Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Phosphor for phototherapy: Review on psoriasis

We review developments in the field of phototherapy in terms of the treatment wavelength, dosimetry and phosphor used for different dermatoses. We attempt to categorize skin lesions and diseases by morphology, focusing on conditions that can be treated using phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Recent research and review articles are studied, the treatments explained and information on phototherapy that is applicable to psoriasis and other diseases is tabulated. The clinical features, epidemiology, epitalogy and various types of psoriasis, together with the therapies available to treat them are reported. Needs-based research has been carried out on narrow and broad band UVB wavelength-emitting phosphors and psoralen combined with UVA (PUVA) depending upon the disease undergoing treatment. Somewhat detailed descriptions of the different types of therapies used in the treatment of psoriasis are given. Phototherapy is shown to be a good therapeutic option for various types of skin diseases. The use of natural therapy has diminished as more people move towards artificial phototherapy like narrow band UVB, broad band UVB, PUVA and targeted phototherapy. The main advantages of these treatments are that they are safe and reduce erythema following treatment. Regarding safety issue the targated phototherapy pay more attention towards researcher.

A Real-World Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Itolizumab in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Background:

While clinical trial data on the efficacy of itolizumab in the management of psoriasis is relatively well documented, data on the effectiveness of this humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody in real-world settings is sparse.

Aims:

The current study assessed the effectiveness of itolizumab in real-world settings.

Materials and Methods:

This study assessed psoriasis area severity index (PASI), dermatology quality of life index (DLQI), safety, and tolerability data from a registry of itolizumab maintained by Syngene International, Bangalore. Registry data of 155 patients who were prescribed itolizumab at a dose of 1.6 mg/kg every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks followed by 1.6 mg/kg every 4 weeks for up to 24 weeks for chronic plaque psoriasis.

Results:

In the study, 35.48% completed itolizumab for 12 weeks and 76.59% of these patients achieved PASI 75. Furthermore, 24.51% patients completed the full Itolizumab regimen for 24 weeks, of whom 92.01% patients achieved PASI 75. The mean percent change in DLQI scores at weeks 12 and 24 were 60.19 and 82.72, respectively. Adverse events and infusion reactions noted in the study were generally of mild to moderate severity.

Conclusion:

Itolizumab is a safe and effective option in treatment-compliant patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Effects of putative compliance-modulators such as cost, route of administration, and delayed onset of action warrant further investigation.

Halophytes As Bioenergy Crops

Shrinking arable land due to soil salinization and, depleting fresh water resources pose serious worldwide constraints to crop productivity. A vision of using plant feedstock for biofuel production can only be realized if we can identify alternate species that can be grown on saline soils and therefore, would not compete for the resources required for conventional agriculture. Halophytes have remarkable ability to grow under high salinity conditions. They can be irrigated with seawater without compromising their biomass and seed yields making them good alternate candidates as bioenergy crops. Both oil produced from the seeds and the lignocellulosic biomass of halophytes can be utilized for biofuel production. Several researchers across the globe have recognized this potential and assessed several halophytes for their tolerance to salt, seed oil contents and composition of their lignocellulosic biomass. Here, we review current advances and highlight the key species of halophytes analyzed for this purpose. We have critically assessed the challenges and opportunities associated with using halophytes as bioenergy crops.

Microstructural and Compositional Characterisation of Electronic Materials

<p class="p1"> </p><p class="p2"><span class="s1"> </span>Microstructural and compositional characterisation of electronic materials in support of the development of GaAs, GaN, and GaSb based multilayer device structures is described. Electron microscopy techniques employing nanometer and sub-nanometer scale imaging capability of structure and chemistry have been widely used to characterise various aspects of electronic and optoelectronic device structures such as InGaAs quantum dots, InGaAs pseudomorphic (pHEMT), and metamorphic (mHEMT) layers and the ohmic metallisation of GaAs and GaN high electron mobility transistors, nichrome thin film resistors, GaN heteroepitaxy on sapphire and silicon substrates, as well as InAs and GaN nanowires. They also established convergent beam electron diffraction techniques for determination of lattice distortions in III-V compound semiconductors, EBSD for crystalline misorientation studies of GaN epilayers and high-angle annular dark field techniques coupled with digital image analysis for the mapping of composition and strain in the nanometric layered structures. Also, <em>in-situ </em>SEM experiments were performed on ohmic metallisation of pHEMT device structures. The established electron microscopy expertise for electronic materials with demonstrated examples is presented.</p>

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA

We report results from the first search for ν_{μ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50  GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.

Heteroleptic Cu(ii)–polypyridyl complexes as photonucleases

Four new copper(ii)–polypyridyl complexes having tail groups with increasing aromaticity, hydrophobicity and planarity are synthesized. These complexes are found to be avid DNA binders and show efficient nuclease activity under either chemical stimulus or UV-A light irradiation.

Gum acacia–CuNp–silica hybrid: an effective, stable and recyclable catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes

The catalytic properties gum acacia–CuNps–silica hybrid was investigated in reduction of nitroarenes.

An analysis of underlying factors for seasonal variation in gonorrhoea in India: a 6-year statistical assessment

PURPOSE

A statistical assessment of a disease is often necessary before resources can be allocated to any control programme. No literature on seasonal trends of gonorrhoea is available from India.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were (1) to determine, if any, seasonal trends were present in India (2) to describe factors contributing to seasonality of gonorrhoea (3) to formulate approaches for gonorrhoea control at the national level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seasonal indices for gonorrhoea were calculated quarterly in terms of a seasonal index between 2005 and 2010. Ratio-to-moving average method was used to determine the seasonal variation. The original data values in the time-series were expressed as percentages of moving averages. Results were also analyzed by second statistical method i.e. seasonal subseries plot.

RESULTS

The seasonally adjusted average for culture-positive gonorrhoea cases was highest in the second quarter (128.61%) followed by third quarter (108.48%) while a trough was observed in the first (96.05%) and last quarter (64.85%). The second quarter peak was representative of summer vacations in schools and colleges. Moreover, April is the harvesting month followed by celebrations and social gatherings. Both these factors are associated with increased sexual activity and partner change. A trough in first and last quarter was indicative of festival season and winter leading to less patients reporting to the hospital.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the immediate need to strengthen sexual health education among young people in schools and colleges and education on risk-reduction practices especially at crucial points in the calendar year for effective gonorrhoea control.

Setting up a regional health system database for seamless population health management in Singapore

Objective:

Understanding the health and health service utilization of the population is critical for Regional Health System’s (RHS) population health management (PHM) initiatives in Singapore. The RHS database is a collaborative effort toward developing a national architecture for healthcare utilization data across diverse clinical systems with disparate data models. This manuscript describes the setup of an RHS database which would facilitate big data analytics for proactive population health management and health services research.

Materials and methods:

The RHS database is a conglomeration of four isolated databases from the three RHSs. It contains linked National Healthcare Group (NHG) polyclinic visit records, specialist outpatient clinic visit records, hospital discharge records from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National University Hospital (NUH) and Alexandra Hospital (AH), chronic disease management system (CDMS) records and mortality records from local registries. The data linkage process was conducted using the unique identification number (NRIC) as the linking variable. The final anonymized database has multiple interconnected tables that includes patient demographics, chronic disease and healthcare utilization information.

Results:

Over 2.8 million patients had contact with the three RHSs from 2008 to 2013. The database facilitated risk stratification of patients based on their past healthcare utilization and chronic disease information. This database aids in understanding the cross-utilization of healthcare services across the three RHSs and can help address the challenges of setting up a distinct geographical boundary for individual RHSs.

Conclusions:

The RHS database has been established with the intention to support the secondary use of administrative health data in health services research and proactive PHM in Singapore.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Peripheral neuron plasticity is enhanced by brief electrical stimulation and overrides attenuated regrowth in experimental diabetes

Peripheral nerve regrowth is less robust than commonly assumed, particularly when it accompanies common clinical scenarios such as diabetes mellitus. Brief extracellular electrical stimulation (ES) facilitates the regeneration of peripheral nerves in part through early activation of the conditioning injury response and BDNF. Here, we explored intrinsic neuronal responses to ES to identify whether ES might impact experimental diabetes, where regeneration is attenuated. ES altered several regeneration related molecules including rises in tubulin, Shh (Sonic hedgehog) and GAP43 mRNAs. ES was associated with rises in neuronal intracellular calcium but its strict linkage to regrowth was not confirmed. In contrast, we identified PI3K-PTEN involvement, an association previously linked to diabetic regenerative impairment. Following ES there were declines in PTEN protein and mRNA both in vitro and in vivo and a PI3K inhibitor blocked its action. In vitro, isolated diabetic neurons were capable of mounting robust responsiveness to ES. In vivo, ES improved electrophysiological and behavioral indices of nerve regrowth in a chronic diabetic model of mice with pre-existing neuropathy. Regrowth of myelinated axons and reinnervation of the epidermis were greater following ES than sham stimulation. Taken together, these findings identify a role for ES in supporting regeneration during the challenges of diabetes mellitus.

Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation in acute spinal cord injury--an Indian pilot study

STUDY DESIGN

Phase- I/II, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled pilot study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) via two routes of transplantation as compared with controls.

SETTING

Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi.

METHODS

Twenty-one subjects with acute, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A (complete), traumatic SCI with neurological level T1-T12, were recruited and randomized into three groups of seven subjects each. Two groups underwent cell transplantation through the intrathecal or intralesional route, whereas the third served as control. Participants were assessed at baseline and followed up at 6 months and 12-months post enrollment. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by monitoring for any adverse events. Efficacy was assessed through neurological, functional and psychological evaluation, as well as through electrophysiological studies and urodynamics.

RESULTS

Surgery was tolerated well by all participants. There were no significant adverse events attributable to the procedure. There was no significant improvement in the neurological, electrophysiological or urodynamic efficacy variables. A statistically significant improvement in functional scores as evaluated by the Spinal Cord Independence Measure and International Spinal Cord Injury Scale was observed in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure is safe and feasible in AIS A participants with thoracic-level injuries at 12-months follow-up. No efficacy could be demonstrated that could be attributed to the procedure.

Correlation between measures of hypoglycemia and glycemic improvement in sulfonylurea treated patients with type 2 diabetes in India: results from the OBSTACLE hypoglycemia study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess correlation between measures of hypoglycemia and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with sulfonylureas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T2DM patients being initiated on a sulfonylurea (SU) on background of a failing oral antihyperglycemic regimen were followed up for 12 weeks. (HbA1c) was measured at baseline and end of follow-up. Hypoglycemia was assessed using Stanford Hypoglycemia Questionnaire at week 12.

RESULTS

Of the total 1069 patients enrolled, 950 were considered evaluable. A weak negative correlation was observed between end of follow-up HbA1c values and hypoglycemia score, using both linear regression analysis (correlation coefficient -0.12; P = 0.0002) and negative binomial regression (β slope -0.09; P = 0.0010). A similar correlation was also observed between change in HbA1c from baseline and hypoglycemia score (β slope -0.07; P = 0.0048). Mean HbA1c reduction was lowest (0.65 ± 2.27%) in patients not reporting any hypoglycemia and highest (1.28 ± 2.40%) in patients with hypoglycemia score greater than median of 2 (P = 0.0031). There was no correlation between hypoglycemia frequency and end of follow-up HbA1c values (P = 0.4111).

CONCLUSION

With addition of SU on a background of a failing oral anti-hyperglycemic regimen, the extent of glycemic control correlates directly with measures of patient reported hypoglycemia.

Comparative proteomic analysis in pea treated with microbial consortia of beneficial microbes reveals changes in the protein network to enhance resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Microbial consortia may provide protection against pathogenic ingress via enhancing plant defense responses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27 and Bacillus subtilis BHHU100 were used either singly or in consortia in the pea rhizosphere to observe proteome level changes upon Sclerotinia sclerotiorum challenge. Thirty proteins were found to increase or decrease differentially in 2-DE gels of pea leaves, out of which 25 were identified by MALDI-TOF MS or MS/MS. These proteins were classified into several functional categories including photosynthesis, respiration, phenylpropanoid metabolism, protein synthesis, stress regulation, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism and disease/defense-related processes. The respective homologue of each protein identified was trapped in Pisum sativum and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to check the ancestry. The proteomic view of the defense response to S. sclerotiorum in pea, in the presence of beneficial microbes, highlights the enhanced protection that can be provided by these microbes in challenged plants.

Measurement of Long-Range Angular Correlation and Quadrupole Anisotropy of Pions and (Anti)Protons in Central d+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We present azimuthal angular correlations between charged hadrons and energy deposited in calorimeter towers in central d+Au and minimum bias p+p collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The charged hadron is measured at midrapidity |η|<0.35, and the energy is measured at large rapidity (-3.7<η<-3.1, Au-going direction). An enhanced near-side angular correlation across |Δη|>2.75 is observed in d+Au collisions. Using the event plane method applied to the Au-going energy distribution, we extract the anisotropy strength v_{2} for inclusive charged hadrons at midrapidity up to p_{T}=4.5 GeV/c. We also present the measurement of v_{2} for identified π^{±} and (anti)protons in central d+Au collisions, and observe a mass-ordering pattern similar to that seen in heavy-ion collisions. These results are compared with viscous hydrodynamic calculations and measurements from p+Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. The magnitude of the mass ordering in d+Au is found to be smaller than that in p+Pb collisions, which may indicate smaller radial flow in lower energy d+Au collisions.

Beware of parotitis induced by iodine-containing contrast media

Carotid stenting is being increasingly used for revascularization of the moderate to severe carotid stenosis and thus its complications are increasingly being recognized. We report a rare complication of induced by iodine contrast in a patient undergoing carotid stenting. s. A 51 year old man after the second stenting developed multiple small infarcts in spite of the distal device. He also had painful parotid swelling which improved within a week. One should be aware of iodine parotitis s in the patients undergoing iodinated contrast study.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β: A regulator of kidney development and cystogenesis

The understanding of the genomics of the renal tissue has gathered a considerable interest and is making rapid progress. The molecular mechanisms as well as the precise function of the associated molecular components toward renal pathophysiology have recently been realized. For the cystic kidney disease, the regulation of gene expression affecting epithelial cells proliferation, apoptosis as well as process of differentiation/de-differentiation represent key molecular targets. For the cystic disorders, molecular targets have been identified, which besides lending heterogeneity to cysts may also provide tools to unravel their functional importance to understand the renal tissue homeostasis. This review focuses on providing comprehensive information about the transcriptional regulatory role of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β, a homeoprotein, as well as its interacting partners in renal tissue development and pathophysiology.

Incremental increase in percentage mouth opening after coronoidectomy in temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental improvement in mouth opening following coronoidectomy. Twenty-three patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis (Sawhney types I-III) were assessed preoperatively; physical and radiological examinations were done (panoramic radiography and computed tomography). Data including demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Patients with bilateral ankylosis, recurrent cases, and those with Sawhney type IV TMJ ankylosis were not included. The improvement in mouth opening was measured after ostectomy, after ipsilateral coronoidectomy, and after contralateral coronoidectomy. The improvements in mouth opening at each stage were analysed using the Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. There was a marked improvement in maximal incisal opening (MIO) from 5.7 ± 4.2mm to 23.7 ± 5.9 mm after removal of the ankylotic bony mass. MIO was significantly increased after ipsilateral coronoidectomy (31.6 ± 7.4mm), and after contralateral coronoidectomy, a mean MIO of 39.4 ± 11.2mm was achieved. At more than 1 year of follow-up, all patients showed improved mouth opening. In conclusion, coronoidectomy plays an important role in improving mouth opening in the treatment of TMJ ankylosis.