Ni6Se5, an unexplored transition metal chalcogenide of formula M(n+1)Xn(2≤n≤8), for high-performance hybrid supercapacitor and Li-ion battery application

This work reports an in-situ, one-step hydrothermal preparation procedure of a binder-free electrode growth of Ni₆Se₅on nickel foam (Ni₆Se₅/NF) with a rod-like structure. Ni₆Se₅is an enveloped transition metal chalcogenides of formula M_(n+1)X_n(where 2≤n≤8, M is a transition metal and X is chalcogen) of the nickel selenide family. The Ni₆Se₅/NF electrode described here demonstrates an exceptional lifetime of 81% capacitance retention over 20000 cycles and a high specific capacitance of 473.5 Fg^-1at a current density of 4 Ag^-1. The Ni₆Se₅/NF/activated carbon asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits a remarkable 97.3 Whkg^-1energy density and a 2325 Wkg^-1power density. Ni₆Se₅served as an active electrode material in supercapacitor applications and offered exceptional power density and long cycle life. Ni₆Se₅/NF, used as an anode for Li-ion batteries (LIB), has a lithium storage capacity of 939.7 mAhg^-1at 100 mAg^-1current density. Ni₆Se₅active electrode material's excellent energy storage capability, which was previously unreported, is particularly beneficial for electrochemical energy storage device applications.

The "P"-Value: The Primary Alphabet of Research Revisited

Each research roves around the P value. A value less than 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. Very few researchers are aware of the history, real-world significance, statistical insight, and in-depth criticism about this monumental alphabet of research. This article will provide detailed insight into the most common molecule of research which will be rewarding for the young students and researchers in the primary world of research. It is not a simple value; it is the longest and broadest description of research squeezed to a number for the ground level worker to the principal investigator. The present review will provide a detailed and unique insight into the P value which would be rewarding for the primary care physicians toward translating research into their clinical practice.

A Retrospective Study on Drug and Dietary Patterns in Patients With Severe Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease in Eastern India

Background India has a high prevalence of rheumatic valvular heart diseases. Empirical treatment in rheumatic heart disease curtails morbidity and mortality. Less is known about the drug and dietary management of severe rheumatic heart disease at the pretertiary care level, which forms the building stone in the management of rheumatic heart disease. The present study was carried out to evaluate the drug and dietary patterns of patients with severe rheumatic valvular heart disease at a pretertiary care level, which is the backbone of the management of rheumatic heart disease. Methodology This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Eastern India between May 2020 and May 2022 across 1,264 study subjects. The drug and dietary patterns of the patients with severe rheumatic valvular heart disease during their index visit to the cardiac department were studied and analyzed. Patients aged less than 18 years; patients with mild or moderate rheumatic valvular heart diseases; patients with coexisting end-stage organ disease (chronic liver disease and chronic kidney disease), malignancy, and sepsis; and patients not willing to participate in the study were excluded. Results Most of the patients were on diuretic therapy, and diuretic therapy was overprescribed across the patients with mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, and aortic regurgitation. Most of the patients across each spectrum of rheumatic valvular heart disease were lacking the cornerstone therapy such as beta-blockers in mitral stenosis and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in mitral and aortic regurgitation. The recommended injectable benzathine penicillin prophylaxis was prescribed in a very small number of patients (5%), and most of the patients were on oral penicillin prophylaxis (95%) in spite of its reported high failure rate in prophylaxis. Empirical rationale prescriptions in severe rheumatic valvular heart disease were lacking in the pretertiary care level in Eastern India. Conclusion Each spectrum of severe valvular heart disease was lacking the cornerstone therapy such as beta-blockers in mitral stenosis and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in mitral and aortic regurgitation along with recommended injectable benzathine penicillin prophylaxis. Diuretics and digoxin were overprescribed across the spectrum of rheumatic heart disease. Improvement of this essential gap in the treatment of severe rheumatic heart disease would bring down morbidity and improve mortality in the future.

Diagnostic Dilemma of Frozen Shoulder in Post CABG Patient: A Case Report

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition featured by stiffness and pain in shoulder joint. In this report, we present a case of 58 years old diabetic male patient with the history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 06 months back. He presented with persistent right shoulder pain for 05 months. Clinical examinations reveal restriction of the right shoulder joint movement in all directions and wasting of the right supraspinatus, infraspinatus and trapezius muscles. Both active and passive range of motions was restricted with painful right shoulder joint. Pain free abduction range was about 40 degrees in right shoulder. Plain X-ray of right shoulder joint and other relevant investigations show normal findings. Considering the clinical and laboratory findings decision was taken to treat the patient with exercise, pain killer and ultrasound therapy which were found to be optimistic.

Hematological Parameters as an Early Marker of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study

Background Although the association between the presence of diabetes mellitus and the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is well known, the role of novel biomarkers in predicting the development of DVT in diabetic patients is not yet known to a large extent. Studies have shown that complete blood count (CBC) and CBC-derived parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used as surrogate markers to detect DVT. This study was conducted to assess the utility of NLR and PLR as a marker of DVT in diabetic patients. Methodology This case-control study was conducted among a calculated sample size of 109 DVT patients in one arm and 109 non-DVT patients in another arm. Hematological tests including total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, total neutrophil count, total lymphocyte count, total platelet count, NLR, and PLR were performed. Results We found a significant difference in NLR and PLR between the DVT and the non-DVT groups. In addition, we found that NLR and PLR were significantly higher in the diabetic group, indicating the presence of inflammation in association with diabetes mellitus. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that at a cut-off value of 2.83, NLR can detect DVT in diabetic patients with 67% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Similarly, PLR at a cut-off value of 131.46 can detect DVT in diabetic patients with 56% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Conclusions We conclude that NLR and PLR are novel inflammatory markers that can help in the early detection of DVT in diabetic patients.

Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Young Adults in Eastern India: A Clinico-Aetiological Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

The development of atrial fibrillation adds a lot to the morbidity and mortality of individual patients. The spectrum of non-valvular atrial fibrillation among young adults is less known. The present observational study aims to analyze the clinical-aetiological spectrum of non-valvular atrial fibrillation among young adults between 18 and 40 years of age.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out to analyze the clinical-aetiological spectrum of non-valvular atrial fibrillation among young adults less than 40 years of age attending the cardiac outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India over a period of two years. Patients with any form of organic valvular heart disease and patients more than 40 years of age were excluded from the study. One hundred and seventeen patients under 40 years of age were analysed with respect to demographic, aetiological, and clinical profiles.

RESULTS

Most common aetiologies behind non-valvular atrial fibrillation in young adults (<40 years) were hypertension (40%) and the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (31%). Thyrotoxicosis, obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, the presence of congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, myopericarditis, chronic kidney disease, dyselectronemia, diabetes mellitus, and the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease contributed towards the development of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in the young population in less proportion of cases. Most of the cases were symptomatic with palpitation, shortness of breath, or diaphoresis. Less number of cases (17%) had left atrial thrombus which may be due to early clinical attention with the proper therapeutic anticoagulation regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension and the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction contribute to the majority towards the development of non-valvular atrial fibrillation among young adults. Accurate measurement and monitoring of blood pressure among young adults and careful assessment of left ventricular systolic dysfunction with subsequent appropriate management of hypertension and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in young can decrease the burden of non-valvular atrial fibrillation among the young population.

Process engineering strategy for improved methanol production in Methylosinus trichosporium through enhanced mass transfer and solubility of methane and carbon dioxide

Methanol was produced in a two-stage integrated process using Methylosinus trichosporium NCIMB 11131. The first stage involved sequestration of methane to produce methanotrophic biomass, which was utilized as biocatalyst in the second stage to convert CO₂ into methanol. A combinatorial process engineering approach of design of micro-sparger, engagement of draft tube, addition of mass transfer vector and elevation of reactor operating pressure was employed to enhance production of biomass and methanol. Maximum biomass titer of 7.68 g/L and productivity of 1.46 g/L d^-1 were achieved in an airlift reactor equipped with a micro-sparger of 5 µm pore size, in the presence of draft tube and 10 % v/v silicone oil, as mass transfer vector. Maximum methane fixation rate was estimated to be 0.80 g/L d^-1. Maximum methanol titer of 1.98 g/L was achieved under an elevated operating pressure of 4 bar in a high-pressure stirred tank reactor.

Socioeconomic Burden of Critically Ill Patients: A Descriptive Study

Background The cost of critical illness treatment is generally recognized as expensive and increasing in India. Critical illness of the individual will affect the socioeconomic status of the individual and the family. The direct and indirect costs of intensive care and its impact on the socioeconomic status of critically ill patients and their families need to be estimated. The present study was carried out to evaluate the socioeconomic burden of critically ill patients admitted to ICUs in Eastern India. Methods A descriptive survey was conducted to measure the socioeconomic burden. One hundred fifteen critically ill patients and their family members were conveniently selected for the study. Critically ill patients admitted to ICUs and those who were bedridden for more than seven days along with anyone the family member, i.e., spouse, father, or mother, were included in the study to estimate the impact of long-term illness on the care providers in the family. Socio-demographic and socioeconomic burdens were analyzed through the interview method. Results Half (49.6%) of the critically ill patients were heads of the family, and their employment is the primary source of income for the family members. Most (60.9%) of the patients belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Critically ill patients spend a maximum (38169.6±3996.2) amount for pharmaceutical expenses. Eventually, the family members accompanying patients lost maximum working days because of the long length of hospital stay. Below upper-lower (p=0.046) class socioeconomic family, age less than 40 (p=0.018) years, and those families depending (p=0.003) on patients' income significantly reported higher socioeconomic burden. Conclusions Critical care hospitalization of patients increases the socioeconomic burden on the whole family, especially in lower-middle-income countries like India. It soberly affects younger age group patients with low socioeconomic status and families depending on the patient's income during their man days.

Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy As the Presenting Sign of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a type of ischemic maculopathy affecting intermediate and deep retinal capillary plexuses. A typical presentation is acute onset scotoma with or without vision loss. It is characterized by greyish-white parafoveal lesions. Sometimes very subtle lesions can be missed on clinical examination. The main diagnostic modality is spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) wherein focal or multifocal lesions are seen as bands of hyperreflectivity in the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. This entity can be associated with systemic microvascular diseases. Here, we report an interesting case of PAMM as the only presenting sign in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, highlighting the necessity for a thorough systemic examination in such patients.

Macro T-wave Alternans in Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome

Here, we report a rare case of a three-year-old boy with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome who presented with two episodes of nocturnal agonal gasp provoked by fever mimicking syncope in the last six months with a history of sudden cardiac death in one elderly sibling. Interestingly, an electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed macro T-wave alternans (TWA) indicative of a high risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia in the form of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. TWA in JLN syndrome has not been described in the global literature so far. Our case is unique and the first to describe macro TWA in JLN syndrome and is a teaching point to young cardiologists to always look for macro TWA in the EKG of long QT syndrome for risk stratification, management, and, most importantly, avoiding the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Influence of surface viscosities on the electrodeformation of a prolate viscous drop

Contaminants and other agents are often present at the interface between two fluids, giving rise to rheological properties such as surface shear and dilatational viscosities. The dynamics of viscous drops with interfacial viscosities has attracted greater interest in recent years, due to the influence of surface rheology on deformation and the surrounding flows. We investigate the effects of shear and dilatational viscosities on the electro-deformation of a viscous drop using the Taylor-Melcher leaky dielectric model. We use a large deformation analysis to derive an ordinary differential equation for the drop shape. Our model elucidates the contributions of each force to the overall deformation of the drop and reveals a rich range of dynamic behaviors that show the effects of surface viscosities and their dependence on rheological and electrical properties of the system. We also examine the physical mechanisms underlying the observed behaviors by analyzing the surface dilatation and surface deformation.

Bleeding From Left Atrial Appendage During Atrial Septal Defect Closure Through Right Anterolateral Thoracotomy: An Unusual Complication

Anterolateral thoracotomy is frequently used for the closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). The cosmetic result has become an important feature. There are various complications of anterolateral thoracotomy like persistent postoperative pain, phrenic nerve injury, atelectasis, and bleeding. We report a case of ASD closure through anterolateral thoracotomy who had bleeding of the left atrial appendage (LAA), which is an unusual and rare complication.

In situ uniaxial pressure cell for x-ray and neutron scattering experiments

We present an in situ uniaxial pressure device optimized for small angle x-ray and neutron scattering experiments at low-temperatures and high magnetic fields. A stepper motor generates force, which is transmitted to the sample via a rod with an integrated transducer that continuously monitors the force. The device has been designed to generate forces up to 200 N in both compressive and tensile configurations, and a feedback control allows operating the system in a continuous-pressure mode as the temperature is changed. The uniaxial pressure device can be used for various instruments and multiple cryostats through simple and exchangeable adapters. It is compatible with multiple sample holders, which can be easily changed depending on the sample properties and the desired experiment and allow rapid sample changes.

Separation of Radioactive Ruthenium from Alkaline Solution: A Solvent Extraction and Detailed Mechanistic Approach

A solvent extraction-based technique has been utilized to study the separation of ruthenium from simulated alkaline solution using Aliquat 336 as the extractant and isodecyl alcohol (IDA) as the phase modifier in n-dodecane. The effects of various experimental parameters such as solution pH, mixing time, concentration of Aliquat 336 and IDA, role of citric acid as the aqueous phase modifier/complexing agent, and stripping agents have been evaluated. It was observed that with the increase in the solution pH, the extraction efficiency increases gradually. However, when citric acid was added into the aqueous solution, an overall increase (from ∼20 to 91%) in ruthenium extraction is observed. 20 min of the mixing time was found to be sufficient to reach the extraction equilibrium. Solution composition was optimized as 50% Aliquat 336 and 10% IDA in n-dodecane (v/v) for maximum extraction. The stripping of ruthenium from the loaded organic phase has been studied using HCl and HNO₃. The result indicates that in the presence of 8 M HNO₃, ∼73% of ruthenium can be back extracted to the aqueous phase in a single contact. The stripping efficiency of HNO₃ was found to be higher than that of HCl. Active studies with ¹⁰⁶Ru as the radiotracer were also performed and monitored using a HPGe detector. The same method was implemented for extraction studies with real waste solution in the presence of other radionuclides such as ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, and ¹²⁵Sb. The presence of the chemical species in aqueous as well as organic phase has been identified using UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Density functional theory-based quantum mechanical calculations have been performed in order to unravel the extraction mechanism with the present solvent system.

Local spectroscopic evidence for a nodeless magnetic kagome superconductor CeRu2

We report muon spin rotation (µSR) experiments on the microscopic properties of superconductivity and magnetism in the kagome superconductor CeRu₂withTc≃5 K. From the measurements of the temperature-dependent magnetic penetration depthλ, the superconducting order parameter exhibits nodeless pairing, which fits best to an anisotropics-wave gap symmetry. We further show that theTc/λ^-2ratio is comparable to that of unconventional superconductors. Furthermore, the powerful combination of zero-field (ZF)-µSR and high-fieldµSR has been used to uncover magnetic responses across three characteristic temperatures, identified asT1∗≃110 K,T2∗≃65 K, andT3∗≃40 K. Our experiments classify CeRu₂as an exceedingly rare nodeless magnetic kagome superconductor.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism among CKD Patients and Correlation with Different Laboratory Parameters

Hyperthyroidism is one of the major complications in CKD patients who results in a number of metabolic disorders and contributes to morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for secondary hyperparathyroidism among CKD patients as well as its correlation with different laboratory parameters. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the admitted CKD patients of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2019. Following recruitment, clinical parameters were extracted from the patients' medical records. Afterward, blood sample blood was collected to measure the biochemical parameters and serum parathyroid hormone levels. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with hyperparathyroidism. The mean±SD serum PTH in all CKD patients was 215.04±168.15 pg/ml. The overall prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism among CKD patients was 75.0% (32.0% in stage 3, 88.0% in stage 4 and 93.0% in stage 5 CKD). Serum PTH levels had a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and serum phosphate levels and a significant negative correlation with serum albumin and serum calcium levels. However, only female sex was revealed as a significant risk factor in the adjusted regression model (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.98 for male sex compared to female sex). As the prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism increases in advanced stages of CKD, early detection and management of CKD are crucial to prevent metabolic disorders that could trigger the development of this complication.

Process engineering strategy for large scale outdoor cultivation of Tetradesmus obliquus CT02 coupled with pH guided CO2 feeding

A novel CO₂ tolerant microalga Tetradesmus obliquus CT02, was previously evaluated to be a suitable bio refinery platform for synthesis of bioactive molecules, biodiesel, and biofertilizer. In the present study, a process engineering strategy was developed targeting improved growth performance of the strain at large scale under fluctuating outdoor environmental conditions. The strategy relies on maintaining pH of the culture at its optimal value via cascade control with CO₂ feeding. The strategy was developed at laboratory scale bubble column photobioreactor under diurnal variation of simulated sunlight intensity and was further validated through growth performance of the strain under outdoor conditions in a 100 L airlift bioreactor. Under laboratory condition, 53.3% and 85.16% improvement in biomass concentration (1.87 g L^-1) and productivity (114.8 mg L^-1 day^-1) was achieved as compared to the uncontrolled pH, respectively. The strategy demonstrated a significant improvement in biomass concentration and productivity by 225.7% and 121.6% respectively, compared to the pH uncontrolled batch, even under outdoor fluctuating environmental condition.

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Diagnostic Tests: A Glimpse

Mass testing for COVID-19 infection is one of the core measures in tackling the global spread of the disease. Testing is vital to diagnose and estimate cases, attack rates and case fatality rates- critical data for policy-making. As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, the demand for more extensive laboratory testing and innovative technology increases. However, countries around the world have been struggling to keep up pace with the worldwide demand to expand testing strategy. The pandemic evolves, so does our knowledge and understanding of diagnostic tests of COVID-19. Here we aim to review major challenges related to COVID-19 diagnostic tests and future development. So, the ongoing urgency and demand for tests would certainly steer the rapid uptake of novel techniques, which in turn would boost our understanding of diagnostic tests for COVID-19.

Post-COVID-19 HSV encephalitis: a review

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is one of the most common infectious causes of sporadic encephalitis. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with immune dysregulation of the host that might increase the risk of infections like HSVE following SARS-CoV-2 infection. There is paucity of literature on post COVID-19 HSVE. This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the clinical presentation, brain imaging, and outcome of patients presenting with HSVE within 6 weeks of COVID-19 and providing a comprehensive review on the possible mechanisms of post-COVID-19 HSVE.

METHODS

This observational study included patients who had laboratory-confirmed HSVE (type 1 or type 2) and a history of COVID-19 within the previous 6 weeks. Patients were followed up for 3 months.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included and all of them had type 1 HSVE. The mean latency of onset of neurological symptoms from being diagnosed with COVID-19 is 23.87 days and a majority of the patients have received injectable steroids with a mean duration of 6.5 days. Behavioral abnormality was the commonest neurological presentation and typical brain imaging involved T2 FLAIR hyperintensities of the medial temporal lobes. All patients received intravenous acyclovir 10 mg/kg every eight hourly for atleast 14 days. One patient with concomitant rhinocerebral mucormycosis succumbed while the majority had a complete recovery.

CONCLUSION

Possible immune dysregulation in COVID-19 may increase the susceptibility of HSVE in patients with a history of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of HSVE in such patients are similar to typical HSVE.