Recent Articles

Pancreatic cancer carries one of the worst prognoses in the United States. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and second after colorectal cancer in digestive system cancer-related death. Early detection is the key to improving its prognosis. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment, but even after margin-negative resection, the 5-year survival rate is still 30%. The following case presents a fascinating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Despite an initial diagnosis of pancreatitis, negative cytology, tumor markers, and imaging suggestive of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), this patient underwent surgical resection that later revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma of the tail. This article highlights certain imaging modalities and characteristics that are essential in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, in an effort to guide management of similar cases, with hope it leads to better outcomes.

This study reports the adsorption capacity of copper Cu (II) and nickel Ni (II) of biochar obtained from peanut shell. The kinetics and equilibrium of biosorption were examined in detail. Two kinetic models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order) were used to correlate the experimental data and to determine the kinetic parameters. Two well-known adsorption isotherms were chosen to describe the biosorption equilibrium (Langmuir and Freundlich). The equilibrium isotherms showed that modified peanut shells possess high affinity, sorption capacity for Cu (II) and Ni (II) ions, sorption capacities of 37.443 mg/g Cu (II) and 28.626 mg/g Ni (II) biomass, respectively. All results showed that peanut shells biomass is an attractive, alternative low-cost bio sorbent for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous media, therefore biomass materials find good application prospects.

The latent tuberculosis infection worldwide is determined by about 1.7 billion people. Identification of latent tuberculosis infection and prevention of the development of the disease is one of the highest priority tasks in the global radical reduc- tion of the burden of tuberculosis. The research is devoted to the study of the effectiveness of cellular and humoral anti- gen-specific immunological methods for determining the initial signs of tuberculosis infection activity when examining children and adolescents with a latent form of this infection. Cellular immunological reactions in contrast to the determi- nation of specific antibodies of blood serum using the recombinant specific protein ESAT-6-CFP-10, were not sufficiently effective in differentiating active and latent infections. Determination of antibodies to the ESAT-6-CFP-10 protein with analysis of the specific activity criterion and determina- tion of an increased concentration of neopterin up to 9 nM/L in blood plasma samples made it possible to reveal signs of tuberculosis infection activity. These results have been confirmed by the results of chest computed tomography of children and adolescents with the determination tuberculosis of intrathoracic lymph nodes or small intrapulmonary (2-5 mm) intrapulmonary foci, including those with signs of calcification.

Many students suffer from the sound of air conditioners and others suffer from light intensity in classroom. The air conditioners and light intensity affect the efficiency and quality of education. Urduino is used a lot in industrial areas because there is a lot of noise pollution. Additionally, it can be used in high traffic regions as well as to monitor noise in different parts of the city. It can also be used in education systems to monitor the noise in classrooms. The purpose of this study was to monitor the noise in classrooms by Arduino Nano that interfaced with a Sound Sensor. A study was conducted to determine the ambient sound and light intensity of a convenience sample at school during September, October and November 2021. Six classrooms’ samples corresponding to hourly fractions of the average sample broken down into the following periods: from 10:00 am to 2:50 pm. Sound levels were measured to assess acoustic conditions. Light levels were measured to assess light conditions. Each classroom from 1 to 6 was tested the ambient sound intensity and light using an Arduino. Noise varies with time and place. The sound level varies between 27.5 dB and 65 dB with the average sound level in the classrooms was 43.53 dB greater than recommended sound level limit of 35 dB. The light intensity varies between 62.50 lux and 208.5 lux. The average light levels around the recommended 300 lux. Everyone emphasized the quality of using the device to measure the noise level in the classroom. The use of the device leads to monitor the noise of the air conditioner or replacing it. The device has the potential to significantly change the noise pollution monitoring system at school. Researchers recommend all students and authorities the importance of the Arduino.

Prolong mattress use compresses the metal coil springs which may ultimately result in a compromised sleeping surface. This coil spring metal fatigue can result in spinal pain and stiffness. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of metal fatigue of used mattress coil springs from the areas bearing greatest body weight versus areas subjected to little compression to ascertain the. Six weight bearing coil springs (WBS) were extracted from the center the used (range 8-10 yr.) mattresses (N=32) and six non-weight bearing coil springs (NWBS) were extracted from the head/foot are of the same mattresses. To determine spring weakness a special frame and platform was constructed to compare unloaded spring height with compression distance height following placement of a 1,296 g ingot on the platform. Also, a pressure gauge was used to measure the amount of pressure required to compress the coil springs a distance of 2 cm. Comparison between WBS and NWBS data were statistically treated using independent t-tests and a one-way ANOVA. There were no significant group differences in weight or height in unloaded coils. However, there were significant (p

The objective of this study was to assess which factors, at hierarchical levels, are associated with adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) in undergraduate and graduate students. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline of the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Project), with alumni from Universities of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the years 2016 and 2018. The outcome variable was adequate consumption of FV (≥400 g/day). The exposure variables were divided into: block 1, socioeconomic (marital status, education, professional status, individual and family income); block 2, behavioral (physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and consumption of legumes, natural juices, ultra-processed foods, soft drinks and industrialized juices, and fast foods); block 3, individual (gender, age, skin color, self-perception of health and presence of obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and depression). To verify the associations, hierarchical multiple logistic regression was used. The sample consisted of 4,124 individuals with a median age of 34 years and Interquartile Range (IQ) of 12 years, 68.1% women, with a high frequency (62.2%) of adequate consumption of FV. This adequate consumption of FV was associated with being a woman (OR=1.41; 95%CI 1.21-1.64; p

Aim: to demonstrate the PK/PD equivalence of an ovine enoxaparin to the reference product, the originator porcine enoxaparin, Lovenox® from Sanofi, and to assess its safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers with s.c. administration. Methods: a randomized, open-label, 2-way cross-over, single-dose study with 7 days wash-out period was conducted in healthy volunteers of both sexes. A single s.c. injection of 6,000 IU ovine enoxaparin from Metiska Farma (the test drug, T) or Lovenox® from Sanofi (the reference drug, R) was given randomly to each subject in fasting condition. The PD endpoints measured were anti-FXa and anti-FIIa activities in plasma, whereas the PD parameters determined for these endpoints were AUEC0-t (area under the effect curve from time 0 to the last measured activity (t)) and Amax (maximum activity). Bioequivalence (BE) is based on anti-FXa activity, the 90% CIs for GMR T/R (geometric means ratio of Test/ Reference) of AUEC0-t and Amax must fall within the BE limits of 80.00 – 125.00%. The anti-FIIa data are in vivo supportive evidence only. Results: a total of 23 healthy volunteers completed this study. The 90% CIs for GMR T/R of AUEC0-t and Amax for anti-FXa were 107.55 – 116.33% and 110.17 – 117.68%, respectively, while those for anti-FIIa were 100.93 – 122.56% and 105.19 – 124.44%, respectively. All parameters fell within the BE criteria of 80.00 – 125.00%. One AE (adverse event) occurred in one volunteer after s.c. injection of ovine enoxaparin, i.e. bruising which disappeared after a few days. Conclusions: the ovine enoxaparin from Metiska Farma was bioequivalent to the reference porcine enoxaparin (Lovenox®) from Sanofi. Both enoxaparin products were shown to have high safety and tolerability after a single dose in healthy volunteers. This is the first study showing BE of a nonporcine enoxaparin to the reference porcine enoxaparin in Indonesia, a Moslem country

In this work, an original method is proposed and used for measurement of the optical depth of a self-reversed spectral line. A theoretical approach is utilized in an in homogenous laser induced plasma at local thermodynamic to simulate self-reversed line and then to get the main line profile without self-absorption. In this research, the spatial and temporal evolution of optical depth of two spectral lines of Ca II at 393.4 nm and 396,9 nm is studied. Furthermore, the variation of optical depth versus the concentration of species emitter inside of plasma plume is investigated. In addition, the validity of this method is affirmed during comparison with results obtained by other techniques.

This study was proposed to assess the distribution and importance of citrus leaf and fruit spot disease in North Western Ethiopia. The result showed that on sweet orange the prevalence of the disease was ranged from (0 to 100 %). Disease incidence was ranged from (0 to 86.48 %), and from (0 to100 %) on leaves and fruits, respectively. Disease severity was ranged from (0 to 24.18%) on leaves, and from (0 to 73.0 %) on fruits. Correlation analysis was carried out for both disease incidence and severity as response variables and altitude, average daily temperature, mean annual rainfall and tree age as predictor variables. Linear correlation was detected only between mean annual rainfall and disease severity and incidence of leaves and fruits. The regression analysis result indicated that mean annual rain fall has a significant effect over disease severity and incidence of leaves and fruits at (P ≤ 0.05).

A dental chair and its environment can be contaminated with droplet/splatter and aerosol particles, which contain various pathogens, including SARS-Cov-2, that can be transmitted by contact or inhalation. We aimed to evaluate the maximal distance of droplet/splatter projections for four different air and water-cooled dental instruments using a patient simulator, to define the boundaries of the open-plan area contaminated immediately after treatment. We used a dental chair unit placed in a room in the open-plan area. Fluorescent powder was added to water, to know the maximal distance reached by the droplet/splatter on the surfaces of the dental room covered with white sheets. Dental care was performed in an artificial mouth using either an air turbine handpiece, a high-speed electric contra-angle, an ultrasonic scaler, or an air/powder polisher with a constant volume of colored water. Maximal distances of droplet/splatter projections were measured after identifying the fluorescent patterns on the surfaces. Calculated heights and angles were then used after normalization to know the maximal distance that could be reached by these projections. In these conditions, the theoretical maximal distance of droplet/splatter projection was 295 cm for the air-powder polisher, followed by 238 cm for the high-speed electric contra-angle, 93 cm for the air turbine and 77 cm for the ultrasonic scaler. Theoretical projections for the ultrasonic scaler did not go beyond the dental room. In our open-plan area, droplet/splatter projections can extend beyond the dental room entrance, but not over 1.80 m-high partitions, and could contaminate areas located nearby. Simple preventive measures would be to limit the perimeter of these projections, for example by installing a door, in addition to measures to limit the scope of aerosols.

Pediatric cancer overall survival has increased due to improvements in treatment. However, long-term adverse effects are a challenge for this population. Secondary myeloid neoplasm (MN) is one of the complications of solid tumor treatment. Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN), therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) are the most common events. The aim of this study was to report a large pediatric sample and the relevance of t-MN after pediatric solid tumor therapy. We conducted a retrospective study between 2000-2016 in a cohort of pediatric patients treated for solid tumors who developed a secondary MN by medical records review and analysis. Seven from 2178 pediatric patients who were previously treated for solid tumors, were diagnosed with t-MN in a reference cancer center in Brazil. The median age at primary tumor diagnosis was 12.8 years old. Osteosarcoma, atypical primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), Ewing sarcoma, and retinoblastoma were the most frequent solid tumors associated with t-MN. Three patients had a story of familiar cancer, and one patient with osteosarcoma had Li-Fraumeni syndrome confirmed. The median latency period to secondary MN was ten months and the prevalence rate was 0.32%. Two patients developed t-MDS and five, t-AML. All these patients received cytotoxic agents’ high doses that may have been associated with t-MN development. t-MN initial control, as well as unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities, may have contributed to the poor outcome. We described the rarity of t-MN related to previous solid tumor therapy in a large pediatric sample in a Brazilian Cancer Center and their poor prognosis.

Non-exhaust road transport emissions, particularly tyre-pavement abrasion, contribute to poor air quality. This original work is on particle emissions caused by tyre-pavement abrasion in real driving conditions in urban, suburban and motorway areas. The collected data were analyzed according to the size, the number and chemical identification. Multivariate analysis provided clusters of size and chemical elements. Results showed the predominant particles (diameter φ < 1 μm and φ ε]1-2 μm]) for urban and suburban experiments, and ]1- 3 μm] on motorways. A confirmed shift phenomenon at the close-to-the-source showed particles of large sizes [5- 10 μm]. The obtained clusters were: 1. Aluminosilicate, iron compounds, silicate free of aluminum (70%). 2. Ferrosilicon, silica, compounds of calcium, manganese, iron oxide, compounds of aluminum, sulfur, copper and zinc (29%). 3. A mix of various traces (1%). This paper will contribute to the development of new green technologies dedicated to improving sustainable road transport.

In order to successfully counter the ever-growing drug problem, there is an increasing need, to identify conspiracy links and trafficking routes and to gather background intelligence concerning both the number of sources of drugs and whether those sources are within a country or are “internationally” based and also the points of distribution and distribution networks. A scientific tool to complement routine law enforcement investigative work in this field is the characterization and impurity profiling and cutting agents of seized drugs. Drug characterization studies have shown that it is possible to link samples, to classify material from different seizures into groups of related samples and to identify the origin of samples. Such information can be used for evidential (judicial, court) purposes or it can be used as a source of intelligence to identify samples that may have a common origin or history.

The Aims: The retro-prospective clinical study was to compare these two methods of laparoscopic and classical cholecystectomy. To prove the postoperative benefits of laparoscopic treatment are, less pain, aesthetic aspect without surgical scarring and shorter hospital stay, faster return to social activities as well as more cost effective. Material and Methods: The operated patients, from January 2017 to December 2019 in the abdominal surgery ward in Gjilan. Important data for the study are taken from the operative list, history of the disease, adequate list compiled specifically for this study. The study included 389 patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis. Results: According to the results obtained for calculous diseases of the biliary system are predisposed persons with blood group O, Rh-positive, with 44.2%, followed by group A + with 29.5%, group B + with 14.7%. Other blood groups and Rh factors are below 6.5%. Statistical point of view is significant (p 6, while 23.1% of males. The percentage difference in statistical terms is significant p

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a frequently diagnosed endocrine disease and nowadays it is asymptomatic in the majority of patients. The management of asymptomatic PHPT is still debated in some cases, although there are evidences that asymptomatic patients may have improved outcomes after curative surgery. In this paper we show one of the longest follow-ups of surgically treated asymptomatic PHPT, focusing on skeletal long-term effects of surgery. Methods: We included in the study 21 patients that underwent parathyroidectomy for asymptomatic PHPT at our Institution from 2006 to 2010 with a complete follow-up at 10 years. Data about age, BMI, preoperative serum and urinary calcium, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase parathormone, bone densitometry, surgical procedure and histological examination were collected and analyzed. Results: At follow-up we observed a normalization of PTH, serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase in all patients. Moreover, in all cases the T-score at 1 year increased significantly both at lumbar spine and femoral neck and this is maintained at long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Parathyroidectomy can be proposed as a safe therapeutical option in the majority of cases of asymptomatic PHPT considering the good results of surgery in terms of bone demineralization reduction

Data on illness in preterm infants due to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is limited. Duration of viral shedding and treatment options including use of dexamethasone to treat SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in preterm newborns are scarce and not-well reported. We are reporting SARS-COV-2 positive sick preterm twins vertically infected from SARS-COV-2 positive unvaccinated mother. Twin B initially tested negative at 24 & 48 hours of life (HOL) but subsequently tested positive at 72 HOL and developed SARS-COV-2 pneumonia and required a longer duration of respiratory support. We treated her with 10 days of dexamethasone and noted a good clinical response. To our knowledge, we are first to report the use dexamethasone in a premature newborn with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. Additionally, the duration of viral shedding in both Twin A and Twin B was between 4-5 weeks.

Autoimmune Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular junction disease caused by destruction of the acetylcholine receptor on the postsynaptic membrane, mediated by autoantibodies and clinically characterized by skeletal muscle weakness. This can be triggered by drugs, infections, and in rare cases by vaccines. During the COVID pandemic, de novo cases and exacerbations of myasthenia gravis due to viral infection have been documented. Although few cases related to COVID vaccination. A 69-year-old female patient with blurred vision, a clinic that began 10 days later after receiving first dose of COVID vaccine, and diplopia and right palpebral ptosis after the second dose, 30 days later. In the examination, Edrophonium test was clearly positive, treatment with pyridostigmine and prednisone was started and after 14 days the clinic showed improvement until the resolution of the symptoms There are few reports of exacerbations or triggers for the appearance of myasthenia gravis, a series of 27 cases has been published where there are outbreaks of immune-mediated diseases or the new appearance of autoimmune diseases, in which it is observed that the time of appearance of the outbreak was on average 4 days up to a maximum of 25 days. In conclusion, Myasthenia gravis is a rare complication of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. Its potential severity and the current lack of knowledge of the real incidence after vaccination makes it necessary to maintain an attitude of vigilance in the face of symptoms that suggest it.

Overweight and obesity continue to be health-related issues in Alabama Black-Belt Counties with rates ranging from 35 to 48%. We aimed to determine the impact of a web-based nutrition education and physical activity intervention on participants’ health in Alabama Black Belt counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrition education was delivered to participants through a zoom online platform for 12 weeks. Participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as changes in nutrition knowledge, anthropometry, and blood pressure were determined through online surveys. Of the participants, (100%) indicated that overweight and obesity are a result of unhealthy lifestyles, whereas 90.7% reported that obesity increased the risk of high blood pressure (90.7%), diabetes (86.04%), and heart disease (90.7%). Results showed that participants’ income was a significant determinant of their perception for the role of schools in fighting obesity (χ2=0.04). Similarly, data revealed that the age of participants was a significant factor for: their desire to learn more about obesity (χ2=0.04), perception of their knowledge of overweight and obesity compared to the average person (χ2=0.01), and the perception that they had an excellent knowledge of overweight and obesity (χ2=0.05). There were significant improvements in knowledge scores. Results showed a significant decline in waist circumference (p

Background: In Multiple Sclerosis, more efficient disease modifying treatment (DMT) are often accompanied by higher risks and side effects. Selecting the optimal DMT demands from patients and doctors therefore a complex decision-making process weighing risks and benefits. Patients and doctors often prefer to share responsibility when making these treatment decisions, but this shared decision-making model requests decision-making competence on both sides. The aim of our online study was to investigate whether patients’ decision-making competence relates to DMT selection. Method: 197 patients participated in the online survey, advertised by two patient organizations. Patients reported their DMT and who decided for or against a DMT: their neurologist, themselves, or both. We measured decision-making competence with two tasks from the Adult Decision-Making Competence Battery (A-DMC), the ability to follow decision rules and the consistency of risk perception. Perceived impairment of the disease was measured with Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). Results: The ability to follow decision rules varied with the potency of the DMT. Patients receiving basic DMT were better able to follow decision rules compared to patients receiving medium DMT. Patients who did not take any DMT stated more frequently that this decision was their own choice and independent of their doctor’s advice. Conclusions: If patients without DMT decided against this treatment on their own behalf, doctors and caregivers potentially have to strengthen their effort to reach out to the patient and to ensure the decision is well taken.

Minor salivary glands are present in most parts of the mouth. They are the important components whose secretion directly bathe the tissues of the oral cavity. Smoking is the most commonly seen deleterious habit among men which directly affects minor salivary glands in the palate. Smoking also causes stomatitis nicotina in the oral cavity.