Optimum feature selection for classification of PD signals produced by multiple insulation defects in electric motors.

Partial discharges (PD) are initiated in electrical equipment during various points of the equipment's lifecycle. The intensity of PD defects rises continuously with time, which can lead to insulation degradation and reduced operational life of the electrical equipment. The optimum feature selection of PD signals captured, from different insulation defects, can enhance the classification accuracy of PD defects and facilitate better visualization of PD parameters for electric motor (EM) insulation monitoring and diagnostics. This paper presents a hybrid approach, based on Maximize Relevancy and Minimize Redundancy (mRMR) and random forest (RF), for the optimum feature selection and classification of PD signals in EMs containing multiple defects. For this purpose, four PD defects are developed in the EMs insulation under laboratory conditions, and 800 PD signals are acquired using a conventional IEC-60,270 experimental platform. The severity of these defects is determined and investigated based on PD characteristic parameters. Several features of both PD sweep signals and conventional PD pulses are extracted. Consequently, the mRMR feature selection technique is implemented to select the significant features of the detected PD signals. To establish the plausibility of this technique, several other feature selection algorithms, including RefliefF, Gini Index (GI), and Information Gain (IG), are introduced for the same datasets. The performance of all these feature selection algorithms is validated using three commonly used classification techniques such as RF, support vector machines (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (k-NN). In summary, the results show that the combination of mRMR and RF proves to be the most effective feature selection algorithm for the classification of insulation defects in EMs, achieving an accuracy of 99.875%. This accuracy is significantly better than other feature selection and classification techniques and indicates its potential for application to other power system components.

Synthesis and analysis of multifunctional graphene oxide/Ag2O-PVA/chitosan hybrid polymeric composite for wound healing applications.

The requirement for accurate treatments for skin diseases and wounds, generated a rising interest towards multifunctional polymer composites, that are capable of mimicking the natural compositions in human body. Also, electroactive composite films disseminate endogenous electrical stimulations that encourage cell migration and its proliferation at wound site, proposing greater opportunities in upgrading the conventional wound patches. In this work, the composite film made of graphene oxide, Ag2O, PVA and chitosan were developed for wound healing applications, by the solution casting method. The even dispersibility of nanofiller in polymeric matrix was validated from the physicochemical analyses. The increment in roughness of the composite film surface was noted from AFM images. The thermal stability and porous nature of the polymer composite were also verified. A conductivity value of 0.16 × 10-4 Scm-1 was obtained for the film. From MTT assay, it was noted that the films were non-cytotoxic and supported cell adhesion along with cell proliferation of macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. Moreover, the composite film also demonstrated non-hemolytic activity of <2 %, as well as excellent antibacterial activity towards E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, the obtained results validated that the prepared composite film could be chosen as an innovative candidate for developing state-of-the-art wound dressings.

Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome and Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Comprehensive Review and the Role of Catheter Ablation.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 2-3% of the general population, and despite its benign prognosis overall, it is associated with sudden death in a small subset of patients. The term "arrhythmic MVP syndrome" (AMVPS) refers to the presence of frequent or complex ventricular arrhythmias, commonly reported in female patients with a stereotypical phenotype including bileaflet myxomatous disease, ECG repolarisation abnormalities in inferior leads, mitral annular disjunction, and significant fibrosis in the inferolateral LV and papillary muscles. Modern imaging technologies have led to the identification of new risk factors that have been implemented in recent risk stratification guidelines; however, screening for patients with MVP who are at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains challenging. In addition, there is a limited amount of data on the outcomes of different treatment approaches in AMVP and no specific indication for targeted or disease-modifying therapies within current guidelines. Potential arrhythmic substrates in patients with AMVP syndrome have been the subject of interest in previous studies, with areas consisting of fibrosis at the papillary muscle level and the Purkinje system. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from these areas have been shown to play an important role as triggers for ventricular fibrillation and SCD in patients with AMVP. Catheter ablation has emerged as a potential treatment modality in patients with MVP and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), targeting arrhythmic substrates and triggering PVC foci. The aim of this review is to explore the role of catheter ablation in treating patients with AMVP.

Effects of Breast Surgery on Interoceptive Awareness in Females.

Background: The driving force for many seeking plastic surgery is comfort in one's body. Along with comfort come satisfaction, improved self-awareness, and potential change in interoceptive awareness-a term defined as the conscious perception of one's body. Although conscious perception of bodily signals is influenced by many factors, sense of self and body image play significant roles. Studies show diminished interoceptive awareness in those with negative body image, but no research has assessed the impact of change in body image on interoceptive awareness. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate how interoceptive awareness changes following elective breast surgery. Methods: The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2 (MAIA-2) was administered to females undergoing breast surgery. A baseline survey was administered preoperatively, with follow-up surveys at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: Data were collected from 39 females and analyzed using paired t-tests to compare MAIA-2 overall and subscores over time. Significance was seen at 1 week for subcategories of "not distracting" and "trust," at 1 month for "trust," and 3 months for "not worrying," "emotional awareness," "self-regulation," and "trust." Overall survey averages were significantly increased at all postoperative intervals. Conclusions: From this study, it can be concluded that breast surgery positively impacts interoceptive awareness. These findings are clinically relevant as they offer providers' insight into the psychological effects of breast procedures. A comprehensive understanding of procedure outcomes enables providers to educate patients on both anticipated physical results and changes in sense of self.

Triggered Skin Sensitivity: Understanding Contact Dermatitis.

Dermatitis, the incendiary reaction of the skin to various components, can manifest in various types, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrhoea, and stasis dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in children and has a growing prevalence in recent years. It is characterized by extreme tingling, eczemous skin injuries, dryness of the skin, and a family history of atopic illnesses. Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common, irritating skin disorder caused by allergens and aggravating elements in the environment. It is the most common cause of work-related dermatitis and plays a substantial role in hand and face dermatitis. A complete restorative history is essential for establishing CD and identifying the allergies that cause it. Fix testing, skin tests for fast contact reactions, serum allergen-specific IgE testing, subjective and quantitative evaluation of allergens inside probable items patients were exposed to, and challenge testing are among the other diagnostic techniques. To avoid a breakdown and the continuation of the skin illness, early and suitable therapy is critical. Allergic dermatitis to contact (ACD) develops during the normal, delayed incendiary reaction and has a perplexing etiology. Accurate identification of the allergen that is causing the reaction allows for adequate individual avoidance. The major treatment alternatives continue to be corticosteroids. Nickel-contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that affects both children and adults. Adverse contact dermatitis (ACD) is a frequent skin reaction to a common allergen that can affect both children and adults. Less than 10% of all diagnostic procedures in pediatric patients involve checking for ACD symptoms. To answer the clinical question, a thorough history is gathered based on appearance, age group, and dermatitis type. According to pediatricians in the US, metals, perfumes, topical antimicrobials, excessive chemicals, and fabric softeners are the most typical allergens.

Vanadium and strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite enriched polycaprolactone matrices for effective bone tissue engineering: A synergistic approach.

Scientific research targeted at enhancing scaffold qualities has increased significantly during the last few decades. This emphasis frequently centres on adding different functions to scaffolds in order to increase their usefulness as instruments in the field of regenerative medicine. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a multifunctional sustainable polymer scaffold, specifically Polycaprolactone (PCL) embedded with hydroxyapatite co-doped with vanadium and strontium (HVS), for bone tissue engineering applications. Polycaprolactone was used to fabricate the scaffold, while hydroxyapatite co-doped with vanadium and strontium (HVS) served as the nanofiller. A thorough investigation of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the HVS nanofiller was carried out using cutting-edge techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and in vitro cell studies. A cell viability rate of more than 70 % demonstrated that the synthesised nanofiller was cytotoxic, but in an acceptable range. The mechanical, biological, and physicochemical properties of the scaffold were extensively evaluated after the nanofiller was integrated. The water absorption characteristics of scaffold were enhanced by the addition of HVS nanofillers, leading to increased swelling, porosity, and hydrophilicity. These improvements speed up the flow of nutrients and the infiltration of cells into the scaffold. The scaffold has been shown to have important properties that stimulate bone cell activity, including better biodegradability and improved mechanical strength, which increased from 5.30 ± 0.37 to 10.58 ± 0.42 MPa. Further, its considerable antimicrobial qualities, blood-compatible nature, and capacity to promote biomineralization strengthen its appropriateness for usage in biomedical applications. Mainly, enhanced Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) activity, and excellent cell adhesive properties, indicating the outstanding osteogenic potential observed in rat bone marrow-derived stromal cells (rBMSC). These combined attributes highlight the pivotal role of these nanocomposite scaffolds in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of brucellosis among dairy farmers in Aligarh region, North India: creating awareness of a neglected disease.

Introduction. Brucellosis, a globally distributed zoonotic disease, is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria known as Brucella. Humans acquire infection through direct contact with the blood, urine and placenta of animals, inhalation of dust or aerosols at infected animal farms, and raw milk and meat intake. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region of North India, to document various clinical signs and symptoms in Brucella-positive individuals, and to create awareness in dairy farmers concerning brucellosis and ways to prevent it. Methods. This was an observational study that included 125 dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region. Serum samples were taken from this high-risk group after obtaining informed consent. Further, a pre-designed proforma was used to collect information about their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) concerning brucellosis and assess the risk factors for the disease. The Rose Bengal test (RBT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect the seroprevalence of brucellosis. Result.Brucella infection was diagnosed in 64 (51.20 %) cases by indirect ELISA (IgM+IgG), 41 (32.8 %) by RBT and 4 (3.2 %) by SAT. Significant clustering of patients was seen in the 20-55 years age group. The most common symptoms in ELISA IgM-positive patients were joint pain (16.07 %), fatigue (14.28 %), anorexia (12.50 %), weight loss (8.92 %), malaise (5.35 %), undulant fever (3.57 %), night sweats (3.57 %) and headache (1.78 %). The findings of this study indicate that ELISA (IgM+IgG) exhibits great sensitivity as compared to SAT and RBT. KAP was very poor among dairy farmers. Conclusion. In India, Brucella is a frequent but severely underreported illness. ELISA is the most sensitive serological test for diagnosing brucellosis. No potential vaccine has yet been introduced for humans against brucellosis. Thus, it is necessary to impart awareness and sensitize high-risk groups concerning brucellosis.

Mean Activated Clotting Time of Patients Receiving Intravenous Heparin and Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Introduction The most prevalent cause of death is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has replaced thrombolysis as the recommended therapeutic option for individuals with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, more effective anticoagulation regimes are required for PCI due to the limitations of unfractionated heparin. Objective This study aimed to ascertain the connection between the mean activated clotting time and the risk of bleeding and infarcts in individuals receiving intravenous heparin during PPCI for STEMI. Methods This was a one-year prospective observational study carried out at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan. Results The majority (70.15%) were male, with a mean age of 56.08 ± 8.92 years. Following PPCI, the average active clotting time (ACT) was 350.56 ± 39.62 seconds (range 255 to 453), compared to the pre-PPCI mean of 504.15 ± 38.98 seconds. ACT was considerably higher in female patients, smokers, and overweight patients. The mean ACT was not significantly higher in patients with hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidemia (DLD). Conclusion The ACT range in this investigation was 255 to 453 seconds, and there was no discernible relationship between ACT readings and problems related to bleeding and ischemia. To determine who is more at risk, bleeding risk models should be used and improved further before catheterization.

Independent Plastic Surgery Match Regional Trends Comparing In-person and Virtual Interview Cycles.

Background: There is a trend toward matching in a different region than previous training for the independent plastic surgery match cycles from 2019 to 2021, which differs from the trend to match within the same region for integrated plastic surgery programs. Notably, residency interviews transitioned from in-person to virtual in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, we compared in-person versus virtual interview match trends from 2019 to 2023. Methods: Zip codes and regions of each successfully matched plastic surgery applicant's medical school, residency, and plastic surgery program were gathered from publicly available data for the 2019 and 2020 in-person interview cycles and 2021, 2022, and 2023 virtual interview cycles. Results: Although regions did not differ significantly in the proportions of positions each year (P = 0.85), there was a trend toward fewer positions in each region from 2019 to 2022. Overall, applicants were more likely to match in a different region as their medical school or residency during virtual compared with in-person interviews (P = 0.002 and P = 0.04). Applicants matched to programs further from their medical school zip code in virtual interview years (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in distance between surgical residencies and plastic surgery residencies between the two time periods (P = 0.51). Conclusions: Trends toward matching into a different region than prior training after the switch to virtual interviews could be attributed to applicant accessibility to interview broadly. However, this could also be due to the decreased number of independent residency positions over the years, requiring applicants to move regions and travel further from where they began their training.

Interim Estimates of 2023-24 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness - United States.

In the United States, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months. Using data from four vaccine effectiveness (VE) networks during the 2023-24 influenza season, interim influenza VE was estimated among patients aged ≥6 months with acute respiratory illness-associated medical encounters using a test-negative case-control study design. Among children and adolescents aged 6 months-17 years, VE against influenza-associated outpatient visits ranged from 59% to 67% and against influenza-associated hospitalization ranged from 52% to 61%. Among adults aged ≥18 years, VE against influenza-associated outpatient visits ranged from 33% to 49% and against hospitalization from 41% to 44%. VE against influenza A ranged from 46% to 59% for children and adolescents and from 27% to 46% for adults across settings. VE against influenza B ranged from 64% to 89% for pediatric patients in outpatient settings and from 60% to 78% for all adults across settings. These findings demonstrate that the 2023-24 seasonal influenza vaccine is effective at reducing the risk for medically attended influenza virus infection. CDC recommends that all persons aged ≥6 months who have not yet been vaccinated this season get vaccinated while influenza circulates locally.

Pulsed Field Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Initial Australian Single-Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a newer ablation energy source with the potential to reduce complications and improve efficacy compared to conventional thermal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study aimed to present an initial single-centre Australian experience of PFA for AF ablation. METHODS: Initial consecutive patients undergoing PFA for paroxysmal or persistent AF at a single centre were included. Baseline patient characteristics, procedural data and clinical outcomes were collected prospectively at the time of the procedure. Patients were followed up at 3 months and 6-monthly thereafter. RESULTS: In total, 100 PFA procedures were performed in 97 patients under general anaesthesia. All pulmonary veins (403 of 403) were successfully isolated acutely. Median follow-up was 218 days (range, 16-343 days), and the Kaplan-Meier estimate for freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 180 days was 87% (95% confidence interval 79%-95%). Median procedure time was 74 minutes (range, 48-134 minutes). Median fluoroscopy dose-area product was 345 µGym2 (interquartile range, 169-685 µGym2). Two (2%) pseudoaneurysm vascular access complications occurred. There were no cases of thromboembolic complications, stroke, phrenic nerve palsy, pulmonary vein stenosis, atrio-oesophageal fistula, or pericardial tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed field ablation can be performed safely and efficiently, with encouraging efficacy in early follow-up. Further data and clinical trials will be required to assess the comparative utility of PFA in contemporary AF ablation practice.

Attenuation of quorum sensing regulated virulence functions and biofilm of pathogenic bacteria by medicinal plant Artemisia annua and its phytoconstituent 1, 8-cineole.

The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacterial pathogens is a serious public health concern. A significant therapeutic target for MDR infections is the quorum sensing-regulated bacterial pathogenicity. Determining the anti-quorum sensing abilities of certain medicinal plants against bacterial pathogens as well as the in-silico interactions of particular bioactive phytocompounds with QS and biofilm-associated proteins were the objectives of the present study. In this study, 6 medicinal plants were selected based on their ethnopharmacological usage, screened for Anti-QS activity and Artemisia annua leaf extract (AALE) demonstrated pigment inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472. Further, the methanol active fraction significantly inhibited the virulence factors (pyocyanin, pyoverdine, rhamnolipid and swarming motility) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Serratia marcescens MTCC 97 at respective sub-MICs. The inhibition of biofilm was determined using a microtiter plate test and scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation was impaired by 70%, 72% and 74% in P. aeruginosa, C. violaceum and S. marcescens, respectively at 0.5xMIC of the extract. The phytochemical content of the extract was studied using GC-MS and 1, 8-cineole was identified as major bioactive compound. Furthermore, 1, 8-cineole was docked with quorum sensing (QS) proteins (LasI, LasR, CviR, and rhlR) and biofilm proteins (PilY1 and PilT). In silico docking and dynamics simulations studies suggested interactions with QS-receptors CviR', LasI, LasR, and biofilm proteins PilY1, PilT for anti-QS activity. Further, 1, 8-cineole demonstrated 66% and 51% reduction in violacein production and biofilm formation, respectively to validate the findings of computational analysis. Findings of the present investigation suggests that 1, 8-cineole plays a crucial role in the QS and biofilm inhibitory activity demonstrated by Artemisia annua extract. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Artemisia annua leaf extract (AALE) methanol fraction demonstrated broad-spectrum QS and biofilm inhibition Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed biofilm inhibition Molecular docking and simulation studies suggested positive interactions of 1,8-cineol with QS-receptors and biofilm proteins.

Clinico-epidemiological profile of non-survivors of COVID-19 during the last two waves in a tertiary care hospital of North India: A retrospective descriptive study.

Background: SARS-CoV-causing COVID-19 resulted in mortality, and the clinic-epidemiological profile at the time of admission of patients who died later could provide an insight into pathophysiological consequences due to infection. Method: Retrospective observational study of 64 RTPCR-confirmed COVID-19 non-survivors was conducted from April - June 2021 and January February 2022. Data were analyzed, and a P value<0.05 was taken as significant. Results: 60.94% and 39.06 % were males and females, and 26.57% & 73.43 % of patients had moderate and severe disease, respectively. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common presenting symptoms. 78.12% and 21.88% had pre-existing (diabetes and hypertension were most common) and no co-morbidities, respectively. 65.62 & 17.19 % of patients had bilateral and unilateral ground glass opacities, respectively. Thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, elevated monocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 7.52 were hematological findings. D dimer was elevated. ABG showed low PaO2 and SPO2 %. ALT and AST were elevated. Tachycardia was also present. Compared to the first wave, no significant association of gender with severity was found. However, the percentage of male patients was higher. The association of the duration of stay and co-morbidity with disease severity was significant in both the first and subsequent waves of COVID-19. Conclusion: Co-morbidity, disease severity, and radiological lung opacities play a role in the outcome of COVID-19. The associated findings are hematological, renal, liver, cardiovascular, and arterial blood gas derangements.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity of Psidium guajava L. leaf extract: In vitro and in silico approach.

The quorum sensing mechanism relies on the detection and response to chemical signals, termed autoinducers, which regulate the synthesis of virulence factors including toxins, enzymes, and biofilms. Emerging therapeutic strategies for infection control encompass approaches that attenuate quorum-sensing systems. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-biofilm activities of Psidium guajava L. methanolic leaf extracts (PGME). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of PGME were determined as 500 µg/ml for C. violaceum and 1000 µg/ml for P. aeruginosa PAO1. Significantly, even at sub-MIC concentrations, PGME exhibited noteworthy anti-quorum sensing properties, as evidenced by concentration-dependent inhibition of pigment production in C. violaceum 12742. Furthermore, PGME effectively suppressed quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1, including biofilm formation, pyoverdin, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid production, with concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. Phytochemical analysis utilizing GC-MS revealed the presence of compounds such as alpha-copaene, caryophyllene, and nerolidol. In-silico docking studies indicated a plausible mechanism for the observed anti-quorum sensing activity, involving favorable binding and interactions with QS-receptors, including RhlR, CviR', LasI, and LasR proteins. These interactions were found to potentially disrupt QS pathways through suppression of AHL production and receptor protein blockade. Collectively, our findings propose PGME as a promising candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections. Its attributes that mitigate biofilm development and impede quorum-sensing mechanisms highlight its potential therapeutic value.

The Acute Effects of the Use of Salbutamol and Ipratropium on the Heart Rates of Patients With Obstructive Airway Disease.

Background The cornerstone of pharmaceutical therapy for obstructive airway illnesses involves inhalation of bronchodilators, such as ipratropium bromide (IP) and salbutamol (SB). The heart rate regulation may be changed by ß-2 agonists and anticholinergic medications. Investigating the impact of inhaled SB and IP on the heart rate was the goal of this study. Methods A total of 304 patients were enrolled in this investigation. Baseline demographic characteristics, medical history, and adverse events were documented. Their heart rates were monitored before and after bronchodilator administration. SB and IP were selected based on historical usage. Blood pressure readings were also taken before and after each session. Results There was a significant increase in heart rates after SB from a mean of 106.69 to 117.20. Similarly, the heart rate of the patients in the IP group increased to a mean of 106.95 from 93.44, with a statistically significant p-value. Moreover, tremors were the most common adverse effect, accounting for 85.3% of the patients in the IP group and 75% in the SB group. In contrast, palpitation was more common in the SB group 25% vs. 14.7% with a significant p-value. Conclusion Frequently administered dosages of SB and IP caused a considerable increase in heart rates, as well as tremors and palpitation.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Abroma augusta stabilized silver (Ag) nanoparticles against drug-resistant clinical pathogens.

Infectious diseases remain among the most pressing concerns for human health. This issue has grown even more complex with the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. To address bacterial infections, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising avenue, offering the potential to target bacteria at multiple levels and effectively eliminate them. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AA-AgNPs) were synthesized using the leaf extract of a medicinal plant, Abroma augusta. The synthesis method is straightforward, safe, cost-effective, and environment friendly, utilizing the leaf extract of this Ayurvedic herb. The UV-vis absorbance peak at 424 nm indicated the formation of AA-AgNPs, with the involvement of numerous functional groups in the synthesis and stabilization of the particles. AA-AgNPs exhibited robust antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). The MIC values of AA-AgNPs ranged from 8 to 32 µg/mL. Electron microscopic examination of the interaction of AA-AgNPs with the test bacterial pathogens showed a deleterious impact on bacterial morphology, resulting from membrane rupture and leakage of intracellular components. AA-AgNPs also demonstrated a dose-dependent effect in curtailing biofilm formation below inhibitory doses. Overall, this study highlights the potential of AA-AgNPs in the successful inhibition of both the growth and biofilms of MRSA and VRE bacteria. Following studies on toxicity and dose optimization, such AgNPs could be developed into effective medical remedies against infections.

Outcomes of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy.

Immediate expander/implant-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy has become more sought after by patients. Although many patients choose this technique due to good aesthetic outcomes, lack of donor site morbidity, and shorter procedure times, it is not without complications. The most reported complications include seroma, infection, hematoma, mastectomy flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, and implant exposure, with an overall complication rate as high as 45%. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has shown value in wound healing and reducing complications; however, the current literature is inconclusive. We aimed to examine if ciNPT improves outcomes for patients receiving this implant-based reconstruction. Methods: This is a retrospective single-institution study evaluating the ciNPT device, 3M Prevena Restor BellaForm, on breast reconstruction patients. The study was performed between July 1, 2019 and October 30, 2020, with 125 patients (232 breasts). Seventy-seven patients (142 breasts) did not receive the ciNPT dressing, and 48 patients (90 breasts) received the ciNPT dressing. Primary outcomes were categorized by major or minor complications. Age, BMI, and final drain removal were summarized using medians and quartiles, and were compared with nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher exact test. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in major complications in the ciNPT group versus the standard dressing group (P = 0.0247). Drain removal time was higher in the ciNPT group. Conclusion: Our study shows that ciNPT may help reduce major complication rates in implant-based breast reconstruction patients.