Fulminant Cytomegalovirus Myocarditis in an Immunocompetent Host: Resolution with Oral Valganciclovir

We report a case of fulminant myocarditis after a primary cytomegalovirus infection, in a previously healthy 72-year-old woman. The infection underwent clinical and immunologic resolution consequent to treatment with oral valganciclovir. In an immunocompetent host, the primary cytomegalovirus infection is usually asymptomatic or manifests itself as a heterophile-negative mononucleosis-like syndrome. Cytomegalovirus myocarditis is uncommon in immunocompetent patients. After presenting our case, we review the literature on cytomegalovirus myocarditis in immunocompetent individuals.     

Expression of PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) in human urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) and its clinical significance in human bladder cancer (BC).     

Structural,thermal, and transport properties of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 nanoparticles synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion technique

Herein, rare-earth manganite, La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃, has been prepared by a citric acid-assisted sol–gel auto-combustion method at a maintained pH value of 11. Room-temperature X-ray diffraction (RT-XRD) data analysis revealed a rhombohedral structure for the sample with the space group R3c, which was further confirmed by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD). Rietveld refinement was carried out for both spectra, which confirmed the SR-XRD and RT-XRD results and the various structural parameters. To determine any of the phase transitions in the sample, temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction corresponding to the temperatures of 100 K, 200 K, 250 K, and 325 K was carried out, and no new phase was found. Temperature-dependent Raman characterization confirmed the metallic phase of the sample with the reduced Jahn–Teller distortion. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the growth in the grain size as a result of a high sintering temperature. Compositional verification was conducted using energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray diffraction (EDAX). Low-temperature dc resistivity measurement showed a metal-insulator transition temperature (T_MI) of ≈178 K. The DSC-specific heat measurement shows the ferromagnetic metallic nature where heat capacity increases with an increase in temperature.

Herein, rare-earth manganite, La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃, has been prepared by a citric acid-assisted sol–gel auto-combustion method at a maintained pH value of 11.