in the layered mackinawite structure. A grain size effect on the transition pressure and the compressibility was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon saw-tooth refractive lenses have been in successful use for vertical focusing and collimation of high-energy X-rays (50–100 keV) at the 1-ID undulator beamline of the Advanced Photon Source. In addition to presenting an effectively parabolic thickness profile, as required for aberration-free refractive optics, these devices allow high transmission and continuous tunability in photon energy and focal length. Furthermore, the use of a single-crystal material ( i.e. Si) minimizes small-angle scattering background. The focusing performance of such saw-tooth lenses, used in conjunction with the 1-ID beamline's bent double-Laue monochromator, is presented for both short (∼1:0.02) and long (∼1:0.6) focal-length geometries, giving line-foci in the 2 µm–25 µm width range with 81 keV X-rays. In addition, a compound focusing scheme was tested whereby the radiation intercepted by a distant short-focal-length lens is increased by having it receive a collimated beam from a nearer (upstream) lens. The collimation capabilities of Si saw-tooth lenses are also exploited to deliver enhanced throughput of a subsequently placed small-angular-acceptance high-energy-resolution post-monochromator in the 50–80 keV range. The successful use of such lenses in all these configurations establishes an important detail, that the pre-monochromator, despite being comprised of vertically reflecting bent Laue geometry crystals, can be brilliance-preserving to a very high degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique is being developed for separating all particles larger than ∼ 1 micron from the precursor powders that are used in powder-in-tube (PIT) fabrication of superconductors. For both Nb3Sn and Bi-2212, elimination of large particles enables drawing a multi-filament restack to smaller final filament size, with benefits for overall current density and suppression of persistent current effects. The technique uses virtual impact (VI) sizing, in which the powder is dispersed in an aerosol stream and passed through a nozzle array which separates particles larger and smaller than a critical size into separate flow channels. Unlike other separation techniques, VI exhibits a sharp threshold and yields extremely clean removal of large particles. Successful operation of a pilot system, studies of the separation dynamics, and issues relating to scale-up are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We conducted a multi-centre cross-sectional study in India to evaluate the accuracy of conventional cytology to detect high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Setting: Cross-sectional studies in Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Trivandrum, India, during 1999-2003. Methods: A common protocol and questionnaire were used to test 22,663 women aged 25-65 years with conventional cytology in five cross-sectional studies. Three thresholds were used to define test positivity: atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASCUS), low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL), or HSIL. All screened women were investigated with colposcopy, and biopsies were taken when necessary. The reference standard for final disease status was histology or negative colposcopy. Data from the studies were pooled to evaluate the test characteristics for the detection of histologically confirmed HSIL. Results: The test positivity rates of cytology were 8.8% at ASCUS, 6.2% at LSIL and 1.8% at HSIL thresholds, and 355 women had histologically confirmed HSIL while 74 had invasive cancer. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at ASCUS threshold were 64.5%, 92.3%, 11.8% and 99.4% respectively. The corresponding values at LSIL threshold were 58.0%, 94.9%, 15.2% and 99.3%, while at the HSIL threshold they were 45.4%, 99.2%, 46.3% and 99.1%. The sensitivity varied between 37.8-81.3% at ASCUS , 28.9-76.9% at LSIL and 24.4-72.3% at HSIL thresholds. A significantly low sensitivity was observed in women aged 25-39 years (p<0.001). The wide variation in sensitivity across study sites persisted even after age standardisation. Conclusion: The sensitivity of cytology varied widely between the study sites. Findings from our study and other reviews indicate that sustained efforts in improving sampling, preparation and reading of cytological specimens and improvements in clinical judgement are essential to achieve concurrently high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--Nodular hyperplasia (also referred to as nodular regenerative hyperplasia and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver) is a sequel to therapy with thioguanine in patients with hematologic malignancies. Recently, 6-thioguanine has been used to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have been resistant to other forms of therapy. Objective.--To study liver biopsies from 3 patients with inflammatory bowel disease who had received thioguanine for more than a year, and who had elevated serum liver enzyme values and underwent percutaneous liver biopsy. Design.--Percutaneous liver biopsies and histologic examinations were performed, including staining with the reticulin silver impregnation method. Results.--All 3 patients had foci of nodular regenerative hyperplasia, which was best seen with the reticulin silver impregnation method. Conclusions.--Thioguanine-treated inflammatory bowel disease patients are at risk for the development of nodular hyperplasia. Reticulin-stained histologic sections are necessary to recognize this change. Further studies are needed to determine the frequency and significance of this change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant contributor to mortality in HIV-infected patients. Concurrent TB infection is also a significant contributing factor to maternal mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women. Studies addressing the outcomes of TB and HIV co-infection among pregnant women are generally infrequent. Although limited, the records maintained by the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in Karnataka State, Southern India provide information about the numbers of pregnant women who are co-infected with TB and HIV and their pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed the data and conducted this study to understand how TB-HIV co-infection influences the outcomes of pregnancy in this setting.We sought to determine the incidence and treatment and delivery outcomes of TB-HIV co-infected pregnant women in programmatic settings in Karnataka State in southern India.The study participants were all the HIV-infected pregnant women who were screened for tuberculosis under the NACP from 2008 to 2012. For the purposes of this study, the program staff in the field gathered the data regarding on treatment and delivery outcomes of pregnant women.A total of seventeen pregnant women with TB-HIV co-infection were identified among 3,165,729 pregnant women (for an incidence of 5.4 per million pregnancies). The median age of these pregnant women was 24 years, and majority were primiparous women with WHO HIV stage III disease and were on a stavudine-based ART regimen. The maternal mortality rates were 18% before delivery and 24% after delivery. The abortion rate was 24%, and the neonatal mortality rate was 10%. The anti-tuberculosis treatment and anti-retroviral treatment outcome mortality rates were 30% and 53%, respectively.Although the incidence of TB among the HIV-infected pregnant women was marginally less than that among the non-HIV-infected women, the delivery outcomes were relatively poorer. The current strategy for the management of TB among the HIV-positive pregnant women needs urgent review. Keywords: Pregnant women, TB and HIV, Outcomes

Demonstrates that the Stokes-Poincare polarization parameters for an x-ray beam can be completely determined using the method of multiple-beam Bragg diffraction. Theory of the technique; Application of the method to the characterization of an x-ray phase plate.

This paper deals with analysis and design of permanent magnet brushless dc machine (PMBLDCM), primarily aimed for three wheeler applications. The motor sizing accounts for the forces acting on the motor and the design variables such as number of stator and rotor slots, stator and rotor dimensioning, air-gap approximation, slot sizing, flux per pole and permanent magnet sizing has been explained using simplified equations. The designed motor rated at 1.5 kW, 3000 rpm, 120 V radial flux surface mounted permanent magnet rotor, is then assessed using analytical tools for design such as ANSYS’s RMXprt to verify the analytically obtained results. These results are then verified using the computer aided analysis tool, finite element analysis, using ANSYS Maxwell, to obtain the electromagnetic characteristics of the motor for further modification of design.

Introduction: Pre donation hemoglobin testing of blood donors is important to prevent development of anemia, particularly in repeat donors. Various rapid methods are now available for this purpose, each having some limitations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate WHO hemoglobin color scale (HCS) and Hemocue against standard cell analyzer and whether any of these methods can replace traditional CuSO4 method. Materials and Methods: Venous samples from 863 prospective blood donors were tested using four different methods of Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation (hematology cell analyzer, HCS, Copper sulphate (CuSO) specific gravity method and hemocue). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each of these procedures using SPSS software. Results: Of 863 potential donors, 92.46% were males and 7.53% were females. Mean Hb determined by cell analyzer, HemoCue and HCS were 13.85±1.54 gm%. 14.09±1.49 gm% and 13.34±1.18 gm% respectively. The sensitivity of hemocue was 99.16% with 76.76% specificity considering cell analyzer as reference value. Positive predictive value of HemoCue was 95.58%. When assessed by CuSO method, it gave large number of false passes though sensitivity being 100%. HCS was found to be comparable to cell analyzer but more subjective. Conclusions: Considering cost effectiveness, accuracy and suitability of a method for donor screening, we recommend continuation of donor screening with CuSO4 method but with subsequent testing by HemoCue for tliose who failed primary CuSO4 screening test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The massive scale-up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) access worldwide has brought tremendous benefit to populations affected by HIV/AIDS. Optimising HIV care in countries with diverse medical systems is critical; however data on best practices for HIV healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings are limited. This study aimed to understand patient characteristics and treatment outcomes from different HIV healthcare settings in Bangalore, India. Methods Participants from public, private and public-private HIV healthcare settings were recruited between 2007 and 2009 and were administered structured interviews by trained staff. Self-reported adherence was measured using the visual analogue scale to capture adherence over the past month, and a history of treatment interruptions (defined as having missed medications for more than 48 hours in the past three months). In addition, CD4 count and viral load (VL) were measured; genotyping for drug resistance-associated mutations was performed on those who were in virological failure (VL > 1000 copies/ml). Results A total of 471 individuals were included in the analysis (263 from the public facility, 149 from the public-private facility and 59 from the private center). Private facility patients were more likely to be male, with higher education levels and incomes. More participants reported ≥ 95% adherence among public and public-private groups compared to private participants (public 97%; private 88%; public-private 93%, p < 0.05). Treatment interruptions were lowest among public participants (1%, 10%, 5% respectively, p < 0.001). Although longer clinic waiting times were experienced by more public participants (48%, compared to private 27%, public-private 19%, p < 0.001), adherence barriers were highest among private (31%) compared with public (10%) and public-private (17%, p < 0.001) participants. Viral load was detectable in 13% public, 22% private and 9% public-private participants (p < 0.05) suggesting fewer treatment failures among public and public-private settings. Drug resistance mutations were found more frequently among private facility patients (20%) compared to those from the public (9%) or public-private facility (8%, p < 0.05). Conclusions Adherence and treatment success was significantly higher among patients from public and public-private settings compared with patients from private facilities. These results suggest a possible benefit of the standardized care delivery system established in public and public-private health facilities where counselling by a multi-disciplinary team of workers is integral to provision of ART. Strengthening and increasing public-private partnerships can enhance the success of national ART programs.

Abstract Background In the present investigation we compared blood epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol concentrations in response to a capsaicinoid supplement or placebo in healthy adults before and after acute exercise. Methods Twenty subjects ingested a placebo or supplement (Capsimax™, OmniActive Health Technologies; 2 mg capsaicinoids in a microencapsulated matrix) with one week separating conditions. Fasting blood samples were collected during each visit; 30 minutes following a rest period and before placebo or supplement intake (Pre); 2 hours post intake (2 hr); one minute following the cessation of 30 minutes of exercise performed at 65% of maximal heart rate reserve (2.5 hr); 90 minutes following the cessation of exercise (4 hr). Heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were recorded at all times. Results A time effect was noted for HR, SBP, and DBP (p < 0.05), with HR and SBP higher at 2.5 hr compared to Pre (due to exercise) and DBP lower at 2.5 hr compared to Pre. No interaction or condition effects were noted for EPI, NE, FFA, or glycerol (p > 0.05). However, a time effect was noted for all variables (p < 0.0001), with values higher than Pre at 2.5 hr for EPI and glycerol, at 2 hr and 2.5 hours for FFA, and at 2 hr, 2.5 hr, and 4 hr for NE (p < 0.05). In terms of percent change from Pre, glycerol was higher with Capsimax™ than for placebo at 4 hr (p = 0.011) and FFA was higher with Capsimax™ than for placebo at 2 hr (p = 0.025) and at 2.5 hr (p = 0.015). Conclusion Ingestion of low dose (2 mg) Capsimax™ was associated with an increase in blood FFA and glycerol at selected times post ingestion, as compared to placebo. However, Capsimax™ had no differing effect on EPI or NE compared to placebo. Lastly, no difference was noted in HR, SBP, or DBP between placebo and Capsimax™.

Nocturnal measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, temperature inversion-layer thickness, water vapour path and visibility-through-fog, made under non-foggy and foggy conditions in winter over two seasons at Delhi, are analysed to study the decrease in both rate of cooling and temperature inversion-layer thickness during the course of nights followed by fog occurrence. In particular, the decrease in the rate of cooling, compared to that on non-foggy nights, is explained as due to the greenhouse warming effect by a layer of excessive, near-saturated water vapour trapped in a temperature inversion. Next, the linear programming technique is employed to forecast the occurrence of fog, where the visibility-through-fog is minimized through its linear regression equation with the pair of variables, mean air temperature and temperature decrease over one hour (measuring rate of cooling at two convenient hours) in the pre-midnight period. This technique provides feasible solutions that enables one to forecast the occurrence of radiative fog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]