Precision measurements of U3O8 and Ra(eU3O8) in uraniferous samples by gamma ray spectrometry using two HPGe coaxial P-type detectors (GCD30180 & GC5019 models)-a comparative study.

The precision measurements of U3O8 and Ra(eU3O8) concentrations were evaluated in 23 geological rock samples by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry (HPGe) using two P-type HPGe detectors. The use of Detector 2 (DET2) (GC5019) has increased the sensitivity by a factor of two for both the measurements in comparison to Detector 1 (DET1) (GCD30180). The Minimum Detection Limit (MDL) and Limit of quantification (LOQ) for U3O8 in DET2 has increased significantly because of negligible background counts in 1.001 MeV ϒ energy peak (0.838% gamma yield). The MDL for Ra(eU3O8) measured by 0.609 MeV and 1.760 MeV has not improved significantly due to the high background counts in these energies whereas LOQ has improved appreciably. DET 2 has given higher level of confidence in reporting the analytical results with acceptable repeatability due to the decrease in uncertainty of the measurements.

Assessment of dosimetric impact of interfractional 6D setup error in tongue cancer treated with IMRT and VMAT using daily kV-CBCT.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric influence of 6-dimensional (6D) interfractional setup error in tongue cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using daily kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT). Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 20 tongue cancer patients treated with IMRT (10), VMAT (10), and daily kV-CBCT image guidance. Interfraction 6D setup errors along the lateral, longitudinal, vertical, pitch, roll, and yaw axes were evaluated for 600 CBCTs. Structures in the planning CT were deformed to the CBCT using deformable registration. For each fraction, a reference CBCT structure set with no rotation error was created. The treatment plan was recalculated on the CBCTs with the rotation error (RError), translation error (TError), and translation plus rotation error (T+RError). For targets and organs at risk (OARs), the dosimetric impacts of RError, TError, and T+RError were evaluated without and with moderate correction of setup errors. Results: The maximum dose variation ΔD (%) for D98% in clinical target volumes (CTV): CTV-60, CTV-54, planning target volumes (PTV): PTV-60, and PTV-54 was -1.2%, -1.9%, -12.0%, and -12.3%, respectively, in the T+RError without setup error correction. The maximum ΔD (%) for D98% in CTV-60, CTV-54, PTV-60, and PTV-54 was -1.0%, -1.7%, -9.2%, and -9.5%, respectively, in the T+RError with moderate setup error correction. The dosimetric impact of interfractional 6D setup errors was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for D98% in CTV-60, CTV-54, PTV-60, and PTV-54. Conclusions: The uncorrected interfractional 6D setup errors could significantly impact the delivered dose to targets and OARs in tongue cancer. That emphasized the importance of daily 6D setup error correction in IMRT and VMAT.

An efficient electrochemical degradation of toxic pollutants in wastewater using BiOBr/BiVO4 hierarchical structured electrode material.

The electrochemical degradation of alizarin red dye was studied using bismuth oxyhalide attached to bismuth vanadate nanocomposite synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. The electrochemical degradation of alizarin red dye was treated at current densities of 3 and 5 mA cm-1 for 30 min under different supporting electrolyte mediums (NaCl and KCl). Also, the electrochemical degradation of BiOBr/BiVO4 electrode shows higher degradation percentages of 97 and 99 for NaCl and KCl electrolyte solutions, which are higher degradation percentages than pure BiVO4 electrode (88 and 91 for NaCl and KCl). Also, the BiOBr/BiVO4 electrode shows 100% COD reduction during the 30th min of alizarin red dye using both NaCl and KCl electrolyte solutions. This may indicate that the prepared BiOBr/BiVO4 electrode shows an efficient electrode material for the degradation of textile dyes.

Factors Associated with Prehospital Delay in Patients with Acute Stroke in South India.

Background: Early hospital presentation is critical in the management of acute ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of stroke treatment is highly dependent on the amount of time lapsed between onset of symptoms and treatment. This study was aimed to identify the factors associated with prehospital delay in patients with acute stroke. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra University Hospital, India. A total of 210 patients hospitalized in the stroke unit were included. Patients' data were obtained by interviewing the patient and/or accompanying family member and by reviewing their medical records using a standard questionnaire. Associations were determined between prehospital delay (≥4.5 h) and variables of interest by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The prehospital delay was observed in 154 patients (73.3%) and the median prehospital delay was 11.30 h. The following are the factors significantly (P < 0.05) attributed for the delay in presenting to the hospital: contextual factors like using public transport (bus), taxi, time of onset of symptoms, 7 pm-3 am; family history of stroke, perceived cognitive and behavioral factors like, wishing or praying for the symptoms to subside on its own, hesitation to travel due to long distance, delay in arranging transport, and arranging money for admission and wasting time by shopping for general practitioners, nursing homes, and hospitals. The presence of stroke symptom, headache, significantly decreased the prehospital delay. Conclusions: Prehospital delay is high in South India and influenced by clinical, contextual, and cognitive/behavioral factors.

Strategies for ameliorating the photodegradation efficiency of Mn-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles for the toxic dyes under visible light illumination.

Worldwide environmental issues have been escalating with the growth of the global economy and become a vital problem. To solve the problems, we require an eco-friendly and sustainable binary catalyst for the degradation of Azo dye pollutants. In this work, magnetically reusable, multifunctional novel Mn-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles were effectively fabricated by the co-precipitation approach. It was utilized for the degradation of two Azo dyes, exhibiting 96 and 98% Mn (0.050 M)-doped CdAl2O4 removal rates under visible light illumination, and presenting improved photocatalytic capability than that of pure and other dopants. More notably, the Mn (0.050 M)-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst was recycled using centrifuges without major loss and displays almost similar photodegradation behaviors for six successive runs. According to the ESR measurements, outcome and quenching tests affirmed that .OH- and h+ radicals were better reactive species responsible for Azo dyes removal. A possible photodegradation reaction mechanism underlying the elimination of Azo dyes by Mn (0.050 M)-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst is also proposed. Elaborated analyzes by variable reaction parameters such as the role of reactive species and catalyst dosage, pH, COD and irradiation time in the degradation route was also discussed. We assume that our outcomes will provide novel insights into using a highly effectual Mn (0.050 M)-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst, with possible applications in the treatment of both industrial and domestic wastewater.

Fabrication of an effectual, stable and reusable Mg-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles for photodegradation of toxic pollutants under visible light illumination.

The water contamination caused by discharging extensive organic dyes stuff into water bodies is one of the utmost significant concerns disturbing the environment and human life. CdAl2O4 spinel materials have been excellent in the elimination of emerging pollutants by the photocatalysis route. These materials, when altered through methods namely doping with Mg ions, have benefits over CdAl2O4, especially reduced energy gap and light absorbed in the visible region. The XRD established the creation of space group R 3‾ with no other phase step being found. The photoluminescence outcomes indicated that Mg-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles had the preventing e--h+ recombination possibility, which was favorable for the photocatalytic process. The Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst had higher photocatalytic performance with 94 and 96% removal of two azo (BB and BG) dyes under a mere 90 min visible light irradiation, which indicated enhanced Photodegradation behaviors when compared to other Mg (0.025, 0.050 M)-doped and pure CdAl2O4 materials. More interestingly, pH 5 was optimum for the Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 samples photodegradation of both dyes, and the optimum catalyst amount was 5 mg/100 mL. The doped Mg ions influenced the elimination of both dyes by inducing the manufacture of more active species. The Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 samples is reusable and highly stable with only a 5% reduction in degradation rate after six cycles. Based on the quencher and ESR investigations, the .OH- and h+ are described as active species in the removal reaction. We hope our present examinations highlight the possibility of using Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 product for a broad range of photodegradation applications, also it may be applied for several ecological remediations, surface cleaning devices, foods and pharmaceutical industry applications.

Preparation and characterization of a novel cobalt-substitution cadmium aluminate spinel for the photodegradation of azo dye pollutants.

Modern-year organic contaminants have been highly observed in ecosystems since they are not removed entirely and remain dangerous. Semiconductor binary oxide photocatalysts have been well accredited as capable technology for ecological contaminants degradation in the existence of visible irradiation. In this research, novel Co ions doped CdAl2O4 materials were fabricated by a facile co-precipitation approach. The fabricated pure and Co-doped CdAl2O4 exhibited the typical peaks of CdAl2O4 with the Eg of 3.66, 3.24, 2.57, and 2.41 eV respectively. The HR-TEM microstructures revealed that the Co (0.075 M) doped CdAl2O4 has rod-like morphology, and some places are spherical with particle sizes reaching 21 nm. The PL peaks of the Co (0.075 M)-CdAl2O4 are much lesser than that of the other dopant and pure CdAl2O4, representing much more effectual separation of generated e- and h+ at the interface which in fact outcomes in superior expected photodegradation behaviours. The Co (0.075 M)-CdAl2O4 catalyst demonstrated the highest performances of 92 and 94% toward the degradation of both dyes, respectively, owing to the lowest e- and h+ recombination rate. The Co (0.075 M) doped CdAl2O4 photocatalyst revealed outstanding reusability and stability under visible irradiation, retaining the performance of about 83 and 86% after the fifth consecutive run of BB and BG elimination. A probable photodegradation mechanism of Co (0.075 M) doped CdAl2O4 was suggested since the photoexcited h+, OH- and O2- species contributed to the removal process, and that was affirmed by the scavenging test and ESR analysis. This research offers new ways to improve the photodegradation performance of the Co-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst that will be employed in pharmaceutical applications and wastewater treatment.

A synergistic consequence of catalyst dosage, pH solution and reactive species of Fe-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles on the degradation of toxic environmental pollutants.

Industrial wastewater treatment techniques are one of the biggest challenges of the scientific community that necessitate an increased consciousness to address water scarcity worldwide. Herein, an eco-friendly and cost-effective process was demonstrated to cope with tannery, textile and pharmaceutical dye wastes through the co-precipitation of highly reusable Fe-doped CdAl2O4 samples. The XRD studies exposed the space group R 3‾ with no secondary phase step being found for all samples. The outcomes of optical absorbance spectra demonstrate that Fe doping diminished the energy gap from 3.66 to 1.67 eV. HR-TEM images of existing spherical particles and some of the particles' rod-like structures with little agglomeration were found for Fe (0.075 M) doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles. The PL emission outcomes show that Fe doping effectively prevented the charge carrier's recombination in CdAl2O4 during photocatalysis. All Fe-doped CdAl2O4 samples demonstrated higher photodegradation behaviors towards the effectual degradation of both dye solutions as compared to pure CdAl2O4 samples. Particularly, Fe (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 samples exhibited improved photodegradation performance of 93 and 95% for both dye solutions. The amount of photodegradation was noticed to rely on dye pH, irradiation time, catalyst dosage, initial dye amount, and reactive species. The recyclability of the Fe (0.075 M) doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles denotes that 78 and 82% of BB and BG were removed up to the 6th run of usage. The outcomes of trapping tests,.OH- and h+ radicals were the major Scavenging in the photodegradation reaction. COD studies affirmed the whole mineralization of BB and BG dye molecules. It is expected that our present examination could offer to improve various spinal oxide materials for the photodegradation activity of pharmaceutical contaminants and environmental issues and can also resolve energy storage applications.

A critical review on recent research progress on microplastic pollutants in drinking water.

Plastic pollution is an emerging issue in recent days. Persistent plastic particles reach the atmosphere, land and water by multiple pathways. Research has confirmed that the existence of plastic particles is found surprisingly everywhere, from the Artic to the Antarctic region. The probability of ingestion of plastic by all living forms is quite natural, as the whole planet's environment is polluted with microplastic particles. The bioaccumulation of microplastics is a threat and the consequences for living beings are yet to be explored. Microplastics present in different drinking water sources like rivers, lakes, treatment units etc. are studied by several researchers, covering various aspects. Research carried out by various scientists on the microplastics in different drinking water sources is highlighted in this review. In view of the previous research carried out on various aspects of microplastic particles, the necessity of a uniform protocol for qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastic is ascertained. Microplastic pollution is an ongoing environmental concern, it must be addressed and research should be expanded.

Experimental investigation of the electrochemical detection of sulfamethoxazole using copper oxide-MoS2 modified glassy carbon electrodes.

An electrochemical sensor detection of sulfamethoxazole was performed using a copper oxide Molybdenum sulfide modified glassy carbon electrode using Molybdenum sulfide (CuO/MoS2) functionalization. As part of the characterization process, materials were characterized via cyclic voltammetry (CV), Square wave voltammetry (SWV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To optimize the performance of the experiment, parameters like the scan rate and pH, the electrolytes study, the stability, the comparative study and repeatability were optimized. In comparison to CuO, MoS2 and bare Glassy carbon electrode (GCE), an electrochemical sensor that incorporated CuO/MoS2 exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance. CuO/MoS2 modified electrodes showed a higher peak current for oxidation compared with bare, CuO and MoS2 modified electrodes, which demonstrated enhanced electrochemical conductivity for detection of SMX by minimizing oxidation potential from +0.18 V to +0.10 V. In the range of 100-800 µl SMX concentrations, the peak current linearly correlated with the concentration of SMX. In the calibration plot, the modified electrode showed linearity under ideal circumstances for SMX concentrations starting at 0.3 µM. This study investigated the presence of SMX with a detection limit of 0.34 Pg/L. CuO/MoS2 based electrochemical sensor, according to our analysis, are potentially useful in applications requiring the detection of trace amounts of SMX.

Blood ordering and utilization in patients undergoing elective general surgery procedures in a tertiary care hospital: A prospective audit.

Background Blood ordering is commonly done for patients undergoing major elective surgery. Excessive order of the blood for elective surgery leads to wastage of resources, time and workforce. Auditing preoperative blood ordering decreases the cost of medical care by avoiding unnecessary cross-match without compromising patient safety. Methods For this hospital-based audit, we collected data prospectively from July 2017 to June 2018 regarding the transfusion and transfusion indices, namely cross-match-totransfusion ratio (C/T ratio), transfusion probability (T%), transfusion index (TI) and maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) for elective surgeries done in the Department of Surgery. Results A total of 1151 patients were included in the study. A total of 160 units of blood were issued of which only 138 were transfused to 116 patients. Seventy-one procedures were included in the study. The C/T ratio was less than 2.5 for 16 procedures, T% was >50% for 9 procedures and MSBOS was more than 0.5 for 16 procedures. Conclusion Cross-matching is overused for elective surgical procedures. Only 16 of the 71 procedures had an ideal C/T ratio. Group and screen policy can be adopted for most of the commonly performed procedures, and cross-matching of blood may not be needed.

Evaluation of the dosimetric influence of interfractional 6D setup error in hypofractionated prostate cancer treated with IMRT and VMAT using daily kV-CBCT.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in men and is usually treated with advanced intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Significant uncorrected interfractional 6-Dimensional setup errors could impact the delivered dose. The aim of this study was to assess the dosimetric impact of 6D interfractional setup errors in hypofractionated prostate cancer using daily kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT). METHODS: This retrospective study comprised twenty prostate cancer patients treated with hypofractionated IMRT (8) and VMAT (12) with daily kV-CBCT image guidance. Interfraction 6D setup errors along lateral, longitudinal, vertical, pitch, roll, and yaw axes were evaluated for 400 CBCTs. For targets and organs at risk (OARs), the dosimetric impact of rotational error (RError), translational error (TError), and translational plus rotational error (T+RError) were evaluated on kV-CBCT images. RESULTS: The single fraction maximum TError ranged from 12-20 mm, and the RError ranged from 2.80-3.00. The maximum mean absolute dose variation ΔD in D98% (dose to 98% volume) of CTV-55 and PTV-55 was -0.66±0.82 and -5.94±3.8 Gy, respectively, in the T+RError. The maximum ΔD (%) for D98% and D0.035cc in CTV-55 was -4.29% and 2.49%, respectively, while in PTV-55 it was -24.9% and 2.36%. The mean dose reduction for D98% in CTV-55 and D98% and D95% in PTV-55 was statistically significant (p<0.05) for TError and T+RError. The mean dose variation for Dmean and D50% in the rectum was statistically significant (p<0.05) for TError and T+RError. CONCLUSION: The uncorrected interfractional 6D setup error results in significant target underdosing and OAR overdosing in prostate cancer. This emphasizes the need to correct interfractional 6D setup errors daily in IMRT and VMAT.

Instability and rupture of ultrathin freestanding viscoelastic solid films.

We analyze the instability of viscoelastic solid freestanding thin films under the influence of van der Waals forces using linear stability analysis and nonlinear simulations. Linear stability analysis shows that the zero-frequency elastic modulus governs the onset of instability and stabilizes the film beyond a critical value analogous to thin supported viscoelastic solid films. However, for freestanding solid films, the critical shear modulus is found to be independent of surface tension, unlike that of thin supported viscoelastic solid films. It is further shown that freestanding viscoelastic solid films with higher moduli can be destabilized for a given film thickness and Hamaker constant compared to supported solid films. In contrast to thin viscoelastic liquid films where the growth rate is enhanced due to elastic effects but length scale is unaltered, freestanding films with solidlike viscoelasticity show a retarded growth rate and enhanced length scale. The presence of solidlike viscoelasticity has a stabilizing effect and affects all the key aspects of instability such as critical wave number, dominant wave number, and maximum growth rate. We numerically solve the set of coupled nonlinear evolution equations for film thickness and tangential displacement in order to elucidate the dynamics of film rupture. Our simulations show that, consistent with the linear stability predictions, an increase in the elastic modulus delays film rupture. The dynamics exhibits self-similarity in the vicinity of film rupture and the film thins as (t_{r}-t)^{3/4}, where t_{r} is the rupture time and t_{r}-t is the time remaining until film rupture. The scaling exponent 3/4 obtained for a thin freestanding viscoelastic solid film is significantly greater than the scaling exponent (1/3) for a thin freestanding viscous film.

A recent advancement on the applications of nanomaterials in electrochemical sensors and biosensors.

Industrialization and globalization, both on an international and local scale, have caused large quantities of toxic chemicals to be released into the environment. Thus, developing an environmental pollutant sensor platform that is sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective is extremely important. In current years, considerable progress has been made in the expansion of electrochemical sensors and biosensors to monitor the environment using nanomaterials. A large number of emerging biomarkers are currently in existence in the biological fluids, clinical, pharmaceutical and bionanomaterial-based electrochemical biosensor platforms have drawn much attention. Electrochemical systems have been used to detect biomarkers rapidly, sensitively, and selectively using biomaterials such as biopolymers, nucleic acids, proteins etc. In this current review, several recent trends have been identified in the growth of electrochemical sensor platforms using nanotechnology such as carbon nanomaterials, metal oxide nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, biomaterials and polymers. The integration strategies, applications, specific properties and future projections of nanostructured materials for emerging progressive sensor platforms are also observed. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of nanoparticles in the field of electrochemical sensors and biosensors.

High-resolution crystal structure of LpqH, an immunomodulatory surface lipoprotein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reveals a distinct fold and a conserved cleft on its surface.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is predominantly a disease of the lungs acquired by inhaling mycobacteria from infected individuals via airborne droplets. In order to facilitate their entry into the alveolar macrophages, mycobacteria have a collection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on their surface that are known to detect certain pattern recognition receptors present on the surface of host cells. A major group of these PAMPs includes mycobacterial lipoproteins, of which, the 19 kDa surface antigen LpqH, has been reported to play a critical role in both host-pathogen interactions as well as pleiotropic immune regulation. Despite its crucial involvement in tuberculosis, the detailed structure-function relationship of this protein remains to be explored. Here, we report the high-resolution crystal structure of the non-acylated LpqH (LpqH48-159) at a resolution of 1.26 Å, which adopts a unique fold. Flow cytometry-based experiments show that the protein can bind and induce apoptosis in PMA-activated human monocytic cell line THP-1, indicative of the preservation of functionality of the protein. Furthermore, analysis of conservation of LpqH sequences from Mycobacterium species reveals a patch of conserved residues on the surface which may play a role in its binding partner recognition and hence in host-pathogen interaction.

Evaluation of kV-CBCT based 3D dose calculation accuracy and its validation using delivery fluence derived dose metrics in Head and Neck Cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric impact of Hounsfield unit (HU) variations in kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT) based 3D dose calculation accuracy in the treatment planning system and its validation using measured treatment delivery dose (MTDD) derived dose metrics for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) plans in Head and Neck (HN) Cancer. METHODS: CBCT dose calculation accuracy was evaluated for 8 VMAT plans on inhomogeneous phantom and 40 VMAT and IMRT plans of HN Cancer patients and validated using ArcCHECK diode array MTDD derived 3D dose metric on CT and CBCT. RESULTS: The mean percentage dose difference between CBCT and CT in TPS (ΔD(CBCT-CT)TPS) and 3DVH (ΔD(CBCT-CT)3DVH) were compared for the corresponding evaluation dose metrics (D98%, D95%, D50%, D2%, Dmax, D1cc, D0.03cc, Dmean) of all PTVs and OARs in phantom and patients. ΔD(CBCT-CT)TPS and ΔD(CBCT-CT)3DVH for all evaluation dose points of all PTVs and OARs were less than 2.55% in phantom and 2.4% in HN patients. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between ΔD(CBCT-CT)TPS and ΔD(CBCT-CT)3DVH for all dose points in all PTVs and OARs showed a strong to moderate correlation in phantom and patients with p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated and validated the potential feasibility of kV-CBCT for treatment plan 3D dose reconstruction in clinical decision making for Adaptive radiotherapy on CT in Head and Neck cancer.

Continuous Pathway between the Elasto-Inertial and Elastic Turbulent States in Viscoelastic Channel Flow.

Viscoelastic plane Poiseuille flow is shown to become linearly unstable in the absence of inertia, in the limit of high elasticities, for ultradilute polymer solutions. While inertialess elastic instabilities have been predicted for curvilinear shear flows, this is the first ever report of a purely elastic linear instability in a rectilinear shear flow. The novel instability continues up to a Reynolds number (Re) of O(1000), corresponding to the recently identified elasto-inertial turbulent state believed to underlie the maximum-drag-reduced regime. Thus, for highly elastic ultradilute polymer solutions, a single linearly unstable modal branch may underlie transition to elastic turbulence at zero Re and to elasto-inertial turbulence at moderate Re, implying the existence of continuous pathways connecting the turbulent states to each other and to the laminar base state.

A single center, retrospective analysis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair early outcome at a tertiary care center in India.

Context: In recent years, increasing awareness and early detection has made total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) a relatively common congenital heart condition presenting to children's heart centers in India. The condition was associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the past due to various reasons. Improvement in perioperative management has markedly changed the outcomes of TAPVC even in a developing country. Material and Methods: All patients with TAPVC operated between June 2013 and February 2018 at our center were included in the study. Post repair 30-days mortality and morbidity were analyzed. Results: A total of 166 patients were divided into supracardiac (91), infracardiac (45), cardiac (18), and mixed type (12). It also divided our cohort into obstructed and unobstructed types. The duration of inotrope usage in the obstructed group was significantly higher compared to the unobstructed group. Statistically, significant difference was noticed for the duration of ventilation 85.17 ± 80.94 h in obstructed type versus 49.23 ± 60.7 h in the unobstructed group, and in ICU stay (days) in obstructed (9.64 ± 5.96) and unobstructed group (6.29 ± 5.12). The morbidity parameters such as duration of an inotrope, ventilation, and length of ICU stay had a negative correlation between body surface area (BSA) of the patient but no correlation in respect to duration of CPB and ACC time. Mortality was found to be higher in lower BSA, infracardiac type (7/9), and obstructed variants of TAPVC (9/9) patients. Conclusions: Longer duration of inotrope usage, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay were seen in obstructed TAPVC in comparison to unobstructed TAPVC patients. Duration of CPB or aortic cross-clamp had no effects on morbidity parameters. In our cohort of TAPVC patients, lower BSA was strongly associated with the longer requirement of inotropes, prolong ventilation time, and ICU stay. The risk factors for mortality in our study include lower BSA, infracardiac, and obstructed type of TAPVC.

Intestinal mucormycosis in an adult with H1N1 pneumonia on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Gastrointestinal mucormycosis involving ileum is a very rare phenomenon. We present a case of 52-year-old male, known case of diabetes mellitus requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for H1N1 pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient had small bowel obstruction with impending perforation requiring emergency bowel resection and ileostomy. The resected bowel segment histopathology showed mucormycosis. He was treated with conventional Amphotericin-B and later changed to Posaconazole. The patient responded very well and was gradually weaned from ventilator and successfully discharged home. This case report highlights rare site of mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can reduce mortality.

Marker assisted improvement of low soil phosphorus tolerance in the bacterial blight resistant, fine-grain type rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri.

Improved-Samba-Mahsuri (ISM), a high-yielding, popular bacterial blight resistant (possessing Xa21, xa13, and xa5), fine-grain type, low glycemic index rice variety is highly sensitive to low soil phosphorus (P). We have deployed marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) approach for targeted transfer of Pup1, a major QTL associated with low soil P tolerance, using Swarna as a donor. A new co-dominant marker, K20-1-1, which is specific for Pup1 was designed and used for foreground selection along with functional markers specific for the bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa21, xa13, and xa5. A set of 66 polymorphic SSR marker were used for the background selection along with a pair of flanking markers for the recombination selection in backcross derived progenies and in BC2F2 generation, 12 plants, which are homozygous for Pup1, all the three bacterial blight resistance genes and possessing agro-morphological traits equivalent to or better than ISM were selected and selfed to produce BC2F3s. They were evaluated in plots with low soil P and normal soil P at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad for their low soil P tolerance, and bacterial blight resistance and superior lines were advanced to BC2F6. One of the lines, when tested at multiple locations in India was found promising under both normal as well as low soil P conditions.