Review of the evidence of radioprotective potential of creatine and arginine as dietary supplements.

Purpose: Creatine (Cr) and l-arginine are naturally occurring guanidino compounds, commonly used as ergogenic dietary supplements. Creatine and l-arginine exhibit also a number of non-energy-related features, such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to their protective action against oxidative stress (OS). In this regard, there are a number of studies emphasizing the protective effect of Cr against OS, which develops in the process of aging, increased physical loads as part of athletes' workouts, as well as a number of neurological diseases and toxic effects associated with xenobiotics and UV irradiation.

Ovarian cancer cells regulate their mitochondrial content and high mitochondrial content is associated with a poor prognosis.

Most cancer patients ultimately die from the consequences of distant metastases. As metastasis formation consumes energy mitochondria play an important role during this process as they are the most important cellular organelle to synthesise the energy rich substrate ATP, which provides the necessary energy to enable distant metastasis formation. However, mitochondria are also important for the execution of apoptosis, a process which limits metastasis formation.

Influence of ovarian cysts on ovarian reserve and fertility: A case-control study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of having an ovarian cyst and undergoing cystectomy on the expression of ovarian reserve markers among adolescent females who live in Armenia.

Methods: We conducted a prospective case-control study. Cases were arranged into two groups.

iRGD-Targeted Peptide Nanoparticles for Anti-Angiogenic RNAi-Based Therapy of Endometriosis.

Anti-angiogenic RNAi-based therapy can be considered as a possible strategy for the treatment of endometriosis (EM), which is the most common gynecological disease. Targeted delivery of siRNA therapeutics is a prerequisite for successful treatment without adverse effects. Here we evaluated the RGD1-R6 peptide carrier as a non-viral vehicle for targeted siRNA delivery to endothelial cells in vitro and endometrial implants in vivo.

L. Extract-Mediated Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Action Mechanisms of Silver Nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) represent one of the most widely employed metal-based engineered nanomaterials with a broad range of applications in different areas of science. Plant extracts (PEs) serve as green reducing and coating agents and can be exploited for the generation of Ag NPs. In this study, the phytochemical composition of ethanolic extract of black currant () leaves was determined.

Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for pediatric achalasia: Institutional experience and outcomes.

Background: The surgical treatment of achalasia by both laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches has been recognized as the definitive management in children. Despite reported low volumes in many centers, there has been an increasing worldwide experience with endoscopic approaches to pediatric achalasia. The aim of this study is to report our institutional experience with per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as first-line or revisional therapy for achalasia.

Mini thoracic CT adequately determines Haller index and decreases radiation exposure in children with pectus excavatum.

Introduction: The preoperative assessment of Pectus Excavatum (PE) is resource intensive. CT chest for the purpose of calculating a Haller index (HI) remains a central component and is necessary for third-party reimbursment for surgical correction. With the goal of minimizing radiation exposure, a strategy was introduced to perform a mini-Thoracic CT (mini-CT) for the calculation of HI.

Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Associated Neuroblastoma With Bone Marrow Metastases: What Would Be the Best Treatment Option?

A 1.9-year-old girl was presented to the hospital with dancing eye movements, ataxia, and behavioral disorders. The MRI showed a retroperitoneal tumor (transversal size: 3.

The role of women scientists in the development of ultrashort pulsed laser technology-based biomedical research in Armenia.

Purpose: To describe the contribution of women scientists in the development of biomedical studies conducted on research facilities based on the ultrashort pulsed laser technologies in Armenia.

Conclusion: Given the opportunities provided by the ultrashort pulsed laser driven two-photon microscopy and electron beam linac facilities at CANDLE Synchrotron Research Institute, the Armenian women scientists initiated and conducted interdisciplinary research to understand of the biomedical effects of ultrashort pulsed electron beam irradiation, as well as to experience and apply the advantages of the two-photon microscopy in their fields of research. Women scientists had a crucial role and unique impact in the development of ultrashort pulsed laser technology-based biomedical studies in Armenia.

In memory of Margarita Malakyan, a bright person and inquisitive scientist.

Purpose: To describe the contribution of Margarita Malakyan to the development of radiation biology in Armenia and how her multidisciplinary collaboration with chemists, physicists and biologists around the world led to the development of radioprotectors and radiosensitizers of different origins.

Conclusion: Margarita Malakyan was a very active and initiative woman, a radiobiologist, whose hard work and enthusiasm led to the establishment of a very constructive scientific network and to the development of newly synthesized metal compounds. During her short but very productive life, the synthesis, characterization, as well as toxicity and radioprotective studies of different compounds led to the suggestion of a number of metal complexes of Schiff bases as effective radioprotective agents and radiosensitizers.

Recidivism following childhood maltreatment necessitating inpatient care in the United States.

Introduction: Non-accidental trauma (NAT) is one of the common causes of injury in children in the United States (US). Abuse and maltreatment affect 2 per 100,000 children annually and may go unrecognized. The aim of this study to quantify the recidivistic nature of NAT in the US pediatric population.

Gallstone Ileus with COVID-19 Infection: An Unintended Sequela of Non-Operative Management of Acute Cholecystitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Appropriate risk stratification and careful follow-up are mandated in elderly patients with comorbidities. Herein, we report a case presenting 5 months after the nonoperative management of acute cholecystitis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of regionality and hospital status on mortality associated with non-accidental trauma.

Introduction: Non-accidental trauma (NAT) affects 2 per 100,000 children annually in the US and may go unrecognized. The aim of this study to quantify the burden of NAT and to evaluate regional variations in mortality.

Methods: The Kids Inpatient Database (2000-2012) was queried for pediatric patients presenting with a diagnosis of NAT.

Artificial radio lighting with sources of microwave dynamic chaos.

Application of dynamic chaos for the illumination of the surrounding space by artificial incoherent sources of microwave radiation with the purpose of its subsequent observation using special receiving equipment is considered. An incoherent broadband microwave radiation field is provided by "radio light lamps" based on dynamic chaos generators. The radio light is received with specially designed sensitive elements that combine the properties of an envelope detector in communication systems and a radiometer.

Sistrunk vs modified Sistrunk procedures: Does procedure type matter?

Background: Thyroglossal Duct Cyst (TDC) is the most common congenital neck mass in children and is surgically managed with a Sistrunk procedure. Some surgeons perform a modified Sistrunk (mSis), involving the dissection of the fistula beyond the hyoid bone without coring out the foramen cecum at the base of the tongue. We aim to evaluate surgical outcomes of children undergoing Sistrunk (Sis) or modified Sistrunk (mSis) procedures for TDC at an academic pediatric institution.

"All-In-One" Genetic Tool Assessing Endometrial Receptivity for Personalized Screening of Female Sex Steroid Hormones.

Endometrium is the uterine lining that undergoes hundreds of cycles of proliferation, differentiation, and desquamation throughout a woman's reproductive life. Recently, much attention is paid to the appropriate endometrial functioning, as decreased endometrial receptivity is stated to be one of the concerns heavily influencing successes of embryo implantation rates and the efficacy of fertilization (IVF) treatment. In order to acquire and maintain the desired endometrial receptivity during IVF cycles, luteal phase support by various progestagens or other hormonal combinations is generally recommended.

Pediatric Locally Advanced Synovial Sarcoma: What Would Be the Best Treatment Option?

KEY POINTS • Synovial sarcomas are often mistreated with unplanned tumor resection. • Attention from specialists early in the course of SS can minimize the risk of recurrence, metastases, and the necessity for resurgery, all of which are increased with unplanned tumor resection. • Chemotherapy alone does not provide sufficient local control of the tumor.

Case series of metal allergy following Nuss procedure: Not only for stainless steel bars.

Background: Pectus excavatum is often managed with the Nuss procedure. Metal allergies to pectus bars occur in 5% of patients, though pre-operative testing is not generally routine.

Objectives: This study describes our experience with pre-operative metal allergy testing and post-operative allergic reactions to pectus bars.

Variations in the management of adolescent adnexal torsion at a single institution and the creation of a unified care pathway.

Purpose: Adnexal torsion is a gynecologic emergency, requiring intervention for tissue preservation. At our institution, torsion is managed by pediatric surgeons or gynecologists. We evaluated differences between specialties to streamline evaluation for children with gynecological emergencies, develop a clinical pathway, and prevent care delays.

Should I be Concerned? Surgical Training in the Time of COVID19.

As the US healthcare system restructured to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, medical training was significantly disrupted. During the peak of the crisis, three surgical trainees in different stages of their residency shared their experiences and concerns on how this pandemic affected their training. The article is intended to generate discussion on the concerns of derailment and stagnation of surgical training and difficulties faced at all levels of surgical training to perform clinical duties and fulfill academic responsibilities during the early months of the COVID pandemic.

A Team-Based Approach for Children With Congenital Cardiac Disease Undergoing Antireflux Procedure With Gastrostomy.

Introduction: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with gastrostomy tube (LPNF-GT) placement is often indicated in children with congenital cardiac diseases (CCDs) for nutritional optimization. This study aims to evaluate institutional outcomes of LPNF-GT, with a team-based approach in operative management.

Methods: Five years of an institutional database at a tertiary care children's hospital was queried for LPNF-GT in children with CCDs.

Origanum vulgare L. extract-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles, their characterization and antibacterial activities.

Plant extracts serve as reducing and coating agents and are, therefore, commonly employed for the generation of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). Plant extract mediated synthesis of Ag NPs is a green, environmentally friendly and cost-effective technique which offers a new and potential alternative to chemically synthesized NPs, decreasing the utilization of hazardous and toxic chemicals and protecting the environment. Origanum vulgare L.