This study focuses on the design of new catalysts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of acrylic acid nitrile synthesis, particularly in aqueous and non-aqueous systems. The research investigates various catalyst formulations and their performance in promoting the desired chemical reactions under different conditions. Comparative studies between aqueous and non-aqueous systems highlight the advantages and challenges associated with each environment for acrylic acid nitrile production. Experimental data and analysis provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms and reaction kinetics involved, shedding light on optimal catalyst design parameters. The findings contribute to advancing the understanding of catalyst development for improved acrylic acid nitrile synthesis processes.

Small bowel adhesions are quite common after abdominal surgery, which makes this problem significant for medical practice. The obstruction can lead to serious complications such as intestinal necrosis, peritonitis and others, which requires surgical intervention. In recent years, there has been an active introduction of innovative treatment methods such as laparoscopy, endoscopic approaches and the use of drugs to prevent adhesions. Thus, the topic of diagnosis and treatment of adhesive small intestinal obstruction remains relevant and requires constant attention from the medical community to improve treatment results and reduce complications in patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate abdominal ultrasound changes in patients diagnosed with dengue fever and their relationship with platelet count.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care medical college's radiology department in an urban area. One hundred cases diagnosed with dengue fever based on serology were included, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Among the 100 cases, 60 were male (60%) and 40 were female (40%). Seventy-six patients showed increased gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) due to pericholecystic edema, 31 exhibited ascites, and 32 had splenomegaly. Thrombocytopenia was associated with increased third spacing and splenomegaly observed on abdominal ultrasound.

Practical Implications

This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing abdominal ultrasound features in suspected dengue cases while awaiting laboratory results. It provides crucial insights for medical professionals (undergraduates, postgraduates, and consultants) and patients, facilitating early intervention and potentially averting complications.

Conclusion

Gallbladder wall edema, splenomegaly, and ascites are prevalent in severe dengue cases. Detecting these features early may signal the likelihood of progression to severe dengue.

This study presents a comparative clinical evaluation of Alkasite-based cement and Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) in primary dentition, utilizing FDI criteria for assessment. Alkasite-based cement is a newer material gaining attention in dental applications, purportedly offering improved properties over traditional GIC. The research evaluates parameters such as retention, marginal integrity, secondary caries formation, and overall clinical performance using standardized FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) criteria. The findings aim to provide evidence-based insights into the effectiveness and suitability of Alkasite-based cement compared to GIC in pediatric dental care.

In the modern era of cardiac surgery, most operations have been performed via midline sternotomy using artificial circulation. However, this paradigm is changing as minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized in cardiovascular surgery. Advances in patient assessment, instrumentation, and operative techniques have allowed surgeons to perform a wide range of complex operations through smaller incisions and, in some cases, without artificial circulation. Given that patients desire less invasive surgeries and the literature supports reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and better cosmetic outcomes, minimally invasive cardiac surgery should be widely practiced. In this article, we review the incisions and approaches currently used in minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between cousin marriages and the risk of Thalassemia major in Pakistan, while also assessing the awareness levels of affected patients regarding the disease and their inclination towards premarital carrier screening, prenatal diagnosis, and preconception genetic counseling.

Introduction: Thalassemia major stands as one of the most prevalent inherited diseases in Pakistan, attributed to various genetic defects hindering globin chain synthesis. With approximately 5000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 50,000 registered Thalassemia patients receiving treatment across the nation, the disease poses a significant public health concern.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Thalassemia blood center, Hilal-e-Ahmer trust hospital in Sargodha, from March 2022 to October 2022. A pretested predesigned close-ended questionnaire was utilized to collect data from a sample size of 200 participants, comprising Thalassemia patients resulting from cousin and non-cousin marriages. The study obtained approval from the ethical review committee of the institution before commencement.

Results: Our findings revealed a slight male predominance, with 54% males and 46% females. Cousin marriages accounted for 79% of patients, highlighting the significant influence of genetic factors in Thalassemia major prevalence. Among families, cousin marriage was prevalent in 86% of cases. Additionally, 52% of parents of Thalassemia patients became aware of their carrier status after undergoing screening.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of cousin marriages in our sociocultural context contributes to the persistent increase in Thalassemia major cases. Furthermore, inadequate awareness among affected individuals underscores the need for comprehensive education initiatives targeting the general public, parents, and families of Thalassemia patients.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a steadily progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the pyramidal system, cerebellum, and autonomic nervous systemх[1]. MSA is an α-synucleinopathy with specific glioneuronal degeneration involving striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar, and autonomic nervous systems but also other parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems[3]. Clinical manifestations include hypotension, urinary retention, constipation, ataxia, parkinsonism, and postural instability. Multiple system atrophy affects both men and women equally, the first symptoms usually appear after age 53. The etiology of this pathology is unknown, but is associated with the accumulation of bodies containing alpha-synuclein in different parts of the brain[1]. There are two types of MSA. The first type occurs with a predominance of cerebellar dysfunctions: ataxia, postural instability. In the clinical setting of the second type of MSA, symptoms of parkinsonism predominate, such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, postural disturbances, non-resting tremor and dysarthria. Also, both types exhibit autonomic disorders. The prognosis for this pathology is unfavorable; after the first symptoms appear, life expectancy is 9-10 years.

Inflammatory periodontal diseases are one of the most common dental diseases in the world, along with dental caries. In the modern concept of the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases, one of the important roles is assigned to the body's immune response to the action of periodontal pathogenic microorganisms. In modern scientific literature, the concept of cytokine development of inflammatory periodontal diseases has been formed and substantiated. Evaluation of the cytokine profile of oral and gingival fluids allows us to determine the activity and severity of the disease. Well-founded immunological and molecular genetic mechanisms for the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases, associated with the influence of cytokines, make it possible to adjust the complex treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases, determine the direction of personalized therapy for patients, determine the effectiveness of the treatment and the prognosis of the disease.

Sexual assault is a vice that is alarming in secondary schools in Cameroon. It’s a severe crime and call for concern especially in schools due to vulnerability of students. Nowadays, the rate at which adolescent students are involved in sexual assaults is alarming. They engage in physical, sexual and relational victimisation which may have adverse psychosocial effects on the victims. Though they are diverse forms of victimisation among adolescents such as obvert victimisation, relational, property crime and power imbalance, this paper focuses on how sexual assaults (sexual violence, groping, rape, forced virginal or oral penetration,) leads to psychosocial maladjustment among adolescents in secondary schools in Cameroon. Mixed method was used in collecting data. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select a sample which comprised of adolescent students (577), counsellors (12) and discipline masters (12) from some schools in the North West, South West, Centre, and Adamawa Region (613). The instruments used for data collection were a closed-ended questionnaire for students, a focus group discussion with students, and an interview for counsellors and discipline masters/mistresses. Data obtained were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using cross-tabulations, percentages, and multiple response sets. Findings showed that sexual assaults significantly predict psychosocial maladjustment (P < 0.001). The positive sign of the correlation (R= 0.641**) implied that adolescents are more likely to suffer from psychosocial maladjustments. When there was a persistent occurrence of relational victimisation in the school environment. The findings implies that when there is  persistent sexual violence, groping, rape, forced virginal or oral penetration from social groups, the victim turn to suffer from psychosocial maladjustment. In order to reduce the adverse effects of sexual victimisation and promote positive psychosocial maladjustments among adolescent the various stakeholders especially parents, teachers, school administrators, and counsellors should play unique roles in organising forums to advice and counsel the students peer victimisation.