COVID-19 Induced Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)—Case Report

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder that damages multiple organs simultaneously and is associated with chronic inflammation, in which the signs of systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyositis can co-occur. Its distinctive feature and the basis for the diagnosis of MCTD is the presence of an antibody against the uridine-rich RNP of the cell nucleus (Anti-U1-RNP). It has been observed that intercurrent infections can trigger autoimmune diseases, however, the fact that viral infections—such as SARS-CoV-2—induce them is currently poorly understood. The present study raises the etiological role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the development of the disease. Authors describe the case of a 38-year-old patient in good general condition, who was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease three months after COVID-19 infection.

Numerical and experimental investigations of liquid mixing in two-stage micro-impinging stream reactors

A two-stage micro-impinging stream reactor(TS-MISR) that combined a first pre-mixing stage with a second micro-impinging stream reacting stage for continuous multi-component reacting systems has been built from commercial T-junctions and steel micro-capillaries. Both of operating parameters and reactor configurations,such as jet Reynolds number(Rej), volumetric flow ratio(R), the first-stage junction angle(φ), the connecting capillary length(Lc) and connecting capillary diameter(dc), had significant effects on the micromixing efficiency of the reactor. Such effects were investigated for both of the two stage structures, respectively, by experimental and CFD methods and were optimized for the best micromixing performance. Intensified micromixing among at least three reacting components can be achieved in a continuous mode by using TS-MISR; therefore, it is expected that the TS-MISR will produce products of higher quality with more uniform and stable element distribution.

Successful endoscopic fragmentation of large hardened fecaloma using jumbo forceps

We present a rare case of fecaloma, 7 cm in size, in the setting of systemic scleroderma. A colonoscopy revealed a giant brown fecaloma occupying the lumen of the colon and a colonic ulcer that was caused by the fecaloma. The surface of the fecaloma was hard, large and slippery, and fragmentation was not possible despite the use of various devices, including standard biopsy forceps, an injection needle, and a snare. However, jumbo forceps were able to shave the surface of the fecaloma and break it successfully by repeated biting for 6 h over 2 d. The ability of the jumbo forceps to collect large mucosal samples was also appropriate for achieving fragmentation of the giant fecaloma.

Kidney Damage during Sharp’s Syndrome: About Two Cases

Context: The coexistence in the same patient of a mixed connectivitis or Sharp’s syndrome is a rare eventuality. Objective: To underline the presence of this mixed connectivitis in our practice, whose prevalence remains unknown, particularly in Africa and more precisely in Mali. Case Presentations: We report two cases of Sharp’s syndrome in a 48-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman with impaired renal function. The picture achieved associated massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, moderate renal failure and edematous syndrome in men. In women, the picture was associated with accelerated to malignant hypertension and severe renal failure. There were no osteoarticular manifestations and the diagnosis of Sharp’s syndrome was based on the presence of high levels of antibodies to U1RNP. Therapeutic management has been that of predominantly associated connective tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus). Conclusion: Mixed connectivitis or Sharp’s syndrome is increasingly recognized as a separate entity thanks to advances in molecular biology. Its prevalence is low in sub-Saharan African countries with renal disease that manifests itself as proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome associated with microscopic hematuria, renal failure, and hypertension. This renal impairment is more likely to occur in severe forms of the disease.

An Analysis of Reliability and Competitiveness of a Corporation in China

This paper, by using the theory of reliability, studies operating of a corporation in China. Firstly, the paper clarifies new characteristics of a corporation in China. Secondly, the paper analyses three kinds of systems that include series connection model, parellel connection model and mixed connection model. In the end, the paper studies four kinds of corporations and makes a forecast that are market-oriented corporation, innovation-oriented market, scale-oriented market and power-oriented market in China.