Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test: validation of self-administered neuroperformance modules.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the test-retest reliability, practice effects, convergent validity and sensitivity to multiple sclerosis (MS) disability of neuroperformance subtests from the patient self-administered Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT) designed to assess low contrast vision (Contrast Sensitivity Test, CST), upper extremity motor function (Manual Dexterity Test, MDT) and lower extremity motor function (Walking Speed Test, WST) and to introduce the concept of regression-based norms to aid clinical interpretation of performance scores using the MSPT cognition test (Processing Speed Test, PST) as an example. METHODS: Substudy 1 assessed test-retest reliability, practice effects and convergent validity of the CST, MDT and WST in 30 MS patients and 30 healthy controls. Substudy 2 examined sensitivity to MS disability in over 600 MS patients as part of their routine clinic assessment. Substudy 3 compared performance on the PST in research volunteers and clinical samples. RESULTS: The CST, MDT and WST were shown to be reliable, valid and sensitive to MS outcomes. Performance was comparable to technician-administered testing. PST performance was poorer in the clinical sample compared with the research volunteer sample. CONCLUSIONS: The self-administered MSPT neuroperformance modules produce reliable, objective metrics that can be used in clinical practice and support outcomes research. Published studies which require patient voluntary consent may underestimate the rate of cognitive dysfunction observed in a clinical setting.

Unraveling the Nature of Magnetism of the 5d

We report electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy results on the double perovskite Ba_{2}YIrO_{6}. On general grounds, this material is expected to be nonmagnetic due to the strong coupling of the spin and orbital momenta of Ir^{5+} (5d^{4}) ions. However, controversial experimental reports on either strong antiferromagnetism with static order at low temperatures or just a weakly paramagnetic behavior have triggered a discussion on the breakdown of the generally accepted scenario of the strongly spin-orbit coupled ground states in the 5d^{4} iridates and the emergence of a novel exotic magnetic state. Our data evidence that the magnetism of the studied material is solely due to a few percent of Ir^{4+} and Ir^{6+} magnetic defects while the regular Ir^{5+} sites remain nonmagnetic. Remarkably, the defect Ir^{6+} species manifest magnetic correlations in the ESR spectra at T≲20 K, suggesting a long-range character of superexchange in the double perovskites as proposed by recent theories.

Breakdown of Magnetic Order in the Pressurized Kitaev Iridate ß-Li_{2}IrO_{3}.

Temperature-pressure phase diagram of the Kitaev hyperhoneycomb iridate ß-Li_{2}IrO_{3} is explored using magnetization, thermal expansion, magnetostriction, and muon spin rotation measurements, as well as single-crystal x-ray diffraction under pressure and ab initio calculations. The Néel temperature of ß-Li_{2}IrO_{3} increases with the slope of 0.9 K/GPa upon initial compression, but the reduction in the polarization field H_{c} reflects a growing instability of the incommensurate order. At 1.4 GPa, the ordered state breaks down upon a first-order transition, giving way to a new ground state marked by the coexistence of dynamically correlated and frozen spins. This partial freezing in the absence of any conspicuous structural defects may indicate the classical nature of the resulting pressure-induced spin liquid, an observation paralleled to the increase in the nearest-neighbor off-diagonal exchange Γ under pressure.

Molecular Characterization and Computational Modelling of New Delhi Metallo-ß-Lactamase-5 from an Escherichia coli Isolate (KOEC3) of Bovine Origin.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance mediated through New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamases (NDMs) is a serious therapeutic challenge. Till date, 16 different NDMs have been described. In this study, we report the molecular and structural characteristics of NDM-5 isolated from an Escherichia coli isolate (KOEC3) of bovine origin. Using PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of full blaNDM gene, we identified the NDM type as NDM-5. Cloning of full gene in E. coli DH5α and subsequent assessment of antibiotic susceptibility of the transformed cells indicated possible role of native promoter in expression blaNDM-5. Translated amino acid sequence had two substitutions (Val88Leu and Met154Leu) compared to NDM-1. Theoretically deduced isoelectric pH of NDM-5 was 5.88 and instability index was 36.99, indicating a stable protein. From the amino acids sequence, a 3D model of the protein was computed. Analysis of the protein structure elucidated zinc coordination and also revealed a large binding cleft and flexible nature of the protein, which might be the reason for broad substrate range. Docking experiments revealed plausible binding poses for five carbapenem drugs in the vicinity of metal ions. In conclusion, results provided possible explanation for wide range of antibiotics catalyzed by NDM-5 and likely interaction modes with five carbapenem drugs.

Upgrading the antioxidant potential of cereals by their fungal fermentation under solid-state cultivation conditions.

UNLABELLED: Solid-state fermentation (SSF) at 30°C for 72 h with four generally recognized as safe (GRAS) filamentous fungi (Aspergillus oryzae NCIM 1212, Aspergillus awamori MTCC No. 548, Rhizopus oligosporus NCIM 1215 and Rhizopus oryzae RCK2012) showed high efficiency for the improvement of water-soluble total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant properties including ABTS(●+) [2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] and DPPH(●) (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging capacities of four whole grain cereals, namely wheat, brown rice, maize and oat. A maximum 14-fold improvement in TPC (11·61 mg gallic acid equivalent g(-1) grain) was observed in A. oryzae fermented wheat, while extract of R. oryzae fermented wheat (ROFW) showed maximum of 6·6-fold and fivefold enhancement of DPPH(●) scavenging property (8·54 µmol Trolox equivalent g(-1) grain) and ABTS(●+) scavenging activity (19·5 µmol Trolox equivalent g(-1) grain), respectively. The study demonstrates that SSF is an efficient method for the improvement of antioxidant potentials of cereals and R. oryzae RCK2012 fermented wheat can be a powerful source of natural antioxidants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Antioxidant-rich food products are getting popularity day by day. In this study, potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been studied for the improvement of antioxidant potential of different cereals by GRAS micro-organisms. The comparative evaluation of the antioxidant potential of various fungal fermented products derived from whole grain cereals, such as wheat, brown rice, oat and maize, has been carried out. Among these, Rhizopus oryzae RCK2012-fermented wheat was observed as a potent source of natural antioxidants. A diet containing fermented cereals would be useful for the prevention of free radical-mediated diseases.

Reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services in humanitarian and fragile settings: A mixed methods study of midwives' and women's experiences.

Insufficient progress has been made to reduce morbidity and mortality for women, children and adolescents particularly in Humanitarian and Fragile settings (HFS). Midwives play a critical and unique role in ensuring communities receive quality and safe essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services. A lack of knowledge exists on the availability and experiences of midwifery services in HFS. This manuscript provides an overview of the midwifery density in HFS and a synthesis of the experiences of women receiving midwifery care, and barriers and facilitators for midwives providing essential SRMNCAH services in HFS. Guided by an expert committee, a concurrent mixed methods approach was applied, using secondary analysis of primary quantitative and qualitative data sources. Quantitative analysis of the global distribution of midwives compared to fragility was undertaken. Qualitative analysis of experiences of receipt and provision of midwifery care was undertaken across four settings providing humanitarian care. There is a critically low density of midwives in humanitarian and fragile settings. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the highest levels of fragility yet lowest density of midwives able to provide SRMNCAH services. Lack of finances both constrains midwives from effectively providing services and prevent communities from utilising services. Sub-optimal working conditions through rising workloads, insufficient and/or inconsistent resources were frequently reported to impede midwives from providing care in HFS. Uniquely for HFS, threats to the safety and security of midwives to conduct their work was widely reported. Key facilitators identified included, complex adaptive health system designs to respond effectively to the rapidly changing HFS environment, realisation of supporting "power, agency and status" as instrumental for midwives to provide quality care and promotion of community-centric approaches may enable continuity of care and uptake of essential SRMNCAH services. Midwives are critical to protect the health and well-being of communities. They require urgent protection and prioritisation in HFS areas where the need is greatest.

Hyperactive α-amylase production by Aspergillus oryzae IFO 30103 in a new bioreactor.

AIMS: To improve the α-amylase production in solid-state fermentation (SSF) condition utilizing a new bioreactor (NB) system. METHODS AND RESULTS: In NB system, 20 g of wheat bran moistened with liquid medium in 1:1 ratio (w/v) was taken on the tray present inside the upper vessel and an additional 80 ml medium was supplemented into the lower vessel. Oxygen uptake rate was improved by supplying compressed air that lifted the liquid medium into the upper vessel and touched the substrate bed. This condition probably facilitated the heat transfer to liquid medium, reduce water loss and catabolite repression. With 1% glucose supplementation, maximum α-amylase activity of 22 317 Ugds(-1) was produced by Aspergillus oryzae IFO 30103 within a very short incubation period (48 h) at 2-cm bed height with air flow rate of 0·1 l min(-1) g(-1) wheat bran at 32°C and initial medium pH of 6. CONCLUSIONS: Within a short incubation period, significantly high α-amylase activity was obtained and it is higher than those reported to date at bioreactor scale operating with a fungal strain. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The reactor is novel and can overcome some of the major problems associated with SSF process. A. oryzae IFO 30103 is reported as the best fungal source for α-amylase production.

Giant room temperature magnetoimpedance in La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 and development of a sensitive position detector.

Observation of room temperature giant magnetoimpedance in La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 compound having nanometric grain size is reported under low magnetic field and over the frequency range between 50 KHz and 15 MHz. Both the resistive and reactive components of impedance increase with increasing frequency due to skin effect of the metallic state below T(C). Above a critical frequency (1 MHz), a sharp increase in both R and X and hence Z is observed. The applied magnetic field influences the impedance by affecting the penetration depth via the transverse permeability and gives rise to large magnetoimpedance (approximately 70%) at low fields up to 0.1 T. Magnetoimpedance of La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 compound display major change (approximatley 61%) between 0.02 and 0.035 T and appears to originate due to the spin alignment of the charge carriers across the grain boundaries. At fields > 0.1 T, magnetoimpedance displays near saturation, corresponding to the completion of the spin alignment across the grain boundaries. An unique scaling behavior has been observed for field dependence of magnetoimpedance at various frequencies, which could be well accounted by a phenomenological model. Feasibility of the development of a sensitive linear position sensor is also demonstrated.

LiZn2V3O8: a new geometrically frustrated cluster spin-glass.

We have investigated the structural and magnetic properties of a new cubic spinel LiZn2V3O8 (LZVO) through x-ray diffraction, dc and ac susceptibility, magnetic relaxation, aging, memory effect, heat capacity and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. A Curie-Weiss fit of the dc susceptibility [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) yields a Curie-Weiss temperature [Formula: see text] K. This suggests strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions among the magnetic vanadium ions. The dc and ac susceptibility data indicate the spin-glass behavior below a freezing temperature T f  [Formula: see text] 3 K. The frequency dependence of the T f  is characterized by the Vogel-Fulcher law and critical dynamic scaling behavior or power law. From both fitting, we obtained the value of the characteristic angular frequency [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 3.56 [Formula: see text] 106 Hz, the dynamic exponent [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 2.65, and the critical time constant [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 1.82 [Formula: see text] 10-6 s, which falls in the conventional range for typical cluster spin-glass (CSG) systems. The value of relative shift in freezing temperature [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.039 supports a CSG ground states. We also found aging phenomena and memory effects in LZVO. The asymmetric response of the magnetic relaxation below T f  supports the hierarchical model. Heat capacity data show no long-range or short-range ordering down to 2 K. Only about 25% magnetic entropy change [Formula: see text] signifies the presence of strong frustration in the system. The 7Li NMR spectra show a shift and broadening with decreasing temperature. The spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation rates show anomalies due to spin freezing around 3 K as the bulk magnetization.

Subdiffraction propagation of images using saturated absorption of optical transition.

We show how well-developed saturated absorption spectroscopy could be adopted for subdiffraction propagation of optical images. We employ pump beams with appropriate spatial profiles that produce controllable inhomogeneous absorption and dispersion of the medium. We discuss advantages of using super-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian pump beams.

Orbiton-phonon coupling in Ir5+(5d 4) double perovskite Ba2YIrO6.

Ba2YIrO6, a Mott insulator, with four valence electrons in Ir5+ d-shell (5d 4) is supposed to be non-magnetic, with J eff = 0, within the atomic physics picture. However, recent suggestions of non-zero magnetism have raised some fundamental questions about its origin. We focus on the phonon dynamics, probed via Raman scattering, as a function of temperature and different incident photon energies, as an external perturbation. Our studies reveal strong renormalization of the phonon self-energy parameters and integrated intensity for first-order modes, especially redshift of the few first-order modes with decreasing temperature and anomalous softening of modes associated with IrO6 octahedra, as well as high energy Raman bands attributed to the strong anharmonic phonons and coupling with orbital excitations. The distinct renormalization of second-order Raman bands with respect to their first-order counterpart suggest that higher energy Raman bands have significant contribution from orbital excitations. Our observation indicates that strong anharmonic phonons coupled with electronic/orbital degrees of freedom provides a knob for tuning the conventional electronic levels for 5d-orbitals, and this may give rise to non-zero magnetism as postulated in recent theoretical calculations with rich magnetic phases.

Coupled solitons in rare-earth doped two-mode fiber.

We present first ever analytical solutions for shape-preserving pulses in a Kerr nonlinear two-mode fiber doped with 3-level ? atoms. The two modes are near-resonant with the two transitions of the atomic system. We show the existence of quasi-stable coupled bright-dark pairs if the group velocity dispersion has opposite signs at the two mode frequencies. We demonstrate the remarkable possibility allowed by the fiber dispersion for the existence of a new class of solutions for unequal coupling constants for the two modes. We present the conditions for existence and the analytical form of these solutions in presence of atomic detuning. We confirm numerically the analytical solutions for the spatio-temporal evolution of coupled solitary waves.

Mixed-matrix membranes with enhanced antifouling activity: probing the surface-tailoring potential of Tiron and chromotropic acid for nano-TiO2.

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed by impregnating organofunctionalized nanoadditives within fouling-susceptible polysulfone matrix following the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The facile functionalization of nanoparticles of anatase TiO2 (nano-TiO2) by using two different organoligands, viz. Tiron and chromotropic acid, was carried out to obtain organofunctionalized nanoadditives, FT-nano-TiO2 and FC-nano-TiO2, respectively. The structural features of nanoadditives were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which established that Tiron leads to the blending of chelating and bridging bidentate geometries for FT-nano-TiO2, whereas chromotropic acid produces bridging bidentate as well as monodentate geometries for FC-nano-TiO2. The surface chemistry of the studied membranes, polysulfone (Psf): FT-nano-TiO2 UF and Psf: FC-nano-TiO2 UF, was profoundly influenced by the benign distributions of the nanoadditives enriched with distinctly charged sites ([Formula: see text]), as evidenced by superior morphology, improved topography, enhanced surface hydrophilicity and altered electrokinetic features. The membranes exhibited enhanced solvent throughputs, viz. 3500-4000 and 3400-4300 LMD at 1 bar of transmembrane pressure, without significant compromise in their rejection attributes. The flux recovery ratios and fouling resistive behaviours of MMMs towards bovine serum albumin indicated that the nanoadditives could impart stable and appreciable antifouling activity, potentially aiding in a sustainable ultrafiltration performance.

Magnetocaloric effect in potassium doped lanthanum manganite perovskites prepared by a pyrophoric method.

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in fine grained perovskite manganites of the type La(1-x)K(x)MnO(3) (0

Analytical model of coincidence resolving time in TOF-PET.

The coincidence resolving time (CRT) of scintillation detectors is the parameter determining noise reduction in time-of-flight PET. We derive an analytical CRT model based on the statistical distribution of photons for two different prototype scintillators. For the first one, characterized by single exponential decay, CRT is proportional to the decay time and inversely proportional to the number of photons, with a square root dependence on the trigger level. For the second scintillator prototype, characterized by exponential rise and decay, CRT is proportional to the square root of the product of rise time and decay time divided by the doubled number of photons, and it is nearly independent of the trigger level. This theory is verified by measurements of scintillation time constants, light yield and CRT on scintillator sticks. Trapping effects are taken into account by defining an effective decay time. We show that in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, CRT is as important as patient dose, imaging time or PET system sensitivity. The noise reduction effect of better timing resolution is verified and visualized by Monte Carlo simulation of a NEMA image quality phantom.

The effects of cholesterol oxidation products in sickle and normal red blood cell membranes.

The oxysterol content in normal and sickle red blood cell (RBC) membranes was assessed using thin-layer chromatography and capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Several more oxysterols were present in sickle RBCs compared to normal RBCs. Sickle RBC membranes had a higher concentration of 5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxycholesterol, 5 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,5,6 beta-triol, 7-ketocholesterol and 19-hydroxycholesterol than normal RBC membranes. The increased oxysterols in sickle RBC may be an effect of the increased oxidative stress which occurs in sickle RBC membranes. Physical characteristics of normal and sickle RBC membrane ghosts with and without inserted oxysterols were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The data are consistent with a greater sterol content in sickle cells compared to normal RBC membranes, and a possible oxysterol-cholesterol synergism.

Agricultural practices and personal hygiene among agricultural workers in a rural area of Howrah district, West Bengal.

The study attempted to assess agricultural practices and personal hygiene among 100 agricultural workers in a rural area of West Bengal in 1999. 69% of the study population was marginal farmer with less than 2 acres of land. Organophosphorus group of pesticides were most commonly used pesticides (68%); spraying was irregular in nature (98%), through semiautomatic sprayer (99%) and only 5% used any special dress while spraying pesticides. 40% of workers used to store pesticides either in living room or in food storage area. 88% of them did not take any food during work with pesticides, only 37% used to take regular bath after working with pesticides but regular hand washing was practiced by all of them.

Work related physical exertion and spontaneous abortion.

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken among 100 women workers of 35-40 years of age to elicit the risk of spontaneous abortion. Comparison was made with a matched control group of 100 non-working women. Employed women were found at increased risk of spontaneous abortion than the control group. The difference was found statistically significant at p < 0.05, Odds ratio being 1.50 and AR% being 33.14. According to gravidity also, abortion was found to be significantly raised in working women after their joining service for first 3rd - 4th gravida. The risk then fell, to raise again for 8th or more gravida.

Cytokine regulation of cellular proliferation in endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed (1) to characterize the resident leukocyte population in ectopic endometrium (EE), (2) to assess proliferative activity of cellular components in EE, (3) to assess whether resident leukocytes in EE express IFN gamma mRNA and (4) to demonstrate endometrial epithelial cell IFN gamma receptors in EE. STUDY DESIGN: Biopsies of EE and normal eutopic endometrium (UE) were studied immunocytochemically using monoclonal antibodies specific for CD45 leukocyte common antigen, CD3 (a T cell marker), CD11c (a macrophage marker), and Ki67 (proliferation marker). Leukocyte types were identified immunocytochemically, followed by in situ hybridization to assess expression of IFN gamma mRNA. IFN gamma receptor expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The percentage of scattered stromal cells staining for each CD marker was greater in EE than in UE. The proliferative activity of endometrial stromal cells and epithelial cells was significantly less in EE than in UE. The overall concentration of T cells and macrophages expressing IFN gamma mRNA was significantly greater in EE than in UE. The percentage of each leukocyte type expressing IFN gamma mRNA was also greater in EE than in UE, and IFN gamma receptors were present in glandular epithelium of EE. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a possible paracrine role for resident leukocytes and IFN gamma in regulating cell proliferation in endometriosis.

Leishmanicidal activity of stearylamine-bearing liposomes in vitro.

Liposomes consisting of stearylamine (SA) and egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) were studied for their cytotoxic activity against freshly transformed promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. More than 99% of the parasites of strain AG83 were killed within 60 min by treatment with 22 mol% SA-PC liposomes (132 microg/ml total lipids). This was further confirmed by incubating the liposome-treated promastigotes at 22 C for 96 hr. The killing activity of the liposomes progressively decreased with lowering lipid concentration. However, weak cytotoxic activity was still detected at 6.6 microg/ml lipids. Leishmanicidal activity of the liposomes became stronger with increasing SA content but was reduced with the incorporation of cholesterol in the liposomes. A similar cytotoxic effect was observed on other Indian strains of L. donovani, for example PKDL and DD8, as well as on species such as Leishmania donovani S1, Leishmania donovani infantum, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania mexicana. However, freshly transformed promastigotes appeared to be more susceptible than the ones subcultured. The strong leishmanicidal activity of SA-PC liposomes was also demonstrated toward intracellular L. donovani amastigotes. The SA-bearing vesicles could effectively inhibit the growth and multiplication of the parasites within the macrophages. The cytolytic activity of these liposomes on leishmanial parasites and low toxicity on host macrophages may, thus, find application in the therapy of leishmaniasis.