ABSTRACT
Malignancies seldom lead to hyperlactatemia or lactic acidosis. The elimination of the primary tumor is anticipated to result in the amelioration of lactate levels in such situations. A patient with obstructing descending colon cancer was subjected to surgical intervention as their serum lactate levels reached 3.6 mmol/L. The tumor was removed, and the ischemic bowel proximal to it was excised as well. The patient demonstrated signs of recuperation; however, their serum lactate levels persisted at levels exceeding 6.5 mmol/L. Consequently, the patient was subjected to further investigation and surgical intervention. A CT scan of the brain and abdomen indicated metastases to the liver and brain, respectively. The presence of metastases in colonic malignancies may impede the normalization of hyperlactatemia even after excising the primary tumor. The interpretation of lactate levels can be challenging and radiological assessments, including abdominal reexploration, may be required to ascertain the diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito borne re-emerging viral zoonotic disease. Sero-conversion in swine occurs 2-3 weeks before human infection, thus swine act as a suitable sentinel for predicting JE outbreaks in humans. The present study was undertaken with the objective of developing immunochromatographic strip (ICS) assay to detect recent infection of Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) in swine population. The two formats of ICS assay were standardized. In the first format, gold nanoparticles (GNP) were conjugated with goat anti-pig IgM (50 µg/ml) followed by spotting of recombinant NS1 protein (1 mg/ml) of JEV on NCM as test line and protein G (1 mg/ml) as control line. In the format-II, GNP were conjugated with rNS1 protein (50 µg/ml) followed by spotting of Goat anti-pig IgM (1 mg/ml) as test line and IgG against rNS1 (1 mg/ml) as control line. To decrease the non- specific binding, blocking of serum and nitrocellulose membrane (NCM) was done using 5% SMP in PBS-T and 1% BSA, respectively. Best reaction conditions for the assay were observed when 10 µl of GNP conjugate and 50 µl of 1:10 SMP blocked sera was reacted on BSA blocked NCM followed by reaction time of 15 mins. Samples showing both test and control line were considered positive whereas samples showing only control line were considered negative. A total of 318 field swine sera samples were screened using indirect IgM ELISA and developed ICS assay. Relative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of format-I was 81.25% and 93.0% whereas of format-II was 87.50% and 62.93%, respectively. Out of 318 samples tested, 32 were positive through IgM ELISA with sero-positivity of 10.06% while sero-positivity with format-I of ICS was 8.1%. Owing to optimal sensitivity and higher specificity of format-I, it was validated in three different labs and the kappa agreement ranged from 0.80 to 1, which signifies excellent repeatability of the developed assay to test field swine sera samples for detecting recent JEV infection.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , Encephalitis Virus, Japanese , Encephalitis, Japanese , Immunoglobulin M , Metal Nanoparticles , Swine Diseases , Animals , Encephalitis, Japanese/veterinary , Encephalitis, Japanese/diagnosis , Encephalitis, Japanese/immunology , Encephalitis, Japanese/virology , Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/immunology , Swine , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Swine Diseases/diagnosis , Swine Diseases/virology , Swine Diseases/immunology , Swine Diseases/blood , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/immunology , Sensitivity and Specificity , Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Gold/chemistry , Reagent Strips , Reproducibility of Results , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , HumansABSTRACT
End-to-side ileo-sigmoid anastomosis converts the proximal colon into a blind intestinal segment which is excised during the surgery. If we do not resect the proximal colon, it is expected to behave like a colonic diverticulum, but direct evidence of this assumption is lacking. During an exploratory laparotomy, we detected an end-to-side ileo-sigmoid anastomosis and found that the proximal colon was gangrenous. The patient passed away during the postoperative period, yet their remarkably long period of symptom-free survival remained intriguing.
ABSTRACT
Diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA) is a thermosetting polymer with excellent cross-linking properties and an irreversible network structure that forms polymer chains when chemically reacting with hardeners such as amines and anhydrides. The resulting compound has exceptional thermomechanical and structural properties. The properties of the final compound are heavily influenced by cross-linking and network structure. In the present research, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the mechanical properties of chemically cross-linked DGEBA and the curing agent diethyl toluene diamine (DETDA). The MD simulation was used to perform the cross-linking, and a comprehensive study on the mechanical properties of DGEBA/DETDA was conducted. To investigate the mechanical properties, the developed model was reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet (h-BNNS) at various weight percentages (wt.%). The results showed that the density of the neat DGEBA/DETDA increases with increasing cross-linking. It is 1.13 g/cm3 at 90% cross-linking. Almost all cross-linking densities of neat DGEBA/DETDA had higher mechanical properties. At room temperature (300 K), the elastic modulus increases from 2.58 to 2.98 GPa for cross-linking densities of 80% (EP80), 85% (EP85), and 90% (EP90). The elastic modulus of EP85 and EP90 is 3% lower and 9% higher than the experimental value (2.71 GPa), respectively. In almost all cross-linking densities, the elastic modulus of the h-BNNS reinforced DGEBA/DETDA increases with the weight percentage (wt%) of the h-BNNS. Shear and bulk modulus increase when h-BNNS is added to the DGEBA/DETDA matrix.
ABSTRACT
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in canine parvoviral enteritis (CPVE) is associated with high mortality in young puppies. Changes in acute phase response, thrombocytogram, inflammatory cytokine profiles, and disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis are thought to have a significant impact on the development of SIRS. However, the mechanisms causing these perturbations have not been well described in CPVE puppies, especially with SIRS. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes of electrolytes, acid-base indices using strong ion model, acute phase proteins and thrombocytogram in blood and expressions of inflammatory cytokines in blood mononuclear cells of CPVE puppies with or without SIRS at admission. Additionally, the positive predictive value (PPV) and cut-off value with specificity and sensitivity of the biomarkers were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict the development of SIRS in CPVE puppies at admission. A case-controlled, prospective and observational study was conducted on fifteen SIRS-positive CPVE, twenty-one SIRS-negative CPVE and six healthy puppies. Our data showed marked hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia, decreased ATot-albumin and ATot-total protein and increased mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 expressions in SIRS-positive CPVE puppies as compared to SIRS-negative CPVE puppies at admission. Based on sensitivity, specificity and AUC from ROC curve analysis and PPV, the CRP concentration in serum at a cut-off value of 141.9 mg/L and TLC of blood at a cut-off value of 3.355 × 103/µL were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers followed by ATot-total protein and total protein at a cut-off value of 11.80 and 4.72 g/dL, respectively to predict the development of SIRS in CPVE puppies at admission. In conclusion, the findings of the current study will help the canine practitioners to institute the time-sensitive and need based interventions to disrupt progression along the continuum of shock and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in CPVE puppies that develop SIRS at admission.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Enteritis , Parvovirus, Canine , Dogs , Animals , Acute-Phase Proteins/analysis , Cytokines , Prospective Studies , Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/veterinary , Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/metabolism , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Biomarkers , Enteritis/veterinary , ElectrolytesABSTRACT
The current design of an innovative left ventricular assist device (LVAD) makes use of magnetic levitation technology, which enables the rotors of the device to be completely suspended by magnetic force, reducing friction and blood or plasma damage. However, this electromagnetic field can result in electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can interfere with proper functioning of another cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) in its direct proximity. Approximately 80% of patients with an LVAD have a CIED, most frequently an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Several device-device interactions have been reported, including EMI-induced inappropriate shocks, inability to establish telemetry connection, EMI-induced premature battery depletion, undersensing by the device, and other CIED malfunctions. Unfortunately, additional procedures, including generator exchange, lead adjustment, and system extraction, are frequently required because of these interactions. In some circumstances, the additional procedure might be preventable or avoidable with appropriate solutions. In this article, we describe how EMI from the LVAD impacts the functionality of the CIED and provide possible management options, including manufacturer-specific information, for the current CIEDs (eg, transvenous and leadless pacemakers, transvenous and subcutaneous ICDs, and transvenous cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and ICDs).
Subject(s)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy , Defibrillators, Implantable , Heart Failure , Heart-Assist Devices , Pacemaker, Artificial , Humans , Heart-Assist Devices/adverse effects , Pacemaker, Artificial/adverse effects , Defibrillators, Implantable/adverse effects , Heart Failure/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatment options for high-risk Brugada syndrome (BrS) with recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) are limited. Catheter ablation is increasingly performed but a large study with long-term outcome data is lacking. We report the results of the multicenter, international BRAVO (Brugada Ablation of VF Substrate Ongoing Registry) for treatment of high-risk symptomatic BrS. METHODS: We enrolled 159 patients (median age 42 years; 156 male) with BrS and spontaneous VF in BRAVO; 43 (27%) of them had BrS and early repolarization pattern. All but 5 had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for cardiac arrest (n=125) or syncope (n=34). A total of 140 (88%) had experienced numerous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks for spontaneous VF before ablation. All patients underwent a percutaneous epicardial substrate ablation with electroanatomical mapping except for 8 who underwent open-thoracotomy ablation. RESULTS: In all patients, VF/BrS substrates were recorded in the epicardial surface of the right ventricular outflow tract; 45 (29%) patients also had an arrhythmic substrate in the inferior right ventricular epicardium and 3 in the posterior left ventricular epicardium. After a single ablation procedure, 128 of 159 (81%) patients remained free of VF recurrence; this number increased to 153 (96%) after a repeated procedure (mean 1.2±0.5 procedures; median=1), with a mean follow-up period of 48±29 months from the last ablation. VF burden and frequency of shocks decreased significantly from 1.1±2.1 per month before ablation to 0.003±0.14 per month after the last ablation (P<0.0001). The Kaplan-Meier VF-free survival beyond 5 years after the last ablation was 95%. The only variable associated with a VF-free outcome in multivariable analysis was normalization of the type 1 Brugada ECG, both with and without sodium-channel blockade, after the ablation (hazard ratio, 0.078 [95% CI, 0.008 to 0.753]; P=0.0274). There were no arrhythmic or cardiac deaths. Complications included hemopericardium in 4 (2.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ablation treatment is safe and highly effective in preventing VF recurrence in high-risk BrS. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether it can be an alternative treatment to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for selected patients with BrS. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT04420078.
Subject(s)
Brugada Syndrome , Catheter Ablation , Defibrillators, Implantable , Humans , Male , Adult , Ventricular Fibrillation , Electrocardiography/methods , Heart Ventricles , Brugada Syndrome/surgery , Brugada Syndrome/complications , Defibrillators, Implantable/adverse effects , Catheter Ablation/adverse effects , Catheter Ablation/methods , RegistriesABSTRACT
We postulated that familial idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (F-IDC) is associated with a worse prognosis than nonfamilial IDC (nonF-IDC). Patients with F-IDC had either a strong family history and/or proved genetic mutations. We studied long-term prognosis (mean follow-up: 6.1 ± 4.1 years) of 162 patients with IDC (age: 55.5 ± 17.9 years, men: 57.8%, 50% F-IDC) with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy. The primary end point was a composite of death, left ventricular (LV) assist device implant, or heart transplantation. The secondary end point was a ventricular arrhythmia event. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, New York Heart Association class, medical therapy, and years of follow-up between the F-IDC and nonF-IDC groups. Patients with F-IDC were younger than patients with nonF-IDC (49.1 ± 17.0 years vs 61.6 ± 16.5 years, p <0.001). Mean LV ejection fraction was significantly lower in F-IDC group than in the nonF-IDC group (26 ± 12% vs 31 ± 12%, p = 0.022). The primary end point was achieved in 54 patients in F-IDC group (66.7%) versus 19 in the nonF-IDC group (23.5%) (p <0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for the composite end point and for ventricular arrhythmia were significantly lower in the F-IDC versus nonF-IDC (log-rank p ≤0.001 and 0.04, respectively). F-IDC was the only multivariable predictor of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio 3.419 [95% confidence interval 1.845 to 6.334], p <0.001). The likelihood of LV remodeling manifested by LV ejection fraction improvement (≥10%) was significantly lower in F-IDC than nonF-IDC (27.1% vs 44.8%, p = 0.042). In conclusion, F-IDC is a predictor of mortality, need for LV assist device, or heart transplantation. F-IDC is associated with significantly lower event-free survival for primary end point and ventricular arrhythmia than nonF-IDC. F-IDC has significantly lower likelihood of LV reverse remodeling than nonF-IDC.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Heart Transplantation , Heart-Assist Devices , Adult , Aged , Arrhythmias, Cardiac , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Stroke Volume , Ventricular RemodelingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for clinical trials which compared PRP injection with other 'active treatment' interventions ('Non-PRP' injection and 'No-injection' treatments) or 'No-active treatment' interventions. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that had been published up to 15 November 2021, were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome, pain relief, was measured on a 'visual analog scale.' Secondary outcomes were knee functional activities and quality of life (QoL). The PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout the study. RESULTS: Eight comparative studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Assessment of these studies revealed that there were no significant differences in pain relief, functional outcomes, and QoL in the short, medium, and long term between PRP injection and Non-PRP injection interventions. Similarly, comparison of PRP injection to the No-active treatment intervention showed no differences in short- and medium-term pain relief. However, when PRP injection was compared to the No-injection treatment intervention extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECWT), the former was found to be more effective in terms of pain relief in the medium term (mean difference [MD] - 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 2.72 to - 0.28) and long term (MD - 1.70; 95% CI, - 2.90 to - 0.50) and functional outcomes in the medium term (MD 13.0; 95% CI 3.01-22.99) and long term (MD 13.70; 95% CI 4.62-22.78). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of pain relief and functional outcomes, the PRP injection did not provide significantly greater clinical benefit than Non-PRP injections in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. However, in comparison with ESWT, there was a significant benefit in favor of PRP injection.
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BACKGROUND: With an increase in published reports on respiratory rehabilitation (RR) in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), there is a need for a meta-analysis and systematic review to measure the effects of the RR in SARS. OBJECTIVE: Objective of the review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RR in patients recovering from SARS. METHODS: PubMed/ MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and Clinical Trial Registries were systematically searched (between January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2021) to identify all patients who received RR, at least for six days, following SARS. The primary outcome was exercise capacity [6-meter walking distance (6-MWD)], and secondary outcomes were change in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters, activities in daily livings (ADLs), and quality of life (QoL). Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: Twenty-one observational studies, including eight comparative studies, were included. Eight comparative studies participated in quantitative meta-analysis. The intervention group, who received RR, improved significantly in exercise capacity (6-MWD) [mean difference (MD):45.79, (95% CI:31.66-59.92)] and PFT parameters, especially in forced vital capacity (FVC%) [MD:4.38, (95% CI:0.15-8.60)], and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) [MD:11.78, (95% CI:5.10-18.46)]. The intervention group failed to demonstrate significant improvement in ADLs and QoL outcomes. No significant adverse events were reported during the intervention. CONCLUSION: Respiratory rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and PFT parameters in patients recovering from SARS infection. The RR does not cause serious adverse events. Clinical trials to determine the best RR program (in terms of initiation, duration, and components) in SARS and its treatment efficacy, both in the short and long- term are needed.
Subject(s)
Quality of Life , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome , Humans , Lung , Vital CapacityABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Social capital reflects the trust, norms, values and social processes that governs interaction among people. AIM: This study was conducted to estimate the magnitude and determinants of social capital among women of reproductive age group in selected village of rural Wardha, Central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a community based cross-sectional study where two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 300 participants from 22 villages. Data were collected using a pre-designed interviewer administered questionnaire by house-to-house survey. Social capital was measured using the core set of Integrated Questionnaire for the Measurement of Social Capital developed by World Bank. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariate linear regression was applied to find out determinants of social capital. RESULTS: Most of the participants had poor social capital score (women having lowest and middle tertile scores were 36.0% and 45%, respectively). social capital poorer in younger women, women with lower educational qualification, not involved in gainful occupation, belonging to below poverty line and unmarried compared to their counterparts. Having at least one son was positively associated with higher social capital. In adjusted analysis, age, education, occupation, marital status, and whether the woman has son were revealed as significant determinants of social capital. CONCLUSION: The study findings reflect the need of improving education and job opportunity among rural women to improve their social capital. Increase of social capital among women having male child reflects the need to percolate the message of gender equity and gender sensitive education.
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BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with an institution-based physical therapy (PT) program for adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: A total of seventy diabetic patients with AC of the shoulder for <6 months were assigned to two groups: PRP group and PT group. In the PRP group, 35 patients were administered a single shot of PRP (4 mL) into the glenohumeral joint. In the PT group, 35 patients were given institution-based PT that included 10 30-minute sessions of planned PT over a 2-week period. After the interventions, all patients were prospectively followed for 12 weeks. Intensity of shoulder pain, function, and range of motion were assessed at baseline and then at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients in the PRP group and 32 in the PT group completed the 12-week study. At 12 weeks, patients who received PRP injections showed greater improvement in shoulder pain (p<0.001) than those recruited to the PT group. In the range of motion and shoulder function activities, patients in the PRP group showed significant improvement compared with the institution-based PT group (p<0.001). No significant complications were reported from any groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a diabetic population, PRP injections significantly improved shoulder pain and function compared with an institution-based PT program for shoulder AC. Additionally, it is a safe and well-tolerated method for AC management for diabetic patients.
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Focused abdominal sonography in trauma (FAST) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen are important radiological tests for evaluating the abdomen in polytrauma cases. When vitals are stable, they help to reach a diagnosis in the majority of patients. However, in a small number of cases they fail to explain the clinical scenario. A continued serial clinical assessment may be helpful in these circumstances. A polytrauma patient was found to be FAST positive. The CT scan revealed pulmonary embolism, splenic infarction, perisplenic and perihepatic hematoma. The patient was complaining of pain abdomen and it worsened on day three of the injury. An exploratory laparotomy was performed. A circumferential intestinal wall hematoma with a tear in mesentery was found. This is a rare case of traumatic splenic infarction with evidence of pulmonary embolism. The serial clinical assessment was helpful as it indicated the need for intervention.
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We present a simple and effective method to implement an active stabilization of a diode laser with injection locking, which requires minimal user intervenes. The injection-locked state of the diode laser is probed by a photodetector, of which sensitivity is enhanced by a narrow laser-line filter. Taking advantage of the characteristic response of laser power to spectral modes from the narrow laser-line filter, we demonstrate that high spectral purity and low-intensity noise of the diode can be simultaneously maintained by active feedback to the injected laser. Our method is intrinsically cost-effective and does not require bulky devices, such as Fabry-Pérot interferometers or wavemeters, to actively stabilize the diode laser. Based on the successful implementation of this method in our quantum gas experiments, it is conceivable that our active stabilization will greatly simplify potential applications of injection locking of diode lasers in modularized or integrated optical systems.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with an institution-based physical therapy (PT) program for adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of seventy diabetic patients with AC of the shoulder for <6 months were assigned to two groups: PRP group and PT group. In the PRP group, 35 patients were administered a single shot of PRP (4 mL) into the glenohumeral joint. In the PT group, 35 patients were given institution-based PT that included 10 30-minute sessions of planned PT over a 2-week period. After the interventions, all patients were prospectively followed for 12 weeks. Intensity of shoulder pain, function, and range of motion were assessed at baseline and then at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Thirty-three patients in the PRP group and 32 in the PT group completed the 12-week study. At 12 weeks, patients who received PRP injections showed greater improvement in shoulder pain (p<0.001) than those recruited to the PT group. In the range of motion and shoulder function activities, patients in the PRP group showed significant improvement compared with the institution-based PT group (p<0.001). No significant complications were reported from any groups. Conclusions: In a diabetic population, PRP injections significantly improved shoulder pain and function compared with an institution-based PT program for shoulder AC. Additionally, it is a safe and well-tolerated method for AC management for diabetic patients.
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BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is the end result of a number of pathologic processes that cause a suppurative infection of the liver parenchyma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients of age more than 18 years and radiologically confirmed cases of liver abscess were included in this study. Pus and blood samples were collected. Pus was processed for microscopy of trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica and aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture. Blood was processed for antibody ELISA for Entamoeba histolytica and aerobic bacterial culture. Identification of aerobic and anaerobic isolates was done by Vitek2 and antibiotic sensitivity test for aerobic bacterial isolates was done by Vitek2. RESULT: Out of sixty five, twenty five were confirmed as PLA. All patients were male with mean age 37.9 years. Fever and upper abdominal pain were the most common symptoms. Right lobe comprised 80% of the abscess. Pus sample was more sensitive than blood sample for diagnosis. There were a total of 33 isolates in our study. Klebsiella pneumoniae (6/33) was the most common aerobic isolate and Clostridium spp. (7/33) was the anaerobic isolate. All gram-negative bacteria were showing good sensitivity for 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, amikacin, gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem and meropenem. Abscess >5 cm was treated with percutaneous drainage while abscess <5 cm was treated with antibiotics only. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis should be made with the combination of clinical suspicion, radiology, and microbiology. Empirical therapy should include anaerobic coverage too. Only antibiotic therapy can be given under consideration of size of abscess, persistence of fever after giving antibiotics, and any suspected complications.
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We experimentally demonstrate high-speed visible light communication (VLC) and high-quality solid-state lighting (SSL) using polymethyl-methacrylate-doped phosphor film based on cesium lead bromide quantum dot (CsPbBr3-QD) and potassium fluorosilicate K2SiF6:Mn4+, which is excited by a blue gallium nitride laser diode. A 1.6 Gbps data rate is achieved by employing a non-return-to-zero on-off keying modulation scheme. The measured bit error rate of 2.7×10-3 adheres to the standard threshold (3.8×10-3) of forward error correction. Moreover, the generated white-light source has a high color rendering index of 93.8 and a correlated color temperature of 4435 K, and it exhibits a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 chromaticity coordinate at (0.3556, 0.3520), which is close to the ideal CIE value of white light (0.3333, 0.3333). This work opens up exciting possibilities for future high-speed indoor VLC and high-quality SSL.
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CONTEXT: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a potential cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is most commonly transmitted through injecting drug use; the reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment and the transfusion of unscreened blood products. Management of thalassemia requires long-term blood transfusion. Though it improves the overall survival, it carries a definite risk of infection which is expected to be higher in resource limited settings. AIMS: To find the percentage of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in multitransfused patients of thalassemia in Eastern India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted to assess blood safety in rural population in India by measuring the percentage of TTIs including HCV in multitransfused thalassemia patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred and twenty three patients with major beta-thalassemia were enrolled in this study. The blood samples were tested using ELISA technique for all TTIs. HIV fourth generation kits, HbsAg, HCV third generation kits, malaria and syphilis, parbovirus IgM and parbovirus IgG kits, HEV Antigen and IgM antibody were used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Proportions and means were calculated for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Chi-square test was applied and P value of <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 9.5 years ± 5.2 years. Among various TTIs, Hepatitis C and HIV was prevalent among 59.3% and 4.1% of the study participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of high prevalence of HCV may be due to donors being usually asymptomatic in early stages, despite being screened for HCV possibly due to missing early window period infections. The screening methodology of TTIs particularly HCV at the district and village level and consequent increased prevalence of HCV in multitransfused rustic population of India shows the extent of blood safety.