Insights to scaling remote plasma sources sustained in NF3 mixtures

Remote plasma sources (RPSs) are being developed for low damage materials processing during semiconductor fabrication. Plasmas sustained in NF3 are often used as a source of F atoms. NF3 containing gas mixtures such as NF3/O2 and NF3/H2 provide additional opportunities to produce and control desirable reactive species such as F and NO. In this paper, results from computational investigations of RPS sustained in capacitively coupled plasmas are discussed using zero-dimensional global and two-dimensional reactor scale models. A comprehensive reaction mechanism for plasmas sustained in Ar/NF3/O2 was developed using electron impact cross sections for NF2 and NF calculated by ab initio molecular R-matrix methods. For validation of the reaction mechanism, results from the simulations were compared with optical emission spectroscopy measurements of radical densities. Dissociative attachment and dissociative excitation of NFx are the major sources of F radicals. The exothermicity from these Franck–Condon dissociative processes is the dominant gas heating mechanism, producing gas temperatures in excess of 1500 K. The large fractional dissociation of the feedstock gases enables a larger variety of end-products. Reactions between NFx and O atom containing species lead to the formation of NO and N2O through endothermic reactions facilitated by the gas heating, followed by the formation of NO2 and FNO from exothermic reactions. The downstream composition in the flowing afterglow is an ion–ion plasma maintained by, in oxygen containing mixtures, [F−] ≈ [NO+] since NO has the lowest ionization potential and F has the highest electron affinity among the major neutral species

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ДОБАВЛЕНИЯ ПАНИТУМУМАБА К КОНВЕРСИОННОЙ ТЕРАПИИ КОЛОРЕКТАЛЬНОГО РАКА С МЕТАСТАЗАМИ В ПЕЧЕНЬ

Panitumumab has been shown to increase progression free and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Our purpose was to evaluate whether panitumumab is effective and safe in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).Methods. Consecutive analysis of data from 11 patients (KRAS wild) receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and panitumumab as converse preoperative treatment for potentially resectable CRLM. At the moment of presentation R0-liver resection was not possible due to technical reasons (small remnant volume, large liver vessels involvement etc.). We studied objective response rate, surgical characteristics, skin toxicity profile, and perioperative course. Also expression of EGFR-ligands (transforming growth factor-α and amphiregulin) and   expression of E-cadherin were studied.Results. After median 6 courses of treatment, metastatic liver tumors were reduced considerably (PR) in 8 pts (73 %). Radical liver resection (R0) with 3 median number of removed segments was done in 6 (55 %) patients. Two pts underwent successfully the two-stage surgery (1 – portal vein embolization and 1 – portal vein ligation with partial left resection). Two patients progressed on chemotherapy (18 %). There was no correlation between skin toxicity and response. Mean blood loss was 250 ml. Preoperative administration of panitumumab was associated with higher risk of postoperative infection complication (57.1 %).Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report about using panitumumab as conversion therapy before liver resection. The panitumumab and oxaliplatine-based regimen may increase the resection rate of liver metastases and influence on adhesive and proliferative activity of cancer cells. It is necessary to focus on postoperative infection complications.Доказано, что панитумумаб увеличивает выживаемость без прогрессирования и общую выживаемость у пациентов с метастазами колоректального рака (КРР) в печень.Целью нашего исследования стала оценка безопасности и эффективности добавления панитумумаба к лечению пациентов с потенциально резектабельными метастазами.Методы. В когортное проспективное исследование были включены 11 пациентов (дикий тип KRAS) с метастазами КРР в печень, расцененные исходно как «потенциально резектабельные» и получившие в качестве конверсионной предоперационной терапии панитумумаб в сочетании с химиотерапией на основе оксалиплатина в отделении хирургии печени, поджелудочной железы и желчных путей ФГБУ «РНЦХ им. акад. Б.В. Петровского» РАМН. К исследуемым параметрам относились частота и процент объективного ответа по критериям RECIST 1.1, оценка частоты выполнения резекции в объеме R0, интраоперационные и послеоперационные показатели, такие как кровопотеря во время операции, продолжительность операции, длительность пребывания в стационаре, осложнения, 30-дневная и 90-дневная летальность. Также изучалась экспрессия лигандов рецептора эпидермального фактора роста (EGFR) – трансформирующего фактора роста и амфирегулина, а также E-кадгерина.Результаты. После в среднем 6 курсов лечения частичный объективный ответ был зарегистрирован в 73 % случаев. Радикальную резекцию печени с удалением в среднем 3 сегментов удалось выполнить в один этап у 6 (55 %) пациентов. Два пациента успешно завершили двухэтапное лечение (1 – эмболизация воротной вены и 1 – перевязка правой воротной вены с сегментарной левосторонней резекцией). У 2 пациентов была зафиксирована прогрессия на фоне лечения. Корреляция между степенью выраженности кожной токсичности и объективным ответом отсутствовала. Медиана кровопотери составила 250 мл. Предоперационная терапия панитумумабом сопровождалась повышенным риском послеоперационных инфекционных осложнений (57,1 %).Выводы. По нашим данным, это первое исследование, в котором изучалось добавление панитумумаба к конверсионной терапии метастатического КРР до резекции печени. Режим лечения с использованием панитумумаба и оксалиплатина может увеличить частоту успешных резекций печени и влиять на адгезивные и пролиферативные свойства опухолевых клеток. Необходимо уделять внимание возможности развития послеоперационных инфекционных осложнений.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

RESULTS OF PANITUMUMAB ADDITION TO CONVERSION THERAPY FOR COLORECTAL CANCER LIVER METASTASES

Panitumumab has been shown to increase progression free and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Our purpose was to evaluate whether panitumumab is effective and safe in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).Methods. Consecutive analysis of data from 11 patients (KRAS wild) receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and panitumumab as converse preoperative treatment for potentially resectable CRLM. At the moment of presentation R0-liver resection was not possible due to technical reasons (small remnant volume, large liver vessels involvement etc.). We studied objective response rate, surgical characteristics, skin toxicity profile, and perioperative course. Also expression of EGFR-ligands (transforming growth factor-α and amphiregulin) and   expression of E-cadherin were studied.Results. After median 6 courses of treatment, metastatic liver tumors were reduced considerably (PR) in 8 pts (73 %). Radical liver resection (R0) with 3 median number of removed segments was done in 6 (55 %) patients. Two pts underwent successfully the two-stage surgery (1 – portal vein embolization and 1 – portal vein ligation with partial left resection). Two patients progressed on chemotherapy (18 %). There was no correlation between skin toxicity and response. Mean blood loss was 250 ml. Preoperative administration of panitumumab was associated with higher risk of postoperative infection complication (57.1 %).Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report about using panitumumab as conversion therapy before liver resection. The panitumumab and oxaliplatine-based regimen may increase the resection rate of liver metastases and influence on adhesive and proliferative activity of cancer cells. It is necessary to focus on postoperative infection complications

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of the Tumor Stroma in Colorectal Cancer: Insights into Disease Progression and Therapeutic Targets

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health burden worldwide and is the third most common type of cancer. The early detection and diagnosis of CRC is critical to improve patient outcomes. This review explores the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment, stromal interactions, and the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The review begins by assessing the gut microbiome’s influence on CRC development, emphasizing its association with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The role of the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC tumor stroma is scrutinized, elucidating its impact on disease progression. Tumor budding, its effect on tumor stroma, and the implications for patient prognosis are investigated. The review also identifies conserved oncogenic signatures (COS) within CRC stroma and explores their potential as therapeutic targets. Lastly, the seed and soil hypothesis is employed to contextualize metastasis, accentuating the significance of both tumor cells and the surrounding stroma in metastatic propensity. This review highlights the intricate interdependence between CRC cells and their microenvironment, providing valuable insights into prospective therapeutic approaches targeting tumor–stroma interactions

Long-term monitoring of leukocyturia and bacteriuria after acute obstructive pyelonephritis

The generally accepted standard of antibiotic therapy aimed at causative agent does not exclude the risk of acute obstructive pyelonephritis (AOP) to become chronic after the end of antibiotic therapy, resulting in a high incidence of relapses. To assess the outcomes of the AOP, we undertook a prospective clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 51 consistently selected patients (12 men and 39 women) with AOP occurred as a result of unilateral ureteric calculus obstruction. Inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: no history of urological diseases, including urinary stones; the first presentation to the urologist with AOP; the level of the bladder bacteriuria before the drainage of the obstructed kidney more or equal 103 CFU/ml. Bladder urine samples were collected for bacteriological examination by catheterization. At one, 3 and 6 months after completion of the treatment of AOP, the patients underwent a general clinical examination, and midstream specimens of urine were collected from the patients for bacteriological analysis to control leukocyturia and bacteriuria. RESULTS: Eradication of causative uropathogens from urine occurred within 6 months in 96.1% of patients, and at that point, leukocyturia persisted in 23.5% of the patients. The decrease in detecting uropathogens in the urine was accompanied by an increase in the frequency of the presence in the urine of other aerobes and anaerobes, i.e., no sterile urine cultures were obtained from any patient. The rates of eradication of uropathogens were associated with the patients age, the duration of the pre-hospital stage of AOP, and the complicated course of AOP

THE COMBINED ROLE OF HERBAL THERAPY IN THE PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS DURING PROSTATE BIOPSY

Introduction. Prostate biopsy is a routine method for diagnosing prostate cancer. However, there are a number of serious complications associated with this procedure, and especially development of infection.Objective. Evaluation of the effectiveness of complex herbal therapy in the prevention of infectious complications in patients exposed to prostate biopsy.Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients aged 48 to 69 years who underwent prostate biopsy. Patients with chronic prostatitis (category 4 NIH) were divided into two groups. Patients in the comparison group limited to standard antibiotic therapy, and the patients of the main group additionally received Canephron N. The efficacy of the therapy was evaluated at 1, 2 and 6 months after the start of treatment by the dynamics of leukocyte count in prostate secretion and bacterial contamination, prostate- specific atigen (PSA) level, questionnaire data, ultrasound and urodynamic survey methods.Results. The level of PSA compared to baseline data, decreased by 56.9% in the comparison group and by 67.6% in the main group (p<0.05). A clinically significant bacterial titer and an increase in the number of leukocytes more than10 in sight, were registered in the comparison group in two times more often, than in patients of the main group.Conclusion. The results of the study make it possible to recommend for patients with chronic prostatitis of category 4 NIH the prescription of Canephron N