Comparison of external and endoscopic endonasal dacryocysto-rhinostomy: a hospital based retrospective study

Background: The aim of the study was to compare and analyze the surgical outcome in doing external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR) and endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR), at our tertiary care referral hospital of this hilly region of northern India. Design was retrospective and comparative.Methods: A retrospective review of total 106 patients with unilateral or bilateral primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), who had undergone either Ex-DCR or En-DCR surgery that included revision surgeries, with or without silicone tube intubation (STI), for a period of two years from October 2013 to September 2015, were enrolled in this study. Consecutive six months follow up was observed, in all. Surgical outcome was evaluated at each follow up, objectively and subjectively. Statistical data was analyzed using IBM SSPS 23.0 version software. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Total 111 DCR surgeries (55 Ex-DCR, 56 En-DCR), were performed on 106 primary NLDO patients, including 5 bilateral En-DCR. Mean age for Ex-DCR and En-DCR was 52±17years, 36±18years, respectively. Female preponderance was seen in both the groups (F:M=41:14 in Ex-DCR, 32:14 in En-DCR). Overall, the success rate of DCR surgery was 92.80% (n=103 out of 111). Intergroup success rate was found to be almost similar (Ex-DCR 52/55; 94.54%; En-DCR 51/56; 91.07%, P=1.00), whereas, ultimate success rate considering repeat /revision surgeries following failed DCR (n=8, Ex-DCR-3,En-DCR-5) was 100%. Commonest perioperative and late complication in both the groups were, hemorrhage and rhinostomy scarring, respectively.Conclusions: Success and complication rate of both Ex-DCR and En-DCR surgeries are almost similar after primary DCR surgeries. We emphasize the advantage of doing En-DCR in bilateral NLDO, repeat/revision DCR, NLDO associated with additional intranasal disease, other than its esthetic advantage over Ex-DCR. However, further multicentric randomized controlled studies are required to substantiate our findings.

Flow Regime Transition in Trickle Bed Reactors

In industry, trickle bed reactors – fixed beds in which gas and liquid reactants flow concurrently downward through catalyst - are often operated at gas and liquid superficial velocities near the transition boundaries between flow regimes, especially the transition between trickle to pulse flow. Previous studies have characterized flow regime transitions as sharp transitions that occur at single superficial liquid velocities for a fixed superficial gas velocity. In reality, transitions evolve gradually over a range of superficial liquid velocities. Experiments were conducted in a fixed bed with air and water flowing concurrently downward using two different packing media. The transitions were characterized using standard deviations in pressure drop measurements complimented by imaging with a high speed camera. Variable changes in the slope of standard deviation of pressure drop versus superficial liquid velocity confirm the transitions develop gradually

Platinum-Bismuth Bimetallic Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

Bimetallic catalysts have been explored and shown to exhibit unique characteristics which are not present in monometallic catalysts. Platinum is well known as an effective catalyst for oxidation and reduction reactions, and it can be made more effective when bismuth is introduced as a promotor. Thus, the effectiveness of the Pt-Bi catalyst was demonstrated in prior work. What is not clear, however, is the mechanism behind the catalyst function; why addition of bismuth to platinum decreases deactivation and increases selectivity, and how effective would the Pt-Bi catalyst be in deoxygenation reactions? In this work, the effectiveness of different variations of the Pt-Bi catalyst was explored for the deoxygenation of guaiacol. Methane was selected as the model reductant. Two Pt-Bi catalysts with different metal ratios were prepared, tested and characterized to reveal the catalyst’s structure. Methods used in characterization included SEM, TEM and BET measurements. Representative catalysts were then tested in a fixed-bed reactor for performance

“To do or not to do — that is the question”. Transvascular needle aspiration during EBUS (EBUS-TVNA) with review of the literature

Introduction: Large vessels are often encountered during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). Safety of traversing the vessels weighed against a more invasive procedure can be a dilemma. Material and methods: We describe a case series of 8 patients who underwent transvascular needle aspiration during EBUS, to access a lesion in the absence of an alternate safe window. A 21 gauge EBUS needle was used to traverse either the main or a major branch of the pulmonary artery. Results: Malignancy was suspected at ROSE in five cases. Granuloma and necrosis noted in 2 cases were confirmed as tubercu-losis on culture. Diagnostic yield of EBUS-TVNA was 87.5% (7/8). No complications were noted in the immediate post-operative period as well as during 6 months of follow up.Conclusion: EBUS-TVNA in carefully selected patients is a feasible alternative to more invasive procedures with excellent yield. Appropriate intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative monitoring and care must be available in the case of fatal bleeds

Microstructural Transformations And Kinetics Of High-Temperature Heterogeneous Gasless Reactions By High-Speed X-Ray Phase-Contrast Imaging

Heterogeneous gasless reactive systems, including high-energy density metal-nonmetal compositions, have seen increasing study due to their various applications. However, owing to their high reaction temperature, short reaction time, and small scale of heterogeneity, investigation of their reaction mechanisms and kinetics is very difficult. In this study, microstructural changes and the kinetics of product layer growth in the W-Si system was investigated using a high-speed x-ray phase-contrast imaging technique. Using the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory, this method allowed direct imaging of irreversible reactions in the W-Si reactive system at frame rates up to 36 000 frames per second with 4-microsecond exposure and spatial resolution of 1micrometerser. Details of the Si melt and reactions between W and Si, that are unable to be viewed with visible-light imaging, were revealed. These include processes such as the initiation of nucleated melting and other physical phenomena that provide insight into the mixing of reactants and subsequent reaction. Through the use of this imaging technique and future optimization in the imaging process, a model for accurately identifying kinetics of chemical reactions, both spatially and temporally, is also proposed

Ectopic pituitary adenoma: a rare and unexpected diagnosis, clinical presentation and review of the literature

Nasal obstruction can be caused by many causes. Most common cause of nasal obstruction is deviated nasal septum followed by nasal masses. Nasal masses can be polyps, tumors or foreign bodies. We are presenting a case of ectopic pituitary tumor as a as cause of nasal obstruction along. Ectopioc pituitary tumors are rare tumors and can present in nasal cavity causing nasal symptoms. They can cause unilateral or even bilateral nasal obstruction depending on their spread in nasopharynx and nose and should be kept in mind while treating a case of nasal masses.</p

Investigating Flavonoid Extracts from Medicinal Plants: Evaluating their Anti-Cancer Potential, Mechanisms, and Synergistic Impact on Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, demands innovative therapeutic approaches to combat its formidable impact. This empirical study embarks on a quest to unlock novel avenues for colon cancer treatment by investigating the anti-cancer potential of flavonoid extracts sourced from medicinal plants. Our research journey commences with an in-depth examination of the staggering global burden imposed by colon cancer and the inherent limitations of current therapeutic regimens. In response to this pressing challenge, we spotlight the emerging enthusiasm for natural compounds, specifically flavonoids, as transformative agents within the realm of cancer research and therapy. In our pursuit of innovative solutions, we meticulously select medicinal plants celebrated for their flavonoid-rich content and extract these bioactive compounds with precision. Rigorous phytochemical analyses unveil the specific flavonoids at play. In a series of in vitro experiments employing colon cancer cell lines, we uncover a compelling narrative of concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, underscoring the remarkable anti-proliferative attributes of these extracts. Moreover, our investigations reveal that flavonoid extracts possess the remarkable capability to induce apoptosis, substantiated through Annexin V/PI staining and caspase activation assays. As we delve deeper into mechanistic insights, a rich tapestry unfolds, elucidating the intricate modulation of pivotal apoptosis-related pathways by these natural compounds. This study not only furnishes compelling evidence of flavonoid extracts' anti-cancer potential against colon cancer but also underscores the pivotal role of natural compounds in the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, offering a beacon of hope for pioneering therapeutic strategies. The journey has only begun, and further investigations, alongside rigorous clinical trials, are warranted to harness the full therapeutic potential of flavonoid-based interventions in colon cancer management, potentially redefining the paradigm of cancer treatment

Chamber method of ventilation - a proven technology for reducing leakage of air into the goaf

Improvement in climatic conditions at workings in mine having surface cracks by increasing fan capacity is a risky proposition. It may lead to spontaneous heating in the mine due to leakage of air from surface caused by increase in cumulative pressure drop measured from the surface. The above problem cannot be addressed by conventional ventilation system. Anew method of ventilation named "Chamber method of ventilation" have been evolved to ventilate the workings under the situation mentioned above, the method is superimposed on the existing ventilation system of the mine without much modifications or any adverse effect on ventilation of remaining districts. The method was successfully implemented at 1 & 2 incline mines, Jhanjra project, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) to reduce surface air leakage for control of fire in a working longwall panel and for improvement in climatic condition

Production of He-4 and (4) in Pb-Pb collisions at root(NN)-N-S=2.76 TeV at the LHC

Results on the production of He-4 and (4) nuclei in Pb-Pb collisions at root(NN)-N-S = 2.76 TeV in the rapidity range vertical bar y vertical bar <1, using the ALICE detector, are presented in this paper. The rapidity densities corresponding to 0-10% central events are found to be dN/dy4(He) = (0.8 +/- 0.4 (stat) +/- 0.3 (syst)) x 10(-6) and dN/dy4 = (1.1 +/- 0.4 (stat) +/- 0.2 (syst)) x 10(-6), respectively. This is in agreement with the statistical thermal model expectation assuming the same chemical freeze-out temperature (T-chem = 156 MeV) as for light hadrons. The measured ratio of (4)/He-4 is 1.4 +/- 0.8 (stat) +/- 0.5 (syst). (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.Peer reviewe