ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE AND LUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES OF Zn2 GeO4 : Eu3+ ACCORDING TO JUDD-OFELT THEORY

Preparation and characteristic of Nanorod-like Zn₂ GeO₄ doped with Eu³⁺ or ZGO:xEu³⁺ (x = 0 ÷ 0.05) which synthesized via the hydrothermal method are described. The influence of Eu³⁺ doping ions on the structure and the optical properties of ZGO was also investigated. According to the PL spectra, ZGO:xEu³⁺ nanophosphors gave a red emission due to the ⁵ D₀ →⁷ F₂ emission of Eu³⁺ ions. In accordance with Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory, the intensity parameters for f-f transitions from the emission and absortion spectrum were determined. At the ⁵ D₀ excited state of Eu³⁺ , total spontaneous emission probabilities (A_R ), lifetimes (τ_R ), branching ratios (β_R ), and quantum efficiency (η) were calculated. The ZGO:xEu³⁺ (x = 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) phosphor showed the branch ratio β (⁵ D₀ →⁷ F₂ ) > 60%, indicating that the phosphors prepared herein have a promising potential as laser light. The sample with a concentration of 0.04Eu³⁺ achieved the highest quantum efficiency of 84%, suggesting that it has potential LED applications.

Aberrant artery embolization prior to pulmonary sequestration surgery: A case series report

Objectives

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital malformation, and part of its treatment requires the removal of the aberrant artery by surgical means.

Materials and methods

Five patients treated at Military Hospital 103 - Department of Thoracic Disease were diagnosed with PS via CT scan, MS-CT, and DSA, and histopathological data were evaluated retrospectively between January and December 2019.

Results

In all patients, surgery is the preferred option, with two cases of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (one lobectomy and one wedge resection), and three cases of hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (adhesive inflammation was observed, the bronchus is challenging to reveal, to resect, and tend to bleed when resecting).

The average length of stay following surgery is 11.6 ± 8.1 days. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up is 13.8 ± 3.3 months, all patients had a good quality of life, and no respiratory problems such as hemoptysis or pneumonia were detected.

Conclusion

The excellent outcomes obtained in all patients in our study during the follow-up period (13.8 ± 3.3 months) established the appropriate indication and treatment. However, these are preliminary findings; a longer study period with a larger sample size is required to draw more valid conclusions.

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Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital malformation.

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Aberrant artery embolization prior to pulmonary sequestration surgery is potential for excellent outcomes.

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The excellent outcomes obtained in all patients established the appropriate indication and treatment

Plombage for Hemoptysis Control in Pulmonary Aspergilloma: Safety and Effectiveness of Forgettable Surgery in High-Risk Patients

Objectives: To evaluate plombage surgery for hemoptysis control in pulmonary aspergilloma in high-risk patients.

Methods: This study was carried out on 75 pulmonary aspergilloma patients presenting with hemoptysis that underwent a plombage surgery for approximately 7 years (November 2011–September 2018) at Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital. They revisited the hospital 6 months after plombage surgery and considered plombage removal. The group whose plombage was removed was compared with that whose plombage was retained 6 and 24 months after surgery.

Results: Hemoptysis reduced significantly after surgery. Hemoptysis ceased in 91.67% of the patients and diminished in 8.33% of the patients 6 months after surgery. Similarly, hemoptysis ceased in 87.32% of the patients and diminished in 12.68% of the patients 24 months after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) index, Karnofsky score, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) increased. Plombage surgery was performed with operative time of 129.5 ± 36.6 min, blood loss during operation of 250.7 ± 163.1 mL, and the number of table tennis balls of 4.22 ± 2.02. No deaths related to plombage surgery were recorded. Plombage was removed in 29 cases because of patients’ requirements (89.8%), infection (6.8%), and pain (3.4%). There were no patient developing complications after the treatment and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions: Plombage surgery is safe and effective for hemoptysis control in pulmonary aspergilloma. To minimize the risk of long-term complications, surgeons should remove the plombage 6 months after the initial operation.

Association of FCN2 polymorphisms and Ficolin-2 levels with dengue fever in Vietnamese patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The human ficolin-2, encoded by FCN2, recognizes pathogen-associated acetylated residues on their cell surfaces and activates the lectin complement cascade. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of human ficolin-2 and the functional FCN2 genetic variants in dengue virus (DENV) infection and in clinical progression.

METHODS

FCN2 genetic polymorphisms in the promoter, intron 7 and exon 8 were genotyped in 279 patients with dengue fever and in 200 healthy controls by direct Sanger sequencing. The ficolin-2 levels were measured in serum samples by ELISA and correlated with clinical data.

RESULTS

The frequencies of +6031GG, +6220GG and +6424TT genotypes were significantly higher in dengue patients compared to healthy controls indicating an increased risk of dengue fever. The SNPs rs11103563 (+6031A/G), rs7872508 (+6220 T/G), and rs7851696 (+6424G/T) significantly regulated ficolin-2 levels in dengue patients (P < 0.0001). Ficolin-2 levels were increased in patients with dengue and Dengue with Warning Signs (DWS) compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.038, respectively). Ficolin-2 levels were significantly increased after 10-14 days of admission in both dengue and DWS patients and then slightly decreased after three weeks of discharge, indicating that ficolin-2 levels were modulated during the progression of dengue fever. In addition, ficolin-2 levels were negatively correlated with AST levels and positively correlated with platelet counts.

CONCLUSIONS

FCN2 polymorphisms are associated with dengue fever in the Vietnamese population. Ficolin-2 levels are modulated during the progression of dengue fever and correlated with clinical parameters and thus may play a possible role in the pathogenesis of DENV infection.

Reversal of Deep Effect of Rocuronium by Sugammadex or Neostigmine after Abdominal Laparoscopic Surgery: A Single Center Experience in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: Using sugammadex allows to quickly reverse deep neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium in laparoscopic surgery, which results in great benefits during and after surgery by minimizing the problem of postoperative residual curarization. AIM: The aims of this study are comparing the efficacy of reversing neuromuscular blockade between sugammadex and neostigmine and evaluating its unwanted effects after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. METHODS: Subject of this prospective clinical comparative trial was patients who underwent abdominal laparoscopic surgery at 103 Military Hospital from October 2017 to October 2018. Eighty-four patients suffering from abdominal laparoscopic surgery under deep neuromuscular blockade were enrolled and divided randomly into two groups with 42 patients in each: Group N used neostigmine for neuromuscular blockade reversal and Group S applied sugammadex. At the end of surgery, neuromuscular blockade was reversed with either sugammadex or neostigmine. RESULTS: The reversal time to achieve train-of-four ratio >0.9 in the sugammadex group was 2.42 ± 0.58 min, which was shorter than in the neostigmine group (11.83 ± 2.19 min) (p < 0.05). The time until extubation in the sugammadex group was 3.69 ± 0.67 min, which was shorter than in the neostigmine group 11.90 ± 2.22 min (p < 0.05). Reversal with sugammadex resulted in statistical significance of less sputum production (0% vs. 11.9%), dry mouth (0% vs. 28.57%), headache (2.38% vs. 7.14%), and nausea (4.76% vs. 14.28%) compared with neostigmine. However, 26.19% of patients in the neostigmine group presented bradycardia, whereas the concurrent administration of atropine in the neostigmine group resulted in increased heart rate. CONCLUSION: Sugammadex reversed neuromuscular blockade more rapidly and effectively than neostigmine in abdominal laparoscopic surgeries. The unwanted effects of sugammadex group were fewer than neostigmine group.

Upregulation of Enzymes involved in ISGylation and Ubiquitination in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: ISGylation is the conjugation of ISG15 with target proteins. ISGylation occurs through an enzymatic cascade, which is similar to that of ubiquitination. Through ISGylation, ISG15 can bind to proteins involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, thus promoting genesis and progression of malignancies. The present study aims to investigate expression of genes involved in ISGylation and ubiquitination in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to correlate gene expression with clinical laboratory parameters of these patients. Methods: mRNA expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the ISGylation process (EFP, HERC5, UBA1, UBC and USP18) was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in 38 pairs of tumour and adjacent non-tumour tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and correlated with distinct clinical laboratory parameters. Results: Relative mRNA expression of EFP, HERC5, UBA1 and USP18 was significantly higher in tumour tissues compared to adjacent non-tumour tissues (P=0.006; 0.012; 0.02 and 0.039, respectively). The correlation pattern of mRNA expression between genes in the tumours differed from the pattern in adjacent non-tumour tissues. Relative expression of EFP, HERC5 and UBA1 in adjacent non-tumour tissues was positively associated with direct bilirubin levels (Spearman's rho=0.31, 0.33 and 0.45; P=0.06, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) and relative expression of USP18 in adjacent non-tumour tissues correlated negatively with ALT levels (Spearman's rho= -0.33, P=0.03). Conclusions: EFP, HERC5, UBA1, and USP18 genes are upregulated in tumour tissues of patients with HCC and, thus, may be associated with the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients with Heterogenous Emphysema: Selecting Perspective

BACKGROUND:

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) was introduced to alleviate clinical conditions in selected patients with heterogenous emphysema. Clarifying the most suitable patients for LVRS remained unclear.

AIM:

This study was undertaken to specifically analyze the preoperative factor affecting to LVRS.

METHODS:

The prospective study was conducted at 103 Military Hospital between July 2014 and April 2016. Severe heterogenous emphysema patients were selected to participate in the study. The information, spirometry, and body plethysmographic pulmonary function tests in 31 patients who underwent LVRS were compared with postoperative outcomes (changing in FEV1 and CAT scale).

RESULTS:

Of the 31 patients, there was statistically significant difference in the outcome of functional capacity, lung function between two groups (FEV1 ≤ 50% and > 50%) (∆FEV1: 22.46 vs 18.32%; p = 0.042. ∆ CAT: 6.85 vs 5.07; p = 0.048). Changes of the FEV1 and CAT scale were no statistically significant differences in three groups residual volume. Patients with total lung capacity < 140% had more improved than others (∆FEV1: 23.81 vs 15.1%; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative spirometry and body plethysmographic pulmonary function tests were useful measures to selected severe heterogenous emphysema patients for LVRS. Patients with FEV1 ≤ 50%, TLC in the range of 100-140% should be selected.

Preemptive analgesia after lumbar spine surgery by pregabalin and celecoxib: a prospective study

Objective

To evaluate the preemptive analgesic effect of combination pregabalin with celecoxib for lumbar spine surgery.

Methods

A prospective, randomized study was conducted among 60 lumbar spine surgery patients and divided into two groups. Postoperative pain relief was achieved with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine. The preemptive analgesia group received oral pregabalin (150 mg) and celecoxib (200 mg) 2 hrs before surgery, and the control group received a placebo. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Side effects and morphine consumption were monitored until 48 hrs after surgery.

Results

VAS score at rest and during movement was statistically significantly lower in the preemptive analgesia group at most time points (p<0.05). Morphine consumption was significantly lower in the preemptive analgesia group compared with control group in the 24 first hours (29.03±4.38 mg vs 24.43±4.94) and 48 hrs (52.23±9.57 mg vs 44.20±10.21 mg), p<0.05. Hemodynamics, respiratory rate, and SpO₂ were similar for both groups. The sedation score was only statistically significant at H8 time point. The incidence of nausea/vomiting in the preemptive group did not statistically differ from the control group.

Conclusion

Preoperative administration of pregabalin combined with celecoxib had a good preemptive analgesia effect and reduced intravenous morphine consumption after lumbar spine surgery. Side effects were mild and transient.

Successful intralipid-emulsion treatment of local anesthetic systemic toxicity following ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block: case report

Background

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a life-threatening complication that may follow application of LAs through various routes. Despite increasing usage of LA techniques in a large number of health-care settings, contemporary awareness of LAST and understanding of its management are inadequate.

Case presentation

We report two cases who suffered LAST following brachial plexus block for surgery on the upper extremity. The first patient received an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block with 300 mg lidocaine (6 mg/kg) and 50 mg ropivacaine (1 mg/kg) in 25 mL without epinephrine, and the second patient received an ultrasound guided interscalene block with 200 mg lidocaine (4.5 mg/kg) and 45 mg ropivacaine (1 mg/kg) supplemented with epinephrine 1:200,000. Both patients presented with symptoms of central nervous and respiratory system depression, the first roughly 10 minutes after injection, and the second immediately after withdrawal of the needle. In both cases, thorough recovery was obtained using lipid-emulsion therapy.

Conclusion

The complication of LAST following ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block could be treated successfully applying the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicineprotocol of intravenous administration of lipid emulsion.

Patient-controlled paravertebral analgesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy

Background

Paravertebral block has been proven to be an efficient method to provide post-thoracotomy pain management. This study aimed to compare patient-controlled paravertebral analgesia (PCPA) and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) in terms of analgesic efficiency, respiratory function, and adverse effects after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

Patients and methods

The prospective randomized trial study was carried out on 60 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy (randomly allocated 30 patients in each group). In the PCPA group, an initial dose of 0.3 mL/kg of 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2 µg/mL was administered, followed by a 3 mL/h continuous infusion with patient-controlled analgesia (2 mL bolus, 10-minute lockout interval, 25 mL/4 h limit). In the IVPCA group with morphine 1 mg/mL solution, an infusion device was programmed to deliver a 1.0 mL demand bolus with no basal infusion rate, with a 10-minute lockout interval and a maximum of 20 mL/4 h period. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog scale at rest and on coughing. Arterial blood gas and spirometry were monitored and recorded for the first 3 postoperative days. Side effects to include were also recorded.

Results

The PCPA group had statistically significant lower pain scores (P<0.0001) at rest at all times. Lower pain scores on coughing were statistically significant in PCPA group in the first 4 hours. Postoperative spirometry showed that both the groups had comparable recovery trajectories for their pulmonary function. Arterial blood gas analysis showed pH and PaCO₂ were in a normal range in both the groups. The incidence of headache was higher in the IVPCA group (13.3% vs 0%; P=0.038).

Conclusion

PCPA effectively managed pain after VATS lobectomy, with lower pain scores, similar respiratory function, and fewer side effects than standard IVPCA treatment.

Second Iteration of Photogrammetric Processing to Refine Image Orientation with Improved Tie-Points †

Photogrammetric processing is available in various software solutions and can easily deliver 3D pointclouds as accurate as 1 pixel. Certain applications, e.g., very accurate shape reconstruction in industrial metrology or change detection for deformation studies in geosciences, require results of enhanced accuracy. The tie-point extraction step is the opening in the photogrammetric processing chain and therefore plays a key role in the quality of the subsequent image orientation, camera calibration and 3D reconstruction. Improving its precision will have an impact on the obtained 3D. In this research work we describe a method which aims at enhancing the accuracy of image orientation by adding a second iteration photogrammetric processing. The result from the classical processing is used as a priori information to guide the extraction of refined tie-points of better photogrammetric quality. Evaluated on indoor and UAV acquisitions, the proposed methodology shows a significant improvement on the obtained 3D point accuracy.

Single phase Si1-xGex nanocrystals and the shifting of the E1 direct energy transition

We report preparation and characterization of Si1-xGex alloys with varied composition x of a large range from 0-1. The materials have been obtained by co-sputtering, followed by a heat treatment process at 600, 800, and 1000 °C for 30 min in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. X-ray diffraction data have revealed the formation of single-phase nanoparticles in the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of Si1-xGex alloys. We found that lattice constant a of the Si1-xGex alloys increased linearly with the composition parameter x. Average diameters of the single-phase nanoparticles were estimated to be between 3-10 nm. Further evidence of FCC single-phase [Formula: see text] nanoparticles has been obtained by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. From absorption spectra, the gradual shift of the direct phononless transition identified for the E1 point in the Brillouin zone of bulk Ge is observed in single-phase Si1-xGex nanoparticles as a function of the composition parameter x.

Selection of penstemide and serrulatoloside producing clones in penstemon serrulatus by small-aggregate cloning

A plating method is described for cultured cells of Penstemon serrulatus Menz. which allows effective cloning of aggregates consisting of less than 10 cells, on a simple synthetic medium. The obtained clones snowed high diversity with respect to their ability to produce penstemide, an ester iridoid of the Valeriana-type. Some of the clones produced higher quantities of this compound than the original cell line. The content of another iridoid glucoside of the same type, serrulatoloside, was also determined.