Photocatalytic decolourization of Rhodamine-B dye by visible light active ZIF-8/BiFeO3 composite.

In this work, preparation of ZIF-8 supported BiFeO3 photocatalyst by ultrasound cavitation technique was reported. The synthesized materials were characterized using solid UV absorption spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and SEM. The catalytic function of synthesized photocatalyst under ultraviolet and visible light was examined for the decolourization of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dye. To understand the action of the photocatalyst on Rh-B decolorization, the influence of different operating parameters such as wt% of ZIF-8 in composite, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, and source of light was examined. The obtained results show that 40.7 wt% of ZIF-8/BiFeO3 composite exhibited the highest possible photocatalytic behaviour against decolorization of Rh-B dye. The acidic pH of the solution had shown greater effectiveness in removing Rh-B dye. The tests and study demonstrate that the hybrid ZIF-8/BiFeO3 has a stronger photocatalytic activity for decolorization of the Rh-B dye relative to the ZIF-8 MOF and BiFeO3. The synthesized ZIF-8/BiFeO3 demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic behaviour in the presence of ultraviolet and visible light towards the removal of Rh-B dye from the aqueous media.

Diagnostic determination by diffusion tensor imaging of neural axon injury between the 2 hemispheres following traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external mechanical force to the head resulting in alteration of brain function. However, the injury to neural tracts and the connections between them is difficult to diagnose using traditional imaging techniques. A 54-year-old woman visited our clinic because of insufficient coordination of her body. Her personal history included severe TBI with a 10-day coma medically treated 10 years previously. She presented with memory impairment and insufficient coordination of her body, suggesting post-concussion syndrome. Her Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 and the strength testing result was 5/5 for both sides; however, she could not walk. She had been examined at many medical centers, but without a diagnosis of her condition. She was scanned using morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which detected a significant reduction in the corpus callosum. MRI-diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the white matter of the right temporal lobe and the corpus callosum. FA reflects the degree of anisotropy of water molecules. The decrease in FA in the corpus callosum indicated loss of connection between the 2 hemispheres. MRI tractography was used to describe the number of neural tracts in the corpus callosum. MRI-DTI and MRI tractography served as powerful diagnostic tools, providing imaging results that offered an explanation for our patient's clinical picture.

Cross-circulation thrombectomy for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion through a posterior communicating artery: a case report.

Background: Two concurrent instances of acute large vessel occlusion identified in two circulation systems is rare and associated with poor clinical outcomes. The complex vascular anatomy and chronic lesions involving extracranial or intracranial vessels may make classical anterograde approaches through parent vessels quite challenging. Besides, the effective treatment is required complicated and risky endovascular techniques. The cross-circulation approach, which consists of primary catheterization of the target artery from the contralateral side or the opposite cerebral circulation system, provides an alternative endovascular route when anterograde intervention is not feasible. This approach helps to save time, enhance the efficiency, and improve the clinical prognosis of the patient. However, cross-circulation approaches are also associated with potential risks, such as long procedure times (puncture to recanalization), hemorrhagic complications, and thromboembolic events in unaffected arterial territories. We report the rare clinical case resolved by applying a posterior-to-anterior mechanical thrombectomy technique with intermediate catheter assistance. Case Description: A 67-year-old woman presented with basilar artery and right middle cerebral artery occlusion and underwent simultaneous mechanical thrombectomy of both occluded intracranial arteries. Antegrade access to the right middle cerebral artery thrombus was prevented by the discovery of a chronic occlusion in the right carotid artery. Cross-circulation thrombectomy via the right posterior communicating artery was performed successfully. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that cross-circulation stroke treatment may be beneficial in cases with chronic occlusion or complex vascular anatomies.

Recurrent head and neck arteriovenous malformations: A case report.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations are rare, congenital, and high-flow vascular malformations characterized by abnormal communication between feeding arteries and draining veins without intervening capillaries. Arteriovenous malformations are considered the most dangerous type of vascular malformation because progressive symptoms and infiltration can result in potentially life-threatening consequences. Left untreated, arteriovenous malformations can cause significant cosmetic deformities, severe bleeding, and high-output cardiac failure associated with arteriovenous shunting. The effective treatment of arteriovenous malformations located in the head and neck region is quite challenging due to high rates of recurrence and potentially lethal complications. We describe a case presenting with large arteriovenous malformations in the face and neck. Despite attempting several treatments, including external carotid artery ligation and embolization with liquid embolic agents, the patient continued to experience recurrence and symptoms of bleeding and pain. After admission, reconstructive plastic surgery was performed, supplemented by percutaneous direct puncture embolization, using glue injected into the venous and transarterial embolization. The patient was discharged with clinical recovery. Digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard for assessing symptomatic and aggressive arteriovenous malformations, both before and after treatment. The treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations often requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best clinical results.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient: A case report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); it has recently been associated with several hematologic disorders. A 4-year-old boy who had SARS-CoV-2 10 months prior was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with seizures. His SARS-CoV-2 IgG II level was 885.7 AU/mL. Neuroimaging with cranial computed tomography after admission showed abnormal images of the venous sinus, but this was not sufficient to diagnose cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography were conducted, which confirmed the diagnosis. He was treated with thrombectomy and anticoagulation drugs, and the clinical outcomes were satisfactory. Because our patient had a medical history of SARS-CoV-2 and exhibited no other risk factors, we present this case as evidence of a potential association between cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and SARS-CoV-2.

Giant coronary artery fistula: A case report.

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are abnormal connections of coronary arteries where venous circuits bypass the normal capillaries in the myocardium. CAFs are rare, and most patients are asymptomatic. However, CAFs are the most common coronary artery anomalies affecting coronary hemodynamics. While most CAFs are asymptomatic in young patients, symptoms and complications become more frequent with increasing age. CAFs are characterized by variable clinical manifestations based on their size, origin, and drainage site. We describe a 35-year-old woman presenting with the shortness of breath after walking. Despite attempting medical treatment, the patient continued to experience dyspnea, fatigue, fainting the and chest pain episodes. After admission, cardiac imaging was immediately performed and recorded symptomatic CAFs. Percutaneous transcatheter closure treatment was indicated. The patient was discharged with clinical recovery. The treatment of symptomatic CAFs often requires the clear cardiac imaging and endovascular approach to achieve the best clinical results.

Successful thrombectomy of top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion - difficult to detect in clinical practice: A case report.

Top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion frequently causes infarction of the midbrain, thalamus, and portions of the temporal and occipital lobes as the vascular supply of these regions comes from the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arterial tributaries of the basilar artery. Clinical signs include an array of visual, oculomotor, and behavioral abnormalities, usually without prominent motor dysfunction, which makes diagnosis challenging for those inexperienced with these sign. We describe a 59-year-old male presenting with acute ischemic stroke due to top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion. Despite attempting several paraclinical examinations relating the sudden coma with Glasgow Coma Scale of 6 points, the neuroimaging detected the large vessel occlusion that was difficult to recognize. After confirming top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion, the recanalization was realized immediately. The patient was discharged with good clinical recovery.

A Complicated Case Report of Coronary Artery Fistula.

Background: Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), also, known as coronary arteriovenous malformation, are aberrant connections between coronary arteries and other structures, such as other artery branches or heart chambers. CAFs are infrequent and asymptomatic in young patients, but symptoms and complications become more frequent with age. CAFs can affect hemodynamic parameters and lead to complications, such as myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, and infective endocarditis. Objective: The aim of this article was to present a typical CAF case with severe symptoms who underwent successful embolization to resolve their symptoms. Case presentation: A 50-year-old Vietnamese male visited our cardiac outpatient clinic (S.I.S General Hospital, Can Tho, Vietnam) because of exertional dyspnea and chest pain. Signs of congestive heart failure and abnormal murmur were not presented on chest auscultation. Diagnostic digital subtraction angiography was performed to determine the detailed angioarchitecture of the CAF, revealing a fistulous connection between the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the LV chamber through an aneurysm. In addition, the RCA measured 7 mm in diameter with a fistula (16 × 9 mm) draining into an aneurysm and then terminating into the LV chamber. The patient had an RCA aneurysm with a fistula into the LV. It was treated successfully by closing the fistula with a vascular plug. Access to the fistula was complex and difficult because of complications due to the CAF. After the procedure, the patient had no chest pain or shortness of breath and was discharged after three days. After six months, he was taking dual antiplatelet therapy and antihypertensive medications and felt better. We performed contrast computed tomography (CT) to examine the fistula after a year, which showed the successful closure of the fistula without any relevant alteration in the coronary artery. Conclusion: CAF closure is indicated if patients have symptoms or secondary complications, and percutaneous closure is a safe and effective method to manage CAF. A CAF is rare and does not have specific symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Most patients are asymptomatic and have serious recent complications. Currently, the percutaneous transcatheter method is popular because it is noninvasive and successful in most patients.

A rare case of fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm.

Aneurysms in the posterior circulation and distal sites are more common among the pediatric population than among adults, with a male predominance. Symptoms of an aneurysm in the posterior circulation can include a stiff neck or severe headache due to a ruptured aneurysm, whereas an unruptured aneurysm can cause mass effects or neurological deficits. However, in children, the complete occlusion of the aneurysm while preserving the flow of the main artery can be difficult to achieve when attempting a stent-assisted coil embolization technique. A 25-month-old girl presented with left hemiparesis and was diagnosed with a basilar artery aneurysm 10 months prior, but she did not receive any specific treatment. No history of trauma and no significant familial history were recorded. Angiography showed a fusiform aneurysm on the basilar artery trunk, which was successfully occluded using stent-assisted coiling following dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin. She was discharged with the complete restoration of motor deficits.

Transcervical approach for carotid artery stenting without flow reversal: A case report.

Current treatment options for high-risk patients with severe carotid artery stenosis include transcarotid artery revascularization, transfemoral carotid artery stenting, and carotid endarterectomy. Transfemoral carotid artery stenting is associated with high perioperative stroke risk, and recent studies and trials have identified transcarotid artery revascularization as a new technique able to minimize the stroke risk associated with high-risk procedures. Moreover, the transcervical approach allows easy access to the carotid artery in cases with an anatomically tortuous aortic arch. Therefore, determining the optimal approach to achieve arterial access during carotid stenting is important for successful procedures and positive outcomes. We report a clinical case of ischemic stroke due to severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery indicated for stent deployment. After transfemoral carotid artery stenting failure, the patient's symptoms progressed from minor stroke to hemiplegia and Broca's aphasia. The transcervical approach was used to perform transcarotid artery revascularization after several days. The procedure was both safe and prevented recurrent stroke occurrence. Although transfemoral access is the classic approach used for carotid stenting, the transcervical approach can be used as an alternative and safe choice in cases with complex vascular anatomy, such as the one described here.

Correlation of Chest X-Ray Scores in SARS-CoV-2 Patients With the Clinical Severity Classification and the Quick COVID-19 Severity Index.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the role of chest X-ray (CXR) scoring methods and their correlations with the clinical severity categories and the Quick COVID-19 Severity Index (qCSI). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 159 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed and treated at the University Medical Center between July and September 2021. Chest X-ray findings were evaluated, and severity scores were calculated using the modified CXR (mCXR), Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE), and Brixia scoring systems. The three scores were then compared to the clinical severity categories and the qCSI using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results Overall, 159 patients (63 males and 96 females) (mean age: 58.3 ± 15.7 years) were included. The correlation coefficients between the mCXR score and the Brixia and RALE scores were 0.9438 and 0.9450, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the RALE and Brixia scores was marginally higher, at 0.9625. The correlation coefficients between the qCSI and the Brixia, RALE, and mCXR scores were 0.7298, 0.7408, and 0.7156, respectively. The significant difference in the mean values of the three CXR scores between asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical groups was also noted. Conclusions There were strong correlations between the three CXR scores and the clinical severity classification and the qCSI.