Critical hematological parameters in bleeding during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Bleeding complications are frequently observed in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and are associated with increased mortality. Due to the complex mechanisms, managing bleeding during ECMO remains a challenge. Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) in ECMO highlights a potentially reduced affinity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) for binding to platelets and collagen in response to vascular damage, thus contributing to increased bleeding in ECMO patients. Conventional coagulation parameters are incomplete predictors for bleeding in ECMO patients, whereas AVWS is often overlooked due to the absence of vWF evaluation in the coagulation profile. Therefore, clinical physicians should evaluate AVWS in patients experiencing bleeding complications during ECMO support.

Machine-learning reinforcement for optimizing multilayered thin films: applications in designing broadband antireflection coatings.

The design and fabrication of nanoscale multilayered thin films play an essential role in regulating the operation efficiency of sensitive optical sensors and filters. In this paper, we introduce a packaged tool that employs flexible electromagnetic calculation software with machine learning in order to find the optimized double-band antireflection coatings in intervals of wavelength from 3 to 5 µm and 8 to 12 µm. Instead of computing or modeling an extremely enormous set of thin film structures, this tool enhanced with machine learning can swiftly predict the optical properties of a given structure with >99.7% accuracy and a substantial reduction in computation costs. Furthermore, the tool includes two learning methods that can infer a global optimal structure or suitable local optimal ones. Specifically, these well-trained models provide the highest accurate double-band average transmission coefficient combined with the lowest number of layers or the thinnest total thickness starting from a reference multilayered structure. Finally, the more sophisticated enhancement method, called the double deep Q-learning network, exhibited the best performance in finding optimal antireflective multilayered structures with the highest double-band average transmission coefficient of about 98.95%.

Cannula-Associated Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Decannulation: Incidence and Risk Factors.

Thrombotic complications during and after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are commonly observed clinically. The incidences of cannula-associated deep vein thrombosis (CaDVT) post-ECMO support have predominantly focused on Caucasian demographics. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors for CaDVT in Vietnamese patients following ECMO decannulation. The retrospective study from January 2019 to February 2020 observed ECMO weaning patients and screened for CaDVT using Doppler ultrasonography. Data were collected on patient demographics, ECMO parameters, and transfusion and coagulation profiles during ECMO support. Of the 82 patients successfully weaned ECMO, 89% were assessed for CaDVT. We observed a CaDVT incidence of 24.7%, and only one patient (5.6%) had a pulmonary embolism in the CaDVT group. Noteworthy is that the anticoagulation goals, transfusion during ECMO, and hospital mortality showed no significant difference between the CaDVT and non-CaDVT groups. The findings showed that the duration of ECMO support is a risk factor for CaDVT. The incidence of CaDVT following ECMO decannulation was 24.7%, and the diagnosis of CaDVT can be underestimated. Therefore, we suggest routine screening for CaDVT after cannula removal.

Dioxin contamination in soils of Southern Vietnam.

Dioxin is the common name for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and is abbreviated as PCDD/Fs. In the case of Southern Vietnam, is of high concern dioxin contamination in the areas affected by past-use chemical defoliants. Our study related to the zone considered as a "hot spot"--Bien Hoa Airbase and surrounding areas (Bien Hung Lake). Although the war ended over 30 years ago, the adverse effects on this territory still continue. Soil and sediment were selected for our research as they act as a sink for PCDD/Fs. The samples were taken and analyzed in CECOTOX laboratory following certified procedures. The total amounts of PCDD/Fs (2,3,7,8 related congeners) in the samples were converted into WHO-TEQ and compared with standard values proposed by Canadian environmental quality guidelines. The obtained data shows a relatively high risk (up to 20.4 times higher than (probable effect level) PEL value for sediment and 46 times higher than standard value for soil). The research is continuing on the assessment of dioxin transport in food chain. Moreover, considering the obtained data a complete solution should be found urgently to solve the problem of dioxin contamination in the studied areas.