Multilevel Conductance States of Vapor-Transport-Deposited Sb2S3 Memristors Achieved via Electrical and Optical Modulation.

The pursuit of advanced brain-inspired electronic devices and memory technologies has led to explore novel materials by processing multimodal and multilevel tailored conductive properties as the next generation of semiconductor platforms, due to von Neumann architecture limits. Among such materials, antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) thin films exhibit outstanding optical and electronic properties, and therefore, they are ideal for applications such as thin-film solar cells and nonvolatile memory systems. This study investigates the conduction modulation and memory functionalities of Sb2S3 thin films deposited via the vapor transport deposition technique. Experimental results indicate that the Ag/Sb2S3/Pt device possesses properties suitable for memory applications, including low operational voltages, robust endurance, and reliable switching behavior. Further, the reproducibility and stability of these properties across different device batches validate the reliability of these devices for practical implementation. Moreover, Sb2S3-based memristors exhibit artificial neuroplasticity with prolonged stability, promising considerable advancements in neuromorphic computing. Leveraging the photosensitivity of Sb2S3 enables the Ag/Sb2S3/Pt device to exhibit significant low operating potential and conductivity modulation under optical stimulation for memory applications. This research highlights the potential applications of Sb2S3 in future memory devices and optoelectronics and in shaping electronics with versatility.

Fostering Charge Carrier Transport and Absorber Growth Properties in CZTSSe Thin Films with an ALD-SnO2 Capping Layer.

The present study demonstrates that precursor passivation is an effective approach for improving the crystallization process and controlling the detrimental defect density in high-efficiency Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin films. It is achieved by applying the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of the tin oxide (ALD-SnO2) capping layer onto the precursor (Cu-Zn-Sn) thin films. The ALD-SnO2 capping layer was observed to facilitate the homogeneous growth of crystalline grains and mitigate defects prior to sulfo-selenization in CZTSSe thin films. Particularly, the CuZn and SnZn defects and deep defects associated with Sn were effectively mitigated due to the reduction of Sn2+ and the increase in Sn4+ levels in the kesterite CZTSSe film after introducing ALD-SnO2 on the precursor films. Subsequently, devices integrating the ALD-SnO2 layer exhibited significantly reduced recombination and efficient charge transport at the heterojunction interface and within the bulk CZTSSe absorber bulk properties. Finally, the CZTSSe device showed improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 8.46% to 10.1%. The incorporation of ALD-SnO2 revealed reduced defect sites, grain boundaries, and surface roughness, improving the performance. This study offers a systematic examination of the correlation between the incorporation of the ALD-SnO2 layer and the improved PCE of CZTSSe thin film solar cells (TFSCs), in addition to innovative approaches for improving absorber quality and defect control to advance the performance of kesterite CZTSSe devices.

A review on topical ophthalmic drug delivery system: Reference to viscosity enhancer.

The eye is the most accessible site for topical drug delivery. Drug's ocular bioavailability is quite low when administered topically as eye drops. Viscosity enhancers are used to increase ocular bioavailability by extending the precorneal residence time of the drug at the ocular site. Cellulose, polyalcohol and polyacrylic acid are examples of hydrophilic viscosity enhancers. The addition of viscosity modifiers increases the amount of time the drug is in contact with the ocular surface. Several polysaccharides have been studied as excipients and viscosity boosters for ocular formulations, including cellulose derivatives such as chitosan (CS), xyloglucan and arabinogalactan (methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose). Viscosity-increasing substances reduce the surface tension, extend the corneal contact time, slow the drainage, and improve the bioavailability. Chitosan is a viscosity enhancer that was originally thought to open tight junction barrier cells in the epithelium. Chitosan thickens the medication solution and allows it to penetrate deeper. Alginate is an anionic polymer with carboxyl end groups that has the highest mucoadhesive strength and is used to improve penetration. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a polysaccharide with a high molecular weight, is one of the most common viscous polymers used in artificial tears to achieve their longer ocular surface residence period. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is biocompatible and biodegradable in nature, and it is available in ocular sustained-release dose forms. A polymer known as xanthan gum is used to increase viscosity. At 0.2% concentration, carbomer forms a highly viscous gel.

eHealthChain-a blockchain-based personal health information management system.

Medical IoT devices that use miniature sensors to collect patient's bio-signals and connected medical applications are playing a crucial role in providing pervasive and personalized healthcare. This technological improvement has also created opportunities for the better management of personal health information. The Personal Health Information Management System (PHIMS) supports activities such as acquisition, storage, organization, integration, and privacy-sensitive retrieval of consumer's health information. For usability and wide acceptance, the PHIMS should follow the design principles that guarantee privacy-aware health information sharing, individual information control, integration of information obtained from multiple medical IoT devices, health information security, and flexibility. Recently, blockchain technology has emerged as a lucrative option for the management of personal health information. In this paper, we propose eHealthChain-a blockchain-based PHIMS for managing health data originating from medical IoT devices and connected applications. The eHealthChain architecture consists of four layers, which are a blockchain layer for hosting a blockchain database, an IoT device layer for obtaining personal health data, an application layer for facilitating health data sharing, and an adapter layer, which interfaces the blockchain layer with an application layer. Compared to existing systems, eHealthChain provides complete control to the user in terms of personal health data acquisition, sharing, and self-management. We also present a detailed implementation of a Proof of Concept (PoC) prototype of eHealthChain system built using Hyperledger Fabric platform.

The use of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in predicting survival and groin node involvement of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of penis.

INTRODUCTION: The association between inflammation and malignancies is being recognized. In this study, we assessed the use of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) and inguinal node involvement in patients with carcinoma penis. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma penis with inguinal node dissection between 2012 and 2020 were identified. We recorded the type of surgery (partial/total penectomy), T stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), pathological status of inguinal nodes and nodal stage (pN1-3), extranodal extension (ENE), and CSS. The hemogram performed within 2 weeks of surgery was used for calculating NLR and LMR. RESULTS: Partial penectomy was the most common surgery (65.22%) and pT2 was the most common stage (53.62%). Grade 2 was seen in 66.67%, LVI in 34.78%, PNI in 37.68%, 52.17% had inguinal node involvement with pN3 being the most common (36.23%), and 36.23% had ENE. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NLR of >3 and the LMR ≤3 indicated an inferior CSS (P = 0.05 and 0.04, respectively). T stage, inguinal node involvement, LVI, pN stage, and ENE were also associated with inferior CSS (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, T stage was significantly associated with CSS (P = 0.02). The NLR >3 and LMR ≤3 were also significantly associated with the presence of pathological inguinal node involvement (P = 0.001 and 0.026). CONCLUSION: NLR and LMR may help in predicting CSS and inguinal node involvement in patients of carcinoma penis.

Laparoscopic management of isolated metachronous adrenal metastases in a patient with esophageal cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The presence of isolated metachronous adrenal metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer is rare. There is significant controversy regarding the management of such patients. Adrenal metastasectomy has been shown to be of benefit in some reports. Minimally invasive approach, although the gold standard for adrenalectomy, has not been used commonly in a postesophagectomy setting owing to the anticipated technical difficulties. We describe one such case wherein this approach helped in early recovery and long-term survival. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old male of Asian ethnicity presented with an isolated left adrenal nodule, 3 years after an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for a lower esophageal adenocarcinoma. The biopsy of the nodule was suggestive of metastatic adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the left adrenal gland. CONCLUSION: Adrenal metastasectomy, in postesophagectomy patients can provide good oncological control. Laparoscopic approach, though technically challenging, can provide results equivalent to those of open surgery, albeit with less morbidity.

Unusual presentation of castrate-resistant prostate cancer with urethral and inguinal nodal metastasis.

Metastatic involvement of the urethra is a rare finding in patients with carcinoma prostate. The signs and symptoms overlap with those of a primary urethral malignancy. The diagnosis is made following a biopsy of the suspected lesions. We describe the case of a 66-year-old patient with carcinoma prostate who presented with penile pain, 18 months after the treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. Ga-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography helped in the identification of the urethral and inguinal nodal metastasis, which was confirmed histologically. We also discuss the management of this unusual clinical scenario.

Design and Evaluation of Eudragit RS-100 Based Itraconazole Nanosuspension for Ophthalmic Application.

BACKGROUND: Poor water soluble compounds are difficult to develop as drug products using conventional formulation techniques. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the potential of Eudragit RS-100 nanosuspension as a new vehicle for the improvement of the delivery of drugs to the intraocular level was investigated. METHODS: Solvent evaporation technique has been employed for nanosuspension preparation. Surfactant concentration and drug to polymer ratio has been optimized using 3² factorial design to achieve desired particle size, entrapment efficiency and percent permeation responses as dependent variables. All the formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, viscosity, antifungal study and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Secondly, itraconazole eye drop was prepared by using sulfobuty ether-ß-cyclodextrin and comparatively studying its antifungal efficacy. RESULTS: The nanosuspension had a particle size range of 332.7-779.2nm, zeta potential +0.609-16.3, entrapment efficiency 61.32 ± 1.36%-76.34 ± 2.04%. Ex vitro corneal permeability study showed that optimized itraconazole nanosuspension produced higher permeation as compared to the market formulation and Itraconazole eye drop. Moreover, optimized nanosuspension was found as more active against Candida albicans & Aspergillus flavus compared to the market formulation and Itraconazole eye drop. CONCLUSION: The nanosuspension approach could be an ideal, promising approach to increase the solubility and dissolution of Itraconazole.

Pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with carcinoma of urinary bladder.

Pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa occurs due to dissemination of cancer cells in pulmonary lymphatics. It is only rarely seen with urological malignancies and portends a grave prognosis. Its presence in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder is uncommon. We present a case of a nested variant of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder associated with pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa. We also discuss the symptoms and radiological features that might aid in timely diagnosis of this entity.

Eudragit RL100 Based Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Ketorolac Tromethamine Combination Nanoparticulate System for Ocular Drug Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial conjunctivitis is a serious ocular infection if left untreated. It is caused by several species of bacteria like Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Mycobacterium. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation explores the development and characterization of moxifloxacin hydrochloride and ketorolac tromethamine combination loaded Eudragit RL 100 nanosuspension for ocular drug delivery in order to overcome the problems associated with conventional dosage forms. METHODS: The nanosuspension prepared by nanoprecipitation technique showed successful entrapment of both water-soluble drugs in the polymer matrix indicated by their % entrapment efficiencies. RESULTS: Formulations showed a mean particle size <200 nm with narrow size distribution and positive surface charge due to the presence of quaternary ammonium groups of Eudragit RL100. FTIR study revealed compatibility among the components, while a reduction in the crystallinity of formulation was observed in the PXRD study. The release of both the drugs was found to be sustained in nanosuspension as compared to commercial eyedrops. Ex vivo studies showed increased transcorneal permeation of drugs from nanosuspension, where approximately 2.5-fold and 2-fold increase in the permeation was observed for moxifloxacin hydrochloride and ketorolac tromethamine, respectively. The formulation was stable at 4°C and room temperature. CONCLUSION: Due to their sustained release, positive surface charge and higher transcorneal permeation, this will be a promising ocular drug delivery.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Renal Pelvis.

Background: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney is a rare disease of unknown etiology. There are no specific clinical or radiologic findings. The lesion can mimic renal cell carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma depending on the site of involvement. These tumors, if diagnosed correctly, may respond to medical management. We present a case in which an inflammatory pseudotumor of the renal pelvis was misdiagnosed as a transitional cell carcinoma and unwarranted surgical intervention was performed. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old man presented with left flank pain and gross hematuria. On MRI, there was a hypointense 2.4 × 1.8 cm lesion involving the left renal pelvis. The urine cytology and biopsy of the lesion were inconclusive. On follow-up cans the lesion increased in size and patient had repeated hematuria. The lesion was clinically presumed to be a transitional cell carcinoma of the left renal pelvis. A laparoscopic left side nephroureterectomy along with bladder cuff excision and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. The histology report revealed the lesion to be inflammatory pseudotumor of the renal pelvis. Conclusion: Inflammatory pseudotumor should always be considered in differential diagnosis of pelvic tumors, especially when image findings and biopsies are inconclusive.

Solution-Processed ZnxCd1-xS Buffer Layers for Vapor Transport-Deposited SnS Thin-Film Solar Cells: Achieving High Open-Circuit Voltage.

As an alternative buffer material to CdS, ZnxCd1-xS buffer layers for vapor transport-deposited SnS thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) were fabricated using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. Varying the Zn-to-Cd ratio resulted in a series of ZnxCd1-xS thin films with controllable band gaps in the range of 2.40-3.65 eV. The influence of the Zn-to-Cd ratio on the cell performance was investigated in detail. The Zn0.34Cd0.66S buffer layer was found to be the optimal composition for SnS TFSCs, and a record open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.405 V was achieved with an efficiency of 3.72%, whereas the SILAR-CdS buffer layer rendered a Voc of 0.324 V. The improvement in Voc when using the Zn0.34Cd0.66S buffer layer was corroborated by the spike-type conduction band offset of 0.35 eV with the SnS absorber, as revealed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. In addition, minimized interfacial recombination at the SnS/Zn0.34Cd0.66S heterojunction was confirmed by the temperature-dependent Voc analysis under illuminated conditions.

Design and evaluation of topical solid dispersion composite of voriconazole for the treatment of ocular keratitis.

Aim: The objective of present investigation was to increases solubility of voriconazole by using solid dispersion techniques and the development of solid dispersion-based voriconazole ophthalmic solutions. Materials & methods: The saturation solubility of solid dispersion containing polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVPK-90) was found to increase the solubility of voriconazole compare other carrier like polyethylene glycol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone K 30 (PVPK-30). Solid dispersion of voriconazole was characterized by saturation solubility, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetry study. Results & conclusion: The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetry studies of voriconazole-based solid dispersion confirmed the complete changes in original polymorphic form of voriconazole. The antifungal assay showed that the maximum zone of inhibition was produced from optimized ophthalmic formulation containing sodium alginate as compared with other formulations and marketed eye drops.

Survey on Monitoring and Quality Controlling of the Mobile Biosignal Delivery.

A Mobile Patient Monitoring System (MPMS) acquires patient's biosignals and transmits them using wireless network connection to the decision-making module or healthcare professional for the assessment of patient's condition. A variety of wireless network technologies such as wireless personal area networks (e.g., Bluetooth), mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), and infrastructure-based networks (e.g., WLAN and cellular networks) are in practice for biosignals delivery. The wireless network quality-of-service (QoS) requirements of biosignals delivery are mainly specified in terms of required bandwidth, acceptable delay, and tolerable error rate. An important research challenge in the MPMS is how to satisfy QoS requirements of biosignals delivery in the environment characterized by patient mobility, deployment of multiple wireless network technologies, and variable QoS characteristics of the wireless networks. QoS requirements are mainly application specific, while available QoS is largely dependent on QoS provided by wireless network in use. QoS provisioning refers to providing support for improving QoS experience of networked applications. In resource poor conditions, application adaptation may also be required to make maximum use of available wireless network QoS. This survey paper presents a survey of recent developments in the area of QoS provisioning for MPMS. In particular, our contributions are as follows: (1) overview of wireless networks and network QoS requirements of biosignals delivery; (2) survey of wireless networks' QoS performance evaluation for the transmission of biosignals; and (3) survey of QoS provisioning mechanisms for biosignals delivery in MPMS. We also propose integrating end-to-end QoS monitoring and QoS provisioning strategies in a mobile patient monitoring system infrastructure to support optimal delivery of biosignals to the healthcare professionals.

Design and Evaluation of Voriconazole Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Ophthalmic Application.

Voriconazole is a second-generation antifungal agent with excellent broad spectrum of antifungal activity commercially available for oral and intravenous administration. Systemic administration of voriconazole is associated with side effects including visual and hepatic abnormalities. This study assessed the feasibility of using solid lipid nanoparticles for ocular delivery of voriconazole adopting stearic acid as lipidic material, tween 80 as a stabilizer, and Carbopol 934 as controlled release agent and for increasing the precorneal residence time in eye. The systems were prepared using two different methods, that is, ultrasonication method and microemulsion technique. The results indicated that the larger particle size of SLNs was found with microemulsion technique (308 ± 3.52 nm to 343 ± 3.51) compared to SLN prepared with ultrasonication method (234 ± 3.52 nm to 288 ± 4.58 nm). The polydispersity index values were less than 0.3 for all formulations and zeta potential of the prepared formulations by these two methods varied from -22.71 ± 0.63 mV to -28.86 ± 0.58 mV. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry indicated decrease in crystallinity of drug. The in vitro release study and the SLN formulations prepared with ultrasonication method demonstrated sustained release up to 12 hours. This study demonstrated that SLN prepared by ultrasonication method is more suitable than microemulsion technique without causing any significant effect on corneal hydration level.

Design optimization and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of orally dissolving strips of clobazam.

Clobazam orally dissolving strips were prepared by solvent casting method. A full 3(2) factorial design was applied for optimization using different concentration of film forming polymer and disintegrating agent as independent variable and disintegration time, % cumulative drug release, and tensile strength as dependent variable. In addition the prepared films were also evaluated for surface pH, folding endurance, and content uniformity. The optimized film formulation showing the maximum in vitro drug release, satisfactory in vitro disintegration time, and tensile strength was selected for bioavailability study and compared with a reference marketed product (frisium5 tablets) in rabbits. Formulation (F6) was selected by the Design-expert software which exhibited DT (24 sec), TS (2.85 N/cm(2)), and in vitro drug release (96.6%). Statistical evaluation revealed no significant difference between the bioavailability parameters of the test film (F6) and the reference product. The mean ratio values (test/reference) of C max (95.87%), t max (71.42%), AUC0-t (98.125%), and AUC0-∞ (99.213%) indicated that the two formulae exhibited comparable plasma level-time profiles.

Design and Evaluation of Voriconazole Eye Drops for the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis.

Voriconazole is a novel antifungal agent with excellent broad spectrum activity commercially available for oral and intravenous administration. The purpose of this study was to prepare ophthalmic formulation of hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) based voriconazole containing benzalkonium chloride BAK and EDTA with or without viscosity modifiers and study its permeation characteristics through freshly excised goat cornea. The results were observed that viscosity and force of bioadhesion of the voriconazole HP-ß-CD solutions containing xanthan gum (XG) are more as compared to polyvinyl alcohol. The results revealed that voriconazole drop containing PVA provided least viscosity and higher corneal permeation of drug, while drop formulated with XG had maximum viscosity and least permeation. The HP-ß-CD based voriconazole (1.5%) ophthalmic formulation containing xanthan gum (1.5), preserved with BAK and EDTA, could provide shelf life of 2 years. The microbiological studies showed that voriconazole ophthalmic solution containing xanthan gum shows better antifungal activity as compared to voriconazole and xanthan gum alone. Thus, it can be concluded that HP-ß-CD based voriconazole (1.5%, pH 7.0) ophthalmic solution containing BAK and EDTA with viscosity modifier XG provided maximum precorneal residence time as compared to other viscosity modifiers and polyvinyl alcohol provided less precorneal residence time than other viscosity modifiers.