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Cranial nerve palsies can be presenting signs of intracranial aneurysms. There is a classic pairing between an aneurysmal vessel and adjacent nerves leading to cranial neuropathy. Isolated abducens nerve palsy can be a localizing sign of an unruptured vertebrobasilar circulation aneurysm. Aneurysms involving Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) have been reported to be associated with abducens nerve palsy. The symptoms in unruptured aneurysms are due to the mass effect on adjacent neurovascular structures. Most of the abducens nerve palsy resolves following microsurgical clipping. Here, we present a rare case of an unruptured Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) aneurysm presenting with abducens nerve palsy and diplopia associated with contralateral hemianopsia which markedly improved following endovascular coil embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth-doped metal oxides exhibit favourable photocatalytic features when exposed to both sunlight and UV light. In this approach, Bi0/TiO2 and Bi+3/TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared and their structural and optical properties are analysed using various characterization techniques. These developed photocatalysts were further tested for the photocatalytic elimination of Nitrobenzene in UV light and sunlight and compared with the performance of bare TiO2. The catalyst Bi+3/TiO2 performed better in UV light with 72.31% degradation, and 4.74 × 10−6 mol.litre−1.min−1 initial rate of reaction. However, when exposed to sunlight, Bi0/TiO2 outperformed with 73.85% degradation, and 4.63 × 10−6 mol.min−1 initial rate of reaction. This significant increase in photocatalytic activity of Bi0/TiO2 under sunlight could be accredited to increased light harvesting and enhanced efficiency in charge carrier separation, both of which were made possible by bismuth-induced surface plasmon resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Commercial TiO2 nanoparticles were subjected to modification through Bi and Zn metal doping. The resulting catalysts were comprehensively characterized, and their performance was then reviewed for removal of model pollutant nitrobenzene in water. RESULTS: Amidst the synthesized catalysts, the co‐doping of Bi/Zn (0.25:0.75 wt%) demonstrated the best photocatalytic degradation activity, achieving 95% degradation within 90 min of reaction time, with 2.99 × 10−2 min−1 rate constant value. The involvement of different radicals during the degradation process was elucidated by employing appropriate radical scavengers. Furthermore, the degradation results were investigated applying the first‐order kinetic model, leading to the determination of reaction rate constants and initial rates of the degradation process. CONCLUSION: An improved photocatalytic activity was observed with metal doping due to the synergistic effect of doped metals with commercial TiO2 and profound charge transfer among them. It was observed that performance was increased with temperature rise in the practical range of application, that is, 5–20 °C. This behavior was due to high rate of movement of charge carriers. Further, involvement and functioning of various radical species such as h+, OH− and O2− in nitrobenzene degradation were successfully established using appropriate radical scavengers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae pathogenic strains of Shigella organisms cause bacillary dysentery and shigellosis. Three serogroups-Shigella dysenteriae, flexneri, boydii, and sonnei and one serotype-Sonnei, are groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Shigella flexneri is the most common serogroup worldwide. Fecaloral transmission is the main method, but sexual transmission has been recorded. These groups are among the most responsible for diarrheal diseases. In children, this species can lead to stunted growth due to severe and life-threatening illnesses. In the present day situation, managing this infection is still challenging as it can easily resist many antimicrobials, and overcoming this and finding potential inhibitors can help reduce this infection. As a result, this research aims to determine the potential inhibitors against the potential protein target through molecular docking analysis. According to the virulence factor, subcellular localisation, and role in infection, the aminoglycoside'-(9)O-adenyltransferase protein was the most potent target protein. The three-dimensional structure was designed and validated, it became known that designed model has a promising profile according to the Ramachandran plot analysis. Further, the molecular docking analysis targeted available ligands in ZINC databases and found 10 potential novel inhibitors. Among these, only 6 inhibitors were found to have the most potential as per toxicity analysis. These findings suggested that these selected inhibitors can be utilised to combat this infection; however, further experimental validation is required to confirm their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral computed tomography angiography (CTA) has revolutionized the diagnosis of neurovascular emergencies. Strategies to reduce radiation, a concern for cancer, involve tube voltage and current reduction but with increased noise and inferior image quality. Hence, the objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of images obtained through low-dose radiation and low-contrast volume CTA with an iterative reconstruction (IR) technique versus standard CTA without IR. Methods: This prospective trial involved 100 adults requiring cerebral CTA for cerebrovascular diseases. They were split into two groups: one with 120 kVp tube voltage and 80 mL contrast using filtered back projection, and the other with 80 kVp and 30 mL contrast with IR. Evaluation criteria included attenuation values, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective assessments. Results: Compared to 120 kVp, 80 kVp showed higher vessel attenuation in the internal (272.91 ± 30.59 vs 405.52 ± 53.08; p <.001) and middle cerebral artery (247.55 ± 29.84 vs 372.55 ± 49.02; p <.001) regions. Brain parenchymal attenuation at the centrum semiovale was lower with 80 kVp (29.12 ± 1.87 vs 24.78 ± 2.94; p <.001), accompanied by higher noise. Signal-to-noise ratio (p <.001) and contrast-to-noise ratio (p <.05) were lower at 80 kVp. Image quality didn't significantly differ, and radiation exposure reduced significantly by 70% in the 80 kVp group, suggesting its diagnostic feasibility. Conclusions: The 80 kVp protocol for CTA of the cerebral vessels combined with lower contrast volume produces images with similar image quality with significant radiation effective dose and total iodine dose reduction. The 80 kVp protocol holds significant promise for replacing the standard 120 kVp protocol in cerebral CTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Semiconductor photocatalysts based on TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol–gel method and subsequently modified using monometallic (Bi‐TiO2, Zn‐TiO2) and bimetallic (Bi/Zn‐TiO2) doping through the wet‐impregnation technique. The prepared photocatalysts underwent comprehensive characterization using X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse‐reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The photocatalytic performance of these well‐characterized photocatalysts was assessed for the degradation of the model organic pollutant, nitrobenzene. RESULTS: Among the various doped TiO2 catalysts, Bi/Zn co‐doping at a ratio of 0.25:0.75 (w/w) exhibited the most remarkable synergistic effect, achieving approximately 82% degradation of a 50 ppm nitrobenzene solution within just 90 min of reaction time under ultraviolet light irradiation. The rate constant for this process was determined to be 1.79 × 10−2 min−1, suggesting a pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. CONCLUSION: The successful co‐doping of Bi and Zn metals to TiO2 resulted in improved photocatalytic performance. The enhanced performance could be attributed to the improved charge transfer facilitated by the synergistic effect among doped metals and TiO2. This finding highlights the significance of bimetallic doping and its potential applications in improving the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles for environmental remediation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm that can arise at various anatomic locations. It is characterized by inv12(q13q13)-derived NAB2::STAT6 fusion, resulting in the nuclear expression of STAT6. Primary SFT of the adrenal gland is rare. We launched a multi-institutional collaboration to comprehend the overarching demographics, clinical and follow-up, macroscopic, microscopic, IHC, and FISH features of 9 patients with SFT of the adrenal gland.Methods: We added a series of 9 patients to the collection of adrenal SFTs where the clinicopathologic parameters, including clinical presentation, imaging, histopathology, IHC, molecular profiles, and management and follow-up data, were analyzed comprehensively. A modified 4-variable risk stratification model, including age, tumor size, and necrosis, was applied.Results: Our series consisted of 6 male and 3 female patients, ranging in age from 19 to 64 years (mean, 49.3 years). Abdominal pain (4) and fever with abdominal pain (1) were the presenting symptoms in 5 patients. In the remaining 4 patients, the tumors were detected by abdominal imaging for hypertension and diabetes. The size of the tumor ranged from 2 cm to 10.5 cm in maximum dimension. All tumors exhibited the morphology of a spindle cell SFT with a patternless architecture; 3 had a focal storiform arrangement. STAT6 positivity was observed in all tumors, and 7 were positive for CD34. Surgical resection was the primary modality of treatment. No adjuvant therapy was administered. Follow-up ranging from 7 months to 23 months was available for 7 patients. All were alive without disease recurrence or metastasis. Risk stratification placed 8 (88.9%) patients into a low-risk category and 1 into an intermediate-risk category.Conclusions: This series is the largest of adrenal SFTs to date. These tumors of the adrenal gland are predominantly spindle cell neoplasms with indolent behavior, with a wide age distribution and a slight male preponderance. Combining our cohort with the previously published cases, the majority of tumors fall into the low-risk category for the propensity to develop metastases. Owing to the rarity and age distribution associated with these tumors, the differential diagnosis is wide and requires a systematic approach for ruling out key differential diagnoses aided by STAT6 IHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Third generation photovoltaic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an area of interest due to their cost-effectiveness and better performance under diffuse light conditions. The design and development of effective photoanodes and their materials still play a significant role and can be explored. Metal doping in TiO2 semiconductor has been proven to be an effective way for charge separation. The synthesis of bismuth (Bi) doped TiO2 materials is attempted with different Bi doping quantities through wet impregnation for their utilization in DSSCs. The purpose of the Bi-doped TiO2 synthesis was to develop an efficient photoanode material with an enhanced charge separation capacity to be applied in DSSC, leading to high current density and overall device performance. The morphology and optical behaviour of synthesized materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer (P-XRD), UV-visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized materials were used to prepare absorption layers of photoanode in DSSCs in conjunction with a ruthenium-based dye (N719). The findings showed that the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the Bi-doped TiO2-based DSSCs was measured 5.50% using 3% Bi doping to TiO2 (w/w), surpassing the 3.58% efficiency achieved by the TiO2-based DSSCs in similar conditions, with an enhancement of ~ 54% in PCE performance. The enhanced performance could be attributed to the incorporation of Bi to TiO2 which can help with electron transfer in the forward direction in DSSCs circuit by reducing electron–hole recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /CaTiO 3 nanocomposite photocatalytic material was synthesized. • Characterization of all the synthesized catalysts using various techniques. • Photocatalytic activity of the prepared material is enlightened. • Performance of catalysts for nitrobenzene degradation. • Study the efficiency of the catalysts and kinetics and thermodynamics of nitrobenzene degradation. In the present study, g-C 3 N 4 /CaTiO 3 (GCT) heterostructure with various Ag contents have been synthesized via simple hydrothermal method and characterized using various instrumental techniques. Stability of synthesized samples was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and zeta potential measurement. The photocatalytic activity of all the synthesized was evaluated by the degradation of nitrobenzene (NB) in aqueous media. The photocatalytic activity of heterostructure AGCT was observed enhanced under the light irradiation. This would be attributed to the suitable band structure, resulting in the efficient charge separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. The final percentage of degradation was observed 70% with AGCT5 and 64% with AGCT1 which were highest among other catalysts applied after 2 h. The Ag doping in CT catalyst led to antagonist performance, and to better degradation of NB. The multivalency of Ag leads to prevent agglomeration and recombination of electrons and holes and transferring them from Ag to Ca. The reaction rate (2.36 × 10−3 molL−1 min−1 at 20 °C) and percentage degradation (∼70%) were observed to get increased with the increase in the temperature with the apparent activation energy of 40.3 kJ/mol. The enhanced performance at increased temperature was attributed to overcome the energy of activation and high mobility of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, cellulose was isolated from the waste leaves of the Butia monosperma plant was tailored into cellulose/GO/TiO2–Bi material via green and one-step method for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the natural sunlight and UV light. The encroachment of TiO2–Bi within the cellulose matrix with someway decrement of agglomeration was examined by SEM analysis. The XRD and FTIR analysis suggested the interaction of cellulose, graphene oxide (GO), and TiO2–Bi, resulting in the formation of secondary bonding such as hydrogen bonds, and van der Waal bonds. The results suggested that the cellulose backbone has compatibility to anchor the GO and TiO2–Bi onto the surface; hence, they perform with synergetic approaches for degradation of MB. DRS and PL analysis infers to the synergetic interaction among GO and TiO2–Bi and the role of graphene oxide in photocatalytic performance of fabricated cellulose-based semiconductor. The photocatalytic activity of cellulose/GO/TiO2–Bi composite is discussed in form of charge transfer and electron/hole recombination stoppage by the synergetic effect of GO and TiO2–Bi anchored within cellulose backbone. The cellulose/GO/TiO2–Bi composite displayed noteworthy photocatalytic performance for the degradation of MB under solar light and UV light. This work will underpin the extension of research areas where the biotemplate-based promising materials are synthesized for photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]