Surfactants are used extensively in the production of numerous consumer products. However, in many circumstances, they also contaminate water. As a result, the removal of surfactant and its recovery have become critical issues. In this work, the removal and recovery of an anionic surfactant [i.e., sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)] from water by foam fractionation have been studied at 298 K in the presence of methanol and ethanol. The study was done at and above the critical micelle concentration of SDBS. The concentrations of SDBS were 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg dm(-3). The air flow rate (AFR) was varied in the range of 0.4-1.6 dm(3) min(-1). About 77% of the surfactant was recovered from the top of the column in the form of a semi-solid paste. The addition of alcohol lowered the foam volume and surfactant recovery. The enrichment ratio decreased with increasing AFR. The zeta potential at the air-water interface was measured to determine the stability of the foam, which was a significant factor in surfactant recovery. The surface tension measurements revealed the surfactant's adsorption capacity at the air-water interface. About 95% of water was recovered in the process. The findings from this study would be important for surfactant applications in a variety of domains.

Liver injury as a result of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a relatively rare complication. 1 Meron G. Kurkciyan I. Sterz F. et al. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-associated major liver injury. Resuscitation. 2007; 75: 445-453https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2007.05.023 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (72) Google Scholar However, there is evidence that peripartum patients are at a higher risk for this injury given the anatomic and physiologic changes present with full-term pregnancy. 2 Cox T.R. Crimmins S.D. Shannon A.M. Atkins K.L. Tesoriero R. Malinow A.M. Liver lacerations as a complication of CPR during pregnancy. Resuscitation. 2018; 122: 121-125https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.10.027 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar While some organizations have guidelines that alter the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) sequence to account for the physiologic changes of pregnancy, few have acknowledged the possible biomechanical complications of CPR in peripartum patients. 3 Jeejeebhoy F.M. Zelop C.M. Lipman S. et al. Cardiac arrest in pregnancy: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2015; 132: 1747-1773https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000300 Crossref PubMed Scopus (191) Google Scholar Therefore, in an effort to increase awareness of these events, we present a case of a patient undergoing cesarean delivery, complicated by cardiac arrest from suspected amniotic fluid embolism, who sustained a liver laceration.

Background The state of Punjab in India qualifies for malaria elimination because the number of cases reported through routine surveillance is in decline. However, surveillance system prevalence mainly provides malaria trends. Therefore, a prospective epidemiological study was designed to estimate the malaria burden in the state. Methods District-wise annual parasite incidence (API) was used for identification of three strata, representing high, moderate and low API zones. A total of 0.9 million people from nine districts was under malaria surveillance for 1 y. The weighted estimates of API for the three regions was calculated and combined to give an estimate of API for the total population of the state. Results Based upon the primary data generated, malaria cases from high, moderate and low malaria-endemic areas were estimated to be 3727, 904 and 106, respectively. Further, the total number of malaria cases in the state was estimated to be 4737 (95% CI 4006 to 5469) cases per annum. Conclusion Actual burden of malaria in the state of Punjab, India, is about seven to eight times higher than that reported by routine surveillance activities. However, the state still qualifies for malaria elimination but needs vigorous efforts to strengthen the active surveillance and reporting system along with implementation of effective control strategies to achieve malaria elimination.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ablative therapy for the treatment of osteoid osteomas. PubMed database, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched from their inception until November 2019 for articles describing osteoid osteoma. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies reporting > 5 patients, and pre- and post-procedure pain assessment recorded with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Demographic data, procedural details, technical success rates, pre- and post-procedure VAS scores, and procedural complications were recorded. A random-effects meta-analyses of the VAS pain score pre-procedurally, at 24-48 hours, at 3-6 months, and at 12 months were calculated. For radiofrequency ablation, VAS scores for pain at pre-procedure, 24-48 hours, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 7.64 ± 0.175 (1023 patients), 0.78 ± 0.186 (1009 patients), and 0.02 ± 0.0196 (1009 patients), respectively. For cryoablation, VAS scores for pain at pre-procedure, 24-48 hours, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 8.46 ± 0.549 (75 patients), 0.975 ± 0.66 (75 patients), and 0.112 ± 0.08 (75 patients), respectively. For laser ablation, VAS scores for pain at pre-procedure and 24-48 hours yielded cumulative pain scores of 4.94 ± 1.42 (59 patients), and 0.506 ± 0.268 (276 patients), respectively. Though the mean follow-up time for patients undergoing laser ablation was 49.15 ± 25.25 months, VAS scores were not reported 3-6 months post-procedure. For microwave ablation, VAS scores for pain at pre-procedure, 24-48 hours, and 3-6 months yielded cumulative pain scores of 6.14 ± 1.07 (7 patients), 1.636 ± 1.215 (44 patients), and 0 ± 0.0 (24 patients), respectively. All ablation methods resulted in a significant immediate and lasting pain reduction (P< 0.001). Overall recurrence of bone pain at the same site occurred in 4.07% of all patients an average of 11 months post-procedure. Percutaneous ablative therapies are safe and result in significant and lasting pain reduction as demonstrated through Visual Analog Scale pain scores.Tabled 1VAS PreprocedureVAS 24-48 Hours PostprocedureVAS 3-6 Months PostprocedureRadiofrequency ablation7.64 ± 0.175 (n = 1023)0.78 ± 0.186 (n = 1009)0.02 ± 0.0196 (n = 1009)Laser ablation4.94 ± 1.42 (n = 59)0.506 ± 0.268 (n = 276)-Cryoablation8.46 ± 0.549 (n = 75)0.975 ± 0.66 (n = 75)0.112 ± 0.08 (n = 75)Microwave ablation6.14 ± 1.07 (n = 7)1.636 ± 1.215 (n = 44)0 ± 0.0 (n = 24) Open table in a new tab

Chromium phenol formaldehyde composites were synthesized from chromium chloride hexahydrate by conventional method. All synthesized sample were show their thermal stability after thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry which give a direction for the synthesis of fire resistant composites.

In this meta-analysis, we analyzed 7 observational studies for assessing the fracture risk in patients with hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT). We found that the risk of vertebral fractures is increased by almost 2-fold, especially those with nonsurgical hypoPT. Purpose Patients with hypoPT have higher bone mineral density than age- and sex-matched controls. This would theoretically translate into a lower risk of fractures, although available clinical evidence is contradictory. Hence, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to collate and provide a precise summary of fracture risk in hypoPT. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using appropriate keywords till March 8, 2021, to identify observational studies reporting the rate of occurrence of fractures among hypoPT patients (nonsurgical and/or postsurgical) compared to non-hypoPT subjects (controls). Study quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated. Subgroup analyses of nonsurgical and postsurgical hypoPT patients were also conducted. Results We identified 7 observational studies of high-quality pooling data retrieved from 1470 patients with hypoPT. When stratified based on the skeletal site, pooled analyses showed that hypoPT patients were at an increased risk of vertebral fractures compared to non-hypoPT controls (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.03, p = 0.009, I-2 = 49%, random-effects model). The increased risk of vertebral fractures was seen only in patients with nonsurgical hypoPT (OR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.32, 4.03, p = 0.003, I-2 = 3%, random-effects model) but not in those with postsurgical hypoPT. hypoPT patients were not at an increased or decreased risk of any, humerus, or proximal femur/hip fractures than controls. Conclusions Nonsurgical hypoPT patients are at an almost 2-fold increased risk of vertebral fractures and thus need to be actively screened irrespective of the underlying BMD.

The discharge of surfactants through wastewater from numerous industries is a serious concern, since they can critically impact the health of human beings as well as other living creatures. In addition, oily effluents present in the wastewater (such as benzene, toluene, and hexane) make it more harmful so that it is essential to treat it before disposing off. The present work demonstrates the removal of an anionic surfactant [i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)] from water by foam fractionation in the presence of these effluents. The SDS concentration was above its critical micellar concentration. A foam fraction column was used in the batch mode. SDS concentration in the samples collected from the column was measured by two-phase titration. The airflow rate was varied in the range of 0.4–1.6 dm3 min–1. The adsorption of the surfactant at the air–water interface was measured by the surface tension. About 72% of the SDS was recovered in the form of a semi-solid cake. Nearly 97.5% of water was recovered in this process. The removal and recovery of SDS increased with increasing airflow rate. Foam stability had a serious impact on the recovery of SDS. The oils had an antifoaming effect which reduced the foam volume. The foam stability was higher in the absence of the oils. The foam stability was analyzed by the measurement of zeta potential, and the entering, spreading, and bridging coefficients.

Gastric lipomas are rare benign neoplasms of the stomach. These submucosal lesions and located mostly in the antral region of the stomach. Small lipomas are usually asymptomatic and are detected incidentally. When large, they may present with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or gastric outlet obstruction. We hereby present a case of gastric lipoma in a 54-year-old man presenting with massive upper GI bleed and haemodynamic instability. The diagnosis was established with endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen. After resuscitation, the patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the antral lipoma.

To assess the safety and efficacy of complex inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval techniques by conducting a systematic review of published literature. PubMed database (including MEDLINE) was searched from its inception to April 2020 for articles describing IVC filter retrievals. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting > 5 patients and where advanced techniques were used for IVCF retrieval. An advanced retrieval technique was defined as any technique other than one involving routine venous access with a snare or one involving a dedicated retrieval device. Successful retrieval was defined as removal of the filter in its entirety irrespective of the number of attempts. Demographic data, filter dwell times, filter types, retrieval indications, retrieval methods, success rates, and complication rates were recorded. Nineteen studies (17 retrospective and 2 prospective) met inclusion criteria consisting of 758 patients (330 males and 428 females). The mean age of patients was 46.5 years (range, 14.1–90) and the mean dwell time was 602.5 days (range, 5–7336). 702 retrievable and 56 permanent filters were studied. The most common retrievable and permanent filters were Gunther Tulip (186) and TrapEase (23), respectively. Indications for complex retrieval included failure of standard retrieval (676/758) and tilt/embedding in the caval wall (408/758). 710 of 758 (93.7%) of the filters were successfully removed using an advanced technique. There was no significant difference between success rates for retrievable and permanent filter, 93.2% (599/643) and 96.4% (53/55), respectively (P = .035). Eighteen patients (2.4%) experienced major complications and complication rate was not significantly associated with filter type (P = 0.103). Advanced retrieval techniques appear safe and effective for the successful retrieval of both retrievable and permanent IVC filters.

Phytic acid (PA), an anti-nutritional factor in maize (Zea mays L.) grains form various salts by chelating essential vital mineral elements namely, Fe3+; Zn2+, Mg2+, etc. affecting their bioavailability. Low phytic acid (LPA) maize can play a vital role as an important food and feed crop to diversify the existing food basket to address micronutrient malnutrition. Globally efforts to identify LPA maize genotypes in the existing germplasm are limited. Keeping this in view, the present experiment was designed using the diverse set of maize germplasm including landraces, composites, inbred lines and hybrids of field corn and also some genotypes of quality protein maize and sweet corn to explore the extent of variability for PA in the existing germplasm and to identify the LPA maize genotypes. The mean PA content across 104 genotypes excluding LPA mutants varied from 1.7 mg/g (CM L150) to 4.5 mg/g (VMH45) whereas inorganic phosphate (P-i) varied from 0.07 mg/g (LM16) to 0.95 mg/g (PMH9). The correlation coefficient between PA and Pi across genotypes was negative but moderate (-0.35) (P = 0.00024). The present study has identified two inbred lines namely, CM L150 (1.7 mg/g) and CML176 (1.8 mg/g) which do not differ significantly with either of the two LPA mutants namely, LPA1 (1.3 mg/g) and LPA2 (1.7 mg/g). The study further indicated that PA content is generally low in white kernel colour germplasm as compared to other kernel colours. The identified genotypes could be potential donor for developing LPA maize genotypes and also their utilization in the breeding for development of LPA maize cultivars.

Extensive use of the surfactants helps the development of many consumer products, but it contaminates water in many cases. Thus, the removal and recovery of these surfactants has become essential. In this study, a cationic surfactant (i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) was recovered from its aqueous solution by employing the foam fractionation method in batch mode in a cylindrical column. The surfactant concentration was five times its critical micellar concentration (i.e., 1822 mg dm(-3)). The effects of three salts (i.e., NaCl, CaCl2, and Na2SO4) and airflow rate on the surfactant recovery were studied. The salt concentration was varied from 10 to 100 mol m(-3), and the airflow rate was varied from 0.4 to 1.6 dm3 min(-1). About 60 % of the surfactant was recovered from the top of the column in the form of a semi-solid paste. The foam volume and surfactant recovery were reduced by the addition of salt. The stability of the foam played a very important role in surfactant recovery. The recovery of water was excellent.

Summary A phased approach to screening and scaling up EOR trials for a highly complex offshore carbonate field will be presented. The phased approach taken is from screening to pilot and then continuing to a possible field implementation and is unique for the offshore field and its challenges. The cost effective means of executing the trials at different stages of the project are testament to the fact that EOR projects are possible even at low oil prices and in challenging offshore environments.

Black gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, has become one of the most devastating pests that caused serious damages. For this reason, the present study was undertaken to determine the bio-efficacy of six insecticides viz., indoxacarb 14.5 SC, flubendiamide 480 SC, novaluron 10 EC, carbosulfan 25 EC, λ-cyhalothrin 5 EC and cypermethrin 25 EC against pod borer, H. armigera in black gram. Flubendiamide 480 SC was superior in recording lower larval population followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC. The highest grain yield (928 kg ha-1) as well as cost benefit ratio (1:9.57) was obtained from the treatment flubendiamide 480 SC and followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC. The minimum yield was obtained from the cypermethrin 25 EC (428 kg ha-1). In conclusion, flubendiamide 480 SC@ 75 ml ha-1 proved effective treatment against H. armigera in black gram.

BACKGROUND:Results of endovascular interventions in hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction (HVOTO) have been reported from limited studies. Treatment outcomes and prognostic scores need further validation.AIM:To evaluate treatment outcomes and prognostic scores for hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction in an Indian population.METHODS:Consecutive patients with hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction diagnosed at a tertiary centre were included. Technical success and clinical response after endovascular interventional therapy were documented. Predictors of survival were assessed with Cox-proportional model. A new score was derived from the factors significant on multivariate analysis and compared with Child-Turcotte-Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), Rotterdam prognostic index (PI) and Budd-Chiari syndrome-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ( BCS-TIPSS) PI.RESULTS:Three hundred and thirty-four patients (56.6% males), median age 24 (3-62) years were included. Hepatic vein was the commonest site of block-isolated hepatic vonous block in 48%, combined hepatic venous-inferior vena cava block in 46%. Endovascular interventional therapy was performed in 233/334 (70%) with 90% technical success. Clinical response was complete in 166 (71.2%), partial in 58 (24.9%) and no response in nine (3.9%). Majority of cases with HV block did not require TIPSS and could be treated with angioplasty (with/without stenting). On Cox-proportional multivariate analysis, Child class C and response to intervention were independent predictors of outcome and used to derive the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction score. The 5-year survival was 92% (95% CI, 81-97%) for score ≤3, 79% (95%CI, 63-88%) for score >3 and ≤4, and 39% (95% CI, 21-57%) for score >4. The performance of AIIMS hepatic venous outflow obstruction score was superior to other prognostic indices.CONCLUSIONS:Advanced Child class and no response to intervention are associated with poor outcomes. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction score predicts survival better than other prognostic scores.

The manual load carrying system is still widespread in hilly areas of Northeastern part of India due to lack of transportation infrastructure. It is not uncommon to see workers routinely take head-supported loads like the Sherpa method where a load slung on the back and supported by a strap over the forehead. This type of load carriage has become a concern to significant postural discomforts, mainly on head, neck, and shoulders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the physiological and perceptual responses to carry the load in Sherpa method with and without hip belt and shoulder strap supports. In this study, hypothesize that the use of a hip belt and shoulder strap in Sherpa style would elicit lower physiological and perceptual responses than without support. A total of 10 agricultural workers participated in this study and carried 20% and 40% of their body weight while walking at 3 km/h on a motor-driven treadmill with the grade alternating at 0%, 5%, and 10% upward slopes. The results showed that the heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2) and subjective perceptual responses significantly decreased by using the supports of belt and strap in comparison to without supports. This research finding suggests that load transportation without supports is ergonomically inadvisable.