NeoCommLight: A Visible Light Communication System for RF-Restricted NICUs

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is one of the emerging technologies of Optical Wireless Communications (OWCs) in finding sustainable solutions for the spectrum crunch of beyond 5G access technologies. This research work introduces the NeoCommLight system, a healthcare communication architecture for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) based on visible light communication, which offers a promising solution for RF-restricted areas and addresses the challenges posed by spectrum crunch and health concerns associated with traditional radio communication technologies. To demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed system, a prototype design is presented, accompanied by implementation details. Furthermore, the performance analysis of the NeoCommLight system is conducted, shedding light on crucial aspects such as communication delay, transmitter-to-receiver distance, variations in transmitter angle concerning the Line of Sight (LoS) axis, and the impact of diffraction caused by a knife edge obstacle placed between the transmitter and receiver. The performance analysis of the system showed that it could transmit data at a maximum data rate of 3 Mbps at a distance of 5 cm. The system could transmit data at a data rate 800 Kbps to a maximum distance of 2 meters

Rituximab and COVID-19 infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases – A real-world study from India

Introduction: Safety of rituximab (RTX) in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) has been a concern during this ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Delayed worsening of COVID symptoms, increased hospital stays, and mortality has been reported among those infected post-RTX. This study describes the occurrence and course of COVID-19 infection among AIRD Indian patients who received RTX during this pandemic. Patients and Methods: Adult patients (≥18 years) with any AIRD, who received RTX between October 2019 and May 2021, were enrolled in this study. Patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were telephonically enquired about contracting confirmed COVID-19, its course, treatment, and outcome. Baseline parameters, immunoglobulin G level, vaccination, and comorbidity status before RTX were compared between the COVID-19 infected and noninfected patients to determine factors affecting the outcome. Results: Out of 1081 patients admitted during the study period, 218 patients received RTX. The mean age of these patients was 40.1 ± 14.2 years and comprised mostly of women (81.7%). Rheumatoid arthritis followed by lupus and anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis was the predominant AIRD. Among the patients contacted (207/218 [94.9%]), 11 (5.3%) patients reported confirmed COVID-19 infections. Out of these, three (27.3%) had severe COVID-19 and one patient succumbed to it. Others became symptom-free after a mean duration of 14.4 ± 4.7 days of onset of symptoms. No significant difference among the baseline parameters observed predicted COVID-19 susceptibility. Conclusion: Among our AIRD patients treated with RTX, occurrence, and mortality of COVID-19 infection was low. Younger age of our patient cohort and female predominance might have contributed in reducing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Green Tea Leaf Extract and Evolution of Antibacterial Activity

The scientific society is exploiting the use of nanoparticles in nano-medicine and biomedical applications. In the field of biomaterial and bio-nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are playing an important role due to their potential physical, chemical, and biological properties ranging in activities from antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer treatment. Green synthesis technology is one of the most cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biologically safe methods. Green tea leaf extract can reduce silver to AgNPs and enhance antibacterial activity. In this work, we demonstrate the antibacterial activity effect employing green synthesis of AgNPs with green tea leaf extract. The UV–Vis and FTIR results showed, confirming the formation of AgNPs and the presence of chemical groups enhancing the antibacterial activity of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs with green tea leaf extract were crystalline with a quasi-spherical shape with a diameter from 30 to 150 nm. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs in three different concentrations showed that the 120 mg/ml sample possesses higher antibacterial activity (significantly high killing ability) against E. coli than chemically produced AgNPs. These results confirm a more significant antibacterial effect of the biogenic AgNPs with low cytotoxicity than the AgNPs produced chemically. These findings can be used to treat chronic infections, diseases, and other biomedical applications. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]