Modified isotropic orthogonal transform algorithm-universal filtered multicarrier transceiver for 5G cognitive radio application

Rapid developments in modern wireless communication permit the trade of spectrum scarcity.  Higher data rate and wider bandwidth emerge the development in growing demand of wireless communication system. The innovative solution for the spectrum scarcity is cognitive radio (CR). Cognitive radio is the significant technology used to utilize the spectrum effectively. The important aspect of CR is sensing the spectrum band and detects the presence or absence of the primary user in the licensed band. Moreover, another serious issue in next generation (5G) wireless communication is to decide the less complex 5G waveform candidate for achieving higher data rate, low latency and better spectral efficiency. Universal filtered multi-carrier (UFMC) is one of the noticeable waveform candidates for 5G and its applications. In this article, we investigate the spectrum sensing methods in multi-carrier transmission for cognitive radio network applications. Especially, we integrate the sensing algorithm into UFMC transceiver to analyze the spectral efficiency, higher data rates and system complexity. Through the simulation results, we prove that the UFMC based cognitive radio applications outperform the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based CR applications

Genotoxic evaluation of ceftriaxone by in vivo micronucleus test in albino mice

Background: Genotoxicity screening of drugs is essential. It is mandatory for new drugs. However, screening of drugs already in use is also necessary. Several cephalosporins are reported to induce chromosomal aberrations in previous studies. But there is paucity of data regarding the genotoxic potential of ceftriaxone. Hence the present study was undertaken to evaluate the genotoxic potential of ceftriaxone, a third generation cephalosporin, by micronucleus assay in albino mice.Methods: In vivo micronucleus test was performed with mice bone marrow after intraperitoneal injection of ceftriaxone at 100mg/kg BW and 200mg/kg BW at 24 hr and 48 hr harvest time. Mice bone marrow was harvested, and slides were prepared. The percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (% MnPCE) and the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE:NCE) were determined. The data from ceftriaxone treated groups was compared with control group and analyzed using ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test.Results: Ceftriaxone at the dose of 100mg/kg BW and 200mg/kg BW did not exhibit any significant increase in the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. It also did not decrease the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes significantly.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that ceftriaxone is not genotoxic in in vivo micronucleus study in albino mice at a dose of 100mg/kg BW and 200mg/kg BW

Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera root in wistar rats

Background: Free radicals generated as by-products of metabolism can cause damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. They are scavenged by endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. But when these mechanisms are overwhelmed, free radicals can cause toxicity. There is a need to identify new antioxidant compounds. Hence the current study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera roots in Wistar rats.Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (control) were administered vehicle. Group 2 received DMBA (30mg/kg BW, single dose) intraperitoneally on day 5. Group 3 was pre-treated with Calotropis procera root extract (500mg/kg BW) orally for 5 days. On day 5, they were given DMBA injection 2 hrs after the extract. Group 4 rats received only root extract for 5 days. All rats were sacrificed on day 6 and samples were analysed for TBARS, conjugated dienes and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) levels.Results: The levels of TBARS, conjugated dienes were significantly increased, and antioxidant enzymes were decreased in group 2 both in plasma and erythrocytes. Pretreatment with C. procera root extract (group 3) has normalized the TBARS and conjugated dienes levels in plasma but in erythrocytes, TBARS levels are elevated. GPx activity was significantly decreased in both plasma and erythrocytes and SOD activity was decreased in erythrocytes. CAT activity was comparable to control group. Group 4 rats showed TBARS, conjugated dienes and antioxidant enzymes levels comparable to control.Conclusions: The present study establishes that Calotropis procera root extract has antioxidant activity in wistar rats

Effectiveness of supine Versus sitting up position on reduction of pain perception during intramuscular immunization among infants at selected hospitals, Marthandam

A study to assess the effectiveness of supine versus sitting up position on reduction of pain perception during intramuscular immunization among infants at selected hospitals, Marthandam was conducted by R.Florine Dayana in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in nursing at Sri.K.R.N.College of nursing, under the Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R.Medical University. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the post test level of pain perception during intramuscular immunization among infants of group I with supine position. 2. To assess the post test level of pain perception during intramuscular immunization among infants of group II with sitting up position. 3. To compare the level of pain perception between group I and group II infants. 4. To associate the level of pain perception among infants of group I with their demographic variables. 5. To associate the level of pain perception among infants of group II with their demographic variables. The following hypotheses were set for the study: H1 There was a significant difference on the level of pain perception during intramuscular immunization between group I and group II. H2 There was a significant association between the post test level of pain perception of group I with their demographic variables during intramuscular immunization. H3 There was a significant association between the post test level of pain perception of group II with their demographic variables during intramuscular immunization. Quantitative research approach was adapted for this study. Research design used in this study was Two group design comes under Multiple group experimental design. The study was conducted in two hospitals like William hospital and Annammal hospital at Marthandam. The study population composed of infants receiving DPT immunization from one month to four months. The data collection tool used for this study was Modified FLACC Scale. The content validity of the tool was established by five nursing experts and one medical expert. Pilot study was conducted to find out the feasibility of the study and plan for analysis. Data collection was done and the data obtained were analyzed in terms of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The significant findings of the study were: 1. Majority of infants 18 (60%) were between the age group of one to two months in group I. 2. Majority of infants 15 (50%) were between the age group of 3.1 to 4 months in group II. 3. Majority of infants 17 (56.66%) were females in group I. 4. Majority of infants 18(60%) were males in group II. 5. Majority of infants 15(50%) had worst pain in group I. 6. Majority of infants 21(70%) had moderate pain in group II. 7. The calculated ‘t’ value was 10.95,which shows that there was significance difference between group I and group II during intramuscular immunization at P<0.05 level. Based on the findings of the present study the following recommendations are made: 1. Similar study can be replicated on a large sample. 2. A study can be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual distraction compared with a blank TV screen in the reduction of pain associated with intramuscular immunization. 3. A comparative study can be conducted by the efficacy, effect of dose, and safety of sucrose for relieving procedural pain as assessed by physiologic and behavioural indicators. 4. A study can be conducted to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of various pharmacologic and combined interventions for reducing the pain experienced by children during immunization. 5. A comparative study can be conducted by using expressed breast milk and other non-pharmacological intervention in reduction of pain in neonates. 6. A study can be conducted to assess the effectiveness of play therapy on reduction of pain perception during intramuscular immunization. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there was a significant difference on level of pain perception among infants placed in sitting up position than the infants placed in supine position during intramuscular immunization. Sitting up position seems to be accompanied by a sense of control and feeling of less pain. Thus the study concluded that sitting up position was effective in reducing the level of pain perception during intramuscular immunization

Modulation of Biofilm Growth by Sub‐Inhibitory Amounts of Antibacterial Substances

It is generally accepted that bacteria in biofilm are more resistant to antibacterials than their planktonic counterparts. For numerous antibiotics, it has been shown that minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for bacteria grown in broth are much lower than the minimal biofilm inhibition concentrations. While sub‐inhibitory concentrations, that is, amounts of antibacterials below the MIC, do not either influence or suppress to some extent or other the bacterial growth in liquid media, these same amounts of drugs, natural substances, etc., may have diverse effects on bacterial biofilms, ranging from suppression to stimulation of the sessile growth and varying with regard to the bacterial species and strains. This is a source of additional risks for both biofilm infection of host tissues and contamination indwelling devices. When considering the data for biofilm modulation, differences in experimental protocols should be taken into account, as well as the strain‐specific mechanisms of biofilm formation

Nanocatalyst Mediated Biodiesel Production from Waste Lipid as Feedstock: A Review

Petroleum-based fuels are widely utilized and pose a threat to the environment, necessitating an urge to bring up an equally effective substitute. Globally, research is focused on biofuel production from various sources which is renewable, highly affordable, and has lesser carbon emission. Biomass is used as raw material to produce biodiesel to achieve clean, green, and renewable fuel. Edible and nonedible raw materials are utilized for the production of biodiesel. Biodiesel from lipid sources produced through the transesterification process serves as an effective alternative for the production of renewable fuel with reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. The cost of biodiesel is dependent on raw materials and catalysts. The acidic and basic homogeneous catalysis reaction has a corrosive effect during synthesis and poses a risk in scalability. The heterogeneous reaction is costlier and has poor performance in the transesterification of lipids. Raw material contributes to 70–80% of the overall production cost. Municipal sewage sludge (MSS) is rich in lipid content and serves as promising raw material for biodiesel production. Nanocatalyst has superior activity in producing pure products with fewer side reactions. This paper reviews the lipid extraction techniques and biodiesel production from MSS using various nanocatalysts

Structural and Social Determinants of Opioid Abuse Among Florida-Based Hospitals

Background: With over two million people suffering from opioid abuse disorders, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has identified opioid abuse as a key priority. Florida is one of eight states labeled as a high-burden opioid abuse and is an “epicenter” for opioid use and misuse. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discover potential predictors of opioid abuse in Florida by exploring specific healthcare delivery, geographic, and patient demographic factors. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study design was used to examine four years (2014-2017) of Florida inpatient administrative discharge data across 173 hospitals of opioid abuse rate. Main measures included, opioid abuse counts (n=12,804) defined using both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM systems. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the association between hospital factors, county factor, and opioid abuse hospital rates. Results: We found a statistically significant association between hospital opioid abuse count and hospital size, location, teaching status, patients’ average age, gender, and race. The estimated probability of opioid abuse for a patient if treated in a large hospital is 0.23 (about 23%), significantly higher than small (8%) and medium (17%) size hospitals. The estimated probability of opioid abuse for a patient if treated in a rural hospital is 0.12 (about 12%), while in an urban hospital is higher at 0.17 (about 17%). The risk ratio is 0.71, which means the risk decreased by two-thirds when treated in rural hospitals. We also found that hospitals with a younger patient population, a higher percent of males and a higher proportion of Caucasian patients, are at a higher risk for an increase in opioid abuse counts. Discussion: These findings provide policymakers with crucial insight into Florida’s opioid crisis and the identification of predictive factors that contribute to opioid abuse

Syntaphilin controls a mitochondrial rheostat for proliferation-motility decisions in cancer.

Tumors adapt to an unfavorable microenvironment by controlling the balance between cell proliferation and cell motility, but the regulators of this process are largely unknown. Here, we show that an alternatively spliced isoform of syntaphilin (SNPH), a cytoskeletal regulator of mitochondrial movements in neurons, is directed to mitochondria of tumor cells. Mitochondrial SNPH buffers oxidative stress and maintains complex II-dependent bioenergetics, sustaining local tumor growth while restricting mitochondrial redistribution to the cortical cytoskeleton and tumor cell motility. Conversely, introduction of stress stimuli to the microenvironment, including hypoxia, acutely lowered SNPH levels, resulting in bioenergetics defects and increased superoxide production. In turn, this suppressed tumor cell proliferation but increased tumor cell invasion via greater mitochondrial trafficking to the cortical cytoskeleton. Loss of SNPH or expression of an SNPH mutant lacking the mitochondrial localization sequence resulted in increased metastatic dissemination in xenograft or syngeneic tumor models in vivo. Accordingly, tumor cells that acquired the ability to metastasize in vivo constitutively downregulated SNPH and exhibited higher oxidative stress, reduced cell proliferation, and increased cell motility. Therefore, SNPH is a stress-regulated mitochondrial switch of the cell proliferation-motility balance in cancer, and its pathway may represent a therapeutic target

Association between Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and 2 (HTLV 1/2) infection and tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background HTLV-1 infection alters the immune function and increases the risk of several infectious diseases. In this meta-analysis, we assess the association between HTLV- 1/2 and active tuberculosis (TB). Methods Four databases were searched for relevant articles that describe the frequency of HTLV- 1/2 infection among TB patients and control groups of healthy individuals or patients without a history of TB. Data were analyzed using the EasyMA software. Results The search yielded two hundred and eight articles. Six met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The estimated relative risk of HTLV- 1/2 infection in TB patients was 3.25 times higher than in the population based control groups. Conclusion Patients with active TB have a higher risk of HTLV- 1/2 infection. Prospective studies involving latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in HTLV-1-infected individuals are necessary to evaluate the potential benefit of TB chemoprophylaxis

Probing the Influence of Single-Site Mutations in the Central Cross-β Region of Amyloid β (1–40) Peptides

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a peptide known to form amyloid fibrils in the brain of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. A complete mechanistic understanding how Aβ peptides form neurotoxic assemblies and how they kill neurons has not yet been achieved. Previous analysis of various Aβ40 mutants could reveal the significant importance of the hydrophobic contact between the residues Phe19 and Leu34 for cell toxicity. For some mutations at Phe19, toxicity was completely abolished. In the current study, we assessed if perturbations introduced by mutations in the direct proximity of the Phe19/Leu34 contact would have similar relevance for the fibrillation kinetics, structure, dynamics and toxicity of the Aβ assemblies. To this end, we rationally modified positions Phe20 or Gly33. A small library of Aβ40 peptides with Phe20 mutated to Lys, Tyr or the non-proteinogenic cyclohexylalanine (Cha) or Gly33 mutated to Ala was synthesized. We used electron microscopy, circular dichroism, X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, ThT fluorescence and MTT cell toxicity assays to comprehensively investigate the physicochemical properties of the Aβ fibrils formed by the modified peptides as well as toxicity to a neuronal cell line. Single mutations of either Phe20 or Gly33 led to relatively drastic alterations in the Aβ fibrillation kinetics but left the global, as well as the local structure, of the fibrils largely unchanged. Furthermore, the introduced perturbations caused a severe decrease or loss of cell toxicity compared to wildtype Aβ40. We suggest that perturbations at position Phe20 and Gly33 affect the fibrillation pathway of Aβ40 and, thereby, influence the especially toxic oligomeric species manifesting so that the region around the Phe19/Leu34 hydrophobic contact provides a promising site for the design of small molecules interfering with the Aβ fibrillation pathway