Articles

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Zn supplementation on oxidative stress by evaluating changes in serum Copper (Cu) to Zinc (Zn) ratio, homocysteine (hCys), Glutathione (GSH), Total Bilirubin (TB) and Catalase (CAT) activity in hemodialysis patients.Methods: Seventy-seven HD patients were enrolled in a multicenter simple-blind randomized clinical trial. Only 37 HD patients completed the study. They were randomly divided into two groups and supplemented with zinc sulfate (n = 17) or placebo (n = 20) for two months. Serum Zn and Cu were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum hCys was measured by immunology method, serum GSH and CAT activity were assessed by spectrophotometry method and TB was measured by colorimetric method. Determinations were performed before and after supplementation.Findings: After zinc supplementation, serum Zn, serum GSH, and Serum Total Bilirubin (STB) significantly increased. Serum Cu to Zn ratio, serum hCys, and CAT activity significantly decreased in the Zn Zn-supplemented group.Conclusion: Zinc supplementation increased serum antioxidant factors such as Zn, GSH, and bilirubin and decreased serum oxidative factors such as copper to zinc ratio, hCys, and decreased CAT activity. The study results suggest that zinc supplementation may be a useful tool for the improvement of oxidative stress in HD patients.

Background: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for severe, symptomatic Aortic Stenosis (AS). However, the presence of low coronary heights confers a high risk for coronary obstruction during or after TAVR. Case: In this case report, we present our experience with transfemoral-TAVR in an elderly, high-risk (STS score – 12.08%) female severe AS patient with low coronary heights (right: 7.4 mm, left: 8.7 mm). She had lower annulus area (287 mm2) and moderately low valve area (0.7 cm2) as well. Her mean and peak pressure gradients (PGs) were 38 mmHg and 61 mmHg, respectively. Upon the Heart Team’s evaluation, TAVR was recommended and a 20 mm Balloon Expandable (BE) Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) was selected. No peri-procedural or post-procedural complications were reported and the post-procedural hemodynamics, namely the mean and peak PGs improved to 16 mmHg and 30 mmHg after TAVR, respectively. The patient was discharged in a stable condition after four days of hospital stay.Conclusion: We report the successful implantation of a small-sized BE Myval THV (20 mm) in a patient with low coronary heights. Life-threatening complications including paravalvular leak, coronary obstruction, or annular rupture were well averted; hence, we ascertain that the Myval THV is a suitable device for treating severe AS in difficult anatomies. However, the viability of the novel valve needs to be reaffirmed in larger studies.. 

Background: Congenital teratomas are relatively rare neoplasms, which occurs in about 1:20,000 to 1:80,000 births, and only 1.5% to 5% of which are neoplasm of the cervical. They can be diagnosed through ultrasound during pregnancy and, if not properly handled, have a high mortality rate. Airway compression is a secondary complication following mortality. Case report: A solid-cystic mass was identified in the anterior cervical region of a 30-week-old fetus during an ultrasound scan. EXIT (Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment)-to-airway procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team composed of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and pediatric surgeons to remove the neoplasm. The procedure occurred upon delivery of the fetus, resulting in a positive outcome with neonatal survival. In this case, the fetus was in breech position, and, differently from the usual EXIT protocol, it had to be completely extracted before guaranteeing airway flow. Conclusion: Although congenital teratomas are a rare condition with complex treatment, it is possible to achieve a satisfactory outcome when adequate planning and protocol are established.

Kalanchoe pinnata, also known as air leaf or life leaf, is a plant used in traditional medicine in different world regions. In Mexico, it is included in the Atlas de la Medicina Tradicional Mexicana with a wide variety of applications, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihistamine, among others. However, neither a secondary metabolite profile of the flower has been reported nor information on its possible toxicity. The latter is the purpose of this work. A phytochemical profile of extracts with solvents of different polarity (aqueous, methanol, ethanol, and ether) was carried out. In this profile, the structural compounds could be qualitatively determined by chemical reactions, and some changes in coloring or precipitation were observed. The acute toxicity test of the extracts was performed with an aquatic organism, Artemia sp, and a terrestrial organism Eisenia foetida, as well as the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of the extracts in the organism of Eisenia foetida. The ABTS radical method and TROLOX were applied as synthetic antioxidants for the evaluation of the inhibition percentage. Most important secondary metabolites were qualitatively identified in the extracts of K. pinnata flowers. Mainly in the alcoholic extracts (methanol and ethanol) tannins, alkaloids, and flavonols were found. As mentioned above, they are reported to have toxicological effects. The toxicity and antioxidant activity tests confirm the preliminary results obtained in the identification of secondary metabolites. It is therefore concluded that the flower of Kalanchoe pinnata contains secondary metabolites that may be of great therapeutic interest.

Background and aim: Cirrhosis leads to sarcopenia and to life-threatening complications in decompensated stages. The objective of this study is to show the impact of the loss of muscle mass and function on hepatic decompensations. Methods: Our study compares a group of cirrhotic patients with controls matched with the same sex and age. A questionnaire was created to collect demographic, anthropometric, and cirrhosis characteristics. Several CT scan sections were analyzed and the average measurements have been grouped into tertiles to estimate the impact on cirrhotic complications.Results: Our study included 33 controls and 33 cirrhotic patients of which 59.4% had NASH. Anthropometric characteristics were similar in cirrhotics men and women. Grip strength was significantly lower in cirrhotic men. Using the skeletal muscle index we found 39.39% of cirrhotic patients were sarcopenic mostly men 84.61%. In Cirrhotic men, the density of the psoas and paravertebral muscles was lower than in controls. In women psoas and paravertebral muscle areas were comparable and the total muscle surface in cirrhotic patients was higher. There was a negative correlation between this surface and the density of the psoas (r = -0.293 p = 0.017) indicating the presence of myosteatosis in women. Analysing tertile groups showed a significantly higher incidence of complications related to liver disease and liver failure in patients with the psoas and paravertebral muscle density in the lowest tertile and in the frail population according to the frailty index.Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients have myosteatosis and sarcopenia associated with a higher incidence of complications related to hepatic failure.

Introduction: Treatment failure and claims against physicians may have many negative consequences. Orthopedic surgeons have always been among the most used specialists. Therefore, the investigation of causes and the process of these claims can help reduce the negative effects of medical malpractice on physicians and society.Materials and methods: This retrospective study investigated all medical orthopedic negligence cases in Sari, Iran, from March 2015 to March 2020. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed in SPSS software (V-21).Results: Out of 57 finalized cases investigated in this study, surgeons were found liable in 23 (40%) cases. The mean ± SD age of patients was 41 ± 19.3. Moreover, the level of education had a positive correlation with the surgeon’s liability. The most common cause of complaint was reduced Range of motion (ROM) and the most common type of complained surgery was “open reduction & internal fixation” (ORIF). None of the surgeons were found liable due to surgical site infection or device failure. The mean ± SD time for the file processing was 11.1 ± 10.1 months. The mean indemnity payment was 320 million Iranian Rials (9.7% of indemnity for death in Iran).Conclusion: The most effective way to reduce medical complaint cases is to increase the knowledge and skill levels of physicians. The lack of a blinded arbitration system in both organizations could lead to bias in the case assessment process. Moreover, considering the long processing time of the claims, it is recommended that new technologies should be used to reduce the time and increase the accuracy of the final verdict. The absence of a ‘no-fault’ compensation program is a significant flaw in Iran violating patients’ rights. Also, more studies are needed to evaluate justice and equality in Iranian medical commissions.

Background: In hemodialysis patients, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has reportedly been associated with the development of cardiovascular complications and a high risk of mortality. Our objective here was to study the cleavage characteristics of FGF23 in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study design is a cross-sectional observational investigation of three facilities without intervention. To assess FGF23 concentrations, we obtained plasma samples from 97 hemodialysis patients before the hemodialysis session and from 16 healthy volunteers. We measured the FGF23 C-terminal fragment and intact FGF23 concentrations by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum levels of the FGF23 C-terminal fragment were 189 ± 121 ng/mL in healthy volunteers and 306 ± 206 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients. The ratios of intact FGF23 to total FGF23 were 0.03 ± 0.03 in healthy volunteers and 0.44 ± 0.28 in hemodialysis patients. The ratios were positively correlated with levels of inorganic phosphate in hemodialysis patients (p < 0.001, r = 0.52). Conclusion: We measured actual levels of the serum FGF23 C-terminal fragment in hemodialysis patients by using a new commercial kit for the first time. The ratio of intact FGF23 to total FGF23 was lower in healthy controls than the ratio in hemodialysis patients. The cleavage percentage of FGF23 was considerably higher in both groups of subjects than previously thought. We suggest that hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients was associated with impaired cleavage of FGF23.

Forensic odontology’s evolution from manual to digital methods signifies a pivotal transition. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) further this transformation by merging the physical and digital realms. This brief communication explores how AR and VR can enhance forensic odontology, offering precision, interactivity, and advanced analysis. It delves into the current landscape and envisions future possibilities, emphasizing their role in shaping precise and collaborative forensic practices. Additionally, challenges and considerations for implementing AR and VR in this field are discussed.

Introduction: Neuromuscular training (NT) involves a series of functionally focused exercises that address aspects such as postural stability, sensory perception, and muscle strengthening. These exercises are incorporated as an integral part of a currently used training protocol. Objective: To review the main effects of NT on injury prevention in soccer players and its impact on related physical performance. Methods: Review of the literature describing different studies on NT in soccer. The following databases were used to search and retrieve the scientific articles: PubMed, Scopus, and Ebsco. Combinations of the following keywords were used to perform the search (“neuromuscular training” OR “proprioceptive training” OR “sensorimotor training”) AND (“soccer” OR “football” OR “soccer players” OR “football players”). Results: A positive trend is observed in NT for the prevention of knee and ankle injuries, in addition to improving muscle strength and motor skills such as agility and coordination. Conclusion: This review managed to identify that NT is effective in reducing the risk of injury in soccer players; however, the literature has mainly addressed lower extremity injuries. Therefore, it may be necessary for future investigations to focus on the upper extremity and trunk. Likewise, it was determined that NT has a potential impact on improving physical performance, with the variables of strength, power, speed, agility, and balance being the most studied.

The radiographic method of control is implemented by a set of control tools in the form of gamma flaw detectors, which are distinguished by: mobility, reliability, radiation safety, adaptability to a wide climatic range, ease of operation, and the ability to control products with small and large radiation thicknesses. The paper describes portable gamma flaw detectors manufactured by JSC NIITFA: Gammarid 2010R, UNIGAM R, Stapel-5 Se75 Ir192, Stapel-5 Se75W, gamma flaw detector γ-RID-75/80R and stationary gamma flaw detectors RID K-100 and RID K-400. Also paper describes a brief technology for the production of ionizing radiation sources Ir-192 with activity of 120 Curie, a technology for rolling the source holder with Ir-192 source and completing the Ir-192 source with a portable gamma flaw detector Gammarid-192/120M in the INP AS.