Preparation of a new anion exchanger by pre-irradiation grafting technique and its adsorptive removal of rhenium(Ⅶ) as analogue to ^(99)Tc

A new anion exchanger with pyridine groups was prepared by grafting of 2-vinyl pyridine onto polypropylene(PP) nonwoven fabrics by pre-irradiation grafting technique, followed by quaternization of pyridine rings in grafted chains in reaction with bromoethane. The results showed that the grafting yield increased with the monomer concentration and conversion ratio of quaternization increased with the time. The grafted and quaternized fabrics were characterized by FT-IR, DSC, SEM and ICP. The possibility of adsorption of perrhenate(ReO–4), a nonradioactive analogue to pertechnetate(99TcO–4), from aqueous solution by anion exchanger was investigated. The experiments performed at pH= 0.1–6 showed that p H = 2.2 was the optimal acidity for ReO–4adsorption, and an adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 30 min. The reaction enthalpy was-12.55 k J/mol,indicating that the adsorption process is exothermic. XPS tests indicated that the Re O–4uptake was a typical ion exchange between Cl–on anion exchanger and ReO–4.

“Grafting from”法制备高载量大孔弱阳离子交换层析介质

针对大孔聚合物层析介质孔径大、比表面积低而导致的蛋白结合容量低的问题,采用“graftingfrom”策略,以大孔聚丙烯酸酯微球为基质,通过氧化还原引发甲基丙烯酸在微球表面接枝聚合,制备了高载量弱阳离子交换层析介质.研究了单体浓度、过硫酸钾浓度及反应温度等因素对蛋白结合容量的影响.所得介质的蛋白静态结合容量和动态结合容量分别达到252.21和157.25mg/mL;同时发现具有一定离子交换容量的该类介质能够在0.2 mol/L NaCl缓冲液中保持100 mg/mL的蛋白结合容量.将该层析介质用于鸡卵清中溶菌酶的纯化,获得了较高的纯化效率.

Outcomes of surgical correction of Peyronie’s disease with plaque excision and grafting: Comparison of testicular tunica vaginalis graft versus bovine pericardium graft

Objective:Peyronie’s disease(PD)is an abnormal wound healing in the penile tunica albuginea.After fibrotic plaque excision,different graft materials have been used to repair the defects,but the optimal graft remains unknown.This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of testicular tunica vaginalis grafts and bovine pericardium grafts in patients with severe PD.Methods:A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 33 PD patients undergoing partial plaque excision and grafting from September 2015 to May 2021.The patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of graft used.For 15 patients in Group B,testicular tunica vaginalis grafts were used to repair the defect,while for 18 patients in Group A,bovine pericardium grafts were used.Data of the patient’s age,comorbidities,sexual function,penile curvature,postoperative complications,need for further treatment,change in penile length,and satisfaction were gathered and compared between the groups.Sexual function was evaluated using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5),and a functional less than 20-degree penile curvature after surgery was considered a successful intervention.Results:There was no difference in age,comorbidities,degree of curvature,perioperative IIEF-5,operative time,plaque size,or complication rates.After surgery,a statistically significant improvement in curvature degree(p<0.05)and satisfactory penile appearance(p<0.05)were seen in both groups without any superiority between the two groups(p=0.423 and p=0.840,respectively).With a 30-month follow-up,the IIEF-5 was consistent in both groups,with no statistical significance between the groups(p=0.492).The main change in penile length during the operation was increased and still positive in the last follow-up in both groups without statistical significance(p=0.255 and p=0.101,respectively).Conclusion:Partial plaque excision and corporoplasty with both testicular tunica vaginalis or bovine pericardium grafts are equally effective in treating males with clinically significant PD.

Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Superhydrophobic melamine sponge prepared by radiation-induced grafting technology for efficient oil-water separation

This paper presents a superhydrophobic melamine(ME)sponge(ME-g-PLMA)prepared via high-energy radiation-induced in situ covalent grafting of long-alkyl-chain dodecyl methacrylate(LMA)onto an ME sponge for efficient oil–water separation.The obtained ME-g-PLMA sponge had an excellent pore structure with superhydrophobic(water contact angle of 154°)and superoleophilic properties.It can absorb various types of oils up to 66–168 times its mass.The ME-g-PLMA sponge can continuously separate oil slicks in water by connecting a pump or separating oil underwater with a gravity-driven device.In addition,it maintained its highly hydrophobic properties even after long-term immersion in different corrosive solutions and repeated oil adsorption.The modified ME-g-PLMA sponge exhibited excellent separation properties and potential for oil spill cleanup.

Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Drilling and Cancellous Grafting at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONTF) is a debilitating condition. Several treatments have been proposed with controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment by surgical drilling coupled with in situ cancellous grafting. Materials and methods: Our study was a case-control study conducted at Brazzaville University Hospital from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2023. It compared two groups of patients with ONTF: non-operated (13 patients, 20 hips) and operated (22 patients, 35 hips). We used the visual digital scale (VDS) for pain assessment, the Merle D’Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system for clinical and functional assessment, and the evolution of necrosis. Results: The group of non-operated patients had a mean age of 35.69 ± 3.4 years, no improvement in pain with an EVN above seven at the last recoil and a mean global MDP score falling from 12.7 before offloading to 10.13 at one year. The group of patients operated on had a mean age of 37.86 ± 7.02 years, a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00004) and a significantly increased MDP score (p = 0.0034). A comparison of the two groups of patients showed significant stabilization of the necrotic lesions in the operated patients (p = 0.00067), with better satisfaction in the same group. Conclusion: Surgical drilling combined with grafting in the treatment of early-stage ONTF has improved progress in our series. The technique is reproducible and less invasive. It has made it possible to delay unfavorable progression and, consequently, hip replacement surgery.

Clinical effect of botulinum toxin type A combined with autologous fat grafting in patients with nasolabial fold depression

BACKGROUND Nasolabial fold(NLF)depression can affect the facial appearance of patients to some extent and increase their psychological burdens.In recent years,autologous fat grafting(AFG)combined with botulinum toxin A(BTX-A)injection(AFG+BTX-A injection)has been gradually applied in the treatment of patients with NLF depression.Although studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of AFG+BTX-A injection in treating NLF depression,the experimental design,observational indicators,and sample enrollment criteria vary remarkably,making it difficult to draw convincing and consistent conclusions.Thus,further relevant research is warranted.AIM To assess the esthetic improvement,efficacy,and safety of AFG+BTX-A injections in patients with NLF depression.METHODS This study included 60 patients with NLF depression who were treated in our hospital from February 2019 to April 2021.These patients were categorized into control(n=30)and observation(n=30)groups.The observation group received AFG+BTX-A injection,whereas the control group underwent AFG only.All patients were evaluated using the wrinkle severity rating scale(WSRS)and global aesthetic improvement scale.The compactness of facial contours,skin evaluation indexes,adverse reactions,and satisfaction of the two groups were evaluated 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS The WSRS scores of the observation group at 1,3,and 6 months postoperatively were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Three months postoperatively,facial fine lines and pores showed obvious improvement and the skin index score was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The compactness of facial contours was better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).In addition,no remarkable differences were noted in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions such as facial stiffness,facial asymmetry,facial bruising,and facial concavity inequality(P>0.05).CONCLUSION AFG+BTX-A injection is a highly safe,cost-effective,effective,and long-lasting treatment for NLF depression with high esthetic value,which should be promoted in the future.

Negative pressure device-assisted autologous fat grafting: A case report

This report describes a novel technique for improving depressed scars using negative pressure suction-assisted autologous fat grafting.A 35-year-old woman presented with a 20-year history of bilateral central buttock con-cavities,causing aesthetic concerns.To maximize fat graft survival and enhance tissue volume,we implemented intermittent negative pressure suction on the recipient area for one month preoperatively.The patient expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome,and a three-month follow-up confirmed a significantly improved fat graft survival rate.This minimally invasive,cost-effective,and easily reproducible technique offers a promising clinical strategy for treating depressed scars.

Efficient and selective removal of Pb(Ⅱ) from landfill leachate using L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric synthesized via radiation grafting technique

In this study,to efficiently remove Pb(Ⅱ) from aqueous environments,a novel L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric sorbent(NWF-serine)was fabricated through the radiation grafting of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent L-serine modification.The effect of the absorbed dose was investigated in the range of 5–50 kGy.NWF-serine was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis,and scanning electron microscopy.Batch adsorption tests were conducted to investigate the influences of pH,adsorption time,temperature,initial concentration,and sorbent dosage on the Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption performance of NWF-serine.The results indicated that Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption onto NWF-serine was an endothermic process,following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.The saturated adsorption capacity was 198.1 mg/g.NWF-serine exhibited Pb(Ⅱ) removal rates of 99.8% for aqueous solutions with initial concentrations of 100 mg/L and 82.1% for landfill leachate containing competitive metal ions such as Cd,Cu,Ni,Mn,and Zn.Furthermore,NWF-serine maintained 86% of its Pb(Ⅱ) uptake after five use cycles.The coordination of the carboxyl and amino groups with Pb(Ⅱ) was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Improvement of ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte based on Cu-Al bimetallic metal-organic framework fabricated through molecular grafting

A composite solid electrolyte comprising a Cu-Al bimetallic metal-organic framework(CAB),lithium salt(LiTFSI)and polyethylene oxide(PEO)was fabricated through molecular grafting to enhance the ionic conductivity of the PEO-based electrolytes.Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the electrolyte with 10 wt.%CAB(PL-CAB-10%)exhibits high ionic conductivity(8.42×10~(-4)S/cm at 60℃),high Li+transference number(0.46),wide electrochemical window(4.91 V),good thermal stability,and outstanding mechanical properties.Furthermore,PL-CAB-10%exhibits excellent cycle stability in both Li-Li symmetric battery and Li/PL-CAB-10%/LiFePO4 asymmetric battery setups.These enhanced performances are primarily attributable to the introduction of the versatile CAB.The abundant metal sites in CAB can react with TFSI~-and PEO through Lewis acid-base interactions,promoting LiTFSI dissociation and improving ionic conductivity.Additionally,regular pores in CAB provide uniformly distributed sites for cation plating during cycling.

Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.

Delayed Grafting as a Valid Technique in Burn Management: Experience from a Burn Unit in Oman

Background: Early excision and grafting has been the preferred method of managing major burns around the world since 1970. Considering the advances in health care and the development of new antibiotics over the past 50 years, delayed grafting as a technique for the management of burns over 15%-20% of total body surface area (TBSA) could have comparable results to that of early excision. This study aims to highlight the outcomes of practicing delayed grafting in burn patients. Methods: A case series analysis was performed of 51 patients who were admitted to the burns unit in Sultan Qaboos Hospital Salalah with over 20% TBSA between January 2014 and December 2019. The patients received prophylactic antibiotics and silver sulphadiazine dressing until the burn eschar had completely separated, followed by grafting. Results: Two patients were lost during the entire duration of the study. The mortality rate was comparable to that of early excision, while the rate of hypertrophic scarring was lower than the range reported by other studies. Conclusion: In the management of patients with over 20% TBSA, delayed grafting after complete separation of eschar is still a valid technique.

Grafting Copolymerization of Styrene and Acrylic Acid onto Pre-irradiated Polypropylene Fabric

Grafting copolymerization of styrene and acrylic acid onto polypropylene fabric had been studied by using a pre-irradiation technique. The polypropylene fabric Samples were irradiated by Y-ray and electron beam under the conditions of air and nitrogen gas, respectively. The effect of absorbed dose, monomer concentration in solvent, reaction temperature and reaction time on the degree of grafting were determined. The effects of metallic salts and sulphuric acid on the grafting yield of acrylic acid were also examined. The samples irradiated by electron beam give a much higher degree of grafting than those by Y -ray when styrene was grafted to polypropylene fabric. However, the grafting yield of acrylic acid on polypropylene fabric in the presence of metallic salts and sultric acid showed the opposite results from the case of styrene. This effect is reasonably interpreted by assuming that the grafting is dominated by trapped radicals and peroxides in pre-irradiated polypropylene.

Grafting effects on bioactive compounds,chemical and agronomic traits of‘Corbarino’tomato grown under greenhouse healthy conditions

In tomatoes,grafting onto resistant rootstocks represents an effective strategy to control several soil-borne diseases that reduce crop profitability,especially for landraceswith little or no resistance tomultiple pathogens/pests.In this study,the high-value‘Corbarino’tomato landrace was grafted onto seven commercial Solanum interspecific rootstocks to evaluate graft compatibility,yield performance,and qualitative characteristics under greenhouse healthy conditions.Three rootstocks were themost effective in improving fruit yield without negatively affecting the carpometric,technological,and health-related traits of the traditional tomato.‘Dinafort’rootstock increased fresh and dry yield,harvest index,and fruit/clusters,while mean fruit weight,shape index,total and soluble solid content,simple sugars,organic acids,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene content did not differ with respect to the ungrafted‘Corbarino’.‘Interpro’rootstock also showed promising results for the overall yield and quality traits,although it reduced the trans-lycopene content in the fruit.‘Silex’rootstock showed the highest harvest index as result of decreased vigour.The fruit quality induced by‘Silex’was satisfactory and high levels of simple sugars,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene were also observed.However,graft success,especially for‘Dinafort’and‘Silex’,needs to be improved by investigating more suitable methods for seedling production,grafting,acclimatization,etc.

Nicotiana benthamiana XYLEM CYSTEINE PROTEASE genes facilitate tracheary element formation in interfamily grafting

Grafting is a plant propagation technique widely used in agriculture.A recent discovery of the capability of interfamily grafting in Nicotiana has expanded the potential combinations of grafting.In this study,we showed that xylem connection is essential for the achievement of interfamily grafting and investigated the molecular basis of xylem formation at the graft junction.Transcriptome and gene network analyses revealed gene modules for tracheary element(TE)formation during grafting that include genes associated with xylem cell differentiation and immune response.The reliability of the drawn network was validated by examining the role of the Nicotiana benthamiana XYLEM CYSTEINE PROTEASE(NbXCP)genes in TE formation during interfamily grafting.Promoter activities of NbXCP1 and NbXCP2 genes were found in differentiating TE cells in the stem and callus tissues at the graft junction.Analysis of a Nbxcp1;Nbxcp2 loss-of-function mutant indicated that NbXCPs control the timing of de novo TE formation at the graft junction.Moreover,grafts of the NbXCP1 overexpressor increased the scion growth rate as well as the fruit size.Thus,we identified gene modules for TE formation at the graft boundary and demonstrated potential ways to enhance Nicotiana interfamily grafting.

The role of DNA methylation in the maintenance of phenotypic variation induced by grafting chimerism in Brassica

Grafting facilitates the interaction between heterologous cells with different genomes,resulting in abundant phenotypic variation,which provides opportunities for crop improvement.However,how grafting-induced variation occurs and is transmitted to progeny remains elusive.A graft chimera,especially a periclinal chimera,which has genetically distinct cell layers throughout the plant,is an excellent model to probe the molecular mechanisms of grafting-induced variation maintenance.Here we regenerated a plant from the T-cell layer of a periclinal chimera,TCC(where the apical meristem was artificially divided into three cell layers–from outside to inside,L1,L2,and L3;T=Tuber mustard,C=red Cabbage),named rTTT0(r=regenerated).Compared with the control(rsTTT,s=self-grafted),rTTT0 had multiple phenotypic variations,especially leaf shape variation,which could be maintained in sexual progeny.Transcriptomes were analyzed and 58 phenotypic variation-associated genes were identified.Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analyses revealed that the methylome of rTTT0 was changed,and the CG methylation level was significantly increased by 8.74%.In rTTT0,the coding gene bodies are hypermethylated in the CG context,while their promoter regions are hypomethylated in the non-CG context.DNA methylation changes in the leaf shape variation-associated coding genes,ARF10,IAA20,ROF1,and TPR2,were maintained for five generations of rTTT0.Interestingly,grafting chimerism also affected transcription of the microRNA gene(MIR),among which the DNA methylation levels of the promoters of three MIRs associated with leaf shape variation were changed in rTTT0,and the DNA methylation modification of MIR319 was maintained to the fifth generation of selfed progeny of rTTT0(rTTT5).These findings demonstrate that DNA methylation of coding and non-coding genes plays an important role in heterologous cell interaction-induced variation formation and its transgenerational inheritance.

Coupling Agent Grafting Assisted Synthesis of C3N4-ZrO_(2) Heterojunction Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Heterojunction composites were prepared by silane coupling agent grafting from synthesized graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))and commercially available zirconia(ZrO_(2)).The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy,UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS),photoluminescence(PL)spectroscopy,and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS).The photocatalytic activity of the composites was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue(MB)under visible light irradiation.The results showed that heterojunction composites of g-C_(3)N_(4) and ZrO_(2) could be successfully prepared by coupling agent grafting.The optimal mass ratio of g-C_(3)N_(4) and ZrO_(2) was 2:1,with an activity that was 3.8 times higher than g-C_(3)N_(4) and 15.3 times higher than ZrO_(2).This was ascribed to the stronger light absorption,faster interfacial charge transfer,and lower photogenerated carrier recombination of the heterojunction composites.

Functional recovery and muscle atrophy in pre-clinical models of peripheral nerve transection and gap-grafting in mice:effects of 4-aminopyridine

We recently demonstrated a repurposing beneficial effect of 4-aminopyridine(4-AP),a potassium channel blocker,on functional recove ry and muscle atrophy after sciatic nerve crush injury in rodents.However,this effect of 4-AP is unknown in nerve transection,gap,and grafting models.To evaluate and compare the functional recovery,nerve morphology,and muscle atrophy,we used a novel stepwise nerve transection with gluing(STG),as well as 7-mm irreparable nerve gap(G-7/0)and 7-mm isografting in 5-mm gap(G-5/7)models in the absence and presence of 4-AP treatment.Following surgery,sciatic functional index was determined wee kly to evaluate the direct in vivo global motor functional recovery.After 12 weeks,nerves were processed for whole-mount immunofluorescence imaging,and tibialis anterior muscles were harvested for wet weight and quantitative histomorphological analyses for muscle fiber crosssectional area and minimal Feret's diameter.Average post-injury sciatic functional index values in STG and G-5/7 models were significantly greater than those in the G-7/0 model.4-AP did not affect the sciatic functional index recovery in any model.Compared to STG,nerve imaging revealed more misdirected axons and distorted nerve architecture with isografting.While muscle weight,cross-sectional area,and minimal Feret's diameter were significantly smaller in G-7/0 model compared with STG and G-5/7,4-AP treatment significantly increased right TA muscle mass,cross-sectional area,and minimal Feret's diameter in G-7/0 model.These findings demonstrate that functional recovery and muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury are directly related to the intervening nerve gap,and 4-AP exerts diffe rential effects on functional recove ry and muscle atrophy.

Long-Term Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Risk Stratification

Background: Risk stratification of long-term outcomes for patients undergoing Coronary artery bypass grafting has enormous potential clinical importance. Aim: To develop risk stratification models for predicting long-term outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We retrospectively revised the electronic medical records of 2330 patients who underwent adult Cardiac surgery between August 2016 and December 2022 at Madinah Cardiac Center, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria of CABG operations with a complete follow-up period of at least 24 months, and data reporting. The collected data included patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, pharmacotherapy, echocardiographic parameters, procedural details, postoperative data, in-hospital outcomes, and follow-up data. Our follow-up was depending on the clinical status (NYHA class), chest pain recurrence, medication dependence and echo follow-up. A univariate analysis was performed between each patient risk factor and the long-term outcome to determine the preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors significantly associated with each long-term outcome. Then a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with a stepwise, forward selection procedure. Significant (p < 0.05) risk factors were identified and were used as candidate variables in the development of a multivariable risk prediction model. Results: The incidence of all-cause mortality during hospital admission or follow-up period was 2.3%. Other long-term outcomes included all-cause recurrent hospitalization (9.8%), recurrent chest pain (2.4%), and the need for revascularization by using a stent in 5 (3.0%) patients. Thirteen (4.4%) patients suffered heart failure and they were on the maximum anti-failure medications. The model for predicting all-cause mortality included the preoperative EF ≤ 35% (AOR: 30.757, p = 0.061), the bypass time (AOR: 1.029, p = 0.003), and the duration of ventilation following the operation (AOR: 1.237, p = 0.021). The model for risk stratification of recurrent hospitalization comprised the preoperative EF ≤ 35% (AOR: 6.198, p p = 0.023), low postoperative cardiac output (AOR: 3.622, p = 0.007), and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AOR: 2.787, p = 0.038). Low postoperative cardiac output was the only predictor that significantly contributed to recurrent chest pain (AOR: 11.66, p = 0.004). Finally, the model consisted of low postoperative cardiac output (AOR: 5.976, p < 0.001) and postoperative ventricular fibrillation (AOR: 4.216, p = 0.019) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the future need for revascularization using a stent. Conclusions: A risk prediction model was developed in a Saudi cohort for predicting all-cause mortality risk during both hospital admission and the follow-up period of at least 24 months after isolated CABG surgery. A set of models were also developed for predicting long-term risks of all-cause recurrent hospitalization, recurrent chest pain, heart failure, and the need for revascularization by using stents.