Laparoscopic excision of a large retroperitoneal cyst: Case report and literature review.

Retroperitoneal cysts, a rare surgical phenomenon, present diagnostic challenges due to their typically asymptomatic nature. A 62-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of abdominal distension and increased burping. Upon clinical examination, a soft, distended, nontender abdomen with a palpable mass extending from the epigastric region to 3 cm below the umbilicus was revealed. Imaging revealed a 14.6 cm × 15.8 cm × 16.4 cm nonenhancing retroperitoneal lesion, compressing the right ureter and causing mild right hydronephrosis. Multiple gall bladder calculi, an umbilical hernia, and lipomatous lesions associated with adrenal glands were also discovered. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal cystectomy, cholecystectomy, and umbilical hernia repair were performed. Intraoperatively, 150 ml ascitic fluid and 1200 ml cystic fluid were found. This case highlights the intricate clinical presentation of a retroperitoneal cyst, emphasizing the need for surgical exploration. Successful laparoscopic management contributes to the evolving understanding of optimal treatment strategies.

Ab initio insight into the physical properties of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) lead-free perovskite for hydrogen storage application.

Renewable energy systems are vital for a sustainable future, where solid-state hydrogen storage can play a crucial role. Perovskite hydride materials have attracted the scientific community for hydrogen storage applications. The current work focuses on the theoretical study using density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the characteristics of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) hydrides. The structural, vibrational, electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrogen storage properties of these hydrides were investigated. The equilibrium lattice parameters were calculated using the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state-to-energy volume curves. The elastic constants (Cij) and relevant parameters, such as Born criteria, were calculated to confirm the mechanical stability of the hydrides. The Cauchy pressure (Cp) revealed brittle or ductile behavior. The outcomes of the Pugh ratio, Poisson ratio, and anisotropy were also calculated and discussed. The absence of negative lattice vibrational frequencies in phonon dispersion confirmed the lattice's dynamic stability. The heat capacity curves of thermodynamic properties revealed that hydrides can conduct thermal energy. The metallic character and ample interatomic distances of hydrides were confirmed by the band structure and population analysis, which confirmed that hydrides can conduct electrical energy and adsorb hydrogen. The density of state (DOS) and partial DOS unveiled the role of specific atoms in the DOS of the crystal. The calculated gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity of MgCoH3, MgCuH3, and MgNiH3 hydrides was 3.64, 3.32, and 3.49wt%, respectively. Our results provide a deeper understanding of its potential for hydrogen storage applications through a detailed analysis of MgXH3 (X = Co, Cu, Ni) perovskite hydride material.

Spatial distribution of microplastics in soil with context to human activities: a case study from the urban center.

Plastic pollution is an emerging issue faced worldwide owing to rapid urbanization and extensive use of plastic products. The objective of this study was to determine and highlight the spatial distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the top soils of different land use types of an urbanized city, i.e., Lahore, Pakistan, influenced by different human activities. Soil samples (n = 40) were collected from eight different land use groups including agricultural areas, drains, dumping sites, industrial areas, lawns, parks, roadsides, and wastelands to represent the influence of corresponding human actions. After cleaning the samples through wet peroxide digestion and density separation, MPs were identified under a stereomicroscope. The range of MPs in top soils within Lahore district varied from 1750 to 12,200 MPs/kg with an average of 4483 ± 2315 MPs/kg. The highest concentration of MPs was present in the parks while the lowest numbers of MPs were enumerated in soil from dumping sites. About 99% of the identified MPs particles were fibers, sheets, and fragments in shape while foams and beads accounted for the rest. Moreover, among the size ranges, the large size MPs (300-5000 µm) were found in the majority (41.16%) followed by the fine size MPs (50-150 µm; 30.67%) and medium size MPs (150-300 µm; 28.17%). The current level of MPs pollution attracts the attention of researchers for a more comprehensive investigation in the future. It also incites the policy-makers to implement the regulations to prevent plastic pollution and its environmental implications.