Studies on Some Compounds of Medicinal Interest

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Single spin Toffoli-Fredkin logic gate

The Toffoli–Fredkin (TF) gate is a universal reversible logic gate capable of performing logic operations without dissipating energy. Here, we show that a linear array of three quantum dots, each hosting a single electron, can realize the TF gate, if we encode logic bits in the spin polarization of the electrons and allow nearest neighbor exchange coupling. The dynamics of the TF gate is realized by selectively driving spin resonances in the coupled spin system with an acmagnetic field. The conditions for gate operation are established, and an estimate of the switching speed and gate error are provided

Melatonin blocks inhibitory effects of prolactin on photoperiodic induction of gain in body mass, testicular growth and feather regeneration in the migratory male redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps)

Little is known about how hormones interact in the photoperiodic induction of seasonal responses in birds. In this study, two experiments determined if the treatment with melatonin altered inhibitory effects of prolactin on photoperiodic induction of seasonal responses in the Palearctic-Indian migratory male redheaded bunting Emberiza bruniceps. Each experiment employed three groups (N = 6–7 each) of photosensitive birds that were held under 8 hours light: 16 hours darkness (8L:16D) since early March. In the experiment 1, beginning in mid June 2001, birds were exposed to natural day lengths (NDL) at 27 degree North (day length = ca.13.8 h, sunrise to sunset) for 23 days. In the experiment 2, beginning in early April 2002, birds were exposed to 14L:10D for 22 days. Beginning on day 4 of NDL or day 1 of 14L:10D, they received 10 (experiment 1) or 13 (experiment 2) daily injections of both melatonin and prolactin (group 1) or prolactin alone (group 2) at a dose of 20 microgram per bird per day in 200 microliter of vehicle. Controls (group 3) received similar volume of vehicle. Thereafter, birds were left uninjected for the next 10 (experiment 1) or 9 days (experiment 2). All injections except those of melatonin were made at the zeitgeber time 10 (ZT 0 = time of sunrise, experiment 1; time of lights on, experiment 2); melatonin was injected at ZT 9.5 and thus 0.5 h before prolactin. Observations were recorded on changes in body mass, testicular growth and feather regeneration. Under NDL (experiment 1), testis growth in birds that received melatonin 0.5 h prior to prolactin (group 1) was significantly greater (P < 0.05, Student Newman-Keuls test) than in those birds that received prolactin alone (group 2) or vehicle (group 3). Although mean body mass of three groups were not significantly different at the end of the experiment, the regeneration of papillae was dramatically delayed in prolactin only treated group 2 birds. Similarly, under 14L:10D (experiment 2) testes of birds receiving melatonin plus prolactin (group 1) and vehicle (group 3) were significantly larger (P < 0.05, Student Newman-Keuls test) than those receiving prolactin alone (group 2). Also, birds of groups 1 and 3, but not of group 2, had significant (P < 0.05, 1-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance) gain in body mass. However, unlike in the experiment 1, the feather regeneration in birds of the three groups was not dramatically different; a relatively slower rate of papillae emergence was however noticed in group 2 birds. Considered together, these results show that a prior treatment with melatonin blocks prolactin-induced suppression of photoperiodic induction in the redheaded bunting, and suggest an indirect role of melatonin in the regulation of seasonal responses of birds

Differences in attitudes to feeding post repair of Gastroschisis and development of a standardized feeding protocol

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in attitudes to feeding in neonates with Gastroschisis between clinical groups and to develop a standardized feeding protocol. Confusion, inconsistencies in practice and lack of evidence could be contributing to avoidable delays in the establishment of enteral feeds resulting in lengthy requirements for central venous access, dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), increased risk of sepsis, TPN related cholestasis and prolongation in length of hospital stay. Methods: A national survey of clinicians (neonatologists, neonatal intensive care nurses and paediatric surgeons), looking after neonates with gastroschisis was undertaken to determine differences in feeding practice post repair. In addition, an audit of practice in one hospital was undertaken to examine variations in practices between clinicians. A feeding protocol was then developed using inputs from surgeons and neonatologists. Results: Gastric aspirates and residuals were typically used as indicators of feed readiness and feed tolerance; however, there was very little consistency within and between clinical groups in definitions of tolerance or intolerance of feeds and in how to initiate and progress feeds. A feeding protocol with clear definition of feed readiness and a clear pathway to progression of feeds was developed to help overcome these variations in practice with the possibility that this might reduce the length of stay (LOS) and have other secondary benefits. The protocol included early introduction of enteral feeds particularly direct breast or sucking feeds. Conclusions: Wide differences in attitudes to feeding neonates post Gastroschsis repair exist and the need for a consistent protocolized approach was felt. The feeding protocol we developed requires a change of practice and further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness. © 2019 The Author(s)