LiNbO 3

The addition of a photocatalyst to ordinary building materials such as concrete creates environmentally friendly materials by which air pollution or pollution of the surface can be diminished. The use of LiNbO3 photocatalyst in concrete material would be more beneficial since it can produce artificial photosynthesis in concrete. In these research photoassisted solid-gas phases reduction of carbon dioxide (artificial photosynthesis) was performed using a photocatalyst, LiNbO3, coated on concrete surface under illumination of UV-visible or sunlight and showed that LiNbO3 achieved high conversion of CO2 into products despite the low levels of band-gap light available. The high reaction efficiency of LiNbO3 is explained by its strong remnant polarization (70 µC/cm2), allowing a longer lifetime of photoinduced carriers as well as an alternative reaction pathway. Due to the ease of usage and good photocatalytic efficiency, the research work done showed its potential application in pollution prevention

Occluded superior vena cava and failed epicardial pacing: An unorthodox solution

Permanent pacemaker implantation is conventionally done via upper limb veins. But in 1% - 6% cases, usual sub clavicular approach is either not possible or contraindicated due to complete occlusion of superior vena cava (SVC) or bilateral subclavian vein and/or bilateral implant site infection or thin skin [1]. Alternative approaches are warranted, including leadless pacemaker or complex lead extraction techniques, before considering surgical epicardial lead placement as a last resort because it has own hazards. We report a patient with complete heart block, total SVC obstruction, and a previously implanted malfunctioning epicardial lead presenting with pacemaker end of life. In view of exhaustion of the surgical option and in a resource constrained situation for lead extraction or leadless pacemaker, transiliac endocardial pacemaker implantation was done and a repeat surgery was averted. Learning objective: Complete venous occlusion is not very often encountered after pacemaker/ICD implantation. Apart from the risk of general anesthesia and invasive surgery, epicardial leads increase battery drain, and have a shorter operating life compared to an endocardial lead. The sparingly utilized iliac venous approach for permanent pacemaker implantation is a valuable, safe and minimally invasive alternative, when the conventional percutaneous access is unavailable, and surgery is undesirable or not possible.

Removal of chromium (VI) from effluent by a magnetic bioadsorbent based on jute stick powder and its adsorption isotherm, kinetics and regeneration study

A novel magnetic bioadsorbent based on jute stick powder (MB-JSP) was synthesized with Fe2+ and Fe3+ solutions by in situ co-precipitation technique and applied for the elimination of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The adsorption capability of fresh jute stick powder (JSP) was also studied to compare with the magnetic bioadsorbent (MB-JSP). The characteristics of these bio-adsorbents were measured individually. The magnetic saturation of MB-JSP touched 14.25 emu/g which was sufficient for the separation of MB-JSP from aqueous solution. This magnetic bioadsorbent worked perfectly within a substantial pH range of 1-2. The Cr (VI) removal by MB-JSP was seamlessly supported by the Langmuir isotherm model (R-2 = 0.997-0.999) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R-2 = 0.994-0.995). The maximum capacity of Cr(VI) adsorption by MB-JSP and JSP were 47.125 and 30.422 mg/g, respectively at 303.15 K by Langmuir isotherm model. The regeneration experiment specified its merit of regeneration and firmness with the recovery efficiency of 90.17% and 80.23% for MB-JSP and JSP, respectively. It was observed by considering the results that the removal Cr(VI) ions was accomplished via the attraction between the opposite charges of different functional groups present on the adsorbents surface and ion exchange. Moreover, the process of removal was very effective and a rapid separation from aqueous solution was achieved

The Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR–INDIAB) Study: Methodological Details

Background: Currently available estimates of diabetes prevalence in India are based on published data derived from very few studies. The Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study is a communitybased survey conceived with the aim of obtaining the prevalence rates of diabetes in India as a whole, covering all 28 states, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and two of the union territories in the mainland of India, with a total sample size of 124,000 individuals. Methods: A stratified multistage sampling design has been used. In all study subjects, a structured questionnaire was administered and anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured. Fasting capillary blood glucose was first determined using a glucose meter. An oral glucose load was then administered to all subjects except those with self-reported diabetes, and the 2 h post-load capillary blood glucose was estimated. In every fifth subject, a fasting venous sample was collected for measurement of lipids and creatinine, a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed, and dietary assessment questionnaire was administered. In all diabetic subjects, an additional diabetes questionnaire was used and a fasting venous sample drawn for glycated hemoglobin. Conclusions: The ICMR-INDIAB study is the first of its kind attempting to provide accurate and comprehensive state- and national-level data on diabetes prevalence in India

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Olanzapine Salts and Their Hydration Stability Study Using Powder X‑ray Diffraction

A series of olanzapine (OLN) dicarboxylic acid salts including earlier reports on olanzapinium malonate (1:1) and maleate (1:1 and 1:2) were prepared mechanochemically using liquid assisted grinding (LAG) in order to study their hydration stability. Powder X-ray diffraction was used as a characterization tool during the investigation. On the basis of the single crystal structures of respective OLN salts, a negative correlation between the dicarboxylic acid chain length and the hydration stability of the corresponding OLN salt was found. Our observations suggest that the overall crystal packing, beyond the stronger hydrogen bond synthon (N⁺–H···O^– in OLN salts compared to O–H···N in OLN hydrates) plays an important role in designing OLN salts with better hydration stability. In addition, melting point analysis showed that OLN dicarboxylic acid salts follow melting point alteration behavior similar to the pure diacids

Consensus statement on management of chronic heart failure in India

Summary of the Consensus Statement: This statement has been prepared keeping Indian heart failure patients in mind. Optimal management of CHF improves quality of life, reduces hospitalization rates and prolongs survival for people with this condition. Echocardiography is the single most useful test in the evaluation of heart failure, and is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Plasma B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements may be useful in excluding CHF but not mandatory in India. Educate people with CHF about lifestyle changes (e.g., increase physical activity levels, reduce salt intake and manage weight). Educate people with CHF about CHF symptoms and how to manage fluid load. Avoid prescribing drugs that exacerbate CHF. Prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) at effective doses for people with all grades of systolic heart failure, and titrate to the highest recommended dose tolerated. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARA) may be used as alternatives in people who cannot tolerate ACEIs. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) should also be used. For people with stabilised systolic heart failure, prescribe beta-blockers that have been shown to improve outcome in heart failure (e.g., bisoprolol, carvedilol, extended release metoprolol or nebivolol). Titrate to the highest recommended dose tolerated. Prescribe diuretics, digoxin and nitrates for people already using ACEIs and beta-blockers to manage symptoms as indicated. For people who have systolic heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II-IV) despite appropriate doses of ACEIs and diuretics, consider prescribing spironolactone. Eplerenone can be considered in certain setting especially post myocardial infarction though it is more expensive. Consider direct sinus node inhibition with ivabradine for people with CHF who have impaired systolic function, have had a recent heart failure hospitalisation and are in sinus rhythm with a heart rate >70 bpm despite beta blockers or where beta blockers are contraindicated Check for, and treat, iron deficiency in people with CHF to improve their symptoms, exercise tolerance and quality of life Consider assessing people with CHF for biventricular pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. Patients with end stage heart failure have an option for heart transplant and ventricular assist devices which is now available in select centers

Measurements of elastic scattering for

Elastic scattering angular distributions have been measured for 7Be + 9Be system at Elab = 17, 19 and 21 MeV in the angular range θcm=26○–58°, and for 7Li + 9Be system at Elab= 15.75, 24 and 30 MeV. An optical model (OM) analysis of these data have been carried out. For the 7Li + 9Be system fusion cross sections were obtained at Elab = 15.75, 24 and 30 MeV by measuring the α-evaporation spectra from the compound nucleus at backward angles. The measured α-evaporation spectra were reproduced by the statistical model calculations and fusion cross sections were extracted therefrom. The ratios of the experimental fusion cross sections to the total reaction cross sections (obtained form OM analysis) were found to be rather small. This result suggests that break-up process has a strong influence on fusion process leading to a reduction in fusion cross section