Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the female genital tract: A comprehensive overview.

Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNECs) of the female genital tract are rare and aggressive tumors that are characterized by a high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis. They can arise from various sites within the female genital tract, including the cervix, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tube, vagina, and vulva. They are composed of cells with neuroendocrine features, such as the ability to produce and secrete hormones and peptides, and a high mitotic rate. Immunohistochemical staining for neuroendocrine markers, such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56, can aid in the diagnosis of these tumors. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, etiology, and risk factors associated with these tumors, as well as their clinical presentation, cellular characteristics, diagnosis, and finally the current treatment options for SCNECs, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination.

Adsorption and photocatalytic properties of porphyrin loaded MIL-101 (Cr) in methylene blue degradation.

In this study for the very first time, zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) was loaded into MIL-101 (Zn[TPP]@MIL-101) to perform an adsorptive and photocatalytic dye removal. The physicochemical attributes of the catalyst were thoroughly determined by the usage of XRD, FTIR, FESEM, BET, UV-vis, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The obtained XRD pattern exhibited the phase purity of MIL-101 and its structural stability. The solid-phase diameter of the catalyst was observed to be ~ 270.76 ± 119.95 nm, while its gas adsorption data was indicative of a decrease in the specific surface area after the loading of ZnTPP. The ICP analysis displayed the amount of encapsulated Zn[TPP] (~ 17%) in MIL-101. The UV-vis confirmed the presence of Zn[TPP] in MIL-101 with the lack of any interferences or overlaps with the λmax of methylene blue (MB) with the support. The dye removal of MB was investigated under dark conditions (adsorption) and UV light (photodegradation). The observed adsorption under dark conditions using Zn[TPP]@MIL-101 (99.27% yield) demonstrated a superior dye removal in comparison to the cases of photodegradation of MB by MIL-101 and Zn[TPP]@MIL-101 or adsorption by MIL-101. In conformity to the gathered results, [ZnTPP] was able to increase the adsorption capacity at pH = 7 at room temperature.

Socioeconomic Status and Long-Term Stroke Mortality, Recurrence and Disability in Iran: The Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between socioeconomic status and long-term stroke outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: Patients were recruited from the Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study in Iran. We identified different socioeconomic variables including the level of education, occupation, household size, and family income. Residential location according to patient's neighbourhood was classified into less privileged area (LPA), middle privileged area and high privileged area (HPA). Using Cox regression, competing risk analysis and logistic regression models, we determined the association between socioeconomic status and 1- and 5-year stroke outcomes. Generalized linear model was used for adjusting associated variables for stroke severity. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-four patients with first-ever stroke were recruited in this study. Unemployment prior to stroke was associated with an increased risk of 1- and 5-year post-stroke mortality (1 year: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.3; 95% CI 1.6-7.06: p = 0.001; 5 years: aHR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.6: p = 0.007). The 5-year mortality rate was higher in less educated patients (<12 years) as compared to those with at least 12 years of schooling (aHR 1.84; 95% CI 1.05-3.23: p = 0.03). Patients living in LPA compared to those living in HPAs experienced a more severe stroke at admission (aB 3.84; 95% CI 0.97-6.71, p = 0.009) and disabling stroke at 1 year follow-up (OR 6.1; 95% CI 1.3-28.4; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive stroke strategy should also address socioeconomic disadvantages.

A combination of ultrasound and inorganic catalyst: removal of 2-chlorophenol from aqueous solution.

Removal of 2-chlorophenol by ultrasonic waves (sonolysis), inorganic catalyst, and a combination of the two processes was tested and compared with each technique. In sonolysis, 2-chlorophenol mostly degraded indirectly in the bulk of solution by the radicals produced in the cavitation process. In catalyst treatment, the removal was performed in the presence of Al2O3, TiO2 and CuO. The highest removal was achieved in the presence of TiO2 for this pollutant. In the combined method an enhancement was observed for the removal of 2-chlorophenol. This could be attributed primarily to the continuous cleaning and chemical activation of the catalyst by acoustic cavitation. The mass transfer between the liquid phase and the catalyst and also the surface area of the catalyst are accelerated by the ultrasonic waves. The removal of 2-chlorophenol was performed under different intensities of irradiation, temperatures and quantities of catalyst. Some experiments were conducted in the presence of a Fenton reagent. In kinetic point of view, the removal of pollutant showed a pseudo-first order behavior. The combined method had a higher rate coefficient than sonolysis and catalyst treatment individually. Under some conditions, the presence of ultrasound has increased the rate coefficient of removal to about 10 times that in the absence of ultrasound.