A novel synergistic effect of TiO2 and ZnO incorporation in PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for treatment of textile wastewater

A novel synergistic effect of TiO₂ and ZnO incorporation in the PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes was developed for the treatment of common effluent treatment plant (CETP) textile wastewater. PES@TiO₂ membranes were developed by phase inversion via the immersion precipitation method followed by the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by the rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal process via interfacial polymerization. p-Phenylenediamine was used as a monomer for the IP process that was coated on the PES@TiO₂ support layer. Various techniques have been applied to characterize the developed thin-film nanocomposite membranes such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurement to examine the presence of vibrational modes, surface morphology, the crystal structure of nanoparticles, and hydrophilicity of the membrane, respectively. Membrane properties include porosity, salt rejection, mean pore radius, pure water flux, and industrial effluent rejection efficiency that were studied. The thin-film nanocomposite membrane T5-PES@TiO₂(2%)-ZnO(0.3%) was prepared with a combination of 17 wt% PES, 78 wt% DMF, 3 wt% PVP K30, 2% TiO₂, 2.5 wt% PPD, 0.3 wt% ZnO, and 1.0 wt% TMC that exhibited high water permeability, porosity, higher industrial effluent rejection, and salt rejection efficiency compared to the neat PES membrane.

In-plane current induced nonlinear magnetoelectric effects in single crystal films of barium hexaferrite

This report is on the observation and analysis of nonlinear magnetoelectric effects (NLME) for in-plane currents perpendicularly to the hexagonal axis in single crystals and liquid phase epitaxy grown thin films of barium hexaferrite. Measurements involved tuning of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) at 56–58 GHz in the multidomain and single domain states in the ferrite by applying a current. Data on the shift in the resonance frequency with input electric power was utilized to estimate the variations in the magnetic parameter that showed a linear dependence on the input electric power. The NLME tensor coefficients were determined form the estimated changes in the magnetization and uniaxial anisotropy field. The estimated NLME coefficients for in-plane currents are shown to be much higher than for currents flowing along the hexagonal axis. Although the frequency shift of FMR was higher for the single domain resonance, the multi-domain configuration is preferable for device applications since it eliminates the need for a large bias magnetic field. Thus, multidomain resonance with current in the basal plane is favorable for use in electrically tunable miniature, ferrite microwave signal processing devices requiring low operating power.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among drug resistant tuberculosis: A study in North India

BACKGROUND

Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is an emergent issue in the recent decades. Multidrug resistant (MDR-TB) and Extensive drug resistant (XDR-TB) tuberculosis are the common type of DR-TB. Psychological issues like depression and anxiety are common among the chronic illnesses like tuberculosis. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of depression and anxiety among these patients.

METHODS

Our study is conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of depression and anxiety among the drug resistant tuberculosis patients attending DOTS clinic. The depression and anxiety were screened using PHQ-9 and HAM-A inventories. Binomial and multinomial regression analysis were done to identifying the predictors of depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of depression in MDR-TB and XDR-TB is 68% and 78% respectively. The prevalence of anxiety is 54% in MDR-TB and 66% in XDR-TB respectively in our study. Duration of illness and literacy were the significant predictors of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Patients with DR-TB faces huge psychological burden and this study highlighted the toll of depression and anxiety among them. Adequate screening, identification and treatment for these disorders among DR-TB patients at their earlier treatment stage helps in improving the adherence to treatment and functionality.

Influence of monomers involved in the fabrication of a novel PES based nanofiltration thin-film composite membrane and its performance in the treatment of common effluent (CETP) textile industrial wastewater

OBJECTIVE

In this article, monomers (tannic acid (TA) and m- phenylenediamine (MPD)) were used in the fabrication of a novel PES based thin-film composite nanofiltration (TFC-NF) membrane for the treatment of a common effluent treatment plant (CETP) of textile industrial wastewater.

MEMBRANE SYNTHESIS

PES support sheets and TFC layers were fabricated via non-solvent induced phase inversion and in-situ interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The ultra-thin active layer was synthesized via the IP process with monomers such as tannic acid (TA) and m- phenylenediamine (MPD). T and M series membranes correspond to (PES/x wt% TA, x = 2, 4, 6) as T1, T2, T3 -TA and (PES/x wt% MPD, x = 2, 4, 6) as M1, M2, M3-MPD respectively. M0 corresponds to PES which is the virgin membrane.

RESULTS

The chemical structure, surface morphology, surface roughness and surface properties were explored using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle, respectively. The filtration performance of the thin-film composite nanofiltration (TFC-NF) membranes was investigated by various properties like pure water flux, salt rejection, porosity, mean pore radius and antifouling analysis.

CONCLUSION

T1-TA membrane showed better water permeability, high salt rejection and better industrial effluent rejection with 94.4% of TDS that are suitable for industrial reuse and agricultural irrigation. Moreover, for T1-TA membrane, the water flux, porosity, mean pore radius, salt rejection, surface roughness and contact angle of 43.5lm^- 2 h ^- 1, 47.1%, 16.7nm, 72.7%, 11.7nm and 41.48°was achieved respectively that was found to be higher than that of all the other fabricated membranes. Further, the rejection efficiency rate of textile effluent characteristics such as pH, turbidity, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, BOD and COD were also achieved with maximum deduction in the T1-TA TFC-NF membrane compared to the M0-Virgin PES membrane. From the results, it can be confirmed that the T1-TA membrane significantly reduced the alkalinity, total hardness, BOD and COD rejections of 78%, 77.3%, 58.5% and 67.5% respectively, present in the effluent. Water flux recovery ratio (FRR) was improved from 74.6% for M0-Virgin PES membrane to 94.8% for T1-TA membrane. The modified TFC-NF membranes especially T1-TA, had better anti-fouling property and excellent hydrophilicity than the unmodified M0-Virgin PES membrane.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00624-x.

Nonlinear magnetoelectric effects in Al-substituted strontium hexaferrite

This report is on the observation and theory of electric field E induced non-linear magnetoelectric (NLME) effects in single crystal platelets of ferrimagnetic M-type strontium aluminum hexagonal ferrite. Using microwave measurement techniques, it was found that a DC electric field along the hexagonal c-axis results in significant changes in the saturation magnetization and uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy field and these changes are proportional to the square of the applied static electric field. The NLME effects were present with or without an external bias magnetic field. The E-induced variation in magnetic order parameters is attributed to weakening of magnetic exchange and spin-orbit interactions since conduction electrons in the ferrite are effectively excluded from both interactions while being in transit from one Fe ion to another. We present a phenomenological theory which considers magneto-bielectric effects characterized by a quadratic term in electric field E in the free energy density. The coefficients for the NLME coupling terms have been calculated from experimental data and they do show variations with the Al substitution level and the largest rates of change of the saturation magnetization and anisotropy constant change with the applied power were observed for x = 0.4. It was also clear from the study that strength of the NLME effect does not depend on the amount Al substitution, but critically depends on the electrical conductivity of the sample with the highest NLME coefficients estimated for the sample with the highest conductivity. Results of this work are of importance for a new family of electric field tunable, miniature, high frequency ferrite devices.

Hyperlipidemia impairs uterine β-adrenergic signaling by reducing cAMP in late pregnant rats

The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of hyperlipidemia on β2- and β3-adrenergic signaling in late pregnant rat uterus. Hyperlipidemia was induced in female Wistar rats by feeding a high-fat high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks before and after mating upto the 21st day of gestation. The effect of hyperlipidemia on β-adrenergic signaling was studied with the help of tension experiments, real-time PCR and cAMP ELISA in 21-day pregnant rat uterus. In tension experiments, hyperlipidemia neither altered the spontaneous contractility nor the oxytocin-induced contractions. However, it decreased the -logEC50 values of β2-adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol and β3-adrenoceptor agonist, BRL37344. It also decreased the efficacy of adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin. Further, there was a significant decrease in salbutamol and BRL37344-stimulated cAMP content in uterine tissues. However, there was no alteration in mRNA expressions of β2-adrenoceptor (Adrb2), β3-adrenoceptor (Adrb3) and Gs protein (Gnas) though there was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of Gi protein (Gnai). In conclusion, reduced cAMP content after beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation, which correlates with an increase in Gnai mRNA, may explain the mechanism of the impairment of uterine β-adrenergic signaling in hyperlipidemic pregnant rats. The clinical implication of the present study may relate to reduced myometrial relaxant response to β-adrenergic agonists in high fat-induced uterine dysfunction.

Leptin receptor stimulation in late pregnant mouse uterine tissue inhibits spontaneous contractions by increasing NO and cGMP

The adipokine, leptin exerts inhibitory effect on both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions in myometrium. However, the mechanisms involved in leptin-induced effect are not clear. In the present study, we studied the altered characteristics of uterine contractions in the presence of leptin and the possible mechanisms of its effect in late pregnant (18.5 day) mouse uterus. We conducted functional, biochemical and molecular biology studies to demonstrate the mechanism of leptin-induced response. Leptin exerted an inhibitory response (E_max 40.5 ± 3.99%) on basal uterine contractions. The extent of inhibition was less than that obtained with known uterine relaxants, salbutamol (E_max103 ± 8.66%) and BRL-37344 (E_max 84.79 ± 8.12%). Leptin-induced uterine response was inhibited by leptin receptor antagonist SHLA and JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor, AG-490. The relaxant response was also subdued by NO-cGMP-PK-G pathway blockers L-NAME, 1400W, ODQ and KT-5823. Further, leptin enhanced the levels of NO and cGMP in uterine tissues. Also, SHLA, AG-490 and a combination of 1400 W and L-NAME prevented leptin-induced increase in NO. Similar effect was observed on cGMP levels in presence of leptin and SHLA. However, leptin did not influence CaCl₂-induced response in potassium-depolarized tissues. We also detected leptin receptor protein in late pregnant mouse uterus located in endometrial luminal epithelium and myometrial layers. Real-time PCR studies revealed significantly higher expression of short forms of the receptor (ObRa and ObRc) in comparison to the long form (ObRb). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that leptin inhibits mouse uterine contraction by stimulating short forms of the leptin receptors and activating NO pathway in a JAK-STAT-dependent manner.

1,4-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)naphthalene

The title naphthalene derivative, C24H20O2, features 4-methyoxy-substituted benzene rings in the 1 and 4 positions of the naphthalene ring system. There are two crystallographically independent molecules (A and B) in asymmetric unit. The independent molecules have very similar conformations in which the naphthalene ring systems are only slightly bent, exhibiting dihedral angles between the constituent benzene rings of 3.76 (15) and 3.39 (15)° for A and B, respectively. The pendent 4-methyoxybenzene rings are splayed out of the plane through the naphthalene ring system to which they are connected [range of dihedral angles = 59.63 (13) to 67.09 (13)°]. In the crystal, the molecular packing is consolidated by intermolecular C—H...π interactions, leading to supramolecular chains along the b axis. The chains assemble without directional interactions between them.

5,13-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene S,S-dioxide dichloromethane hemisolvate

The title compound, C34H24O4S·0.5CH2Cl2, crystallizes with two independent molecules and one dichloromethane solvent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystal packing is consolidated by C—H...O hydrogen bonds.

2-Amino-6-chloropyridine–glutaric acid (1/1)

In the title 1:1 co-crystal [systematic name: 6-chloropyridin-2-amine–pentanedioic acid (1/1)], C5H5ClN2·C5H8O4, the pyridine ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.003 (1) Å. The base and acid molecules are linked via N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, while inversion-related acid molecules are linked via pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These interactions together with a C—H...O hydrogen bond connect the two components, forming (001) sheets.

2-Amino-6-chloropyridinium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate

In the 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate anion of the title salt, C5H6ClN2 +·C7H5O6S−, an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond with an S(6) ring motif is observed. In the crystal, the anions are linked into a chain structure running along [1\overline{1}0] via an O—H...O hydrogen bond formed between the carboxy and sulfonate groups. The 2-amino-6-chloropyridinium cations bridge the anion chains via N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a sheet parallel to the ab plane. In the sheet, a C—H...Cl interaction between the cations is also observed.

<b>Water striders, the genus Cylindrostethus Mayr (Insecta: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from India with a new record</b>

The genus Cylindrostethus Mayr, 1865 from India is studied.  Prior to this study C. productus (Spinola, 1837) and C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) of Cylindrostethus were known from India.  The record of C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) from India is doubtful.  Study of gerrid specimens from Andaman Islands revealed one more additional species, C. costalis costalis Schmidt, 1915 new to Indian fauna.  So, presently two species of this genus are known from India namely C. costalis costalis and C. productus, both belonging to the C. costalis species group (Polhemus 1994).  A detailed study has been made of the male and female genitalia of Cylindrostethus known from India.  

Modeling flow and transport in fracture networks using graphs

Fractures form the main pathways for flow in the subsurface within low-permeability rock. For this reason, accurately predicting flow and transport in fractured systems is vital for improving the performance of subsurface applications. Fracture sizes in these systems can range from millimeters to kilometers. Although modeling flow and transport using the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach is known to be more accurate due to incorporation of the detailed fracture network structure over continuum-based methods, capturing the flow and transport in such a wide range of scales is still computationally intractable. Furthermore, if one has to quantify uncertainty, hundreds of realizations of these DFN models have to be run. To reduce the computational burden, we solve flow and transport on a graph representation of a DFN. We study the accuracy of the graph approach by comparing breakthrough times and tracer particle statistical data between the graph-based and the high-fidelity DFN approaches, for fracture networks with varying number of fractures and degree of heterogeneity. Due to our recent developments in capabilities to perform DFN high-fidelity simulations on fracture networks with large number of fractures, we are in a unique position to perform such a comparison. We show that the graph approach shows a consistent bias with up to an order of magnitude slower breakthrough when compared to the DFN approach. We show that this is due to graph algorithm's underprediction of the pressure gradients across intersections on a given fracture, leading to slower tracer particle speeds between intersections and longer travel times. We present a bias correction methodology to the graph algorithm that reduces the discrepancy between the DFN and graph predictions. We show that with this bias correction, the graph algorithm predictions significantly improve and the results are very accurate. The good accuracy and the low computational cost, with O(10^{4}) times lower times than the DFN, makes the graph algorithm an ideal technique to incorporate in uncertainty quantification methods.

How many patients self-medicate with St John's wort?

Aims and Method

St John's wort is popularly taken as a herbal remedy, but it interacts with prescribed drugs. The aim of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of patients self-medicating with St John's wort. All new referrals to a community mental health team over 5 months were asked about any use of St John's wort.

Results

Fifteen patients, of 101, had taken St John's wort at some time and of those seven were currently taking it. Patients who used St John's wort tended to be younger and female. Only nine of the 15 patients took it for depressive symptoms and none had received medical advice. One patient was taking an interacting medication.

Clinical Implications

A significant number of patients are taking St John's wort. In order to prevent drug interactions, doctors should ask all patients whether they use it, especially young women who may be on the contraceptive pill. Patients need better education about its risks and benefits and it should be taken with medical advice.

Measurement Techniques of the Magneto-Electric Coupling in Multiferroics

The current surge of interest in multiferroic materials demands specialized measurement techniques to support multiferroics research. In this review article we detail well-established measurement techniques of the magneto-electric coupling coefficient in multiferroic materials, together with newly proposed ones. This work is intended to serve as a reference document for anyone willing to develop experimental measurement techniques of multiferroic materials.

High glucose variability is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

In neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), hypo- and hyperglycemia have been associated with poor outcomes. However, glucose variability has not been reported in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between serum glucose variability within the first 24 hours and two-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates cooled for HIE.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study, glucose, clinical and demographic data were documented from 23 term newborns treated with whole body therapeutic hypothermia. Severe neurodevelopmental outcomes from planned two-year assessments were defined as the presence of any one of the following: Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 3 to 5, Bayley III Motor Standard Score <70, Bayley III Language Score <70 and Bayley III Cognitive Standard Score <70.

RESULTS

The neurodevelopmental outcomes from 8 of 23 patients were considered severe, and this group demonstrated a significant increase of mean absolute glucose (MAG) change (-0.28 to -0.03, 95% CI, p = 0.032). There were no significant differences between outcome groups with regards to number of patients with hyperglycemic means, one or multiple hypo- or hyperglycemic measurement(s). There were also no differences between both groups with mean glucose, although mean glucose standard deviation was approaching significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in whole body cooled HIE neonates are significantly associated with MAG changes. This information may be relevant for prognostication and potential management strategies.

On the distribution of Aeshna petalura Martin, 1908 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) in the Indian subcontinent

Aeshna petalura Martin, is documented for the first time from the high ranges of the eastern Himalaya (above 4,000m) and also a new record from the Tawang Region of Arunachal Pradesh, India.  The description of the species along with a distribution range map is also provided.  The type locality and distribution within India is also discussed. 

Rotavirus Infection in Normal Nursery: Epidemic and Surveillance

Human rotavirus (HRV) epidemics have not been reported in normal full-term newborn nurseries in the US. This report describes an epidemic from April 27 to May 6, 1982 in which 23 infants were infected. Diagnosis was confirmed with Rotazyme (Abbott) in 82% (23/28 ) of the neonates screened. Five were asymptomatic; in the remaining 18 cases, the symptoms were usually mild and self-limited. Transient shedding of the virus was found in 8% (4/52) of personnel screened, and only one of them was symptomatic. Control measures included the following: strict cohorting, closure of transitional nursery, enteric precautions and wiping of horizontal surfaces with 95% ethyl alcohol which has been shown to be an effective virucidal agent for rotavirus in laboratories. Follow-up in 80 of 108 contact neonates born during the epidemic showed only two mildly symptomatic cases after discharge. During an 11-month period of surveillance, 33% of neonates (1,688/5,054) born at Cook County Hospital were screened for excretion of virus in stools; only 3.6% of infants (61/1,688) were positive by Rotazyme and none were symptomatic. This report suggests that strict measures are helpful in control of HRV epidemic gastroenteritis and asymptomatic shedding need not be as high as the previously reported incidence of 40% to 50%.

Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Based Plastics through Formulation and Processing

This paper reviews the characterization of the base strength and impact of water absorption on biodegradable, namely, soy protein-based plastics prepared by different methods. The initial approach included using different quantities of soy hydrolysate plasticized with glycerol, which is widely known for its plasticizing effect. With the second approach, the raw polymer was which plasticized with glycerol compounded with different additives such as polycaprolactone or zinc sterate, and was also heat-treated at various temperatures after injection molding. The results indicated the polycaprolactone and, respectively, a medium to high heat treatment significantly enhanced tensile strength and greatly decreased water absorption. The soy hydrolysate formulations that were studied enhanced tensile strength but didn not significantly improve elongation or water absorption.

Lagrangian models of reactive transport in heterogeneous porous media with uncertain properties

We consider multi-component reactive transport in heterogeneous porous media with uncertain hydraulic and chemical properties. This parametric uncertainty is quantified by treating relevant flow and transport parameters as random fields, which renders the governing equations stochastic. We adopt a stochastic Lagrangian framework to replace a three-dimensional advection–reaction transport equation with a one-dimensional equation for solute travel times. We derive approximate expressions for breakthrough curves and their temporal moments. To illustrate our general theory, we consider advective transport of dissolved species undergoing an irreversible bimolecular reaction.

Multiferroic BiFeO3 thin films for multifunctional devices

We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of crystalline BiFeO3 films on platinized silicon substrates using n-butylferrocene, triphenylbismuth and oxygen. Based on thermogravimetric analysis data, the suitability of these two precursors for depositing BiFeO3 is discussed. The deposited films were characterized for structure and morphology using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Composition analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the films were stoichiometric BiFeO3. Electrostatic force microscopy indicated that the film had polarizable domains that showed no deterioration in polarization over time long after electric poling. The film showed a saturation magnetization of 10 +/- 1 emu/cm3 at room temperature.

Ab-externo cyclodialysis enhanced trabeculectomy for intractable post-penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of cyclodialysis-enhanced Mitomycin c (MMC) trabeculectomy in post-keratoplasty glaucoma.

DESIGN

Prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series.

METHODS

A total of 45 eyes of 45 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma after penetrating glaucoma underwent a cyclodialysis-augmented trabeculectomy with MMC. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal clarity, and graft failure were evaluated over a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 55.4+/-9.4 years. The cyclodialysis-augmented MMC trabeculectomy procedure resulted in a mean reduction of IOP from 38.9+/-3.9 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) 35.9-42.2) at baseline to 11.3+/-2.8 mmHg (95% CI 9.5-12.9), at final follow up (P=0.002). Blebs were avascular, diffuse, and extended posteriorly. Postoperative UBMs revealed the presence of a cyclodialysis with a small associated suprachoroidal effusion and a subconjunctival filtering bleb in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclodialysis-augmented MMC trabeculectomy provides a safe and effective method of lowering IOP in intractable glaucoma following penetrating keratoplasty, without compromising the corneal graft survival and clarity.

Magnetodielectric effect in Bi(2)NiMnO(6)-La(2)NiMnO(6) superlattices

Multilayer superlattices consisting of multiferroic Bi(2)NiMnO(6) (BNMO) and La(2)NiMnO(6) (LNMO) have been grown heteroepitaxially on pure and Nb-doped SrTiO(3) substrates using the pulsed laser deposition technique. In a series of superlattice structures grown with a fixed BNMO layer thickness of ten unit cells, we find that the c-axis lattice parameter, Curie temperature and magnetocapacitance are strongly dependent upon the number of stacked LNMO unit cells in the repeating units. The thickness-dependent magnetodielectric effect is attributed to the fluctuations in electric and magnetic dipole ordering due to the substrate and interface induced stress in the superlattice structures. An enhanced magnetodielectric effect in multilayers with LNMO thicknesses larger than six unit cells is explained based on possible canting of spin at the interfaces of LNMO and BNMO.

Typical Neuroradiological Features of Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal recessive neurocutaneous disorder with typical findings on MRI. We describe the typical MRI and MR Spectroscopy findings in a clinically diagnosed case of Sjogren-Larsson syndrome.x

Unsuspected vasculitis and intracranial hemorrhage following thrombolysis

Treatment with thrombolytic agents such as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is an accepted standard for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). A devastating sequel of thrombolytic therapy may be the development of a hemorrhagic complication, particularly intracranial bleeding, which, although rare, is usually associated with significant neurologic sequelae or death. While various risk factors have been correlated with the development of intracranial hemorrhage following thrombolysis, a possible relationship between bleeding and a clinically unsuspected underlying vasculitis has not been previously reported. This report deals with the case of a 49-year-old man who died of multiple intracranial hemorrhages after thrombolytic therapy for acute MI and who was found at autopsy to have had polyarteritis nodosa of the coronary arteries and vasculitis of the meningeal vessels.

The Crystallization Age of Eucrite Zircon

Eucrites are a group of meteorites that represent the first planetary igneous activity following metal-silicate differentiation on an early planetesimal, similar to Asteroid 4 Vesta, and, thus, help date geophysical processes occurring on such bodies in the early solar system. Using the short-lived radionuclide (182)Hf as a relative chronometer, we demonstrate that eucrite zircon crystallized quickly within 6.8 million years of metal-silicate differentiation. This implies that mantle differentiation on the eucrite parent body occurred during a period when internal heat from the decay of (26)Al and (60)Fe was still available. Later metamorphism of eucrites took place at least 8.9 million years after the zircons crystallized and was likely caused by heating from impacts, or by burial under hot material excavated by impacts, rather than from lava flows. Thus, the timing of eucrite formation and of mantle differentiation is constrained.

Is the ISNT rule violated in early primary open-angle glaucoma—a scanning laser tomography study

AIMS

To evaluate the relevance of the ISNT rule with reference to the optic nerve head, in differentiating normal and early glaucoma eyes and neuroretinal rim (NRR) area ratios as measures of glaucomatous optic neuropathy by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT) II).

METHODS

The study included 136 control eyes and 63 eyes of early primary open-angle glaucoma. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, HRT II (software 2.01) and achromatic automated perimetry using the Humphrey field analyzer Full threshold program 30-2 or 24-2. Topographic HRT parameters (disc area and rim area) were compared between the groups. To assess the statistical significance of differences between the study groups, the Student's t-test was used.

RESULTS

The ISNT rule was applicable in 71% of normal eyes and 68% of early glaucoma eyes. The superior to inferior area ratio was 0.96+/-0.01 in the normal group and 0.90+/-0.02 in the glaucoma group. There was a loss of approximately a quarter of the NRR in the inferotemporal and superotemporal quadrants. The inferonasal sector showed the least loss of NRR (4.34%).

CONCLUSION

The inferior NRR is marginally wider than the superior NRR in about 2/3 of normal eyes, but could not be clinically appreciated in many of these. The characteristic configuration of a normal optic disc with the rim width being greatest in the inferior disc region followed by the superior disc region was maintained even in most patients with early glaucoma.

Does an iridotomy provide protection against narrowing of the anterior chamber angle during Valsalva maneuvre in eyes with primary angle closure

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes at the anterior chamber angle during Valsalva manoeuver, in eyes having primary angle closure (PAC) and a patent laser peripheral iridotomy.

METHODS

Twenty-three eyes of 23 consecutive patients underwent a recording of applanation tonometry, measurement of the anterior chamber angle recess, angle opening distance, iris thickness, anterior chamber depth, and pupil size on ultrasound biomicroscopy before and during the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva manoeuver was standardized to a pressure of 40 mmHg for 15 s, using a manometer.

RESULTS

The mean baseline intraocular pressure changed from 18.86+3.79 to 26.73+4.73 mmHg during Valsalva, (P<0.0001). The anterior chamber angle recess narrowed from 16.62+6.24 to 6.5+4.02 degrees (P<0.0001). There was a significant increase in the thickness of the ciliary body from 0.92+0.25 to 1.17+0.31 mm (P=0.0006) and in the iris thickness from 0.47+0.17 to 0.57+0.11 mm (P=0.007). A significant increase in pupillary diameter (P=0.008) and a decrease in the angle opening distance (P<0.0001) also occurred during Valsalva, whereas there was no significant change in the anterior chamber depth (P=0.056). The angle recess during Valsalva had a positive correlation with the baseline anterior chamber angle (r=0.41, P=0.05) and a negative correlation with the ciliary body thickness (r=-0.52, P=0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

The induction of Valsalva maneuver in day-to-day activities can lead to significant anterior segment angle shallowing and can lead to progression from the PAC stage to primary angle closure glaucoma in such predisposed eyes. The presence of a patent laser iridotomy may not prevent irido trabecular apposition during the Valsalva maneuver.