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This study aims to investigate the interaction between market volatility, economic growth, and cognitive biases over the period from April 2006 to March 2024. Market volatility and economic growth are critical indicators that influence economic stability and investment behavior. Financial market volatility, defined by abrupt and erratic changes in asset values, can have a big impact on the expansion and stability of the economy. According to conventional economic theory, there should be an inverse relationship between market volatility and economic growth since high volatility can discourage investment and erode trust. Market participants' cognitive biases are a major aspect that complicates this connection. Due to our innate susceptibility to cognitive biases, including herd mentality, overconfidence, and loss aversion, humans can make poor decisions and increase market volatility. These prejudices frequently cause investors to behave erratically and irrationally, departing from reasonable expectations and causing inefficiencies in the market. Cognitive biases have the capacity to sustain feedback loops, which heighten market turbulence and may hinder economic expansion. Similarly, cognitive biases have the potential to cause investors to misread economic indicators or ignore important details, which would increase volatility. This study uses the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model on GDP growth data from the US, the UK, and India, alongside S&P 500, FTSE 100, and NIFTY 50 data sourced from Bloomberg, to examine evidence of these biases. The results show evidence of the predictive nature of market fluctuations on economic performance across the markets and highlight the substantial effects of cognitive biases on market volatility, disregarding economic fundamentals and growth, emphasizing the necessity of considering psychological factors in financial market analyses and developing strategies to mitigate their adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent pandemic caused by the newly identified virus, SARS-Cov-2 is associated with thromboembolic events. Patients infected with COVID-19 have been found to have thrombocytopenia. A decrease in platelet count may be caused by increased destruction and consumption of platelets or by decreased production of platelets in the bone marrow. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a new platelet parameter that is an indicator for peripheral destruction and consumption of platelets., Objectives: To assess the immature platelet fraction (IPF) in patients infected with COVID-19., Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective study where secondary data obtained from previous laboratory records of COVID-positive patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi from 4 January to 4 February 2022 was analyzed. Sixty-eight COVID-positive patients were included. Platelet parameters included from the automated hematology analyzer Mindray were platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), immature platelet fraction (IPF), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR). Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: In the present study mild thrombocytopenia was noted in 40% of the patients infected with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital. The median platelet count in these patients was found to be 91,000/mm3 (64,000-1,31,000). Low platelet count was associated with a significantly higher IPF, MPV, PDW, P-LCR, and a significantly lower PCT as compared to patients infected with COVID-19 with normal platelet count. There was a significant increase in IPF with a decrease in platelet count (P value < 0.05). A significant increase in IPF was noted with an increase in MPV and P-LCR (P value < 0.05)., Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study suggests that thrombocytopenia in patients infected with COVID-19 may probably be due to peripheral destruction and consumption of platelets., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology.)

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by brain and spinal cord inflammation. In pediatric patients, ADEM presents unique challenges due to its potential for rapid progression and long-term neurological sequelae. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has emerged as a potential treatment option by targeting the underlying autoimmune process and modulating the inflammatory response. This comprehensive review evaluates the role of TPE in pediatric ADEM, synthesizing evidence from clinical studies and providing insights into its efficacy, safety, and potential benefits. The review highlights the variability in TPE efficacy based on disease severity and patient-specific factors. Implications for clinical practice include considering TPE as a therapeutic option, particularly in severe or refractory cases, and emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Recommendations for future research include long-term prospective studies, comparative effectiveness trials, and efforts to standardize TPE protocols. Overall, continued investigation and innovation in managing pediatric ADEM are essential for improving outcomes and quality of life for affected children and their families., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bhardwaj et al.)