Growth and Characterization of MgxZn1-xO Thin Films by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (AACVD)

Akash Shukla,Vipin K. Kaushik,Dixit Prasher 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.1

The growth and characterization of MgxZn1-xO thin films by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) technique is reported in this paper. We have grown the thin films of ZnO by adding varying concentrations of magnesium (Mg) on a glass substrate. The precursor from which the MgxZn1-xO thin films were grown was made up of a mixture of zinc acethylacetonate and magnesium acetate tetrahydrate in boiled isopropyl alcohol. Oxygen gas was used as a carrier gas and substrate temperature was maintained at 400°C. MgxZn1-xO thin films were finally characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. XRD results show that MgxZn1-xO thin films displayed a wurtzite structure and addition of Mg leads to a slight shift towards higher 2-theta values. AFM results show that MgZnO thin films were uniformly covered with nano flakes and their size decreases with an increase in Mg content. Optical studies show that with the increase of Mg content, transparency as well energy band gap of the MgxZn1-xO thin films increases, which also agrees with the reported values.

Normal Values of High-resolution Anorectal Manometry of Healthy Indians

Rahul Deshmukh,Akash Shukla,Sanjay Chandnani,Pravin M Rathi,Pratik Tibdewal,Shubham Jain,Nitin Ramani,Parmeshwar Junare,Partha Debnath,Leela Shinde,Asif Bagwan,Megha Meshram 대한소화기 기능성질환·운동학회 2022 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.28 No.3

Background/AimsHigh-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) measures anal sphincter function and anorectal co-ordination. This study aims to provide normal data for HRAM and evaluate the effect of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on anorectal functions in healthy Indian subjects. MethodsHRAM was performed on 93 healthy volunteers using a 20-channel, water-perfused catheter. We evaluated anorectal pressures, rectal sensation, and balloon expulsion time. Measurements were recorded during rest, squeeze, and simulated defecation (push). ResultsMedian anal resting pressure (88 mmHg vs 94 mmHg, P = NS), anal squeeze pressure (165 mmHg vs 147 mmHg, P = NS) were not significantly different between males and females. Rectal pressure (70 mmHg vs 54 mmHg, P = 0.024) and anal pressure (82 mmHg vs 63 mmHg, P = 0.008) during simulated evacuation without rectal distention, were higher in males. The threshold for the first sensation was lower in females (40 mL vs 30 mL, P = 0.021) but desire to defecate (105 mL vs 90 mL, P = NS) and maximum tolerable volume (160 mL vs 140 mL, P = NS) were not significantly different in males and females. Anal residual pressure (median mmHg 83 vs 71 mmHg, P = 0.025) was higher in subjects < 40 years of age. Maximum anal squeeze pressure (185 mmHg vs 165 mmHg, P = 0.024) and maximum rectal pressure (75 mmHg vs 62 mmHg, P = 0.032) during push higher in BMI < 23 kg/m2. ConclusionsThe present study provides normal data for the Indian population that can be used for comparison and further work. Age, gender, and BMI affect anorectal parameters in HRAM and should be considered while reporting.

Outcomes of Dilation of Recalcitrant Pancreatic Strictures Using a Wire-Guided Cystotome

Sridhar Sundaram,Dhaval Choksi,Aditya Kale,Suprabhat Giri,Biswaranjan Patra,Shobna Bhatia,Akash Shukla 대한소화기내시경학회 2021 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.54 No.6

Background/Aims: Pancreatic strictures in chronic pancreatitis are treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with plastic stent placement. The management of recalcitrant strictures remains a challenge, with the use of a Soehendrastent retriever or a needle knife described in case reports. Here, we discuss our experience with dilation of dominant pancreaticstrictures with a 6-Fr cystotome. Methods: A retrospective review of an endoscopy database was performed to search for patients with pancreatic strictures recalcitrant toconventional methods of dilation in which a cystotome was used. Technical success was defined as the successful dilation of the stricturewith plastic stent placement. Functional success was defined as substantial pain relief or resolution of pancreatic fistulae. Results: Ten patients (mean age, 30.8 years) underwent dilation of a dominant pancreatic stricture secondary to chronic pancreatitis,with a 6-Fr cystotome. Seven patients presented with pain. Three patients had pancreatic fistulae (two had pancreatic ascites and onehad a pancreaticopleural fistula). The median stricture length was 10 mm (range, 5–25 mm). The head of the pancreas was the mostcommon location of the stricture (60%). Technical and functional success was achieved in all patients. One patient had self-limitingbleeding, whereas another patient developed mild post-ERCP pancreatitis. Conclusions: The use of a 6-Fr cystotome (diathermy catheter) can be an alternative method for dilation of recalcitrant pancreaticstrictures after the failure of conventional modalities.

Predictors of HBeAg Loss and Seroconversion by Clinical Features and Viral Sequencing after 144 Weeks of Treatment with Tenofovir Alafenamide or Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

( Yoon Jun Kim ),( Young-suk Lim ),( Shalimar ),( Xiaoli Ma ),( Akash Shukla ),( Huy N. Trinh ),( Pietro Andreone ),( Jae-seok Hwang ),( Vithika Suri ),( George Wu ),( Ondrej Podlaha ),( Anuj Gaggar ) 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: HBeAg seroconversion remains an important endpoint for antiviral therapy. We previously reported on HBeAg loss following 48 weeks of oral antiviral therapy in the ongoing phase 3 study described below. Here we present an updated evaluation of factors associated with HBeAg loss with/without anti-HBe seroconversion following 3 years of antiviral therapy. Methods: The study included adults with HBeAg-positive CHB enrolled in a Phase 3 trial(Study GS-US-320-0110) comparing TAF 25mg QD vs. TDF 300mg QD. At Week144, 340(39%; TAF 226; TDF 114) patients had received 1year of open label TAF 25mg QD after switching from double blind(DB) treatment. The associations between HBeAg loss at Week144 with host, viral, and treatment-related factors, including on-treatment virologic suppression, were determined using logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 873 ipatients, the median age was 36yrs, 82% were Asian, and median baseline (BL) ALT and HBV DNA were 85U/L (IQR 60-138) and 7.9 log10IU/mL (IQR 6.9- 8.6), respectively. At Week144, a total of 194patients (22%) experienced HBeAg loss and 142 patients (16%) underwent HBeAg seroconversion (Figure 1). Compared with subjects with persistent HBeAg-positivity, those with HBeAg loss were older (median age, 35 vs. 40yrs), were infected with non-genotype D HBV (75% vs 86%), had lower median HBsAg levels (4.3 vs 3.8 log10 IU/mL), a higher median BL ALT (83 vs. 101U/L), a higher prevalence of presumed cirrhosis (Fibro Test ≥0.75:6.4% vs. 13.2%), and lower median BL serum HBV DNA (8.1 vs. 7.7 log10 IU/mL) (all P≤0.005). In multivariate analysis, baseline HBV DNA<8 log10 was an independent predictor of both HBeAg loss(OR: 1.816 [1.174-2.808]; P=0.007) and seroconversion (OR: 2.512 [1.684-3.746]; P<0.001); treatment with TAF in the DB period was a predictor of seroconversion (OR:1.596 [1.044-2.439]; P=0.031) but not loss. Conclusions: Following 144 weeks of treatment, HBeAg loss/ seroconversion rates remains low in subjects treated with TAF or TDF with lower baseline HBV DNA levels associated with higher rates of response.

Outcomes and predictors of response to endotherapy in pancreatic ductal disruptions with refractory internal and high-output external fistulae

Sridhar Sundaram,Biswa Ranjan Patra,Dhaval Choksi,Suprabhat Giri,Aditya Kale,Nitin Ramani,Abhijeet Karad,Akash Shukla 한국간담췌외과학회 2022 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.26 No.4

A Phase 3 Study Comparing Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) in HBeAg-Negative CHB Patients at Week 96

( Seung Kew Yoon ),( Maurizia Brunetto ),( Young Suk Lim ),( Ed Gane ),( Wai Kay Seto ),( Marina Osipenko ),( Sang Hoon Ahn ),( Harry L. Janssen ),( Akash Shukla ),( Wan Long Chuang ),( Huy Trinh ),( 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: In this randomized, double blind study in HBeAg- negative patients comparing TAF to TDF, the efficacy of TAF was demonstrated to be noninferior to that of TDF at Week 48 in the proportion with HBV DNA <29 IU/mL with improved bone and renal effects. Here we present the results after two years of treatment. Methods: 425 patients were randomized to receive TAF 25 mg QD (n=285) or TDF 300 mg QD (n=140) and treated for 144 weeks.. Efficacy analyses at Week 96 included virologic (HBV DNA <29 IU/mL), and biochemical (ALT normalization) responses; key secondary safety endpoints were changes in hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD), and changes in serum creatinine and estimated GFR by Cockcroft- Gault method (eGFRCG). Serum markers of bone turnover and urine markers of renal tubular function were also assessed. Results: Baseline characteristics included: mean age 46 years, 61% males, 72% Asians, genotypes A through D (5%, 24%, 38%, 31%); 19% had HBV DNA ≥ 7 log10 IU/mL, and 21% were previously treated with nucleos(t)ides. Efficacy and safety results are summarized in the Table. At Week 96, virologic response rates were similar in the TAF and TDF groups.A greater percentage of TAF patients achieved normalization of serum ALT valuesPatients receiving TAF showed smaller declines in hip and spine BMD compared with TDF patients through Week 96. The smaller decline in eGFRCG and smaller changes in renal tubular markers observed with TAF. The rates of treatment discontinuations for adverse events (<2%) and serious adverse events were (≤11%) were similar. Conclusions: At Week 96, high rates of virologic suppression were maintained with a higher rate of ALT normalization seen in TAF patients relative to TDF and continued improved bone and renal safety with TAF compared with TDF.