A hybrid topological quantum state in an elemental solid

Topology1-3 and interactions are foundational concepts in the modern understanding of quantum matter. Their nexus yields three important research directions: (1) the competition between distinct interactions, as in several intertwined phases, (2) the interplay between interactions and topology that drives the phenomena in twisted layered materials and topological magnets, and (3) the coalescence of several topological orders to generate distinct novel phases. The first two examples have grown into major areas of research, although the last example remains mostly unexplored, mainly because of the lack of a material platform for experimental studies. Here, using tunnelling microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy and a theoretical analysis, we unveil a 'hybrid' topological phase of matter in the simple elemental-solid arsenic. Through a unique bulk-surface-edge correspondence, we uncover that arsenic features a conjoined strong and higher-order topology that stabilizes a hybrid topological phase. Although momentum-space spectroscopy measurements show signs of topological surface states, real-space microscopy measurements unravel a unique geometry of topologically induced step-edge conduction channels revealed on various natural nanostructures on the surface. Using theoretical models, we show that the existence of gapless step-edge states in arsenic relies on the simultaneous presence of both a non-trivial strong Z2 invariant and a non-trivial higher-order topological invariant, which provide experimental evidence for hybrid topology. Our study highlights pathways for exploring the interplay of different band topologies and harnessing the associated topological conduction channels in engineered quantum or nano-devices.

Microgram BaCl2 ablation targets for trapped ion experiments

Trapped ions for quantum information processing have been an area of intense study due to the extraordinarily high fidelity operations that have been reported experimentally. Specifically, barium trapped ions have been shown to have exceptional state-preparation and measurement fidelities. The 133Ba+ (I = 1/2) isotope in particular is a promising candidate for large-scale quantum computing experiments. However, a major pitfall with this isotope is that it is radioactive and is thus generally used in microgram quantities to satisfy safety regulations. We describe a new method for creating microgram barium chloride (BaCl2) ablation targets for use in trapped ion experiments and compare our procedure to previous methods. We outline two recipes for the fabrication of ablation targets that increase the production of neutral atoms for isotope-selective loading of barium ions. We show that heat-treatment of the ablation targets greatly increases the consistency at which neutral atoms can be produced, and we characterize the uniformity of these targets using trap-independent techniques such as energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and neutral fluorescence collection. Our comparison between fabrication techniques and the demonstration of consistent neutral fluorescence paves a path toward reliable loading of 133Ba+ in surface traps and opens opportunities for scalable quantum computing with this isotope.

A Systematic Review Evaluating the Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of the Biosimilar FKB327 in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Biosimilars are known to be pharmaceutical products which are very similar to a biologic drug. FKB327 is one such biosimilar of the drug Adalimumab which is prescribed in treating autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the drug FKB327 in treating patients with mild to moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis and compare the same with that of the drug Adalimumab. Two databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) were used to screen relevant publications using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 12 studies found to be relevant, 3 were found to be eligible for the review. The data were extracted for the study characteristics, outcome measures, complications, and safety. The quality of the papers was assessed through Jadad scoring. Three (3) papers were reviewed in the study although there were limitations in reviewing efficacy as one of the papers lacked required data for efficacy. Efficacy was observed through ACR20 response and DAS28 score in the 24th week of all the three studies and immunogenicity was reviewed through the presence of Anti-drug antibody in patients after administration of both the drugs in same dosage. Safety was assessed through the development of complications after the administration of the drugs. The review concludes that there are similarities in efficacy, immunogenicity and safety between FKB327 but could not adequately prove the superiority of FKB327 over Adalimumab.

How Did Mortality Rates from Covid-19 Differ between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Bangladesh?

This study aims to find out the difference in mortality rates between vaccinated & non-vaccinated Covid-19 positive patients who were admitted in a tertiary centre (Ward and Intensive care unit) of Bangladesh. Retrospective analysis of data over 6 weeks in February 2022- March 2022, 100 confirmed Covid-19 positive patients were included- 50 patients from ICU and 50 patients from ward irrespective of age, gender, vaccination status and co-morbidities. Seventy five percent (75.0%) of all confirmed Covid-19 positive patients were vaccinated. Mortality among vaccinated people was less compared to non-vaccinated population 41.3% vs. 52%. Interestingly it was found pregnancy was the most significant risk factor in childbearing age female group- 86.7% of patients (pregnant and peripartum) required Intensive care admission and mortality was 40.0% although none of them had any recorded co-morbidities. Again, mortality among vaccinated was significantly less (35.7%) compared to 100.0% mortality among unvaccinated. Mortality rate among patient admitted in intensive care was significantly high compared to patients treated in ward- 72.0% vs. 16.0%. In ICU 83.0% of patients who died were vaccinated (90.0% had 2 doses and 10.0% had 3 doses). On the other hand, 87.5% who died in ward were unvaccinated. Among the survivors from intensive care units- 93.0% were vaccinated compared to 7.0% unvaccinated. Pre-existing co-morbidities increased mortality (59.0%) compared to 40.9% mortality in patients without any previous medical conditions. We found vaccination against Covid-19 reduces the rate of death irrespective of co-morbidities or severity of disease. Recovery rate was significantly increased in vaccinated patients requiring intensive care support. Pregnancy was found to be the most important risk factor for Intensive care admission and mortality in otherwise healthy childbearing age females and mortality was significantly high (100.0% though limited data availability) in unvaccinated. These results require further revalidation on larger population.

Fast and high-yield fabrication of axially symmetric ion-trap needle electrodes via two step electrochemical etching

Despite the progress in building sophisticated microfabricated ion traps, Paul traps employing needle electrodes retain their significance due to the simplicity of fabrication while producing high-quality systems suitable for quantum information processing, atomic clocks, etc. For low noise operations such as minimizing "excess micromotion," needles should be geometrically straight and aligned precisely with respect to each other. Self-terminated electrochemical etching, previously employed for fabricating ion-trap needle electrodes, employs a sensitive and time-consuming technique, resulting in a low success rate of usable electrodes. Here, we demonstrate an etching technique for the quick fabrication of straight and symmetric needles with a high success rate and a simple apparatus with reduced sensitivity to alignment imperfections. The novelty of our technique comes from using a two-step approach employing turbulent etching for fast shaping and slow etching/polishing for subsequent surface finish and tip cleaning. Using this technique, needle electrodes for an ion trap can be fabricated within a day, significantly reducing the setup time for a new apparatus. The needles fabricated via this technique have been used in our ion trap to achieve trapping lifetimes of several months.

Correlation-Driven Topological Transition in Janus Two-Dimensional Vanadates

The appearance of intrinsic ferromagnetism in 2D materials opens the possibility of investigating the interplay between magnetism and topology. The magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) describing the easy axis for magnetization in a particular direction is an important yardstick for nanoscale applications. Here, the first-principles approach is used to investigate the electronic band structures, the strain dependence of MAE in pristine VSi₂Z₄ (Z = P, As) and its Janus phase VSiGeP₂As₂ and the evolution of the topology as a function of the Coulomb interaction. In the Janus phase the compound presents a breaking of the mirror symmetry, which is equivalent to having an electric field, and the system can be piezoelectric. It is revealed that all three monolayers exhibit ferromagnetic ground state ordering, which is robust even under biaxial strains. A large value of coupling J is obtained, and this, together with the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, will produce a large critical temperature. We found an out-of-plane (in-plane) magnetization for VSi₂P₄ (VSi₂As₄), and an in-plane magnetization for VSiGeP₂As₂. Furthermore, we observed a correlation-driven topological transition in the Janus VSiGeP₂As₂. Our analysis of these emerging pristine and Janus-phased magnetic semiconductors opens prospects for studying the interplay between magnetism and topology in two-dimensional materials.

An Observational Study of Fixed Drug Eruption in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a distinctive pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reaction. Characteristically the eruption recurs at the same site on re exposure to the offending agent. Aim of this study was to evaluate and identification of the various offending drugs causing FDE which may help the physician to limit the associate complication regarding the drug. This observational cross sectional study was conducted from 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022 in the department of Dermatology & Venereology of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital after taking approval from institutional ethical committee. A detailed history with clinical evaluation were done for all patients with FDE and thereby recorded in a pre designed proforma. Analysis of data was done using Microsoft Excel 2010 Spread sheet. Out of 65 cases 36(55.38%) were male and 29(44.6%) were female. Majority of cases were found in the age group of 31 to 40 years. The most common group of drug causing FDE was NSAID (52.31%) followed by antimicrobials (44.61%) and anti epileptics (3.07%). Ibuprofen (20.0%) was the most common offending drug followed by doxycycline (18.46%), diclofenac and fluconazole (13.84%), naproxen (9.23%), ciprofloxacin (7.69%), paracetamol (6.15%), metronidazole (4.61%), carbamazepine (3.07%) and aspirin (3.07%) respectively. Extremities (43.07%) were the most frequently involved site followed by trunk (29.23%) and face (10.77%). Generalized FDE found in 16.92% cases. Although FDE are very common the offending drugs show some regional variation as a result of changing trends of pharmacotherapy.

Coping strategies and barriers to coping in climate- vulnerable Bangladesh: a qualitative study

 

With the mental wellbeing of billions of people at risk due to climate change, more research is required to better understand mental health and psychological implications of climate vulnerability. This research contributes to understanding how people in climate vulnerable populations psychologically cope with stress with crucial implications for adaptation efforts. We conducted n = 60 qualitative in-depth interviews with men and women in Bhola, Bangladesh to elicit the lived experiences of a climate vulnerable population. We analysed data following the tenets of Grounded Theory. Through our inductive analysis, we found coping strategies where participants highlighted what they did when encountering stress, such as ‘Resignation’ or ‘Help Seeking'. Barriers to coping were, among others, limited ‘Efficacy', ‘Time’ or ‘Stigma'. We categorized coping strategies with barriers as high-barrier coping strategies and, those without reported barriers, as low- barrier coping strategies. High-barriers restricted participants - especially women - in their coping efforts and led them to using low-barrier coping strategies. Some low-barrier coping strategies can be interpreted as maladaptive if used frequently, as they are unhealthy and draw upon resources needed to adapt for the future. Maladaptive coping strategies can thus impede long-term adaptation by reducing motivation and the ability and willingness to act. To enable adaptive coping, we recommend lifting the barriers to coping through community-led interventions where community workers create platforms for sharing problems and knowledge, such as group support meetings. Sharing and discussing could strengthen efficacy and open new opportunities for functional, adaptive coping. As the negative impacts of climate change will be felt globally with more intensity and frequency, enabling adaptive coping and removing barriers to coping in frontline communities will be essential to supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

Key messages

• Barriers to adaptive coping strategies can lead people to using maladaptive low-barrier coping strategies, which draw upon resources needed for long-term adaptation.

• Enabling adaptive coping by lifting barriers to coping in climate vulnerable populations is crucial to strengthen adaptation efforts.

P-109 A RETROSPECTIVE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENTAL USE OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS IN ELECTIVE VENTRAL HERNIA SURGERY AS COMPARED TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES

The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of surgical site infection is no longer recommended in all types of elective ventral hernia repairs, according to national and international guidelines.NICE recommends that prophylactic antibiotics are given only in clean surgeries that involve the use of a prothesis or implant. The British Hernia Society and European Hernia Society state that there is no indication for antibiotic prophylaxis in both open and laparoscopic elective groin hernia repairs with mesh in patients that are healthy and considered low risk for surgical site infection.

This is a retrospective audit of patients who underwent elective ventral hernia repairs at Ealing Hospital between June 2021 and December 2021 to assess the compliance of antibiotic prophylaxis with the current guidelines.

Forty-nine patients underwent elective ventral hernia repair, of which 44 was with the use of a mesh.Thirty-five of these cases (79.5%) received prophylactic antibiotics. All cases that underwent laparoscopic hernia repair received prophylactic antibiotics. Five cases underwent an elective open ventral hernia repair without a mesh.Three cases who were considered low risk received prophylactic antibiotics.

In conclusion, majority of patients along with those who were considered high risk received prophylactic antibiotics, which is compliant with guidelines. However, patients who did not have a mesh repair, or were not considered high risk also received prophylactic antibiotics.It would be useful to improve the awareness of the guidelines by creating clear local guidelines and improving documentation of reasons to give antibiotics against the recommendations.

Laser Irradiation Effect on the p-GaSe/n-HfS2 PN-Heterojunction for High-Performance Phototransistors

Two-dimensional (2D)-based PN-heterojunction revealed a promising future of atomically thin optoelectronics with diverse functionalities in different environments. Herein, we reported a p-GaSe/n-HfS₂ van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure for high-performance photodetectors and investigated the laser irradiation effect on the fabricated device. The fabricated 2D vdW heterostructure revealed a high photoresponsivity of 1 × 10⁴ A W^-1 with a photocurrent value of 377 nA due to unique type-II band alignment and enhanced surface potential under light illumination, which is further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Before laser irradiation, the device showed high field-effect mobility (μ_EF) of 26.37 cm² V^-1 s^-1, ON/OFF ratio of ∼10⁵, and threshold voltage swing (SS) of ∼463 mV dec^-1. With the exposure of 690 mW cm^-2 laser power density, μ_EF reached 204 cm² V^-1 s^-1, although ∼2 V ΔV_th shifts are observed along with the SS decreased to 175 mV dec^-1. Interestingly, the reduced SS shows better channel control of the fabricated device with laser power. Similarly, the ON/OFF ratio decreased to ∼1.29 × 10³. The results indicate that the creation of oxide trap charges at the interface of SiO₂ and PN-heterojunction layers was observed with voltage biasing and high laser power density. The degradation of electrical parameters is attributed to fewer interface trap charges per surface area of the device rather than direct damage in PN-heterojunction layers. Considering the excellent 2D electronic properties, these materials are better candidates for future high-radiation environments.

Crystallography-based exploration of non-covalent interactions for the design and synthesis of coumarin for stronger protein binding

Protein molecules are a good target for the inhibition or promotion of biological processes. Different methods like QSAR and molecular docking have been developed to accurately design small binder molecules for target proteins. An alternative model has been developed wherein a statistical method is used to find the propensity of different non-covalent interactions between small molecules and amino acid residues of the protein. The results give hints as to the choice of substituents required at the SM to strongly bind to a protein. In this case, 75 different types of proteins bound with coumarin derivatives have been investigated and the non-covalent interactions observed between the basic coumarin moiety and amino acids have been analyzed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to identify the electronic features of coumarin to understand the feasibility of the observed non-covalent interactions and to find appropriate groups that can modulate these interactions. The binding affinity towards a protein (β-lactoglobulin (BLG)) and the stability of the protein complex have been investigated through docking and molecular dynamics of 100 ns, respectively. The modeled compounds were synthesized and investigated with regards to their interactions with the model carrier protein. The thermodynamics of the interactions were also investigated and the binding is governed by the Le Chatelier principle.

184 Group and Save Studies Prior to Appendicectomy

Aim

Group and save studies prior to appendicectomy

Method

219 appendicectomy cases from Jan 2018 until Dec 2020. This was to look for whether patients had a blood transfusion post appendicectomy. Whether this was cost effective?

Results

19/219 did not have G and S studies performed. None of the patients required a blood transfusion post operatively. Price per bottle £20

Conclusions

Based on the above results we referred to the study performed by the RCS

Royal College of Surgeons did a study on ‘blood group and antibody screening prior to emergency laparoscopy’. Study included 562 cases. Concluded that routine G&S studies are not required and ‘majority of patients had a low risk of major intraoperative haemorrhage’ and thus G&S was not warranted O –ve blood can be used in cases of acute haemorrhage from major vessel injury Time taken to receive O neg blood = minutes.

188 Quality of Documentation of Patient Notes in the Surgical Department

Aim

Quality of documentation of patient notes

Method

Guidance for standards was taken from ‘The importance of Clinical Documentation, Ann R Coll Surg Engl(Suppl) 2014; 96:18–20’

Data of 100 patients over 2 weeks. Assessed:

Results

Availability of notes:

15/100 notes were not available on the wards at the time of data collection

Conclusions

Based on above results the significances of:

Results

Unable to provide proof of treatment if any abnormalities were found and medical negligence

263 Tuberculosis of the Bile Duct: A Rare Cause of Obstructive Jaundice

Tuberculosis (TB) is a very rare cause of biliary stricture that is difficult to diagnose and usually requires surgical intervention in order to rule out underlying malignant etiology. A 28-years old woman with obstructive jaundice, who was originally thought to have cholangio-carcinoma. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was made on PCR testing of bile. Patient was started on antitubercular treatment, and she responded well. This case presented a rare case of common bile duct stricture due to biliary tuberculosis. This is an important condition to diagnose because early recognition with prompt treatment results in complete resolution. Even though biliary tuberculosis is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice, in endemic areas, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis and investigated, as it can be potentially curable.

262 Full Cycle Audit on Definitive Management of Biliary Pancreatitis

Aim

To reaudit the practice of definitive management of gall stones pancreatitis in our trust for the period of 1st May-31st October and compare the result with previous one (1st June 2019–31st Dec 2019).

Method

It was a retrospective collection of data of patients admitted to our trust with biliary pancreatitis. Electronic notes, PACS for US report, Electronic discharge summary and Operative notes analysed.

Results

We identified 4 patients admitted with biliary pancreatitis during the re-audit period. US report was checked for confirmation of diagnosis of gall stones. The EDN was checked for date for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Unfortunately, none of them had their procedure time in 2 weeks’ time of their diagnosis. The reason behind this was because of COVID-19 pandemic, we were backlogging with our elective list. All the patients eventually underwent their procedure, but not in 2 weeks’ time as per the guidelines. All suitable patients had their cholecystectomy in a timely manner during first audit. None had it in timely manner during second audit.

Conclusions

Early Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for simple gallstone pancreatitis prevents life threatening Pancreatitis and readmissions.

The UK guidelines on management of pancreatitis issued by British society guidelines (BSG) states that all mild gall stones pancreatitis should have definitive management of lithiasis on the same admission or within 2 weeks (Recommendation B). In our practice, all our suitable patients during first audit had timely Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, no one had it in timely manner on the next audit for COVID-19 pandemic.

274 Peri-Operative Communication with Next of Kin (NOK) for Patients Receiving Laparotomies: A Complete Audit Loop with an Educational intervention

Aim

NICE Clinical Guidelines (CG138) specify the importance of involvement of family members and carers at key patient care junctures. Furthermore, published literature and our own experience reaffirm that ‘low-quality communication causes profound distress to families that can affect the quality of dying and bereavement'. There is little evidence on NOK’s experience for surgical patients, so we sought to assess whether NOK details were available and whether they had been contacted peri-operatively for patients receiving laparotomies.

Method

We performed a closed loop audit using NELA database to identify patients admitted for laparotomies between February 1st to July 31st, 2021. The initial data was collated, analysed, and presented during educational meetings with informal reminders for a week to implement changes. Thereafter, data was collected to complete the audit cycle on communication with NOK.

Results

A total of 70 patients were included. Prior to the implementation, 86% of patients undergoing laparotomies had NOK information documented in clinical records, with only 75% of telephone numbers reachable and 33% had documented evidence of contact within 48 hours post-operation. Post-implementation, 97% of patients had their NOK information in their clinical records, with 97% telephone numbers reachable and 41% had documented evidence of contact with 48hours.

Conclusions

The importance of clerical staff and clerking doctors establishing NOK’s details, documenting these within iCare/notes and establishing whether patient are happy with NOK being contacted for updates on patient management, could reduce distress and potentially improve the experiences of hospital admission, recovery and in some cases, bereavement.

Assessment of hygienic and sanitation practices among poultry butchers in selected Municipality areas of Assam (India)

A study was conducted in Dhubri and Biswanath Chariali Municipality areas to assess the adoption of hygienic and sanitation practices being followed by poultry butchers. A total of 60 poultry butchers were selected randomly, 30 from each Municipality area so that the final sample consisted of 60 poultry butchers. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule by personal interviews. The schedule was designed to collect information on the socioeconomic profile of the butchers, personal and meat shop hygiene, maintenance of meat shop and its equipment. The data revealed that all the poultry butchers were male among which (75%) of them had an education level only up to eight standard. The overall mean age of the poultry butchers was found to be 39.95±8.64 years of which majority (75%) of them belong to middle age group. The present study indicated that none of the poultry butchers underwent any formal training for hygienic meat handling. It was also pointed out that most (85%) of the butcheries were located at market area, while only a few (15%) were found in the residential area. Only 18.33 per cent of the poultry butchers wore clean clothes while 81.67 per cent of them did not adopt this practice during working. Majority (88.33%) of them did not wash their hands after smoking/ chewing tobacco.It was also revealed that majority (88.33%) of the butchers did not clean knives before and after cutting of meat. Majority of the butchers agreed that cleanliness of equipment (71.67%), the meat shop and its surrounding (68.33%) and personal hygiene (68.33%) were some of the important factors that were essential to ensure wholesome meat production. From the above study, it may be concluded that appropriate interventional measures by the concerned agencies such as awareness trainings for poultry butchers on crucial areas of food safety, hygienic practices relating to meat handling and personal safety are imperative. The results of the study also shed light on the need for measures to improve the infrastructural facilities in poultry meat butcheries and for appropriate interventions to strengthen the food quality control system by the government regulatory authorities.

Metallic boro-carbides of A2BC (A = Ti, Zr, Hf and W): a comprehensive theoretical study for thermo-mechanical and optoelectronic applications

The Ti2BC reflectivity spectra never fall below 53% in the 0 to 10.3 eV photon range, showing as a coating material to reduce solar heating. The W2BC has a Vickers hardness of ∼36 GPa with ductility, showing potential for hard coating application.

946 Introduction: Closed Loop Audit Looking at How We Are Complying with Paediatric Supracondylar Fracture (BOAST 11) Management; Results Compared With 2018 To 2019 (Full Cycle)

Background

Supracondylar fractures. Most common childhood elbow fracture. Can be difficult to manage. Risk of significant complications

Method

Results

• NV documentation, 2018:2019, Improved (36%à45%), Inadequate (45%) in comparison to BOAST guideline.

Night ops

• Appropriate as per BOAST guideline

Surgical technique

Conclusions

Recommendations:

743 Inflammatory Pseudotumor (IPT) Of the Liver, A Diagnostic Dilemma with Therapeutic Uncertainty in A cohort of Bangladeshi patients (Observational Cohort Study)

Background

IPT a benign lesion seldom encountered in clinical practice. It’s mysterious in origin & remains ambiguous.Infection, stone,autoimmune disease,systemic inflammatory response,trauma,foreign body and neoplasm attributes to etiological factors.Advanced imaging modalities help in increased detection of focal liver lesion.

Aim

Method

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Results

14 male & 19 female were studied, mostly in 3rd decade of life. Clinically only 21% of them presented with fever.In 24 patients the lesions were located in left lobe of liver.The operative procedures were: wedge resection in 3 patients,limited resection in 5 patients,Left Hepatectomy 7 patients,Left lateral hepatic segmentectomy in 17 patients, right hepatectomy in 2 patients & central hepatectomy in 1 patient. 8patients required bilioenteric anastomosis as additional procedure.Histopathological study revealed Tuberculosis in 7 patients(21.21%),fungal granuloma in 3 patients, foreign body granuloma in 3 patients, Ductal calculi with abscess in 9 patients and idiopathic in 7 patients.

Conclusions

IPT of liver represents a rare entity usually mistaken as malignant lesion.Despite the low prevalence, it often creates a diagnostic dilemma resulting into therapeutic uncertainty.

950 Experience of Inguinal Mesh Hernioplasty Under Local Anaesthesia: A 3-Year Experience in A Teaching Hospital

Objective

To prove Inguinal mesh hernioplasty under L/A is safe and acceptable. Helps with post-operative pain and enables rapid recovery as a day case.

Method

All patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair under local anaesthesia were retrospectively analysed in our hospital between July 2014- July 2017. Clinical judgement was used for inclusion and exclusion parameters.

Results

From July 2014- July 2017, 260 patients were included in study who underwent Inguinal mesh hernioplasty under L/A. ASA grade for all patients ranged between I-III. The mean age was 37 (20-65). Intraoperatively (9.1) 3.5% patients had problems such as pain, hypotension or sweating. About (86.3%) 224 patients were discharged home the same day and remaining stayed overnight for less than 24 hours. Hematoma was seen in 5 (1.92%) patients, Urinary retention in 2 (0.7%) patients, Wound infection seen in 24(9.2%) patients, Readmission in 10 (3.8%) patients. Chronic groin pain was seen in 10 (3.9%) patients and no recurrence on 6 months follow up.

Conclusions

Our results showed that this procedure is feasible under L/A and can be performed safely. It showed satisfactory acceptance by the operating surgeon and patient, without significant perioperative issues. It is reliable and showed shorter hospital stay.

957 Comparison of Inguinodynia In Patients Undergoing Prophylactic Ilioinguinal Neurectomy vs No Neurectomy In Lichtenstein Mesh Hernioplasty

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare the frequency of inguinodynia in ilioinguinal neurectomy VS no neurectomy in patients undergoing Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty.

Method

200 male patients with unilateral, primary, reducible inguinal hernia were randomly distributed in to two groups by using lottery method to undergo Lichtenstein’s hernia repair i.e., with and without ilioinguinal neurectomy. All the operation were carried out under local anesthesia. Pain score was calculated using the VAS system at 3rd month and inguinodynia was labelled if it is more than 1 on VAS scale.

Results

200 male patients with mean age of 53.25 ± 6.768 were included. 42 (21%) had Inguinodynia after surgery. When we cross tabulated both groups with inguinodynia, results came up significant (p = 0.001). In neurectomy group 10 patients had inguinodynia while in no neurectomy group, 32 patients were having Inguinodynia. There was no effect of malnutrition on outcome. Younger age group benefitted more from procedure.

Conclusions

It is concluded that there is difference in frequency of inguinodynia in ilioinguinal neurectomy versus no neurectomy in patients undergoing Lichtenstein hernia repair. Patients with ilioinguinal neurectomy had reduced incidence of inguinodynia.

677 Incidental Diagnosis of Metastatic Prostate Cancer by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) In the Absence of Pelvic Lymphadenopathy

Metastasis pattern of prostate cancer varies widely; however, predominant affinity is towards regional lymph nodes. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy as the initial presentation, in absence of any pelvic lymph node involvement, remains extremely rare. Most patients are incidentally diagnosed and often have widespread metastatic disease on confirmation of diagnosis. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary and routine clinical examination such as a digital rectal examination (DRE) can aid in earlier diagnosis and prompt clinical intervention can improve disease outcome. We present this case study of a 53-year-old patient who was incidentally diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of prostatic origin by TBUS-EBNA of hilar lymph nodes in the absence of pelvic lymphadenopathy.

Interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in the epitaxial W/Co/Pt multilayers

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) manifesting in asymmetric layered ferromagnetic films gives rise to non-colinear spin structures stabilizing magnetization configurations with nontrivial topology. In this work magnetization reversal, magnetic domain alignment, and strength of DMI are related to the crystalline structure of W/Co/Pt multilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The applied growth method enables the fabrication of layered systems with higher crystalline quality than commonly applied sputtering techniques. A relatively high value of the D coefficient was determined from the aligned magnetic domain stripe structure, substantially exceeding 2 mJ m-2. The highest value of DMI strength Deff = 2.64 mJ m-2 and surface DMI parameter DS = 1.83 pJ m-1 have been observed for a repetition number equal to 10. The experimental results correlate exactly with those obtained from the micromagnetic modelling and density functional theory calculations performed for the well-defined layered stacks. This high value of DMI strength originates from the additive contributions of the interfacial atomic Co layers at the two types of interfaces.

Fetomaternal Outcome of Pregnancy in Women with Tetralogy of Fallot

This prospective study was done to determine fetomaternal outcomes of pregnancy in women with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and carried out in two centres especially in the care of patients with adult congenital heart disease (CHD) from January 2005 to December 2009. Clinical, haemodynamic and obstetric data were reviewed for pregnant women with TOF. Ten (10) pregnant women were identified in the age range 18 to 47 years. Most of the patients were in the age group of 18 to 27 years, 34 to 36 weeks gestational age (in week) and primi gravida (60%). Right-sided aortic arch (20%) and major anomalies of pulmonary collaterals (30%) were common anomalies anatomical association. Normal vaginal delivery was the mode of delivery (70%) in the majority of the patients. Spontaneous abortions were occurred in 3(30%) patients. Primary maternal cardiac events complicating pregnancies were congestive heart failure (20%), arrhythmias and cardiovascular events (10%). Premature labor (40%) was the most common obstetric complication. Premature birth (40%), fetal demise (20%), neonatal death (10%) and cardiac anomaly at birth (10%) were the offspring complications in the study. Women with TOF can go through pregnancy with a low risk to themselves with frequent treatable complications, but there is a high incidence of miscarriage, premature births and low birth weight. An incidence of congenital anomaly in the fetus is higher than that found in the normal population.

Genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations using a SNP panel

Information about genetic diversity and population structure among goat breeds is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds. Here, we measured genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations, namely, Nanjiang, Qinggeda, Arbas Cashmere, Jining Grey, Luoping Yellow and Guangfeng goats. A total of 193 individuals were genotyped for about 47 401 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found a high proportion of informative SNPs, ranging from 69.5% in the Luoping Yellow to 93.9% in the Jining Grey goat breeds with an average mean of 84.7%. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity, ranged from 0.371 in Luoping Yellow to 0.405 in Jining Grey goat populations. The average estimated pair-wise genetic differentiation (F_ST ) among the populations was 8.6%, ranging from 0.2% to 16% and indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation. Principal component analysis, genetic structure and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed a clustering of six Chinese goat populations according to geographic distribution. The results from this study can contribute valuable genetic information and can properly assist with within-breed diversity, which provides a good opportunity for sustainable utilization of and maintenance of genetic resource improvements in the Chinese goat populations.

Evaluation of Liver Protective Activity of Moringa oleifera Bark Extract in Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Moringa oleifera has been used in folk medicine to alleviate several diseases. In the present study, ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera bark has been investigated to study its potential on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity on model rats. Methods: Rats (150–200 gm) were divided into 5 groups containing 6 animals each. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by paracetamol (600 mg/kg body weight) administered once daily for one week whereas the extract of investigated plant was given orally throughout the whole experiment at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) was given orally as standard hepatoprotective drug. The level of hepatic injury recovery was determined by the estimation of liver enzymes like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Bilirubin, Total protein, globulin and Albumin. Results: Treatment with MO extract as well as standard hepatoprotective agent silymarin ameliorated plasma levels of hepatic enzymes. Body weight was improved significantly by MO extracts (p < 0.01), whereas liver weight was recovered insignificantly. SGPT, SGOT and ALP levels were improved very highly significantly (p<0.001) and highly significantly (p<0.01) at MO 250mg dose. While at the dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated SGPT Level very highly significantly (p<0.001), SGOT Level highly significantly (p<0.01) but insignificant to ALP level.   Conclusion: The biochemical parameters provide evidence that the ethanolic extract of of Moringa oleifera bark has shown hepatoprotective activity.

The direct and indirect effects of kisspeptin-54 on granulosa lutein cell function

STUDY QUESTION

What are the in vivo and in vitro actions of kisspeptin-54 on the expression of genes involved in ovarian reproductive function, steroidogenesis and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in granulosa lutein (GL) cells when compared with traditional triggers of oocyte maturation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The use of kisspeptin-54 as an oocyte maturation trigger augmented expression of genes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis in human GL cells including, FSH receptor (FSHR), LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR), steroid acute regulatory protein (STAR), aromatase, estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1, ESR2), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3BHSD2) and inhibin A (INHBA), when compared to traditional maturation triggers, but did not alter markers of OHSS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

hCG is the most widely used trigger of oocyte maturation, but is associated with an increased risk of OHSS. The use of GnRH agonists to trigger oocyte maturation is a safer alternative to hCG. More recently, kisspeptin-54 has emerged as a novel therapeutic option that safely triggers oocyte maturation even in women at high risk of OHSS. Kisspeptin indirectly stimulates gonadotropin secretion by acting on hypothalamic GnRH neurons. Kisspeptin and its receptor are also expressed in the human ovary, but there is limited data on the direct action of kisspeptin on the ovary.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

Forty-eight women undergoing IVF treatment for infertility consented to kisspeptin-54 triggering and/or granulosa cell collection and were included in the study. Twelve women received hCG, 12 received GnRH agonist and 24 received kisspeptin-54 to trigger oocyte maturation. In the kisspeptin-54 group, 12 received one injection of kisseptin-54 (9.6 nmol/kg) and 12 received two injections of kisspeptin-54 at a 10 h interval (9.6 nmol/kg × 2).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Follicular fluid was aspirated and pooled from follicles during the retrieval of oocytes for IVF/ICSI. GL cells were isolated and either RNA extracted immediately or cultured in vitro ± kisspeptin or hCG.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

GL cells from women who had received kisspeptin-54 had a 14-fold and 8-fold higher gene expression of FSHR and a 2-fold (ns) and 2.5-fold (P < 0.05) higher expression of LHCGR than GL cells from women who had received hCG or GnRH agonist, respectively. CYP19A1 expression was 3.6-fold (P < 0.05) and 4.5-fold (P < 0.05) higher, STAR expression was 3.4-fold (P < 0.01) and 1.8-fold (P < 0.05) higher, HSD3B2 expression was 7.5- (P < 0.01) and 2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05), INHBA was 2.5-fold (P < 0.01) and 2.5-fold (P < 0.01) higher in GL cells from women who had received kisspeptin-54 than hCG or GnRHa, respectively. ESR1 (P < 0.05) and ESR2 (P < 0.05) both showed 3-fold higher expression in cells from kisspeptin treated than GnRHa treated women. Markers of vascular permeability and oocyte growth factors were unchanged (VEGFA, SERPINF1, CDH5, amphiregulin, epiregulin). Gene expression of kisspeptin receptor was unchanged. Whereas treating GL cells in vitro with hCG induced steroidogenic gene expression, kisspeptin-54 had no significant direct effects on either OHSS genes or steroidogenic genes.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Most women in the study had PCOS, which may limit applicability to other patient groups. For the analysis of the in vitro effects of kisspeptin-54, it is important to note that GL cells had already been exposed in vivo to an alternate maturation trigger.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The profile of serum gonadotropins seen with kisspeptin administration compared to other triggers more closely resemble that of the natural cycle as compared with hCG. Thus, kisspeptin could potentially permit an ovarian environment augmented for steroidogenesis, in particular progesterone synthesis, which is required for embryo implantation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Dr Owens is supported by an Imperial College London PhD Scholarship. Dr Abbara is supported by an National Institute of Health Research Academic Clinical Lectureship. The authors do not have any conflict of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01667406.

Clinical parameters of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following different hormonal triggers of oocyte maturation in IVF treatment

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious iatrogenic condition, predominantly related to the hormone used to induce oocyte maturation during IVF treatment. Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that has recently been demonstrated to safely trigger final oocyte maturation during IVF treatment even in women at high risk of OHSS. However, to date, the safety of kisspeptin has not been compared to current hormonal triggers of oocyte maturation.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective single-centre cohort study investigating symptoms and clinical parameters of early OHSS in women at high risk of OHSS (antral follicle count or total number of follicles on day of trigger ≥23) triggered with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (n = 40), GnRH agonist (GnRHa; n = 99) or kisspeptin (n = 122) at Hammersmith Hospital IVF unit, London, UK (2013-2016).

RESULTS

Clinical Parameters of OHSS: Median ovarian volume was larger following hCG (138 ml) than GnRHa (73 ml; P < .0001), and in turn kisspeptin (44 ml; P < .0001). Median ovarian volume remained enlarged 20-fold following hCG, 8-fold following GnRHa and 5-fold following kisspeptin compared to prestimulation ovarian volumes. Mean (±SD) ascitic volumes were lesser following GnRHa (9 ± 44 ml) and kisspeptin (5 ± 8 ml) than hCG (62 ± 84 ml; P < .0001). Symptoms of OHSS were most frequent following hCG and least frequent following kisspeptin. Diagnosis of OHSS: The odds ratio for OHSS diagnosis was 33.6 (CI 12.6-89.5) following hCG and 3.6 (CI 1.8-7.1) following GnRHa, when compared to kisspeptin.

CONCLUSION

Triggering oocyte maturation by inducing endogenous gonadotrophin release is preferable to the use of exogenous hCG in women at high risk of OHSS.

Single-Atom Heat Machines Enabled by Energy Quantization

Quantization of energy is a quintessential characteristic of quantum systems. Here we analyze its effects on the operation of Otto cycle heat machines and show that energy quantization alone may alter and increase machine performance in terms of output work, efficiency, and even operation mode. We show that this difference in performance occurs in machines with inhomogeneous energy level scaling, while quantum machines with homogeneous level scaling behave like classical machines. Our results demonstrate that quantum thermodynamics enables the realization of classically inconceivable Otto machines, such as those with an incompressible working substance. We propose to measure these effects experimentally using a laser-cooled trapped ion as a microscopic heat machine.

Effect of pellet from total mixed ration on growth performance, blood metabolomics, carcass and meat characteristics of Bangladeshi garole sheep

Six indigenous Bangladeshi Garole sheep (Ovis aries) (BW: 8±0.5 kg; Age: 1yr) were divided into two groups using a randomized block design to investigate the effect of total mixed ration (TMR) pellet feeding on growth parameter, blood metabolomics, carcass and meat characteristics. Control diet was composed of road side grass, rice straw, wheat bran, mustard oil cake, molasses, common salt which considered as loose total mixed ration (L-TMR) and treatment diet was pelleted form of L-TMR (P-TMR).In both the dietary treatments the animals were fed at 1.5 times of maintenance energy and protein requirement. P-TMR revealed a positive impact (p < 0.05) on live weight gain and feed conversion ratio than L-TMR. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude fibre (DCF) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in P-TMR group whereas there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in other digestible nutrients as well as plasma metabolites like plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL- cholesterol concentration between two dietary group. Dressing percentage and eye muscle area was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in P-TMR group but no significant difference was found between dietary treatments in term of disposition of body fat, proximate composition of mutton, all the sensory parameters except tenderness and overall acceptability. So, it could be concluded that, the P-TMR might be fed to sheep for better growth performance and higher meat production rather than production of functional mutton.Progressive Agriculture 28 (3): 222-229, 2017 

Multislip Friction with a Single Ion

A trapped ion transported along a periodic potential is studied as a paradigmatic nanocontact frictional interface. The combination of the periodic corrugation potential and a harmonic trapping potential creates a one-dimensional energy landscape with multiple local minima, corresponding to multistable stick-slip friction. We measure the probabilities of slipping to the various minima for various corrugations and transport velocities. The observed probabilities show that the multislip regime can be reached dynamically at smaller corrugations than would be possible statically, and can be described by an equilibrium Boltzmann model. While a clear microscopic signature of multislip behavior is observed for the ion motion, the frictional force and dissipation are only weakly affected by the transition to multistable potentials.

Fibroids that do not distort the uterine cavity and IVF success rates: an observational study using extensive matching criteria

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of non-cavity-distorting fibroids on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective, matched, single-centre, cohort study was performed.

SETTING

The IVF unit of a tertiary, university hospital.

POPULATION

We analysed all women with non-cavity-distorting uterine fibroids undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles from 1 January 2011 to 1 May 2015.

METHODS

Each woman was matched with two separate controls of the same age (±6 months), stimulation protocol (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist), starting dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), number of embryos transferred (one or two), day of transfer (day 3 or day 5), and no uterine fibroids identified by transvaginal ultrasound.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrates that the presence of non-cavity-distorting fibroids appears to negatively affect clinical pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.41-0.94) and live birth rates (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48-0.78) in patients undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle, when matched with controls of the same age, starting dose of FSH, stimulation protocol, number of embryos, and day of embryo transfer. The deleterious effect of fibroids on live birth rates was significant in women with two or more fibroids (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26-0.83) and in women with fibroids of ≥30 mm in diameter (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19-0.89). The negative impact of non-cavity-distorting fibroids was also present in women with an embryo transfer on day 5 (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.35-0.94). Conversely, in women with single fibroids of <30 mm in diameter, no difference in pregnancy outcomes was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A well-designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trial is required to address the role of medical or surgical interventions in patients with intramural and subserosal fibroids before undergoing fertility treatment.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Non-cavity-distorting fibroids negatively affect pregnancy rates after IVF.

Ultra-precise holographic beam shaping for microscopic quantum control

High-resolution addressing of individual ultracold atoms, trapped ions or solid state emitters allows for exquisite control in quantum optics experiments. This becomes possible through large aperture magnifying optics that project microscopic light patterns with diffraction limited performance. We use programmable amplitude holograms generated on a digital micromirror device to create arbitrary microscopic beam shapes with full phase and amplitude control. The system self-corrects for aberrations of up to several λ and reduces them to λ/50, leading to light patterns with a precision on the 10^-4 level. We demonstrate aberration-compensated beam shaping in an optical lattice experiment and perform single-site addressing in a quantum gas microscope for ⁸⁷Rb.

Measuring entanglement entropy in a quantum many-body system

Entanglement is one of the most intriguing features of quantum mechanics. It describes non-local correlations between quantum objects, and is at the heart of quantum information sciences. Entanglement is now being studied in diverse fields ranging from condensed matter to quantum gravity. However, measuring entanglement remains a challenge. This is especially so in systems of interacting delocalized particles, for which a direct experimental measurement of spatial entanglement has been elusive. Here, we measure entanglement in such a system of itinerant particles using quantum interference of many-body twins. Making use of our single-site-resolved control of ultracold bosonic atoms in optical lattices, we prepare two identical copies of a many-body state and interfere them. This enables us to directly measure quantum purity, Rényi entanglement entropy, and mutual information. These experiments pave the way for using entanglement to characterize quantum phases and dynamics of strongly correlated many-body systems.