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Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) are aggressive hemipteran species that depend primarily on leaf tissue for their nourishment, causing substantial damages and yield losses in their hosts. This study was carried out to assess the effect of whitefly infestation on the growth parameters of one of the commercial eggplant cultivars (round green  Solanum melongena L) under filed conditions. The trial consists of four treatments (T1= 15, T2= 30, T3= 45 and control (T4) = 0 whiteflies/plot) replicated four times. The result revealed that all the parameters assessed are negatively affected by whitefly infestation with plants in treatment (T3) being most affected while those in T1 are least affected. The dry weight recorded least value (1.1 g/leaf) having the highest percentage reduction (69.11%) followed by leaf area with 152.5cm2 (48.83% reduction) while the number of leaves was least affected recording 50.3 leaves/plant (18.09% reduction) at 90 days after infestation in 2022 experiment. In 2023 experiment, similar results were recorded with plants in T3 being most affected. Dry weight of the leaves had the lowest value  (1.3g/leaf) representing the highest reduction (68.30%) followed by the  leaf area with 167.3cm2 (44.8% reduction) with the number of leaves also being least affected, recording 52.1 leaves/plant representing 9.40% reduction with plants in treatment T1,  at 90 days after infestation. The highest reduction in yield was also recorded with plants in T3 (92.10, 90.10%) while the least was observed in T1 (86.8 and 85.70%) for the respective trials (2022 and 2023). The result shows the level of susceptibility of the variety examined to whitefly infestation, demonstrating the urgent needs for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable whitefly management regimes for improved eggplant production in the area.

Desensitization allows successful transplantation of patients with a positive crossmatch (PXM) against their live donor. We evaluated outcomes following PXM renal transplant despite failure to convert to negative flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM) after desensitization. Patients that underwent desensitization before PXM transplant between 1/1/00 and 11/1/11 were identified for analysis. Patients who received a transplant despite failure to convert to negative FCXM were identified as the not converted group. Patients who converted to negative FCXM after desensitization comprised the converted group control arm. 108 patients were desensitized before PXM transplant, (not converted group=42; converted group=66). Mean eGFR was comparable between groups at all time points, and 3-year eGFR was 57.8 mL/min vs. 57.1 mL/min, p=0.91. Patients with eGFR < 30mL/min at 3 years did not differ significantly (28% vs. 14%, p=0.15). Biopsy-proven rejection rates were numerically higher within the not converted group for each type of rejection and time point, but the values did not differ significantly. Opportunistic infections rates were comparable. Patient survival (95% vs. 91%) and death-censored allograft survival (84% vs. 95%, p=0.07) were similar between arms at 3 years post-transplant.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 900,000 people annually in the United States. In rare cases, a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) may allow a venous thrombus to cross into the arterial circulation, causing a paradoxical embolism. This case report presents a 46-year-old male who developed left renal artery stenosis after a paradoxical embolism, likely triggered by a prolonged flight and binge alcohol consumption. The patient was found to have a moderate-sized PFO and renal infarction, confirmed by imaging studies. Despite initial anticoagulation therapy and a planned stenting procedure, intraoperative findings revealed only mild stenosis, leading to cancellation of the stent placement. The patient ultimately underwent PFO closure with an Amplatzer Talisman device. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in managing paradoxical embolism and the need for individualized treatment, particularly concerning anticoagulation duration, the decision for PFO closure, and post-procedural antithrombotic therapy. Further research is required to establish optimal management strategies for cryptogenic embolic events.

Background: Platelets are increasingly recognized as important inflammatory markers. This study explores the association between platelet indices and disease severity in ulcerative colitis (UC).Objective: To evaluate platelet parameters in patients with newly diagnosed UC and assess their correlation with disease severity indices.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, between October 2022 and September 2024. A total of 62 newly diagnosed UC patients aged over 18 years were included. Disease severity was evaluated using Truelove and Witts (TLW) criteria, Mayo Disease Activity Index (Mayo DAI), and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet mass index (PMI), and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR) were measured. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, ROC curves, and sensitivity/specificity assessment.Results: The majority of patients were male (81%) with a mean age of 28.2 years. A significant positive correlation was observed between platelet count and disease severity by UCEIS (r = 0.32, p = 0.015) and Mayo DAI (r = 0.35, p = 0.009). PMI showed strong correlations with UCEIS (r = 0.45, p = 0.001) and Mayo DAI (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). MPV was inversely correlated but showed weak significance. PLCR also showed significant correlations. ROC analysis revealed platelet count (AUC = 0.815) and PLCR (AUC = 0.729) as good predictors of disease severity.Conclusion: Platelet parameters, particularly PMI, PLCR, and platelet count, may serve as accessible, non-invasive biomarkers for assessing disease severity in UC. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted.

The article evaluates the features of the course of chronic HBV infection in children with the background of anemia of inflammation. A brief description of the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease is given, depending on the course of anemia and inflammation. The data on hepcidin dynamics are analyzed. The stage–by-stage formation of iron metabolism disorders was revealed, in the form of a true deficiency with a breakdown of ferrokinetic markers – an increase in hepcidin and soluble transferin receptors with the background reduced ferritin values characteristic of iron deficiency anemia in the initial stages of the disease and, redistributive iron deficiency - decrease in hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptors with the background increased ferritin values characteristic of iron overload the body is in the late stages of the disease.

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are comprehensive, interdisciplinary frameworks aimed at minimizing surgical stress, standardizing perioperative care, and expediting recovery. Perianesthesia nurses, who operate in preoperative assessment units and post-anesthesia care units (PACU), play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of ERAS implementation. Objectives: To compile and analyze current evidence regarding the impact of perianesthesia nursing care on surgical outcomes pre- and post-anesthesia, and to compare outcomes of ERAS with traditional care practices. Methods: A narrative review of ERAS guidelines along with recent meta-analyses and clinical trials (2016–2025) focusing on nursing-sensitive processes (such as patient education, anxiety management, adherence to PONV prophylaxis, multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and readiness for discharge) as well as outcomes (including length of hospital stay, complications, readmission rates, and time to PACU discharge). Results: Meta-analyses across different specialties indicate that the adoption of ERAS correlates with reduced hospital stays and a decrease in complications without an increase in readmission rates or mortality. Processes led by perianesthesia nurses—including the education of patients and setting their expectations, adherence to carbohydrate loading and fasting guidelines, maintenance of normothermia, PONV prophylaxis based on risk assessment, opioid-sparing pain management, protocols for the removal of urinary catheters/lines, and encouragement of early oral intake and ambulation—contribute to these positive outcomes. Research also reveals that ERAS programs facilitate quicker fulfillment of discharge criteria in the PACU. Conclusion: Perianesthesia nurses implement ERAS protocols at the bedside, effectively converting these guidelines into dependable practices that enhance recovery milestones and diminish complications. Ongoing benefits are contingent upon systematic documentation, effective interprofessional communication, and continuous performance audit and feedback.

HELLP syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia, characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, often resulting in significant maternal and fetal morbidity. One of its most catastrophic but rare complications is hepatic rupture, typically secondary to the development of a subcapsular liver hematoma. This case report describes a patient with hepatic rupture associated with HELLP syndrome, managed at the Leonor Mendes de Barros Maternity Hospital in São Paulo.

Ventricular Septal Defect, also known as VSD is a rare and life-threatening complication associated with MI. Therefore, it should be immediately diagnosed and treated. Transcatheter closure of the ventricular septal defect is a new alternative treatment approach compared to surgery. In this case, we presented a patient with post-infarct basal ventricular septal defect whose ventricular septal defect was closed using an atrial septal defect closure device. The ability to successfully close such a large defect via catheter is promising for the treatment of patients with VSD.

Several methods were developed in lab work, including forensic analysis of polymers & organic GSR from 3D printed firearms using Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) for a wide variety of applications. Since its introduction, DART-MS has been studied for forensic use in areas including drug detection, gunshot residue, printer inks, and even insect identification. We used DART-MS to characterize the polymer evidence left behind by a 3D-printed firearm on cartridge cases, bullets, and the receiving surface. According to James Cizdziel, “There is concern with these 3D printed guns because they have no serial numbers. The fire gun barrels made with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid, PETG, Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) & Nylon were examined by DART-MS. The resulting cartridge cases, bullets & GSR are examined by Direct Analysis of Real Time-Mass Spectrometry”. It successfully detects and identifies the traces of polymer and organic GSR compounds on the bullets, cartridge cases, and in GSR collected from clothing. While detecting polymer in the trace evidence was challenging, DART-MS obtained clear spectra that matched the plastic from the gun from clothing used as a backdrop for test fire. According to the study, DART-MS readily detected three chemicals commonly found in firearm propellants (ethyl centralite, methyl centralite, and diphenylamine) on the bullet and cartridge case, as well as in the solvent wash of the GSR stub. The resulting cartridge cases, bullets, and gunshot residue (GSR) were examined by direct analysis in real time – mass spectrometry (DART-MS). High-resolution mass spectra detected polymer from the gun barrel on bullets and cartridge casings for a 0.38 special Caliber gun and, to a lesser extent, for a 0.22 Caliber 3D-printed gun. This study states that analysis of firearm trace evidence using DART-MS needs more attention & that the technique may be particularly useful for investigating crimes involving 3D-printed guns. I'm writing my review paper on this topic because it's important for addressing challenges related to 3D-printed firearms. These weapons often don't have traditional serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. However, by analyzing polymer residues left on bullets, cartridge cases, or nearby surfaces, investigators can potentially identify the firearm used. The unique chemical makeup of polymers used in 3D printing can help ink the residue back to a specific gun or even a particular 3D printer model. This study states that analysis of firearm trace evidence using DART-MS needs more attention & that the technique may be particularly useful for investigating crimes involving 3D-printed guns.

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence and seasonal variations of eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats in four provinces of Mozambique, from November 2016 to October 2017 in Tete and Cabo Delgado, and from November 2016 to October 2018 in Maputo and Gaza. In each province, flocks were selected from both lowlands, located within the valleys of the rivers, and uplands which are located outside the valleys. Faecal samples were collected at monthly intervals to monitor faecal egg counts fluctuations. The modified McMaster technique was used for quantitative analysis of nematode eggs and for detecting cestode eggs in faecal samples. The sedimentation technique for detecting trematode eggs in faecal samples was used. A total of 2 703 samples were examined for nematode eggs and 2 587 for trematode eggs. Faecal examination indicated that between 18% and 100% of goats sampled were infected with gastro-intestinal nematodes. The prevalence varied according to the season of the year and the ecological conditions. The highest prevalence and worm egg counts were recorded at about the peak of the rainy season. Strongyloides papillosus, Calicophoron spp., Fasciola spp. and Schistosoma mattheei eggs were also found. Moniezia expansa and Moniezia benedeni eggs were found in all the four study areas but its prevalence was low and irregular. Based on the results of this study, which showed a clear seasonal pattern, strategic anthelmintic medications to effectively control helminth infections in goats in the different ecological zones of Mozambique are suggested.