Even-odd-layer-dependent symmetry breaking in synthetic antiferromagnets.

In this work we examine synthetic antiferromagnetic structures consisting of two, three, and four antiferromagnetic coupled layers, i.e. bilayers, trilayers, and tetralayers. We vary the thickness of the ferromagnetic layers across all structures and, using a macrospin formalism, find that the nearest neighbor exchange interaction between layers is consistent across all structures for a given thickness of the ferromagnetic layer. Our model and experimental results demonstrate significant differences in how the static equilibrium states of even and odd-layered structures evolve as a function of the external field. Even layered structures continuously evolve from a collinear antiferromagnetic state to a spin canted non-collinear magnetic configuration that is mirror-symmetric about the external field. In contrast, odd-layered structures begin with a ferrimagnetic ground state; at a critical field, the ferrimagnetic ground state evolves into a non-collinear state with broken symmetry. Specifically, the magnetic moments found in the odd-layered samples possess stable static equilibrium states that are no longer mirror-symmetric about the external field after a critical field is reached.

A Qualitative Evaluation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Short Form of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13) in Nepali.

Background Sense of Coherence (SOC) relates to an individual's overall life orientation, and stronger SOC is associated with better health, quality of life, and coping strategies. When our research group used the SOC-13 questionnaire for the first time in Nepal, we identified difficulties in response patterns. The findings necessitated further evaluation of the Nepali version of the SOC-13 questionnaire. Objective To qualitatively evaluate the SOC-13 questionnaire in Nepali for cross-cultural adaptation. Method Nineteen nurses were interviewed. We used the methodological approach of "think aloud" to obtain a deeper understanding of the interferences of the scales. Transcribed materials were analyzed using a deductive approach through qualitative content analysis. The original translated version of the SOC-13 questionnaire in Nepali was modified by replacing words that were easier to understand. Result Participants found the questionnaire content general and non-specific but easy to complete. The nurses experienced that the meanings and sentences in some of the items and response alternatives were difficult to understand. However, the overall comprehensiveness of most items and response alternatives was perceived as good. Nurses' interpretation of the SOC-items in the translated version of the SOC-13 questionnaire in Nepali matched the original English version. Items that were experienced as difficult in the Nepali language were modified to increase their comprehensiveness. Modified items and response alternatives had the same content as before, but some words and meanings were substituted with easier language. Conclusion The current revised version of SOC-13 in Nepali is valid and useful to explore individuals' overall life orientation and their abilities to deal and cope with various life events in the Nepalese context.

Outcome of Patients with Meningitis and Encephalitis at Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Nepal.

Background There are several etiologies of meningitis and encephalitis which must be considered in any patient presenting with fever, headache, neck stiffness and vomiting. Bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis are medical emergencies and need urgent attention and treatment. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment has been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. Some of the survivors also have neurological sequel with a need for long term physical and occupational rehabilitation. Objective To find out common causes of meningitis, encephalitis, predictors of outcome, early and late complications of meningitis and encephalitis at Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Nepal. Method It is a prospective study which was conducted at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from April 2015 to March 2016. Result A total of 52 patients participated in the study. Bacterial meningitis was the most common type of neuroinfection (40.4%) followed by tubercular meningitis (27%), viral encephalitis (17.3%) and viral meningitis (15.4%). Pneumococcus was the most common identified cause of meningitis accounting for 28.9% of bacterial meningitis. Japanese encephalitis was the most common identifiable cause of encephalitis accounting for 33% of cases. Low Glasgow Coma Scale at admission was significantly associated with worse neurological outcome (P<0.001). Similarly, high white blood cell count in blood was associated with worse neurological outcome (P=0.001). Conclusion Meningitis and encephalitis are neurological emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to improve survival. Neurological sequel is common after those infections which require long term rehabilitation.

Magnesium sulphate in management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) are the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Nepal accounting for 21% of all maternal deaths and 30% of all facility based maternal deaths. For treatment of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (SPE/E), WHO has identified magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) as the most effective and low cost medication. The objective of the study was to explore current situation of SPE/E management using MgSO4 in 10 health facilities of Mid Western Development Region. METHODS: Descriptive and single group pre-test, post test study design was used for the study. Data were collected by reviewing records, taking interviews and through observation. Knowledge and skills of service provider was assessed and scored (0-100%) before and after the educational intervention. RESULTS: One year records indicate that 0.5% SPE/E cases were found in Dang Sub Regional Hospital and Pyuthan District Hospital; 0.4% in Bheri Zonal Hospital; 0.9% in Mehelkuna PHCC and 0.5% in Rajapur PHCC. In most of the hospitals, these cases were managed with MgSO4. During pre-testing none of the health facility was able to get standard score (80%) but in post test, 50% health facilities were able to get 80% or higher score. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing national standard and providing one-time training is not sufficient, it requires refresher onsite training for propermanagement of SPE/E on time to improve maternal and neonatal health.

Public perception about drinking jar water and its bacteriological analysis.

The consumption of jar water has been increasing consistently in these days. To improve such water quality and supply, information is needed to assess water contamination in a variety of community, including those that rely primarily on unimproved distributed sources of drinking water. This study was done to assess the public perception on drinking jar water and assessment of drinking jar water distributed in Kathmandu Valley which was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Amrit Science Campus, Thamel, Kathmandu during the period of Aug 2009 to Dec 2009. A total 57 water samples of different drinking jar water having different brand names were proceed using standard protocols and analyzed for the presence of total coliforms and fecal coliforms. All identified fecal coliforms isolates from different water samples were subjected to in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. In order to know the perception of people in drinking jar water, semi structured questionnaires were made and purposively selected for the study in 525 populations who were using jar water for drinking purpose. Most population rated their drinking jar water good but found to be highly concerned with the quality. Among total water samples, 91.2% (n=52) were found contaminated with total coliforms and 59.6% were with fecal coliforms. During the study, 117 isolates of enteric bacteria were isolated, of which 33.3% (n=39) were Escherichia coli followed by other gram negative bacteria. Similarly, out of 58 fecal coliforms isolates, 43.1%, 39.6%, 12.2% were E. coli, Klebsiella spp, and Enterobacter aerogens. Of those fecal coliforms, all were sensitive to antibiotic ciprofloxacin and resistant to ampicilin. The finding indicates that jar water is not safe for drinking purpose without treatment.