Group IB Research Articles

Evaluation of the effectiveness of fresh frozen plasma transfusion as adjuvant treatment in acute organophosphate-poisoned patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research has explored new approaches to improving treatment options, which present several challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the role of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as an adjunctive therapy for acute OP intoxication. A prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients of both sexes admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Poison Control Center at Ain Shams University Hospital (PCC-ASUH) with acute OP toxicity during the period from the beginning of August 2022 to the end of July 2023. According to the Peradeniya score, Group I consisted of 48 patients (52%) with moderate OP poisoning, and Group II consisted of 44 patients (48%) with severe OP poisoning. Patients in the moderate group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group Ia, n = 24) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group Ib, n = 24). In addition, patients in the severe group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group IIa, n = 22) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group IIb, n = 22). A total of 46 patients received FFP transfusion. The authors demonstrated that the early use of a total of nine packs of FFP (250mL each) over three consecutive days significantly reduced the total doses of atropine and oximes, the total hospitalization period, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation in patients with OP poisoning, both in the moderate and severe groups.

Reactivity-matched synthesis of monodisperse Ag(In,Ga)S2 QDs with efficient luminescence.

I-III-VI quantum dots (QDs) have gained widespread attention owing to their significant advantages of non-toxicity, large structural tolerance, and efficient photoluminescence potential. However, the disbalance of reactivity between the elements will result in undesired products and compromised optical properties. Reducing the activity of highly reactive group IB elements is the most common approach, but it will reduce the overall reactivity and lead to a wide dispersion of QD sizes. In this study, we propose a method to improve the overall reactivity of the reaction system using the highly active IIIA precursor InI3, which triggers rapid nucleation and promotes the formation of Ag(In,Ga)S2 (AIGS) QDs, resulting in monodisperse particle size distributions and a significantly improved photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) (from 12% to 72%). Furthermore, narrow band edge emission is realized by coating a gallium sulfide (GaSx) shell on the basis of obtaining high-quality AIGS QDs. The core/shell QDs exhibit a 90% PLQY with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of only 31 nm at 530 nm. This study provides a viable design strategy to synthesize monodisperse AIGS QDs with a narrow peak width and efficient luminescence, promoting the application of AIGS QDs in the field of luminescent displays.

Pediatric chronic kidney disease: blood cell count indexes as inflammation markers.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as a progressive decline of kidney functions. In childhood, the main triggering factors are congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) and glomerulopathies. Inflammatory responses present challenges for diagnosis and staging, which justifies studies on biomarkers/indexes. To define blood cell count indexes and verify their association with pediatric CKD etiology and staging. The included indexes were: Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Derived Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII). We determined the indexes in 52 pediatric CKD patients and 33 healthy controls by mathematical calculation. CKD patients were separated in five groups based on the etiology and staging: Group IA: glomerulopathies at stage 1 or 2; IB: glomerulopathies at stage 3 or 4; IIA: CAKUT at stage 1 or 2; IIB: CAKUT at stage 3 or 4; and III: stages 3 or 4 of other etiologies. In addition, we combined all patients with CKD in one group (IV). Group V was a healthy control group. Lower values of LMR were observed for groups IB and IIB compared to group V (p = 0.047, p = 0.031, respectively). Increased values of SIRI were found for group III versus group V (p = 0.030). There was no difference for other indexes when the groups were compared two by two. The LMR and SIRI indexes showed promising results in the evaluation of inflammation, as they correlated with CKD etiologies and specially staging in these patients.

Effect of physiotherapeutic procedures on the bioelectric activity of the masseter muscle and the range of motion of the temporomandibular joints in the female population with chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial

SummaryIntroductionPhysical therapy (PT) methods applied in dentistry are increasingly discussed nowadays. Taking into account a rapidly growing number of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orofacial pain patients, it is reasonable to determine which of the available physiotherapeutic (PT) methods are more effective than others, especially in terms of their possible analgesic and myorelaxant effects.ObjectiveTo assess manual and physical factors influencing pain reduction or elimination and increased muscle tension in patients with TMD; yet the influence of the applied forms of PT on the range of motion (ROM) of temporomandibular joints (TMJ).Material and methodsA randomized, parallel-group, RCT, single-blind, equi-randomized (1:1) study was conducted in DC/TMD Group Ib patients (20–45 years of age). An experimental group (G1, n = 104) and a control group without TMD (G2, n = 104) were created according to CONSORT guidelines. Diagnostic measurements were performed in both groups (mass sEMG, temporomandibular joint range of motion-ROM, pain intensity - NRS). Group G1 was randomly divided (envelope method) into 4 therapeutic groups, in which therapy was carried out for 10 days: magnetostimulation (MS), magnetoledotherapy (MLE), magnetolaserotherapy (MLA), manual therapy (MT). Each time after the therapy, ROM and NRS measurements were performed, and after the 5th and 10th day sEMG.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in the sEMG values of the masseter muscles, TMJ ROM and the pain intensity in G1 and G2 (p < 0.00). The largest decrease in sEMG (% MVC) of the masseter muscle occurred in the subgroup in which the manual therapy (MT) procedures were applied, p < 0.000. There was no clinically significant difference in and between other subgroups. There was a distinct mandible ROM increase noted in the MT group, with minimal changes in the MLA and MLE groups and no changes in the MS group. There was a clear increase in the lateral mobility of both right and left TMJ in the MT group. There were no differences in the course of the study in the MS group, and slight increases in the MLA and MLE groups. In the case of pain measurements, the greatest decrease in pain intensity was observed in the MT subgroup.ConclusionsAccording to our results manual therapy is an effective form of treatment in patients with pain, increased masticatory muscle tension and limitation in mandible ROM. Dental physiotherapy should become an integral part of multimodal TMD patients’ treatment.

Risk stratification of poor short-term prognosis in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism

Background. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. High-risk PE patients have more severe course of disease and poor prognosis. The question of additional factors which may be associated with prognosis in such patients remains poorly understood. The aim is to identify factors associated with mortality in high-risk PE patients and to determine contribution of these factors to the risk stratification of death. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 635 medical cards of patients with PE diagnosis hospitalized in Kharkiv City Clinical Hospital 8 from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2023 was conducted. The diagnosis was verified by multispiral computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and/or by autopsy. Patients were divided into groups: group І — high-risk (113 — 17.8 %); group II — low-risk (522 — 82.2 %). Group I was divided into subgroups: IA — 63 (55.8 %) individuals, who were discharged from the hospital with improved status, IB — 50 (44.2 %) people, who died in hospital. Clinical, anamnestic, laboratory and instrumental parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. Patients from group I were older, there were more women among them. In subgroup ІВ, there are more women, more cases of obesity and deep vein thrombosis. Patients from group IB had lower blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by echocardiography. Bilateral segmental pulmonary embolism according to CTPA was more common in IB group. According to uni- and multivariate analysis, independent factors affecting in-hospital mortality in patients with high-risk PE were determined, among them: female gender, presence of bifurcation thrombus, lower SBP, SpO2, LVEF. Using the additional regression analysis, the formula for individual prediction of the risk of in-hospital mortality in high-risk PE patients was created. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the sensitivity of the formula is 64.0 %, specificity is 92.1 %. The SBAFS (S — SpO2, B — Bifurcation thrombus, A — Arterial hypotension, F — left ventricular ejection Fraction, S — female Sex) score was formed, where the score of 2 or more indicates additional high risk of in-hospital mortality in high-risk PE patients. Conclusion. The high-risk PE patients who died during hospitalization had more cases of obesity, hypertension, lower SpO2, SBP, and LVEF, and there were more women among them. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, additional independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality in high-risk PE patients are female sex, thrombus in bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk, SpO2, SBP, LVEF. The formula for risk stratification of in-hospital death in high-risk PE patients was created and validated. The SBAFS score was formed to indicate additional high risk of in-hospital mortality in high-risk PE patients.

High-performance screening of carbon-nitride single-atom catalysts for oxygen electrode reaction in rechargeable metal–air batteries

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are the oxygen electrode reactions, impede further advancements in metal–air batteries technology. The main objective is to investigate the bifunctional catalytic activity of the VIIB, VIII, IB, and IIB groups transition metals doped carbon-nitride material (C9N4, C10N9, C13N3, C14N12, and C19N3) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen electrode reaction in metal–air batteries by density functional theory methods in this paper. C9N4, C13N3, and C19N3 are better doping substrates than C10N9 and C14N12 for all transition metals. For ORR, Co-C9N4, Cu-C13N3, Rh-C13N3, Co-C19N3, Ni-C19N3, and Cu-C19N3 exhibit the overpotential values of 0.36, 0.37, 0.40, 0.47, 0.48, and 0.48 V, respectively. These values are comparable to or even better those of Pt(111), indicating their exceptional ORR catalytic activity. For OER, Rh-C9N4, Pt-C9N4, Co-C13N3, Rh-C13N3, and Ni-C19N3 possess the overpotential values of 0.42, 0.40, 0.40, 0.33, and 0.41 V, respectively, showcasing a remarkable similarity to that of RuO2(110). Rh-C13N3 exhibits superior bifunctional catalytic activity (Bifunctional Index = 0.73 V). This study offers essential theoretical guidance for the utilization of carbon-nitride single-atom catalysts as bifunctional electrocatalysts in the oxygen electrode reaction of rechargeable metal-air batteries.

The options of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis of post-traumatic pathology of the anterior segment of the eyeball

BACKGROUND: In the literature, there are scarce publications on the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients with post-traumatic changes in the anterior segment of the eyeball.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this study is to study the anatomical and topographic features of post-traumatic conditions of the anterior segment of the eyeball, to determine the criteria for the progression of the disease, to evaluate the possibilities of using the data obtained to determine the tactics of surgical treatment and of individual approach to the choice of implantable optical and diaphragmatic implants.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on the analysis of the results of ultrasound biomicroscopy of 360 patients with the sequelae of traumatic injuries of the anterior segment of the eyeball. The patients were divided into groups depending on the nature and degree of damage to the iris. The IA group combined clinical cases where the iris defect was less than 30%; the IB group more than 30%.&#x0D; RESULTS: Using ultrasound biomicroscopy, not only the zones of interest were visualized, but the anatomical relationship between the morphological structures of the anterior eye segment and the ciliary body was determined in vivo, their acoustic density was evaluated, and the necessary linear parameters of the eye were measured in the case of ordering and subsequent implantation of intraocular products.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy should be considered as an integral part of the diagnostic examination of patients at the stage of preparation for opto-reconstructive procedure.

Dual-energy computed tomography-based iodine concentration as a predictor of histopathological response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

To explore predictors of the histopathological response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) using dual-energy computed tomography-reconstructed images. This retrospective study divided 40 patients who had undergone preoperative CRT (50-60Gy in 25 fractions) followed by surgical resection into two groups: the response group (Grades II, III and IV, evaluated from surgical specimens) and the nonresponse group (Grades Ia and Ib). The computed tomography number [in Hounsfield units (HUs)] and iodine concentration (IC) were measured at the locations of the aorta, PC and pancreatic parenchyma (PP) in the contrast-enhanced 4D dual-energy computed tomography images. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of histopathological response. Univariate analysis did not reveal a significant relation between any parameter and patient characteristics or dosimetric parameters of the treatment plan. The HU and IC values in PP and the differences in HU and IC between the PP and PC (ΔHU and ΔIC, respectively) were significant predictors for distinguishing the response (n = 24) and nonresponse (n = 16) groups (P < 0.05). The IC in PP and ΔIC had a higher area under curve values [0.797 (95% confidence interval, 0.659-0.935) and 0.789 (0.650-0.928), respectively] than HU in PP and ΔHU [0.734 (0.580-0.889) and 0.721 (0.562-0.881), respectively]. The IC value could potentially be used for predicting the histopathological response in patients who have undergone preoperative CRT.

Evaluation of the growth response of children with growth hormone deficiency according to the peak growth hormone levels in provocation tests

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the relation between the peak growth hormone (GH) levels in provocation tests and response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, single-center, and retrospective study. A total of 135 patients under the age of 16 years who were diagnosed with GHD through insulin tolerance tests and L-DOPA stimulation tests and who received rhGH therapy for at least 2 years in the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between 1997 and 2021 were included in the study. ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups: idiopathic GHD (group I, n = 119) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies or organic pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (group II, n = 16). The patients in group I were classified into three subgroups according to the peak GH values in the provocation tests (group Ia: peak GH <3 μg/L, n = 34; group Ib: peak GH between 3 and 7 μg/L, n = 71; group Ic: peak GH between 7 and 10 μg/L, n = 34). The median age was 11.5 years in group I (8.8 in group Ia, 12.1 in group Ib, 12.3 in group Ib) and 8.8 years in group II. The height standard deviation score (SDS) was −2.93 in group I (−2.85 in group Ia, −2.99 in group Ib, −2.94 in group Ic) and −3.79 in group II. The median Δheight SDS was 0.61 in group I and 1.05 in group II at the end of the first year of treatment and 0.31 in group I and 0.45 in group II at the end of the second year (p = 0.005 and p = 0.074, respectively). When the subgroups of group I were compared, height SDS, Δheight SDS, and height velocity (HV) SDS were all higher in group Ia at the end of the first year of rhGH therapy (p = 0.040, p = 0.029, and p = 0.005, respectively). The height SDS was still significantly higher in group Ia (p = 0.033) while the HV SDS and Δheight SDS were similar between the groups at the end of the second year of therapy (p = 0.164 and p = 0.522, respectively). There was a statistically significant association between the first-year HV SDS and the peak GH value in provocation tests in multiple regression analyses (p<0.001). In addition, the final model revealed that height SDS and weight SDS at the start of the treatment and the first-year HV SDS are the factors with a statistically significant effect on the second-year HV SDS (p = 0.022, p = 0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). ConclusionOur findings show that the lower the GH peak in provocation tests, the better the response to treatment. The best HV was observed in the first year of rhGH therapy, and the diagnosis should be checked in those patients who had a low first-year HV and did not have a severely low GH peak in provocation tests.

Mechanisms of CH4 activation over oxygen-preadsorbed transition metals by ReaxFF and AIMD simulations.

The chemisorbed oxygen usually promotes the CH bond activation over less active metals like IB group metals but has no effect or even an inhibition effect over more active metals like Pd based on the static electronic structure study. However, the understanding in terms of dynamics knowledge is far from complete. In the present work, methane dissociation on the oxygen-preadsorbed transition metals including Au, Cu, Ni, Pt, and Pd is systemically studied by reactive force field (ReaxFF). The ReaxFF simulation results indicate that CH4 molecules mainly undergo the direct dissociation on Ni, Pt, and Pd surfaces, while undergo the oxygen-assisted dissociation on Au and Cu surfaces. Additionally, the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations with the umbrella sampling are employed to study the free-energy changes of CH4 dissociation, and the results further support the CH4 dissociation pathway during the ReaxFF simulations. The present results based on ReaxFF and AIMD will provide a deeper dynamic understanding of the effects of pre-adsorbed oxygen species on the CH bond activation compared to that of static DFT.

Pre-arterialization of coronary veins prior to retroperfusion of ischemic myocardium: percutaneous closure device.

Chronic coronary retroperfusion to treat myocardial ischemia has previously failed due to edema and hemorrhage of coronary veins suddenly exposed to arterial pressures. The objective of this study was to selectively adapt the coronary veins to become arterialized prior to coronary venous retroperfusion to avoid vascular edema and hemorrhage. In 32 animals (Group I = 19 and Group II = 13), the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was occluded using an ameroid occlusion model. In Group I, the great cardiac vein was blocked with suture ligation (Group IA = 11) or with occlusion device (Group IB = 8) to arterialize the venous system within 2 weeks at intermediate pressure (between arterial and venous levels) before a coronary venous bypass graft (CVBG) was implemented through a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosis. Group II only received the LAD artery occlusion and served as control. Serial echocardiograms showed recovery of left ventricular (LV) function with this adaptation-arterialization approach, with an increase in ejection fraction (EF) in Group I from 38% ± 5% after coronary occlusion to 53% ± 7% eight weeks after CVBG, whereas in Group II the EF never recovered (41% ± 2%-33% ± 7%). The remodeling of the venous system not only allowed restoration of myocardial function when CVBG was implemented but possibly promoted a novel form of "collateralization" between the native arterioles and the newly arterialized venules, which revascularized the ischemic myocardium. These findings form a potential rationale for a venous arterialization-revascularization treatment for the refractory angina and the "no-option" patients using a hybrid percutaneous (closure device for arterialization)/surgical approach (CVBG) to revascularize the myocardium.

Evaluation of left atrial function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with cryptogenic stroke

Abstract Cryptogenic cerebro-vascular stroke is defined as ischemic stroke without definite etiology in spite of complete work up. It differs from embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) which is a subgroup including the cardio-embolic sources.We aimed to evaluate the left atrial function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) as a possible cause for cryptogenic stroke or a predictor for subclinical AF.TEE has an important role in the work up of cryptogenic stroke and ESUS searching for a possible cardio-embolic source including PFO, left atrial appendage thrombi and atheromatous plaques in aortic arch. Patients and methods Our retrospective cohort study included 62 patients of both sexes with unexplained cerebro-vascular stroke or TIA in stroke unit of Minia University.After performing TEE, 22 patients were excluded as they were proven to have a possible source for cardio-embolism.So, Participants were divided into two groups, group I which included 40 patients with cryptogenic stroke and group II which included 40 healthy participants with no medical history of significance as a control group.Two-dimensional trans-thoracic echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography were performed in both groups. We used LA diameter in PLAX, LA volume index (LAVI), LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LA strain rate during reservoir phase (LASr) and LV diastolic dysfunction as parameters of LA dysfunction.48 hours ECG rhythm monitoring during hospitalization was used in participants of group I for detection of more than 30 s episodes of subclinical or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.Bilateral carotid duplex ultrasonography was also performed for exclusion of significant carotid artery stenosis as a possible cause for stroke. Results The parameters of LA dysfunction were significantly affected in group I than group II with P-value &amp;lt; 0.0001 for LV diastolic dysfunction, LAVI, LAEF and LASr, and 0.001 for LA diameter in PLAX. Episodes of AF were noticed in 14 patients of group I (group Ia, 35%) and the other 26 patients were called (group Ib, 65%).We compared LA dysfunction parameters in Group Ib and group II (healthy controls). There was significant affection of LV diastolic dysfunction in group Ib than group II with P-value &amp;lt; 0.011. LAVI, LAEF and LASr were significantly affected in group Ib than group II with P-value &amp;lt; 0.0001. While, there is no significant difference in LA diameter between both groups with P-value = 0.053.We found that left atrial strain rate during reservoir phase (LASr) is the most sensitive and specific parameter of left atrial cardiopathy in prediction of AF with cut-off point ≤24.5 % and P-value &amp;lt; 0.0001, then LAEF with cut-off point ≤40.5 % and P-value = 0.011. The LAVI is the least sensitive and specific parameter with cut-off point ≥38.5 ml/m2 and P-value = 0.003. Conclusion 2D-STE has an important role in the evaluation of LA dysfunction as a possible cause for cryptogenic stroke after performing of TEE and exclusion of possible sources for cardio-embolism.LA strain during reservoir phase (LASr) is a strong parameter for LA cardiopathy even before the occurrence of AF.Also, LASr is an independent risk factor for AF. LAEF and LAVI are important as parameters for LA dysfunction and predictors for AF as well but with less sensitivity and specificity than LASr.

The impact of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs and 14-gene molecular assay on stage I non–small cell lung cancer with sensitive EGFR mutations

Currently, the role of EGFR-TKIs as adjuvant therapy for stage I, especially IA NSCLC, after surgical resection remains unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs with observation in such patients by incorporating an established 14-gene molecular assay for risk stratification. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Study ID: ChNCRCRD-2022-GZ01). From March 2013 to February 2019, completely resected stage I NSCLC (8th TNM staging) patients with sensitive EGFR mutation were included. Patients with eligible samples for molecular risk stratification were subjected to the 14-gene prognostic assay. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed to minimize imbalances in baseline characteristics. A total of 227 stage I NSCLC patients were enrolled, with 55 in EGFR-TKI group and 172 in the observation group. The median duration of follow-up was 78.4 months. After IPTW, the 5-year DFS (HR=0.30, 95% CI, 0.14-0.67; P=0.003) and OS (HR=0.26, 95% CI, 0.07-0.96; P=0.044) of the EGFR-TKI group were significantly better than the observation group. For subgroup analyses, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs were associated with favorable 5-year DFS rates in both IA (100.0% vs. 84.5%; P=0.007), and IB group (98.8% vs. 75.3%; P=0.008). The 14-gene assay was performed in 180 patients. Among intermediate-high-risk patients, EGFR-TKIs were associated with a significant improvement in 5-year DFS rates compared to observation (96.0% vs. 70.5%; P=0.012), while no difference was found in low-risk patients (100.0% vs. 94.9%; P=0.360). Our study suggested that adjuvant EGFR-TKI might improve DFS and OS of stage IA and IB EGFR-mutated NSCLC, and the 14-gene molecular assay could help patients that would benefit the most from treatment. This work was supported by China National Science Foundation (82022048, 82373121).

INDICATORS OF CIRCUITAL HEART RHYTHM IN SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH CARDIAC NEUROCERCULATORY DYSTONIA RESIDING IN THE ANDIJAN REGION

Annotation. According to the international systematization of diseases (10th revision), neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD) refers to somatoform autonomic dysfunction that occurs with a violation of the nervous regulation of the circulatory system. Among non-infectious diseases of childhood and adolescence, vegetative-vascular dystonia is considered the most common pathology with a frequency of 4.8 to 29.1%. It is known that vegetative-vascular dystonia or its variant neurocircular dystonia is considered a predictor of arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease at a young age. Currently, determination of heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized as the most informative non-invasive method for quantitative assessment of the autonomic regulation of heart rate. The purpose of the study was a comparative assessment of the variability of circadian rhythm and heart rate in adolescents with similar neurocirculatory dystonia living in urban and rural areas. Materials and methods. We examined 77 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (average age 14.5±0.35 years, boys -31, girls -46), hospitalized with a diagnosis of somatoform autonomic dysfunction, cardiac type NCD, from January 2022 to February 2023. Information is classified by age and place of residence (urban, rural). Taking into account the mechanisms of development of the autonomic nervous system, 2 age groups were identified. 1st age group - children 12-14 years old 49.5±4.99% (average age 13.4±0.24 years), of which 62.5±8.83% lived in Andijan (group IA), 37.5±11.74% of adolescents - in rural areas of Andijan region (group IB). 2nd age group - teenagers 15-17 years old 50.5±4.99% (average age 16.5±0.29), of which 61.2±8.89% of young people lived in Andijan (group IIA), 38.8±11.49% - in rural areas (group IIB). All teenagers live in the Andijan region every day. Results. Among the examined adolescents with NCD of the heart, complaints of pain in the heart area were similar (in age group I - 70.8±6.56%, in age group II - in 83.7±5.28% of those examined). The pain was mostly temporary (lasting a few seconds) and stabbing in nature. Interruptions in heart function were noted by 43.8±7.16% of young people in group I and 55.1±7.11% of young people in age group II. In addition, 31.3±6.69% of adolescents in age group I and 36.7±6.89% of young people in group II complained of headache, dizziness, impotence, and excessive fatigue. Conclusions. When examining adolescents with neurocirculatory dystonia, it is necessary to conduct not only a normal ECG at rest, but also Holter ECG monitoring with determination of heart rate variability; the examination will ensure adequate treatment and monitoring of this group of patients. The detected changes in the circadian rhythm and rhythm variability in urban adolescents compared to rural ones are probably associated with living in an industrial zone, environmental criteria, nutrition, and an even greater information load, which urgently requires further research.

Tunable Intrinsic Phonon Mode versus Anomalous Thermal Transport in Two-Dimensional Strongly Anharmonic Group IB Chalcogenides A2IBSe1/2Te1/2 (AIB = Cu, Ag, or Au).

Group IB chalcogenides, as promising thermoelectric materials, have ultralow thermal transport. Here, we propose a peculiar intrinsic B2 phonon mode that includes the in-plane rotational and stretching vibrations of metal atoms in two-dimensional A2IBSe1/2Te1/2 (AIB = Cu, Ag, or Au). The B2 mode is sensitive to the metal-atom mass, temperature, and strain for effectively tuning the lattice thermal conductivity. The in-plane stretching vibration leads to an unexpected increase in the lattice thermal conductivity from Cu to Ag and to Au systems, in contrast to Keyes' theory. The s(I) phase can be stabilized by the temperature-hardened B2 mode to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity, following the ∼T-0.59 instead of the traditional ∼T-1 trend. The s(II)-to-s(I) phase transition is driven by the strain-softened B2 mode to greatly enhance thermal transport via weakening the anharmonicity. Our work establishes the relationship of tunable intrinsic phonon mode versus thermal transport in two-dimensional group IB chalcogenides.

SPLA2GIB Promotes PGD2 and IL-13 Production in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

Secreted phospholipase A2 Group IB (sPLA2GIB) regulates the release of arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory lipid mediators. Although it has been well involved in extensive inflammatory diseases, its specific mechanism in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of sPLA2GIB in the pathophysiology of CRSwNP. Quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze the expression of sPLA2s, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in nasal samples. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured at an air-liquid interface (ALI) and stimulated with various cytokines. The human mast cell line HMC-1 was stimulated with sPLA2GIB, and the expression of PGD2 and cytokines in the culture supernatant was detected by ELISA. The mRNA and protein levels of sPLA2GIB were significantly higher in eosinophilic CRSwNP than in control tissues. sPLA2GIB was predominantly expressed in the nasal epithelial cells. PLA2R mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with the control groups. IL-4, IL-13, TNF-α, and IL-1β upregulated the expression of sPLA2GIB in ALI-cultured HNECs. sPLA2GIB induced PGD2 and IL-13 production in HMC-1 cells in a hydrolytic activity-independent manner. PGD2 protein expression was elevated in tissue homogenates of eosinophilic CRSwNP, and PGD2 upregulated the expression of IL-13 in HMC-1 cells. Increased secretion of sPLA2GIB by epithelial cells may promote eosinophilic inflammation in CRSwNP by enhancing PGD2 and IL-13 production in mast cells via binding to PLA2R. N/A Laryngoscope, 134:1107-1117, 2024.

Direct and residual antimicrobial effect of 2% chlorhexidine gel, double antibiotic paste and chitosan- chlorhexidine nanoparticles as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in primary molars: an in-vitro study

BackgroundThorough disinfection of root canals in primary molars may be complicated by the complex root canal morphology. This in-vitro study aimed to compare direct and residual antimicrobial effect of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, 500 mg/ml double antibiotic paste (DAP) and chitosan-chlorhexidine nanoparticles (CS-CHX NPs) as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) in primary molars.MethodsMesial roots of 63 mandibular second primary molars were infected with E. faecalis and C. albicans. Teeth were divided into 9 groups: Ia: (CS-CHX NPs), IIa: (CHX), IIIa: (DAP), IVa: chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) in which medicaments were placed for 3 days, groups Ib: (CS-CHX NPs), IIb: CHX, IIIb: (DAP), IVb: (CSNPs) in which medicaments were placed for 7 days, and Group V (control): teeth were infected, irrigated with saline, and sampled 3- and 7-days post-infection. Microbiological samples were obtained after infection, 3, and 7 days after medicament placement and 7 days after medicament removal for both time points. One-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test and paired t-test were used at p < 0.05.ResultsCS-CHX NPs had the highest anticandidal effect which was comparable to CHX and significantly higher than other medicaments (p < 0.001) at both time points. CS-CHX NPs had the highest effect against E. faecalis which was comparable to DAP and significantly higher than other medicaments (p < 0.001) at 3 days. All medicaments showed similar effect against E. faecalis after 7 days. The 7-days placement significantly increased the antimicrobial effect against both micro-organisms in all groups, except CS-CHX NPs which showed an insignificant increase. CS-CHX NPs showed the highest residual effect against both micro-organisms that increased with 7-days placement.ConclusionCSNPs and CHX combination showed a synergistic effect against both micro-organisms. CS-CHX NPs displayed a higher effect at a shorter period compared to other medicaments, yet its residual effect was higher with 7-days placement.

Molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus sub group IB infecting Cavendish banana plants in Ethiopia

Molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus sub group IB infecting Cavendish banana plants in Ethiopia

Active Surveillance Outcomes of Patients with Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma According to Levothyroxine Treatment Status.

Background: During active surveillance (AS), serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels may affect papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) progression. We investigated AS outcomes according to whether levothyroxine (LT4) treatment was administered. Patients and Methods: From 2005 to 2019, 2896 patients with low-risk PTMC underwent AS. Of these, 2509 patients were included: 2187 patients did not receive LT4 at diagnosis (group I), 1935 patients did not receive LT4 during AS (group IA), and 252 patients started LT4 during AS (group IB). The remaining 322 patients were administered LT4 before or at diagnosis (group II). The tumor volume doubling rate (TVDR) and tumor size based on ultrasound examination results and time-weighted detailed TSH scores were calculated. Disease progression was defined as tumor enlargement ≥3 mm and/or the appearance of novel lymph node metastasis. Results: At diagnosis, group II had more high-risk features, such as younger age and larger tumors, than group I. However, group II had a lower disease progression rate (2.9% at 10 years) than group I (6.1%) (p = 0.091). The disease progression rate of group IB (13.8% at 10 years) was significantly higher than that of groups IA (5.0%) and II (2.9%) (p < 0.01). The TVDR of group IB before LT4 administration was significantly higher than that of groups IA and II (0.095 per year, -0.0085 per year, and -0.057 per year, respectively; p < 0.01), suggesting that patients with progression signs during AS were selectively prescribed LT4. The time-weighted detailed TSH score of group IB significantly decreased after LT4 administration compared with those before administration (3.35 and 3.05, respectively; p < 0.01). The TVDR also decreased from 0.13 per year to 0.036 per year (p = 0.08). The proportions of patients with rapid or moderate growth decreased significantly after LT4 (from 26.8% to 12.5%, p < 0.01). A multivariable analysis revealed group IB status was independently associated with disease progression (odds ratio [OR] = 3.42 [CI 2.15-5.44], p < 0.01), whereas age ≥40 years and <60 years and age ≥60 years were independently negatively associated with this outcome (OR = 0.23 [CI 0.14-0.38, p < 0.01 and OR = 0.16 [CI 0.10-0.27], p < 0.01). Conclusion: LT4 treatment may be associated with decreased tumor growth during AS of PTMC, but further confirmatory research is needed.

Poster 344: Reduced Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Revision with Internal Brace Augmentation: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study with a minimum 2-year Follow-up

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate retear rates in patients who underwent ACLR with and without internal bracing in a matched cohort study. Additionally, we also sought to investigate if there were any differences in clinical and patient-reported outcomes between the groups. We hypothesized that ACLR with internal bracing would reduce the incidence of revisions in a safe and effective manner. Methods: A total of 200 patients were included in this study. Patients between the ages of 13-39 at the time of surgery who underwent primary autograft ACLR with internal bracing (IB group) between October 2010 and July 2020 and were enrolled in our institution’s registry with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were identified and matched 1:1 with a non-internal brace (no-IB) group based on patient demographics and concomitant procedures. Every patient completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR- 12), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively. KT-1000 arthrometer measurements were included in the pre- and postoperative objective, clinical assessments. Results: The IB group underwent significantly less revision ACLRs (1% vs. 8%, p = 0.017). Additionally, the average time elapsed from the original ACLR to the revision did not differ significantly and the average ages for the IB and the no-IB groups were comparable (19.0-years-old vs. 19.9-years-old). 5 patients in the no-IB group underwent a total of 9 meniscal procedures among them at the time of their revision ACLR compared to just one in the IB group (p = 0.009). There were also 4 patients in the no-IB group that underwent anterolateral ligament reconstruction at the time of their revisions (4 vs. 0, p = 0.043). All postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) significantly increased in both groups with the exception of the MARS score which significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively. KT-1000 measurements significantly improved in both groups following surgery with the IB and no-IB cohorts yielding comparable results at the manual maximum pull (0.97mm vs. 0.65mm). Conclusions: ACLR with internal bracing resulted in an 88% decrease in revision ACLRs while maintaining comparable patient reported outcomes. Incorporating an Internal brace into ACLR is therefore safe and effective within these study parameters. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]