Puerperal Group A Streptococcal sepsis: a case report

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) sepsis in puerperium is one of the recognised causes of maternal mortality. Though the onset is often insidious, it can progress rapidly to a life-threatening invasive infection, toxin-mediated shock, and end-organ failure, even before clinical signs become apparent. We report a case of puerperal GAS sepsis that was successfully managed. 24-years-old para 1 was readmitted to the intensive care unit requiring non-invasive ventilation on postnatal day 6 with clinical and biochemical features of sepsis. Blood culture, episiotomy wound swab, and high vaginal swab grew GAS. Broad-spectrum antibiotics initiated. She developed ascites that progressively increased and needed therapeutic paracentesis. She was discharged after four weeks of hospitalization. Early identification and prompt treatment are the keys to prevent severe morbidity and maternal mortality

Quantum chemical investigation of the reaction of O(<SUP>3</SUP>P<SUB>2</SUB>) with certain hydrocarbon radicals

The reaction of ground-state atomic oxygen [O(3P2)] with methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and isopropyl radicals has been studied using the density functional method and the complete basis set model. The energies of the reactants, products, reaction intermediates and various transition states as well as the reaction enthalpies have been computed. The possible product channels and the reaction pathways are identified in each case. In the case of methyl radical the minimum energy reaction pathway leads to the products CO + H2 + H. In the case of ethyl radical the most facile pathway leads to the products, methanal + CH3 radical. For propyl radical (n- and iso-), the minimum energy reaction pathways would lead to the channel containing ethanal + methyl radical

Computed Rotational Collision Rate Coefficients for Recently Detected Anionic Cyanopolyynes

We report new results from quantum calculations of energy-transfer processes taking place in interstellar environments and involving two newly observed molecular species: C$_5$N$^-$ and C$_7$N$^-$ in collision with He atoms and the p-H$_2$ molecules. These species are part of the anionic molecular chains labeled as cyanopolyynes which have been observed over the years in molecule-rich Circumstellar Envelopes and in molecular clouds. In the present work, we first carry out new $ab$ $initio$ calculations for the C$_7$N$^-$ interaction potential with He atom and then obtain state-to-state rotationally inelastic cross sections and rate coefficients involving the same transitions which have been observed experimentally by emission in the interstellar medium (ISM) from both of these linear species. For the C$_5$N$^-$/He system we extend the calculations already published in our earlier work (see reference below) to compare more directly the two molecular anions. We extend further the quantum calculations by also computing in this work collision rate coefficients for the hydrogen molecule interacting with C5N$^-$, using our previously computed interaction potential. Additionally, we obtain the same rate coefficients for the C$_7$N$^-$/H$_2$ system by using a scaling procedure that makes use of the new C$_7$N$^-$/He rate coefficients, as discussed in detail in the present paper. Their significance in affecting internal state populations in ISM environments where the title anions have been found is analyzed by using the concept of critical density indicators. Finally, similarities and differences between such species and the comparative efficiency of their collision rate coefficients are discussed. These new calculations suggest that, at least for the case of these longer chains, the rotational populations could reach local thermal equilibrium conditions within their observational environments

Superconducting MgB(2) films via precursor post-processing approach

Superconducting MgB(2) films with Tc = 38.6 K were prepared using a precursor-deposition, ex-situ post-processing approach. Precursor films of boron, ~0.5 micrometer thick, were deposited onto Al(2)O(3) (102) substrates by e-beam evaporation; a post-anneal at 890 deg C in the presence of bulk MgB(2) and Mg metal produced highly crystalline MgB(2) films. X-ray diffraction indicated that the films exhibit some degree of c-axis alignment, but are randomly oriented in-plane. Transport current measurements of the superconducting properties show high values of the critical current density and yield an irreversibility line that exceeds that determined by magnetic measurements on bulk polycrystalline materials.Comment: PDF file with 10 pages total, including 4 figure

Recent Advancement in Solar-Driven Interfacial Steam Generation for Desalination : A State-of-the-Art Review

Solar energy is one of the most efficient origins of energy for a wide range of environmentally beneficial purposes. Water desalination by steam generation with the help of solar energy is not only an economical and straightforward approach, but it also utilizes free energy sources to solve the problem of increasing freshwater scarcity. Solar water evaporation is an essential component of the low-energy method for generating fresh water, which is required for economic development and human health. Freshwater productivity determines how effectively the system captures incoming solar energy and transforms it into usable heat. Effective water distillation has recently gained a lot of attention. The photothermal conversion process is built on the performance of the evaporator. This review thoroughly examines the most recent developments in photothermal materials, structure design, and engineering strategies, including design principles for highly efficient photothermal conversion, thermal management, water transport phenomena, salt rejection behavior, and improved evaporation rate. The prospective applications of this technique in saline water desalination, waste water purification, and energy generation are highlighted. Furthermore, the most recent scientific advancements are utilized to demonstrate the potential, prospects, and challenges of solar-driven evaporation in energy conversion

Effect of parabolic solar energy collectors for water distillation

This research article briefly summarizes the augmentation of condensate output using concentrators. This study compares a single-slope solar still, a compound conical concentrator (CCC) solar still, and a compound parabolic concentrator–tubular solar still (CPC–TSS). The effect of miniaturization of the absorber (increase in the concentration factor) and some modifications in the solar still assembly show a remarkable increase in output. The measured daily yield rate per square meter of absorber area of the single slope solar still, CCC solar still, and CPC–TSS is 2,100, 18,000, and 6,100 ml, respectively. It was found that the CCC solar still provides the maximum yield

H3K9me2/3 Binding of the MBT Domain Protein LIN-61 Is Essential for Caenorhabditis elegans Vulva Development

MBT domain proteins are involved in developmental processes and tumorigenesis. In vitro binding and mutagenesis studies have shown that individual MBT domains within clustered MBT repeat regions bind mono- and dimethylated histone lysine residues with little to no sequence specificity but discriminate against the tri- and unmethylated states. However, the exact function of promiscuous histone methyl-lysine binding in the biology of MBT domain proteins has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans four MBT domain protein LIN-61, in contrast to other MBT repeat factors, specifically interacts with histone H3 when methylated on lysine 9, displaying a strong preference for di- and trimethylated states (H3K9me2/3). Although the fourth MBT repeat is implicated in this interaction, H3K9me2/3 binding minimally requires MBT repeats two to four. Further, mutagenesis of residues conserved with other methyl-lysine binding MBT regions in the fourth MBT repeat does not abolish interaction, implicating a distinct binding mode. In vivo, H3K9me2/3 interaction of LIN-61 is required for C. elegans vulva development within the synMuvB pathway. Mutant LIN-61 proteins deficient in H3K9me2/3 binding fail to rescue lin-61 synMuvB function. Also, previously identified point mutant synMuvB alleles are deficient in H3K9me2/3 interaction although these target residues that are outside of the fourth MBT repeat. Interestingly, lin-61 genetically interacts with two other synMuvB genes, hpl-2, an HP1 homologous H3K9me2/3 binding factor, and met-2, a SETDB1 homologous H3K9 methyl transferase (H3K9MT), in determining C. elegans vulva development and fertility. Besides identifying the first sequence specific and di-/trimethylation binding MBT domain protein, our studies imply complex multi-domain regulation of ligand interaction of MBT domains. Our results also introduce a mechanistic link between LIN-61 function and biology, and they establish interplay of the H3K9me2/3 binding proteins, LIN-61 and HPL-2, as well as the H3K9MT MET-2 in distinct developmental pathways

The limits of India’s ethno-linguistic federation: understanding the demise of Sikh nationalism

From 1984 until 1993, the Indian state of Punjab witnessed a sustained insurgency by Sikh militants campaigning for a separate sovereign state. This insurgency was ultimately defeated by the overwhelming use of security force that officially resulted in the deaths of 30,000 people. By the mid-1990s, a ‘normalcy’ had returned to Punjab politics, but the underlying issues which had fuelled the demand for separatism remain unaddressed. This paper examines critically the argument that India’s ethno-linguistic federation is exceptional in accommodating ethno-nationalist movements. By drawing on the Punjab case study, it argues that special considerations apply to the governance of peripheral regions (security, religion). Regional elites in these states struggle to build legitimacy because such legitimacy poses a threat to India’s nation and state-building. In short, India’s ethno-linguistic federation is only partially successful in managing ethno-linguistic demands in the peripheral Indian states

Hydrogen bonding in protonated water clusters: an atoms-in-molecules perspective

This article highlights the results of a detailed study of hydrogen bonding in the first and the second solvation shells of Eigen (H<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUP>+</SUP>) and Zundel (H<SUB>5</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB><SUP>+</SUP>) cations solvated by water in a stepwise manner. It is evident from the results that an electron density analysis clearly distinguishes the first and the second solvation shell and helps in quantifying the strength of hydrogen bonding in these clusters