bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ichikado CT score as a prognostic tool for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Araiza Alan , Duran Melanie , Patiño Cesar , Marik Paul E. , Varon Joseph
Published: August 2021

Background

The relationship between computed tomography (CT) and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia remains unclear. We hypothesized that the Ichikado CT score, obtained in the first 24 h of hospital admission, is an independent predictor for all-cause mortality during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted at our institution between March 20th, 2020 and October 31st, 2020. Patients were enrolled if, within 24 h of admission, a chest CT scan, an arterial blood gas, a complete blood count, and a basic metabolic panel were performed. Two independent radiologists, who were blinded to clinical data, retrospectively evaluated the chest CT scans following a previously described qualitative and quantitative CT scoring system. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality or survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were new requirements for invasive mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. Cox regression models were used to test the association between potential independent predictors and all-cause mortality.

Results

Two hundred thirty-five patients, 197 survivors and 38 nonsurvivors, were studied. The median Ichikado CT score for nonsurvivors was significantly higher than survivors (P < 0.001). An Ichikado CT score of more than 172 enabled prediction of mortality, with a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 79.7%. Multivariate analysis identified Ichikado CT score (HR, 7.772; 95% CI, 3.164–19.095; P < 0.001), together with age (HR, 1.030; 95% CI, 1.030–1.060; P = 0.043), as independent predictors of all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Ichikado CT score is an independent predictor of both requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Further prospective evaluation is necessary to confirm these findings.

Trial registration: The WCG institutional review board approved this retrospective study and patient consent was waived due to its non-interventional nature (Identifier: 20210799).
Inflammatory markers assessment in an animal model of intracranial hypertension: a randomized trial
Authors: do Espírito Santo Marcelo Prudente , Faria Caroline Silvério , Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , Belon Alessandro Rodrigo , Jeng Brasil Ping , de Andrade Almir Ferreira , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Paiva Wellingson Silva
Published: August 2021

Background

Intracranial hypertension (ICH) is a common final pathway of most neurosurgical pathologies and leads to poor prognosis if not detected and treated properly. Inflammatory markers have been assessed in clinical scenarios of neurological injuries, in which systemic and brain tissue aggressions may introduce bias. There is a lack of studies under controlled settings to isolate the ICH effect on inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ICH on the serum concentration of cytokines as biomarkers of neuroinflammation in an experimental model which isolates ICH from potential confounding variables.

Methods

An established model of ICH using an intracerebral pediatric bladder catheter and a multisensor intraparenchymal catheter was used in adult pigs (Sus domesticus). The animals were randomly allocated to 2 groups based on the catheter balloon volume used to simulate the ICP increase (4 ml or 7 ml). Cytokines were measured in 4 timepoints during the experiment: (1) 15 min before balloon insufflation; (2) 5 min after insufflation; (3) 125 min after insufflation; (4) 60 min after deflation. The following cytokines were measured IL-1α; IL-1β; IL–1ra; IL-2; IL-4; IL-6; IL-8; IL-10; IL-12; IL-18; TNFα. Generalized estimating equations were modeled to compare the ICP and cytokines values between the groups along the experiment. The study sample size was powered to detect interactions between the groups and the study moments with an effect size (f) of at least 0.3. The ARRIVE checklist was followed.

Results

A total of 20 animals were studied (10 in each group, 4 ml or 7 ml balloon volume insufflation). The animal model was successful in increasing the ICP along the moments of the experiment (p < 0,001) and in creating an ICP gradient between the groups (p = 0,004). The interaction term (moment × group) was also significant (p < 0,001). There was a significant association between ICP elevation and most cytokines variation. The cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL1-ra, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-18 increased, whereas IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α decreased. IL-10 did not vary significantly in response to the ICP elevation.

Conclusion

The serum concentration of cytokines varied in response to intracranial hypertension. The study demonstrated the specific changes in each cytokine after intracranial hypertension and provides key information to guide neuroinflammation clinical research. The proposed experiment was successful as an animal model to the study of neuroinflammation biomarkers
Meeting report of the fourth annual Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium symposium
Authors: Goodson Michael S. , Barbato Robyn A. , Karl J. Philip , Indest Karl , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy , Kokoska Robert , Mauzy Camilla , Racicot Kenneth , Varaljay Vanessa , Soares Jason
Published: August 2021

The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. The annual TSMC symposium is designed to enable information sharing between DoD scientists and leaders in the field of microbiome science, thereby keeping DoD consortium members informed of the latest advances within the microbiome community and facilitating the development of new collaborative research opportunities. The 2020 annual symposium was held virtually on 24–25 September 2020. Presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within four broad thematic areas: (1) Enabling Technologies; (2) Microbiome for Health and Performance; (3) Environmental Microbiome; and (4) Microbiome Analysis and Discovery. This report summarizes the presentations and outcomes of the 4th annual TSMC symposium.
Integration, cultural preservation and transnationalism through state supported immigrant organizations: a study of Sweden’s national ethnic associations
Authors: Frödin Olle , Fredholm Axel , Sandberg Johan
Published: August 2021

This paper explores the activities of Swedish state supported ethnic associations (most of which are immigrant organizations), thus shedding empirical light on how immigrants organize with the help of state support, both nationally and transnationally, in a welfare state context. The paper is based on a study of annual reports of 52 state supported national associations, representing more than a thousand (1046) local immigrant organizations, as well as 17 interviews with representatives of the said organizations. The findings indicate that the welfare state did not crowd out civil societal integration-promoting initiatives, but the state supported immigrant organizations came to occupy a niche in which they primarily offered complementary services with the aim of helping members to navigate the public welfare system. Neither did state support directly shape the content and direction of the political activities of the said organizations. However, the state support seems to have generated welfare channeling effects, in that more immigrant organizations came into existence than would have been the case in the absence of grants. The paper comes down in favor of the thesis that state support in some circumstances can promote political incorporation through immigrant organizations (with a few caveats). Finally, the paper proposes a hypothetical mechanism,homeland-oriented integration,for political incorporation through immigrant organization.
One-pot and one-step automated radio-synthesis of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 using a multi purpose synthesizer: a proof-of-concept experiment
Authors: Naka Sadahiro , Watabe Tadashi , Lindner Thomas , Cardinale Jens , Kurimoto Kenta , Moore Melissa , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Mori Yuriko , Shimosegawa Eku , Valla Frank , Kato Hiroki , Giesel Frederik L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in the stroma of many types of cancer. [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 is a positron emission tomography tracer with high selectivity for FAP, which has already shown high accumulation within human tumors in clinical studies. However, [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 radiosynthesis has not been optimized using an automated synthesizer. Herein, we report a one-pot and one-step automated radiosynthesis method using a multi purpose synthesizer.

Results

Radiosynthesis of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was performed using a cassette-type multi purpose synthesizer CFN-MPS200. After the recovery rate of trapped [18F]fluoride onto the anion-exchange cartridge using a small amount of eluent was investigated manually, a dedicated [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 synthesis cassette and synthesis program for one-pot and one-step fluorination was developed. The solutions for the formulation of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 synthesized using this were evaluated to obtain stable radiochemical purity. The recovery rate of [18F]fluoride with only 300 µL of eluent ranged 90 ± 9% by introduction from the male side and elution from the female side of the cartridge. In automated synthesis, the eluted [18F]fluoride and precursor solution containing aluminum chloride were mixed; then, fluorination was performed in a one-pot and one-step process at room temperature for 5 min, followed by 15 min at 95 °C. As a result, the radioactivity of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was 11.3 ± 1.1 GBq at the end of synthesis from 32 to 40 GBq of [18F]fluoride, and its radiochemical yield was 37 ± 4% (n = 10). The radiochemical purity at the end of the synthesis was ≥ 97% for all formulation solutions. When the diluent was saline, the radiochemical purity markedly decreased after 4 h of synthesis. In contrast, with phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) or 10 mM phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.7) containing 100 mg of sodium ascorbate, the radiochemical purity was stable at 97%. Non-radioactive AlF-FAPI-74 and total impurities, including non-radioactive AlF-FAPI-74, were 0.3 ± 0.1 µg/mL and 2.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL. Ethanol concentration and residual DMSO were 5.5 ± 0.2% and 21 ± 6 ppm, respectively.

Conclusions

We established a one-pot one-step automated synthesis method using a CFN-MPS200 synthesizer that provided high radioactivity and stable radiochemical purity for possible clinical applications.
18F-labeled tracers targeting fibroblast activation protein
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Altmann Annette , Giesel Frederik , Kratochwil Clemens , Kleist Christian , Krämer Susanne , Mier Walter , Cardinale Jens , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Jäger Dirk , Debus Jürgen , Haberkorn Uwe
Published: August 2021

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts are found in the stroma of epithelial tumors. They are characterized by overexpression of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a serine protease which was already proven as attractive target for chelator-based theranostics. Unfortunately, the value of gallium-68 labeled tracers is limited by their batch size and the short nuclide half-life. To overcome this drawback, radiolabeling with aluminum fluoride complexes and 6-fluoronicotinamide derivatives of the longer-lived nuclide fluorine-18 was established. The novel compounds were tested for their FAP-specific binding affinity. Uptake and binding competition were studied in vitro using FAP expressing HT-1080 cells. HEK cells transfected with the closely related dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (HEK-CD26) were used as negative control. Small animal positron emission tomography imaging and biodistribution experiments were performed in HT-1080-FAP xenografted nude mice. [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was selected for PET/CT imaging in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient.

Results

In vitro, 18F-labeled FAPI-derivatives demonstrated high affinity (EC50 = < 1 nm to 4.2 nm) and binding of up to 80% to the FAP-expressing HT1080 cells while no binding to HEK-CD26 cells was observed. While small animal PET imaging revealed unfavorable biliary excretion of most of the 18F-labeled compounds, the NOTA bearing compounds [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 and -75 achieved good tumor-to-background ratios, as a result of their preferred renal excretion. These two compounds showed the highest tumor accumulation in PET imaging. The organ distribution values of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 were in accordance with the small animal PET imaging results. Due to its less complex synthesis, fast clearance and low background values, [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was chosen for clinical imaging. PET/CT of a patient with metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enabled visualization of the primary tumor and its metastases at the hepatic portal and in several bones. This was accompanied by a rapid clearance from the blood pool and low background in healthy organs.

Conclusion

[18F]AlF-labeled FAPI derivatives represent powerful tracers for PET. Owing to an excellent performance in PET imaging, FAPI-74 can be regarded as a promising precursor for [18F]AlF-based FAP-imaging.
An in vitro cytotoxicity of glufosfamide in HepG2 cells relative to its nonconjugated counterpart
Authors: Ahmed Doaa E. , Rashidi Fatma B. , Abdelhakim Heba K. , Mohamed Amr S. , Arafa Hossam M. M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Glufosfamide (β-d-glucosylisophosphoramide mustard, GLU) is an alkylating cytotoxic agent in which ifosforamide mustard (IPM) is glycosidically linked to the β-d-glucose molecule. GLU exerted its cytotoxic effect as a targeted chemotherapy. Although, its cytotoxic efficacy in a number of cell lines, there were no experimental or clinical data available on the oncolytic effect of oxazaphosphorine drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the main objective of the current study is to assess the cytotoxic potential of GLU for the first time in the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line model.

Methods

Cytotoxicity was assayed by the MTT method, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis frequencies was measured by using Annexin V/PI double stain, an immunocytochemical assay of caspase-9, visualization of caspase-3, and Bcl2 gene expression were undertaken as apoptotic markers. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the potentiometric dye; JC-1, as a clue for early apoptosis as well as ATP production, was measured by the luciferase-chemiluminescence assay.

Results

Glufosfamide induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values for glufosfamide were significantly lower compared to ifosfamide. The frequency of apoptosis was much higher for glufosfamide than that of ifosfamide. The contents of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were elevated following exposure to GLU more than IFO. The anti-apoptotic Bcl2 gene expression, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the cellular ATP levels were significantly decreased than in case of ifosfamide.

Conclusions

The current study reported for the first time cytotoxicity activity of glufosfamide in HepG2 cells in vitro. The obtained results confirmed the higher oncolytic activity of glufosfamide than its aglycone ifosfamide. The generated data warrants further elucidations by in vivo study.
The microbiota-related coinfections in COVID-19 patients: a real challenge
Authors: Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Dhama Kuldeep , Mishra Snehasish , Sarangi Ashish K. , Kandi Venkataramana , Tiwari Ruchi , Pintilie Lucia
Published: August 2021

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected millions of people around the world, especially the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The infection transmission rate is considered more rapid than other deadly pandemics and severe epidemics encountered earlier, such as Ebola, Zika, Influenza, Marburg, SARS, and MERS. The public health situation therefore is really at a challenging crossroads.

Main body

The internal and external and resident microbiota community is crucial in human health and is essential for immune responses. This community tends to be altered due to pathogenic infections which would lead to severity of the disease as it progresses. Few of these resident microflora become negatively active during infectious diseases leading to coinfection, especially the opportunistic pathogens. Once such a condition sets in, it is difficult to diagnose, treat, and manage COVID-19 in a patient.

Conclusion

This review highlights the various reported possible coinfections that arise in COVID-19 patients vis-à-vis other serious pathological conditions. The local immunity in lungs, nasal passages, oral cavity, and salivary glands are involved with different aspects of COVID-19 transmission and pathology. Also, the role of adaptive immune system is discussed at the site of infection to control the infection along with the proinflammatory cytokine therapy.
Antidiabetic effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Parinari macrophylla in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad Alhassan , Abdussalami Muhammed Sani , Appah Joseph , Umar Abdullahi Hussein , Ibrahim Aminu Alhassan , Dauda Kabiru Dawaki
Published: August 2021

Background

Diabetes is a major public health problem with increasing prevalence globally. Plant-based medicines for diabetes are gaining popularity across the world due to perceptions of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. The plant, Parinari macrophylla, has been widely reported to possess potent ethnomedicinal properties especially in the northern part of Nigeria. However, there has been no scientific documentation of this plant to be used as an antidiabetic agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted. Wistar rats weighing between 100 and 150 g were used for the study and diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The animals were treated with different doses of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla (1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Blood glucose levels and body weight were then monitored. Histopathological investigation of pancreatic tissue was also conducted.

Results

The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, and triterpenes as secondary metabolites. The acute toxicity test revealed no mortality with a median lethal dose determined to be above 5000 mg/kg. Although the two different doses of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla decreased blood glucose levels at weeks 1 and 2, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was only observed for the group treated with 2000 mg/kg dose compared to the diabetic control group at week 2. The histological investigation revealed that the two different doses of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla caused regeneration of pancreatic islet cells, with the 2000 mg/kg dose being more evident.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the stem bark extract of P. macrophylla possesses a potent antidiabetic effect and may potentially be used to treat diabetes and associated complications.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroprotective effects of Clitoria ternatea L. against propionic acid-induced behavior and memory impairment in autistic rat model
Authors: Jiji K. N. , Muralidharan P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder is primarily characterized by complex behavioral and altered memory as a consequence of neuronal development abnormalities. The treatment of autism is highly challenging because of the lack of knowledge about its exact etiopathology. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, there are group of plants named ‘Medhya drugs' because of their ability to improve brain- and neuron-related activities like learning and memory. Clitoria ternatea L. is one of the listed ‘Medhya drugs’ which have been proved for its memory enhancement effects; in the present study, the ethanolic root extract of Clitoria ternatea L. was evaluated for its neuroprotective ability against propionic acid-induced memory and behavior impairments in an autistic rat model. The variation in behavior and memory were investigated by utilizing different procedures like rat elevated plus maze and novel object recognition test. In vitro assays for the estimations of glutamate and serotonin were also performed in isolated rat brain tissue homogenate.

Results

The object recognition and elevated plus maze test were showed the promising effects of Clitoria ternatea L. ethanolic root extract against the propionic acid-induced autism. In this study, the propionic acid infused rats (Group II) fail to recognize and explore the novel object compared to Group I (infused with phosphate-buffered saline) animals; extract treatment at two different doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) (Groups III & IV, respectively) prevented these damage significantly (p < 0.001) so that extract-treated groups showed significant improvement in novel object recognition in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the effect of extract treatment on learning and memory of rats was investigated using transfer latency as a parameter for acquisition and retention of memory process on elevated plus maze; this further proved the memory enhancement ability of Clitoria ternatea L. Extract treatment also significantly reduced the concentration of different neurotransmitters like serotonin and glutamate in rat brain homogenate (Groups III &IV) in a dose-dependent manner as compared with the Group II.

Conclusion

The ethanolic root extract of Clitoria ternatea L. proved to be effective against propionic acid-induced memory and behavior impairments in an autistic rat model.
Sphacelation with auto-anastomosis of the intestine: a rare outcome of intussusception in a child—a case report
Authors: Tan Shung Ken , Tan Chee Wei , Hassan Junaidah , Nallusamy Mohan Arunasalam , Boo Jian An , Puspanathan Pavitratha
Published: August 2021

Background

Intussusception is the telescoping of a proximal segment of the bowel into a distal segment. It can be idiopathic or pathological. Children commonly present with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, a palpable abdominal mass, and bloody stools. Our case describes the unusual presentation of bowel sphacelation with auto-anastomosis in a child with intussusception and its clinical progression.

Case presentation

A 3-year-old boy with underlying stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma of the left orbit presented with high-grade fever and diarrhea for 1 day. He was treated for neutropenic sepsis in view of low absolute neutrophil count and recent history of chemotherapy. During his admission, he developed abdominal distension, high bilious aspirates, and diarrhea with bloody stools. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated bowel loops. Impression was septic ileus with coagulopathy. He was treated with blood transfusion and bowel rest. On the 6th day of illness, he passed out a tubular structure per rectum which was confirmed to be a segment of gangrenous bowel by histopathological examination. A diagnosis of intussusception with bowel sphacelation was made. He was treated conservatively, and his obstruction was resolved. He was discharged well with no abdominal symptoms during follow-up.

Conclusion

Intussusception is a common cause of small bowel obstruction in children. A high index of suspicion of intussusception should be maintained in children presenting with vomiting and bloody stools complemented by ultrasound to avoid missing this diagnosis. Sphacelation of the intussuscepted bowel with auto-anastomosis is a rare presentation of intussusception with a favorable outcome.
Pharyngo-laryngeal histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised child—a case report
Authors: Chakravarti Arunabha , Nair Rohini R. , Mojahid Moazzam , Mandal Piali , Chandra Jagdish , Nangia Anita
Published: August 2021

Background

Histoplasmosis is an endemic granulomatous fungal infection which rarely infects the larynx; less than 100 cases have been reported in medical literature till date.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old female child, a diagnosed case of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia since past 2 years and on chemotherapy, presented with hoarseness and dysphagia since past 2 months. Direct laryngoscopy revealed granular appearance of posterior pharyngeal wall and the supra-glottic larynx. Histopathological examination and bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis.

Conclusions

Pharyngo-laryngeal histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an immunocompromised patient presenting with persistent hoarseness.
Thrombin Cleaves Prolactin Into a Potent 5.6-kDa Vasoinhibin: Implication for Tissue Repair
Authors: Zamora Magdalena , Robles Juan Pablo , Aguilar Manuel B , Romero-Gómez Sergio de Jesús , Bertsch Thomas , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Triebel Jakob , Clapp Carmen
Published: August 2021

Vasoinhibin is an endogenous prolactin (PRL) fragment with profibrinolytic, antivasopermeability, and antiangiogenic effects. The fact that blood clotting, vascular permeability, and angiogenesis are functionally linked during the wound-healing process led us to investigate whether thrombin, a major protease in tissue repair, generates vasoinhibin. Here, we have incubated human PRL with thrombin and analyzed the resulting proteolytic products by Western blot, mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography purification, recombinant production, and bioactivity. We unveil a main thrombin cleavage site at R48-G49 that rapidly (< 10 minutes) generates a 5.6-kDa fragment (residues 1-48) with full vasoinhibin activity, that is, it inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and permeability of cultured endothelial cells and promoted the lysis of a fibrin clot in plasma with a similar potency to that of a conventional 14-kDa vasoinhibin (residues 1-123). The R48-G49 cleavage site is highly conserved throughout evolution and precedes the intramolecular disulfide bond (C58-C174), thereby allowing the 5.6-kDa vasoinhibin to be released without a reduction step. Furthermore, the 5.6-kDa vasoinhibin is produced by endogenous thrombin during the clotting process. These findings uncover the smallest vasoinhibin known, add thrombin to the list of PRL-cleaving proteases generating vasoinhibin, and introduce vasoinhibin as a thrombin-activated mechanism for the regulation of hemostasis, vasopermeability, and angiogenesis in response to tissue injury.
Mixed Corticomedullary Tumor Accompanied by Unilateral Aldosterone-Producing Adrenocortical Micronodules: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshida Sawa , Babaya Naru , Ito Hiroyuki , Hiromine Yoshihisa , Taketomo Yasunori , Niwano Fumimaru , Imamura Shuzo , Yamazaki Yuto , Sasano Hironobu , Kawabata Yumiko , Noso Shinsuke , Ikegami Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Mixed corticomedullary tumors (MCMTs) are rare and comprise medullary and cortical cells in a single adrenal tumor. The mechanisms underlying their development have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report a case of MCMT in a 42-year-old woman. Based on the preoperative clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed as having a pheochromocytoma with subclinical Cushing syndrome. Postoperative pathological diagnosis revealed that the tumor demonstrated morphologically distinct medullary and cortical components, which produced catecholamines and cortisol, respectively. Hybrid tumor cells producing both catecholamines and cortisol were not detected. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-positive tumor cells were identified to be present in the pheochromocytoma. This ectopic production of ACTH can contribute to an autonomous cortisol production in a paracrine manner. In addition, micronodules producing aldosterone were detected in the adrenal tissue adjacent to the tumor. The simultaneous development of these 2 lesions may not be correlated with each other; however, this case confirms the importance of a detailed histopathological examination of the adrenal lesions harboring complicated hormonal abnormalities by providing pivotal and indispensable information on their pathogenesis and the possible interaction of the hormones produced in the adrenal gland.
Política urbana y movimientos sociales en Medellín (Colombia): procesos de construcción y defensa del territorio
Authors: Quinchía Roldán Suly María
Published: August 2021

Este artículo tiene como finalidad aportar a la reflexión sobre la diversidad de procesos de acción colectiva en contextos urbanos, en este caso situada en las realidades, procesos, di­námicas y experiencias socio-territoriales de la ciudad de Medellín. Se espera contribuir a la comprensión y reflexión actualizada sobre los movimientos sociales urbanos contemporáneos, sus prácticas y luchas en la producción de ciudades más humanas, dignas e incluyentes, que, para el caso estudiado, podría develar propuestas alternativas de planificación y construcción territorial plausibles de articulación con las propuestas institucionalizadas. El lector encontrará una síntesis de la investigación que sustenta el documento, seguida de un acercamiento a la relación entre la política urbana y la acción colectiva en la ciudad de Medellín, como también a los movimientos sociales y las acciones de defensa del territorio analizadas. Finalmente, se expondrán algunas conclusiones sobre la temática.
Una propuesta de valoración de patrimonio urbano a la luz de Panoramio, una fuente Big-Data. El caso del centro de Bogotá
Authors: De Urbina Amparo
Published: August 2021

La propuesta se enmarca en el proyecto de Amparo De Urbina que se desarrolla en el doctorado en Estudios Sociales, de la Universidad Externado, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, que tiene como objetivo identificar y caracterizar escenarios urbanos relevantes del centro de Bogotá, mediatizadas por la percepción colectiva de población local y foránea, desde una pers­pectiva relacional como insumo para complementar la valoración patrimonial vigente. Se busca hacer una lectura del patrimonio urbano, a la luz de imágenes del centro que algunos visitantes reportaron diariamente a Panoramio entre 2007 y 2014, una plataforma que hasta 2016 exhi­bía las fotografías de los lugares que los mismos usuarios registraban y georreferenciaban con base en sus experiencias en el lugar. Los resultados que se presentan en este artículo abordan tipologías de encuadre, ubicación del fotógrafo y la evidencia de algunos eventos propios del centro de la ciudad.
Modelización de la cohabitación de hogares en la informalidad urbana
Authors: García García Diva Marcela , Módenes Juan Antonio
Published: August 2021

El trabajo demuestra que, en Bogotá, la informalidad urbana, que permite alta mutabilidad de la infraestructura residencial, al interactuar con prácticas familiares tradicionales y necesarias en los grupos populares, genera una alta complejidad en las formas de organización doméstica que se mantiene a pesar de los procesos de legalización. Se profundiza en la cohabitación (más de un hogar por vivienda), buscando establecer su relación estadística con características in­dividuales, del hogar y la vivienda, y biográficas del barrio. Para ello, se realizan dos modelos de regresión logística multivariante: uno para todos los sectores censales clasificados como de bajo nivel social y otro comparando en dichos sectores, los de origen formal e informal. Se armonizó información censal de tipo demográfico, con información espacial que permitió la clasificación del área urbana en función de su nivel social y de su origen urbanístico, la cual se incluyó como variable independiente.
Influence of Air Dissolved in Hydraulic Oil on Cavitation Erosion
Authors: Osterland Sven , Müller Lutz , Weber Jürgen
Published: August 2021

This article gives experimentally evidence that cavitation erosion in hydraulic components like valves and pumps is caused by vapour cavitation not gas or pseudo cavitation. In fact, the free air content which is released by vapour and gas cavitation reduces the erosion significantly.
In order to clearly separate the different cavitation types, a test rig with a specially designed reservoir with integrated degassing capability is presented. As flow geometry a valve model with realistic dimensions and under realistic operating conditions was used, which ensures very high transferability of the results to the reality of hydraulic components in practical applications and typical operating conditions.
A total of 4 five-hour long tests are performed and analysed. The quantification of the cavitation erosion is determined by the mass loss of the copper samples. The experimental results show a 4.4–5.1 times higher mass loss in tests with air-free oil compared to tests with air-saturated or oversaturated hydraulic oil.
The experimental fact that air-free hydraulic oil causes significantly more cavitation erosion than normal (saturated) hydraulic oil, and its implications are discussed. The conclusion can be drawn, that further developments of hydraulic components and systems towards the use of air-free oil or increasing power densities will be disproportionately challenged by cavitation erosion.
A fractured system: have existing problems in health and social care for visually impaired people been exacerbated by COVID-19?
Authors: Doyle Helen , Cooper Robert
Published: August 2021

Visually impaired people in the UK have been adversely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to an inconsistent approach between agencies and a failure to effectively manage key data. In this paper, fractures in the system already evident, particularly around the transition between health and social care, and the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has further starkly highlighted them, are presented. Key recommendations are proposed to improve the system and prevent such failings being repeated.
Ensayando el despertar: Miradas movilizadoras desde el pluriverso del Teatro del Oprimido, edited by Hjalmar Jorge Joffre-Eichhorn (2019)
Authors: Vivas-Martínez Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Review of: Ensayando el despertar: Miradas movilizadoras desde el pluriverso del Teatro del Oprimido, edited by Hjalmar Jorge Joffre-Eichhorn (2019)

Hamburg: Hjalmar Jorge Joffre Eichhorn and Kickass Books, 481 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-00-064054-4, €20/$22 (individuals) and €60/$66 (institutions)
Balenciaga: Addressing misconceptions concerning his fashion press policies
Authors: Balda Ana
Published: August 2021

This article interrogates the reputation, prevalent to this day, of Balenciaga as being anti-advertising and anti-media, according to some of his contemporary journalists as well as some of his employees and clients. The study contextualizes Balenciaga in the framework of the influence of the fashion press and the reality of the French couture licensing business in the North American fashion market from 1937 to 1968, his years on the international scene. Based on the analysis of the issues of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Wear Daily for the same period, the research demonstrates that the designer had not always been so scornful of the media. He really was a discreet man, but this does not mean he hated the press, as his designs often appeared in the most influential fashion magazines. The article argues that the negative view in the media’s perception of him was generalized after his veto to the press in January 1956 – a decision he took for business reasons – and was retroactively attributed to his entire professional life.
Characterization of serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases
Authors: Asawakarn Sariya , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Canine tick-borne diseases are important diseases with a worldwide distribution. In Thailand, the most important canine tick-borne diseases are ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and hepatozoonosis. This study aimed to determine the serum protein electrophoresis patterns (SPEPs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, or Hepatozoon canis single infections.

Materials and Methods: A total of 650 canine blood samples were collected from animal hospitals and clinics in Bangkok and its vicinity to examine health status and blood parasite infection. Suspected blood parasite infections were examined by buffy coat thin blood smear and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Normal dog and positive E. canis, B. canis, and H. canis single infections and serum protein profiles were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. CRP concentration was measured by fluorescent immunoassay.

Results: In dogs infected with E. canis, B. canis, and H. canis single infections, albumin levels and A/G ratios significantly decreased, whereas β2-globulin levels increased (p<0.05). The γ-globulin level significantly increased in E. canis and H. canis infections (p<0.05). A monoclonal gammopathy pattern was observed in E. canis and B. canis single infections, whereas β-γ bridging patterns and increased β- and γ-globulin fractions were found in H. canis single infections. The CRP level increased in dogs with blood parasite single infections and may be related to the pathogenesis of the infection.

Conclusion: SPEPs and CRP levels can be used to monitor health status and blood parasite problems in infected dogs.
Prevalence of Ophthalmological and Dermatological Problems Related to Pesticide Exposure among Sugarcane Farm Workers in Western Maharashtra
Authors: More Kshitija Dattatray , Mane Ankita Ramchandra , Shinde Sandeep Babasaheb
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Insecticides, herbicides, etc. are frequently used to improve yields and its overuse and improper use affects the respiratory, cardiovascular systems as well as the eyes and skin of farmers (that is ophthalmological and dermatological systems). Thus, there is need to analyse the prevalence of ophthalmological and dermatological problems related to pesticide exposure among sugarcane farmers in western Maharashtra, which will help to provide advices for education and prevention. The purpose of this study was to analyze and find out the prevalence of ophthalmological and dermatological problems related to pesticide exposure among sugarcane farm workers in western Maharashtra. METHODS This study was an observational studywhich was carried out in southern zone of western Maharashtra. Depending on the basis of inclusion, (males 35 – 45 years old, Exposure more than 5 years.) and exclusion criteria (females, farmers with hypertension and any other metabolic diseases.) 79 farmers (sample size) were selected. Study duration was six months and it was conducted from July 2020 to December 2020. Written consent was taken from them. Participants were selected by random sampling method from 19 villages of western Maharashtra and their detailed outcome assessment was done by using dermatological assessment (assessment of skin) and ophthalmological assessment (assessment of eyes) protocol. RESULTS The obtained results had shown significant problems in both ophthalmological and dermatological systems. Ophthalmological problems are irritation in eyes [51 (64.55 %)] in subjects of the sample size [79 (100 %)], burning sensation [48 (60.7 %)], itching [43 (54.4 %)], blurring of vision [17 (21.5 %)], watering of eyes [35 (44.3 %)], cataract [2 (2.53 %)] and conjunctivitis [10 (12.65 %)]. Out of above problems, irritation in eyes, burning sensation and itching were the most common problems. Dermatological problems are contact dermatitis [(29 (36.70 %)], urticaria [13 (16.4 %)], ashy dermatosis [5 (6.32 %)], itching [46 (58.22 %)], hypopigmentation [1 (1.26 %)], nail dystrophy [0 (0 %)], skin cancer [0 (0 %)] erythema multiforme [9 (11.39 %)] and people are found to be dehydrated [51 (64.55 %)]. Out of above problems, itching (46 subjects) and dehydrated skin (51 subjects) were the most common problems. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that a large number of pesticide exposed sugarcane farmers were exposed to various impairments with different levels of vulnerability. Both, ophthalmological and dermatological systems are vulnerable. Prevalence of ophthalmological and dermatological problems were 37.2 % and 21.6 % respectively. KEY WORDS Pesticides, Insecticides, Contact Dermatitis, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Urticaria, Cataract, Conjunctivitis, Blurring of Vision
Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength of Glass Ionomer Cement and Cention N in Artificial Medium Over Time Intervals - An In-Vitro Study
Authors: K. Risana , P Prathyusha , Adyanthaya Amith , Sivaraman Aparna , K Nazreen Ayub , Aloysius Reshma , C.R Sangeetha , Nair Swetha S.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a versatile restorative cement in paediatric dentistry. Due to its less flexural strength, alternative materials have been developed. Cention N is one such material, but since it’s a new material evidence is lacking regarding its physical properties, especially flexural strength for evaluating its clinical outcome. We wanted to compare the flexural strength of glass ionomer cement and Cention N stored in artificial saliva and its variation over different time intervals, i.e., after 24 hours, 1 week and 4 weeks. METHODS A total of 30 specimens were prepared for GIC (Fuji IX) and Cention N and were further categorized according to the duration of storage time of 24 hours, 1 week and 4 weeks (N = 10). A 3 - point bending test using a universal testing machine was used to evaluate the flexural strength. RESULTS GIC Fuji IX showed a mean flexural strength of 35.296 ± 1.61 Mpa at the end of 24 hours, 47.234 ± 4.12 after 1 week and 66.039 ± 11.05 Mpa at the end of 4 weeks. GIC showed a statistically significant increase of flexural strength from 24 hours to one week and a further increase after 4 weeks of storage. The flexural strength of Cention N at 24 hours was 175.985 ± 22.11 Mpa, at the end of one week was 163.486 ± 17.55 MPa, and after 4 weeks was 175.437 ± 27.22 Mpa. Cention N did not show any statistically significant change in flexural strength value from 24 hours to 4 weeks. Cention N showed highly significant difference between flexural strength compared to GIC at all - time intervals. CONCLUSIONS Cention N has a superior flexural strength compared to GIC at all - time intervals. KEY WORDS Cention N, Flexural Strength, Glass Ionomer Cement
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Octenidine Hydrochloride, Green Tea, Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine Gluconate as Retreatment Endodontic Irrigant Against E. faecalis, Candida & Mixed Culture – In-Vitro Study
Authors: Khandelwal Reetika S. , Mantri Shivkumar P. , Paul Bonny , Dube Kavita A. , Mishra Gargi , Dhirawani Vrinda R.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Sodium hypochlorite & chlorhexidine are usually employed as endodontic irrigants due to their antimicrobial properties, however, their cytotoxicity & allergenicity issues demand an equally effective but safer irrigant. The purpose of the study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of octenidine hydrochloride (OCT), green tea, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine (CHX) at various concentrations against E. faecalis, C. albicans and its mixture. METHODS The study was conducted in Hitkarini Dental College, Jabalpur. Various concentrations of irrigants were prepared. Muller Hinton agar media plates were swabbed with the culture broth of E faecalis ATCC 29212, Candida albicans ATCC 10231 or a mixture of these. Five Whatman paper disks (6 mm), each loaded with experimental concentration of the irrigant, were placed at equal distance on to the plate. The plates were incubated at 370 C for 48 hours. This was done in 6 replicates. The plates were evaluated for clear zone of inhibition measured in mm. RESULTS The diameter readings were analysed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. There was a significant difference between the groups against Enterococcus faecalis; candida, & mixed culture (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS 5 % Sodium hypochlorite is better than all others whereas 2 % CHX is better than OCT & Green tea. 0.1 % OCT is better than 3 % Green tea. OCT can be used as a contributory irrigant along with NaOCl to achieve antimicrobial advantage. KEY WORDS Antimicrobial Efficacy, Candida Albicans, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, E Faecalis, Green Tea, Octenidine Hydrochloride, Sodium Hypochlorite
Comparison of Cardiovascular Response during Induction of General Anaesthesia Using Etomidate Versus Using Propofol under Bispectral Index Guidance in a Tertiary Care Medical College, Dibrugarh
Authors: Dutta Utpal , Sabir Shahbaz Bin , Bora Rituparna
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND The present study was done to compare the cardiovascular responses of etomidate and propofol as induction agents of general anaesthesia under Bispectral index (BIS) guidance and evaluate the effect of intravenous induction agent etomidate and propofol on the variation in heart rate and blood pressure during induction of general anaesthesia. METHODS This is a prospective randomized and double blinded comparative study done in Assam Medical College and Hospital on patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia from June 2019 to May 2020. 80 patients were randomly allocated to group E (etomidate group) and group P (propofol group) of 40 each. All patients were pre-medicated with fentanyl 2 microgram / kg intravenously. Group E received etomidate infusion at 0.05 mg / kg / min and group P received propofol infusion at 0.5 mg / kg / min until Bispectral index value dropped to 60. Patients were intubated with vecuronium 0.1 mg / kg and maintenance of anaesthesia was continued according to institutional protocol. At the end of anaesthetic period, extubation was done after acceptable recovery. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded in both the groups until 10 minutes of induction. RESULTS Statistically significant fall in heart rate was seen in group P than that of group E starting from 3 minutes of induction up to 10 minutes with P value < 0.05 and statistically significant fall in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was seen in propofol group from that of etomidate group starting from 1 minute of induction up to 10 minutes was seen. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that etomidate is haemodynamically more stable than propofol during the time of induction of anaesthesia. KEY WORDS Etomidate, Propofol, Bispectral Index
Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of Pancreas - USG and CT Evaluation - A Case Report
Authors: Jain Avi Vinod , Phatak Suresh V. , Bishnoi Laxmi , Singh Rohan Kumar , Patwa Prerna
Published: August 2021

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas comprise a pathologically heterogeneous group of tumours with many shared clinical features. Although relatively uncommon, they have a very important place within the surgical pathology of the pancreas because of their high cure rate and their potential (and not infrequent) confusion with the far more common pancreatic pseudocysts. Their exact incidence is unknown, but it is frequently quoted that they constitute about 10 % of all cystic lesions of the pancreas.1 The cystic pancreatic lesions are pathologically classified as - cystic teratoma, common cystic pancreatic neoplasms (serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), pseudocyst, rare cystic pancreatic neoplasms (solid pseudopapillary tumour, acinar cell cystadenocarcinoma, lymphangioma, haemangioma, paraganglioma), sarcoma, true epithelial cysts (associated with Von Hippel–Lindau disease, autosomal - dominant polycystic kidney disease, and cystic fibrosis), metastasis, solid pancreatic lesions with cystic degeneration (pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cystic islet cell tumour (insulinoma, glucagonoma, gastrinoma).2 Mucinous cystadenoma of pancreas are more commonly seen in middle‑aged females as compared with males.[5,6] Cystadenomas of the pancreas are low‑grade tumours and they constitute about 10 % of pancreatic cysts.3 Their most common location is the body and tail, with the head being a less common site.4 These tumours are more commonly seen in the middle of the pancreas.