Deep insights into kinetics, optimization and thermodynamic estimates of methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution onto coffee husk (Coffee arabica) activated carbon.

In the current study, an attempt was made to synthesize coffee husk (CH) activated carbon by chemical modification approach (sulphuric acid-activated CH (SACH) activated carbon) and was used as a valuable and economical sorbent for plausible remediation of Methylene blue (MB) dye. Batch mode trials were carried out by carefully varying the batch experimental variables: SACH activated carbon (SACH AC) dosage, pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, and contact time. The optimum equilibrium time for adsorption by SACH activated carbon was obtained as 60 min, and the maximum adsorption took place at 30 °C. Morphological and elemental composition, crystallinity behaviour, functional groups, and thermal stability were examined using SEM with EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET, TGA, and DTA and these tests showed successful production of activated carbon. The outcomes showed that chemical activation enhanced the number of pores and roughness which possibly maximized the adsorptive potential of coffee husk. The Box-Benken design (BBD) was used to optimize the MB dye adsorption studies and 99.48% MB dye removed at SACH AC dosage of 4.83 g/L at 30 °C for 60 min and pH 8.12, and the maximum adsorption was yielded for sulphuric acid-activated coffee husk carbon carbon with 88.1 mg/g maximum MB adsorption capacity. Langmuir- Freundlich model deliberately provided a better fit to the equilibrium data. The SACH AC-MB dye system kinetics showed a high goodness-of-fit with pseudo second order model, compared to other studied models. Change in Gibbs's free energy (ΔGo) of the system indicated spontaneity whereas low entropy value (ΔSo) suggested that the removal of MB dye on the SACH activated carbon was an enthalpy-driven process. The exothermic nature of the sorption cycle was affirmed by the negative enthalpy value (ΔHo). The adsorptive-desorptive studies reveal that SACH AC could be restored with the maximum adsorption efficiency being conserved after the fifth cycles. Overall, the outcomes revealed that sulphuric acid-activated coffee husk activated carbon (SACH AC) can be used as prompt alternative for low-cost sorbent for treating dye-laden synthetic wastewaters.

Perioral Clonal Variant of Seborrheic Keratosis: Diagnostic Challenges.

Seborrheic keratosis is the most common benign tumour of epithelial origin, whose incidence increases with the advance of age. The aetiology of SK is not completely known but exposure to UV radiation may be an associated factor. Most of the cases have a rough, verrucous appearance, slightly elevated, and black or brown in colour. They are usually painless but at times present with pus discharge or ulceration.

Synthesis and characterization of barium doped CaO heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the production of biodiesel from Catharanthus roseus seeds: Kinetics, optimization and performance evaluation.

The exploitation of petroleum derivatives to meet the energy demands of the cutting edge is thought of as impractical because of asset shortage. The current necessitates that the world community improves future energy sources by developing sustainable, ecofriendly alternatives. In this work, biodiesel is produced through the transesterification of Catharanthus roseus seed oil with a barium-doped CaO heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The catalyst characterization is assessed using FTIR, GC-FID, EDAX, XRD, and SEM. The optimum conditions of time (70 min), temperature (58 °C), the molar ratio of methanol: oil is 15:1, and catalyst load (4% w/w) resulted in a conversion of the maximum biodiesel yield of 91.83%. Finally, by using Catharanthus roseus as a feedstock, the low optimal reaction conditions contribute to the development of the economic impact of biodiesel synthesis. Biodiesel blend (B20) containing barium-doped CaO nanoparticles showed better combustion engine performance and lower emissions than fossil fuels.

Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: cytological indicators of diagnostic value.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important investigation in preoperative diagnosis of thyroid lesions. Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid (FVPTC) is a well defined entity in histopathology, but its diagnosis in FNAC is usually missed and is challenging compared to classic papillary thyroid carcinoma. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze cytological features in histologically confirmed cases of FVPTC, compare them with literature and document the features that could increase the sensitivity of FNAC diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytological smears from 22 histologically confirmed cases of FVPTC were evaluated for microscopic pattern and nuclear features by two independent pathologists and results compared with previous studies. Statistical analysis was done based on bivariate Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Among 22 cases 21 were female and one male with age range 21 - 50 years. All patients had a solitary nodule except one with multicentric presentation. Preoperative cytological diagnosis were, classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); 7, FVPTC; 3, suspicious for PTC; 4, follicular neoplasm; 5 and adenomatous goiter;3. Diagnosis upon cytological review were, FVPTC; 11, classic PTC; 7 , suspicious for PTC; 2, follicular adenoma;1 and adenomatous goiter; 1. CONCLUSION: We conclude that cellular smears with features as observed in our case like microfollicular pattern, syncytial clusters, fine powdery chromatin, anisonucleosis and nucleomegaly should alert the pathologist to look carefully for other more specific features like nuclear grooves and nuclear pseudoinclusions. This approach will help in avoiding misdiagnosis of FVPTC and would aid in choosing the right treatment modality.

Encysted Spermatic Cord Hydrocele in a 60-year-old, Mimicking Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report.

Hydrocele of spermatic cord is caused by defect in closure of the processus vaginalis, as the testicles descend into the scrotum during foetal development. It usually occurs in infancy and childhood. There are two types of hydrocele of spermatic cord. Encysted type is caused by defective closure at both proximal and distal ends of processus vaginalis and it does not communicate with the peritoneal cavity. Funicular type is caused by defective closure of only distal end of tunica vaginalis and it communicates with the peritoneal cavity. The encysted type can be confused clinically with incarcerated inguinal hernia, inguinal lymphadenopathy, undescended testis and primary tumours of cord like lipoma. We are presenting a case of encysted hydrocele of spermatic cord in a 60-year-old male, which clinically mimicked incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Eosinophilic cystitis mimicking bladder tumour - a rare case report.

A 16-year-old male presented with urinary urgency, a frequency of 4 months duration and intermittent gross haematuria which were there since one month. Eosinophilia was noted in complete blood count and CT KUB with contrast showed a filling defect in the right lateral wall, over the vesicoureteric junction. Cystoscopy revealed a sessile mass lesion over right vesico-ureteric junction, with bullous oedema . Rest of the mucosa was normal. Transurethral resection of lesion was performed and histological examination showed features of eosinophilic cystitis. Patient was treated with corticosteroids, antimicrobial agents and antihistaminics and he is recovering well. We are presenting this case for its rare presentation and its possibility of mimicking a bladder tumour. Biopsy of the lesion was diagnostic and an early treatment showed good results.

Asymmetrical Fracture Dislocation of Shoulder - A Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: A bilateral shoulder dislocation is an extremely rare injury with only a few reported cases in English literature, and most of these cases have occurred following a seizure episode or an electric shock. We present the first ever reported case of simultaneous bilateral anterior and posterior fracture dislocation of shoulders and its unique mechanism of injury in a 48 year old diabetic male. CASE REPORT: A 48 year old male presented to our emergency department with pain and restriction of movements involving both shoulders following a fall. The patient was standing by the side of a two wheeler when he had a sudden syncopal attack and toppled on the other side of the vehicle. On examination there was flattening of deltoid contour with a positive Dugas test in both sides. Humeral head was palpable posteriorly on the right side and anteriorly on the left side. Plain radiograph anteroposterior view of both shoulders showed posterior dislocation of right shoulder with a fracture of greater tuberosity and anterior dislocation of left shoulder with a greater tuberosity fracture. Closed reduction was achieved for both shoulders under general anaesthesia. After a couple of weeks, complete range of motion exercises was started. X-ray of bilateral shoulders, at 3 months, showed complete union of the fracture. CONCLUSION: Bilateral shoulder dislocation is suspected only following a violent mechanism of injury, however, we would like to point out, giving an example of our case that this injury may also occur after a trivial fall. And if associated with a fracture sometimes, the characteristic attitude of the limb may not be seen leading to a missed diagnosis. However a thorough clinical examination and the knowledge that such injuries may occur after a simple fall will help prevent missing these injuries.

Cysticercus of the Breast which Mimicked a Fibroadenoma: A Rare Presentation.

Human cysticercosis is an infection which is caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. They can affect any part of the body, the most common sites being the muscle, the CNS and the subcutaneous tissues. In this report , we are presenting the case of a 32-year old woman who came with a history of a painless, freely mobile lump in the left breast. A clinical diagnosis of a fibroadenoma was made and an excision biopsy was done, which revealed the presence of cysticercus lavae, along with a foreign body giant cell reaction. A diagnosis of cysticercus at the atypical sites is rare and it depends mainly on the histopathological examination. Although it is rare, cysticercus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a mass in the breast and in the areas of a greater prevalence.