Rhabdomyolysis due to hypothyroidism is uncommon, and there have been few case reports of repeated rhabdomyolysis in patients with hypothyroidism. We report a rare case of repeated rhabdomyolysis in a patient with hypothyroidism. The patient was a 65-year-old Japanese male who presented to an outside hospital with bilateral lower extremity weakness; he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and successfully treated with levothyroxine. His symptoms and laboratory parameters improved with treatment such that he was safely discharged. However, the patient was non-compliant with his levothyroxine beginning at 10 weeks after his discharge and re-presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness and myalgias 18 weeks after stopping his thyroid supplementation. He was readmitted to our hospital and was again diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Serological thyroid function and muscle enzymes normalized after the second dose of levothyroxine. The patient has remained symptom-free without recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis at two-year follow-up.
The amounts of six heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb) were measured in all 15 sediment samples, which included three drains south of Manzala Lake (Egypt). The possible environmental risks of metals in the sediment of the three drains were investigated using soil indices and risk assessment. Results showed that heavy metal contamination was found at the studied sites along the three drains, and pollution levels varied depending on metals and sites. The mean concentration (mgkg-1) ranked in the order of Fe(3950.24) ˃ Cd(22.36) ˃ Cr(21.15) ˃ Co(19.01) ˃ Pb(14.16) ˃ Ni(10.40) for Faraskour drain, Fe (5067.80) ˃ Cd (30.29) ˃ Co (18.97) ˃ Cr (16.90) ˃ Ni(15.03) ˃ Pb(12.16) for Al-Etaiwy drain and Fe(12.56.12) ˃ Cd(19.60) ˃ Co(17.15) ˃ Ni(14.88) ˃ Cr(10.10) ˃ Pb(10.03) for Ramsis drain. The mean ranges of enrichment factor for Cd, Co, Pb, Ni and Cr were 167.46-3858.37, 6.11-51.78, 4.38-31.20, 1.07-11.84 and 0.61-7.43, respectively. The average degree of contamination revealed that the majority of the sites had reached very high levels of pollution, with the exception of site 1, which had reached a moderate level of contamination. The ecological risk of heavy metals can be ranked as follows: Cd>Co>Pb>Ni>Cr, and the PERI were 930.99, 1173.17 and 818.48 in the Faraskour, Al-Etaiwy and Ramsis drains, respectively. To decrease pollution, it was determined that more effective restrictions on Cd and Co were needed.
This study was designed to explore the floristic composition and ecological characteristics of vascular plants of the study area. Plant species were collected during field trips in three seasons viz., winter, summer and monsoon. The plants were classified into different life form and leaf size classes. The Pteridophytes consisted of 1 family and 1 species, gymnosperms had 2 families and 2 species and angiosperms were represented by 44 families and 121 species (6 families and 15 species of monocots and 38 families and 106 species of dicots). The Pteridophytes constituted less than 1% while gymnosperms were 1.62% and angiosperms were 98.37%. Among angiosperms, monocots were 12.39% and dicots 87.60% of the total collected species. The leaf shape classes showed that 99 (80.48%) species had simple leaves while 24 (19.51%) species possessed compound leaves. In spinyness 27 (21.95 %) species were spiny while 96 (78.04%) species were non-spiny. Biological spectrum of flora indicated that Therophyte were dominant (34.95%), followed by Nannophanerophyte (22.76%). Leaf spectra revealed that Microphyllous (28.45%), Mesophyllous (26.01%), Nanophyllous (24.39%) were the most prevalent leaf size.
Urban green spaces are vital components of city landscapes, contributing to biodiversity conservation and microclimate regulation. This study evaluates the impact of different types of urban green spaces on local biodiversity and temperature regulation in three major cities: New York, Tokyo, and Berlin. Using standardized biodiversity assessments and temperature monitoring, we compared species richness and temperature variations across parks, community gardens, and green roofs. Our findings highlight the significant role of diverse urban green spaces in supporting urban biodiversity and mitigating urban heat effects. The study provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to enhance urban sustainability.
This study examines the effects of climate change on alpine flora within the European Alps, focusing on species diversity, distribution shifts, and phenological changes. Utilizing long-term data sets and ecological modeling, we assess the vulnerability of endemic species to temperature and precipitation fluctuations. Our findings indicate a significant altitudinal shift in species distribution, with many plants migrating to higher elevations. Additionally, earlier flowering times were observed, suggesting phenological adaptations to changing climatic conditions. This research highlights the need for conservation strategies that address the unique challenges faced by alpine ecosystems in a warming world.
Ethnobotanical studies and phytochemical screening were carried out for selected medicinal plants from District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. For the ethnobotanical study, the botanical name, family, local name, and medicinal uses of collected plants were described. The selected plants were: Saussurea lappa (Dene) Sch.Bip, Senecio chrysanthemoides D.C, Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex Sweet, Polygonum amplexicaule D. Don, Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes, Aconitum heterophyllum Stapf, Skimmia laureola (D.C) Sieb and Zucc ex Walp, Bergenia ciliata (Haw) Sternb, and Angelica glauca Edgew, belonging to seven families. Different parts of these plants are used as medicines against various diseases in Arang-Kel. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to determine the presence of secondary metabolites. Tannins were detected in all plant species except Saussurea laureola. Phlobatannin was detected only in Saussurea lappa. Flavonoids were absent only in Aconitum chasmanthum, while aqueous extracts of all plants showed the presence of saponin, glycosides, and terpenoids. The highest tannins were found in Senecio chrysanthemoides, while the lowest concentration was recorded in Angelica glauca. Bergenia ciliata showed the highest alkaloid content, and the least was recorded in Aconitum heterophyllum. The highest concentration of flavonoids was recorded in Polygonum amplexicaule. Aconitum heterophyllum revealed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, while the lowest concentration of phenols was recorded in Saussurea laureola.
Understanding the impact of soil composition and irrigation practices is crucial for optimizing the growth of native plant species in different environments. This study examines the effects of varying soil types and irrigation strategies on the growth and health of selected native plants. Using a controlled experimental setup, plants were monitored over a growth period to assess changes in biomass, leaf chlorophyll content, and overall plant health. The results indicate that certain soil compositions, when paired with specific irrigation regimes, significantly enhance plant growth and resilience. These findings provide valuable insights for environmental management and conservation efforts to support native flora.
The increasing use of nanotechnology in agriculture necessitates understanding the impact of nanoparticles on plant growth and soil ecosystems. This study investigates the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on soil microbial activity and plant health in various agroecosystems. Experiments were conducted using different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles in water-based solutions applied to crops such as maize and wheat. Results indicated a concentration-dependent impact on plant growth, with low concentrations promoting growth and high concentrations inhibiting it. Soil analysis revealed altered microbial communities and enzyme activities, indicating changes in soil health. These findings suggest the need for careful management of nanoparticle use in agricultural applications to ensure sustainable crop production and soil conservation.
Forest ecosystems are complex networks where mycorrhizal fungi play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance and resilience. These symbiotic relationships facilitate nutrient exchange, enhance plant growth, and increase resistance to environmental stressors. This paper explores the dynamics of mycorrhizal networks in diverse forest ecosystems, highlighting their impact on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. We analyze recent studies on the contribution of mycorrhizae to forest resilience against climate change, deforestation, and other anthropogenic pressures.
