Laparoscopic management of suspicious adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of operative laparoscopy in the management of adnexal masses that do not meet the standard serum CA 125 and ultrasonographic criteria for benignity. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred thirty-eight patients underwent operative laparoscopy for removal of suspicious adnexal masses. The CA 125 level was >35 mIU/ml in 39 of 138 (28%) patients; ultrasonographic findings were abnormal in 127 of 138 (92%); masses were >10 cm in 43 of 138 (32%) of patients. RESULTS: Malignancies were discovered in 14% (19/138) of patients. Eight percent (11/138) of the procedures were converted to laparotomy, six because of inability to dissect the mass laparoscopically and five for staging or debulking of carcinoma. Operative times ranged from 25 to 210 minutes, with a mean of 86. Three major complications were encountered-an enterotomy and a lacerated vena cava, both of which were repaired laparoscopically, and a small bowel herniation through a lateral port site that required reoperation. Hospital stays ranged from 0 to 11 days, with a mean of 1.5. In two patients with "apparent" stage I adnexal carcinomas recurrence was diagnosed 6 and 38 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic management of suspicious adnexal masses is technically feasible, with a low rate of morbidity and a short hospital stay. Adnexal carcinomas can be identified and managed appropriately with staging and complete resection as indicated. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;175:1451-9.)     

Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on metabolic syndrome components and asymmetric dimethylarginine: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and aimsThere is some promising evidence regarding the beneficial effect of coconut oil on cardiometabolic risk factors. This study aimed to assess the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, as well as, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in adults with MetS.Methods and resultsIn this randomized controlled trial, 48 subjects, aged 20–50 years, with MetS were allocated into two groups; the intervention group was given 30 ml of VCO per day to substitute the same amounts of fat in their usual diet for four weeks. The control group was advised to follow their usual diet. VCO consumption significantly reduced serum levels of triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.001), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P = 0.001), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.015) compared to the control group. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly increased in the VCO group when compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Circulatory ADMA also increased in the VCO group compared to the control group (P = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure measurements between the two groups at the end of the study (P > 0.05).ConclusionVCO consumption increased the values of HDL-C while reduced TG and FBS levels. Blood pressure and waist circumference did not change. However, levels of TC, LDL-C, and ADMA elevated by VCO consumption. Caution is warranted until the results of further studies become available to explain the long-term effects of VCO consumption.Registration numberIRCT20131125015536N11.     

Total fluid intake and its determinants: cross-sectional surveys among adults in 13 countries worldwide

Purpose

To evaluate the total fluid intake from drinking water and beverages in adult populations from different countries and assess the percentage of individuals complying with the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids.

Methods

A total of 16,276 adults (7580 men and 8696 women) aged between 18 and 70 years (mean age 39.8 years) were randomly recruited from 13 different countries from three continents. Information about the total daily fluid intake (sum of drinking water and beverages) was collected using a 24-h fluid-specific record over seven consecutive days.

Results

Important differences in total fluid intake between countries were found; however, few differences between men and women were reported in most of the countries. Less than 50 % of the women and approximately 60 % of the men do not comply with the EFSA AI of water from fluids. Women were more than twice as likely as men to meet these AI (OR 2.15; 95 % CI 2.02–2.29). The odds of meeting the AI of water from fluids were lower in individuals over 50 years (OR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.80–0.96). Nine percent of the total population consumed less than half of the AI, 40.5 % between 50 and 100 %, and 50.5 % more than the AI.

Conclusions

There were considerable differences in total fluid intake between countries but not between genders. Only 40 % of men and 60 % of women comply with the EFSA AI of water from fluids. Men and elderly individuals had an increased risk of not complying with this reference value.

     

Total fluid intake of children and adolescents: cross-sectional surveys in 13 countries worldwide

Purpose

To describe total fluid intake (TFI) according to socio-demographic characteristics in children and adolescents worldwide.

Methods

Data of 3611 children (4–9 years) and 8109 adolescents (10–18 years) were retrieved from 13 cross-sectional surveys (47 % males). In three countries, school classes were randomly recruited with stratified cluster sampling design. In the other countries, participants were randomly recruited based on a quota method. TFI (drinking water and beverages of all kinds) was obtained with a fluid-specific record over 7 consecutive days. Adequacy was assessed by comparing TFI to 80 % of adequate intake (AI) for total water intake set by European Food Safety Authority. Data on height, weight and socio-economic level were collected in most countries.

Results

The mean (SD) TFI ranged from [1.32 (0.68)] to [1.35 (0.71)] L/day. Non-adherence to AIs for fluids ranged from 10 % (Uruguay) to >90 % (Belgium). Females were more likely to meet the AIs for fluids than males (4–9 years: 28 %, OR 0.72, p = 0.002; 10–18 years: 20 %, OR 0.80, p = 0.001), while adolescents were less likely to meet the AI than children (OR 1.645, p < 0.001 in males and OR 1.625, p < 0.001 in females).

Conclusions

A high proportion of children and adolescents are at risk of an inadequate fluid intake. This risk is especially high in males and adolescents when compared with females or children categories. This highlights water intake among young populations as an issue of global concern.

     

Evaluation of LKB1 and Serine-Glycine Metabolism Pathway Genes (SHMT1 and GLDC) Expression in AML

LKB1 is a significant tumor suppressor and epigenetic regulator playing a vital role in different types of cancers. SHMT1 and GLDC are two critical genes of the epigenetic pathway influenced by LKB1. As epigenetic is the major cause of AML pathogenesis, this study aimed at investigating LKB1, SHMT1, and GLDC gene expression levels in acute myeloid leukemia patients. The present study was conducted on LKB1, SHMT1, and GLDC gene expression levels in 60 de novo AML samples and 30 normal controls using real-time RT-PCR. The results showed that LKB1 and SHMT1 have respectively a significantly lower (P < 0.05) and higher (P < 0.05) expression level than that of normal controls. Furthermore, the correlation between LKB1 with SHMT1 and GLDC was significant and positive (P value: 0.015, r: 0.299). Positive findings confirm that metabolic pathways alongside the LKB1 association drive the epigenetic axis and its substrate production. Therefore, it can be concluded that the newly-discovered pathway in the pathogenesis of this disease provides new insights into the design of therapeutic targets.     

A manganese(iii) Schiff base complex immobilized on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles showing enhanced electrochemical catalytic performance toward sulfide and alkene oxidation

In this study, a novel Mn(iii)–Schiff base complex was synthesized and characterized. The structure of this complex was determined to be a deformed octahedral coordination sphere by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Mn(iii)–Schiff base complex was supported on silica-coated iron magnetic nanoparticles via axial coordination by one-step complex anchoring to produce a heterogenized nanocatalyst. After this, the complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the amount of the loaded metal. The heterogenized nanocatalyst effectively catalyzed the oxidation of a broad range of sulfides and alkenes with H₂O₂ in the presence of a glassy carbon electrode, applying voltage to the reaction mixture. The results showed that the application of a potential to the reaction mixture could significantly decrease the reaction time when compared with the case of similar chemical oxidation reactions. In addition, an excellent value of turnover frequency (17 750 h⁻¹) was achieved for the electrochemical oxidation of styrene. Moreover, the nanocatalyst showed good recoverability without significant loss of its activity within six successive runs in the electrochemical oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide and cyclooctene. The electrochemical properties and stability of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-[MnL(OAc)] were investigated by cyclic voltammetry measurements and chronoamperometry technique.

A Mn–Schiff base complex supported on silica-coated iron magnetic nanoparticles was used for the electrochemical oxidation of sulfides and alkenes.     

Selective oxidation of alcohols and sulfides via O2 using a Co(ii) salen complex catalyst immobilized on KCC-1: synthesis and kinetic study

The aim of this study was to immobilize a Co(ii) salen complex on KCC-1 as a catalyst that can be recovered (Co(ii) salen complex@KCC-1). Field-emission transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and XRD were used to confirm the structure and chemical nature of Co(ii) salen complex@KCC-1. The oxidation efficiency was obtained for an extensive range of sulfides and alcohols using this sustainable catalyst, alongside O₂ as an oxygen source and isobutyraldehyde (IBA) as an oxygen acceptor, with superior selectivity and conversion for the relevant oxidation products (sulfoxides and ketones or aldehydes) under moderate conditions. The μ-oxo and peroxo groups on the ligands of the Co complex appeared to be responsible for the superior activity of the catalyst. Essential factors behind the oxidation of alcohol and sulfoxides were investigated, including the catalyst, solvent, and temperature. In this paper, molecular oxygen (O₂) was used as a green oxidant. Furthermore, kinetic studies were conducted, revealing a first-order reaction for the oxidation of both benzyl alcohol and sulfide. The reaction progressed at mild temperature, and the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused for numerous consecutive runs under the reaction conditions, without any substantial reduction in the functionality of the catalytic system.

The aim of this study was to immobilize a Co(ii) salen complex on KCC-1 as a catalyst that can be recovered (Co(ii) salen complex@KCC-1).     

Dendritic structured palladium complexes: magnetically retrievable,highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions

The recyclable nanomagnetic Pd-complex PAMAM G₀-Pd@γ-Fe₂O₃ is reported for catalytic C–C cross-coupling reactions of challenging substrates. Mainly, a great variety of aryl chlorides can be used as substrates for Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions under mild reaction conditions (60–90 °C) and low catalyst loading (<1 mol% Pd) in aqueous media. The presence of numerous polar groups in the polymer matrix increases the solubility of the catalyst in water, thus facilitating its operation in aqueous environments. The immobilization of the catalyst on the surface of a magnetic platform allows its effective recovery and reuse without significant loss of catalytic activity for at least six cycles with total leaching of <1% palladium metal, meeting the requirements for acceptable metal residues in the pharmaceutical industry.

The recyclable nanomagnetic Pd-complex PAMAM G₀-Pd@γ-Fe₂O₃ is reported for catalytic C–C cross-coupling reactions of challenging substrates.     

Histological evaluation of Curcuma longa-ghee formulation and hyaluronic acid on gingival healing in dog

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The experimental finding of Asian traditional medicine revealed the pharmacological effect of the local application of ghee which was taken from cow butterfat and the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. These materials significantly improved the healing process of the wound. In addition, ancient physicians of Middle East discovered that the powdered rhizomes of Curcuma longa (common turmeric) also had impressive medicinal qualities. Over the centuries, this spice has been used as a pain relieving, anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain and inflammation in the skin and muscles.

Aim of the study

We decided to mix ghee which was taken from sheep butterfat with the powdered rhizomes of Curcuma longa to formulate a novel cost-benefit material and then, evaluate its potential therapeutic effect on acceleration of surgical wound healing; moreover, this present study was performed to compare the effects of Curcuma longa–ghee formulation and hyaluronic acid on gingival wound healing following surgery.

Materials and methods

Five healthy 3-year-old male beagle dogs were used in this study. They had intact teeth and the clinical and radiographic examination revealed no periodontal disease. Ghee was obtained from the refined sheep butterfat heated to 70 °C mixed with the powdered rhizomes of Curcuma longa and was applied with two different ratios including materials A and B. Randomly, these three materials including hyaluronic acid, materials A and B were applied topically in test regions and then covered with periodontal pack. Histological changes were monitored in days 4 and 7 after operation to evaluate the inflammatory and repair stage of healing process.

Results

We observed significant difference in the inflammatory and repair parameters of the healing process between cases treated with this new formulation and cases of hyaluronic acid application.

Conclusion

The results suggested a positive potential therapeutic effect on surgical wound healing particularly improvement of periodontal treatment consequences after surgery.     

Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Frage unterschiedlicher Gewebstemperaturen bei tiefer Hypothermie und Wiedererwärmung

Ohne Zusammenfassung a. G. Mit 6 Textabbildungen VortragenderG. Rücker.