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Abstract In the realm of ferroelectric memories, HfO2-based ferroelectrics stand out because of their exceptional CMOS compatibility and scalability. Nevertheless, their switchable polarization and switching speed are not on par with those of perovskite ferroelectrics. It is widely acknowledged that defects play a crucial role in stabilizing the metastable polar phase of HfO2. Simultaneously, defects also pin the domain walls and impede the switching process, ultimately rendering the sluggish switching of HfO2. Herein, we present an effective strategy involving acceptor-donor co-doping to effectively tackle this dilemma. Remarkably enhanced ferroelectricity and the fastest switching process ever reported among HfO2 polar devices are observed in La3+-Ta5+ co-doped HfO2 ultrathin films. Moreover, robust macro-electrical characteristics of co-doped films persist even at a thickness as low as 3 nm, expanding potential applications of HfO2 in ultrathin devices. Our systematic investigations further demonstrate that synergistic effects of uniform microstructure and smaller switching barrier introduced by co-doping ensure the enhanced ferroelectricity and shortened switching time. The co-doping strategy offers an effective avenue to control the defect state and improve the ferroelectric properties of HfO2 films.

Abstract Chirality or handedness of a material can be used as an order parameter to uncover the emergent electronic properties for quantum information science. Conventionally, chirality is found in naturally occurring biomolecules and magnetic materials. Chirality can be engineered in a topological polar vortex ferroelectric/dielectric system via atomic-scale symmetry-breaking operations. We use four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) to map out the topology-driven three-dimensional domain walls, where the handedness of two neighbor topological domains change or remain the same. The nature of the domain walls is governed by the interplay of the local perpendicular (lateral) and parallel (axial) polarization with respect to the tubular vortex structures. Unique symmetry-breaking operations and the finite nature of domain walls result in a triple point formation at the junction of chiral and achiral domain walls. The unconventional nature of the domain walls with triple point pairs may result in unique electrostatic and magnetic properties potentially useful for quantum sensing applications.

Polar skyrmions are particle-like objects consisted of swirling electric dipoles that hold promise for next generation nanodevices. Here, the authors explore the strain-induced transition from skyrmions to merons using electron imaging methods.

In the manufacturing sector, water has been often considered too cheap to conserve. Such thinking relies on water valuations that limit the value of water to the price paid. Using such simple methods, the share of water cost to total manufacturing cost is significantly small,

In ferroelectric heterostructures, the interaction between intrinsic polarization and the electric field generates a rich set of localized electrical properties. The local electric field is determined by several connected factors, including the charge distribution of individual unit cells, the interfacial electromechanical boundary conditions, and chemical composition of the interfaces. However, especially in ferroelectric perovskites, a complete description of the local electric field across micro-, nano-, and atomic-length scales is missing. Here, by applying four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM) with multiple probe sizes matching the size of structural features, we directly image the electric field of polarization vortices in (PbTiO3)16/(SrTiO3)16 superlattices and reveal different electric field configurations corresponding to the atomic scale electronic ordering and the nanoscale boundary conditions. The separability of two different fields probed by 4D STEM offers the possibility to reveal how each contributes to the electronic properties of the film.

The polar chiral texture of the vortex or skyrmion structure in ferroelectric oxide PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattice attracts attention. Here, the authors report a theoretical framework to probe emergent chirality of electrical polarization textures.

Reducing the switching energy of ferroelectric films remains an important goal. Here, the authors elucidate the fundamental role of lattice dynamics in ferroelectric switching on both freestanding BiFeO3 membranes and films clamped to a substrate.

Frank conjunctival bleeding in an adult male is a very rare presentation. There are so many causes of conjunctival bleedings; hence, a detailed medical history along with investigations apart from ocular, ENT, and a systemic evaluation is very important to find the exact etiology. Here, we present a case of frank conjunctival bleeding in an 18-year-old boy with a history of acne disorder and hematemesis. Detailed ocular, dermatological, and systemic examination has shown a correlation between acne disorder, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye syndrome, and Helicobacter pylori (HP) gastritis in this case. HP infection along with androgen hormone overactivity has been thought to be responsible for the pathophysiology of this frank conjunctival bleeding in this case.

GCA is a granulomatous vasculitis of unknown origin and targets large vessels with predominance for the aortic arch and the cranial branches. The underlying etiology of GCA is complex and has been widely researched, yet is still not well understood. The average age of presentation is 72.5 years for women and 70.3 years old for men. Furthermore, women are affected between 2 and 6 times more often than men. With vision loss, ophthalmologists are on the front lines of diagnosing the disorder. In addition to vision loss, patients commonly note associated symptoms such as headache, jaw claudication, diplopia, myalgias, and constitutional symptoms. The most commonly feared sequel of GCA is permanent visual loss secondary to arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION). Here we present a series of case reports of GCA with their various presentations.

Image segmentation is one of the pivotal steps in image processing due to its enormous application potential in medical image analysis, data mining, and pattern recognition. In fact, image segmentation is the process of splitting an image into multiple parts in order to provide detailed information on different aspects of the image. Traditional image segmentation techniques suffer from local minima and premature convergence issues when exploring complex search spaces. Additionally, these techniques also take considerable runtime to find the optimal pixels as the threshold levels are increased. Therefore, in order to overcome the computational overhead and convergence problems of the multilevel thresholding process, a robust optimizer, namely the Levy flight and Chaos theory-based Gravitational Search Algorithm (LCGSA), is employed to perform the segmentation of the COVID-19 chest CT scan images. In LCGSA, exploration is carried out by Levy flight, while chaotic maps guarantee the exploitation of the search space. Meanwhile, Kapur’s entropy method is utilized for segmenting the image into various regions based on the pixel intensity values. To investigate the segmentation performance of ten chaotic versions of LCGSA, firstly, several benchmark images from the USC-SIPI database are considered for the numerical analysis. Secondly, the applicability of LCGSA for solving real-world image processing problems is examined by using various COVID-19 chest CT scan imaging datasets from the Kaggle database. Further, an ablation study is carried out on different chest CT scan images by considering ground truth images. Moreover, various qualitative and quantitative metrics are used for the performance evaluation. The overall analysis of the experimental results indicated the efficient performance of LCGSA over other peer algorithms in terms of taking less computational time and providing optimal values for image quality metrics.

The response of the electronic structure to the non-trivial polarization texture in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices has not been explored. Here, the authors reveal how the peaks of the spectra shift and change their local electronic structure depending on the position of the Ti cation.

The issue of air pollution from particulate matter (PM) is getting worse as more and more people move into urban areas around the globe. Due to the complexity and diversity of pollution sources, it has long been hard to rely on source control techniques to manage this issue. Due to the fact that urban trees may provide a variety of ecosystem services, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative strategies for dramatically improving air quality. PM has always been a significant concern due to its adverse effects on humans and the entire ecosystem. The severity of this issue has risen in the current global environmental context. Numerous studies on respiratory and other human disorders have revealed a statistical relationship between human exposure to outdoor levels of particles or dust and harmful health effects. These risks are undeniably close to industrial areas where these airborne, inhalable particles are produced. The combined and individual effects of the particle and gaseous contaminants on plants’ general physiology can be detrimental. According to research, plant leaves, the primary receptors of PM pollution, can function as biological filters to remove significant amounts of particles from the atmosphere of urban areas. This study showed that vegetation could provide a promising green infrastructure (GI) for better air quality through the canopy and leaf-level processes, going beyond its traditional role as a passive target and sink for air pollutants. Opportunities exist for urban GI as a natural remedy for urban pollution caused by PMs.

Abstract Double perovskite oxides, with generalized formula A2BB $$^{\prime}$$ ′ O6, attract wide interest due to their multiferroic and charge transfer properties. They offer a wide range of potential applications such as spintronics and electrically tunable devices. However, great practical limitations are encountered, since a spontaneous order of the B-site cations is notoriously hard to achieve. In this joint experimental-theoretical work, we focused on the characterization of double perovskites La2TiFeO6 and La2VCuO6 films grown by pulsed laser deposition and interpretation of the observed B-site disorder and partial charge transfer between the B-site ions. A random structure sampling method was used to show that several phases compete due to their corresponding configurational entropy. In order to capture a representative picture of the most relevant competing microstates in realistic experimental conditions, this search included the potential formation of non-stoichiometric phases as well, which could also be directly related to the observed partial charge transfer. We optimized the information encapsulated in the potential energy landscape, captured via structure sampling, by evaluating both enthalpic and entropic terms. These terms were employed as a metric for the competition of different phases. This approach, applied herein specifically to La2TiFeO6, highlights the presence of highly entropic phases above the ground state which can explain the disorder observed frequently in the broader class of double perovskite oxides.

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the bioactivities such as β-glucosidase activity, α-galactosidase activity, and the growth behavior of the Lactobacillus cultures in soy milk medium. Ten Lactobacillus cultures were considered in this study. L. fermentum (M2) and L. casei (NK9) were selected due to their better α-galactosidase, β-glucosidase activity and growth behavior in soy milk medium during fermentation. Further, soy milk fermented with M2 showed higher proteolytic activity (0.67 OD) and ACE-inhibitory (48.44%) than NK9 (proteolytic activity: 0.48 OD and ACE-inhibitory activity: 41.33%). Bioactive peptides produced during the fermentation of soy milk using the selected Lactobacillus cultures were also identified with potent ACE-inhibitory activity by MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and the identified ACE inhibitory peptide sequences from fermented soy milk were characterized using Biopep database. Graphical abstract

Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition with exacerbations and remissions, which requires long-term therapy to maintain symptomatic control. Etiology of rosacea is not fully understood and more than 50% of patients with rosacea have ocular manifestations such as blepharitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and rosacea-associated keratitis. Sight-threatening disease is rare with rosacea; however, keratitis can result in corneal ulceration and eventual perforation if not treated aggressively. Here, in my case, there is acne rosacea associated with blepharitis, dryness, peripheral keratitis, and eventually landed up with corneal perforation which then managed with corneal grafting.

In this article, we introduce a very low-price smartphone fundus camera device with basic amenities. It has become very fruitful toward undergraduate teaching at the bedside or in the outpatient department, especially where there are no facilities for the fundus camera unit. A fundus camera unit is an essential part of retina clinic, and it is very costly. Fundus photographs are very essential for disease diagnosis, its follow-up, and for disease monitoring. It cannot be carried to the camp side. Commercially, available fundus cameras are the alternative to this, but again very costly. Almost zero price this innovation helps the students to see the fundus pathologies with their own eyes and make them more clinically oriented.

Topological phenomena at the oxide interfaces attract the scientific community for the fertile ground of exotic physical properties and highly favorable applications in the area of high-density low-energy nonvolatile memory and spintronic devices. Synthesis of atomically controlled ultrathin high-quality films with superior interfaces and their characterization by high resolution experimental set up along with high output theoretical calculations matching with the experimental results make this field possible to explain some of the promising quantum phenomena and exotic phases. In this review, we highlight some of the interesting interface aspects in ferroic thin films and heterostructures including the topological Hall effect in magnetic skyrmions, strain dependent interlayer magnetic interactions, interlayer coupling mediated electron conduction, switching of noncollinear spin texture etc. Finally, a brief overview followed by the relevant aspects and future direction for understanding, improving, and optimizing the topological phenomena for next generation applications are discussed.

The rural tribal people of Meghalaya depend mostly on their ethnic fermented foods as a part of their regular diet and these fermented foods are considered to be a hub of healthy microorganisms. However, the efficacy of probiotic microorganisms is considered to be population-specific because of gut microflora variation in food habits and specific host-microbial interactions. Hence, a strong need for exploring novel indigenous microorganisms with rich probiotic potentiality is required. A few indigenous Lactobacillus isolates (from traditional fermented foods of Meghalaya) were studied extensively for its technological and probiotic attributes. The isolates could survive at pH 2–3 (L. fermentum K16 showed high cell count: pH 2–5.12 log CFU/ml; pH 3–5.76 log CFU/ml), against bile salts (L. fermentum K7 showed high cell count-5.36 log CFU/ml), gastric juices (pepsin and trypsin), and intestinal juice (pancreatin). The isolates showed α-galactosidase activity from 0.104-0.412 μM/ml and β-glucosidase activity ranging from 0.122-0.409 μM/ml. Exopolysaccharide production was in between 410 and 950 mg/L. Cell surface hydrophobicity was 71.57% (L. rhamnosus K4E) and auto-aggregation was 83% (L. fermentum K16) during the study. Highest proteolytic activity (0.671 nm) and cholesterol assimilation (52.57%) was exhibited by L. fermentum K16. The isolates showed high free radical scavenging activity by ABTS method up to 80.78% by isolate L. fermentum K7. Antibacterial activity and co-aggregation efficacy was also tested against B. cereus, E. faecalis, S. dysenteriae, S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. typhi. These indigenous Lactobacillus isolates with high probiotic potentials could be exploited in the development of the traditional fermented foods of Meghalaya.

The combination of VO2 and metasurfaces has opened an attractive route to dynamically control terahertz (THz) waves based on the giant conductivity change. However, the high-precision control of microfabrication and single performance of conductivity change limit the multifunctional application of VO2-based metasurfaces. Here, we proposed a VO2-metallic hybrid metasurface by in situ depositing high-quality VO2 thin films onto a metasurface composed of asymmetric Fano resonance units. It exhibits agile frequency and amplitude modulation for THz transmission across tuning the dielectric constant and conductivity of VO2. The metallic metasurface is designed as a matrix to achieve high transmission at 0.61 and 0.78 THz due to the split-ring resonance. During the thermally triggered phase transition of VO2, we found that the resonance frequency and amplitude can be tuned dominantly by the change of dielectric constant and conductivity, respectively. In particular, the increased dielectric constant enables red shift of the frequency by around 0.48 THz and the conductivity increases lead to a giant THz amplitude modulation of 88%. These results provide a route for developing VO2-based THz smart devices combined with functional metasurfaces and hold great promise for applications in THz sensor and modulation.

This article proposes an algorithmic approach for group decision making (GDM) problems using neutrosophic soft matrix (NSM) and relative weights of experts. NSM is the matrix representation of neutrosophic soft sets (NSSs), where NSS is the combination of neutrosophic set and soft set. We propose a new idea for assigning relative weights to the experts based on cardinalities of NSSs. The relative weight is assigned to each of the experts based on their preferred attributes and opinions, which reduces the chance of unfairness in the decision making process. Firstly we introduce choice matrix and combined choice matrix using neutrosophic sets. Multiplying combined choice matrices with the individual NSMs, this study develops product NSMs, which are aggregated to find out the collective NSM. Then neutrosophic cross-entropy measure is used to rank the alternatives and for selecting the most desirable one(s). This study also provides a comparative analysis of the proposed weight based approach with the normal procedure, where weight is not considered. Finally, a case study illustrates the applicability of the proposed approach. Keywords: Group decision making, Neutrosophic soft matrix, Choice matrix, Relative weight

Comparison of picture fuzzy numbers (PFNs) are performed using score and accuracy values. But when both of the score and accuracy values are equal, those PFNs are said to be identical. This article presents a novel method to compare the PFNs even when the score and accuracy values of those PFNs are equal. The proposed ranking method is based on positive ideal solution, positive and negative goal differences, and score and accuracy degrees of the picture fuzzy numbers. A new score function is proposed to calculate the actual score value which depends on the positive and negative goal differences and the neutral degree. Finally, a real-life example has been used to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

Microorganisms produce various secondary metabolites for growth and survival. During iron stress, they produce secondary metabolites termed siderophores. In the current investigation, antifungal activity of catecholate siderophore produced by Escherichia coli has been assessed against Aspergillus nidulans. Exogenous application of the bacterial siderophore to fungal cultures resulted in decreased colony size, increased filament length, and changes in hyphal branching pattern. Growth inhibition was accompanied with increased intracellular iron content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed dose-dependent alteration in fungal morphology. Fluorescent staining by propidium iodide revealed cell death in concert with growth inhibition with increasing siderophore concentration. Antioxidative enzyme activity was also compromised with significant increase in catalase activity and decrease in ascorbate peroxidase activity. Siderophore-treated cultures showed increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species as observed by fluorescence microscopy and enhanced membrane damage in terms of malondialdehyde content. Antifungal property might thus be attributed to xenosiderophore-mediated iron uptake leading to cell death. STRING analysis showed interaction of MirB (involved in transport of hydroxamate siderophore) and MirA (involved in transport of catecholate siderophore), confirming the possibility of uptake of iron–xenosiderophore complex through fungal transporters. MirA structure was modeled and validated with 95% residues occurring in the allowed region. In silico analysis revealed MirA–Enterobactin–Fe3+ complex formation. Thus, the present study reveals a promising antifungal agent in the form of catecholate siderophore and supports involvement of MirA fungal receptors in xenosiderophore uptake.

High concentrations of tropospheric ozone (O3) is a serious concern in India. The generation and atmospheric dynamics of this trace gas depend on the availability of its precursors and meteorological variables. Like other parts of the world, the COVID-19 imposed lockdown and restrictions on major anthropogenic activities executed a positive impact on the ambient air quality with reduced primary pollutants/precursors load. In spite of this, several reports pointed towards a higher O3 in major Indian cities during the lockdown. The present study designed with 30 pan-Indian mega-, class I-, and class II-cities revealed critical and contrasting aspects of the geographical location, source, precursor, and meteorological variable dependency of the spatial and temporal O3 formation. This unexpected O3 increase in the major cities might forecast the probable future risks for the National Air Quality policies, especially O3 pollution management, in the Indian sub-continent. The results also pointed towards the severity of the north Indian air quality, followed by the western and eastern parts. We believe these results will definitely pave the way for researchers and policy-makers for predicting/framing regional and/or national O3 management strategies in the future.

Clamping effects in ferroelestastic thin films limits their usefulness for applications such as sensitive mechanical sensors. Here, the authors report on non-local mechanical force induced switching in PbTiO3 thin films by tuning the material to a state of nearly energetically degenerate co-existing domains.

Summary: Background & aims: Tungrymbai is a fermented soy product which is a sticky food that exhibits unique flavour and texture which is exclusively made by the local Khasi tribes of Meghalaya (India). A similar kind of product was prepared under laboratory conditions followed by shelf-life study and analysis of its bio-functional attributes with comparison to the traditionally made product. Methods: The traditional practice for the preparation of Tungrymbai was closely monitored and a similar product preparation was made in laboratory conditions using indigenous Lactobacillus cultures. The shelf life study (physicochemical, microbial and organoleptic attributes) was conducted for 4 days for the Tungrymbai products. Further, the bio-functional properties such as ACE-inhibitory, antioxidative activity and biotransformation of Isoflavones were analysed for laboratory made Tungrymbai products with inoculation of Lactobacillus cultures as well as without inoculation (control). Results: Out of all the quality attributes of the various Tungrymbai samples, Tungrymbai with 1% cell biomass of Lactobacillus culture in combinations was mostly preferred by the sensory panellists than other samples with a sensory score >6. ACE inhibitory activity of Tungrymbai prepared under laboratory condition increased from 30.75% at day 0–83.55% at day 5, followed by a reduction after day 10 (36.98%) and the antioxidative activity was maximum at day 0 (99.14%) followed by a decrease at day 2 (81.01%). After fermentation of 4 days, production of soy isoflavones in agyclones were 34.70% genistein and 29.37% daidzein for traditionally made Tungrymbai and 55.44% genistein and 86.58% daidzein for laboratory made Tungrymbai infused with Lactobacillus cultures. Conclusion: Hence, the Lactobacillus culture combinations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus K4E and L. helveticus K14 could serve as potential candidates for the preparation of novel ethnic fermented foods in Meghalaya with more improved bio-functionality. Keywords: Tungrymbai, Lactobacillus, ACE-inhibition, Antioxidation, Isoflavones

Different soybean products are considered as traditional functional food among the Mongolian population in Northeast India. In the present study, the effect of different flavours (mango, orange, vanilla and white rose), inoculation rates of Lactobacillus rhamnosus K4E (KX950834) and Lactobacillus helveticus K14 (KU644578), and mass fractions of skimmed milk and sugar on the acceptability of soy yoghurts was studied. Physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity) and microbial analyses (total bacterial, total coliform, yeast and mould count) were conducted, and organoleptic (aroma, taste, colour, mouthfeel, texture and overall acceptability) and biofunctional properties (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and biotransformation of isoflavones) were evaluated during storage up to 10 days under refrigeration conditions (6–8 °C). Panellists preferred white rose soy yoghurt more than other flavours. The pH was from 5.65 to 4.20, the titratable acidity (expressed as mass fraction of lactic acid) was from 0.33 to 0.51 % and total Lactobacillus count ranged from 6.81 to 8.69 log CFU/mL during storage. The ACE inhibitory activity increased from 21.17 % on day 0 to 81.03 % on day 5, followed by a decrease of the activity after 10 days (38.85 %). The antioxidant activity was the highest on day 5 (87 %). White rose soy yoghurt had the highest antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, followed by Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. RP-HPLC analysis showed that after 18 h, the production of soy isoflavone aglycones genistein and daidzein in yoghurt was 87.3 and 58.4 %, respectively

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the second-most common central nervous system cancer after meningiomas. GBM is sporadic and is slightly more common in men than women over 50 years of age whereas, females were predominant in the present case series. All patients presented with symptoms of headache, drowsiness, nausea, and personality changes. On ophthalmic examination, all of them had papilledema. On subsequent brain imagining, there were space-occupying lesions and all were confirmed GBM after histopathological examination of the tumor. Neuroimaging is the gold standard of investigations for GBM and diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the ocular involvements, its complications, visual outcome, and treatment response of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Design: This was an observational and retrospective study. Methods: All clinically diagnosed cases were included in the study. All were subjected to corneal staining, corneal sensation, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, and fundus examination. All were treated with oral acyclovir (800 mg) 1 tablet 5 times a day for 5 days along with tablet pregabalin (150 mg twice/day) and neurobion forte (1 tablet/day). Acyclovir eye ointment was given 5 times a day for 14 days with antibiotic and cycloplegic drops. Mean follow-up was 12 months. Results: Mean age of presentation was 51–55 years (40%) with male predominance (88.6%). Unilateral eye involvement was 32 (91.4%) and bilateral was three (8.6%). Blepharitis was (80%) the most common ocular involvement followed by punctuate keratitis (77.1). Ocular complications were neurotrophic keratopathy (5.7%), corneal opacity (5.7%), and postherpetic neuralgia (62.9%). Mean BCVA was 20/20 in 33 eyes (94.3%). The sensitivity of acyclovir was found 100%. Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis and early institution of antiviral therapy are necessary to prevent ocular morbidity. History of chickenpox, low immunity, and environmental factors (hot climate, humidity, and rainfall,) greatly influences the occurrence of HZO. The overall visual outcome is good with early institution of antiviral therapy.

Background: Fungal keratitis accounts for 50% of all microbial keratitis, depending upon the geographic location. Filamentary fungi are predominant in tropical and subtropical climates. Treatment is given based on clinical diagnosis supported by the presence of fungus in potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounting, rather than on culture report because culture takes time. Reported studies from northern part of the country revealed Aspergillus as the most common fungus, whereas Fusarium was reported to be the most common fungus in southern part of the country. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common fungus isolated in our study and the response to standard treatment is good. Aim of the Study: To identify spectrum of fungi, response to the standard treatment given, and sensitivity of KOH preparation in clinically diagnosed fungal corneal ulcers and to identify the predisposing factors and culture-positive cases (both Sabouraud's and blood culture). Methods: All patients who were clinically diagnosed to have fungal corneal ulcer, based on history, clinical features, and slit-lamp findings over a period of 1 year, were included in the study. All patients were subjected to corneal scraping and the material was examined by KOH mounting, Gram staining, and specific culture techniques. The ulcer was treated as per the standard treatment protocol followed in the institution, and the response to treatment was analyzed. Results: The study included 40 patients, with males being predominated (n = 36). KOH positivity was seen in 34 (85%) cases whereas KOH negativity was seen in 6 (15%) cases. Gram stain was positive in 6 (15%) cases. The culture was positive in all cases (100%). The most common fungus isolated was A. fumigatus – 24 (60%) cases. The response to the treatment after 8 weeks was found in 34 (85%) cases. Enucleation was done in 7 (17.5%) cases. Total therapeutic keratoplasty was done in 7 (17.5%) cases. Total penetrating keratoplasty was done in 4 (10%) cases. Conclusions: Rapid diagnosis and early institution of antifungal therapy are necessary to prevent ocular morbidity and blindness. Although culture helps in definite diagnosis and identification, direct microscopic detection of fungal structures in corneal scrapes permits a rapid presumptive diagnosis.

We demonstrate the selective, pulsed-laser deposition of hexagonal GaS and monoclinic Ga2S3 films on sapphire substrates from a single Ga2S3 target in high-vacuum conditions. Growth at substrate temperatures below 550 °C causes GaS film formation, which indicates non-stoichiometric transfer from the target to the film. Surprisingly, stoichiometric transfer occurs at substrate temperatures above 650 °C with monoclinic Ga2S3 as the preferred, higher S-content phase. Through a series of growth and annealing experiments, we show that GaS nucleation under S-deficient conditions leads to the preferred growth of this layered, hexagonal phase below 550 °C. Furthermore, GaS films annealed above 650 °C under high vacuum are transformed to Ga2S3, reflecting the greater stability of the monoclinic phase. By first growing Ga2S3 at a higher temperature and subsequently growing GaS at a lower temperature, we can fabricate GaS/Ga2S3 heterostructures in a single growth process.

To fully exploit the potential of multiferroic materials the control of their intrinsic degrees of freedom is a prerequisite. Here, the control of spin orientation in strained BiFeO3 films is demonstrated elucidating the microscopic mechanism of the complex interplay of polar and magnetic order.

The most common cause of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is indirect injury to the optic nerve, which is thought to be the result of transmitted shock from an orbital impact to the intracanalicular portion of optic nerve. Direct TON can result from penetrating injury or from bony fragments in the optic canal or orbit piercing the optic nerve. Orbital hemorrhage and optic nerve sheath hematoma can also cause TON by direct compression. There may be optic nerve avulsion and transection also. Trauma to the optic nerve rarely improves vision with best of the management. The diagnosis of TON is made clinically based on history and ophthalmic signs along with neurological investigations. The management of indirect optic nerve injury is controversial. Experimental studies of optic nerve injury have employed Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head injury study, National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS 2 and 3) and optic canal depression surgery. Most of the therapeutic regimens have been extrapolated from the NASCIS II, which showed a statistically significant improvement in neurologic outcome (motor and sensory) in a subgroup analysis of acute spinal cord injury patients receiving a methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg bolus within 8 h of injury, followed by 5.4 mg/kg/h for 23 h, but sometimes have high death rates and other complications. Based on the studies, good results can be obtained if interventions are made within 8 h of incident and observation thereafter.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the surgical outcome of suture-free, glue-free limbal conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision. Design: This was a prospective, interventional, and hospital-based study. Materials and Methods: Forty eyes of 40 patients with primary pterygium were graded, and excision was performed by the single surgeon. To prevent recurrence-free LCAG was used with special surgical technique “subconjunctival resection of fibrovascular pteygium and cauterization of limbal base to destroy abnormal limbal cells along with resection of 7-mm pteygium.” In this technique, we used patient's own blood as a bioadhesive. The eye was patched for 24 h postoperatively. Patients were treated with topical eye drop prednisolone acetate (1%) 1 drop six times per day with gradual tapering every week, eye drop moxifloxacin (0.5%) 1 drop four times per day, eye drop nepafanac (0.5%) 1 drop four times per day, eye drop carboxymethyl cellulose 1 drop six times per day, and carboxymethyl gel at night for 6 weeks. The outcomes were assessed regarding any recurrence, complication(s), and operative time at each follow-up visit on day 1, day 7, day 30, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: There were 30 males (75%) and 10 females (25%). The mean age of all the patients was −51.15 (51.15 ± 10.3 years), range 51–60 years. Cosmetic reason was the chief indication of surgery (11 eyes, 27.5%), followed by recurrent redness (nine eyes, 22.5%). There was no recurrence, and the most common complication was hemorrhagic graft (18 eyes, 45%). All grafts appear indistinguishable by 3 months and were free of symptoms. Average surgical time was 18 ± 2 min. Conclusion: (1) 8-mm LCAG with subconjunctival resection of fibrovascular pteygium and cauterization of limbal base to destroy abnormal limbal cells are very affecting in preventing recurrences. (2) Using patient's own blood as bioadhesive is associated with less postoperative discomfort, less postoperative time, and less complications.

Tubercular scleritis is a rare condition and the sclera may be involved by direct spread from the adjacent ocular structures or more commonly by hematogenous spread as a secondary involvement. The present case of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with diabetes presented with features of anterior scleritis, anterior uveitis, and peripheral vasculitis and was well managed with antitubercular therapy, systemic analgesic (indomethacin), systemic short course of corticosteroid, and antidiabetic drugs. Systemic steroid is always reserved for patients with severe scleritis/necrotizing scleritis, and it was a challenge for us to start systemic steroid in a patient with sputum-positive pulmonary TB.

Background/Aims: To investigate the efficacy of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling following pars plana vitrectomy for cases of recalcitrant diabetic macular edema in terms of improved visual acuity and reduced central macular thickness (CMT). Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized interventional study of 60 eyes with recalcitrant diabetic macular edema between age groups of 30–75 years of either sex were included if they are unresponsive to at least one intravitreal steroid after 4 weeks followed by at least one intravitreal antivascul©ar endothelial growth factors followed by conventional laser treatment after 8 weeks at least within or

One of the most important parasites which frequently cause blindness in humans is the cysticercus cellulosae. Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, is the causative organism of cysticercosis, in which humans are the intermediate hosts in the life cycle. Cysticercus cellulosae may become encysted in various bodily tissues, usually the eyes, central nervous system, and subcutaneous tissues. An immunologic reaction with fairly intense inflammatory signs and symptoms may be produced, and the surrounding structures may be compressed. Acquired strabismus, diplopia, recurrent redness, and painful proptosis are some of the clinical signs in patients with orbital cysticercosis. Diagnosis of cysticercosis is based mainly on orbital imaging because of its highly specific appearance. Medical therapy is the main stay of treatment. Cysticercosis is the infestation by cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of the pork tapeworm, T. solium. It is contracted by ingestion of the infective cysticerci in under cooked pork; ingestion of eggs of T. solium in contaminated water, food, or vegetables; and regurgitation of eggs from the small intestine. The sites for predilection for the development of cysticerci are the central nervous system, subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and the eye.

The sclera is a dense poorly vascularized connective tissue structure composed of Types I, III, IV, V, VI, and VIII collagen. The characteristic blue sclera is caused by thinness and transparency of the collagen fibers of the sclera that allow visualization of the underlying uvea. The sclera may be thinned in congenital diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta or in acquired diseases such as iron deficiency anemia.

The incidence of infertility and biochemical profile of crossbred cows in Cuttack district of Odisha, India was studied. The survey on reproductive disorder distribution revealed, that the incidence of reproductive problems were 33.4% in cross bred cows and 51.2% in heifers. Out of the total reproductive disorder cases, 26.62%, 2.52% and 4.32% of cases were recorded as repeater, anoestrus and others, respectively in crossbred cows and the corresponding reproductive disorders were recorded as 12.24%, 37.41% and 1.36%, respectively among the crossbred heifers. Among anoestrus animals the percentage of non-functional ovary was found in 44.0% cows. The presences of sub active ovary percentages were 50.66 among anoestrus cows and 27.96 among repeat breeding cows. The average levels of serum glucose, ranged from 52.57 ±1.76 to 59.40±2.32 mg/dl, serum cholesterol ranged from 118.30±3.38 to 129.10±6.98 mg/dl, total protein ranged from 6.63±0.31 to 7.32±0.24 g/dl, serum albumin ranged from 2.64±0.27 to 3.23± 0.06 g/dl, serum globulin ranged from 3.40±0.30 to 4.37±0.32 g/dl, serum urea ranged from 24.80±2.14 to 29.70±2.22 mg/dl, triglyceride ranged from 77.58±2.45 to 83.36±2.02 mg/dl, SGPT ranged from 15.58±0.26 to 16.43±0.22 U/L, SGOT ranged from 76.38±3.41 to 77.69±2.17U/L, ALP ranged from 126.62±4.94 to 128.42±3.72 U/L. No significant (P

The data present in this article is related to evaluation of standardized methanolic extract of Vernonia elaeagnifolia aerial parts [MEVE], a species of Asteraceae family for antiulcer potential. Antiulcer activity of MEVE (200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) was evaluated with ethanol and aspirin induced ulcer models and pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer model. The antioxidant potential of MEVE was evaluated with nitric oxide radicals, hydroxyl radical and H2O2 radical scavenging assay against standard ascorbic acid to correlate antioxidant and antiulcerogenic action. MEVE significantly protects the gastric mucosa against the ethanol and aspirin induced ulcer and pylorus ligation induced ulcer challenge. MEVE had shown significant [normal control: p

Understanding and controlling the domain evolution under external stimuli in multiferroic thin films is critical to realizing nanoelectronic devices, including for non-volatile memory, data storage, sensors, and optoelectronics. In this article, we studied the shear-strain effect on the domain evolution with temperature in highly strained BiFeO3 thin films on rhombohedral LaAlO3 substrates using a high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction three dimensional-reciprocal space mapping (3D-RSM) technique. The results revealed significant biaxial, anisotropic, evolution behaviors of the mixed-phase (MC + R′/T′ phases) BiFeO3 ferroelectric domains along the in-plane [100] and [010] axes. These biaxial, anisotropic, evolution behaviors were attributed to the shear-strain-modulated transition pathways of the mixed-phase ferroelectric domains. This viewpoint was further verified in the BiFeO3/LaSrAlO4 (001) system in which no anisotropic evolution behaviors of the mixed-phase domains were found. This work sheds light on the quantitative analysis of domain evolution in multi-domain systems and demonstrates that the shear-strain effect could act as an effective tool to manipulate the domain behavior and control novel functionalities of ferroelectric thin films.

The ability to synthesize high-quality, complex-oxide heterostructures has created a veritable playground in which to explore emergent phenomena and exotic phases which arise from the interplay of spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom. Of particular interest is the creation of artificial heterostructures and superlattices built from two or more materials. Through such approaches, it is possible to observe new phases and phenomena that are not present in the parent materials alone. This is especially true in ferroelectric materials where the appropriate choice of superlattice constituents can lead to structures with complex phase diagrams and rich physics. In this article, we review and explore future directions in such ferroic superlattices wherein recent studies have revealed complex emergent polarization topologies, novel states of matter, and intriguing properties that arise from our ability to manipulate materials with epitaxial strain, interfacial coupling and interactions, size effects, and more. We focus our attention on recent work in (PbTiO3)n/(SrTiO3)n superlattices wherein exotic polar-vortex structures have been observed. We review the history of these observations and highlights of recent studies and conclude with an overview and prospectus of how the field may evolve in the coming years.

Pontine glioma is a rare tumor and exclusively occurs in children. It originates from the glial (connective/supporting) cells of the brain. In children, they are the leading cause of deaths from brain tumors. The usual age of presentation is later half of first decade. Most of the children die within 18 months of diagnosis. It mostly affects 6th and 7th cranial nerves along with hearing defect.

Shield ulcer is a severe form of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Shield ulcer is an uncommon, incapacitating corneal manifestation that occurs in 3%–11% of patients suffering from VKC. Patients might present with intense itching, sensitivity to light, and “ropy” discharge from the eyes. Shield ulcer, as a rare complication of VKC, should always be kept in mind for patients suffering from vernal conjunctivitis.

Optimal selection of sustainable materials in construction projects can benefit several stakeholders in their respective industries with the triple bottom line (TBL) framework in a broader perspective of greater business value. Multiple criteria of social, environmental, and economic aspects should be essentially accounted for the optimal selection of materials involving the significant group of experts to avoid project failures. This paper proposes an evaluation framework for solving multi criteria decision making (MCDM) problems with incomplete weight information by extending the combinative distance assessment (CODAS) method with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. To compute the unknown weights of the evaluation criteria, this paper presents an optimization model based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy distance measure. In this study, we emphasize the importance of individual decision makers. To illustrate the proposed approach, an example of material selection in automotive parts industry is presented followed by a real case study of brick selection in sustainable building construction projects. The comparative study indicates the advantages of the proposed approach in comparison with the some relevant approaches. A sensitivity analysis of the proposed IVIF-CODAS method has been performed by changing the criteria weights, where the results show a high degree of stability.