Accessory lingual mental foramen: A case report of a rare anatomic variation.

INTRODUCTION: The mandibular nerve and the mental foramen have occasionally shown variations in its anatomy. This report aims to present a case of lingual mental foramen recognised on three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic imaging (CBCT). CASE REPORT: Routine Orthopantomogram (OPG) and CBCT images were evaluated to assess the status of impact third molars in a 31-year-old female who had visited the dental clinics in our institution. The OPG image failed to reveal any anatomic variation in the position of the mental foramen. On tracing the course of the mandibular canal in CBCT images, two foramina were traced at the region of premolar. One opened towards the buccal cortical plate at the normal position of the mental foramen and an accessory lingual mental foramen had an opening on the lingual cortical bone at the same level as the mental foramen. CONCLUSION: Understanding variations of the mental foramen is extremely essential in dentistry to carry out successful anaesthetic or surgical interventions and to avoid complications such as nerve damage or excessive bleeding.

Comparative analysis of soil organic matter fractions, lability, stability ratios, and carbon management index in various land use types within bharatpur catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Land use and land cover changes have a significant impact on the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) and its fractions, as well as on overall soil health. This study conducted in Bharatpur Catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal, aimed to assess and quantify variations in total soil organic matter (TSOMC), labile organic matter fraction (CL), stable organic matter fraction (CS), stability ratio (SR), and carbon management index (CMI) across seven land use types: pastureland, forestland, fruit orchards, small-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale alternative fallow and conventional agricultural land, and organic farming agricultural land. The study also explored the potential use of the Carbon Management Index (CMI) and stability ratio (SR) as indicators of soil degradation or improvement in response to land use changes. RESULTS: The findings revealed significant differences in mean values of TSOMC, CL, and CS among the different land use types. Forestland and organic farming exhibited significantly higher TSOMC (3.24%, 3.12%) compared to fruit orchard lands (2.62%), small scale conventional farming (2.22%), alternative fallow and conventional farming (2.06%), large scale conventional farming (1.84%) and pastureland (1.20%). Organic farming and Forestland also had significantly higher CL (1.85%, 1.84%) and CS (1.27%, 1.39%) compared to all other land use types. Forest and organic farming lands showed higher CMI values, while pastures and forests exhibited higher SR values compared to the rest of the land use types. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the influence of various land use types on soil organic matter pools and demonstrates the potential of CMI and SR as indicators for assessing soil degradation or improvement in response to land use and land cover changes.

CdSe Quantum Dots Bedecked on ZnO/TiO2/CuO Ternary Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Applications.

Herein, we synthesized a CdSe quantum dots (QDs)-decorated ternary metal oxide nanocomposite of ZnO/TiO2/CuO through a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared nanocomposite exhibited monoclinic, hexagonal, and cubic phase structures in XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis. UV-vis absorbance spectra showed the broad absorption spectrum. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) clearly showed the presence of nanoparticles and confirmed the elements through elemental mapping. TEM (transmission electron microscopy) confirmed the nanostructure of metal oxides decorated with QDs. The average particle size was 45 nm for metal oxides and 7 nm for QDs. XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) also confirmed the surface elemental composition. The prepared nanocomposites were introduced as photoanodes in DSSCs (dye-sensitized solar cells) and as photocatalysts for industrial dye solution. Among these samples, CdSe@CuO/TiO2/ZnO showed an improved performance of PCE (photon conversion efficiency) of 3.68% in DSSC and 96% photocatalytic degradation efficiency. It showed a recycling efficiency of ∼92% after 4 cycles against methylene blue (MB) organic dye under visible light irradiation.

Evolution of TNM Classification for Clinical Staging of Oral Cancer: The Past, Present and the Future.

Purpose: The AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) Cancer Staging Manual, 1st Edition, was published in 1977 which focused on the TNM classification and staging of cancer to allow easy communication, formulation of a treatment plan and predict the prognosis, among the medical fraternity. Methods: Ever since the beginning, various modifications of the classification were introduced and released by the joint collaboration of AJCC and UICC (International Union Against Cancer) in various editions of cancer staging manuals. Results: The present review article was kept focused onto the changes introduced in the clinical staging of cancers of oral cavity. These changes came a long way since 1st edition 1944, to the eighth edition which was published in 2017. Conclusions: This article is a critical review on the past and present perspectives of the TNM classification of the oral cavity that were addressed and changed, adding a light on the future trends or necessary inclusions that would formulate a much easily acceptable and useful classification system.

Universal Piezo-Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment on Realistic Pollutant Feedstocks by Bi4TaO8Cl: Origin of High Efficiency and Adjustable Synergy.

Clean water is a fundamental human right but millions struggle for it daily. Herein, we demonstrate a new piezo-photocatalyst with immense structural diversity for universal wastewater decontamination. Single-crystalline Bi4TaO8Cl nanoplates with exposed piezoelectric facets exhibit visible-light response, piezoelectric behavior with coercive voltages of ±5 V yielding 0.35% crystal deformation, and pressure-induced band-bending of >2.5 eV. Using five common contaminants of textile and pharmaceutical industries, we show that the nanoplates can mineralize them in all piezocatalytic, photocatalytic, and piezo-photocatalytic approaches with efficiencies higher than most catalysts developed for just one contaminant. Their efficiencies for feedstocks differing over 2 orders of magnitude in concentrations, the highest to date, are also demonstrated to simulate real-life situations. These extensive studies established that combining piezocatalytic and photocatalytic approaches can lead to a tremendous synergy exceeding >45%. The origin of synergy has been illustrated for the first time using band-bending models and improved charge transfer from valence and conduction band electronic surfaces. We further quantified synergy across reactants, concentrations, and ultrasonic frequency and power to demonstrate their versatility and unpredictability. Finally, seven parameters that contribute to synergy but create unpredictability have been identified for the rational design of piezo-photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.

Cytotoxic Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Aspergillus flavus, an Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Cynodon dactylon, against Breast Cancer: Experimental and Computational Approach.

Endophytic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that colonize the inter- or intracellular spaces of plants and exhibit mutual benefits. Their interactions with the host plant and other microbiomes are multidimensional and play a crucial role in the production of secondary metabolites. We screened bioactive compounds present in the extracts of Aspergillus flavus, an endophytic fungus isolated from the roots of the medicinal grass Cynodon dactylon, for its anticancer potential. An in vitro analysis of the Ethyl acetate extract from A. flavus showed significant cytostatic effects (IC50: 16.25 µg/mL) against breast cancer cells (MCF-7). A morphological analysis of the cells and a flow cytometry of the cells with annexin V/Propidium Iodide suggested that the extract induced apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells. The extract of A. flavus increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in MCF-7 cells. To identify the metabolites that might be responsible for the anticancer effect, the extract was subjected to a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Interestingly, nine phytochemicals that induced cytotoxicity in the breast cancer cell line were found in the extract. The in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that two compounds, 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone and 3α, 5 α-cyclo-ergosta-7,9(11), 22t-triene-6beta-ol exhibited significant binding affinities (-9.20, and -9.50 Kcal/mol, respectively) against Bcl-2, along with binding stability and intermolecular interactions of its ligand-Bcl-2 complexes. Overall, the study found that the endophytic A. flavus from C. dactylon contains plant-like bioactive compounds that have a promising effect in breast cancer.

A new nanowire-based lithium hexaoxotungstate anode for lithium-ion batteries.

This study reports one dimensional lithium hexaoxotungstate (Li6WO6), with a diameter in the range of 200-500 nm, as a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of lithium hexaoxotungstate was investigated and a discharge capacity of 705 mA h g-1 was achieved after 50 cycles, along with an excellent rate capability. The 1D morphology of the material is believed to provide excellent transport properties, resulting in a high rate capability. The remarkable electrochemical performance of the Li6WO6 nanowires indicates that this new class of anode holds a lot of promise for future deployment in energy storage devices.

Synthesis of MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4 hybrid photocatalyst by ultrasonic homogenization assisted hydrothermal methods and its application as sunlight active photocatalyst for water decontamination.

In this work, MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4 ternary hybrid photocatalyst was synthesized by sonicated precursor mixture to the hydrothermal procedure to generate a highly efficient solar light-induced and simply recyclable photocatalyst. The obtained hybrid was confirmed by the characteristic peaks of MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4 observed in X-ray diffraction (14.31°/18.62°/28.18°), infrared spectra (465/445/679 cm-1), ultraviolet-visible spectra (636/683/639 nm) studies, and the band-gap narrowing (2.62/2.44/2.25 eV). The morphological structure of MoS2 (rod), Mg(OH)2 (particles), and BiVO4 (random aggregates) were turned into MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4 hierarchical nanosheets that coexisted with particles. The photodegradation experiments of the photocatalysts were assessed by using Congo Red (CR), Malachite Green (MG) and Textile Industry Effluent (TIE) as the model pollutant under direct sunlight. The photocatalytic efficiency of the hybrids was noticeably 2.1 to 2.3 times higher than that of the individual components. Photocurrent response test indicate that MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4 ternary hybrid nanocomposites photocatalysts had a more effective electron/hole pair separation than individual and binary composite photocatalysts. The mechanism of photodegradation of MoS2/Mg(OH)2/BiVO4ternary hybrid photocatalysts was investigated and discussed.

Need for HTA supported risk factor screening for hypertension and diabetes in Nepal: A systematic scoping review.

Objective: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a comprehensive and important tool for assessment and decision-making in public health and healthcare practice. It is recommended by the WHO and has been applied in practice in many countries, mostly the developed ones. HTA might be an important tool to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), especially beneficial to low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). Even though the Package for Essential Non-communicable Diseases (PEN) has already been initiated, there is a clear policy gap in the HTA of any health device, service, or procedure, including the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in Nepal. Hence, we carried out the review to document the HTA supported evidence of hypertension and diabetes screening, as CVRFs in Nepal. Materials and methods: We searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, along with some gray literature published in the last 6 years (2016-2021) in a systematic way with a controlled vocabulary using a well-designed and pilot tested search strategy, screened them, and a total of 53 articles and reports that matched the screening criteria were included for the review. We then, extracted the data in a pre-designed MS-Excel format, first in one, and then, from it, in two, with more specific data. Results: Of 53 included studies, we reported the prevalence and/or proportion of hypertension and diabetes with various denominators. Furthermore, HTA-related findings such as cost, validity, alternative tool or technology, awareness, and intervention effectiveness have been documented and discussed further, however, not summarized due to their sparingness. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of DM (4.4-18.8%) and HTN (17.2-70.0%) was reported in most studies, with a few, covering other aspects of HTA of DM/HTN. A national policy for establishing an HTA agency and some immediately implementable actions are highly recommended.

Surgeons Approach to Glandular Odontogenic Cyst of Mandible Mimicking Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma.

This article reports a case of glandular odontogenic cyst in a 70-year-old male and discusses the clinical, radiological and histopathological features. The present case shows treatment of GOC which effected the body of mandible with infiltration into submandibular gland.

A novel spiral infinity reactor for continuous hydrothermal synthesis of nanoparticles.

Hydrothermal synthesis is an attractive route to make nanoparticles utilizing inexpensive precursors under moderate process conditions. Though it provides flexibility and robustness in controlling particle characteristics, process scale-up for continuous production is a major challenge. A novel 'infinity-' shaped spiral continuous flow reactor is proposed here, to exploit the large density difference between the precursor solution and supercritical water to provide rapid mixing, leading to uniform conditions for reaction kinetics and particle growth. Hydrothermal synthesis is simulated by coupling computational fluid dynamics with population balance modeling and appropriate reaction kinetics. Simulations indicate three distinct regimes of declining, recovering, and stable flow fields. These regimes are strongly dependent on the flow ratio between the precursor solution and supercritical water. The infinity reactor provides two distinct reaction environments: initial turns of the spiral which serve as a mixed flow reactor facilitating rapid mixing and uniform reaction, followed by a plug flow reactor stabilizing the particle growth. It produces particles with a relatively small mean diameter and a narrow size distribution in comparison to the conventional batch stirred tank reactor and the T-mixer.

Mesoporous TiO2 coating on carbon-sulfur cathode for high capacity Li-sulfur battery.

In this paper, a meso-porous TiO2 (titania) coating is shown to effectively protect a carbon-sulfur composite cathode from polysulfide dissolution. The cathode consisted of a sulfur impregnated carbon support coated with a few microns thick mesoporous titania layer. The carbon-sulfur cathode is made using activated carbon powder (ACP) derived from biomass. The mesoporous titania coated carbon-sulfur cathodes exhibit a retention capacity after 100 cycles at C/3 rate (433 mA g -1) and stabilized at a capacity around 980 mA h g-1. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the sulfur cathodes suggests that the charge transfer resistance at the anode, (R act) is stable for the titania coated sulfur electrode in comparison to a continuous increase in R act for the uncoated electrode implying mitigation of polysulfide shuttling for the protected cathode. Stability in the cyclic voltammetry (CV) data for the first 5 cycles further confirms the polysulfide containment in the titania coated cathode while the uncoated sulfur electrode shows significant irreversibility in the CV with considerable shifting of the voltage peak positions. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirm the adsorption of soluble polysulfides by mesoporous titania.

In silico, in vitro screening of antioxidant and anticancer potentials of bioactive secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus (Curvularia sp.) from Phyllanthus niruri L.

The main objective of this research work is to discover novel and efficient phytochemical substances from endophytic fungus found in medicinal plants. Curvularia geniculata L. (C. geniculata L.), an endophytic fungus isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. (P. niruri L.), was tested against hepatoma cell lines (HepG2) in order to screen their antioxidant and anticancer potentials. The profiling of phytochemicals from the fungal extract was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and molecular docking was done for the identified compounds against one of the potential receptors predominantly present in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Among the phytochemicals found, 2-methyl-7-phenylindole had the highest binding affinity (- 8.8 kcal mol-1) for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The stability of 2-methyl-7-phenylindole in the EGFR-binding pockets was tested using in silico molecular dynamics simulation. The fungal extract showed the highest antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of fungal extract demonstrated the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells after 24 h, and the IC50 (50% cell death) value was estimated to be 62.23 µg mL-1. Typical morphological changes such as condensation of nuclei and deformed membrane structures are indicative of ongoing apoptosis. The mitochondria of HepG2 cells were also targeted by the endophytic fungal extract, which resulted in substantial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the destruction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential integrity. These outcomes suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of C. geniculata L. has the potential to be an antioxidant agent and further to be exploited in developing potential anticancer agents.

The role of sodium dodecyl sulfate mediated hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets for photocatalytic dye degradation and dye-sensitized solar cell application.

The novel properties and exciting behavior of two-dimensional nanosheet-based materials have piqued the interest of research all over the world. In this study, bulk molybdenum disulfide (bulk MoS2) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-mediated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2-SDS NS) were synthesized via a facile sonication and hydrothermal process. The findings from the characterization revealed that the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant reduces the crystal phase and changes the structural morphology of bulk MoS2. Furthermore, the photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance of bulk MoS2 and MoS2-SDS NS were also investigated. The results show that by using methylene blue dye, the photocatalytic efficiency increased from 56.30% to 91.84% at 150 min under UV-Visible light irradiation, and the photo-conversion efficiency (PEC (%)) of the dye-sensitized solar cell increased from 1.47% to 3.81% for bulk MoS2 and MoS2-SDS NS, respectively. Finally, we discussed in-depth the effect of SDS surfactants on MoS2, which can improve their photovoltaic and photocatalytic performance.

Pharmacoinformatics-based investigation of bioactive compounds of Rasam (South Indian recipe) against human cancer.

Spice-rich recipes are referred to as "functional foods" because they include a variety of bioactive chemicals that have health-promoting properties, in addition to their nutritional value. Using pharmacoinformatics-based analysis, we explored the relevance of bioactive chemicals found in Rasam (a South Indian cuisine) against oxidative stress-induced human malignancies. The Rasam is composed of twelve main ingredients, each of which contains a variety of bioactive chemicals. Sixty-six bioactive compounds were found from these ingredients, and their structures were downloaded from Pubchem. To find the right target via graph theoretical analysis (mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6)) and decipher their signaling route, a network was built. Sixty-six bioactive compounds were used for in silico molecular docking study against MAPK6 and compared with known MAPK6 inhibitor drug (PD-173955). The top four compounds were chosen for further study based on their docking scores and binding energies. In silico analysis predicted ADMET and physicochemical properties of the selected compounds and were used to assess their drug-likeness. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation modelling methodology was also used to analyse the effectiveness and safety profile of selected bioactive chemicals based on the docking score, as well as to assess the stability of the MAPK6-ligand complex. Surprisingly, the discovered docking scores against MAPK6 revealed that the selected bioactive chemicals exhibit varying binding ability ranges between - 3.5 and - 10.6 kcal mol-1. MD simulation validated the stability of four chemicals at the MAPK6 binding pockets, including Assafoetidinol A (ASA), Naringin (NAR), Rutin (RUT), and Tomatine (TOM). According to the results obtained, fifty of the sixty-six compounds showed higher binding energy (- 6.1 to - 10.6 kcal mol-1), and four of these compounds may be used as lead compounds to protect cells against oxidative stress-induced human malignancies.

Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid and kinetin on quality and self-life of banana (Musa spp.) fruits.

Artificial fruit ripening agents have become increasingly popular in recent years. During the off-seasons, various ripening agents are used for the ripening of banana fruits. The effects of various ripening agents of banana fruits (variety: Malbhog) were studied. Seven treatments consisting of distilled water, Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 100 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm, GA3 @ 300 ppm, kinetin @ 3 ppm, kinetin @ 5 ppm, and kinetin @ 7 ppm were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The maximum loss in weight (9.195%), Total Soluble Solids (20.33˚B), the highest color score (6), pH (4.767), Total Soluble Solids/Titratable Acidity TA (34.23), and Pulp peel ratio (2.84) were observed in banana sprayed with distilled water whereas the minimum value for TSS (12.67˚B), pulp peel ratio (1.813), peel color rating (2.67), TSS/TA (15.32) were observed in GA3 @ 300 ppm treated fruits. The maximum (32.67 days) and the minimum (18.33 days) shelf-life was observed in GA3 @ 300 ppm and distilled water respectively. This research will help in the regulation of ripening as per the needs of consumers and the distance of the market. In horticulture, it will help to extend storage life and reduce quality and economic loss.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality during the first epidemic wave in Madurai, south India: a prospective, active surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 has spread substantially within India over multiple waves of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the risk factors and disease burden associated with COVID-19 in India remain poorly understood. We aimed to assess predictors of infection and mortality within an active surveillance study, and to probe the completeness of case and mortality surveillance. METHODS: In this prospective, active surveillance study, we used data collected under expanded programmatic surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the district of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India (population of 3 266 000 individuals). Prospective testing via RT-PCR was done in individuals with fever or acute respiratory symptoms as well as returning travellers, frontline workers, contacts of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, residents of containment zones, patients undergoing medical procedures, and other risk groups. Standardised data collection on symptoms and chronic comorbid conditions was done as part of routine intake. Additionally, seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G was assessed via a cross-sectional survey recruiting adults across 38 clusters within Madurai District from Oct 19, 2020, to Nov 5, 2020. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for positive RT-PCR results comparing individuals by age, sex, comorbid conditions, and aspects of clinical presentation. We estimated case-fatality ratios (CFRs) over the 30-day period following RT-PCR testing stratified by the same variables, and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for death associated with age, sex, and comorbidity. We estimated infection-fatality ratios (IFRs) on the basis of age-specific seroprevalence. RESULTS: Between May 20, 2020, and Oct 31, 2020, 13·5 diagnostic tests were done per 100 inhabitants within Madurai, as compared to 7·9 tests per 100 inhabitants throughout India. From a total of 440 253 RT-PCR tests, 15 781 (3·6%) SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified, with 8720 (5·4%) of 160 273 being positive among individuals with symptoms, and 7061 (2·5%) of 279 980 being positive among individuals without symptoms, at the time of presentation. Estimated aORs for symptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed infection increased continuously by a factor of 4·3 from ages 0-4 years to 80 years or older. By contrast, risk of asymptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed infection did not differ across ages 0-44 years, and thereafter increased by a factor of 1·6 between ages 45-49 years and 80 years or older. Seroprevalence was 40·1% (95% CI 35·8-44·6) at age 15 years or older by the end of the study period, indicating that RT-PCR clinical testing and surveillance testing identified only 1·4% (1·3-1·6%) of all infections in this age group. Among RT-PCR-confirmed cases, older age, male sex, and history of cancer, diabetes, other endocrine disorders, hypertension, other chronic circulatory disorders, respiratory disorders, and chronic kidney disease were each associated with elevated risk of mortality. The CFR among RT-PCR-confirmed cases was 2·4% (2·2-2·6); after age standardisation. At age 15 years or older, the IFR based on reported deaths was 0·043% (0·039-0·049), with reported deaths being only 11·0% (8·2-14·5) of the expected count. INTERPRETATION: In a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance programme in Madurai, India, we identified equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, and increasing risk of infection and death associated with older age and comorbidities. Establishing whether surveillance practices or differences in infection severity account for gaps between observed and expected mortality is of crucial importance to establishing the burden of COVID-19 in India. FUNDING: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. TRANSLATION: For the Hindi translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic performance of CdSe nanorods.

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) semiconductor nanorods are prepared in hydrothermal process using hydrazine hydrate (N2H4.H2O) and ammonia (NH3.H2O) as reducing agents. The reaction time is increased to 7 h and the amount of hydrazine hydrate used is also increased to 15 mL which have resulted in diminished stacking faults in the CdSe nanorods prepared. The crystal structure, morphological variations, and size of the prepared CdSe nanorods are examined by XRD analysis. The crystalline size of the CdSe nanorods is 20-30 nm in diameter. HRTEM images reveal the formation of high order CdSe nanorods of the length about 25-40 nm. The bandgap in the CdSe nanoparticles is determined to be 2.17 eV. The peak at 595 nm in photoluminescence (PL) spectrum indicates oxygen vacancy defects in the prepared CdSe sample. The variation of dielectric properties with respect to temperature and frequency of pelletized CdSe is studied. High photocatalytic efficiency (98%) of catalyst/H2O2 is also achieved for decomposition of Rhodamine-B dye.

Prevalence and characteristics of venous thromboembolism in severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary care hospital in India.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) carries a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Pulmonary embolism (PE) and AECOPD increase the mortality and morbidity risk associated with each other. Racial and ethnic differences in VTE risk have been documented in multiple studies. However, there is a dearth of reliable Indian data on the same. This study was planned to find the prevalence of VTE in the setting of severe AECOPD in a tertiary care hospital in India and to identify the clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of VTE in severe AECOPD. A total of 156 consecutive patients admitted with severe AECOPD and meeting the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Thorough workup of all patients was done including ABG, serum D dimer, ECG, compression ultrasound of lower limbs and 2-D echocardiography. Patients with high pre-test probability score, or intermediate pre-test probability score at presentation with serum D dimer above the age adjusted cut-off underwent computerised tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA).  Results were analysed using SPSS version 23.  Sixteen (10.3%) patients had VTE, 15 (93.75%) of them being cases of isolated PE. Female gender, higher cumulative past exposure to corticosteroid, higher alveolar-arterial gradient, right ventricular dysfunction, and higher mean pulmonary artery pressure were associated with increased risk for VTE. The prevalence of VTE in AECOPD in this study among an Indian population is higher than among other Asians, but lower than among the Blacks, the Caucasians and the Middle-East ethnicities. Since a vast majority of VTE presents as PE without DVT in the setting of AECOPD, the absence of deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs does not rule PE in the setting.