Shikha Gulati

An optimized procedure for preconcentration, determination and on-line recovery of palladium using highly selective diphenyldiketone-monothiosemicarbazone modified silica gel

A novel, highly selective, efficient and reusable chelating resin, diphenyldiketone-monothiosemicarbazone modified silica gel, was prepared and applied for the on-line separation and preconcentration of Pd(II) ions in catalytic converter and spiked tap water samples. Several parameters like effect of pH, sample volume, flow rate, type of eluent, and influence of various ionic interferences, etc. were evaluated for effective adsorption of palladium at trace levels. The resin was found to be highly selective for Pd(II) ions in the pH range 4-5 with a very high sorption capacity of 0.73 mmol/g and preconcentration factor of 335. The present environment friendly procedure has also been applied for large-scale extraction by employing the use of newly designed reactor in which on-line separation and preconcentration of Pd can be carried out easily and efficiently in short duration of time.

Comparative evaluation of endoscopic with conventional septoplasty.

A study was conducted to assess the merits and demerits of endoscopic septoplasty. Fifty patients having symptomatic DNS were randomly divided into two groups of 25 patients each. One group underwent endoscopic septoplasty and other group underwent conventional septoplasty. The groups were compared regarding the complaints with pack in postoperative period, relief of symptoms after surgery and complications. The symptoms complained by the patients with pack in postoperative period and complications after surgery were significantly less in endoscopic septoplasty group.

Fabrication of a novel nano-composite carbon paste sensor based on silica-nanospheres functionalized with isatin thiosemicarbazone for potentiometric monitoring of Cu2+ ions in real samples

The present paper describes the fabrication of a novel nano-structured organic–inorganic hybrid potentiometric sensor based on silica nanospheres functionalized with isatin thiosemicarbazone (ITC@APTES@SiO2) as a neutral carrier for the rapid and sensitive determination of Cu(II) ions in real samples. Furthermore, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) have been used in the composition of carbon paste to improve its conductivity and transduction of the chemical signal to the electrical signal. The sensing material (ITC@APTES@SiO2) was synthesized by immobilizing isatin thiosemicarbazone (ITC) onto aminopropyl functionalized silica nanospheres (APTES@SiO2), and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, solid-state 13C CPMAS and 29Si CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and elemental analysis. The nano-composite sensor exhibits a stable potential response to Cu(II) ions with a Nernstian slope of 29.3 ± 0.28 mV decade−1 over a wide linear dynamic concentration range of 1.0 × 10−7 to 1.0 × 10−1 M with a detection limit of 5.01 × 10−8 M. Furthermore, it demonstrates a fast response time of about 5 s, and can be used for at least 3 months without any significant variance in the potential. The potential response of the proposed sensor was found to be independent of pH in the range of 2.5–7. In addition, the electrode was found to be highly selective for Cu(II) ions with respect to alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The response mechanism of the nano-composite sensor was also investigated using UV-vis spectrophotometric analysis and the AC impedance technique. The practical utility of the developed sensor has also been reported for diverse real samples.

One pot and solvent-free synthesis of 2,9,16,23-tetrachlorometal(II) phthalocyanines

A novel one pot and solvent-free synthesis of 2,9,16,23-tetrachloro metal(II)phthalocyanines in microwave using monosodium salt of 4-chlorophthalate as starting material is described. This method in comparison to conventional route offers high yields (75–92%), eliminates the use of toxic organic solvents, reduces multistep synthesis to one-step, reaction temperature from 190 to 120°C, and reaction time from 5–6 hours to 5 minutes.

Frontal sinus actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis of frontal bone.

Actinomycosis is an indolent, suppurative, and granulomatous infection caused by a gram-positive, anaerobic or microaerophilic, non–acid-fast bacteria of the genus Actinomyces. The species associated with human disease include A israelii, A naeslundii, A viscosus, and A odontolyticus; A israelii is the most common. All these species can be found in the mouth and respiratory and digestive tracts as normal commensals. They do not exist elsewhere in nature. Actinomycosis is thought to become a pathogen when some form of trauma allows it to access an anaerobic environment, such as is provided by devitalized tissue, where it rapidly multiplies. Four clinical forms of actinomycosis are recognized: 1) cervicofacial, 2) thoracic, 3) abdominal, and 4) genital. Over 50% of the cases occur in the head and neck region, but reports that involve the nose and sinuses are rare. The usual site of the rare infection in the nose and sinuses is the maxillary antrum. Occasionally it can involve ethmoid or sphenoid sinus. We report an unusual presentation of actinomycosis that involves the frontal sinus, causing osteomyelitis of frontal bone. To our knowledge this entity has not been reported until now. A 62-year-old female with diabetes was admitted to our hospital with history of left upper eyelid swelling that involved a forehead and unilateral headache for the last month. There was no history of any trauma. History revealed that she had an oro-antral fistula on the left side after tooth extraction 1 year earlier. She underwent a left Caldwell-Luc procedure and repair of oro-antral fistula. Material obtained from the left maxillary sinus was sent for histopathologic examination and revealed actinomycosis. She was put on penicillin for 3 months. On examination, a discharging fistula was present in lateral part of upper eyelid. Tenderness was present over the frontal bone, especially over the floor of frontal sinus. Nasal endoscopy revealed mucosal inflammation without pus in the region of frontal recess. A computed tomography (CT) showed destruction of both inner and outer table of skull with sequestrum formation in the left frontal sinus (Fig 1). We do not have an IRB; however, informed consent was

Extraluminal hypopharyngeal foreign body.

Ingestion of a foreign body is a problem seen in nearly all otolaryngologic practices. Ingested foreign bodies which migrate extraluminally are rare occurrences. If untreated, they may result in life threatening complications. We are reporting a case of sharp metallic pin which migrated extraluminally in the hypopharynx and became lodged in the soft tissue. It was successfully removed by direct laryngoscopy.

Green Chemistry Solutions to Water Pollution

Conventional water treatment processes gradually become more inadequate with the identification of more and more contaminants in the water because of fast growth of population and industrial activities. Therefore, to overcome the challenges associated with traditional processes, there is rapid development of novel chemical technologies. But this growth has turned the attention of environmentalists to complementary actions, like monitoring environmental pollution, reduction of pollutants, and so on, to avoid the negative impacts. In this context, green chemistry solutions provide the most effective way to reduce the harmful effects of water treatment processes by taking into account energy, materials, resource economics, use, and generation of dangerous secondary material, and, finally, the life cycle of the products and their practical recycling into new materials. Some emerging water treatment technologies holding great promises in providing green alternatives for better protection of public health and the environment are discussed in this chapter. Advantages and disadvantages of these technologies are also compared to highlight their existing limitations and future research needs. Hence, it can be said that application of these technologies in association with the emergent knowledge and advances in the manufacturing industries will be highly beneficial to the entire mankind.

Porous silica supported Co2+-tetrachlorophthalocyanine (CoPcCl-APTES@SiO2): a novel and recyclable organic–inorganic hybrid catalyst for eco-friendly oxidation of secondary alcohols

A novel, selective and recyclable cobalt based catalyst has been synthesized by covalent grafting of Co2+-tetrachlorophthalocyanine (CoPcCl) onto porous silica functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and the resulting organic–inorganic hybrid porous material was found to be highly effective catalyst for peroxidative oxidation of secondary alcohols. The porous material was characterized by elemental analysis, diffuse reflectance UV–Visible spectroscopy, 13C CPMAS and 29Si CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area analysis, Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), Fourier transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. High turnover frequency, mild reaction conditions, high selectivity for ketones, and easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst renders the present protocol highly essential to address the industrial needs and environmental concerns.

Role of rhinomanometry to assess nasal airflow and resistance in patients undergoing septoplasty

Nasal obstruction is a common symptom. Rhinomanometry is a tool to objectively assess the nasal airway. A prospective study was undertaken to assess the nasal airflow and nasal resistance in 25 patients of deviated nasal septum undergoing septoplasty using rhinomanometry preoperatively and postoperatively. Rhinomanometric improvement in nasal airflow and decreased nasal resistance were found in 88% patients after surgery.

Water Quality Issues and Solutions in India

Water is the most abundant and essential resource in India. At present, the quality of water resources is one of the most critical environmental challenges from the national perspective. Increasing population coupled with rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural growth has resulted in the deterioration of water quality in the country. The available water resources in many parts of the country are becoming polluted because of the discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, etc. This pressing situation demands a solution to improve the quality of water resources in the country through water quality management strategies.