Reaction Mechanism and Thermodynamics of Segregation Roasting of Iron Oxide

This paper presents the reduction mechanism of iron recovery from pure ferric oxide by the segregation roasting-magnetic separation process both from the chemical reaction and physical phenomena point of view. In segregation roasting process, coal is used as the reducing agent and calcium chloride as chlorinating agent. Segregation roasting of iron oxide has been studied at different temperatures from 800 to 1000°C varying the chloride and carbon percentages. The same experimental conditions have been adopted to recover iron from mill scale by the process of segregation roasting. By segregation roasting, iron oxide is reduced by a combination of chlorination, volatilization and hydrogen reduction. Elucidation of the reaction mechanism of segregation process is being attempted in this present study. Characterization of the segregated iron particles recovered after magnetic separation both from ferric oxide and mill scale is studied by electron probe microscopy analyzer

Reduction of Ammonium Paratungstate Generated During Hydrometallurgical Processing of Copper-Tungsten(W-Cu) Borings

Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) alloy is employed for manufacturing heavy duty contactors, relays, switches etc. During production of such components, W-Cu turnings/borings are generated At CSIR-NML, a process for recovering tungsten and copper from tungsten-copper borings containing 46.01% W, 53.78% Cu, 0.13% Fe and other minor metals as high purity tungsten powder and copper powder has been developed In the present work, the detailed investigation on reduction of ammonium paratungstate (APT) having purity 99.95% by hydrogen gas to produce the high purity tungsten powder was presented. The various process parameters such as temperature, time and flow rate of hydrogen gas were optimized At the temperature of 8000C and 0.1 lpm flow rate a reduction of 77.78% was observed up to 2h time. At 9000 C, with increase in flow rate from 0.1 lpm to 0_3 lpm the increase in reduction was found to be from 63.88% to 99.99% at 1h time. At still high temperature of 1000°C, almost complete reduction was obtained at 0.1 lpm flow rate in 1h time. The effect of beddepth was also carried out. At all temperatures chemical reaction and nucleation control were the rates determining steps

PREVALENCE OF ANTI-HCV, HBSAG, HIV AMONG MULTI-TRANSFUSED THALASSEMIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND IN EASTERN INDIA

Objective: The objective was to study the serological prevalence of post-transfusion transmitted infections such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitisB virus (HBV), and HIV among multi-transfused thalassemic individuals of the Eastern India and the socio and financial difficulties faced by them.Methods: The study was carried out from January 2012 until December 2014 involving 1711 thalassemic major individuals. Blood serum wascollected from each patient to perform ELISA for the detection of HBV and HCV seroprevalence. HIV seropositivity along with their hematological andliver function parameters were obtained from the transfusion centers and the host institutions. Other socio-economic conditions were obtained bypredesigned proforma of the questionnaire.Results: 67.9% males and 32.1% females were present in our study population of which 75% were from rural area. The mean hemoglobin was foundto be lower, whereas mean ferritin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes were much higher than the normal range. Only a handful of 19.76% of the fathers ofthalassemic individuals had secondary education. 263 families (15.37%) were familiar with the chances of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs).The dominant TTI found within the population was HCV with 18.70% prevalence followed by HIV (3.74%) and HBV (3.33%). 82.93% of the affectedfamilies suffered poverty with a meager monthly income within Rs. 5000 fighting against high costs of transfusion and related treatments.Conclusion: Our study reflects the different socio-economic and psychological burdens faced by the thalassemia patients and their families. The highrate of TTIs highlights the need for stringent screening of blood or blood products before administration.Keywords: Thalassemia, Socio-economic, Transfusion-transmitted infections, Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis B virus, HIV

Alkali Roasting and Leaching : A Process for the Tungsten Sludge

The present study has been carried out to explore the dissolution of tungsten bearing sludge by soda roasting followed by water leaching and hydrochloric acid (HCl)leaching. Ammonia leaching is being done to the soda roasted tungsten containing product and the leached residue containing tungsten. The process consists of i) disintegration of tungsten containing powdered sludge in a mass with sodium carbonate, thereof, the amount being substantially more than stoichiometric to the tungsten constituent, ii) leaching of roasted product with water, iii) leaching of roasted product with hydrochloric acid and water. The process is easy to be carried out and could be applied in any existing plant without requiring any additional equipment. Extensive study in detail is to be recommended

Process for the Recovery of Tungsten by Oxidative Roasting and Leaching

The present study relates to the dissolution of tungsten bearing sludge by oxidative roasting followed by hydro-chloric acid (HCl)leaching and ammonia leaching. The process comprises roasting of tungsten containing powdered sludge in a oxygen atmosphere for converting tungsten oxide and other impurities in oxide form, leaching of roasted product with ammoniu, and leaching of the roasted product with hydrochloric acid and water. The process is easy to be carried out and could be applied in any exis-ting plant without requiring any additional equipment. More studies in detail are to be recommended

Tension-free inguinal hernia repair comparing 'darn' with 'mesh': A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Background : Tension-free inguinal hernioplasty is sine-qua-non for a good hernia repair and is aptly fulfilled by both Lichtenstein's mesh and a correctly done Abrahamson's darn. Aims: This study compares the increasingly popular, yet costly, Lichtenstein's mesh repair with the classical Abrahamson's darn repair for inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods : A randomized, bias-free study was conducted on 240 patients with blinding adopted during the computation of results. All 240 patients, underwent 240 repairs after being randomized into 2 groups. 120 repairs were done with prolene mesh secured with 2-0 prolene sutures, while the other 120 patients underwent a 3-layered darn repair using 1-0 prolene sutures over a 2-0 prolene posterior bed. Duration of surgery and ergonomics were noted for each case. Results : The operative time was comparable (mean of 38 min for the darn group and 36 min for the mesh group), ( P > 0.5; insignificant), using Fisher's exact 't' test being > 0.5 and hence insignificant. Postoperative complications were minimal in both series. Both groups recorded no recurrences till date. However, darning scored better than mesh when cost of the mesh and darn sutures were compared, other factors being similar. Conclusion : Mesh repair is definitely the more popular version of the two but in countries where cost factors still play a part and prevent many from seeking early treatment, a well constructed darn is an equally effective and less costly treatment option for inguinal hernias

A comparative study of spinal bupivacaine and fentanyl versus combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block in lower limb orthopedic procedures

Context: Spinal anesthesia is a time-tested method for orthopedic surgeries of the lower limb while peripheral nerve block is a comparatively newer method and still under controversy. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of spinal bupivacaine and fentanyl with combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block in lower limb orthopedic procedures. Settings and Design: A randomized single-blinded prospective study conducted at orthopedic operation theater and perioperative area. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated into two groups, Group A received spinal anesthesia with 12.5 mg bupivacaine and 25 μg fentanyl, Group B received lumbar plexus block with 30 ml (0.25%) bupivacaine and sciatic nerve block with 25 ml (0.25%) bupivacaine. In Group B, three patients were converted to general anesthesia due to failure of development of block. In postoperative period, visual analog scale (VAS) score was assessed, and pethidine was used as rescue analgesic. Statistical Analysis Used: IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. (Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Faster onset of sensory and motor block was found in Group A. In the intraoperative period, incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was found to be higher in Group A although statistically insignificant. In the postoperative period, the VAS score difference between the two groups was found to be significantly higher in Group B till 6 h postoperative. The total duration of analgesia was significantly higher in Group B (690.00 ± 108.344 min) than in Group A (264.67 ± 25.962 min). The total dose of analgesic required in first 24 h was significantly less in Group B (200.00 ± 57.17 mg) than in Group A (371.67 ± 28.416 mg). Conclusion: Combination of lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block provided effective unilateral analgesia for a prolonged time into the postoperative period

CHURG–STRAUSS SYNDROME

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare granulomatous necrotizing small vessel vasculitis characterized by the presence of asthma, sinusitis, and hypereosinophilia. The cause of this allergic angiitis and granulomatosis is unknown. Other common manifestations are pulmonary infiltrates, skin, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular involvement. No data have been reported regarding the role of immune complexes or cell mediated mechanisms in this disease, although autoimmunity is evident with the presence hypergammaglobulinemia, increased levels of IgE and Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (positive in 40%). We report the case of a 27-year-old lady presenting with painful swelling of predominantly lower limbs with extensive vesicles and ecchymotic patches and fever shortly after stopping systemic steroids taken for a prolonged duration (2002--2010). The aim of this case report is to point to the possibility of CSS in patients presenting with extensive skin lesions masquerading as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (SJS/TENS)

Tension-free inguinal hernia repair comparing 'darn' with 'mesh': A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Background : Tension-free inguinal hernioplasty is sine-qua-non for a good hernia repair and is aptly fulfilled by both Lichtenstein's mesh and a correctly done Abrahamson's darn. Aims: This study compares the increasingly popular, yet costly, Lichtenstein's mesh repair with the classical Abrahamson's darn repair for inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods : A randomized, bias-free study was conducted on 240 patients with blinding adopted during the computation of results. All 240 patients, underwent 240 repairs after being randomized into 2 groups. 120 repairs were done with prolene mesh secured with 2-0 prolene sutures, while the other 120 patients underwent a 3-layered darn repair using 1-0 prolene sutures over a 2-0 prolene posterior bed. Duration of surgery and ergonomics were noted for each case. Results : The operative time was comparable (mean of 38 min for the darn group and 36 min for the mesh group), ( P > 0.5; insignificant), using Fisher's exact 't' test being > 0.5 and hence insignificant. Postoperative complications were minimal in both series. Both groups recorded no recurrences till date. However, darning scored better than mesh when cost of the mesh and darn sutures were compared, other factors being similar. Conclusion : Mesh repair is definitely the more popular version of the two but in countries where cost factors still play a part and prevent many from seeking early treatment, a well constructed darn is an equally effective and less costly treatment option for inguinal hernias

Reduction of ammonium paratungstate generated during hydrometallurgical processing of tungsten-copper borings

Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) alloy is employed for manufacturing heavy duty contactors, relays, switches etc. During production of such components, W-Cu turnings/borings are generated. At CSIR-NML, a process for recovering tungsten and copper from tungsten-copper borings containing 46.01% W, 53.78% Cu, 0.13% Fe and other minor metals as high purity tungsten powder and copper powder has been developed. In the present work, a detailed investigation on reduction of ammonium paratungstate (APT) having purity 99.95% by hydrogen gas to produce high purity tungsten powder is presented. The various process parameters such as temperature, time and flow rate of hydrogen gas have been optimized. At the temperature of 800 degrees C and 0.1 lpm flow rate a reduction of 77.78% was observed up to 2h time. At 900 degrees C, with increase in flow rate from 0.1 lpm to 0.3 lpm the increase in reduction was found to be from 63.88% to 99.99% at 1h time. At still high temperature of 1000 degrees C, almost complete reduction was obtained at 0.1 lpm flow rate in 1h time. The effect of bed-depth was also carried out. At all temperatures chemical reaction was the rate determining ste