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Three patients with different deletions of chromosome 13 were reexamined. The abnormal chromosomes were microdissected. The DNA from these chromosomes was DOP amplified, labelled with Biotin and used for reverse banding by FISH. The precise breakpoints in chromosome 13 were defined which is a prerequisite for delineation of the different deletion phenotypes.

We present a method for detecting Methylene Blue (MB) using Confocal Raman Spectroscopy assisted with plasmonic enhancement from colloidal silver nanotriangles (NTs). The amplified Raman signal from the analyte aggregated over nanoclusters facilitated the detection of concentrations below 10 -5 M.Methylene blue and silver NTs were mixed in equal proportions and a thin film of the solution was drop casted on a glass slide for collecting Raman data. Raman signals were acquired from the plasmonic hotspots (PHs) present in the sample, using 532 nm laser excitation. PHs in the sample were identified as dark blue spots, as seen under confocal microscope. These PHs were formed by the adsorption of dye on aggregated NTs and give a stronger signal because of localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The triangular morphology contributed to a better enhancement due to the lighting rod effect [1]. From experimental data, it is inferred that the limit of detection was well below the concentration reached, 0.25x10 -5 M.The main challenge to be addressed is the repeatability of the technique owing to the non-uniform and unstable hotspots scattered throughout the colloid. The reliability of this method can be increased with appropriate modification of the drop casting method to achieve a more uniform film. Considering the ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness, colloidal silver NTs are promising substrates in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Background: Pregnancy is golden period in woman’s life. They must not face any complications during this period. In spite of the developed health care system in India, it is disgraceful to see many mothers who succumb to pregnancy and child birth. Although there is decline in maternal mortality, still India contributes to lot of maternal deaths. Accessibility and utilization of services are two major issues to be addressed immediately. Objective: The study was to assess the utilization of maternal health care services in urban slum. Methods: This was a Cross-sectional study. Study was conducted among the postnatal women of an urban slum area in Bangalore. Sample size was 125. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by interview method. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, antenatal visits, health services utilized, type of health center and also regarding postnatal visits were obtained. Results: Registration of pregnancy 124 (99.2%), 4 antenatal visits-123 (98.6%), TT doses-121 (96.4%), Institutional delivery was found to be 100%. IFA tablets consumption was only seen in 86 (68.6%). Minimum 3 postnatal visits in 6 months duration were completed by only 93 (74.5%) subjects. Family planning services was adopted by 57 (45.6%). 98 (78%) of the study participants followed Exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The insights provide an opportunity to develop strategies to address the inadequacies and inequitable distribution of health care services.