The twisted gut: Role of primary anastomosis without colonic lavage

Background : The twisted gut or the sigmoid volvulus has a multitude of treatment options ranging from colonic decompression to staged procedures such as primary resection anastomosis with covering colostomy followed by colostomy closure at a later date.Objective : This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of primary resection and anastomosis followed by anal dilatation without on table colonic irrigation or diversion colostomy in cases of acute sigmoid volvulus.Methods : This study was carried out over a span of three years and seven months at a teaching hospital in West Bengal. One hundred consecutive cases of acute sigmoid volvulus who underwent primary resection and anastomosis without diversion colostomy were included in the study.Results : There were 94 males and 6 females. The age ranged from 35 to 72 years, the majority ( 65 % ) of the patients being in the age group of 41-60 years. All the patients underwent primary resection and anastomosis without on table colonic irrigation. Superficial wound infection was detected in 18% patients.. There was no clinical anastomotic leak, intra abdominal abscess or recurrence of volvulus or mortality in our series.Conclusion : In conclusion, primary resection and anastomosis of the colon without faecal diversion for acute sigmoid volvulus is safe and can be accomplished without any mechanical bowel preparation or on table colonic irrigation

Development Of Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Cermet Anode Prepared By Electroless Technique

Solid Oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a very promising electrical conversion device owing to its high efficiency and low gas emissions. In light of the present world scenario relating to the energy sector, research and development works on alternate energy sources viz. fuel cells, solar, hydro etc. holds special drive and attention. Among various classifications of ceramic fuel cells (SOFCs), the present research work is based on the flat planar design owing to its ease of fabrication and potential for providing high power densities compared to other cell configurations. Till date, nickel (Ni) -8 mol % yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) [Ni-YSZ] cermet has been evolved out as the most widely accepted anode for SOFC application. However, such Ni-ceramic composite posseses certain shortcomings owing to which the commercialization of SOFC is limited. The endeavour of the present research is based on the development of Ni-YSZ functional anode materials by novel ‘electroless technique’ and its application for SOFC fabrication. Generation of unique core (YSZ)-shell (discreet Ni nanoparticulates around the YSZ core) microstructure in a patterned manner through process optimization is one of the major accomplishment of such electroless technique. Sensitization of YSZ particulates by high energy ultrasonification forms the catalytic Pd0 particulates in-situ in the redox reaction bath. The adsorption of such Pd0 onto YSZ core governs the deposition of Ni around YSZ during electroless technique and hence the microstructure. Optimization of process parameters initially involve mathematical modeling which is followed by experimental validation. The developed electroless anode is found to exhibit the required electrical conduction (~ 500 Scm-1) at much lower Ni content (28 vol %) compared to other conventional cermets. The major drawbacks of thermal incompatibility and poor redox tolerance associated with such Ni-YSZ anode is rectified using the functional electroless anode. Efforts have been exerted to determine the length of triple phase boundary (active sites for electrochemical reactions) and reaction sequences through mathematical modeling approach. The second phase of the present research work is focussed on the fabrication of SOFCs using such functional anodes in assorted configurations. Electroless cermet is configured as anode-support structure, multilayered anode or anode active layer (AAL). The various factors affecting electrochemical activity of single cell such as: a) thickness and sintering temperature of the half cell b) rate of NiO reduction to metallic Ni, c) effect of moisture in fuel and c) type of oxidant used at the cathode side are studied thoroughly during the course of this research work. The load bearing competence of the fabricated SOFCs with the developed anodes are also examined for a considerable period of time to determine the corresponding degradation rates. The experimental results support the superiority of electroless anodes, which showed the highest cell performance of 3.7 Acm-2 at 800oC without any significant degradation and lowest polarization from the associated factors. The experimental outcome of electrochemical reactions are correlated with: a) optical microstructures, b) elemental mapping, c) NiO reduction equilibrium, d) pore-size distribution in anodes, e) effect of moisture in the fuel, f) variation in oxidant type etc. The influence of polarization/resistive factors is also studied in terms of both mathematical approach and electrochemical impedance measurements. Therefore, the entire effort of the present research work is exerted towards the development of functional Ni-YSZ anode by novel ‘electroless’ technique encompassing its potential to act as new-generation anode for ITSOFC application

Biliary Ascariasis in the Indian Subcontinent: A Study of 42 Cases

<b>Background/Aim: </b> History of ascariasis is known to stretch back many centuries. One quarter of the world&#x2032;s population is known to be infected by ascariasis. It is endemic in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and the gangetic plain of West Bengal is one of them. We aimed to study the various types of clinical presentations, complications and different diagnostic tools and to assess various options for the management of biliary ascariasis. <b> Materials and Methods: </b> Forty-two cases of hepatobiliary ascariasis were studied over a period of 3 years. All the patients were adults aged between 20 and 50 years and all but two were admitted with acute upper abdominal pain. <b> Results: </b> In this study, biliary ascariasis was found to be more common in females, 73.8&#x0025; (31 patients). The most common presentation was upper abdominal pain in 95.2&#x0025; of the patients (40 patients). Complications observed were obstructive jaundice in 28.56&#x0025; (12 patients), cholangitis in 16.7&#x0025; (seven patients), acute pancreatitis in 2.4&#x0025; (one patient) and hepatic abscess in 2.4&#x0025; (one patient). History of worm emesis was present in 38.1&#x0025; (16 patients). History of previous cholecystectomy was present in 16.7&#x0025; (seven patients) and endoscopic sphincterotomy in 4.8&#x0025; (two patients). Ultrasound was the diagnostic tool of choice with 100&#x0025; results. Conservative management was successful in 83.3&#x0025; (35 patients). During follow-up, worm reinvasion of the biliary system occurred in 7.1&#x0025; (three patients). <b> Conclusion: </b> In endemic countries, ascariasis should be suspected in patients with biliary disease, especially if a cholecystectomy or sphincterotomy has been performed in the past. Most of the patients respond to conservative management

Functional anode materials for solid oxide fuel cell - a review

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have received wide interest due to the associated advantages of environment friendly alternate energy source. Owing to the capability of efficient power generation from a broad spectrum of practical fuels, viz. hydrogen, bio fuels, etc, SOFC finds potential applications in portable, mobile and stationary markets. Presence of multi components, viz. anode, cathode, electrolyte, etc in single cell demands the maintenance of mutual compatibility in SOFC. The present review describes the research work related to the development of anode component. In addition, the present context also highlights the research work at CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata, India, focussed towards the development of planar anode-supported SOFC. Under this on-going activity, novel electroless technique is employed to prepare nickel (Ni)-8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode. Optimized processing parameters of electroless technique impinge certain interesting features in the cermet, by the virtue of which major shortcomings of conventional Ni-YSZ anode can be eliminated. Single cell with varied anode configurations have been fabricated in which the electroless cermet acts as either anode-support, functional layer or as an electrochemically active counterpart in multilayer anode system. A detailed discussion on the electroless anode is presented in terms of its preparation and properties

Evaluation of functionality in Ni@stabilized ZrO2 and NiO@NiO-Zn through X-ray diffraction technique

A mathematical model is developed for calculating X-ray penetration depth based on the theories of diffraction to quantitatively characterize the heterogeneous functional materials with core-shell morphology. Functional materials viz. Ni@stabilized ZrO2 (SZ) and NiO@NiO-Zn are synthesized and penetration depth (xi Ni/xi NiO) is calculated. Ni@SZ and NiO@NiO-Zn function as effective catalyst for methane steam reformation and olefin epoxidation respectively. Functionality of the catalysts lies in the core-shell morphology with interconnection among the phases. The author's aim to optimize the shell thickness using the mathematical model and correlate with the catalyst activity. Sequential increase of Ni-content in Ni@SZ from 25 to 40 vol % results in reduction of penetration depth similar to 2.1 to 0.8 mu m] relative to core (xi(S)(Z-core)) thereby restricting the SZ contribution and limiting the oxide ion percolation. Similarly, surface coverage of nano NiO onto NiO-Zn for olefine epoxidation requires the involvement of three zone region viz. NiO, Zn and pi electron cloud of the substrate. Effectivity of the catalytic activity of such NiO@NiO-Zn matrix is found optimum (4.3 mu m w.r.t.xi(NiO)) with the penetration depth derived from mathematical modeling. Hence, such modeling reveals its significance towards finding the penetration depth for core-shell type functional materials for catalysis compared to disperse heterogeneous catalyst

Comparison of different plants in screening for Mn clastogenicity

Cationic (MnSO4&#183;H2O) and anionic (KMnO4) manganese salts in aqueous solutions enhanced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations including both chromosome- and chromatid-type breaks, gaps, translocations and spindle disturbances in different plant systems in vivo to a statistically significant level. The activity of the cationic salt was more drastic, particularly on the submerged plant studied (Vallisneria spiralis L.), on prolonged exposure, when compared with bulbs of Allium cepa L. and seeds of Pisum sativum L