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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and to compare the results of patients in whom ORC was used or not used for control of bleeding. METHOD: Pre-, intra-, and post-operative demographic and medical parameters of the patients in whom ORC was used or not used were compared. Quantitative data were analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Group differences were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: It was found that the duration of surgery, average numbers of erythrocyte and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions during surgery, average post-operative FFP transfusion count, duration of intensive care unit stay, and chest tube removal times were lower in the ORC group compared to the control group, and all these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05 for all of these parameters). CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully demonstrated the effective and safe use of topical ORC in controlling bleeding and preventing oozing during CABG surgeries.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la celulosa regenerada oxidada (CRO) en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de injerto de derivación de arteria coronaria y comparar los resultados de los pacientes en los que se utilizó o no la CRO para el control del sangrado. MÉTODO: Se compararon los parámetros demográficos y médicos pre-, intra- y posoperatorios de los pacientes en los que se utilizó o no CRO. Los datos cuantitativos se analizaron con media y desviación estándar. Las diferencias grupales se evaluaron con la prueba U de Mann Whitney. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que la duración de la cirugía, el número promedio de transfusiones de eritrocitos y de plasma fresco congelado durante la cirugía, el recuento promedio de transfusiones de plasma fresco congelado posoperatorias, la duración de la estadía en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y los tiempos hasta la extracción del tubo torácico fueron menores en el grupo de CRO en comparación con el grupo control, y todas estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: El estudio demostró con éxito el uso eficaz y seguro de la CRO tópica para controlar el sangrado y prevenir la supuración durante las cirugías de derivación de arteria coronaria.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of watching mukbang on eating behavior and to emphasize its importance. METHODS: Students from various faculties at universities constitute the sample for this study. A total of 483 individuals participated in the study: 358 (74.1%) women and 125 (25.9%) men. The age range of the sample group varies between 18 and 50 years (Mage=21.62; SD=3.85). In our study, the Emotional Eating Disorder Scale, the Mukbang Addiction Scale, and the Problematic Internet Use Scale were used. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlational analysis of the data were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 24. RESULTS: There appears to be a positive relationship between emotional eating, mukbang addiction, and problematic internet use. A positive relationship was also found between emotional eating and mukbang addiction. It was found that mukbang addiction had a partial mediator role in the effect of problematic internet use on emotional eating. CONCLUSION: In the relationship between problematic internet use and emotional eating, mukbang addiction has played a mediating role. Therefore, when conducting a study between emotional eating and problematic internet use, it may be useful to examine the frequency of mukbang watching behavior in individuals. It can be crucial to include these people in educational programs to control problematic internet use or the habit of watching mukbang.

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BACKGROUND: Tumour dormancy, a resistance mechanism employed by cancer cells, is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, contributing to minimal residual disease (MRD) and potential relapse. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms underlying tumour dormancy and MRD remain unclear. In this study, we employed two syngeneic murine models of myeloid leukemia and melanoma to investigate the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and protein signatures associated with tumour dormancy. We used a multiomics approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving MRD and identify potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS: We conducted an in-depth omics analysis encompassing whole-exome sequencing (WES), copy number variation (CNV) analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), transcriptome and proteome investigations. WES analysis revealed a modest overlap of gene mutations between melanoma and leukemia dormancy models, with a significant number of mutated genes found exclusively in dormant cells. These exclusive genetic signatures suggest selective pressure during MRD, potentially conferring resistance to the microenvironment or therapies. CNV, histone marks and transcriptomic gene expression signatures combined with Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted the potential functional roles of the mutated genes, providing insights into the pathways associated with MRD. In addition, we compared "murine MRD genes" profiles to the corresponding human disease through public datasets and highlighted common features according to disease progression. Proteomic analysis combined with multi-omics genetic investigations, revealed a dysregulated proteins signature in dormant cells with minimal genetic mechanism involvement. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed the metabolic, differentiation and cytoskeletal remodeling processes involved in MRD. Finally, we identified 11 common proteins differentially expressed in dormant cells from both pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study underscores the complexity of tumour dormancy, implicating both genetic and nongenetic factors. By comparing genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic datasets, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular landscape of minimal residual disease. These results provide a robust foundation for forthcoming investigations and offer potential avenues for the advancement of targeted MRD therapies in leukemia and melanoma patients, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic and nongenetic factors in treatment strategies.

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In this study, PROP adsorption was investigated using activated carbon derived from Bactris Guineensis residues and physical statistical modeling. The characterization results indicate high specific surface areas (624.72 and 1125.43 m2 g-1) and pore diameters (2.703 and 2.321 nm) for the peel and stone-activated carbon, respectively. Adsorption equilibrium was investigated at different temperatures (298 to 328 K), and it was found that the adsorption capacity increased with temperature, reaching maximum values of 168.7 and 112.94 mg g-1 for the peel and stone-activated carbon, respectively. The application of physical statistical modeling indicates that a monolayer model with one energy site is adequate for describing both systems, with an R2 above 0.986 and a low BIC of 20.021. According to the steric parameters, the density of molecules per site tends to increase by 116.9% for the stone and 61.6% for the peel. In addition, the model indicates that the number of molecules decreases with increasing temperature from 1.36 to 0.81 and from 1.03 to 0.82. These results indicate that temperature controls the number of receptor sites and the orientation in which propranolol is adsorbed at the surface. The adsorption energies were similar for both systems (approximately 10 kJ mol-1), which indicates that the adsorption occurred due to physical interactions. Finally, the application of thermodynamic potential functions indicates that the maximum entropy is reached at concentrations of half-saturation (Ce 3.85 and 4.6 mg L-1), which corresponds to 1.60 × 10-18 and 1.86 × 10-18 kJ mol-1 K-1 for the stone and peel, respectively. After this point, the number of available sites tends to decrease, which indicates the stabilization of the system. The Gibbs energy tended to decrease with increasing concentration at equilibrium, reaching minimum values of - 1.73 × 10-19 and - 1.99 × 10-19 kJ mol-1, respectively. Overall, the results obtained here further elucidate how the adsorption of propranolol occurs for different activated carbons from the same source.

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We prompted to characterize a wastewater bacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana GTZY, that efficiently transforms toxic mercury and arsenic, explores its bioremediation capability, and reveals their relevant gene resistance operons. The isolated strain was characterized by its phylogenetic, biochemical, and phenotypic properties. The strain GTZY potentially removed 84.3% of mercury and their mercury volatilization (Hg(II) to Hg(0)) was confirmed using the X-ray film method, and its respective merA gene was PCR amplified. In addition, strain GTZY efficiently removed arsenate (68.5%) and arsenite (63.2%), and showed resistance up to > 175 and > 55 mM, respectively. Their genomic annotations disclosed the linkage of Tn2-transposon and int1 in both ends of mer operon (merAPTR). The co-existence of arsP and arsH proteins in its intrinsic ars operon (arsCPRH) was extremely diverse from its ancestral species. We believe that the mercury resistance-conferring mer operon of P. mexicana GTZY presumably derived horizontally from other species in the reactor, while the arsenic resistance-conferring intrinsic ars operon was highly diversified and evolved from its ancestral species. By considering the potential of the strain GTZY to transform heavy metals, this can be used to recover contaminated sites.

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This study aimed to determine the effect of adding selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA HP) concerning alkalinizing potential. Additionally, it examined the set material after SeNPs incorporation using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (FE-SEM/EDX) for characterizing the elemental composition and morphological alterations resulting from the integration of SeNPs. Cement samples, both before and after SeNPs incorporation, were examined using FE-SEM/EDX. The pH level was also measured with a pH-meter previously calibrated with solutions of known pH, to evaluate the alkalinizing activity of the integrated substance at different concentrations of nanoparticles: Group 1 (control): 0% w/w SeNPs, Group 2: 0.5% w/w SeNPs, Group 3: 1% w/w SeNPs, Group 4: 1.5% w/w SeNPs and Group 5: 2% w/w SeNPs after 1, 7, 14, and 30 days in distal water. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P≤0.05). According to FE-SEM/EDX, the morphological characteristics indicate that SeNPs were successfully dispersed and integrated into the MTA repair matrix. EDX examination validates the presence of Selenium, confirming successful integration. The findings confirmed that the MTAHP showed a high pH level with a discernible reduction in the alkalinizing activity with each incorporated concentration of (SeNPs) that significantly differed from the control group across various periods at (P≤ 0.05). Consequently, the findings indicate that the addition of SeNPs to MTA HP has a notable impact on the pH of the storage solution, leading to a significant decrease in pH values for all concentrations and periods when compared to the control group. The alkalinizing action of MTA HP is highly affected by the incorporated SeNPs, making it more suitable for application in pulpal tissue. This study contributes to our understanding of the morphological alterations and elemental composition of SeNP-incorporated MTA HP, enhancing its potential applications in dental and tissue regeneration.

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito da adição de nanopartículas de selênio (SeNPs) ao agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA HP) em relação ao potencial alcalinizante. Além disso, examinou o material do conjunto após a incorporação de SeNPs usando a microscopia eletrônica de varredura de emissão de campo com análise de raios X por dispersão de energia (FE-SEM/EDX) para caracterizar a composição elementar e as alterações morfológicas resultantes da integração de SeNPs. As amostras de cimento, antes e depois da incorporação de SeNPs, foram examinadas usando FE-SEM/EDX. O nível de pH também foi medido com um pH-metro previamente calibrado com soluções de pH conhecido, para avaliar a atividade alcalinizante da substância integrada em diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas: Grupo 1 (controle): 0% p/p de SeNPs, Grupo 2: 0,5% p/p de SeNPs, Grupo 3: 1% p/p de SeNPs, Grupo 4: 1,5% p/p de SeNPs e Grupo 5: 2% p/p de SeNPs após 1, 7, 14 e 30 dias em água distal. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA unidirecional e testes de Tukey (P≤0,05). De acordo com o FE-SEM/EDX, as características morfológicas indicam que as SeNPs foram dispersas e integradas com sucesso na matriz de reparo do MTA. A análise de EDX valida a presença de selênio, confirmando a integração bem-sucedida. Os resultados confirmaram que o MTAHP apresentou alto nível de pH com uma redução perceptível na atividade alcalinizante com cada concentração incorporada de (SeNPs) que diferiu significativamente do grupo de controle em vários períodos de tempo (P≤ 0,05). Consequentemente, os resultados indicam que a adição de SeNPs ao MTA HP tem um impacto notável sobre o pH da solução de armazenamento, levando a uma redução significativa nos valores de pH para todas as concentrações e períodos de tempo quando comparados ao grupo de controle. A ação alcalinizante do MTA HP é altamente afetada pelas SeNPs incorporadas, tornando-o mais adequado para aplicação no tecido pulpar. Este estudo contribui para a nossa compreensão das alterações morfológicas e da composição elementar do MTA HP incorporado com SeNPs, aprimorando suas possíveis aplicações na regeneração dentária e tecidual.

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OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the predictive significance of inflammatory parameters as potential markers for malignancy in individuals with thyroid nodules. METHOD: Nine hundred and ninety-one patients with thyroid nodules who had undergone thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy were included and classified according to the Bethesda system. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values obtained from hemogram parameters were determined for each patient. The study examined the correlation between the Bethesda classification and NLR/SII levels. In addition, a comparison was made between the inflammatory parameters of the benign and malignant Bethesda groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were classified as Bethesda 2 (benign), 34 as Bethesda 6 (malignant). A correlation was observed between the Bethesda classification and NLR and SII levels (r: 0.230, p < 0.001; r: 0.207 p < 0.001, respectively). NLR and SII values were significantly higher in the malignant group (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for SII in predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules was 489.86 × 103/mm3 with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 63.7%. The cutoff value for NLR for the same prediction was 2.06 with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 83.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that SII and NLR may be valuable prognostic markers for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar parámetros inflamatorios como posibles marcadores de malignidad en individuos con nódulos tiroideos. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 991 pacientes con nódulos tiroideos que se sometieron a biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina y se clasificaron según el sistema de Bethesda. Se determinaron los valores de la relación neutrófilo-linfocito (NLR) y el índice de inflamación inmunitaria sistémica (SII). El estudio exploró la correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR/SII, y comparó los parámetros inflamatorios de los grupos benignos y malignos de Bethesda. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron 573 pacientes como Bethesda 2 (benigno) y 34 como Bethesda 6 (maligno). Se observó una correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR y SII (r: 0.230; r: 0.207). Los valores de NLR y SII fueron mayores en el grupo maligno (p < 0.001). El valor de corte para SII en la predicción de nódulos tiroideos benignos y malignos fue de 489.86 × 103/mm3, con una sensibilidad del 88.2% y una especificidad del 63.7%; para NLR fue de 2.06, con una sensibilidad del 82.4% y una especificidad del 83.4%. CONCLUSIONES: El SII y el NLR pueden ser valiosos marcadores pronósticos para predecir la malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos.

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SUMMARY: Prior research on post-COVID-19 or long COVID primarily focused on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mostly in symptomatic patients. This study aimed to investigate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 after 1 year of asymptomatic or mild COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infected and control K18-hACE2 transgenic mice (n=25) were studied. Moderate and severe symptomatic subjects were sacrificed after eight days, while mild or asymptomatic mice were kept in BSL-III for twelve months. Analyses included general condition, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and qRT-PCR. Lungs from the twelve-month group showed thickening of alveolar walls, with some lungs exhibiting the recruitment of inflammatory cells, the presence of SARS- CoV-2 mRNA, immunopositivity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and TEM showed viruses (60-125 nm) within vesicles, indicating continued replication. Certain lung samples showed persistent SARS-CoV-2 presence in Club cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. The eight-day group exhibited viral interstitial pneumonitis, SARS-CoV-2 immunopositivity, and mRNA. The eight-day hearts displayed viral mRNA, while the twelve-month hearts tested negative. Some asymptomatic twelve-month subjects presented reduced surfactant, basal membrane thickening, fibrosis, and mild autonomic nerve degeneration. In this study conducted on mice, findings indicate the potential for chronic persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs one year post initial mild or asymptomatic infection, which could suggest the possibility of recurrent episodes in similar human conditions. The observed thickening of alveolar walls and potential fibrotic areas in these mice may imply an increased risk of post-COVID fibrosis in humans. Furthermore, the presence of SARS-CoV-2-positive inflammatory cells in some asymptomatic murine cases could herald a progression toward ongoing inflammation and chronic lung disease in humans. Therefore, the necessity for further studies in human subjects and vigilant monitoring of high-risk human populations is underscored.

Investigaciones anteriores sobre COVID-19 o COVID prolongado se centraron principalmente en la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 principalmente en pacientes sintomáticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la persistencia del SARS-CoV-2 después de 1 año de COVID-19 asintomático o leve. Se estudiaron ratones transgénicos K18-hACE2 infectados con SARS-CoV-2 y de control (n=25). Los animales con síntomas moderados y graves se sacrificaron después de ocho días, mientras que los ratones con síntomas leves o asintomáticos se mantuvieron en BSL-III durante doce meses. Los análisis incluyeron estado general, histoquímica, inmunohistoquímica, microscopía electrónica de transmisión y qRT- PCR. Los pulmones del grupo de doce meses mostraron engrosamiento de las paredes alveolares, y algunos pulmones exhibieron reclutamiento de células inflamatorias, presencia de ARNm del SARS-CoV-2, inmunopositividad para la proteína de la espícula del SARS-CoV-2 y TEM mostró virus (60 -125 nm) dentro de las vesículas, lo que indica una replicación continua. Ciertas muestras de pulmón mostraron una presencia persistente de SARS- CoV-2 en exocrinocitos bronquiolares, células endoteliales y macrófagos. El grupo de ocho días presentó neumonitis intersticial viral, inmunopositividad al SARS-CoV-2 y ARNm. Los corazones de ocho días mostraron ARNm viral, mientras que los corazones de doce meses dieron negativo. Algunos animales asintomáticos de doce meses presentaron disminución del surfactante, engrosamiento de la membrana basal, fibrosis y degeneración leve del nervio autónomo. En este estudio realizado en ratones, los hallazgos indican la posibilidad de persistencia crónica del SARS-CoV-2 en los pulmones un año después de la infección inicial leve o asintomática, lo que podría sugerir la posibilidad de episodios recurrentes en condiciones humanas similares. El engrosamiento observado de las paredes alveolares y las posibles áreas fibróticas en estos ratones puede implicar un mayor riesgo de fibrosis post-COVID en humanos. Además, la presencia de células inflamatorias positivas para SARS- CoV-2 en algunos casos murinos asintomáticos podría presagiar una progresión hacia una inflamación continua y una enfermedad pulmonar crónica en humanos. Por lo tanto, se subraya la necesidad de realizar más estudios en seres humanos y realizar un seguimiento atento de las poblaciones humanas de alto riesgo.

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OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a chronic multisystem disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Obesity, which is a complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous condition, is thought to result from the interaction of environmental, physiological, and genetic factors. In this study, the relationship between serum levels of hemoglobin A1c, mucin-1, and nuclear factor κB in obese and healthy cohorts was evaluated along with biochemical and gene expressions and with demographic and clinical covariates, and their effects on obesity were evaluated. METHODS: This case-control study included a total of 80 individuals, 40 healthy controls and 40 obesity patients, consisting of female and male aged between 18 and 63 years. Hemoglobin A1c, mucin-1, and nuclear factor κB levels were determined by ELISA in serum samples obtained from patients. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, low density lipoprotein, and glucose values were measured. The gene expressions of the same markers were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and their regulation status was defined. RESULTS: Serum levels of hemoglobin A1c, mucin-1, and nuclear factor κB were found to be high in obese individuals (p<0.05). The gene expression of these serum markers was found to be upregulated. Of the anthropometric measurements, waist circumference and body mass index were correlated with both serum markers and gene expressions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to the known association of hemoglobin A1c and nuclear factor κB with obesity, serum levels of mucin-1 as well as upregulation of genes point to its modifier effect on obesity. These parameters can be the powerful markers in the diagnosis of obesity.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary referral hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: An unmatched case-control study was conducted on pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinics of a tertiary referral hospital between March and July 2021. The study recruited pregnant women who had a hemoglobin level of <11 g/dL into the anemic group, while those with hemoglobin levels ≥11 g/dL were included in the non-anemic group. Demographics, clinical, obstetrics, nutrition-related, hygiene- and sanitation-related, and parasitic infection-related data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 449 pregnant women (399 anemic and 50 non-anemic) participated in the study. A total of 224 (56.7%) in the anemic group and 31 (62.0%) in the non-anemic group did not consume any dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow (p=0.040). Notably, 255 (63.9%) in the anemic group and 21 (42.0%) in the non-anemic group had a middle-upper arm circumference <23 cm. More than half of anemic [335 (84%)] and non-anemic [46 (92.0%)] were classified under low dietary diversity score. Majority of the study participants, 288 (72.4%) of the anemic and 39 (78%) of the non-anemic groups, used pit toilets in dwellings, and 70.2% (134/191) of the anemic and 64.4% (246/382) of the non-anemic groups disposed of solid waste in open fields. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that women who consumed green vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow in their diet had middle-upper arm circumference less than 23 cm, and those with low dietary diversity significantly developed anemia during pregnancy.

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Mycobacterium abscessus is an intrinsically drug-resistant, rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium; extrapulmonary infections have been reported in association with medical tourism (1). During November-December 2022, two Colorado hospitals (hospitals A and B) treated patient A, a Colorado woman aged 30-39 years, for M. abscessus meningitis. In October 2022, she had received intrathecal donor embryonic stem cell injections in Baja California, Mexico to treat multiple sclerosis and subsequently experienced headaches and fevers, consistent with meningitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis and grew M. abscessus in culture at hospital A. Hospital A's physicians consulted hospital B's infectious diseases (ID) physicians to co-manage this patient (2).

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OBJECTIVE: A new block, namely, modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach, is administered below the costal cartilage. We sought to compare the analgesic efficacy of the modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block with local anesthetic infiltration at the port sites in an adult population who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients who will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive bilateral ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach blocks or local anesthetic infiltration at the port insertion sites. The primary outcome was the total amount of tramadol used in the first 12 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were total IV tramadol consumption for the first postoperative 24 h and visual analog scale scores. RESULTS: The modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach group had significantly less tramadol use in the first 12 h postoperatively (p<0.001). The modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach group's visual analog scale scores at rest (static) and with movement (dynamic) were significantly lower compared with the port infiltration group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients who received modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block had significantly less analgesic consumption and better pain scores than those who received port-site injections after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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BACKGROUND/AIM: There are several complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Without any doubt, most important of these is aGvHD that increases transplant-related mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ST-2 and Reg3α levels measured at an early stage in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be individual biomarkers identifying future GvHD and predicting treatment response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2021, 27 patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency or hematopoietic diseases formed the study group. During their follow-up, the patients were classified into two groups as those developing and those not developing aGvHD. Nineteen healthy volunteers from a similar age group who needed their blood samples drawn for other reasons and who did not have any history of chronic disease, infection or medication use formed the control group. Blood samples of patients scheduled to have allogeneic HSCT were obtained before the administration of the preparative regimen, on Day +7 post-transplant and on the day of diagnosis if they developed aGvHD. Serum samples were stored at -20ºC until the day of processing. ST2 and Reg3α levels were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: For patients who developed aGvHD (n = 13), ST2 levels obtained before the transplantation, on Day +7 post-transplant and on the day of aGvHD diagnosis (in patients developing GvHD) were significantly higher compared to the healthy Control Group (p-value <0.05). As regards to the samples obtained on the same days, ST2 levels did not differ significantly among patients who developed and those who did not develop GvHD (n = 14; p-value >0.05). ST2 levels of samples obtained on the days that acute skin and gastrointestinal tract GvHD developed did not differ significantly between these two groups (p-value >0.05). Reg3α levels of the pre-transplant samples, on Day +7 after the transplantation and on the day of aGvHD diagnosis did not show any difference between any of the groups (p-value >0.05). As only two patients died after transplantation, thus correlation of ST2 and Reg3α levels with transplant-related mortality could not be proven. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that ST2 and Reg3α levels are neither diagnostic nor prognostic or predictive biomarkers of aGvHD, steroid resistance or transplant-related mortality in pediatric patients. This study can be regarded as a pilot study because of the small patient population; more research involving a larger patient population is required.

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PURPOSE: This study evaluated the protective effect of hesperidin on injury induced by gastric ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats (250-300 g) were divided into five groups: control (C), sham (S), ischemia (I), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and hesperidin + ischemia-reperfusion (Hes + I/R). Hesperidin was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 100 mg/kg one hour before the experimental stomach ischemia-reperfusion. Celiac artery was ligated. After 45 minutes ischemia and 60 minutes reperfusion period, blood samples were obtained under anesthesia. Then, animals were sacrificed, stomach tissues were excised for biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed. Malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), protein, total thiol parameters were measured in plasma, and tissue homogenate samples. H + E, periodic acid-Schiff, hypoxia inducible factor, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cell proliferation as immunohistochemical parameters were determined. RESULTS: Upon biochemical and histopathological assessment, hesperidin decreased stomach tissue changes in comparison with IR group. Ischemia-reperfusion injury led to a considerably increase in malondialdehyde, protein, and TOS levels (p < 0.001) in stomach tissue. Hesperidin treatment significantly decreased malondialdehyde, protein, and TOS levels (p < 0.001). Hesperidin increased superoxide dismutase, TAS, total thiol and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison with IR group. Hesperidin reduced damage and also increased TUNEL and PCNA immunoreactivity in stomach tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperidin was able to decrease I/R injury of the stomach tissue due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, duration of antioxidant, and free radical scavenger properties. Consequently, hesperidin can provide a beneficial therapeutic choice for preventing stomach tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury in clinical application.

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OBJECTIVES: To explore prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (BIs) in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) using data from the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study. METHODS: A validated patient self-reporting e-survey was circulated by the COVAD study group to collect data on COVID-19 infection and vaccination in 2022. BIs were defined as COVID-19 occurring ≥14 days after 2 vaccine doses. We compared BIs characteristics and severity among IIMs, other autoimmune rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases (AIRD, nrAID), and healthy controls (HC). Multivariable Cox regression models assessed the risk factors for BI, severe BI and hospitalisations among IIMs. RESULTS: Among 9449 included response, BIs occurred in 1447 (15.3%) respondents, median age 44 years (IQR 21), 77.4% female, and 182 BIs (12.9%) occurred among 1406 IIMs. Multivariable Cox regression among IIMs showed age as a protective factor for BIs [Hazard Ratio (HR)=0.98, 95%CI = 0.97-0.99], hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine use were risk factors (HR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.24-2.64, and HR = 3.79, 95%CI = 1.69-8.42, respectively). Glucocorticoid use was a risk factor for severe BI (HR = 3.61, 95%CI = 1.09-11.8). Non-White ethnicity (HR = 2.61, 95%CI = 1.03-6.59) was a risk factor for hospitalisation. Compared with other groups, patients with IIMs required more supplemental oxygen therapy (IIM = 6.0% vs AIRD = 1.8%, nrAID = 2.2%, and HC = 0.9%), intensive care unit admission (IIM = 2.2% vs AIRD = 0.6%, nrAID, and HC = 0%), advanced treatment with antiviral or monoclonal antibodies (IIM = 34.1% vs AIRD = 25.8%, nrAID = 14.6%, and HC = 12.8%), and had more hospitalisation (IIM = 7.7% vs AIRD = 4.6%, nrAID = 1.1%, and HC = 1.5%). CONCLUSION: Patients with IIMs are susceptible to severe COVID-19 BI. Age and immunosuppressive treatments were related to the risk of BIs.

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Diseases in fish due to helminth parasites, especially Philometra species, are the primary worry in aquaculture. Philometra are responsible for health problem in fishes they directly affect fish growth and population parameters. A comprehensive survey was conducted involving the examination of the marine fish species Terapon jarbua, gathered from the coastal waters of Sindh, Pakistan In this research different Philometra species from marine fish Terapon jarbua during 2021 and 2022. Philometra nematodes, belonging to the family Philometridae, are common parasitic organisms inhabiting both marine and freshwater environments. Their prevalence, particularly when existing in high numbers within host organisms, can lead to severe and potentially lethal consequences. Employing light microscopy techniques, diverse species of Philometra were identified, including Philometra teraponi, P. jarbuai, P. arabiai, P. karachii, and P. awarii, localized primarily within the ovaries of the host fish. A total of 140 fish samples were examined and 76 were infected. The intensity of infected fish was 54.28%. The identification process encompassed meticulous analysis of crucial parameters, such as body size, esophagus length, positioning of the nerve ring, dimensions of the ventriculus, and ligament size. Intriguingly, the parasites were found in varying contexts; while some were free within the ovaries, others were embedded within tissues, inducing severe muscular dystrophy. This research presents novel findings of Philometra nematodes in the marine waters of Pakistan, extending their host and geographical distribution records. Future studies are needed to better evaluate and describe the dynamics and the epidemiology of Philometra infection in wild and cultured fish species.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the results of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D tests of 28,125 patients admitted to Somalia Mogadishu-Turkey Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. Vitamin D insufficiency is defined as 20-30 ng/mL, deficiency as 10-19 ng/mL, and severe deficiency as <10 ng/mL. RESULTS: A total of 28,125 patients with a mean age of 44.27±20.4 years were included in the study. The majority of patients were in the age group of 19-40 years. The mean serum level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was 28.42±15.34 ng/mL. Of the patients included in the study, 5.8% (1,618/28,125) had vitamin D sufficiency, 6.5% (1,826/28,125) had vitamin D insufficiency, 41.8% (11,761/28,125) had vitamin D deficiency, and 45.9% (12,920/28,125) had severe vitamin D deficiency. The mean serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were lower in females than in males (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study indicated a high prevalence of vitamin deficiency among patients attending the largest tertiary care hospital, particularly female patients and older people. It is recommended to develop educational and awareness programs, and campaigns to reduce vitamin D deficiency in the population, especially those at high risk.

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BACKGROUND: Concomitant coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with increased adverse in-hospital outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimded to evaluate the angiographic, procedural, laboratory, and prognostic differences in COVID-19-positive and negative patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between November 2020 and August 2022 in a tertiary-level hospital. According to their status, patients were divided into two groups (COVID-19 positive and negative). All patients were admitted due to confirmed STEMI and treated with primary PCI. In-hospital and angiographic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Two-sided p-values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 494 STEMI patients enrolled in this study, 42 were identified as having a positive dagnosis for COVID-19 (8.5%), while 452 were negative. The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a longer total ischemic time than did those who tested negative for COVID-19 (p=0.006). Moreover, these patients presented an increase in stent thrombosis (7.1% vs. 1.7%, p=0.002), length of hospitalization (4 days vs. 3 days, p= 0.018), cardiogenic shock (14.2% vs. 5.5 %, p= 0.023), and in-hospital total and cardiac mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with STEMI with concomitant COVID-19 infections were associated with increased major adverse cardiac events. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of adverse outcomes in these patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A infecção concomitante por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) e o infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) estão associados ao aumento de desfechos adversos hospitalares. OBJETIVOS: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças angiográficas, de procedimentos, laboratoriais e prognósticas em pacientes positivos e negativos para COVID-19 com IAMCSST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICP). MÉTODOS: Realizamos um estudo observacional retrospectivo e unicêntrico entre novembro de 2020 e agosto de 2022 em um hospital de nível terciário. De acordo com o seu estado, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos (positivo ou negativo para COVID-19). Todos os pacientes foram internados por IAMCSST confirmado e foram tratados com ICP primária. Os desfechos hospitalares e angiográficos foram comparados entre os dois grupos. P-valores bilaterais <0,05 foram aceitos como estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Dos 494 pacientes com IAMCSST inscritos nesse estudo, 42 foram identificados como positivos para COVID-19 (8,5%) e 452, como negativos. Os pacientes que testaram positivos para COVID-19 tiveram um tempo isquêmico total maior do que os pacientes que testaram negativos para COVID-19 (p = 0,006). Além disso, esses pacientes apresetaram um aumento na trombose de stent (7,1% vs. 1,7%, p = 0,002), no tempo de internação (4 dias vs. 3 dias, p = 0,018), no choque cardiogênico (14,2% vs. 5,5%, p = 0,023) e na mortalidade hospitalar total e cardíaca (p <0,001 e p = 0,032, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com IAMCSST com infecções concomitantes por COVID-19 foram associados ao aumento de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores. Mais estudos são necessários para compreender os mecanismos exatos dos desfechos adversos nesses pacientes.

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SUMMARY: This work investigated the morphology of the root canal system of the mandibular first molar in a Malaysian subpopulation. Using micro-computed tomography with an isotropic resolution of 22 µm, 140 mandibular first molars were scanned. MIMICS software was used for segmentation, 3-D reconstruction and analysis of the acquired images. The canal configuration was described using Vertucci [supported by the supplementary configurations proposed by Sert & Bayirli (2004)] and Ahmed et al. (2027), coding systems. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between qualitative variables. By non-considering intercanal communications, Vertucci types IV (17.1%) and I (76.4%) were the most frequently reported configurations in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. Of the reported configurations, 24.3% and 4.3% were non-classifiable by Vertucci system in the mesial and distal roots, respectively. Up to 63.6% and 9.3% of the reported configurations were non- classifiable, and type I was the most frequent when considering intercanal communications (7.1% and 76.4% in the mesial and distal roots, respectively). According to Ahmed et al., system, almost half of the sample had more than four digits (47.9%), followed by the 3-digits category (20.71%). In both systems, a significant association was found between the canal configuration and the root type (p<0.001). The mandibular first molar of this Malaysian subpopulation demonstrated a wide range of root canal morphology. When compared to the Vertucci system, the system developed by Ahmed et al., successfully classified all molars configurations despite their level of complexity. The complex canal anatomy of mandibular first molars in this subpopulation warrants special attention during root canal treatment procedures.

En este trabajo se investigó la morfología del sistema de conductos radiculares del primer molar mandibular en una subpoblación de Malasia. Utilizando tomografía microcomputada con una resolución isotrópica de 22 µm, se escanearon 140 primeros molares mandibulares. Se utilizó el software MIMICS para segmentar (enmascarar), reconstruir en 3D, visualizar y analizar las imágenes adquiridas. La configuración del canal se describió utilizando Vertucci respaldado por las configuraciones complementarias propuestas por Sert & Bayirli (2004)] y Ahmed et al. (2017, 2020), sistemas de codificación. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para evaluar la asociación entre variables cualitativas. Sin considerar las comunicaciones intercanales, los tipos Vertucci IV (17,1%) y I (76,4%) fueron las configuraciones reportadas con mayor frecuencia en las raíces mesiales y distales, respectivamente. De las configuraciones reportadas, el 24,3 % y el 4,3 % fueron no clasificables por el sistema de Vertucci en las raíces mesial y distal, respectivamente. Hasta el 63,6 % y el 9,3 % de las configuraciones reportadas fueron no clasificables, siendo la tipo I la más frecuente al considerar las comunicaciones intercanales (7,1 % y 76,4 % en las raíces mesiales y distales, respectivamente). Según Ahmed et al. (2017, 2020) en el sistema, casi la mitad de la muestra tenía más de cuatro dígitos (47,9 %), seguido por la categoría de 3 dígitos (20,71 %). En ambos sistemas se encontró una asociación significativa entre la configuración del canal y el tipo de raíz (p<0,001). El primer molar mandibular de esta subpoblación de Malasia demostró una amplia gama morfológica del conducto radicular. En comparación con el sistema Vertucci, el sistema desarrollado por Ahmed et al. (2017, 2020) clasificaron con éxito todas las configuraciones de los molares a pesar de su nivel de complejidad. La compleja anatomía del canal de los primeros molares mandibulares en esta subpoblación merece una atención especial durante los procedimientos de tratamiento de conducto.

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This study aims to use advanced machine learning techniques supported by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to estimate body weight (BW) in buffalos raised in southeastern Mexico and compare their performance. The first stage of the current study consists of body measurements and the process of determining the most informative variables using PCA, a dimension reduction method. This process reduces the data size by eliminating the complex structure of the model and provides a faster and more effective learning process. As a second stage, two separate prediction models were developed with Gradient Boosting and Random Forest algorithms, using the principal components obtained from the data set reduced by PCA. The performances of both models were compared using R2, RMSE and MAE metrics, and showed that the Gradient Boosting model achieved a better prediction performance with a higher R2 value and lower error rates than the Random Forest model. In conclusion, PCA-supported modeling applications can provide more reliable results, and the Gradient Boosting algorithm is superior to Random Forest in this context. The current study demonstrates the potential use of machine learning approaches in estimating body weight in water buffalos, and will support sustainable animal husbandry by contributing to decision making processes in the field of animal science.