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This study focuses on the investigation of beryllium (Be) doping in V2O5 nanoparticles and the coordinated effects it has on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics of the material. XRD analysis reveals modifications in the orthorhombic structure upon Be doping, decreasing crystallite size (68.7–46.6 nm), and increased dislocation line density. Optimizing charge carrier mobility and separation is crucial for improving photocatalytic activity, and this is achieved via these adjustments. Raman spectra indicated increased crystallinity with Be doping. The optical analysis demonstrated an adjustable band gap (2.47–2.60 eV) and reduced refractive index (2.49–2.45), that enhance light absorption efficiency. More importantly, the study shows that Be-doped V2O5 nanoparticles have better photocatalytic activity for the breakdown of methylene blue, indicating its potential for environmentally friendly remediation. The present work contributes to the advancement of customized doping approaches for maximizing V2O5 functioning across a range of applications by clarifying the complex impacts of Be doping.

Dengue, a mosquito transmitted febrile viral disease, is a serious public health concern in Bangladesh. Despite significant number of incidences and reported deaths each year, there are inadequate number of studies relating the temporal trends of the clinical parameters as well as socio-demographic factors with the clinical course of the disease. Therefore, this study aims to associate the clinical parameters, demographic and behavioral factors of the dengue patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh during the 2019 outbreak of dengue with the clinical course of the disease. Data were collected from the 336 confirmed dengue in-patients and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Majority of the patients were male (2.2 times higher than female) who required longer time to recover compared to females (p < 0.01), urban resident (54.35%) and belonged to the age group of 18-40 years (73.33%). Dengue fever (90.77%) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (5.95%) were reported in most of the dengue patients while fever (98%) was the most frequently observed symptom. A significantly positive association was found between patient's age and number of manifested symptoms (p = 0.013). Average duration of stay in the hospital was 4.9 days (SD = 1.652) and patient's recovery time was positively correlated with delayed hospitalization (p < 0.01). Additionally, recovery time was negatively correlated with initial blood pressure (both systolic (p = 0.001, and diastolic (p = 0.023)) and platelet count (p = 0.003) of the patients recorded on the first day of hospitalization. Finally, a statistical model was developed which predicted that, hospital stay could be positively associated with an increasing trend of temperature, systolic blood pressure and reduced platelets count. Findings of this study may be beneficial to better understand the clinical course of the disease, identify the potential risk factors and ensure improved patient management during future dengue outbreaks.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by an abnormal clone of plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM and its therapy increase the risk of complications like anemia, osteolytic lesions, pain, infections, and renal abnormalities in MM patients. Supportive care for MM patients improves the quality of life. Treatment with bisphosphonates decreases skeletal-related events. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are done in cases of vertebral compression fractures. Prophylactic antibiotics and antivirals can decrease infections related to morbidity. Plasmapheresis in patients with renal dysfunctions decreases dialysis dependency and improve quality of life., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of Greater Baltimore Medical Center.)

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4639.]., Competing Interests: No competing interests declared.

Problem-based learning is a learner-centered teaching method, which uses real-world scenarios to promote student learning of concepts and principles. The aim of our study is to analyze the consequence of increased problem difficulty on team-based learning and the analytical skills of medical students. In our prospective descriptive study, two problem-based learning scenarios prepared on the topic of hypercortisolism were given to 197 students in two successive sessions. At the end of two sessions, the perceptions of students about team-based learning were documented using a five-point Likert scale on a standardized questionnaire for both scenarios (simple and complex) simultaneously. A written test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short essay questions (SEQs) was given at the end of a complex scenario to test the problem-solving skills and retention of knowledge. No statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) was noted in team-based learning between the simple and complex problem-based learning scenario. MCQs and SEQs of C-2 (interpretation) level were attempted well than C-1 (recall) level and C3 (problem-solving) level. In conclusion, the understanding of the problem by the medical students was improved; however, there was no significant improvement in the problem-solving skills and knowledge retention of the students., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Hypertension is the most prevalent clinical symptom arising from various cardiovascular disorders. Likewise, it is considered a precursor or sequelae to the development of acute coronary artery disease and congestive heath failure (CHF). Hypertension has been considered a cardinal criterion to determine cardiovascular function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) global observatory data, hypertension causes more than 7.5 million deaths a year, about 12.8% of the total human mortality. Similarly, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 35% of the American adults have been estimated to have a persistently high blood pressure, which makes it about one in every three adults. Hypertension is a modifiable symptom that can be managed through pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods and standard protocols set forth by the American Heart Association (AHA). With new findings from various clinical trials related to the management of hypertension, new developments and recommendations have been made to update the previously established protocols for hypertension. This article aims to discuss and dissect the modern updates of hypertension management as comprehensively elaborated in the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Light chain multiple myeloma (LCMM) constitutes approximately 15% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). It has a poorer prognosis when compared to immunoglobulin (Ig) G or IgA variant. We performed a comprehensive literature search on LCMM and identified a total of 390 articles. After a detailed screening, six studies involving a total of 1054 LCMM patients were included. A literature review revealed bone pain and renal failure as the most common initial sign and symptoms while extramedullary disease (EMD) was acquired later during the progression of the disease. Bortezomib has shown superior efficacy in LCMM patients over nonbortezomib regimens as demonstrated by better overall response rate (95.5% vs. 60%), progression-free survival (PFS) (25% vs. 9% at two years), and overall survival (OS) (24% vs. 9% at five years). Moreover, better PFS was seen, when bortezomib was used in combination with bendamustine compared to dexamethasone (95% vs. 25% at two years). Similarly, better OS (90% at two years) was observed with bortezomib in combination with bendamustine. Monitoring of disease should include serum free light chain levels, as literature review revealed that serum assays were more sensitive in indicating the disease and predicting PFS and OS as compared to urine assays. We provide presentation patterns, clinical rarities, management strategies including their efficacy, and disease monitoring in patients with LCMM in our review paper., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.