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This article provides a comprehensive report on the rhodium(III)-catalyzed C–H activation in indole from 2017 to 2022. The direct functionalization of C–H bonds offers a more sustainable and economically sensible route in organic synthesis, reducing the production of hazardous waste. Rhodium has been widely used as a catalyst for C–H functionalization due to its excellent functional group compatibility, versatility, reactivity, and selectivity. The article focuses on the utilization of Rh(III) catalyst for C–H activation of the indole moiety, which is a structurally important building block in natural products and pharmaceutical treatments. Various methods for directed C–H functionalization of indoles, such as C2 activation, alkylation, hydroarylation, and dual C–H activation reactions, are discussed. The text also discusses various methods for the synthesis of carbazole derivatives, benzo[e]indoles, and selective functionalization of indoles through C–H activation. While progress has been made in this area, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the need for harsh reaction conditions and stoichiometric metal oxidants. Continued research in this field is expected to improve reaction conditions and increase overall efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

With increasing industrial acceptance of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based lead-free piezoceramics, there is a need to develop insights into the way different factors influence the microstructural–structural–piezoelectric property correlations. In this work, we have examined the role of structural disorder on the piezoelectric response of the pre-MPB composition x = 0.03 of the well-known solid solution series (1-x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-(x)BaTiO3. Using off-stoichiometry on the A-site as a tuning parameter to vary the structural disorder, which we characterize in terms of the fraction of the "cubiclike phase" or variation in the thermal parameter of the A-site cation, it is shown that the piezo response maximizes for the composition, which retains an optimum degree of disorder after poling. Our study confirms the important role of structural disorder in enhancing piezoelectric response in ferroelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various surgical options for lacrimal tract reconstruction include canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy; fundal transposition; Conjunctivodacrocystorhinostomy with Jones tube; and in extreme cases conjunctivo-rhinostomy (CR) for total lacrimal bypass. The first three require partial lacrimal tract presence/ integrity while CR is indicated when the canaliculi and/or sac are nonfunctional. This report describes a novel technique of minimally invasive CR through a predominantly endoscopic endonasal approach and further discusses its advantages over other established techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngocele is very uncommon and no consensus regarding its surgical management is yet established. While traditional external approach is still being recommended some suggest a better microlaryngoscopic management assisted by CO2 laser that has gained popularity. Recurrence is better known with conservative surgery but this paper presents a modified single stage endolaryngeal technique for combined laryngoceles to overcome the same. The salient features are (1) A comparatively larger operculum is created and all the visible mucosa is excised; (2) the base of residual postoperative cavity is moistened with cotton soaked with concentrated carbolic acid for 1 min and (3) the residual 'charred' base with intermittent oozing is packed with single layer of surgicel. The reader is further encouraged to see surgical video of entire procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonated reduced graphene oxide (SrGO) has displayed great potential as a solid acid catalyst due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In this study, SrGO was synthesized by the introduction of sulfonic acid-containing aryl radicals onto chemically reduced graphene oxide using ultrasonication. The SrGO catalyst was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, SrGO was effectively utilized as a metal-free and reusable solid acid catalyst for the chemoselective N - t -Boc protection of various aromatic and aliphatic amines under solvent-free conditions. The N - t -Boc protection of amines was easily achieved under ambient conditions affording high yields (84–95%) in very short reaction times (5 min–2 h). The authenticity of the approach was confirmed by a crystal structure. The catalyst could be easily recovered and was reused up to seven consecutive catalytic cycles without any substantial loss in its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central pathologies present with perverted auditory perception and compromised postural control. Considering the existing controversy this study involves assessments of 100 cases of post fossa tumefactions in which a detailed clinical and neuro-otological (pure tone audiometry, electronystagmography, brainstem evoked response audiometry) profile is compared with their imaging patterns. The CP angle schwannomas (N = 26) presented with abnormal speech tests (N = 18), abnormal auditory adaptation (N = 7) and ABR with pathologically increased latency of wave V (N = 32), poor formation of wave I (N = 31) along with abnormal inter-wave interval (N = 32). In lesions (N = 32) compressing deeper nuclei, vermis and axial parts of brain stem, a gross truncal ataxia, incoordination, nystagmus, speech defects, subtotal deafness and bilateral ABR abnormalities were observed. The abnormal optomotor activities were seen as saccadic (N = 44) and deformed slow pursuit eye movements (N = 20). Inability to sustain holding function resulted in gaze nystagmus (N = 71), and poor timing manifested as fixation overshoots (N = 42). The midline cerebellar and upper brain stem lesions revealed bilateral OKN abnormalities whereas paramedian pathology showed only ipsilateral distortion. Caloric tests revealed culmination frequency as the most sensitive parameter for assessment of the hypo-reflexia in diffuse cerebellopathies while slow phase velocity in cases of posterior fossa lesion. The caloric hypo-activity appears to be of a better localizing value than the directional preponderance. The slow pursuit tracking revealed Type III curve perhaps due to defective regulation of slow movements in partially intact cerebellum (N = 15), while gross cerebellar dysfunctioning resulted into Type IV curve (N = 5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by environmental concerns and governmental directives, a sustained research effort in the last decade and half has led to the development of lead-free alternatives which can potentially replace the commercial lead-based piezoceramics in niche applications. Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (NBT)-based lead-free piezoceramics have found acceptance as promising lead-free transducers in high power ultrasonic devices. An issue of concern however is the low depolarization temperature which limits the device's tolerance for temperature rise during operation. While several strategies have been reported to improve thermal depolarization in NBT-based piezoceramics, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most fundamental factor/mechanism which enhances the depolarization temperature. In this paper we unravel a coupled microstructural-structural mechanism which controls the thermal depolarization in NBT-based piezoceramics. First, we demonstrate the phenomenon of a considerable increase in the depolarization temperature, without significantly losing the piezoelectric property in unmodified NBT by increasing the grain size. We then establish a grain size controlled structural mechanism and demonstrate that the rise in depolarization temperature is primarily associated with the bigger grains allowing relatively large lattice distortion to develop in the poling stabilized long range ferroelectric phase. We reconfirmed the validity of this mechanism in the model morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition 0.94Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -0.06BaTiO 3. For the sake of generalization, we demonstrate that the same mechanism is operative in another lead-based relaxor-ferroelectric system 0.62PbTiO 3 -0.38Bi(Ni 0.5 Hf 0.5)O 3. Our study provides the fundamental structural basis for understanding thermal depolarization delay in relaxor ferroelectric based piezoceramics. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of newborn hearing screening (NBS) outcomes and proposing a modified strategy for better performance of NBS in developing world. Descriptive (retrospective and prospective) study. A total of 8412 newborns/neonates were subjected to risk factor assessment followed by a set of subjective (behavioral audiometry: BoA) and objective (OAE: otoacoustic emissions, ABR: auditory brainstem-evoked responses) hearing-screening in different combinations. DPOAE (primary objective tool) was undertaken in 2565 cases. Predictive value of risk factors on deafness was statistically analysed along with affectivity of objective, subjective and questionnaire-based screening tools. Amongst 8412 babies, 45.5% were 'at risk' (major 36.41%, minor 9.17%). The OAE was abnormal in 299 cases (11.6% of 2565 & 3.5% in 8412). The abnormal OAE rate in prospective cases was 3.5% while in retrospective cases that underwent initial screening with BoA was 41%. A significant correlation was seen with consanguinity, high blood pressure, NICU stay>5 days, low birth weight, neonatal jaundice, delayed birth cry, pre-mature status, birth asphyxia and maternal excessive vomiting, while regression models of OAE outcome (sensitivity 99%, accuracy 89%) revealed highest predictive value for the initial 3 factors. BoA-screening revealed a sensitivity of 72.6%, and negative predictive value of 42.4%. Also a perfect correlation was evident between OAE-ABR, OAE-BoA and ABR-BoA. A subjective NBS screening through questionnaire-based-risk-assessment and modified-BoA followed by selective referral for objective assessment is more practical and focussed approach for poor resourced countries that is likely to screen a larger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics of (1 − x)K0.5Na0.5NbO3-xCaTiO3 were fabricated, and their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were systematically studied. Rietveld refinement of the x-ray diffraction data and Raman spectroscopic analyses revealed a composition-dependent structural phase transition: three phase transitions, namely, from a pure orthorhombic phase for x ≤ 0.02 to a mixed phase of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases (0.03 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) and finally another mixed phase of tetragonal + cubic for x = 0.10 and 0.15 at room temperature (RT). The morphological study reveals a decrease in grain size along with a more uniform distribution of grains as the concentration of CaTiO3 (CT) increases; notably, a homogeneous distribution of grains is observed for x = 0.05. The temperature-dependent dielectric properties show two phase transitions, from orthorhombic to tetragonal (TO-T) and tetragonal to cubic (TC), for unmodified K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN). However, both the phase transition temperatures (TO-T and TC) decrease, and the transition peaks broaden with an increase in CT substitution, and for x > 0.06, the TO-T shifted below RT. The broadening of the transition peak at TO-T may be due to the relaxation behavior. Among the prepared samples, the 5 mol. % CT-modified KNN shows the optimum electrical properties (d33 = 114 pC/N, ɛr = 412, and 2Pr = 15.25 μC/cm2) at RT. The enhanced electrical properties for x = 0.05 are due to the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases, facilitating easy polarization rotation and flattening of the free energy profile. A phase diagram has been constructed based on the information gathered from the temperature-dependent dielectric measurements, RT x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy data and is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of the packing of postnasal space following transpalatal excision of JNA in the last 7 decades is described and a modification is presented for minimizing the immediate postoperative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While studies in the past have shown that certain kinds of off-stoichiometry enhance the piezoelectric response of the lead-free piezoceramic Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (NBT), there is a lack of clarity regarding the mechanism associated with this interesting phenomenon from the fundamental structural perspective. In this paper, we have investigated this issue comprehensively and succeeded in establishing a mutual correspondence between off-stoichiometry, grain size, crystal structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties in Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (NBT). Of the four different types of off-stoichiometric samples synthesized as per nominal formulae namely Na 0.5+x Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (Na-excess Na-series), Na 0.5-x Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (Na-deficient Na-series), Na 0.5 Bi 0.5+x TiO 3 (Bi-excess Bi-series), and Na 0.5 Bi 0.5-x TiO 3 (Bi-deficient Bi-series), the best piezoelectric response (d 33 ∼ 100 pC/N) was obtained in the Na-deficient series with x = 0.04. We succeeded in establishing the structural link between off-stoichiometry and piezoelectricity of this series by examining the structural state of the specimens in their poled state. We show that the off-stoichiometric compositions exhibiting higher piezoelectric response contain a higher fraction of the disordered ferroelectric phase coexisting with the field stabilized long-range ferroelectric (R3c) order. Beyond the critical off-stoichiometry (x > 0.04), the dominance of the structural disorder collapses the piezoelectric response of the system. We also show that what can be achieved by off-stoichiometry can as well be achieved by reducing the grain size of stoichiometric NBT. Our results suggest that the enhanced piezoelectric response of the off-stoichiometric compositions is due to their reduced grain size as compared to the stoichiometric composition, and that the nature of the defect species has a secondary role, if any. We found the same phenomenon/mechanism to be operative in the off-stoichiometric morphotropic phase boundary composition 0.94Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -0.06BaTiO 3 (NBT-6BT). While our experiments confirm the role of the surviving structural heterogeneity (after poling) as an important contributing factor which enhances the piezoelectric response of NBT-based lead-free piezoceramics, we also use dielectric dispersion as a tool to show that the off-stoichiometric composition exhibiting highest piezoelectric response is characterized by maximum suppression of the disordered phase by the poling field. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polycrystalline samples of Bi 0.9 Eu 0.1 FeO 3 , Bi 0.9 Gd 0.1 FeO 3 , and Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3 ceramics were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method, followed by rapid quenching to room temperature. Bi 0.9 Eu 0.1 FeO 3 shows higher magnetization than Bi 0.9 Gd 0.1 FeO 3 and Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3. This can be explained by lattice distortion, and the change in the statistical distribution of Fe3+/Fe2+. Similarly, ferroelectric polarization of Bi 0.9 Eu 0.1 FeO 3 was found to be higher than that of Bi 0.9 Gd 0.1 FeO 3 and Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3. However, the absolute value of the magnetocapacitance of Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3 (∼1.6%) was found to be higher than that of Bi 0.9 Eu 0.1 FeO 3 (∼1.3%) and Bi 0.9 Gd 0.1 FeO 3 (∼1.1%). In addition, the quadratic component of magnetoelectric coupling is higher for Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3 , which makes Bi 0.9 Eu 0.05 Gd 0.05 FeO 3 attractive for further study. Highlights • The dielectric constant at room temperature of sample-3 was found to be higher than that of samples-1 and 2. • The magnetization of sample-3 was found to be greater than that of samples-1 and 2. • The polarization–electric field loop of sample-3 was found to be better than that of samples-1 and 2. • The absolute value of the magnetocapacitance of sample-2 was found to be higher than that of sample s- 1 and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The molecular profile of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is extremely variable. In absence of established molecular signature the molecular targeting seems difficult for this heterogeneous disease. To establish a basic molecular signature, this paper analyses the interaction of 7 markers according to their ranks as per the decreasing scale of molecular expression.Materials and methods: Fourteen samples of JNA were obtained following surgical excision and mRNA expressions were established through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblastic growth factor (FGF), c-Kit, c-myc, Ras, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and tumor suppressor gene p53. Nasal polyp was taken as control. The quantitative expressions for every marker were ranked on a decreasing scale and were compared by Spearman's rank correlation test to define the statistically significant interaction. An attempt was also made to overview the basic clinical parameters (age, duration of symptoms, radiological staging, intraoperative haemorrhage and tumor-volume/weight) associated with enhanced molecular expressions for every marker. Results: Five significant molecular interactions were identified on the basis of rank-correlation: (1) FGF/VEGF (p < 0.01); (2) Ras/FGF (p < 0.01); (3) Ras/VEGF (p < 0.001), (4) FGF/c-Kit (p < 0.05); (5) c-Myc/p53 (p < 0.05). These basic 'molecular signatures' suggested a preliminary 'molecular classification'. The implication of the interactions between FGF, VEGF and Ras were the most outstanding observation that not only revealed a direct relationship but were also consistent with the clinical behaviour. In addition, a non-significant interaction was identified with c-Myc/PDGF and also an inverse relationship between FGF/c-Kit.Conclusions: FGF, VEGF, and Ras being significantly interrelated seemed to be the 'most soft' molecular targets for JNA. The other targets observed included FGF/c-Kit and c-Myc/p53 interactions that seemed equally important but only after VEGF/FGF/Ras complex per se. These preliminary signatures are likely to provide a background for further expansion of the molecular classification of JNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pain is one of the most dreaded side effects of surgery for the patient during as well as after the surgery. Effective postoperative pain control is an essential component of the care of the surgical patient. Inadequate pain control may result in increased morbidity or mortality. Aim: To compare Thoracic Para Vertebral Block (TPVB) and IV PCA (fentanyl) and with IV PCA alone, for postoperative analgesia and also to compare intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic changes and side effects in patients undergoing open nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomised into two groups, 30 patients in each group. GROUP A: Received preoperative single thoracic paravertebral block (20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine) + General Anaesthesia + PCA with iv fentanyl (2 microgm/mL), Basal infusion-20 microgm/hour, Demand dose -12 microgm, Lockout interval- 20 minutes. GROUP B: Received General Anaesthesia + PCA with iv fentanyl (2 microgm/mL), Basal infusion-20 microgm/hour, Demand dose-12 microgm, Lockout interval-20 minutes. Postoperative pain score, amount of fentanyl consumption, Demand dose and haemodynamic stability was assessed. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 15.0 statistical analysis software. The values were represented in Number (%) and Mean±SD. Results: Group A which received preoperative TPVB and IV PCA showed less analgesia, less fentanyl consumption, less demand dose and better haemodynamic stability in comparison to the Group B which received IV PCA alone (p<0.001). Conclusion: TPVB provide excellent and prolonged postoperative analgesia, significantly reduced consumption of rescue analgesia and less demand dose in the postoperative period, good opioid sparing and pre-emptive effect in patients undergoing nephrectomy as compared to iv PCA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated a series of compositions in the pseudo-ternary lead-free alloy system Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 -BaTiO 3 -BiFeO 3 with regard to its energy storage density and discharge efficiency. A composition 0.4(Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 )-0.225BaTiO 3 -0.375BiFeO 3 of this series was identified to give the best energy density and discharge efficiency. While conventional sintering gave energy density of 0.77 J/cm 3 and discharge efficiency of 67%, we achieved a remarkable increase in energy storage density (∼1.4 J/cm 3 ) and discharge efficiency (∼90%) by using spark plasma sintering of this composition. Our results suggest that this alloy system can be a potential lead-free candidate for high electric energy storage and discharge efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a separate clinical entity but those involving infratemporal fossa and cheek resemble juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) and hence have been labelled as juvenile perinasal angiofibroma (JPA) in this paper. This paper presents a 7th case of JPA and attempts to review the world literature on JPA, along with a proposal of staging the disease. A 16 year male presented with a painless compressible facial swelling since 7 months without any epistaxis or nasal obstruction. Initially a vascular lesion was suspected but JNA without nasal extension was strongly suspected on imaging. A deep trucut biopsy confirmed the histopathology. The vascular enhancement was significant and the tumour was excised through open approach (Weber Fergusson). JPA that can be regarded as a variant of JNA that fails to extend medially. Imaging demonstrates classical JNA findings with a clear nose/nasopharynx. A deep trucut biopsy under control in inpatient settings may sometimes help. JPA presents most commonly in Stage II where an open facial approach preferably following selective preoperative embolization is indicated. Hence with painless compressible (or non-compressible) cheek swelling suspected to be of a vascular etiology, a high degree of clinical suspicion for JPA needs to maintained in order to prevent a misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the third case of a true bilateral Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), i.e. two separate JNA arising from both sides simultaneously. The associated multiple recurrences in such a case have not yet been reported. A 21-year-man underwent transpalatal excision and recurred twice. The last 'neo-occurrence' encountered after 2 years was at a different site and was subsequently managed by post-embolization endoscopic resection. A complete report of its clinico-radiological features and management outcome is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Global tuberculosis control is challenged with a growing resistance to antitubercular treatment (ATT) culminating in resistant (MDR/XDR) strains; an important factor being premature withdrawal of streptomycin owing to its morbidity particularly nephrotoxicity and cochleotoxicity as guidelines for their prevention exist. An attempt is made here to address the least recognized and most debilitating vestibular toxic effects of streptomycin and defining a vestibular-protocol for its early detection and progression. Thirty two prospective patients (treatment-failures, relapse and default cases) undergoing ATT (24 shots of IM streptomycin 15-20 mg/kg over 8 weeks) underwent complete vestibular workup including vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflex assessment with an attempt to closely follow them. Four categories (I: No-, II: Occult-, III: Delayed-Manifest- and IV: Manifest-vestibulotoxicity) were defined. The DHI and casual gait abnormality clearly differentiated III/IV from I/II. The occilopsia and head thrust tests significantly differentiated II from I. Rotation and bithermal calorics significantly differentiated I from II and II from III/IV. The Fukuda, Rhomberg, Tandem-Rhomberg and CTSIB were significant in differentiating I from II and II from III/IV. Dix-Hallpike and Positional tests were of no significance in the entire study. The Occilopsia and Head-Thrust tests that showed 100 % positivity for II to IV are more likely to better predict 'manifest' or 'occult' -vestibulotoxicity while DHI and casual gait assessment may be carried out by a paramedic at a peripheral center to suspect vestibulotoxicity. Since we found absolute compliance with our series we feel that vestibulotoxicity may not be a deciding factor for termination of streptomycin provided an in-built mechanism for patient support/counseling be incorporated in management schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human pappilloma virus (HPV) is well established in etiology of uterine cervical cancers, but its role in head and neck cancer is strongly suggested through many epidemiological and laboratory studies. Although HPV-16 induced oropharyngeal cancer is a distinct molecular entity, its role at other sub-sites (oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx) is less well established. Oral sex is supposedly the most commonly practiced unnatural sex across the globe and may prove to be a potential transmitting link between cancers of the uterine cervix and the oropharynx in males particularly in those 10-15% non-smokers. In India with the second largest population (higher population density than China) the oral sex is likely to be a common 'recreation-tool' amongst the majority (poor) and with the concurrent highly prevalent bad cervical/oral hygiene the HPV is likely to synergize other carcinogens. Hence in accordance (or coincidently), in India the cervical cancer happens to be the commonest cancer amongst females while oral/oropharyngeal cancer amongst males. Oral sex as a link between these two cancer types, can largely be argued considering a poor level of evidence in the existing literature. The modern world has even commercialized oral sex in the form of flavored condoms. The inadequate world literature currently is of a low level of evidence to conclude such a relationship because no such specific prospective study has been carried out and also due to wide (and unpredictable) variety of sexual practices, such a relationship can only be speculated. This article briefly reviews the existing literature on various modes and population based indications for HPV to be implicated in head and neck cancer with reference to oral sexual practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 (NBT–6BT) has received industrial acceptance in certain aspects such as ultrasonic cleaners to replace those of lead-based systems. While detailed structure–property analysis on NBT–6BT is mostly confined to room temperature and above, less attention is paid with regard to their structure and property understanding below room temperature. In this work, utilizing the complementarity of Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and neutron powder diffraction, we unravel low temperature polar-structural behavior of the MPB composition. While x-ray diffraction shows the persistence of a cubic like global structure in the temperature interval from 300 to 100 K, neutron diffraction reveals a structural crossover from long period modulated to non-modulated P4bm + R3c phase coexistence at ∼150 K. We show that the tendency of growing ferroelectric ordering with reducing temperature is responsible for the structural crossover. Concurrence of weak anomaly in dielectric loss (tan δ) at the same temperature seems to be correlated to the structural crossover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of azithromycin in acute bacterial upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). In this open-label, prospective, multi-center, non-interventional study in bacterial URTI, the decision to prescribe azithromycin was independent of enrolment. Follow up was 1 week after treatment and if possible, at Week 2. Investigators' assessment of clinical outcome (Success/Failure) at the end of study was the primary endpoint for efficacy analysis. Clinical outcome of 'Success' was defined as the global response of Cure or Improvement. A pharmacoeconomic analysis of management of URTIs was also attempted. Of the 410 patients recruited, all were evaluated for safety and 278 for efficacy. The median treatment duration was 3 days. Following treatment with azithromycin, overall success rate was 98.92% (95% CI 96.88-99.78%; Clopper-Pearson method). The success rate was similar across the sub-groups of acute otitis media-100%, bacterial sinusitis-95.83%, and pharyngotonsillitis-99.38%. The success rate was 100% among children and adolescents (age ≤18 years) and 98.6% among adults (age >18 years). Most of the common signs and symptoms of URTI reported during baseline, significantly improved at the end of the study. Sixteen (3.90%) patients reported treatment emergent adverse events, the most common being diarrhea-5 (1.2%) and flatulence-2 (0.5%). The average cost of treating bacterial URTI was INR 716 per patient. Azithromycin is effective and well tolerated in Indian patients with bacterial URTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent respiratory pappillomatosis is a rare condition with unpredictable nature of disease presentation and behaviour. This write up highlights our institutional experience and the importance of having a national registry for the same. An existing registry created by our team is introduced to facilitate maximum participation by our national otolaryngologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity of a head shake modification to the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of dynamic posturography in identifying (a) those patients with unilateral, peripheral vestibular hypofunction as indicated by caloric irrigation findings and (b) those patients who report that head movements provoke disruption in postural control. Method: A prospective, single-blinded, random selection methodology was used with 91 patients stratified by the presence or absence of a significant caloric asymmetry and by the presence or absence of head movement provoked symptoms (independent variables). Postural control performance, as measured by EquiTest during the standard test and a head shake modification, served as the dependent variables. Results: Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated only minor improvement in sensitivity (a) with the head shake modification for unilateral peripheral asymmetry and (b) for identification of those with complaints of head movement provoked imbalance. Conclusions: The head shake modification to standard SOT increased the test sensitivity to identification of patients with unilateral, peripheral vestibular hypofunction and those with head movement provoked symptoms. However, this occurred with low specificity, resulting in no significant improvement in overall performance with this head shake protocol. Suggestions for further research to improve the performance of the head shake modification of SOT for clinical application are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a very unique case of a premaxillary chondrosarcoma arising in a relatively 'younger' female with apparently much 'better' disease free 7-year survival. The literature has been reviewed and a meaningful discussion regarding diagnosis and treatment is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A child with a cochlear implant is expected to achieve the successful outcome of facilitated perception of sound and more oral communication. To achieve this goal, ongoing intervention from a variety of professionals is required. These professionals may represent the disciplines of medicine, audiology, social work, education, and speech / language pathology. In India, cochlear implantation is available in only a few large cities. Here, the otolaryngologist will direct the cochlear implant program. Besides determination of medical candidacy, device implantation and medical management, the otolaryngologist is responsible to ensure that other aspects of cochlear implant management are implemented. This paper, the second of two that describe the multidisciplinary, team approach of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), in Pennsylvania, USA, discusses the non-medical aspects of cochlear implant post-implantation follow-up, The first article, previously published, discussed cochlear implant candidacy. The various speech tests used at CHOP for assessment are based on the English language. They may be translated into the regional Indian languages where the assessment and training can be carried out accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytogenetics or the study of chromosomes has been an important tool in oncology. It localizes the abnormality on a particular chromosome segment as such but, the molecular analysis on the other hand focuses the exact gene of interest. Hence both are complimentary. Classical cytogenetics in combination with recent molecular techniques has given rise to various molecular cytogenetic analytical techniqucs such as florescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), spectral karyotyping (SKY) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The role of telomeres and its concerned enzyme telomerase is important in carcinogenesis. This article summarizes the various cytogenetico techniques and presents an overall view of the importance of cytogenetcs in head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential steps implicated in carcinogenesis are acquisition of autonomous proliferative signaling; inhibition of growth inhibitory signals; evasion of apoptosis; immortalization; angiogenesis; tissue invasion and metastasis. A considerable progress in understanding the process of carcinogenesis has further stimulated the high throughput translational methods and systems biology approach to revolutionize this field of cancer biology. The era of molecular targeted therapy has dawned and would soon replace the more 'toxic' classical 'broad-spectrum' cancer chemotherapy. This review summarises the steps of carcinogenesis and the concepts involved in translational methods, systems-biology and molecular targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is the first section of tumor biology pertaining to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN). It is intended to introduce the basic concepts of cancer biology to enhance the translational research. The basic tumour biology relates to the aberrations in the normal cell cycle, cell growth and cell death. The genetic aspects of cancer focus upon the roles of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and stability genes. The epigenetic mechanisms of the cancer relates to DNA methylation and histone acetylation. This review, discusses the basics of these concepts .. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have systematically investigated the effect of rare earth erbium (Er3+) substitution on the structural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric behaviour of the morphotropic phase boundary lead-free piezoelectric 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (NBT-6BT). We found that the system shows very good thermal stability of energy density, discharge efficiency, and dielectric permittivity. Detailed structural studies confirmed that Er modification induces a great deal of structural frustration which causes the system to thermally evolve towards the paraelectric state in a very sluggish manner. Our results seem to suggest that, among other factors, this sluggish temperature variation of the structural distortion is an important factor which imparts thermal stability to the energy storage and dielectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping of suitable metal ions in ferroelectric oxides modifies the physical properties and can induce additional functionalities. Here, we present a detailed study on the effects of Sm concentration on the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of ((K0.5Na0.5)1−3xSmx)NbO3 (KNSN) (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.02) ceramics. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic analysis indicate that KNSN ceramics exhibit the single‐phase orthorhombic (Amm2) structure for x = 0.00 and the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal (Amm2 + P4mm) structure for the composition range 0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.02. The tetragonal phase fraction increases with an increase in Sm concentration. We observed dielectric relaxation behavior in KNSN at orthorhombic to tetragonal (TO–T) phase transition temperature, and its origin can be attributed to the structural heterogeneity at the inter‐ferroelectric phase boundary. Increasing Sm concentration leads to the broadening of the ferroelectric phase transition peaks. Further, the structural heterogeneity of the ceramics was seen from the slope of the dielectric constant versus log frequency and central peak behavior of Raman spectra at room temperature (RT). The study reveals that x = 0.005 shows maximum dielectric constant (Ɛr = 583), remanent polarization (2Pr = 57.02 μC/cm2), and piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 94 pC/N) at RT and is associated with increased local structural heterogeneity due to Sm doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a distinctive subpopulation of cancer cells that are competent in tumor initiation, invasion, recurrence, and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. CD44, a hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor has been considered as a potential CSC marker in head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between CD44 and clinicopathological parameters, treatment response, survival, and recurrence. Methods: The CD44 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 90 samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) confirmed patients. The expression of CD44 and its association with clinicopathological parameters, treatment response, and survival was determined. Results: In all HNSCC patient samples, CD44 was expressed consistently at different intensities. Tumor size (p < 0.001), stage (p < 0.001), and treatment response (p < 0.001) showed statistically significant association with CD44 expression. Alcohol and CD44 were observed as independent predictors of response to radiotherapy using multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis. Analysis of 2‐year overall survival (OS) showed that CD44 expression (p = 0.02), tumor size (p = 0.001), lymph node status (p < 0.001), stage (p < 0.001), and grade (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with OS. Using Cox regression analysis, lymph node status (p = 0.001), grade (p < 0.001), recurrence (p < 0.001), and CD44 expression (p = 0.003) were found to be potential independent predictors of OS. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CD44 contributes to resistance to radiotherapy and poor OS. The results also suggest that except for CD44 there could be other factors such as lymph node metastasis, grade, and alcohol which should be investigated as potential targets for therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A young male with a low general condition following an impalement injury in the neck from a foreign body of unknown nature is described. Considering the existing controversy in management of penetrating neck injuries we prefer a delayed extraction following primarily a hemodynamic stability with subsequent radiological exploration. The salient features of management are discussed with a rational suggestion for a better prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important requirements for piezoelectric materials for use as high strain actuators is that they exhibit large unipolar electrostrain with minimum hysteresis. While large unipolar electrostrain >1% is generally achievable in good quality single crystals, most polycrystalline piezoelectric show low values < 0.4%. Unipolar electrostrain 0.5%–0.7% in polycrystalline piezoelectrics has often been reported in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based compositions at the non-ergodic ergodic boundary. Not amenable to poling, such materials exhibit almost nearly zero direct piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ∼ 0 pC/N) and cannot be simultaneously used as a sensor. In this paper, we report a combination of large unipolar electrostrain of ∼0.6% with small strain hysteresis of 25% in a Sn-modified relaxor ferroelectric system PbTiO3–Bi(Ni1/2Zr1/2)O3. It exhibits d33 ∼ 340 pC/N, which is stable up to 130 °C, and large signal converse piezoelectric coefficient d33* ∼ 1200 pm/V. A combination of large d33 and d33* in the same material makes it an important candidate for simultaneous use as a sensor and high strain actuators. X-ray diffraction study in situ with the electric field suggests that large electrostrain with low strain hysteresis in this system is because of the increased reversible switching of the field stabilized tetragonal ferroelastic domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The histological and electron-microscopic (EM) characteristics of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) have been described but no study has compared them with one another or with clinical features. The objective is to compare ultrastructural characteristics of JNA with clinical parameters. Methods: This prospective study included histology of 21 samples of which only 13 underwent transmission-EM. Four clinical parameters (age, duration, epistaxis, recurrence), three radiological-staging, 13 histological and 15 EM characteristics were considered. A descriptive analysis for association of these characteristics and also with clinical parameters was attempted. Furthermore statistical analysis of clinical and radiological categories with respect to frequencies of ultrastructural characteristics was also undertaken. Results: Dense-intranuclear-inclusions (DNI) and peripheral-nuclear-irregularities were universally encountered while other very prominent features were nuclear-blebs-and-pockets, myoid-features, thin-vessel-wall (TnVW), irregular-vascular-contour (IVC) and fibrous-stroma (FS). Statistical significance was obtained between recurrence with histology (p = 0.04) and Fisch staging with EM (p = 0.001). While muscle-in-vessel-wall, thick-vessel-wall, mast-cells, stellate-stromal-cells and cellular-stroma predominated in recurrent cases, the upfront disease showed predominance of scar-like-stroma, fusiform-stromal-cells, IVC, TnVW, FS, organised-collagen-bundles and less-cellular-stroma. A very unique Rod-like-structures were appreciated in the cytoplasm of the fibroblast for the first time. Conclusions: While histological parameters of recurrence need further validation, a larger sample may better define histopathological surrogate for predicting intracellular dynamics that may further correlate with underlying cellular stresses. Hence an 'ultrastructural staging' may better customise treatment protocol and prognosis. Furthermore 'characteristic' unique rods need to be further investigated along with validation of viral aetiology for DNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on microvessel density (MVD) signifying neoangiogenesis/tumour-activity in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is limited. Accordingly, this study evaluates and correlates MVD characteristics with clinical parameters/aggressiveness/recurrence. Sixty-two paraffin blocks of JNA were studied histopathologically and MVD was assessed following immunohistochemistry using VEGF and CD34 as vascular markers. A clinical correlation of MVD was undertaken in 43 cases. MVD scores of VEGF and CD34 showed strong inter-correlation. The 'age', 'duration of disease' and 'haemoglobin%' were the only clinical parameters that revealed significance with MVD. Significantly higher MVD scores were appreciated in recurrent cases as well as some other clinical differences from upfront cases. This is the first study of MVD with CD34 and VEGF simultaneously depicting clinical correlation. The strong correlation, supports a prognostic role of MVD scores in JNA and this can be better established in a larger multicentre study involving comprehensive examination of tumour dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating and a well-recognized potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity, sometimes involving oropharynx associated with trismus and burning sensation. Apart from medical management and counselling, local injection of hyaluronidase mixed with triamcinolone acetonide has been used at our centre for the last 20 years with satisfactory clinical results and without any significant side effects. The problem with the treatment was that the doses and duration of treatment has not been standardized. Therefore, in this study, authors aim to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Triamcinolone alone versus Triamcinolone acetonide plus Hyaluronidase at weekly interval and improvement in Clinical and Histopathological staging of disease after 6 weeks of treatment. This study was conducted in Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head Neck Surgery, with a total sample of 80 participants divided into two Groups, group A received Inj. Triamcinolone acetonide and group B received Inj. Triamcinolone Acetonide and Hyaluronidase 1500 IU at weekly interval. Pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical and histopathological profile of the patients were recorded and analyzed using SPSS 16 software. According to pre-treatment status, the proportion of clinical grades I, II and III were found in proportion 12.5%, 18.8% and 15.0% respectively. No significant difference was found in proportion of various grades between the groups (p = 0.388). At post treatment, the grading was reduced with changed proportion of grades I, II and III cases as 33.8%, 41.3% and 7.5% respectively. There was no significant difference in proportion of various grades between the groups (p = 0.681). Further, the intragroup comparison showed significant improvement Pre to post in group A (p = 0.002), Group B (p < 0.001) and overall, as well (p < 0.001). The inj. Triamcinolone acetonide and Inj. Hyaluronidase showed a better improvement on post treatment histopathological grading although the difference between the two groups was not significant statistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric materials exhibiting switchable and spontaneous polarization have strong potential to be utilized in various novel electronic devices. Solid solutions of different perovskite structures induce the coexistence of various phases and enhance the physical functionalities around the phase coexistence region. The construction of phase diagrams is important as they describe the material properties, which are linked to the underpinning physics determining the system. Here we present the phase diagram of (K0.5Na0.5NbO3)–(Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3) (KNN-BST) system as a function of composition and their associated physical properties. Lead-free (1 − x)KNN–xBST (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) solid solution ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction technique. The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies indicate composition-dependent structural phase transitions from an orthorhombic phase for x = 0 to orthorhombic + tetragonal dual-phase (for 0.025 ≤ x ≤ 0.15), then a tetragonal + cubic dual-phase (x = 0.2) and finally a cubic single phase for x ≥ 0.25 at room temperature (RT). Among these, the orthorhombic + tetragonal dual-phase system shows an enhanced value of the dielectric constant at room temperature. The phase transition temperatures, orthorhombic to tetragonal (TO-T) and tetragonal to cubic (TC), decrease with the increase in BST concentrations. The ferroelectric studies show a decrease of both 2Pr and EC values with a rise in BST concentration and x = 0.025 showed a maximum piezoelectric coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide population of diabetic patients is increasing alarmingly with India claiming number one position. It causes irreversible damage to cochlear hair cells, vestibular apparatus, visual pathway, nephrons, nerves, if not checked in time. A total of 188 patients of diabetes mellitus were included in this prospective study. The patients underwent routine anamnesis, hearing handicap inventory and dizziness handicap inventory assessment along with clinical examination for audiological, vestibular, neurological and ophthalmological (fundoscopy) status. In our study a sensorineural hearing loss, retinopathy, neuropathy, vestibulopathy was seen in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized AIML (artificial intelligence & machine learning) techniques to analyze 115 images of central perforation of tympanic membrane obtained from Telemyringoscopy through Borescope in order to establish a facilitation-model for the community ear diagnosis. The Modified VGG19 with batch normalization revealed the highest training accuracy of 85 as compared to other CNN techniques. The training accuracy started to saturate around mid-70% and the Test accuracy was around 50%. Although AIML did not reveal a high predictive value, its potential based on our observations cannot be underestimated considering many limitations (sample size, image-quality, associated pathologies, illumination-factor) in this study. Such limitations if resolved may revolutionize community ear care through a better cost effective tele-myringoscopy with innovations in AIML/ telemedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computerization of health care is the only model to sustain safe health care in this COVID era particularly in overpopulated nations with limited health care providers/systems like India. Accordingly incorporation of computer-based algorithms and artificial intelligence seems very robust and practical models to assist the physician. The advantages of Computerized algorithms to facilitate better screening, diagnosis or follow-up and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in medical diagnosis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a huge demand of lead-free high performance ceramics with large strain, low hysteresis loss and high-energy storage ability at room temperature. In this context, we investigated the large electric field induced strain, switching behaviour and energy storage properties of BaZr 0.05 Ti 0.95 O 3 ceramic (BZT) prepared by high energy ball milling technique, reportedly exhibiting a triple point transition near the room temperature. The X-ray diffraction of the BZT ceramic confirms orthorhombic symmetry with space group Amm2 at room temperature. The room temperature dielectric study reveals that there is a negligible variation of dielectric constant and dielectric loss with frequency. The polarization behaviour at various applied electric fields was studied and the energy storage densities were obtained from the integral area of P-E loops. Electric field induced strain behaviour has been studied with due emphasis on the electrostrictive response at room temperature. The ferroelectric and electromechanical properties derived from the P-E and S-E loops suggest that the present ceramic encompass the properties of actuation and energy storage simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep neck space infections (DNI) has been a common and serious disease, involving several spaces created by planes of greater and lesser resistance between the fascial layers of the neck. Infection of deep neck space has been dangerous due to its potential ease of spread from one space to other space, associated sepsis and upper airway obstruction. This prospective study was done in 45 patients of DNI over a period of 1 year. Patients with age of 1 month to 80 years of both the sexes were included. Patient's particular, clinical presentation and associated co-morbid conditions, physical examination, routine laboratory investigations and radiological investigations were analyzed. Patients were treated, response to the treatment was assessed and follow-up was done. In present study, DNI was more commonly seen in rural population (67%) with a male predominance (69%). Mean age of presentation was 34.4 years. Odontogenic infection (64.11%) was the commonest etiological factor and diabetes mellitus (26.66%) was the commonest co-morbid condition. Most common presenting symptom was neck pain and neck swelling (91.1%) and submandibular space (66.6%) was the most commonly involved space followed by sublingual space (44.6%). Both medical and surgical treatment was needed in most of the cases (77.77%). 77.7% cases showed complete regression, 15.5% showed partial regression and they lost to follow-up, 4.4% expired and 2.2% showed progressive deterioration. DNI is a common and life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis and management is necessary for complete cure and to prevent complications associated with DNIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 (NBT) based lead-free piezoelectrics have received significant attention in the last few years for their anomalous high-field electrostrain response. The positional disorder on the nano/meso scale in these systems have a profound effect on their perceived global structure and dielectric properties. Here we have carried out a systematic analysis of the grain size dependent structural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric and high temperature electrical conduction behaviour of NBT. We show that the global monoclinic lattice distortion collapses even while the grains are unusually large (∼2.5 μm). We also found that the polarization switching ability and piezoelectric response of bulk NBT ceramics reduce drastically when grains are submicron in size. We use a powder poling technique to prove that the significant reduction of piezoelectricity in the submicron grain ceramic is not due to suppression of ferroelectricity within the grains itself, but rather due to inability of the grains to transform collectively to a long range rhombohedral ferroelectric state, either because of the clamping effect and/or enhanced incoherence of the grain boundaries. We also noted a qualitative change in the electrical conduction behaviour as a function of grain size and comment on a possible correlation between the grain size, global structure, piezoelectric response and oxygen ion conductivity of this lead-free compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With ongoing Corona-pandemic, the quality of personal protection equipment (PPE) across the globe is creating controversy. This article presents a novel design of a facial mask that seems suitable to deal with short airway procedures protecting the surgeon from aerosol infection. The concept, design advantages and limitations are discussed. In absence of good quality PPEs this is an excellent option to deal with airway emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of telemedicine and artificial intelligence for early screening and assessment of severity of life-style disorders has a great potential for better assessment in a busy outpatient clinic and thereby curtail down the related morbidities. A computer based algorithm based upon standardized questionnaire (from established assessment tools) is designed to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). In addition the incorporation of basic screening questions of anamnesis help in suggesting a probable diagnosis of sleep related disorder as well. The overall data at our center has been analyzed to establish the existing pattern of sleep related disorders. Of 850 healthy subjects screened, prevalence of snoring was 20.47% while OSAS was seen in 4.20% (N = 25) in males and 2.64% (N = 8) in females. The parasomnia was most prevalent (14.71%), followed by insomnia (10.24%), periodic leg movement (6.59%), bruxism (1.65%) and narcolepsy (0.59%). Hypertension, laryngopharyngeal reflux and obesity were the common co-morbidities in OSAS while family history of hypertension and diabetes were common in snorers. A significant association with OSA was seen with diabetes mellitus, neck circumference and nasal obstruction, while, obesity and apnoeic episodes were more significantly associated with OSA than snorers. Increased waist to hip ratio was appreciated in both the OSAS and snorers. The algorithm based online assessment is likely to diagnose the occult clinical cases as well as assess the risk of OSAS. In routine outpatient clinic, a clinician may better assess the patient morbidity with a comprehensive availability of symptoms and moreover enhance the post-treatment compliance. In addition a smartphone based computerized assessment for general population may be designed for other lifestyle disorders as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioresistance is one of the main determinants of treatment outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its prediction is difficult. Several authors aimed to establish radioresistant OSCC cell lines to identify genes with altered expression in response to radioresistance. The development of OSCC is a multistep carcinogenic process that includes activation of several oncogenes and inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. TGM-3 is a tumour suppressor gene and contributes to carcinogenesis process. The aim of this study was to estimate serum and tissue expression of TGM-3 and its correlation with clinico-pathological factors and overall survival in patients of OSCC undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. Tissue expression was observed in formalin fixed tissue biopsies of 96 cases of OSCC and 32 healthy controls were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) by using antibody against TGM-3 and serum level was estimated by ELISA method. mRNA expression was determined by using Real-Time PCR. Patients were followed for 2 year for chemo radiotherapy response. In OSCC, 76.70% cases and in controls 90.62% were positive for TGM-3 IHC expression. TGM-3 expression was cytoplasmic and nuclear staining expressed in keratinized layer, stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum in controls and tumour cells. Mean serum TGM-3 in pre chemo-radiotherapy OSCC cases were 1304.83±573.55, post chemo-radiotherapy samples were 1530.64±669.33 and controls were 1869.16±1377.36, but difference was significant in pre chemo-radiotherapy samples as compared to controls (p<0.018). This finding was also confirmed by real- time PCR analysis in which down regulation (-7.92 fold change) of TGM-3 in OSCC as compared to controls. TGM-3 expression was significantly associated with response to chemo-radiotherapy treatment (p<0.007) and overall survival (p<0.015). Patents having higher level of TGM-3 expression have good response to chemo-radiotherapy and also have better overall survival. TGM-3 may serve as a candidate biomarker for responsiveness to chemo-radiotherapy treatment in OSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot observation intends to stress on web-based hearing assessment (WBHA) as somewhat parallel to clinical pure tone audiometry. While WBHA was comparable with PTA in context of severity of deafness particularly in symmetrical hearing loss, it was inconclusive for a gross asymmetry despite multiple trials. With increasing COVID transmission, more need for social distancing and lack of audiologists in developing countries, the self-participation by patients in WBHA model will prove to be a very safe model of deafness-screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although, as part of a general phenomenon, the piezoelectric response of Ba(Ti1-yMy)O3 (M=Zr, Sn, Hf) increases in the vicinity of the orthorhombic (Amm2)-tetragonal (P4mm) and orthorhombic (Amm2)-rhombohedral (R3m) polymorphic phase boundaries, experiments in the last few years have shown that the same phase boundaries show significantly enhanced weak-field piezoproperties in the Ca-modified variants of these ferroelectric alloys, i.e., (Ba,Ca)(Ti,M)O3. So far there is a lack of clarity with regard to the unique feature(s) which Ca modification brings about that enables this significant enhancement. Here, we examine this issue from a structural standpoint with M=Sn as a case study. We carried out a comprehensive comparative structural, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric analysis of the Amm2 phase in the immediate vicinity of the P4mm-Amm2 phase boundaries of (i) Ca-modified Ba(Ti,Sn)O3, as per the nominal formula (1-x)BaTi0.88Sn0.12O3-(x)Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 and (ii) without Ca modification, i.e., Ba(Ti1-ySny)O3. We found that the spontaneous lattice strain of the Amm2 phase is noticeably smaller in the Ca-modified counterpart. Interestingly, this happens along with an improved spontaneous polarization by enhancing the covalent character of the Ti-O bond. Our study suggests that the unique role of Ca modification lies in its ability to induce these seemingly contrasting features (reduction in spontaneous lattice strain but increase in polarization). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]