Middle Turbinate Angiofibroma in a Middle-Aged Female: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Extra Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas are rare benign vascular tumors typically affecting adolescent males. They have variable sites of origin. Only five cases of extra nasopharyngeal angiofibroma originating from the middle turbinate have been reported in the literature, here we present the sixth such case. A 44-year-old female presented with a history of left-sided nasal obstruction and spontaneous, profuse and recurrent epistaxis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a hyper vascular mass arising from the left middle turbinate. A provisional diagnosis of extra nasopharyngeal angiofibroma was made and it was successfully surgically excised using a midfacial degloving approach under general anaesthesia. The diagnosis was confirmed with post-operative histopathological analysis. Due to the extremely rare occurrence of Extra Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas originating from the middle turbinate and their infrequent presentation in female patients, misdiagnosis poses a greater risk of complications. The surgeon must exercise caution before conducting misguided biopsies, which are contraindicated. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04740-6.

Next-Generation Sequencing to Determine Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Juvenile Sturgeon Hybrid (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂) Resulting from Sodium Butyrate, Β-Glucan and Vitamin Supplementation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The effect of sodium butyrate (NaB), ß-glucan (ßG) and vitamins in the diet on gut microbiome, cortisol level, lysozyme activity and growth parameters of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂) was determined. METHODS: Sturgeon hybrids (n = 144) were divided into three groups with enriched feeding (mg/kg of feed): FQV1 (50 NaB; 20 ßG; const. vitamins), FQV2 (150 NaB; 20 ßG; const. vitamins), FQV3 (50 NaB; 60 ßG; const. vitamins) and control (not supplemented), each group in triplicate, 12 fish in each repetition. Rearing was carried out for 30 days in controlled conditions. Gut microbiome was characterized using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of DNA samples isolated from intestinal content. Cortisol level was determined using the ELISA test. Lysozyme activity was measured by turbidimetric test. RESULTS: Based on data obtained from NGS, it was determined that the FQV1 group is characterized by the highest values of diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson and Chao-1) and the largest number of ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants). The highest abundance of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus) was determined in the FQV1 group. The highest cortisol concentration was determined in the control (33.26 ng/mL), while the lowest was in FQV3 (27.75 ng/mL). The highest lysozyme activity was observed in FQV1 (154.64 U/mL), and the lowest in FQV2 (104.39 U/mL) and control (121.37 U/mL) (p < 0.05). FQV2 was characterized by significantly more favorable values of breeding indicators (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results prove that an appropriate composition of NaB, ßG and vitamins can be used in the commercial breeding of juvenile hybrid sturgeons.

Locally Synthesized Zwitterionic Surfactants as EOR Chemicals in Sandstone and Carbonate.

Zwitterionic surfactants are found to be highly effective in reducing the IFT and changing the wettability. This work studied the solubility and wettability alteration performance of locally synthesized zwitterionic surfactants in Berea sandstone and Indiana limestone. Contact angle measurements were conducted to study the wettability under different conditions. SEM images and TGA results were combined to reflect on the wettability alteration mechanism. The zeta potential test was adopted to study the surface charge of the Indian limestone powder. Results showed that five of the six surfactants dissolved in deionized water to form 1.0 wt % solution, indicating efficient solubility for EOR purposes. Although its wettability alteration performance on oil-aged Berea sandstone is weak to moderate, the performance of ZW6 on Indiana limestone is excellent. ZW6 can change the strongly oil-wet (162°) rock back to water-wet (62.9°) conditions. Increasing its concentration from 0.01 to 0.5 wt % continuously enhanced the performance. The addition of NaCl to 150000 ppm did not affect the wettability alteration. However, the addition of CaCl2 largely suppressed the wettability alteration, while Na2SO4 and MgCl2 both enhanced the performance. With the same headgroup, a more hydrophobic tail group impairs the wettability alteration. The quite different wettability alteration performance of MgCl2 and CaCl2 cases (which had approximately the same amount of calcite dissolution), and the comparable wettability alteration performance of Na2SO4 and MgCl2 (which had very different calcite dissolution amounts) indicate that calcite dissolution is unrelated to wettability alteration.

Investigating the toxicity of polylactic acid microplastics on the health and physiology of freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala.

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised growing concerns among ecotoxicologists regarding their potential toxicity. This study explored the impacts of polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on the physiology and health of freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala, by dietary exposure for 90 days. The experiment consisted of six groups: five treatment groups (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% PLA-MP) and a control group (0% PLA-MP). Each group was comprised of fifteen fish, and the experiment was replicated three times. The exposure severity of PLA-MPs varied from low to high, with treatment levels ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% PLA-MPs, relative to the control group. This exposure significantly affected their growth performance. Additionally, the apparent digestibility of the SFM-based diet decreased with increasing PLA-MPs concentration. Exposure to PLA-MPs induced considerable changes in body composition, characterized by increased moisture and crude fat content and decreased ash content and crude protein. The blood profile, including MCHC, RBCs, Hb, PLT and PCV exhibited significant declines in the high treatment group (2.5% PLA-MPs), while MCH, WBCs and MCV showed notable increases. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the intestine revealed an increase in abnormalities in the intestine at 2.5% PLA-MPs level. The high treatment group (2.5% PLA-MPs) showed the lowest mineral content in the fish muscles. In summary, dietary exposure to PLA-MPs led to alterations in overall body performance across the treatment groups, ranging from low to high severity levels.

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder resulting from exposure to traumatic events, manifesting in various debilitating symptoms. Despite available treatments, many individuals experience inadequate response or significant side effects. Previous reviews suggest promising outcomes with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AT), but limitations prompt the need for a comprehensive evaluation. METHODS: We searched various online databases and registries such as MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov to retrieve RCTs that fit our inclusion criteria. We performed meta-analyses using Review Manager by applying a random-effects model. Dichotomous and continuous outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) and standard mean difference (SMD), respectively. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 297 participants with PTSD were included in our meta-analysis. The control group consisted of inactive doses of MDMA (25-40 mg) or placebo. Our meta-analysis showed that MDMA-AT led to a significant reduction in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) severity scores as compared to the control group (SMD -1.10, 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.59). More patients in the MDMA-AT group exhibited significant response (RR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.08) and remission (RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.47 to 3.66) as compared to patients in the control group. There was no significant difference regarding the incidence of ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), ≥1 severe TEAE, and suicidal ideation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: MDMA-AT demonstrates significant efficacy in improving PTSD symptoms, enhancing both response and remission rates in individuals with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Nutritional quality of selected commercially available seed oils and effect of storage conditions on their oxidative stability.

The primary objective of this research was to investigate nutritional composition of soybean, canola, cottonseed, palm and rapeseed oils under and the effect of storage conditions on their oxidative stability. Nutritional quality of selected seed oils was determined in term of fatty acids, tocopherols and tocotrienols compositions, total phenolic, total flavonoids and mineral contents. High resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC) analysis showed the presence of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids having range from 9.21-43.25, 27.01-58.87 and 29.23-57.75 g/100g, respectively in all the oils. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that γ-tocopherol was the major tocopherol followed by α-tocopherol in most of the oils. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that the total phenolic contents were 2.84-14.44 mg/g of oil, measured as gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid contents were 0.44-1.56 mg/g of oil, measure as quercetin equivalent. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer analysis revealed that Mg, Fe and Mn were present in higher concentration ranging from 57.14-114.85, 126.87-460.06 and 106.85-538.39 µg/ml respectively. For study the effect of various storage conditions on the oxidation parameters, free fatty acid, peroxide value, para-anisidine value, conjugated dienes and trienes values were determined and ranging from 0.48-1.65, 10.65-40.15 meq/kg, 9.98-33.30, 8.74-28.41 and 3.86-15.02, respectively after 90 days storage. Statistical analysis revealed that various storage conditions exerted significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the oxidative stability of selected oils to different extent.

A critical review of health and financial implications of obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. There is a link between increased mortality and obese individuals with the disease. The disease has been claimed to have disproportionately affected non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. The rise in food accessibility and the drop in the relative cost of junk food items are the two most significant changes in dietary patterns. Around the world, 2.8 million people die from being overweight or obese, and those with more body fat also have a higher risk of diabetes (44%) and heart disease (23%). Obesity weakens the immune system because adipose cells infiltrate the bone marrow, spleen, and thymus. Obesity was substantially more common among COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized than those who were not hospitalized. Over 900 000 adults in the United States are hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection. Hospitalizations in 271 700 (30.2%) cases have been attributed to obesity. Obese patients may be experiencing reduced thoracic expansion following bariatric surgery. Less tracheal collapse and air-trapping at end-expiration chest computed tomography (CT) were observed post-surgery, and patients reported reduced dyspnea. COVID-19 is estimated to cost the European Union €13.9 billion in secondary care, with 76% of that cost attributed to treatment for overweight and obese individuals. The average price per hospitalized patient also increased with increasing BMI. Screening for obesity, preventive measures, and recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes should be of the utmost importance to decrease both the health and financial implications of COVID-19.

Acute Urinary Retention and Severe Hyponatremia in a Patient With a Large Intramural Uterine Fibroid.

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is defined as the inability to pass urine voluntarily. It is more common in males, with a male-to-female incidence ratio of 13:1. In males, benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common cause of AUR, especially in men aged above 60, whereas in females, pelvic anatomy distortion secondary to pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic masses causes most cases of AUR. Prompt diagnosis and management are the keys to avoiding complications secondary to AUR, such as pain and acute kidney injury. Less commonly, it can cause acute hyponatremia, as was seen in our patient. Hyponatremia is generally asymptomatic, but if acute and/or severe, it can cause mental status changes, seizures, and coma. Such patients need closer monitoring of their mental status and sodium level to avoid overcorrection. Here we present a unique case report of a patient with asymptomatic large uterine fibroid presented with abdominal distention who was found to have acute urinary retention with associated asymptomatic severe hyponatremia, managed conservatively.

Utilization of opium poppy seed oil for biodiesel production: A parametric characterization and statistical optimization.

Consuming traditional petroleum-derived diesel fuel has long been associated with issues such as the depletion of natural energy resources. To solve these challenges, an alternate source like as biodiesel is an appealing option. Seed oils have long been recognized as an abundant and diverse source of biodiesel. In this study, poppy seed oil from the poppy (Papaver somniferum) was investigated for biodiesel production. Poppy seed biodiesel was generated and refined using acid-pretreated esterification with sulphuric acid prior to transesterification, as well as single-step alkaline catalyzed transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Finally, the percentage yield was compared. Using Statistica, the Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize process variables like time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and methanol-oil ratio to produce maximum yield. The relationship of process variables was also shown with the help of the Response Surface Methodology. A maximum yield of 94.87 % was obtained at optimized conditions, i.e., 90min reaction time, 60 °C of temperature, 0.25 mg of catalyst concentration, and 3v/v% alcohol-oil ratio. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, such as acid value, moisture content, saponification value, iodine value, specific gravity, percentage of free fatty acids, refractive index, viscosity, boiling point, and peroxide value, were measured and compared with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 and European Standards (EN) 14214. Further results were studied and discussed using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) analysis, which showed maximum similarity of raw material to formed biodiesel. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify various fatty acid methyl esters. The results obtained were in accordance with various international standards for biodiesel fuel. Thus, poppy seeds can be used to obtain biodiesel.

Real-word outcomes for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: screened patients for the BRAVO trial.

OBJECTIVE: To report real-world outcomes for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HRNMIBC), including bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and radical cystectomy (RC), as randomised comparisons of these have not been possible. METHODS: We detail consecutive participants screened for the BRAVO randomised controlled trial comparing RC with BCG (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number [ISRCTN]12509361). Patients were prospectively registered and case-note review used for outcomes. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included recurrence, progression, metastasis, and bladder cancer-specific survival. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 193 patients were screened, including 106 (54.9%) who received BCG, 43 (22.3%) primary RC, 37 (19.2%) 'other' treatment and seven (3.6%) hyperthermic intravesical mitomycin C. All-cause death occurred in 55 (28.5%) patients at median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 29.0 (19.5-42.0) months. In multivariable analysis, overall mortality was more common in older patients (hazard ratio [HR] 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-5.13; Cox P = 0.004 for age >70 years), those recruited from district hospitals (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.3-0.95; P = 0.032) and those who did not undergo RC as their first treatment (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.17-3.99; P = 0.014). In all, 17 (8.8%) patients died from bladder cancer (BC) at median (IQR) of 22.5 (19-36.25) months. In multivariable analysis, BC-specific mortality was more common in older patients (HR 4.87, 95% CI 1.1-21.6; P = 0.037) and those with Tis/T1 disease (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.23-4.16; P = 0.008) but did not vary with initial treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HRNMIBC are at high-risk of mortality. Those choosing RC as their initial treatment have lower risks of mortality than others, although this may reflect fitness and selection.

Nano-protected form of rosemary essential oil has a positive influence on blood biochemistry parameters, haematological indices, immune-antioxidant status, intestinal microbiota and histomorphology of meat-type chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of free and nanoprotected rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in blood biochemistry, hematology, immune-antioxidant status, intestinal microbiology, and histomorphology of broilers. A total of 420 1-wk-old broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly allotted into 7 treatments, each having 4 replicates of 15 chicks. The first group served as control received basal diet, while the second group was fed a basal diet plus 100 mg/kg enramycin and third group basal diet plus 150 mg/kg chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). The fourth and fifth groups received diets supplemented with 100 mg and 200 mg free REO (F-REO)/kg diet. The sixth and seventh groups were supplemented with 100 mg and 200 mg nanoprotected REO (N-REO)/kg diet. Results revealed that supplementing nanoprotected REO significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of blood cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to control and enramycin groups. The kidney and liver function parameters were not altered by adding free or nanoprotected REO to the diet. Both levels of nanoprotected REO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced heterophil: lymphocyte (H: L) ratio compared to all other groups. Birds receiving nanoprotected REO at 200 mg/kg diet had significantly (P ˂ 0.05) raised serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) compared to control and other birds. Anti-SRBC titre and cell-mediated immunity improved significantly (P < 0.05) in nanoprotected REO groups. Supplementation of nanoprotected REO resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher values for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status (TAS). The caecal microbiota was improved in broiler birds fed diets supplemented with nanoprotected REO. The 200 mg nanoprotected REO/kg diet supplementation resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) better villus height (VH) and villus height: crypt depth (VH: CD) ratio in all the segments of the small intestine. In conclusion, feeding REO in nanoprotected form in a 200 mg/kg diet could be used as an antibiotic substitute to improve broiler chicken's lipid profile, immune-antioxidant status, and intestinal health.

A superporous and pH-sensitive hydrogel from Salvia hispanica (chia) seeds: stimuli responsiveness, on-off switching, and pharmaceutical applications.

The use of plant seed-based hydrogels to design drug delivery systems (DDSs) has increased due to their swellable, pH-responsive, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic nature. Herein, the chia seeds hydrogel (CSH) was extracted through an aqueous extraction method to explore its pH and salt-responsive swelling behavior and sustained release potential. The CSH was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (solid/state CP-MAS 13C/NMR) spectra. Thermal analysis indicated that the CSH is a thermally stable material and decomposes in two steps. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of CSH witnessed the existence of microscopic channeling and a superporous nature with average pore sizes of 18 ± 11 µm (transverse cross-sections) and 23 ± 15 µm (longitudinal cross-sections). The CSH is a haemocompatible material. The CSH revealed pH and saline-responsive swelling in powder and compressed form (tablet) in the following order; distilled water (DW) > pH 7.4 > pH 6.8 > pH 1.2. Moreover, the swelling of CSH followed second-order kinetics. The swelling of CSH powder and tablets was decreased with increasing salt concentration. The pH, solvent, and saline responsive on/off switching (swelling/deswelling) results of the CSH and tablets disclosed its stimuli-responsive nature. The CSH prolonged the release of valsartan for 5 h at pH 7.4, whereas, negligible release (19.3%) was noted at pH 1.2. The valsartan release followed first-order kinetics and the non-Fickian diffusion. In conclusion, the CSH is a stimuli-responsive smart material with great potential to develop pH-sensitive and targeted DDSs.

Sub-attosecond-precision optical-waveform stability measurements using electro-optic sampling.

The generation of laser pulses with controlled optical waveforms, and their measurement, lie at the heart of both time-domain and frequency-domain precision metrology. Here, we obtain mid-infrared waves via intra-pulse difference-frequency generation (IPDFG) driven by 16-femtosecond near-infrared pulses, and characterise the jitter of sub-cycle fractions of these waves relative to the gate pulses using electro-optic sampling (EOS). We demonstrate sub-attosecond temporal jitter at individual zero-crossings and sub-0.1%-level relative amplitude fluctuations in the 10-kHz-0.625-MHz band. Chirping the nearly-octave-spanning mid-infrared pulses uncovers wavelength-dependent attosecond-scale waveform jitter. Our study validates EOS as a broadband (both in the radio-frequency and the optical domains), highly sensitive measurement technique for the jitter dynamics of optical waveforms. This sensitivity reveals outstanding stability of the waveforms obtained via IPDFG and EOS, directly benefiting precision measurements including linear and nonlinear (infrared) field-resolved spectroscopy. Furthermore, these results form the basis toward EOS-based active waveform stabilisation and sub-attosecond multi-oscillator synchronisation/delay tracking.

Eligibility Criteria for Different Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Regimens in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma.

Introduction Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Treatment options for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) primarily include platinum-based chemotherapy. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is conventionally used for treating mUC, but many patients are ineligible due to various factors such as poor performance status, creatinine clearance, neuropathy, and cardiac function. Carboplatin-based therapy is another alternative, which typically yields less favorable outcomes. Some centers use split-dose cisplatin for treating patients with comorbidities and impaired renal function, broadening cisplatin's spectrum. While eligibility criteria for full-dose cisplatin are well-established, those for split-dose cisplatin and carboplatin lack strong evidence. This study aims to assess the recommended criteria for full-dose cisplatin, split-dose cisplatin, and carboplatin regimens in real-world settings, including hematological parameters for patients with mUC. Methods  A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 136 oncologists from 21 countries, assessing criteria such as creatinine clearance, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), neurotoxicity, hearing loss, heart failure classification, and hematological parameters. Results The survey revealed diverse preferences among 113 oncologists treating mUC, regarding the eligibility criteria for each chemotherapy regimen with 81% prioritizing full-dose cisplatin, 21% split-dose cisplatin, and 14% carboplatin regimens. Criteria for all three regimens included specific thresholds. For full-dose cisplatin, the preferred criteria included creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min, ECOG PS ≤1, grade 1 neuropathy, grade 1 deafness, New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure ≤class II with ≥50% cardiac ejection fraction, and normal blood parameters. Split-dose cisplatin criteria were creatinine clearance ≥40 mL/min, ECOG PS ≤2, grade 1 neuropathy, grade 1 deafness, NYHA heart failure ≤class II with ≥50% cardiac ejection fraction, and normal blood parameters. Carboplatin eligibility criteria were creatinine clearance ≥30, ECOG PS ≤2, grade ≤2 neuropathy, grade ≤2 deafness, NYHA heart failure ≤class II with ≥50% cardiac ejection fraction, and normal blood parameters. Hematological parameters were deemed crucial for all regimens, particularly stringent for carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Conclusion The study underscores the importance of renal function and hematological parameters in determining chemotherapy eligibility for patients with mUC. It highlights the importance of precise treatment criteria in mUC management, with hematological factors playing a significant role. Standardized criteria and further research are warranted to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize adverse events associated with chemotherapy regimens. Understanding the preferences of oncologists globally can facilitate tailored treatment approaches and improve patient care in the management of mUC.

Legionella Pneumophila Presenting as a Rare Cause of Acute Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Legionella pneumophila can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from a mild flu-like illness to fulminant multi-organ involvement, characterised by severe pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalopathy, shock, hepatic dysfunction and renal failure. Very rarely, it can be associated with haematologic conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report a rare case of L. pneumophila causing ITP and review previously published cases of thrombocytopenia associated with Legionellosis in the literature. Case description: A 53-year-old male presented with fevers, chills, a productive cough and severe haemoptysis. Blood work was remarkable for leukocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia and hyponatraemia. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed left lower lobe lung consolidation, and a peripheral blood smear showed giant platelets consistent with ITP. Legionella urine antigen testing returned positive. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobin, steroid taper and a ten-day course of azithromycin, which led to normalisation of his platelet count and resolution of the pneumonia. Discussion: L. pneumophila can lead to complement-mediated destruction of platelets resulting in ITP. Antibodies against L. pneumophila can also cross-react with the enzyme ADAMTS13, inhibiting its function and resulting in TTP and HUS. Additionally, L. pneumophila can infect vascular endothelial cells causing their death and stimulating release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers into the bloodstream, promoting thrombosis and platelet consumption. Conclusion: It is important for internists to consider L. pneumophila in the differential for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia. Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes. LEARNING POINTS: Legionella pneumophila is rarely associated with different haematologic disorders resulting in severe bleeding diathesis as well as thrombosis.It is important for internists to consider Legionella pneumophila in the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia.Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes.

Construction of ZnAl LDH-Derived Sulfides with Etching Modification to Trigger Photocatalytic H2 Production and Degradation Oxidation.

Constructing novel functional photocatalysts represents a promising approach to optimize the energy band structure and facilitate the separation of photogenerated carriers. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit notable advantages in photocatalysis due to the exceptional photoelectrochemical properties and elevated number of active surface atoms. However, an unsuitable band gap and limited carrier migration have inhibited their development in photocatalysis. Herein, we propose a novel in situ topological vulcanization strategy for optimizing the photocatalytic activity of ZnAl LDH-derived sulfides (ZnAlSx). The subsequent etching process via a 1 M NaOH solution was introduced to construct the ZnSx photocatalysts. Then, the crystallinity of the crystals was enhanced by etching to further improve the catalytic activity and stability of ZnSx. The as-synthesized ZnSx shows an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production rate (11.89 mmol/g/h) and tetracycline degradation efficiency (91.94%) under light illumination, and its hydrogen evolution efficiency is approximately 176 and 2 times greater than that of ZnAl LDH and ZnAlSx, respectively. The characterization and density functional theory (DFT) analysis confirmed that the surface electronic properties and energy band structure of ZnAl LDH were significantly optimized after experimental treatment, resulting in enhanced carrier separation and photooxidative reduction capacity. Combining in situ topological vulcanization and etching to realize the functional conversion of ZnAl LDH provides promising insights into the construction of high-performance, low-cost photocatalysts.

Innovative technology integration: E tongue, near infrared grain tester & machine vision approaches for amylose content & quality characterization.

E-tongue, machine vision and NIR systems were used to standardize the quality measurements in twenty rice genotypes grown in Highland Himalayan regions of Kashmir, in order to overcome the constraints of manual measurements. IRCTN-312 showed highest amylose content of 20.74 % and 20.70 % using iodometric method and NIR tester, which was validated by the highest norm value of 34.158 by E-tongue. From these results, genotypes such as GSR-43, GS-103, GSR-23B, GSR-60, SR-4, GSR-46, Koshihikari, GSR-64, GSR-32, GSR-49, GSR-4, GSR-42, GS-459, SKUA-494 and SKUA-540 were classified as low amylose and C-3, K-332, M4-22 and IRCTN-312 were classified as intermediate amylose in the present study. Lowest percentage of damaged grains and chalk ratio was found in GSR-23B. SKUA-494 recorded highest L/W ratio using both the systems. Highest head rice yield and elongation ratio was found in GSR-23B and SKUA-494 genotypes respectively. Highest lightness (L*) value was recorded for Koshihikari genotype.