Thanks to the excellent passivation, high conductivity, low parasitic absorption and simple process, the wide-bandgap doping-free carrier selective contacts have been attracting much attention. In this work, the wide-bandgap high work function of Al 2O 3/MoO x stacks were prepared using the low-temperature atomic layer deposition and thermal evaporation technique, respectively, and the interfacial evolution and the elements distribution were examined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The passivation and conductivity of the Al 2O 3/MoO x stacks were systematical investigated by varying their thicknesses. The high effective minority carriers lifetime of 513 μs and the low series resistance of 0.24 mΩ are realized on the 7nm-Al 2O 3/5nm-MoO x and 7nm-Al 2O 3/3nm-MoO x stacks, respectively. Benefiting from the excellent surface passivation and conductivity, the industrial size (182×185.3 mm 2) n-TOPCon solar cell with a total area front 7nm-Al 2O 3/3nm-MoO x stacks demonstrates a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.48%, as well as a short-circuit current density of 41.06 mA cm −2, an open-circuit voltage of 721 mV, and a fill factor of 82.66%. This work provides an effective way to enable the PCE over 26.0% and lower the process temperature for TOPCon solar cells with doping-free carrier selective contacts.

There has been an explosion in the number of papillomaviruses that have been identified and fully sequenced. Yet only a minute fraction of these has been studied in any detail. Most of our research efforts have focused on the E6 and E7 proteins of “high-risk”, cancer-associated human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Interactions of the high-risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins with cellular targets, the p53 and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressors have been investigated in minute detail. Some have thus questioned if research on papillomaviruses remains an exciting and worthwhile area of investigation. However, fundamentally new insights on the biological activities and cellular targets of the high-risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins have been discovered and previously unstudied HPVs have been associated with human diseases. HPV infections continue to be an important cause of human morbidity and mortality and since there are no antivirals to combat HPV infections, research on HPVs should remain attractive to new investigators and biomedical funding agencies, alike.

The research was conducted to investigate and estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode in pigeons based on qualitative methods: Simple microscopy and flotation method. Gastrointestinal nematodes were studied in 76(45 male and 31 female) domestic pigeons belonging to different breeds captured from different local houses. All birds appeared to be in good health physically and no noticeable sign of disease were observed. Faecal samples were collected out by using a box technique (self generated) from the Shah Colony, Jillani garden road from Sheikhupura District in April 2023. A total of 13 (male 9 and 4 female) naturally infected domestic pigeons were introduced as a result. Nematodes are classified as tetramers spp. However 17.1% of the pigeons were parasitized with tetramers spp. and this investigation also shows that the prevalence was higher in male pigeons 18% as compared to female 14.81%. The purpose of this current research was to determine the prevalence (%) and to investigate the intestinal parasitic infecting domestic pigeons and also will helpful to the pigeon’s owners to improve their health status through better control of tetrameres spp. and provide them with a better hygiene or healthy environment.

The research was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (capillaria specie) or the risk of capillariasis in domestic pigeons (Columbia Livia). Fecal samples of 100 pigeons (30 males and 70 females) belonging to the 30 breeds were collected from the four different houses of Dilawar colony, the area of Bahawalpur in May 2023, and proceeded qualitatively through direct microscopy and floatation method. In this study, 18 (11 males and 7 females) out of the 100 samples (with a prevalence 18%) were infected with Capillaria spp. of nematodes. The qualitative examination also revealed that the capillaria spp. of nematodes was more prevalent in males (36.67%) than females (10%). This study will be helpful in raising awareness among pigeon owners to improve their health status through better control of capillariasis and provide them with a better hygienic or healthy environment.

A middle-aged Caucasian man presented with a six-month history of bilateral enlargement of the breasts associated with pain. His hormonal profile was normal and no other underlying cause was identified, we diagnosed him with idiopathic gynecomastia. He is living with HIV, clinically stable (viral load <20copies/mL) and on injectable antiretrovirals cabotegravir/rilpivirine. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen recommended for gynecomastia and has been described in persons living with HIV. In this case, tamoxifen could potentially induce the activity of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), reducing rilpivirine concentrations, which consequently may cause virological failure. According to the National Health Service (NHS) guidelines in the UK, an aromatase inhibitor can be used in place of tamoxifen. To date, there have been no reported cases of using anastrozole as a treatment for gynecomastia in people living with HIV, or of its co-administration with antiretrovirals.

9α-Hydroxyandroster-4-ene-3,17-dione (9-OH-AD) is a representative steroid drug intermediate that can be prepared by phytosterols (PS) biotransformation with mycobacteria in a resting cell-cyclodextrin system. In this study, over-expression of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd4A) was testified to enhance the side-chain degradation of PS and to reduce the incomplete degradation by-products. Meanwhile, the complete degradation product 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD) was increased due to lack of 3-Ketosteroid 9α-Hydroxylase (KshA1) activities. To increase the production and purity of 9-OH-AD, the metabolic pathway of the side-chain degradation of PS and 9-position hydroxylation was modulated by balancing the over-expression of Hsd4A and KshA1 in mycobacteria and reducing the bioconversion rate via lowering the ratio of PS and cyclodextrin. The production and purity of 9-OH-AD in broth were improved from 22.18 g/L and 77.13% to 28.27 g/L and 87.84%, with a molar yield of 78.32%.

Background: To obtain high yields of recombinant insulin and advancing therapeutic avenues for diabetes patients, the development of innovative designer insulin analogs have critical importance. The modified insulin analog presents a cost-effective remedy by being produced as inclusion bodies (IBs) within Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) Rosetta-2 strain. This approach to production not only offers reduced production time but also yields high recovery rates. The prime aim of this investigation was to optimize the composition of the cultivation media, thereby accomplishing higher cell density fermentation of the proinsulin. Result: Various factors, including carbon and nitrogen sources, salts, metal ions, and pH, were systematically investigated through experimental screening using the BioLector multiwell bright plate. Additionally, computational analysis employing the Plackett-Burman Design within the Design Expert software was utilized to assess their effectiveness in terms of insulin concentration as a surrogate measure of insulin yield. Among the tested variables, glucose, glycerol, MgSO4, and lower Luria-Bertani mix concentration have a significant influence on insulin production, as determined by the screening experiment. Subsequently, the Central Composite Design approach was operated to further evaluate and optimize the precise levels of these influential variables. This systematic methodology achieved an optimized cultivation media formulation, resulting in a remarkable enhancement of insulin production, with levels reaching up to 13 mg/ml when applied in BioLector fermentation. Conclusion: The formulated cultivation media exhibited suitability for promoting high cell density fermentation of the modified insulin, thereby facilitating the attainment of optimal yields for the proinsulin expression.

IntroductionHydroxyurea (HU) is a potent myelosuppression drug reducing deoxyribonucleotide production (1) and treats chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocytosis (ET) (2). HU has some side effects, including dermatologic side effects, especially during long-term treatment, the most common of which are nail changes, hyperpigmentation, atrophy of the skin, partial alopecia, subcutaneous tissue changes, scaling, hands and face erythema, and less common lower extremity ulceration (3-5).In the literature, some cases of HU-related cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are reported (6-8). Accordingly, we reviewed and summarized the literature on the relationship between HU and skin cancer.

A document by Jeffery B. Cannon. Click on the document to view its contents.

Rose-derived stem cell exosomes for recalcitrant to treatment of seborrheic dermatitis with 3 months of follow-up: A case report

”Dental Care and Complete Denture Therapy for Ectodermal Dysplasia Patients: A Comprehensive Approach”

IntroductionGastrointestinal lipomas, scarce benign tumors of the gut, are rarely located in the duodenum. There is a narrow number of the patient which are symptomatic and may have upper gastrointestinal obstruction or bleeding(1-3). We report a case of a 63-year-old woman who presented to us with intermittent gastric outlet obstruction along with duodenal lipoma which underwent surgical resection.

IntroductionGall bladder carcinoma is a rare neoplasm and is the fifth most common gastrointestinal malignancy with an incidence of 1 to 2 per 100,000 in the US and 22 per 100,000 in women in Delhi.(1) However, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with an overall median survival of less than 6 months as the gall bladder has a thin wall, narrow lamina propia, and single muscular layer. It usually presents in the 6th to 7th decade of life with a female-to-male ratio of 3.4:1.(2) Only 0.3 to 3% of patients develop gall bladder carcinoma, although approximately sixty-nine to eighty-six percent of patients have a gallstone disease history. Other risk factors of carcinoma gallbladder include porcelain gallbladder, Mirizzi syndrome, ethanol & tobacco abuse, gallbladder polyp size > 10mm, anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction, and chronic infection with Salmonella typhi. Sixty percent of the tumor arises from the fundus of the gallbladder.(3)The pathogenesis of carcinoma gallbladder follows the progression from metaplasia to dysplasia to carcinoma.Most pancreatic pseudocysts occur as a consequence of acute pancreatitis. But, they may also occur in the setting of chronic pancreatitis, postoperatively, or after pancreatic trauma. (4) One common mechanism for carcinoma of gallbladder and pancreatitis is abnormal pancreaticobiliary duct junction.(5,6) Pancreatic pseudocyst associated with gallbladder carcinoma occurs very rarely. We here present an unusual case of carcinoma of the gallbladder with a pancreatic pseudocyst.

IntroductionMoyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic and progressive cerebrovascular occlusive disease involving the end of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the main branches within the circle of Willis (COW) [1, 2]. In Korea and Japan, more than half of the adult patients with MMD present with hemorrhagic stroke [2, 3]. The risk of recurrent hemorrhage in MMD is estimated at 11%-25% within five years and 19%-36% within ten years, with each subsequent hemorrhage increasing the risk of poor neurological outcomes [4]. The incidence of MMD-associated aneurysms is estimated to be 3%-14%, although the frequency of aneurysmal rupture as the cause of hemorrhagic MMD remains uncertain [5, 6]. MMD-associated aneurysms can be classified as peripheral aneurysms, which originate from collateral vessels, or saccular aneurysms, which originate from major intracranial arteries [7].The treatment strategies for MMD-associated peripheral aneurysms remain controversial because of their deep location, tortuosity, and fragility [7]. Peripheral aneurysms originate mainly from the lenticulostriate artery, thalamic perforating artery, or choroidal arteries [8]. Previous reports have described aneurysms treated with close observation, direct clipping, endovascular coiling, or direct revascularization [6].Herein, we report the case of a patient with Moyamoya disease that rapidly developed an MMD-associated pseudoaneurysm after direct revascularization. The patient recovered after endovascular coiling, and secondary revascularization was performed.

Introduction:Obstructive uropathy resulting from mature cystic teratomas is a rare complication that has received limited attention in the literature. We describe a case of unilateral ovarian teratoma presenting with acute flank pain and renal involvement.

The processes shaping the biological communities are ongoing debates. Two theories of Niche and Neutral are the most accepted ones, emphasizing on interspecific competition/environmental filtering, and stochastic processes, respectively. Recently the subject is investigated by incorporating phylogeny into ecological approaches. We investigated plant communities structure in Kerman, Iran, by constructing phylogenetic tree for the species pool using megatree of vascular plants in R Package V.PhyloMaker2, and subsequently calculated communities’ phylogenetic diversity indices (PDI) of Faith, Net Relatedness index (NRI) and Nearest Taxon index (NTI). Relationship of the indecis with environmental components and species abundance was studied using R Packages Picante and Vegan, respectively. The communities’ compositions were calculated based on both abundance-weighted and phylogeny-weighted species compositions, and their correlation was investigated by Mental test. Similarity among the communities was evaluated by ordination analyses of Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and Principal Coordinates of Phylogenetic Structure (PCPS), respectively. The communities’ NRI and NTI values were positive and smaller than threshold value of 1.96, indicating clustered structure of the communities, highlighting environmental filtering role. Soil pH and moisture were significantly correlated with NTI, but only soil moisture affected on NRI. However, soil EC, altitude, slope degree and aspects did not affect on NRI and NTI. None of the six environmental components affected the communities’ species abundance. NMDS- and PCPS-wieghted communities’ compositions was not correlated. The results showed that the species assemblage was determined by only environmental filtering, highlighting importance of environmental factors rather than interspecific competition in distribution of species in the region.

Topochemical reactions have been extensively studied in organic and polymer chemistry, and are conventionally triggered by heat and/or light. Pressure, as one of the fundamental thermodynamic parameters, has recently been applied to study phase transitions of inorganic and hybrid nanomaterials on both microscopic and macroscopic scales. Relatively fewer studies have been focused on high-pressure behaviors, especially pressure-induced reactions, on organic and polymer molecules and assemblies. Polytriacetylenes (PTAs) are unique conjugated polymers with all-carbon main-chains consisted of alternating double bonds and diacetylene units. Although diacetylene units are prime examples capable of light-induced topochemical polymerization into polydiacetylene, PTAs are found to be very stable under light irradiation. Here we report our observation that in a diamond anvil cell (DAC), applying low pressure leads to crystallization and ordering of PTAs bearing linear alkyl side-chains. Further increasing pressure leads to irreversible cross-linking reactions, resulting in materials of graphyne-like structures, appearances, optical properties, and solubilities. Findings in this paper thus reveal the potential of using pressure to guide conjugated polymer self-assembly and to induce chemical reactions toward new materials discoveries.

A document by STEPHEN ONUZURUIKE UDEH. Click on the document to view its contents.

One of the greatest alternatives to Li-ion batteries is an Al-air battery. The aluminium (Al) is more effective as a battery because of its viability and nontoxicity. The design of cell and electrode stacking affect the performance of Al-air battery. The present study focuses on designing an efficient air cathode host to lengthen the battery’s lifespan using highly porous carbon aerogel. Initially, the carbon aerogel (CA) material is synthesized using sol-gel polymerization process and characterized using XRD, SEM, and BET. The synthesized CA is used to fabricate the electrode stacking using the in-house-built Al-air cell. The performance of carbon aerogel coated on carbon cloth as air cathode has been evaluated using a galvanostatic discharge of the assembly at different current rates, and the specific capacity is recorded. The highest specific capacity observed is ~ 683 mAh g-1 at 2.551 mA cm -2 current density. The acquired results demonstrate the superiority of the present electrodes material compared to currently used air electrode. The improved electrochemical stability and the robust pore network in CA allow oxygen to pass through the cathode end for chemical reaction. Overall, this enhances kinetics and makes the interactions between oxygen and aluminum to generate higher current because of relatively faster chemical reaction.

Purpose: The provision of accessible eye care services can help reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness within a population by providing timely high-quality interventions to those in need. Our aim was to identify and quantify barriers to accessing eye care for the elderly population in Pakistan, which prevent effective eye care delivery to this group. Patients’ experiences with the Sehat Sahulat (health insurance) programme (SSP) in relation to eye care were also explored. Methods: Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, an initial qualitative phase explored participant experiences and identified specific barriers. The qualitative study provided the basis for the development of a customised survey tool. The survey tool was used in a second phase to obtain quantitative data of barriers and costs associated with accessing eye care. Results: Numerous considerable barriers were identified, including illiteracy, long travel times, female gender, old age, mobility issues, and costs, all of which limited access to eye care in Pakistan. Awareness surrounding the use of the SSP was poor, with the programme seldom used for eye care costs. Conclusions: This study provides valuable evidence on patient experience with eye care services in urban and rural areas of Pakistan, including expenditure, patient priorities, and enablers and barriers to accessing eye care. Areas for improvement should focus on educating the public on eye health, increasing the availability of secondary eye care services in rural areas, improving accessibility within eye care facilities, addressing gender disparities, and reducing costs associated with eye care treatments, potentially through advancement of the SSP.

Introduction:Snake bites are a common medical emergency in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Snake bites in children, especially in low-income countries, can cause serious physical and mental harm to children, and considering that the volume of distribution is less than the amount of poison injected in children, neurological and hematological complications and local symptoms may develop faster and more severe, so timely diagnosis and correct treatment are very necessary in them.In older children, according to their ability to provide a history, it is somewhat easy to diagnose snakebite, but in younger children, especially if the snakebite occurred in the absence of the parents, it will be somewhat difficult to diagnose.This article introduces a case of a 4-year-old child, which is a challenge to diagnose snakebite due to the specific location and occurrence of non-specific initial symptoms.Case Presentation:A 4-year-old child was brought to the emergency department with a complaint of sudden severe general weakness and impaired consciousness. The child’s father reported that they rode a motorcycle together from his uncle’s house, and the child was riding behind the motorcycle. At the beginning of the ride, the child’s general condition was completely normal, but a few minutes after riding the motorcycle, the child suddenly became completely weak and lethargic and had a disorder of consciousness. The child was brought to the hospital for this reason.At the beginning of entering the emergency department, the child was immediately evaluated, and the airway and breathing were adequate. The SPO2 was 98%, and the pulses were palpable, but the child had tachycardia with PR: 130 and tachypnea RR: 30, Blood pressure : 90/50 mmhg . The glucometer blood sugar was 108 mg/dL, and the reflexes were normal but decreased. Other examinations were normal but level of consciousness was low and the child was lethargic and DTR in four limbs were decreased 3/5- 4/5. In the laboratory examination, most of the findings were normal, except for the white blood count, which was 15000.There was no symptoms in favour of infection or fever or trauma or previous hospitalization in the child. There was no underlying disease and the child’s growth and development were appropriate. History of drug or chemical use was also negative. The history of convulsions in the family and the child itself was negative.The possibility of poisoning with the exhaust gas of the motorcycle was brought up, but due to the lack of symptoms in the father, who was riding the motorcycle with the child, and the lack of problems in the previous motorcycle rides, it was ruled out. In a detailed physical examination of the child, the effect of two bites or a distance of one centimetre on medial side of the right ankle was seen, due to the lack of local pain and the simultaneous presence of neurological symptoms and relative loss of consciousness and sudden severe weakness and it was strongly suggested that the child was bitten by a snake from the family of Cobra.Treatment and Management:The child received supportive treatment, fluid therapy, pain relief, and 18 vial polyvalent antivenom. After 3 days, he was discharged from the hospital with normal tests and good general condition and normal examinations.Discussion:Snake bites are a common medical emergency in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of snake and the amount of venom injected. Children are particularly vulnerable to snake bites due to their smaller body size and less blood volume 1.The diagnosis of snake bite is usually made based on the characteristic bite marks and the presence of symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, and systemic effects.The treatment of snake bites includes supportive care, pain relief, and administration of antivenom. Early administration of antivenom is critical to prevent severe systemic effects and complications. It is important to identify the type of snake and administer the appropriate antivenom. In this case, the child received polyvalent antivenom, which is effective against multiple types of snakes. 2Snake bites can cause local, hematological and neurological systemic symptoms in children. Especially in cobra bites, neurological symptoms and impairment of acetylcholine release in synapses are more common. Therefore, sudden weakness and cranial nerve disorder and speaking disorder may occur. Other neurological and systemic disorders may be Ptosis, dyspnea, abdominal Pain , Diplopia ,Decreasing level of consciousness and vomiting.3-7In the case of the child in question, apparently, after riding the motorcycle, a snake, probably of the cobra type, wrapped around the base of the motorcycle and bit the child’s ankle, and the child suffered sudden weakness and impaired consciousness due to the neurological symptoms caused by the snake venom. In the initial examination of every child with impaired consciousness and sudden weakness, after initial stabilization and control of the airway, breathing and circulation, an examination and taking a quick history, the physician usually looks for differential diagnosis, including infectious, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular problems, trauma, phase Post-ictal convulsions and poisonings . Considering that the key to diagnosing this child’s problem was only the traces of two tick bites in the ankle area of the right leg, which was far from being diagnosed, it faced a challenge at first.Conclusion:1-Snake bites, especially cobra bites, can be one of the causes of weakness and reduced consciousness in children.2- Snake bite sometimes has unusual manifestations and diagnosis especially in children is difficult and requires careful attention and thorough examination.3- Snakebite in children is one of the most important medical emergencies and the medical staff must be familiar with it.

Fallback foods (FBF), classified into staple and filler types, are low-quality food resources chosen by animals due to a shortage of preferred food during a specific period. The selection of lichens as FBF for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) represents a unique ecological adaptation and evolutionary development in the animal kingdom. This study investigates the yearly dietary selection of five R. bieti groups to address the issues and elucidate the nutritional value and ecological selection of lichens for this monkey species, which resides at the highest altitude among nonhuman primates. The results indicate that the consumed lichens serve as the staple FBF. Two main lichen species taken by the monkeys are Bryoria spp. and Usnea longissimi, with Bryoria spp. being the primary choice (67.25 ± 12.20% compared to 15.79 ± 11.66% from U. longissimi). Bryoria spp. provides a higher level of digestible fiber (NDF) and a lower level of tannin, fat, ADF, and energy compared to U. longissimi, which offers higher availability. Lichens are the dominant food and nutritional resource for the monkey species during the dry season, while they serve as a primary food source rather than a nutritional resource during the wet season. Therefore, they compensate for nutrients from other food types, such as fruits, seeds, and leaves. Compared to other Asian colobine counterparts, this species consumes the highest amount of lichens but the lowest proportions of leaves, flowers, and seeds. This dietary pattern demonstrates a specific type of ecological selection and evolutionary development during the Quaternary. The biomass of lichens in the monkeys’ habitat has significantly decreased due to environmental degradation. This study also provides evidence and information to develop or amend conservation strategies and guidelines for the dietary management of captive Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys.

Colitis cystica profunda (CCP) is a rare benign disease characterized by mucus-filled cysts in the submucosa, sometimes similar to malignant tumors. Endoscopic, radiological and even histological examinations are not highly specific, which can easily lead to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, resulting in unnecessary radical surgical resection. In this report, we present

Endovascular ultrasound renal denervation (u-RDN) is a new, effective and non-pharmacological therapy for hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), requiring analgesia and sedation due to pain and discomfort. However, most OSA patients have difficult airways, and the selection of sedative and analgesic drugs is limited during u-RDN because drugs affecting sympathetic nerve activity need to avoid as much as possible. Appropriate anesthesia method can provide adequate analgesia and maintain stability of respiration and circulation, which is also related to better u-RDN results. Therefore, the anesthetic management of hypertensive patients with OSA during u-RDN is challenging and it is clinically important to explore best perioperative anesthesia strategy in the management of u-RDN procedure in these patients. We describe two cases of anesthesia management for hypertensive patients with severe OSA during u-RDN, which demonstrate that conscious analgesia based on remifentanil infusion combined with intermittent fentanyl bolus to enhance analgesia may improve hemodynamic stability, reduce the risk of respiratory depression and the need for airway support in hypertensive patients with OSA during u-RDN.