Search

Abstract The structural, electrical, magnetic and 57Fe Mössbauer studies of sol-gel synthesized polycrystalline Pr 1-x Al x FeO 3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) samples are reported in this paper and the phase purity of the materials was confirmed from Rietveld refinement of XRD pattern. From the magnetization studies it is observed that the Al doping at Pr site changed the magnetic ordering of the system at both room and low temperatures. The observed isomer-shift values from room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the charge state of the Fe ions and magnetic ordering in the compounds. Leakage current is observed to decrease with Al doping in the present work. From the leakage current density (J-E) measurements, it is observed that the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) dominates the conduction in lower and higher field regions for all the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zebu ( Bos indicus ) is a domestic cattle species originating from the Indian subcontinent and now widely domesticated on several continents. In this study, we were particularly interested in understanding the functionally active rumen microbiota of an important Zebu breed, the Gir, under different dietary regimes. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data were compared at various taxonomic levels to elucidate the differential microbial population and its functional dynamics in Gir cattle rumen under different roughage dietary regimes. Different proportions of roughage rather than the type of roughage (dry or green) modulated microbiome composition and the expression of its gene pool. Fibre degrading bacteria (i.e. Clostridium , Ruminococcus , Eubacterium , Butyrivibrio , Bacillus and Roseburia ) were higher in the solid fraction of rumen (P < 0.01) compared to the liquid fraction, whereas bacteria considered to be utilizers of the degraded product (i.e. Prevotella , Bacteroides , Parabacteroides , Paludibacter and Victivalli s) were dominant in the liquid fraction (P < 0.05). Likewise, expression of fibre degrading enzymes and related carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) occurred in the solid fraction. When metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data were compared, it was found that some genera and species were transcriptionally more active, although they were in low abundance, making an important contribution to fibre degradation and its further metabolism in the rumen. This study also identified some of the transcriptionally active genera, such as Caldicellulosiruptor and Paludibacter , whose potential has been less-explored in rumen. Overall, the comparison of metagenomic shotgun and metatranscriptomic sequencing appeared to be a much richer source of information compared to conventional metagenomic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides with spinel structure have been intensively investigated for energy storage application such as electrochemical supercapcaitors. In the present work, nickel cobalt oxide (NiCo 2 O 4 ) thin films have been systematically deposited using spray pyrolysis process. Compact and uniform thin films of spinel nickel cobalt oxide with particle size 10–20 nm have been obtained by the oxidation of Ni and Co precursors. When evaluated as electrode for supercapacitor, the nanostructured NiCo 2 O 4 thin film deposited at 350 °C exhibit the best charge storage property exhibiting high specific capacitance of 752 F g −1 and excellent cycle stability over 1000 cycles. Moreover, nanostructured NiCo 2 O 4 thin film demonstrated high power performance, excellent rate as well as long term cycling stability. The Ragone plots ascertain good power and energy densities for NiCo 2 O 4 thin films. Therefore, NiCo 2 O 4 thin film electrodes are very promising for application in supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hereditary Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) pertain to higher mortality and need an early diagnosis. • The whole-exome sequencing (WES), is the powerful techniques of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) delineated gene variants associated with the HBOC in the west Indian population. • The WES examination provided novel and prevalent variants in the population which could be further studied. Breast and ovarian cancers are the most common cancer types in females worldwide and in India. Patients with these cancers require an early diagnosis which is essential for better prognosis, treatment and improved patient survival. Recently, the utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based screening has accelerated molecular diagnosis of various cancers. In the present study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 30 patients who had a first or second-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer and are tested negative for BRCA1/2 or other high and moderate-risk genes reported for HBOC. WES data from patients were analyzed and variants were called using bcftools. Functional annotation of variants and variant prioritization was performed by Exomiser. The clinical significance of variants was determined as per ACMG classification using Varsome tool. The functional analysis of genes was determined by STRING analysis and disease association was determined by open target tool. We found novel variants and gene candidates having significant association with HBOC conditions. The genes identified by exomiser (phenotype score > 0.75) are associated with various biological processes such as DNA integrity maintenance, transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Our findings provide novel and prevalent gene variants associated with the HBOC condition in the West Indian population which could be further studied for early diagnosis and better prognosis of HBOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Disease heterogeneity in patients with severe asthma and its relationship to inflammatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Objective We aimed to identify and replicate clinicopathologic endotypes based on analysis of blood and sputum parameters in asthmatic patients. Methods One hundred ninety-four asthmatic patients and 21 control subjects recruited from 2 separate centers underwent detailed clinical assessment, sputum induction, and phlebotomy. One hundred three clinical, physiologic, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed by using topological data analysis and Bayesian network analysis. Results Severe asthma was associated with anxiety and depression, obesity, sinonasal symptoms, decreased quality of life, and inflammatory changes, including increased sputum chitinase 3–like protein 1 (YKL-40) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 3, 8, and 12 levels. Topological data analysis identified 6 clinicopathobiologic clusters replicated in both geographic cohorts: young, mild paucigranulocytic; older, sinonasal disease; obese, high MMP levels; steroid resistant T H 2 mediated, eosinophilic; mixed granulocytic with severe obstruction; and neutrophilic, low periostin levels, severe obstruction. Sputum IL-5 levels were increased in patients with severe particularly eosinophilic forms, whereas IL-13 was suppressed and IL-17 levels did not differ between clusters. Bayesian network analysis separated clinical features from intricately connected inflammatory pathways. YKL-40 levels strongly correlated with neutrophilic asthma and levels of myeloperoxidase, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-6 soluble receptor. MMP1, MMP3, MMP8, and MMP12 levels were associated with severe asthma and were correlated positively with sputum IL-5 levels but negatively with IL-13 levels. Conclusion In 2 distinct cohorts we have identified and replicated 6 clinicopathobiologic clusters based on blood and induced sputum measures. Our data underline a disconnect between clinical features and underlying inflammation, suggest IL-5 production is relatively steroid insensitive, and highlight the expression of YKL-40 in patients with neutrophilic inflammation and the expression of MMPs in patients with severe asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A failure analysis investigation was performed on a fractured polymer impeller used in a respiratory blower. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and finite element analysis techniques were utilized to characterize the mode(s) of failure and fracture surfaces. A radial split down the impeller center was observed with symmetric fracture faces about the impeller bore. Fractographic analysis revealed brittle fracture features including Wallner lines, mirror, mist and hackle features stemming from the impeller bore, emanating radially outward. Crazed fibrils and faint fatigue striations suggest that intermittent load cycling led to initiation, and rapid propagation of multiple crack fronts originating along the impeller lip. Finite element analysis revealed a flexural condition induces localized stresses along the impeller lip. Significant wear features were also observed within the impeller bore, which may have contributed to premature failure of the impeller. The brittle fracture morphology and defects within the impeller bore suggest that premature failure occurred because of multiple interacting factors including: intermittently high centrifugal velocities, imbalance bore and shaft conditions, defects within the bore caused by machining, and stress concentrations along the circumference of the impeller lip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ni-doped zinc oxide (Ni:ZnO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by sol–gel dip-coating technique with different pH values. The films were characterized structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties respectively. X-ray diffraction revels that all samples have a polycrystalline in nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The structural parameters such as crystallite size, dislocation density and micro strain were calculated from XRD studies. Scanning electron microscopy shows irregular grains with average grains size found to be ∼150nm at 400°C. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicates that the presence of Ni, Zn and O elements with average atomic percentage of Ni:ZnO was 04.19:44.99:50.82 at 400°C. Optical absorption spectra show that the band gap energy is decreases with the increase in pH values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Understanding of adolescent-onset asthma remains limited. We sought to characterise this state and identify associated factors within a longitudinal birth cohort study. Methods: The Isle of Wight Whole Population Birth Cohort was recruited in 1989 (N =1456) and characterised at 1, 2, 4, 10 and 18-years. “Adolescent-onset asthma” was defined as asthma at age 18 without prior history of asthma, “persistent-adolescent asthma” as asthma at both 10 and 18 and “never-asthma” as those without asthma at any assessment. Results: Adolescent-onset asthma accounted for 28.3% of asthma at 18-years and was of similar severity to persistent-adolescent asthma. Adolescent-onset asthmatics showed elevated bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) and atopy at 10 and 18 years. BHR in this group at 10 was intermediate to that of never-asthmatics and persistent-adolescent asthma. By 18 their BHR, bronchodilator reversibility and sputum eosinophilia was greater than never-asthmatics and comparable to persistent-adolescent asthma. At 10, males who later developed adolescent-onset asthma had reduced FEV1 and FEF25–75, while females had normal lung function but then developed impaired FEV1 and FEF25–75 in parallel with adolescent asthma. Factors independently associated with adolescent-onset asthma included atopy at 10 (OR=2.35; 95% CI=1.08–5.09), BHR at 10 (3.42; 1.55–7.59), rhinitis at 10 (2.35; 1.11–5.01) and paracetamol use at 18-years (1.10; 1.01–1.19). Conclusions: Adolescent-onset asthma is associated with significant morbidity. Predisposing factors are atopy, rhinitis and BHR at age 10 while adolescent paracetamol use is also associated with this state. Awareness of potentially modifiable influences may offer avenues for mitigating this disease state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: All members of medical staff, including students, were asked to participate in a self-administered questionnaire concerning patterns of mobile phone use and care. Participants'' phones were cultured for micro-organisms. Healthcare professionals working in close proximity to sensitive equipment were surveyed concerning adverse events associated with mobile phones. Telephone operators were asked to monitor time elapsed as they attempted to contact medical staff by various methods. Of 266 medical staff and students at the time of the study, 116 completed questionnaires (response rate=44%). Almost all (98%) used mobile phones: 67% used their mobile phones for hospital-related matters; 47% reported using their phone while attending patients. Only 3% reported washing their hands after use and 53% reported never cleaning their phone. In total, 101 mobile phones were cultured for micro-organisms; 45% were culture-positive and 15% grew Gram-negative pathogens. The survey of staff working in close proximity to sensitive equipment revealed only one report of minor interference with life-saving equipment. Telephone operators were able to contact medical staff within 2min most easily by mobile phone. Mobile phones were used widely by staff and were considered by most participants as a more efficient means of communication. However, microbial contamination is a risk associated with the infrequent cleaning of phones. Hospitals should develop policies to address the hygiene of mobile phones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many mathematical models have been created in an effort to improve our understanding of biofilters, to guide experimentation, and to improve design of biological treatment systems. The approaches used to model gas flow, phase transfer, diffusion within the biofilm, and biological growth have become relatively standard. Further progress on these phenomena will come primarily from improved determinations of important model parameters under various conditions. There is less unanimity and less certainty in the approaches that have been taken to account for biofilm growth, the complex conformation of the biofilm takes within the porous packing, and the details of the processes by which biofilters become clogged. Biofilter and biotrickling filter models have been useful for research purposes, but have not yet progressed to the point of being reliable and generally accepted tools for design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present work reports the study of cation distribution in Ni substituted polycrystalline Ba 0.5 Sr 1.5 Co 2 Fe 12 O 22 (Co 2 Y-BSCFO) hexaferrite samples using complimentary experimental methods viz., in-field F 57 e M ö ssbauer and Raman spectroscopy. Combining the analysis of in-field F 57 e M o ¨ ssbauer and Raman spectroscopy measurements it is shown that the substituted Ni in Co 2 Y-BSCFO preferentially occupies the octahedral site with spin-down configuration i.e., 6c VI. The obtained cation distribution data is found to qualitatively match the magnetization values as obtained from bulk magnetic measurements. Temperature dependent dielectric data reveals a significant dispersion in dielectric constant associated with loss peaks and the conduction-hopping mechanism explains such behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Filaggrin is an epidermal protein that has a role in skin barrier function. Filaggrin loss-of-function ( FLG -LOF) mutations are a significant risk factor for eczema and atopy, but their association with food allergy (FA) is less clear. Objective We explored the longitudinal relationship between 3 common FLG -LOF mutations and FA using the Isle of Wight birth cohort. Methods FA diagnosis was based on recognized allergic reactions within 4 hours after exposure to known food allergens. Food allergen sensitization (FAS) was identified by using skin prick tests conducted between 1 and 18 years of age to a range of food allergens. Three FLG mutations were genotyped in 1150 (79%) of 1456 children. The temporal relationships between FA, FAS, and eczema in children with FLG mutations were explored by using path analysis with total, direct, and indirect effect models. Results There was a significant total effect of FLG- LOF mutations on the risk of FA in later childhood at the ages of 10 (odds ratio, 31.46; 95% CI, 2.86 to >100) and 18 (odds ratio, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.55-11.61) years. Path analysis showed that there was no direct effect of FLG -LOF mutations on FA at any age; however, an indirect effect was found on FA at all ages through eczema and FAS in the earlier years. Conclusion FLG -LOF mutations are associated with FA in older children through eczema and FAS during early childhood. Our results highlight a biologically plausible pathway, which suggests that skin barrier function is important in the development and persistence of FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The parent-of-origin effect is important in understanding the genetic basis of childhood allergic diseases and improving our ability to identify high-risk children. Objective: We sought to investigate the parent-of-origin effect in childhood allergic diseases. Methods: The Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n = 1456) has been examined at 1, 2, 4, 10, and 18 years of age. Information on the prevalence of asthma, eczema, rhinitis, and environmental factors was obtained by using validated questionnaires. Skin prick tests were carried out at ages 4, 10, and 18 years, and total IgE measurement was carried out at 10 and 18 years. Parental history of allergic disease was assessed soon after the birth of the child, when maternal IgE levels were also measured. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% CIs were estimated, applying log-linear models adjusted for confounding variables. Results: When stratified for sex of the child, maternal asthma was associated with asthma in girls (PR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.34-2.72; P = .0003) but not in boys (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.96; P = .23), whereas paternal asthma was associated with asthma in boys (PR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.42-2.79; P < .0001) but not in girls (PR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.59-1.80; P = .92). Maternal eczema increased the risk of eczema in girls (PR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.37-2.68; P = .0001) only, whereas paternal eczema did the same for boys (PR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.32-3.25; P = .002). Similar trends were observed when the effect of maternal and paternal allergic disease was assessed for childhood atopy and when maternal total IgE levels were related to total IgE levels in children at ages 10 and 18 years. Conclusions: The current study indicates a sex-dependent association of parental allergic conditions with childhood allergies, with maternal allergy increasing the risk in girls and paternal allergy increasing the risk in boys. This has implications for childhood allergy prediction and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is a common disease of children with a complex genetic origin. Understanding the genetic basis of asthma susceptibility will allow disease prediction and risk stratification. Objective: We sought to identify asthma susceptibility genes in children. Methods: A nested case-control genetic association study of children of Caucasian European ancestry from a birth cohort was conducted. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, n = 116,024) were genotyped in pools of DNA samples from cohort children with physician-diagnosed asthma (n = 112) and normal controls (n = 165). A genomic region containing the ATPAF1 gene was found to be significantly associated with asthma. Additional SNPs within this region were genotyped in individual samples from the same children and in 8 independent study populations of Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, or other ancestries. SNPs were also genotyped or imputed in 2 consortia control populations. ATPAF1 expression was measured in bronchial biopsies from asthmatic patients and controls. Results: Asthma was found to be associated with a cluster of SNPs and SNP haplotypes containing the ATPAF1 gene, with 2 SNPs achieving significance at a genome-wide level (P = 2.26 × 10−5 to 2.2 × 10−8). Asthma severity was also found to be associated with SNPs and SNP haplotypes in the primary population. SNP and/or gene-level associations were confirmed in the 4 non-Hispanic populations. Haplotype associations were also confirmed in the non-Hispanic populations (P = .045-.0009). ATPAF1 total RNA expression was significantly (P < .01) higher in bronchial biopsies from asthmatic patients than from controls. Conclusion: Genetic variation in the ATPAF1 gene predisposes children of different ancestries to asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The authors reviewed 22 patients with 23 fractures of the distal radius, who were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the low profile contourable titanium dorsal distal radius AO Pi-plate. There were four men and 18 women with a mean age of 57 years. The mean follow up period was 26 months (range, 12–48 months). The modified Lidstrom''s radiographic scoring system and the modified Gartland and Werley’ functional scoring systems were used for evaluation of the outcome. An excellent clinical outcome was present in four patients, a good in 10, a fair in seven, and a poor in two. Radiographic results were excellent in 12 patients, good in 10, and fair in one patient. Seven patients required removal of the plate for median nerve compression and tendonitis. The Pi-plate can be used in a wide spectrum of distal radial fractures including complex comminuted intra-articular (AO type C3) fractures with satisfactory functional outcome and low rate of complication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A retrospective study was conducted at the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital to analyze the bacterial isolates from the wounds of patients admitted to the Burns Unit and to determine the sensitivity patterns of the commonly cultured organisms over a 6-year period, December 1998 to December 2004. A total of 535 samples were analysed. Single isolates were more common. Pseudomonas was the most commonly cultured organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Escherechia coli and Klebsiella were seen in equal numbers. ESBL rates were 37%. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns and periodic ESBL surveillance helped in selection of appropriate antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]