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With the development of science and technology, forensics has become a more attractive scientific subject to study, and the field of nanoforensic research has seen a lot of interest in nanomaterials. Fingerprints are crucial pieces of evidence at each crime scene, and future fingerprint investigations could greatly benefit from nano-based procedures. In terms of tangible evidence for proving a person’s identity, fingerprints have historically been and now are considered to be the most valuable sort. The prints left behind at a crime scene are typically latent (invisible) fingerprints; therefore, the distinctive ridge details of fingerprints can be obtained by coating various object surfaces with various nanoparticles, with gold being the most popular choice. These nanoparticles include silver, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, gold, carbon, and silica. Latent fingerprints can be made better and more stable using nanoparticles. This review study concentrates on the employment of various nanomaterials in the creation and identification of latent fingerprints as a consequence.

Purpose: To report a case of posttraumatic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear complicated with exudative retinal detachment that underwent spontaneous resolution. Methods: Case report. Results: A 61-year-old healthy female presented with sudden-onset loss of vision in the left eye for 5 days following blunt trauma. She had undergone left upper eyelid and eyebrow laceration repair elsewhere. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination revealed a subfoveal RPE tear with exudative retinal detachment in the left eye. There was spontaneous healing of RPE tear and complete resolution of exudative retinal detachment 2 weeks following the initial presentation. Conclusions: RPE tear is an extremely rare complication following blunt trauma. The size of the RPE tear can play an important role in determining the final visual prognosis in such cases.

Background: A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 2019. SARS-CoV-2 affects respiratory tract and damages the tissue resulting in generation of inflammatory cells such as cytokines and chemokines such as IFN that damage the lung alveoli, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to analyze the blood inflammatory markers of COVID-19 patients and association between clinical outcomes in COVID-19-positive patients with serum inflammatory markers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in 100 bedded dedicated COVID MCH Raigarh CG. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional observational study, 90 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled and categorized into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. Blood inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, CK-Nac as well as hemogram total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, and neutrophil: lymphocyte (N:L) were determined and analyzed. Results: The results of the oxygen saturation (SpO2) severity strength of association with multiple variables taken in the study through logistic regression analysis of COVID-19 patient’s inflammatory markers serum levels of LDH (P

Purpose: This study aimed to document the spectrum of ocular manifestations of hematological malignancies presenting to a tertiary health center in Eastern India and their association with blood parameters. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to July 2022. Patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma were enrolled in the study. A comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation was done in each case. Results: A total of 97 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of hematological malignancies and meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Ocular manifestations were noted in 48 (49.48%) patients. Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounted for 35.4% of cases, followed by acute myeloid leukemia (31.25%), lymphoma (4.2%), and minimum manifestation in multiple myeloma (2.1%) patients. Among 48 patients with ocular manifestations, anterior segment involvement was found in 6.2% of cases, with subconjunctival hemorrhage being the most common, and the posterior segment was involved in 100% of patients, with intraretinal hemorrhages being the most common manifestation. A statistically significant association was noted between hemoglobin, total red blood cell count, and total platelet count with posterior segment manifestations (p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, only total leucocyte count and total platelet count were significant predictors for ocular manifestation. Conclusion: Indirect involvement of the retina is the most common ocular pathology in hematological malignancies, with intraretinal hemorrhages being the most common finding. Ophthalmic examination is highly recommended as a part of the routine evaluation at the time of diagnosis of hematological malignancies and periodically thereafter to diagnose any ocular involvement.

Abstract This work reports the epitaxial growth of 8.5 µm-thick GaN layers on 200 mm engineered substrates with a polycrystalline AlN core (QST by QROMIS) for CMOS compatible processing of vertical GaN power devices. The epitaxial stack contains a 5 $$\upmu$$ μ m thick drift layers with a Si doping density of 2 × 1016 cm−3 and total threading dislocation density of 4 × 108 cm−2. The thick drift layer requires fine-tuning of the epitaxial growth conditions to keep wafer bow under control and to avoid the formation of surface defects. Diode test structures processed with this epitaxial stack achieved hard breakdown voltages > 750 V, which is shown to be limited by impurity or metal diffusion from the contact metal stack into threading dislocations. Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (cAFM) reveals some leakage contribution from mixed type dislocations, which have their core structure identified as the double 5/6 atom configuration by scanning transmission electron microscopy images. Modelling of the leakage conduction mechanism with one-dimensional hopping conduction shows good agreement with the experimental data, and the resulting fitting parameters are compared to similar findings on silicon substrates. The outcome of this work is important to understand the possibilities and limitations of vertical GaN devices fabricated on large diameter wafers.

Introduction: For unstable radius distal fractures, to promote rapid recovery of wrist function, Volar locking plates are used widely. It has been noted that volar plate presence near the watershed line is associated with tendon discomfort, and it was advised to avoid implant prominence in this region. Aim of the Study: To determine which method is more effective in treating wrist or hand fractures, a Synthes 2.4 mm LCP or an Acumed Acu-Loc VLP. Materials & Methods: All patients with a Synthes 2.4 mm LCP or an Acumed Acu-Loc VLP or 4 years were reviewed in a follow-up study. The lunate fossa joint line was 10 millimeters from the pattern of the marginal distal radius fracture. The results were evaluated, including motion range, grip strength, and reported pain levels. Results: Eighty-four patients met the requirements for inclusion. 42 patients received care using the method of Synthes 2.4 mm LCP, while 42 patients received care using Acumed Acu-Loc VLP. The main result showed that the latter results of the Acu-Loc VLP group had significantly better post-operative range of motion (P = 0.016) and grip strength (P = 0.014). Acu-Loc VLP participants also had significantly higher MAYO wrist scores (P = 0.006). Conclusion: If properly and carefully positioned in the position for which it was intended, we think the Acumed Acu-Loc VLP produced superior results than the Synthes 2.4 mm LCP Recommendation: Despite implant improvements, distal radius VLP ORIF still causes flexor tendon irritation or rupture. When properly positioned, the Acumed Acu-Loc VLP beat the 2.4 mm LCP synthesis design in functional results. Treating marginal distal radius fractures with this insertion improves patient satisfaction.

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the current patterns of clinical presentation in the recent onset epidemic viral conjunctivitis in Eastern India. Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted from June 2023 to July 2023. All consecutive patients with presumed viral conjunctivitis were enrolled in the study. We performed a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation to assess various signs and symptoms in every case. Data were statistically analyzed to study recent clinical patterns of viral conjunctivitis. Results: This study enrolled 2,640 patients with presumed viral conjunctivitis. The majority of the affected patients were males (59%). The mean age of the patients was 29.68 ± 15.84 years (range 6 months to 82 years). The highest number of cases (62.3%) was observed in patients aged more than 18 years. Most patients (62.7%) presented with symptoms in one eye, while 37.3% experienced symptoms in both eyes. Foreign body sensation and redness were the most common clinical presentations in 2,490 (94.38%) and 2,433 (92.1%) cases, respectively. Subconjunctival hemorrhage was seen in 47% of cases. Corneal involvement was noted in 43 (1.62%) cases. Resolution of symptoms was reported in most patients (84.4%) within a week. Conclusion: The current epidemic of viral conjunctivitis in Eastern India is self-limiting in nature with minimal corneal involvement. Early diagnosis, isolation of affected individuals, appropriate treatment, and adherence to personal hygiene practices are essential to curb the mass spread of conjunctivitis.

Background & objectives: Dengue (DEN) is a result of infection by one or multiple types of four dengue viruses known as Dengue virus (DENV) 1-4. Identifying circulating serotype and genotype is epidemiologically important, however, it is challenging in resource limited areas. Moreover, transporting samples from the collation site to the laboratory in appropriate condition is an exigent task. To overcome this, we evaluated the usefulness of dry blots of serum for DENV diagnosis, serotyping and genotyping. Methods: Serum samples received for diagnosis were divided into parts; one was used for providing the diagnosis. Remaining sample was distributed in three parts (100 µl each), one part was used for molecular testing and two parts were mixed with RNAlater reagent® in equal volumes and was blotted on Whatman filter paper no 3. The blots were dried and stored at 4°C and 28°C and tested for presence of dengue RNA, serotypes and genotypes after 7 days of incubation. Results: The diagnosis and serotyping results of serum sample and dry serum blots were in concordance. Out of 20 positive samples, 13 (65%) gave satisfactory sequencing results. Genotype III of DENV-1, Genotype IV of DENV 2 and Genotype I of DENV-4 were detected. Interpretation & conclusion: The results demonstrate that serum mixed with RNA protective solution and blotted on Whatman filter paper no 3 can be effectively used for diagnosis, serotyping and genotyping of DENVs. This will help in easy transportation, diagnosis and effective data generation in resource limited settings.

Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is a constant menace to delicate ocular structures. If left untreated, it can lead to sight as well as life-threatening complications. However, such complications may be prevented by timely intervention along with appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. The objectives are to investigate the current bacterial community profile in adult patients with chronic dacryocystitis attending a referral eye care center in Odisha and to determine their drug susceptibility pattern to commonly used antimicrobial agents. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 70 adult patients with chronic dacryocystitis. The discharge from the punctum was collected by doing a regurgitation test or lacrimal passage irrigation and sent for microbiological analysis. Results: Out of 70 samples collected, 54 (77.1%) samples showed bacterial growth after 24–48 h of incubation. Among various isolates recovered, 68.5% were gram-positive and 27.8% were gram-negative organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common isolate among gram-positive, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most common among gram-negative organisms. Among all drugs used in the susceptibility test; amikacin, piperacilin + tazobactam, and netilmycin were found to be most sensitive and cefixime, and amoxycilin + clavulinic acid was found to be most resistant to gram-positive as well as for gram-negative organisms. Conclusion: Knowledge about the microbiological profile and the drug susceptibility pattern responsible for chronic dacryocystitis in a geographical area is important and should be kept in mind while treating these patients.

Abstract Atomically thin, 2D semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, complement silicon in ultra‐scaled nano‐electronic devices. However, the semiconductor and its interfaces become increasingly more difficult to characterize chemically and electrically. Conventional methodologies, including scanning probe microscopies, fail to capture insight into the chemical and electronic nature of the semiconductor, albeit vital to understand its impact on the semiconductor performance. Therefore, this work presents a unique and universal in situ approach combining time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and atomic force microscopy to map chemical differences between regions of different electrical conductivity in epitaxially deposited tungsten disulfide (WS2) on sapphire substrates. Surprisingly, WS2 regions of lower electrical conductivity possess a larger amount of sulfur compared to regions with higher conductivity, for which oxygen is also detected. Such difference in chemical composition likely roots from the non‐homogeneously terminated sapphire starting surface, altering the WS2 nucleation behavior and associated defect formation between neighboring sapphire terraces. These resulting sapphire terrace‐dependent doping effects in the WS2 hamper its electrical conductivity. Thus, accurate chemical assignment at a sub‐micrometer lateral resolution of atomically thin 2D semiconductors is vital to achieve a more detailed understanding on how the growth behavior affects the electrical properties.

Herein, epitaxially regrown n+ (In)GaN source/drain layers for radio frequency high electron mobility transistors, addressing material and electrical characterization, are reported. A range of n+ GaN and n+ InGaN layers with indium 4–12 at% and silicon 0–5.1 × 1020 cm−3 are evaluated. The active carrier concentration in n+ InGaN exceeds 2 × 1020 cm−3. The layers exhibit so‐called V‐defects, observed by atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which are associated with local composition changes. In addition to the high Si doping levels, nitrogen vacancies are also considered to contribute toward their net carrier concentration. Due to its relevance for device processing, selectivity analysis is performed, and the optimal process conditions for selective regrowth are identified. Regrowth under high temperature (800 °C) is found to be conducive to improved selectivity. However, a high thermal budget negatively impacts the overall regrowth process, as reported here for In0.17Al0.83N and Al0.26Ga0.74N barriers: whereas the InAlN barrier suffers from intermixing, the AlGaN barrier demonstrates high‐temperature stability. The impact of intermixing is studied from complementary TEM and DC electrical measurements. A low overall contact resistance of 75 Ω μm is obtained with the regrown n+ InGaN layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDue to exceptional nutritional quality, quinoa is an ideal candidate to solve food insecurity in many countries. Quinoa’s profile of polyphenols, essential amino acids, and lipids make it ideal for digestive health. How the nutrient profile and bioavailability of quinoa metabolites differs across cooking methods such as heat, pressure, and time employed has yet to be elucidated. The objective of this review is to compile available research pertaining to the impact of various cooking methods on quinoa’s nutritional properties with specific emphasis on how those properties affect gut health. Replacing small percentages of wheat flour with quinoa flour in baked bread increases the antioxidant activity, essential amino acids, fiber, minerals, and polyphenols. Extruding quinoa flour reduces amino acid, lipid, and polyphenol content of the raw seed, however direct quinoa and cereal grain extrudate comparisons are absent. Boiling quinoa leads to an increase of dietary fiber as well as exceptional retention of amino acids, lipids, and polyphenols. Baking and extruding with quinoa flour results in less optimal texture due to higher density, however minor substitutions can retain acceptable texture and even improve taste. Future research on quinoa’s substitution in common processing methods will create equally desirable, yet more nutritious food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a costly and ongoing health complication in the United States and globally. Bioactive-rich foods, especially those providing polyphenols, represent an emerging and attractive strategy to address this issue. Berry-derived anthocyanins and their metabolites are of particular interest for their bioactive effects, including weight maintenance and protection from metabolic aberrations. Earlier findings from small clinical trials suggest modulation of substrate oxidation and glucose tolerance with mediation of prospective benefits attributable to the gut microbiota, but mixed results suggest appropriate anthocyanin dosing poses a challenge. The objective of this randomized, placebo-controlled study was to determine if anthocyanin-dense elderberry juice (EBJ) reproduces glucoregulatory and substrate oxidation effects observed with other berries and if this is mediated by the gut microbiota. Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m2) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. Each treatment period included 4 days of controlled feeding with a 40% fat diet to allow for comparison of measurements in fecal microbiota, meal tolerance testing (MTT), and indirect calorimetry between test beverages. Eighteen study volunteers completed the study. At the phylum level, EBJ significantly increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and decreased Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, EBJ increased Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, and Bifidobacterium and decreased Bacteroides and lactic acid-producing bacteria, indicating a positive response to EBJ. Supporting the changes to the microbiota, the EBJ treatment significantly reduced blood glucose following the MTT. Fat oxidation also increased significantly both during the MTT and 30 min of moderate physical activity with the EBJ treatment. Our findings confirm the bioactivity of EBJ-sourced anthocyanins on outcomes related to gut health and obesity. Follow-up investigation is needed to confirm our findings and to test for longer durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the interface dislocations in InxGa1−xN/GaN heterostructures (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) using diffraction contrast analysis in a transmission electron microscope. The results indicate that the structural properties of interface dislocations depend on the indium composition. For lower indium composition (up to x = 0.09), we observed that the screw-type dislocations and dislocation half-loops occurred at the interface, even though the former do not contribute toward elastic relaxation of the misfit strain in the InGaN layer. With the increase in indium composition (0.13 ≤ x ≤ 0.17), in addition to the network of screw-type dislocations, edge-type misfit dislocations were generated, with their density gradually increasing. For higher indium composition (0.18 ≤ x ≤ 0.20), all of the interface dislocations are transformed into a network of straight misfit dislocations along the direction, leading to partial relaxation of the InGaN epilayer. The presence of dislocation half-loops may be explained by a slip on basal plane; formation of edge-type misfit dislocations are attributed to punch-out mechanism.

The present study was conducted on the blood cells of thirty domestic fowls, guinea fowls and pigeons. Ten birds were taken from each species. Basophils in all the three species were positive for mucopolysaccharides. The reactivity in guinea fowls was strong, moderate in pigeons and weak in domestic fowls. Heterophils showed strong reactivity in guinea fowls, moderate in pigeons and weakest reaction in fowls for glycogen when stained with PAS stain. Eosinophils of guinea fowls showed strongest and moderate reactivity in fowls, while weakest reactivity was observed in pigeons when blood smears were stained with Sudan Black B stain. Leucocytes showed negative reaction for mucopolysaccharide, glycogen and lipid in domestic fowls, guinea fowls and pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new scanning probe microscopy (SPM) concept called reverse tip sample scanning probe microscopy (RTS SPM), where the tip and sample positions are reversed as compared to traditional SPM. The main benefit of RTS SPM over the standard SPM configuration is that it allows for simple and fast tip changes. This overcomes two major limitations of SPM which are slow data acquisition and a strong dependency of the data on the tip condition. A probe chip with thousands of sharp integrated tips is the basis of our concept. We have developed a nanofabrication protocol for Si based probe chips and their functionalization with metal and diamond coatings, evaluated our probe chips for various RTS SPM applications (multi-tip imaging, SPM tomography, and correlative SPM), and showed the high potential of the RTS SPM concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]