Investigation of structural, optical and mechanical behaviour of pure and Cr doped L-asparagine monohydrate single crystals.

Pure and chromium (Cr) doped L-asparagine monohydrate (LAM) single crystals were grown by using evaporation controlled solution growth technique. XRD analysis confirmed the orthorhombic crystal system with space group P212121 of grown crystals. Cr-incorporation decreased the cell parameters and unit cell volume of the crystals. Intermolecular interactions were analysed through Hirshfeld and fingerprint studies. SEM analysis showed the appearance of pits on the smooth surface of pure crystal due to Cr-addition. UV-Vis analysis showed high transparency, low cut-off and direct band gap of 5.42 eV and 5.51 eV for pure and Cr doped crystals, respectively. Fundamental functional groups were identified by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The thermal stability and melting point of the crystals were investigated using TGA/DSC analysis. The dielectric constant for doped LAM was increased to 44 as compare to dielectric constant of pure crystal which was 32. Both crystals showed low dielectric loss, having values 0.04 and 0.006 for pure LAM and doped crystals, respectively. In Vickers microhardness test, Cr doping was found to change the nature of pure LAM crystal from 'soft' to 'hard' as Meyer's index changed from 2.48 to 1.24.

Misinterpretation of a Gunshot Injury by a Non-forensic Medicine Expert: A Case Report of Misguidance in a Criminal Investigation Involving the Unusual Firearm Injury 'Kronlein Shot'.

In India, the majority of postmortem examinations are conducted by medical professionals who lack expertise in the field of forensic medicine. Medicolegal autopsy services that are done by forensic experts are primarily confined to tertiary care centers, although a significant portion of medicolegal postmortem examinations occurs in non-tertiary healthcare setups. In this context, postmortem examination reports occasionally fail to encompass essential medicolegal features, resulting in dissatisfaction among both crime investigators and the deceased's relatives. As the doctors managing these postmortem examinations are not experts in the field of forensic medicine, if a case involves an unusual pattern of injury, the situation becomes further complicated. The absence of proper forensic assessments heightens the risk of the crime investigation heading in the wrong direction. Firearm injuries are well known for their varied pattern of injury. The present case reports one of the unusual patterns of firearm injury where a gunshot injury with close contact on the head resulted in the bursting of the skull, which is commonly referred to as a Kronlein shot. Such injuries involve extreme skull mutilation. Unlike typical contact gunshot injuries, in cases of extensive facial and cranial destruction, locating the entry wound and detecting other typical features of firearm injury become challenging. This complexity confused the autopsy surgeons of this case who were not experts in forensic medicine and mis-framed the opinion regarding the causative weapon which in turn confused the police official in the crime investigation. The case was later on referred to our institute for forensic medicine expert opinion and opinion was given after consideration of postmortem examination findings mentioned in the postmortem report, photographs of the deceased, circumstantial evidence gathered by police, and correlating all these facts with standard published literature. The case underscores the essential role of forensic experts in decoding complex medicolegal mysteries and ensuring accurate justice delivery. The case also highlights the importance of the need for comprehensive forensic examinations and considering circumstantial evidence in drawing various conclusions in a medicolegal autopsy.

Effectiveness of Topical Sucralfate in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: An Open-Labeled Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major cause of lower limb amputations. Many treatment recommendations have been proposed. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of topical sucralfate when combined with mupirocin ointment, in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer in comparison to topical mupirocin alone, in terms of healing rates. METHODS: This open-labeled randomized study was conducted on 108 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of topical sucralfate and mupirocin combination, compared to topical mupirocin alone. The patients were administered the same parenteral antibiotic, and wounds were subjected to daily dressing. The healing rates (determined by the percentage reduction in wound area) in the two groups were calculated. The mean healing rates in both groups were expressed in percentage and compared using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Male-to-female ratio was 3:1. The incidence of diabetic foot was the highest (50.9%) in the age group of 50-59 years. The mean age of the study population was 51 years. The incidence of diabetic foot ulcers was highest in the months of July-August (42%). A total of 71.2% patients had random blood sugar levels between 150-200 mg/dL, and 72.2% patients had diabetes for five to 10 years. The mean±standard deviation (SD) of the healing rates in the sucralfate and mupirocin combination group and the control group were 16.2±7.3% and 14.5±6.6%, respectively. Comparison of the means by Student's t-test failed to show a statistical difference in healing rates between the two groups (p=0.201). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the addition of topical sucralfate does not show any obvious benefits in terms of healing rates in diabetic foot ulcers as compared to mupirocin alone.

The Indian perspective on the harmful substances found in sanitary napkins and their effects on the environment and human health.

In this study, hazardous substances in 5 different brands of sanitary napkins being used in India have been analysed through gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS). Concentration of chemicals such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) (acetone, iso propyl alcohol, toluene), persistent organic pollutant (dioxins and furans), phthalates and total chlorine present in sanitary napkin have been reported. Furthermore, amounts of plastic present per sanitary napkin and total plastic waste generation potential have been calculated. Additionally, data analysis was done to understand the health impacts of these hazardous chemicals on users and the environment. It has been found that Indian sanitary pads have higher concentration of hazardous chemicals, as compared to similar product being sold in developed countries like - USA, Europe and Japan. The values of total chlorine observed in 5 different brands were found to be in the range of 170 to 460 ppm; dioxins varied from 0.244 to 21.419 pg/g; furans varied from 0.07 to 0.563 pg/g; acetone varied from 351 to 429 ppm; isopropyl alcohol varied from 125 to 184 ppm; toluene varied from 2.91 to 3.21 ppb; concentration of two phthalates, DBP and DEHP varied from 57.3 to 127.8 and from 146.2 to 188.5, respectively. Plastic pollution potential of this waste is approximately 33,210 tons/year. Daily exposure volume (DEV) of dioxins varied from 2.295 to 2.266 pg TEQ/g and furan from 0.0616 to 0.0738 pg TEQ/kg/day, compared to safe TDI value < 0.7 TEQ/kg/day. Dioxin's value is around 3 times higher than the accepted TDI value, whereas furan is within acceptable limit. Daily exposure doses (DED) of DBP were observed in-between 4.24 and 9.47 µg/kg-bw/day, whereas the DEHP value varied from 0.541 to 0.698 µg/kg-bw/day.

Deciding the Cause of Death in a Victim of a Road Traffic Accident Became Difficult Due to Interventions: A Case Report.

Though uncommon, puncture injury to the heart can occur during cardiac resuscitation and when inserting a lifesaving drug directly into the left ventricle of the heart. Utmost precaution must be taken to avoid damaging the conduction system of the heart, particularly the nodal part, as it can cause cardiogenic shock, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Our index case report describes a 55-year-old male who was fatally injured after being hit by a truck while riding his bike. The autopsy revealed multiple puncture injuries to the atrioventricular node area of the septum, observed on both sides of the interatrial septal wall surface. Histopathological examination also showed subendocardial hemorrhage around the atrioventricular nodal area. The nature of the injuries made identification of the cause of death difficult.

Visceral Adiposity Index as an Indicator for Menstrual Disturbance, Hormonal and Metabolic Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Increase in visceral adiposity is characteristic of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and is the main cause of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. This study tried to compare the visceral adiposity index (VAI) in PCOS women and control population, thereby exploring its correlation with ovarian morphology, hormonal and metabolic dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reproductive-age women who fulfilled the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS constituted the cases. Control population consisted of the same number of non-PCOS women. History of menstrual irregularity and features of hyperandrogenism were noted. Overnight fasting serum hormonal profile on second day of the cycle, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and serum fasting insulin and lipid profile were obtained. Ultrasound evaluation was done simultaneously. Free androgen index (FAI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and VAI were calculated. RESULTS: Serum androgen levels and OGTT were greater in PCOS women. No significant difference was noted in serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin and lipid profile between cases and controls. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher among women with PCOS. Mean ovarian volume, antral follicle count, FAI and HOMA-IR were higher in PCOS women. VAI was significantly higher in cases compared to controls. VAI demonstrated a strong negative correlation with number of menstrual cycles per year. Increasing VAI was associated with longer menstrual cycles and correlated positively with greater severity of anovulation. VAI also showed highly significant correlation with fasting blood glucose and statistically significant moderately strong positive correlation with OGTT values at two hours post glucose challenge, systolic blood pressure and mean ovarian volume. There was no demonstrable correlation between androgen levels or HOMA-IR values. CONCLUSION: VAI is higher in women with PCOS. It correlates positively with features of disease severity and ovarian morphology. An assessment of VAI in PCOS women could be predictive of a greater propensity for development of classical metabolic risk factors.

Prevalence and correlates of nicotine dependence among the construction site workers at IGIMS, Patna.

Introduction: Nicotine dependence has increased over the years and so has the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use. If the dependence is increasing, we must look for newer tobacco cessation strategies and implemented them. Tobacco causes premature deaths and nicotine dependence has both psychological and physical dependence. Method: The study was planned and an interview was conducted to collect the sociodemographic details, tobacco, and fagerstrom nicotine dependence scale - smokeless tobacco (FTND-ST) for nicotine dependence. The questionnaire was adopted from the WHO questionnaire and a pre-tested, predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire was used. Result: About almost half of the population is dependent on nicotine (51.6%). Daily smokeless tobacco users who are married and have a tobacco user in the family are mostly dependent on smokeless tobacco. Severity of smokeless tobacco dependence for nicotine dependence among smokeless tobacco users were associated with low academic achievement, increased awareness of side effects, and increase in duration and frequency of use. Conclusion: Nicotine dependence has increased despite efforts in the field in the recent years. Therefore, we need to have a mechanism for combining behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy that may increase smoking cessation rates.

Child sexual abuse laws in India; failure of implementation - a case report.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem with girls most affected even allowing for the possibility that boys are less likely to report it. In India there is strict anti-CSA legislation like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, but enforcement falls short due to poor socioeconomic conditions, low education levels, and insensitive actions and responses.

Importance of Crime Scene Visits by a Forensic Medicine Expert: A Survey-Based Study.

Background This study is intended to compare the Indian system of inquests, which is conducted by nonscientific people like police and magistrate (who are compulsorily neither qualified in science nor in law), and the medical examiner system of the USA which is done by doctors specialized in forensic medicine/pathology. Aims The goal of this study was to see if bringing in a medical examiner system makes a difference in determining the cause, manner, and time of death as compared to the current system of conducting inquests and autopsies by two different agencies, namely, the police and forensic medicine experts. Material and methods In the present study, a peculiar case (in which the police were clueless and the autopsy surgeon was confused during the autopsy) was chosen for getting an expert opinion from 50 forensic medicine experts from different parts of the country in which police were not clear regarding cause, manner and time of death, but later after a crime scene visit by forensic medicine experts who had conducted the autopsy, it was clarified. Opinion regarding the cause, manner, and time since death was taken from 50 medico-legal experts in two steps. In the first step, only the autopsy finding and history obtained from police were provided and in the second step, additional information obtained from the crime scene visit by forensic medicine experts was provided. The sampling method was purposive sampling. Result In the cause of death, Cohen's Kappa coefficient was 0.30% (z-statistic = 3.87, p-value = 0.0001), indicating a significantly low agreement between the first and second steps by the experts, as their decision changed after getting the evidence of the crime scene visit. In the manner of death, Cohen's Kappa coefficient was 0.06% (z-statistic = 0.66, p-value = 0.2540) indicating a very low agreement between the first and second opinions by the experts as their decision regarding the suspected manner of death changed drastically after getting the evidence of crime scene. In the time since death, Cohen's Kappa coefficient was 0.5531% (z-statistic = 7.25, p-value = 0.0001), which also indicates significant difference. Conclusion Therefore, in this study, the usefulness of the medical examiner system in the Indian setting has been proved beyond doubt expecting drastic improvement in criminal investigation by introducing the medical examiner system in India.

Long-term clinical outcomes of cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is a useful therapeutic option in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) who are otherwise refractory to standard antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy or catheter ablation (CA). In this study, we sought to retrospectively analyze the long-term outcomes of CSD in patients with refractory VT and/or VT storm with a majority of the patients being taken up for CSD ahead of CA. METHODS: We included consecutive patients with SHD who underwent CBD from 2010 to 2019 owing to refractory VT. A complete response to CSD was defined as a greater than 75% reduction in the frequency of ICD shocks for VT. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients (50 male, 15 female) were included. The underlying VT substrate was ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 30 (46.2%) patients while the remaining 35 (53.8%) patients had other nonischemic causes. The mean duration of follow-up was 27 ± 24 months. A complete response to CSD was achieved in 47 (72.3%) patients. There was a significant decline in the number of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or external defibrillator shocks post-CSD (24 ± 37 vs. 2 ± 4, p < .01). Freedom from a combined endpoint of ICD shock or death at 2 years was 51.5%. An advanced New York Heart Association class (III and IV) was the only parameter found to be associated with this combined endpoint. CONCLUSION: The current retrospective analysis re-emphasizes the role of surgical CSD and explores its role ahead of CA in the treatment of patients with refractory VT or VT storm.

Assessment of household ownership of bed nets in areas with and without artemisinin resistance containment measures in Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar lies in the Greater Mekong Subregion where there is artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. As the artemisinin compound is the pillar of effective antimalarial therapies, containing the spread of artemisinin resistance is a national and global priority. The use of insecticide-treated bed nets/long-lasting insecticidal nets (ITNs/LLINs) is the key intervention for ensuring the reduction of malaria transmission and the spread of resistant strains, and for eventually eliminating malaria. This study aimed at assessing household ownership of, access to, and utilization of bed nets in areas of Myanmar with and without artemisinin resistance containment measures. METHODS: Secondary data from a nationwide community-based malaria survey conducted by the National Malaria Control Program in 2014 were analyzed. Based on evidence of artemisinin resistance, Myanmar was divided into tiers 1, 2, and 3: townships in tiers 1 and 2 were aggregated as the Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment (MARC) areas and were compared with tier 3 townships, which were defined as non-MARC areas. The chi-square test was used to compare groups, and the level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 6328 households assessed, 97.2% in both MARC and non-MARC areas had at least one bed net (any type), but only 63% of households had ITNs/LLINs. Only 44% of households in MARC areas and 24% in non-MARC areas had adequate numbers of ITNs/LLINs (one ITN/LLIN per two persons, P <  0.001). Nearly 44% of household members had access to ITNs/LLINs. Regarding the utilization of ITNs/LLINs, 45% of household members used them in MARC areas and 36% used them in non-MARC areas (P <  0.001, desired target = 100%). Utilization of ITNs/LLINs among children aged below five years and pregnant women (high malaria risk groups) was low, at 44% and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the nationwide shortfalls in the ownership of, access to, and utilization of ITNs/LLINs in Myanmar, which is of particular concern in terms of containing the spread of artemisinin resistance. It highlights the need for priority attention to be paid and mobilization of resources in order to improve bed net coverage and utilization through bed net distribution and/or social marketing, information dissemination, and awareness-raising.

To Evaluate the Applicability of Parameters of Cytological Grading Systems on Aspirates of Breast Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is still an important first line diagnostic procedure in developing countries. FNAC of breast lesions is quite specific and sensitive investigation and the results are comparable to histopathology. AIM: To evaluate applicability of parameters of different cytological grading (CG) systems, for aspirates of breast cancers, and its correlation with histopathology grading parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 30 female patients with ductal carcinoma breast, diagnosed on FNAC and subsequently confirmed histopathologically. The cytological smears were graded using six different cytological parameters/criteria described by Robinson et al. (Robinson grading system) and modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grading system considering three parameters. The results of cytological grade (CG) were compared with parameters of gold standard modified SBR histological grading (HG) system. RESULTS: Important influential cytological parameters to predict final RBS cytological score came out to be chromatin, nucleoli, nuclear size, cell uniformity, and cell dissociation with statistically significant P value (0.0001) except for mitotic count. The important influential predictor of final SBR histological score is nuclear pleomorphism. CONCLUSION: SBR HG has good correlation with both RBS and SBR CG systems. The cytological nuclear grade provides important prognostic information which is very sensitive and equally specific hence should be done in breast aspirates and is now replaced by Core Needle biopsy. In developing country like India FNAC of breast aspirates still holds diagnostic value in the classification of breast lesions as compared to core guided image biopsy.

Maternal cardiovascular dysfunction in women with early onset preeclampsia and late onset preeclampsia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the cardiovascular changes associated with early onset (EOPE) and late onset (LOPE) subtypes of preeclampsia. METHODS: A prospective matched cross-sectional study involving 50 women each with early and late onset subtypes of preeclampsia conducted in a tertiary hospital in South India. Cardiac function and remodelling were assessed by conventional 2D, M-mode and doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Women with EOPE had a significantly more altered left ventricular (LV) geometry, global LV diastolic dysfunction, impairment in myocardial contractility (40% vs. 24%) and a higher total vascular resistance index (863.0 vs 704.0 dynes/s/cm5/m2) compared to LOPE. Stroke volume index (55.3 vs. 62.2 ml/m2) and cardiac work index (520.7 vs. 584.9mmHg×L/min/m2) were higher in women with LOPE. However, the systolic function was found to be preserved in the LV in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Women with EOPE have a more severe cardiac impairment than those with LOPE. The difference in the hemodynamic indices may provide a chance to tailor patient-specific treatment strategies to improve the pregnancy outcome as well as in early identification and initiation of preventive measures for those at risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. KEY MESSAGE: Adaptation of the heart in women with early onset subtype differs with that of late onset subtype of preeclampsia. Total vascular resistance is higher in early onset group compared to late onset group having a higher cardiac output. These differences in the hemodynamic indices may provide a chance to tailor patient-specific treatment strategies to improve the pregnancy outcome as well as in early identification and initiation of preventive measures for those at risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Knowledge, access and utilization of bed-nets among stable and seasonal migrants in an artemisinin resistance containment area of Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar lies in the Greater Mekong sub-region of South-East Asia faced with the challenge of emerging resistance to artemisinin combination therapies (ACT). Migrant populations are more likely than others to spread ACT resistance. A vital intervention to reduce malaria transmission, resistance spread and eliminate malaria is the use of bed nets. Among seasonal and stable migrants in an artemisinin resistance containment region of Myanmar, we compared a) their household characteristics, b) contact with health workers and information material, and c) household knowledge, access and utilization of bed nets. METHODS: Secondary data from community-based surveys on 2484 migrant workers (2013 and 2014, Bago Region) were analyzed of which 37% were seasonal migrants. Bed net access and utilization were assessed using a) availability of at least one bed net per household, and b) one bed net per two persons, and c) proportion of household members who slept under abed net during the previous night (Indicator targets = 100%). RESULTS: Over 70% of all migrants were from unstable work settings with short transitory stays. Average household size was five (range 1-25) and almost half of all households had children under-five years. Roughly 10 % of migrants were night-time workers. Less than 40% of households had contact with health workers and less than 30% had exposure to information education and communication (IEC) materials, the latter being significantly lower among seasonal migrants. About 70% of households were aware of the importance of insecticide-treated bed-nets/long-lasting insecticidal nets (ITNs/LLINs), but knowledge on insecticide impregnation and retreatment of ITNs was poor (< 10%). Although over 95% of households had access to at least one bed net, the number with one bed net per two persons was grossly inadequate (13% for stable migrants and 9% for seasonal migrants, P = 0.001). About half of all household members slept under a bed net during the previous night. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals important short-falls in knowledge, access and utilization of bed nets among migrants in Myanmar. Possible ways forward include frequent distribution campaigns to compensate for short transitory stays, matching household distributions to household size, enhanced information campaigns and introducing legislation to make mosquito repellents available for night-time workers at plantations and farms. Better understanding through qualitative research is also merited.

Growth, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface, optical, piezoelectric, dielectric and mechanical properties of bis(L-asparaginium hydrogensquarate) single crystal.

Molecular organic single crystals of bis(L-asparaginium hydrogensquarate) monohydrate [BASQ; (C8H10N2O7)2·H2O] have been grown by solution technique. Crystallographic information was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plot studies were performed to understand the intermolecular interactions of the BASQ crystal in graphical representation. Functional group identification was studied with FT-IR (Fourier transform-IR) spectroscopy. The positions of proton and carbon atoms in the BASQ compound were analyzed using NMR spectroscopy. High transparency and a wide band gap of 3.49 eV were observed in the linear optical study by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Intense and broad photoluminescence emissions at room temperature were observed in blue and blue-green regions. The frontier molecular orbitals of the BASQ molecule were obtained by the DFT/B3LYP method employing 6-311G** as the basis set. The dielectric study was carried out with temperature at various frequency ranges. The piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) value of BASQ crystal was found to be 2 pC/N, which leads to its application in energy harvesting, mechanical sensors and actuators applications. In the non-linear optical study, the BASQ crystal showed promising SHG conversion efficiency. Mechanical properties of the BASQ crystal were studied experimentally by Vicker's microhardness technique, which revealed that the grown crystal belonged to the softer category. BASQ crystal void estimation reveals the mechanical strength and porosity of the material.

Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative coupling of o-phenylenediamines with 2-aryl/heteroarylethylamines: direct access to construct quinoxalines.

A copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction of o-phenylenediamines with 2-aryl/heteroarylethylamines using molecular oxygen as an oxidant has been developed. This approach provides a practical and direct access to construct quinoxalines in excellent yields at room temperature. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and exhibits excellent functional-group tolerance. This method could be easily scaled up and applied to the synthesis of biologically active molecules bearing a quinoxaline structural scaffold.

Infra-His Block during Atrial Pacing-Functional or Pathological?

The significance of infra-His conduction abnormalities observed in the electrophysiology lab can be difficult to assess. In this report we show infra-His conduction block during programmed atrial stimulation in a patient and discuss if this should be considered functional or pathological.

Growth, morphology, structure and characterization of L-histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid single crystal.

L-Histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid (LHAS) crystals were grown by the slow evaporation method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirms monoclinic structure. The growth rates of various planes of LHAS crystals were estimated by morphological study. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots were analyzed to investigate the intermolecular interactions at 0.002 a.u. present in the crystal structure. The functional groups and phase behavior of the compound are studied by FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at 307 K was observed in dielectric studies. The piezoelectric charge coefficients of the grown crystal were found to be 2 pC/N. The values of coercive field (Ec), remnant polarization (Pr) and spontaneous polarization (Ps) in the hysteresis loop are found to be 5.236 kV cm(-1), 0.654 µC cm(-2) and 2.841 µC cm(-2), respectively. Piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity are reported for the first time in LHAS crystals. The mechanical strength was confirmed from microhardness study and void volume. Due to the low value of the dielectric constant, and good piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, LHAS crystals can be used in microelectronics, sensors and advanced electronic devices.