Open repair of an abdominal aortic and right common iliac artery aneurysm with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in a 19-month-old infant.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in children is a rare clinical condition, with idiopathic AAAs even more atypical. We report a case of a 19-month-old girl with incidental findings of an infrarenal AAA and right common iliac artery aneurysm during workup for heart failure. Extensive genetic testing was unremarkable for connective tissue disorders. An aortic bi-iliac artery bypass with a Dacron graft from the infrarenal aorta to the right external iliac artery and left common iliac artery was performed. The patient achieved complete recovery and only required one oral hypertensive medication at 30 days of follow-up. Wide patency of the graft was observed on the 3-month follow-up computed tomography angiogram.

RevCore thrombectomy system for treatment of chronic left external and common iliac vein stent occlusion.

In recent years, deep venous stenting has increasingly become a treatment strategy for post-thrombotic syndrome. Stent thrombosis can occur, resulting in symptom recurrence despite medical therapy, and there are few options available for durable stent patency restoration. We present a case of a 50-year-old male with prior iliocaval reconstruction that experienced recurrent left lower extremity swelling secondary to occlusion of left external iliac and common iliac vein stents during follow-up. Mechanical thrombectomy with the RevCore System and angioplasty was performed. One month later, the patient demonstrated widely patent bilateral iliac vein stents and complete symptomatic resolution. The RevCore System is a feasible alternative for treatment of chronic in-stent thrombosis.

Passively Q-Switched Er-Doped Fiber Laser Based on Bentonite Clay (Al2H2O6Si) Saturable Absorber.

This paper presents the investigations toward the direct use of bentonite clay (Al2H2O6Si) nanoparticles to act like a saturable absorber (SA) for the Q-switched pulse operation of an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). The measured results reveal that with the incorporation of bentonite clay nanopowder as a SA, an EDFL is realized with a Q-switching mechanism starting at a pump power of 30.8 mW, and a Q-switched emission wavelength was noticed at 1562.94 nm at 142 mW pump power. With an increased pump from 30.8 mW to 278.96 mW, the temporal pulse parameters including minimum pulse duration and maximum pulse repetition rates were reported as 2.6 µs and 103.6 kHz, respectively. The highest peak power, signal-to-noise ratio, output power and pulse energy were noticed to be 16.56 mW, 51 dB, 4.6 mW, and 47 nJ, respectively, at a highest pump power of 278.96 mW. This study highlights the significance of bentonite clay (Al2H2O6Si) nanoparticles as a potential candidate for a saturable absorber for achieving nonlinear photonics applications.

Q-switched pulse operation in erbium-doped fiber laser subject to zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles-based saturable absorber.

In this paper, the zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles-based saturable-absorber (SA) have been incorporated in an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) cavity for achieving a Q-switched pulse operation. The implementation of the zirconia nanoparticles-based powder on the fiber facet was accomplished using the index-matching gel's adhesion effect. The incorporation of SA in the laser cavity yielded a stable and self-starting Q-switched operation under 19.36 mW pump power that corresponded to the emission wavelength of 1557.29 nm. Additionally, it was observed that the EDFL's emission wavelength tuned from 1557.29 nm to 1562.3 nm , and the repetition rates and pulse width ranged from 61.2 to 130 kHz and 7.9 to 3.6 µs, respectively, as the pump power was increased from 19.36 to 380.16 mW. Measured experimental results reveal that at a maximum pump power of 380.16 mW, the maximum average output power, peak power, and pulse energy were noticed to be 1.17 mW, 2.5 mW, and 9 nJ, respectively. A 52 dB suppression in side bands was found at a pump power of 380.16 mW. Moreover, the stability and threshold tolerance of the EDFL has also been discussed in detail. These findings suggest that nanoparticle-based saturable absorbers have potential applications in a pulsed source, making it easier to implement in fiber cavity-based systems.

CF-LIBS based elemental analysis of Saussurea simpsoniana medicinal plant: a study on roots, seeds, and leaves.

The plant Saussurea Simpsoniana, which has been used in traditional medicine for its biocompatibility and abundant nutrients, offers a wide range of remedies. Local communities effectively utilize medicines derived from the plant's roots to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, rheumatic pain, and abdominal and nervous disorders. In this study, we present an elemental analysis of the chemical composition (wt%) of this medicinal plant using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. In the air atmosphere, an Nd:YAG (Q-switched) laser operating at a wavelength of 532 nm is utilized to create plasma on the sample's surface. This laser has a maximum pulse energy of approximately 400 mJ and a pulse duration of 5 ns. A set of six miniature spectrometers, covering the wavelength range of 220-970 nm, was utilized to capture and record the optical emissions emitted by the plasma. The qualitative analysis of LIBS revealed the presence of 13 major and minor elements, including Al, Ba, C, Ca, Fe, H, K, Li, Mg, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti. Quantitative analysis was performed using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), ensuring local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE) and optically thin plasma condition by considering plasma excitation temperature and electron number density. In addition, a comparison was made between the results obtained from CF-LIBS and those acquired through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis.

Psychosocial Outcomes of Pain and Pain Management in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Qualitative Study.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility and fractures, short stature, dental abnormalities, hearing loss, scoliosis, and chronic pain. Despite a growing literature on the functional outcomes of OI, limited research has explicitly examined the psychosocial outcomes of pain within OI. Adults with OI (N = 15) were interviewed to understand pain-related experiences through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data. Research team members, genetic research experts, and OI clinicians developed an interview guide focused on topics related to pain and mental health challenges. Participants' transcripts were coded by two independent coders; codes were then merged across coders and quotation outputs were subsequently abstracted (paraphrased then thematically classified) to identify common themes. Themes related to pain management variability regarding pain type, pain risk management and accessibility, pain outcomes (e.g., behavior, cognitive, affective), and pain exacerbating factors (e.g., individual, contextual) were identified. Participants reported chronic and acute pain, and despite the inaccessibility and stigmatization of pain medications (e.g., opioids), pharmacological treatments were the most common pain management approach. Participants reported negative pain outcomes, such as limited daily functioning and activity participation, fear, anger, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Lastly, participants suggested that lack of physician and community knowledge on chronic pain in OI indirectly exacerbates both subjective pain intensity and outcomes. Although limited by a small, nondiverse sample, the current study provides valuable exploration of the unique pain experiences of adults with OI that may have implications for proactive management, treatment development, and clinician training.

Erdafitinib in BCG-treated high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options are limited for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with disease recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment and who are ineligible for/refuse radical cystectomy. FGFR alterations are commonly detected in NMIBC. We evaluated the activity of oral erdafitinib, a selective pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, versus intravesical chemotherapy in patients with high-risk NMIBC and select FGFR3/2 alterations following recurrence after BCG treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years with recurrent, BCG-treated, papillary-only high-risk NMIBC (high-grade Ta/T1) and select FGFR alterations refusing or ineligible for radical cystectomy were randomized to 6 mg daily oral erdafitinib or investigator's choice of intravesical chemotherapy (mitomycin C or gemcitabine). The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS). The key secondary endpoint was safety. RESULTS: Study enrollment was discontinued due to slow accrual. Seventy-three patients were randomized 2 : 1 to erdafitinib (n = 49) and chemotherapy (n = 24). Median follow-up for RFS was 13.4 months for both groups. Median RFS was not reached for erdafitinib [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.9 months-not estimable] and was 11.6 months (95% CI 6.4-20.1 months) for chemotherapy, with an estimated hazard ratio of 0.28 (95% CI 0.1-0.6; nominal P value = 0.0008). In this population, safety results were generally consistent with known profiles for erdafitinib and chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Erdafitinib prolonged RFS compared with intravesical chemotherapy in patients with papillary-only, high-risk NMIBC harboring FGFR alterations who had disease recurrence after BCG therapy and refused or were ineligible for radical cystectomy.

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model / Efeito de Agaricus blazei Murill no comportamento exploratório de modelo de camundongo

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados ​​para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Beyond Glucose: The Dual Assault of Oxidative and ER Stress in Diabetic Disorders.

Diabetes mellitus, a prevalent global health concern, is characterized by hyperglycemia. However, recent research reveals a more intricate landscape where oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress orchestrate a dual assault, profoundly impacting diabetic disorders. This review elucidates the interplay between these two stress pathways and their collective consequences on diabetes. Oxidative stress emanates from mitochondria, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) production spirals out of control, leading to cellular damage. We explore ROS-mediated signaling pathways, which trigger ß-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction the quintessential features of diabetes. Simultaneously, ER stress unravels, unveiling how protein folding disturbances activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). We dissect the UPR's dual role, oscillating between cellular adaptation and apoptosis, significantly influencing pancreatic ß-cells and peripheral insulin-sensitive tissues. Crucially, this review exposes the synergy between oxidative and ER stress pathways. ROS-induced UPR activation and ER stress-induced oxidative stress create a detrimental feedback loop, exacerbating diabetic complications. Moreover, we spotlight promising therapeutic strategies that target both stress pathways. Antioxidants, molecular chaperones, and novel pharmacological agents offer potential avenues for diabetes management. As the global diabetes burden escalates, comprehending the dual assault of oxidative and ER stress is paramount. This review not only unveils the intricate molecular mechanisms governing diabetic pathophysiology but also advocates a holistic therapeutic approach. By addressing both stress pathways concurrently, we may forge innovative solutions for diabetic disorders, ultimately alleviating the burden of this pervasive health issue.

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm endovascular repair.

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysms are rare and associated with high mortality rates in cases of rupture. Current Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines recommend treatment of all superior mesenteric artery aneurysms regardless of size. A 53-year-old woman who was admitted for abdominal pain was found with a 14-cm, ruptured superior mesenteric artery branch aneurysm. Endovascular approach was performed with microvascular plug embolization of a feeding branch and aneurysm sac exclusion with a stent graft. Four months later, the patient demonstrated a 21% regression of the aneurysm and stent patency. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of superior mesenteric artery aneurysms with endovascular techniques can reduce potential complications.

Marine estuaries act as better sink for greenhouse gases during winter in undisturbed mangrove than degraded ones in Sundarban, India.

The estuaries provide the key pathway for travelling carbon across the land-ocean interfaces and behave as both source and sink of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in water-atmosphere systems. The sink-source characteristics of estuaries for GHGs vary spatially. The primary driving factors are adjacent ecologies (agriculture, aquaculture, etc.) and proximities to the sea. To study the sink-source characteristics of estuaries for GHGs (methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)), the water samples were collected from 53 different locations in the estuaries for estimation of dissolved GHGs concentration and air-water GHGs exchanges. The locations represent five zones (Zone I, II, III, IV and V) based on the type and degradation status of mangroves (degraded and undisturbed), anthropogenic activities, and distance from the sea. Zone I, III, V represents to the degraded mangroves far from sea, whereas, Zone II, IV surrounded by undisturbed mangroves and nearer to sea. The average dissolved CH4 concentrations were higher in the estuaries which were adjacent to degraded mangroves (154.4 nmol L-1) than undisturbed mangroves (81.7 nmol L-1). Further, the average dissolved N2O concentrations were 48% higher in the estuaries nearer to degraded mangroves than that of undisturbed ones. Among the degraded mangrove sites, the dissolved CO2 concentrations were higher at Zone I (30.1 µmol L-1) followed by Zone III and IV, whereas in undisturbed sites, it was higher in Zone IV (22.3 µmol L-1) than Zone II (17.6 µmol L-1). Among the 53 locations, 36, 51 and 33 locations acted as a sink (negative value of exchanges) for CH4, N2O and CO2, respectively. The higher sink potential for CH4 was recorded to those estuaries adjacent to undisturbed mangroves (-791.69 µmol m-2 d-1) than the degraded ones (-23.18 µmol m-2 d-1). Similarly, the average air-water N2O and CO2 exchanges were more negative in the estuaries which were nearer to undisturbed mangroves indicating higher sink potential. The pH, and salinity of the estuary water were negatively correlated with air-water CH4 and N2O exchanges, whereas those were positively correlated with CO2 exchanges. Significantly lower dissolved GHGs and air-water GHGs exchange was observed in the estuaries adjacent to the undisturbed mangrove as compared to the degraded mangrove. The reason behind higher sink behaviours of estuaries nearer to undisturbed mangroves are higher intrusion of seawater, less nutrient availability, higher salinity, low carbon contents and alkaline pH compared to estuaries adjacent to degraded mangroves and far from sea.

Endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation for aortic pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric trauma patient.

Endovascular treatment options for vascular injury in pediatric patients are quite limited owing to concerns regarding long-term durability and the lack of devices suitable for the pediatric anatomy. However, in rare circumstances, open surgical therapy will not be an option, and patients will require unconventional endovascular solutions for lifesaving or limb-saving therapies. In the present report, we describe an endovascular treatment of a pediatric patient for whom initial surgical management of a blunt abdominal aortic injury had failed, with subsequent development of an aortic pseudoaneurysm. A 10-year-old girl had presented after a high-speed motor vehicle accident with a seatbelt sign. Multiple abdominal injuries were identified, including blunt aortic injury, significant devitalization of the small bowel, colonic perforation with fecal contamination, multiple lumbar spine fractures, and pulmonary contusions. The patient developed bilateral lower extremity ischemia from the aortic injury and had initially undergone open repair. One month later, the patient had developed a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta near the aortic bifurcation. Because of the hostile abdomen and ensuing short gut syndrome, the pseudoaneurysm was managed using endovascular techniques. The limb of an Excluder internal iliac branch endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was used as the endograft. The aortic bifurcation was raised and reconstructed using four Viabahn self-expanding stents (W.L. Gore & Associates). The completion angiogram showed complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm. The follow-up computed tomography angiogram showed widely patent stent grafts with complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm. Endovascular management of traumatic vascular injuries in pediatric patients is feasible. The likelihood of reintervention in the future is high with patient growth. However, it is a viable option in lifesaving or limb-saving situations in which open repair is high risk.

Ameliorating the stability of erbium-doped fiber laser using saturable absorber fabricated by the pulsed laser deposition technique.

In this paper, we present the performance and stability of an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) based on ZnO saturable-absorber (SA) prepared using two schemes: solution method (SM) and pulsed laser deposition technique (PLDT). It was observed that EDFL with ZnO-SA prepared using SM emits at 1561.25 nm under a pump power of 230 mW. As the pump power is increased from 22.2 mW to 75.3 mW, the pulse duration decreases from 24.91 to 10.69 µs, and the pulse repetition rates increase from 11.59 to 40.91 kHz. Besides at pump power of 75.3 mW, the peak power, pulse energy, and average output power are measured as 0.327 mW, 2.86 nJ, and 0.18 mW, respectively. However, when PLDT-based SA was incorporated into the ring cavity, the emission wavelength is noticed at 1568.21 nm at a pump power of 230 mW. With the increase in pump power from 22.2 mW to 418 mW, the pulse repetition rates increase from 10.79 to 79.37 kHz and the pulse width decreases from 23.58 to 5.6 µs. Furthermore, the peak power, pulse energy, and average output power are observed to be 10.9 mW, 74 nJ, and 5.35 mW, respectively. The stability of EDFL based on SAs prepared using SM and PLDT has also been investigated. To the best of the author's knowledge, it is the first comparison of performance and long-term stability of EDFL based on two experimental techniques SM and PLDT-based SAs. These findings suggest that PLDT-based SAs provides optimum stability over a long period and enhanced the performance of fiber lasers compared to the SAs prepared using the conventional SM technique. This study paves the way for the development of ultra-stable SAs for their potential applications in pulsed laser sources and photonic devices.

The Not-So-Merry-Go-Round: Traumatic Inferior-Anterior Hip Dislocation in a 9-Year-Old.

Merry-go-rounds are not as innocuous as they may seem. Pediatric hip anterior-inferior dislocations are very rare and can be associated with low-energy trauma. Prompt recognition of pediatric hip dislocations is vital, and this should be treated as a time-sensitive orthopedic emergency. Closed reduction within 6 hours minimizes the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN). We present a case of a 9-year-old boy with an inferior-anterior hip dislocation following low energy trauma while playing on a merry-go-round. The patient was emergently brought to the theatre for closed reduction under general anesthesia within 6 hours. At his 12-month follow-up, he has a full range of motion without any pain.

Magnesium for Implants: A Review on the Effect of Alloying Elements on Biocompatibility and Properties.

An attempt is made to cover the whole of the topic of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys with a focus on the biocompatibility of the individual alloying elements, as well as shed light on the degradation characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of most binary alloys. Some of the various work processes carried out by researchers to achieve the alloys and their surface modifications have been highlighted. Additionally, a brief look into the literature on magnesium composites as also been included towards the end, to provide a more complete picture of the topic. In most cases, the chronological order of events has not been particularly followed, and instead, this work is concentrated on compiling and presenting an update of the work carried out on the topic of biodegradable magnesium alloys from the recent literature available to us.

Surgical Techniques and Outcomes in Patients With Intra-Cardiac Abscesses Complicating Infective Endocarditis.

Background: An intra-cardiac abscess is a serious complication of both native (NV-IE) and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PV-IE). Despite being an accepted indication for surgery, controversies remain regarding the optimal timing and type of operation. We aimed to report the outcomes of patients managed for intra-cardiac abscesses over more than a decade. Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years managed for intra-cardiac abscess between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospectively collected IE database. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality in operated patients and secondary outcomes were freedom from re-infection, re-operation and long-term mortality comparing those patients with aortic root abscess who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and those who received aortic root replacement (ARR). Results: Fifty-nine patients developed an intra-cardiac abscess, and their median age was 55 (43-71) years; among them, 44 (75%) were men, and 10 (17%) were persons who injected drugs. Infection with beta-haemolytic streptococci was associated with NV-IE (p = 0.009) and coagulase-negative staphylococci with PV-IE (p = 0.005). Forty-four (75%) underwent an operation, and among those with aortic root abscess, 27 underwent AVR and 12 ARR. Thirty-day mortality was associated with infection with S. aureus (p = 0.006) but not the type or timing of the operation. Survival in operated patients was 66% at 1 year and 59% at 5 years. In operated patients, none had a relapse, although six developed late recurrence. Freedom from infection, re-operation and long-term mortality were similar in patients undergoing AVR compared to ARR. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with intra-cardiac abscess who were not operated on had very poor survival. In those who underwent an operation, either by AVR or ARR based upon patient factors, imaging and intra-operative findings outcomes were similar.

Serum albumin levels monitoring in ICU in early days and mortality risk association in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objective: To establish correlation between serum albumin during early days of ICU admission and risk of death in COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 76 patients hospitalized in ICU, who stayed for at least four days with COVID-19 pneumonia, from May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 in Lahore Health Care Hospital and Al-Shafi Hospital. Patients were labelled as COVID-19 pneumonia on radiological basis as bilateral 'ground-glass opacity' in lower zones and RT-PCR positive result in nasopharyngeal swab. All patients were oxygen dependent, either on high flow oxygen via non rebreathing mask or invasive positive pressure ventilation support. Serum albumin levels were measured daily from first day to fourth day of ICU admission. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Microsoft excel 2016. Results: Out of 76 patients of COVID-19 pneumonia admitted in ICU who stayed for more than four days, 38 patients expired. The mean age of all the patients was 58.9±12.56 years, 38(50%) of the patients were ≥60 years and 49 (62%) of them were male. On day four of ICU admission, mean serum albumin of discharged patients was 3.83±0.22 g/dl while mean serum albumin level of expired patients was 2.96±0.46 g/dl. Strong negative correlation (r = -767) was found between decrease in serum albumin level and increase number of deaths from COVID-19 pneumonia. Weak correlation was observed between increase in serum CRP and increase number of deaths in the same patients. Conclusion: Daily monitoring of serum albumin level of COVID-19 pneumonia patients can be used as a biological marker for monitoring of cytokine storm and risk of death in COVID-19 pneumonia.