Articles

Background: Pregnant individuals with early cervical dilation have a high risk for preterm birth. The authors encountered cases where cervical dilation increased after anesthesia administration for a cerclage. Objective: The primary objective was to assess if a change in cervical dilation after anesthesia administration for a cerclage was associated with a shorter latency to delivery. Study design: This was a retrospective chart review of pregnancies from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, who had a cerclage and delivered at our institution. Maternal demographics, obstetrical history, operative details, and delivery information were collected. Multi-fetal gestations, un-indicated cerclages, and abdominal cerclages were excluded. The primary outcome was the difference in cervical dilation between the office and the operating room after spinal anesthesia administration. A multivariable regression was performed. Results: A total of 183 pregnancies were included. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18 weeks (STDEV 3.6). Twenty-nine percent of patients (53/183) were more dilated in the operating room compared to the office The latency between cerclage and delivery was not different if there was a cervical change between these settings (p = 0.655). There was an increased risk for preterm delivery with dilation in the office (OR 1.01, CI 1.01 to 2.5), but not with dilation in the operating room (OR 1.4, CI 0.9 to 2.0). Conclusion: Cervical dilation between the office and the operating room is different. Pregnancies with more dilation delivered at earlier gestations. However, a change in dilation between the office and the operating room was not associated with a shorter latency. 

The ability to live things to transfer their genetic heritage to future generations in a healthy way forms the basis of the science of reproduction. In this sense, understanding the structure and functions of the sperm cell, which is one of the sexual cells, is one of the important issues that should be emphasized. Methods such as omics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, which have been found in research in recent years, are also used to evaluate the functions of the sperm cell.

Canal cleaning is a routine activity on the canals diverted from the Kabul River. As a result, thousands of tons of sediment are removed as sludge and flushed back into the Kabul River. In Peshawar city, most people use this sediment as a soil conditioner in lawns. But the farmers are hesitant to apply it in agricultural fields. It is perceived that the sediment may be rich in heavy metal contents and, if used as a soil conditioner, may contaminate the food chain. To unveil the facts, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing sediment samples for selected heavy metals and their uptake and accumulation in different parts of the wheat plant. For this purpose, the sediment collected from Warsak Gravity Canal (WGC) was analyzed for total essential heavy metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn). Wheat crop was grown in four different pots consisting of pure soil, pure sediment, and two amendments i.e. soil mixed with 25% and 50% sediments. In comparison to sediment, the soil samples were high in copper, cobalt, and Zinc concentration. The concentration of iron and manganese was comparatively high in pure sediment but within permissible limits. The heavy metals uptake by the wheat crop was also within the permissible limits. The highest accumulation of copper, iron, and Zinc was observed in the roots of wheat plants. The highest value of cobalt was observed in the seed (0.407 mg Kg-1), which was within the safe range. Therefore, it is concluded that the sediment of the Kabul River canal cannot be considered a source of pollution in terms of heavy metals and can be used as a soil conditioner.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) seriously endangers human health, and there are obvious gender differences in incidence rate and prognosis, which are related to the evident differences in anatomical structure, physiological characteristics, and wall shear stress between males and females. In recent years, cardiac rehabilitation has been proven to be safe and effective in controlling the progression and improving the prognosis of CHD. Thereinto, exercise therapy is the central link of cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise can significantly affect vascular endothelial function by regulating wall shear stress. Based on previous research, this paper will briefly review the influence of exercise on wall shear stress in male and female patients with CHD, in order to provide a reference for formulating personalized cardiac rehabilitation programs and further improve the prognosis of CHD.

Background: Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare osteosclerotic dysplasia. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosis is made incidentally by radiographic findings. It has a unique radiographic presentation with multiple small, well-defined, circular, or ovoid radiodensities which are distributed symmetrically in the epiphysis and metaphysis of long bones.Aim of the work: In this case report, a 38-year-old man with mild joint discomfort was diagnosed with OPK according to his radiographic findings and literature review.Conclusion: It is important to diagnose OPK and to distinguish it from other medical conditions to calm the patient and to reduce unnecessary investigation.

Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma is a rare subset of systemic sclerosis with isolated organ involvement. Scleroderma renal crisis is a severe manifestation of systemic sclerosis characterized by malignant hypertension, oligo/anuric renal failure, and thrombotic microangiopathy. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with uncontrolled hypertension who presented with hematospermia and was found to have acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, concerning thrombotic microangiopathy. Empiric management for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with plasma exchange and corticosteroids yielded a paradoxical response, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma presenting as scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) after serological confirmation. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with scleroderma renal crisis, it should be increasingly considered as a differential for thrombotic microangiopathy even without outward manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Additionally, the empiric management of TTP can include the use of corticosteroids which can exacerbate SRC, an early clinical clue in the diagnosis of this disease.

In 2005 we reported for the first time on a chemical route aiming to synthesize stable magnetic carbon/graphite. By using the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technique we have verified that its magnetism is an intrinsic property of this synthesized material and not originated from ferromagnetic impurities of any kind. Through direct measurement of the local magnetic field using Carbon-13, we have concluded that its magnetism originated from defects in the structure. From its biocompatibility, we have been working on the use of magnetic carbon/graphite to deliver many compounds aiming to fight different diseases. Despite all the scientific and technological advances of the present day, cancer is a multifactorial and difficult-to-treat disease, killing hundreds of thousands of people a year worldwide. Therefore, the development of a new and efficient drug delivery system to fight cancer – among other diseases - is as important as the discovery of a novel active molecule. In this review of our own work, we show the drug delivery system named MAGUS® (an acronym for Magnetic Graphite Universal System) we have built based on nanostructured magnetic carbon/graphite. This is an innovative and promising system composed of a biocompatible nanostructured particle of magnetic carbon/graphite functionalized with different molecules and materials. MAGUS®, depending on what we link to its structure, is so versatile and can be used to detect a wide range of specimens, from tumors and cancers to chemical and biological agents used as non-conventional weapons. That is why we call it universal. In the present work, MAGUS® will be acting as a biosensor, where the magnetic carbon/graphite is functionalized with radioactive particles of Iodine-131 and antibodies of different types of cancer. Then, by focusing on both the antigen-antibody interaction and the spatial guiding through an external magnetic field we are providing our drug delivery system a double way to detect and reach just the target. Based on these strategies, the functionalized magnetic carbon/graphite will reach only the neoplasm and not the surrounding healthy cells around. In a general view, it means that we are giving specificity to the MAGUS® drug delivery system as a pioneering and effective way to detect and treat cancers. We are also working on this unprecedented and efficient drug delivery system using the principles of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) with Boron-10 instead of Iodine-131. BNCT technique uses neutrons as the external source and is frequently employed to treat specific tumors that are radio resistant or very difficult to kill using conventional radiation therapy. In summary, we show here for the first time that our Magnetic Graphite Universal System associated with nuclear techniques can be successfully used as a biosensor to detect and fight cancers and tumors with powerful features that conventional delivery drug systems and other treatments do not have at all.

Drug addiction remains a major health concern following its devastating consequences to the users and the economy. Current statistics show a rising trend in substance abuse around the globe with approximately 284 million people engaging in drug abuse. Various approaches are used to treat the victims of drug abuse. Cognitive behavior therapy, a form of nonpharmacological intervention, has also been shown to be an effective treatment option for drug addiction. The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has grown since the 1970s to become one of the most important models of psychotherapy in this decade. Various empirical studies have shown the efficacy of CBT in well-controlled trials. A total of 19 randomized trials (cases) (with over 1400 patients treated) were selected and studied. In the various cases, results showed that patients were treated for drug and substance abuse disorders with the majority being those who abused cannabis, cocaine, alcohol and other opioids. In most cases, the CBT techniques that were used for drug addiction included cognitive restructuring, relapse prevention and contingency management. Components of CBT for drug addiction include skills and training, amplification of non-substance-related activities, approaches for managing urges, drug rejection and improvement of social aptitudes. Cognitive restructuring focuses on the identification of misconceptions and influencing the way people think about themselves by eliminating distorted thinking. Relapse prevention focuses on the identification and prevention of high-risk situations that may trigger the patient to engage in drug abuse. Contingency management reinforces positive behaviors and reduces negative behaviors through the use of rewards and incentives.

Background: Measurable residual disease (MRD) status before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is commonly associated with a high risk of relapse. It is still uncertain whether AHSCT could overcome the negative impact of MRD positivity (MRD+), especially in patients with high-risk Philadelphia negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-negative ALL). Materials and methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients with high-risk Ph-negative ALL who underwent AHSCT between January 2005 and June 2022. The patients selected were in complete remission (CR): with 80% in CR1 (n = 69) and 20% in CR2 (n = 17). Graft sources were bone marrow (BM) in 71% of patients and peripheral blood stem cells in 29% of patients. The conditioning regimen was TBI or chemotherapy-based (CT). Bone marrow MRD level was quantified using 4-6 color multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). The threshold for MRD positivity was ≥ 0.1%. Results: The study included 86 patients (45 B-ALL and 41 T-ALL) with a median age of 18 years (range, 4–55 years). The median level of MRD pre-AHSCT (pre-MRD) was 0.4×10-3 (range, 0.01-75.6×10-3). After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-205 months), the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was significantly higher in the MRD+ group (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The median time of relapse post-AHSCT was 14 months (range, 1-203 months) in the MRD+ group and 32 months (range, 4-209 months) in the MRD- group (p = 0.28). Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 15% in both groups (p = 0.97). The 2-year estimated overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 61% vs. 74% (p = 0.07) and 58% vs. 70% (p = 0.10) in the MRD+ and MRD- groups, respectively. A subgroup analysis in MRD+ patients showed that a TBI-based conditioning regimen was distinctly associated with lower CIR (22% vs. 60% respectively, p = 0.04), improved OS (82% vs. 36% respectively, p = 0.007) and better EFS (73% vs. 38%, p = 0.04) compared to CT-based. In a multivariate analysis, pre-AHSCT MRD+ status and non-TBI-based conditioning were significantly associated with inferior OS (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, [1.027-5.168], p = 0.04 and OR, 3.91; 95% CI, [1.624-9.418], p = 0.002, respectively). The only predicting factor of lower EFS was the non-TBI-based regimen (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, [1.308-6.097], p = 0.008). Non-TBI-based and CR2 were significantly associated with higher CIR (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, [1.947-20.055], p = 0.002 and OR, 4.74; 95% CI, [1.197-18.791], p = 0.03, respectively). Peripheral stem cell source was significantly associated with higher NRM (OR, 6.55; 95% CI, [1.488-28.820], p = 0.01). Conclusion: High-risk Ph-negative ALL patients with MRD ≥ 10-3 prior AHSCT had lower OS compared to MRD- patients and may benefit from TBI as a conditioning regimen before AHSCT.

Dentistry is an ever-evolving field that has seen significant advances in recent years. This article sheds light on some of the current and emerging trends in oral health care, including digital dentistry, regenerative medicine, and the use of lasers. For example, digital dentistry involves the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, which enables more accurate and efficient production of dental devices. On the other hand, regenerative medicine and nanoDentistry can be considered promising area that combines the use of stem cells, growth factors, biomaterials, and nanotechnology to regenerate damaged tissue and improve treatment outcomes. Lasers are increasingly being used in dentistry for a range of applications, including the treatment of gum disease and teeth whitening. Other developing technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence are also being increasingly incorporated into dentistry, providing improved treatment options for our patients. Last yet definitely would/will not least, controlled drug delivery systems are being developed to deliver drugs to specific target sites in a localized and sustained manner, reducing the risk of adverse effects. Currently, these emerging trends are transforming the landscape of odontology and beyond. Hence, in this mini-Review, we explore such trends in oro-dental and cranio-maxillo-facial indications to highlight the potential benefits, advancements, and opportunities of applications for improved patient care.