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Abstract Zinc metal–organic frameworks have emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating excellent biological properties stemming from the unique characteristics of MOFs and zinc. In this study, we employed a facile method to synthesize a zinc metal–organic framework [Zn(IP)(H 2 O)] using ultrasound irradiation, with the linker being isophthalic acid (IPA) (1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid). The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples prepared via loading and encapsulation methods were comprehensively characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, UV–vis spectroscopy and TGA. The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects. Remarkably, genomic DNA of P. aeruginosa was effectively degraded by Zn-MOF, further supporting its potent antibacterial results. The free radical inhibition assay demonstrated a 71.0% inhibition under the influence of Zn-MOF. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of Zn-MOF against HepG-2 and Caco-2 cell lines revealed differential cytotoxic effects, with higher cytotoxicity against Caco-2 as explored from the IC50 values. This cytotoxicity was supported by the high binding affinity of Zn-MOF to CT-DNA. Importantly, the non-toxic property of Zn-MOF was confirmed through its lack of cytotoxic effects against normal lung cell (Wi-38). The anti-inflammatory treatment of Zn-MOF achieved 75.0% efficiency relative to the standard Ibuprofen drug. DFT and docking provided insights into the geometric stability of Zn-MOF and its interaction with active amino acids within selected proteins associated with the investigated diseases. Finally, the synthesized Zn-MOF shows promise for applications in cancer treatment, chemoprevention, and particularly antibacterial purposes.

Abstract Background Abdominal and laparoscopic sacro-colpopexy (LSC) is considered the standard surgical option for the management of a symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Women who have their uterus, and for whom an LSC is indicated, can have a laparoscopic sacro-hysteropexy (LSH), a laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy and laparoscopic sacro-cervicopexy (LSCH + LSC) or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic sacro-colpopexy (TLH + LSC). The main aim of this study was to compare clinical and patient reported outcomes of uterine sparing versus concomitant hysterectomy LSC procedures. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical, imaging and patient reported outcomes at baseline, 3 and 12 months after LSH versus either LSCH + LSC or TLH + LSC between January 2015 and January 2019 in a tertiary referral urogynecology center in Pilsen, the Czech Republic. Results In total, 294 women were included in this analysis (LSH n = 43, LSCH + LSC n = 208 and TLH + LSC n = 43). There were no differences in the incidence of perioperative injuries and complications. There were no statistically significant differences between the concomitant hysterectomy and the uterine sparing groups in any of the operative, clinical or patient reported outcomes except for a significantly lower anterior compartment failure rate (p = 0.017) and higher optimal mesh placement rate at 12 months in women who had concomitant hysterectomy procedures (p = 0.006). Conclusion LSH seems to be associated with higher incidence of anterior compartment failures and suboptimal mesh placement based on postoperative imaging techniques compared to LSC with concomitant hysterectomy.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to explore the personal views of female gynecologists regarding the management of POP with a particular focus on the issue of uterine sparing surgery. Methods A questionnaire based survey of practicing female gynecologists in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia. Results A total of 140 female gynecologists from 81 units responded to our questionnaire. The majority of respondents stated they would rely on a urogynecologist to aid them with their choice of POP management options. The most preferred options for POP management were sacrocolpopexy and physiotherapy. Almost 2/3 of respondents opted for a hysterectomy together with POP surgery, if they were menopausal, even if the anatomical outcome was similar to uterine sparing POP surgery. Moreover, 81.4% of respondents, who initially opted for a uterine sparing procedure, changed their mind if the anatomical success of POP surgery with concomitant hysterectomy was superior. Discussing uterine cancer risk in relation to other organs had a less significant impact on their choices. Conclusions The majority of female gynecologists in our study opted for hysterectomy if they were postmenopausal at the time of POP surgery. However, variation in information provision had an impact on their choice.

Abstract Background Manual perineal protection (MPP) is an intrapartum intervention suggested to protect perineal integrity during childbirth. Proper execution of MPP is complex and evaluation of its true contribution is difficult in the clinical setting because of the large number of obstetric variables, some of which are hardly quantifiable. In this study we aimed to gather initial data on the forces executed by the accoucheur’s thumb, index and middle fingers during MPP at the time of fetal head expulsion, quantify the duration of the intervention and investigate the timely interaction of the different components of MPP. Methods Two bespoke right-handed measurement gloves (MG), with built in sensors, were designed and produced. The MG allowed the electronic real-time measurement of applied forces during MPP and transferred this data wirelessly to an integrated computer system. Sterile gloves were worn over the MG when used at the time of birth. The study was undertaken between January and December 2019. Singleton, term pregnant women having their first vaginal birth who provided a valid written consent were enrolled into this prospective pilot study. All deliveries were undertaken by one of two obstetricians experienced in MPP. Results Twenty women were enrolled. The mean duration of execution of MPP during the last contraction was 13.6 s. In 20% it lasted

Abstract Background The objectives of this study were to explore the course of labor and the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury at the first vaginal birth after cesarean section (fVBAC) in comparison to primiparous vaginal birth (PVB) in women without epidural analgesia and to assess if laboring before the previous cesarean affected these outcomes. Methods All fVBACs without epidural analgesia and the subsequent PVBs (controls) between 2012 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from health records and included maternal demographics, gestational age, and labor details (duration of 1st and 2nd stages, labor induction or augmentation, birthweight, operative vaginal birth, estimated blood loss, extent of childbirth trauma) in both groups as well as cervical dilation at the time of previous cesarean in the fVBAC group. Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests were used for data analyses. Results The study comprised 510 women; 255 fVBACs and 255 controls. The majority of fVBACs were after a pre-labor cesarean section – 177 (69.4%). There was a statistically significant difference in the recorded duration of first stage between the fVBACs and controls (289 vs. 347 min respectively, p

Patients infected with COVID-19 virus, show a highly variable symptomatology which can include central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. One of the most disabling CNS manifestations is persistent severe encephalopathy seen for weeks after the resolution of the acute viral pneumonia and associated acute systemic illnesses. The precise pathophysiology of this persistent Post COVID Encephalopathy is unknown but may involve direct viral invasion of microvascular endothelium, microvascular thrombosis, toxic neuronal effects of inflammatory products, vasoactive pathology at arteriolar level or leptomeningeal inflammation. Currently, there are no established specific treatments for Post COVID -19 encephalopathy. We present a case series of three patients that underwent Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) with salinized albumin that suggests a positive therapeutic effect. We believe that the results warrant further evaluation for the role of TPE with a prospective randomized trial in persistent Post COVID -19 encephalopathy syndrome.

Poly 1-amino-9, 10-anthraquinone (PAAQ) films were prepared by the electropolymerization of 1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone (AAQ) on platinum substrate from aqueous media, where 5.0 × 10−3 mol L−1 AAQ and 6.0 mol L−1 H2SO4 were used. The kinetics of the electropolymerization process was investigated by determining the change of the charge consumed during the polymerization process with time at different concentrations of both monomer and electrolyte. The results have shown that the process follows first order kinetics with respect to the monomer concentration. The order of the reaction with respect to the aqueous solvent i.e. H2SO4 was found to be negative. The polymer films were successfully used as sensors for the electroanalytical determination of many hazardous compounds, e.g. phenols, and biologically important materials like dopamine. The electroanalytical determination was based on the measurements of the oxidation current peak of the material in the cyclic voltammetric measurements. The cyclic voltammograms were recorded at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1 and different analyte concentrations. A calibration curve was constructed for each analyte, from which the determination of low concentrations of catechol and hydroquinone (HQ) as examples of hazardous compounds present in waste water and also for ascorbic acid and dopamine as examples of valuable biological materials can be achieved.