Improved solar still productivity using PCM and nano- PCM composites integerated energy storage.

The study investigates the impact of Phase Change Material (PCM) and nano Phase Change Materials (NPCM) on solar still performance. PCM and a blend of NPCM are placed within 12 copper tubes submerged in 1 mm of water to enhance productivity. Thermal performance is assessed across four major scenarios with a fixed water level of 1 mm in the basin. These scenarios include the conventional still, equipped with 12 empty copper rods and 142 g of PCM in each tube, as well as stills with NPCM Samples 1 and 2. Sample 1 contains 0.75% nanoparticle concentration plus 142 g of PCM in the first 6 tubes, while Sample 2 features 2% nanoparticle concentration plus 142 g of PCM in the subsequent 6 tubes. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles ranging in size from 20 to 30 nm are utilized, with paraffin wax (PW) serving as the latent heat storage (LHS) medium due to its 62 °C melting temperature. The experiments are conducted under the local weather conditions of Vaddeswaram, Vijayawada, India (Latitude-80.6480 °E, Longitude-16.5062 °N). A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is utilized to examine the thermal properties, including the melting point and latent heat fusion, of the NPCM compositions. Results demonstrate that the addition of nanoparticles enhances both the specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion (LHF) in PCM through several mechanisms, including facilitating nucleation, improving energy absorption during phase change, and modifying crystallization behavior within the phase change material. Productivity and efficiency measurements reveal significant improvements: case 1 achieves 2.66 units of daily production and 46.23% efficiency, while cases 2, 3, and 4 yield 3.17, 3.58, and 4.27 units of daily production, respectively. Notably, the utilization of NPCM results in a 60.37% increase overall productivity and a 68.29% improvement in overall efficiency.

[Oral squamous cell carcinoma in the background of oral submucous fibrosis - a systematic review]. / Skvamozno-kletochnaya kartsinoma polosti rta na fone podslizistogo fibroza polosti rta - sistematicheskii obzor.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the background of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the most common presentations of oral cancer among Asian population. OSCC arising in the background of OSMF (OSCC with OSMF) has been a topic of interest among researchers recently and a few studies have considered this to be a distinct clinicopathological entity. This systematic review analyses the demographic and clinicopathological variations of OSCC with OSMF from conventional OSCC to evaluate the distinctiveness of OSCC with OSMF. A comprehensive search from PubMed, Google scholar and manual search were carried out and 4 articles were retrieved and analysed systematically. Out of the total 377 OSCC with OSMF cases and 542 conventional OSCC, males were found to be predominantly affected (82.7% and 73.6%). 47% of the OSCC with OSMF cases were well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas as against 33.4% in conventional OSCC. Lymph node metastases were seen predominantly in conventional OSCC (49.1%) than OSCC with OSMF cases (40.7%). OSCC with OSMF were more prevalent in males and showed better tumour differentiation and lesser lymph node metastasis. Even though the present results inculpate OSCC with OSMF as a distinct clinicopathological entity, there is a dire need for thorough investigation.

EPIGENETIC ALTERATIONS DRIVING ONCOGENESIS IN HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA.

To the Editor, Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HN- SCC) accounts for about 600,000 new cases globally every year and stands the sixth most common cancer, arising from the squamous epithelium. It is localized in the head and neck area involving oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Despite the rigorous therapy, the 5-year overall survival remains poor in HNSCC and has not changed appreciably in the last 30 years. The majority of patients develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and cancer progression occurs. Cetuximab, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, and pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed-death ligand 1 antibody, are among few FDA-approved medications. Current therapies are poor and cause severe long-term toxicity, which has a long-term impact on the quality of life [1].......

Histopathological analysis of soft tissue changes in gingival biopsied specimen from patients with underlying corona virus disease associated mucormycosis (CAM).

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is perhaps the disastrous medical emergencies that has ever hit globally with multiple strains. Amongst various sequelae, mucormycosis may be considered as the most debilitating one. Post COVID-19 mucormycosis is formally regarded as corona virus disease associated mucormycosis (CAM). The aim of the current paper is to present twelve cases of CAM with unique clinical presentation with a detailed histopathological correlation of the gingival biopsied material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve cases of CAM were included in the study who presented initially with non-purulent swelling of the gingiva. The clinic-demographic data pertaining to age, gender, location, laterality and presence of co-morbidities was collected along with histopathological examination of biopsied specimen. RESULTS: The patients ranged from 31-65 years (mean age 47.33 years). There was a male predominance. Clearly, maxillary right gingiva was mostly affected and all cases presented with non purulent, non tender swelling of the gingiva. The incisional biopsy from the gingiva consistently showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the surface epithelium along with vacuolar degeneration, extensive stromal edema, massive mixed inflammatory reaction, congested blood vessels, hemorrhage and abundant multinucleated giant cells. Potassium hydroxide (10% KOH) mount served no additional diagnostic advantage. After two initial biopsies any suspected case of CAM with these features was treated with appropriate antifungal therapy and conservative excision. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival swelling with aforementioned histopathological features resembling post COVID-19 histological alterations could be alarming early signs of CAM and are candidate of prompt antifungal therapy rather than repeat biopsy for confirmation.

Internal decompression for spinal stenosis (IDSS) for decompression and use of interlaminar dynamic device (CoflexTM) for stabilization in the surgical management of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis with or without mild segmental instability: our initial results.

INTRODUCTION: Internal decompression of spinal stenosis (IDSS) and Posterior dynamic stabilization (PDS) form a bridge between decompression laminectomy alone and rigid fusion, by attempting to sustain beneficial effects of decompression and stabilization in an attempt to prevent bad effects of relentless degeneration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome in operated patient of posterior dynamic stabilization. DESIGN: Data were collected over 1 year in prospective, nonrandomized follow-up study using outcome scales. SETTING: Single surgeon, tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India. Described here is the operative technique of posterior dynamic stabilization using CoFlexTM and clinical outcome of 67 consecutive patients using Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Score.

Software version of Roland Morris Disability questionnaire for outcome assessment in low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Developing and using the software version of existing validated paper version of patient-related outcome can go a long way in saving cost, time and effort. However, the equivalence of paper version and software versions cannot be assumed. The aim of the study is to test the equivalence between paper version and software version of Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and its acceptability among patients. METHODS: This is a within-subject cross over equivalence study. Fifty-five patients with back pain were asked to complete the paper and software version of RMDQ in random order. Patients were included from the Neuro Spinal surgery outpatient department of Lilavati Hospital and Research Center. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of 52 patients who completed the study showed high agreement between the paper and software version of the questionnaire (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.994, 95% confidence interval (0.989-0.996)). High sensitivity and specificity of 84 and 88% of the software version was noted. About 69.2% patients preferred software version over paper version. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that software version is comparable to the paper version. It may prove to be a useful tool for epidemiological studies and patient follow-up over longer period.

Approaches to paraspinal tumours - a technical note.

Neurogenic tumours of the paraspinal space can occur in all age groups. It is common in adult population and relatively rare in elderly group. Usually they are benign, but in children, arising from the autonomic system, tends to be malignant in nature. Usually in adults, they arise from peripheral nerve sheath and are labelled as schwannomas. For a given tumour, determination of a correct surgical approach is mandatory to achieve a successful surgical outcome. Several factors like tumour size, histology, involvement of the bony spinal canal, etc. are some of the deciding factors for a correct surgical approach. Since many such tumours are benign, total excision is possible with a correct surgical approach. If the tumour involves the integrity of the spine then additionally a stabilization procedure may have to be carried out. Unfortunately, there are still no guidelines regarding the choice of surgical approach for the excision of such tumors. Presented here is a series of five patients managed by us over a period of 10 years. Four patients were adults and one female child was three years old. Four patients were operated upon successfully and the fifth one is waiting for surgery.

Stromal myofibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Concurrent with the progression of a non- diseased epithelium to the pre-cancerous epithelium to carcinoma, the stroma also undergoes modifications. Myofibroblasts are important stromal cells that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. The current study investigated the presence of myofibroblasts in healthy oral mucosa, potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consisted of a total of 106 samples categorized into three groups, namely, Group I - Oral SCC (OSCC) (n = 42), Group II - PMDs (n = 32) and Group III - Oral healthy mucosa (n = 32) subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using alpha Smooth Muscle Actin. RESULTS: Among the 42 cases of OSCC, the staining index was negative in 23 cases (54.7%), low in 9 cases(21.4%) and moderate in 10 cases (23.8%). The stroma of cases of verrucous carcinoma, cases of Hyperkeratosis with epithelial dysplasia, 77.5% of the cases of oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) and healthy oral mucosa were devoid of myofibroblasts resulting in a grade of "0" in all cases.Two of the cases of OSMF (12.5%) showed low staining index for myofibroblast. There was a significant difference in the myofibroblasts expression between the Groups (Kruskal-Wallis test P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study justify "myofibroblast" as one among the key stromal element in tumor progression. Future studies involving a larger sample size along with follow up of patients with PMDs are essential to identify the exact stage in which they emerge in the stroma of these lesions.

Metanephric stromal tumour: A rare pediatric benign stromal specific renal neoplasm.

A case of incidentally detected Metanephric Stromal Tumour (MST) is reported here. This is a rare, recently recognized pediatric benign stromal specific renal neoplasm. A review of the English literature revealed only five cases after its original description by Argani et al. Recognition of this entity can spare a child from potentially toxic adjuvant chemotherapy that might be used to treat malignant lesions which are part of the differential diagnosis, particularly clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK).

Salivary ferritin as a predictive marker of iron deficiency anemia in children.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the salivary Ferritin levels in children with iron deficiency anemia and its reliability as a predictive marker of the disease and whether these levels could give a new hypothetical insight on the oral epithelial changes seen in patients with iron deficiency anemia. STUDY DESIGN: The study comprised of 60 children of which the study group comprised of 30 individuals; aged 8-14 years with iron deficiency anemia. Venous blood was collected and hematological examination was performed to determine the hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels to confirm the diagnosis. Saliva was then collected from 30 children with iron deficiency anemia and an equal number of controls. The ferritin levels in saliva were then analyzed using solid phase ELISA. RESULT: The mean value of salivary ferritin in iron deficient cases was 153.24 +/- 46.58 microg/dl and the mean ferritin levels in control subject were 93.87 +/- 30.15 microg/dl. Thus the salivary ferritin was found to be significantly higher in iron deficient subjects compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The result of our research affirms the fact that the expression of ferritin in saliva of iron deficiency anemia may be due to the enzymatic functions in the saliva and the endocytosis of ferritin which can possibly elevate the salivary ferritin. The diminished level of cytochrome oxidase, together with its relatively high Ferritin content, depicts the association of oral epithelial changes and ferritin occurring in iron deficiency anemia.

Age estimation in an Indian population using pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines obtained from cone beam computed tomography.

The present study assessed the suitability of pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines for age prediction in an Indian population. Volumetric reconstruction of scanned images of mandibular canines from 140 individuals (aged ten - 70 years), using computed tomography was used to measure pulp and tooth volumes. Age calculated using a formula reported earlier for a Belgian sample, resulted in errors > ten years in almost 86% of the study population. The regression equation obtained for the Indian population: Age = 57.18 + (- 413.41 x pulp/tooth volume ratio), was applied to an independent control group (n = 48), and this resulted in mean absolute errors of 8.54 years which was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those derived with the Belgian formula. The pulp/tooth volume ratio is a useful indicator of age, although correlations may vary in different populations and hence, specific formulae should be applied for the estimates.

Mediastinal and pulmonary infantile myofibromatosis: an unusual surgical presentation.

A 4-week-old boy was extensively investigated for stridor and respiratory distress and was found to have a soft tissue mass superior to the left hilum and emphysema of the entire left lung. An exploratory thoracotomy was undertaken for diagnosis and possibly to improve respiratory distress. Intraoperatively, a firm plaquelike mass was identified encasing the entire hilum including left pulmonary artery and left main bronchus. It became apparent that a left pneumonectomy was needed to be performed to resect the tumor completely and achieve hemostasis. Histopathologic examination revealed infantile myofibromatosis with multiple foci within the entire lung parenchyma as well as in the hilar mass. The child is completely recurrence-free and symptom-free after 6 years of follow-up. The literature review was carried out to discuss management of this rare but benign and surgically challenging condition.

Left congenital diaphragmatic hernia, absent pericardium, and liver heterotopia: a case report and review.

A case of a left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), absent pericardium, and a hernial sac containing ectopic liver tissue is presented. This triplicate of defects is exceedingly rare with only 2 previous reports in the literature dating back to 1936. This case supports the evidence that CDH is the result of failure of the closure of the pleuroperitoneal canals by the growth of the posthepatic mesenchymal plate. Moreover, the role of the phrenic nerve as a mediator for both CDH and absent pericardium is discussed.

Determining toothache severity in pediatric patients: A study.

To correlate sodium-potassium levels in saliva of pediatric patients having different intensities of toothache assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in age group 3-14 yrs. A prospective study of 50 children having different intensities of pain was carried out in the Dept. of Pedodontics, Sareetha Dental College and Hospital. 50 children (aged 3-14 yrs) having different intensities of toothache including normal children (control) were included in the study. Saliva samples were collected and Na+, K+ levels in saliva were measured by using Na+, k+ colorimeter kit. Photographs were taken using Digital camera and VAS was prepared accordingly. Sodium levels decreased with increasing pain intensity and potassium levels increased, facial expressions correlated with Na+, K+ levels. Correlation between Na+, K+ levels and pain intensity exists. Also, VAS is a valid measure for pain.

Cholesterol granuloma of maxillary sinus.

The cholesterol granuloma is a particular form of granulation tissue developing as part of a variety of tissue reactions. It is usually associated with chronic middle ear disease and is common in the mastoid antrum of temporal bone. Cholesterol granuloma is rare in maxillary antrum. A case is reported of cholesterol granuloma in the maxillary sinus of a 42-year-old man, with the unique feature that the soft tissue lesion is enclosed by thick bone, entirely within the sinus.

Recurrent mesenchymal hamartoma associated with 19q translocation. A call for more radical surgical resection.

Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare benign tumour in children. It is often large and centrally located in the liver at diagnosis, making surgical resection difficult; thus non-radical resection has been proposed in the past as acceptable management. However, a literature survey and a case with recurrence associated with cytogenetic anomalies suggest that radical liver surgery (resection with a margin of normal liver parenchyma, as for malignant tumour) should be recommended for mesenchymal hamartoma.

Lethal cardiomyopathy in epidermolysis bullosa associated with amitriptyline.

There are previous reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a debilitating blistering skin disorder. The pathogenesis of DCM in RDEB remains uncertain, although dietary deficiency of selenium and carnitine have been implicated. A 6 year old girl with RDEB who died of DCM is reported; attention is drawn to the possible role of two potentially cardiotoxic drugs, amitriptyline and cisapride.

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome as a complication of induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

This report describes a case of fatal haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) developing in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) during induction chemotherapy. The aetiology in this case is uncertain but it may have resulted from treatment with L-asparaginase or vincristine. The possibility of HUS during induction chemotherapy for ALL should be considered early on in the treatment regimen, if clinical signs and symptoms suggest this diagnosis, so that appropriate treatment can be instituted.