Search

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is rarely discovered early due to low sensitivity of screening imaging and tumor markers, however, earlier identification may improve outcomes. This study assesses risk factors and time to recurrence of PC and implementation of a surveillance system. Patients with stage II–III colon adenocarcinoma undergoing curative colectomy between 2005–2022 were retrospectively reviewed at a single tertiary care institution. Patients were divided into three cohorts: no recurrence (NR), PC, and other types of recurrence (OTR). Baseline characteristics between cohorts were compared with univariate analysis. Overall survival and PC risk were assessed using multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional-hazard modelling. 412 patients were included; 78.4% had NR, 7.8% had PC, and 13.8% had OTR. Patient demographics, comorbidities, tumor side, and histologic features were similar between cohorts. Patients with PC were more likely to have microscopic tumor perforation (25% vs. 8.8% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.002), margin involvement (25% vs. 8.8% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (56.2% vs. 33.3%, vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001), perineural invasion (28.1% vs. 15.8% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.026) compared to OTR or NR. Median time to PC after colectomy was 11 months. Tumor characteristics of stage II–III colon cancer define a high-risk profile for PC. An early surveillance program sensitive for peritoneal disease should be adopted for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flurbiprofen (FBP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly used to treat the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, but in prolonged use it causes gastric irritation and ulcer. To avoid these adverse events of NSAIDs, the simultaneous administration of H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine hydrochloride (RHCl) is obligatory. Here, we developed composite oral fast-disintegrating films (ODFs) containing FBP along with RHCl to provide a gastroprotective effect as well as to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of FBP. The ternary solid dispersion (TSD) of FBP was fabricated with Syloid® 244FP and poloxamer® 188 using the solvent evaporation technique. The synthesized FBP-TSD (coded as TSD) was loaded alone (S1) and in combination with plain RHCl (S2) in the composite ODFs based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E5 (HPMC E5). The synthesized composite ODFs were evaluated by in vitro (thickness, folding endurance, tensile strength, disintegration, SEM, FTIR, XRD and release study) and in vivo (analgesic, anti-inflammatory activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and gastroprotective assay) studies. The in vitro characterization revealed that TSD preserved its integrity and was effectively loaded in S1 and S2 with optimal compatibility. The films were durable and flexible with a disintegration time ≈15 s. The release profile at pH 6.8 showed that the solid dispersion of FBP improved the drug solubility and release when compared with pure FBP. After in vitro studies, it was observed that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of S2 was higher than that of pure FBP and other synthesized formulations (TSD and S1). Similarly, the level of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) was also markedly reduced by S2. Furthermore, a gastroprotective assay confirmed that S2 has a higher safety profile in comparison to pure FBP and other synthesized formulations (TSD and S1). Thus, composite ODF (S2) can effectively enhance the FBP solubility and its therapeutic efficacy, along with its gastroprotective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of exact spherically symmetric solutions for describing the interior of a relativistic star in the context of f(R,T)$f(\mathcal {R}, T)$ modified theory of gravity is presented. The existence of a Conformal Killing Vectors (CKV) and Bardeen's model to find the boundary conditions as an exterior space‐time geometry to achieve the metric potentials for current study is used. Moreover, matching conditions have been employed to obtain a set of free parameters for the physical analysis. Furthermore, some physically valid attributes like the behavior of energy density, pressure, equilibrium conditions, the adiabatic index, mass‐radius relation, surface red‐shifts, and compactness factor for the realistic stars such as PSRJ1614−2230$PSR\nobreakspace J1614-2230$, PSRJ1903+327$PSR\nobreakspace J1903+327$, SMCX−1$SMC\nobreakspace X-1$, CenX−3$Cen\nobreakspace X-3$, LMCX−4$LMC\nobreakspace X-4$ and EXO1785−248$EXO\nobreakspace 1785-248$ are investigated. It is observed that for the current investigation, the derived compact star solutions are physically acceptable and authentic in the presence of charge with conformal motion. A set of exact spherically symmetric solutions for describing the interior of a relativistic star in the context of f(R,T)$f(\mathcal {R}, T)$ modified theory of gravity is presented. The existence of a Conformal Killing Vectors (CKV) and Bardeen's model to find the boundary conditions as an exterior space‐time geometry to achieve the metric potentials for current study is used. Moreover, matching conditions have been employed to obtain a set of free parameters for the physical analysis. Furthermore, some physically valid attributes like the behavior of energy density, pressure, equilibrium conditions, the adiabatic index, mass‐radius relation, surface red‐shifts, and compactness factor for the realistic stars such as PSRJ1614−2230$\textit{PSR}\nobreakspace J1614- 2230$, PSRJ1903+327$\textit{PSR}\nobreakspace J1903+327$, SMCX−1$\textit{SMC}\nobreakspace X-1$, CenX−3$\textit{Cen}\nobreakspace X-3$, LMCX−4$\textit{LMC}\nobreakspace X-4$ and EXO1785−248$\textit{EXO}\nobreakspace 1785- 248$ are investigated. It is observed that for the current investigation, the derived compact star solutions are physically acceptable and authentic in the presence of charge with conformal motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main emphasis of this paper is to find the viable solutions of Einstein Maxwell field equations of compact star in context of modified f (R) theory of gravity. Two different models of modified f (R) gravity are considered. In particular, we choose isotropic matter distribution and Bardeen's model for compact star to find the boundary conditions as an exterior space-time geometry. We use the conformal Killing geometry to compute the metric potentials. We discuss the behavior of energy density and pressure distribution for both models. Moreover, we analyze different physical properties such as behavior of energy density and pressure, equilibrium conditions, equation of state parameters, causality conditions and adiabatic index. It is noticed that both f (R) gravity models are suitable and provide viable results with Bardeen geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we developed oral fast disintegrating film (ODF) of ranitidine hydrochloride (RHCl) by solvent casting method and assessed the impact of various formulation ingredients i.e. polymer concentration, type of plasticizers and superdisintegrants. Optimized film was developed with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC E5, 3% w/v) as film matrix, propylene glycol (PG) (10% w/w of polymer) as plasticizer and Pearlitol flash® (PF) (10% w/w of polymer) as release modifier. This film was chosen based on appearance, transparency, thickness, folding endurance and in vitro disintegration time (DT). Later on, optimized film was loaded with drug (50% w/w of polymer) (A12), which disintegrated within 15 seconds and released 81% of RHCl within two minutes. Furthermore, FTIR studies confirmed the absence of drug film ingredients interaction. SEM showed even distribution of RHCl and all excipients. Thus, A12 will be palatable for geriatric patients and helpful to avoid premature intestinal degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on the potential effects of maternal exposure to melamine is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the impact of melamine administration on pregnancy outcome and foetal growth in rats. Methods: Positively-mated female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were treated from day 6 to day 20 of gestation with vehicle (control), melamine 300 mg/kg/day (group-1) or melamine 450 mg/kg/day (group 2). On day 21, the numbers of foetal resorptions and dead foetuses were recorded. Thereafter, pups were examined for external anomalies, and various growth parameters were measured. Results: A remarkable increase in the number of resorptions was observed in group-2 compared to the other two groups. A significant increase in foetal weight and placental weight was seen in group-2 compared to control. Head length and placental diameter were low in group-1 compared to control. The ratio between crown-rump length and head length was significantly greater in group 2 compared to control indicating asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction. The only influence observed in group 1 compared to control was a decrease in placental diameter. No gross foetal malformations or changes in umbilical cord length, crownrump length or biparietal diameter were observed in both melamine-treated groups. Conclusions: Maternal exposure to melamine during pregnancy increased the incidence of resorption and resulted in asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to study the effects of prenatal administration of two doses of melamine on foetal ossification centers in rats. Methods: Positively-mated, virgin, adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were treated from day 6 to day 20 of gestation with solvent (control), melamine 300 mg/kg/day (group 1) or melamine 450 mg/kg/day (group 2). On day 21, half of the fetuses were examined for bone ossification abnormalities. Results: A total of 109 foetal skeletons were examined. The percentage of incomplete or absent bones in the entire skeleton was significantly less in group 1 and group 2 compared to control. These findings were more prominent in group 2 compared to group 1. Likewise, ossified centers were fewer in the sternum and metacarpal bones in group 1 and group 2 compared to control. No abnormal ossification was observed in metatarsal, skull, pubic or rib bones. Regarding the vertebral centrae, a significant increase in the number of absent or delayed bones was noticed only in group 2 compared to control. Specifically, the abnormalities were observed in the thoracic and sacral centrae. Similarly, group 2 was associated with fewer ossified centers in vertebral arch compared to control. The abnormal ossifications were observed in sacral and coccygeal bones. The only observed abnormality in vertebral ossification in group 1 was in coccygeal arch, compared to control. Conclusions: Prenatal administration of melamine caused dose-dependent retardation in bone ossification, which mainly affected the sternum, metacarpal, vertebral centraee and arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium carbonate (LC) is known to alter thyroid gland function. Pomegranate (PG) is a fruit with multiple antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Here, we studied the effect of PG on LC-induced morphological and functional alterations in the thyroid glands of rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control, lithium, lithium-PG, and PG. After 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, the levels of thyroid hormones and oxidative stress markers were estimated, and thyroid tissues were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations. Compared to the control group, the lithium group showed significant changes in thyroid hormone levels, greater expression of the oxidant marker malondialdehyde, and lower expression of the antioxidant marker superoxide dismutase (SOD). Most of these changes improved upon PG treatment. Histological evaluation of the thyroid in the lithium group showed disorganization and follicle involution. Additionally, the periodic acid Schiff staining intensity and SOD immunoreactivity declined significantly, whereas the collagen fiber content and Bax immunoreactivity increased. The follicular ultrastructure showed marked distortion. These changes were mitigated upon PG treatment. In conclusion, PG alleviated the morphological and functional changes in the thyroid glands induced by LC by modulating apoptosis and oxidative stress., (© 2022 American Association for Anatomy.)

Objectives: This study considered the factors associated with prolonged ventilation and the effects of reduced extubation times on patient recovery, intensive care unit stay, and overall hospital stay., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed, including 86 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery from August 2006 to January 2007. The patients were divided into two groups following intensive care unit admission: Group A, duration of intubation <4 h (n=34); Group B, duration of intubation >4 h (n=52)., Results: Two deaths occurred in 86 patients, and overall hospital mortality was 2.32%. Patients in Group A were younger (33.2+/-12 versus 45.8+/-13 years; p=0.001) and had better preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (62.4+/-9.8 versus 44.6+/-9.4; p=0.003) than those in Group B. Moreover, Group A patients had a shorter intensive care unit length of stay (1.7+/-0.5 versus 2.2+/-0.8 days; p=0.006) and were discharged earlier than Group B patients (2.7+/-2.4 versus 4.01+/-3.96; p=0.014)., Conclusions: Early extubation offers a substantial advantage in terms of accelerated recovery, shorter intensive care unit, and hospital stay, suggesting that efforts to reduce extubation times are cost-effective.