Vancomycin-associated hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis masquerading as central retinal vein occlusion / Vasculite hemorrágica oclusiva da retina associada à vancomicina (HORV) mascarada como oclusão da veia central da retina

ABSTRACT A 69-year-old female was referred with sudden unilateral painless decreased vision that began 2 days after uncomplicated cataract surgery in the left eye. Visual acuity was hand motion and biomicroscopy showed a mild anterior chamber reaction, no hypopyon, and an intraocular lens that had been placed within the capsular bag. A dilated fundus examination revealed optic disk edema, widespread deep and superficial intraretinal hemorrhages, retinal ischemia, and macular edema. A cardiological evaluation was normal and thrombophilia tests were negative. After surgery, prophylactic vancomycin (1mg/0.1ml) had been injected intracamerally. The patient was diagnosed with hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis likely secondary to vancomycin hypersensitivity. Recognition of this entity is important to ensure early treatment and the use of intracameral vancomycin in the fellow eye should be avoided after cataract surgery.

RESUMO Esse caso se refere a uma paciente de 69 anos, sexo feminino, com relato de baixa acuidade visual súbita e indolor no olho esquerdo, de início 2 dias após cirurgia de catarata sem complicações. A acuidade visual era de movimento de mãos e a biomicroscopia mostrou reação de câmara anterior moderada, sem hipópio, e lente intraocular posicionada dentro do saco capsular. A fundoscopia evidenciou edema de disco óptico, hemorragias difusas intrarretinianas superficiais e profundas, isquemia retiniana e edema macular. A avaliação cardiológica foi normal e os testes para trombofilia foram negativos. Ao final da cirurgia foi injetado antibioticoprofilaxia com vancomicina (1mg/0,1ml) na câmara anterior. A paciente foi diagnosticada com vasculite hemorrágica oclusiva da retina secundária à hipersensibilidade a vancomicina. O reconhecimento dessa entidade é importante para o tratamento precoce e para evitar o uso de vancomicina intracameral em caso de cirurgia de catarata no olho contralateral.

Application of valve removal technique in improved endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of valve removal technology in improved endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 92 patients(98 eyes)with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in our hospital from November 2020 to September 2022 were selected as the study subjects and they were randomly divided into group A(traditional group)and group B(improved group). The nasal mucosal flap was preserved after incision of the nasal mucosa in group A, the lacrimal sac flap and nasal mucosal flap were trimmed to an appropriate shape after the incision of the lacrimal sac, and the lacrimal sac flap the nasal mucosal flap were matched up. Group B made a “□” shaped incision on the nasal mucosa to remove the complete square nasal mucosa tissue. After the lacrimal sac was incised, the lacrimal sac mucosa was preserved as much as possible, and then the residual nasal mucosa was trimmed to make the lacrimal sac flap close to but not in contact with the residual nasal mucosa. Furthermore, the intraoperative bleeding volume and surgical duration of two groups of patients were recorded, and follow up until 3 mo postoperative. Nasal endoscopy and lacrimal duct flushing examinations were performed at 1 and 3 mo postoperative, respectively. The proliferation of granulation tissue within 5 mm of the ostial postoperative and the therapeutic effect were observed.RESULTS: At 3 mo postoperatively, 6 patients(7 eyes)who were lost to follow-up were excluded. A total of 44 eyes were included in group A, and 47 eyes were included in group B. The bleeding volume [27.00(22.00, 41.00)mL] and the surgical duration [35.00(33.00, 42.00)min] in group B were significantly lower than those in the group A(P<0.001). At 1 mo postoperatively, granulation tissue hyperplasia was observed within 5 mm of the ostial in 12 eyes of group A. In group B, granulation tissue hyperplasia was observed within 5 mm of the ostial in 1 eye. At 3 mo postoperatively, there were 9 eyes in group A with ostial adhesions but incomplete closure, and 2 eyes with complete closure; group B had 1 eye with mild adhesions at the ostial site and no ostial closure. The postoperative complications in the group B were significantly less than those in the group A(P<0.05), and the therapeutic effect was better than that in the group A(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The application of valve removal technology in improving endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy not only significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding and surgical duration, but also effectively reduces postoperative complications and improves surgical efficacy.

COMPARISON OF COMPLICATIONS OF CIRCUMCISION BY 'PLASTIBELL DEVICE TECHNIQUE' IN MALE NEONATES AND INFANTS

To determine the effectiveness of the circumcision by Plastibell technique comparing the complications among neonate and infant age groups.

STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF BRASS AND COPPER ELECTRODES DURING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING OF INCONEL 718 USING NANO PARTICLES MIXED DIELECTRIC FLUID.

Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) parameters have a significant influence on machining characteristic like material removal rate (MMR) and tool wear rate (TWR). Inconel 718, which is widely used in the Medical, Marine, Architectural and food processing industries, is used as a work material. The tool electrode materials used are brass and copper. Experiments are conducted using face centered central composite design to determine the effects of process parameters like current rate, pulse on time, pulse off time and concentration of titanium carbide nano particle in dielectric fiuid. Based upon the experimental outcomes, the effect of brass and copper electrodes during electric discharge machining of Inconel 718 using nano particles mixed dielectric fiuid was investigated.

Removal Rate of the Tomofix® System after High Tibial Osteotomy is Higher Than Reported / A taxa de remoção do sistema Tomofix® após a osteotomia tibial alta é superior à relatada

Abstract Objective Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) significantly relieves pain in the medial joint line in medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. But some patients complain of pain over the pes anserinus even 1 year after the osteotomy, which may require implant removal for relief. This study aims to define the implant removal rate after MOWHTO due to pain over the pes anserinus. Methods One hundred and three knees of 72 patients who underwent MOWHTO for medial compartment osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2018 were enrolled in the study. Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and visual analogue score (VAS) were assessed for pain in the medial knee joint line (VAS-MJ) preoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and yearly thereafter; adding VAS for pain over the pes anserinus (VAS-PA). Patients with VAS-PA ≥ 40 and adequate bony consolidation after 12 months were recommended implant removal. Results Thirty-three (45.8%) of the patients were male and 39 (54.2%) were female. The mean age was 49.4 ± 8.0 and the mean body mass index was 27.0 ± 2.9. The Tomofix medial tibial plate-screw system (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, USA) was used in all cases. Three (2.8%) cases with delayed union requiring revision were excluded. The KOOS, OKS, and VAS-MJ significantly improved 12 months after MOWHTO. The mean VAS-PA was 38.3 ± 23.9. Implant removal for pain relief was needed in 65 (63.1%) of the103 knees. The mean VAS-PA decreased to 4.5 ± 5.6 3 months after implant removal (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Over 60% of the patients may need implant removal to relieve pain over the pes anserinus after MOWHTO. Candidates for MOWHTO should be informed about this complication and its solution.

Resumo Objetivo A osteotomia tibial alta com cunha de abertura medial (MOWHTO, do inglês medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy) alivia de forma significativa a dor na linha articular medial em casos de osteoartrite do compartimento medial do joelho. Alguns pacientes, porém, se queixam de dor nos tendões dos músculos sartório, grácil e semitendinoso (pata de ganso) mesmo 1 ano após a osteotomia, o que pode exigir a remoção do implante. Este estudo define a taxa de remoção do implante após a MOWHTO devido à dor nos tendões dos músculos sartório, grácil e semitendinoso. Métodos Cento e três joelhos de 72 pacientes submetidos à MOWHTO para tratamento da osteoartrite do compartimento medial entre 2010 e 2018 foram incluídos no estudo. A pontuação de desfecho de lesão no joelho e osteoartrite (KOOS, do inglês Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), a pontuação dejoelho de Oxford (OKS, do inglês Oxford Knee Score) e a escala visual analógica (EVA) de dor na linha articular medial do joelho (EVA-MJ) foram avaliados antes da cirurgia. A EVA nos tendões dos músculos sartório, grácil e semitendinoso (EVA-PA) foi adicionada a essas avaliações, também realizadas 12 meses após o procedimento e, a seguir, anualmente. A remoção do implante foi recomendada em pacientes com EVA-PA ≥ 40 e consolidação óssea adequada em 12 meses. Resultados Trinta e três (45,8%) pacientes eram homens e 39 (54,2%), mulheres. A média de idade foi de 49,4 ±8,0, e o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) médio foi de 27,0 ± 2,9. O sistema placa-parafuso tibial medial Tomofix (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, EUA) foi utilizado em todos os casos. Três (2,8%) casos foram excluídos devido ao retardo de consolidação e à necessidade de revisão. Os resultados nas escalas KOOS, OKS e EVA-MJ melhoraram significativamente 12 meses após a MOWHTO. A EVA-PA média foi de 38,3 ± 23,9. A remoção do implante para alívio da dor foi necessária em 65 (63,1%) dos 103 joelhos. Três meses após a remoção do implante, a EVA-PA média diminuiu para 4,5 ± 5,6 (p < 0,0001). Conclusão A remoção do implante pode ser necessária em mais de 60% dos pacientes para alívio da dor nos tendões dos músculos sartório, grácil e semitendinoso após a MOWHTO. Os candidatos à MOWHTO devem ser informados sobre esta complicação e sua resolução.

Early chest tube removal following single-direction versus conventional uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the feasibility of early chest tube removal following single-direction uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (S-UVATS) anatomical lobectomy. Methods    The clinical data of consecutive VATS lobectomy by different surgeons in Xuzhou Central Hospital between May 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Finally, the data of 1 084 patients were selected for analysis, including 538 males and 546 females, with a mean age of 61.0±10.1 years. These patients were divided into a S-UVATS group with 558 patients and a conventional group (C-UVATS) with 526 patients according to the surgical procedures. The perioperative parameters such as operation time, blood loss were recorded. In addition, we assessed the amount of residual pleural effusion and the probability of secondary thoracentesis when taking 300 mL/d and 450 mL/d as the threshold of chest tube removal. Results    Tumor-negative   surgical margin was achieved without mortality in this cohort. As compared with the C-UVATS group, patients in the S-UVATS group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time (P<0.001), less blood loss (P=0.002), lower rate of conversion to multiple-port VATS or thoracotomy (P=0.003), but more stations and numbers of dissected lymph nodes as well as less suture staplers (P<0.001). Moreover, patients in the S-UVATS demonstrated shorter chest tube duration, less total volume of thoracic drainage and shorter postoperative hospital stay, with statistical differences (P<0.001). After excluding patients of chylothorax and prolonged air leaks>7 d, subgroup analysis was performed. First, assuming that 300 mL/d was the threshold for chest tube removal, as compared with the C-UVATS group, patients in the S-UVATS group would report less residual pleural effusion and less necessitating second thoracentesis with residual pleural effusion>500 mL (P<0.05). Second, assuming that 450 mL/d was the threshold for chest tube removal, as compared with the C-UVATS group, the S-UVATS group would also report less residual pleural effusion and less necessitating second thoracentesis with residual pleural effusion>500 mL (P<0.05). Further multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that S-UVATS was significantly negatively related to drainage volume>1 000 mL (P<0.05); whereas combined lobectomy, longer operation time, more blood loss and air leakage were independent risk factors correlated with drainage volume>1 000 mL following UVATS lobectomy (P<0.05). Conclusion    The short-term efficacy of S-UVATS lobectomy is significantly better than that of the conventional group, indicating shorter operation time and less chest drainage. However, early chest tube removal with a high threshold of thoracic drainage volume probably increases the risk of secondary thoracentesis due to residual pleural effusion.

Clinical disputes between sphincter of Oddi function and biliary system diseases / 中华消化外科杂志

The link between sphincter of Oddi function with biliary system (gallbladder and bile duct) diseases is considered to be very complicated. Whether routine prophylactic laparos-copic cholecystectomy should be carried out after endoscopic sphincterotomy to remove bile duct stones has been controversial worldwide. Actually, this is a very common and important clinical question which needs to be answered. The author spends a lot of time and efforts to broadly read and analyze on published articles related to this topic, and tries, from the aspects of the anatomy and function of sphincter of Oddi, the biliary diseases causing by dysfunction or discordance of sphincter of Oddi, and the impacting of artificial destruction of sphincter of Oddi on the gallbladder and bile duct of patients, to come up with an answer to this question based on scientific and medical evidence.

The preliminary study of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in acute respiratory distress syndrome for a pediatric patient / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal(ECCO 2R) is a technique that aims to decarboxylate the blood and thus to correct hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis in acute respiratory failure, but is rarely used in children.We successfully completed the ECCO 2R treatment for a pediatric case with adenovirus pneumonia, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) and hypercapnia in PICU, which provided clinical references for the use of ECCO 2R in acute respiratory failure for children. Methods:A patient with adenovirus pneumonia and severe ARDS was successfully treated with ECCO 2R-continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)combined system after weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO). We reported the treatment process, ECCO 2R treatment effect and side effects, so as to provide clinical reference for ECCO 2R treatment of children with ARDS. Results:One-year and four-month-old boy was treated with mechanical ventilation and venous-arterial ECMO due to adenovirus pneumonia and severe ARDS.After ECMO treatment for 25 days, he developed severe hypercapnia after weaning from ECMO.ECCO 2R was initiated.The pH value increased by 11.2%(from 7.222 to 7.303) 1 hour after ECCO 2R treatment, partial pressure of blood carbon dioxide(PCO 2)decreased by 29.1%(from 72.6 mmHg to 51.5 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and the average airway pressure of high-frequency ventilation decreased by 5 cmH 2O(from 20 cmH 2O to 15 cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa) after 6 hours of ECCO 2R.The CO 2 removal rate of ECCO 2R system was 29.1 mL/min.It was stopped because of ECCO 2R-membrane clotting after 72 h. There was no increase of PCO 2.Extubation was successfully after undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for 39 days and with noninvasive ventilation for 5 days.The boy was hospitalized in PICU for 54 days, improved and discharged from the hospital.Followed up for 2 years after discharge, the growth and development were good, but the strenuous exercise endurance was still poor. Conclusion:ECCO 2R is effective in improving gas exchange, reducing PCO 2 and lowering ventilator pressure in children with ARDS and hypercapnia, which allow more protective ventilation.ECCO 2R provide transitional treatment for ECMO weaning and provide meaningful clinical reference for the use of ECCO 2R as part of respiratory support in children with respiratory failure.

Application of continuous renal replacement therapy combined with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in children with acute respiratory failure / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the role of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO 2R) in the treatment of children with respiratory failure. Methods:The clinical data of 12 children with respiratory failure who were treated with CRRT+ECCO 2R in PICU of Jinan Children's Hospital from July 2020 to August 2022 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The outcomes and the external pipeline usage of the patients were observed, and the blood gas analysis and ventilator parameters before 1 h and after 1, 6, 12 and 24 h of the treatment were compared by one-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc correction. Results:Six patients successfully withdrew from CRRT+ECCO 2R and mechanical ventilation, three patients were transferred to ECMO treatment. Three cases died after voluntary withdrawal of treatment, and two cases died due to treatment failure. The mortality rate was 41.7%. After continuous treatment of CRRT+ECCO 2R for 15 to 112 h, two cases experienced extracorporeal circuit obstruction. After 1 h of treatment, PaCO 2 decreased from (64.67±24.4) mmHg to (49.42±15.54) mmHg, pH increased from (7.28±0.20) to (7.38±0.11), FiO 2 decreased from (0.85±0.13) to (0.78±0.15), PC decreased from (19.42±4.34) cmH 2O to (17.75±4.00) cmH 2O. After 24 h of treatment, PaCO 2 decreased to (39.2±5.55) mmHg, pH increased to (7.41±0.04), FiO 2 decreased to (0.46±0.11), and PC decreased to (13.8±3.36) cmH 2O, and the differences were statistically significant compared with before treatment ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The combination of CRRT and ECCO 2R therapy can safely substitute for partial lung ventilation/perfusion function, and play a role in protecting right heart function and improving lung-kidney interaction. It can be considered as an option for extracorporeal respiratory, circulatory, and renal support, and consequently has broad prospects.

Platelet Removal Efficiency by Leukocyte Filter in Red Blood Cell Units at Different Storage Periods / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate change of platelet count in red blood cell （RBC） units at different storage periods and explore the efficiency of platelet removal by leukocyte filter. MethodsA total of 58 RBC units were divided into four groups according to different storage periods： 1 week Group （16）， 2 weeks Group （16）， 3 weeks Group （14） and 4 weeks Group （12）. RBC units in the four groups were filtered through leukocyte filter. The RBC samples before and after filtration were obtained. The platelet count was detected by automatic blood cell counter and the efficiency of platelet removal was calculated. RBC samples before filtration were made into blood cell smears. The blood cell smears were dyed with Wright-Giemsa stain， and the morphology of platelets was observed through a microscope. ResultsThe platelet count in RBC units stored for 1， 2， 3 and 4 weeks was （286.5±62.34）×109/L， （238.0±57.37）×109/L， （193.6±56.21）×109/L and （167.8±24.76）×109/L， respectively. Platelet count in blood stored for 3 weeks （P<0.01） and 4 weeks （P <0.000 1） were significantly lower than those stored for 1 weeks. When observed in the blood smears of RBC units at different storage periods， platelets with normal morphology were distributed in clump and scattered style. The platelet removal rates of the four groups were （80.13±9.06） %， （76.41±10.13） %， （77.78±9.30） % and （70.63±9.39） %， respectively， with no significant difference （P >0.05）. ConclusionsPlatelet count in RBC units decreases gradually as the storage period increases， but most platelets still remain in RBC units of late storage periods （3 weeks and 4 weeks）. The leukocyte filter is able to remove most of the platelets， and the removal efficiency is similar among the groups.

Effect of perioperative clinical application of enhanced recovery after surgery on elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the application value of perioperative interventional strategy guided by enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 405 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to age, all recipients were divided into the elderly (≥60 years, n=122) and non-elderly groups (< 60 years, n=283). All patients received perioperative interventions under the guidance of ERAS. Intraoperative and postoperative indexes, incidence of postoperative complications and discharge were analyzed between two groups. Results There were no significant differences in the duration of anesthesia, operation time, anhepatic phase, hemorrhage volume, blood transfusion volume, lactic acid level before abdominal closure, ventilator-assisted time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, Caprini score, CHIPPS score, time of gastric tube, urinary tube and drainage tube removal, time to first drinking, time to first physical activity and time to first flatus between two groups (all P > 0.05). In the elderly group, the time to first feeding was later than that in the non-elderly group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of fever, ascites, pulmonary infection, delayed gastric emptying, hemorrhage and inactive venous thrombosis between two groups (all P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, serum creatinine before discharge and total length of hospital stay between two groups (all P > 0.05). The alanine aminotransferase level in elderly recipients was lower than that in non-elderly counterparts, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No unplanned reoperation was performed within postoperative 30 d in two groups. There was no significant difference in the re-hospitalization rate within 30 d after discharge (P > 0.05). Conclusions ERAS-guided interventional strategy contributes to perioperative recovery of elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation, and yields equivalent postoperative recovery between elderly and non-elderly recipients.

Enhanced nitrogen removal by bioelectrochemical coupling anammox and characteristics of microbial communities / 生物工程学报

To investigate the bioelectrochemical enhanced anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) nitrogen removal process, a bioelectrochemical system with coupled anammox cathode was constructed using a dual-chamber microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Specifically, a dark incubation batch experiment was conducted at 30 ℃ with different influent total nitrogen concentrations under an applied voltage of 0.2 V, and the enhanced denitrification mechanism was investigated by combining various characterization methods such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and high-throughput sequencing methods. The results showed that the total nitrogen removal rates of 96.9%±0.3%, 97.3%±0.4% and 99.0%±0.3% were obtained when the initial total nitrogen concentration was 200, 300 and 400 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the cathode electrode biofilm showed good electrochemical activity. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the applied voltage enriched other denitrifying functional groups, including Denitratisoma, Limnobacter, and ammonia oxidizing bacteria SM1A02 and Anaerolineaceae, Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrospira, besides the anammox bacteria. These electrochemically active microorganisms comprised of ammonium oxidizing exoelectrogens (AOE) and denitrifying electrotrophs (DNE). Together with anammox bacteria Candidatus Brocadia, they constituted the microbial community structure of denitrification system. Enhanced direct interspecies electron transfer between AOE and DNE was the fundamental reason for the further improvement of the total nitrogen removal rate of the system.

Recent research on extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal / 中国当代儿科杂志

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is an artificial lung auxiliary technique based on extrapulmonary gas exchange and can effectively remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygenation to a certain extent, and it is one of the effective treatment techniques for hypercapnia developed after mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in recent years and has wide application prospect. This article elaborates on the development, working principle, advantages, classification, complications, and clinical application of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal, so as to provide a new choice for extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in clinical practice.

Lean strategy for data mining and continuous improvement of Chinese pharmaceutical process: a case study of sporoderm-removal Ganoderma lucidum spore powder / 中国中药杂志

In the digital transformation of Chinese pharmaceutical industry, how to efficiently govern and analyze industrial data and excavate the valuable information contained therein to guide the production of drug products has always been a research hotspot and application difficulty. Generally, the Chinese pharmaceutical technique is relatively extensive, and the consistency of drug quality needs to be improved. To address this problem, we proposed an optimization method combining advanced calculation tools(e.g., Bayesian network, convolutional neural network, and Pareto multi-objective optimization algorithm) with lean six sigma tools(e.g., Shewhart control chart and process performance index) to dig deeply into historical industrial data and guide the continuous improvement of pharmaceutical processes. Further, we employed this strategy to optimize the manufacturing process of sporoderm-removal Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. After optimization, we preliminarily obtained the possible interval combination of critical parameters to ensure the P_(pk) values of the critical quality properties including moisture, fineness, crude polysaccharide, and total triterpenes of the sporoderm-removal G. lucidum spore powder to be no less than 1.33. The results indicate that the proposed strategy has an industrial application value.

The toxicity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on biological wastewater treatment and its detoxification: a review / 生物工程学报

The wide use of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in research, medicine, industry, and other fields has raised concerns about their biosafety. It is therefore unavoidable to be discharged into the sewage treatment system. Due to the unique physical and chemical properties of ZnO NPs and CuO NPs, it may be toxic to the members of the microbial community and their growth and metabolism, which in turn affects the stable operation of sewage nitrogen removal. This study summarizes the toxicity mechanism of two typical metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs and CuO NPs) to nitrogen removal microorganisms in sewage treatment systems. Furthermore, the factors affecting the cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are summarized. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and support for the future mitigating and emergent treatment of the adverse effects of nanoparticles on sewage treatment systems.

Denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms and its mechanism of nitrogen and phosphorus removal / 生物工程学报

Water eutrophication poses great threats to protection of water environment. Microbial remediation of water eutrophication has shown high efficiency, low consumption and no secondary pollution, thus becoming an important approach for ecological remediation. In recent years, researches on denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms and their application in wastewater treatment processes have received increasing attention. Different from the traditional nitrogen and phosphorus removal process conducted by denitrifying bacteria and phosphate accumulating organisms, the denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms can simultaneously remove nitrogen and phosphorus under alternated anaerobic and anoxic/aerobic conditions. It is worth noting that microorganisms capable of simultaneously removing nitrogen and phosphorus absolutely under aerobic conditions have been reported in recent years, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes the species and characteristics of denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms and the microorganisms capable of performing simultaneous nitrification-denitrification and phosphorous removal. Moreover, this review analyzes the relationship between nitrogen removal and phosphorus removal and the underlying mechanisms, discusses the challenges of denitrifying phosphorus removal, and prospects future research directions, with the aim to facilitate process improvement of denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms.

Survival rate and stability of surface-treated and non-surface-treated orthodontic mini-implants: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives: This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the stability and failure rate of surface-treated orthodontic mini-implants and determine whether they differ from those of non-surface-treated orthodontic mini-implants. Trial Design: Randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth study design. Setting: Department of Orthodontics, SRM Dental College, Chennai. Participants: Patients who required orthodontic mini-implants for anterior retraction in both arches. Methods: Self-drilling, tapered, titanium orthodontic mini-implants with and without surface treatment were placed in each patient following a split-mouth design. The maximum insertion and removal torques were measured for each implant using a digital torque driver. The failure rates were calculated for each type of mini-implant. Results: The mean maximum insertion torque was 17.9 ± 5.6 Ncm for surface-treated mini-implants and 16.4 ± 9.0 Ncm for non-surface-treated mini-implants. The mean maximum removal torque was 8.1 ± 2.9 Ncm for surface-treated mini-implants and 3.3 ± 1.9 Ncm for non-surface-treated mini-implants. Among the failed implants, 71.4% were non-surface-treated mini-implants and 28.6% were surface-treated mini-implants. Conclusion: The insertion torque and failure rate did not differ significantly between the groups, whereas the removal torque was significantly higher in the surface-treated group. Thus, surface treatment using sandblasting and acid etching may improve the secondary stability of self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants. Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry, India (ICMR NIMS). Registration number: CTRI/2019/10/021718

RESUMO Objetivos: Este ensaio clínico foi conduzido para avaliar a estabilidade e a taxa de falha de mini-implantes ortodônticos com superfície tratada, e determinar se elas diferem das dos mini-implantes ortodônticos sem superfície tratada. Desenho do estudo: Ensaio clínico randomizado com desenho de boca dividida. Instituição: Department of Orthodontics, SRM Dental College, Chennai/India. Participantes: Pacientes que necessitavam de mini-implantes ortodônticos para retração anterior em ambas as arcadas. Métodos: Mini-implantes ortodônticos autoperfurantes, cônicos, de titânio com ou sem tratamento de superfície, foram colocados em cada paciente, seguindo um desenho de boca dividida. Os torques máximos de inserção e de remoção foram medidos para cada mini-implante, usando um torquímetro digital. As taxas de falha foram calculadas para cada tipo de mini-implante. Resultados: O valor médio do torque máximo de inserção foi de 17,9 ± 5,6 Ncm para mini-implantes com superfície tratada e 16,4 ± 9,0 Ncm para mini-implantes sem superfície tratada. O valor médio do torque máximo de remoção foi de 8,1 ± 2,9 Ncm para mini-implantes com superfície tratada e 3,3 ± 1,9 Ncm para mini-implantes sem superfície tratada. Entre os implantes que falharam, 71,4% eram mini-implantes sem superfície tratada e 28,6% eram mini-implantes com superfície tratada. Conclusão: O torque de inserção e a taxa de falha não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos; porém, o torque de remoção foi significativamente maior no grupo com superfície tratada. Assim, o tratamento de superfície com jateamento e condicionamento ácido pode melhorar a estabilidade secundária dos mini-implantes ortodônticos autoperfurantes. Registro do estudo: Esse estudo foi registrado no Clinical Trials Registry, Índia (ICMR NIMS). Número de registro: CTRI/2019/10/021718

A clinical model to predict successful renal replacement therapy (RRT) discontinuation in patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Abstract Introduction Ideal timing of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) discontinuation in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is still unknown. We aimed to study the role of creatinine-related variables in predicting RRT successful discontinuation and to propose a clinical predictive score. Methods In this single-centre retrospective study, we evaluated all AKI patients in whom RRT was interrupted for at least 48 hours. Patients who were still RRT-independent 7 days after initial RRT cessation were included in the "Success" group and opposed to the "Failure" group. We evaluated baseline characteristics and variables collected at the time of RRT interruption, as well as the Kinetic estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (KeGFR), the simple variation in serum Creatinine (ΔsCr), and the incremental creatinine ratio on the first three days after RRT interruption. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate prediction of success. Internal validation using a simple binomial generalized regression model with Lasso estimation and 5-fold cross validation method was performed. Results We included 124 patients, 49 in the "Failure" group and 75 in the "Success" group. All creatinine-related variables predicted success in simple and multiple logistic regression models. The best model generated a clinical score based on the odds ratio obtained for each variable and included urine output, non-renal SOFA score, fluid balance, serum urea, serum potassium, blood pH, and the variation in sCr values after RRT discontinuation. The score presented an area under the ROC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.76‒1.00). Conclusion Creatinine variation between the first 2 consecutive days after RRT discontinuation might predict success in RRT discontinuation. The developed clinical score based on these variables might be a useful clinical decision tool to guide hemodialysis catheter safe removal.

Vagalumes e biografemas: poéticas e políticas públicas no desligamento institucional por maioridade / Fireflies and biographems: poetics and public policies regarding institutional removal due to adulthood / Luciérnagas y biografemas: poéticas y políticas públicas en desconexión institucional debido a la edad adulta

Este artigo versa sobre o processo de desligamento institucional por maioridade de jovens que residem em serviços de acolhimento. Aposta-se em uma política do sensível para visibilizar os encontros e desencontros que acontecem entre as e os jovens e as políticas públicas brasileiras. Para tanto, realizaram-se encontros com jovens que já haviam passado pelo processo de desligamento e com jovens que logo completariam 18 anos e teriam de sair das instituições de acolhimento. Para tornar visíveis essas existências, investiu-se na escrita de biografemas, inspirados na obra de Roland Barthes. Os conceitos de necropolítica e vidas precárias foram fundamentais para compreender as omissões do Estado no momento do desligamento. Verificou-se que o Estado pode maximizar a precariedade de algumas vidas, especialmente daquelas marcadas por características de raça, gênero e classe culturalmente marginalizados. Contudo, é também o encontro com as políticas públicas que garante melhores condições de vida para alguns, facilitando o acesso à universidade e ao mercado de trabalho. A pesquisa aponta que, diante do abandono, as e os jovens se fazem vagalumes, produzindo luminosidades em meio à escuridão e reivindicando o direito à vida.(AU)

This article discusses the process of institutional removal of young people that reside in foster care institutions for reaching adulthood. It relies on a politics of the sensitive to make visible the encounters and mismatches that take place between young people and Brazilian public policies. To do so, meetings were held with young people who had already experienced the removal process and with young people who would soon turn 18 and would have to leave the host institutions. To make these existences visible, this study invested in the writing of biographems, inspired by the works of Roland Barthes. The concepts of necropolitics and precarious lives were fundamental to understand the omissions of the State at the time of removal. It was also found that the State can maximize the precariousness of some lives, especially those marked by culturally marginalized race, gender, and class characteristics. However, it is also the encounter with public policies that ensures better living conditions for some, facilitating access to the university and the labor market. This research points out that, in the face of abandonment, young people become fireflies, producing luminosity amid the darkness and claiming the right to life.(AU)

Este artículo aborda el proceso de desconexión institucional justificado por la edad adulta de los jóvenes que residen en los servicios de acogida. Utilizamos una política sensible para hacer visibles las reuniones y los desajustes que tienen lugar entre los jóvenes y las políticas públicas brasileñas. Con este fin, se celebraron reuniones con los jóvenes que ya habían pasado por el proceso de desconexión institucional y también con los jóvenes que pronto cumplirían los 18 años y tendrían que abandonar las instituciones de acogida. Para hacer visibles estas existencias, se redactaron biografemas, inspirados en el trabajo de Roland Barthes. Los conceptos de necropolítica y vida precaria fueron fundamentales para comprender las omisiones del Estado en el momento de la desconexión. Se encontró que el Estado puede maximizar la precariedad de algunas vidas, principalmente de aquellas marcadas por características de raza, género y clase culturalmente marginadas. Sin embargo, el encuentro con las políticas también puede garantizar mejores condiciones de vida para algunos, facilitándoles el acceso a la universidad y al mercado laboral. Esta investigación señala que, ante el abandono, los jóvenes se convierten en luciérnagas, produciendo luminosidad en medio de la oscuridad y reclamando el derecho a la vida.(AU)

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis

Introduction Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield. Objectives To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis. Methods High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 1011 platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 1011 platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 1011 for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming. Results Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment. Conclusions The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.