Search

To better understand the clinical and radiological characteristics of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT), we conducted a study focusing on the assessment of neurological outcomes and factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with CVT. This prospective, observational study took place over two years (July 2020 to June 2022) in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, encompassing adults aged 18 years and over. Key data points included demographic information, symptomatology, physical and neurological examinations, neuroimaging findings, hospital interventions, and neurological outcomes at discharge and at a six-week telephonic follow-up. A total of 140 patients with CVT, median age 34 years, were studied. 61.4 % were males. The most common symptoms and signs were headaches (70.7 %) and papilledema (60.7 %). Hemorrhagic infarct was the most prevalent finding on the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the brain, involving 39.4 % of patients. The most commonly affected sinus was the superior sagittal sinus. Risk factors most often observed were alcoholism (45 %), smoking (21.4 %), anemia (27.1 %), oral contraceptive pill usage (12.1 %), and hypertension (12.1 %). Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was present in 5 % of the patients. The mean hospital stay was 13.9 days, with 6.4 % of patients requiring endotracheal intubation at presentation and 22.9 % during their stay. The observed in-hospital mortality rate was 17.9 %, increasing to 22.4 % at the six-week follow-up. Morbidity (mRS 3–5) was 24.3 % at discharge, decreasing to 8.2 % at six-week follow-up. Favorable outcomes were reported in 57.9 % of cases at discharge, rising to 69.4 % at six weeks. Our study underscores the importance of recognizing cardinal symptoms and diverse risk factors of CVT, including alcoholism and anemia. Majority of CVT occurrences were observed in males aged 18–29. Critical determinants of heightened morbidity and mortality were identified, including lower GCS scores and the necessity for advanced interventions. Notably, majority of patients presented favorable neurological outcomes at six-week follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiple methods create layered bismuth oxyhalides, enhancing functionality. • Layered bismuth oxyhalides exhibit potential for energy and environmental applications. • We reviewed the behavior of vacancy-mediated BiOX and its photocatalytic applications. Photocatalysis is a green, environmentally friendly approach for converting organic contaminants into harmless byproducts. Especially, Bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, where X = Cl, Br and I) have emerged as promising photocatalysts for wastewater treatment due to their layered-by-layered structure, strong chemical stability and nontoxicity in compare to other metal oxides, which makes the photocatalyst advantageous for photocatalytic application. This review provides an overview of recent developments in the synthesis and application of BiOX-based porous photocatalysts for the removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Firstly, morphology-controlled synthesis of BiOX in degradation of organic contaminants. Then, modulation of electronic structure through doping, facet engineering and surface engineering has been highlighted for better photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, fabrication of diverse heterojunctions and co-catalyst loading upon BiOX are introduced, which can vary photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of organic contaminants. Finally, this review ended on the future trend and prospects of BiOX for the creation of potential high-performance photocatalysts in the near future. The porous structure of BiOX improved photocatalytic activity, pollutant degradation efficiency, visible light response charge carrier separation, and stability. Overall, bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts have a lot of potential for effective and long-term wastewater treatment, and their development represents an important step towards addressing the global water pollution crisis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is characterized by immunopathology in the blood and monocytes have been shown to be highly sensitive to plasma environment changes in TB patients. Here, we investigated TB plasma effects on 'reference monocytes' using RNA sequencing to characterize a potential immunomodulatory role of monocytes in TB. Candidate pathways induced by plasma samples from TB patients (n=99) compared to healthy controls (n=62) were analyzed for changes in signal transduction, phenotype and secreted cytokines by flow cytometry. Finally, potential implications were characterized in blood samples from corresponding patients and controls. Reference monocytes treated with TB plasma showed an enrichment of pathways involved in inflammation and chemotaxis. Inflammatory cytokines were accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of STAT molecules (i.e., STAT1/3/5), and strong positive correlations were detected for Interleukin (IL)-6 only in TB plasma-treated monocytes. Moreover, monocyte chemokine receptors (i.e., CCR-1, CCR-5) and pro-inflammatory chemokines (i.e., CXCL-1, CXCL-2, CXCL-8, G-CSF, CCL-2) that attract granulocytes and monocytes were significantly higher in TB plasma-treated monocytes. Notably, corresponding clinical samples also showed higher plasma levels for a subset of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and, in particular, high IL-6 levels correlated positively with accumulation of neutrophil granulocytes in the blood of TB patients. Finally, monocytes from TB patients were characterized by increased chemokine receptor expression, higher proportions of a CCR-2+ subpopulation and aberrant high SOCS3 expression. These results suggest that monocytes may play a significant role in amplifying plasma immunopathology, leading to sustained mobilization and accumulation of neutrophil granulocytes and chronic inflammation in the blood of TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) involves a complex spectrum of pathologies, arising primarily from failure of static restrains, leading to collapse of the medial longitudinal arch and further subsequent deformities in the foot. The landmark paper and classification by Johnson et al. proposed that pathology in the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) was key in the development of AAFD. Since then, the understanding of AAFD has evolved and advanced. Multiple structures aside from the PTT, such as the spring ligament, plantar fascia and deltoid ligament, have been identified to play a similarly key role in disease development and progression. Classification systems have also evolved to incorporate this new understanding. These include modifications to Johnson's classification (Myerson, Bluman) as well as new systems which aim to incorporate modern thinking, capture the wide spectrum of presentations or utilize modern advancements in imaging modalities. Current classification systems continue to aid understanding and management of AAFD, despite their increasing complexity. Future classifications should aim to provide a succinct way to describe and understand AAFD, as well as guiding prognosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first UK case series of minimally invasive inguinal lymphadenectomy (MILND) for patients with metastatic cutaneous pathology. This was a retrospective, single-centre, single-surgeon cohort study. Twenty-one patients who underwent MILND from May 2015 to February 2019 were included. Demographic data, disease burden, and surgical quality assurance parameters were analysed. Median age was 69 (IQR: 58–76) with 14 women (66%) and 7 men (33%). Eighteen (85%) patients had melanoma with the rest having other skin malignancies. The median number of nodes resected was eight (IQR:6–11) and the median N-ratio was 0.18 [0.05–1.00]. The median surgical time for the procedure was 180 minutes (IQR: 147–225) Seven (33%) patients had complications––three trivial and four (19%) grade IIIB. Only one case (the first) was converted to an open procedure. We report the first UK series of MILND in a cutaneous oncology service. Our results show that MILND is a safe technique that can be introduced into a busy NHS practice with a structured training program, with surgical quality assurance outcomes identical to open inguinal lymphadenectomy. Our learning curve was similar to previously published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diverse ethnic genetic populations display variability in the risk regarding anti-seizure medicine (ASM)-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). However, clinical and epidemiological data on ASM-induced SCARs in Asians is limited.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, post-market study until April 30, 2020 using VigiBase® for demographic characteristics, causative ASMs, complications and mortality. The study included adverse events as classified by Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) queries of SCARs, mainly Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and SJS/TEN overlap reported for ASMs.Results: A total of 694,811 adverse events were reported across the world while using ASMs. Of this, skin and subcutaneous tissue adverse events were 122,885 (17.6%). Among ASM-induced skin and subcutaneous tissue adverse events, SJS, TEN, DRESS and SJS/TEN overlap represented 11,181 (9.1%), 3,645 (3.0%), 5,106 (4.1%) and 6 (0.004%) cases, respectively. Female SJS/TEN/DRESS patients were 54.1%, and 75% of them were adults (>18Y). Nearly 64% of the ASM-induced SCARs were serious and culminated in death (3.5%), life-threatening conditions (11.5%), and hospitalization/prolonged hospitalization (43.5%) of patients on ASM therapy. Carbamazepine (31.6%), phenytoin (29.6%), lamotrigine (24.3%), valproic acid (6.4%) and phenobarbital (5.7%) are the most commonly used ASMs linked with SCARs. ASMs associated with significantly higher risk of SCARs in Asians were carbamazepine [n = 3265, ROR 3.55 (95% CI 3.38-3.72, P < 0.0001)], lamotrigine [n = 1253, ROR 3.90 (95% CI 3.63-4.18, P < 0.0001)], gabapentin [n = 85, ROR 3.58 (95% CI 2.79-4.60, P < 0.0001)], pregabalin [n = 68, ROR 3.16 (95% CI 2.40-4.16, P < 0.0001)], clonazepam [n = 53, ROR 3.19 (95% CI 2.31-4.41, P < 0.0001)], lorazepam [n = 31, ROR 3.07 (95% CI 2.06-4.59, P < 0.0001)] and acetazolamide [n = 28, ROR 3.90 (95% CI 2.45-6.21, P < 0.0001)].Conclusion: Based on our study, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, pregabalin, clonazepam, lorazepam, and acetazolamide are the most common causative ASMs for SCARs in the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of unexplained cases of pneumonia have been recorded since November 2019 in China. It is officially named the new corona virus (2019-nCov) by the World Health Organization on 12 January 2020. WHO officially named it COVID-19 on 11 February. COVID-19 is a highly transmitted and pathogenic viral infection that has been developed and spread across the world in Wuhan, China, caused by extreme acute respiratory syndrome corona-virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Genomic analysis showed that bats may also be a primary reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetically associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome-like viruses (SARS). However, the rapid human to human transition has been generally reported. Intermediate source of origin and human transition is unknown. Clinically approved COVID-19 antiviral medication or vaccine is not available. In clinical trials, however, few broad-based COVID-19 antiviral medicinal drugs were tested, resulting in clinical recovery. This analysis summarizes the pathogenicity of COVID-19 and aims to raise awareness of COVID-19 among the population and to continually boost the detection, monitoring, diagnosis and care level. Over 50 COVID-19 scientific publications were included in this systematic analysis. We found that fever (87.0%), cough (65.9%) and malaise/tiredness (35%) were the most common symptoms of COvida-19. However, COVID-19 clinical signs and symptoms were not necessarily obvious. The transmission of COVID-19 in comparison to SARS was more specific. The rate of death of COVID-19 was 2,7% and the pathological characteristics of COVID-19 are very similar to ARDS. There are also discussions on the latest epidemiological changes, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination and COVID-19 pathological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the development of a fast and facile route for the synthesis of novel TiO 2 -CeO 2 nanocomposite film using sol-gel spin coating method with the mixture of commercial CeO 2 , titanium-iso-propoxide (TTIP) and aqueous ammonia. Solutions of TTIP in ethanol were mixed with CeO 2 nanoparticles to form a mixed sol-gel. The sol containing TiO 2 -CeO 2 was coated over the glass substrate and the resulting nanocomposite thin film were characterized in terms of phase and surface morphology by XRD, TEM, SEM and FT-IR. Conventional methods of the synthesis of CeO 2 –TiO 2 nanocomposite require a long time, and TiO 2 is rarely found as a coated material. In contrast, the sol-gel spin coating method was able to synthesize CeO 2 –TiO 2 sol within a very short time. The particle size of the TiO 2 –CeO 2 nano-composite film was found to be 23 nm. The Uric acid biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing mixed enzyme [urease (Urs) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH)] on this nano-composite film showed a response time of 10 s, sensitivity as 0.9016 µAcm−2 mM−1 and detection limit of 0.165 mM. The value of Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) estimated using Line weaver–Burke plot as 4.8 mM which indicates the high affinity of uricase towards its analyte (uric acid). The enhanced sensitivity and linear range of the nanobiocomposite film obtained by cyclic voltammetry measurements suggested that the mixed enzyme and TiO 2 -CeO 2 composite material has novel characteristics for uric acid determination in the human blood for the application of arthritis diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferula resin is a versatile and promising plant material, particularly for anti-diabetic purposes. In this study, the resin was extracted and biologically synthesized through silver nanoparticles, which was characterized using UV–Vis spectra at 485 nm, formation of the spherical shaped AgNPs1 size range of 35–40 nm showed clear dispersion with less aggregation in TEM analysis and proved by EDAX, XRD, and DLS. The acute toxicity level of raw ethanolic extracts of asafoetida and silver synthesized nanoparticles against albino Wister rats were showed less toxicity effective concentration of AgNPs (NPs1) at 150 mg/kg as well as raw ethanolic extracts at 200 mg/kg BW and were found to be significant. Hence, the study found a significant decrease in the blood glucose levels after 28 days of treatment on six groups of albino rats, when compared to diabetic control. The ethanolic extract (Ferula resin) considerably reduced blood glucose levels from 388.67 ± 3.2 to 365.14 ± 2.2 mg/dL, while the synthesized AgNPs treatment significantly reduced the glucose level from 528.12 ± 42.7 to 315.2 ± 61.81 mg/dL. When compared to control rats, diabetic controls had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein throughout the study. Histopathological analyses demonstrated the importance of retrieval in kidneys and pancreas treated with AgNPs and then treated with raw ethanolic extracts. Finally, this study has the potential to improve the efficacy and convenience of diabetes treatment alternatives over previously indicated anti diabetic medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brugada phenocopy is a brugada-like pattern in ECG seen in some diseases without an inherited channelopathy. The causes of brugada phenocopy are usually reversible. Once the reversible condition resolves, the ECG pattern disappears. There are many conditions that cause brugada phenocopy like myocardial infarction, hyperkalemia etc. Here we report a case of brugada phenocopy induced by consumption of yellow oleander seeds (T. Peruviana). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is an Indian medicinal plant known for its vast therapeutic activities. In Ayurveda, the plant is known to balance " vata ," " pitta ," and " kapha " dosh. Recent studies suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic potential but lack in defining the dosage over the therapeutic activities. This study aims to determine the chemical profile of Aegle marmelos fruit extract; identification, enrichment, and characterization of the principal active component(s) having anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potential. Targeted enrichment of total coumarins, focusing on marmelosin, marmesin, aegeline, psoralen, scopoletin, and umbelliferone, was done from Aegle marmelos fruit pulp, and characterized using advanced high-throughput techniques. In vitro and in silico anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed to confirm their efficacy and affinity as anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agents. The target compounds were also analysed for toxicity by in silico ADMET study and in vitro MTT assay on THP-1 and A549 cell lines. The coumarins enrichment process designed, was found specific for coumarins isolation as it resulted into 48.61% of total coumarins enrichment, which includes 31.2% marmelosin, 8.9% marmesin, 4% psoralen, 2% scopoletin, 1.7% umbelliferone, and 0.72% aegeline. The quantification with HPTLC and qNMR was found to be correlated with the HPLC assay results. The present study validates the potential use of Aegle marmelos as an anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agent. Coumarins enriched from the plant fruit have good therapeutic activity and can be used for Phytopharmaceutical ingredient development. The study is novel, in which coumarins were enriched and characterized by a simple and sophisticated methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the capability with a control topology for low voltage distribution network to satisfy sudden peak load demand by designing a system. Develop the electric vehicle (EV) farm accumulated based on the charging system for voltage regulation at a distribution node for transmitting power to the grid from EVs by a control vehicle-to-grid operation. Also, this paper concerns with modelling of an EV system with dynamic interaction with grid integrated with major classifications from the state of charge (SOC). In EV farm, four various EV profiles were considered to understand the grid integration and supply the sudden peak load demand. The EV farm integration with the grid was observed by modelling an equivalent system in MATLAB/Simulink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study to increase the optimal conditions for biogas yield from anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste (Rice Straw) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In the development of predictive models temperature, pH, substrate concentration and agitation time are conceived as model variables. The experimental results show that the liner model terms of temperature, substrate concentration and pH, agitation time have significance of interactive effects ( p < 0.05). The results manifest that the optimum process parameters affected on biogas yield increase from the ANN model when compared to RSM model. The ANN model indicates that it is much more accurate and reckons the values of maximum biogas yield when compared to RSM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the economic squeeze world over, search for what we call frugal grassroots innovations in Honey Bee Network, has become even more urgent and relevant in the recent years. And, to shape this search, models and concepts like open innovation, reverse innovation (GE, Market-Relevant Design: Making ECGs Available Across India, 2009); (Govindarajan, Reverse Innovation: a Playbook, 2012); (Govindarajan and Ramamurti. Global Strategy Journal, 1: 191-205, 2011); (Govindarajan and Euchner, Res. Technol. Manage , 55: 13-17, 2012, Govindrajan and Trimble, 40(5), 5-11, 2012), embedded innovation (Simanis and Hart, Innovation from the Inside Out, MIT Sloan Management Review, 2009), extremely affordable, low-cost, frugal innovation (Honey Bee Network, 1989-2016, Gupta, 2000); (Gupta AK, How Local Knowledge can Boost Scientific Studies, 2007); (Gupta AK, Indian Hidden hotebd of invention, 2009a; Gupta AK, , 2009b) etc., have emerged over time. We wish to trace the evolution of the Open Innovation Theory (Urban and Von Hippel, Manag. Sci. 34(5), 569-582, 1988) in the context of the Honey Bee Network working on such ideas for over 26 years. The idea is to study the different strands of relationships between knowledge providers and seekers which make the system truly reciprocal, responsible and responsive. When systems become open, search cost for inclusive innovation will automatically come down and the knowledge system will also become more symmetrical and inclusive. Inclusive innovation for social development implies that new solutions should help in dealing with one or more of the five factors of exclusion: spatial, seasonal, sectoral, skill and social. These should also be accessible, affordable, available and adaptable to varying and differentiated user endowments and needs, besides being circular. One has to understand the interaction between natural, social, ethical and intellectual capital, situated in the institutional context of innovations: at, from, for and with grassroots level communities for defining inclusivity in the innovation ecosystem. A company or a community, when in need of an innovative solution to a local problem, may seek it from outside, develop it inside, or co-create/contract it out. The nature of reciprocity between knowledge and innovation exchange partners may have different types of asymmetries (Bansemir and Neyer 2009). Different ethical principle enunciated in the Honey Bee Network may or may not be followed. The discourse on open innovation has been biased in the favour of corporates seeking ideas form outside rather than sharing their own innovation/knowledge as a public good or commons, or even at low cost with less-advantaged industry actors. In this paper, we reflect on such biases that companies and scholars have developed and propose a framework to temper it. The need for such a correction becomes even more important when various kind of climatic, institutional and market risks are making socio-economic systems more fragile and vulnerable to various uncertainties and fluctuations. Coping with risks is significantly related to malleability of innovations. The process of evolving and nurturing innovations may have a bearing on their eventual adaptability to user. We argue that when both technology platform and application domains are known well, the incubation model works. Generally, through this process, incremental innovation grows better. But, when both are unknown or are ambiguous, sanctuary model works better. In incubators, the chaos is outside and the order is inside. In sanctuary, it is the opposite. It is not very surprising that sanctuary nurtures innovation which is more suited to fluctuating climate and market-uncertain environments. Innovations don't have relevance only at artefactual level. One can learn at metaphorical, heuristic and gestalt levels too. Building bridges between formal and informal knowledge systems poses a unique challenge in designing reciprocal and responsible open innovation platforms? This paper pleads for more reciprocal, respectful and responsible exchanges of knowledge between formal and informal sector adding value to the contributions of grassroots green innovators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) allow for monitoring membrane potential changes in neurons and cardiomyocytes (CMs) as an alternative to patch-clamp techniques. GEVIs facilitate non-invasive, high throughput screening of electrophysiological properties of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). A dual transgenic hiPSC line with Arclight A242 (GEVI) and an antibiotic resistance cardiac selection cassette was successfully generated from an earlier established hiPSC line MHHi001-A. After cardiac differentiation and selection, purified populations of CMs with constitutive GEVI expression can be utilized for studying cardiac development, disease modeling, and drug testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut water treats many health issues, including kidney stones and urinary tract infections. However, the therapeutic application of coconut water to treat urolithiasis has remained an unexplored topic. This study compares the effect of fresh coconut water (CW) and naturally fermented coconut water (FCW) on anti-uropathogenic, antioxidant, and anti-urolithiasis activities. Initial physicochemical screening established that CW is a rich source of total phenolics, protein, and minerals. Further, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that CW and FCW have an antioxidant potential of 48.33 ± 2.52% and 55.12 ± 2.99%, respectively. While the FCW-treated cultures of selected uropathogens showed antimicrobial activity, the CW-treated cultures displayed negligible activity. Subsequently, anti-struvite analysis was performed using the single gel diffusion method, where different concentrations of CW and FCW were treated during struvite crystallization under in vitro conditions. The increasing concentrations of CW and FCW decreased the number and size of struvite crystals that grew in the gel medium. These results indicate that CW has antioxidant property and a marginal inhibitory effect during in vitro struvite crystallization but is not anti-uropathogenic. However, FCW shows potential antioxidant, anti-uropathogenic, and anti-struvite urolithiatic properties. Further, FTIR, SEM, and XRD techniques were used to confirm the impact of CW or FCW on struvite crystallization. • Coconut water (Natural and Fermented) is a rich source of total phenolics, protein, and minerals. • Natural coconut water (CW) and fermented coconut water (FCW) have excellent antioxidant potential. • Only the FCW-treated cultures of selected uropathogens showed antimicrobial activity. • FCW showed good anti -struvite urolithiatic properties, whereas CW showed marginal inhibitory effect during. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) is a viable one-stop solution for sustainable seawater desalination and wastewater recovery. In this study, robust dual-layered omniphobic electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENFMs) were fabricated with a re-entrant architecture and low surface free energy. This was achieved by incorporating hydrophobic mesocellular silica foam (MCF-5) into the top layer, followed by the surface functionalisation with 1 H, 1 H, 2 H, 2 H Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane to improve the membrane anti-wetting and anti-fouling resistance. The dual-layered ENFMs exhibited a high porosity and a water contact angle ≃ of 143˚ and displayed an excellent vapour flux of ∼ 8.5 Lm−2h−1 and NaCl rejection > 99.99% when tested with synthetic seawater. The long-term desalination of natural seawater revealed that the normalised permeate flux was > 0.98 (NaCl rejection > 99.97%), and a simple water wash could recover the loss of membrane hydrophobicity and performance caused by the membrane scaling. The fabricated ENFMs displayed excellent permeate quality (< 1 ppm organic content and < 30 µS/cm) when evaluated with synthetic wastewater containing pharmaceutical compounds (acetaminophen, diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen and amoxicillin). The dual-layered membranes demonstrated outstanding anti-wetting ability when challenged with increasing concentration of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB 1.5 mM) in saline oily wastewater. The preliminary investigations revealed that these ENFMs hold great potential to be further investigated for enhanced water recovery. [Display omitted] • Omniphobic PVDF-co-HFP dual-layered electrospun membrane incorporating m-MCF-5. • Re-entrant morphology, with enhanced wetting and scaling resistance. • Seawater desalination in DCMD mode- 6.67 LMH flux and > 99.97% NaCl rejection. • Permeate < 1 ppm TOC and < 30 µS/cm conductivity from pharmaceutical wastewater. • Enhanced anti-wetting property up to 1.5 mM CTAB in saline oily wastewater feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to compare two different monitor unit (MU) or dose verification software in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using modified Clarkson's integration technique for 6 MV photons beams. In-house Excel Spreadsheet based monitor unit verification calculation (MUVC) program and PTW's DIAMOND secondary check software (SCS), version-6 were used as a secondary check to verify the monitor unit (MU) or dose calculated by treatment planning system (TPS). In this study 180 patients were grouped into 61 head and neck, 39 thorax and 80 pelvic sites. Verification plans are created using PTW OCTAVIUS-4D phantom and also measured using 729 detector chamber and array with isocentre as the suitable point of measurement for each field. In the analysis of 154 clinically approved VMAT plans with isocentre at a region above −350 HU, using heterogeneity corrections, In-house Spreadsheet based MUVC program and Diamond SCS showed good agreement TPS. The overall percentage average deviations for all sites were (−0.93% + 1.59%) and (1.37% + 2.72%) for In-house Excel Spreadsheet based MUVC program and Diamond SCS respectively. For 26 clinically approved VMAT plans with isocentre at a region below −350 HU showed higher variations for both In-house Spreadsheet based MUVC program and Diamond SCS. It can be concluded that for patient specific quality assurance (QA), the In-house Excel Spreadsheet based MUVC program and Diamond SCS can be used as a simple and fast accompanying to measurement based verification for plans with isocentre at a region above −350 HU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidences are accumulating on the long-term changes in seawater temperature, acidity, deoxygenation, cyclones and sea level in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem. These changes have impacts on ocean productivity, habitats and biological processes. Distributional and phenological changes in fish species, and increase in frequency and intensity of coral bleaching are becoming evident. Fisheries, particularly traditional fisheries, will be the most vulnerable to climate change. Climate warming will also affect the inland and coastal aquaculture sectors of the Bay of Bengal LME countries. Impacts will include changes in hydrology and therefore availability of water, physical threats to aquaculture facilities, and prevalence or spread of known and new diseases of aquatic organisms. The most important and critical adaptation measures will be to develop human resources capacity to increase understanding of the marine resources, and implement measures to sustainably manage fisheries. Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project's two main directions taken for climate change response are contribution to the understanding of large-scale processes and climate change effects on one hand, and contributions to adaptation by addressing habitat degradation, pollution and fisheries management, as well as developing capacity and resilience of coastal populations on the other. Recognizing that current problems in weak fisheries management make the sector vulnerable to climate change, BOBLME supports adaptation and increases resilience by strengthening fisheries management and providing assistance to improve fisheries assessments. By strengthening governance, BOBLME also contributes to the integration of climate change adaptation into decision-making and response initiatives, e.g. disaster risk management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud environment is mainly used to store and analyze large volumes of data .The major benefits of hosting the applications using cloud environment are storing large volume of data and performing live data analytics. Cloud systems have switches, which serves as an interface connecting and sharing the data with each other. Network bandwidth congestion is caused when large volumes of data are moved to node or cluster in the cloud environment which in- turn creates Service Level Agreement (SLA) violation for the cloud application service. The result of SLA violation includes impact on working of the entire cloud service .The proposed Network Bandwidth Congestion Prediction framework (NBCPF) predicts the bandwidth congestion using weighted random early detection, to avoids the SLA violation for applications services. NBCPF arrests the bandwidth congestion in cloud environment by prediction of switches in cloud environment resulting in accurately identifying the exact task involved in creation of jobs or services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop a multi-tenant web application, developer has to follow certain standards to enable multi-tenancy. Multi-Tenant Web Framework (MWF) provides standard set of components and utilities that expedites the process of developing multi-tenant functionalities and converts an ordinary web application in to an multi-tenant enabled application. MWF consist of features that include authentication, authorization, tenant tracking, application platform controller and securing tenant data in shared schema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Research in Telemedicine / La Recherche Européenne en Télémédecine is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Herbal products (HPs) are widely used as pharmaceutical and neutraceutical agents in India. The existing Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) encourages reporting of adverse events related to HPs to monitor their safety. To analyze the reported adverse reactions suspected with the use of HPs all reports submitted to the National Coordination Centre (NCC) for PvPI during the period July 2011–December 2013 were assessed on the probability of a causal link between the use of the medication and the reported adverse reaction. An overview was compiled of all reports relating to severe adverse reactions. The NCC-PvPI database contained 39 reports of suspected adverse reactions to HPs in which 16 of them were classified as serious, 12 were non serious and 11 were unassessable. The cases were further categorized by system organ classification (SOC) and it was found that 52.5% were related to skin and appendages disorders. The suspected HPs were Gudmar Ameda, Shankhpushpi, Mahavat Vidhwansan, Dashmool Kwath, Shemar Yesaka, Melas cream, Senna Extract, Aloe Vera, Mustard oil, Digitalis, Garlic, Menthol and Turmeric. Causality assessment as per the WHO scale revealed that five cases were probable/likely, 17 were possible, one was unlikely and the rest of them were unassessable or blank. Healthcare providers and consumers must be educated to ensure the safe use of herbal products. Also rigorous monitoring to ensure the safe use of HPs through PvPI is essential to safeguard public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Independent monitor unit verification calculation (MUVC) has been recommended by several authors for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) as a patient specific quality assurance tool. Aim of the present work is to develop an in-house excel spread sheet based MUVC program for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using Clarkson's integration technique. Total scatter factor (S c,p) and tissue maximum ratio (TMR) for circular fields obtained from Treatment planning system (TPS) were used for the calculation. Multileaf collimator (MLC) interleaf leakage, MLC round edge transmission and tongue and groove effect were accounted. MUVC calculation was performed for 58 patients both for patient anatomy and for homogenous cylindrical phantom. Radiological path lengths were used as water equivalent depths (WED) for calculations using patient anatomy. Monitor unit (MU) discrepancies between −2.60% and 0.28% with mean deviation of −0.92% ± 0.75% were obtained for homogenous cylindrical phantom calculations. MUVC for patient anatomy resulted in large variations between −19.02% and 0.67% for 14 plans where isocenter was at a region below −350 HU. But For 44 plans where the isocenter was at a region above −350 HU, variations between −3.44% and 0.48% were obtained with mean deviation of −1.73% ± 1.12%. For VMAT patient specific quality assurance, the independent MUVC algorithm can be used as an easy and quick auxiliary to measurement based verification for plans with isocenter at a region above −350 HU. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present work is carried out to investigate the delamination defects and surface roughness during drilling on newly developed biodegradable hybrid composite laminates. The natural hybrid composite consists of Natural vetiveria zizaniodes (vetiver) and synthetic glass are used as reinforcements in vinyl ester resin to form four composite specimens based on varying the fiber compositions in each specimen while the resin content is kept as a constant. The specimens are subjected to drilling operations during which machining parameters like speed, feed rate, tool point angle and work sample are varied between four levels to form 4 4 D-optimal factorial design. After 28 runs the delamination factor at the entrance and exit of hole and machined sub- surface roughness are measured as responses. The responses are analyzed using response surface method and non-linear regression equations are developed. Optimization on the data resulted in selection of best level of speed, feed and tool angle for the selected samples. Confirmatory runs have been conducted and the responses are measured. Average error between the model and confirmatory run was found minimal and hence the optimization was found to be satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We experimentally investigate the effect of noise on the stability of a thermoacoustic system operating in a bistable region. The thermoacoustic system chosen for investigation is a ducted non-premixed flame. The system is excited by random fuel flow rate fluctuations which affects the system dynamics as parametric noise. Under the influence of noise, the system undergoes transition from stable to oscillatory state. In particular, transition is observed even when the amplitude of the noise is significantly less than the triggering amplitude of the corresponding deterministic system. While triggering from noise of low amplitudes, phase portraits reveal that the system evolves transiently towards an unstable periodic orbit, before eventually growing to a stable periodic orbit. A stochastic stability map is constructed to represent the probability of the system to undergo transition. It is also observed that the amplitude of the oscillatory state is affected by the noise level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To assess the potential of cone beam CT (CBCT) derived adaptive RapidArc treatment for esophageal cancers in reducing the dose to organs at risk (OAR). Methods and materials: Ten patients with esophageal cancer were CT scanned in free breathing pattern. The PTV is generated by adding a 3D margin of 1 cm to the CTV as per ICRU 62 recommendations. The double arc RapidArc plan (Clin_RA) was generated for the PTV. Patients were setup using kV orthogonal images and kV-CBCT scan was acquired daily during first week of therapy, then weekly. These images were exported to the Eclipse TPS. The adaptive CTV which includes tumor and involved nodes was delineated in each CBCT image set for the length of the PTV. The composite CTV from first week CBCT was generated using Boolean union operator and 5 mm margin was added circumferentially to generate adaptive PTV (PTV1). Adaptive RapidArc plan (Adap_RA) was generated. NTCP and DVH of the OARs of the two plans were compared. Similarly, PTV2 was generated from weekly CBCT. PTV2 was evaluated for the coverage of 95% isodose of Adap_RA plan. Results: The PTV1 and PTV2 volumes covered by 95% isodose in adaptive plans were 93.51 ± 1.17% and 94.59 ± 1.43% respectively. The lung V 10Gy, V 20Gy and mean dose in Adap_RA plan was reduced by 17.43% (p = 0.0012), 34.64% (p = 0.0019) and 16.50% (p = 0.0002) respectively compared to Clin_RA. The Adap_RA plan reduces the heart D 35% and mean dose by 17.35% (p = 0.0011) and 17.16% (p = 0.0012). No significant reduction in spinal cord and liver doses were observed. NTCP for the lung (0.42% vs. 0.08%) and heart (1.39% vs. 0.090%) was reduced significantly in adaptive plans. Conclusion: The adaptive re-planning strategy based on the first week CBCT dataset significantly reduces the doses and NTCP to OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is usually preceded by endothelial dysfunction and altered myocardial blood flow (MBF) regulation. Hyperglycemia, oxidative-nitrosative stress, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance are implicated in the pathogenesis of abnormal MBF regulation, myocardial ischemia, and apoptosis. However, the impact of oral antihyperglycemic therapy on myocardial perfusion is controversial. Our objective was to explore the effect of rosiglitazone and glyburide on nitrosative stress and MBF regulation in subjects with T2DM. [13N]ammonia positron emission tomography and cold pressor testing were used in 27 diabetic subjects (mean age, 49 ± 11 years; glycohemoglobin, 7% ± 1.5%) randomized to either rosiglitazone 8 mg/d or glyburide 10 mg/d for 6 months. Isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma 3-nitrotyrosine, a stable marker of reactive nitrogen species. At 6 months, there were no significant differences between groups in the mean glycohemoglobin, blood pressure, or plasma lipids. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced plasma nitrotyrosine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and von Willebrand antigen (P < .03 for all) and significantly increased plasma adiponectin (P < .05). No significant changes in these parameters were observed with glyburide. Treatment with glyburide, but not rosiglitazone, resulted in a significant deterioration in both resting and stress MBF. Rosiglitazone, but not glyburide, ameliorated markers of nitrosative stress and inflammation in subjects with T2DM without impairing myocardial perfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Common variable immunodeficiency is an important form of primary immunodeficiency disease. The most recognized histologic manifestation of common variable immunodeficiency is a paucity of plasma cells in gut biopsies. However, chronic inflammation can affect other organs including the liver. This study was designed to characterize the histologic findings in liver biopsies of individuals with common variable immunodeficiency. Thirteen liver biopsies from 10 patients were identified. The most common indication for biopsy was elevated liver enzymes, hepatomegaly, and/or splenomegaly. The biopsies typically showed mild portal and mild-to-moderate lobular chronic inflammation with minimal or absent interface activity. Plasma cells were absent in all cases. The biopsy specimens showed no fibrosis (n = 5) or mild portal fibrosis (n = 5). In 2 patients with follow-up biopsies, no fibrosis progression was identified. Four individuals showed small numbers of scattered portal and/or lobular granulomas, 3 of whom had diagnoses of coexistent sarcoidosis. Overall, the inflammatory changes in the biopsies were reminiscent of those seen in individuals with chronic inflammation of the gut, which can lead to translocation of intestinal luminal antigens to the liver and a mild hepatitis. Subsequent review of concurrent intestinal biopsies available in 7 individuals showed intestinal inflammation in 5 of 7 cases. In conclusion, liver biopsies in individuals with common variable immunodeficiency show mild portal and lobular inflammation with no or mild portal fibrosis. The etiology of the common variable immunodeficiency hepatitis remains unclear but, in some cases, may be secondary to mucosal inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Anterior gradient-2 expression is critical in normal embryonic development. Aberrant expression of anterior gradient-2 in adult tissues has been linked to breast, prostate, esophageal, and pancreatic carcinoma. To define the role of anterior gradient-2 in primary hepatocellular neoplasms, we used tissue microarrays and examined protein expression in typical hepatocellular carcinomas (n = 44), fibrolamellar carcinomas (n = 12), and hepatic adenomas (n = 9). In nonneoplastic liver tissues, anterior gradient-2 was expressed in the septal-sized bile ducts and weakly in zone 3 hepatocytes in 11 (18%) of 61 cases. In tumors, anterior gradient-2 was overexpressed by only 1 (2%) of 44 hepatocellular carcinomas. In contrast, 6 (75%) of 8 fibrolamellar and 3 (75%) of 4 metastatic fibrolamellar carcinomas were positive. All 9 hepatic adenomas were negative. Further analysis of mRNA in fibrolamellar carcinomas identified 2 novel splice variants, but expression levels were very low. Sequencing of the anterior gradient-2 gene in fibrolamellar carcinomas identified several polymorphisms (refSNP Ids: rs6842, rs8071, rs1051905) but no mutations. In conclusion, anterior gradient-2 is overexpressed in the majority of fibrolamellar carcinomas but is only rarely overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinomas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Helicobacter DNA has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in several studies from varying geographic locations, raising the possibility that Helicobacter infection may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Other known risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma show significant geographic variability, but whether the same holds for Helicobacter is unknown. We studied the prevalence of Helicobacter DNA in a US cohort of hepatocellular carcinoma, where the prevalence of Helicobacter infection is low in the general population. Liver tissues from 57 individuals were examined. Thirty-five individuals had paired tumor/nontumor samples, including 21 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, for a total of 92 samples studied. Both Helicobacter genus and Helicobacter pylori species-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed. Helicobacter DNA was detected in 5 (9%) of 57 cases, all in nonneoplastic cirrhotic liver tissues from individuals with hepatitis C infection (n = 4) or alcohol liver disease (n = 1). Tissues from 22 hepatocellular carcinomas and 10 cholangiocarcinomas were all negative as were tissues from 8 benign primary hepatic tumors. In conclusion, Helicobacter DNA was detectable in 9% of liver tissues in this cohort but was not found in primary benign or malignant liver tumors. These findings indicate that Helicobacter infection is unlikely to be etiologically associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in this cohort. If Helicobacter infection does contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in general, then significant regional variability must exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: Although the β3-adrenoceptor (AR) has been suggested to be involved in regulation of gut motility and visceral algesia, the precise mechanisms have been unknown. β3-AR has been postulated to have a nonneuronal expression, being initially characterized in adipocytes and subsequently in the smooth muscle. We aimed to investigate the expression of β3-AR in human enteric nervous system and its role in motility and visceral algesia. Methods: The expression of β3-AR in human colon myenteric and submucosal plexus was investigated using immunohistochemistry. The effects of a β3-AR agonist on nerve-evoked and carbachol-induced contractions as well as somatostatin release were investigated in strips of human colon. The effect of an agonist on diarrhea and visceral pain was investigated in vivo in rat models. Results: β3-AR is expressed in cholinergic neurons in the myenteric plexus and submucosal plexus of human colon. Activation of β3-AR causes the release of somatostatin from human isolated colon. In a rat model of visceral pain, β3-AR agonist elicits somatostatin-dependent visceral analgesia. β3-AR agonists inhibit cholinergically mediated muscle contraction of the human colon, as well as chemically induced diarrhea in vivo in a rat model. Conclusions: This is the first demonstration of expression of β3-AR in the enteric nervous system. Activation of these receptors results in inhibition of cholinergic contractions and enhanced release of somatostatin, which may lead to visceral analgesia and inhibition of diarrhea. Therefore, β3-AR could be a novel therapeutic target for functional gastrointestinal disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Fibrolamellar carcinomas (FLC) are a rare type of primary hepatocellular carcinoma found in younger individuals. FLC are known to have relatively few consistent chromosomal alterations, although a gain of chromosome 1q has been reported. The gene expression of 4 FLC (2 primary FLC and 2 metastatic deposits) were studied using Affymetrix DNA microarray technology (Santa Clara, CA). Selected genes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Relatively few genes were significantly overexpressed—447 genes, case 1; 1298 genes, case 2—corresponding to approximately 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively, of the 56000 transcripts present in the arrays. Of these, 155 genes were overexpressed simultaneously by both tumors. The number of significantly overexpressed genes more than doubled in the 2 metastatic deposits (2777 and 2855 genes compared with 1298 in the primary tumor). Proteins involved in the RAS, MAPK, PIK3, and xenobiotic degradation pathways were commonly overexpressed. Because chromosome 1q is thought to contain an important oncogene, additional attention was focused on this region. Of 114 total genes found overexpressed in common among all primary and metastatic tumors, 11 of 114 genes were located on chromosome 1q: ARF1, CD46, CNIH4, ENSA, FH, NICE-3, PSMB4, RGS2, RGS5, TIMM17A, and UFC1. Primary FLC show overexpression of genes involved in the RAS, MAPK, PIK3, and xenobiotic degradation pathways. Eleven common genes were consistently overexpressed on chromosome 1q among all tumors and metastases and warrant further study as potential oncogenes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines lessons from past approaches to natural disasters, as well as early lessons from the post-2004 Asian tsunami rehabilitation, to draw out general principles for rehabilitating livelihoods in poor coastal communities. We contend that avoiding the mistakes of the past requires: (1) a framework for understanding the diversity of coastal people''s livelihood strategies and the sources of their vulnerability, (2) a process for designing interventions that build on this understanding in order to strengthen and revitalize coastal communities, including a means of assessing and selecting the most promising livelihood options, and (3) a focus on the longer-term challenge of building future resilience and sustainability in the communities by addressing the root causes of vulnerability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A retrospective analysis was performed to describe the effects of Mitchell and Scarf osteotomies on plantar pressure distribution and their relevance to the clinical outcome. This study evaluated 28 patients who underwent operations for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities over a period of 3 years at 2 different centers. Twenty-two Mitchell and 22 Scarf osteotomies were performed on 28 patients with a mean follow-up of 23 months (13-62 months). The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores after Mitchell and Scarf osteotomies were 74 and 84, respectively. A control group of 15 individuals with 20 healthy feet were included for comparison. The plantar pressures were documented with the Musgrave footplate. The pressure distributions under the first metatarsal head were within normal limits in both study groups compared with the control group (P = .77). After Mitchell osteotomies, deficient load bearing was noted under the hallux (P = .007), coupled with overloading of the second and third metatarsal heads (P = .01). But after the Scarf procedures, increased weight bearing was noted at the heel (P = .04) and midfoot (P = .09), with better load distribution under the hallux. However, it was not comparable with the control group. Correlation of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and pressure variables demonstrated a significant positive correlation with hallux loading (P = .001). This study demonstrates that adequate hallux loading is imperative for a better outcome of the procedure. Mitchell and Scarf osteotomies do not restore the load-bearing function of the foot to normal, whereas hallux loading plays an important role for a better outcome of the procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (IHCs) are rare in the United States, but the prevalence is steadily increasing and risk factors are poorly understood. Tissues were obtained at the time of surgical resection, and 11 cases of IHC were retrospectively studied for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Hemi-nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect HBV DNA, and nested reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HCV RNA. Genotypes were determined for both HBV and HCV. The cases were predominantly from women (10/11), with an average age at surgery of 63 years and an average tumor size of 6 cm. Three cases (27%) were positive for either HBV or HCV nucleic acids: HBV alone (n = 1), HCV alone (1), coinfection with HBV and HCV (1). Both HBV-positive cases were genotype A, and both HCV cases were genotype 1a. Hepatitis B and C viral copy numbers were low in all cases. Evidence for active HBV replication was found in both HBV-positive cases, as they were positive for covalently closed circular DNA. In this study, 27% of ICC cases contained HBV and/or HCV nucleic acids, suggesting an etiologic role for these viruses in some cases of IHC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Restrictions during lockdown impacted the suicide demographics in India and Bangladesh. • From pre-lockdown to lockdown period, there is increased preference of suicide by hanging than other modes of suicide. • Suicide of males predominate in terms of their proportion during the lockdown period in India than Bangladesh. • During the COVID-19 lockdown, suicide risk among house wives and unemployed people are high. The economic and social devastation wrought by the COVID-19 crisiscoupled with the unavailability of traditional coping resources is a "perfect storm" for suicide. Evidence suggests that its impact may be disproportionately high in low-and-middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess and compare nature and correlates of suicidesfrom news reportsduring the immediate pre-lockdown and lockdown phase of COVID-19 in Bangladesh and India. We performed analysis of suicide reports from purposively selected online vernacular and English newspapers of Bangladesh and two states/union territory in India, between January to June 2020. We divided the time period of observation into two phases: pre-lockdown and lockdown phase. Country wise findings between the two phases were compared in terms of demographic and characteristics of the reported suicide. A total of 769 news reports wereanalysed; 141 from Bangladesh and 628 from India. When compared to the pre-lockdown period, the odds of suicide by hanging was significantly higher during lockdownin India (adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR] = 3.8, p = 0.018) and Bangladesh (aOR = 3.1, p = 0.048). Suicide demographics in India were different from Bangladesh during lockdown; more males died by suicide in India (aOR = 2.7, p = 0.023) and more people died by hanging (aOR = 2.6, p = 0.029). The pandemic restrictions impacted suicide demographics in the studied regions of India and Bangladesh. Further research using population-based time-series data are warranted to investigate the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurologic events following bee stings are very rare. We report a 59-year-old man who became drowsy with slurred speech following multiple bee stings. In the hospital, he was found to have left-sided hemplegia, seventh cranial nerve palsy, and left conjugate gaze palsy. Further investigation revealed dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and a middle cerebral artery territory infarct. His limb weakness and speech improved before his discharge from the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]