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Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating immune-mediated condition of the central nervous system, whereas antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLA) is an autoimmune disorder accompanied by thrombosis and pregnancy-related problems. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old female with ADEM coexisting with APLA, highlighting the importance of early identification and specialized care. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, multiple miscarriages, and non-compliance with medication, who presented with altered consciousness and weakness in all four limbs. Laboratory tests revealed positive anti-cardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant antibodies, confirming APLA. A neurological examination revealed increased limb tone, heightened reflexes, and extensor plantar responses. MRI revealed confluent white matter lesions that were consistent with ADEM. The patient received prompt treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and then received oral prednisone, leading to a rapid improvement in neurological status. The intricate interaction between ADEM and APLA remains enigmatic. The plausible connection between "molecular mimicry" and weakened blood-brain barrier, substantiated by antiphospholipid antibodies, may help explain their concurrent occurrence. This case highlights the significance of early diagnosis and management of the rare and complex coexistence of ADEM and APLA to attain optimal outcomes, as well as the significance of careful examination for simultaneous autoimmune markers in individuals presenting with neurological disturbances. • APLA and ADEM reveal intricate autoimmune interactions • Shared autoimmune mechanisms and APLA-induced blood-brain barrier compromise may contribute to concomitant ADEM • In neurological cases, detecting concurrent autoimmune markers is vital for early diagnosis and tailored treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2012–2015, a total of 624 samples of 13 different types of dry fruits and edible nuts were collected from retail shops and local markets of Pakistan. The collected samples were then studied for the occurrence of total aflatoxins (AFs) after immunoaffinity cleanup followed by HPLC coupled with fluorescence detector and post-column derivatization unit (Kobra Cell™). The seasonal variation of AFs was studied with respect to average temperature and relative humidity in Pakistan. LOD (S/N; 3:1) and LOQ (S/N; 10:1) of the utilized method were in the range of 0.09–0.12 and 0.30–42 μg/kg, respectively. About 165 (26%) samples were found contaminated, ranging from 0.22 to 30.11 μg/kg with a mean equivalent to 0.85 ± 0.26 μg/kg. In 459 (74%) samples, the AFs contamination was found lower than detectable limit corresponding to0.12 μg/kg. In 99 (15%) samples, the contamination range of AFs was 1–4 μg/kg. However, 28 (4%) samples exceeded the maximum tolerated limit (MTL) of 4 μg/kg as imposed by EU. However, 6 (1%) samples were found beyond the MTL of20 μg/kg as regulated by USA. Highly contaminated samples were found during the months of July, August and September. Achieved data highlighted the requirement of continuous monitoring and further investigation of AFs contamination in dry fruits/edible nuts under the authority of a definite systematic surveillance program adapted as a food safety measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the static and dynamic performances of a new enhanced design of 3-axis MEMS polymer piezoresistive accelerometer. Its key geometric parameters are optimized using a developed numerical finite element model (FEM). Using FEM analysis, the evaluated induced stress fields show a clear improvement compared to two similar silicon-based designs found in literature. Under 100 g z-axis accelerations, the proposed design proof-mass deflection is 21.78 μm and the maximum induced stress in the beams is 13.2 MPa. With the incorporation of SU-8/Carbon Black (CB) piezoresistive layers in locations of maximum induced stress, the piezoresistive analysis is performed to deduce the variations in resistance values. Using FEM dynamic analysis, the Eigenfrequency is 1.08 kHz and the quality factor is 5.55. In addition, a complete analytical model is developed and we show that values from derived expressions are in good agreement with results obtained from FEM simulations. The details of a low-cost and simple fabrication process-flow is provided for the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the photovoltaic performance of pyrimidine-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations. Structural analysis revealed that these dyes exhibit planar geometries and bind to the TiO 2 surface via coordinate and secondary bonds. Charge density difference analysis indicated favorable interactions between TiO 2 and the dyes, facilitating electron injection into TiO 2. All dyes showed negative binding energies, indicating thermodynamically favorable binding. Frontier molecular orbital analysis was conducted to identify energy level distributions essential for determining performance parameters. The hole transport performance of the studied dyes was assessed based on their hole reorganization energies, all of which exhibited lower values, indicating faster hole transport. The absorption spectra of dye-TiO 2 systems predicted a bathochromic shift after dye adsorption, conducive to improved photovoltaic performance. Among the dyes studied, ATT-Pyri emerged as the best performer in DSSCs, displaying favorable reactivity descriptors, a longer excited-state lifetime, minimum total reorganization energy, and broader absorption spectra. Notably, ATT-Pyri demonstrated enhanced photovoltaic performance parameters, making it a promising candidate for DSSC applications, potentially optimizing device efficiency. • All pyrimidine-based dyes showed negative binding energies, indicating thermodynamically favorable binding to the TiO2 surface. • Charge density difference analysis indicated favorable interactions between TiO2 and the dyes, facilitating efficient electron injection into TiO2. • The dyes exhibited low hole reorganization energies, indicating faster hole transport and enhanced performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). • After adsorption on TiO2, the dyes exhibited a bathochromic shift in their absorption spectra, conducive to improved photovoltaic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to a single unit over 4 years with fractured neck of femur. Of the 760 patients admitted over this period of time 36 (4.7%) were found to also have a fracture of the upper limb. The associated upper limb fractures were distal radius (n=28), olecranon (n=2) and neck of humerus (n=5) and fifth metacarpal (n=1), with the same ratio of intracapsular to extracapsular fractures as the whole group. The female to male ratio in the isolated hip fracture group was 2.4:1 and for the combined fractures group was 8:1 (difference P=0.014). The mean patient age was 77.3 years for isolated hip fractures and 83.9 for the combined group (P=0.037). The mean total length of stay in hospital for isolated hip fracture was 15.6 days and for combined fractures was 20.4 days (P=0.010). We have demonstrated that combined upper limb and neck of femur fractures occur in a population that is older and predominantly female. They are associated with a significant increase in hospital stay and increased difficulties in mobilisation as a consequence of the combined fractures. It is therefore important to recognise this specific subgroup of patients presenting with hip fractures in order to ensure that they receive adequate treatment and rehabilitation and that the use of valuable health care resources are optimised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aortic valve replacement in patients with a patent left internal mammary artery graft is often a challenge because of the difficulties with dissection of the left internal mammary artery and optimum myocardial protection. We describe a simple technique of aortic valve replacement with a beating heart and continuous coronary perfusion for this difficult group of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-sized calcium deficient apatite (CDA) micelles were synthesized through microwave assisted the wet precipitation technique. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was employed as surface template to furnish the CDA particles with tailored size and shape. As-precipitated CDA was heat treated to observe the effect of heat treatment temperature on the interatomic rearrangement of entities within the apatite lattice. This transformation is responsible for conversion of CDA to β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) at specific temperature. The phase purity, particles size, morphology and transformation kinetics were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). In-vitro studies were performed on β-TCP with three cell lines: osteoblasts, HeLa, and SF 767. The results showed that nano-sized particles were successfully synthesized in short time. The cells had appreciable proliferation/attachment on the surface of these nano-particles. It is concluded that the microwave irradiated synthesized β-TCP has good capacity in terms of biocompatibility and has the potential to be used in hard tissue regeneration applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Landmines were initially developed as anti-tank weapons. They are still used indiscriminately and in a disorganised fashion, violating the United Nations Treaty on their use [United Nations (1980)].The injury produced by these devices is variable depending upon the construction and strength of the landmine and body parts coming in contact with the landmine at the time of detonation.The purpose of the present study was to report the type of landmine-blast injuries of the lower limbs and the surgical options available to treat them.Twenty-eight patients, all with lower limb injuries were included in the present study. They had received injuries on the control line of the troubled Jammu and Kashmir regions in the north of Pakistan. All were male patients between the age of 13 and 55 years. A salvage procedure for the forefoot was possible on four patients only and all the rest had a below-knee amputation. Time lapsed between the injury and receiving medical help was the crucial determining factor as to the final outcome of the limb.We believe that the pattern of injury, amount of energy dissipation and part of body in contact with the landmine at the time of explosion are the main determining factors for the final outcome. If skin along with the underlying soft tissue and the neuro-vascular structures on the dorsum of the foot are spared then an attempt can be made at limb salvage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is limited information available on changes in the uptake of essential nutrients and secondary metabolites accumulation in castor bean under Cr toxicity. Besides, the role of organic chelates (EDTA and citric acid) mediated improvement in Cr uptake by castor bean is mostly unknown. Three independent experiments (sand, hydroponics, and soil) were executed to determine the Cr phytoextraction potential of Ricinus communis L. In the sand experiment, optimum doses of organic chelates (EDTA and citric acid) were selected. These optimum doses of chelates were used in the hydroponics and soil experiments. The results of hydroponics and soil experiments manifested a significant decrease in growth characteristics and leaf pigments in response to Cr stress applied as K 2 Cr 2 O 7 (a source of Cr6+). The application of organic chelates (2.5 and 5 mM) showed a noticeable improvement in oxidative defense and secondary metabolites accumulation that might have decreased oxidative injury reflected as lower hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Moreover, chelates improved the uptake of essential nutrients (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and P) alongside significant enhancement in total Cr contents of plants. Our results advocated that chelates application resulted in greater endogenous levels of Cr3+ in plants compared with Cr6+ which is more toxic. In nutshell, organic chelates improved growth by regulating Cr species, ion homeostasis and secondary metabolites accumulation in Ricinus communis L. Unlabelled Image • Cr3+:Cr6+ ratio is critical for higher plant biomass under Cr stress. • Cr phytoremediation potential was limited due to phytotoxic effects of the metal in castor bean. • Organic chelates decreased phytotoxic effects of Cr by regulating Cr-speciation. • The uptake of essential nutrients was impaired in plants under Cr stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoabsorbent columns, containing membrane fragments of either leukemic "helper" T cells or B cell lymphoblasts, were used to isolate and study antilymphocyte antibodies from plasmas of 2 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both plasmas contained IgG which bound to and could be eluted from the "helper" T cell column. These antibodies significantly inhibited normal lymphocyte proliferative responses to microbial and histocompatibility antigens. The findings indicate that these SLE plasmas contain immunoglobulins of the IgG class which react with leukemic "helper" T cells and inhibit normal effector T cell function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]