Emergency Decompression of Orbital Emphysema, a Sight-Saving Tool in a Patient With Precious Eye.

A woman, 19 years old, with a history of falling from a height with resulting zygomatico-maxillar complex fracture on the right side, a mandibular fracture on the left side for which she underwent repair with plate insertion, and traumatic optic atrophy in her right eye, presented 9 months later with eye facial swelling, proptosis, and acute rapid loss of vision in the left eye. The diagnosis was done immediately aided by radiology assistance and a decision was taken to admit the patient to undergo urgent decompression to save the vision and the patient did recover well. This case presented here and the associated literature review focus on severe orbital emphysema with compressive optic neuropathy and orbital compartment syndrome as a morbidity that can exist with delayed presentation after trauma and not elicited by sneezing or forced blowing, as well as the drastic importance of brisk intervention, to save vision and prevent visual complications if left untreated.

The effect of teriparatide on patients with atypical femur fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are one of the most often used drugs to lower fracture risk in osteoporosis patients; nonetheless, BPs have been linked to atypical femoral fracture (AFF). Teriparatide (TPTD) is a parathyroid hormone analogue and anabolic drug that may accelerate fracture repair. TPTD has been considered as a possible treatment for AFF, particularly those caused by BP use. We evaluate the effect of TPTD on AFF in this systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough search of: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane was conducted on August 2, 2023. Trials evaluating the effect of TPTD on the incidence of: complete bone healing, non-union, early and delayed bone union, progression of incomplete AFF to complete AFF, and time to bone union were included. Using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4, the risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. RESULTS: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. TPTD significantly increased the incidence of early bone union (RR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.13, 1.87], P = 0.004) and time to bone union (MD = -1.56, 95% CI [-2.86, -0.26], P = 0.02) compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in terms of complete bone healing (RR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.99, 1.13], P = 0.12), non-union (RR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.22, 1.04], P = 0.06), and progression of incomplete AFF to complete AFF (RR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.04, 1.97], P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: TPTD is an effective therapy for enhancing and hastening healing following AFF, particularly in postoperative settings. Future large randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or dispute the results.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer: new subtypes, new markers, new targets.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have conflicting roles in the suppression and promotion of cancer. Current research focuses on targeting the undesirable properties of CAFs, while attempting to maintain tumour-suppressive roles. CAFs have been widely associated with primary or secondary therapeutic resistance, and strategies to modify CAF function have therefore largely focussed on their combination with existing therapies. Despite significant progress in preclinical studies, clinical translation of CAF targeted therapies has achieved limited success. Here we will review our emerging understanding of heterogeneous CAF populations in tumour biology and use examples from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to explore why successful clinical targeting of protumourigenic CAF functions remains elusive. Single-cell technologies have allowed the identification of CAF subtypes with a differential impact on prognosis and response to therapy, but currently without clear consensus. Identification and pharmacological targeting of CAF subtypes associated with immunotherapy response offers new hope to expand clinical options for pancreatic cancer. Various CAF subtype markers may represent biomarkers for patient stratification, to obtain enhanced response with existing and emerging combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Thus, CAF subtyping is the next frontier in understanding and exploiting the tumour microenvironment for therapeutic benefit. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Transoral Endoscopic-Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures in Children.

PURPOSE: Extraoral approaches for open reduction and fixation of condylar fractures in children are associated with serious risks of complications, including facial nerve injury, facial scarring, parotid fistula, and auriculotemporal nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of transoral endoscopic-assisted open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures and hardware removal in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective case series. The study included pediatric patients admitted with condylar fractures that were indicated for treatment with open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated with regard to occlusion, mouth opening, lateral and protrusive movement of the mandible, pain, chewing and speech difficulties, and bone healing at the fracture site. Computed tomography images were used to assess the reduction of the fractured segment, the stability of fixation and progress of healing of the condylar fracture at follow-up visits. The same surgical treatment approach was applied to all patients. The data from the study were analyzed for a single group without any comparison to other groups. RESULTS: The technique was used for the treatment of 14 condylar fractures in 12 patients between the ages of 3 to 11 years. A total of 28 transoral endoscopic-assisted approaches to the condylar region either for reduction and internal fixation or hardware removal were applied. The mean operating time was 53.1 (±11.3) minutes for the fracture repair and 20 (±2.6) minutes for hardware removal, respectively. The mean follow-up time of the patients was 17.8 (±2.7) months (median: 18) months. All patients regained stable occlusion, satisfactory mandibular motion, stable fixation, and complete bone healing at the fracture site at the end of their follow-up period. There was no transient of permanent facial nerve or trigeminal nerve injury in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopically assisted transoral approach is a reliable technique for reduction and internal fixation of condylar fracture and hardware removal in pediatric patients. The serious risks of extraoral approaches including facial nerve injury, facial scar, and parotid fistula can be eliminated by using this technique.

Intraventricular hemorrhage prediction in premature neonates in the era of hemodynamics monitoring: a prospective cohort study.

Unstable hemodynamics and prematurity are the main players in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) development. Our objective was to study 8 the use of superior vena cava flow (SVCF), left ventricular output (LVO), and right ventricular output (RVO), and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) Doppler measures in prediction of IVH in the first week of life in preterm infant ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 55NICU of Alexandria University maternity hospital. Of 147 enrolled patients, 132 infants born ≤ 32 weeks GA and birth weight ≤ 1500 g were eligible for- the study. One hundred twenty-seven infants completed the study. Infants were scanned for ACA-RI using transfontanellar ultrasound, and SVCF, LVO, and RVO using functional echocardiography in the first 24 h after birth. Patients had another two scans on DOL3 and 7 to detect IVH development. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased the risk of IVH using logistic regression models with OR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.19-8.39; P = 0.02 and OR, 1.64; 95%Cl, 1.10-2.44; P = 0.02, respectively. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of catastrophic IVH P = 0.025 and 0.023, respectively. Combined use of low SVCF < 55 ml/kg/min and ACA-RI > 0.75 is predictor of IVH with sensitivity 40.8% and 82.1% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: There are strong relations between both low SVCF and high ACA-RI, and IVH development in premature neonates ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g, with more significance towards catastrophic IVH. Admission RSS and LVO are the strongest factors affecting SVCF. Maternal anemia, patent ductus arteriosus size (mm/kg), and capillary refill time were significantly associated with high ACA-RI. These findings help in more understanding of pathophysiological factors affecting central perfusion that might affect the longer term neurodeveopmental outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This work was registered in clinical trial.gv no NCT05050032. WHAT IS KNOWN: •Whether SVCF and RI-ACA can predict IVH in preterm neonates is still debatable. WHAT IS NEW: •Low SVC flow and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of IVH, confirming the role of hypoperfusion-reperfusion cycle in IVH development. The most striking result that combined metrics using the cut-off value of < 41 ml/kg/min for SVCF and > 0.85 for ACA-RI "in the first day of life" can correctly reject the presence of IVH in 98% of patients "during the first week of life."

Implications of an Anatomical Variation of the Infraorbital Nerve in Orbital Floor Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Fractures involving the orbital floor such as blow-out fractures may cause damage to the infraorbital nerve (ION). The integrity and course of the nerve should be evaluated preoperatively in order to prevent from such nerve injuries. The anatomy of the ION can show variations in significant number of patients, which should be taken into account in treatment planning. In this report, the authors present a patient with an isolated fracture of the orbital floor, who had abnormal anatomy of his both IONs. Our treatment approach for this patient is presented along with relevant literature findings.

Intrauterine injection of HCG before embryo transfer: a parallel, double-blind randomized trial.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does intrauterine administration of HCG before embryo transfer improve live birth rate during IVF cycles? DESIGN: A parallel, randomized controlled trial conducted between July 2018 and February 2020. Infertile women (n = 181) scheduled for fresh or vitrified-warmed embryo transfer after IVF carried out for any indication were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either HCG (500 IU in 0.1 ml of tissue culture media) or culture media (0.1 ml of tissue culture media) via intrauterine injection 4 min before embryo transfer. In both groups, an intrauterine insemination catheter was used for administering the medication. Primary outcome was live birth, with ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy as secondary outcomes. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Baseline and cycle characteristics were comparable between the two groups. In the control group, one woman with a confirmed clinical pregnancy was lost to follow-up. Live birth rates were 24% (22/90) in the HCG group versus 19% (17/90) in the control group (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.74 to 2.27). Clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates were 34% versus 26% (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.04) and 24% versus 19% (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.74 to 2.27) in the HCG and the control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine injection of HCG before embryo transfer did not improve live birth rates in women undergoing IVF. As the study was designed to detect a 20% difference between groups, a smaller, clinically important difference could not be ruled out. Treatment outcomes were lower than expected in the control group.

Outcome of selective CT vs. pan-CT scan in elderly trauma patients: A retrospective cohort study in a level 1 trauma center.

PURPOSE: There are currently no clear guidelines for use of pan- or selective CT in elderly trauma patients and this subject matter remains controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of elderly trauma patients in a level 1 trauma centre who required a pan- or selective CT scan on admission. METHODS: The Trauma Audit Research Network database was reviewed to identify eligible patients (≥65 years) over a one-year period, from January 2018 to January 2019. Patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity score, length of hospital stay (LOS), mortality and type of CT scans done were recorded. The inclusion criteria were elderly patients ≥65 years involved in acute trauma setting (less than one day between incident and emergency department presentation and blunt mechanism of injury). Exclusion criteria were patients <65 years, perforating mechanism of injury and patients with delayed presentation more than one day after the incident, and patients who have not got any CT scan at presentation. Statistical analyses were undertaken on SPSS (version 25.0; IBM, New York, USA). RESULTS: In total, 481 patients with the mean age of 80.8 years were evaluated (48.6% male). Among them 232 cases were multiple injuries while 249 were single system injuries. And 235 patients (48.8%) underwent pan-CT in whom 66.8% were multiple injuries; 246 (51.1%) did selective CT scan in whom 69.5% were single system injuries. In multiple injury patients, performing a pan-CT scan on presentation was associated with shorter LOS compared to those who had a selective CT, in which 76.4% patients spent < 21 days in the pan-CT group compared to 16.0% for those investigated by selective CT scan (p < 0.001); and 2.5% spent > 60 days in pan-CT group compared to 64% in selective CT group (p < 0.0001). Performing pan-CT was also associated with lower need to repeat CT (p < 0.01). In patients with a single system injury, no differences were found in LOS or the need to repeat CT if either pan-CT or selective CT were requested. CONCLUSION: We recommend doing pan-CT scan in all elderly patients with multiple system injuries as it decreases the LOS and the need for another CT during hospital stay. No difference in LOS or the need to repeat another CT if pan-CT or selective CT were requested initially in single system injuries. Although age and injury severity score are poor predictors for the need to do pan-CT, the mechanism of injury may be helpful.

Endoscopically Assisted Transoral Gap Arthroplasty of the Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in a Pediatric Patient.

Surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children is often challenging and may result in various complications such as facial nerve injury and visible scar. In this clinical report, the authors present minimally invasive management of a 9-year-old boy with bilateral post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis. The ankylotic TMJs were addressed and gap arthoplasties were performed by endoscopically assisted transoral approach. The risk of facial nerve injury is minimized and facial scar was prevented by avoiding extraoral incision. Mandibular movements in 3 directions were satisfactory at 3rd postoperative month.

Dietary zinc modifies diabetic-induced renal pathology in rats.

This study was conducted to investigate how far dietary zinc (Zn) modifies the histomorphological alterations induced by diabetes in rat kidneys. The animals were divided into negative control group (10 rats). Diabetes was induced in thirty animals by streptozotocin. After confirming diabetes, the animals were divided into three groups (n = 10). Group II served as the positive control group (fed on standard diet), group III was fed on Zn deficient diet, and group IV was fed on Zn supplemented diet. Caspase-3 immune staining was used to estimate the caspase activity. Stereological procedures were used to measure the quantity of the immune stain and the surface area of the Bowman's space. The renal cortices of group II rats revealed apparent widening of Bowman's spaces with few apoptotic figures. The filtration barrier showed thickening of the basement membrane. The proximal convoluted tubules showed patchy loss of the apical microvilli with swollen mitochondria. The distal convoluted tubules revealed area of irregular basal enfolding. The picture was aggravated by Zn deficiency in group III besides areas of cortical interstitial fibrosis. The histopathological alterations were minimal in the cortices of group IV. A significant increase of the Bowman's space surface area in group II and IV while decrease in group III compared with group I. The expression of Caspase-3 density was significantly increased in group II and III compared with group I while in group IV was non significant. In conclusion, dietary Zn modulated renal cortical changes caused by diabetes in rats.

Mobile schwannoma of the thoracolumbar spine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Schwannoma, a benign nerve sheath tumor originating from Schwann cells, can migrate within the spine due to various factors, impacting surgical planning. Unforeseen movement complicates treatment, and it is considered a very rare tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old woman complained of persistent back pain and was examined at a neurosurgery clinic. Initial MRI found a spinal lesion that later moved, leading to two surgeries. The diagnosis was a Schwannoma, confirmed by examining the tissue under a microscope, showing characteristic features of a Schwannoma, specifically Antoni type A with recent hemorrhage. DISCUSSION: Schwannoma, a rare nerve cell tumor, often migrates within the spine due to its lack of attachment within the dura. The tumor's movement can be triggered by various factors like nerve root laxity, pressure changes, body positioning, or medical procedures. A case study discussed a woman with back pain; her tumor migrated between two MRI scans, showcasing a common migration pattern. Lower back pain commonly manifests as a primary symptom in most cases. Imaging techniques such as myelography and intraoperative ultrasound assist in locating and managing these mobile tumors, advocating for their utilization to minimize surgical complications. CONCLUSION: Reported a rare mobile thoracolumbar schwannoma from nerve sheath cells. Its mobility complicates surgery; precise imaging like intraoperative MRI and ultrasound are crucial for localization, preventing complications.

Transoral endoscopic assisted reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar neck fractures with short condylar segment.

This study aimed to assess the reliability and safety of transoral endoscopic-assisted reduction internal fixation (TERIF) for treating short-segment condylar neck fractures (CNF), including hardware removal. Patients with displaced CNF and short condylar segments treated using TERIF were included in the study. Clinical evaluation covered dental occlusion, range of mouth opening, deviation during mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, pain, and chewing. Radiological evaluation was used to assess fracture displacement, angulation, head dislocation, postoperative reduction, fixation stability, and bone healing. The same technique was used to treat 15 patients with 18 CNF and short condylar segments. Hardware removal was performed for nine fractures in eight patients after fracture healing using the same approach. All patients regained satisfactory, pain-free mouth opening with no deviation and complete bone healing. Computed tomographic images displayed adequate reduction and stable fixation during the follow-up period for all patients. No temporary or permanent facial nerve impairment occurred in any of the patients. TERIF is a reliable and safe treatment for CNF with short condylar segments, even in the presence of head dislocation, medial override, and malunited fractures; hardware can be safely removed after healing using the same approach.

Late Frontal Bone Reconstruction Using Three-Dimensional Printed Models for Titanium Mesh Customization: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The convex frontal bone is covered by thin skin, rendering its reconstruction cosmetically challenging. Customized alloplastic implants provide better contouring than autologous bone, yet their high cost and availability limit their application. We assess customized titanium mesh implants precontoured using patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed models for late frontal cranioplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected cases of unilateral frontal titanium mesh cranioplasty with 3D printing-assisted preplanning from 2017 to 2019. We used two 3D-printed patient-specific skull models for preoperative planning: a mirrored normal model for implant contouring and a defect model for edge trimming and fixation planning. The endoscope was used in 4 cases for percutaneous mesh fixation. We documented postoperative complications. We assessed the reconstruction symmetry clinically, and radiologically on postoperative computed tomography. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. The duration after previous surgery ranged from 8 to 24 months. Four patients developed complications, which were managed conservatively. Favorable cosmetic outcomes were achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Precontouring of titanium mesh implants using in-house 3D-printed models could optimize cosmetic and surgical outcomes in late frontal cranioplasty. Preoperative planning could permit minimal access surgery, which could be aided by the endoscope in select cases.

The Impact of Bilastine on Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are immunological exaggerations with symptoms that may interfere with life quality. Bilastine, a novel oral second-generation H-1 antihistamine, is highly selective to H-1 receptors and has anti inflammatory properties. The present evidence regarding the drug efficacy is inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilastine compared with the placebo and other active antihistamines in patients who complained either from AR or chronic urticaria. METHODS: We systematically searched the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating bilastine effects on symptomatic hyper histaminic allergic conditions. We collected data on total symptoms scores (TSS), total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), discomfort associated with these allergic conditions measured by visual analog score (VAS), and quality of life (QOL) for AR and urticaria. Other outcomes such as clinical global impression and safety profiles were reported as well. We pooled the studies in a random effect model using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: We included 9 RCTs comprising 3801 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that bilastine was superior to placebo, improving TSS, TNSS, VAS, and QOL in AR or chronic urticaria participants. Moreover, the bilastine was comparable to active antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine regarding mentioned outcomes. In addition, the novel drug was safe and tolerable with no difference in the incidence of adverse events with a placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Bilastine safely improved TSS in hyper histaminic allergic conditions involving nasal symptoms in AR. It decreases the discomfort associated with the disease resulting in improving the QOL of the participants.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation, Single-Point Resistance Study, and Radiosterilization of Novel Pyrazole Incorporating Thiazol-4-one/Thiophene Derivatives as Dual DNA Gyrase and DHFR Inhibitors against MDR Pathogens.

A series of thiazol-4-one/thiophene-bearing pyrazole derivatives as pharmacologically attractive cores were initially synthesized using a hybridization approach. All structures were confirmed using spectra analysis techniques (IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR). In vitro antimicrobial activities, including the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC), and time-kill assay, were evaluated for the most active derivatives 4a, 5a, 7b, 10, and 13. These derivatives were significantly active against the tested pathogens, with compound 7b as the most active derivative (MIC values range from 0.22 to 0.25 µg/mL). In the MBC and MFC, the active target pyrazole derivatives showed -cidal activities toward the pathogenic isolates. Further, the inhibition of biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was also carried out. Additionally, these derivatives displayed significant antibiofilm potential with a superior % reduction in the biofilm formation compared with Ciprofloxacin. The target derivatives behaved synergistically with Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole, reducing their MICs. Hemolytic results revealed that these derivatives were nontoxic with a significantly low hemolytic activity (%lysis range from 3.23 to 15.22%) compared with Triton X-100 and showed noncytotoxicity activity with IC50 values > 60 µM. In addition, these derivatives proved to be active DNA gyrase and DHFR inhibitors with IC50 ranging between 12.27-31.64 and 0.52-2.67 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 7b showed bactericidal activity at different concentrations in the time-kill assay. Moreover, a gamma radiation dose of 10.0 kGy was efficient for sterilizing compound 7b and enhancing its antimicrobial activity. Finally, molecular docking simulation of the most promising derivatives exhibited good binding energy with different interactions.

Treatment of genotype 4 hepatitis C recurring after liver transplantation using a combination of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is universal and tends to be more aggressive. Data on post-transplant HCV genotype 4 treatment is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN) in combination with ribavirin in the treatment of recurrent HCV genotype 4 after LT. METHODS: Twenty-five patients infected with HCV genotype 4 were treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2a at a dose of 180 µg/week in addition to 800 mg/day of ribavirin (the dose was adjusted within the tolerated range of 400-1,200 mg). Pretreatment liver biopsies were obtained from all patients. Biochemical and virological markers were assessed before, during, and after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (88%) achieved an early virological response (EVR) (12 patients tested negative for HCV-RNA). Fifteen (60%) and 14 patients (56%) achieved an end of treatment virological response (ETVR) and a sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Five patients had advanced pretreatment liver fibrosis. Pretreatment ALT was elevated in 24 patients (96%). The most common adverse effects were flu-like symptoms and cytopenia. Eighteen patients (72%) required erythropoietin alpha and/or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor as a supportive measure. One patient developed severe rejection complicated by sepsis, renal failure, and death. Other adverse effects included depression, mild rejection, impotence, itching, and vitiligo. CONCLUSIONS: Post-transplant treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin achieved SVR in 56% of liver transplant recipients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. The combination was relatively safe and exhibited a low rate of treatment withdrawal.

Studying the Effect of High Substrate Temperature on the Microstructure of Vacuum Evaporated TAPC: C60 Organic Solar Thin Films.

Organic solar cells (OSCs), also known as organic photovoltaics (OPVs), are an emerging solar cell technology composed of carbon-based, organic molecules, which convert energy from the sun into electricity. Key for their performance is the microstructure of the light-absorbing organic bulk heterojunction. To study this, organic solar films composed of both fullerene C60 as electron acceptor and different mole percentages of di-[4-(N,N-di-p-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]-cyclohexane (TAPC) as electron donor were evaporated in vacuum in different mixing ratios (5, 50 and 95 mol%) on an ITO-coated glass substrate held at room temperature and at 110 °C. The microstructure of the C60: TAPC heterojunction was studied by grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering to understand the effect of substrate heating. By increasing the substrate temperature from ambient to 110 °C, it was found that no significant change was observed in the crystal size for the C60: TAPC concentrations investigated in this study. In addition to the variation done in the substrate temperature, the variation of the mole percent of the donor (TAPC) was studied to conclude the effect of both the substrate temperature and the donor concentration on the microstructure of the OSC films. Bragg peaks were attributed to C60 in the pure C60 sample and in the blend with low donor mole percentage (5%), but the C60 peaks became nondiscernible when the donor mole percentage was increased to 50% and above, showing that TAPC interrupted the formation of C60 crystals.

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus genotype-4 infection following orthotopic liver transplantation: natural history and predictors of outcome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few reports on hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4) recurrences after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Therefore, we undertook a study to determine the epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of patients with biopsy-proven recurrent HCV infection and analyzed the factors that influence recurrent disease severity. We also compared disease recurrence and outcomes between HCV-4 and other genotypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent OLT (locally or abroad) for HCV related hepatic cirrrhosis from 1991 to 2006 and had recurrent HCV infection were identified. Clinical, laboratory and pathological data before and after OLT were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 116 patients who underwent OLT for hepatitis C, 46 (39.7%) patients satisfied the criteria of recurrrent hepatitis C. Twenty-nine (63%) patients were infected with HCV genotype 4. Mean (SD) for age was 54.9 (10.9) years. Nineteen of the HCV genotype 4 patients (65.5%) were males, 21 (72.4%) received deceased donor grafts, and 7 (24.1%) developed > or =1 acute rejection episodes. Pathologically, 7 (24.1%) and 4 (13.8%) patients had inflammation grade 3-4 and fibrosis stage 3-4, respectively. Follow-up biopsy in 9 (31%) HCV genotype 4 patients showed stable, worse and improved fibrosis stage in 5, 2 and 2 patients, respectively. Of the 7 patients in the recurrent HCV group who died, 6 were infected with genotype 4 and 4 of them died of HCV-related disease. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that HCV recurrence following OLT in HCV-4 patients is not significantly different from its recurrence for other genotypes.

Attenuation of lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation by ascorbic acid in rats: Histopathological and ultrastructural study.

INTRODUCTION: Lipopolysaccharide is a bacterial endotoxin that induces acute lung injury in experimental animals, which is similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome in humans. The induced tissue trauma ends in fibrosis. Understanding the pathogenesis is important in the prevention and treatment of the complications. This study was assigned to investigate the long-term lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury and the postulated protective effect of ascorbic acid on these changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I was the controls, group II received lipopolysaccharide and group III received lipopolysaccharide and ascorbic acid. After 30 days of starting treatment, lung tissue samples were obtained. RESULTS: Group II lung tissues showed marked thickening of the alveolar septa with collapsed alveolar sacs, detached bronchial epithelium, inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive deposition of collagen. Group III showed mild thickening of the alveolar walls, scanty inflammatory cell infiltration, mild parabronchial fibrosis and less marked collagen deposition. α-Smooth muscle actin staining of group II showed marked expression of the actin-positive cells. Less potential expression of the dye was found in group III. Ultrastructural examination of group II showed evident structural changes in pneumocytes with capillary basement membrane irregularity and interruption compared to uniform basement membrane in group III with less prominent intracellular changes in pneumocytes. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid attenuated the inflammatory response and fibrosis in the lungs of rats treated with lipopolysaccharide as evidenced by the histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies.

Sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin in reducing bleeding during and after cesarean delivery: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy of sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin in reducing bleeding during and after cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial conducted on 120 pregnant women at term (37-40 weeks) gestation scheduled for elective cesarean delivery, who were assigned to either sublingual misoprostol 400 µg or intravenous infusion of 20 units of oxytocin after delivery of the neonate. The main outcome measures were blood loss at and 2 hours after cesarean delivery, change in hematocrit value, need for any additional oxytocic drugs, and drug-related side effects. RESULTS: The overall mean blood loss was significantly lower in the misoprostol group compared to the oxytocin group (490.75 ± 159.90 mL vs. 601.08 ± 299.49 mL; p = 0.025). However, changes in hematocrit level (pre- and postpartum) was comparable between both groups. There was a need for additional oxytocic therapy in 16.7% and 23.3% after use of misoprostol and oxytocin, respectively (p = 0.361). Incidence of side effects such as shivering and metallic taste were significantly higher in the misoprostol group compared to the oxytocin group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual misoprostol is more effective than intravenous infusion of oxytocin in reducing blood loss during and after cesarean delivery. However, occurrence of temporary side effects such as shivering and metallic taste was more frequent with the use of misoprostol.