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Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To compare the primary patency and restenosis rates in treatment naieve dialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) after drug-coated balloons (DCB) versus plain balloon... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Drug-coated balloons versus conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for treatment-naïve dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas.: A 10-year single center retrospective study.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the primary patency and restenosis rates in treatment naieve dialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) after drug-coated balloons (DCB) versus plain balloon angioplasty (PTA).
METHODS
This retrospective study included 157 patients who underwent AVF angioplasty for treatment-native AVF stenosis between January 2012 to 2022. The fistulas were Brachiocephalic (75%), Brachiobasilic (17%), and radiocephalic (8%). The index intervention was with either DCB or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with subsequent follow up. Patients with central venous stenosis, thrombosed fistula, fistula stents, AV graft or surgical intervention after the index procedure were excluded.
RESULTS
Arteriovenous fistula angioplasty was done in 28 patients using DCB and in 129 patients using PTA. A total of 108 patients presented with a single stenosis, 42 with 2 stenoses, and 7 with 3 stenoses. The location of these stenoses was in the venous outflow (57%), the juxta anastomotic segment (31%), and cephalic arch (12%). The median time to re-intervention for the PTA was 216 days compared to 304 days for the DCB (=0.079). Primary patency at 6 months was 60.4% for PTA and 75% for DCB (=0.141) CONCLUSION: Although DCB angioplasty of treatmentnaïve dysfunctional AVF tends to improve the time to intervention and 6-month primary patency compared to PTA, this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Aged; Vascular Patency; Renal Dialysis; Adult; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Graft Occlusion, Vascular
PubMed: 38955442
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20230852 -
Redox Biology Jun 2024Tumor metabolic reprogramming requires high levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to maintain treatment resistance, which poses major challenges to chemotherapy and...
Tumor metabolic reprogramming requires high levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to maintain treatment resistance, which poses major challenges to chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Especially, high levels of ATP promote copper ion efflux for limiting the curative effect of cuproptosis. Here, an HS-responsive mesoporous CuCl(OH)-loading chemotherapeutic cisplatin (CDDP) was synthesized, and the final nanoparticle, CDDP@CuCl(OH)-CDs (CDCuCDs), was encapsulated by electrostatic action with carbon dots (CDs). CDCuCDs reacted with overproduction HS in colon tumor to produce photothermic copper sulfide for photothermal therapy. CDDP was released by lysis to achieve chemotherapeutic effects. Importantly, CDDP elevated HO levels in cells through a cascade reaction and continuously transforms HO into highly cytotoxic •OH through chemodynamic therapy between HO and Cu, which enables nanoparticles to generate •OH and improve the chemotherapeutic efficacy. Highly toxic •OH disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, prohibiting it from performing normal energy-supplying functions. Down-regulated ATP inhibits heat shock protein expression, which promotes the therapeutic effect of mild photothermal therapy and reduces the efflux of intracellular copper ions, thus improving the therapeutic effect of cuproptosis. Our research provides a potential therapeutic strategy using overproduction HS responses in tumors, allowing tumor microenvironment-activated •OH nanogenerators to promote tumor energy remodeling for cancer treatment.
PubMed: 38955114
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103260 -
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Jun 2024Battery industry, one of the most crucial components of the modern world, relies heavily on lithium production, and brines from the spent battery materials is one of the...
Battery industry, one of the most crucial components of the modern world, relies heavily on lithium production, and brines from the spent battery materials is one of the most important sources to exploit lithium. A new ultrasonic assisted membrane processing is proposed for lithium separation simulated brine. The effects of membrane composition, feed concentration, and ultrasonic conditions on the lithium extraction efficiency have been explored. The composite membrane including polysulfone (PSF) as the support and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and tributyl phosphate as ionic liquid membrane. A porous PVC membrane has been used for prevention of the ILM loss. The optimal ultrasonic frequency is approximately 250 kHz, which matches the bulk modulus of the membrane and enhances the separation efficiency. Higher frequencies and optimized amplitude and pulse cycle settings further improve the lithium flux and selectivity. Moreover, higher flux and selectivity are achieved when separating lithium from alkali metal chlorides at higher feed concentrations, ranging from 250 ppm to 1000 ppm. The mechanism of enhanced lithium extraction by ultrasonics is attributed to the combination of microbubble formation, cavitation, and heat generation, which disrupt the concentration gradient and facilitate lithium transport across the membrane.
PubMed: 38954863
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106974 -
PloS One 2024Rice wine, well known for its unique flavor, rich nutritional value, and health benefits, has potential for extensive market development. Rhizopus and Aspergillus are...
Rice wine, well known for its unique flavor, rich nutritional value, and health benefits, has potential for extensive market development. Rhizopus and Aspergillus are among several microorganisms used in rice wine brewing and are crucial for determining rice wine quality. The strains were isolated via Rose Bengal and starch as a combined separation medium, followed by oenological property and sensory evaluation screening. The strain exhibiting the best performance can be screened using the traditional rice wine Qu. The strains YM-8, YM-10, and YM-16, which exhibited strong saccharification and fermentation performance along with good flavor and taste, were obtained from traditional rice wine Qu. Based on ITS genetic sequence analysis, the YM-8, YM-10, and YM-16 strains were identified as Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus arrhizus, and Aspergillus oryzae. The optimum growth temperature of each of the three strains was 30°C, 32°C, and 30°C, and the optimum initial pH was 6.0, 6.5, and 6.5, respectively. The activities of α-amylase, glucoamylase, and protease of YM-16 were highest at 220.23±1.88, 1,269.04±30.32, and 175.16±1.81 U/g, respectively. The amino acid content of rice wine fermented in a 20-L bioreactor with the three mold strains was higher than that of the control group, except for arginine, which was significantly lower than that of the control group. The total amino acid content and the total content of each type of amino acid were ranked as YM-16 > YM-8 > YM-10 > control group, and the amino acid content varied greatly among the strains. The control group had a higher content, whereas YM-8 and YM-16 had lower contents of volatile aroma components than the control group and had the basic flavor substances needed for rice wine, which is conducive to the formation of rice wine aroma. This selected strain, YM-16, has strong saccharification and fermentation ability, is a rich enzyme system, and improves the flavor of rice wine, thereby demonstrating its suitability as a production strain for brewing.
Topics: Wine; Oryza; Bioreactors; Fermentation; Rhizopus; Taste; Aspergillus oryzae; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38954729
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300213 -
PloS One 2024Previous evidence suggests an individual variation in the preferred oral processing behavior. Individuals can be classified as firm processing(FPL) or soft processing...
INTRODUCTION
Previous evidence suggests an individual variation in the preferred oral processing behavior. Individuals can be classified as firm processing(FPL) or soft processing likers(SPL). FPL(crunchers and chewers) prefer using their teeth while SPL(smooshers and suckers) prefer using the tongue and the palate when processing different food items. Variation in the preferred oral processing behavior has been associated with differences in food texture preference and eating time. Time is one of the factors directly related to the development of dental caries(tooth decay). Oral retention and eating times are associated with greater caries experience. This study aims to explore if a relationship exists between the preferred oral processing behavior and the individual's caries experience.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, dental center-based study conducted at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Five hundred participants consented to fill out the preferred oral processing behavior(POPB) questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (including weight, height, and waist circumference) were recorded. A single trained and calibrated dentist registered each participant's caries experience and plaque levels using the DMFS index and plaque index of Silness and Loe.
RESULTS
A total of 351(70.2%) and 149(29.8%) participants were typed as FPL and SPL, respectively. SPL demonstrated higher levels of dental caries experience compared to FPL. The mean DMFS score for SPL was 28.8(±25.43) while for FPL was 18.71(± 18.34). This difference remained significant after adjustment for confounders(P<0.001). SPL exhibited a significantly higher mean score for the "M" component(P <0.001) while no significant difference in the mean score of the "D"(P = 0.076) and "F"(P = 0.272) components was observed when compared to FPL.
CONCLUSION
The current findings provide new insight into a possible relationship between the preferred oral processing behavior and an individual's caries experience. A relationship in which the preferred oral processing behavior can potentially affect and/or be affected by the dental caries experience.
Topics: Humans; Dental Caries; Male; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Feeding Behavior; Food Preferences; Jordan
PubMed: 38954716
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306143 -
PloS One 2024Mold infestations in buildings pose significant challenges to human health, affecting both private residences and hospitals. While molds commonly trigger asthma and...
Mold infestations in buildings pose significant challenges to human health, affecting both private residences and hospitals. While molds commonly trigger asthma and allergies in the immunocompetent, they can cause life-threatening diseases in the immunocompromised. Currently, there is an unmet need for new strategies to reduce or prevent mold infestations. Far-UVC technology can inactivate microorganisms while remaining safe for humans. This study investigates the inhibitory efficacy of far-UVC light at 222 nm on the growth of common mold-producing fungi, specifically Penicillium candidum, when delivered in low-dose on-off duty cycles, a configuration consistent with its use in real-world settings. The inhibitory effect of the low-dose duty cycles was assessed on growth induced by i) an adjacent spore-producing P. candidum donor and ii) P. candidum spores seeded directly onto agar plates. In both setups, the far-UVC light significantly inhibited both vertical and horizontal growth of P. candidum, even when the UV doses were below the Threshold Value Limit of 23 mJ/cm2. These results suggest that far-UVC light holds the potential to improve indoor air quality by reducing or preventing mold growth, also when people are present.
Topics: Ultraviolet Rays; Penicillium; Spores, Fungal; Fungi; Humans; Air Pollution, Indoor; Threshold Limit Values
PubMed: 38954713
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299421 -
PloS One 2024Childhood leukemia (CL) is a major global concern, accounting for 33% of all new cancer cases and 31% of all cancer deaths in children aged 0-14 years. Our study aimed...
BACKGROUND
Childhood leukemia (CL) is a major global concern, accounting for 33% of all new cancer cases and 31% of all cancer deaths in children aged 0-14 years. Our study aimed to analyze the global incidence and mortality rates of CL in 2020 and its relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this ecologic study, we analyzed the 2020 cancer incidence and mortality data for children aged 0-14 years from the GLOBOCAN Project. We calculated the Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR) and Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR) of CL per 100,000 individuals. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the association between childhood leukemia ASIR, ASMR, and the HDI, with a statistical significance threshold of P<0.05.
RESULTS
In 2020, there were a total of 67,008 new cases of CL worldwide, with males accounting for 57.85%. The global ASIR for CL was 3.4 per 100,000 (3.9 in males, 3 in females). Additionally, there were 25,080 CL-related deaths, with males comprising 58.86%. The overall ASMR for CL was 1.3 (1.4 in males, 1.1 in females). We found a significant positive correlation (r = 0.405, P≤0.001) between the global ASIR and ASMR for CL. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.770, P = 0.001) between the HDI and childhood leukemia ASIR, but no significant association (r = 0.077, P = 0.337) was observed with ASMR.
CONCLUSION
Our study reveals that CL remains a significant health burden worldwide. We identified a positive correlation between the ASIR of CL and the HDI, indicating a potential role of socioeconomic factors in CL incidence.
Topics: Humans; Child; Infant; Male; Child, Preschool; Female; Incidence; Adolescent; Leukemia; Infant, Newborn; Global Health
PubMed: 38954710
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304354 -
PloS One 2024Developing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with enhanced biocompatibility and targeting capabilities is crucial owing to concerns over...
Developing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with enhanced biocompatibility and targeting capabilities is crucial owing to concerns over current agents' potential toxicity and suboptimal performance. Drawing inspiration from "biomimetic camouflage," we isolated cell membranes (CMs) from human glioblastoma (T98G) cell lines via the extrusion method to facilitate homotypic glioma targeting. At an 8:1 mass ratio of ferric chloride hexahydrate to gallic acid (GA), the resulting iron (Fe)-GA nanoparticles (NPs) proved effective as a T1-weighted MRI contrast agent. T98G CM-coated Fe-GA NPs demonstrated improved homotypic glioma targeting, validated through Prussian blue staining and in vitro MRI. This biomimetic camouflage strategy holds promise for the development of targeted theranostic agents in a safe and effective manner.
Topics: Gallic Acid; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Cell Line, Tumor; Contrast Media; Iron; Biomimetic Materials; Glioblastoma; Nanoparticles; Ferric Compounds; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 38954698
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306142 -
PloS One 2024Uterine leiomyomas (often referred to as fibroids or myomas) are common benign, hormone-dependent tumors that grow in the uterus and occur in approximately 25% of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Uterine leiomyomas (often referred to as fibroids or myomas) are common benign, hormone-dependent tumors that grow in the uterus and occur in approximately 25% of reproductive age women, depending on selected population. Treatment recommendation is typically based on fibroid size, location, the patient's age, reproductive plans, and obstetrical history. Despite the range of treatment options available for uterine fibroids and their symptoms, including hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometrial ablation, endometrial uterine artery embolization, and magnetic resonance-guided focused-ultrasound surgery, myomectomy remains the gold standard treatment for patients who desire fertility-preserving surgery for their uterine fibroids. Myomectomy, while a prevalent surgical option for the removal of fibroids, carries known risks such as fibroid recurrence, symptom recurrence, and the subsequent need for reintervention. Despite ongoing research and advances in medical treatments for fibroids, there currently are no universally recommended therapeutic interventions proven to effectively delay the recurrence of fibroids or the return of symptoms following this procedure. This situation underscores a significant area of unmet medical need and highlights the importance of continued investigation into preventive strategies and long-term management options for patients undergoing fibroid removal with uterine preservation. We designed a study to assess the efficacy of the new FDA-approved GnRH antagonist, Myfembree in delaying the return of fibroids and their associated symptoms.
METHODS
A randomized, prospective, open-label clinical trial. The participants (n = 136) will be randomly distributed into two groups. The Control Group (Standard of care) will receive treatment with standard of care (SoC) after surgical myomectomy and the treatment group will receive Relugolix combination therapy (Myfembree®) after surgical myomectomy. The study protocol was approved by the University of Chicago's Institutional Review Board (IRB#22-0282), ensuring that all participants would provide written informed consent before their inclusion.
DISCUSSION
In this project, we propose the use of daily dosed Relugolix combination therapy (Relugolix with estradiol and norethindrone acetate), which is approved for uterine fibroids treatment, has the potential to delay the recurrence of fibroid symptoms, prolong the improved quality of life and delay need for re-intervention after uterine sparing surgery.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Chicago on 9/16/2022 and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with number NCT05538689 on Sep 7, 2022. All subjects will provide informed consent to participate.
Topics: Humans; Female; Uterine Myomectomy; Leiomyoma; Standard of Care; Uterine Neoplasms; Adult; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38954680
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306053 -
PloS One 2024Sedatives are commonly used to promote sleep in intensive care unit patients. However, it is not clear whether sedation-induced states are similar to the biological...
Do all sedatives promote biological sleep electroencephalogram patterns? A machine learning framework to identify biological sleep promoting sedatives using electroencephalogram.
BACKGROUND
Sedatives are commonly used to promote sleep in intensive care unit patients. However, it is not clear whether sedation-induced states are similar to the biological sleep. We explored if sedative-induced states resemble biological sleep using multichannel electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings.
METHODS
Multichannel EEG datasets from two different sources were used in this study: (1) sedation dataset consisting of 102 healthy volunteers receiving propofol (N = 36), sevoflurane (N = 36), or dexmedetomidine (N = 30), and (2) publicly available sleep EEG dataset (N = 994). Forty-four quantitative time, frequency and entropy features were extracted from EEG recordings and were used to train the machine learning algorithms on sleep dataset to predict sleep stages in the sedation dataset. The predicted sleep states were then compared with the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/ Sedation (MOAA/S) scores.
RESULTS
The performance of the model was poor (AUC = 0.55-0.58) in differentiating sleep stages during propofol and sevoflurane sedation. In the case of dexmedetomidine, the AUC of the model increased in a sedation-dependent manner with NREM stages 2 and 3 highly correlating with deep sedation state reaching an AUC of 0.80.
CONCLUSIONS
We addressed an important clinical question to identify biological sleep promoting sedatives using EEG signals. We demonstrate that propofol and sevoflurane do not promote EEG patterns resembling natural sleep while dexmedetomidine promotes states resembling NREM stages 2 and 3 sleep, based on current sleep staging standards.
Topics: Humans; Electroencephalography; Machine Learning; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Male; Adult; Female; Sleep; Propofol; Sevoflurane; Dexmedetomidine; Sleep Stages; Young Adult
PubMed: 38954679
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304413