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The current study was planned to investigate the prevalence of asthma and allergic problems in people of Balochistan, Pakistan. In case of the prevalence of diagnosed asthma individual was 3.0% in the lower socioeconomic group, 15.10% in the middle-group and 8.01% in the highest socioeconomic group. [Extracted from the article]

Dislocation or fracture dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joints is an uncommon injury. We present a unique combination of dorsal dislocation of the index, middle and ring finger and fracture dislocation of the little CMC joints with palmar dislocation of the trapezoid and describe our management and outcome at 1 year following injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to enlist the economical traditionally used herbal medicinal plants against respiratory problems especially asthma in different districts of Baluchistan. In the current study, 12 traditional herbal medicinal species from different districts of Balochistan used to treat respiratory problems especially asthma was reported and documented. [Extracted from the article]

Model-based simulations are widely used to study the dynamics of the cardiovascular system. More importantly, model-based simulations have flexibility to run virtual simulations to know the behavior of hemodynamics in different realistic scenarios. Within this work, a lumped-parameter model of left ventricle (LV) is coupled with the complete systemic circulation (SC). Where, different heart rates are fed into the heart model and their impact are studied in a patient having different levels of aortic abnormalities (stenoses, aneurysms). For this purpose, global sensitivity analysis was used to quantify the impact of aortic abnormalities in the SC in complement with different heart rates. Moreover, simulation-based study is an important tool for medical doctors, students and teachers to enhance their understanding of hemodynamics in healthy and diseased states of vessels, as well as to identify the best possible measurement locations for pressure and flow to detect aortic abnormalities in the SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its ideal band gap, high density and high electron mobility-lifetime product, cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) is currently the best room-temperature compound-semiconductor X- and gamma-ray detector material. However, because of its innate poor thermo-physical properties and above unity segregation coefficient for Zn, the wide spread deployment of this material in large-volume CZT detectors is still limited by the high production cost. The underlying reason for the low yield of high-quality material is that CZT suffers from three major detrimental defects: compositional inhomogeneity, high concentrations of dislocation walls/sub-grain boundary networks and high concentrations of Te inclusions/precipitates. To mitigate all these disadvantages, we report for the first time the effects of the addition of selenium to the CZT matrix. The addition of Se was found to be very effective in arresting the formation of sub-grain boundaries and its networks, significantly reducing Zn segregation, improving compositional homogeneity and resulting in much lower concentrations of Te inclusions/precipitates. Growth of the new quaternary crystal Cd1−xZnxTe1−ySey (CZTS) by the Traveling Heater Method (THM) is reported in this paper. We have demonstrated the production of much higher yield according to its compositional homogeneity, with substantially lower sub-grain boundaries and their network, and a lower concentration of Te inclusions/precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern, often leading to significant behavioral and cognitive changes with subsequent impairment in daily functioning and personal interactions. The management of TBI involves a multidisciplinary approach. Neuropsychology has emerged as a critical discipline in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating individuals with TBI. Successful management also requires careful consideration of the patient's cognitive status. Therefore, clinicians must have a comprehensive understanding of the overall clinical picture of the patient at the cognitive and physical level. The primary aim of this research is to explore the role of neuropsychology in TBI management and rehabilitation thoroughly while providing an updated review of the literature. Various neuropsychological assessment tools used to evaluate cognitive functioning in individuals with TBI will be discussed in addition to their validity, reliability, and usefulness in identifying cognitive deficits and developing individualized treatment plans. The findings in this article will have significant implications on the clinical practice of neuropsychology in TBI patients, highlighting the importance of neuropsychological assessment in optimizing the management of this population. The need for increased awareness of neuropsychology among health care professionals, especially in the acute hospital setting, is growing along with the increase in diagnosis of TBI and its complications. Adequate understanding of the complex interplay between cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors in TBI can inform the development of new interventions and treatment strategies, making it equally as important for patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently treated two adult patients with significant spinal injuries after using an inflatable ‘bouncy castle’. We highlight the risks associated with these devices in the adult age group and review the current literature. We conclude that these devices should carry a clear warning to adults that their use by above-14 is hazardous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neonatal screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is ongoing in Cork. Despite early screening, infants continue to present at later ages with DDH. The impact of late diagnosis is significant. Established DDH causes significant morbidity and may have major medicolegal implications. To identify the reasons for the late presentation of DDH in the presence of a screening programme. In a retrospective study all cases of late DDH presenting from 1988 to 2000 were identified using inpatient database. Forty-nine cases of DDH were diagnosed. The mean age of diagnosis was 14.8 months (range 6–47). Multiple risk factors were identified in four patients only. More than one risk factor was identified in 10 patients. Despite screening, children continue to present with late DDH. In this study, only 14 patients had multiple risk factors and only four patients had more than two risk factors, highlighting the low incidence of suspicion in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 58-year-old man with diabetes on aspirin, who underwent rubber band ligation (RBL). The patient was diagnosed with pneumonia and blood cultures that showed Klebsiella aerogenes using digital rectal examination. He was discharged after an ultrasound examination, which showed resolving liver abscesses and no new lesions. It also discusses patients with secondary rectal haemorrhage undergoing RBL.

The transitional phase of climate change is becoming a threat worldwide. Fluctuations in temperature are frequently observed in the life cycles of field crops. The current study was intended to evaluate heat stress (HS) at sensitive stages on four wheat cultivars' growth, grain yield, and quality traits during two consecutive seasons. The experiment included four spring wheat cultivars that were exposed to HS durations (i.e., 0, 48, 96 and 144 h) at booting and anthesis stages. Pots were kept in an open-air, and labeled pots were moved to the glasshouse at the respective growth stage. After HS treatments, pots were moved from the glasshouse to the original position in the open air. The results showed that the cultivars differed in yield and grain quality traits, but their collective mean effect was significantly expressed with HS and HS duration (HSd) on the measured traits. Spike length was significantly affected by HS at the anthesis in comparison to those obtained from the control. However, the increase in HSd did not cause a significant effect on spike length compared to other treatments. Spike weight was significantly decreased in plants exposed to HS at booting and anthesis as well as by increasing HSd. In addition, grain weight and numbers were decreased in plants exposed to HS at booting and anthesis stages with a similar pattern by increasing HSd. Moreover, a reduction in amylose content was observed in grains of plants exposed to HS at booting and anthesis stages or when plants as exposed to a longer period of HSd. Nonetheless, amylopectin, wet gluten (WG) and grain N (GN) showed an increase in plants exposed to HS at booting and anthesis stages and/or extending HSd. This study concludes that plants exposed to different HS treatments during the life cycle had lower values for spike length, grains weight, and grains number per spike including amylose content in comparison to those obtained from the control. The decrease was significantly noted in the yield and grain quality of wheat when plants were exposed to HS at the booting stage in comparison to those exposed to HS at anthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teardrop fracture of the axis comprises a special entity, characterized by an avulsed fragment, of varying size, from the anterior inferior angle of the body of C2. It is extremely rare and differs in many respects from the teardrop fracture of the lower cervical spine, which was originally described by Schneider and Kahn in 1956. Indeed, much of what is written about teardrop fractures relates to lower cervical spine flexion type teardrop fractures. To date there are only 36 reported cases of teardrop fracture of the axis. We present seven cases of a teardrop fracture of the axis treated in the National Spinal Injuries unit at the Mater Miscericordiae University Hospital, Dublin from 1993 to 2003. The mean follow-up time was 6 years. The stability of this fracture has been questioned by certain authors, resulting in disagreement concerning the best choice of treatment to be followed. The radiological, clinical features and functional outcome of patients who have sustained a teardrop fracture of the axis will be described. The mechanism of injury and potential for instability will be compared with teardrop fractures of the lower cervical spine so as to emphasize the importance of recognizing this injury as a separate entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional method for electron lifetime measurements of CdZnTe (CZT) detectors relies on using the Hecht equation. The procedure involves measuring the dependence of the detector response on the applied bias to evaluate the μτ product, which in turn can be converted into the carrier lifetime. Despite general acceptance of this technique, which is very convenient for comparative testing of different CZT materials, the assumption of a constant electric field inside a detector is unjustified. In the Hecht equation, this assumption means that the drift time would be a linear function of the distance. This condition is not fulfilled in practice at low applied biases, where the Hecht equation is most sensitive to the μs product. As a result, researchers usually take measurements at relatively high biases, which work well in the case of the low μτ-product material, <10-3 cm²/V, but give significantly underestimated values for the case of high μτ-product crystals. In this work, we applied the drift-time method to measure the electron lifetimes in long-drift-length (4 cm) standard-grade CZT detectors produced by the Redlen Technologies. We found that the electron μτ product of tested crystals is in the range 0.1-0.2 cm²/V, which is an order of the magnitude higher than any value previously reported for a CZT material. In comparison, using the Hecht equation fitting, we obtained μτ=2.3 × 10-2 cm²/V for a 2-mm thin planar detector fabricated from the same CZT material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the study which extracts and isolates xanthine oxidase inhibiting compounds from Ranunculus repens L. collected from Natia Gali, Hazara Hills in North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan. Xanthine oxidase catalyzes the hydroxylation of purines such as the conversion of the compound to uric acid and the reduction of oxygen. It employed xanthine oxidase inhibition assay which revealed that compounds with more phenolic and methoxy moieties are the most active inhibitors.

The aim of the study was to assess the disease state awareness and its impact on well being of the patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Quetta, Pakistan. Increasing knowledge levels about the disease state in Type 2 Diabetes will be a key success factor for effective disease management and is linked to favorable disease management. [Extracted from the article]

• This work emphasizes on modelling of TMDC material, WS 2 , as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cell. So far none has reported on proposed new CIGS/WS 2 structure. • This research identifies the impact of interface defect state on the photovoltaic parameters of CIGS/WS 2 solar cell and evaluates the tolerance of defect by numerical simulation. • This research paves the way for WS 2 thin film as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cells. Device modelling of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cell with tungsten di-suphide (WS 2) as a window layer has been carried out in order to achieve higher conversion efficiency. Conversion efficiency for all band-gap energies of CIGS were calculated based on proposed new CIGS/WS 2 structure. Numerical modelling tools were used to investigate the effects conduction band offset and interface defect state on the photovoltaic parameters of CIGS/WS 2 solar cell. The model predicts the density of defect tolerance in the interface is 1 × 1011 cm3. Based on optimization, the highest efficiency of 26.4% has been achieved for CIGS/WS 2 solar cell with Eg (CIGS) = 1.4 eV (V oc = 1.026 V, J sc = 29.57 mA/cm2 and FF = 86.96%) which is better than that of CIGS (23.4%) solar cell. The simulation further identifies that proposed CIGS/WS 2 structure is less temperature sensitive compared to conventional Si solar cell. This research paves the way for WS 2 thin film as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using photoluminescence (PL) and current deep-level transient spectroscopy (I-DLTS), we investigated the electronic defects of indium-doped detector-grade CdMnTe:In (CMT:In) crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman method. We similarly analyzed CdZnTe:In (CZT:In) and undoped CdMnTe (CMT) crystals grown under the amount of same level of excess Te and/or indium doping level to detail the fundamental properties of the electronic defect structure more readily. Extended defects, existing in all the samples, were revealed by synchrotron white beam x-ray diffraction topography and scanning electron microscopy. The electronic structure of CMT is very similar to that of CZT, with shallow traps, A-centers, Cd vacancies, deep levels, and Te antisites. The 1.1-eV deep level, revealed by PL in earlier studies of CZT and CdTe, were attributed to dislocation-induced defects. In our I-DLTS measurements, the 1.1-eV traps showed different activation energies with applied bias voltage and an exponential dependence on the trap-filling time, which are typical characteristics of dislocation-induced defects. We propose a new defect-trap model for indium-doped CMT crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdZnTe crystals often exhibit nonuniformities due to the presence of Te inclusions and dislocations. High concentrations of such defects in these crystals generally entail severe charge-trapping, a major problem in ensuring the device's satisfactory performance. In this study, we employed a high-intensity, high-spatial-resolution synchrotron x-ray beam as the ideal tool to generate charges by focusing it over the large Te inclusions, and then observing the carrier's response at room- and at low-temperatures. A high spatial 5-μm resolution raster scan revealed the fine details of the presence of extended defects, like Te inclusions and dislocations in the CdZnTe crystals. A noticeable change was observed in the efficiency of electron charge collection at low temperature (1 °C), but it was hardly altered at room-temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • CdMnTe growth by vertical Bridgman method. • Free from Te-inclusions >1 µm. • X-ray topography. Abstract We grew Cd 1-x Mn x Te crystals with a nominal composition of 5% Mn and 95% Cd using the vertical Bridgman technique. We were able to grow crystals from as-received starting material that were free of secondary phases, such as Te inclusions with a size > 1-µm diameter, without adding compensating Cd to the initial charge. The Te precipitations (size < 1-µm diameter) were found to segregate towards the last-to-freeze section of the ingot. Te inclusions with a size 5–7 µm were observed at the grain boundary located near the last-to-freeze section, while the bottom and middle parts of the ingot showed no Te inclusions, even at the grain boundaries. X-ray topographic analysis was used to characterize the distribution of thermal stress in the ingot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Isolated right atrial rupture (IRAR) from blunt chest trauma is rare. There are no physical exam findings and non-invasive testing specific to the condition, which result in diagnostic delays and poor outcomes. We present a case of IRAR along with a systematic review of similar cases in the literature.Case Report: A 23-year-old male presented following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). He was bradycardic and hypotensive during transportation; and required intubation. There were contusions along the right chest wall with clear breath sounds, and no jugular venous distension, muffled heart sounds. Hemodynamic status progressively worsened, ultimately leading to his death. However, no external sources of bleeding or evidence of cardiac tamponade was found.Methods: A search of PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library using: (Blunt OR Blunt trauma) AND (Laceration OR Rupture OR Tear) AND (Right Atrium OR Right Atrial). Articles were included if they were original articles describing cases of IRAR.Results: Forty-five reports comprising seventy-five (n = 75) cases of IRAR.Conclusion: IRAR most commonly occurs following MVAs as the result of blunt chest trauma. Rupture occurs at four distinct sites and is most commonly at the right atrial appendage. IRAR is a diagnostic challenge and requires a high index of suspicion, as patients' hemodynamics can rapidly deteriorate. The presentations vary depending on multiple factors including rupture size, pericardial integrity, and concomitant injuries. Cardiac tamponade may have a protective effect by prompting the search for a bleeding source. A pericardial window can be diagnostic and therapeutic in IRAR. Outcomes are favourable with timely recognition and prompt surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We grew Cd1-xMnxTe crystals with a nominal Mn concentration of 5% by the vertical Bridgman growth technique. The compositional variation along the length of the grown ingot was studied by powder X-ray diffraction. The composition was found to be uniform along the growth direction. The achieved resistivity was 1-2.5 x1010 ohm-cm with a mobility-lifetime (μτ) product value for electrons of ∼1.7x10-3 cm2/V. An energy resolution of ∼7.5% at 662 keV was achieved for a 9-mm long Frisch grid detector fabricated from an ingot grown using as-received starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the sub-pixel position resolution achievable in large-volume CdZnTe pixelated detectors with conventional pixel patterns and for several different pixel sizes: 2.8 mm, 1.72 mm, 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Achieving position resolution below the physical dimensions of pixels (sub-pixel resolution) is a practical path for making high-granularity position-sensitive detectors, <100 μ m, using a limited number of pixels dictated by the mechanical constraints and multi-channel readout electronics. High position sensitivity is important for improving the imaging capability of CZT gamma cameras. It also allows for making more accurate corrections of response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects, thus enabling use of standard-grade (unselected) and less expensive CZT crystals for producing large-volume position-sensitive CZT detectors feasible for many practical applications. We analyzed the digitized charge signals from a representative 9 pixels and the cathode, generated using a pulsed-laser light beam focused down to 10 μ m (650 nm) to scan over a selected 3 × 3 pixel area. We applied our digital pulse processing technique to the time-correlated signals captured from adjacent pixels to achieve and evaluate the capability for sub-pixel position resolution. As an example, we also demonstrated an application of 3D corrections to improve the energy resolution and positional information of the events for the tested detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial detector-grade cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) crystals still suffer from various types of extended defects, e.g., dislocations, micro-grains, grain boundaries, and Te-rich secondary phases. Most of these defects cannot readily be identified and characterized using conventional techniques, though they are believed to be the dominant factor causing non-uniformity in the detector response. In this work, we revealed and characterized these secondary-phase defects in CZT crystals by employing multiple advanced techniques, e.g. X-ray diffraction topography, micro-scale X-ray response mapping, chemical etching and infrared microscopy. We then evaluate the detector performance of the crystals by recording high spatial-resolution raster scans of the charge collection and spectral response. We directly correlated the influence of the secondary-phase defects on the performance of the detector responses. The experimental results exhibit clear evidence of the undesirable effects of extended defects on the performance of commercial CZT radiation detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium Magnesium Telluride (Cd1−x Mg x Te/CMgT) offers several pronounced potential advantages over the well-studied CdZnTe and CdMnTe, possibly making it a good alternative for room-temperature X- and gamma-ray detectors. It possesses high crystallinity due to the near-similar lattice structure of CdTe (6.48Å) and MgTe (6.42Å). Its displays good homogeneity as the Mg segregation coefficient in CdTe is nearly 1. Furthermore, inhomogeneities in the crystal due to alloying effects can be minimized, because the optimal energy band-gap can be achieved using less Mg in CdMgTe compared to Zn and Mn needed in CdZnTe and CdMnTe. We recently grew an undoped- and a doped-ingot of CdMgTe, characterized its material properties, and tested its detection performance. We obtained some exciting results that demonstrated some of its potential advantages over the other materials. The band-gap was measured as 1.61eV at room temperature and 1.73eV at 4K. The yield was predominantly single crystals with about two orders-of-magnitude fewer Te inclusions and other growth defects compared to CdZnTe and CdMnTe crystals. The measured resistivity of the undoped annealed crystal was about ∼107 Ω-cm; after doping in a second growth trial, it increased by 2–3 orders-of-magnitude (109–1010 Ω-cm). We examined the doped as-grown crystal as a radiation detector and acquired reasonably good spectral response to an Am-241 source. The estimated mu-tau value was as high as 7×10−4 cm2/V, which is an extraordinarily high value for such an early-phase investigation. We also analyzed point and extended defects using various techniques that will be discussed in this manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We evaluated a spectroscopy-grade 15×15×7mm3 CdZnTe (CZT) crystal with a high μτ-product, >10−2 cm2/V, but impaired by microscopic extended defects, such as walls of dislocations, low-angle and sub-grain boundaries, and Te inclusions. First, we evaluated a planar detector fabricated from this crystal using a Micro-scale X-ray Detector Mapping (MXDM) technique. Then, we fabricated from the same crystal a pixel detector to study local non-uniformities of the electric field. The measured X-ray response maps confirmed the presence of non-uniformities in the charge transport, and they showed that the global- and local-distortions of the internal E-field correlated to the extended defects and space-charge buildup on the side surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of the low mobility of holes, CdZnTe (CZT) detectors operate as electron-transport-only type devices whose particular geometrical parameters and contacts configurations are specially chosen to minimize the contribution of uncollected holes into the output signal amplitudes (induction effect). Several detector configurations have been proposed to address this problem. One of them employs a large geometrical aspect ratio, parallelepiped-shaped crystal with two planar contacts on the top and bottom surfaces (anode and cathode) and an additional shielding electrode placed on a crystal’s side to create the virtual Frisch-grid effect. We studied the effect of the shielding electrode length, as well as its location, on the responses of 6×6×15mm3 virtual Frisch-grid detectors. We found that the length of the shielding electrode placed next to the anode can be reduced to 5mm with no adverse effects on the device performance. Meanwhile, this allows for charge loss correction by reading the cathode signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We explored some unique defects in a batch of cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) crystals, along with dislocations and Te-rich decorated features, revealed by chemical etching. We extensively investigated these distinctive imperfections in the crystals to identify their origin, dimensions, and distribution in the bulk material. We estimated that these features ranged from 50 to 500μm in diameter, and their depth was about ∼300μm. The density of these features ranged between 2×102 and 1×103 per cm3. We elaborated a model of them and projected their effect on charge collection and spectral response. In addition, we fabricated detectors with these defective crystals and acquired fine details of charge-transport phenomena over the detectors’ volume using a high-spatial resolution (25μm) X-ray response mapping technique. We related the results to better understand the defects and their influence on the charge-transport properties of the devices. The role of the defects was identified by correlating their signatures with the findings from our theoretical model and our experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study is the evaluation of radiation effects in detectors based on p-type magnetic czochralski (MCz) Si that was converted to n-type by thermal donor (TD) introduction. As-processed p+-p-n+ detectors were annealed at 430°C resulting in p+-n(TD)-n+ structures. The space charge sign and the electric field distribution E(x) in MCz Si p+-n(TD)-n+ detectors irradiated by 24GeV/c protons were analyzed using the data on the current pulse response and the Double Peak (DP) electric field distribution model for heavily irradiated detectors. The approach considers an irradiated detector as a structure with three regions in which the electric field depends on the coordinate, and the induced current pulse response arises from the drift process of free carriers in the detector with variable electric field. Reconstruction of the E(x) profile from the pulse response shapes is performed employing a new method for DP electric field reconstruction. This method includes: (a) a direct extraction of charge loss due to trapping and (b) the fitting of a simulated pulse response to the “corrected” pulse by adjusting the electric field profiles in the three regions. Reconstruction of E(x) distribution showed that in the diodes irradiated by a proton fluence of (2–4)×1014 p/cm2 space charge sign inversion has occurred. This is the evidence that the influence of 24GeV/c proton radiation on MCz Si p+-n(TD)-n+ detectors is similar to that on p+-n-n+ detectors based on FZ or diffusion oxygenated n-type Si. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In an era characterized by growing environmental concerns and the urgent call for climate action, the role of green finance in addressing ecological sustainability has become a subject of paramount importance. Owing to this need, the current study examines the nonlinear relationship between green finance and environmental sustainability in 51 developing countries from 2000 to 2022. We employ various advanced panel estimation techniques, including Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (D-K), Feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), Generalized linear model (GLM), and System GMM to examine the long-run impact of this association. The results are further validated using a unique bootstrap quantile approach as a robustness check. We find a nonlinear inverted U-shaped relationship between green finance and environmental sustainability. We extend our analysis to lower-income and lower-middle-income countries and see that this nexus is stronger in middle-income countries than lower-income ones. Our findings also confirm the green finance based-EKC across the sub-samples of lower- and lower-middle-income countries. We also document that this nonlinear relationship is weak during the COVID-19 pandemic. This underscores the complexity of the investigated nexus, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to foster a sustainable environment in developing economies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The research presented in this manuscript is solely the result of the authors' academic investigation and is not influenced by any financial or commercial entities. All funding sources, if any, have been acknowledged in the manuscript, and the authors have adhered to the ethical guidelines of the Journal of Environmental Management throughout the research and publication process., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study focused on analyzing the pharmacological activities of AgNPs synthesized from an aqueous plant extract of Anchusa arvensis . The effectiveness of AgNPs was evaluated for protein kinase inhibition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The AgNPs and plant were used to regulate the protein kinase activity using the liquid TSB and ISP4 medium protein kinase inhibition study demonstrated that nanoparticles exhibited a larger zone of inhibition (9.1 ± 0.8) compared to the plant extract (8.1 ± 0.6). The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH reagent, and the results indicated that AgNPs displayed potent free radical scavenging properties. In terms of antibacterial activity, AgNPs showed higher efficacy against Enterobacter aerogens (20.1 ± 0.9), Bordetella bronchiseptaca (19.1 ± 0.9), and Salmonella typhimurium (17.2 ± 0.8) at 4 mg/mL. The antifungal activity of AgNPs was prominent against Aspergillus fumagatus (14.1 ± 0.9), Mucor species (19.2 ± 0.8), and Fusarium solani (11.2 ± 0.8) at 20 mg/mL. These findings suggest that AgNPs possess multiple beneficial properties, including bactericidal/fungicidal effects, protein kinase inhibition, and potential free radical scavenging abilities. Therefore, AgNPs have potential applications in various fields, such as biomedicine and industry, due to their ability to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals., (© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Background: Trauma during pregnancy presents multifaceted risks to both the developing fetus and the expectant mother due to pregnancy-induced physiological adaptations that affect the response to traumatic injuries. The infrequent occurrence of cardiac arrest during pregnancy necessitates interventions such as perimortem cesarean section (PMCS), now termed resuscitative hysterotomy. While early resuscitative hysterotomy focused primarily on fetal survival, more recent literature reports substantial maternal benefits. Resuscitative hysterotomy can lead to the restoration of maternal pulse and blood pressure within minutes and has shown potential to improve maternal outcomes. RH has been demonstrated to aid in fetal and maternal survival in hemodynamic unstable pregnant patients before cardiovascular collapse. The linguistic change from PMCS to resuscitative hysterotomy is a shift towards maternal-centric approaches and survival., Objective: In this series, we evaluate the outcomes of resuscitative hysterotomy performed before or after cardiovascular collapse to maximize maternal survival while concurrently optimizing fetal outcomes., Methods: We performed a retrospective case series review of 4 consecutive pregnant trauma patients who underwent RH due to hemodynamic instability. In addition, we conducted a descriptive analysis of all pregnant patients from 2013 to May 2024 who presented due to a traumatic injury but did not require a RH., Results: The average age of patients undergoing RH was 26.5 ± 6.8 years. All patients were in the third trimester with a mean gestational age of 32.3 ± 0.5 weeks. Fifty percent (50 %) of patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents, one (25 %) pedestrian was hit by a vehicle, and one (25 %) had GSW to the head. The median time to RH was 14.5 min. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 625 mL ±108.9 mL. The maternal survival rate was 50 %, with a fetal survival rate of 100 %. Three patients achieved hemodynamic stability; however, one of the patients progressed to death by neurological criteria. Therefore, we achieved 50 % of maternal survival. A resuscitative hysterotomy was performed due to early signs of maternal hemorrhagic shock and suggestive features of ongoing bleeding (persistent maternal tachycardia despite adequate analgesia and resuscitation, persistent maternal bradycardia, gradual decline of BP, and FHR abnormalities) in three patients. The remaining patient was found to have cardiac arrest at the scene with a brief return of spontaneous circulation and received resuscitative hysterotomy in the ED to restore cardiovascular function., Conclusion: RH in pregnant patients with traumatic injury and impending hemorrhagic shock or cardiovascular collapse may provide maternal survival benefits by supporting circulatory function and promoting resuscitation with no additional risks to fetal outcomes. Quick decision-making is crucial to the implementation of this life-saving procedure. Further research with a more significant number of patients is needed to validate the efficacy of RH in maximizing maternal survival. This case series adds to the evolving literature on RH, shedding light on practical aspects and maternal outcomes to inform ongoing discussions and strategies for maternal cardiopulmonary resuscitation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)