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A man in his 70s with a complex medical history, including cadaveric renal transplant, presented with recurrent urinary tract infections. Investigation revealed recurrent urinary pathogens, includingEnterobacter cloacaeand persistent BK viruria. Cystoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass in the right posterior–lateral wall, inferior to the transplant urethral orifice, and biopsy of this mass showed invasive small cell carcinoma with a prominent adenocarcinoma component. The tumour was treated with complete transurethral resection followed by carboplatin, etoposide and radiation. Laboratory analysis of biopsied samples showed immunostaining and molecular evidence of BK virus DNA in the cancer cells. Follow-up cystoscopies have shown no recurrence of the cancer.

This article examines how ideological frames, certain context factors and emotions influence choice of a retributory, retaliatory or reconciliatory reaction in intergroup conflict situations. Hindu and Muslim respondents supporting secular multiculturalism and composite culturalism gave their reactions to three norm-violating situations of varying intensities. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict preferred reactions across situations. Reconciliation in comparison to retaliation and retribution was the most preferred reaction of both Hindus and Muslims. Ideological beliefs also predicted preferred reactions of respondents. Muslims with composite culture beliefs preferred retribution over reconciliation in two out of three situations, while Hindus having composite cultural beliefs preferred reconciliation over retaliation only in one situation. Positive out-group attitudes favoured a reconciliatory reaction in both groups. Anger and fear influenced choice of reactions of Hindus but not of Muslims. For Hindus and Muslims, resource power favoured choosing retribution over reconciliation. However, Muslims with greater retaliatory power chose retaliation. Own group identity and fraternalistic relative deprivation (FRD) played only a minor role.

Despite the country’s extensive environmental jurisprudence and many historic rulings in which the courts have rescued worsening environmental situations, river (Ganga and Yamuna) water does not match the mandated minimum “bathing quality.” Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, which flow through numerous states and towns, would be in a different situation. Without strict monitoring and enforcement of the measures, no action plan can work. Punishment of defaulters can serve as deterrence while also instilling fear in other non-compliant enterprises. In comparison to environmental legislation, the NGT Act allows for substantially harsher fines and penalties. River rejuvenation plans must be carefully monitored to ensure that they do not suffer the same fate. Making action plans will not improve river water quality unless they are implemented with sincerity and consistency, as well as continuous monitoring and severe enforcement.

A 95 days experiment was conducted to observe the growth performance of giant fresh water prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) replacing fishmeal protein by dietary soybean meal protein in ten earthen mini ponds (50 m2), at Khulna University campus . Five experimental diets containing 25% protein as Control, Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3 and Diet 4 were used. In Control, 36% fishmeal was used as a sole source of protein and Diet 1, 2, 3 and 4 were prepared by substituting fishmeal protein with 30, 40, 50, and 80% fishmeal protein with soybean meal protein respectively. Juvenile shrimps were collected from local vendors having 1.7 g average weight and stocked at a density of 3 m-2. Water and soil quality was monitored regularly and found within the acceptable range. The prawns were fed twice daily at satiations by serving the diets in feeding trays. The highest average weight gain was found in Diet 4 (23.89 ± 5.29 g) and the lowest in Diet 2 (17.68 ± 1.09), although no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed among the treatment and the lowest FCR (1.09) the highest SGR (2.60) and PER (3.43) was achieved in Diet 4 that showed significant difference (p

Optimal cell spreading and interplay of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), inflammatory cells, and cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are critical for progressive atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. The role of vitronectin (VTN), a major cell attachment glycoprotein, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we attempt to examine the pathological role of VTN in arterial plaque progression and inflammation. We found that, relative expression analysis of VTN from the liver of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Knockout mice revealed that atherosclerotic progression induced by feeding mice with high cholesterol diet (HCD) causes a significant downregulation of VTN mRNA as well as protein after 60 days. Promoter assay confirmed that cholesterol modulates the expression of VTN by influencing its promoter. Mimicking VTN reduction with siRNA in HCD fed ApoE Knockout mice, accelerated athero‐inflammation with an increase in NF‐kB, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 at the site of the plaque along with upregulation of inflammatory proteins like MCP‐1 and IL‐1β in the plasma. Also, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐12 expression were increased and collagen content was decreased in the plaque, in VTN deficient condition. This might pose a challenge to plaque integrity. Human subjects with acute coronary syndrome or having risk factors of atherosclerosis have lower levels of VTN compared to healthy controls suggesting a clinical significance of plasma VTN in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. We establish that, VTN plays a pivotal role in cholesterol‐driven atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation and might be a useful indicator for atherosclerotic plaque burden and stability.

A green and sustainable route for selective esterification of glycerol has been developed. The high selectivity of tri-acetin (99%), recyclability of catalyst and overall green methodology were the advantageous features.

Abiotic stresses have a detrimental impact on plant growth and productivity and are a major threat to sustainable crop production in rapidly changing environments. Proline, an important amino acid, plays an important role in maintaining the metabolism and growth of plants under abiotic stress conditions. Many insights indicate a positive relationship between proline accumulation and tolerance of plants to various abiotic stresses. Because of its metal chelator properties, it acts as a molecular chaperone, an antioxidative defence molecule that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as having signalling behaviour to activate specific gene functions that are crucial for plant recovery from stresses. It also acts as an osmoprotectant, a potential source to acquire nitrogen as well as carbon, and plays a significant role in the flowering and development of plants. Overproduction of proline in plant cells contributes to maintaining cellular homeostasis, water uptake, osmotic adjustment and redox balance to restore the cell structures and mitigate oxidative damage. Many reports reveal that transgenic plants, particularly those overexpressing genes tailored for proline accumulation, exhibit better adaptation to abiotic stresses. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive update on proline biosynthesis and accumulation in plants and its putative regulatory roles in mediating plant defence against abiotic stresses. Additionally, the current and future directions in research concerning manipulation of proline to induce gene functions that appear promising in genetics and genomics approaches to improve plant adaptive responses under changing climate conditions are also highlighted.

Until now, no specific and effective treatment exists for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since honey and Nigella sativa (HNS) have established antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, we tested their efficacy for this disease in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, and randomized clinical trial at four medical care facilities in Pakistan. RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 adults showing moderate or severe disease were enrolled in the trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either honey (1 g kg

Purpose: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) while usually safe, is not without risk. Both sublingual (SLIT) and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) have the potential for systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. Materials and Methods: A short survey was distributed to fellows of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) (n = 553) in July of 2019 to determine current prescribing practices. Results: A total of 103/553 surveys were completed, giving a response rate of 18.6%. Prescribing patterns for SCIT showed 79.6% prescribed auto-injectable epinephrine (AIE) to all patients, 11.7% prescribed only to high risk patients, while 1.9% did not prescribe AIE at all. SLIT showed similar patterns with 71.8% prescribing AIE to all, 11.7% to high risk or letting patient choose, and 6.8% did not prescribe to anyone. Just under half of the physicians responded affirmatively to giving a written anaphylaxis plan to patients on immunotherapy. 48.5% physicians reported treating in-office anaphylaxis due to SCIT or skin testing in the past year, while 6% reported anaphylaxis due to SLIT. Conclusions: A majority of otolaryngic allergists are still prescribing AIE for both SCIT and SLIT. With the recent higher costs attributed to AIE as well as drug shortages, some physicians are risk-stratifying patients. While SCIT has a higher risk for treatment related systemic reactions, anaphylaxis does occur with SLIT, thus making it imperative to counsel patients on a clear anaphylaxis protocol in all forms of AIT.

Background: Older adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to be frail, which increases the risk for disability and mortality. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of a behavioral lifestyle intervention, enhanced with mobile health technology for self-monitoring of diet and activity, to improve frailty in overweight/obese older adults (≥65 years) diagnosed with T2D. Design, Setting, and Participants: Single arm, 6-month study of a behavioral lifestyle intervention in 20 overweight/obese (BMI>25) older adults (≥ 65 years) with self-reported T2D diagnosis who owned a smartphone. A Fitbit tracker was provided to all participants for self-monitoring of diet and physical activity. Our primary outcome of feasibility was measured by session attendance, adherence to Fitbit usage to self-monitor diet and physical activity, and study retention. Secondary outcomes included the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on frailty, physical function, quality of life, and T2D-related outcomes. Results: Eighteen participants completed the study. The mean age was 71.5 (SD ± 5.3) years, 56% were female, and half were Hispanic. At baseline, 13 (72%) were pre-frail, 4 (22%) were frail, and 1 (6%) were non-frail. At follow-up, frailty scores improved significantly from 1.61 ± 1.15 to 0.94 ± 0.94 (p=0.01) and bodyweight improved from 205.66 ± 45.52 lbs. to 198.33 ± 43.6 lbs. (p=

This article will review different methods of skin testing available for allergic rhinitis, emphasizing controversies and challenges associated with these techniques. The utility of quantitative skin testing has been debated in current literature, as has the accuracy of skin versus in vitro testing. Single- and pauci-allergen immunotherapy (AIT) have also shown good outcomes, thus questioning the use of large testing panels. Recent studies further support the use of standardized and recombinant antigens. Skin testing remains a safe and dependable tool in the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis. Newer techniques such as component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), recombinant antigens, and enhanced skin evaluation are being studied, but are still expensive and not widely available. Areas that require more research include designing standardized and recombinant allergens, the real utility of quantitative skin testing, the number of aeroallergens to test and treat, skin testing for molds as well as when to repeat skin testing.

Build Environ 219, 109187 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109187, Published by Elsevier, New York, NY [u.a.]