EUS-Guided Thrombin Injection and Coil Implantation for Gastric Varices: Feasibility, Safety, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric varices (GV) are reported in up to 20% of patients with portal hypertension, and bleeding is often more severe and challenging than oesophageal variceal bleeding. There is limited data on prophylaxis of GV bleeding or management in the acute setting, and different techniques are utilised. This study aims to evaluate outcomes following endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided placement of coils in combination with thrombin to manage GV. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with combination EUS-guided therapy with coils and thrombin between October 2015 and February 2020. RESULTS: 20 patients underwent 33 procedures for GV therapy; 16/20 (80%) were type 1 Isolated GV (IGV1), and the remainder were type 2 Gastroesophageal Varices (GOV2). Median follow-up was 842 days (Interquartile range (IQR) 483-961). 17/20 (85%) had underlying cirrhosis, the most common aetiologies being alcohol-related liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The median Child-Pugh (CP) score was 6 (IQR 5-7). In 11/20 (55%) cases, the indication was secondary prophylaxis to prevent rebleeding; in 2/20 (10%), the bleeding was acute. Technical success was achieved in 19/20 (95%) of cases. During follow-up, the obliteration of flow within the varices was achieved in 17/20 (85%) cases. The 6-week survival was 100%, and 2 adverse events were reported: cases of rebleeding at day 5 and day 37; both rebleeds were successfully managed endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided GV obliteration combining coil placement with thrombin, in our experience, is technically safe with good medium-term efficacy. A multicenter randomised controlled trial comparing different treatment strategies would be desirable to understand options better.

Acid-Mediated Domino Cyclization of ortho-Formyl Cinnamate Esters: Synthesis of Substituted Indene/Indane Esters and Indeno[a]indenones.

A BroÌ·nsted acid-driven protocol to access substituted monoarylindene esters, biarylindane esters, and indeno[a]indenones from simple ortho-formylcinnamate esters and external arenes has been revealed. Remarkably, this single-pot process enabled the construction of two, three, and four new C-C bonds in building monoarylindene esters, biarylindane esters, and indeno[a]indenones, respectively, under metal-free and mild reaction parameters via triggering the inactive cinnamate ester moiety. In addition, the present strategy is investigated with widespread substrate scope.

Acid-Promoted Domino Access to Substituted Benzo[b]carbazoles.

Herein, a straightforward BroÌ·nsted acids-promoted domino pathway to build substituted benzo[b]carbazoles has been described from easily accessible ortho-formyl (or ortho-acyl) cinnamate esters and indoles. Noticeably, the protocol was amenable to protecting group-free indoles. Notably, this methodology is based on a single-pot regioselective construction of two new C-C bonds and aromatization sequences under mild and metal-free reaction conditions. The mechanistic studies suggested the initial formation of bis-indole substituted intermediate via a dual aromatic substitution with two indole molecules at the carbonyl carbon of ortho-formyl (or ortho-acyl) cinnamate ester followed by intramolecular cyclization and aromatization with exclusion of a second indole molecule. Besides, the efficacy of this approach was also illustrated by scale-up and derivatization reactions, including the photophysical properties study.

Association between high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia among urban Indian women (15-49 years).

BACKGROUND: Women in their reproductive age have tremendous health implications that affect their health and well-being. Anaemia is an indicator of inadequate dietary intake and poor health. Maternal malnutrition significantly impacts maternal and child health outcomes, increasing the mother's risk of dying during delivery. High-risk fertility behaviour is a barrier to reducing mother and child mortality. This study aims to examine the level of high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia among ever-married urban Indian women and also examine the linkages between the both. METHODS: Based on the National Family Health Survey's fifth round of data, the study analyzed 44,225 samples of ever-married urban women. Univariate and bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression have been used for the analysis. RESULTS: Findings suggested that more than half (55%) of the urban women were anaemic, and about one-fourth (24%) of women had any high-risk fertility behaviour. Furthermore, the results suggest that 20% of women were more vulnerable to anaemia due to high-risk fertility behaviour. For the specific category, 19% and 28% of women were more likely to be anaemic due to single and multiple high-risk fertility. However, after controlling for sociodemographic factors, the findings showed a statistically significant link between high-risk fertility behaviour and anaemia. As a result, 16% of the women were more likely to be anaemic due to high-risk fertility behaviour, and 16% and 24% were more likely to be anaemic due to single and multiple high-risk fertility behaviour, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings exposed that maternal high-risk fertility behaviour is a significant factor in raising the chance of anaemia in ever-married urban women of reproductive age in forms of the short birth interval, advanced maternal age, and advanced maternal age & higher order. Policy and choice-based family planning techniques should be employed to minimize the high-risk fertility behaviour among Indian urban women. This might aid in the reduction of the malnutrition status of their children.

Contraceptive behavior of women in India after induced abortion.

Putting an end to the silent pandemic of unsafe abortion is a major public health concern globally. Adoption of post-abortion contraception is documented as a significant contributor to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and number of induced abortions. This study aimed at investigating the post abortion contraceptive behavior of Indian women exploring the determinants of post-abortion contraceptive uptake. Retrospective calendar data for 6,862 women aged 15-49 years from fifth round of National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) was used for the study. Multinomial logistic regression method was used to model the determinant factors to post-abortion contraceptive uptake. 72.6% women reported adopting no method of contraception after the abortion procedure. A total of 27.4% women adopted some method of contraception after abortion. 14% women preferred adopting short term modern methods. Women in early reproductive age group which is the most vulnerable group in experiencing unintended pregnancies are less likely to adopt any contraceptive method after abortion. Uptake of post abortion contraception is quite low in India. Effort should be taken in the direction of bringing awareness through provision of targeted contraceptive counselling after abortion.

Acid-Mediated Cascade Cyclization Pathway to Indeno[2,1-c]chromen-6(7H)-ones.

Developing mild and effective synthetic strategies for producing significant molecules starting from readily available starting materials is indispensable in organic synthesis. Herein, we present a triflic acid-driven dual cyclization pathway to produce functionalized indeno[2,1-c]chromen-6(7H)-ones from simple 2-formyl (or 2-acyl) cinnamate esters and phenols. Notably, this protocol enabled the construction of two C-C bonds and one C-O bond under metal-free reaction conditions via the activation of the unreactive ester moiety in a single pot. The isolation of intermediate indenol-ester might suggest self-intramolecular cycloaddition by the proximate double bond of the enoate ester with the o-carbonyl moiety, followed by an electrophilic attack with phenol and a subsequent cyclocondensation pathway. In addition, the photophysical properties have also been examined.

Transition in the ages at key reproductive events and its determinants in India: evidence from NFHS 1992-93 to 2019-21.

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive health events have changed fertility and family planning needs, depicting the changing life patterns of women and the population to which they belong. Understanding the pattern at which these events occur helps in understanding the fertility pattern, family formation and the idea about health essential needs for women. This paper attempts to see the variation in reproductive events (first cohabitation, first sex and first birth) over three decades and also to see potential contributing factors among the reproductive age group of women using secondary data from Data Source: All rounds of the National Family Health Survey (1992-93 to 2019-2021) have been utilized. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cox Proportional Hazard Model illustrates that all regions have initiated their first birth later than women who belong to the east region similar pattern has been obtained for first cohabitation and first sex except for the central region. Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) depicts the increasing pattern in the predicted mean age at first cohabitation, sex and birth for all demographic characteristics; the highest increment was found in SC women, Uneducated women and Muslim women. Kaplan Meier Curve demonstrates that women with no education, primary or secondary education are shifting towards higher educated women. Most importantly, the results of the multivariate decomposition analysis (MDA) revealed that education played the largest contribution among the compositional factors in the overall increase in mean ages at key reproductive events. CONCLUSIONS: Though reproductive health has long been essential in women's lives, they are still very confined to specific domains. Over time the government has formulated several proper legislative measures relating to various domains of reproductive events. However, given that the large size and heterogeneity in social and cultural norms result in changing ideas and choices regarding the initiation of reproductive events, national policy formulation needs to be improved or amended.

Key drivers of reversal of trend in childhood anaemia in India: evidence from Indian demographic and health surveys, 2016-21.

AIM: Recent National Family Health Survey results portray striking improvements in most population and health indicators, including fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, gender treatment, household environments, and health insurance coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), with all India resonance. However, the prevalence of any anaemia (< 11 g/dl) among children under age five has exhibited a reversed trajectory in recent years. Therefore, the present study explores key drivers of the reversal of the trend in the prevalence of childhood anaemia between 2015 and2021. METHODS: Data of four rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) were used to show the overall trend of anaemia among children. However, for the analysis of key drivers of the reversal trend of childhood anaemia, only the recent two rounds (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) were used. Descriptive, bivariate multivariable analysis and Fairlie decomposition model were used to explore the drivers of the reversal of the trend in childhood anaemia. RESULTS: During the past two decades, India has seen a decline in the prevalence of childhood anaemia (NFHS-2 to NFHS-4). However, a reversal of trend was observed recently. The prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6-59 months increased from 59 percent in NFHS-4 to 67 percent in NFHS-5. In addition, the prevalence of mild anaemia increased from 23.3 percent in NFHS-2 to 28.7 percent in NFHS-5. However, the prevalence of moderate and severe anaemia declined considerably from NFHS-2 (40 percent and 4.1 percent) to NFHS-4 (28.7 percent and 1.6 percent), but showed an increase in the prevalence in NFHS-5 (36.3 percent and 2.2 percent). Among others, mothers' educational attainment, anaemia status and socio-economic status emerge as the key drivers of the change in the prevalence of childhood anaemia. CONCLUSION: These findings may have vital implications for the ongoing Anaemia Mukt Bharat Programme, one of the government's dream projects in India.

Female sterilisation in India: Examining the role of women's own decision making and information given to client.

India has a very high prevalence of female sterilisation compared to other countries in the world, with a prevailing situation of very low level of information about contraceptive options given to women. It is well established in demographic research that, there exists a strong association between knowledge of contraceptive methods and type of contraception chosen. Present study uses data from 3 consecutive rounds of National Family Health Survey (3, 4 & 5). The sample contains currently married women who started using the current method 5 years prior to each round of survey. Multilevel Logistic Regression and Fairlie Decomposition Model are used to analyse the effect of information given to respondents and decision-making power regarding contraceptive methods on choice of female sterilisation. Women, who are informed about available methods, have lower chance (45.8%, 37.5% & 40% for NFHS 3, 4 & 5 respectively) to opt for sterilisation after controlling all other factors. If woman is the sole decision maker for contraceptive choice, the chance of sterilisation reduces than cases where decision is taken only by husband or jointly. Information about other methods also contributes towards reducing the chance of female sterilisation over the time. Information about contraceptive methods is found to be a major factor in controlling choice of temporary or permanent method. Thus, major focus for the policy makers should be to make information regarding contraceptives more accessible for women.

An Access to Benzo[a]fluorenes, Benzo[b]fluorenes, and Indenes Triggered by Simple Lewis Acid.

This report illustrates BF3·OEt2 promoted intramolecular cascade cycloaromatization of 1,7-ynones toward synthesizing structurally diverse benzofluorene scaffolds. Remarkably, the present protocol promotes the formation of two consecutive C-C bonds intramolecularly and undergoes aromatization under mild reaction conditions to afford the tetracyclic benzo[a]fluorene frameworks. Besides, the formation of indenes was observed when 1-bromo-2-iodoarenes are relatively more electron-rich when compared with the one originating from the terminal arylacetylenes, under controlled conditions, wherein triple bond polarity has been just reversed due to the change of electronic effects exerted by the strong +M group of 1-bromo-2-iodoarenes, which is in conjugation to the connected triple bond. The same concept to generate indenes has also been extended by using aliphatic alkyne tethered ynones. Further, it was noticed that 1,7-ynones bearing the more electron-rich 1-bromo-2-iodoarenes than the arene ring arriving from the terminal arylacetylenes lead to benzo[b]fluorenes, under thermodynamic conditions, instead of delivering the benzo[a]fluorenes. In addition, this method features metal-free conditions, easily accessible starting materials, operational simplicity, gram-scale synthesis, and a wide range of substrate scopes.

Covert use of reversible contraceptive methods and its association with husband's egalitarian gender attitude in India.

BACKGROUND: In a patriarchal society, women often keep their use of contraceptives secret in order to meet their reproductive goals and satisfy their reproductive preferences. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, women's covert contraceptive use and its association with husband's gender attitude have not been studied in the Indian settings. The present study estimates the extent of covert modern contraceptive use (CCU) among women and its linkage with husbands' gender attitudes in India. METHODS: The study is based on fecund and monogamous couples using modern, reversible contraceptive methods. The numbers of such couples were 4,825 and 7,824 in the national family health surveys 2005-06 and 2015-16 respectively. The outcome variable in the study was CCU, while the independent variables were husband's gender attitude, women's education, freedom of mobility, freedom to spend money independently, surviving number of children, concordance regarding additional children, couple-level information such as age and educational gap between spouses, and some socioeconomic status (SES) variables. We used latent class analysis to measure the gender attitude and used bivariate descriptive analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression to assess the linkages between husband's gender attitude and CCU. RESULTS: This study found that the prevalence of CCU increased from 15% in 2005-06 to 27% in 2015-16. In both the time periods, contraceptive pills were the most preferred covert method, followed by intrauterine device (IUD). The results of the multivariate logistic regression show that women with husbands of moderate and low egalitarian gender attitudes were, respectively, 50% and 40% more likely to hide their contraceptive use than those with husbands of a high gender attitude. Women's education, wealth index, number of living children, and region of residence were also found to be significantly associated with CCU. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that husband's low egalitarian gender attitude can be a potential barrier between spouses, preventing them from opening up about their fertility preferences and contraceptive needs to each other. A couple-oriented approach to family planning is needed so that both members of a couple can satisfy their fertility desires and preferences eventually.

Effect of Eu doping on the thermoluminescence of UV and gamma irradiated Mg2 B2 O5 nanophosphors.

This article presents the effect of europium (Eu) doping on the thermoluminescence (TL) of ultraviolet (UV-254 nm) and gamma irradiated triclinic Mg2 B2 O5 nanophosphors. The diffuse reflectance predicts slight decrease in band gap from 5.18 to 4.99 eV with increasing Eu (1%, 3%, and 5%) content in Mg2 B2 O5 . The TL glow curves of UV irradiated samples comprised of a main peak around 500 K with weak intensity peak/shoulders in low temperature region. Interestingly Eu (3%) doped Mg2 B2 O5 shows maximum TL intensity with suppression of low temperature shoulder peaks and almost linear UV dose dependent TL response. However, in the case of gamma irradiated Eu (1% and 3% doped) samples, TL glow curve comprises of a main peak around 425-445 K and closely lying peak around 500-515 K with relatively lesser intensity. In case of Eu (5%) doped samples, TL peak around 508 K starts dominating over peak around 425 K. TL of both UV and gamma irradiated samples showed the presence of various deep and shallow defect states within the bandgap of materials having different kinetic parameters, which were determined using TLanal software based on Kiti's general order equation. The present study shows that Eu doped Mg2 B2 O5 nanophosphors can be tuned for UV and gamma dosimetry.

Variation and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in high and low neonatal mortality settings in India.

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is considered one of the most cost-effective interventions for infant survival and well-being. This study aimed to examine the variations in, and determinants of, early initiation of breastfeeding among women in high and low neonatal mortality rate (NMR) settings in India using data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015-16. At 35%, EIBF was found to be disproportionately low in the high NMR group of states compared with 52% in the low NMR group, with the national average being 44%. The chance of EIBF significantly increased if childbirth was vaginal, delivery took place in a health institution, the mother received breastfeeding advice and the birth was a planned one in both high and low NMR settings. In the high NMR group of states, the probability of initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth improved to a great extent if childbirth was assisted by a trained person and if the mother was exposed to any type of mass media. There is an urgent need to increase the access of mothers to breastfeeding advice during pregnancy and to increase their exposure to mass media, particularly in high NMR states. In addition, achieving universal access to institutional deliveries and deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant, especially in high NMR settings, and promoting early breastfeeding, especially in the case of Caesarean deliveries, would further improve the level of EIBF in the country as a whole. These interventions can potentially increase the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding and help India attain the neonatal mortality rate target of Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Lewis Acid Mediated Domino Intramolecular Cyclization: Synthesis of Dihydrobenzo[a]fluorenes.

An efficient and facile method for the regioselective synthesis of novel dihydrobenzo[a]fluorenes from readily accessible alkynols is presented. The current strategy triggers the formation of a dual C-C bond intramolecularly via Lewis acid catalysis under mild reaction conditions. Notably, secondary as well as tertiary alcohols bearing an alkyne moiety have been smoothly transformed into the corresponding products. As a result, novel tetracyclic dihydrobenzo[a]fluorenes have been accomplished using this approach.

Contrast in utilization of maternal and child health services between Himalayan region and rest of India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey (2015-16).

BACKGROUND: Maternal and child health services, like antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postnatal care, are crucial to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Numerous studies have been conducted on the distribution of utilization of maternal and child healthcare (MCH) services in India with respect to socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. But no study has analyzed the utilization of MCH services with a focus on the topography of a given region (hilly/plain). The present study analyzes the utilization of MCH services in the hilly-Himalayan region of India in comparison to the rest of the country. METHODS: Data from India's National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16), on 190,898 women, was utilized for analysis in the present study. The association between the utilization of MCH services and the topography of the region of residence (hilly/plain) was analyzed by calculating adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and predicted probabilities using a two-level random intercept logistic regression model. RESULTS: It was found that the utilization of MCH services was significantly lower in the hilly regions compared to the plain regions. Women living in hilly areas (AOR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.39-0.45) had 58% lower odds of receiving skilled birth attendance (SBA) than those living in plain areas. Similarly, the odds of receiving PNC, ANC, and full immunization were also lower in the hilly regions compared to the plain regions. The utilization of MCH services was alarmingly low in the rural-hilly regions. The odds of receiving two tetanus injections before birth were 71% lower for women in the rural-hilly areas (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.36-43) than those in the rural-plain areas. Predicted probabilities also showed that women in the hilly regions were less likely to receive MCH services compared to their counterparts in the plain regions. CONCLUSION: Except for the consumption of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) and the utilization of AWC services/ICDS (Integrated Child and Development Services), all other MCH services were significantly underutilized in the hilly regions compared to the plain regions. This calls for the attention of and concentrated efforts by policy makers and stakeholders, with a special focus on the rural-hilly regions. We firmly believe that the results of the present study have important policy implications.

Concentration levels of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D and vitamin D deficiency among children and adolescents of India: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for the overall health and well-being of individuals. For strong musculoskeletal and neurological development of human body, vitamin D levels during childhood and adolescence have key importance. This is the first national-level study that analyzes the deficiency and concentration of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D)] among Indian children and adolescents with respect to various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: Data of Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016-18) was utilized for the present study. Vitamin D levels were assessed based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been shown for the three age groups: 0-4 years (n = 12,764), 5-9 years (n = 13,482), 10-19 years (n = 13,065). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as: serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng/mL; and insufficiency as: 12 ng/ml ≤ 25(OH) < 20 ng/ml. 25(OH) D level higher than 20 ng/mL was accepted as adequate. Random slope multilevel logistic regression models were employed to assess the demographic and socioeconomic correlates of vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS: Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration level was found to be 19.51 ± 8.76, 17.73 ± 7.91, and 17.07 ± 8.16 ng/ml in age group 0-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-19 years respectively. 49.12% of the children aged 0-4 years were having insufficient level of vitamin D. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was comparatively higher among female adolescents (76.16%), adolescents living in rural region (67.48), Sikh individuals (0-4 years: 76.28%; 5-9 years: 90.26%; 10-19 years: 89.56%), and adolescents coming from rich households. North-Indian individuals were having substantially higher odds of vitamin D deficiency in all the three age groups. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is considerably high among children and adolescents of India. The study highlights high-risk group which require prompt policy interventions.

A situation analysis of child delivery facilities at primary health centers (PHCs) in rural India and its association with likelihood of selecting PHC for child delivery.

BACKGROUND: Primary Health Centers (PHCs) are crucial in providing primary and secondary level healthcare services in rural India. Despite immense efforts and huge funding, a very small proportion of deliveries are carried out at PHCs. The present study aims to explore the availability of facilities at PHCs and its association with likelihood of delivering the child at PHC. METHODS: We extracted PHC level health infrastructure data from Health Management and Information system (HMIS) and created 'Facility Index' using exploratory factor analysis. We merged the 'Facility Index' with data of the 4th National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) to explore the relationship between availability of facilities and healthcare-seeking behavior. Bivariate analysis and multilevel logistic regressions were employed to analyze the association between Facility Index and the likelihood of delivering the child at PHC. RESULTS: Availability of facilities (Facility Index) was found to be positively associated with utilization of PHC for childbirth but up to only a certain level of Facility Index. Women living in districts with 'good' Facility index were having 2.45 (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 2.12-2.84) times higher odds of delivering the child at PHC compared to women living in districts with 'very poor' Facility Index; however, the odds ratio decreased to 2.11 (95% CI: 1.83-2.43) for 'Very Good' Facility Index. The regression line and predicted probabilities also exhibited similar results. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, we conclude that improvement in availability and quality of facilities might help in improving healthcare utilization from PHCs up to a certain level.

Does the prenatal factor or the postnatal factor contribute more to changes in the child sex ratio in India? An investigation in the context of fertility and mortality transition.

There has been a drastic decline in the child sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males between ages 0 and 4) in India and many of its states. This study aimed to examine if prenatal factors, such as change in sex ratio at birth, or postnatal factors, such as change in relative mortality of females and males, contribute to this more by analysing the dynamics of the child sex ratio. Changes in the child sex ratio during 2001-2011 were decomposed into a 'fertility' component attributable to prenatal sex selection and a 'mortality' component attributable to sex differentials in postnatal survival at the country as well as the state level. Between the prenatal factor and the postnatal factor, the contribution of the latter to the declining child sex ratio has been greater than the former in India as a whole and in most of the states. By focusing on both prenatal and postnatal factors, the imbalance in the child sex ratio in the country can be reduced to a large extent.

Photodegradation of tartrazine dye favored by natural sunlight on pure and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO catalysts.

In this work, the synthesis of pure and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO was successfully accomplished using a solvothermal process. The synthesized samples were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic ability of the samples is estimated through degradation of tartrazine in aqueous solution under photocatalytic conditions. The degradation study carried out for a reaction period of 90 min at and a free pH = 6.0 found that dye degradation is 44.82% for pure ZnO and 98.91% for (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO samples, indicating its excellent photocatalytic ability. Tartrazine mineralization was also studied by calculating the degradation of chemical oxygen demand. The effect of operating parameters such as catalyst dose, initial concentration of tartrazine, initial reaction pH, and nature of light source has been optimized for tartrazine degradation as a function of time. The reusability of ZnO and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO catalysts was studied and its photocatalytic efficiency was found to be unchanged, even after six cycles of use. The mechanism of photocatalytic activity was also proposed.

Redefining the fluoroscopic landmarks for common femoral arterial puncture during cardiac catheterization: Femoral angiogram and computed tomography angiogram (FACT) study of common femoral artery anatomy.

BACKGROUND: The mid-femoral head (F50 ) is a common fluoroscopic target for common femoral artery (CFA) puncture during cardiac catheterization. Punctures above the inguinal ligament (marking the proximal end of CFA) increase the risk of retroperitoneal hemorrhage and are classified as high punctures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 114 CT angiograms for the anatomic relationship of the inguinal ligament to the femoral head (FH) and inferior epigastric artery (IEA). We analyzed 114 CT angiograms and 500 femoral angiograms, for the relation of the mid-point of CFA to F50 and F75 (the junction of upper 3/4th and lower 1/4th of FH). RESULTS: The proximal third of femoral head (F33 ) (-1.4 mm) and IEA nadir (-2.9 mm) were closer approximations to the inguinal ligament than the IEA origin (-12.8 mm) or cranial end of FH (-15.2 mm). The inguinal ligament correlated better with the IEA nadir than F33 (R2 = 0.49 vs. 0.001). F75 was a closer approximation for the mid-point of the CFA than F50 (0.3 mm vs. -9.2 mm). Using F75 as the target for CFA puncture carried the lowest risk for non-CFA punctures (18.6%), while using F50 had a 41.2% risk for non-CFA punctures. F75 had an increased risk for low punctures (14.2%) but F50 had a far higher risk for high punctures (36.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The nadir of IEA is the best landmark for identifying the inguinal ligament (the proximal end of CFA) and defining high punctures. F75 is a more accurate target for successful CFA puncture than F50.