Utilizing stem cells in reconstructive treatments for sports injuries: An innovative approach.

Orthopedic tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field that holds great promise for the reconstruction and natural repair of bone and joint tissues. Bone loss, fractures, and joint degeneration are common problems that can result from a variety of pathological conditions, and their restoration and replacement are essential not only for functional purposes but also for improving the quality of life for patients. However, current methods rely heavily on artificial materials that can potentially lead to further tissue damage, making tissue engineering a highly attractive alternative. This innovative approach involves the utilization of stem cells (SCs), which are seeded onto a scaffold to form a biological complex. Among these SCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted from bone marrow and adipose tissue have shown immense potential for bone and joint tissue regeneration. The success of orthopedic tissue engineering is contingent on the careful selection of appropriate scaffolds and inducing molecules, which play a critical role in carrying and supporting cells and inducing their differentiation. This review article comprehensively analyzes the three vital aspects of orthopedic tissue engineering - SCs, scaffolds, and inducing molecules - in order to provide a deeper understanding of this emerging field and its potential for the future of orthopedic medicine.

Lactobacillus plantarum strains show diversity in biofilm formation under flow conditions.

In many natural and technological applications, microbial biofilms grow under fluid flow. In this project, we investigated the influence of flow on the formation and growth of biofilms produced by gram-positive Lactobacillus plantarum strains WCFS1 and CIP104448. We used an in-house designed device based on a 48-well plate with culture volumes of 0.8 ml, and quantified total biofilm formation under static and flow conditions with flow rates 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 ml/h (with 1, 2, 4 and 6 volume changes per hour) using crystal violet (CV) staining, and determined the number of viable biofilm cells based on plate counts. The amount of total biofilm under flow conditions increased in the CIP 104448 strain, with significantly increased staining at the wall of the wells. However, in the WCFS1 strain, no significant difference in the amount of biofilm formed under flow and static conditions was observed. Plate counts showed that flow caused an increase in the number of viable biofilm cells for both strains. In addition, using enzyme treatment experiments, we found that for WCFS1 in the static condition, the amount of mature biofilm was declined after DNase I and Proteinase K treatment, while for flow conditions, the decline was only observed for DNase I treatment. The CIP104448 biofilms formed under both static and flow conditions only showed a decline in the CV staining after adding Proteinase K, indicating different contributions of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteinaceous matrix components to biofilm formation in the tested strains.

Characteristics and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in healthcare workers at a London teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare worker (HCW)-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of global concern due to the potential for nosocomial spread and depletion of staff numbers. However, the literature on transmission routes and risk factors for COVID-19 in HCWs is limited. AIM: To examine the characteristics and transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in HCWs in a university teaching hospital in London, UK. METHODS: Staff records and virology testing results were combined to identify staff sickness and COVID-19 rates from March to April 2020. Comparisons were made with staff professional groups, department of work, and ethnicity. FINDINGS: COVID-19 rates in our HCWs largely rose and declined in parallel with the number of community cases. White and non-White ethnic groups among our HCWs had similar rates of infection. Clinical staff had a higher rate of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 than non-clinical staff, but total sickness rates were similar. Doctors had the highest rate of infection, but took the fewest sickness days. Critical care had lower rates than the emergency department (ED), but rates in the ED declined when all staff were advised to use personal protective equipment (PPE). CONCLUSION: Sustained transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among our hospital staff did not occur, beyond the community outbreak, even in the absence of strict infection control measures in non-clinical areas. Current PPE appears to be effective when used appropriately. Our findings emphasize the importance of testing both clinical and non-clinical staff groups during a pandemic.

ABO blood groups as a new potential predictive factor in radiotherapy hematological changes.

AIM: Cancer treatments specially with new high Tec radiotherapy equipment's calling daily progression in method and predictive factors affecting treatment goals. Due to important effect of oxygen on cells radio sensitivity, tumor blood circulation and it's antigens like ABO blood groups maybe an important predictive factor for radiotherapy response and it is adverse events. The aim of this study was the assessment of the hematological manifestations of local radiotherapy and association with ABO blood groups. METHODS: In this observational study, 2 ml of peripheral blood were taken from 152 patients with routine 3D conformal radiotherapy treatment course and the blood parameters achieve and documented at four stage during treatment courses. The data were analyzed by repeated measurement andone-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions of the platelets, white blood cells (WBC), and lymphocytes counts were demonstrated. Also an increased percentage of polymorphonuclear cells during local radiotherapy exposure was found. The changes in WBC counts were observed to be in association with ABO blood groups. The other evaluated factors were not significantly associated with ABO blood groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an association between radiotherapy patients ABO blood groups and some hematological changes in their blood circulation (Fig. 7, Ref. 23).

Test of the Einstein Equivalence Principle near the Galactic Center Supermassive Black Hole.

During its orbit around the four million solar mass black hole Sagittarius A* the star S2 experiences significant changes in gravitational potential. We use this change of potential to test one part of the Einstein equivalence principle: the local position invariance (LPI). We study the dependency of different atomic transitions on the gravitational potential to give an upper limit on violations of the LPI. This is done by separately measuring the redshift from hydrogen and helium absorption lines in the stellar spectrum during its closest approach to the black hole. For this measurement we use radial velocity data from 2015 to 2018 and combine it with the gravitational potential at the position of S2, which is calculated from the precisely known orbit of S2 around the black hole. This results in a limit on a violation of the LPI of |ß_{He}-ß_{H}|=(2.4±5.1)×10^{-2}. The variation in potential that we probe with this measurement is six magnitudes larger than possible for measurements on Earth, and a factor of 10 larger than in experiments using white dwarfs. We are therefore testing the LPI in a regime where it has not been tested before.

Sperm characteristics of Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) breeders as affected by the addition of calcitriol to the semen extender.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of supplementing the semen extender with calcitriol on in vitro sperm characteristics in Chukar partridges. A total of 60 male Chukar partridges were habituated for semen collection by abdominal massage. Pooled ejaculates from several males were extended (1 to 5 v/v ratio) in the Sexton's diluent containing 0, 24, 48, 96, or 192 µg calcitriol/mL. These concentrations represented 0-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-fold levels of the mean seminal calcitriol concentration, respectively. A total of 12 subsamples from each treatment group were kept at 4 to 5°C or 19 to 24°C for 4, 24, or 48 h. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, incidence of hypoosmotic swelling (HOS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) concentrations were determined. The data were analyzed by the xtmixed procedure of STATA software. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, and seminal TBARS were affected by calcitriol (P < 0.05). There was no effect of treatments on HOS (P > 0.05). There was an interaction effect between calcitriol, storage time, and storage temperature on sperm motility, sperm viability, and seminal TBARS. Supplementation of the diluent with 96 µg calcitriol/mL resulted in the highest sperm motility at 4°C. Also, the same treatment group recorded the highest sperm viability and lowest seminal TBARS at 19 to 24°C. Supplementing the diluent with calcitriol had beneficial effects on spermatozoa; however, the fertility rate of spermatozoa extended in calcitriol-supplemented diluent needs to be determined before the procedure can be recommended for use in artificial insemination programs.

Development of a helicon ion source: Simulations and preliminary experiments.

In the present context, the extraction system of a helicon ion source has been simulated and constructed. Results of the ion source commissioning at up to 20 kV are presented as well as simulations of an ion beam extraction system. Argon current of more than 200 µA at up to 20 kV is extracted and is characterized with a Faraday cup and beam profile monitoring grid. By changing different ion source parameters such as RF power, extraction voltage, and working pressure, an ion beam with current distribution exhibiting a central core has been detected. Jump transition of ion beam current emerges at the RF power near to 700 W, which reveals that the helicon mode excitation has reached this power. Furthermore, measuring the emission line intensity of Ar ii at 434.8 nm is the other way we have used for demonstrating the mode transition from inductively coupled plasma to helicon. Due to asymmetrical longitudinal power absorption of a half-helix helicon antenna, it is used for the ion source development. The modeling of the plasma part of the ion source has been carried out using a code, HELIC. Simulations are carried out by taking into account a Gaussian radial plasma density profile and for plasma densities in range of 1018-1019 m-3. Power absorption spectrum and the excited helicon mode number are obtained. Longitudinal RF power absorption for two different antenna positions is compared. Our results indicate that positioning the antenna near to the plasma electrode is desirable for the ion beam extraction. The simulation of the extraction system was performed with the ion optical code IBSimu, making it the first helicon ion source extraction designed with the code. Ion beam emittance and Twiss parameters of the ellipse emittance are calculated at different iterations and mesh sizes, and the best values of the mesh size and iteration number have been obtained for the calculations. The simulated ion beam extraction system has been evaluated using optimized parameters such as the gap distance between electrodes, electrodes aperture, and extraction voltage. The gap distance, ground electrode aperture, and extraction voltage have been changed between 3 and 9 mm, 2-6.5 mm, and 10-35 kV in the simulations, respectively.

Antiadhesive hydroalcoholic extract from Apium graveolens fruits prevents bladder and kidney infection against uropathogenic E. coli.

Fruits from Apium graveolens (Celery) are used traditionally in Persian and European medicine for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. No data are available on A. graveolens extract on the interplay between uropathogenic E. coli and the eukaryotic host cells and on quorum sensing of the bacteria. The present study aimed to characterize an antiadhesive and anti quorum sensing effect of a characterized A. graveolens extract by specific in vitro assays and to correlate these effects with in vivo data obtained by an animal infection model. Hydroalcoholic extract CSE (EtOH-water, 1:1) from A. graveolens fruits was characterized by UHPLC/+ESI-QTOF-MS and investigated on antiproliferative activity against UPEC (strain NU14) and human T24 bladder cells. Antiadhesive properties of CSE were investigated within two different in vitro adhesion assays. For in vivo studies BALB/c mice were used in an UPEC infection model. The effect of CSE on bacterial load in bladder tissue was monitored within a 4- and 7 days pretreatment (200, 500 mg/kg) of the animals. CSE was dominated by the presence of luteolin-glycosides and related flavons besides furocoumarins. CSE had no cytotoxic effects against UPEC and bladder cells. CSE exerts a dose dependent antiadhesive activity against UPEC strains NU14 and UTI89. CSE inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner bacterial quorum sensing. 4- and 7-day pretreatment of animals with CSE transurethrally infected with UPEC NU14, significantly reduced the bacterial load in bladder tissue. CSE is assessed as an antiadhesive extract for which the traditional use in phytotherapy for UTI is justified.

Crumpling-based soft metamaterials: the effects of sheet pore size and porosity.

Crumpled-based materials are relatively easy to fabricate and show robust mechanical properties for practical applications, including meta-biomaterials design aimed for improved tissue regeneration. For such requests, however, the structure needs to be porous. We introduce a crumpled holey thin sheet as a robust bio-metamaterial and measure the mechanical response of a crumpled holey thin Mylar sheet as a function of the hole size and hole area fraction. We also study the formation of patterns of crease lines and ridges. The area fraction largely dominated the crumpling mechanism. We also show, the crumpling exponents slightly increases with increasing the hole area fraction and the total perimeter of the holes. Finally, hole edges were found to limit and guide the propagation of crease lines and ridges.

Aqueous extract from Orthosiphon stamineus leaves prevents bladder and kidney infection in mice.

BACKGROUND: Extracts from the leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus are used in phytotherapy for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. PURPOSES: Evaluation of an aqueous extract against infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli in vivo; investigation of underlying microbiological mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo studies in mice and in vitro investigations on cytotoxicity, antiadhesive potential, influence on bacterial gene expression and quorum sensing. METHODS: Extract OWE was prepared by hot water extraction. For in vivo studies BALB/c mice were used in an UPEC infection model. The effect of OWE on bacterial load in bladder/kidney tissue was monitored in pre- and posttreatment. Cytotoxicity of OWE against different UPEC strains, T24 bladder/A498 kidney cells, gene expression analysis, monitoring of phenotypic motility and quorum sensing was investigated by standard methods of microbiology. RESULTS: OWE was quantified (UHPLC) according to the content of rosmarinic acid, cichoric acid, caffeic acid. Three- and 5-day treatment of animals with OWE (750mg/kg) after transurethral infection with UPEC CFT073 reduced the bacterial load in bladder and kidney, similar to norfloxacin. Four- and 7-day pretreatment of mice prior to the infection with UPEC NU14 reduced bacterial bladder colonization. In vitro investigations indicated that OWE (≤2mg/ml) has no cytotoxic or proliferation-inhibiting activity against different UPEC strains as well as against T24 bladder and A498 kidney cells. OWE exerts a dose dependent antiadhesive activity against UPEC strains NU14 and UTI89. OWE reduced gene expression of fimH, but evoked increase of the expression of motility/fitness gene fliC. Increase of bacterial motility on gene level was confirmed by a changed bacterial phenotype by an increased bacterial motility in soft agar assay. OWE inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner bacterial quorum sensing. CONCLUSION: OWE is assessed as a strong antiadhesive plant extract for which the traditional use in phytotherapy for UTI might be justified.

Combination of H120 and 1/96 avian infectious bronchitis virus vaccine strains protect chickens against challenge with IS/1494/06 (variant 2)-like infectious bronchitis virus.

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a worldwide chicken disease, caused by avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) which infects all commercial poultry lines. The present study was done to evaluate protection caused by two different serotype vaccines (Massachusetts and 793/B) in order to evaluate protection against challenge with IS/1494/06-like virus (variant 2-like virus), which is prevalent in the Middle East. SPF chickens were divided into four groups (n = 20). First and second group as negative control group and non-vaccinated-challenged group received no vaccine. Groups 3 and 4 received H120-H120 and H120-1/96 IBV vaccine strains at the 1st and 14th day, respectively. Twenty one days after last vaccination, non-vaccinated-challenged group and vaccinated group were challenged using variant 2-like IBV. Serum samples were collected before challenge to measure humoral immune response of chickens. Five days after challenge, the tissue samples from the trachea, lungs and kidneys were taken to evaluate cilliary activity, viral load (quantitative real-time RT-PCR), and histopathological evaluation. Clinical sign scores were also recorded after challenge. Overall, the results showed a protective efficacy of the used vaccination program. Best cross protection (69.2%) was obtained in the H120-1/96 vaccinated group. Virus replication of the challenged virus in H120-1/96 group compared with H120-H120 group showed a significant reduction of viral load in trachea (1.5×103 compared to 503) and kidneys. Clinical sign scores of the challenged groups showed significant effect of the vaccination program to reduce clinical signs. The trachea pathological scores and histopathological findings in the lungs and kidneys also confirmed better protective efficacy of vaccinated groups. In conclusion, using combination of heterologous IBV vaccine serotypes (Massachusetts and 793/B) would be a better strategy to control variant 2-like viruses, but more evaluation is needed using other circulating isolates to find the best combination of vaccines.

Comparison of anterior segment parameter values obtained with Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, optical low coherence reflectometry and noncontact specular microscopy in morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the measurement of anterior segment parameters using Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, Lenstar optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR), and noncontact specular microscopy (SM) in morbidly obese and nonobese subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight morbidly obese subjects (BMI ≥ 40; Group 1) and 28 age- sex-matched healthy nonobese subjects (BMI 18.50-24.99; Group 2) were included in this study. Anterior segment parameters were measured by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer and OLCR. Corneal endothelial cell parameters were measured by non-contact SM. The group data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement among the instruments, and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for each comparison were calculated. RESULTS: In group 1, the mean CCT by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, OLCR, and noncontact SM were 549.44±30.10 µm, 544.15±31.48 µm, and 541.59±29.87 µm respectively. In group 2, the mean CCT by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, OLCR, and noncontact SM were 531.0±22.09 µm, 523.15±21.39 µm, and 521.12±21.70 µm respectively. Mean CCT values obtained by the three methods were significantly higher in the morbidly obese than the nonobese subjects. In both groups, mean CCT was significantly higher when measured by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer than by OLCR and noncontact SM, and mean AD and ACD were significantly higher when measured by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer than OLCR. No significant differences were found between mean corneal curvature and corneal astigmatism when measured by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer and OLCR. CONCLUSIONS: The mean CCT of the morbidly obese subjects were significantly higher than the nonobese subjects when measured by all three methods. The CCT values obtained by Scheimpflug-Placido topographer were significantly higher than those by OLCR and SM.

Does diazinon-sprayed market melon alter cholinesterase activity in healthy consumers? A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: Food contributes in measurable body burden of the widely used organophosphate pesticides. We designed a randomized controlled open label trial in Mashhad University Hospital in Iran, to study the possible alterations in cholinesterase activity resulting from consuming market melon known to be exposed to diazinon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three young healthy volunteers were recruited. Participants were randomized to consume 250 g per day of organic (N = 22) vs. market melon (N = 31) during fifteen days. The primary outcome was the variation of red blood-cell (RBC) cholinesterase activity between day 15 (after) and day 0 (prior the intervention). The secondary outcome was a variation of the plasma cholinesterase activity between both dates. RESULTS: Baseline RBC [5.21 ± 0.93 vs. 5.53 ± 0.99 IU/mL, mean ± SD] and plasma cholinesterase activities [54.0 ± 8.1 vs. 57.4 ± 8.6%] did not significantly differ between organic and market melon-exposed participants, respectively. RBC [5.86 ± 1.27 vs. 5.11 ± 1.2 IU/mL] and plasma cholinesterase activities [58.7 ± 10.0 vs. 50.5 ± 13.0%] significantly increased in organic melon-exposed vs. market melon-exposed participants (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RBC and plasma cholinesterase activities significantly improved after eating organic instead of market melon during fifteen days. However, the consequences on the health of the observed cholinesterase alterations attributed to diazinon dietary intake remain to be determined.

Nesfatin-1 hormone levels in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in body mass index (BMI) and nesfatin-1 levels in patients with morbid obesity who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from, and the BMI calculated of 30 morbidly obese patients pre-surgery and at 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Nesfatin-1 hormone levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed using Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis, one-way ANOVA, and the Bonferroni-Dunn test. The correlations between continuous variables not displaying normal distribution and those displaying normal distributions were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test and the Pearson correlation test, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 30 patients was 41.23 ± 10.37 years. The mean BMI values (kg/m2) were 49.30 ± 7.92, 39,48 ± 7.32, and 34.39 ± 7.56 presurgery, three months post-surgery, and six months post-surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean nesfatin-1 levels (ng/ml) were 22.80 ± 14.16, 60.23 ± 52.92, and 96.99 ± 40.20 presurgery, three months post-surgery, and six months post-surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). The postoperative months 3 and 6 BMI values were significantly lower than the preoperative BMI value and the postoperative month 6 BMI value was significantly lower than the postoperative month 3 BMI value (p < 0.001). The postoperative months 3 and 6 nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher than the preoperative nesfatin-1 levels. A negative correlation was found between age and preoperative nesfatin-1 values (p = 0.001, r = -0.0557). CONCLUSIONS: Observation of significant increases in nesfatin-1 hormone levels in morbidly obese patients who had undergone LSG indicate that nesfatin-1 has important anorexigenic effects post-surgery and may be an important component of future obesity treatments.

The retinal nerve fiber layer, choroidal thickness, and central macular thickness in morbid obesity: an evaluation using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of morbid obesity on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), retinal ganglion cell (RGC), choroidal thickness (CT), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients defined as having morbid or class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40; Group 1) scheduled to undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery and 29 nonobese patients (BMI 18.50-24.99; Group 2) underwent complete ophthalmic examination for measurement of IOP, CT, RNFL thickness, CMT, RGC, and CCT. RNFL thickness, CMT, and RGC were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). CT measurement was performed using the enhanced depth imaging technique of the SD-OCT. The group data were analyzed and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test. The relationship between the clinical ocular variables and obesity was analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: The mean IOP and CCT of Group 1 were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the mean RNFL, RGC, and CT significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of Group 2. While Group 2 was found to have a slightly larger cup-to-disc ratio and Group 1 to have a thinner CMT, the differences between Groups 1 and 2 regarding these variables were not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.322 and p = 0.072, respectively). The results of Spearmen correlation analysis indicated the existence of a moderately positive correlation between IOP and BMI (p < 0.001; r = 0.5-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated by SD-OCT that morbid obesity may have a significant influence on RNFL, RGC, and CT. Morbid obesity may induce inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic changes.

Ileal J-Pouch Perforation: Case Report.

A 34-year-old male patient who had undergone total colectomy and J-pouch ileanal anastomosis subsequent to diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis five years previously was admitted to the emergency room with complaints of severe abdominal pain of a four-day duration. Physical examination revealed widespread tenderness throughout the abdomen, especially in the lower quadrant. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed fluid between intestinal loops and computed tomography revealed free air and fluid in the abdomen. During laparotomy to expand the ileal J-pouch to approximately 12 cm in diameter, a 2-mm perforation was detected in the blind end of the ileal J-pouch. The perforation was repaired primarily and protective ileostomy was performed. During postoperative endoscopy, neither obstruction nor stasis was observed, but pouchitis was observed in the ileal J-pouch. The patient was postoperatively discharged on the 20th day and followed endoscopically. The endoscopic findings were normal in the sixth month postsurgery.

Relation between weight loss and age after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: As a bariatric surgery; Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) has gained popularity in recent years. In our study, we aimed to investigate the impact of age on postoperative weight loss at one year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our clinic between May 2011 and July 2013, 55 patients who underwent LSG with the diagnosis of obesity were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups below and over an age of 40. Preoperative and postoperative first year Body Mass Index (BMI), percent of Body Mass Index Lost (% BMIL) and Excess Body Mass Index Lost (% EBMIL) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with a mean age of 37.2 ± 8.6 years were included in the study. 37 were women. Patients divided into the age below 40 years old (group 1, n = 29) and over 40 years old (group 2, n = 26). The average age of the groups was 29.9 ± 4.63 and 45.3 ± 7.02, respectively. Characteristics of patients among groups were similar. The preoperative average BMI of groups were 49.34 ± 5.87 kg/m² and 49.73 ± 5.38 kg/m², postoperative first year mean BMI of groups were 30.05 ± 5.78 kg/m² and 36.15 ± 6.64 kg/m², respectively. Percentage loss in BMI was 19.29 ± 3.14% and 13.58 ± 2.96%, respectively; and % EBMIL was 82.95 ± 21.88% and 56.75 ± 15.90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that age might be as a major determining factor for weight loss and patients over forty years old undergoing LSG for bariatric surgery should be informed about that they will have a lower weight lost.

Nanosized ZSM-5 will improve photodynamic therapy using Methylene blue.

Nowadays, nanotechnology is growing to improve Photodynamic Therapy and reduce its side effects. In this research, the synthesized co-polymeric Zeolite Secony Mobile-5 (ZSM-5) was employed to modify Methylene Blue (MB) for these reasons. UV-Visible, FTIR, XRD analysis and SEM images were used to investigate obtained nanostructure. The crystal size for these nanostructures were determined 75 nm and maximum adsorption capacity of MB in the nanostructure was estimated 111 (mg g(-1)). Also, the role of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) was studied as a capable non-toxic polymeric coating to overcome biological barriers. Moreover, potential of singlet oxygen production of the synthesized nanostructure was compared with MB and ZSM-5 nanoparticles control samples. Synthesized nanodrugs show impressive light induced singlet oxygen production efficiency.

Detection of galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage of the intensive care unit patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections among the critically ill patients including intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Delayed diagnosis and therapy may lead to poor outcomes. Diagnosis may be facilitated by a test for molecular biomarkers, i.e. detection of galactomannan (GM) antigen based on enzyme immunoassay, which is of increasing interest in the clinical settings for the diagnosis of IA. In the present study, we assessed GM testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid as a tool for early diagnosis of IA among ICU patients who were at risk for developing IA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in ICU patients with underlying predisposing conditions for IA between August 2010 and September 2011. BAL samples for direct microscopic examination, culture, and GM detection were obtained once or twice weekly. GM in BAL levels was measured using the Platellia Aspergillus EIA test kit. According to modified European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer/ Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria, patients were classified as having probable or possible IA. RESULTS: Out of 43 suspected patients to IA, 13 (30.2%) cases showed IA. According to the criteria presented by EORTC/MSG, they were categorized as: 4 cases (30.8%) of possible IA and 9 (69.2%) of probable IA. Out of 21 BAL samples from patients with IA, 11 (52.4%) had at least one positive BAL GM index. Using a cutoff index of 0.5, the sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values of GM detection in BAL fluid were 100%, 85.7%, 65.7% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity was 73% and 92.7% at cutoff ≥1.0, respectively. In 6 of 13 IA cases, BAL culture or direct microscopic examination remained negative, whereas GM in BAL was positive. CONCLUSION: Our data have revealed that the sensitivity of GM detection in BAL was better than that of conventional tests. It seems that GM detection in BAL is beneficial to establish or exclude the early diagnosis of IA in ICU patients.

Artificial neural network (ANN) method for modeling of sunset yellow dye adsorption using zinc oxide nanorods loaded on activated carbon: Kinetic and isotherm study.

In this research, ZnO nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon (ZnO-NPs-AC) was synthesized simply by a low cost and nontoxic procedure. The characterization and identification have been completed by different techniques such as SEM and XRD analysis. A three layer artificial neural network (ANN) model is applicable for accurate prediction of dye removal percentage from aqueous solution by ZnO-NRs-AC following conduction of 270 experimental data. The network was trained using the obtained experimental data at optimum pH with different ZnO-NRs-AC amount (0.005-0.015 g) and 5-40 mg/L of sunset yellow dye over contact time of 0.5-30 min. The ANN model was applied for prediction of the removal percentage of present systems with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA), a linear transfer function (purelin) at output layer and a tangent sigmoid transfer function (tansig) in the hidden layer with 6 neurons. The minimum mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0008 and coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 0.998 were found for prediction and modeling of SY removal. The influence of parameters including adsorbent amount, initial dye concentration, pH and contact time on sunset yellow (SY) removal percentage were investigated and optimal experimental conditions were ascertained. Optimal conditions were set as follows: pH, 2.0; 10 min contact time; an adsorbent dose of 0.015 g. Equilibrium data fitted truly with the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 142.85 mg/g for 0.005 g adsorbent. The adsorption of sunset yellow followed the pseudo-second-order rate equation.