Stages Of Treatment Research Articles

The effectiveness of antidepressant therapy against anhedonia in patients with alcohol dependence

The article presents the results of a scientific study aimed at determining the effectiveness of the drug Vortioxetine (Brintellix) in the treatment of affective spectrum disorders in patients with alcohol dependence in a drug treatment hospital, since the drug is promising for widespread use in the drug therapy of a number of mental disorders and in the future could be included in the standard of medical care in the field of psychiatry-addictology. It is known that anhedonia is one of the mental disorders in withdrawal syndrome, which provokes relapses of an addictive disorder and negatively affects the duration and quality of remissions of patients with an addiction profile. At the same time, the study of antidepressant therapy in the treatment of alcohol dependence remains relevant, since poor tolerance, side effects, and deterioration of the patient's general condition may affect adherence to drug therapy. In the present study, anhedonia was assessed on the Snaith-Hamilton SHAPS scale, anxiety-depressive manifestations using the HADS hospital anxiety and depression scale and quality of life according to the SF-36 questionnaire during 24 weeks of follow-up.The result of drug therapy with Vortioxetine was the relief of affective disorders in alcohol dependence, which contributed to the improvement of overall subjective well-being, the degree of satisfaction with the quality of life and a decrease in anxiety-depressive tendencies and anhedonia. In addition, minimal and minor adverse reactions when taking Vortioxetine affected the increased adherence of the examined patients to medical prescriptions and recommendations.Conclusions. The use of Vortioxetine in the treatment of affective disorders among patients suffering from alcohol dependence provides new opportunities to help people suffering from alcohol addiction. Vortioxetine can be recommended both at the stage of inpatient care and outpatient treatment, since when it was taken, stable positive dynamics of antidepressant, anti-anxiety and antiangedonic effects were recorded.

EARLY MOBILIZATION AND ITS PROTOCOLS AT HOSPITAL DISCHARGE IN ADULT PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Introduction: The highly complex hospital environment was created with the aim of providing intensive care to patients with severe acute conditions or system instability, with the potential for recovery. A growing number of individuals survive the initial stage of treatment but do not show good progress. Poor progress in critically ill patients is due to immobility, which can cause several complications that influence recovery. The authors warn that the consequences of immobility can last up to 5 years after hospital discharge. Several published studies have highlighted that MP is associated with a reduction in the patient's time in hospital units. Several arguments based on other studies indicate that MP has been proposed as a promising intervention for critically ill patients, important for preventing postoperative complications and reducing hospital stay. Objective: To describe the influence of MP and its protocols on hospital discharge in adult patients in the ICU. Methods: Descriptive research by systematic literature review with the PICO strategy. Results and Discussion: Research conducted in the databases found 96 articles, of which 79 were discarded and 7 articles met all the inclusion criteria for this study. This study analyzed the influence of MP and its protocols on hospital discharge in adult patients in the ICU in the selected articles. Many issues should be investigated for a more assertive and guiding opinion, thus further highlighting the benefits of MP and its significant influence on hospital discharge. There is a need to outline a model to meet the specific needs according to the profile of patients and thus systematize MP in the ICU. Conclusion: We consider it important to conduct more studies to systematize the practice and highlight the improvements in the protocols and, thus, benefit the patient, favoring their recovery, hospital discharge and quality of life.

Применение графов знаний для клинического мониторинга процесса лечения

Patient condition monitoring is essential at every stage of the treatment and diagnostic process. During treatment, the key tasks of monitoring include evaluating the effectiveness of treatment strategies and ensuring safety, specifically by avoiding complications and adverse effects from medications, procedures, or their combinations. To enhance doctor-patient interactions and improve treatment quality, intelligent monitoring tools are needed. These tools must use patient data and formalized knowledge of the subject area to identify which observations, at specific times, can indicate any deviation of the patient's condition from expected outcomes.This study aims to develop an ontology that formalizes the knowledge necessary for selecting and explaining monitoring parameters throughout treatment. Key concept rela-tionships that address the challenges of monitoring patient conditions during treatment are identified, leading to an on-tological graph for a specific class of medical monitoring issues. The study describes a method for building knowledge graphs applicable to various diseases and a reasoning process to identify unexpected conditions. A process of reasoning and the resulting recommendation is presented. This approach establishes a foundation for a decision support system tailored to this class of problems, where monitoring parameters can be adapted according to treatment stage, patient condition, and individual characteristics.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SURFACE OF FACTORY AND HAND-MADE LOOPS ON TITANIUM-MOLYBDENUM ORTHODONTIC ARCHWIRE

The most important part of the brackets, used in orthodontic treatment, is the archwire, which, when activated, generate light and long-lasting biomechanical forces that make the teeth move. Different manufacturers offer ready-made expensive solutions for orthodontists - archwire with loops along the length of the wire of different shape, which increases the cost of treatment. However, orthodontic practice is strictly individual, depending on the patient’s orthodontic problems, the stages and methods of treatment.Orthodontists often have to choose between expensive archwires with pre-made loops or using an archwire that they can manually bend in the right places depending on the patient’s individual characteristics and specific needs. In this case, the orthodontist’s decision depends on preserving the quality of the archwire surface. The surface roughness of the orthodontic archwire plays an important role in the bracket-archwire complex and is an essential factor that determines the effectiveness of the guided movement of the teeth along the arch. Surface roughness not only affects the efficiency of sliding mechanics, due to frictional effects, but also corrosion behaviour and aesthetics. A comparison of the surface characteristics of Ti-Mo archwire - with factory and hand-made loops is made. The surface of the archwire in the bending zones of the loops was investigated by SEM analysis and Surface roughness analysis. The analysis of the results shows that manual bending practically does not change the surface of the archwire, does not introduce additional defects that increase the contact friction, as well as create conditions for faster deterioration of properties and the undesirable breakage of the archwire. Research results give orthodontists confidence that the manual bending process does not degrade the quality of the archwire surface. The hand-bent archwire preserves the possibility of trouble-free movement in the braces when tightening or loosening during the different stages of treatment.

Psychological-Distress Factors in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

To systematically review and integrate qualitative-research results pertaining to psychological distress in patients with breast cancer and to clarify its causes and drivers. Patients with breast cancer experience psychological distress in the stages of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, which seriously affects their quality of life. Through comprehensive qualitative research, the study comprehensively describes the experiences of patients with breast cancer to guide medical personnel in taking better care of them. A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the psychological-distress experiences of patients with breast cancer. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method of thematic and content analysis. Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL [via EBSCO], and PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical, and Weipu) were searched from inception until February 2024. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: diagnostic and therapeutic, individual, environmental, and interpersonal factors. Psychological distress is a subjective feeling influenced by interactions among individual, therapeutic, environmental, and interpersonal factors, and it is commonly encountered among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, to optimise the management of psychological distress, the characteristics and external environment of patients with breast cancer should be carefully considered when delivering routine nursing care. Patients experience psychological distress at different stages of breast cancer; however, the causes of psychological distress at different stages differ. Medical staff should implement targeted psychological-distress intervention measures based on factors relevant to different stages. The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023417364).

Real-World Effectiveness of All-Oral Direct-Acting Antivirals in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus-Related HCC.

The association between direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently unclear. Hence, we aim to assess the association between DAA treatment and mortality rate among Medicare beneficiaries with HCV-related HCC. This retrospective cohort study screened 19,813 adults in 2013-2019 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data linked with Medicare data. Patients with HCV-related HCC initiating DAA therapy after their first HCC diagnosis were compared with patients with HCV-related HCC who received no HCV treatment. After inverse probability treatment weighting, multivariable Cox proportional hazards models compared mortality rates between the groups. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were based on HCC stage (early vs. advanced), type of HCC treatment (curative, palliative, none), and DAA treatment duration. In total 3,777 patients with HCV-related HCC were identified (mean age: 68.2 years, 75.2% male, 61.8% White), of whom 19% initiated DAA therapy. Crude incidence mortality rates were 17.9 and 90.7 deaths per 100 person-years in the DAA and HCV-untreated groups, respectively. Cox regression models indicated that DAA therapy was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% CI 0.31-0.36). Median survival time was 45.7 (95% CI 40.9-57.9) months in the DAA group and 7.7 (95% CI 7.3-8.2) months in the HCV-untreated group (P < 0.001). All subgroup and sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main analyses. DAA therapy was associated with survival benefits for patients with HCV-related HCC regardless of the stage or type of HCC treatment and should not be withheld from this population of Medicare beneficiaries.

Evaluation of electrognathography indicators in patients with decreased height of the lower part of the face and symptoms of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures

Purpose of the study: to conduct a comparative assessment of electrognathography indices in elderly patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face with symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures, before and during the diagnostic and treatment stages of using occlusal-stabilizing devices. Material and methods. We examined 76 patients aged 61 to 74 years with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face and the presence of symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures. Based on the results of a short “Hamburg” examination, 30 patients were selected with the possibility of dysfunctional disorders of the temporomandibular joint, for whom occlusal-stabilizing devices were made. Results. A study of elderly patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face and symptoms characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures revealed the effectiveness of the use of occlusal-stabilizing devices at the treatment and diagnostic stages due to a decrease in complaints of dry mouth more than in twice, a decrease in the intensity of burning of the mucous membrane, a decrease in the number of complaints accompanying dysfunctional disorders of the temporomandibular joint, as well as an improvement in electrognathography indicators to physiological norms. Conclusion. The obtained results of treatment with occlusal-stabilizing devices for patients with a decrease in the height of the lower part of the face, presenting complaints characteristic of intolerance to the structural materials of dentures, at the treatment and diagnostic stages indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of their use in this category of people.

Features of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals according to a survey of dentists

Purpose: to identify difficulties of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals according to a survey of dentists. Materials and methods: 90 dentists (26 men, 64 women) participated in the survey. 68 people had a therapeutic certificate, 19 people had an orthopedic certificate, 10 people had a surgical certificate, 6 people had a certificate in pediatric dentistry, and 43 people had a certificate in general dentistry (some respondents indicated that they had several certificates). The average age of respondents is 32 years (23–60). The interviewed dentists conduct practical work in public medical institutions, private dental clinics, and rented offices. The questionnaire included 20 questions (6 questions were aimed at collecting demographic data, 14 questions were aimed at obtaining information about the treatment of teeth with curved root canals). The questionnaire was submitted electronically to Google Forms. Statistical analysis of conjugacy tables using the Pearson chi-square test was performed using the program StatTech (Russia). Results: this survey reliably showed that dentists often experience difficulties in treating teeth with curved root canals. Dentists working in state institutions are significantly more likely to note that the rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.049) and the clamp bow (p= 0.029) compared to doctors working in other institutions. Dentists working in a rented office are significantly more likely to report that a rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.024) compared to doctors working in other institutions. Dentists who report difficult access when working with the mesial buccal canal of the lower molars are significantly more likely to note that a rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.036). Dentists who use the approach «first negotiation to the working length – then coronal flaring» significantly more often experience difficulties when working with the mesial buccal first canal of the upper molars. Conclusions: the results of the survey demonstrated a number of differences in the performance of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals. Based on the survey, statistically significant relationships were identified between some work features and difficulties encountered by doctors at the stages of treatment.

Predictions of live birth in IVF programs of patients with recurrent implantation failure

BackgroundWhen a high-quality embryo is implanted into the uterus, but the pregnancy is not established as shown by the ultrasound visualization of an intrauterine gestational sac, this is known as “implantation failure.” Cases when more than two times implantation failure occurred was defined as recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Additional testing is done at this stage of infertility treatment to avoid a repeat of the same result with a future in vitro fertilization (IVF) effort. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate predictive value of using embryo transfer personalization because of the implantation window study in combination with preimplantation genetic testing in patients with recurrent implantation attempts. MethodsBriefly describe the main methods or treatments applied: Ninety-three infertile women make up the sample for this prospective cohort study. In regard to treatment results, the study intends to assess the predictive importance of patient characteristics, screening indicators, and several features of IVF cycles, such as the quantity, quality, and developmental stage of the transferred embryos. Statistical methods employed include the calculation of the median (Me) and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to discern differences between unrelated samples, while categorical variables were presented as absolute and percentage values. The Pearson’s Chi-squared test assessed differences between groups. Logistic regression, utilizing both enter and backward Wald methods, was applied to establish associations with binary outcomes. ResultsThe integration of individualized embryo transfer and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) significantly enhanced the likelihood of live births by 3.4 times in patients experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF), with a statistical significance of p = 0.026. In contrast, employing PGT alone increased the probability of live births by 1.5 times; however, this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.439). The predictive model for live birth in patients with RIF, based on our study findings, is defined as follows: the probability of live birth = 1.936 + [1.014 if PGT-A embryos are utilized for transfer] + [1.742 if endometrial preparation is tailored according to the Wellbeing Index (WI)] − [1.860 in cases of secondary infertility] − [1.891 when a male factor is involved]. ConclusionsThe determination of the implantation window (IW) and PGT of the embryo are efficient methods of live birth achievement for patients with RIF.

Pan‐Cancer Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Divergent Expression of Embryonic Proangiogenesis Gene Modules in Tumorigenesis

ABSTRACTBackgroundAngiogenesis is indispensable for the sustained survival and progression of both embryonic development and tumorigenesis. This intricate process is tightly regulated by a multitude of pro‐angiogenic genes. The presence of gene modules facilitating angiogenesis has been substantiated in both embryonic development and the context of tumor proliferation. However, it remains unresolved whether the pro‐angiogenic gene modules expressed during embryonic development also exist in tumors.MethodsThis study performed a pan‐cancer single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis on samples from 332 patients across seven cancer types: thyroid carcinoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, ovarian carcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma. Data processing was carried out using the Seurat R package, with rigorous quality control to filter high‐quality cells and mitigate batch effects across datasets. We used principal component analysis (PCA), shared nearest neighbor graph‐based clustering, and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to visualize cell types and identify distinct cell clusters. Myeloid cell subpopulations were further analyzed for the expression of embryonic pro‐angiogenic gene modules (EPGM) and tumor pro‐angiogenic gene modules (TPGM).ResultsThe analysis identified nine major cell types within the tumor microenvironment, with myeloid cells consistently exhibiting elevated expression of both tumor pro‐angiogenic gene modules (TPGM) and EPGM across all tumor types. In particular, myeloid cells, including macrophages and monocytes, showed high EPGM expression, indicating an active role of embryonic pro‐angiogenesis pathways in tumors. A subset analysis revealed 20 distinct myeloid subtypes with varying EPGM and TPGM expression across different cancers. Treatment and disease stage influenced these gene expressions, with certain subtypes, such as HSPAhi/STAT1+ macrophages in breast cancer, displaying reduced pro‐angiogenic gene activity post‐treatment.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that tumors may exploit EPGM to enhance vascularization and support sustained growth, as evidenced by the elevated EPGM expression in tumor‐associated myeloid cells. The consistent presence of EPGM in TAMs across multiple cancer types suggests a conserved mechanism wherein tumors harness embryonic angiogenic pathways to facilitate their progression. Distinct EPGM expression patterns in specific myeloid cell subsets indicate potential therapeutic targets, particularly in cases where EPGM activation contributes to resistance against anti‐angiogenic therapies. These findings shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis and highlight the prognostic relevance of EPGM expression in cancer, underscoring its potential as a biomarker for clinical applications.

Determining of the relationship between gum phenotype and anthropometric data of the face and gender

Relevance. Diagnosis of the condition of periodontal tissues at the stage of comprehensive treatment planning for a dental patient is an important step in the work of dentists. The presence of difficulties in diagnosing the phenotypic condition of the gums dictates the need to search for additional clinical diagnostic methods that allow determining the phenotype with minimal time and financial costs.Objective. To determine the relationship between anthropometric values of the face (width and height of the face) and gender with the gin-gival phenotype.Materials and methods. During the clinical examinations, an analysis was carried out of the anthropometric data of men and women obtained as a result of photometry, the results of a study of the gingival phenotype by transgingival probing using the De Rouck method and CBCT data (cone beam computed tomography) in patients with their further distribution into groups. A total of 45 people took part in the study, of which 12 were men and 33 were women.Results. Statistical processing of the obtained data showed that for men, the differences between the groups with different phenotypes (thick/ thin) are reliable for the parameter face width. For women with different gum phenotypes (thick and thin), reliable differences were obtained between the groups for the parameters face height and face width. The gum phenotype correlates with the face width (noticeable correlation for all, high for men and women separately); face height (moderate correlation for all, men and women); but does not correlate with the facial index and gender.Conclusion. Thus, the study showed that a combined diagnostic examination of the patient, taking into account gender, facial height and width in women, and facial width in men, can help in the correct assessment of the gingival phenotype.

Next Stage of Peri-operative Treatment for Resectable, Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Next Stage of Peri-operative Treatment for Resectable, Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The Influence of Inquiry Learning Based on Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) on High School Students' Inquiry Skills and Chemical Literacy

This research examines the effect of SSI-based inquiry learning compared to discovery learning on students' chemical literacy abilities and inquiry skills. It also explores the percentage contribution of SSI-based inquiry learning to these abilities, along with the percentage of students achieving good levels in both areas. The study follows a quasi-experimental design with pretest, treatment, and posttest stages. The population includes all XI-grade students in MAN South Aceh Regency, with a sample drawn from two classes at MAN 4 South Aceh (XI IPA1 and XI IPA2). Data was collected using questions, observation sheets, and questionnaires, and analyzed through MANOVA and N-gain tests. The results indicate a significant difference in chemical literacy and inquiry skills between students using SSI-based inquiry learning and those applying discovery learning. Students engaged in SSI-based inquiry learning performed better in both areas. The study found that SSI-based inquiry learning contributes 92.80% to the improvement of students' chemical literacy and inquiry skills, with 80.90% contributing to chemical literacy and 83.20% to inquiry skills. Additionally, 82% of students in SSI-based inquiry learning show good chemical literacy, while 50% demonstrate good inquiry skills

Intestinal microflora and metabolites affect the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP)

Specific intestinal metabolites are closely associated with the classification, severity, and necrosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and provide novel insights for in-depth clinical investigations. In this study, the gut microbiota and metabolites of 49 AP patients at different treatment stages and severities were analysed via 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to investigate the trends in gut microbiota composition and metabolome profiles observed in patients with severe AP. These findings revealed an imbalance in intestinal flora homeostasis among AP patients characterized by a decrease in probiotics and an increase in opportunistic pathogens, which leads to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier through reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) secretion and disruption of the intestinal epithelium. This dysbiosis influences energy metabolism, anti-inflammatory responses, and immune regulation, and these results highlight significant differences in energy metabolism pathways. These findings suggest that the differential composition of intestinal flora, along with alterations in intestinal metabolites and metabolic pathways, contribute to the compromised integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier and disturbances in energy metabolism in patients with severe AP.

Comparative Analysis of Pharmaceutical Persistence in Canadian Wastewater Treatment Plants Utilizing Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Commercial Solid Phase Extraction Sorbents

In this study, the performances of a synthesized Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) and a commercial Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridge were compared in terms of the removal efficiency and quantification of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater samples. Concentration analysis of Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Efavirenz was conducted in influent, primary effluent, secondary effluent, and post-chlorination water samples using liquid chromatography-UV detection. Regressions analysis revealed high linearity (R2 values from 0.9980 to 0.9999) for the compounds, alongside recoveries ranging from 90.9% to 100%. The method detection limits (MDLs) were also determined. Removal efficiencies were computed, with Naproxen and Ibuprofen demonstrating complete removal (100%), while other compounds displayed different of removal efficiency levels. The MIP was found to perform slightly better than traditional SPE cartridges in terms of selectivity, efficiency, and overall performance. This study provides valuable insights into the concentrations of target compounds at various treatment stages, emphasizing the importance of choosing extraction cartridges in wastewater treatment processes.

Evaluation of Biochemical Methane Potential and Kinetics of Organic Waste Streams for Enhanced Biogas Production

Organic waste has the potential to produce methane gas as a substitute for petrol-based fuels, while reducing landfilling and possible environmental pollution. Generally, anaerobic digestion (AD) is used only in wastewater treatment plants as a tertiary stage of sewage sludge treatment, generating a fraction of the energy that such process plants require. In this study, four different wastes—food waste (FW), dairy industry waste (DIW), brewery waste (BW), and cardboard waste (CBW)—were tested for biogas production. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of each sample was evaluated using an automatic methane potential system (AMPTS). Operating parameters such as pH, temperature, total solids, and volatile solids were measured. Experiments on the anaerobic digestion of the samples were monitored under mesophilic conditions (temperature 37 °C, retention time 30 days). Specific methane yields (SMYs), as well as the theoretical methane potential (BMPth), were used to calculate the biodegradability of the substrates, obtaining the highest biodegradability for BW at 95.1% and producing 462.3 ± 1.25 NmL CH4/g volatile solids (VS), followed by FW at an inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) of 2 at 84% generating 391.3 NmLCH4/g VS. The BMP test of the dairy industry waste at an inoculum-to-substrate ratio of 1 was heavily inhibited by bacteria overloading of the easily degradable organic matter, obtaining a total methane production of 106.3 NmL CH4/g VS and a biodegradability index of 24.8%. The kinetic modeling study demonstrated that the best-fitting model was the modified Gompertz model, presenting the highest coefficient of determination (R2) values, the lowest root means square error (RMSE) values for five of the substrates, and the best specific biogas yield estimation with a percentage difference ranging from 0.3 to 3.6%.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOFT TISSUES FACIAL PROFILE CHANGES DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OF VESTIBULAR POSITIONED MAXILLARY PERMANENT CANINES WITH OR WITHOUT EXTRACTION

The aim: To improve the effectiveness of diagnosing and developing treatment strategies for patients with the vestibular position of permanent canines Material and Methods: Material for the conducted research were the database obtained during clinical examination of 7172 patients that have been referring to our clinic for the orthodontic treatment. Of these, 2,669 were male (37.21%) and 4,503 were female (62.79%). Among the total number of examined patients, 461 were found to have a vestibular position of tooth 13 (6.43±0.29%), and 357 patients had a vestibular position of tooth 23 (4.98±0.26%). A combination of vestibular positions of teeth 12 and 13 was found in 553 patients (7.71±0.31%). Simulation of various orthodontic treatment options to achieve the optimal aesthetic result using the "Dolphin Imaging 11.9" program was conducted in two scenarios: one with the removal of the first permanent premolars and the other without tooth extractions, using maxillary expansion and distalization of the posterior teeth. Two clinical cases are illustrated to demonstrate the stages of treatment in patients with vestibular positioning of maxillary canines, both with and without tooth extraction. Results: The author concludes that the use of the "Dolphin Imaging 11.9" program significantly enhances the effectiveness of diagnosing and orthodontically treating patients with vestibular positioning of permanent maxillary canines, helping to achieve harmony between skeletal and soft tissue facial relationships.

Biofilm formation and drug susceptibility of biofilm Candida spp. clinically isolated from nasopharyngeal cancer patients in Vietnam

Background and Objectives: The biofilm formation has been widely recognized as one of the main mechanisms of antimi- crobial resistance development in microorganisms. However, few studies are focusing on this phenomenon in Candida spp. in clinical settings, especially on immuno-compromised patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, both the rate of biofilm formation in those patients and its drug susceptibility in initial and mature biofilm were assessed using crystal violet assay and dilution method. Results: The results demonstrated that the biofilm formation rate was similar between albicans and non-albicans Candida. However, the biofilm formation capacity was more pronounced in non-albicans Candida, especially, C. glabrata. As expect- ed, there was a significant relationship between biofilm formation and drug resistance. In addition, our study reconfirmed that the age of high concentration of antifungal agents only affected Candida before its biofilm formation regardless of its biofilm formation capacity. In the contrary, once the biofilm was formed even elevated drug concentrations did not show sufficient efficacy, highlighting a need for high dosage at the early stage of treatment for those patients. Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the importance of using appropriate antifungal agents for Candida treatment before the formation of biofilm.

Reconstructive plastic treatment of extensive laryngotracheostomy after a mine explosion injury.

Introduction. The nature of the fighting in modern military conflicts causes an increase in the number of wounded due to mine-explosive fragmentation injury. Battle wounds to the neck are often combined with damage to the larynx and trachea, which subsequently leads to the formation of cicatricial strictures of the respiratory tract. Surgical intervention is the main method of treating chronic scar stenosis of the larynx and trachea. However, despite the large number of surgical techniques, not all of them are effective. Anatomical features of the larynx and trachea, difficulties in maintaining the formed lumen, in most cases lead to restenosis of the laryngeal tracheal lumen in the postoperative period, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of surgical treatment and worsens the rehabilitation potential of the patient. Purpose. to share the experience of treating a massive laryngotracheal defect caused by a mine explosion injury. Materials and methods. A patient with an extensive defect in the anterior wall of the larynx and trachea applied to the . After a clinical examination, the patient underwent laryngotracheoplasty using alloimplantation material, followed by stenting of the laryngeal and tracheal lumen using a developed silicone stent. Conclusion. The provision of high-tech medical care made it possible to achieve a positive clinical result, reduce the number of stages of surgical treatment, avoid restenosis of the laryngeal tracheal lumen, restore breathing through the natural respiratory tract, the physiological process of swallowing and the patient's voice.

Microplastics in wastewater plants: A review of sources, characteristics, distribution and removal technologies

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in everyday life, and since wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as an important route for MPs to enter natural water bodies, a thorough understanding of the distribution and removal of MPs in wastewater treatment plants is of great importance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the measured distribution of MPs and the current status of their removal in wastewater treatment plants. The main sources of MPs in wastewater treatment plants are personal care products in domestic wastewater, textile clothing and industrial wastewater made from plastics, textile factories and the friction of road tires. The MPs that entered the sewage treatment plant were predominantly in the form of fibers, fragments, granular MPs and other types of MPs. The size of MPs is divided into three categories: <0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm and 1–5 mm. At all treatment stages in wastewater plants, 56.8–88.4 % of MPs are removed in primary treatment, but the primary sedimentation and degreasing stages remove most MPs. The efficiency of the activated sludge process for secondary treatment is inconsistent and is generally between 42.1 and 99.2 %. The coagulation, filtration and disinfection stages of tertiary treatment all have some MPs removal capacity. In addition, novel removal technologies are also described, such as modified filtration technology, membrane separation technology, electroflocculation, sol-gel and photocatalysis. These novel removal technologies can further limit the entry of microplastics into natural water bodies through sewage treatment plants and improved sewage treatment processes help reduce the risk of MPs entering the natural environment through sewage treatment plants. This article will provide reference for the distribution and removal of microplastics in various levels of WWTPs.