Large interlayer spacing Nb4C3Tx (MXene) promotes the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of Pb2+ on glassy carbon electrodes

A Nb₄C₃T_x (MXene)-modified glassy carbon electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of Pb²⁺ ions in aqueous media. The sensing platform was evaluated by anodic stripping analysis after optimizing the influencing factors such as pH, deposition potential, and time. The large interlayer spacing, high c lattice parameter and higher conductivity of Nb₄C₃T_x compared to other MXenes enhance the electrochemical detection of Pb²⁺. The developed sensor can reach a detection limit of 12 nM at a potential ∼−0.6 V. Additionally, the developed sensor showed promising selectivity in the presence of Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺, and stability for at least 5 cycles of continuous measurements with good repeatability. This work demonstrates the potential applications of Nb₄C₃T_x towards the development of effective electrochemical sensors.

Large interlayer spacing Nb₄C₃T_x (MXene) promotes the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of Pb²⁺ on glassy carbon electrodes     

Comparative evaluation of VATS assisted combined mechanical and chemical pleurodesis with chemical pleurodesis—is it worthwhile?

Introduction

Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) is a common terminal clinical problem in patients with advance cancer. Treatment options for MPE include observation, thoracocentesis, or pleurodesis. In the current study, we compared the effectiveness and safety of combined mechanical and chemical pleurodesis by Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with chemical pleurodesis via intercostals tube alone, using talc as pleurodesis agent in both.

Material and methods

In this prospective study, diagnosed patients of MPE having Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 3 or less 3, expected life expectancy of more than 3 months, and having lung re-expansion after drainage were selected for pleurodesis. Patients with ability to undergo general anesthesia were considered for VATS assisted combined mechanical & chemical pleurodesis (Group A). In the remaining chemical pleurodesis was performed at bedside (Group B).

Results

The duration of this study was 1 year. The total number of patients was 30. There were 15 patients each in both the groups. Pleurodesis was achieved in 4.47?±?0.92 days in group A and 6.33?±?0.90 days in group B. This difference was highly significant (p?<?0.0001). Post procedural complaints were more or less same in both the groups.

Conclusion

Combined mechanical and chemical pleurodesis (VATS assisted) appears to be superior to chemical pleurodesis, as it offers less morbidity, lesser hospital stay, and complete response in follow up. This modality may be used in patients of MPE for palliation, who are fit for general/ regional anesthesia.     

Thoracic trauma trends in Northern India- single center experience

Introduction

Thoracic trauma comprises 10–15 % of all traumas. The incidence and etiological pattern of chest trauma varies from region to region and is related to cultural and socio-political circumstances. This paper details our experience with thoracic trauma in a North Indian state.

Material & methods

All patients who were hospitalized for thoracic trauma from June 2010 to June 2012 in our hospital were enrolled. Data was collected prospectively and analysed. Factors analysed were age, gender, mode of injury, type of thoracic injury, associated injuries, management modalities, and outcome.

Results

The total number of patients was 250. The male to female ratio was about 10:1. The mean age of patients was 36.62 years. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) was the most common mode of chest injury. Motor-bike accident was the most common type of RTA. Majority of patients were managed with tube thoracostomy (183, 73.2 %). One hundred and eighty nine (75.6 %) patients were discharged after recovery. Ten (4.0 %) patients absconded. In all, 29 (11.6 %) patients died, while 22 (8.8 %) patients left the hospital against medical advice. A significant association between presence of associated injury and outcome was observed (p?<?0.001). We found mortality rate was significantly higher in chest injury associated with neurotrauma and abdominal visceral injury.

Conclusion

Chest trauma is a major health problem since it has high morbidity and mortality rate. The majority of patients with simple chest injuries can be managed by tube thoracostomy. According to our analysis; mortality predictors were: RTAs, blunt chest trauma, unstable hemodynamic status upon arrival, neurotrauma, abdominal visceral injury, flail chest, ventilator use, cardiac contusion and complications of therapy.     

Drilling of bone: A comprehensive review

BackgroundBone fracture treatment usually involves restoring of the fractured parts to their initial position and immobilizing them until the healing takes place. Drilling of bone is common to produce hole for screw insertion to fix the fractured parts for immobilization. Orthopaedic drilling during surgical process causes increase in the bone temperature and forces which can cause osteonecrosis reducing the stability and strength of the fixation.MethodsA comprehensive review of all the relevant investigations carried on bone drilling is conducted. The experimental method used, results obtained and the conclusions made by the various researchers are described and compared.ResultReview suggests that the further improvement in the area of bone drilling is possible. The systematic review identified several consequential factors (drilling parameters and drill specifications) affecting bone drilling on which there no general agreement among investigators or are not adequately evaluated. These factors are highlighted and use of more advanced methods of drilling is accentuated. The use of more precise experimental set up which resembles the actual situation and the development of automated bone drilling system to minimize human error is addressed.ConclusionIn this review, an attempt has been made to systematically organize the research investigations conducted on bone drilling. Methods of treatment of bone fracture, studies on the determination of the threshold for thermal osteonecrosis, studies on the parameters influencing bone drilling and methods of the temperature measurement used are reviewed and the future work for the further improvement of bone drilling process is highlighted.     

Extradural meningioma en-plaque of the cervical cord

Abstract

A rare case of cervical extradural en-plaquc méningothélial meningioma is reported. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural sheet of tumor encasing the cervical cord from anterior, posterior and right lateral aspects and emerging from the right C3–A intervertebral foramina. Though a differential diagnosis of lymphoma and tubercular granulation tissue were considered, its isointense intensity patterns on T1 and T2 weighted images and the intratumoral calcification on intrathecal contrast computed tomographic scan suggested a meningioma. At surgery, the lesion was fibrous, avascular and densely adherent to the dura. The radiological features and management options of the lesion are discussed. [Neurol Res 2000; 22: 351-353]     

Brachymetatarsia with accessory navicular in right foot: A rare coincidental finding

A 33 years old female patient presented with posttraumatic pain in the right foot for which radiographs of the right foot was advised. No fracture was detected on radiographs and patient was managed conservatively on medications and posterior splint immobilization. We found coincidentally a short fourth metatarsal and an accessory navicular bone in the right foot radiographs. After 3 weeks of immobilization, she underwent mobilization of the right foot, weight bearing and intensive physiotherapy for 6 weeks. After two months of injury she was still complaining of pain on the plantar aspect of right foot which was diagnosed as metatarsalgia and operated on by excision of the neuroma present in the 3rd web space of the right foot. After surgery she was completely relieved of pain and could do activities well related to the right foot.