Does Freehand, Patient-specific Instrumentation or Surgical Navigation Perform Better for Allograft Reconstruction After Tumor Resection? A Preclinical Synthetic Bone Study.

BACKGROUND: Joint-sparing resection of periarticular bone tumors can be challenging because of complex geometry. Successful reconstruction of periarticular bone defects after tumor resection is often performed with structural allografts to allow for joint preservation. However, achieving a size-matched allograft to fill the defect can be challenging because allograft sizes vary, they do not always match a patient's anatomy, and cutting the allograft to perfectly fit the defect is demanding. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is there a difference in mental workload among the freehand, patient-specific instrumentation, and surgical navigation approaches? (2) Is there a difference in conformance (quantitative measure of deviation from the ideal bone graft), elapsed time during reconstruction, and qualitative assessment of goodness-of-fit of the allograft reconstruction among the approaches? METHODS: Seven surgeons used three modalities in the same order (freehand, patient-specific instrumentation, and surgical navigation) to fashion synthetic bone to reconstruct a standardized bone defect. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mental task load index questionnaires and procedure time were captured. Cone-beam CT images of the shaped allografts were used to measure conformance (quantitative measure of deviation from the ideal bone graft) to a computer-generated ideal bone graft model. Six additional (senior) surgeons blinded to modality scored the quality of fit of the allografts into the standardized tumor defect using a 10-point Likert scale. We measured conformance using the root-mean-square metric in mm and used ANOVA for multipaired comparisons (p < 0.05 was significant). RESULTS: There was no difference in mental NASA total task load scores among the freehand, patient-specific instrumentation, and surgical navigation techniques. We found no difference in conformance root-mean-square values (mean ± SD) between surgical navigation (2 ± 0 mm; mean values have been rounded to whole numbers) and patient-specific instrumentation (2 ± 1 mm), but both showed a small improvement compared with the freehand approach (3 ± 1 mm). For freehand versus surgical navigation, the mean difference was 1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5 to 1.1; p = 0.01). For freehand versus patient-specific instrumentation, the mean difference was 1 mm (95% CI -0.1 to 0.9; p = 0.02). For patient-specific instrumentation versus surgical navigation, the mean difference was 0 mm (95% CI -0.5 to 0.2; p = 0.82). In evaluating the goodness of fit of the shaped grafts, we found no clinically important difference between surgical navigation (median [IQR] 7 [6 to 8]) and patient-specific instrumentation (median 6 [5 to 7.8]), although both techniques had higher scores than the freehand technique did (median 3 [2 to 4]). For freehand versus surgical navigation, the difference of medians was 4 (p < 0.001). For freehand versus patient-specific instrumentation, the difference of medians was 3 (p < 0.001). For patient-specific instrumentation versus surgical navigation, the difference of medians was 1 (p = 0.03). The mean ± procedural times for freehand was 16 ± 10 minutes, patient-specific instrumentation was 14 ± 9 minutes, and surgical navigation techniques was 24 ± 8 minutes. We found no differences in procedure times across three shaping modalities (freehand versus patient-specific instrumentation: mean difference 2 minutes [95% CI 0 to 7]; p = 0.92; freehand versus surgical navigation: mean difference 8 minutes [95% CI 0 to 20]; p = 0.23; patient-specific instrumentation versus surgical navigation: mean difference 10 minutes [95% CI 1 to 19]; p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Based on surgical simulation to reconstruct a standardized periarticular bone defect after tumor resection, we found a possible small advantage to surgical navigation over patient-specific instrumentation based on qualitative fit, but both techniques provided slightly better conformance of the shaped graft for fit into the standardized post-tumor resection bone defect than the freehand technique did. To determine whether these differences are clinically meaningful requires further study. The surgical navigation system presented here is a product of laboratory research development, and although not ready to be widely deployed for clinical practice, it is currently being used in a research operating room setting for patient care. This new technology is associated with a learning curve, capital costs, and potential risk. The reported preliminary results are based on a preclinical synthetic bone tumor study, which is not as realistic as actual surgical scenarios. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical navigation systems are an emerging technology in orthopaedic and reconstruction surgery, and understanding their capabilities and limitations is paramount for clinical practice. Given our preliminary findings in a small cohort study with one scenario of standardized synthetic periarticular bone tumor defects, future investigations should include different surgical scenarios using allograft and cadaveric specimens in a more realistic surgical setting.

Artificial neural networks (ANN)-genetic algorithm (GA) optimization on thermosonicated achocha juice: kinetic and thermodynamic perspectives of retained phytocompounds.

The extraction of phytocompounds from Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata) vegetable juice using traditional methods often results in suboptimal yields and efficiency. This study aimed to enhance the extraction process through the application of thermosonication (TS). To achieve this, an artificial neural network (ANN) and a genetic algorithm (GA) were utilized to simulate and optimize the process parameters. The study investigated the influence of ultrasonic amplitude (30%-50%), temperature (30 °C-50 °C), and sonication duration (15-60 min) on total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (AOA), and ascorbic acid content (AA). Remarkably, the ANN-GA optimization resulted in optimal TS conditions: an ultrasonic amplitude of 40%, a temperature of 40 °C, and a sonication duration of 30 min. Subsequent analysis of extraction kinetics and thermodynamics across various temperatures (30 °C-50 °C) and extraction times (0-30 min) demonstrated R2 (0.98821) and χ2 (1.74773) for TPC with activation energy (Ea) 26.0456, R2 (0.99906) and χ2 (0.07215) for TFC with Ea 26.2336, R2 (0.99867) and χ2 (0.03003) for AOA with Ea 26.0987, R2 (0.99731) and χ2 (0.13719) for AA with Ea 26.0984, validating the pseudo second-order kinetic model. These findings indicate that increased temperature enhances the saturation concentration and rate constant of phytochemical extraction.

Outcomes of elective cancer surgery in COVID-19 survivors: An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Guidelines recommend deferral of elective surgery after COVID-19. Delays in cancer surgeries may affect outcomes. We examined perioperative outcomes of elective cancer surgery in COVID-19 survivors. The primary objective was 30-day all-cause postoperative mortality. The secondary objectives were 30-day morbidity, and its association with COVID-19 severity, and duration between COVID-19 and surgery. METHODS: We collected data on age, gender, comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, preoperative investigations, surgery performed, and intra and postoperative outcomes in COVID-19 survivors who underwent elective cancer surgery at a tertiary-referral cancer center. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-eight COVID-19 survivors presented for elective cancer surgery. Of these, 332/348 (95%) patients had mild COVID-19 and 311 (89%) patients underwent surgery. Among patients with repeat investigations, computerized tomography scan of the thorax showed the maximum new abnormalities (30/157, 19%). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 0.03% (1/311) and 30-day morbidity was 17% (54/311). On multivariable analysis, moderate versus mild COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95; 95% confidence interval  [CI]: 0.52-7.30; p = 0.32) and surgery within 7 weeks of COVID-19 (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.33-1.11; p = 0.10) were not associated with postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who recover from mild to moderate COVID-19, elective cancer surgery can proceed safely even within 7 weeks. Additional preoperative tests may not be indicated in these patients.

Boron-Thioketonates: A New Class of S,O-Chelated Boranes as Acceptors in Optoelectronic Devices.

Development of new n-type semiconductors with tunable band gap and dielectric constant has significant implication in dissociating bound charge carrier relevant for demonstrating high performance optoelectronic devices. Boron-ß-thioketonates (MTDKB), analogues to boron-ß-diketonates containing a sulfur atom in the framework of ß-diketones were synthesized. Bulk transport measurement exhibited an outstanding bulk electron mobility of ≈0.003 cm2 V-1 s-1 , which is among the best values reported till date in these class of semiconducting materials and correspondingly a single junction photo responsivity of upto 6 mA W-1 was obtained. This new family of O,S-chelated boron compounds exhibited luminescence in the far red/near-infrared region. The remarkable red shift of 89 nm (fluorescence) observed for 4 a in comparison with analogues boron-ß-diketonate signifies the importance of sulfur in these molecules. MTDKBs with amine functionality have also been investigated as an ON/OFF fluorescent sensor.

Surgical Site Infections in patients undergoing major oncological surgery during the COVID-19 paNdemic (SCION): A propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are reports of outcomes of elective major cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated if reinforcement of hand hygiene, universal masking, and distancing as a part of pandemic precautions led to a decrease in the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in major oncologic resections. METHODS: Propensity score matching using the nearest neighbor algorithm was performed on 3123 patients over seven covariates (age, comorbidities, surgery duration, prior treatment, disease stage, reconstruction, and surgical wound type) yielding 2614 matched (pre-COVID 1612 and COVID 1002) patients. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify if SSI incidence was lower amongst patients operated during the pandemic. RESULTS: There was a 4.2% (p = 0.006) decrease in SSI in patients operated during the pandemic. On multivariate regression, surgery during the COVID-19 period (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-0.98; p = 0.03), prior chemoradiation (OR = 2.46; CI = 1.45-4.17; p < 0.001), duration of surgery >4 h (OR = 2.17; 95%CI = 1.55-3.05; p < 0.001) and clean contaminated wounds (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.09-2.18; p = 0.012) were significantly associated with SSI. CONCLUSION: Increased compliance with hand hygiene, near-universal mask usage, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic possibly led to a 23% decreased odds of SSI in major oncologic resections. Extending these low-cost interventions in the post-pandemic era can decrease morbidity associated with SSI in cancer surgery.

Tetra-Coordinated Boron-Functionalized Phenanthroimidazole-Based Zinc Salen as a Photocatalyst for the Cycloaddition of CO2 and Epoxides.

A unique B-N coordinated phenanthroimidazole-based zinc salen was synthesized. The zinc salen thus synthesized acts as a photocatalyst for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with terminal epoxides under ambient conditions. DFT study of the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with terminal epoxide indicates the preference of the reaction pathway when photocatalyzed by zinc salen. We anticipate that this strategy will help to design new photocatalysts for CO2 fixation.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion studies on total phenols, flavonoids, anti-oxidant activity and vitamin C in freeze-dried vegetable powders.

In the present research study, the impact of digestion process on the levels of total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C as well as anti-oxidant activity in freeze dried powders of mustard greens (MG) and roselle leaves (RL) was investigated. In addition, physicochemical and functional properties of MG and RL samples also evaluated. The digestion of freeze-dried vegetable powders was achieved through in vitro digestive procedure using various enzymes. From the study, it was observed that the digestion process increased the availability of phenols in both powders, where the digested vegetable powders possessed higher levels of total phenols and flavonoids. In contrast, the levels of vitamin C and anti-oxidant activity of vegetable powders (MG & RL) was found to be decreased minimally. Our research study suggests that in vitro digestion could enhance the TPC and TFC in mustard greens and roselle leaves. Therefore, MG and RL can be considered as a functional ingredient in the development of new products with better nutritional and functional characteristics. Further, the data on the physicochemical, functional and bioactive compounds in MG and RL may be used as reference for the enhancement of quality of products developed from MG and RL.

Cobalt(II)porphyrin-Mediated Selective Synthesis of 1,5-Diketones via an Interrupted-Borrowing Hydrogen Strategy Using Methanol as a C1 Source.

A novel cobalt(II)porphyrin-mediated acceptorless dehydrogenation of methanol is reported for the first time. This methodology has been applied for the coupling of a variety of ketones with methanol to produce 1,5-diketones along with H2 and H2O as the environment friendly byproducts. This paradigm was also demonstrated for a one-pot synthesis of substituted pyridines using a sequential addition protocol where the 1,5-diketones were generated in situ. From many experiments including those involving deuterium labeling, it is proposed that protonated cobalt(II)porphyrin methoxide complex acts as an intermediate to generate formaldehyde along with a metal hydride.

A case of a large solitary fibrous tumor in the thigh, displaying NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2 gene fusion.

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is documented in several body sites. However, there are few reports on the radiological and corresponding histopathological, including immunohistochemical, features of SFT in the lower extremities. A 58-year-old male presented with a lump in his right thigh of 6 months duration. Plain radiograph revealed a soft tissue lesion in his right thigh, involving the adjacent mid-diaphysis and showing focal cortical thickening and calcification. Magnetic resonance imaging scans displayed two well-defined, T1-isointense and T2 heterogeneously hyperintense lesions, measuring together 15 cm in the intermuscular plane and the juxtacortical location along the mid-diaphyseal region of the right femur. Radiologically, the differential diagnoses considered were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and synovial sarcoma. Microscopic examination of the core biopsy and the resected tumor revealed a tumor composed of cells with oval to spindle-shaped nuclei in a variably collagenized stroma, including hyalinized blood vessels and focal dystrophic calcification. Mitotic figures were 4/10 high power fields. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD34, BCL2, and STAT6. Diagnosis of malignant SFT was offered. The tumor displayed NAB2ex4-STAT6ex2 gene fusion on molecular testing. This constitutes a relatively uncommon case report of a large SFT in the thigh, including its radiological and pathological features, confirmed by STAT6 immunostaining. An SFT should be considered in cases of slow-growing, well-defined soft tissue tumors, which are isointense on T1 and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences, and display calcification and cortical thickening of the adjacent bones. Various differential diagnoses and their treatment-related implications in such cases are discussed herewith.

Proximal femur sarcomas with intra-articular disease-Do intra-articular resections provide adequate local control?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hip preserving (intra-articular) resections for proximal femur sarcoma have better function compared to peri-acetabular (extra-articular) resections, which are more complex and morbid. But, do intra-articular resections in selected cases with intra-articular disease provide adequate local control? METHOD: Extra-articular resection or intra-articular resection in cases without pathologic fracture or away from joint/capsule was classified as a planned safe margin (SM). Circumferential removal of labrum without acetabular resection in cases without gross joint contamination was classified as planned close margins (CM). We analyzed local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (death as a competing event) for 86 proximal femur resections (SM = 55, CM = 31). RESULTS: The 5 years LRFS was 84% (n = 6/55, 10%) in the SM group and 67% (n = 4/31, 12%) in the CM group. There was no worsening of local recurrence (LR) in the CM group (subdistribution hazard [sH] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-2.29; P = .56). Poor chemotherapy-induced necrosis predicted worse LR (sH = 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01-0.8; P = .03). Overall survival was 16% (SE 8%) at 5 years with LR vs 64% (SE 7%) without LR (P = .0076). CONCLUSION: In proximal femur sarcomas with potential for involvement of the hip joint, a CM in selected cases did not worsen LR; providing an option for avoiding additional morbidity with extra-articular resections.

Effect of in-vitro digestion on the bio active compounds and biological activities of fruit pomaces.

The effect of gastro intestinal digestion on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and vitamin C levels of apple (Malus domestica) pomace and a local variety of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) pomace was evaluated after drying at 110 °C for 3 h in a hot air oven. The physicochemical properties and functional properties of apple and jujube pomaces were also assessed. Prior to digestion, apple pomace displayed greater levels of TPC, RSA and vitamin C (17.30 ± 0.59 GAE/g DW, 81.16 ± 3.27%, 0.078 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively) in comparison with jujube pomace (16.90 ± 0.66 GAE/g DW, 54.65 ± 2.09%, 0.069 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively), whereas, TFC level was found to be higher in jujube pomace (19.22 ± 0.87 QE/g DW). After digestion, both samples showed an increase in TPC (56.17 ± 2.14 and 52.01 ± 2.18 GAE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and TFC levels (48.45 ± 1.87 and 53.82 ± 2.34 QE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and it was perceived almost 3 to 4 times higher than the TPC and TFC of the samples before digestion. But, RSA of the fruit pomaces were found to be affected by the in vitro digestion which was observed as 54.65 ± 2.09 and 81.16 ± 3.27% respectively for apple and jujube pomaces. It may be suggested that the fruit powders may be incorporated in developing new functional foods rich in bio active compounds and thus can be utilized in different food applications.

A simplified multiplex PCR-based typing method for common Salmonella enterica serovars supported by online server-based detection system.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: A rapid and simple alternative method is needed to replace the laborious, time-consuming Salmonella serotyping. The objective of the present study was to improve and simplify a previously reported multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method and to create an online server to enable rapid determination of serovars. METHODS: A method of multiplex PCR-based genome typing (MPGT) was standardized using 59 Salmonella isolates of 31 serovars. Several previously reported primers were modified to obtain a more accurate performance. The screen was separated into four different multiplex reactions distinguishable on standard electrophoresis. A blind study was subsequently performed with 81 isolates of 10 serovars most prevalent in India. Whole genome information from 440 Salmonella isolates was used to confirm the usefulness of this method and concurrence of in silico predictions and PCR results were investigated. A public server (http://www.mpgt-salmonella.res.in) was established for data storage and determination of closest previously observed Salmonella isolates based on obtained MPGT patterns. RESULTS: The 16 target genes amplified showed variability in their presence in strains from different serotypes. Hence, identical amplification patterns suggested genetic relatedness of strains and usually identical serological behaviour. The observed absence/presence patterns of genes were converted to an MPGT code. Altogether, 83 different codes were predicted in silico based on the whole genome information of 440 strains. Results confirmed that major serovars usually displayed unique MPGT codes. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The multiplex PCR assay resulted in specific binary codes for isolates from each of the 31 Salmonella serovars tested. The online server allowed the user to compare obtained PCR results with stored previous patterns. Simplicity, speed and cost-effectiveness make this tool useful for quick outbreak management.

Quality comparison of elephant apple juices after high-pressure processing and thermal treatment.

BACKGROUND: In the present work, the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on the quality parameters (pH, °Brix, total acidity, viscosity, colour, antioxidant activity, total phenols, total flavonoids, microbial flora, and sensory analysis) of elephant apple (Dillenia indica) juice was investigated. The juice samples were analysed periodically (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days) during 60 days of storage period and results were compared with thermally processed as well as with untreated (fresh juice) samples. RESULTS: Slight variations had been observed in the quality parameters like pH, °Brix and total acidity. Other parameters like colour values, antioxidant activity, total phenols and total flavonoids were varied significantly (P < 0.05) in between the treated (HPP and thermal) and untreated juice samples. The microbial counts of the HPP treated samples were lower than the other samples. Sensory results also showed similar results to those of the other analyses that the treated samples were better for consumption rather than the untreated samples. The shelf-life of the HPP processed elephant apple juice was established as 60 days at 4 °C. CONCLUSION: This study showed that application of HPP effectively maintained quality attributes and extended shelf life of the elephant apple juice. It may be suggested that application of HPP could be considered for commercial application during storage and marketing. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Design, development and performance evaluation of elephant apple core cutter.

In this study a hand operated elephant apple cutter was developed and the machine parameters (capacity, machine efficiency, and loss percentage, etc.) were studied. The cost and performance of the designed cutter was compared to that of the traditional cutter. The comparative performance evaluation of the designed cutter with that of traditional method indicates that the cutter offered higher sepal yield (82.73 ± 1.5%) and capacity (100-120 kg h-1) than the traditional cutter offered sepal yield (63.01 ± 3.3.4%) and capacity (12-15 kg h-1) with uniform coring of the finished product. The cutter could process around 235-240 number of fruits against around 30-35 by traditional in a time period of 1 h. Core cutter can be used by the farmers or rural entrepreneurs for elephant apple processing and value addition for commercial and therapeutic applications.

Influence of Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) on quality and refrigerated storage stability of patties prepared from sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus).

The ability of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in changing physical, chemical, microbial and sensory properties of fish patties prepared from sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) was investigated. Two batches of fresh patties were prepared, one batch was treated with 15 % button mushroom (TP) and other batch was a control (CP) without mushroom. The patties were packed in polythene bags and stored under refrigerated condition (6 ± 2 ºC) without adding any preservatives for the estimation of storage stability. The analyses of patties were conducted at regular intervals of 3 days. The results showed that, Peroxide value, Thiobarbituric acid value, Free fatty acids increased significantly in CP at the end of 12 days whereas the TP was within the acceptable limit up to 16 days. Total volatile base nitrogen and Trimethylamine nitrogen also showed a similar trend. The Total plate count and Aerobic spore formers showed an increasing trend in CP when compared to TP. The sensory scores showed that the overall acceptability of CP were lower than TP, which was acceptable even after 16 days of storage. The present study showed that, the quality and storage stability of TP were observed to be in good condition up to 16 days and started deteriorating 20th day onwards, whereas the CP were acceptable only up to 12 days. Therefore it can be recommended that, addition of 15 % of button mushroom to sutchi catfish patty not only increases the nutritional quality but also increases the shelf life of patties under refrigerated storage.

2-(2-Methyl-phen-yl)-N-(1,3-thia-zol-2-yl)acetamide.

In the title compound, C12H12N2OS, the dihedral angle between the benzene and thia-zole rings is 83.5 (7)°. The acetamide group is almost coplanar with the thia-zole ring, being twisted from it by 4.2 (9)°. In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into inversion dimers, generating R 2 (2)[8] loops; the dimers are stacked along [001].

4-[(4-Acetyl-phen-yl)amino]-2-methyl-idene-4-oxo-butanoic acid.

In the title compound, C13H13NO4, the N-C(=O) bond length of 1.354 (2) Šis indicative of amide-type resonance. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene ring and oxo-amine group is 36.4 (3)°, while the mean plane of the 2-methyl-idene group is inclined by 84.2 (01)° from that of the oxo-amine group. In the crystal, classical O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds formed by the carb-oxy-lic acid groups and weak N-H⋯O weak inter-actions formed by the amide groups and supported by weak C-H⋯O inter-actions between the 2-methyl-idene, phenyl and acetyl groups with the carb-oxy-lic acid, oxo-amine and acetyl O atoms, together link the mol-ecules into dimeric chains along [010]. The O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form R 2 (2)(8) graph-set motifs.

4-[(4-Bromo-phenyl)amino]-2-methyl-idene-4-oxo-butanoic acid.

In the title compound, C11H10BrNO3, two independent mol-ecules (A and B) crystallize in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the 4-bromo-phenyl ring and amide group are 24.8 (7) in mol-ecule A and 77.1 (6)° in mol-ecule B. The mean plane of the methyl-idene group is further inclined by 75.6 (4) in mol-ecule A and 72.5 (6)° in mol-ecule B from that of the amide group. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds formed by amide groups and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds formed by carb-oxy-lic acid groups are observed and supported additionally by weak C-H⋯O inter-actions between the methyl-idene and amide groups. Together, these link the mol-ecules into chains of dimers along [110] and form R 2 (2)(8) graph-set motifs.

Experimental investigation of modified indirect solar dryer with integrated thermal storage material for drying of dhekia (Diplazium esculentum) fern.

Food product drying is a crucial stage in the preservation of crops and agricultural by-products that are used as raw materials for numerous end applications. The novelty of the study is the application of a phase change material in a solar dryer to improve the effectiveness of drying and reducing the overall drying period for drying while retaining/improving the quality parameters of the dried dhekia (Diplazium esculentum). The modified indirect thermal storage integrated solar dryer made up of a single-pass solar collector is attached with the drying chamber of 16.5 kg capacity. A thermal energy storage system prepared with paraffin wax embedded inside the drying cabinet was used. The proposed solar dryer has a thermal efficiency that is 11 ± 0.2% greater than the conventionally constructed solar dryer and reduces drying time by 40 ± 2.1%. Drying kinetic analysis of dhekia was performed, and two new drying kinetic models were proposed to predict moisture ratio. From statistical analysis, it was found that the chi square value and root mean square error value fits well for the proposed models. The anti-oxidant, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content values of samples dried in solar dryer exhibit better results compared to fresh, tray dried, and open sun-dried samples. The developed dryer shows better results in saving drying time and quality of the product. Due to its affordability and long-term solution for drying fresh farm goods, this dryer can be very helpful to small-scale farmers.