Solid Mass Research Articles

Effect of Silica Fume Addition on Mechanical Properties of Concrete in Peat Swamp Water Environment

Hydraulic Portland cement, water, fine and coarse aggregate, and additional ingredients can be added or left out to create concrete. Making and maintaining concrete requires water as a reagent in the cement mixture so that a chemical reaction occurs when it undergoes the hydration process, which is the process where the cement begins to bind the ingredients that make up the concrete and then hardens and forms a solid mass. The need for water in concrete care is to soak it during the hardening process, however, not all types of water can be used. Peat swamp water is water that collects or flows within the peat swamp ecosystem. Peat swamps are a type of swamp formed from organic material accumulated over thousands of years. Silica fume is a material that contains SiO2 greater than 85% and is a very smooth, round material with a diameter of 1/100 the diameter of cement. The swamp water used in this research was taken from Jl. Rappokalling, Tallo District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Mix Design uses the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 03-2834-2000 method with a planned concrete quality (f'c) of 25 MPa. Compressive strength tests were performed on concrete that was 7 and 28 days old for split tensile strength, and on the 28-day old concrete for modulus of elasticity. The concrete's compressive strength ratings after 28 days in variations of immersion in normal water and peat swamp water are 25,842 MPa and 20,749 MPa. From the test results, it was found that the average split tensile strength value of concrete for variations in normal water immersion and peat swamp water was 2.545 MPa and 1.886 MPa. From the results of the modulus of elasticity test, it was found that the average concrete in normal water immersion and peat swamp water variations was 19893.961 MPa, and 17109.75 MPa.

Early features of pancreatic cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a case-control study.

Magnetic resonance imaging has been recommended as a primary imaging modality among high-risk individuals undergoing screening for pancreatic cancer. We aimed to delineate potential precursor lesions for pancreatic cancer on MR imaging. We conducted a case-control study at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (2008-2018) among patients that developed pancreatic cancer who had pre-diagnostic MRI examinations obtained 2-36months prior to cancer diagnosis (cases) matched 1:2 by age, gender, race/ethnicity, contrast status and year of scan (controls). Patients with history of acute/chronic pancreatitis or prior pancreatic surgery were excluded. Images underwent blind review with assessment of a priori defined series of parenchymal and ductal features. We performed logistic regression to assess the associations between individual factors and pancreatic cancer. We further assessed the interaction among features as well as performed a sensitivity analysis stratifying based on specific time-windows (2-3months, 4-12months, 13-36months prior to cancer diagnosis). We identified 141 cases (37.9% stage I-II, 2.1% III, 31.4% IV, 28.6% unknown) and 292 matched controls. A solid mass was noted in 24 (17%) of the pre-diagnostic MRI scans. Compared to controls, pre-diagnostic images from cancer cases more frequently exhibited the following ductal findings: main duct dilatation (51.4% vs 14.3%, OR [95% CI]: 7.75 [4.19-15.44], focal pancreatic duct stricture with distal (upstream) dilatation (43.6% vs 5.6%, OR 12.71 [6.02-30.89], irregularity (42.1% vs 6.0%, OR 9.73 [4.91-21.43]), focal pancreatic side branch dilation (13.6% vs1.6%, OR 11.57 [3.38-61.32]) as well as parenchymal features: atrophy (57.9% vs 27.4%, OR 46.4 [2.71-8.28], focal area of signal abnormality (39.3% vs 4.8%, OR 15.69 [6.72-44,78]), all p < 0.001). In addition to potential missed lesions, we have identified a series of ductal and parenchymal features on MRI that are associated with increased odds of developing pancreatic cancer.

Primary isolated extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma of the orbit: A case report and diagnostic dilemma

Natural killer T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus, a highly malignant tumor that typically arises in the nose and/or paranasal sinuses isolated orbital involvement by NKTL is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of primary orbital NKTL in a young female patient. A 32-year-old female presented with gradually increasing painful swelling of the right eye. On examination, abaxial proptosis, inferolateral displacement of the eyeball, restricted extraocular muscle movement, and solid mass in the subconjunctival fornix and superior quadrant. The rest of the ocular and systemic examination was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast of the orbit shows a lobulated mass lesion 35×30×18 mm involving the medial aspect of the right orbit extraconal and superior intraconal space extending up to the preseptal region. Informed consent and biopsy were done and sent for histopathology examination. Histopathological examination shows the spectrum of atypical lymphoid cells, indented or cleaved nuclei and pale to clear cytoplasm, few histiocytes, giant cells, and apoptotic body. To rule out lymphoma, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was advised. On IHC, tumor cells were positive for CD3, D56, CD4 focally, CD7, Ki-67–90% and negative for CD20, CD2, Tdt, PAX5, CD34, CD5, Cd8 leading to a diagnosis of extranodal NKTL of the orbit. To the best of our knowledge, around 20 cases of isolated orbital extranodal NKTL were reported in the literature review. Polymorphic lymphoid cell in a young patient often mimics the inflammatory conditions of orbit. The rarity of this tumor and inflammatory signs make it challenging to identify these tumors early.

The impact of a graphic novel on anxiety and stress in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy for pancreatic lesions: a pilot study protocol

The utilization of graphic novels in the realm of clinical medicine is an infrequent occurrence. However, there is a burgeoning interest in their application across a spectrum of pathological conditions with the ultimate aim of enhancing patient care. This study is a prospective pilot designed to assess the influence of graphic novels on the stress levels and behavioral responses of patients diagnosed with pancreatic lesions and who are to undergo endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). Patients exhibiting radiological and clinical pancreatic lesions needing biopsy will be evaluated consecutively. The inclusion criteria encompass the presence of a solid pancreatic mass or a partially solid mass in the event of a cystic component. The exclusion criteria include patients with cognitive impairments, those currently on benzodiazepines or other psychotropic medications, and those with a prior diagnosis of cancer. The authors have developed a comic panel comprising a sequence of six vibrant vignettes, which delineate the standard procedure of EUS-FNB to the patient. Following hospital admission, patients who meet the enrolment criteria and consent to participate in the study will be randomly assigned to either the test or the control group. A graphic novel will be distributed to all patients in the test group, who will have the opportunity to peruse it while awaiting the procedure. Subsequent to the EUS-FNB, all enrolled patients will complete the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and a modified version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (termed mDASS-21 or mASS-14). The BAI, a 21-item self-report inventory, is employed to gauge the severity of anxiety in adults. The other questionnaire is a modified rendition of the DASS-21, which originally comprised 21 items segregated into three subscales (anxiety, stress, and depression) with seven items each. The anxiety subscale measures physiological arousal, situational anxiety, and the subjective experience of the effects of anxiety, while the stress subscale assesses chronic non-specific arousal, difficulty relaxing, nervous tension, irritability, agitation, and impatience.

Portable mass spectrometer with solid phase extraction using a novel amide-functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework adsorbent for on-site detection of two triphenylmethane dyes in aquatic products

Triphenylmethane dyes have been employed as fish drugs to prevent fish diseases for aquatic products in some developing countries. Their residues in aquatic products can bring significant impact on human health. In this study, an amide-functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework assisted magnetic solid phase extraction-portable mass spectrometry (MSPE-PMS) strategy was employed for on-site simultaneous detection of cationic triphenylmethane dyes, crystalline violet (CV) and brilliant green (BG). At the optimum MSPE conditions, the adsorbent was used to efficiently enrich CV and BG through magnetic solid phase extraction within 20 min with satisfied high concentration rate (10 folds). Then, the portable mass spectrometer was employed for simultaneous detection CV and BG within 0.2 min, with good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9973) and low detection limit (0.135–0.694 μg kg−1). The results demonstrated the method is fast and simple and has the potential to detect triphenylmethane dyes residues in aquatic products quickly and on site.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of a case with Wolffian tumor and related literature review.

Wolffian tumors in females are rare gynecological neoplasms, with fewer than 100 cases reported. Existing literature primarily focuses on the pathology, and reports involving imaging are limited. This study presents a case of Wolffian tumor, emphasizing its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics to enhance preoperative diagnostic accuracy. A 56-year-old woman presented with a year-long history of irregular vaginal bleeding. MRI revealed a solid mass in the right adnexal region. On T2-weighted images, the mass exhibited slightly elevated signal intensity with a distinctive low-signal intensity rim. Diffusion-weighted imaging displayed markedly increased signal intensity, and the contrast enhancement was moderate. The patient underwent laparoscopic right adnexectomy and received a Wolffian tumor diagnosis. No recurrence was observed during a 6-month follow-up. Wolffian tumors exhibit distinctive MRI presentations. Notably, the prominent low-signal intensity rim on MRI may aid in accurate preoperative tumor diagnosis.

Analysis of the microstructure of high viscosity components in Tahe ultra heavy oil based on the combination of ESI (±) FT-ICR/MS

In addressing the challenge of high viscosity in Xinjiang Tahe heavy oil, crucial for optimizing extraction processes, this study focuses on identifying and analyzing the microstructure of key components influencing oil viscosity. The aim is to uncover the underlying reasons for its high viscosity and guide research towards effective viscosity reduction techniques. Electrospray ionization (ESI) combined with fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR/MS) characterizes the molecular-level constituents contributing to oil viscosity. The investigation covers the composition and distribution of oxygen-containing, nitrogen-containing, and organometallic compounds, developing a molecular structure model for these critical viscosity-inducing components. Findings reveal Xinjiang Tahe extra heavy oil as a solid mass at room temperature, with significant viscosity reduction observed post-deasphalting, highlighting asphaltenes' pivotal role in viscosity. Analysis indicates a higher content of metal elements (such as V and Ni) in asphaltenes compared to the crude oil itself, with an abundance of porphyrin structures in asphaltenes markedly influencing oil viscosity. Cyclic, aromatic, and unsaturated compound structures are predominantly found in the asphaltenes of heavy oil. Through combined ESI (±) FT-ICR/MS analysis, the crude oil is determined to mainly comprise acidic compounds, non-basic nitrogen compounds, and basic nitrogen compounds, offering significant insight into heavy oil's complex chemical composition. Specifically, non-basic nitrogen compounds in Tahe crude oil, including alkylcarbazoles, alkylbenzocarbazoles, and alkylpolybenzocarbazoles, are identified as key components, with molecular carbon numbers ranging from C12 to C56 and a predominance near C27. Additionally, asphaltenes in Tahe heavy oil exhibit a higher double bond equivalence (DBE) than the crude oil, indicating a greater degree of condensation with an increased number of double bonds and heterocyclic structures. The significant difference in DBE values between asphaltenes and crude oil underscores their impact on viscosity. A detailed molecular structure model of the asphaltenes in Tahe extra heavy oil has been constructed based on FT-ICR/MS analysis, providing a foundational understanding for developing viscosity reduction strategies.

Magnesium phosphate cement-based engineered cementitious composites with polyethylene fibers: Performance improvement and design method

This study aims to improve the performance of magnesium phosphate cement-based engineered cementitious composites (MPC-ECC) and establish a systematic design method. The MPC-ECC with ultra-high ductility was prepared with the polyethylene (PE) fibers. The effect of the magnesium oxide to potassium dihydrogen phosphate mass ratio (M/P), quartz sand particle size (Sd), water to solid mass ratio (W/S), sand to binder mass ratio (S/B), fly ash (FA) content and fiber volume fraction (Vf) on the micro-mechanical properties and macro-mechanical properties of MPC-ECC were explored. The macro-mechanical properties of MPC-ECC with different curing temperatures and curing ages were also tested. And the SEM test was carried out to analyze the morphology of the MPC-ECC. The results showed that the ultimate tensile strain of MPC-ECC with optimal proportion can reach 7.1%. Even curing at −10 °C for 7 days, the ultimate tensile strain can reach 5.6%, and the compressive strength can reach nearly 20 MPa. And the microstructure is characterized by a highly dense morphology. Additionally, with the increase of M/P, the compressive strength of MPC-ECC increases, but the ultimate tensile stress decreases. The MPC-ECC with the Sd of 150–180 mesh shows significant strain hardening performance, and its ultimate tensile strain can exceed 5%. The large W/S is helpful to improve strain hardening performance, especially when the S/B is 0.2. In addition, when the FA content is 30% or 40%, the strain hardening performance of MPC-ECC is significant. The quantitative association model between ultimate tensile strain and pseudo strain-hardening indices was established. According to the association model, the design method of MPC-ECC was established, based on which the MPC-ECC with desired ductility can be realized. Meanwhile, the PSHσ and PSHJ are recommended to reach 2.15 and 25.1, respectively, at the same time for the MPC-ECC with ultimate tensile strain of above 3%.

Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Case Report

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare tumor originating from peritoneal mesothelial cells. Here, we present a case of an 18-year-old male with right lower abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass with unclear boundaries. Laboratory tests showed elevated levels of monocytes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. CT scan revealed a cystic mass in the ileocecal region with multiple septations. Laparoscopic surgery confirmed a cystic solid mass resembling beads on the colon’s right side. Immunohistochemistry confirmed BMPM diagnosis. BMPM, especially in the ileocecal region, is uncommon and presents diagnostic challenges. Differential diagnosis includes lymphangioma, peritoneal metastasis, and malignant mesothelioma. CT findings, such as thin cyst walls and septations, aid in diagnosis. Recognition of BMPM’s imaging features improves diagnostic accuracy. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment. This case underscores the importance of considering BMPM in young male patients with abdominal pain and emphasizes the value of imaging modalities in accurate diagnosis and management.

Stiffness and Strength of an Artificially Cemented Waste-PET-Shred Reinforced Clay

This study explores whether the polyethylene terephthalate bottle shreds (PETBS), could be a viable alternative additive in order to reduce the usage of traditional cement in geotechnical and transportation projects. Through a comprehensive study, clayey soil was stabilized with varying quantities (0.1–1% of solid mass) of PETBS of two different size ranges. Optimal dosages were chosen, followed by additional tests incorporating small amounts of (5, 7 and 10% of solid mass) cement enhancement. After curing periods of 7 and 28 days, California bearing ratio (CBR) tests and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test results revealed that the addition of PETBS enhanced CBR values and initial shear modulus (G0) in both plain and cement treated samples. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images also affirmed the improvement of strength at the microstructural level. Notably, PETBS of size 2–4.75 mm exhibited superior performance compared to size 0.42–0.841 mm, with an optimal content range of 0.6–0.8%. It was observed that the addition of PETBS to artificially cemented soil improved CBR values by up to 35%, while also modifying stiffness and brittleness, rendering the soil more ductile. Ultimately, a regression model was proposed to facilitate estimates of CBR and G0 in PETBS-reinforced cemented clay, to accommodate varying PETBS grading and content. The suggested approach promotes cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions by reducing pavement thickness and enhancing soil stability, demonstrating the potential of repurposing PET waste as a sustainable strategy in various engineering projects.

Assessment of pheniramine in alternative biological matrices by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Pheniramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine drug. Its accessibility and low cost made it more popular among drug abusers in Pakistan. In this study, pheniramine was quantified in both conventional and alternative specimens of twenty chronic drug abusers, aged 16-50years, who were positive for pheniramine in comprehensive toxicological screening for drugs by gas chromatography with mass spectral detection in positive electron impact mode. Pheniramine was extracted from biological specimens using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was employed for quantification. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Poroshell120EC-18 (2.1mm × 50mm × 2.7µm) column using water-acetonitrile in formic acid (0.1%) mobile phase in gradient elution mode with 500μL/min flow rate. Positive electrospray ionization mode and multi-reaction monitoring with ion transitionsm/z241.3 → 195.8 and 167.1 for pheniramine andm/zm/z247.6 → 173.1 for pheniramine-d6 were employed. The quantification method showed good linear ranges of 2-1000ng/mL in blood, urine, and oral fluid; 2-1000ng/mg in hair and 5-1000ng/mg in nail with ≥ 0.985% coefficient of linearity. The retention time of pheniramine was 3.0 ± 0.1min. The detection and lower quantification limits were 1ng/mL and 2ng/mL for blood, urine, oral fluid and hair whereas 2.5ng/mg and 5ng/mg for nail, respectively. Mean extraction recovery and ionization suppression ranged 86.3-95.1% and -4.6 to -14.4% in the studied matrices. Intra-day and inter-day precision were 4.1-9.3% and 2.8-11.2%, respectively. Pheniramine levels in specimens of drug abusers were 23-480ng/mL in blood, 72-735ng/mL in urine, 25-379ng/mL in oral fluid, 10-170ng/mg in hair and 8-86ng/mg in nail specimens. Alternative specimens are of utmost significance in clinical and medico-legal cases. In this study, authors compared matrix-matched calibration curves to blood calibration curve and obtained results within ± 10%; thereby justifying the use of blood calibration curve for urine, oral fluid, hair, and nail specimens.

Abstract 12: TCR-gated control of costimulatory switch protein (CSP) activation in rTCR-T cells expressing PD1-41BB

Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-)/T cell receptor (TCR-)T-based immunotherapies have shown promising results in the treatment of patients suffering from hematological malignancies. However, targeting solid cancer patients with CAR-T/TCR-T cells represents a more challenging approach, due to various factors present within the hostile tumor micro-environment (TME), inhibiting T cell functionality and leading to T cell exhaustion. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is expressed on tumor cells as well as various cell types within the TME and binds to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expressed on the surface of activated T cells, thereby inducing T cell exhaustion and mediating tumor immune escape. To impair this inhibitory mechanism and improve TCR-T cell efficacy for the treatment of solid tumors, we use the chimeric costimulatory switch protein (CSP) PD1-41BB that turns the inhibitory signal mediated via the PD-1-PD-L1 axis into a costimulatory one. The CSP-mediated costimulatory signal is TCR-gated, whereby costimulation can only occur if a specific peptide-HLA complex present on a target cell interacts with a recombinant TCR expressed in T cells. In vitro co-cultures of rTCR-T cells expressing the CSP (CSP rTCR-T cells) and antigen-negative or -positive cell lines carrying or lacking PD-L1 demonstrated that CSP rTCR-T cells display functionality only if the respective target antigen is expressed in target cells, but not in the absence of target antigen. PD-L1-positive, antigen-negative tumor cells are not lysed by CSP rTCR-T cells, not even in the presence of antigen-positive tumor cells, showing gated functionality and a favorable safety profile of CSP-armored TCR-T cells. CSP rTCR-T cells displayed enhanced cytokine release and killing after encounter of PD-L1-positive tumor cell lines, compared to tumor cells lacking PD-L1, and showed the capacity to recognize and lyse a large panel of tumor cell lines expressing various levels of HLA-A*02, target antigen and PD-L1 in vitro. 3D spheroids derived from PD-L1-positive, target antigen-positive tumor cell lines mimicking cell-cell interactions within a solid tumor mass efficiently triggered CSP rTCR-T cells, leading to specific IFN-γ release and lysis of tumor spheroids. Furthermore, CSP rTCR-T cells showed enhanced proliferative capacity and expansion in co-cultures with PD-L1-positive tumor cells, compared to tumor cells lacking PD-L1 expression. Importantly, various target antigen-negative healthy cell types expressing or lacking PD-L1 and representing different vital organs were not cross-recognized by CSP rTCR-T cells in vitro. Our preclinical in vitro assessments of CSP rTCR-T cell functionality and safety proved their superior and gated functionality as well as favorable safety profile, showing the great potential for the treatment of cancer patients suffering from advanced solid tumor malignancies. Citation Format: Maja Buerdek, Petra U. Prinz, Kathrin Mutze, Andrea Coluccio, Stefanie Tippmer, Miriam Bosch, Giulia Longinotti, Mario Catarinella, Kathrin Davari, Christiane Geiger, Barbara Loesch, Kirsty Crame, Dolores J. Schendel. TCR-gated control of costimulatory switch protein (CSP) activation in rTCR-T cells expressing PD1-41BB [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 12.

Oxidative breakup of cemented carbide scrap by CuO-flux roasting

Tungsten carbide‑cobalt (WC-Co) composites are widely used in industry as hardmetals with superior properties and performance; however, these qualities make it difficult to recycle components made of WC-Co at their end-of-life. Herein, we present a one-step CuO-flux roasting process in which a solid-state flux supplies sufficient oxygen for the full oxidation of a hardmetal tool piece when melted. Computational assessments of the Gibbs energy of formation and its tendency to form alloys reveal that CuO is suitable for oxidizing WC cutting tools at high temperatures. After roasting a WC-Co cutting insert covered with CuO powder at 1048 °C, the insert loses its shape and changes into a friable solid oxide mass. As the oxidation reaction is highly exothermic and sustainable, the temperatures of the reactants can exceed the melting points of the oxides produced. Meltable oxide-flux roasting can be applied to the recycling of hardmetals, such as carbides and nitrides.

Dual path parallel hierarchical diagnosis model for intracranial tumors based on multi-feature entropy weight

The grading diagnosis of intracranial tumors is a key step in formulating clinical treatment plans and surgical guidelines. To effectively grade the diagnosis of intracranial tumors, this paper proposes a dual path parallel hierarchical model that can automatically grade the diagnosis of intracranial tumors with high accuracy. In this model, prior features of solid tumor mass and intratumoral necrosis are extracted. Then the optimal division of the data set is achieved through multi-feature entropy weight. The multi-modal input is realized by the dual path structure. Multiple features are superimposed and fused to achieve the image grading. The model has been tested on the actual clinical medical images provided by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. The experiment shows that the proposed model has good generalization ability, with an accuracy of 0.990. The proposed model can be applied to clinical diagnosis and has practical application prospects.

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT FOR OBTAINING OF UNIVERSAL HYDROCARBON FUEL

An analysis of methods and equipment for obtaining hydrocarbon fuel was carried out. The purpose of the work is the development of technology and heat-mass exchange equipment for the production of universal hydrocarbon fuel, suitable for use in all types of thermal power plants. Heat and mass exchange equipment has been developed, with the help of which it is possible to obtain universal hydrocarbon fuel with a maximum size of coal particles no larger than 3 microns. The use of water-coal suspensions as an energy fuel allows to increase the technical, economic and environmental indicators of power plants. Thus, during the transition to coal-hydrogen fuel, it was possible to increase its thermal capacity from 13.2 to 21.1 MW when 70 % of coal was replaced by coal-hydrogen fuel. Currently, there are various methods and equipment for the preparation of hydrocarbon fuel. However, they all have certain drawbacks. The main disadvantages of the methods of obtaining hydro-coal fuels are multi-stage, metal-intensive, high energy costs, carrying out physico-mechanical and expensive chemical demineralization of coal, etc. Also, the disadvantages are the limited frequency of hydraulic shock pulses during processing in one cycle, which is insufficient when preparing highly concentrated suspensions that meet the requirements for liquid composite fuel intended for direct combustion. In order to improve the quality of the resulting suspension due to more effective grinding and increasing the amount of its solid component, heat and mass exchange equipment was developed, which can be used to obtain universal hydrocarbon fuel for burning in boilers, furnaces, various thermal power equipment, internal combustion engines, etc. As heat and mass exchange equipment, rotary pulsation devices operating according to the method of discrete-pulse energy input were used. Bibl. 18, Fig. 4, Tab. 3.

PREVALENCE OF INDIGESTIBLE FOREIGN BODIES (IFBs) IN RUMINANTS SLAUGHTERED IN GOMBE METROPOLITAN ABATTOIR

The study was conducted in Gombe Metropolitan abattoir to assess the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies (IFBs) and to determine the association of prevalence with predisposing factors in slaughtered ruminants. The study was laid in a completely randomized design. Sampling of animals was carried out using systematic random sampling. The prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies was computed and analyzed using Chi Square (χ2) test. Results indicated that out of 1,157 animals examined, 538 (46.50 %) were found to be positive. The prevalence was found to be significantly higher in Sheep (39.54%) than in cattle (15.92) and goats (34.53%). The results further relvealed that the prevalence of foreign bodies in female is higher than male with 38.97% and 20.46% respectively. Among the different age groups, a significantly (p&lt; 0.05) higher prevalence was recorded in older animals than in younger animals. The indigestible foreign bodies (IFBs) observed were polythene bags, ropes, sack threads, rag, Fruit seeds, solid mass and plastic with polythene having higher prevalence of 30.70%. The prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies in the study area is high and was influenced by several factors among which are specie, age and body condition score. The variation in IFB prevalence across species underscores the importance of species-specific management and prevention strategies.

Rapid Characterization of Phospholipids from Biological Matrix Enabled by Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Coated Slide Assisted Enrichment MALDI Mass Spectrometry.

Lipidomic analysis of human serum is essential to monitor the individual's health status. Herein, we develop a facile strategy for rapid characterization of phospholipids in human serum via indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass slide solid phase extraction MALDI mass spectrometry (ITO-SPE-MALDI-MS). Phospholipid species are retained on ITO slide via solid phase extraction owing to the unique property of the ITO material; the measurement of phospholipid species from 1 μl human serum within 2 min is achievable. A comparison of ITO-SPE strategy with conventional extraction methods was further carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS), resulting in a comparable enrichment performance for the phospholipid analysis. Furthermore, rapid lipidomic profiling of serum samples from human colorectal cancer patients and cell lines was demonstrated. Our results indicate that ITO-SPE-MALDI-MS provides a higher throughput strategy for the analysis of phospholipid species in complex biological mixtures, showcasing its potential for applications in the analysis of clinical biofluids.

Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor with Uncertain Malignant Potential Arising in the Round Ligament.

A 12-year-old adolescent was diagnosed with a right-sided solid mass in the round ligament of the uterus. The chief complaints were abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort. She underwent laparoscopic tumor resection. Histological examination demonstrated a trabecular growth pattern of epithelioid cells with mitotic activity (3 per 50 HPF), which expressed melanocytic and myoid markers. Due to aforementioned findings, a final diagnosis of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) with uncertain malignant potential was made. To the best of our knowledge, this localization of PEComa is considered to be infrequent with only occasionally reported cases.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Candida Non-albican in Immunocompetent Patient

Back ground: Pulmonary candidiasis is a fungal airway infection caused by the genus candida species, often in immunocompromised patients, and it spreads through hematogenous or other diseases. This case report aims to inform that the disease is rare in immunocompetent patients and difficult to diagnose. Methods: Through a medical record search, a 40-year-old Indo-Chinese man complained of chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and a lump in the neck. A history of pulmonary tuberculosis was completed after six months of treatment with no diabetes mellitus. Then, wheezing and rhonchi were heard during the physical examination of the lungs. When a contrast HRCT (high resolution computed tomography) examination was performed, fibrocalcification with a tree in a bud was found in the bilateral superior lobes of the lung, solid mass in the distal bronchus with atelectasis and enlarged paratracheal nodules. Then, a fungal culture of the right BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) sample was found candida-non albican. Conclusion: Pulmonary candidiasis is not only common in immunocompromised patients but also in immunocompetent conditions; diagnosis using HRCT with contrast and fungal culture from BAL.

Serous surface papillary borderline tumor of ovary – An underdiagnosed entity

A young female presented with complaints of dysmenorrhea for 8 months. Ultrasound of the pelvis showed an echogenic mass in the left adnexa with papillary projections and internal vascularity and encasing the left ovary. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intensely enhancing, lobulated solid mass with a frond-like appearance, and papillary projections surrounding the left ovary reminiscent of a “sea-anemone.” The right ovary showed a cystic lesion without enhancing papillary projections or mural nodules. There was mild pelvic ascites and few peritoneal nodules in the pelvis. The presumptive radiologic diagnosis was serous surface papillary borderline tumor (SSPBT) of the left ovary and a benign cyst in the right ovary. The patient was treated with the left salpingo-oophorectomy, right ovarian cystectomy, peritoneal, and omental biopsies. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of SSPBT of the left ovary with microinvasion (&lt;5 mm) of the ovarian surface. The right ovarian cyst was a follicular cyst. The peritoneal biopsies were positive for implants from SSPBT. This report highlights the diagnostic utility of “sea-anemone” sign and reviews the clinical and radiopathologic features of SSPBT.