Investigations on magnetic and electrical properties of Zn doped Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and their correlation with local electronic structures

Kumar, Parmod,Sharma, Vikas,Singh, Jitendra P.,Kumar, Ashish,Chahal, Surjeet,Sachdev, K.,Chae, K.H.,Kumar, Ashok,Asokan, K.,Kanjilal, D. Elsevier 2019 Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol.489 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Present work aims at investigating the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of zinc doped Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> nanoparticles (pure, 10%, 20% & 30%) and correlated with their local electronic structures using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and Raman measurements infer that doping of Zn cations lead to the formation of secondary phases corresponding to ZnFe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> along with the hematite phase of Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>. Magnetic measurements show that magnetization vs magnetic field curve for 10% Zn doping exhibit maximum saturation magnetization (~2.93 × 10<SUP>−3</SUP> emu/g) as well as the coercivity (~956 Oe). The values of these parameters decrease for higher content of Zn. The temperature dependence of dielectric behaviour follows the same trend as that of the lattice parameter and magnetic measurements. The XANES spectra at Fe L- and Fe K-edges indicate partial reduction of Fe<SUP>3+</SUP> ions into Fe<SUP>2+</SUP> upon Zn doping in the Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> lattice. However, divalent state is favourable for Zn (i.e. Zn<SUP>2+</SUP>) within the doping range reported in this study.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Zn doped Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> nanoparticles. </LI> <LI> Study of magnetic and electrical properties. </LI> <LI> Correlation of magnetic and electrical properties with local electronic structure. </LI> </UL> </P>

Effect of Varying the Energy Density of Protein-adequate Diets on Nutrient Metabolism, Clinical Chemistry, Immune Response and Growth of Muzaffarnagari Lambs

Singh, V.K.,Pattanaik, Ashok Kumar,Goswami, T.K.,Sharma, K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.8

Effects of varied dietary energy densities on immune response and performance of Muzzafarnagari lambs were ascertained in a 180-d study. Animals (n = 24), in three groups, were fed diets providing 100% (100E), 80% (80E) or 70% (70E) of their metabolizable energy requirement. Mean nutrient digestibilities varied significantly among treatments. Nitrogen intake was lower (p<0.01) in the 70E. Nitrogen retention, was reduced (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E. The average daily gain (p<0.001) was $47.01{\pm}4.23$, $13.54{\pm}1.72$ and $-16.67{\pm}8.24$ g for 100E, 80E and 70E, respectively. Hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total and differential leukocyte counts were lower (p<0.001) for 80E and 70E than for 100E with a similar trend (p<0.05) for serum glucose and total protein. Serum cortisol was reduced (p<0.001) with decreased energy availability. Antibody titre to Brucella abortus S19 showed an initial reduction in 80E and 70E vs 100E. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was lower (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E, accompanying a lower (p<0.001) nitric oxide production by the peripheral lymphocytes. It is concluded that the reduced dietary energy density significantly affects the growth performance and immune response of lambs.

Radioprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Fractionated Extracts of Berries of Hippophae rhamnoides

Rakesh Kumar Sharma,Raman Chawla,Rajesh Arora,Shikha Singh,Ravinder Kumar Sagar,Raj Kumar,Ashok Sharma,Manju L. Gupta,Surender Singh,Jagdish Prasad,Haider A. Khan,Anand Swaroop,A.K. Sinha,A.K. Gupta,R 한국식품영양과학회 2007 Journal of medicinal food Vol.10 No.1

Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free radical-1002 (flavonoid-poor fraction) of Hippophae rhamnoideswere screened on the basis of their reducing power in the aqueousphase. REC-1001 was selected for further study, since it exhibited 27.38 times higher antioxidant activity than REC-1002.REC-1001 also showed significant (P. .05) membrane protection potential at 50 .g/mL, which was attributed to its abilityto scavenge peroxyl radicals (64.82. 1.25% scavenging within 1,440 min). A significant (P. .05) difference of 67.02% infree radical scavenging activity at 1,000 ng/mL between REC-1001 and vitamin E demonstrated the extract fraction’s worthc-tion. Further, REC-1001 was found to be nontoxic up to 200 mg/kg of body weight. This research suggests that the REC-1001 fraction of H. rhamnoidesextract is a safe and effective antioxidant nutraceutical product.

Chronic persistent post-surgical pain following staging laparotomy for carcinoma of ovary and its relationship to signal transduction genes

( Ashok Kumar Saxena ),( Geetanjali T Chilkoti ),( Anand K Chopra ),( Basu Dev Banerjee ),( Tusha Sharma ) 대한통증학회 2016 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.29 No.4

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of chronic persistent post-surgical pain (CPPP) and the role of signal transduction genes in patients undergoing staging laparotomy for carcinoma ovary. Methods: The present observational study was undertaken following institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent from all the participants. A total 21 patients of ASA grade I to III with age 20-70 years, scheduled for elective staging laparotomy for carcinoma ovary were included. Patients were excluded if had other causes of pain, cognitive dysfunction or chronic neurological disorders. Statistical analysis of pool data was done using SPSS version-17. For various scales like GPE, PDQ, NPSI, the visual analogue scale (VAS), global perceived effect (GPE), the pain DETECT questionnaire (PDQ), and neuropathic pain symptoms inventory (NPSI), one factor repaeted measure ANOVA applied with simple contrast with baseline as on post-operative day 1 (considered as reference and compared with subsequent time-interval), and the P values were adjusted according to “Bonferroni adjustments”. In patients with CPPP, the Δct values of mRNA expressions of genes at the end of postoperative day 90 were compared with the baseline control values by one factor repeated ANOVA. P value < 0.005 significant. Results: The present study demonstrates 38.1% (8 out of 21 patients) incidence of CPPP. The functional status and quality of life as were observed to be significantly diminished in all patients with chronic pain. An up-regulation in the mRNA expression of signal transduction and a positive correlation was noted between the mRNA expression of signal transduction genes and VAS score in all patients with CPPP at the end of postoperative day 90. Conclusions: The reported incidence of CPPP in patients with carcinoma ovary was 38.1%. An up-regulation and positive correlation between mRNA expression of signal transduction genes and VAS score depicts its potential role in the pathogenesis of CPPP. (Korean J Pain 2016; 29: 239-48)

Effect of Dietary Fiber Enrichment and Different Cooking Methods on Quality of Chicken Nuggets

Ashok K. Pathera,C. S. Riar,Sanjay Yadav,D. P. Sharma 한국축산식품학회 2017 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.37 No.3

The effect of dietary fiber enrichment (wheat bran) and cooking methods (oven, steam and microwave) on functional and physico-chemical properties of raw nuggets formulation as well as nutritional, color and textural properties of chicken nuggets were analyzed in this study. Among different cooking methods used for nuggets preparation, steam cooked nuggets had significantly (p<0.05) higher water holding capacity (56.65%), cooking yield (97.16%) and total dietary fiber content (4.32%) in comparison to oven and microwave cooked nuggets. The effect of cooking methods and wheat bran incorporation was also noticed on textural properties of the nuggets. Hardness, firmness and toughness values of oven and steam cooked nuggets were significantly (p<0.05) higher than microwave cooked nuggets. Among nuggets prepared by different cooking methods, cohesiveness of microwave cooked nuggets was found to be significantly (p<0.05) highest, whereas, oven cooked nuggets had significantly (p<0.05) highest gumminess and chewiness values. Steam cooked nuggets were found to be better among all nuggets due to their higher cooking yield and dietary fiber content.

Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes in Delhi and Comparison with other Indian and Global Populations

Sharma, Anita,Pandey, Arvind,Sardana, Sarita,Sehgal, Ashok,Sharma, Joginder K. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the metabolism of many xenobiotics, including an array of environmental carcinogens, pollutants, and drugs. Genetic polymorphisms in these genes may lead to inter-individual variation in susceptibility to various diseases. In the present study, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analysed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction in 500 normal individuals from Delhi. The frequency of individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were 168 (33.6%) and 62 (12.4%) respectively, and 54(10.8%) were having homozygous null genotype for both the genes GSTM1 and GSTT1simultaneously. The studied population was compared with reported frequencies from other neighbouring state populations, as well as with those from other ethnic groups; Europeans, Blacks, and Asians. The prevalence of homozygous null GSTM1 genotype is significantly higher in Caucasians and Asians as compared to Indian population. The frequency of GSTT1 homozygous null genotypes is also significantly higher in blacks and Asians. We believe that due to large number of individuals in this study, our results are reliable estimates of the frequencies of the GSTM1, GSTT1 in Delhi. It would provide a basic database for future clinical and genetic studies pertaining to susceptibility and inconsistency in the response and/or toxicity to drugs known to be the substrates for GSTs.

Weekly cisplatin or gemcitabine concomitant with radiation in the management of locally advanced carcinoma cervix: results from an observational study

Arun K Verma,Ashok Kumar Arya,Milind Kumar,Anuj Kumar,Sweety Gupta,DN Sharma,GK Rath 대한부인종양학회 2009 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.20 No.4

Objective: The use of non-platinum drugs in concurrent chemoradiation in carcinoma cervix has not been well explored and hence a two arm study was planned to compare the outcome of concomitant cisplatin or gemcitabine in locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Methods: Thirty six patients were evaluated in this study for response rates and complications. These patients were divided into two arms, sixteen patients in the cisplatin arm and twenty patients in the gemcitabine arm. Cisplatin and gemcitabine were given as i.v. infusion at doses of 40 mg/㎡ and 150 mg/㎡ respectively for five weeks concomitant with radiotherapy. All patients had received pelvic radiotherapy to a dose of 50 Gy/25 fraction/5 weeks by four field box technique followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy (3 sessions, each of 7.5 Gy to point A). Results: Median follow up was of 10.4 months (range, 3 to 36 months) and 10.9 months (range, 2 to 49 months) in the cisplatin and gemcitabine arms, respectively. At first follow up, 68.8% in the cisplatin arm and 70% in the gemcitabine arm had achieved complete response (p=0.93). Similar response rates were noted in different stages in both arms. None of the patients except one developed grade 4 toxicity. Similar toxicity profiles were observed in both arms. Local disease control, distant disease free survival and overall survival was 68.8% vs. 70%, 93.8% vs. 85%, 68.8% vs. 60% in the cisplatin and gemcitabine arms, respectively. Conclusion: Weekly gemcitabine had similar disease control and tolerable toxicity profile with cisplatin. Gemcitabine may be used as an alternative to cisplatin in patients with compromised renal function. Objective: The use of non-platinum drugs in concurrent chemoradiation in carcinoma cervix has not been well explored and hence a two arm study was planned to compare the outcome of concomitant cisplatin or gemcitabine in locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Methods: Thirty six patients were evaluated in this study for response rates and complications. These patients were divided into two arms, sixteen patients in the cisplatin arm and twenty patients in the gemcitabine arm. Cisplatin and gemcitabine were given as i.v. infusion at doses of 40 mg/㎡ and 150 mg/㎡ respectively for five weeks concomitant with radiotherapy. All patients had received pelvic radiotherapy to a dose of 50 Gy/25 fraction/5 weeks by four field box technique followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy (3 sessions, each of 7.5 Gy to point A). Results: Median follow up was of 10.4 months (range, 3 to 36 months) and 10.9 months (range, 2 to 49 months) in the cisplatin and gemcitabine arms, respectively. At first follow up, 68.8% in the cisplatin arm and 70% in the gemcitabine arm had achieved complete response (p=0.93). Similar response rates were noted in different stages in both arms. None of the patients except one developed grade 4 toxicity. Similar toxicity profiles were observed in both arms. Local disease control, distant disease free survival and overall survival was 68.8% vs. 70%, 93.8% vs. 85%, 68.8% vs. 60% in the cisplatin and gemcitabine arms, respectively. Conclusion: Weekly gemcitabine had similar disease control and tolerable toxicity profile with cisplatin. Gemcitabine may be used as an alternative to cisplatin in patients with compromised renal function.

Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody and Its Association with Duodenal Biopsy in Diagnosis of Pediatric Celiac Disease

Daleep K. Meena,Shalini Akunuri,Preetam Meena,Ashok Bhramer,Shiv D. Sharma,Rajkumar Gupta 대한소아소화기영양학회 2019 Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition Vol.22 No.4

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a possible association between the anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) titer and stage of duodenal mucosal damage and assess a possible cut-off value of anti-tTG at which celiac disease (CD) may be diagnosed in children in conjunction with clinical judgment. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a gastroenterology clinic in a tertiary hospital from April 2012 to May 2013. Seventy children between 6-months and 18-years-old with suspected CD underwent celiac serology and duodenal biopsy. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS 16. Diagnostic test values were determined for comparing the anti-tTG titer with duodenal biopsy. An analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer tests were performed for comparing the means between groups. A receiver operating characteristics curve was plotted to determine various cut-off values of anti-tTG. Results: The mean antibody titer increased with severity of Marsh staging ( p <0.001). An immunoglobulin (Ig) A-tTG value at 115 AU/mL had 76% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 17% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosis of CD ( p <0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–1). Conclusion: There is an association between the anti-tTG titer and stage of duodenal mucosal injury in children with CD. An anti-tTG value of 115 AU/mL (6.4 times the upper normal limit) had 76% sensitivity, 100% specificity, with a 100% PPV, and 17% NPV for diagnosing CD (95% CI, 0.75–1). This cut-off may be used in combination with clinical judgment to diagnose CD.

Chronic persistent post-surgical pain following staging laparotomy for carcinoma of ovary and its relationship to signal transduction genes

Saxena, Ashok Kumar,Chilkoti, Geetanjali T,Chopra, Anand K,Banerjee, Basu Dev,Sharma, Tusha The Korean Pain Society 2016 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.29 No.4

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of chronic persistent post-surgical pain (CPPP) and the role of signal transduction genes in patients undergoing staging laparotomy for carcinoma ovary. Methods: The present observational study was undertaken following institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent from all the participants. A total 21 patients of ASA grade I to III with age 20-70 years, scheduled for elective staging laparotomy for carcinoma ovary were included. Patients were excluded if had other causes of pain, cognitive dysfunction or chronic neurological disorders. Statistical analysis of pool data was done using SPSS version-17. For various scales like GPE, PDQ, NPSI, the visual analogue scale (VAS), global perceived effect (GPE), the pain DETECT questionnaire (PDQ), and neuropathic pain symptoms inventory (NPSI), one factor repaeted measure ANOVA applied with simple contrast with baseline as on post-operative day 1 (considered as reference and compared with subsequent time-interval), and the P values were adjusted according to "Bonferroni adjustments". In patients with CPPP, the ${\Delta}ct$ values of mRNA expressions of genes at the end of postoperative day 90 were compared with the baseline control values by one factor repeated ANOVA. P value < 0.005 significant. Results: The present study demonstrates 38.1% (8 out of 21 patients) incidence of CPPP. The functional status and quality of life as were observed to be significantly diminished in all patients with chronic pain. An up-regulation in the mRNA expression of signal transduction and a positive correlation was noted between the mRNA expression of signal transduction genes and VAS score in all patients with CPPP at the end of postoperative day 90. Conclusions: The reported incidence of CPPP in patients with carcinoma ovary was 38.1%. An up-regulation and positive correlation between mRNA expression of signal transduction genes and VAS score depicts its potential role in the pathogenesis of CPPP.

Impact of Non-Reactive Ceria Nanoparticles on the Wettability and Reaction Kinetics Between Lead-Free Sn–58Bi and Cu Pad

Ashutosh Sharma,Ashok K. Srivastava,Kwan Lee,Byungmin Ahn 대한금속·재료학회 2019 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.25 No.4

Lead-free Sn–58Bi– x CeO 2 ( x in wt% = 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9) composite solder was prepared via mechanical blending andmelting route. The ceria nanoparticles (CeO 2 ) were prepared from chemical precipitation method. Further, the variationin microstructure and phase composition, melting point, wetting and mechanical properties were studied through scanningelectron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diff erential scanning calorimetry,spreading ratio, contact angle and tensile testing, respectively. It was shown that Sn–58Bi– x CeO 2 composite solders show16.66 and 32.05% increase in spread ratio and wetting angle, respectively, due to the enhanced melt fl uidity up to x = 0.6. The fraction of hard Bi-phase was also refi ned simultaneously. The tensile results showed a slight decrease in ultimatetensile strength and enhancement in ductility up to x = 0.3 and 0.6 except at x = 0.9. High temperature aging also demonstrateda reduced intermetallic compounds thickness when fraction of ceria nanoparticles in the matrix was up to x = 0.6. Itis suggested that for optimum set of soldering properties, the concentration of the nanoparticles should be at 0.6 wt% in themonolithic Sn–58Bi alloy.