Treatment of detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia using ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral botulinum toxin a injection in men with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the external urethral sphincter (EUS) for treating detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Hospital rehabilitation department. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=15; mean age, 40.5y; range, 22-64y) with suprasacral SCI with confirmed DESD determined by urodynamic study. INTERVENTIONS: A single dose of 100U BTX-A was injected into the EUS via transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal detrusor pressure, detrusor leak point pressure, maximal pressure on static urethral pressure profilometry, postvoid residual volume, and maximal flow rate. RESULTS: After BTX-A transurethral injection, 4 (28.5%) patients showed an excellent result and 7 (46.7%) patients showed an improved result, whereas 4 (28.5%) patients experienced treatment failure. The overall success rate was 75.2%. We observed a significant decrease in static urethral pressure (P<.05) and detrusor leak point pressure after treatment (P<.05), but not in detrusor pressure. The postvoid residual volume were significantly decreased in the fourth week after treatment (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral BTX-A injection into the EUS effectively suppresses or ameliorates DESD. A potential advantage of the method is that ultrasound guidance may not be necessary in the next injection.

Graph modeling of relational structures among functioning variables with low back pain: an exploratory analysis based on international classification of functioning, disability and health.

BACKGROUND: Given the complex etiology, multidimensional impact, and widespread prevalence of low back pain (LBP), it is crucial to prioritize intervention targets based on understanding the relationships between functional impairments in patients. This prioritization maximizes the physical and psychological benefits for patients, and graph modeling holds promise in achieving these objectives. AIM: The aim of this study was establishing a graphical model of functioning variables for LBP based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to identify the most influential items (i.e., functioning variables) on the physical and mental well-being of patients. Exploring feasible intervention measures by understanding the dysfunction correlations among these variables. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Nine hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. POPULATION: Three hundred and six persons with LBP aged ≥18 years. METHODS: All patients were assessed using the Comprehensive ICF Core Sets for LBP. The scoring system was converted to dichotomous data, with 1 indicating dysfunction and 0 indicating no dysfunction. In the graphical model, network parameters and the results of Item Response Theory modeling (as detailed in our other article) were used to determine the importance of items, while partial correlations were utilized to estimate the dysfunction correlations between functioning variables. RESULTS: 1) A total of 56 ICF items were located in the backbone structure of LBP, among which d430 (Lifting and carrying objects) occupied the most central position, followed by b126 (Temperament and personality functions). 2) In the main component of backbone structure, d430 has moderate dysfunction correlation with looking after one's health (0.6027), social norms, practices and ideologies (0.597), stability of joint functions (0.5759), and emotional functions (0.4078). b126 has moderate dysfunction correlation with basic interpersonal interactions (0.6595). CONCLUSIONS: d430 and b126 significantly impact the physical and mental well-being of LBP patients. To improve d430, maintaining exercise habits, reducing working hours, enhancing lumbar stability, and overcoming fear-related emotions are recommended. Similarly, improving b126 can be achieved through enhancing interpersonal relationships. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Through the identification of crucial functioning variables and the associated dysfunctional correlation relationships, graphical model of Comprehensive ICF Core Set for LBP can offer healthcare decision-makers valuable insights into potential treatment targets and pathways aimed at improving the condition of LBP patients.

Effects of extracorporeal diaphragm pacing combined with inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function in people with stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of external diaphragmatic pacing (EDP) combined with inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function in post-stroke patients. METHODS: Patients with stroke were enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in China between 2021 and 2022. The patients were randomized into an EDP treatment group (control group) or an EDP treatment plus inspiratory muscle training group (experimental group). Each therapy was administered once a day for 6 days per week. The peak inspiratory flow (PIF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC% ratio, and diaphragm thickness and mobility were measured and compared between the two groups after 4 weeks. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of intervention, respiratory muscle function indicators including PIF (95% CI: 0.21-1.28, p = 0.008) and MIP (95% CI: 6.92-25.44, p = 0.001) significantly improved in the experimental group. Diaphragmatic thickness also significantly increased in the experimental group (p < 0.05), while diaphragmatic excursion showed no significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, FVC (95% CI: 0.14-1.14, p = 0.013) and FEV1 (95% CI: 0.20-1.06, p = 0.005) demonstrated a significant increase in the experimental group, whereas FEV1/FVC% (95% CI: -0.84 to 9.36, p = 0.099) exhibited no significant group difference. CONCLUSION: EDP combined with inspiratory muscle training in individuals with stroke provides greater benefits than EDP alone in terms of respiratory function recovery, except for the parameters of diaphragmatic excursion and FEV1/FVC%.

1,4-Di-bromo-2,5-di-p-toluoyl-benzene.

In the title compound, C22H16Br2O2, which has approximate non-crystallographic inversion symmetry, the dihedral angles between the central ring and the pendant rings are 89.1 (4) and 82.4 (3)°; the dihedral angle between the pendant rings is 12.1 (4)°. In the crystal, the packing is influenced by van der Waals forces and no aromatic π-π stacking is observed.

4-Di-phenyl-phosphanyl-8-methyl-1,5-naphthyridine.

In the title compound, C21H17N2P, the dihedral angles between the 1,5-naphthyridine ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 Å) and the phenyl rings are 89.18 (8) and 77.39 (8)°. The phenyl rings are almost perpendicular, making a dihedral angle of 88.12 (8)°. The only possible inter-molecular inter-action is a very weak aromatic π-π stacking inter-action [centroid-centroid separation = 3.898 (2) Å].

Blue-light-emitting multifunctional triphenylamine-centered starburst quinolines: synthesis, electrochemical and photophysical properties.

A series of triphenylamine-centered starburst quinolines (1a-1g) have been synthesized by Friedländer condensation of the 4,4',4''-triacetyltriphenylamine (2) and 2-aminophenyl ketones (3a-3g) in the presence of catalytic sulfuric acid and characterized well. They are thermally robust with high glass transition temperatures (above 176.4 °C) and decomposition temperatures (above 406 °C). These compounds emit blue fluorescence with λ(max)(Em) ranging from 433 to 446 nm in dilute toluene solution and 461 to 502 nm in the solid-state and have a relatively high efficiency (Φ(u) = 0.98-0.57). 1a-1g have estimated ionization potentials (IP) of 4.54 to 6.45 eV which are significantly near or higher than those of well-known electron transport materials (ETMs), including tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium (Alq(3)) (IP = 5.7-5.9 eV), and previously reported oligoquinolines (IP = 5.53-5.81 eV). Quantum chemical calculations using DFT B3LYP/6-31G* showed the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of -5.05 to -4.81 eV, which is close to the work function of indium tin oxide (ITO). These results demonstrate the potential of 1a-1g as hole-transporting/light-emitting/electron-transport materials and the host-materials of a dopant for hole-injecting for applications in organic light-emitting devices.

Novel multifunctional organic semiconductor materials based on 4,8-substituted 1,5-naphthyridine: synthesis, single crystal structures, opto-electrical properties and quantum chemistry calculation.

A series of 4,8-substituted 1,5-naphthyridines (1a-1h) have been successfully synthesised by a Suzuki cross-coupling between 4,8-dibromo-1,5-naphthyridine (4) and the corresponding boronic acids (2a-2h) in the presence of catalytic palladium acetate in yields of 41.4-75.8% and have ben well characterized. They are thermally robust with high phase transition temperatures (above 186 °C). Compounds 1b, 1e and 1f crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system with the space groups P2(1)/c, P2(1)/c and P2(1)/n, respectively. All of them show the lowest energy absorption bands (λ(max)(Abs): 294-320 nm), revealing low optical band gaps (2.77-3.79 eV). These materials emit blue fluorescence with λ(max)(Em) ranging from 434-521 nm in dilute solution in dichloromethane and 400-501 nm in the solid state. 4,8-Substituted 1,5-naphthyridines 1a-1h have estimated electron affinities (EA) of (2.38-2.72 eV) suitable for electron-transport materials and ionization potentials (IP) of 4.85-5.04 eV facilitate excellent hole-injecting/hole-transport materials properties. Quantum chemical calculations using DFT B3LYP/6-31G* showed nearly identical the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) of -2.39 to -2.19 eV and the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of -5.33 to -6.84 eV. These results demonstrate the 4,8-substituted 1,5-naphthyridines 1a-1h with a simple architecture might be promising blue-emitting (or blue-green-emitting) materials, electron-transport materials and hole-injecting/hole-transport materials for applications for developing high-efficiency OLEDs.

9,9-Dibutyl-9H-fluorene-2-carbonitrile.

The fluorene fragment of the title compound, C(22)H(25)N, is essentially planar, with an r.m.s deviation of the five-membered ring of 0.005 (2) Å. The dihedral angle between this ring and the outer benzene rings are 1.5 (2) and 0.7 (2)° while that between the benzene rings is 2.1 (2)°. The cyano group makes an angle of 0.3 (2)° with the attached benzene ring.

1,5-Bis[(2-meth-oxy-eth-oxy)meth-yl]-1,5-naphthyridine-4,8(1H,5H)-dione.

The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(16)H(22)N(2)O(6), is generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry. The conformation of the N-C-O-C fragment of the side chain is approximately gauche [torsion angle = -74.84 (17)°]. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯O inter-actions link the mol-ecules.

2-(2-Nitro-anilino)benzoic acid.

In the title compound, C(13)H(10)N(2)O(4), the nitro N atom deviates by 0.031 (2) Šfrom the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached. The aromatic rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 50.6 (1)°. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed by pairs of O-H⋯O inter-actions.

2-Cyano-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(5)H(8)N(2)O, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

4-(1-Ethyl-1H-1,3-benzimidazol-2-yl)-N,N-diphenyl-aniline monohydrate.

In the title compound, C(27)H(23)N(3)O·H(2)O, the benzimidazole ring system has an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0071 Šand makes dihedral angles of 34.51 (2), 55.22 (3) and 41.05 (5)° with the central and N-bonded phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, the water mol-ecular is connected to the organic mol-ecule by inter-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds also occur.

2-(2-Chloro-phen-oxy)benzoic acid.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(13)H(9)ClO(3), the mol-ecules form classical O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonded carb-oxy-lic acid dimers. These dimers are linked by C-H⋯π inter-actions into a three-dimensional network. The benzene rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 77.8 (1)°.

1,3-Bis(4-tert-butyl-phen-yl)-4-nitro-butan-1-one.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(24)H(31)NO(3), mol-ecules are connected via C-H⋯O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, forming dimers. The benzene rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 29.8 (1)°.

8-Thia-1,6-diaza-bicyclo-[4.3.0]nonane-7,9-dione.

There are two independent mol-ecules, A and B, in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(6)H(8)N(2)O(2)S. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular S⋯O contacts [3.286 (1) Å] link the B mol-ecules into inversion dimers.

Effects of liandou qingmai recipe (see text) on endothelin-1, nitric oxide, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels in patients with coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of Liandou Qingmai Recipe (see text) on endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 levels in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: Total 101 cases with coronary heart disease were randomly divided into a treatment group (n = 45) treated by Liandou Qingmai Recipe and a standard treatment group (control group, n = 56), with a normal group of 16 health persons set up. Changes of ET-1, NO, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured before treatment and after treatment for two weeks. And the data were analyzed by SPSS 16.0 statistic software. RESULTS: Before treatment, the levels of ET-1, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher and NO was significantly lower in the patients with coronary heart disease than those in the normal group (90.7 +/- 12.7 ng/L vs 41.8 +/- 13.5 ng/L, 9.17 +/- 0.18 ng/L vs 1.10 +/- 0.08 ng/L, 1.94 +/- 0.26 ng/L vs 1.09 +/- 0.06 ng/L, and 92.2 +/- 17.7 micromol/L vs 124.5 +/- 27.2 micromol/L; all P < 0.05), with no significant differences in the levels of ET-1, NO, IL-6 and IL-10 between the treatment group and the control group (P > 0.05); After treatment, ET-1 and IL-6 significantly decreased in the treatment group and the control group, and NO increased in the treatment group; And IL-6 level was significantly lower and NO level was higher in the treatment group than those in the control group (4.48 +/- 1.22 ng/L vs 5.13 +/- 1.85 ng/L, 117.4 +/- 22.3 micromol/L vs 92.4 +/- 17.1 micromol/L; both P < 0.05); There was a positive correlation between IL-6 and IL-10, and a negative correlation between NO and IL-10 (r = 0.142, r = -0.152; both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Liandou Qingmai Recipe can decline IL-6, IL-10 and ET-1 levels, and raise NO level in patients with coronary heart disease on the basis of standard treatment, so as to inhibit endothelial inflammatory response, improve vascular endothelial function, with stronger anti-AS action; And vascular endothelial lesion is related with inflammatory response.

Establishment and evaluation of a nomogram prediction model for recurrence risk of atrial fibrillation patients after radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients after radiofrequency ablation and construction of a targeted nomogram prediction model. METHODS: A prospective cohort study design was used to select 312 patients who were separated into two groups; a recurrence group (n = 79) and a non-recurrence group (n = 233) with or without AF, who underwent radiofrequency ablation for the first time between January 2017 and December 2017, with a completed a 12-month follow-up after surgery. The recurrence of AF within 12 months after follow-up was recorded. The nomogram prediction model was established. The original data were resampled using the Bootstrap method. The recurrence risk after resampling was predicted using a nomogram model. The calibration curve and ROC curve of the nomogram model were established. The predicted calibration degree and discrimination degree of the nomogram model were evaluated with the Hosmer-Lemeshow deviation test and area under the curve. RESULTS: The 12-month follow-up showed that a total of 79 patients (25.32%) had recurrence of AF. The type of AF, sex, gender, disease course, left atrial anteroposterior diameter, left atrial volume, and cardiac function classification were independent risk factors for the recurrence of AF (P < 0.05). After the nomogram prediction model passed the Bootstrap self-sampling 1000 times, Hosmer-Lemeshow deviation test: χ2 = 8.070, P = 0.427; the area under ROC curve was 0.852 (95% CI: 0.806-0.898), the sensitivity was 78.48%, and the specificity was 81.12%, suggesting that the nomogram model has better predictive calibration and discrimination. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate in patients with AF after radiofrequency ablation is high. The nomogram model based on the risk factors of AF recurrence has high prediction accuracy and can be used to predict the recurrence risk of AF in patients after radiofrequency ablation.

1-Meth-oxy-2-methyl-propan-2-aminium 2,2,2-trifluoro-acetate.

In the title salt, C(5)H(14)NO(+)·C(2)F(3)O(2) (-), the cation and anion are linked by N-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.

1,2-Bis(4-ethynylphen-yl)disulfane.

In the title compound, C(16)H(10)S(2), the S atoms are almost coplanar with the benzene rings to which they are bonded [deviations of 0.092 (1) and 0.022 (1) Šfrom their respective ring planes]. The benzene rings enclose a dihedral angle of 79.17 (3)°. An intra-molecular C-H⋯S hydrogen bond results in the formation of a five-membered ring. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are stacked parallel to the a axis direction. π-π inter-actions between benzene rings are present, with a face-to-face stacking distance of 3.622 (10) Å.

(Methyl-enedinitrilo)tetra-acetonitrile.

The mol-ecular structure of the title compound, C(9)H(10)N(6), exhibits four cyano-methyl groups around a central N-CH(2)-N unit. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are connected via inter-molecular C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.