Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dot-Mediated Photonic Multimodal Synapse

Artificial synapse is the basic unit of a neuromorphic computing system. However, there is a need to explore suitable synaptic devices for the emulation of synaptic dynamics. This study demonstrates a photonic multimodal synaptic device by implementing a perovskite quantum dot charge-trapping layer in the organic poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) channel transistor. The proposed device presents favorable band alignment that facilitates spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The band alignment serves as the basis of optically induced charge trapping, which enables nonvolatile memory characteristics in the device. Furthermore, high photoresponse and excellent synaptic characteristics, such as short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity, excitatory postsynaptic current, and paired-pulse facilitation, are obtained through gate voltage regulation. Photosynaptic characteristics obtained from the device showed a multiwavelength response and a large dynamic range (∼10³) that is suitable for realizing a highly accurate artificial neural network. Moreover, the device showed nearly linear synaptic weight update characteristics with incremental depression electric gate pulse. The simulation based on the experimental data showed excellent pattern recognition accuracy (∼85%) after 120 epochs. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of the device as an optical synapse in the next-generation neuromorphic system.

Perception about Medicines among the General Public in the Semi-rural Areas of Nepal

Background Patients' perceptions and beliefs about medicine are affected by their culture, tradition, socioeconomic status, peer influence, educational level, advertisements among other factors. Objective To explore the perception about medicines among the general public in different semi-rural areas of Nepal. Method Cross-sectional study was conducted at different locations within Kathmandu valley from July 2015 to December 2016; 385 individuals were approached using simple random sampling but only 260, aged 18 years and above, who were taking medicines for their health problems, completed the interviewer-administered survey. Their perceptions about medicines were studied using a structured questionnaire based on the WHO booklet "How to investigate the use of medicines by consumers" and analysed using SPSS version 22. Association between respondents' age, gender, education level and perception were statistically analysed using χ2 test and/or Fisher's exact test and multivariate analysis of variance. Result Sixty-one respondents (23.5%) were in age group 56-65 years. Patients' perceptions of medicine safety based on colour, shape, name of medicine, method of administration, compatibility, etc. was statistically different among respondents with regard to their level of education (p = 0.022). More individuals with lower education believed that expensive medicines were more effective (p < 0.001). Increased level of education made them more aware of negative consequences of reusing previous prescriptions (p=0.039). Conclusion Problems with knowledge about medicines were noted among lesser educated individuals. Based on findings, policy makers may develop educational strategies to increase awareness about medicines.

Ni/graphitic carbon core–shell nanostructure-based light weight elastomeric composites for Ku-band microwave absorption applications

Graphitic carbon-coated Ni metal core nanoparticles with respective reflection loss for different thickness of Ni/C and rubber composites.

Tunable Twin Matching Frequency (fm1/fm2) Behavior of Ni1-xZnxFe2O4/NBR Composites over 2-12.4 GHz: A Strategic Material System for Stealth Applications

The gel to carbonate precipitate route has been used for the synthesis of Ni_1-xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) bulk inverse spinel ferrite powder samples. The optimal zinc (50%) substitution has shown the maximum saturation magnetic moment and resulted into the maximum magnetic loss tangent (tanδ_m) > -1.2 over the entire 2-10 GHz frequency range with an optimum value ~-1.75 at 6 GHz. Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄- Acrylo-Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) composite samples are prepared at different weight percentage (wt%) of ferrite loading fractions in rubber for microwave absorption evaluation. The 80 wt% loaded Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄/NBR composite (FMAR80) sample has shown two reflection loss (RL) peaks at 5 and 10 GHz. Interestingly, a single peak at 10 GHz for 3.25 mm thickness, can be scaled down to 5 GHz by increasing the thickness up to 4.6 mm. The onset of such twin matching frequencies in FMAR80 composite sample is attributed to the spin resonance relaxation at ~5 GHz (f_m1) and destructive interference at λ_m/4 matched thickness near ~10 GHz (f_m2) in these composite systems. These studies suggest the potential of tuning the twin frequencies in Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄/NBR composite samples for possible microwave absorption applications.

Vitamin D supplementation reduces airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic airway inflammation in a murine model

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic disease associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway obstruction and airway remodelling. NF-κB is a transcriptional factor that regulates and co-ordinates the expression of various inflammatory genes. The NF-κB subunits, p50 and Rel-A, are translocated to the nucleus by importin α3 and importin α4. There is growing evidence that vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator. However, the evidence for beneficial or adverse effects of vitamin D in asthma is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined the effect of vitamin D status on AHR, airway inflammation and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in a murine model of allergic asthma.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were fed with special vitamin D-deficient or vitamin D-sufficient (2000 IU/kg) or vitamin D-supplemented (10,000 IU/kg) diet for 13 weeks. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The effect of vitamin D on lung histology, AHR, T regulatory cells (Tregs) and BALF cytokines was examined. The expression of importin-α3 and Rel-A in the lung of OVA-sensitized mice was analysed using immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher AHR in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice than those in vitamin D-sufficient mice. This was accompanied with marked signs of airway remodelling, high BALF eosinophilia, increased BALF pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced BALF IL-10 levels, reduced blood Tregs, increased expression of importin-α3 and Rel-A in the lung tissue. Vitamin D supplementation attenuated the pro-inflammatory effects, but did not completely reverse the features of allergic airway inflammation.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Vitamin D could be beneficial as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Development and performance evaluation of amphotericin B transfersomes against resistant and sensitive clinical isolates of visceral leishmaniasis

The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of developed transfersome (TF-3) formulation bearing amphotericin B (AmB) against sensitive and resistant clinical isolates of L donovani and compared with conventional liposomal formulation (F-2) and free AmB (F-1). The skin permeation of AmB from TF-3 was performed using Franz diffusion cell using rat skin which showed fickian diffusion across the skin. When tested against L. donovani (intramacrophagic amastigotes), it has been observed that TF was more effective than F-1 and F-2 formulation in sensitive and resistant clinical isolates. The data provides evidences that the TF formulation owing to its fluidized behaviour imparted by sodium deoxycholate, enables to penetrate well in the infected cells and thus provide enhanced activity. The permeation study also supports this data as the flux value of AmB through TF formulation was 1.5 fold higher compared to conventional liposomes suggesting improved penetration and better partitioning in skin layers. Implicit to this preliminary data it is evident that the AmB loaded TF formulation has potential as alternate chemotherapeutic approach to control of VL. Potential utilities of novel formulation as a transdermal delivery of AmB for leishmaniasis necessitates further elaborated investigations which is underway in our laboratory.

Effects of early inhaled beclomethasone therapy on tracheal aspirate inflammatory mediators IL-8 and IL-1ra in ventilated preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

We tested the hypothesis that inhaled beclomethasone therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) reduces pulmonary inflammation. As part of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) concentrations in tracheal aspirates were measured as markers of pulmonary inflammation. On study days 1 (baseline), 8, 15, and day 28 of age, samples were obtained from enrolled infants (birth weights <1,251 g, gestational age <33 week, 3 to 14 days of age) who remained ventilated and had not received systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Cytokine levels (pg/microg of free secretory component of immunoglobulin A) were compared between groups. We determined whether baseline cytokine levels modified treatment effect regarding subsequent need for systemic glucocorticoid therapy or occurrence of BPD (age 28 days). Tracheal aspirates were obtained from 161 infants (77 receiving beclomethasone, 84 receiving placebo). Median IL-8 levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants on study days 8 (82.9 vs. 209.2, P < 0.01) and 15 (37.4 vs. 77.4, P < 0.03) after controlling for antenatal glucocorticoid therapy and maternal race. Median IL-1ra levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants only on study day 8 (86.5 vs. 153.3, P < 0.01). Fewer beclomethasone infants with baseline IL-8 levels in the interquartile range required systemic glucocorticoid therapy (beclomethasone 30.6% vs. placebo 65.8%, P < 0.01) or developed BPD (beclomethasone 42.4% vs. placebo 69.4%, P < 0.03). We conclude that early-inhaled beclomethasone therapy was associated with a reduction in pulmonary inflammation after 1 week of therapy. Beclomethasone-treated infants with moderately elevated baseline IL-8 levels received less subsequent systemic glucocorticoid therapy and had a lower incidence of BPD than nontreated infants.

Urinary basic fibroblast growth factor: a noninvasive marker of progressive cystic renal disease in a child

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a hereditary condition with an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 live births. Various growth factors have been implicated in the causation of this disease. We describe a child with ARPKD whose levels of urinary basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were markedly elevated. The concentrations of bFGF increased further following right nephrectomy, in response to the compensatory growth of the remaining kidney. We hypothesize that measurement of urinary bFGF may be useful as a noninvasive marker to assess progression of cystic renal development.

DNA diagnosis for the practicing obstetrician

Laboratory advances in molecular genetics have resulted in numerous clinical applications for DNA analysis. Currently, because of cost, complexity, and resource limitations, DNA analysis is not used routinely for prenatal screening, but rather is targeted towards families at risk for an inherited condition. This article discusses the types of DNA analyses that are currently performed, the possible tissue sources of DNA for prenatal diagnosis, and the indications for DNA testing in obstetric practice. Internet addresses for the most up-to-date genetic information on a specific condition are given in this article.

Human immunodeficiency virus testing and counseling: nuts and bolts

The human immunodeficiency virus poses an increasing health hazard to women. Physicians must recognize this risk and evaluate their patients for human immunodeficiency virus. Because of general increased awareness and the recommendations that all prenatal patients be offered human immunodeficiency virus testing and counseling, more and more women will be tested, yet counseling has not become a routine aspect in the evaluation of patients. This article reviews the key components of human immunodeficiency virus testing and counseling, including test interpretation, risk assessment, risk reduction, and pretest and posttest counseling. Familiarity with these areas should enable the practitioner to feel comfortable in providing this service.

Influence of A1 cytoplasmic substitution on the downy-mildew incidence of pearl millet

Large-scale cultivation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. F1 hybrids in India has led to increased incidence of downy-mildew (Sclerospora graminicola). There is concern that the A1 male-sterile cytoplasm used in all the hybrids released so far is responsible for this increase. The influence of A1 malesterile cytoplasm on downy-mildew incidence in pearl millet was studied by comparing the disease reaction of 40 pairs of F1 hybrids, each pair carrying respectively a1 male-sterile and normal B cytoplasm. Mean downy-mildew incidence was similar in the hybrids carrying either A1 male-sterile or B cytoplasm. The general combining ability of lines with and without A1 cytoplasm was found to be similar for downy-mildew incidence. These results indicated that in pearl millet A1 cytoplasm is not associated with increased downymildew incidence. The possible danger of using only one source of cytoplasm has been briefly discussed.

Evaluation of vaccination coverage

The cluster sampling methodology based on WHO module on "Evaluate Vaccination Coverage" recommended by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 1987 was followed to evaluate the vaccination coverage of eligibles. Out of the 215 eligible children between 12-23 months of age, 44.65 38.61 and 16.74 per cent were found to be fully, partially and unimmunized respectively. The dropout rate for OPV and DPT was 21.23 while it was 4.03 per cent for TT. Based on the studied facts responsible for non or partial immunization, suggestions have been made to accelerate the coverage and reduce the dropout rate.

Ehlers-danlos Syndrome in Four Generations

Thirteen cases of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are being reported from a twentyfive member family. All had type 11 (mitis) variety of Ehlers-danlos syndrome with autosomal dominant transmission.