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The study of research proposes a systematic pattern for optimization and fabrication of a sustainable-cost effective electrochemical sensor made by Bi-CdFe2O4 (BCDF) nanoparticle and graphite powder. The structural examinations of synthesized BCDF materials were analyzed by specific spectral techniques viz.; P-XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, XPS, FT-IR and DRS techniques. The modified sensor electrode offer a significant electrochemical properties that can improve the material selectivity and sensitivity actions measured by Cyclic Voltammetric (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) plots. We demonstrated a developed highly-purity BCDF-graphite paste electrode for sensing actions on Paracetamol and Lead (Pb2+) ions under 0.1 M KCl. The excellent sensing activity towards Lead ions and Paracetamol confirmed by its redox potential peaks at scan rate of 1–5 V/s with maximum sensitivity of -0.61 V and 0.69 V respectively. The excellent photo-dye-degradation action of BCDF (98.2%) than those of host CDF (81.6%) on Rose Bengal (RB) dye was demonstrated. Its kinetic study reveals that this process follows first order kinetics and rate constants of the host (18.1 × 10−3 min−1) and BCDF (39.2 × 10−3 min−1) were measured. Thus, the synthesized BCDF electrode provides a new perception for developing specific nano-sensor towards detection of toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by erythematous papules and plaques with silvery white scales. Recently, the role of H. pylori has been studied as a possible etiological factor. Various published studies conducted to see the association of psoriasis with H. pylori show conflicting results. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the association of H. pylori infection in patients with psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional comparative study was conducted in Outpatient Department (OPD) of Dermatology, Bir Hospital. Any patient presenting at dermatology OPD above 16yrs of age with psoriasis were taken as cases. Age and gender matched patients with skin disease other than psoriasis were taken as controls. The test was done by collecting 2ml of venous blood from each patient. The serum was separated by centrifuging the sample. All the patients were screened for Helicobacter pylori infection by using a commercially available immunochromatographic kit for the detection of immunoglobulin G antibody against H. pylori in the serum. Results: Chronic plaque psoriasis was the most common variant (72.2%) and there was no significant association between psoriasis type and gender. Male to female ratio was 1.61:1. The mean age of onset in male patients was 42.41years and mean onset of disease in females was 40.61years. Our study showed 21.3% of the psoriasis patients had the history of psoriasis in the family. Nail changes were noted in 40.42% of patients. Psoriatic arthritis was present in 3% of cases. In our study H. pylori infection was found in 25(53.19%) of psoriasis patients and 15(31.91%) of the controls. This showed that H. pylori infection was found higher in psoriasis patients than the controls and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.037). Conclusion: This study showed the higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with psoriasis and the differences is statistically significant. It also showed that there is increased prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity with the severity of the disease and with increased duration of illness though it is not statistically significant.

The increasing demand for concrete, driven by rising construction activities, has strained river sand, a key component, leading to environmental concerns and depletion of natural resources. This has prompted research into sustainable alternatives, including waste management solutions. This study explores using waste crushed glass as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete (at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of sand weight) for M30 and M60 concrete grades. The research evaluates the strength properties--compression, tensile, and flexural--at curing periods of 7, 14, 28, and 90 days, comparing them to conventional concrete. Durability tests, including acid attack, rapid chloride permeability, and abrasion, were also conducted. The findings aim to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional materials while addressing waste disposal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate plasma homocysteine level and its relation with serum estrogen in pre and postmenopausal women as a risk factor in coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among premenopausal (n = 50) and postmenopausal women (n = 50) with an estimation of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and serum estradiol (E2). Postmenopausal women based on their angiographic status were sub-grouped into A (with normal coronaries) and B (with CAD). Results: The levels of Hcy, 21.98 (20.89-24.05) μmol/L, increased significantly (P < 0.0001) and that of E2, 3.05 (2.32-3.6) pg/mL, decreased significantly (P = 0.0001) in the postmenopausal group when compared to Hcy, 6.11 (4.94-8.27) μmol/L and E2, 26.37 (25.3-29) pg/mL in premenopausal group. The levels of Hcy were elevated (24.7 ± 3.92 μmol/L) in postmenopausal Group B in comparison with postmenopausal Group A (21.37 ± 3.31 μmol/L), P = 0.002. Logistic regression analysis showed Hcy and body mass index to be independent predictors of CAD. Plasma Hcy showed an area under curve (AUC) of 1.00 with sensitivity and specificity of 100% at cutoff >12.6 μmol/L between pre and postmenopausal groups and AUC of 0.722 with 60% sensitivity and 84% specificity at cutoff >23.7 μmol/L between postmenopausal Groups A and B. Conclusion: We observed low E2 and high Hcy levels in postmenopausal women in comparison with premenopausal women. Among postmenopausal women, those with CAD had higher Hcy levels. Assessing Hcy levels routinely in postmenopausal women will help in better risk prediction of CAD and may also help in conjunction with other risk factors to decide the initiation of hormone replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) syndrome is a rare genetic abnormality causing cranial dysinnervation manifesting as absence of conjugate lateral eye movements, nystagmus, and scoliosis. While the genetics, imaging abnormalities, and ocular manifestations have been well described in literature, the spinal deformity has not been addressed adequately. An 11-year-old girl presented with progressive thoracic scoliosis who on evaluation was detected to have all the features of HGPPS syndrome. The patient underwent posterior correction of scoliosis uneventfully. A thorough literature search was performed to understand the descriptors of spinal deformity and its surgery in HGPPS syndrome. The spinal deformity in HGPPS resembles adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Rapidly progressive right thoracic scoliosis was the usual pattern. Surgical and anesthetic considerations during surgery are similar to idiopathic scoliosis. These children tolerate surgery and anesthesia well. Neuromonitoring changes during surgery need to be interpreted correctly in the background of uncrossed sensory and motor tracts.

The ability to communicate quantum information over long distances is of central importance in quantum science and engineering.sup.1. Although some applications of quantum communication such as secure quantum key distribution.sup.2,3 are already being successfully deployed.sup.4-7, their range is currently limited by photon losses and cannot be extended using straightforward measure-and-repeat strategies without compromising unconditional security.sup.8. Alternatively, quantum repeaters.sup.9, which utilize intermediate quantum memory nodes and error correction techniques, can extend the range of quantum channels. However, their implementation remains an outstanding challenge.sup.10-16, requiring a combination of efficient and high-fidelity quantum memories, gate operations, and measurements. Here we use a single solid-state spin memory integrated in a nanophotonic diamond resonator.sup.17-19 to implement asynchronous photonic Bell-state measurements, which are a key component of quantum repeaters. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we demonstrate high-fidelity operation that effectively enables quantum communication at a rate that surpasses the ideal loss-equivalent direct-transmission method while operating at megahertz clock speeds. These results represent a crucial step towards practical quantum repeaters and large-scale quantum networks.sup.20,21. A solid-state spin memory is used to demonstrate quantum repeater functionality, which has the potential to overcome photon losses involved in long-distance transmission of quantum information., Author(s): M. K. Bhaskar [sup.1] , R. Riedinger [sup.1] , B. Machielse [sup.1] , D. S. Levonian [sup.1] , C. T. Nguyen [sup.1] , E. N. Knall [sup.2] , H. [...]