A Fully Integrated Handheld Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Point-of-Care Testing of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Fully integrated devices that enable full functioning execution without or with minimum external accessories or equipment are deemed to be one of the most desirable and ultimate objectives for modern device design and construction. Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is often linked to outbreaks caused by contaminated water and food. However, the sensors that are currently used for point-of-care E. coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) detection are often large and cumbersome. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of a handheld and pump-free fully integrated electrochemical sensing platform with the capability to point-of-care test E. coli O157:H7 in the actual samples of E. coli O157:H7-spiked tap water and E. coli O157:H7-spiked watermelon juice. This platform was made possible by overcoming major engineering challenges in the seamless integration of a microfluidic module for pump-free liquid sample collection and transportation, a sensing module for efficient E. coli O157:H7 testing, and an electronic module for automatically converting and wirelessly transmitting signals into a single and compact electrochemical sensing platform that retains its inimitable stand-alone, handheld, pump-free, and cost-effective feature. Although our primary emphasis in this study is on detecting E. coli O157:H7, this pump-free fully integrated handheld electrochemical sensing platform may also be used to monitor other pathogens in food and water by including specific antipathogen antibodies.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and docking study of some new aryl and heteroaryl thiomannosides as FimH antagonists.

FimH is a mannose-recognizing lectin that is expressed by Escherichia coli guiding its ability to adhere and infect cells. It is involved in pathogenesis of urinary tract infections and Chron's disease. Several X-ray structure-guided ligand design studies were extensively utilized in the discovery and optimization of small molecule aryl mannoside FimH antagonists. These antagonists retain key specific interactions of the mannose scaffolds with the FimH carbohydrate recognition domains. Thiomannosides are attractive and stable scaffolds, and this work reports the synthesis of some of their new aryl and heteroaryl derivatives as FimH antagonists. FimH-competitive binding assays as well as biofilm inhibition of the new compounds (24-32) were determined in comparison with the reference n-heptyl α-d-mannopyranoside (HM). The affinity among these compounds was found to be governed by the structure of the aryl and heteroarylf aglycones. Two compounds 31 and 32 revealed higher activity than HM. Molecular docking and total hydrophobic to topological polar surface area ratio calculations attributed to explain the obtained biological results. Finally, the SAR study suggested that introducing an aryl or heteroaryl aglycone of sufficient hydrophobicity and of proper orientation within the tyrosine binding site considerably enhance binding affinity. The potent and synthetically feasible FimH antagonists described herein hold potential as leads for the development of sensors for detection of E. coli and treatment of its diseases.

Outcomes of a novel algorithm for levator muscle plication surgery in congenital blepharoptosis.

AIM: to assess the outcomes of a novel algorithm for the calculation of the amount levator muscle plication in congenital blepharoptosis surgery. METHODS: this retrospective comparative study included 34 patients with congenital ptosis subjected to levator muscle plication surgery during the period from October 2021 to November 2022. They were divided into two groups. Group A: the amount of levator muscle plication was calculated by a traditional formula [(amount of ptosis x 3) + 9 mm in cases with good levator function or (amount of ptosis x 3) + 11 mm in cases with fair levator function]. Group B: the amount of levator muscle plication was calculated by a novel nomogram [the result of the traditional formula was modified by subtracting 4 mm if the calculated amount was ≥ 15 mm or subtracting 3 mm if the calculated amount was < 15 mm]. Demographic data, baseline ptosis characteristics and postoperative results at 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month were compared between the groups. Primary outcome measure was postoperative Marginal Reflex Distance (MRD1). Secondary outcome measures were lid contour, lid crease and any reported complications. RESULTS: Group A included 20 eyes of 18 patients while Group B included 20 eyes of 16 patients. The mean amount of levator muscle plication was 16.98 ± 2.44 mm and 13.48 ± 2.42 mm in group A and group B respectively. The difference between the two groups was highly statistically significant (p < 0.001). Mean MRD1 at the 1st postoperative week was 4.95 ± 0.37 mm in group A and 4.08 ± 0.64 mm in group B. This difference was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Overcorrection was seen in 8 (40%) eyes in group A and 1 (5%) eye in group B. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.008). Undercorrection was seen in only 1 (5%) eye in group B. No other complications were reported. Surgical success was achieved in 12 (60%) eyes in group A versus 18 (90%) eyes in group B. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: our novel nomogram for the calculation of the amount levator muscle plication in congenital blepharoptosis surgery is effective in achieving a satisfactory postoperative MRD1.

Sling for the sling: a new technique for long-term correction of severe congenital ptosis.

INTRODUCTION: Severe congenital ptosis poses a complex challenge for oculoplastic surgeons, requiring meticulous surgical intervention to restore eyelid function and improve aesthetic outcomes mainly by using frontalis sling approach. A crucial issue in frontalis sling surgeries is the sustainability of effect. PURPOSE: This retrospective study reports the outcomes of two surgical techniques for treating severe congenital ptosis in the paediatric age group: Silicon rods ptosis sling and a novel technique involving the use of Silicon rods with green braided polyester (Ethibond) sutures to secure the rods in place "sling for the sling". METHODS: The medical records of children who underwent frontalis suspension were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. We identified two groups; the first group (20 patients: 35 eyelids) had the traditional frontalis suspension surgery using silicone suspension set, the second group (14 patients: 25 eyelids) was operated using the new "sling for sling" technique. We used the postoperative marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD-1) as the primary outcome measure while the frequency of both wound related complications and recurrence were considered as secondary outcome measures. Post operative data were collected and compared after 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. RESULTS: Preliminary results indicate promising outcomes for both techniques, with significant improvement in eyelid elevation observed in both groups. However, the novel technique using Silicon rods with Ethibond sutures demonstrated enhanced sustainability, leading to a more durable outcome with significantly less recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential benefits of the novel technique in treating severe congenital ptosis and introduces an innovative approach to Silicone rods fixation to achieve a long-term corrective effect.

Atrial fibrillation inpatient management patterns and clinical outcomes during the conflict in Syria: An observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide. However, there is no data on AF inpatient management strategies and clinical outcomes in Syria. OBJECTIVES: The study aims were to review the inpatient management of patients with AF and assess cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a tertiary cardiology centre in Latakia, Syria. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at Tishreen's University Hospital, Latakia, Syria, from June 2021 to June 2023. Patients ≥16 years of age presenting and being treated for AF as the primary diagnosis with or without a thromboembolic event were included. Medical records were examined for patients' demographics, laboratory results, treatment plans and inpatient details. Studied outcomes include inpatient all-cause and CV mortality, ischemic and bleeding events, and conversion to sinus rhythm (SR). RESULTS: The study included 596 patients. The median age was 58, and 61% were males. 121 patients (20.3%) were known to have AF. A rhythm control strategy was pursued in 39% of patients. Ischemic and bleeding events occurred in 62 (11%) and 12 (2%), respectively. CV and all-cause mortality occurred in 28 (4.7%) and 31 patients (5%), respectively. The presence of valvular heart disease (VHD) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7 to 55.1, p < .001), thyroid disease (aOR: 9.7, 95% CI = 1.2 to 91.6, p < .001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 82, 95% CI: 12.7 to 71, p < .001) were independent risk factors of increased CV inpatient mortality. CONCLUSION: Syrian inpatients admitted with AF in Latakia are relatively younger than those in other countries. Active thyroid disease, COPD and VHD were independent risk factors of inpatient CV mortality with AF.

Pigtail with self-retaining bicanalicular intubation combined with Mitomycin C for the treatment of acquired lower punctal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The pigtail was used to create an opening at the lower punctal site in grade 0 stenosis with insertion of self-retaining tube and Mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS: The patients with acquired lower punctal stenosis (grade 0) were divided randomly into equal groups, Group A: were treated with pigtail and MMC 0.02% and Group B: were treated with pigtail alone. The pigtail was inserted through the upper punctum until its tip reached the occluded punctum, this site was incised with a scalpel (No. 11). A self-retaining bicanalicular tube was then placed. RESULTS: Results of 36 eyes from 26 patients were included. No differences were observed between both groups regarding epiphora score, FDD test and punctal size preoperatively. The postoperative epiphora score, there were significant differences at 1 month (P = 0.035), 3 months (P = 0.005), and 6 months after removal (P < 0.001). The FDD test, there were significant differences at 6 months (P = 0.045), 1 month (P = 0.021), 3 months (P = 0.012), and 6 months post tube removal (P = 0.005). The punctal size, both groups differed at 1 month (P = 0.045), 3 months (P = 0.03), and 6 months post tube removal (P = 0.005). Only one case (5.5%) at each group showed extrusion of the tube. CONCLUSION: The pigtail probe, bicanalicular stent and MMC can be an effective method in treatment of severe punctal stenosis.

Universal Fully Integrated Wearable Sensor Arrays for the Multiple Electrolyte and Metabolite Monitoring in Raw Sweat, Saliva, or Urine.

Fully integrated wearable sensors are capable of dynamically, directly, and independently tracking biomarkers in raw noninvasive biofluids without any other equipment or accessories by integrating the unique on-body monitoring feature with the special complete functional implementation attribute. Sweat, saliva, and urine are three important noninvasive biofluids, and changes in their biomarkers hold great potential for revealing physiological conditions. However, it is still a challenge to design single fully integrated wearable sensor arrays (FIWSAs) that are universally able to concurrently measure electrolytes and metabolites in three of the most common noninvasive biofluids including sweat, saliva, and urine. Here, we propose the first single universal FIWSAs for wirelessly, noninvasively, and simultaneously measuring various metabolites (i.e., uric acid) and electrolytes (i.e., Na+ and H+) in raw sweat, saliva, or urine under subjects' exercise by integrating the specifically designed microfluidic, sensing, and electronic modules in a seamless manner. We evaluate its utility for noninvasive gout management in healthy subjects and in gout patients through a purine-rich meal challenge and with a medicine-treatment control, respectively. Noninvasive monitoring of multiple electrolytes and metabolites in a variety of raw noninvasive biofluids via such single universal FIWSAs may enrich the understanding of the biomarkers' levels in the body and would also facilitate self-health management.

Incidence and risk factors for secondary graft failure in uniformly treated patients with severe aplastic anemia receiving fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for conditioning and matched sibling bone marrow graft as stem cell source.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Graft failure after allogeneic transplant for aplastic anemia is problematic. The risk of graft failure depends on multiple variables, including the preparative regimen, donor type, stem cell dose and source among other variables. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with aplastic anemia who underwent matched-sibling allogeneic transplant at a single center. RESULTS: We identified 82 patients who fit the inclusion criteria. One had primary graft failure and was excluded from this analysis. The recipient median age was 22 years. The donor median age was 23 years. The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 1.6 months. The median number of red cell transfusions before transplant was nine. The median number of platelet transfusions before transplant was 18. Thirteen patients developed secondary graft failure, with a cumulative incidence at 5 years of 16% and median time to develop secondary graft failure of 129 days. All patients engrafted with a median time for neutrophil engraftment of 19 days and a median time for platelet engraftment of 22 days. The survival of patients with or without secondary graft failure was not different. Major or bidirectional ABO incompatibility and older recipient age were statistically significantly associated with greater risk of secondary graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary graft failure is a significant complication after allogeneic transplant for SAA. Identification of recipients at risk and mitigating the potential risks of this complication is warranted.

Emergency holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a novel approach in the management of refractory hematuria for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a single-institution experience.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory hematuria secondary to prostatic disease typically resolves with conservative management; however, this condition may require hospitalization with extensive measures to control life-threatening bleeding. The aim of this study was to report our experience using holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) as an emergency treatment in this clinical setting. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients that presented to the emergency department with refractory hematuria of prostatic origin from October 2017 to September 2021, for whom hospitalization and conservative management failed to control bleeding. All emergency HoLEP procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters, as well as perioperative outcomes, were collected and analyzed. Postoperative outcomes included duration of foley catheterization, length of postoperative hospital stay, and hospital readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 40 emergency HoLEP procedures were performed. Our cohort had a median prostate volume of 110.5 cc and a median resected weight of 81 g. Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) were on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications on admission. The urethral catheter was removed within 1 day in 95% of patients with a successful trial of void (TOV). Moreover, 92.5% of patients were discharged home within 24 h of their procedure. Two patients (5%) experienced clot retention within one-week post-discharge with a 2.5% overall readmission rate. All postoperative parameters, including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual volume (PVR), showed significant improvement at 1 year follow up. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates that emergency HoLEP is an effective treatment option for patients with refractory hematuria of prostatic origin. Further studies are warranted to consolidate our results.

The First Modified Delphi Consensus-Building Exercise on Surgical Ward Rounds in the United Kingdom National Health Service.

BACKGROUND: The ward round is an integral part of everyday surgical practice. It is a complex clinical activity that requires both sound clinical management and communication skills. This study reports the results of a consensus-building exercise on the common aspects of the general surgical ward rounds. METHODS: The consensus-building committee involving a range of stakeholders from 16 United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service trusts took part in this consensus exercise. The members discussed and suggested a series of statements concerning surgical ward round. An agreement of ≥ 70% among members was regarded as a consensus. RESULTS: Thirty-two members voted on 60 statements. There was a consensus on fifty-nine statements after the first round of voting, and one statement was modified before it reached consensus in the second round. The statements covered nine sections: a preparation phase, team allocation, multidisciplinary approach to the ward round, structure of the round, teaching considerations, confidentiality and privacy, documentation, post-round arrangements, and weekend round. There was a consensus on spending time to prepare for the round, a consultant-led round, involvement of the nursing staff, an MDT round at the beginning and end of the week, a minimum of 5 min allocated to each patient, utilisation of a round checklist, afternoon virtual round, and a clear handover and plan for the weekend. CONCLUSION: The consensus committee achieved agreement on several aspects concerning the surgical ward rounds in the UK NHS. This should help improve the care of surgical patients in the UK.

Frontline-matched sibling donor transplant of aplastic anemia patients using primed versus steady-state bone marrow grafts.

Priming donors with G-CSF before BM harvest is reported to improve engraftment and GvHD in recipients. These effects are highly desirable when transplanting patients with non-neoplastic hematologic diseases, particularly AA patients. Here we retrospectively report the outcomes of 39 AA patients receiving a primed BM graft from MSD to 43 patients receiving a steady-state BM graft from MSD, otherwise transplanted using a uniform transplant platform. The graft had higher TNC and CD34 cell concentrations in the primed group (p < 0.001), and that was reflected in higher TNC and CD34 doses per kilogram of recipient in the primed group (p = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). The OS for primed BM graft recipients was 97.4% and 78.9% for the steady-state BM graft recipients, p-value = 0.01. The cumulative incidence of death without GF was 2.6% in the primed group and 16.3% in the steady-state group, p-value = 0.03. There was no difference in GvHD incidence between the two groups. We confirm that priming improved the TNC and CD34 graft concentration and cell dose; this evidence along with other reported studies constitute reasonable evidence to prove that BM priming improve engraftment. We observed no increase in GvHD using primed BM graft.

Machine learning in sudden cardiac death risk prediction: a systematic review.

AIMS: Most patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention do not receive therapy during the lifespan of the ICD, whilst up to 50% of sudden cardiac death (SCD) occur in individuals who are considered low risk by conventional criteria. Machine learning offers a novel approach to risk stratification for ICD assignment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, MedrXiv, arXiv, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies modelling SCD risk prediction within days to years using machine learning were eligible for inclusion. Transparency and quality of reporting (TRIPOD) and risk of bias (PROBAST) were assessed. A total of 4356 studies were screened with 11 meeting the inclusion criteria with heterogeneous populations, methods, and outcome measures preventing meta-analysis. The study size ranged from 122 to 124 097 participants. Input data sources included demographic, clinical, electrocardiogram, electrophysiological, imaging, and genetic data ranging from 4 to 72 variables per model. The most common outcome metric reported was the area under the receiver operator characteristic (n = 7) ranging between 0.71 and 0.96. In six studies comparing machine learning models and regression, machine learning improved performance in five. No studies adhered to a reporting standard. Five of the papers were at high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Machine learning for SCD prediction has been under-applied and incorrectly implemented but is ripe for future investigation. It may have some incremental utility in predicting SCD over traditional models. The development of reporting standards for machine learning is required to improve the quality of evidence reporting in the field.

Patient clustering in primary care settings: Outcomes and quality of care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether neighbours who share the same family physicians have better cardiovascular and health care outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using administrative health databases. SETTING: Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: The study population included 2,690,482 adult patients cared for by 1710 family physicians. INTERVENTIONS: Adult residents of Ontario were linked to their family physicians and the geographic distance between patients in the same panel or list was calculated. Using distance between patients within a panel to stratify physicians into quintiles of panel proximity, physicians and patients from close-proximity practices were compared with those from more-distant-proximity practices. Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates and hazard ratios from cause-specific hazards regression models were determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The occurrence of a major cardiovascular event during a 5-year follow-up period (2008 to 2012). RESULTS: Patients of panels in the closest-proximity quintile lived an average of 3.9 km from the 10 closest patients in their panel compared with 12.4 km for the 10 closest patients of panels in the distant-proximity quintile. After adjusting for various patient and physician characteristics, patients in the most-distant-proximity practices had a 24% higher rate of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio=1.24 [95% CI 1.20 to 1.28], P<.001) than patients in the closest-proximity practices. Age- and sex-standardized all-cause mortality and total per patient health care costs were also lowest in the closest-proximity quintile. In sensitivity analyses restricted to large urban communities and to White long-term residents, results were similar. CONCLUSION: The better cardiovascular outcomes observed in close-proximity panels may be related to a previously unrecognized mechanism of social connectedness that extends the effectiveness of primary care practitioners.

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing standard versus extended lymphadenectomy in pancreatoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the head of pancreas.

PURPOSE: To compare baseline demographics, operative, and survival outcomes of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing standard lymphadenectomy versus extended lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer METHODS: In compliance with PRISMA standards we performed a meta-analysis of baseline demographics, operative, and survival outcomes of RCTs comparing standard lymphadenectomy versus extended lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer. The uncertainties associated with varying follow-up periods among the included studies were resolved by analysis of time-to-event outcomes. Moreover, we performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) to determine whether the available evidence is conclusive and to assess the risk of type 1 or type 2 errors. RESULTS: Overall, 724 patients from 5 RCTs were included. The included populations were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. There was no difference between standard and extended lymphadenectomy in terms of pancreatic fistula (OR 0.64, P = 0.11), delayed gastric emptying (OR 0.68, P = 0.40), bile leak (OR 0.33, P = 0.06), wound infection (OR 0.53, P = 0.06), abscess (OR 0.83, P = 0.63), total complications (OR 0.73, P = 0.27), postoperative mortality (OR 1.01, P = 0.85), and overall survival (HR 1.10, P = 0.46). TSA suggested that meta-analysis was conclusive with low risk of type 2 error. The results remained consistent through subgroup analyses based on lymph node positive or negative status and studies from the West and East. CONCLUSIONS: Robust evidence from randomised controlled trials (Level 1) suggests no difference in postoperative and survival outcomes between standard and extended lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer. The findings were consistent in patients with positive and negative lymph node status and in studies from the West or East.

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of a novel library of 2-(thiazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Replacement of the n-butylphenyl moiety in the lipophilic part of the previously reported arylthiazole antibiotics with naphthyl ring amended its activity against vancomycin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporation of the CN linker connecting the nitrogenous head with thiazole within an oxadiazole ring provided orally available analogs with relatively long half-life. In this article, a set of new twenty-three derivatives of 2-(thiazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole was synthesized combining both structural modifications in one new scaffold with the objectives of enhancing both the pharmacokinetic profile and antibacterial activities vs. malicious microbes. Among the synthesized new compounds, five derivatives showed promising activity with MIC values ranging from 1.95 to 3.90 µg/mL. The guanidinyl-containing naphthylthiazole and N-methylpiperazinyl derivatives (25 &29) were found equipotent as vancomycin against MRSA (2658 RCMB). The other three derivatives (23, 24 and 26) revealed 50% of vancomycin activity.

Transverse Lumbotomy for Open Partial/Radical Nephrectomy: How I Do It.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional open surgical techniques allow proper surgical management for renal malignancies but have their intrinsic drawbacks. The aim of this paper is to present our technique in minimal renal exposure while avoiding the intrinsic complications of conventional techniques. METHODS: We described our technique, which can be easily understood and replicated by urologists performing open kidney surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients had this technique done safely over the last 4 years, and 3 patients had this exposure changed into intraperitoneal extended wound for very large upper pole tumours. The median operating time was 70 min. No single patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. Median warm ischemic time was 9 min. CONCLUSION: Transverse lumbotomy is a safe reproducible technique that allows proper kidney exposure through a relatively smaller wound and avoiding unnecessary auxiliary techniques as rib resection, pleural tear management, and intraperitoneal exposure.

Effects of diet versus diet plus aerobic and resistance exercise on metabolic syndrome in obese young men.

BACKGROUND: Diet and physical activity are the most commonly recommended strategies for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome (MetS). This randomized trial aims to examine the effectiveness of a weight reduction intervention based on caloric restriction, low-impact aerobics (LIA), and a resistance-training program in improving body composition, metabolic parameters and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among obese students diagnosed with MetS. METHODS: In all, 23 male participants, aged 19-24 years, were randomly introduced to a dieting program (the diet group, or DG = 09) or to dieting associated with a supervised physical training program (the diet plus training group, or DTG = 14). Before and after the intervention, the participants' anthropometric measures and cardiovascular disease risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Following the diet-based intervention, significant improvements were noted in BMI (p = 0.39), PBF (p = 0.022) and LDL-c (p = 0.024). However, in response to the diet plus aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, obese participants had significant reductions in body weight (p = 0.018), WC (p = 0.042), BMI (p = 0.001), BFP (p < 0.001), DBP (p = 0.013), SBP (p = 0.016), TG level (p = 0.026), TC (p = 0.016), LDL-c (p = 0.001) and VLDL-c (p = 0.026). Notable differences were also observed between groups in terms of changes in WC (p = 0.003), BFP (p = 0.05), WHR (p = 0.029), FBG level (p = 0.022), TG level (p = 0.001), TC (p = 0.006), LDL-c (p = 0.014) and VLDL-c (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Diet-based intervention could be an effective tool in reducing body composition and some MetS components. However, adding three weekly aerobic and resistance-training sessions to the dieting program may deliver better outcomes, particularly in terms of reducing WC, BFP, WHR, FBG level, TG level, TC, LDL-c, and VLDL-c.

The ex vivo and in vivo Characteristics of New DrillCutTM Prostate Morcellator after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: The DrillCutTM morcellator is marketed for its fast and highly efficient removal of prostatic tissue and a higher level of patient safety. However, a paucity of publications has looked into its actual efficacy and safety. The aim of our study was to evaluate its ex vivo and in vivo efficiency and to compare its results with other devices presented in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective pilot study on patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) from 2017 to 2018 using the Top-Down technique. Enucleated adenomas were morcellated using the DrillCutTM morcellator. We collected both preoperative and operative data. Operative data included the enucleated adenoma weight and operative time. Various morcellator parameters were collected including morcellation time and efficiency. We recorded the encountered complications and device malfunction. Ex vivo characteristics were evaluated in terms of morcellation speed and aspiration power. RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients with a median age of 72.8 years were included. The enucleated adenoma was retrieved in 12.5 min (4-58). The median resected prostatic weight was 90 g (44-242). The DrillCutTM efficiency was calculated as 6.46 g/min (2.7-15). Only one patient had a simple bladder mucosal injury. Device malfunction was encountered in 4 patients (6.6%) due to blockage of the morcellator blades. The ex vivo aspiration speed was 52 s/L, while the morcellation power was 14 g/2 min. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the DrillCut morcellator was effective and safe in managing our patients post-HoLEP. The DrillCutTM has better ex vivo morcellation power but modest aspiration speed in comparison to other morcellators.

Histomorphometric analysis of the choroid of donkeys, buffalos, camels and dogs.

AIM: The present study was carried out to investigate the morphological and histomorphometric characters of choroid in donkeys, buffalos, camels and dogs. RESULTS: The findings of the study revealed that, macroscopically, the choroid was consisted of two areas in all studied animals, except in camel which consists of one area. Histologically, the choroid consists of five layers. Interestingly, the anterior borders of all investigated animals were free of pigments except in camel. Morphometric analysis revealed significant species differences in the mean total thickness of the choroid and its different layers. In addition, significant differences were also found between the ratios of the means of different layers to the total thickness of the choroid. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these variations might be related to the different lifestyles and visual behavior of the investigated animals.

The transcription factor Dach1 is essential for podocyte function.

Dedifferentiation and loss of podocytes are the major cause of chronic kidney disease. Dach1, a transcription factor that is essential for cell fate, was found in genome-wide association studies to be associated with the glomerular filtration rate. We found that podocytes express high levels of Dach1 in vivo and to a much lower extent in vitro. Parietal epithelial cells (PECs) that are still under debate to be a type of progenitor cell for podocytes expressed Dach1 only at low levels. The transfection of PECs with a plasmid encoding for Dach1 induced the expression of synaptopodin, a podocyte-specific protein, demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Furthermore, synaptopodin was located along actin fibres in a punctate pattern in Dach1-expressing PECs comparable with differentiated podocytes. Moreover, dedifferentiating podocytes of isolated glomeruli showed a significant reduction in the expression of Dach1 together with synaptopodin after 9 days in cell culture. To study the role of Dach1 in vivo, we used the zebrafish larva as an animal model. Knockdown of the zebrafish ortholog Dachd by morpholino injection into fertilized eggs resulted in a severe renal phenotype. The glomeruli of the zebrafish larvae showed morphological changes of the glomerulus accompanied by down-regulation of nephrin and leakage of the filtration barrier. Interestingly, glomeruli of biopsies from patients suffering from diabetic nephropathy showed also a significant reduction of Dach1 and synaptopodin in contrast to control biopsies. Taken together, Dach1 is a transcription factor that is important for podocyte differentiation and proper kidney function.