A facile method for preparing highly self‐doped Cu2‐xE (E = S, Se) nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled size in the range of 2.8–13.5 nm and 7.2–16.5 nm, for Cu2‐xS and Cu2‐xSe, respectively, is demonstrated. Strong near‐infrared localized surface plasmon resonance absorption is observed in the NCs, indicating that the as‐prepared particles are heavily p‐doped. The NIR plasmonic absorption is tuned by varying the amount of oleic acid used in synthesis. This effect is attributed to a reduction in the number of free carriers through surface interaction of the deprotonated carboxyl functional group of oleic acid with the NCs. This approach provides a new pathway to control both the size and the cationic deficiency of Cu2‐xSe and Cu2‐xS NCs. The high electrical conductivity exhibited by these NPs in metal‐semiconductor‐metal thin film devices shows promise for applications in printable field‐effect transistors and microelectronic devices.

Vagal paraganglioma is a rare finding that develops from paraganglionic tissue found around the vagus nerve; it has a prevalence of 0.012% of all tumors. It is the third most common paraganglioma of the head and neck but still accounts for less than 5% of these tumors, and it has a well-established female prevalence. It is a difficult tumor to identify early based on its symptoms alone and only a thorough investigation can help solidify its diagnosis. In this report, we discuss a presentation of this phenomenon that is not only unique in its manifestation but also a very difficult diagnosis due to its deceptive presentation and multiple extensions. These masses need a good surgical regime to be removed properly and postoperative complications are very frequent in most of these cases.

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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a painful symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis. Extra-articular involvement in RA is a common condition. Pulmonary involvement occurs in 20 to 67 % of RA patients and it is responsible for about 10-20 % of mortality in RA patients. Objectives: To evaluate the extent and pattern of pulmonary involvement in RA patients by using spirometry. Methods: A case control study conducted at the rheumatology unit of Al Sader teaching hospital, forty RA patients [33(82.5%) female and 7(17.5%) male] and sixty apparently healthy subjects {50(83.3%) female and 10(16.7 %) male} were included in the study. All subjects had subjected to a pulmonary function test (PFT) for pulmonary function evaluation using MIR spirolab III. Measured and predicted forced vital capacities (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1 / FVC ratio were considered as the parameters in this study for both groups. Results: Nine patients were found to have a restrictive pattern of pulmonary function test, while obstructive pattern was found in only one patient. On the other hand, the pulmonary function tests were normal in all of sixty healthy control. The mean of FEV1 in patient group (2.07 ± 0.56L) and of FEV1% (95.8%  25.2) are significantly lower than those in the control group (2.46 ± 0.65 L; 105.3%  13.09). In addition, mean FVC in the patient group (2.35 ± 0.62L) and its mean percentage (92%  22.68) showed a clear significant reduction compared to those in control group (2.71 ± 0.67 L; 100.53  12.12). No significant difference (P = 0.173) has been observed in FEV1 / FVC ratio between patient (88.17  7.47) and control group (89.87  4.99). Conclusions: Different pattern of pulmonary function abnormalities could be manifested in RA patients and the restrictive pattern represents the most common feature. Spirometry is indicated as a baseline assessment and for follow up of RA patient to enhance early detection and management of the pulmonary involvement.

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