Preoperative Malnutrition Increases Risk of In-Hospital Mortality, Major Infection, and Longer Intensive Care Unit Stay After Ventricular Septal Defect Closure.

Background: High energy requirements and poor feeding can lead to growth failure in patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD), but effects of preoperative malnutrition on surgical outcomes are poorly understood, especially in low-resource settings.

Methods And Results: We analyzed a cohort of children <5 years of age undergoing VSD closure at 60 global centers participating in the International Quality Improvement Collaborative for Congenital Heart Disease, 2015 to 2020. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for in-hospital death and major infection and adjusted coefficients for duration of intensive care unit stay for 4 measures of malnutrition: severe wasting (weight-for-height score, <-3), moderate wasting (-3 View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Effect of Surface Chemistry on Hemolysis, Thrombogenicity, and Toxicity of Carbon Nanotube Doped Thermally Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Implants.

Assessing blood compatibility is crucial before in vivo procedures and is considered more reliable than many in vitro tests. This study examines the physiochemical properties and blood compatibility of bioactive powders ((0.5-2 wt % carbon nanotube (CNT)/alumina)-20 wt %)) produced through a heterocoagulation colloidal technique followed by ball milling with hydroxyapatite (HAp).

Thermal spray processes influencing surface chemistry and in-vitro hemocompatibility of hydroxyapatite-based orthopedic implants.

Orthopedic implants made from titanium are a popular choice in the medical field because of their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless, they may not interact well with human blood, resulting in thrombosis and hemolysis. In fact, non-hemocompatibility is believed to be responsible for about 31 % of medical device failures in the US alone, requiring painful and expensive revision surgery.

Integrated Circular Economy Model System for Direct Lithium Extraction: From Minerals to Batteries Utilizing Aluminum Hydroxide.

Aluminum hydroxide, an abundant mineral found in nature, exists in four polymorphs: gibbsite, bayerite, nordstrandite, and doyleite. Among these polymorphs gibbsite, bayerite, and commercially synthesized amorphous aluminum hydroxide have been investigated as sorbent materials for lithium extraction from sulfate solutions. The amorphous form of Al(OH) exhibits a reactivity higher than that of the naturally occurring crystalline polymorphs in terms of extracting Li ions.

Experimental Investigation of Thermodynamic Stabilization in Boron Imidazolate Frameworks (BIFs) Synthesized by Mechanochemistry.

This study experimentally explores the energetics for the formation of boron-imidazolate frameworks (BIFs), which are synthesized by mechanochemistry. The topologically similar frameworks employ the same tetratopic linker based on tetrakis(imidazolyl)boric acid but differ in the monovalent cation metal nodes. This permits assessment of the stabilizing effect of metal nodes in frameworks with sodalite (SOD) and diamondoid () topologies.

Multi-Functional Applications of H-Glass Embedded with Stable Plasmonic Gold Nanoislands.

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are synthesized using various techniques on diverse substrates that significantly impact their properties. However, among the substrate materials investigated, the major challenge is the stability of MNPs due to their poor adhesion to the substrate. Herein, it is demonstrated how a newly developed H-glass can concurrently stabilize plasmonic gold nanoislands (GNIs) and offer multifunctional applications.

Noninvasive treatment of psoriasis and skin rejuvenation using an akermanite-type narrowband emitting phosphor.

Psoriasis is a noncontagious, long-lasting skin infection that affects many people around the world. Numerous therapeutic artificial treatments are available for the treatment of psoriasis, such as photodynamic therapy using broadband ultraviolet (UV) lamps, which have harmful effects on human skin. Similarly, the natural healing systems such as sunlight have a higher risk of sunburn and can cause dangerous forms of skin cancer.

Application of Rupantaran software to Sri Lankan hospitals: an innovative tool developed to merge population-based cancer registry data into CanReg5.

The purpose of a population-based cancer registry is to provide information on the disease burden for cancer control planning and is essential in studies on assessing the effectiveness of prevention, early detection, screening and cancer care interventions, where implemented. Sri Lanka is one of the Member States of the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia Region and receives technical support for cancer registration from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the IARC Regional Hub based at the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, India. For data management of cancer registry records, Sri Lanka National Cancer Registry (SLNCR) uses the open-source registry software tool, CanReg5, as developed by IARC.

Slug Flow Coprecipitation Synthesis of Uniformly-Sized Oxalate Precursor Microparticles for Improved Reproducibility and Tap Density of Li(NiCoMn)O Cathode Materials.

The microparticle quality and reproducibility of Li(NiCoMn)O (NCM811) cathode materials are important for Li-ion battery performance but can be challenging to control directly from synthesis. Here, a scalable reproducible synthesis process is designed based on slug flow to rapidly generate uniform micron-size spherical-shape NCM oxalate precursor microparticles at 25-34 °C. The whole process takes only 10 min, from solution mixing to precursor microparticle generation, without needing aging that typically takes hours.

Predictors of mortality and morbidity in total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with biventricular physiology: A 10-year Indian single centre experience of 492 patients.

Background: Surgical correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) remains associated with significant mortality despite advances in intra-operative and postoperative management. We retrospectively analyzed 492 consecutive TAPVC patients with biventricular physiology, who were operated at our centre, with regard to predictors of mortality, morbidity, and intermediate-term outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A total of 492 TAPVC patients with biventricular physiology were operated at our centre from August 2009 to November 2019.

Probing Capacity Trends in MLiTiO Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes Using Calorimetric Studies.

Due to higher packing density, lower working potential, and area specific impedance, the MLiTiO (M = 2Na, Sr, Ba, and Pb) titanate family is a potential alternative to zero-strain LiTiO anodes used commercially in Li-ion batteries. However, the exact lithiation mechanism in these compounds remains unclear. Despite its structural similarity, MLiTiO behaves differently depending on charge and size of the metal ion, hosting 1.

Facile synthesis and phase stability of Cu-based NaCu(SO)·HO ( = 0-2) sulfate minerals as conversion type battery electrodes.

Mineral exploration forms a key approach for unveiling functional battery electrode materials. The synthetic preparation of naturally found minerals and their derivatives can aid in designing of new electrodes. Herein, saranchinaite NaCu(SO) and its hydrated derivative kröhnkite NaCu(SO)·2HO bisulfate minerals have been prepared using a facile spray drying route for the first time.

LnTeO (Ln = La, Gd, and Eu) "Anti-Glass" Phase-Assisted Lanthanum-Tellurite Transparent Glass-Ceramics: Eu Emission and Local Site Symmetry Analysis.

The presence of lanthanide-tellurite "anti-glass" nanocrystalline phases not only affects the transparency in glass-ceramics (GCs) but also influences the emission of a dopant ion. Therefore, a methodical understanding of the crystal growth mechanism and local site symmetry of doped luminescent ions when embedded into the precipitated "anti-glass" phase is crucial, which unfolds the practical applications of GCs. Here, we examined the LnTeO "anti-glass" nanocrystalline phase growth mechanism and local site symmetry of Eu ions in transparent GCs produced from 80TeO-10TiO-(5 - )LaO-5GdO-EuO glasses, where = 0, 1, 2.

The meandering intrapulmonary total anomalous pulmonary venous channel (MITAPVC)-old wine in new bottle or a new variant?

Background: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), with an intrapulmonary segment (IPV), a meandering abnormally located confluence and obligatory drainage of one lung into the other before entering the systemic circulation, is a rare anomaly and we term it as the meandering intrapulmonary TAPVC (MITAPVC).

Material And Methods: We report five patients with an unusual variation of the TAPVC channel. A review of literature was done to identify this association of TAPVC with an intrapulmonary vein and absence of a confluence in its usual location.

Entropy Stabilization Effects and Ion Migration in 3D "Hollow" Halide Perovskites.

A recently discovered new family of 3D halide perovskites with the general formula (A)()(Pb)(X) (A = MA, FA; X = Br, I; MA = methylammonium, FA = formamidinium, = ethylenediammonium) is referred to as "hollow" perovskites owing to extensive Pb and X vacancies created on incorporation of cations in the 3D network. The "hollow" motif allows fine tuning of optical, electronic, and transport properties and bestowing good environmental stability proportional to loading. To shed light on the origin of the apparent stability of these materials, we performed detailed thermochemical studies, using room temperature solution calorimetry combined with density functional theory simulations on three different families of "hollow" perovskites namely /FAPbI, /MAPbI, and /FAPbBr.

Biological methylation: redefining the link between genotype and phenotype.

The central dogma of molecular biology is responsible for the crucial flow of genetic information from DNA to protein through the transcription and translation process. Although the sequence of DNA is constant in all organs, the difference in protein and variation in the phenotype is mainly due to the quality and quantity of tissue-specific gene expression and methylation pattern. The term methylation has been defined and redefined by various scientists in the last fifty years.

A Comparison of Order-Disorder in Several Families of Cubic Oxides.

Order-disorder on both cation and oxygen sites is a hallmark of fluorite-derived structures, including pyrochlores. Ordering can occur on long- and short-range scales and can result in persistent metastable states. In various cubic oxide systems, different types of disorder are seen.

Realizing cool and warm white-LEDs based on color controllable (Sr,Ba)AlOF:Eu phosphors obtained a microwave-assisted diffusion method.

Globally, phosphor converted white-LEDs (W-LEDs) are among the most suitable sources to reduce energy consumption. Nevertheless, modernization of efficient broadband emitting phosphors is most crucial to improve the W-LED performance. Herein, we synthesized a series of novel broadband emitting Sr2-xAl3O6F:xEu2+ phosphors via a new microwave-assisted diffusion method.

Paediatric dentists' knowledge of behavioural management principles in Tamil Nadu, India.

Aim: Behaviour management is one of the essential skills of paediatric dentists. Appropriate use of behavioural principles helps the child in developing the skills and behaviours necessary to willingly undergo dental care, not hindered by undue anxiety or fear. However, very little is known about the knowledge of principles regarding behaviour management among paediatric dentists.

Electronic transitions in layered hydroxides: Consequences of trigonal distortion of octahedral symmetry.

This work describes the assignment of the electronic spectra of metal ions in D coordination symmetry. Layered hydroxides are a class of materials that host transition metal ions such as Ni, Co, and Cr in D coordination symmetry. The electronic spectra of these ions in the layered hydroxides exhibit significant fine structure which is assigned to transitions arising from D coordination symmetry.

Automated Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease Through Measurement of Intima Media Thickness Using Deep Neural Networks.

Ultrasound images(US) of carotid artery aid in the detection and diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). Traditional methods for analysis of US images employ hand crafted features to classify images, which need expert knowledge for careful design and lack robustness to variations, leading to low sensitivity in clinical applications. Intima Media Thickness (IMT) and elasticity are the predominant markers used for carotid artery (CA) atherosclerotic plaque detection.

Influence of gold nanoparticles on the nonlinear optical and photoluminescence properties of EuO doped alkali borate glasses.

Alkali borate glasses activated with trivalent europium ions and rooted with gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised through a melt quenching process involving a selective thermochemical reduction and their applicability as photonic materials was assessed in detail. Non-linear optical (NLO) measurements were performed using a Z-scan approach in the wavelength range of 700-1000 nm. The open aperture Z-scan signatures for the Eu-containing glasses embedded with and without the Au NPs established a reverse saturable absorption (RSA) at all of the studied wavelengths ascribed to the two-photon absorption (2PA).

Glucose monitoring system using nanopellets.

The combination of the fields of software engineering, gadgets, and science has stood out among the most revolutionary future innovations. Health issues have been the focus of various engaging and explanatory studies. One such health-related dilemma is diabetes.

The reliability of cephalometric measurements in oral and maxillofacial imaging: Cone beam computed tomography versus two-dimensional digital cephalograms.

Context: This study compared digital two-dimensional (2D) lateral cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) total and half-skull images for the reliability of cephalometric measurements.

Aims: (1) To compare the accuracy of cephalometric measurements and reproducibility between the digital and CBCT cephalograms in the Indian population. (2) To compare interobserver variability in landmark identification through their cephalometric measurements by comparing different imaging modalities (CBCT total skull, CBCT half-skull, and conventional lateral cephalogram).

Asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis with normal left ventricular function - A review.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the commonest forms of acquired valvular heart disease. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic severe AS. Conservative management is usually advocated for asymptomatic severe AS.