The association between different anesthetic techniques and outcomes in patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement.

Background: There is an increasing number of patients undergoing transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with sedation. There is limited data assessing the efficacy and safety of the different types of sedative drugs. The objective was to compare two sedation techniques with regard to the need for vasoactive support, respiratory support, rate of conversion to general anesthesia (GA), common perioperative morbidities, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and in-hospital mortality. Methods: A retrospective chart review study conducted among patients who underwent TAVR at a specialized cardiac center between January 2016 and December 2019. Data collection included patient diagnosis, preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 289 patients received local anesthesia; 210 received propofol infusion and 79 received a mixed propofol-ketamine infusion (Ketofol). The average age was 75.5 ± 8.9 years and 58.1% of the patients were females. Comparing propofol and ketofol groups, 31.2% and 34.2% of the patients required drug support, 7.6% and 6.3% required conversion to GA, 46.7% and 59.5% required respiratory support, respectively. These intraoperative outcomes were not significantly different between groups, P = 0.540, P = 0.707, and P = 0.105, respectively. In-hospital 30-day mortality in propofol and ketofol groups were 1.9% and 3.8%, respectively, P = 0.396. In both groups, the median post-procedure coronary care unit stay was 26 hours while post-procedure hospital stay was 3 days. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in perioperative or postoperative outcomes in TAVR patients receiving either propofol or ketofol. Propofol infusion, either alone or with ketamine, is reliable and safe, with minimal side effects.

Electrochemical sensor based on PEDOT/CNTs-graphene oxide for simultaneous determination of hazardous hydroquinone, catechol, and nitrite in real water samples.

Hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC) and nitrite (NT) are considered aquatic environmental pollutants. They are highly toxic, harm humans' health, and damage the environment. Thus, in the present work we introduce a simple and efficient electrochemical sensor for determination of HQ, CC, and NT simultaneously in wastewater sample. The sensor is fabricated by modifying the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by two successive thin films from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and a mixture of carbon nanotubes-graphene oxide (CNT-GRO). Under optimized conditions the HQ, CC, and NT are successfully detected simultaneously in wastewater sample with changing their concentrations in the ranges (0.04 → 100 µM), (0.01 → 100 µM) and (0.05 → 120 µM), the detection limits are 8.5 nM, 3.8 nM and 6.1 nM, respectively. Good potential peak separations: 117 mV and 585 mV are obtained between the HQ-CC, and CC-NT. The sensor has an excellent catalytic capability toward the oxidation of HQ, CC, and NT due to good synergism between its composite components: PEDOT, GRO and CNTs. The features of the sensor are large active surface area, good electrical conductivity, perfect storage stability, good reproducibility, anti-interference capability and accepted recovery rate for HQ, CC, and NT determination in wastewater sample.

Open versus closed reduction and internal fixation in children with femoral neck fractures. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Background: Femoral neck fractures in children are uncommon, making up little more than 1% of all paediatric fractures. It's not apparent which type of internal fixation-closed or open-is preferable in these situations when it comes to therapeutic options. When treating children with displaced femoral neck fractures, serious problems can arise. Methods: Five databases were examined: Medline Plus, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The outcomes that were relevant for the meta-analysis were non-union, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis. Using the RevMan file, we extracted the data and carried out the analysis (Review Manager Version 5.3). Results: 294 patients had ORIF procedures and 266 patients had CRIF procedures in the included trials. Regarding the outcome of avascular necrosis, we discovered that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.84, [95% confidence range (CI) = 0.60, 1.18], P = 0.32). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.22, I2 = 27%). When it came to coxa vara, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.69, [95% CI = 0.30, 1.58], P = 0.38). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.22, I2 = 27%). Regarding non-union, the similar outcome was seen (RR = 0.45, [95% CI = 0.16, 1.14], P = 0.12). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.49, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Regarding reducing the risk of non-union, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis, we did not find any difference between CRIF and ORIF. To validate this outcome, however, additional research on the various variables (fracture type, age, displacement, fixation technique, and duration of surgery) is required. Sorting patients based on the kind of fracture will ensure that the right approach is used for each type.

Cu-P@silica-CNT-based catalyst for effective electrolytic water splitting in an alkaline medium with hydrazine assistance.

In this study, we prepared a potential catalyst as an electrode modifier for electrolytic water splitting. In the preparation step, the amine was decorated with copper-phosphorus. It was immobilized over the silica surface, and the surface was engineered using N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl)ethylenediamine for the synthesis of the catalysts (AS). The morphological and structural aspects of the catalyst (AFS-Cu-P) were determined using FE-SEM/EDAX, FTIR, elemental analysis, BET, TGA, and XPS. The catalyst's efficacy for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was assessed in an alkaline medium with and without hydrazine. The hydrazine oxidation reaction enhanced the sluggish OER and facilitated water splitting. Detailed electrochemical measurements confirmed an increase in the kinetics of the process and a reduction in the activation energy needed to complete the process. The Tafel slopes, charge transfer coefficients, exchange-specific current densities, apparent rate constants, and diffusion coefficients are provided along with their respective values. The results showed that the presence of Cu and CNT is crucial in the conversion process.

Numerical investigation of heat and mass transfer in three-dimensional MHD nanoliquid flow with inclined magnetization.

Heat and mass transfer rate by using nanofluids is a fundamental aspect of numerous industrial processes. Its importance extends to energy efficiency, product quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, making it a key consideration for industries seeking to improve their operations, reduce costs, and meet regulatory requirements. So, the principal objective of this research is to analyze the heat and mass transfer rate for three-dimensional magneto hydrodynamic nanoliquid movement with thermal radiation and chemical reaction over the dual stretchable surface in the existence of an inclined magnetization, and viscous dissipation. The flow is rotating with constant angular speed [Formula: see text] about the axis of rotation because such flows occur in the chemical processing industry and the governing equations of motion, energy, and concentration are changed to ODEs by transformation. The complex and highly nonlinear nature of these equations makes them impractical to solve analytically so tackled numerically at MATLAB. The obtained numerical results are validated with literature and presented through graphs and tables. Increasing the Eckert number from [Formula: see text] a higher Nusselt and Sherwood number was noted for the hybrid nanofluid. By changing the angle of inclination [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text] performance is noted at 8% for nanofluid and 33% for hybrid nanofluid. At the same time, [Formula: see text] performance of 0.5% and 2.0% are observed respectively. Additionally, as the angle of inclination increases the skin friction decreases and the chemical reaction rate increases the mass transmission rate.

Molecular Diversity and Combining Ability in Newly Developed Maize Inbred Lines under Low-Nitrogen Conditions.

Nitrogen is an essential element for maize growth, but excessive application can lead to various environmental and ecological issues, including water pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Hence, developing maize hybrids resilient to low-N conditions is vital for sustainable agriculture, particularly in nitrogen-deficient soils. Combining ability and genetic relationships among parental lines is crucial for breeding superior hybrids under diverse nitrogen levels. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of maize inbred lines using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and evaluate their combining ability to identify superior hybrids under low-N and recommended conditions. Local and exotic inbred lines were genotyped using SSR markers, revealing substantial genetic variation with high gene diversity (He = 0.60), moderate polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.54), and an average of 3.64 alleles per locus. Twenty-one F1 hybrids were generated through a diallel mating design using these diverse lines. These hybrids and a high yielding commercial check (SC-131) were field-tested under low-N and recommended N conditions. Significant variations (p < 0.01) were observed among nitrogen levels, hybrids, and their interaction for all recorded traits. Additive genetic variances predominated over non-additive genetic variances for grain yield and most traits. Inbred IL3 emerged as an effective combiner for developing early maturing genotypes with lower ear placement. Additionally, inbreds IL1, IL2, and IL3 showed promise as superior combiners for enhancing grain yield and related traits under both low-N and recommended conditions. Notably, hybrids IL1×IL4, IL2×IL5, IL2×IL6, and IL5×IL7 exhibited specific combining abilities for increasing grain yield and associated traits under low-N stress conditions. Furthermore, strong positive associations were identified between grain yield and specific traits like plant height, ear length, number of rows per ear, and number of kernels per row. Due to their straightforward measurability, these relationships underscore the potential of using these traits as proxies for indirect selection in early breeding generations, particularly under low-N stress. This research contributes to breeding nitrogen-efficient maize hybrids and advances our understanding of the genetic foundations for tolerance to nitrogen limitations.

Counseling in menopausal women: How to address the benefits and risks of menopause hormone therapy. A FIGO position paper.

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cyclicity and, depending on individual vulnerability, has several consequences related to gonadal steroid deprivation, especially if it is premature. Menopause may be more burdensome for some women than for others. Individual factors, such as personal history, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and current health conditions, affect symptomatology and, thereby, the menopausal experience. In addition, some menopausal symptoms, such as severe hot flashes, sleep disorders, and depression, are markers of future health risks. Counseling is a fundamental part of health care in the peri- and postmenopause periods. It must include an assessment of the patient's symptoms, needs, desires, and risk profile to address the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on an individual basis and promote a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, healthcare practitioners can and must protect the health and lives of mid-life women by increasing awareness of menopausal symptoms and ensuring healthcare options, especially MHT. The type and duration of MHT should be tailored based on the patient's history, menopausal age, physical characteristics, and current health status so that the benefits always outweigh the risks. This FIGO position paper focuses on the benefits and risks of MHT on health domains, target organs, and systems, and on systemic and vaginal MHT regimens, to provide indications that can be used in the clinical practice for menopausal counseling. Moreover, it offers insights into what FIGO considers the mainstay for the healthcare management of women in peri- and postmenopause, worldwide.

Molecular Genetic Diversity of Local and Exotic Durum Wheat Genotypes and Their Combining Ability for Agronomic Traits under Water Deficit and Well-Watered Conditions.

Water deficit poses significant environmental stress that adversely affects the growth and productivity of durum wheat. Moreover, projections of climate change suggest an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, particularly in arid regions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes to ensure sustained production and global food security in response to population growth. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity among local and exotic durum wheat genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and, additionally, to explore the combining ability and agronomic performance of assessed durum wheat genotypes and their 28 F1 crosses under normal and drought stress conditions. The investigated SSRs highlighted and confirmed the high genetic variation among the evaluated parental durum wheat genotypes. These diverse eight parental genotypes were consequently used to develop 28 F1s through a diallel mating design. The parental durum genotypes and their developed 28 F1s were assessed under normal and drought stress conditions. The evaluated genotypes were analyzed for their general and specific combining abilities as well as heterosis for agronomic traits under both conditions. The local cultivar Bani-Suef-7 (P8) is maintained as an effective combiner for developing shortened genotypes and improving earliness. Moreover, the local cultivars Bani-Suef-5 (P7) and Bani-Suef-7 (P8) along with the exotic line W1520 (P6) demonstrated excellent general combining ability for improving grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, valuable specific hybrid combinations, W988 × W994 (P1 × P2), W996 × W1518 (P3 × P5), W1011 × W1520 (P4 × P6), and Bani-Suef-5 × Bani-Suef-7 (P7 × P8), were identified for grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. The assessed 36 genotypes were grouped according to tolerance indices into five clusters varying from highly drought-sensitive genotypes (group E) to highly drought-tolerant (group A). The genotypes in cluster A (two crosses) followed by thirteen crosses in cluster B displayed higher drought tolerance compared to the other crosses and their parental genotypes. Subsequently, these hybrids could be considered valuable candidates in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop desired segregants under water-deficit conditions. Strong positive relationships were observed between grain yield and number of grains per spike, plant height, and 1000-grain weight under water-deficit conditions. These results highlight the significance of these traits for indirect selection under drought stress conditions, particularly in the early stages of breeding, owing to their convenient measurability.

Renal function and arterial blood pressure alterations after exposure to acetaminophen with a potential role ofNigella sativa oil in adult male rats

Hepatic injury by acetaminophen (APAP) has been extensively studied, although the alterations of renal functions and arterial blood pressure (ABP) after APAP exposure are still uncertain, and the impact of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in this case is poorly defined. Sixty adult male albino rats were involved in two sets of experiments. The first was exposed to a single high dose of APAP (2.5 g/kg) orally preceded by 4 ml NSO/kg orally, while the second received 750 mg APAP/kg/day orally for seven consecutive days and was pretreated with 2 ml NSO/kg/day. Proximal tubular injury was assessed by laboratory and histological studies, and arterial blood pressure was recorded in all animals. In both experiments, urinary á-glutathione S-transferase and neutral endopeptidase, and microproteinuria were dramatically increased early indicating glomerulus and proximal tubule dysfunction that was mediated by raising 8-isoprostanes. Concomitantly, urinary albumin, total protein, creatinine, urea, glomerular filtration rate, Na and K levels, plasma creatinine, and urea were all changed significantly after APAP administration. Currently, ABP increased significantly after APAP which was mostly mediated by renal impairment and increased both renin activity and aldosterone secretion. Pretreatment with NSO produced significant normalization of physiological parameters as well as suppression of structural changes. In conclusion, measurement of urinary biomarkers can be considered a powerful tool for early screening of renal injury and alteration of ABP after APAP treatment. Concomitant administration of NSO can counterbalance these detrimental effects (AU)