Radioisotope Method Research Articles

Evaluation of Microleakage of Nanoparticle-incorporated Cyanoacrylate Root Canal Sealer Using the Radioisotopic Method: An In Vitro Study.

The study aimed to assess the microleakage of nanoparticle-based (NPB) cyanoacrylate sealer and epoxy resin-based (ERB) sealer using radioisotope method and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A total of 100 single-rooted teeth were collected; specimens were accessed, instrumented, and irrigated, and randomly distributed into 4 groups of 25 samples each: Group I: Positive control, group II: Negative control, group III: Obturated with NPB sealer, and group IV: Obturated with ERB sealer. All samples were immersed in 99mTc pertechnetate solution, for 3 hours after which radioactivity was estimated under a Gamma camera. The radioactivity released by specimens before and after nail varnish removal was statistically analyzed. After 2 weeks, the same samples were used for CLSM analysis. The sealer tubular penetration depth was measured at the deepest level for each group using ZEN lite 2012. Data collected was statistically evaluated. The amount of radioactivity observed at first in group III and group IV was 194.76 and 599.12 units, respectively, with p-value < 0.001, indicating significant interaction, and after nail varnish removal, it was 89.68 and 468.44 units, respectively, with a p-value < 0.001; again, indicating statistical significance. Hence, the radioactivity of NPB sealer was found to be lower than ERB sealer in both cases, indicating better sealing of the former. The photomicrographs show that mean value of dye penetration in NPB sealer in first, second, and third segment from apex was 85.06, 75.73, and 66.09, respectively; while in the case of ERB sealer, those were 597.28, 461.17, and 195.68, respectively; with p-value < 0.001; signifying that NPB sealer exhibited higher resistance to microleakage than ERB sealer. The NPB sealer can become a potential root canal sealer in future endodontics due to superior physiochemical properties attributed to the cyanoacrylate and incorporated nanoparticles. The study clinically signifies that we can equally use the radioisotopic method along with confocal method while conducting the microleakage studies. In addition, NPB sealer can be an emerging replacement with better properties than gold standard root canal sealers for clinical use. How to cite this article: Shetty C, Qaiser S, Shetty A, et al. Evaluation of Microleakage of Nanoparticle-incorporated Cyanoacrylate Root Canal Sealer Using the Radioisotopic Method: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):335-341.

A prediction model for water absorption in sublayers based on stacking ensemble learning method

The water absorption profile can reflect the difference in the waterflooding status of each sublayer in the injection well, and predicting the water absorption profile has important guiding significance for formulating and adjusting the waterflood development plan. Currently, numerical simulation and radioisotope logging techniques are commonly used to obtain the water absorption in sublayers. However, the complex and increasingly heterogeneous subsurface formations in China's oilfields have made it impossible for the numerical simulation to reflect the actual reservoir water injection status by splitting the water absorption into sublayers. Although the radioisotope method is more accurate, it is more expensive and has less actual test data in oilfields. In addition, the water absorption prediction model built by traditional machine learning only applies to injection wells with a small amount of water absorption profile data, and its prediction accuracy needs further improvement. In this paper, a new machine learning prediction method is proposed to build a water absorption profile prediction model by stacking ensemble learning algorithm, which achieves the prediction of water absorption in sublayers for injection wells without historical data of water absorption profiles during the development period. In our model, based on the oilfield's static geological data and dynamic production data, the input feature parameters are comprehensively selected by a hybrid feature selection method to analyze the importance of each feature. The robust base-learners are extracted from the sub-model pool by comparing and analyzing the comprehensive prediction performance of each individual model, including ANN, KNN, SVR, RF, XGBoost, LightGBM, etc. The stacking ensemble model was trained using K-fold cross-validation on a randomly divided dataset, which improves the predictive performance of an individual model by combining the advantages of multiple base-learners so that it can accurately reflect the dynamic changes of the water absorption profile. Finally, a case study from the MG study area of the DG oilfield was conducted to verify the model's predictive effect. This case shows that the stacking model proposed in this paper has better performance in predicting the water absorption in sublayers compared with the traditional single model and other ensemble models, and the model has a strong generalization ability, which proves that the method can be used in studying the prediction of the water absorption in sublayers of injection wells.

Use of Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

PurposeThe current established technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is preoperative injection of 99mtechnetium-labeled nanosized colloids (99mTc) followed by single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with subsequent intraoperative gamma probe-guided excision of the SLN. It is however time and resource consuming, causes radiation exposure and morbidity for the patient as the injection is done in the awake patient. Recently near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) gained importance in SLN biopsy as a faster and more convenient technique. The objective of our study was to investigate the feasibility of SLN biopsy using ICG-imaging in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsSingle-centre pilot study of five patients with early-stage OSCC. For all patients, both techniques (99mTc and ICG) were performed. We injected 99mTc preoperatively in the awake patient, followed by SPECT/CT imaging. Intraoperatively ICG was injected around the primary tumor. Then the neck incision was performed according to the SPECT/CT images and SLN were detected by using a gamma probe and near-infrared fluorescence imaging of the ICG-marked lymph nodes intraoperatively. The excised lymph nodes were sent to histopathological examination according to the SLN dissection protocol.ResultsIn all five patients sentinel lymph nodes were identified. A total of 7 SLN were identified after injection of 99mTc, imaging with SPECT/CT and intraoperative use of a gamma probe. All these SLN were fluorescent and visible with the ICG technique. In two patients, we could identify additional lymph nodes using the ICG technique. Pathological analysis demonstrated occult metastasis in two of the cases.ConclusionsOur study shows that ICG-guided SLN biopsy is a feasible technique, especially in combination with conventional radioisotope method and may help for intraoperative localization of SLN. Validation studies with bigger patient cohorts are needed to prove our results.

THE STATISTICAL SIMULATION OF DATASET IN 3D AREA WITH "CUBIC" СОRRELATION FUNCTION ON EXAMPLE RIVNE NPP GEOPHYSICAL MONITORING

Background. The model and algorithm were developed by using optimal in the mean square sense "cubic" correlation function. An example of supplementing the results of geophysical studies of karst-suffuses phenomena with simulated data in the task of monitoring the density of the chalk stratum on the territory of the Rivne NPP is presented. The complex geophysical research was conducted on Rivne NPP area. The monitoring observations radioisotope study of soil density and humidity near the perimeter of buildings is of the greatest interest among these. In this case a problem was occurred to supplement simulated data that were received at the control of chalky strata density changes at the research industrial area with use of radioisotope methods on a grid that included 29 wells. This problem was solved in this work by statistical simulation method that provides the ability to display values (the random field of a research object in 3D area) in any point of the monitoring area. Methods. Based on the spectral decomposition of random fields in 3D space, a statistical model of the distribution of the average density of the chalk layer in the 3D observation area was built. Results. An algorithm for statistical simulation of random fields with a "cubic" correlation function is formulated. On the basis of the developed software, additional simulated realizations of the random component of the research subject on the grid of observations of the necessary detail and regularity were obtained. A statistical analysis of the results of the numerical simulation of the distribution of the average density of the chalk layer was carried out and their adequacy was tested. Conclusions. The method of statistical modeling of random fields with "cubic" correlation functions allows you to supplement data with a given accuracy.

Effect of the JAK/STAT Inhibitor Tofacitinib on Macrophage Cholesterol Metabolism.

The impact of JAK/STAT inhibitors, which are used in various inflammatory diseases, on cardiovascular risk is controversial and has recently raised safety concerns. Our study investigates the direct effects of tofacitinib on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, which is crucial for atherosclerosis plaque development and stability. Cultured human macrophages THP-1 were used to assess the impact of tofacitinib on cell cholesterol efflux and synthesis via radioisotopic methods, and on cholesterol uptake by measuring the cell cholesterol content with a fluorometric assay. The cholesterol acceptors and donors were either standard lipoproteins or sera from patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and from control subjects. Tofacitinib significantly increased the macrophage cholesterol efflux to all acceptors; it reduced cholesterol uptake from both the normal and hypercholesterolemic sera; and it reduced cholesterol synthesis. The treatment of macrophages with tofacitinib was able to increase the cholesterol efflux and decrease cholesterol uptake when using sera from untreated JIA patients with active disease as cholesterol acceptors and donors, respectively. In conclusion, our in vitro data support the concept that tofacitinib has a favorable impact on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, even in the presence of sera from rheumatologic patients, and suggest that other mechanisms may be responsible for the cardiovascular risk associated with tofacitinib use in selected patient populations.

USING RADIOISOTOPE METHODS TO DATE Cs INFLOW TO BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE YENISEI RIVER

The long-term study of samples of bottom sediments (BS) of the Yenisei River revealed the presence of a unique set of artificial radionuclides (Co, Cs, Eu, Eu), which made it possible to combine different methods for calculating sedimentation rates for a retrospective assessment of river BS. Studies have been carried out to determine the sedimentation rates by various methods, using natural non-equilibrium Pb, the ratios of artificial isotopes Cs/Co and Eu/Eu, and marker Co, in several sections of the Yenisei River - downstream of the radioactive discharges of the Mining and Chemical Combine (MCC) of Rosatom near the villages of B. Balchug and Atamanovo, as well as upstream of the MCC discharges in the reference areas near the villages of Esaulovo and Shivera. Estimation of sedimentation rates using non-equilibrium Pb, Cs/Co and Eu/Eu isotope ratios, and marker Co for reference areas and the areas near villages located downstream of the MCC showed that their values lay in the range of 0.5-1.3 cm/year. A chronology of Cs influx into BS was constructed using different radioisotope methods, which demonstrated that the maximum Cs influx into BS in the reference regions of the villages of Esaulovo and Shivera and in areas of the village of B. Balchug was noted during the extreme flood of 1966. Cs maxima were also found in the BS layers whose dating coincided with the floods of 1988 and 1995-1997.

FeCoNiMnCr high-entropy alloys (HEAs): Synthesis, structural, magnetic and nuclear radiation absorption properties

We report the synthesis and structural, magnetic and Radiation shielding properties of High Entropy Alloy (HEA) produced through mechanical alloying method. Using an X-Ray Diffractometer (PanalyticalEmpryan) with CuK radiation at 45 kV and 40 mA, the phase identification starting elements and as-milled powders are identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), morphological and microstructural investigations were conducted (FEI Quanta FEG 450). EDX and elemental mapping analyses are conducted to assess the purity and elemental distributions of the synthesized alloys. Using the Quantum Design Physical Characteristics Measurement System (PPMS) with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a magnetic field of 30 kOe at room temperature, magnetic properties are examined. Using 137Cs radioisotope and mathematical methods, gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties of HEA are investigated in a conventional transmission setup using experimental and theoretical approaches. In the presence of a 3 T applied field, the sample exhibits a low magnetization of 5.30 emu/g at 300 K. Moreover, Ms is raised to 22 emu/g at 10 K owing to decreased thermal effects. The temperature dependence of the magnetization is recorded in the presence of a 1 T applied field. HEA exhibits superior neutron attenuation properties than conventional absorption materials such as B4C, graphite, and water. Our results showed that the synthesized HEA has superiority over other alloys and conventional neutron absorption materials. It can be concluded that the proposed novel HEA might be investigated further in terms of broadening its characterization and clarifying its other crucial properties to extend the scope of the current investigation.

Monitoring the Kinase Activity of Heme-Based Oxygen Sensors and Its Dependence on O2 and Other Ligands Using Phos-Tag Electrophoresis.

The nonradioactive method, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in the presence of Phos-tag (Phos-tag electrophoresis), is used to evaluate a kinase autophosphorylation and/or phosphotransfer reaction from a kinase/ATP to its protein substrate. This method outperforms radioisotope methods using [32P]ATP for detecting trace amounts of phosphorylated protein in fresh protein preparations. Phos-tag electrophoresis has been used to perform detailed analyses of the kinase activity of a heme-based oxygen sensor-specifically, a globin-coupled histidine kinase from the soil bacterium Anaeromyxobacter sp. Fw109-5 (AfGcHK).

Indocyanine green in diagnostics and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer

To analyze the efficacy of sentinel lymph node detection using indocyanine green (ICG) in breast cancer. The study included 153 breast cancer patients (stage 0-I-II-III, cN0 or cN1-ycN0) between October 2022 and April 2023. All patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy using ICG. Sentinel lymph node was successfully detected in 150 cases out of 153 ICG injections. Optimal period between ICG injection and its accumulation in regional lymph nodes was 10-12 min. Sensitivity of sentinel lymph node detection was 98.0% that exceeds the approximate value of radioisotope method adopted as a standard (96.9-97.2%), as well as sensitivity of proprietary blue dye (90.6-95.0%). Specificity of this method was 100%. The authors' experience regarding application of indocyanine green is consistent with numerous world statistics and proves the possibility of its effective use for sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is necessary to introduce this diagnostic method as a leading or alternative method for analysis of sentinel lymph node in national clinical guidelines.

Comparison of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Blue Dye Conjunction With Indocyanine Green or Radioisotope in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Prospective Single-Center Observational Study.

Although radioisotope (RI) combined with blue dye (BD) is the standard technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer, the use of RI is limited at some institutions due to the specific equipment needed. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence detection has been developed as a potential substitute for RI method. However, reports on the sensitivity of ICG and RI techniques in detecting SLN are inconsistent; hence, the present study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy between the combined method of ICG + BD (ICG-B) and RI + BD (RI-B). A prospective observational study was performed that identified 138 breast cancer patients who had undergone lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy with ICG-B or RI-B. The SLN detection rate, positive SLN counts, and lymph node metastasis between the 2 groups were compared. A total of 71 patients were recruited in the ICG-B group, while 67 were recruited in the RI-B group. The SLN detection rate was 100% in both the ICG-B and RI-B groups. Lymph node metastasis was found in 13 patients using ICG-B and in 12 patients using the RI-B technique (18.31% vs 17.91%, respectively; P = .61). No significant differences were observed in the positive SLN counts (3.12 ± 2.01 vs 3.33 ± 2.24, P = .37) between the 2 groups. Indocyanine green combined with BD has an equal efficacy compared with RI plus BD when performing an axillary SLN biopsy in breast cancer. The ICG plus BD procedure is a promising alternative to traditional standard mapping methods.

Features of the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism in children

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare pathology in pediatric and adolescent patients. Collection, analysis and generalization of the literature data and experience of the leading clinics allow to develop unified, statistically substantiated approaches to diagnostics and surgical treatment of this group of patients.Material and methods. The article presents a retrospective analysis of 17 cases of PHPT in children and adolescents aged from 6 to 18 years operated on in the department of Surgery of St.-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in the period from 1973 till 2021. Among those operated there were 10 girls and 7 boys, the M:F ratio was 1:1.4. The mean age of the patients was 12,9±0,71 years.Results and discussion. The main criteria of the disease diagnosis were elevated blood calcium and parathormone levels, excessive urinary calcium secretion. Manifest forms of the disease were diagnosed in 10 (58,8%) of 17 children. In 3 (17,6%) cases the parathyroid neoplasms were accompanied neither by clinical, nor laboratory manifestations of the disease and were regarded as incidentalomas. Another 4 (23.5%) patients had only laboratory changes (hypercalcemia and hyperparathyrinaemia) that manifested themselves preoperatively. These observations were referred to the asymptomatic form of PHPT.In 7 (41.2%) cases parathyroid adenomas were found and removed during surgeries for various thyroid diseases (thyroid cancer in 5 cases, diffuse toxic goiter in 1 case). An incidental finding of parathyroid adenoma was during prophylactic thyroidectomy for Sipple syndrome.A radioisotope method proved to be the most informative way to localize parathyroid tumors.Conclusion. The diagnosis of the disease in manifest sporadic cases does not differ from that in adults. Genetic study is indicated in the presence of a family history of multiple involvement of the parathyroid glands. Surgical treatment with removal of parathyroid tumor is the main method, which allows to achieve complete recovery.

In-line measurement of multiphase flow viscosity

The transportation modes depend entirely on the viscosity of the oil. To date, none of the viscometric methods are able to provide measurements to meet all the requirements of oil flow, features of main oil pipelines, and trends in the oil industry, such as decarbonization and digitalization. The method of inline viscosity measurement of multiphase flow through a metal pipeline can be based on direct gamma ray measurement. It is stipulated by the ability of gamma-radiation to penetrate through the pipeline material without destroying it, as well as by the ability to work with flows containing free gas and the high capability to be introduced into automatic control systems. The authors consider the physical forces acting on the gas inclusions in the oil flow. They determine the physical dependence between the parameters determined by the radioisotope method and the viscosity of oil in the three-phase flow. These studies show good agreement with the work of other scientists. The prospect of further research will be to clarify the mathematical model of gas-oil flow, to increase the accuracy by reducing the number of assumptions made.

Features of the course urate nephrolithiasis, comorbid with the metabolic syndrome

The aim of the work is to study the peculiarities of the course of urate nephrolithiasis and urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. Clinical and laboratory data of 183 patients. The control group of patients with urate nephrolithiasis received traditional therapy. The patients of the main group with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome took quertin and traditional therapy, as well as popular medical drugs that correct metabolic processes. Clinical laboratory, biochemical, ultrasound, radiological, radioisotope, immunoenzymatic, and physical-chemical methods were used. Results. The pain was more intense in patients with urate nephrolithiasis than in patients with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome. Manifestations of the inflammatory process increased in patients with urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome, and concomitant diseases intensified the excretion of stone-forming compounds. Metaphylaxis with quertin against the background of commonly accepted drugs that correct metabolic processes had a positive effect on the course of urate nephrolithiasis comorbid with metabolic syndrome and contributed to the reduction of stone formation relapse. Conclusions. In-depth diagnosis of metabolic processes can help the doctor to correctly determine the differentiated tactics of examination and treatment, as well as to prevent possible complications in a timely manner.

Thyroid diseases and new approaches for their treatment

The prevalence of thyroid diseases including autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), autoimmune thyroiditis, and different forms of thyroid cancer is increasing every year, while the effectiveness of their treatment remains low and is limited, mainly, to replacement therapy with thyroid hormones and surgical and radioisotope methods. This review presents the current state of the problem of pharmacological correction in thyroid diseases including new approaches to the regulation of the functional activity of the components of the thyroid hormone synthesis system in thyroid follicular cells, in particular, its initial, sensory component, the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor. Among the drugs that are currently being developed, it is necessary to focus on allosteric regulators of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, specific antibodies to it, as well as selective agonists of the β-isoform of thyroid hormone receptors.

HDL metabolism and functions impacting on cell cholesterol homeostasis are specifically altered in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BackgroundThe etiopathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still unclarified, but vascular inflammation and matrix metalloproteases activation have a recognized role in AAA development and progression. Circulating lipoproteins are involved in tissue inflammation and repair, particularly through the regulation of intracellular cholesterol, whose excess is associated to cell damage and proinflammatory activation. We analyzed lipoprotein metabolism and function in AAA and in control vasculopathic patients, to highlight possible non-atherosclerosis-related, specific abnormalities.MethodsWe measured fluorometrically serum esterified/total cholesterol ratio, as an index of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in patients referred to vascular surgery either for AAA (n=30) or stenotic aortic/peripheral atherosclerosis (n=21) having similar burden of cardiovascular risk factors and disease. We measured high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), through the ATP-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) and A1 (ABCA1) pathways and serum cell cholesterol loading capacity (CLC), by radioisotopic and fluorimetric methods, respectively.ResultsWe found higher LCAT (+23%; p < 0.0001) and CETP (+49%; p < 0.0001) activity in AAA sera. HDL ABCG1-CEC was lower (−16%; p < 0.001) and ABCA1-CEC was higher (+31.7%; p < 0.0001) in AAA. Stratification suggests that smoking may partly contribute to these modifications. CEC and CETP activity correlated with CLC only in AAA.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that compared to patients with stenotic atherosclerosis, patients with AAA had altered HDL metabolism and functions involved in their anti-inflammatory and tissue repair activity, particularly through the ABCG1-related intracellular signaling. Clarifying the relevance of this mechanism for AAA evolution might help in developing new diagnostic parameters and therapeutic targets for the early management of this condition.

The age and origin of the Balleny and Scott volcanic provinces, Ross Sea, Antarctica

The Balleny and Scott volcanic provinces are two isolated and remote volcanic occurrences located along the rifted margin of Western Antarctica in the Ross Sea. They include oceanic plateaus, seamounts, and volcanic islands. Although volcanic activity has been documented through remote sensing, there is no geochronological data based on radio-isotope methods constraining the duration of the volcanic activity in this region. As a consequence, hypotheses, based on the interpretation of chemical characteristics of the lavas, that suggested the volcanism to be either the result a deep mantle plume or a large-scale shallow melting anomaly have not yet been tested decisively.In order to tackle this issue, we have now dated lavas dredged from seamounts from both Balleny and Scott provinces using the 40Ar/39Ar technique. Our new age dates suggest that the Balleny and Scott volcanic provinces were active since at least 2.8 Ma and 2.4 Ma respectively. This suggests that these volcanic provinces were active simultaneously to the magmatism of the McMurdo volcanic group in the Western Antarctica Rift System that comprises Mount Erebus and Mount Melbourne stratovolcanoes. Our new dates suggest that there is no obvious age trend across the Balleny and Scott provinces. Combined with plate reconstructions since the end of Mesozoic, these data suggest that the Scott province does not coincide with any potential hot-spot track, thus negating a deep mantle plume origin for this volcanism. The case of the Balleny province is more ambiguous. The hypothesis of this province representing the end of the Tasman seamounts chain formed by a hot-spot track with decreasing-age trend is not confirmed by the new geochronological data, since available dates for the region are rather scarce and unreliable for the Tasman seamounts.Therefore, we suggest that the Balleny and Scott provinces originated from shallow mantle melting processes, a hypothesis that seems to be consistent with our re-interpretation of the SrNdPb isotope data of the lavas from the Balleny and Scott provinces. We argue that these provinces were derived from a heterogeneous subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatized during ancient subductions and which is now scattered in the shallow mantle of the southwest Pacific realm. This scattered mantle source component has been melting since the beginning of Cenozoic, and was then progressively depleted in the most fusible components. This new working model can explain the presence of several magmatic provinces in the southwest Pacific-Antarctica realm which show similar chemical signatures.

Normalization of Kidney Function in Patients with Active Tuberculosis

The objective: to determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine, which includes yarrow, lovage root and rosemary leaves, hepatoprotector with field artichoke and intestinal dialysis (a mixture of electrolytes, macrogol and activated carbon) to normalize kidney function in patients with active tuberculosis (TB). Materials and methods. During 6 years, 738 patients from 6 till 81 years old with active TB of various localizations, including kidneys, were examined and treated. We evaluated symptoms, anamnesis, clinical, biochemical tests of blood, urine, glomerular filtration rate, bacteriological analysis, polymerase chain reaction for DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, immunological studies, methods of radiological diagnosis (sonography, radiography, multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radioisotope method), endoscopic research methods with targeted aspiration and biopsy to obtain biological material. The participants of the research were divided into two groups: main and control ones. Patients in the main group (n=73) were prescribed herbal medicine, which includes yarrow, lovage root and rosemary leaves, hepatoprotector with field artichoke and intestinal dialysis (a mixture of electrolytes, macrogol and activated carbon). The patients in the control group (n=70) used only herbal medicine, which includes yarrow, lovage root and rosemary leaves and hepatoprotector with artichoke. Variation statistics methods were used to process the obtained data. Results. According to the result of the study, 68 (93.1%) patients out of 73 persons in the main group with active TB, had symptoms of the improvement. In the control group, only 37 (52.8%) patients reported positive results. In 68 patients of the main group, normalization of renal function was achieved: normalization of blood creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate, reduction of protein, leukocytes, erythrocyturia. Conclusions. The proposed method of treatment of patients with active tuberculosis of different localization, including kidneys, on the background of antimycobacterial therapy is one of the possible treatment options. It is proved that normalization of renal function was determined in 93.1% of patients, which is on 40% higher compared to the control group.

Basic principles of examination and treatment of patients with post-traumatic heterotopic ossifications in the elbow joint

Results of complex examination and treatment of 103 patients, aged 4-14, with posttraumatic heterotopic ossificates in the elbow zone are presented. Clinical, radiologic, electrophysiologic, radioisotopic, biomechanical, termovision and morphologic methods were used. Depending on the extent of the pathological process the ossificates resection was performed with either simple or expanded arthrolysis of the elbow joint. Expanded arthrolysis included the formation of fossae and through canal in the distal humerus, open reduction or resection of the radius head. Long term follow up showed good and satisfactory functional and anatomical results in 89.3% and 85.7% of cases, respectively. The mean range of motion in elbow joints increased by 57. Recurrent ossificates were observed only in 4.6%) of patients.

Long-term follow up after sentinel node biopsy alone for early-stage cervical cancer

ObjectiveSentinel node biopsy alone (SNB) reduces the postoperative complications of pelvic lymphadenectomy, such as lymphedema and lymphangitis; however, the long-term prognosis after SNB is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and complications of patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent SNB for hysterectomy or trachelectomy. MethodsWe performed SNB for cervical cancer using a radioisotope method in 181 patients between 2009 and 2017. If the intraoperative sentinel lymph node evaluation was negative for metastasis, no further lymph nodes were removed. ResultsThe median age of the patients was 34 years (range, 21–73 years). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2008 stage was IA1 in 6 patients, IA2 in 18, IB1 in 154, and IIA1 in 3. Of the 181 patients (44 with hysterectomy, 137 with trachelectomy), 8 did not undergo pelvic lymphadenectomy because of a false-negative intraoperative diagnosis, 20 received adjuvant therapy after surgery, and 4 (2.2%) experienced recurrence over a median follow-up period of 83.5 months (range, 25–145 months). In the four recurrent cases, recurrence occurred in the pelvis, lung, and bone in one patient each, while the remaining patient developed pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases. Of these four patients, one died, and the remaining three are alive without disease after multidisciplinary therapy. The 5-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 98.8% and 99.4%, respectively. Postoperative complications, such as lymphedema, were very low rate. ConclusionsSNB for early-stage cervical cancer might be safe and effective, with no increase in the recurrence and postoperative complications rate.

Recent Progress on Mass Spectrum Based Approaches for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) components are closely related to their therapeutic efficacy, toxic effects, and drug interactions. Based on the study of the whole process of ADME in TCM, it is important to screen out the key pharmacokinetic index components (pharmacokinetics PK/toxicokinetics TK makers), which can be beneficial for their clinical application or drug development. Although the detection of traditional small molecular drug's in vivo ADME process can be achieved by radioisotope methods, this approach might not be useful for the case of TCM. In detail, it is very difficult to label and trace each component in complex Chinese medicine, while it is also difficult to accurately follow the position of tracer in the whole in vivo process. In short, it is a tough task to obtain the ADME information of Chinese medicine, especially in the case of a clinical study. We searched several scientific databases, including Pubmed, ACS, ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, etc., by using "Chinese medicine" and "in vivo metabolism" as keywords. By summarizing the current reports as well as our recent progress in this field, this review aims to summarize current research methods and strategies for ADME study of TCM based on high-resolution mass spectrometry-based data acquisition and data mining technology which is an important approach but has not been systematically reviewed. With the development of various hybrid tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (Q-TOF, LTQ FT, Q-Exactive), liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has become the mainstream method in studying ADME process of TCM. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current research technologies and strategies based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, with emphasis on the following three aspects: (1) comprehensive and automatic acquisition technologies for the analysis of in vivo TCM components (i.e., BE-DDA); (2) quick and comprehensive identification techniques for analyzing in vivo chemical substances and metabolites of TCM (i.e., PATBS or metabolomic analysis); (3) efficient correlation determination between in vivo or in vitro compounds and their metabolic transformation (i.e., MTSF). To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneering review for systematically summarizing the analysis methods and strategies of ADME in TCM, which can help understand the whole ADME process, therapeutic molecular basis, or toxic substances of TCM. Furthermore, this review can also provide a feasible strategy to screen out PK/TK markers of TCM, while this information can be helpful to elucidate the pharmacodynamics or toxicity mechanisms of Chinese medicines and be useful in their future drug development. At the same time, we also hope that this review can provide ideas for further improvement of TCM analysis methods and help rational clinical use of TCM and the development of new drugs.