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This study explores age-dependent ingestion doses arising from uranium accumulation in drinking water sources (both groundwater and surface water) in Rupnagar, Punjab, and Una, Himachal Pradesh. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were assessed in collected water samples to calculate the water quality index, indicating good water quality in both regions. The study also analyzed uranium concentration in groundwater at varying depths, revealing no significantly high values. The average radiological risk was found to be consistent with reported values, and chemical risk hazard quotient data indicated no adverse health effects from uranium ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed natural radioactivity in Rohtak and Jind districts, Haryana, India. Concentrations of radionuclides in soil and building materials were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The "Canister Technique" was employed to estimate radon mass exhalation and surface exhalation rates. Results showed low radiation doses from soil radioactivity, with activity concentrations ranging from 3.7 to 51.7 Bq/kg for radium, 7.3 to 96 Bq/kg for thorium, and 52.2 to 585 Bq/kg for potassium. The findings also calculated radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose rate, hazard indices, and excess life time cancer risk. This research highlights the importance of understanding natural radioactivity for assessing environmental radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating groundwater uranium concentration is crucial for assessing the radiological impact on human health due to radionuclide ingestion. This study quantifies uranium concentration in groundwater samples collected from various sources in the Patiala district, Punjab. LED Fluorimeter is employed for direct determination of uranium. Results reveal that 78% of locations have uranium concentration below the WHO limit of 30 µg/L, while 22% exceed the safe limit. However, all samples are below the AERB-recommended 60 µg/L limit. The uranium concentration in the groundwater ranges from 5.59 to 57.53 µg/L, with an average concentration of 24.57 µg/L. The variation in uranium concentration is influenced by factors such as pH and the water source. Radiation dose, cancer risk, and daily intake are calculated, suggesting most samples are safe for drinking, but prolonged consumption in high-uranium areas poses health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the, exhalation rate, and natural radioactivity in the soil of Roopnagar district, Punjab. The radon mass and surface exhalation rate ranged from 1.18 mBq kg−1 h−1 to 5.72 mBq kg−1 h−1, with an average value of 2.68 mBq kg−1 h−1, and from 4.89 mBq m−2 h−1 to 23.58 mBq m−2 h−1, with an average value of 11.09 mBq m−2 h−1, respectively. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was found to be 31.9 Bq kg−1, 44.1 Bq kg−1, and 419.0 Bq kg−1, respectively. The air absorbed dose rates of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K had an average value of 14.88 nGyh−1, 27.4 nGyh−1, and 5.89 nGyh−1, respectively. The total air absorbed dose from all radionuclides ranged from 19.5 nGyh−1 to 87.7 nGyh−1, with an average value of 48.1 nGyh−1, which is discovered to be well below the levels considered dangerous by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report focuses on assessing the human health risks associated with radioactivity in the environment. It presents data on the concentration of radionuclides (Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40), as well as radon and thoron exhalation rates from agricultural soils in Punjab's Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib Districts. The study found that the radionuclides present in the soil contribute significantly to inhalation doses. The concentration of these radionuclides in the soil affects indoor radon and thoron levels, as they are a source of indoor gas. Soil samples were collected from ten agricultural fields and analyzed using gamma spectroscopy technique. The results provide information on specific activity, radon exhalation rates, thoron surface exhalation rates, radium equivalent activity, external, and internal index, annual effective dose, and excess life time cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene polymorphisms are implicated in pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.Methods: We studied ET-1 (Lys198Asn and 3A/4A) and endothelin receptor A (ETA) gene (His323His) polymorphisms in 123 subjects with pulmonary hypertension associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease (PH-MVD) and 123 healthy controls.Results: The mutant homozygous Asn/Asn genotype in Lys198Asn and T/T genotype in His323His polymorphism was more prevalent in the PH-MVD group. Presence of Asn/Asn genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk (odds ratio 3.9).Conclusions: ET-1 and ETA gene polymorphisms are prevalent in the PH-MVD group suggesting that they may predispose to the development of PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) thin films can be considerably varied by altering the concentration of precursor (Zinc acetate). As a starting material (precursor), zinc acetate and sodium selenosulphate were utilized. For solar applications, ZnSe is one of the most promising materials. The structural, chemical, optical, electrical, and photoelectric characteristics of ZnSe thin films were investigated on non-conducting glass substrates using a chemical bath deposition technique with varying concentration of zinc acetate (precursor) in an alkaline solution. Concentration affects the crystallinity, surface morphology, light absorption, photocurrent, and photo sensitivity of the films. • ZnSe thin films using four different concentrations of precursor (Zinc acetate) were prepared by CBD method. • Structural parameters i.e. particle size, strain, dislocation density and no. of crystallites per unit area were calculated. • Optical i.e. band gap, urbach energy, skin depth, absorption constant and coefficient were calculated. • Electrical parameters like dark conductivity, photoconductivity, carrier life time and trap depth were calculated. • By tuning structural, optical and electrical parameters of thin films, It can be used in various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of uranium and its decay product radon in water are the most important concern in human health. In this paper, efforts have been made to measure and correlate the uranium (Using an LED Fluorimeter) and radon concentrations (Using SMART RnDuo) in the water samples from the Budhakedar region of the Garhwal Himalaya to assess the risk. The concentrations of uranium and radon in the water samples were found to vary between Below Detection Level (BDL) to 1.70 Bq L−1 (with an arithmetic mean of 0.15 Bq L−1) and 0.43 to 1.29 Bq L−1 (with an arithmetic mean of 0.75 Bq L−1) respectively. The annual effective dose to the inhabitants of the study region was also calculated for the different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TREHAN, V.,et al.: Nonsurgical Management of Cardiac Tamponade Caused by a Temporary Pacemaker Lead. Right ventricular perforation secondary to temporary pacemaker lead, resulting in cardiac tamponade, is a rare but life-threatening complication. Surgery is usually the definitive management described for such cases. We describe successful sealing of such a perforation by percutaneous instillation of cyanoacrylate glue, through a guiding catheter in the pericardial sac at the perforation site.(PACE 2005; 28:242–244) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course. Background: A 39-year-old man with a complex valvular history of recurrent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with 2 surgical mitral valve replacements (in 2016 and 2017) followed by transcatheter mitral valve replacement (in 2019) presented with orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, chest pain, cough, and progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion. Case Report: Extensive workup was performed, including transesophageal echocardiogram, which revealed a malfunctioning, severely stenotic bioprosthetic valve. Left and right heart catheterization revealed mild non-obstructive coronary artery disease and severe pulmonary hypertension. Given the patient's complex medical history, he was deemed to be at an elevated risk for repeat sternotomy and repeat valve replacement surgery. Therefore, he underwent a percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve replacement with a 26-mm SAPIEN 3 Edwards valve placed within the previous 29-mm SAPIEN valve. Post-procedural imaging revealed a well-placed valve with an improved mitral valve gradient. Conclusions: This is one of the few rare cases of mitral valve-in-valve via a transcatheter mitral valve replacement approach with successful deployment of a SAPIEN 3 tissue heart valve. The patient experienced significant reversal of heart failure symptoms and improved exertional tolerance following deployment of the valve and was eventually discharged home in a stable condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. Hypertensive patients are more likely to develop diabetes and hypertension contributes to the high prevalence of CVDs, in addition to dyslipidemia and smoking. This study was to find the different patterns and overall rules among CVD patients, including rules broken down by age, sex, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, smoking habits, myocardial infarction (MI) type on ECG, diabetes, and hypertension. The cross-sectional study was performed on 240 subjects (135 patients of ST-elevation MI below 45 years and 105 age-matched controls). Association rule mining was used to detect new patterns for early-onset myocardial infarction. A hotspot algorithm was used to extract frequent patterns and various promising rules within real medical data. The experiment was carried out using "Weka", a tool for extracting rules to find out the association between different stored real parameters. In this study, we found out various rules of hypertension like "Rule 6" says that if levels of BP Systolic > 131 mmHg, LpA2 > 43.2 ng/ml, hsCRP > 3.71 mg/L, initial creatinine > 0.5 mg/dl, and initial Hb =15 g/dl (antecedent), then the patient will have 88% chance of developing hypertension (consequent). Similarly for diabetes mellitus with finding their lift and confidence for different support like "Rule 6", if MI type on ECG = 'Inferior Wall MI' with STATIN=No, and levels of Triglycerides =325 (antecedent), then the patient had a 67% chance of developing diabetes mellitus. We concluded that early-onset myocardial infarction is significantly associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Using association rule mining, we can predict the development of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in MI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of uranium in groundwater has become a growing concern due to its potential health implications. This abstract focuses on the assessment of uranium concentrations in groundwater samples collected from the Kangra district. The study employed rigorous sampling and analysis techniques to evaluate the extent of uranium contamination and its distribution in the groundwater resources of the region. A comprehensive survey was conducted across various locations within the Kangra district, involving the collection of groundwater samples from different depths and geological formations. The collected samples were subjected to meticulous laboratory analysis, employing advanced spectroscopic method of LED fluorimeter to quantify uranium concentrations. The findings reveal varying levels of uranium in the groundwater samples, with concentrations ranging from minimal to elevated levels. The distribution of uranium was observed to be influenced by geological factors, hydrological characteristics, and anthropogenic activities. This research contributes to the understanding of little uranium contamination in the Kangra district's groundwater, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders striving to ensure the safety and sustainability of the region's water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on assessing the potential health implications of radon gas exposure in the drinking water of the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The radon concentration from fifty water samples was measured by a Smart RnDuo monitor. The measured value of radon collectively for groundwater and surface water samples ranges from 0.82 ± 0.01 to 23.45 ± 0.87 Bq L−1, with a midest concentration of 15.25 ± 0.21 Bq L−1. A comparative analysis was done for twenty samples using RAD7 to standardize the technique. A positive correlation exists between these two techniques with R2 = 0.84. Additionally, the annual effective dose (AED) of radon consumption and inhalation was calculated for distinct generations, such as infants, children, and adults. Also the AED calculated for different organs. The measured concentrations were within safe limits, and the calculated dose distributions across different age groups confirmed the absence of considerable health risks from radon in the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon (222Rn) and Thoron (220Rn) are radioactive noble gases which are produced in the decay chain of primordial radionuclides 238U and 232Th. These gases have been established as an important source of inhalation radiation dose to human which increases risk of lung cancer. Similarly the terrestrial 226Ra, 232Th, 40K are known to contribute to cumulative external background exposure to humans. In the present study, these radionuclides of concern were measured in the environment of monuments and museums in the state of Punjab and the resultant dose was calculated for the occupants. The calculated Annual Inhalation Dose level varied from 1.5 to 4.0 mSv with mean of 3.0 ± 0.8 mSv. The cumulative dose from all radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K is 47.0 ± 11.56 nGyh−1, found well within the safe limits of 86 nGyh−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, an exertion has been made to assess the indoor 222Rn and 220Rn levels in dwellings of a Roopnagar district of Punjab, India. These estimations have been done in the rainy, winter, autumn and summer season. The average indoor radon concentration is 44 ± 14.08 Bq m−3, 57.40 ± 17.61 Bq m−3, 32.38 ± 12.59 Bq m−3 and 31.38 ± 7.48 Bq m−3 and thoron concentration are 56.91 ± 19.75 Bq m−3, 64.45 ± 23.90 Bq m−3, 45.98 ± 19.38 Bq m−3 and 43.39 ± 10.45 Bq m−3 for rainy, winter, autumn and summer seasons, respectively. The mean value of equilibrium equivalent radon and thoron concentration during the rainy season is 11.25 ± 2.91 Bq m−3 and 0.62 ± 0.14 Bq m−3 and during winter season is 13.36 ± 3.36 Bq m−3 and 0.85 ± 0.34 Bq m−3 respectively. For autumn season these values are 9.58 ± 1.43 Bq m−3 and 0.46 ± 0.11 Bq m−3, respectively. For summer season these values are 12.10 ± 1.57 Bq m−3 and 0.57 ± 0.99 Bq m−3, respectively. The annual inhalation dose comes out to be 0.98 ± 0.16 mSv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic thromboembolism is a known complication of rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) in sinus rhythm (SR). Left atrial appendage (LAA), the commonest site of thrombus formation is usually hypocontractile (inactive) in such patients. We aimed to study the prevalence of LAA inactivity (LAAI) in severe RMS and assess its independent predictors. Methods: The study population consisted of 100 patients of severe RMS in SR. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were done to assess LAA contractile function. Patients with LAA‐peak emptying velocity < 25 cm/seconds were defined as having LAAI. Results: The mean age of study subjects was 31.66±8.69 years and 56% were females. 73% patients had LAAI (Group A), while remaining 27% had normal LAA function (Group B). Mitral‐valve area (MVA) and lateral annulus systolic velocity (Sa‐wave) were significantly lower while mitral valve mean gradient (MVMG) and serum fibrinogen were significantly higher (all p‐values < 0.001) in group A patients. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, MVMG (p < 0.001), Sa‐wave (p = 0.02), and serum fibrinogen (p = 0.005) were independent predictors of LAAI. Optimal cut‐off values of MVMG, Sa‐wave and serum fibrinogen for predicting LAAI were 11.5 mm Hg, 6.8 cm/seconds and 300 mg/dl, respectively. Sixty‐Seven (90.55%) patients in group A compared to 13(48.1%) in group B had LA/LAA smoke. LAAI was the only independent predictor of left atrium (LA)/LAA smoke with or without associated thrombus. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of LAAI in patients of severe MS in SR. MVMG, Sa‐wave, and serum fibrinogen levels are independent predictors of LAAI. LAAI is an independent predictor of LA/LAA smoke with or without associated thrombus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome, with its attendant cardiovascular complications, is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide; hence, there is intense interest in understanding the pathogenesis of and developing therapy for these common disorders. Recent studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome may be a stress response, with an underlying abnormality in the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. At the cellular level, the enzyme hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD1) locally regenerates active cortisol from inactive cortisone, amplifying glucocorticoid receptor activation and promoting preadipocyte differentiation and adipocyte hypertrophy. Although initial studies in transgenic mice and humans are encouraging, more data are required to conclusively prove the hypothesis that the adipose-tissue–specific overexpression of HSD1 and the resultant increase in tissue-specific cortisol concentrations result in human obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. Currently, selective inhibitors of HSD1 are not available for human use; however, their development is under way. The use of potent and selective HSD1 inhibitors will finally confirm or refute this hypothesis and may turn out to be an effective strategy for combating these common maladies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mitral annular velocities are reportedly useful in diagnosing constrictive pericarditis (CP); however, their exact efficacy in larger clinical settings remains unevaluated. This study reexamined the role of longitudinal tissue Doppler imaging in diagnosing CP in clinical practice. Tissue velocity imaging (GE Vingmed System Five) was performed in 122 subjects (87 referred with clinically suspected CP and 35 age- and sex-matched controls). Of the 87 subjects with suspected CP, 45 (51.7%) had CP confirmed at surgery, 11 (12.6%) had restrictive heart disease, 20 (23.0%) had right heart failure due to cor pulmonale, and the other 11 (12.6%) had old pericardial effusions and no hemodynamic evidence of constriction on follow-up echocardiography. Of the 45 patients with CP, mitral early diastolic (Ea) annular velocities from septal and lateral regions were normal (≥8 cm/s) in 40 (88.9%) and decreased (<8 cm/s) in 1 or both regions in 5 (3 with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 2 with extensive mitral annular calcification). Of 11 patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy, 8 (72.7%) had reduced Ea (<8 cm/s) and 3 showed normal Ea velocity in 1 or both corners of the mitral annulus. All except 2 patients with right-sided heart failure from cor pulmonale and those with previous pericardial effusion had normal Ea velocities. A normal Ea velocity improved recognition of CP, particularly in the presence of nondiagnostic 2-dimensional or transmitral flow-Doppler imaging. The overall sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing CP using tissue Doppler incrementally with M-mode, 2-dimensional, and transmitral flow Doppler were 88.8% and 94.8%, respectively. Mitral annular velocities help with diagnosis and differentiation of CP in most cases, except in the presence of extensive annular calcification, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or segmental nonuniformity in myocardial velocities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Umbilical venous catheterization is a necessity for the advanced care of very low birth weight neonates. Even with utmost care, few complications cannot be avoided. Fractured and retained catheter fragments are one of them. Endoluminal retrieval of such a catheter is an uncommon and challenging procedure for the interventionist. The only alternative is an open exploration of these patients. Various techniques have been described for retrieval of such foreign bodies. We describe a novel technique for percutaneous retrieval of an embolized umbilical venous catheter from a very low birth weight neonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings are constantly exposed to radioactivity in the environment. As they are major sources of harmful radiation, radionuclides found in the atmosphere might result in a substantial potential risk to living beings. On the Earth's surface, the radioactive elements uranium and radium are naturally present, contributing to radon and thoron gases in the indoor as well as outdoor climate, sod and water. Radon is one of the most important toxins that, after cigarette smoking, is the second most common cause of generating lung cancer. Due to these health-related concerns, a lot of work has been undertaken by numerous research organizations to determine their levels at different locations throughout the world. This paper is an attempt to comprehensively report with different techniques all those studies being carried out in this part of India so that a current assessment of the indoor radon levels should be available for further work in this field. Six northern Indian states, viz. Punj ab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are considered for this examination. This study also provides data on exhalation rates and activity concentration of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) present in these states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of a 25-year-old asymptomatic female who was referred for evaluation of a cardiac murmur. She had recent history of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. On investigation, she was diagnosed with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (PSA) likely secondary to rupture of myocardial tubercular abscess. She was operated successfully for the left ventricular PSA and was discharged from the hospital in a good condition. (Echocardiography 2010;27:329-331) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncompaction of left ventricular myocardium (NCLV), or “spongy myocardium,” in adults represents an arrest in endomyocardial morphogenesis and occurs as an isolated cardiomyopathy. Because NCLV can be readily mistaken for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, echocardiographic features other than the structural features of the myocardial wall need to be carefully defined for distinguishing the 2 conditions. This study was therefore designed to characterize the echocardiographic features that could be useful for differentiating NCLV from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radon effect on human health need not be overemphasised. In the present study an attempt has been made to measure the concentration of indoor radon, thoron and annual effective dose received by residents of Nangal area of Roopnagar District of Punjab. Radium concentration and Radon exhalation in soil samples are also calculated. Indoor radon concentration varies from 93.1 Bqm−3 to 127.0 Bqm−3 with an average of 95.4 Bqm−3. The value of thoron concentration varies from 5.4 Bqm−3 to 47.2 Bqm−3 with an average of 24.0 Bqm−3. The observed annual effective dose varies from 2.3 mSv to 3.7 mSv which lies within safe limits recommended by ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection). Radon gas concentration in soil samples vary from 8.4 to 64.1 Bqm−3 with an average of 31.4 Bqm−3. The mass exhalation rate in samples vary from 0.2 to 2.7 mBq kg−1 h−1 with an average of 1.1 mBq kg−1 h−1, whereas, surface exhalation rate vary from 6.9 to 52.5 mBq m−2 h−1 with an average of 23.6 mBq m−2 h−1. The radium concentration ranges from 0.5 to 3.5 Bq kg−1 with an average of 1.8 Bq kg−1. The observed values of radium concentration in all soil samples are less than the recommended value 370 Bq kg−1 by OECD (Organization for Economic Corporation and Development). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Apelin-APJ pathway has emerged as a potent regulator of blood pressure (BP) and blood flow in vasculature and heart. Variants in apelin gene may affect the vascular tone in peripheral circulation or heart, thereby predisposing to cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of two apelin gene polymorphisms rs3761581 and rs2235312, and apelin levels in patients with essential hypertension (EH) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods The study comprised of three groups namely, (1) 118 healthy control subjects, (2) 92 EH patients, and (3) 60 ACS patients. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and genotyping was performed by SNaPshot method. Plasma apelin 13 levels were estimated using ELISA. Results EH and ACS patients had a significantly lower level of apelin 13, regardless of gender ( p = 0.003, p = 0.017, respectively). Interestingly, the female EH and ACS patients had lower levels of apelin 13 than their male counterparts. The G allele of rs3761581 was more apparent in patients especially in ACS than the controls. Conclusion Reduced apelin levels may enhance vasoconstriction to influence high BP and heart's workload in EH and ACS. Genetic involvement of apelin needs to be established in well-defined larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optical, thermoluminescent, structural, and physical characteristics of samarium doped manganese potassium borate glasses were analyzed using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermoluminescence (TL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The glasses were obtained using the well-known melt–quenching process. The XRD patterns confirmed the non-crystalline characteristics of the prepared glasses and numerous structural groups were identified in the glasses based on the FTIR spectra. Physical and optical parameters were evaluated to study their responses to different Sm3+ concentrations. The indirect and direct band gaps were evaluated based on the Tauc's plots. The TL glow curves for the glasses were analyzed after irradiation with different gamma ray doses (10 Gy–10 kGy). Kinetic parameters including the frequency factor and activation energy were determined using the peak shape method. • Structural, optical, and thermoluminescence properties of Sm3+ doped MnKB glasses investigated. • Amorphous nature of glass samples confirmed by powdered XRD. • Interesting features identified by structure and FTIR studies, such as conversion of BO 3 to BO 4 structural units and vice versa. • Band gap calculated using K-M function tended to increase with the Sm3+ ion concentration. • Single TL glow peak observed for all glass samples with different Sm 2 O 3 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although insertion of multiple stents into a single coronary vessel during single-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is common, there are no data on long-term occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients treated with multiple stents versus a single stent. Methods: The incidence of MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) during long-term follow-up was investigated in 634 patients who underwent single-vessel PCI. Of the 634 patients, 319 (50%) had a single stent, and 315 (50%) had multiple stents inserted. Stepwise Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant independent prognostic factors for MACE. Results: At 47-month follow-up, MACE occurred in 61 of 319 patients (19%) who had a single stent versus in 57 of 315 patients (18%) who had multiple stents (P not significant). Significant independent predictors of MACE were use of vein grafts (hazard ratio = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.24–3.03; P = 0.0038) and use of drug-eluting stents (hazard ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34–0.72; P = 0.0002). Conclusions: At long-term follow-up of single-vessel PCI, the incidence of MACE was similar in patients with multiple or single stents inserted even after controlling for the length of stents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the prospective and nonrandomized clinical trial study regarding the use of pentoxifylline therapy in the management of Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). It explains that HPS is prevalent among patients with cirrhosis, which is characterized by a triad of liver disease, hypoxemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilations (IPVD). 400 mg of Pentoxifylline was administered to patients three times daily for about 3 months. Adverse effects of the penotoxifylline was also monitored. Information on the other methodology and resutls is presented.

The success with occlusion devices for the closure of atrial septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus prompted the transcatheter closure of single and multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (VSD). The procedure for VSD was first attempted by Lock et al. in 1988 and devices originally designed for the closure of other intracardiac defects (Rashkind umbrella device, Lock clamshell, Cardioseal, coils, Sideris buttoned device etc.) were used with a variable success rate and a residual shunt. Recently, specially designed Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder and Sideris device are in use. The Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder has been undergoing clinical trial since 1998 after the animal experiments had shown 100% occlusion and complete endothelization at 3 months. The procedure was first attempted in August 1995 using the Rashkind umbrella device and since April 1998 only the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder has been used. Of the 149 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of VSD, 50 had muscular trabecular defects in various locations: mid-muscular, anterior, posterior, or apical. All cases were selected by detailed transthoracic and/or transesophageal echocardiography (TTE) and aneurysm of the muscular septum was observed in three of them. The age range was 3-28 years and the diameter of VSD was 4-11 mm. In all but one patient, the device was deployed from the venous side. Simultaneous TTE was done for proper positioning of the device and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring was also done for any arrhythmia/conduction defects. All patients were followed up every 3 months and received 3-5 mg/kg aspirin for 6 months. The procedure was successful in all patients. The Rashkind umbrella device (17 mm) was used in two and Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder (6-14 mm) in 48 patients. Forty-four devices were delivered by antegrade transvenous approach and six by the transjugular route. None had residual shunt, newaortic regurgitation, or tricuspid regurgitation. Transient complete heart block after 24 hours was noticed in one patient. On a follow-up of 2-90 months, the device was in position in all patients. There was no embolization of the device, and no late-conduction defects, infective endocarditis, or hemolysis. Transcatheter closure of muscular VSD is safe and efficacious, and should be considered as a procedure of choice as an alternative to surgery that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(J Interven Cardiol 2003;16:385–391) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an interesting case of a 2½-year-old child with Tetrology of Fallot with a large intracardiac mass in the left ventricle presenting with fever and bilateral stroke, that resolving with antitubercular therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erbium-doped manganese potassium borate glasses have been synthesized to study their physical, structural, optical and thermoluminescence properties. These glasses were prepared by melt quenching technique and characterized by using various techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible (UV) and thermoluminescence (TL). Through FTIR spectroscopy the presence of various structural units has been studied. From Kubelka- Munk method, the optical band gap energy (E opt) corresponding to the allowed direct and indirect transitions and the Urbach energy (E) values of the prepared glasses were determined. The impact of different concentration of Er 2 O 3 on the TL intensity of the glass samples has been analyzed. The recorded glow curves show a single prominent peak around 398–422 K and the trapping parameters exhibit the kinetics of second order. With a good linear correlation coefficient, the glass sample E5 is a suitable candidate for medical and personal radiation measurements purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]