The relationship between the high-risk disordered eating and social network navigation among Saudi college females during the COVID pandemic.

Background: Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are complex health issues that may lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes among college students. More studies should be directed toward the screening of DEBs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DEBs among Saudi female university students and their association with social networking site (SNSs) usage and composite lifestyle behaviors during the unprecedented period of COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 445 females recruited using stratified random sampling. The participants self-reported demographic, social, medical, and lifestyle data and completed the validated Arabic version of the Eating Attitudes Test-26, Social Networking Sites (SNSs) Usage Questionnaire, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and Body Shape Questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of DEBs was 27.2% among the female students at Taif University. From the pre-pandemic period until the current time, the DEBs-risk group had a significantly higher SNS navigation rate (36.4%) than the normal group (20.4%) (X 2 = 30.015, p = 0.001). The regression analysis revealed that females with a significant body image concern, higher number of SNSs friends, and frequent visits to SNSs, and those seeking social-dependent information in relation to weight loss/dieting were more likely to develop DEBs (Overall Model: Chi-Square X 2 = 158.071, p < 0.000**). Conclusions: SNSs usage and DEBs were associated during the COVID-pandemic. However, the composite lifestyle score did not demonstrate a significant association with DEBs among the female students at Taif University. Investigating the magnitude of DEBs and understanding the role of SNS are essential for preventing disordered eating among young females.

Extraction and Evaluation of Corpus Callosum from 2D Brain MRI Slice: A Study with Cuckoo Search Algorithm.

The work proposes a computer-based diagnosis method (CBDM) to delineate and assess the corpus callosum (CC) segment from the 2-dimensional (2D) brain magnetic resonance images (MRI). The proposed CBDM consists of two parts: (1) preprocessing and (2) postprocessing sections. The preprocessing tools have a multithreshold technique with the chaotic cuckoo search (CCS) algorithm and a preferred threshold procedure. The postprocessing employs a delineation process for extracting the CC section. The proposed CBDM finally extracts the vital CC parameters, such as total brain area (TBA) and CC area (CCA) to classify the considered 2D MRI slices into the control and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) groups. This attempt considers the benchmark brain MRI database which includes ABIDE and MIDAS for the experimental investigation. The results obtained with ABIDE dataset are further confirmed against the fuzzy C-means driven level set (FCM + LS) and multiphase level set (MLS) technique and the proposed CBDM with Shannon entropy along with active contour (SE + AC) presented improved result in comparison to the existing methodologies. Further, the performance of CBDM is confirmed on MIDAS and clinical dataset. The experimental outcomes approve that the proposed CBDM extracts the CC section from the 2D MR brain images that have higher accuracy compared to alternative techniques.

Age, Disease Severity and Ethnicity Influence Humoral Responses in a Multi-Ethnic COVID-19 Cohort.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all individuals across the globe in some way. Despite large numbers of reported seroprevalence studies, there remains a limited understanding of how the magnitude and epitope utilization of the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 viral anti-gens varies within populations following natural infection. Here, we designed a quantitative, multi-epitope protein microarray comprising various nucleocapsid protein structural motifs, including two structural domains and three intrinsically disordered regions. Quantitative data from the microarray provided complete differentiation between cases and pre-pandemic controls (100% sensitivity and specificity) in a case-control cohort (n = 100). We then assessed the influence of disease severity, age, and ethnicity on the strength and breadth of the humoral response in a multi-ethnic cohort (n = 138). As expected, patients with severe disease showed significantly higher antibody titers and interestingly also had significantly broader epitope coverage. A significant increase in antibody titer and epitope coverage was observed with increasing age, in both mild and severe disease, which is promising for vaccine efficacy in older individuals. Additionally, we observed significant differences in the breadth and strength of the humoral immune response in relation to ethnicity, which may reflect differences in genetic and lifestyle factors. Furthermore, our data enabled localization of the immuno-dominant epitope to the C-terminal structural domain of the viral nucleocapsid protein in two independent cohorts. Overall, we have designed, validated, and tested an advanced serological assay that enables accurate quantitation of the humoral response post natural infection and that has revealed unexpected differences in the magnitude and epitope utilization within a population.

Exosomes isolated from two different cell lines using three different isolation techniques show variation in physical and molecular characteristics.

Exosomes are the nanoscopic lipid bi-layered extracellular vesicles with the potential to be utilized as targeted therapeutics. In our investigation, we compared three major exosome isolation techniques that were Total Exosome Isolation reagent (TEI), Protein organic solvent precipitation (PROSPR) and differential ultracentrifugation (UC) based on the biophysical and physicochemical characteristics of exosomes isolated from COLO 205 and MCF-7 cancer cell's conditioned media with an aim to select a suitable method for translational studies. 3D image analysis and particle size distribution of exosomes from their HRTEM images depicted the morphological differences. Molecular and analytical characterization of exosomes using western blotting, Raman and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and the multivariate analysis on the spectral data obtained, assessed for better molecular specifications and purity of particle. TEI method isolated exosomes with higher exosomal yield, purity, and recovery directly translatable into drug delivery and targeted therapeutics whereas ultracentrifuge had good recovery of particle morphology but showed particle aggregation and yielded exosomes with smaller mean size. PROSPR technique isolated a mixture of EVs, showed lower protein recovery in PAGE and western blotting but higher spectroscopic protein to lipid ratio and distinguishable EV population in multivariate analysis compared to exosomes isolated by TEI and UC. This comparative study should help in choosing a specific exosome isolation technique required for the objective of downstream applications.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy for management of pediatric nephrolithiasis in upper urinary tract stones: multi-institutional outcomes of efficacy and morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: As the incidence of pediatric nephrolithiasis rises, understanding the efficacy and morbidity of surgical treatment options is critical. Currently, there are limited comparative data assessing shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) outcomes in children. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare stone clearance, 30-day emergency department visits, and the number of general anesthetics required per stone treatment for both modalities. STUDY DESIGN: A multi-institutional retrospective review of children presenting for either URS or SWL between 2000 and 2017 was performed. Stone clearance, need for retreatment, the number of anesthetics, as well as the number and reason for emergency room visit were captured and compared between groups. Multivariate statistical analysis accounting for age, stone location, stone diameter, pre-intervention stent, and provider volume was performed for adjusted analysis. RESULTS: A total of 84 SWL and 175 URS procedures were included. Complete stone clearance and rates of residual stone fragments <4 mm after final procedure for SWL were 77.0% and 90.8% and for URS were 78.5% and 91.7%, respectively. Retreatment rates for both procedures were not significantly different (17.9% SWL vs. 18.9% URS, P = 0.85). Children who underwent SWL had lower rates of emergency room visits for infections (0% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.03) and flank pain (3.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.05) and required fewer general anesthetics per treatment (1.2 vs. 2.0, P < 0.01) than those who underwent URS (Figure). DISCUSSION: Stone clearance after both the initial and final treatments and need for repeat interventions were similar between surgical modalities. However, SWL carries less morbidity than URS. Specifically, patients who underwent SWL experienced lower rates of ED visits for urinary tract infection and for flank pain, parallel to conclusions in current comparative literature. In addition, SWL requires less general anesthetics (2.0 vs. 1.2), secondary to lower rates of ureteral stent placement and removal. Data on the potential risk of general anesthetics to neurodevelopment support thoughtful utilization of these medications. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and the prolonged 20-year time period over which data were collected. CONCLUSIONS: When adjusting for confounders, SWL and URS achieve similar stone clearance. In the setting of equivalent efficacy, considerations regarding necessity of repeat interventions, morbidity of anesthesia, and complications should be integrated into clinical practice.

First principles calculations of the thermodynamic stability of Ba, Zr, and O vacancies in BaZrO3.

The temperature dependence of the stability of bulk BaZrO3 (BZO) and of the vacancies in this material are investigated by considering phonon contributions to the free energy. The stability diagram of BZO is determined for different chemical environments. With increasing temperature the stability region becomes smaller which is particularly caused by the strong temperature dependence of the chemical potential of gaseous oxygen. The free formation energy of Ba, Zr, and O vacancies in BZO is calculated for all possible charge states and for different atomic reservoirs. While the free formation energy of Zr vacancies is strongly influenced by temperature a weaker dependence is found for Ba and O vacancies. This also has an effect on the charge transition levels at different temperatures. The present results demonstrate that O poor reservoir conditions and a Fermi level close to the valence band maximum favour a high concentration of doubly positively charged O vacancies which is a prerequisite to get a large number of protonic defects and good proton conductivity. In such a chemical environment the number of Ba and Zr vacancies is low so that Ba and Zr deficiencies are not an important issue and BZO remains sufficiently stable.

A study of physicians' experiences with recommending HPV vaccines to adolescent boys.

Assessing physicians' experiences in HPV vaccine recommendation and delivery to adolescent boys is essential to providing an understanding of the issues of vaccine acceptance and an insight for policymakers to enhance HPV vaccinations among adolescent boys. Between January and April 2014 a mail survey was conducted using physicians in Malaysia known to provide either one or both HPV vaccine (Gardasil and Cervarix) immunisation services. A total of 357 completed questionnaires were received (response rate 22.5%). Of these, 335 physicians see adolescent boys aged 11 to 18 years old in their practice. Only 26.3% (n = 88) recommended the HPV vaccine to these boys. A total of 46.6% (n = 41) have successfully given the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to the boys (37.2%) and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys (32.8%) were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Impact statement Recommending the HPV vaccine for adolescent boys remains a challenge for physicians. Our study provides evidence of challenges and barriers faced by Malaysian physicians who recommend the HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) in their practices. In this study, physicians reported HPV vaccine uptake by adolescent boys was very poor. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to boys and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Physicians viewed that support and encouragement from the health authorities are needed to promote the recommendation of the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. Physicians were also of the opinion that the lay public should be educated about the availability of the HPV vaccine for boys, and its benefits, safety and efficacy, and the high susceptibility of boys to getting HPV infections. The findings provide insights that could be helpful to policymakers or high-level decision-makers of the potential strategies to enhance HPV uptake among adolescent boys.

Evaluation of a new electrochemical sensor for selective detection of non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide based on hierarchical nanostructures of zirconium molybdate.

The construction and characterization of selective and sensitive non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrochemical sensor based on sphere-like zirconium molybdate (ZrMo2O8) nanostructure are reported for the first time. The sphere-like ZrMo2O8 were prepared via a simple hydrothermal route followed by annealing process. The structural and morphological properties were investigated by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as XRD, Raman, SEM, EDX, TEM, and XPS analysis. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques. The obtained results displayed that the prepared ZrMo2O8 materials hold excellent-crystallinity, well-defined sphere-like formation and demonstrated superior electrochemical properties. Interestingly, the electrochemical H2O2 sensor was constructed based on ZrMo2O8 nanostructure on the glassy carbon electrode exhibited wide linear response ranges, good sensitivity and lower detection limit (LOD). The estimated sensitivity, wide linear ranges and LOD of the fabricated electrochemical sensor was 2.584µAµM-1cm-2, 0.05-523, 543-3053µM and 0.01µM respectively. The proposed sensor had excellent selectivity even in the presence of biologically co-interfering substances such as uric acid, dopamine, ascorbic acid and glucose. This effortless, fast, inexpensive technique for constructing a modified electrode is a gorgeous approach to the growth of new sensors.

A comparative analysis of microgravity and earth grown thermostable T1 lipase crystals using HDPCG apparatus.

Geobacillus zalihae sp. nov., which produces a putative thermostable lipase, represents a novel species, with type strain T1. The characterisation of this intrinsically thermostable T1 lipase either physicochemically or structurally is an important task. The crystallisation of T1lipase in space was carried out using a High-Density Protein Crystal Growth (HDPCG) apparatus with the vapour diffusion method, and X-ray diffraction data were collected. The microgravity environment has improved the size and quality of the crystals as compared to earth grown crystal. The effect of microgravity on the crystallisation of T1 lipase was clearly evidenced by the finer atomic details at 1.35 A resolution. Better electron densities were observed overall compared with the Earth-grown crystals, and comparison shows the subtle but distinct conformations around Na(+) ion binding site stabilized via cation-π interactions. This approach could be useful for solving structure and function of lipases towards exploiting its potentials to various industrial applications.

Effect of direct loading of phytoestrogens into the calcium phosphate scaffold on osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration.

3D porous calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) scaffolds with phytoestrogens were fabricated for osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration through a combination of 3D printing techniques and cement chemistry as a room temperature process. Quercetin, one of the major phytoestrogens isolated from onions and apples, was directly incorporated into CDHA for local administration in place of bisphosphonates (BPs) (which are recognized as standard treatment in osteoporosis), to avoid drug side effects. The CDHA scaffolds with quercetin (QC-CDHA) showed favorable mechanical properties (compressive strength < 21 MPa) as well as pore morphology. Quercetin was steadily released with the biodegradation of CDHA scaffolds in vitro without any initial burst. The QC-CDHA scaffolds greatly influenced both osteoblast and osteoclast cell activities. The QC-CDHA scaffolds significantly increased pre-osteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, whereas osteoclast cell (RANK treated RAW 264.7) proliferation and differentiation were dramatically suppressed. The influence of quercetin on bone tissue regeneration was superior to alendronate, which is one of the most commonly administered BPs. All results indicated that quercetin in CDHA scaffolds plays an important role in both enhancing bone formation and suppressing bone resorption. Consequently, this technology promises great potential in osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration.

Elevated T-wave alternans predicts nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in association with percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

INTRODUCTION: Successful reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can paradoxically elicit temporary vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmia. We examined whether T-wave alternans (TWA) level is correlated with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) incidence in association with PCI in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed continuous 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms in 48 STEMI patients during and after successful primary PCI, achieving Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow. TWA was measured using modified moving average method. Maximum TWA was elevated in patients with (N = 22) compared to without (N = 26) NSVT (75.1 ± 6.3 vs 49.9 ± 3.6 µV, P < 0.005) during the 22-hour monitoring period. TWA ≥ 60µV predicted NSVT with sensitivity of 77%; specificity, 73%; positive predictive value, 71%; and negative predictive value, 79%. Area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87 for maximum TWA in predicting NSVT. By comparison, ST-segment levels did not differ in patients with versus without NSVT and were not predictive (AUC = 0.52). TWA was elevated prior to PCI and remained elevated at 30 minutes after balloon inflation despite restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow in all patients, declining by 22 hours (P < 0.05). Maximum ST-segment levels decreased from before PCI to 30 minutes after balloon inflation. TWA is regionally specific, with higher values prior to PCI in precordial lead V5 than in V1 for left coronary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: TWA may be useful in identifying individuals at heightened risk for arrhythmia in association with primary PCI and can potentially signal time-dependent changes in arrhythmia vulnerability.

Patterns of ectopy leading to increased risk of fatal or near-fatal cardiac arrhythmia in patients with depressed left ventricular function after an acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: To identify potential new markers for assessing the risk of sudden arrhythmic events based on a method that captures features of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in relation to sinus RR intervals in Holter recordings (heartprint). METHODS AND RESULTS: Holter recordings obtained 6 weeks after acute myocardial infarction from 227 patients with reduced ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%) were used to produce heartprints. Measured indices were: PVCs per hour, standard deviation of coupling interval (SDCI), and the number of occurrences of the most prevalent form of PVCs (SNIB). Predictive values, survival analysis, and Cox regression with adjustment for clinical variables were performed based on primary endpoint, defined as an electrocardiogram-documented fatal or near-fatal arrhythmic event, death from any cause, and cardiac death. High ectopy (PVCs per hour ≥10) was a predictor of all endpoints. Repeating forms of PVCs (SNIB ≥ 83) was a predictor of primary endpoint, hazard ratio = 3.5 (1.3-9.5), and all-cause death, hazard ratio = 2.8 (1.1-7.3), but not cardiac death. SDCI ≤ 80 ms was a predictor of all-cause death and cardiac death, but not of primary endpoint. CONCLUSION: High ectopy, prevalence of repeating forms of PVCs, and low coupling interval variability are potentially useful risk markers of fatal or near-fatal arrhythmias after myocardial infarction.

Psidium guajava Linn confers gastro protective effects on rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The best alternatives to synthetic medicines, available, for the treatment of gastric ulcer disorders, are the natural products found in plants. They are known to exhibit a variety of activities. The present study is aimed at the screening of Psidium (P.) guajava Linn for its gastro protective effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methanol extracts of the leaves of P. guajava were tested in three different ulcer models viz. aspirin (ASP), pyloric ligation (PL) and ethanol (EtoH) induced ulcer models in rats. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The treatment of P. guajava at varying doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the gastric lesions induced by ASP (70.5%), PL (65.07%) and EtoH (70.4%) respectively and the potency was found to be equivalent as compared to the standard drug, omeprazole. Reduction in the gastric secretory volume, acid secretion and increased gastric pH were the factors observed in treated rats. The presence of volatile oil, flavonoids and saponins present in the extracts of P. guajava may be responsible for the anti-ulcer property exhibited. CONCLUSIONS: The results further suggest that P. guajava possess gastro protective as well as ulcer healing properties which might also be due to its anti-secretory properties.

Intracardiac QT integral on far-field ICD electrogram predicts sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias in ICD patients.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) could help to guide preventive interventions in at-risk patients. The QRST integral (∫QT) reflects intrinsic repolarization properties. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether intracardiac ∫QT predicts VT/VF in the next few months in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). METHODS: Far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) right ventricular intracardiac electrograms (EGMs) were recorded via telemetry in 46 patients with structural heart disease and ICDs implanted for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Epochs of 4.9 ± 0.4 minutes during sinus rhythm (mean heart rate 70.9 ± 15.2 beats/min) and ventricular pacing at 105 beats/min were analyzed. Mean ∫QT was calculated on FF and NF EGMs as the algebraic sum of areas under the QRST curve and adjusted by mean heart rate. Patients were followed up for at least 3 months. True VT/VF events treated by the ICD served as the end point. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.6 months, 22 patients (48%) were treated for VT/VF. Unadjusted and adjusted by heart rate, FF EGM ∫QT in sinus rhythm was a significant predictor of VT/VF (unadjusted ∫QT hazard ratio 1.007; 95% confidence interval 1.002 to 1.0013; P = .007; adjusted ∫QT hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 2.36; P = .002). The highest quartile of intracardiac ∫QT predicted VT/VF (log-rank test P = .042) and identified patients at risk with a specificity of 86% and positive predictive value of 73%. CONCLUSION: Increased intracardiac FF EGM ∫QT predicts VT/VF in patients with structural heart disease and secondary prevention ICDs.

Short-term variability of repolarization predicts ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in patients with structural heart disease: a comparison with QT variability index.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring arrhythmic risk may improve management of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and prevent ICD shocks. Changes in repolarization duration between subsequent beats quantified as short-term variability (STV) is associated with ventricular arrhythmias in several animal models. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated STV of QT from right ventricular intracardiac ICD electrograms in patients with structural heart disease and compared its predictive value with the QT variability index (QTVI). METHODS: In 233 patients, STV over 60 beats for QT and RR intervals and their ratio was calculated (STV(QT), STV(RR), STV(Ratio), respectively). QTVI was derived from mean and SD of QT and heart rate. Follow-up duration was 26 ± 15 months. Predictive value was determined for sudden arrhythmic death (SAD) defined as sudden cardiac death or fast ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation [CL < 240 ms]. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, STV(Ratio), but not STV(QT) or STV(RR), was predictive of SAD. Hazard ratios for highest quartile STV(Ratio) and QTVI were comparable (STV(Ratio): 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 3.3, P = .038, QTVI: 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.8, P = .010). In a multivariate model, highest quartile STV(Ratio) was predictive of SAD after adjustment for New York Heart Association class, history of ischemia, ICD indication, and use of class I antiarrhythmics (hazard ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4, P < .050). A combined criterion of highest quartile for both STV(Ratio) and QTVI identified patients at highest risk (hazard ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3, P = .005, positive predictive value 38%, negative predictive value 82%). CONCLUSION: STV(Ratio) from ICD electrograms is predictive of SAD. Predictive value is similar for order-based STV(Ratio) and distribution-based QTVI, but the combination of both parameters can further improve results.

Intracardiac electrogram T-wave alternans/variability increases before spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients: a prospective, multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: T-wave alternans (TWA) increases before ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF), suggesting that it may warn of VT/VF in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients. Recently, we described a method for measuring alternans and nonalternans variability (TWA/V) from electrograms (EGMs) stored in implantable cardioverter-defibrillators before VT/VF. The goal of this prospective, multicenter study was to determine whether EGM TWA/V was greater before VT/VF than at baseline. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 63 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients. TWA/V was computed from stored EGMs before spontaneous VT/VF and from sequential windows of 8 pairs of beats using 4 different control recordings: baseline rhythm, rapid pacing at 105 bpm, segments of ambulatory Holter EGMs matched to the time of VT/VF episodes, and EGMs before spontaneous supraventricular tachycardia. During follow-up, 28 patients had 166 episodes of VT/VF. TWA/V was greater before VT/VF (62.9 ± 3.1 µV; n = 28) than during baseline rhythm (12.8 ± 1.8 µV; P < 0.0001; n = 62), during rapid pacing (14.5 ± 2.0 µV; P < 0.0001; n = 52), before supraventricular tachycardia (27.5 ± 6.1 µV; P < 0.0001; n = 9), or during time-matched ambulatory controls (12.3 ± 3.5 µV; P < 0.0001; n = 16). By logistic regression, the odds of VT/VF increased by a factor of 2.2 for each 10-µV increment in TWA/V (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients, EGM TWA/V is greater before spontaneous VT/VF than in control recordings. Future implantable cardioverter-defibrillators that measure EGM TWA/V continuously may warn patients and initiate pacing therapies to prevent VT/VF.

Testicular abscess caused by Salmonella para-typhi.

This case is the first report of a bacteriologically proven testicular abscess in a child caused by Salmonella paratyphi 'A' in Pakistan that clinically simulates a testicular tumour. The case also emphasises that a course of 2 weeks antibiotic is sufficient for testicular abscess if complete surgical debridement is done.

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes containing chelating thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, characterization and catalytic property.

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(EPh(3))(2)(L)] (E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=dibasic terdentate dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazones) have been synthesized from the reaction of thiosemicarbazone ligands with ruthenium(III) precursors, [RuX(3)(EPh(3))(3)] (where E=P, X=Cl; E=As, X=Cl or Br) and [RuBr(3)(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)OH)] in benzene. The compositions of the complexes have been established by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR spectral data. These complexes are paramagnetic and show intense d-d and charge transfer transitions in dichloromethane. The complexes show rhombic EPR spectra at LNT which are typical of low-spin distorted octahedral ruthenium(III) species. All the complexes are redox active and display an irreversible metal centered redox processes. Complex [RuCl(PPh(3))(2)(DHA-PTSC)] (5) was used as catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of isopropanol/KOH and was found to be the active species.

Is surface ECG a useful surrogate for subcutaneous ECG?

BACKGROUND: Surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) have been used as surrogates for subcutaneous ECGs to optimize and evaluate subcutaneous devices, but differences between surface and subcutaneous ECGs remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the correspondence between surface and subcutaneous ECGs in Reveal Plus (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) patients during various maneuvers. METHODS: Surface electrodes were placed over the Reveal electrodes of 48 subjects (23 men, age 60 +/- 14.3 years, body mass index 27 +/- 4.9 kg/m(2), implant time 45 +/- 29 weeks). Surface and subcutaneous ECGs were recorded simultaneously for 30 seconds during rest, isometric myopotential noise (pushing palms together), and artifact-inducing maneuvers (repetitive displacement of device, chest thumping on device, arm flaps, handshake, hallwalk). RESULTS: During rest, subcutaneous and surface ECGs were highly correlated (R = 0.96), had similar R-wave amplitude (487 +/- 40 vs 507 +/- 49 microV, NS), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (13.4 +/- 0.8 vs 13.5 +/- 0.7, NS). During myopotential noise, subcutaneous and surface ECGs were highly correlated (R = 0.91) and had similar SNR (10.0 +/- 0.6 vs 9.7 +/- 0.6, NS). During artifact-inducing maneuvers, subcutaneous and surface ECGs were less correlated (R = 0.82 displacement, 0.84 chest thumping, 0.93 arm flaps, 0.90 handshake, 0.92 hallwalk) with subcutaneous SNR significantly higher than surface (11.4 +/- 0.7 vs 9.9 +/- 0.7 displacement, 11.1 +/- 0.6 vs 8.4 +/- 0.6 chest thumping, 11.5 +/- 0.4 vs 10.3 +/- 0.5 arm flaps, 9.5 +/- 0.4 vs 8.4 +/- 0.4 handshake, 12.0 +/- 0.4 vs 10.0 +/- 0.4 hallwalk, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surface ECGs are adequate surrogates for subcutaneous ECGs in situations free from motion artifacts but not in situations involving movement of the device, surface electrodes, or recording equipment. During artifact-inducing maneuvers, subcutaneous ECGs are of higher quality and less susceptible to artifacts than surface ECGs.

Binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing N(4)O(4) donors and their catalytic oxidation of alcohols.

An interesting series of binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing bis-salophen/bis-naphophen units of the general composition [(EPh(3))(X)Ru-L-Ru(X)(EPh(3))] (where E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=binucleating dianionic tetradentate ligands) have been synthesized and characterized by analytical (elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements), spectral (FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR) and electrochemical methods. These ruthenium(III) complexes have two N(2)O(2) metal binding sites, which are linked to each other with a biphenyl bridge and acts as potential catalyst for oxidation of wide range of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding aldehydes or ketones with moderate to high conversion in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO). The formation of high-valent Ru(V)=O species as a catalytic active intermediate is proposed for the catalytic processes.