Is there a relationship between low back pain and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?

OBJECTIVE: A condition known as ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy occurs when the ligamentum flavum (LF) swells as a result of pressures applied to the spine. Among the elderly population, lumbar spinal stenosis is a major cause of pain and disabilities. Numerous studies indicate that lumbar spinal stenosis etiology involves the ligamentum flavum in a major way. This study looks into the relationship between low back pain and ligamentum flavum thickening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The imaging tests and case histories of all patients with low back pain who had consecutive magnetic resonance imaging exams performed at the Prince Sattam University and King Khalid hospitals in Al Kharj City will serve as the basis for this retrospective observational study. A radiologist utilized the Pfirrmann grading system, which is based on spinal levels starting from the first lumbar to the first sacral vertebrae, to measure the thickness of the ligamentum flavum in all cases who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A correlation between age, hypertrophy of LF, and low back pain was investigated. RESULTS: There were 79 participants in the study, ages ranging from 21 to 82, 49 of which were men. The patients' average age was 54 years, and 62% of them were men. We found no appreciable variations in LF thickness according to gender. At the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, the left LF was noticeably thicker than the right. Moreover, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the bilateral LF thicknesses at L5-S1 compared to the comparable sides at L4-L5. CONCLUSIONS: By evaluating the thickness of LF on magnetic resonance images, we discovered that it may be closely associated with the etiology of pain processes in the spine.

Structural, Optical, and Electrical Parameters of Doped PVA/PVP Blend with TPAI or THAI Salt.

The 70% polyvinyl alcohol/30% polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) polymer blends, with different weight ratios of tetrapropylammonium iodide (TPAI) or tetrahexylammonium iodide (THAI) salt, were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. The X-ray diffraction technique was used to trace the crystalline nature of the formed blends. The SEM and EDS techniques were applied to figure out the morphology of the blends. The variation in the FTIR vibrational bands was used to investigate the chemical composition and the effect of different salt doping on the functional groups of the host blend. The influence of the salt type (TPAI or THAI) and its ratio on the linear and nonlinear optical parameters for the doped blends were investigated in detail. Absorbance and reflectance are highly enhanced in the UV region reaching a maximum for the blend with 24% TPAI or THAI; so, it can be employed as shielding materials for UVA and UVB types. The direct (5.1 eV) and indirect (4.8 eV) optical bandgaps were reduced continuously to (3.52, 3.63 eV) and (3.45, 3.51 eV) while increasing the content of TPAI or THAI, respectively. The blend doped with 24% wt TPAI exhibited the highest refractive index (around 3.5 in 400-800 nm). The DC conductivity is affected by the content and type of salt, its dispersion, and blend-salt interaction. The activation energies of different blends were obtained by applying the Arrhenius formula.

Development of Perovskite (MACl)0.33FA0.99MA0.01Pb(I0.99Br0.01)3 Solar Cells via n-Octylammonium Iodide Surface Passivation.

The influence of n-octylammonium iodide (OAI, passive layer) on the types of phases formed in a (MACl)0.33FA0.99MA0.01Pb(I0.99Br0.01)3 perovskite film was studied using X-ray diffraction. Using UV spectrophotometric techniques, it was determined how varied OAI additive layer ratios affected the linear and nonlinear optical characteristics of glass substrates/FTO/compact TiO2/mesoporous TiO2/(MACl)0.33FA0.99MA0.01Pb(I0.99Br0.01)3 films. All films' direct optical bandgap energies were determined to be 1.54 eV. The effects of OAI addition on the films' photoluminescence intensity and emitted colors were also investigated. For the fabricated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) without an OAI passivation layer, the corresponding power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), and fill factor (FF) values were 18.8%, 1.02 V, 24.6 mAcm-2, and 75%, respectively. When the concentration of OAI reached 2 mg, the maximum obtained values of PCE, VOC, JSC, and FF were 20.2%, 1.06 V, 24.2 mAcm-2, and 79%, respectively. The decreased trap density and increased recombination resistance were responsible for the improvement in solar cell performance.

The inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 by pterostilbene in human liver microsomes.

This study used human liver microsomes to assess pterostilbene's effect on the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6. The metabolism of their substrates (phenacetin, tolbutamide, and dextromethorphan) was assayed by quantifying their relevant metabolites by HPLC. The IC50 value was used to express the strength of inhibition, and the value of a volume per dose index (VDI) was used to indicate the metabolic ability of the enzyme. In this study, pterostilbene inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6's metabolic activities in vitro. CYP2C9's activity was most significantly inhibited by pterostilbene; its IC50 value was 0.12±0.04 µM. The IC50 value of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 was 56.3±10.4 µM and 62.33±11.4 µM, respectively. The finding that suggests that pterostilbene has the potential to interact with CYP2C9 substrates in vivo. These results warrant clinical studies to assess the in vivo significance of these interactions.

Bandgap Tuning and Blue-Green Band Emissions of Sol-Gel Synthesized ZnO Films by High Cu Doping.

The present research focuses on the preparation of ZnO thin films both undoped and doped with varying Cu concentrations (0.0%, 0.8%, 3.0%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 20.0%) using sol-gel spin coating technique. The optical bandgap (Eg) for undoped films is recorded as 3.239 eV and shows a little increase to 3.248 eV when it is doped with 0.8% Cu concentration whereas further increase of Cu doping concentration, it is decreased from 3.248 eV to 3.107 eV for 20% Cu. The EU (Urbach Energy) is improved with the enhancement of Cu doping concentration. Ultraviolet (UV) and bluegreen band emissions are noticed from PL (photoluminescence) spectra. The UV peak intensities are diminished with increasing Cu doping concentration while the blue peaks intensities are amplified. These results illustrate that ZnO films doped with Cu meet the requirement for applications in different blue emission devices.

Neonatal plastibell circumcision: does the thread type matter? a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Plastibell is one of the most common disposable devices used for circumcision. The study aims to determine whether changing the thread type from cotton to polypropylene to tie around the Plastibell in neonatal circumcision would result in faster separation of the ring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, clinical and biomechanical studies were performed. All circumcisions were performed by a single surgeon. Data collected included anthropometric measures, demographic data, procedure time, complications, parent satisfaction, follow-up, and outcomes. The biomechanical study measured the tensile properties of both threads using a universal testing machine (4465; Instron, Norwood, MA). RESULTS: Two hundred full-term, male neonates aged between 24 and 48 h were circumcised using Plastibell. Both groups were similar in gestational age, age at circumcision, body weight, height, head circumference, Apgar score at 1 and 5 min, procedure time, Plastibell size, and parent satisfaction. The subjects were randomized into two groups of 100 neonates each: group I where Plastibell was tied by a cotton thread supplied by the manufacturer and group II where Plastibell was tied by Polypropylene 0. The mean duration for Plastibell fall-off was 8.98 days and 7.74 days in cotton thread and Polypropylene 0, respectively (P-value < 0.001). There was no difference regarding the complications for both groups. The diameters of the cotton and Polypropylene 0 threads were 0.68 mm and 0.35 mm, respectively. The measured tensile strengths of cotton and Polypropylene thread were 180 MPa and 457 MPa, respectively. CONCLUSION: Plastibell tied by Polypropylene 0 fell off faster than that tied by cotton thread, with no significant differences in adverse effects or complications. This finding might be relevant for anxious parents and caregivers. Further studies are needed to examine other types and sizes of threads to investigate whether this separation period can be reduced further.

Nissen fundoplication, robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic procedure: a comparative study in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Many reports have addressed the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted surgery. However, few have compared the use of robots with the standard laparoscopic approach in various procedures. The aim of this study was to compare robotic-assisted Nissen fundoplication (RNF) with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). METHODS: Children who underwent RNF were compared with those who underwent LNF during the same period at the same institution. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical indications, operative times, intraoperative and postoperative complications and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Between January 2005 and July 2008, 25 patients underwent RNF and 25 underwent LNF. Both groups were similar with regard to age, male/female ratio, and body weight. The total operative time was comparable in both groups. There were no deaths, intraoperative complications or untoward events. There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates, postoperative analgesic requirements or lengths of hospital stay between the groups. Short-term clinical results with respect to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were comparable in both groups after 14 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: RNF is a safe and feasible alternative to LNF. There were no significant differences in outcomes measured between groups. In view of the high cost of robotic devices, no clear benefits of using robotics in Nissen fundoplication were observed.

Melatonin vs. midazolam premedication in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Unlike midazolam, melatonin premedication is not associated with cognitive impairment in adults despite its anxiolytic properties. The use of melatonin as a premedicant in children has not been reported. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the perioperative effects of different doses of melatonin and midazolam in children. METHODS: Seven groups of children (n = 15 in each) were randomly assigned to receive one of the following premedicants. Midazolam 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg(-1) orally, melatonin 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg(-1) orally each mixed in 15 mg kg(-1) acetaminophen, or placebo only (15 mg kg(-1) acetaminophen). Anxiety and temperament were evaluated before and after administration of the study drug, on separation from parents and on the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. At week 2 postoperatively, the behaviour of the children was measured by the Post Hospitalization Behaviour Questionnaire. RESULTS: Melatonin or midazolam each in doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg(-1) were equally effective as premedicants in alleviating separation anxiety and anxiety associated with the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. A trend was noted for midazolam to prolong recovery times as the dosage increased. The use of melatonin was associated with a lower incidence (P = 0.049) of excitement at 10 min postoperatively, and a lower incidence (P = 0.046) of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively than that observed with midazolam and control groups. No postoperative excitement was noted in the melatonin groups at 20, 30 and 45 min. DISCUSSION: Melatonin was not only as effective as midazolam in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children, but it was also associated with a tendency towards faster recovery, lower incidence of excitement postoperatively and a lower incidence of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively.

Contact allergy to 8-methoxypsoralen.

A 36-year-old female patient was treated with PUVA for dyshidrotic eczema that had not shown sufficient response to topical therapy over the previous months. PUVA therapy caused acute aggravation of the eczema. Patch testing demonstrated Type IV sensitization to 8-methoxypsoralen in Meladinine solution.