Selective detection of diethanolamine utilizing an LMR/LSPR-based optical fiber sensor.

Diethanolamine (DEA) is used for amine wash to remove toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) while processing crude oil and in other pharmaceutical products. The detection of diethanolamine is of prime importance to avoid its harmful impact. In this study, we have designed a lossy mode resonance (LMR)-based optical fiber sensor for the detection of DEA. An optical fiber probe was fabricated by coating a bulk layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the core of the optical fiber (probe-1). To extend this study, we prepared biosynthesised gold nanoparticles and coated them on to the top of the TiO2-layer-coated probe (probe-2). The surface structure was confirmed using characterization techniques such as FESEM, HRTEM and UV-visible spectroscopy. Further, a comparative study among probe-1 and probe-2 has been carried out in terms of their performance parameters such as sensitivity, figure of merit, limit of detection, repeatability and response time. The sensitivity of the TiO2 bulk layer/AuNP bilayer-coated optical fiber probe (probe-2) was observed to be 16 079.63 nm RIU-1 (0.074 nm mM-1), which was approximately double the sensitivity of the TiO2 bulk layer-coated optical fiber probe (probe-1). Selectivity experiments were also performed to confirm the high sensitivity of the sensor towards DEA.

Overexpression of chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CDS) gene in Tagetes erecta leads to the overproduction of pyrethrin.

Pyrethrins are widely accepted as natural insecticides and offers several advantages of synthetic compounds, i.e., rapidity of action, bioactivity against a wide range of insects, comparatively lesser costs and the like. A significant source of pyrethrin is Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium; cultivated in restricted areas, as a result; natural pyrethrins are not produced in a large amount that would meet the ongoing global market demand. However, increasing its content and harnessing the desired molecule did not attract much attention. To enhance the production of pyrethrins in Tagetes erecta, the Chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CDS) gene was overexpressed under the promoter CaMV35S. Hypocotyls were used as explant for transformation, and direct regeneration was achieved on MS medium with 1.5 mg L-1 BAP and 5.0 mg L-1 GA3. Putative transgenics were screened on 10 mgL-1 hygromycin. After successful regeneration, screening and rooting process, the transgenic plants were raised inside the glass house and PCR amplification of CDS and HYG-II was used to confirm the transformation. Biochemical analysis using HPLC demonstrated the expression levels of the pyrethrin, which was approx. twenty-six fold higher than the non-transformed Tagetes plant.

Safety and diagnostic yield of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy by flexible bronchoscopy using laryngeal mask airway in diffuse and localized peripheral lung diseases: A single-center retrospective analysis of 326 cases.

BACKGROUND: Intubation with either an endotracheal tube or a rigid bronchoscope is generally preferred to provide airway protection as well as to manage unpredictable complications during transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). The laryngeal mask airway has been described as a safe and convenient tool for airway control during bronchoscopy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the safety and outcome of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as a conduit for performing TBLC by flexible video bronchoscopy (FB). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the database of the patients who underwent TBLC between November 2015 and September 2019. The procedure was performed using FB through LMA under general anesthesia. Prophylactic occlusion balloon was routinely used starting January 2017 onwards. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) guidance was used for TBLC in the localized lung lesions when deemed necessary. Multidisciplinary consensus diagnostic yield was determined and periprocedural complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 326 patients were analysed. The overall diagnostic yield was 81.60% (266/326) which included a positive yield of 82.98% (161/194) in patients with diffuse lung disease and 79.54% (105/132) in patients with localized disease. Serious bleeding complication occurred in 3 (0.92%) cases. Pneumothorax was encountered in 8 (2.45%) cases. A total of 9 (2.76%) cases had at least 1 major complication. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the use of LMA during TBLC by flexible bronchoscopy allows for a convenient port of entry, adequate airway support and effective endoscopic management of intrabronchial haemorrhage especially with the use of occlusion balloon.

Detection of adulteration in pure honey utilizing Ag-graphene oxide coated fiber optic SPR probes.

Fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor utilizing silver (Ag) and Ag-graphene oxide (GO) is designed and developed for the detection of adulteration of glucose and fructose in pure honey. The concentration range of the two adulterants in pure honey is varied from 4% to 20% with a step change of 4%. The experiments were performed with two different fiber optic probes viz. Probe 1 and Probe 2. Probe 1 is fabricated by coating 50 nm Ag film on unclad optical fiber portion and Probe 2 is fabricated by modifying Ag film with GO for sensitivity improvement. The study confirms that using GO modified fiber optic probe, the sensitivity is enhanced to 24% and 37% for glucose and fructose adulterated honey samples respectively. The technique presented in this study is easy, rapid, label free and shows high prospective for the detection of adulterants in pure honey.

Understanding social norms and violence in childhood: theoretical underpinnings and strategies for intervention.

Violence in childhood is a widespread human rights violation that crosses cultural, social and economic lines. Social norms, the shared perceptions about others that exist within social groups, are a critical driver that can either prevent or perpetuate violence in childhood. This review defines injunctive and descriptive social norms and lays out a conceptual framework for the relationship between social norms and violence in childhood, including the forces shaping social norms, the mechanisms through which these norms influence violence in childhood (e.g. fear of social sanctions, internalization of normative behavior), and the drivers and maintainers of norms related to violence in childhood. It further provides a review of theory and evidence-based practices for shifting these social norms including strategic approaches (targeting social norms directly, changing attitudes to shift social norms, and changing behavior to shift social norms), core principles (e.g. using public health frameworks), and intervention strategies (e.g. engaging bystanders, involving stakeholders, using combination prevention). As a key driver of violence in childhood, social norms should be an integral component of any comprehensive effort to mitigate this threat to human rights. Understanding how people's perceptions are shaped, propagated, and, ultimately, altered is crucial to preventing violence in childhood.

Health impacts of Facebook usage and mobile texting among undergraduate dental students: it's time to understand the difference between usage and an excessive use.

BACKGROUND: Facebook and mobile texting are prevalent in the lives of almost every student. However, little is known about the relationship between Facebook usage or mobile texting and their impacts on health amongst undergraduate dental students. In this study, excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting were studied as they relate to impacts on health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private university in Malaysia. A total of 188 undergraduate dental students were interviewed using a pre-tested and self-rated questionnaire. Data collected from participants were analysed using SPSS version 18.0. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to study the relationship between explanatory variables and excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting. RESULTS: The prevalence of excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting amongst undergraduate dental students was found to be 33.2% and 33.0%, respectively. According to a multivariate analysis, texting habits, such as the presence of daytime sleepiness after texting late at night (aOR = 2.682, 95% CI = 1.142-6.301) and the presence of anxious feelings if students failed to receive a timely response (aOR = 3.819, 95% CI = 1.580-9.230), were determined to be significant predictors of excessive mobile texting. Excessive Facebook use was found to be significantly related to three variables as follows: fewer numbers of close friends (aOR = 2.275, 95% CI = 1.057-4.898), the checking of updates on the Facebook walls of their friends (aOR = 2.582, 95% CI = 1.189-5.605) and the absence of active and vigorous feelings during Facebook use (aOR = 3.401, 95% CI = 1.233-9.434). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of undergraduate dental students in this study experienced excessive Facebook use and/or excessive mobile texting. Health education and promotion should be instituted to create awareness, whilst students should be advised to practise self-control with respect to both mobile texting and Facebook usage.

Radiation dose reduction in postoperative computed position control of cochlear implant electrodes in lambs - An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implants (CI) are standard treatment for prelingually deafened children and postlingually deafened adults. Computed tomography (CT) is the standard method for postoperative imaging of the electrode position. CT scans accurately reflect electrode depth and position, which is essential prior to use. However, routine CT examinations expose patients to radiation, which is especially problematic in children. We examined whether new CT protocols could reduce radiation doses while preserving diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: To investigate whether electrode position can be assessed by low-dose CT protocols, a cadaveric lamb model was used because the inner ear morphology is similar to humans. The scans were performed at various volumetric CT dose-indexes CTDIvol)/kV combinations. For each constant CTDIvol the tube voltage was varied (i.e., 80, 100, 120 and 140kV). This procedure was repeated at different CTDIvol values (21mGy, 11mGy, 5.5mGy, 2.8mGy and 1.8mGy). To keep the CTDIvol constant at different tube voltages, the tube current values were adjusted. Independent evaluations of the images were performed by two experienced and blinded neuroradiologists. The criteria diagnostic usefulness, image quality and artifacts (scaled 1-4) were assessed in 14 cochlear-implanted cadaveric lamb heads with variable tube voltages. RESULTS: Results showed that the standard CT dose could be substantially reduced without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy of electrode position. The assessment of the CI electrode position was feasible in almost all cases up to a CTDIvol of 2-3mGy. The number of artifacts did not increase for images within this dose range as compared to higher dosages. The extent of the artifacts caused by the implanted metal-containing CI electrode does not depend on the radiation dose and is not perceptibly influenced by changes in the tube voltage. Summarizing the evaluation of the CI electrode position is possible even at a very low radiation dose. CONCLUSIONS: CT imaging of the temporal bone for postoperative electrode position control of the CI is possible with a very low and significantly radiation dose. The tube current-time product and voltage can be reduced by 50% without increasing artifacts. Low-dose postoperative CT scans are sufficient for localizing the CI electrode.

Whole-Brain Susceptibility-Weighted Thrombus Imaging in Stroke: Fragmented Thrombi Predict Worse Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prevalence and clinical importance of primarily fragmented thrombi in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains elusive. Whole-brain SWI was used to detect multiple thrombus fragments, and their clinical significance was analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment SWI was analyzed for the presence of a single intracranial thrombus or multiple intracranial thrombi. Associations with baseline clinical characteristics, complications, and clinical outcome were studied. RESULTS: Single intracranial thrombi were detected in 300 (92.6%), and multiple thrombi, in 24 of 324 patients (7.4%). In 23 patients with multiple thrombi, all thrombus fragments were located in the vascular territory distal to the primary occluding thrombus; in 1 patient, thrombi were found both in the anterior and posterior circulation. Only a minority of thrombus fragments were detected on TOF-MRA, first-pass gadolinium-enhanced MRA, or DSA. Patients with multiple intracranial thrombi presented with more severe symptoms (median NIHSS scores, 15 versus 11; P = .014) and larger ischemic areas (median DWI ASPECTS, 5 versus 7; P = .006); good collaterals, rated on DSA, were fewer than those in patients with a single thrombus (21.1% versus 44.2%, P = .051). The presence of multiple thrombi was a predictor of unfavorable outcome at 3 months (P = .040; OR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.067-0.939). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with multiple intracranial thrombus fragments constitute a small subgroup of patients with stroke with a worse outcome than patients with single thrombi.

Infrared to infrared upconversion emission in Pr(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped La2O3 and La(OH)3 nano-phosphors: a comparative study.

The Pr(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped La2O3 and La(OH)3 nano-phosphors have been synthesized through solution combustion method. The structure and morphology of the samples have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The physical and optical properties of the samples have been measured and compared. A broad intense infrared emission centered at 850nm due to (1)I6→(1)G4 transition along with sharp green emission centerd at 513nm due to (3)P0→(3)H4 transition are observed on excitation with 976nm laser. The emission intensity of Pr(3+) is optimized with concentration and it is maximum at 0.08mol%. The annealed samples are found to be more crystalline and emit larger photoluminescence due to removal of quenching centers. The power dependent study of green upconversion emission indicates the involvement of two photons. The phosphor in La(OH)3 phase is more stable though the photoluminescence emission is slightly weak. La(OH)3 is less toxic compared to La2O3 and is biocompatible. It generates more heat and can be used in biothermal treatment.

Structural characterizations and intense green upconversion emission in Yb3+, Pr3+ co-doped Y2O3 nano-phosphor.

We report the structural and optical properties of Yb(3+), Pr(3+) co-doped Y2O3 nano-phosphor synthesized through solution combustion method. The structural studies reveal the nano-crystalline structure of the sample. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements confirm the presence of Y, O, Pr and Yb elements in the sample. Fourier transform infrared studies show the vibrational features of the samples. The fluorescence spectra of the samples have been monitored on excitation with 976 nm and the intense green upconversion emission observed at 552 nm is due to (3)P0→(3)H5 electronic transition. The concentration of Pr(3+) ion in the sample is optimized and the fluorescence intensity is maximum at 0.08 mol% of Pr(3+). The power dependence studies reveal the involvement of two photons in the emission process. The possible mechanism of upconversion has been discussed on the basis of schematic energy level diagram. The sample annealed at higher temperature enhances the fluorescence intensity up to 8 times and this enhancement is discussed in terms of the removal of optical quenching centers. The nano-phosphor can be applicable in the field of display devices and green laser.

"Uncommon Contents of Inguinal Hernial Sac": A Surgical Dilemma.

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common surgery done by both young and experienced surgeons. The hernia in the inguinal region usually contains the omentum and small intestine but rarely can contain unusual contents like the appendix, ovary with fallopian tubes, urinary bladder, sigmoid colon, and cecum. The aim of this study is to present our experience of uncommon contents in the inguinal hernia sac and their surgical management. A retrospective study of 330 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair was carried out over a period of 3 years from January 2008 to December 2011. Only five patients presented with unusual contents in the inguinal hernia sac; an incidence of 1.5 %. Two of them had vermiform appendix, with acute appendicitis (Amyand's hernia) noted in one of them. The patient with acute appendicitis underwent appendicectomy with herniorrhaphy, while in the other, hernioplasty with mesh was done as the patient was with normal appendix. In one case, the urinary bladder was the content of the inguinal hernia sac and there were two cases with the ovary and fallopian tubes as its content. In all these cases, contents were replaced back and hernia repair was done. Unusual contents of the hernial sac may create a surgical dilemma (whether to save or sacrifice the organ) during hernia repair even to an experienced surgeon.

Bismuth induced enhanced green emission from terbium ions and their complex in thin films.

Bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared by the pulsed laser ablation technique using the third harmonics of a Nd-YAG laser. UV-absorption and TEM micrographs show Bi NPs of spherical shape with the average particle size ranging from 15 to 20 nm. These NPs were dispersed with Tb(3+) ions and their complex with salicylic acid (Sal) in polyvinyl alcohol to obtain thin films. The influence of Bi NPs on the emissive properties of Tb(3+) ions and the [Tb(Sal)3(phen)] complex has been studied by luminescence spectroscopy using 266 nm and 355 nm as excitation wavelengths. The luminescence intensity of Tb(3+) ions complexed with Sal in the thin polymer films increased significantly as compared to the Tb(3+) ions in the presence of Bi NPs on excitation at 355 nm. However, terbium ions in the case of the [Tb(Sal)3(phen)] complex together with NPs show an intense and extended emission spectrum in the 375-700 nm range for transitions arising from (5)D3 and (5)D4 levels to different (7)F(J) levels on 266 nm excitation. The luminescence enhancement has also been supported by lifetime measurements.

Early evaluation of voice quality in glottic cancer (T1, T2) following curative radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This is prospective study analyzing the subjective and objective quality of voice and voice related quality of life in patients of early glottic cancer (T1, T2 disease) before and after receiving curative radiotherapy. METHODS: Fifteen patients of early glottic carcinoma (T1, T2) underwent voice assessment using multidimensional voice protocol based on recommendation by European Laryngological Society which included Perceptual analysis of voice by speech therapist and otolaryngologist, acoustic analysis; aerodynamic efficiency analysis-Maximum phonation time; patient's self perception of voice analysis--Voice handicap index; and videolaryngostroboscopy. Assessment was done prior to commencement of radiation therapy and at 1 month and 3 months following radio- therapy. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in majority of the voice parameters post radiotherapy. Perceptual analysis showed significant improvement in GRBAS score following radiotherapy. Perturbation measures (jitter, shimmer, SNR, HNR) showed improvement post radiotherapy though remained inferior compared to controls. Mean fundamental frequency (Mean F0) and habitual frequency (habitual F0) decreased post radiotherapy. Intensity of voice increased following radiotherapy which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was significant improvement in the patient's perception of their quality of voice and voice related quality of life post radiotherapy. Maximum phonation time showed statistically significant improvement post-radiotherapy. Perceptual analysis of voice by professional observer correlated well with patients self perception of his own voice. CONCLUSION: Voice quality improves following radiotherapy but not all the patients regain normal voice. Improvement in voice quality improves quality of life of patients shown by improved voice handicap index.

Duplicated anterior belly of the digastric muscle.

During routine dissection of the submental region of a 65-year-old female cadaver, a bilateral supernumerary muscle, medial to the anterior bellies of the digastric muscle, was observed. The accessory muscle bundle was attached proximally to the digastric fossa of the mandible, with an intermediate attachment to the body of hyoid bone and a distal attachment to the medial margin of the lower end of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle and its intermediate tendon on the respective side. These types of bilaterally symmetrical accessory muscles of the submental region may be erroneously identified as an infarcted submental lymph node or a pseudomass on radiological examinations.

Near infrared induced optical heating in laser ablated Bi quantum dots.

Chemically pure mono-dispersed spherical bismuth (Bi) nanoparticles (NPs) having diameter in the range of 5-20 nm are prepared by liquid pulsed laser ablation technique. The effect of ablation time and the surfactant (C(12)H(25)NaO(4)S) on the size of nanoparticles are studied and both were found to play crucial role in controlling the size of the NPs and consequently, the optical properties. An absorption band observed around 980 nm is attributed to semimetal to semiconductor transition. Interestingly, prepared semiconductor Bi NPs are found to generate intense heat when 976 nm laser wavelength falls on them and thus generates a hope for potential biomedical applications viz. hypothermia treatment.

Change in structural morphology on addition of ZnO and its effect on fluorescence of Yb³âº/Er³âº doped Y2O3.

Yb(3+)/Er(3+) codoped Y(2)O(3) phosphor and its composite with ZnO have been synthesized by combustion method. Morphology of the materials has been investigated using X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. XRD confirms the constituents as Y(2)O(3) and ZnO, with average crystallite size of 112 nm. On addition of ZnO, a small shifting in XRD pattern of Y(2)O(3) is observed. SEM pattern suggests that the average particle size lies in micro-range (0.5 µm). A dumble like structure is observed for hybrid material on annealing at 1473 K. A strong green (525, 546 nm) with weak blue (411 nm) and red (657 nm) emissions through upconversion has been observed from the phosphor on excitation with 976 nm diode laser. The observed emissions involve (2)H(9/2)→(4)I(15/2), (2)H(11/2)→(4)I(15/2), (4)S(3/2)→(4)I(15/2) and (4)F(9/2)→(4)I(15/2) electronic transitions, respectively. The upconversion process has been confirmed by power dependence measurements and its slope value was found to be 1.85, 1.72 for green and red emissions, respectively. On addition of ZnO, the intensity of these emissions is enhanced several times. The reason behind the enhancement is discussed with the help of the emitting level lifetime. An interesting dual mode property (upconversion and downconversion) to the same material has been observed on excitation with 532 nm laser source.

Infrared to visible upconversion in Ho³+/Yb³+ co-doped Y2 O3 phosphor: effect of laser input power and external temperature.

In the present paper, Ho(3+) doped and Ho(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped Y(2)O(3) phosphors have been synthesized using solution combustion technique and characterized for its structure and upconversion (UC) fluorescence as a function of Yb(3+) concentration. Effect of a variation in laser input power and external temperature on the UC emission intensity has been studied to explore the UC mechanism and temperature dependent behavior of the phosphor, respectively. On excitation with near infrared (NIR) light (976 nm), the phosphor emits strong green emission along with relatively weak emission bands in red and blue regions at 553, 670 and 497 nm due to (5)S(2)→(5)I(8), (5)F(5)→(5)I(8) and (5)F(3)→(5)I(8), respectively. The emission shows a decrease in intensity with an increase in external temperature, however contrary to the normal behavior of Ho(3+), no significant change in the FIR (fluorescence intensity ratio) of (5)F(4)→(5)I(8) and (5)S(2)→(5)I(8) transitions is noted in the present host. This peculiar behavior of the sample with external temperature has been explained by temperature dependent lifetime study of the thermally coupled levels.

Drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients of category-II failure of pulmonary tuberculosis under directly observed treatment short-course from north India.

The major contributing factors for the causation of treatment failure in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis under Category-II directly observed treatment short-course treatment (DOTS) are treatment after default, poor treatment compliance, and development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis. The objective of the present study is to find out the demographic profile and drug susceptibility pattern in Category-II failure patients of pulmonary tuberculosis under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) of India. Two hundred and twenty four patients with Category-II treatment failure of pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled from Department of Pulmonary Medicine, at Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj Medical University, UP, Lucknow, India, from August 2003 to July 2008. Their complete bacteriological assessment in terms of sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli, culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug sensitivity pattern were done in the Department of Microbiology. Among 224 patients, 16 (7.1%) patients were lost to follow-up and the final analysis was done among 208 (92.8%) cases. The reasons for inclusion of these 224 cases in the Category II regimen were treatment failure in the previous regimen (n = 75, 33%), default in 57% (n = 129 cases), and relapse in 8.9% (n = 20 cases). Among 208 patients, culture was positive in 170 (81.7%) cases, negative in 17 (8.1%) cases and contaminated in 21 (10%) cases. The drug sensitivity pattern of culture positive cases of Category-II failure patients revealed that, 58.2% (n = 99) had MDR tuberculosis and 40.5% (n = 69) were resistant but were non-MDR tuberculosis and 1.1 % (n = 2) cases were sensitive to all first line antituberculosis drugs.