Quick and Selective Dual Mode Detection of H2S Gas by Mobile App Employing Silver Nanorods Array.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a hazardous gas, which not only harms living beings but also poses a significant risk to damage materials placed in culture and art museums, due to its corrosive nature. We demonstrate a novel approach for selective rapid detection of H2S gas using silver nanorods (AgNRs) arrays on glass substrates at ambient conditions. The arrays were prepared by glancing angle deposition method. The colorimetric and water wetting properties of as-fabricated arrays were found to be highly sensitive toward the sulfurization, in the presence of H2S gas with a minimal concentration in ppm range. The performance of AgNRs as H2S gas sensor is investigated by its sensing ability of 5 ppm of gas with an exposure time of only 30 s. We have developed an android-based mobile app to monitor real-time colorimetric detection of H2S. The wettability detection has been carried out by a mobile camera. A comparative analysis for different gases reveals the highest sensitivity and selectivity of the array AgNRs toward H2S. The rapid detection has also been demonstrated for H2S emission from aged wool fabric. Thus, high sensing ability of AgNRs toward H2S gas may have potential applications in health monitoring and art conservation.

Nano-Formulation Approaches to Enhance Transdermal Drug Delivery-An Updated Review of Nanovesicular Carrier "Transethosomes".

Transdermal drug delivery is an attractive and patient-friendly route for administering therapeutic agents. However, the skin's natural barrier, the stratum corneum, restricts the passage of many drugs, limiting their effectiveness. To overcome this challenge, researchers have developed various nanocarriers to enhance drug penetration through the skin. Transethosomes, a novel and promising drug delivery system, have emerged as an innovative solution for improving transdermal drug delivery. Transethosomes are a hybrid of two established nanocarriers: ethosomes and transfersomes. Ethosomes are lipid-based vesicles that can accommodate lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, while transfersomes are deformable lipid vesicles designed to enhance skin penetration. Transethosomes combine the advantages of both systems, making them ideal candidates for efficient transdermal drug delivery. They are composed of phospholipids, ethanol, and water and exhibit high flexibility, enabling them to squeeze through the tight junctions of the stratum corneum. This abstract reviews the key characteristics of transethosomes, including their composition, preparation methods, mechanisms of action, characterization parameters, and prospects. Moreover, the recent advancements and applications of transethosomes in delivering various therapeutic agents, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, hormones, and skincare products, are explored. The enhanced skin penetration capabilities of transethosomes can potentially reduce systemic side effects and improve patient compliance, making them a valuable tool in the field of transdermal drug delivery. In conclusion, transethosomes represent a promising platform for overcoming the challenges of transdermal drug delivery. Their unique properties enable efficient drug permeation through the skin, offering a more controlled and effective means of administering a wide range of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. This abstract highlights the potential of transethosomes as a valuable addition to the field of transdermal drug delivery and paves the way for further research and development in this area.

Comparison of Conventional Oxygen Therapy With High-Flow Nasal Oxygenation in the Management of Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure (RF) remains controversial. The current study compared the effectiveness of HFNO in patients with hypercapnic RF with conventional oxygen therapy (COT). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) between those receiving COT and HFNO. The secondary objectives were to compare changes in the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), serum bicarbonate level, base excess, lactate level, and incidence of the need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and mechanical ventilation (MV). METHODS: We recruited 30 patients with mild to moderate hypercapnic RF in the HFNO group, and data of 30 patients from historical controls, who matched the inclusion criteria, were obtained from medical records for comparison (COT group). The study was terminated after two hours, and patients were managed per the existing protocol after that. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis was repeated at the baseline, first, second, and third hours. RESULTS: In the COT group, the mean RR at the baseline, first, second, and third hours was 24.5 ± 2.61, 24.9 ± 3.03, 26.03 ± 3.4, and 22.90 ± 1.86, whereas, in the HFNO group, it was 25.93 ± 3.91, 23.00 ± 3.54, 22.50 ± 3.38, and 21.90 ± 3.57, respectively. The mean PaCO2 in the COT vs. HFNO groups was 54.45 ± 5.83 vs. 62.22 ± 9.15, 57.74 ± 6.05 vs. 58.65 ± 10.43, 60.79 ± 7.48 vs. 60.41 ± 11.24, and 55.23 ± 6.63 vs. 56.95 ± 10.31. The mean SpO2 in the COT group at these points of time was 94.50 ± 1.46, 95.4 ± 1.28, 96.10 ± 1.84, and 97.53 ± 2.05, whereas, in the HFNO group, it was 95.40 ± 2.55, 98.63 ± 1.43, 99.00 ± 1.66, and 99.50 ± 1.31, respectively. The patients who needed NIV after the study period were 50% and 36.67% in the COT and HFNO groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no change in PaCO2 levels with HFNO, but there was a significant improvement in SpO2 and PaO2 levels and a decreased RR. Following the termination of the study protocol, more patients in the COT group needed NIV than those in the HFNO group.

A comparative study between conventional and the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology of 240 cases.

Introduction: Thyroid nodule is a common disorder of thyroid. Despite their benign nature, they can be associated with multiple pathologic conditions including thyroid cancer. Fine-needle aspiration plays an essential role in evaluating thyroid nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) has attempted to standardize reporting and cytological criteria in aspiration smears. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the conventional and TBSRTC and to compare and correlate the cases with histological findings wherever available. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study undertaken in the department of pathology from January 2018 to December 2018 to access the validity of TBSRTC considering histopathology as the gold standard. May Grünwald Giemsa and Papanicolaou stained thyroid FNA smears of 240 patients were collected which were reported by the conventional system for reporting thyroid cytology and also categorized as per current Bethesda nomenclature for thyroid cytology. Diagnosis of both the reporting systems was then compared and correlated with the histological diagnosis wherever possible. Results: A total of 240 cases were examined on cytology, out of which histopathological correlation was possible in 110 cases. For benign thyroid lesions, sensitivity and specificity with conventional system were 69.91% and 40.25%, respectively, while with TBSRTC, sensitivity and specificity were 84.04% and 29.94%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of conventional system for malignant thyroid lesions were 58.56% and 69.91%, respectively, while with TBSRTC, sensitivity and specificity were 73.69% and 95.12%, respectively. The Bethesda system found to be highly sensitive for benign thyroid lesions and highly specific for malignant thyroid lesions as compared to the conventional method of reporting of thyroid cytology. Conclusion: Bethesda system was found to be superior for reporting thyroid cytology over the conventional system of reporting for thyroid cytology.

Detecting mechanical resonance in carbon nanotubes via inter-tube electrical transport measurements.

Detecting the mechanical resonance frequency of carbon nanotubes has strong potential applications that range from nano-scale balances to detect very small mass changes to ultra-sensitive bio-sensors. Detection of nanotube resonance requires elaborate and time-consuming techniques such as in-situ TEM, which limits the practical utility of this concept. In this paper we report a simple and accurate technique for detection of nanotube resonance by monitoring inter-tube electrical transport in a vibrating array of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The conductivity measurements are performed using a four-point probe in a direction perpendicular to the nanotube axis. We observe a dramatic decrease in the dc electrical resistance of the nanotube array at the mechanical resonance condition. We believe this is due to inter-tube impacts at resonance, which leads to an increase in the nanotube local temperature and hence increases the electron hopping rate. The impacting of the tubes could also enable localized tunneling of electrons through the nanotube array along with the hopping.

A clinicoepidemiological study of young age bladder tumors: An eastern Indian scenario.

INTRODUCTION: Though, bladder cancer is one of the most common urological malignancies, studies addressing the young age group bladder tumors are rare. Present study was done to determine the clinicoepidemiological aspects of bladder tumor diagnosed in young age patients and to compare these aspects with elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with urinary bladder tumor were selectively divided into two groups; young (<40 years) and elderly (>60 years). Groups were compared on various parameters and statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact two-tailed test. RESULTS: Smoking, tea and coffee intake and exposure of dye were found significantly associated with development of bladder tumor. Most of the tumors in young age were small, solitary, and papillomatous. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) was the most common histological subtype, though most were of low grade and were non-muscle invasive in comparison to the tumors in elderly group. CONCLUSION: The incidence of bladder cancer is common in younger age group. Active and passive cigarette smoking, tea, coffee intake, and exposure to organic dyes are major risk factor for younger age group bladder tumor in this part of world. TCC is most common histological subtype and most of them are in low grade without muscle invasion.

Genitourinary Fistula: An Indian Perspective.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, obstetric trauma is the most common cause of genitourinary fistulae. But over the last two decades, health care facilities have been improved and the scenario has been changed. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to share our experience with genitourinary fistula in terms of mode of presentation, diagnostic modality, and management with the emphasis on the surgical approach and a parallel review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: During a 6-year period from January 2007 to December 2013, 41 cases of genitourinary fistula, who admitted and treated in the urology department of a tertiary care center, were retrospectively analyzed for etiology, site, size and number of fistulae, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and management. The literature search was done using the Medline database. RESULT: Mean age of the patient was 27 years (range 16-51). Primary and simple fistulae were common. Obstetric trauma was the most common etiology (56.09 %) followed by iatrogenic (39.03 %). Vesicovaginal fistula was the most common type (78.37 %) and trigone was the most common site involved (51.72 %). 51.35 % of patients were approached successfully by the vaginal route. Ancillary procedures were required in patients for various other associated anomalies at the time of fistula repair. The success rate on follow up was 94.5 %. In the mean follow up of 3 years, 35 patients were sexually active. CONCLUSION: Genitourinary fistula is a frustrating entity with potentially devastating psychosocial consequence. Its management poses a tricky challenge to the surgeon. Accurate and timely diagnosis, adhering on basic surgical principle, and repair by an experienced surgeon provide the optimum chance of cure.

Meatotomy using topical anesthesia: A painless option.

AIM: Urethral meatotomy is an office procedure often done under local anesthesia with or without penile block or under short general anesthesia. Whatever may be the method, the patient has to bear the pain of injection. To avoid painful injections, in the present study, topical anesthesia in the form of eutectic mixture of prilocaine and lidocaine anesthetics (EMLA/Prilox) has been used to perform such procedures and its effectiveness determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 consecutive patients with meatal stenosis who attended urology outdoor were enrolled in this study. After exclusion, in 32 patients, 3-4 g of Prilox cream was applied over the glans and occlusive covering was maintained for 45 min before the procedure. Meatotomy was done in a standard manner with hemostat application at the stenosed segment for 2-3 min followed by ventral incision at meatus. The patient's pain perception was measured using visual analog score. RESULTS: Out of 32, only one patient that had inappropriate application of cream, had a perception of pain during the procedure. Rest all the patient had no discomfort during the procedure. Mean visual analog score was 1.8 which is not a significant percepted pain level. No patient had any major complication. CONCLUSION: Use of topical anesthesia in form of Prilox (EMLA) cream for meatotomy is safe and effective method that avoids painful injections and anxiety related to it and should be considered in most of such patients as an alternative of conventional penile blocks or general anesthesia.

Penile lichen sclerosus: An urologist's nightmare! - A single center experience.

PURPOSE: Penile lichen sclerosus (LS) is a nagging condition and its progression result in devastating urinary and sexual problems and reduction in the quality-of-life. This study has been carried out to present our experience about this disease with simultaneous review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study has been done at a tertiary care center of eastern India. The data of 306 patients affected with LS were analyzed for clinical presentation, physical examination, investigations, and treatment offered. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were non-specific. The prepuce was most commonly involved location followed by glans and meatus. Urethral involvement was not isolated as the primary site. Circumcision was done in 237 patients, while 63 patients underwent meatotomy. Thirty-six of 39 cases of LS induced stricture were treated with buccal mucosal graft (BMG) either in one stage or in two stages. CONCLUSION: LS varies from being a highly aggressive disease of the penis and anterior urethra to a burnt out condition affecting just the meatus and surrounding glans. Early diagnosis and treatment are required to prevent its complication and associated morbidity. Management depends on the anatomical location of lesion, extent of involvement, rapidity of progression and its severity. Use of BMG in LS induced urethral stricture has shown encouraging results.

Plasma cell granuloma of the urinary bladder: A pseudotumor - A clinical dilemma.

Plasma cell granuloma is a rare benign proliferative lesion that often mimics a malignant mass clinically and radiologically and its presentation in the urinary bladder is exceptional. Presuming malignant mass, such lesions often receive radical treatment. We are presenting here one such tumor, which resembled as an urachal tumor and underwent partial cystectomy.

Leiomyosarcoma of prostate: a rare, aggressive tumor.

Leiomyosarcoma of prostate is a rare, aggressive tumor with bizarre presentation at advanced stage. Though definite treatment modalities are not recommended till now, innovative combined multimodality treatment strategies may help to improve the prognosis of patients with this tumor of poor survival rate. Here we report a case of leiomyosarcoma of the prostate which presented with chest metastasis.

Prostatic utricle cyst: a clinical dilemma.

Prostatic utricle cyst is a rare midline cystic lesion between the urinary bladder and the rectum, commonly associated with hypospadias. Along with its rarity, it presents a challenge in its diagnosis and proper management. We report a case of large prostatic utricle cyst that was managed conservatively.

Squamous cell carcinoma in exstrophy of the bladder.

Exstrophy of the bladder is a rare congenital anomaly with an incidence of about 1 per 50,000 newborns. The malignant potential of the exstrophied bladder mucosa is well known; 95% are adenocarcinomas, and 3% to 5% are squamous cell carcinomas. Most of the malignant tumors (60%) associated with an exstrophy of the bladder occur during the fourth and fifth decades of life. Of the remaining, about 20% each occur after 60 years and before 40 years. Here we present a case in which squamous cell carcinoma developed in an unrepaired exstrophy of the bladder. We present the management of the case and a brief review of the literature.