Statistical analysis by using soft computing methods for seawater biodegradability using ZnO photocatalyst.

Water quality plays a significant role as a key factor in water resource management. The photocatalytic method is widely used for the removal of recalcitrant pollutants present in seawater. Photocatalysis is a cost-effective technology, sustainable, and environmentally friendly treatment process.

Comparative studies of RSM Box-Behnken and ANN-Anfis fuzzy statistical analysis for seawater biodegradability using TiO photocatalyst.

In this approach, a batch reactor was employed to study the degradation of pollutants under natural sunlight using TiO as a photocatalyst. The effects of photocatalyst dosage, reaction time and pH were investigated by evaluating the percentage removal efficiencies of total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and biodegradability (BOD/COD). Design Expert-Response Surface Methodology Box Behnken Design (BBD) and MATLAB Artificial Neural Network - Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference system (ANN-ANFIS) methods were employed to perform the statistical modelling.

A Case of Large Calcifying Fibroma of Tendo-achilles Managed by En-block Resection and Tendon Reconstruction.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma is a rare benign fibrous tumor with typical radiological and histopathological features seen in young children and adolescents. It commonly involves the extremities and is characterized by a very high chance of local recurrence. A complete excision of the tumor is considered to be the treatment of choice.

Change in Carotid Blood Flow and Carotid Corrected Flow Time Assessed by Novice Sonologists Fails to Determine Fluid Responsiveness in Spontaneously Breathing Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Measurement of carotid blood flow (CBF) and corrected carotid flow time (ccFT) has been proposed as a non-invasive means of determining fluid responsiveness. We evaluated the ability of CBF and ccFT as assessed by novice sonologists to determine fluid responsiveness in intensive care unit patients. Three novice physician sonologists performed carotid ultrasounds before and after a fluid bolus and calculated changes in CBF and ccFT.

Respiratory Variation in Carotid Artery Peak Systolic Velocity Is Unable to Predict Fluid Responsiveness in Spontaneously Breathing Critically Ill Patients When Assessed by Novice Physician Sonologists.

Background: Respiratory variation in carotid artery peak systolic velocity (ΔVpeak) assessed by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been proposed as a noninvasive means to predict fluid responsiveness. We aimed to evaluate the ability of carotid ΔVpeak as assessed by novice physician sonologists to predict fluid responsiveness.

Methods: This study was conducted in 2 intensive care units.

Performance of a 25% Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility in Detecting Fluid Responsiveness When Assessed by Novice Versus Expert Physician Sonologists.

Objectives: Inferior vena cava collapsibility (cIVC) measured by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been proposed as a noninvasive means of assessing fluid responsiveness. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the performance of a 25% cIVC cutoff value to detect fluid responsiveness among spontaneously breathing intensive care unit (ICU) patients when assessed with POCUS by novice versus expert physician sonologists.

Methods: Prospective observational study of spontaneously breathing ICU patients.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm with an anastomotic feeding vessel requiring repeat embolisation.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare cause of delayed postpartum haemorrhage. Early diagnosis and endovascular management are effective in treating this condition. We present the case of a 36-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman with delayed postpartum haemorrhage and endometritis following a spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Takayasu's arteritis and primary antiphospholipid syndrome presenting as hypertensive urgency.

A 33-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to the hospital with chest pain and hypertensive urgency. Physical examination revealed widespread arterial bruits and marked difference in blood pressure between the upper limbs. Vascular imaging showed widespread narrowing in multiple vascular territories.

Life threatening angioedema in a patient on ACE inhibitor (ACEI) confined to the upper airway.

Introduction: ACE inhibitors accounts for 8% of all cases of angioneurotic edema and the overall incidence is 0.1 to 0.7% of patients on ACE inhibitors.

Modifiable factors to decrease the cost of robotic-assisted procedures.

In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the da Vinci Surgical System® for use in the United States. Since that time, the number of surgical robotic systems throughout the United States has continued to grow. The costs for using the system include the initial purchase ($1 million to $2.

The role of cryosurgery of the prostate for nonsurgical candidates.

Introduction: Technological advancements have reduced the morbidity associated with cryosurgery, leading to an increased interest in this modality for the treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer. In this study, we critically examine the current role of cryoablation of the prostate to better understand how to counsel patients regarding this treatment option.

Methods: A database was compiled over a 3-year period (2008-2011) of 30 patients who underwent cryoablation for organ-confined prostate cancer.

The imaging and management of nonconsecutive pars interarticularis defects: a case report and review of literature.

Background Context: Lumbar spondylolysis is a well-recognized condition occurring in adolescents because of repetitive overuse in sports. Multiple-level spondylolysis involving consecutive lower lumbar segments are rare. Several authors have reported failure of conservative treatment in the management of multiple-level pars fractures.

Patent foramen ovale: Its significance in anesthesia and intensive care: An illustrated case.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is defined as a valve-like opening at the level of foramen ovale or between septum primum and secundum without evidence of the anatomical defect. Paradoxical embolism (PDE) is an embolus passing through a defect PFO leading to end-organ dysfunction. PDE in septic shock is not yet reported in the literature.

Complication rate after operative treatment of paediatric femoral neck fractures.

Paediatric fractured neck of femur injuries is rare and historically has high complication rates postoperatively. We present results from the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Fifteen displaced femoral neck fractures were identified in 14 children over a 10-year period (1997-2006).

Assessment of acetabular retroversion following long term review of Salter's osteotomy.

Salter's innominate osteotomy may predispose to anterior over-coverage of the acetabulum. Over cover or retroversion has been demonstrated to be a cause of hip pain, impingement and subsequent osteoarthritis. We reviewed the long-term follow up of seventeen skeletally mature hips in sixteen patients who had previously undergone a Salter's osteotomy in childhood.

Continued lumbar spinal erosion after repair of chronic contained rupture of a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Introduction: Mycotic aneurysm of the aorta is a rare, dangerous condition. We report a case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) caused by Candida albicans.

Methods: Case report and review of pertinent English-language literature.

Late presentation of an infected carotid patch as a superficial wound nodule.

Background: Infection of a vascular patch is an uncommon complication of carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature.

Case Report: A 71 year-old woman with a carotid patch infection presented with a superficial wound nodule and no false aneurysm.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis.

Background: A 54-year-old nondiabetic male presented with high fever, vague lower abdominal pain and leakage of urine around his long-standing suprapubic catheter. Examination revealed pyrexia and tenderness in the right renal angle. White cell count was 22.