Impact of high energy photons on physical, structural and magnetic properties of Mn0.65Zn0.35Fe2-xNdxO4 nanoparticles.

Ultrafine powders of Nd+3 doped Mn-Zn ferrite powders with composition Mn0.65Zn0.35Fe2-xNdxO4 (x = 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) were prepared using the combustion method of preparation. Monophasic nanoparticle formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The particle size was determined using a Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The nanopowders were investigated for their physical, structural, and magnetic properties and then radiated with gamma photons obtained from Co60 source with a dose of 500Gy, 750Gy and 1000Gy. The characterization of radiated powders showed preservation of spinel structure with breaking down of crystallites into finer crystals with increment in amorphous content. Structural and physical parameters were drastically altered due to high-energy photon exposure. The breaking down of larger particles was observed as a result of photon energy impact on the samples. The Saturation magnetization of ferrite nanoparticles was observed to increase with increasing gamma radiation dose. Mössbaure spectra showed the dominance of Fe+3 in the high spin state.

Iron-based fluorophosphate Na2FePO4F as a cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries form a key post-Li-ion batteries to cater the rising demand for grid storage. Fe-based compounds can be used as economical cathodes for zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we explored iron-based flourophosphate as a potential polyanionic cathode. Involving the Fe3+/2+ redox process, it can reversibly intercalate Zn2+ yielding a capacity of ∼80 mA h g-1, involving a solid-solution mechanism. Polyanionic Fe-based phosphate frameworks can be harnessed as potential low-cost cathodes for secondary zinc-ion batteries.

Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Due to Panhypopituitarism: A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: A female patient, 48 years of age, with a complaint of recurrent episodes of diffuse chest pain, vertigo, and shortness of breath in the last five years, presented needing immediate medical attention. Case Presentation: The patient was evaluated and suspected of severe hypotension, cold hands, and feet with distended neck veins and muffled heart sounds. ECG revealed low voltage complexes and large pericardial effusion with a collapse in the diastole of the right auricle and ventricle. The provisional diagnosis was kept as pericardial effusion with hemodynamic compromise. Detailed history disclosed that she had suffered similar events five years before, during which a pericardial tap was performed, and the patient was on anti-tuberculosis treatment for nine months. The symptoms continued despite the treatments. She had a history of severe postpartum hemorrhage, failure of lactation, and early menopause with a history of hysterectomy dated ten years back. The biochemical study indicated decreased LH, FSH, TSH, ACTH, and serum cortisol levels. MRI brain revealed empty sella. The hormonal replacement was started with clinical improvement. Conclusions: Although hypothyroidism is an extremely rare cause of pericardial effusion, detailed history and further investigations are imperative to form a definitive diagnosis.

Plasma polymerized functional supermagnetic Fe3O4 nanostructured templates for laccase immobilization: A robust catalytic system for bio-inspired dye degradation.

Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, synthesized using co-precipitation method, were epoxy functionalized via plasma polymerization of 2,3-epoxypropylmethacrylate (EPMA) precursor. The EPMA-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (EPMA-f-MN) were employed as templates for facile, one-step covalent immobilization of laccase enzyme at room temperature. Samples were rigorously characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM, TEM, XRD techniques, while Mössbauer spectroscopy (MöS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) confirmed the supermagnetic nature of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Activities of free and immobilized laccase (ImLac) were assayed by spectrophotometrically monitoring the enzymatic reduction of substrate 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) at 420 nm, corresponding to the λmax of ABTS.+. In addition to possessing higher thermal stability and a broader pH tolerance window compared to free laccase, the supermagnetic property of the Fe3O4 renders the ImLac system conveniently recoverable and recyclable. Practical applicability of ImLac towards catalytic degradation of industrial dyes was also ably demonstrated using Acid Blue 193 (AB 193) as a commercially used model textile dye, which belongs to the family of azo dyes. Over 95% degradation of the dye was achieved within a period of 4 hours. ImLac could be used for more than 10 dye degradation cycles with >90 % of retention in enzyme activity.

Size dependent electronic structure of LiFePO4 probed using X-ray absorption and Mössbauer spectroscopy.

We present the combined Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigation of the electronic structure and local site symmetry of Fe in olivine structured LiFePO4 (LFP) with crystallite size (CS). The lattice parameters are found to contract with a decrease in CS, monotonously, whereas the electronic structural parameters exhibit two different regions with a threshold anomaly of around ≈30 nm. 57Fe Mössbauer studies reveal the coexistence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ sites and their relative concentrations are mainly determined by CS, which provides a comprehensive insight into the electronic structure of LFP at the mesoscopic level. The soft X-ray absorption unequivocally unravels the valence states of Fe 3d electrons in proximity to the Fermi level, which are prone to the local lattice distortion. The obtained spectra fingerprint the effect of CS supplying rich information on valency, lithium-ion vacancy concentration, covalency and crystal field. By comparing the spectra with the results of charge-transfer multiplet calculations, which include the full-atomic multiplet theory, we have found that the local symmetry of Fe ions is well described by the D4h point group with intermixing between eg and t2g orbitals. The unique structural and electronic properties of LFP are closely interlinked with changes in the bonding character, which shows the strong dependency on CS. The evolution of 3d states is in overall agreement with the local lattice distortion and provides the origin of the size effects on the electronic structure of olivine phosphate and other transition metal ion-containing materials.

Evaluating the role of extracellular vesicles as a biomarker under transmission electron microscope in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia patients.

OBJECTIVES: To our knowledge, EVs (extracellular vesicles) are heterogenous encapsulated nanoparticles generated by the biological cells. EVs can be found in blood, urine and tissue of origin. They contain DNAs, RNAs, proteins specific to the cell of origin. It has been found that in PCa, increase in number of EVs can modulate phenotype and function of the recipient cells. METHODS: This prospective randomized double-blind pilot study was conducted in the SMS Medical College, Jaipur in collaboration with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. For morphometric analysis, the number of extracellular vesicles per micrograph were counted under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients taken in our study, six were in group 1 (BPH group) and 10 were in group 2 (PCa group). The mean number of EVs was significantly higher in the cells of group 2 in comparison to the group 1. Among the PCa patients, mean number of EVs were 25, 30, 35, 43, 46 for the Gleason score 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 respectively. In our study the mean number of EVs in the newly diagnosed PCa group was less as compared to the CSPC and CRPC group. CONCLUSIONS: EVs are membrane bound particles shed regularly from the cells in the extracellular milieu under normal physiological and pathological conditions. In our study the number of EVs were more in the PCa cells in comparison with the BPH cells and among the PCa cells they bear a positive correlation with the Gleason score, thus EVs have the potential to become a biomarker.

Antioxidant properties, phenolics and flavonoids content of some economically important plants from North-west Indian Himalaya.

The present study investigated antioxidant properties, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol extract of the leaf, stem bark, and fruit of Olea ferruginea Royle, Olea europaea L., and Tilia europaea L. grow naturally in the north-west Indian Himalaya. Phenolics and flavonoids content was found to be maximum in methanol extracts of stem bark and leaf (9.28 mg GAE/g fw and 14.73 mg QE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferruginea plants. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical scavenging activity were found to be maximum in leaf and stem bark (38.88 mM AAE/g fw and 20.31 mM AAE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferrugenia plants, whereas maximum ABTS radical scavenging activity (4.52 mM AAE/g fw) was recorded with stem bark of T. europaea plants. These tree species were found rich in natural compounds and also possess antioxidant activities. Therefore, their pharmaceutical and local uses for the health benefits are suggested.

TiO2-Doped Ni0.4Cu0.3Zn0.3Fe2O4 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Structural and Magnetic Properties.

TiO2 (0-10 wt %)-doped nanocrystalline Ni0.4Cu0.3Zn0.3Fe2O4 (Ni-Cu-Zn) ferrites were synthesized using the sol-gel route of synthesis. The cubic spinel structure of the ferrites having the Fd3m space group was revealed from the analysis of Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The secondary phase of TiO2 with a space group of I41/amd was observed within the ferrites with doping, x > 3 wt %. The values of lattice parameter were enhanced with the addition of TiO2 up to 5 wt % and reduced further for the highest experimental doping of 10 wt %. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images exhibit the spherical shape of the synthesized particles with some agglomeration, while the compositional purity of prepared ferrite samples was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and elemental mapping. The cubic spinel structure of the prepared ferrite sample was confirmed by the Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was utilized to study the optical properties of the ferrites. The value of band gap energy for the pristine sample was less than those of the doped samples, and there was a decrement in band gap energy values with an increase in TiO2 doping, which specifies the semiconducting nature of prepared ferrite samples. A magnetic study performed by means of a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) demonstrates that the values of saturation magnetization of the ferrites decrease with the addition of TiO2 content, and all investigated ferrites show the characteristics of soft magnetic materials at room temperature. The Mössbauer study confirms the decrease in the magnetic behavior of the doped ferrites due to the nonmagnetic secondary phase of TiO2.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in previously operated patients: A prospective study.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of previous renal stone surgery on result and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 300 patients were enrolled in the study. We enrolled 100 surgery-naive cases (those with no history of any renal surgery) as control and labeled them as Group A. Group B comprised 100 cases who had PCNL in the past. Group C constituted 100 patients who had open renal stone surgery in the past. Stones were classified using Guy's stone score. PCNL was performed by standard technique in prone position and technical features encountered during operation and outcomes were compared between groups. Complications were graded using modified Clavien grading system. RESULTS: There were no differences between the three groups in age, gender, body mass index, stone burden, and stone opacity. Multiple calyceal stones and distorted pelvicalyceal system anatomy were more in Group C, but stone score showed no statistically significant difference from other groups. The mean operative time (68.91 ± 21.27 min) and fluoroscopy time (264.40 ± 74.90 s) were longer in Group C, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Multiple access was significantly more common in Group C compared to the other two groups (P < 0.001). Access location too did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups. Postoperative complications were more in previous stone surgery patients, but did not show statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: PCNL is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with renal stones regardless of history of previous PCNL or open renal surgery.

Effect of crystallite size on the phase transition behavior of heterosite FePO4.

For advanced lithium-ion battery technology, olivine-based cathodes are considered to be the most dominant and technologically recognized materials. The extraction of lithium ions from olivine LiFePO4 results in the two-phase mixture with heterosite FePO4 exhibiting a deintercalation potential of 3.45 V vs. Li+/Li over a wide range of lithium content. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of chemically deintercalated heterosite FePO4 with varying crystallite sizes using different analytical techniques. The decrease in the crystallite size of heterosite FePO4 leads to an increase in the lattice parameters including the unit cell volume. The characteristic behavior in the structural properties of heterosite FePO4 shows a strong dependency on the crystallite size which is correlated with the change in the chemical bonding. The volume expansion of the nano-sized heterosite FePO4 with respect to the bulk counterpart is suggested to be a direct consequence of reduced hybridization between the Fe3d and O2p states. Furthermore, the combined X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies reveal the appearance of a new phase namely trigonal FePO4 at the lower crystallite sizes due to the enhanced surface energy kinetics. We also find that the observed trigonal FePO4 phase is more magnetically active than the paramagnetic olivine FePO4. For the unique structural advantage of the heterosite phase as an electrode material, the change in bonding characteristics is very useful and can have strong implications on the electronic properties of heterosite FePO4 at the nanoscale level.

Retrospective comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty using barbed suture versus nonbarbed suture: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an important tool in urology armamentarium. The most important & also the difficult part of this surgery is intracorporial suturing and knotting. There are only a few reports of knotless Barbed sutures for upper tract reconstruction. We report the comparative outcomes of Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty with barbed suture vs non barbed sutures used for uretero-pelvic anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients' records that underwent Laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our Institution from January 2013 to May 2014. Total 37 patients were underwent LP in this period. Whole of the procedure was same as conventional LP except suture material. 3-0 barbed suture was used in 21 patients and 3-0 vicryl used in 16 patients for uretero-pelvic anastomosis and continuous suturing technique was employed. Patients' demographics, total operative time, intracorporial suturing time, post operative complications, symptoms & renal isotope scan were recorded. RESULTS: Average total operative time was significantly less in barbed suture group vs vicryl group (162 vs 208 minutes) (p=0.0811). Average time taken for intracorporial suturing was 31.2 minutes vs 70 minutes (p=0.0576). 1 patient developed post operative urine leak which persisted for 5 days in barbed group (4.76 %) vs no leak in vicryl group. Most common complication was UTI presented in 2 patients (9.5 %) vs 2 in vicryl (12.5%). JJ stent was removed at 4 weeks. Median follow up was 3 months with 7 patients lost to follow up. None of the patients found to have obstructive drainage or deterioration of split function on follow up isotope renogram at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Laparoscopic pyeloplasty with barbed suture has acceptable outcome when compared to conventional non barbed suture on short term basis. Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty with barbed suture can potentially become the standard approach in near future.

The effect of closure versus nonclosure of lingual mucosa graft harvest site on postoperative morbidity in augmentation urethroplasty: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare postoperative morbidity of closure versus nonclosure of the lingual mucosa graft (LMG) harvest site in augmentation urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to November 2016, a total of 42 patients who underwent LMG urethroplasty randomized in 2 groups. In Group 1, donor-harvesting site was left open while in Group 2, donor site was closed. Self-made questionnaires were to assess postoperative pain, difficulty in tongue protrusion, swelling and numbness in graft harvest site, speech impairment, and difficulty in tolerating liquid and regular diet. RESULTS: Mean visual analog scales score was 7.1 in Group 1, and 7.9 in Group 2 on day 0, which was statistically significant. Nearly 90.47% of patients in closure group and 95.23% in nonclosure group were able to swallow liquid diet on day 0 (P = 0.5604). On day 3, 95.71% of patients in Group 1 and 80% in Group 2 were able to swallow soft diet (P = 0.1604). Numbness was present in 80.95% Group 1 and 71.42% in Group 2 on day 0, which improved to 28.57% pts in Group 1 and 33.33% in Group 2 on day 3. On day 3, slurring of speech was more frequent in closure group (80%). However, at the end of a week, there was no difference in both groups. Saliva production was significantly increased in Group 1 in the 1st week. CONCLUSION: Long-term morbidities of closing or nonclosing the LMG donor site are similar, but in short term, there is less pain, less edema, early recovery of tongue movements in nonclosure groups.

Sustainable preparation of sunlight active α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using iron containing ionic liquids for photocatalytic applications.

Inspired by the nano-segregation of ionic liquids (ILs) into bi-continuous structures constituting of arrays of ionic and non-ionic components, herein, a new and sustainable strategy for preparation of mesh-like nano-sheet α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their photo-catalytic activity under sunlight, is presented. For the purpose, metal (iron) containing ionic liquids (MILs), 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrates, [C n mim][FeCl4], (n = 4, 8 and 16), which not only act as precursors and solvents but also as structure directing agents have been used. Thus prepared NPs show MIL dependent structural, photophysical and magnetic properties. The catalytic efficiency of NPs has been tested for the photo-degradation of organic dyes (Rhodamine B) in aqueous solution under sunlight. The NPs are found to exhibit comparable catalytic efficiency under sunlight as compared to that observed under high intensity visible lamplight, without showing a decline in their catalytic efficiency even after 4 catalytic cycles. It is anticipated that the present work will provide a new platform for preparation of sunlight active nanomaterials for photo-catalytic applications with control over the structural and physical properties via varying the molecular structure of MILs.

Assessment of factors affecting the spontaneous passage of lower ureteric calculus on the basis of lower ureteric calculus diameter, density, and plasma C- reactive protein level.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to evaluate the factors which affect the spontaneous passage of lower ureteric calculus on the basis of noncontrast computed tomography kidneys, ureters, and bladder (NCCT KUB) stone diameter, stone density, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 200 patients with lower ureteric calculus 5-10 mm in size, from October 2015 to December 2016. All patients underwent NCCT KUB region with a 5 mm axial and reformatted coronal section. Edema just above the calculus and rim sign at the level of calculus and density of calculus is evaluated. Only scan with isolated, unilateral, solitary ureteric calculus was included in the final analysis and monitored up to 4 weeks, and plasma CRP is estimated in all patients to determine the clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (145 males, 55 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 34.73 ± 10.29) were included in the study. Lower ureteric calculus between 5-7 mm passed in 70% and 7-10 mm passed in 40%. There was 18% underestimation of maximum stone diameter in axial plane as compared to coronal plane. For spontaneous passage of calculus, craniocaudal (CC) diameter is more reliable then axial in NCCT. Rim sign and edema is absent in 64% of those passed spontaneous calculus. CRP level more than 2.45 mg/dl has low spontaneous expulsion rate. The stone with different HU passes through the ureter with same rate. CONCLUSION: Plasma CRP level and CC diameter and absence of rim sign on NCCT KUB are more reliable factors then density for spontaneous passage of ureteric calculus.

Technique for single-stage reconstruction of obliterative or near-obliterative long urethral strictures in circumcised patients.

Purpose: To report our initial experience with urethral reconstruction using a combined dorsal lingual mucosal graft (LMG) and ventral onlay preputial flap for long obliterative or near-obliterative strictures in circumcised patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 10 patients from January 2015 to June 2017 with long obliterative or near-obliterative anterior urethral strictures and circumcised prepuces. All patients underwent a combined approach using a dorsally LMG and a narrow preputial onlay flap ventrally to create a 26-30 Fr. neourethra over a 14-Fr Foley catheter. Success was defined as no requirement for additional urethral instrumentation. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 32 months. Results: The patients ranged in age from 17 to 44 years (mean, 32.3±9.59 years) and stricture length ranged from 9 to 12.5 cm (mean, 10.77±1.15 cm). Four strictures were obliterative and six were near-obliterative. Two patients had a history of prior urethroplasty. The length of the LMGs harvested ranged from 11 to 14 cm (mean, 12.8±1.03 cm). The preputial flaps available were from 1 to 1.5 cm in width (1.29±0.16 cm) and the desired length. Maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) achieved ranged from 12 to 26 mL/s (mean, 20.46±3.71 mL/s) after 3 months. One patient needed a single direct visualized internal urethrotomy and another patient develop temporary superficial penile necrosis. The success rate was 90%. Conclusions: Long obliterative and near-obliterative penile and penobulbar urethral strictures can still be treated in circumcised patients using available preputial skin along with lingual mucosa with good outcomes.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of silodosin, solifenacin, tadalafil and their combinations in the treatment of double-J stent- related lower urinary system symptoms: A prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silodosin, solifenacin, tadalafil and their combinations in reducing double J (DJ) stent-related symptoms (SRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 335 patients who underwent DJ stenting and develop SRS at 1st week were randomized into eight groups. Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) and Quality of life (QOL) scores were noted in each group: Group A-Silodosin (8 mg OD)+ Solifenacin (10 mg OD)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD), B - Silodosin 8 mg OD, C - Solifenacin 10 mg OD, D- Tadalafil 5 mg OD, E- Silodosin (8 mg OD) + Solifenacin (10 mg OD), F- Silodosin (8 mg 0D)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD), G- Solifenacin (10 mg OD)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD) and H-placebo. Analgesic (diclofenac 50 mg) was given as per requirement. All groups received the drugs for 14 days and again USSQ, QOL score with analgesic requirement were noted in each group. RESULTS: USSQ score was similar in all groups at 1st week but all groups (Groups A-G) led to significant decrease in USSQ score at 3rd week as compared to Group H with less requirement of analgesic. However when we compared groups with each other we found that mean USSQ score and analgesic requirement was favoring Group E as compared to other groups. Quality of life score was also best in Group E (mean 1.5) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with silodosin and solifenacin (group E) was effective for relieving SRS with improved quality of life and less requirement of analgesic than any other groups and should be considered in patients who develop SRS.

STONE score versus Guy's Stone Score - prospective comparative evaluation for success rate and complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to compare Guy's score and STONE score in predicting the success and complication rate of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 445 patients were included in the study between July 2015 and December 2016. The patients were given STONE score and Guy's Stone Score (GSS) grades based on CT scan done preoperatively and intra- and post-operative complications were graded using the modified Clavien grading system. The PCNL were done by a standard technique in prone positions. RESULTS: The success rate in our study was 86.29% and both the GSS and STONE score were significantly associated with a success rate of the procedure. Both the scoring systems correlated with operative time and postoperative hospital stay. Of the total cases, 102 patients (22.92%) experienced complications. A correlation between STONE score stratified into low, moderate, and high nephrolithometry score risk groups (low scores 4-5, moderate scores 6-8, high scores 9-13), and complication was also found (P = 0.04) but not between the GSS and complication rate (P = 0.054). CONCLUSION: Both GSS and STONE scores are equally effective in predicting success rate of the procedure.

Toluene Poisoning Presenting as Bilateral Basal Ganglia Haemorrhage.

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is often used as a solvent in paints, paint thinners, glues, disinfectants and as an industrial solvent for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, paints and chemicals. Metabolic acidosis is a recognized complication of toluene poisoning. However, we here report an unusual case of toluene poisoning presenting with bilateral intracerebral haemorrhage.

Optimization of lithium content in LiFePO4 for superior electrochemical performance: the role of impurities.

Carbon coated Li x FePO4 samples with systematically varying Li-content (x = 1, 1.02, 1.05, 1.10) have been synthesized via a sol-gel route. The Li : Fe ratios for the as-synthesized samples is found to vary from ∼0.96 : 1 to 1.16 : 1 as determined by the proton induced gamma emission (PIGE) technique (for Li) and ICP-OES (for Fe). According to Mössbauer spectroscopy, sample Li1.05FePO4 has the highest content (i.e., ∼91.5%) of the actual electroactive phase (viz., crystalline LiFePO4), followed by samples Li1.02FePO4, Li1.1FePO4 and LiFePO4; with the remaining content being primarily Fe-containing impurities, including a conducting FeP phase in samples Li1.02FePO4 and Li1.05FePO4. Electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 show the best electrochemical performance in all aspects, retaining ∼150 mA h g-1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles at C/2, followed by sample Li1.02FePO4 (∼140 mA h g-1), LiFePO4 (∼120 mA h g-1) and Li1.10FePO4 (∼115 mA h g-1). Furthermore, the electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 retain ∼107 mA h g-1 even at a high current density of 5C. Impedance spectra indicate that electrodes based on sample Li1.05FePO4 possess the least charge transfer resistance, plausibly having influence from the compositional aspects. This low charge transfer resistance is partially responsible for the superior electrochemical behavior of that specific composition.

Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy vs Open Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Carcinoma Penis: Expanding Role and Comparison of Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences of morbidity profile, oncological yield, and efficacy between video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymphadenectomy cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with proven squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were selected for inguinal lymphadenectomy from August 2013 to January 2017. Video endoscopic lymphadenectomy was performed on 1 limb and open inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed on the contralateral side. Relevant outcome data such as operative time, complication rate, number of lymph nodes removed, number of positive nodes, and recurrence during the follow-up period were collected, analyzed, and compared. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly longer for the video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy group (mean = 162.83 minutes) as compared with the open group (mean = 92.35 minutes). However, the mean numbers of lymph nodes removed were 7.6 in the endoscopic group and 8.3 in the open group. Postoperative complications occurred in 10 limbs (34.48%) in the open group and in 3 limbs (10.34%) in the endoscopic group. In the follow-up period ranging from 7 to 28 (mean 14) months, 2 patients died because of either distant or visceral metastasis. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly outlines the fact that video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy can deliver an equivalent lymph node yield similar to open inguinal lymphadenectomy with significantly less morbidity and is not affected by either the palpability or the number of palpable nodes. Thus, we believe that this minimally invasive technique can provide a prudent alternative for the management of the inguinal region in carcinoma of the penis.