Search

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have a diverse range of outcomes due to their high degree of heterogeneity. Therefore, different predictive scoring systems have been created to assist in decision-making regarding retreatment with TACE. We compared the predictive capabilities of different scoring systems, such as ART, ABCR, and SNACOR, for prediction of the outcome of subsequent TACE in HCC patients.

In this study, the effects of several synthesis parameters including aging time, micropore-structure-directing agents, and hydrothermal treatment temperature profile were systematically examined with respect to their impact on the crystallinity of macroscopic zeolite Y spheres formed in the presence of organic anion-exchange resin templates. Spherical resins were utilized as hard templates to shape the zeolite Y particles. Zeolite Y precursors were initially deposited into the pores of the resin template and subsequently crystallized over time through precise control over these synthesis parameters. The resulting zeolite Y spheres were characterized using an array of characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, FTIR, and XRF. We identify the optimal conditions for maximizing the crystallinity of the macroscopic zeolite Y particles using resin templates as macroscopic shaping agents. This functional material has the potential to be used as both catalyst and adsorbent in several applications.

This paper designs two DC-DC converter configurations integrated with solar PV renewable energy resource. Its focuses on comparing two converter topologies: the conventional boost converter and the switched capacitor boost converter. The Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental Conductance (INC), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms are employed to dynamically enhance the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) performance for both converters. The simulation results demonstrate that both converter topologies, when integrated with appropriate MPPT algorithms, can effectively harvest maximum power from the solar PV. However, the switched capacitor topology converter exhibits advantages in terms of current capabilities and voltage performance. In addition, combing the switched capacitor boost converter with the GA-MPPT algorithm improved the output voltage profile. The switched capacitor topology demonstrates distinct advantages by exhibiting enhanced current control, enabling improved handling of dynamic load changes and varying irradiance conditions. It shows voltage regulation, resulting in reduced output voltage fluctuations and enhanced stability, thereby optimizing energy extraction. The GA-MPPT simulation demonstrates a substantial increase in maximized output current for the switched capacitor boost configuration (70 A) when compared to the conventional type (10 A). The validation and implementation of the system models are carried out using MATLAB/Simulink.

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the disproportionality analyses of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir and how ADR reporting fluctuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted utilizing the Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data between 2019 and 2021. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, all reports associated with the drugs of interest were evaluated to assess all related adverse drug reactions. In the second phase, specific outcomes of interest (i.e., QT prolongation and renal and hepatic events) were determined to study their association with the drugs of interest. A descriptive analysis was conducted for all adverse reactions related to the drugs being studied. In addition, disproportionality analyses were conducted to compute the reporting odds ratio, the proportional reporting ratio, the information component, and the empirical Bayes geometric mean. All analyses were conducted using RStudio. Results: A total of 9,443 ADR reports related to hydroxychloroquine; 6,160 (71.49) patients were female, and higher percentage of patients of both sexes were over the age of 65 years. QT prolongation (1.48%), pain (1.38%), and arthralgia (1.25%) were most frequently reported ADRs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association of QT prolongation with use of hydroxychloroquine was statistically significant (ROR 47.28 [95% CI 35.95–62.18]; PRR 42.41 [95% CI 32.25–55.78]; EBGM 16.08; IC 4.95) compared with fluoroquinolone. The outcome was serious medical events in 48.01% of ADR reports; 27.42% required hospitalization and 8.61% resulted in death. Of 6,673 ADR reports related to remdesivir, 3,928 (61.13%) patients were male. During 2020, the top three ADR reports were elevated liver function tests (17.26%), acute kidney injury (5.95%) and death (2.84%). Additionally, 42.71% of ADR reports indicated serious medical events; 19.69% resulted in death and 11.71% indicated hospitalization. The ROR and PRR of hepatic and renal events associated with remdesivir were statistically significant, (4.81 [95% CI 4.46–5.19] and 2.96 [95% CI 2.66–3.29], respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that several serious ADRs were reported with the use of hydroxychloroquine, which resulted in hospitalization and death. Trends with the use of remdesivir were similar, but to a lesser extent. Therefore, this study showed us that off-label use should be based on thorough evidence-based evaluation.

Background Intracorneal implants have been proposed over the years as a possible easier way for managing keratoconus, having a favorable influence on the course of the disease. KERATACx is a relatively new form of intracorneal ring segments that has been recently introduced but not thoroughly studied regarding its safety and efficacy. Moreover, implanting a complete intrastromal ring into a corneal pocket, MyoRing (Dioptex GmbH, Austria), is an alternative technique, which can be considered safe, effective, and relatively easy for the treatment of keratoconus. Aim To compare between the effect of MyoRing and KERATACx corneal implants as new modalities of treatment on the visual acuity, as well as assess corneal topography findings in cases with moderate to severe keratoconus. Patients and methods Our study is a prospective comparative study conducted at specialized eye centers in Cairo. A total of 20 keratoconic eyes were eventually recruited. Overall, 10 of those eyes had 355° intracorneal ring segment implants (KERATACx ring segments) inserted into a femtosecond laser-created corneal tunnel at a depth of 75% of the thinnest location at the proposed tunnel site (group A), whereas the other 10 eyes had complete ring (MyoRing) implantation into a femtosecond laser-created corneal pocket at a 300-μm corneal depth (group B), by the same designated surgeon. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ain-Shams University. Results Both types were proven to be statistically effective, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups related to any of the followed up parameters. In fact, both proved safe, effective, and reliable methods for managing keratoconus, with no difference of importance even to the degree of myopic refractive error correction. There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications reported within both groups throughout the whole study and follow-up period, but in turn, stability of the achieved results was found in both groups. Conclusion Both MyoRing and KERATACx were found to be equally effective, safe, and reliable methods for keratoconus management.

In this paper, we have provided a very thorough analysis of a new novel chelate metal ion complex of [Cu(II),Ag(I)] prepared via the interaction with the ligand{ 2-amino-8-((4-chloro-3-hydroxyphenyl) diazenyl)azo]guanine} [LAAG], which is synthesized by diazo coupling of the 5-amino-2-chlorophenol with amino acid guanine. The ligand and its complexes are identified by a variety of techniques, like [HNMR, FTIR, and Uv-vis] spectral, thermal analysis (TGA), and element analyses (CHN). The molar ratio was achieved so that the Cu(II) complex has (1:2) (M:L) with octahedral geometry; however, the Ag(I) complex has (1:1) (M:L) with tetrahedral geometry, and the ligand acts as neutral N,N-bidentate; as well as the ligand (LAAG) and its complexes were assessed against the two types of bacteria (Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus,antifungal (Candida), and antioxidant This study showed that all compounds (the ligand and its complexes) had antimicrobial activity and more biological activity.

Osama S Alothmani,1 Rund T Basfar,2 Amna Y Siddiqui,1 Hadeel Y Edrees,1 Ehab N Alshouibi2 1Department of Endodontics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Dental Public Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Osama S Alothmani, Department of Endodontics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email osalothmani@kau.edu.saObjective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and potential association between intimate partner violence (IPV) with traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and the subsequent need for root canal treatment (RCT).Methods: A total of 100 subjects with TDIs presented at emergency or postgraduate restorative clinics at University Dental Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia post-TDI. All study subjects completed the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) domestic violence screening tool and were clinically and radiographically examined to determine the type of TDI they suffered along with the pulp and periapical status of affected teeth. Demographic data were also recorded. Based on the findings, management included regular follow-up, splinting, reattachment of broken tooth part, vital pulp therapy and/or RCT as seen appropriate.Results: Mean age of participants was 28.4± 5.7 years. Prevalence of IPV among subjects presented with TDIs was 18%. Most of the IPV victims held a bachelor’s degree (67%) and were unemployed (61%). Most of TDI cases were crown fracture (84%) followed by luxation and avulsion (10% and 6%, respectively). Among all TDI cases, 73% required RCT. Crown fracture was the most prevalent TDI among IPV victims followed by luxation and avulsion with prevalence of 56%, 33%, and 11%, respectively. Out of a total of 73 patients requiring RCT, nine were IPV victims (12.3%) which indicated that one of each eight TDI cases requiring RCT might be a potential IPV victim. Half of the IPV victims required RCT to manage their TDIs.Conclusion: Prevalence of IPV among TDIs was 18%. IPV screening should be included as routine assessment part for TDIs. Identification of IPV victims could be difficult, however, employment status, type of TDI, and RCT needs were suggested as potential predictors of positive IPV cases.Keywords: intimate partner violence, root canal treatment, traumatic dental injuries, IPV, RCT, TDIs

Impacts of patient body mass index (BMI) on the radiation exposure during interventional cardiology procedures have been investigated. The study included cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention patients between January and August 2021 (89 patients: ages: 36-80 years old: male and female). Radiation exposure (x-ray) was recorded clinically, and the patient radiation exposure was established into three groups. First, the clinical data and technical factors were gathered from 29 Cardio angiography (CA); second, 30 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Third, 30 double set-ups (CA/PCI) procedures; all performed using the femoral approach. Statistics is a powerful statistical software (SPSS) has been used to analysis the recorded data with a linear regression model. The results were shown a significant correlation between the body mass index (BMI) and the variables parameters; kV, mA, FT and DAP. For every value of BMI of the patients visiting the cardiology hospital, the specific and real needed value of (kV, mA, FT, and DAP) can be determined using the above models. The regression analysis method can be used in quality assurance and driving the diagnostic reference level and dose optimization.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an extremely contagious illness, has posed enormous challenges to healthcare systems around the world. Although the evidence on COVID-19 management is growing, antiviral medication is still the first line of treatment. Therefore, it is critical that effective, safe, and tolerable antivirals be available to treat early COVID-19 and stop its progression. Recently, favipiravir (FAV) has received FDA approval as safe and effective antiviral medication for COVID-19 management. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) also possesses antiviral and immunomodulating activities. Moreover, FAV and NTZ in combination are clinically used in COVID-19 treatment with reported safety, synergistic antiviral and immunomodulating effects. Despite the availability of various clinical studies on both FAV and NTZ, no existing analytical application for the simultaneous estimation of FAV and NTZ exists. As a result, the current work goal is to establish a green HPLC method for their analysis and implementation to human plasma. The developed method utilizes isocratic elution with 0.1% aqueous formic acid: ethanol (55:45, v/v) and dantrolene as internal standard. The bioanalytical validation parameters passed the FDA acceptance criteria. NEMI, eco scale, AGREE and ComplexGAPI approaches were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the method's greenness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article suggests a nine‐level (9L) seven‐switch (7S) transformer‐less (TL) common‐ground (CG) switched capacitor (SC) inverter with double boosting capability. The proposed 9L7S‐CGSC‐TL inverter comprises only seven switches (7S), two diodes, three self‐balanced capacitors, and one DC source. The suggested inverter has a CG connection which eliminates ground leakage currents. Additionally, the suggested topology necessitates fewer conducting devices, thereby reducing conduction losses. The voltage across every capacitor is automatically balanced within each fundamental cycle. The proposed topology has been evaluated based on parameters such as component count, total harmonic distortion, cost, and efficiency. The proposed configuration switching sequence is governed by employing the level‐shifted pulse width modulation technique. A power loss study was conducted to determine the efficiency of the proposed switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) under different load conditions in PLECS. The results shows that the proposed SCMLI achieves a peak efficiency of 98.17%. Further, the lifespan of the proposed SCMLI is assessed through a reliability assessment. The simulation and experimental results at different conditions are presented and elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the gastric epithelium and is associated with a range of gastrointestinal disorders, exhibiting a global prevalence of approximately 50%. Despite the availability of treatment options, H. pylori frequently reemerges and demonstrates increasing antibiotic resistance, which diminishes the efficacy of conventional therapies. Consequently, it is imperative to explore non-antibiotic treatment alternatives to mitigate the inappropriate use of antibiotics. This review examines H. pylori infection, encompassing transmission pathways, treatment modalities, antibiotic resistance, and eradication strategies. Additionally, it discusses alternative therapeutic approaches such as probiotics, anti-biofilm agents, phytotherapy, phototherapy, phage therapy, lactoferrin therapy, and vaccine development. These strategies aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections. While alternative therapies can maintain low bacterial levels, they do not achieve complete eradication of H. pylori. These therapies are designed to bolster the immune response, minimize side effects, and provide gastroprotective benefits, rendering them suitable for adjunctive use alongside conventional treatments. Probiotics may serve as adjunctive therapy for H. pylori; however, their effectiveness as a monotherapy is limited. Photodynamic and phage therapies exhibit potential in targeting H. pylori infections, including those caused by drug-resistant strains, without the use of antibiotics. The development of a reliable vaccine is also critical for the eradication of H. pylori. This review identifies candidate antigens such as VacA, CagA, and HspA, along with various vaccine formulations, including vector-based and subunit vaccines. Some vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, while others have shown robust immune protection in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, each of the aforementioned alternative therapies requires thorough preclinical and clinical evaluation to ascertain their efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness, and patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic and hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Limited data exists on Syrian women's PCOS awareness and health behaviors. This study aimed to gauge PCOS prevalence, knowledge, awareness, and health-related practices among Syrian women. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 11 February to 27 October 2022, targeting Syrian women aged 18–45. Collaborators from specific medical universities distributed a questionnaire adapted from a Malaysian paper through social media platforms. Out of 1840 surveyed Syrian women, 64.2% were aged 21–29, and 69.6% held bachelor's degrees. Those with a bachelor's degree exhibited the highest mean knowledge score (12.86), and women previously diagnosed with PCOS had a higher mean knowledge score (13.74) than those without. Approximately 27.4% were confirmed PCOS cases, and 38.9% had possible cases. Women with PCOS were 3.41 times more likely to possess knowledge about the condition. The findings suggest a moderate level of PCOS knowledge and health-related practices among Syrian women, emphasizing the need for increased awareness. Consistent local PCOS screening programs, in collaboration with obstetrics and gynecology professionals, are crucial for improving understanding and clinical symptom recognition of this condition among Syrian women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of several synthesis parameters including aging time, micropore-structure-directing agents, and hydrothermal treatment temperature profile were systematically examined with respect to their impact on the crystallinity of macroscopic zeolite Y spheres formed in the presence of organic anion-exchange resin templates. Spherical resins were utilized as hard templates to shape the zeolite Y particles. Zeolite Y precursors were initially deposited into the pores of the resin template and subsequently crystallized over time through precise control over these synthesis parameters. The resulting zeolite Y spheres were characterized using an array of characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, FTIR, and XRF. We identify the optimal conditions for maximizing the crystallinity of the macroscopic zeolite Y particles using resin templates as macroscopic shaping agents. This functional material has the potential to be used as both catalyst and adsorbent in several applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]