Green Synthesis of MnO Nanoparticles Using Abutilon indicum Leaf Extract for Biological, Photocatalytic, and Adsorption Activities.

We report the synthesis of MnO nanoparticles (AI-MnO NAPs) using biological molecules of Abutilon indicum leaf extract. Further, they were evaluated for antibacterial and cytotoxicity activity against different pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and HeLa cancerous cells. Synthesized NAPs were also investigated for photocatalytic dye degradation potential against methylene blue (MB), and adsorption activity against Cr(VI) was also determined. Results from Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of NAPs with spherical morphology and crystalline nature. Biological activity results demonstrated that synthesized AI-MnO NAPs exhibited significant antibacterial and cytotoxicity propensities against pathogenic microbes and cancerous cells, respectively, compared with plant extract. Moreover, synthesized AI-MnO NAPs demonstrated the comparable biological activities results to standard drugs. These excellent biological activities results are attributed to the existence of the plant's biological molecules on their surfaces and small particle size (synergetic effect). Synthesized NAPs displayed better MB-photocatalyzing properties under sunlight than an ultraviolet lamp. The Cr(VI) adsorption result showed that synthesized NAPs efficiently adsorbed more Cr(VI) at higher acidic pH than at basic pH. Hence, the current findings suggest that Abutilon indicum is a valuable source for tailoring the potential of NAPs toward various enhanced biological, photocatalytic, and adsorption activities. Consequently, the plant's biological molecule-mediated synthesized AI-MnO NAPs could be excellent contenders for future therapeutic applications.

Mediastinal seminoma presenting as superior vena cava syndrome and tracheal obstruction.

Malignant germ cell tumours of the mediastinum are rare, presenting mostly in young males. These are bulky tumours, mostly intrathoracic, infiltrating into adjacent structures early in the growth process. Patients may present with symptoms of compression. Occasionally, mediastinal adenopathy and superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome may occur. We discuss a case of a 19 year old boy with six weeks history of progressively worsening shortness of breath and mid-sternal chest heaviness and one month history of swelling of the face and upper limbs. The entire face and upper extremities were grossly oedematous with engorged veins suggesting SVC syndrome. CT scan chest showed a large mediastinal mass 18 x 24 cm extending from the superior mediastinum to the mid pericardial area. The trachea was extrinsically compressed to almost 80% at its distal portion. Mass was resected completely. Post operative course was unremarkable. The final histopathology showed a fibrotic mass with no viable tumour. Surgery followed by radiation therapy has been the usual initial treatment with multimodal chemotherapy showing remarkable results.