Kawasaki disease associated with streptococcal infection and facial nerve palsy: a case report

Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome), an acute febrile vasculitis of childhood that affects medium and small-sized arteries, is uncommonly reported in the West African sub[1]region. Its diagnosis relies on the presence of a constellation of clinical signs which could mimic or coexist with infectious viral or bacterial agents, thereby requiring a high index of suspicion. Case presentation: We report a two-year, ten months-old boy who presented with prolonged high-grade fever for over 3 three weeks; non-purulent conjunctivitis, unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, cracked lips, reddish tongue, diffuse oedema, erythema of his palms and soles; skin desquamation over the tips of his digits and left-sided facial nerve palsy. He had leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Throat swab yielded Streptococcus pyogenes species; however, serial echocardiography was unrevealing. He was managed with aspirin, steroids, bed rest, and antibiotics (based on culture sensitivity), but intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was not readily available and therefore was not administered. His inpatient clinical course showed fever persisting into the second week of inpatient management that gradually became undulating by the third week before lysing. Conclusion: The rare complication of facial nerve palsy is highlighted, while the evidence for acute bacterial infection posed further diagnostic challenges in this child with clinical features of Kawasaki disease. The unavailability of IVIG also portends a prolonged course for the acute stages, which are largely unresponsive to antipyretics and antibiotics. The importance of long-term follow-up for potential coronary artery aneurysms in the face of risk factors is further emphasized

Конверсия этанола и водноэтанольных смесей на промышленном катализаторе HZSM-5

This work is devoted to investigating the effects of ethanol space velocity and the composition of ethanol-water mixture on their conversion to hydrocarbons over the industrial 3%Zn/27%Al2O3/Fe-ZKE-G50 (Si/Fe = 550) catalyst. It was shown that at 350ºC, the relationship between ethanol space velocity and liquid hydrocarbons yield passes through a maximum at around 2h-1. Increasing ethanol space velocity to 5-10h-1 leads to increase in ethylene formation and a loss in selectivity for other hydrocarbons. Increasing the amount of water, drastically reduces the yield of liquid hydrocarbons. A high selectivity for C3-C4 hydrocarbons can be obtained using a mixture with ethanol to water ratio of 2:1. Further increase in water content leads to a decrease in the ethylene oligomerisation rate, consequently resulting in an increase in ethylene formation. Water addition to ethanol plays an important role in the overall process selectivity without altering the catalyst and technological equipment.В работе проведено комплексное исследование влияния объемной скорости подачи этанола и состава водно-этанольных смесей на их конверсию в углеводороды на промышленном катализаторе 3%Zn/27%Al2O3/Fe-ЦКЕ-Г50 (Si/Fe = 550). Установлено, что зависимость выхода жидких углеводородов при 350ºС от объемной скорости этанола проходит через максимум, соответствующий 2 ч-1. Увеличение скорости потока этанола до 5-10 ч-1 приводит к появлению значительных количеств этилена в составе продуктов реакции и, со временем, к потере селективности по другим углеводородам. Введение воды в состав реагентов резко снижает выход жидких углеводородных продуктов конверсии. При использовании этанольно-водных смесей с соотношением 2 : 1 основным продуктом конверсии является пропан-бутановая фракция. При дальнейшем увеличении содержания воды снижается скорость олигомеризации этиленовых фрагментов, приводя к значительному увеличению концентрации этилена в продуктах реакции. Введением дополнительных количеств воды можно варьировать селективность процесса в целом, не меняя катализатора и конструкции всей установки

Каталитические превращения биоэтанола. Обзор

It is shown that biomass of different type can be processed into valuable products of organic and petrochemical synthesis and monomers of synthetic rubber in order to provide an alternative to the use of oil. The key technological, economical, ecological problems of bioethanol processing were stated. The analysis of development of new generation catalysts for motor fuels and hydrocarbons production from bioethanol is made.Показана принципиальная возможность комплексной переработки биомассы различного типа в ценные продукты органического, нефтехимического синтеза и мономеры синтетического каучука с целью альтернативной замены нефти. Сформулированы ключевые технологические, экономические и экологические проблемы по процессам превращения биоэтанола. Проведен анализ развития синтеза катализаторов нового поколения для процессов получения моторного топлива и углеводородов различных классов из биоэтанола

SPARC 2021 - Against all odds : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2021 SPARC conference. Our conference is called “Against All Odds” as we celebrate the achievements of our PGRs and their supervisors, who have continued to excel despite the most challenging circumstances. For this reason, we showcase the work of our PGRs alongside the outstanding supervision that they receive, with our Doctoral School Best Supervisor awards. We also focus on developing resilience and maintaining good mental health in the research environment, supported by exceptional keynote speakers, including our very own Dr Michelle Howarth and Ruby Wax OBE, which makes this year’s conference extra special

SPARC 2022 book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2022 SPARC conference. Our conference is called “Moving Forwards” reflecting our re-emergence from the pandemic and our desire to reconnect our PGR community, in celebration of their research. PGRs have continued with their research endeavours despite many challenges, and their ongoing successes are underpinned by the support and guidance of dedicated supervisors and the Doctoral School Team. To recognise supervision excellence we will be awarding our annual Supervisor of the Year prizes, based on the wonderful nominations received from their PGR students.Once again, we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 60 presenters, 12 Three-Minute Thesis finalists, and 20 poster presentations, the conference showcases our extraordinarily vibrant, inclusive, and resilient PGR community at Salford. This year there will be prizes to be won for ‘best in conference’ presentations, in addition to the winners from each parallel session. Audience members too could be in for a treat, with judges handing out spot prizes for the best questions asked, so don’t miss the opportunity to put your hand up. These abstracts provide a taster of the diverse and impactful research in progress and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. Take advantage of the hybrid format: in online sessions by posting a comment or by messaging an author to say “Hello”, or by initiating break time discussions about the amazing research you’ve seen if you are with us in person. Who knows what might result from your conversation? With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. As recent events have shown, researchers need to collaborate to meet global challenges. Interdisciplinary and international working is increasingly recognised and rewarded by all major research funders. We do hope, therefore, that you will take this opportunity to initiate interdisciplinary conversations with other researchers. A question or comment from a different perspective can shed new light on a project and could lead to exciting collaborations, and that is what SPARC is all about. SPARC is part of a programme of personal and professional development opportunities offered to all postgraduate researchers at Salford. More information about this programme is available on our website: Doctoral School | University of Salford. Registered Salford students can access full details on the Doctoral School hub: Doctoral School Hub - Home (sharepoint.com) You can follow us on Twitter @SalfordPGRs and please use the #SPARC2022 to share your conference experience.We particularly welcome taught students from our undergraduate and master’s programmes as audience members. We hope you enjoy the presentations on offer and that they inspire you to pursue your own research career. If you would like more information about studying for a PhD here at the University of Salford, your lecturers can advise, or you can contact the relevant PGR Support Officer; their details can be found at Doctoral School | University of Salford. We wish you a rich and rewarding conference experience

Empyema Necessitans Complicating Pleural Effusion Associated with Proteus Species Infection: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Background. Empyema necessitans, a rare complication of pleural effusion, could result in significant morbidity and mortality in children. It is characterized by the dissection of pus through the soft tissues and the skin of the chest wall. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Actinomyces israelii are common causes but Gram negative bacilli could be a rare cause. However, there were challenges in differentiating between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous empyema in a resource poor setting like ours. We report a child with pleural effusion and empyema necessitans secondary to Proteus spp. infection. Methods. We describe a 12-year-old child with empyema necessitans complicating pleural effusion and highlight management challenges. Results. This case was treated with quinolones, antituberculous drugs, chest tube drainage, and nutritional rehabilitation. Conclusion. Empyema necessitatis is a rare condition that can be caused by Gram negative bacterial pathogens like Proteus species

Catalytic conversion of bio-ethanol. Review.

It is shown that biomass of different type can be processed into valuable products of organic and petrochemical synthesis and monomers of synthetic rubber in order to provide an alternative to the use of oil. The key technological, economical, ecological problems of bioethanol processing were stated. The analysis of development of new generation catalysts for motor fuels and hydrocarbons production from bioethanol is made

Conversion of ethanol-water mixture over industrial HZSM-5 catalyst.

This work is devoted to investigating the effects of ethanol space velocity and the composition of ethanol-water mixture on their conversion to hydrocarbons over the industrial 3%Zn/27%Al2O3/Fe-ZKE-G50 (Si/Fe = 550) catalyst. It was shown that at 350ºC, the relationship between ethanol space velocity and liquid hydrocarbons yield passes through a maximum at around 2h-1. Increasing ethanol space velocity to 5-10h-1 leads to increase in ethylene formation and a loss in selectivity for other hydrocarbons. Increasing the amount of water, drastically reduces the yield of liquid hydrocarbons. A high selectivity for C3-C4 hydrocarbons can be obtained using a mixture with ethanol to water ratio of 2:1. Further increase in water content leads to a decrease in the ethylene oligomerisation rate, consequently resulting in an increase in ethylene formation. Water addition to ethanol plays an important role in the overall process selectivity without altering the catalyst and technological equipment