Tuning the Thermal Properties of Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Due to their ubiquitous presence in hard-disk drives and growing potential as commercially viable memory bits, Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJs) continue to provide impetus for scientific study. The demand for smaller devices and efficient energy consumption mandates further investigation of their thermal properties and possible finite-size effects. Such considerations have prompted a renewed interest in the long-known Seebeck effect, in which a thermal gradient spanning a material induces a voltage. The strength of this induced voltage can change as a function of the device's magnetization configuration - known as the magneto-Seebeck effect or magnetothermopower - in analogy with the Giant (and Tunnel) Magnetoresistance. This thesis presents a theoretical study of this effect in MgO-based MTJs with spin-orbit coupling. We present theoretical calculations of the Tunneling Anisotropic Magneto-Seebeck effect using realistic band structures, and show that the thermal properties of MTJs are tunable via magnetic field. This phenomenon potentially enables the controlled manipulation of temperature gradients, the recycling of wasted heat, and thermal spin-logic. Our calculations employ the Landauer-Buttiker scattering formalism, in conjunction with realistic multi-band tight-binding models fitted to ab-initio calculations. We demonstrate that numerically-unstable transmission resonances, ordinarily described as hot-spots in the literature, more accurately resemble "walls" that weave through each device's two-dimensional Brillouin Zone. We discuss their physical relevance in modern day nanostructures, and argue that their selective removal (via ltering algorithms) aids convergence while preserving each system's essential magnetic-transport properties. Finally, we demonstrate that exploiting spin-orbit coupling in MTJs with a single ferromagnetic contact can actually enhance certain magnetic transport anisotropies, allowing for higher packing densities as well

Effect of a reverse diet kit on the regression of atherosclerosis plaque and its effect on the lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease

Background: Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries. CAD also represents a major economic burden on health care systems and eventually creates a large gap in the quality of care associated with the disease. Methods: To study ayurveda based disease and symptoms modifying therapy (Dietary modification and panchakarma therapy) to reduce symptoms of CHF and IHD and focus on reduction of total atheroma volume (TAV); plaque burden by a scientifically designed kit (Reverse diet kit) by Madhavbaug using a pre and post-test experimental design for patients with CAD. Results: At the end of 90 days, a coronary CT angiogram revealed that TAV decreased significantly by 71.76 mm3 in post-intervention plaque volume compared with baseline in the three major epicardial branches of the coronary artery. Conclusions: The data provided relevant real-world evidence that the ‘Reverse Diet Kit’ can modulate coronary artery plaque deposition by reducing lipid infiltration within the coronary plaque and may lead to disease reversal wherein panchakarma therapy enabled symptom management and helped improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CAD

Role of Aahar and Panchakarma on restoration of euglycemia in known type II diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus, in particular, has emerged as a significant health concern, affecting millions of individuals and placing a considerable strain on the healthcare system. Promoting remission of diabetes, wherein patients achieve a state of sustained blood sugar control without the need for ongoing medication or with a reduced reliance on medication, can yield remarkable benefits. This study sought to understand the role of Aahar and Panchakarma on restoration of euglycemia in known type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: A retrospective, observational, cohort study was conducted at Madhavbaug Cardiac Care Clinic between April 2021 and April 2022 in Maharashtra, India. Patients aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) >7% and had participated in the Comprehensive Diabetes Care (CDC) program were included in this study. Parameters such as HbA1c, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and dependence on conventional allopathic medication were assessed at the end of the CDC program. Follow-up was conducted at 90 days. Day 1 and day 90 data were compared. Results: Of the 45 patients, 17 (40.5%) patients had a negative glucose tolerance and 14 (33.3%) patients had impaired glucose tolerance. HbA1c, body weight, and BMI improved at the end of CDC program. Dependency on conventional allopathic medications was also reduced. Conclusions: Restoration of euglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is possible, however, further studies to understand the affecting factors are warranted

Role of Ayurveda based non-invasive intervention in management of ischemic heart disease patient of diabetes

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of IRP therapy in patients of myocardial ischemia attending Madhavbaug clinics in Vidarbha region, Maharashtra.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted from June 2019 to December 2019, wherein we identified the data of patients suffering from IHD (positive for inducible ischemia from stress test) of either gender or any age, and who had attended the Out-patient departments (OPDs) of Madhavbaug clinics across India. The data of patients who had been administered IRP with minimum 7 sittings over a span of 12 weeks were considered for the study.Results: In the present study, medical records of 50 patients of IHD were analyzed.  At the end of IRP therapy there was statistically significant reduction in weight, BMI, SBP, and DBP. VO2 peak was improved at the end of therapy i.e. 26.51±5.93 ml/kg/min as compared to baseline i.e.; 15.62±5.36 ml/kg/min and the difference was highly statistically significant (p<0.001). DTS improved from -2.93±5.88 at baseline to 3.21±6.03 at week 12 of IRP therapy and the difference was highly statistically significant (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Findings of present study suggest that IRP can serve as effective therapeutic option for the management of myocardial ischemia

Intensive care in severe malaria: report from the task force on tropical diseases by the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine

Severe malaria is common in tropical countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania and South and Central America. It may also occur in travelers returning from endemic areas. Plasmodium falciparum accounts for most cases, although P vivax is increasingly found to cause severe malaria in Asia. Cerebral malaria is common in children in Africa, manifests as coma and seizures, and has a high morbidity and mortality. In other regions, adults may also develop cerebral malaria but neurological sequelae in survivors are rare. Acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are also common in severe malaria. Metabolic abnormalities include hypoglycemia, hyponatremia and lactic acidosis. Bacterial infection may coexist in patients presenting with shock or ARDS and this along with a high parasite load has a high mortality. Intravenous artesunate has replaced quinine as the antimalarial agent of choice. Critical care management as per severe sepsis is also applicable to severe malaria. Aggressive fluid boluses may not be appropriate in children. Blood transfusions may be required and treatment of seizures and raised intracranial pressure is important in cerebral malaria in children. Mortality in severe disease ranges from 8 to 30% despite treatment

Severe Hypercapnia and Outcome of Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Moderate or Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between hypercapnia developing within the first 48 h after the start of mechanical ventilation and outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of three prospective non-interventional cohort studies focusing on ARDS patients from 927 intensive care units (ICUs) in 40 countries. These patients received mechanical ventilation for more than 12 h during 1-month periods in 1998, 2004, and 2010. We used multivariable logistic regression and a propensity score analysis to examine the association between hypercapnia and ICU mortality. MAIN OUTCOMES: We included 1899 patients with ARDS in this study. The relationship between maximum PaCO2 in the first 48 h and mortality suggests higher mortality at or above PaCO2 of ≥50 mmHg. Patients with severe hypercapnia (PaCO2 ≥50 mmHg) had higher complication rates, more organ failures, and worse outcomes. After adjusting for age, SAPS II score, respiratory rate, positive end-expiratory pressure, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, driving pressure, pressure/volume limitation strategy (PLS), corrected minute ventilation, and presence of acidosis, severe hypercapnia was associated with increased risk of ICU mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32 to 2.81; p = 0.001]. In patients with severe hypercapnia matched for all other variables, ventilation with PLS was associated with higher ICU mortality (OR 1.58, CI 95% 1.04-2.41; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Severe hypercapnia appears to be independently associated with higher ICU mortality in patients with ARDS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sepsis in tropical regions: Report from the task force on tropical diseases by the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine

Sepsis and septic shock in the tropics are caused by a wide array of organisms. These infections are encountered mainly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) where a lack of infrastructure and medical facilities contribute to the high morbidity and mortality. Published sepsis guidelines are based on studies primarily performed in high income countries and as such recommendations may or may not be relevant to practice in the tropics. Failure to adhere to guidelines, particularly among non-intensive care specialists even in high-income countries, is an area of concern for sepsis management. Additionally, inappropriate use of antimicrobials has led to significant antimicrobial resistance. Access to rapid, low-cost, and accurate diagnostic tests is critical in countries where tropical diseases are prevalent to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Implementation of performance improvement programs may improve outcomes for patients with sepsis and the addition of resuscitation and treatment bundles may further reduce mortality. Associated co-morbidities such as malnutrition and HIV influence outcomes and must be considered

Role of comprehensive diabetes care in known diabetes patients from western Mumbai region: an observational study

Background: The occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has been creating a havoc since past few decades on a global platform. As per available literature, prevalence of DM in Mumbai is around 10%. Comprehensive Diabetes Care (CDC) is a form of Ayurvedic therapy which combines panchkarma and diet management. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of CDC in patients of DM by analysing changes in body mass index (BMI), body weight, OGTT, HbA1c, etc.Methods: The present study was of retrospective design, conducted at Madhavbaug clinics in western Mumbai. The duration of study was of one year, conducted from October 2018 to September 2019. It included patients diagnosed with type 2 DM i.e. HbA1c>6.5%, who were given CDC therapy.Results: In the present study, out of 183 type 2 diabetic patients, 99 were males (52%), while 84 were females (48%), thus male: female ratio was 1.17:1. On analysing the results of HbA1c in patients who had completed 12 weeks of CDC therapy, it was found that controlled DM status was seen in 109 patients (59%), while uncontrolled DM status was noted in 33 patients (19%) as compared to 102 patients (58%) at baseline.Conclusions: From the findings of the present study, it is clear that CDC is effective in the form of increasing number of euglycemic patients at the end of study period, as well as reduction in all glycaemic and anthropometric parameters, and reducing dependency on conventional medicines

Multiple novel prostate cancer susceptibility signals identified by fine-mapping of known risk loci among Europeans

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous common prostate cancer (PrCa) susceptibility loci. We have fine-mapped 64 GWAS regions known at the conclusion of the iCOGS study using large-scale genotyping and imputation in 25 723 PrCa cases and 26 274 controls of European ancestry. We detected evidence for multiple independent signals at 16 regions, 12 of which contained additional newly identified significant associations. A single signal comprising a spectrum of correlated variation was observed at 39 regions; 35 of which are now described by a novel more significantly associated lead SNP, while the originally reported variant remained as the lead SNP only in 4 regions. We also confirmed two association signals in Europeans that had been previously reported only in East-Asian GWAS. Based on statistical evidence and linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure, we have curated and narrowed down the list of the most likely candidate causal variants for each region. Functional annotation using data from ENCODE filtered for PrCa cell lines and eQTL analysis demonstrated significant enrichment for overlap with bio-features within this set. By incorporating the novel risk variants identified here alongside the refined data for existing association signals, we estimate that these loci now explain ∼38.9% of the familial relative risk of PrCa, an 8.9% improvement over the previously reported GWAS tag SNPs. This suggests that a significant fraction of the heritability of PrCa may have been hidden during the discovery phase of GWAS, in particular due to the presence of multiple independent signals within the same regio