Nowotny-Juza phase KBeX (X = N, P, As, Sb, and Bi) half-Heusler compounds: applicability in photovoltaics and thermoelectric generators.

In the present research, we have considered KBeX (X = N, P, As, Sb, and Bi) half-Heusler compounds to study their inherent properties and have used FP-LAPW + lo scheme with density functional theory based WIEN2k package. The structural and band structural parameters have been explained, and various optical, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic parameters of half-Heuslers have also been analyzed in detail. The trend followed by the lattice constant of these materials approves the reliability of this investigation. The band structures show all the materials are direct band gap semiconductors except KBeN. Here, we have noticed that absorption is highest, and optical conductivity is also highest, confirming the theoretical concept and thus the accuracy of the projected outcomes. All materials (except KBeBi) show a figure of merit near unity in both p- and n-regions, and a small decay is observed with increasing temperature, which affirms their potential as thermoelectric candidates in both p- and n-regions at room temperature. Since conventional resources are limited in nature and their vanishing rate is more than their reproduction rate, hence to fulfil the high energy demand, it has become necessary to search for renewable energy resources. Herein, the values of optical and thermoelectric parameters confirm the photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications of these materials.

Bleomycin-Induced Flagellate Dermatitis: Revisited.

Flagellate dermatitis caused by bleomycin is a rare side effect with a distinctive pattern of whip-like, linear streaks. The clinical presentation has become uncommon nowadays as bleomycin use in conventional chemotherapy regimens has decreased. We present a case of a 30-year-old female diagnosed with ovarian germ cell tumour, managed with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) and later developed a widespread rash indicative of classic flagellate dermatitis. This brief report emphasizes the significance of detection and management of this transient dermatological complication in patients receiving bleomycin.

Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma in a woman with uterovaginal prolapse.

Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma is a very uncommon and aggressive neoplasm. We presented a right-sided ovarian leiomyosarcoma in a woman in her late 40s. No case has been described in the literature till now of primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma in a woman with uterovaginal prolapse. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, metastasectomy, excision of large tumour deposit over small intestine followed by resection with ileo-ileal anastomosis and omentectomy was performed. The diagnosis was made based on morphology along with immunohistochemistry. The patient was given adjuvant chemotherapy during postoperative period. Due to rarity, there is a dearth of information on the clinical behaviour and best treatment options for these tumours. This case report highlighted the importance of clinical awareness and aimed to provide a baseline to guide clinical practice as well as future research.

Growing teratoma syndrome: a surgical conundrum.

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a tumour growth, which contains mature teratomatous elements during or after chemotherapy for malignant germ cell tumours. Surgery is the only potential treatment option for GTS because these growing teratomas are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Extensive surgeries may be needed in GTS with multivisceral resections to achieve no residual disease status. This report presents a case of GTS treated with multiple surgical resections in a woman with malignant immature teratoma ovary in her early thirties; she is disease free after 1 year of treatment.

Asymmetrical interval type-2 fuzzy logic control based MPPT tuning for PV system under partial shading condition.

The conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm shows best performance under uniform insolation but when photovoltaic (PV) array is partially irradiated, the Power vs Voltage (P-V) plot consists of multiple local maxima power point (LMPP) and one global maxima power point (GMPP). The conventional MPPT algorithm may track local peak and fluctuate around it, resulting in lower power tracking. To eradicate this drawback of conventional algorithm, the solar PV system requires the synthesis of modified controller which is able to discriminate between local and global peak point. Along with implementing modified MPPT controller, to minimise the adverse effect of partial shading on PV system, different PV array arrangements like series-parallel (SP), honey comb (HC), total cross tied (TCT) etc. may be used. Author(s) in the present study, has proposed asymmetrical interval type-2 fuzzy logic control (IT-2 AFLC) based MPP algorithm for tracking global peak in partial shading condition (PSC) with different PV array arrangements. The presented algorithm has been compared with other approaches viz. perturb & observe (P&O) and type-1(T-1) FLC for GMPP tracking, fill factor, shading losses, mismatch loss and efficiency to establish its superiority. For evaluating the efficiency of different algorithms, the EN50530 MPPT efficiency test has been performed under dynamic condition. The proposed algorithm has been developed under MATLAB/Simulink environment.

Differential diagnosis and surgical management of cecal dilatation vis-a-vis cecal impaction in bovine.

AIM: The present study was undertaken to study the clinical and hemato-biochemical alterations, ultrasonography, and surgical treatment of bovine suffering from cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 11 bovines (9 buffaloes and 2 cattle) suffering from cecal dilatation (n=6) and cecal impaction (n=5). The diagnosis of surgical affections of cecum was made on the basis of clinical examination, hematobiochemistry, ultrasonography, and exploratory laparotomy. RESULTS: A marked decrease in serum total protein, albumin, chloride, potassium, and calcium levels while an increase in lactate concentrations was recorded. Peritoneal fluid examination revealed an increase in total protein concentration. Per rectal examination along with ultrasonography was used as a confirmatory diagnostic tool for cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. Ultrasonographic features of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction were recorded. Left flank laparorumenotomy was performed in six animals with dilated cecum along with colonic fecalith. Post-rumenotomy, these animals were treated with massage of cecum along with kneading of colonic fecalith. Right flank typhlotomy was done in the remaining five animals having impacted cecum for decompression of the dilated cecum. 9 of 11 animals survived which underwent surgery and remained healthy up to 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography was reliable in the diagnosis of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction in bovine. Left flank exploration after laparorumenotomy is an ideal surgical technique for the management of cecal dilatation, while right flank typhlotomy is ideal for the management of cecal impaction in bovine.

Surgical Repair of Radial-Ulnar Fracture by Static Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing in a Crossbred Heifer.

OBJECTIVE: Study included surgical management of radius and ulna fracture in a 2-year-old, 220 kg crossbred heifer presented with a 2-day-old history of injury resulting in severe, non-weight bearing lameness of the left forelimb. METHODS: The condition was diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiographically as a middle third oblique comminuted fracture of the left radius and ulna. Static intramedullary interlocking nailing was performed for fracture fixation. An interlocking nail of 12-mm diameter and 26-cm length was introduced in a retrograde manner from the distal aspect of the radius. RESULTS: The animal was able to bear weight on the affected limb within 7 days post surgery. Good callus formation and complete weight bearing were observed by 35th day. Bending of the screws and osteophytic reaction were the major postoperative complications observed radiographically. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: From this case study, it was established that static intramedullary interlocking nailing can be used as an alternative technique for fracture repair of the radius and ulna in cattle where stable fracture fixation by bone plating is questionable.

Cytological diagnosis of microfilariae in filariasis endemic areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: Filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries including India. Fine needle aspiration cytology plays an important role in prompt recognition of disease. AIM: To assess the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of filariasis at all possible sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 250 cases of superficial swellings at various sites were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology. RESULTS: Out of 250 cases, 24 cases of filariasis were detected which include breast lumps (8 cases), lymph nodes (6 cases), scrotal swellings (4 cases), thyroid swellings (3 cases), soft tissue swellings (2 cases) and ascitic fluid (1 case). Eosinophilia was present in 8 out of 24 cases with a percentage ranging from 12-24%. Significant adherence of inflammatory cells and macrophages to microfilariae was present in 3 out of 24 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In endemic areas, it should be considered one of the differential diagnoses of a superficial swelling. Careful screening of FNAC smears help in detecting microfilaria even in asymptomatic patients and thus plays a significant role in recognition of the disease and institution of specific treatment.