bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological and analytical considerations for intra-operative microdialysis
Authors: Riviere-Cazaux Cecile , Rajani Karishma , Rahman Masum , Oh Juhee , Brown Desmond A. , White Jaclyn F. , Himes Benjamin T. , Jusue-Torres Ignacio , Rodriguez Moses , Warrington Arthur E. , Kizilbash Sani H. , Elmquist William F. , Burns Terry C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Microdialysis is a technique that can be utilized to sample the interstitial fluid of the central nervous system (CNS), including in primary malignant brain tumors known as gliomas. Gliomas are mainly accessible at the time of surgery, but have rarely been analyzed via interstitial fluid collected via microdialysis. To that end, we obtained an investigational device exemption for high molecular weight catheters (HMW, 100 kDa) and a variable flow rate pump to perform microdialysis at flow rates amenable to an intra-operative setting. We herein report on the lessons and insights obtained during our intra-operative HMW microdialysis trial, both in regard to methodological and analytical considerations.

Methods

Intra-operative HMW microdialysis was performed during 15 clinically indicated glioma resections in fourteen patients, across three radiographically diverse regions in each patient. Microdialysates were analyzed via targeted and untargeted metabolomics via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Use of albumin and lactate-containing perfusates impacted subsets of metabolites evaluated via global metabolomics. Additionally, focal delivery of lactate via a lactate-containing perfusate, induced local metabolic changes, suggesting the potential for intra-operative pharmacodynamic studies via reverse microdialysis of candidate drugs. Multiple peri-operatively administered drugs, including levetiracetam, cefazolin, caffeine, mannitol and acetaminophen, could be detected from one microdialysate aliquot representing 10 min worth of intra-operative sampling. Moreover, clinical, radiographic, and methodological considerations for performing intra-operative microdialysis are discussed.

Conclusions

Intra-operative HMW microdialysis can feasibly be utilized to sample the live human CNS microenvironment, including both metabolites and drugs, within one surgery. Certain variables, such as perfusate type, must be considered during and after analysis.

Trial registration NCT04047264
Cerebral microvascular endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles regulate blood − brain barrier function
Authors: Hosseinkhani Baharak , Duran Gayel , Hoeks Cindy , Hermans Doryssa , Schepers Melissa , Baeten Paulien , Poelmans Joren , Coenen Britt , Bekar Kübra , Pintelon Isabel , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Vanmierlo Tim , Michiels Luc , Hellings Niels , Broux Bieke
Published: December 2023

Autoreactive T lymphocytes crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS) play a crucial role in the initiation of demyelination and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by BBB endothelial cells (BBB-EC) have emerged as a unique form of cell-to-cell communication that contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunction. However, the precise impact of different size-based subpopulations of BBB-EC-derived EV (BBB-EV) on the early stages of MS remains unclear. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the content and function of distinct BBB-EV subpopulations in regulating BBB integrity and their role in T cell transendothelial migration, both in vitro and in vivo. Our study reveals that BBB-ECs release two distinct size based EV populations, namely small EV (sEV; 30-150 nm) and large EV (lEV; 150-300 nm), with a significantly higher secretion of sEV during inflammation. Notably, the expression patterns of cytokines and adhesion markers differ significantly between these BBB-EV subsets, indicating specific functional differences in the regulation of T cell migration. Through in vitro experiments, we demonstrate that lEV, which predominantly reflect their cellular source, play a major role in BBB integrity loss and the enhanced migration of pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17.1 cells. Conversely, sEV appear to protect BBB function by inducing an anti-inflammatory phenotype in BBB-EC. These findings align with our in vivo data, where the administration of sEV to mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) results in lower disease severity compared to the administration of lEV, which exacerbates disease symptoms. In conclusion, our study highlights the distinct and opposing effects of BBB-EV subpopulations on the BBB, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of BBB-EV in the context of MS.
Traditional ecological knowledge sustains due to poverty and lack of choices rather than thinking about the environment
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah , Khan Shujaul Mulk
Published: December 2023

In this debate article, we have tried to discuss Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its close link to the available resources and lack of options in the indigenous communities. We came across the article of Hartel et al. where they initiated a discussion on this important but debatable topic of TEK and its merits and demirits for the environment. We believe that this discourse could continue to clarify both sides of the picture. Our research group is working on species facing extinction threats due to extensive utilization, leading to overexploitation of the taxa, which the TEK seldom cares for. We are of the opinion that the marginalized tribal communities living around the globe extensively use some of the species and natural resources for their food, fodder, fiber, shelter, energy, health and other benefits, irrespective of their conservation needs, and many other ecosystem services. They have to sustain their basic live’s needs from the resources available for their livelihood. They collect economically important medicinal and other species in large quantities to gain higher earnings, rather than thinking of the issues faced by them. Hence, we believe that the continuity and utilization of TEK are driven by poverty and lack of choices rather than positive environmental values, historically. Nevertheless, those communities sometimes have their local system of protection which sometimes works very well or otherwise with the passage of time and the formation of government-driven regulations in the recent past, TEK itself has lost its real sense especially, related to conservation and management. Therefore, TEK could be linked with existing research-based policies and regulations for long-lasting benefits to the environment and its sustainable future. Such bridging can benifit all the stake hoders—the TEK holders, regulatory bodies, government agencies and many more. This debate can lead to a positive and critical discourse towards the clarification of the conundrum under consideration as well as creation of more questions hyptheses related to TEK.
Biomechanical comparative finite element analysis between a conventional proximal interphalangeal joint flexible hinge implant and a novel implant design using a rolling contact joint mechanism
Authors: Kim Yong-Jae , Bae Hyun-ah , Hong Seok Woo
Published: December 2023

Background

The rolling contact joint (RCJ) mechanism is a system of constraint that allows two circular bodies connected with flexible straps to roll relative to one another without slipping. This study aims to compare the biomechanical characteristics between the conventional proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) flexible hinge (FH) implant and the novel PIPJ implant adopting a RCJ mechanism during PIPJ range of motion using finite element (FE) analysis.

Methods

The three-dimensional (3D) surface shape of a conventional PIPJ FH implant was obtained using a 3D laser surface scanning system. The configuration and parameters of the novel PIPJ implant were adapted from a previous study. The two implants were assumed to have the same material characteristics and each implant was composed of a hyperelastic material, silicone elastomers. The configuration data for both implants were imported to a computer-aided design program to generate 3D geometrical surface and hyperelastic models of both implants. The hyperelastic models of both implants were imported into a structural engineering software to produce the FE mesh and to perform FE analysis. The FE analysis modeled the changes of mechanics during flexion–extension motion between 0° and 90° of two PIPJ implants. The mean and maximum values of von-Mises stress and strain as well as the total moment reaction based on the range of motion of the PIPJs were calculated. The mean values within the PIPJ’s functional range of motion of the mean and maxinum von-Mises stress and strain and the total moment reaction were also determined.

Results

The maximum values for the von-Mises stress, and strain, as well as the total moment reactions of the conventional PIPJ FH and novel PIPJ implants were all at 90° of PIPJ flexion. The maximum value of each biomechanical property for the novel PIPJ implant was considerably lower compared with that of the conventional PIPJ FH implant. The mean values within the PIPJ’s functional range of motion of the maximum von-Mises stress and strain for the novel PIPJ implant was approximately 6.43- and 6.46-fold lower compared with that of the conventional PIPJ FH implant, respectively. The mean value within a PIPJ’s functional range of motion of the total moment reaction of the novel PIPJ implant was approximately 49.6-fold lower compared with that of the conventional PIPJ FH implant.

Conclusions

The novel PIPJ implant with an RCJ mechanism may offer improved biomechanical performance compared with conventional PIPJ FH implant.
Klebsiella michiganensis: a nitrogen-fixing endohyphal bacterium from Ustilago maydis
Authors: Liang Pengyu , Jiang Jianwei , Sun Zhengxiang , Li Yanyan , Yang Chunlei , Zhou Yi
Published: December 2023

Ustilago maydis is a pathogenic fungus in Basidiomycota causing corn smut disease. A strain of U. maydis YZZF202006 was isolated from the tumor of corn smut collected from Jingzhou city in China. The intracellular bacteria were confirmed inner hyphal of the strain YZZF202006 by PCR amplification and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and SYTO-9. An endohyphal bacterium YZUMF202001 was isolated from the protoplasts of the strain YZZF202006. It was gram-negative, short rod-shaped with smooth light yellow colony. The endohyphal bacterium was genomic evidenced as Klebsiella michiganensis on the basis of average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis and the phylogram. Then K. michiganensis was GFP-Labeled and reintroduced into U. maydis, which confirmed the bacterium can live in hyphae of U.maydis. The bacterium can grow on N-free culture media. Its nitrogenase activity was reached av. 646.25 ± 38.61 nmol·mL− 1·h− 1 C2H4 by acetylene reduction assay. A cluster of nitrogen fixation genes (nifJHDKTXENXUSVWZMFLABQ) was found from its genome. The endohyphal K. michiganensis may play an important role to help nitrogen fixation for fungi in the future.
Icariin improves cardiac function and remodeling via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in rats following myocardial infarction
Authors: Jia Ji , Zhao Xing-an , Tao Si-ming , Wang Jun-wen , Zhang Rong-liang , Dai Hua-lei , Zhang Xin-jin , Han Ming-hua , Yang Bei , Li Yu , Li Jin-tao
Published: December 2023

Background

Postinfarction cardiac remodeling presents a compensatory mechanism aimed at mitigating congestive heart failure. It is distinguished by progressive dilatation and hypertrophy of the ventricular chambers, fibrotic alterations, and prolonged apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of icariin on myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling in rats subjected to myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Male Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to randomization and subsequently divided into distinct groups: the control group, the sham group (undergoing sham operation), the MI group (experiencing ligation of the left anterior descending artery), and the icariin group. Within the icariin group, rats were further categorized into three different dose groups based on the administered icariin dosage: the MI30 group (30 mg/kg/day), the MI60 group (60 mg/kg/day), and the MI120 group (120 mg/kg/day). Cardiac function evaluation was carried out using echocardiography. Histological examinations, including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry studies, were conducted 90 days after the occurrence of MI. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to assess TGF‐β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 levels.

Results

The administration of icariin revealed a noteworthy enhancement in cardiac function among rats afflicted with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. In comparison to the icariin groups, the MI group exhibited reduced EF and FS, along with elevated LVEDD and LVESD. Furthermore, the cardiac fibrosis levels in the MI group rats exhibited a considerable increase compared to those in the icariin group. Notably, the levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, MMP2, and MMP9 were significantly higher in the MI group than in the icariin group, with evident distinctions. Moreover, the expression levels of TGF-β, IL-13, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were notably upregulated in the MI group compared to the icariin group.

Conclusions

In an experimental rat model of MI, the administration of icariin resulted in the amelioration of both cardiac function and remodeling processes, operating through the intricate TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
Hotspots and frontiers in PSMA research for prostate cancer: a bibliometric and visualization analysis over the past 20 years
Authors: Zhang Hanfei , Xiao Liu , Xie Hangyu , Li Lin
Published: December 2023

Background

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted imaging and therapy have significantly changed the management of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) at different disease stages. This advancement has attracted the attention of scholars, leading to a prolific output of scholarly publications. This study comprehensively outlines the knowledge framework associated with PSMA-based diagnosis and treatment of PCa through the application of bibliometric analysis, and discusses the potential research trends and foci.

Methods

Articles and reviews related to PSMA for prostate cancer from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, Citespace, and R-bibliometrix were primarily employed to execute and visually represent co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field.

Results

A total of 3830 papers were included. The papers on the field of PSMA-based PCa therapy and imaging had been continuously increased since 2003, but the rate has slowed from 2020. The United States made the largest contribution in this field, in terms of publications 997 (26.03%), H-index (110) and total citations (53,167 times). We identified the most productive institution were Technical University of Munich, and Australian institutions had become very active in recent years. Journal of Nuclear Medicine was the most prominent journal in this field. Professors Matthias Eiber and Martin G Pomper made great achievements, while Ali Afshar-Oromieh was the most co-cited author. According to the result of keywords and topics analysis, “ga-68 labeled psma ligand”, “radiation dosimetry” and “HBED-CC” were major research areas in the near future, while "Extended pelvic lymph node dissection" was considered to be the future research foci.

Conclusions

The field of psma-based PCa therapy and imaging is in the stage of vigorous development and has a bright prospect. The United States and Germany have achieved outstanding results in this area, while Australia has recently developed rapidly. It is foreseeable that more research foci will be lied in the early detection of pelvic lymph nodes and the multimodal imaging-guided surgery.
Evaluation of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury using CEUS in mice
Authors: Xu Zixin , Zhao Xinbao , Huang Ming , Liu Qi , Liu Libo , Zheng Junjiong , Fang Chao , Dong Wen
Published: December 2023

Background

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) frequently occurs clinically. We investigated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the evaluation of renal IRI levels in mice.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice (20–22 g) were randomly divided into the sham, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, and 50 min groups based on the time of renal warm ischemia by blocking the left renal pedicle, approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Time-intensity curve (TIC)-derived parameters such as peak enhancement (PE) and wash-in perfusion index (WiPI) were produced using CEUS at 1 h and 24 h after IRI. The severity of kidney injury was detected by the renal tubular necrosis rate which was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining at 24 h after IRI. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to describe the correlations between PE and WiPI values and the renal tubular necrosis rate.

Results

The PE and WiPI values decreased after IRI in the groups with a warm ischemia time ≥ 20 min. The renal tubular necrosis rate was significantly correlated with the PE value at 1 h (ρ = -0.802) and 24 h (ρ = -0.861) after IRI and the WiPI value at 1 h (ρ = -0.814) and 24 h (ρ = -0.853) after IRI (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TIC-derived parameters, including PE and WiPI values, can be used to evaluate the severity of renal IRI in mice. CEUS is a safe and effective technology for the detection of renal IRI.

Relevance statement

CEUS can evaluate the severity of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury by peak enhancement and wash-in perfusion index values selected from various time-intensity curve-derived parameters.

Key points

• Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can evaluate the level of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury.

• Peak enhancement and wash-in perfusion index are correlated with the renal tubular necrosis rate.

• CEUS can detect changes in unilateral renal function without radiation.

Graphical Abstract
Successful direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS) creation following transmesenteric porta hepatis access in a young patient with recurrent variceal bleeding
Authors: Tanaka Mari , Yamada Kei , Kalva Sanjeeva
Published: December 2023

Background

Transmesenteric access for portal vein reconstruction and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt allows for intervention in patients with unfavorable anatomy and can be performed via multiple methods but may be difficult to obtain in patients with complex anatomy.

Case presentation

We present a case report describing a method of obtaining transmesenteric access in the porta hepatis to facilitate direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in a young patient with recurrent variceal bleeding. This patient anatomy was unfavorable, and initially he was thought to be a poor candidate for any intervention, but this technique allowed for successful decompression of the varices safely and effectively.

Conclusions

This is a technique to consider in similar complex cases and expands treatment for those who previously would not have been considered for intrahepatic shunt formation.

Graphical Abstract
Tracheo-innominate fistula as a late complication of prolonged intubation in a patient with mycobacterium tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Isaza-Meza Mariana , Benavides-Aristizábal Juan Sebastián , Bautista-Cerón Leidy Tatiana , Garzón-Parra María Alejandra , Birchenall-Jiménez Claudia Inés
Published: December 2023

Background

The tracheo-innominate fistula is a rare and potentially life-threatening entity that occurs in approximately less than 1% of patients after a tracheostomy. It occurs when the anterior wall of the trachea erodes and comes into contact with the posterior wall of the innominate artery or brachiocephalic trunk due to excessive pressure from the hyperinflation of the cuff over the mucosa, creating a fistulous tract. Clinically, it manifests as massive tracheal bleeding that puts the patient's life at imminent risk.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 60-year-old Latin American male patient with a history of SARS CoV-2 pneumonia approximately 4 months earlier, who required prolonged orotracheal intubation and tracheostomy due to subglottic stenosis, which required tracheal dilations. The patient was admitted to the emergency department due to hemoptysis associated with hemodynamic instability and later on presented with massive tracheal bleeding. The chest-CT angiography evidenced a tracheo-innominate fistula that required surgical management. A concomitant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection was also diagnosed during his hospitalization.

Conclusions

There are currently many gaps in our knowledge about the tracheo-innominate fistula, mainly in terms of its incidence following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as well as the role that concomitant infections and their treatments, such as tuberculosis, play in the development of these events. During the pandemic, the cases of intubated patients and patients with tracheostomies increased, giving way to new and unexpected complications, we have yet to study in depth.
MRI T2 mapping and quantitative ultrasound shear wave elastography in cartilage integrity assessment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients
Authors: Elzayat Wessam Abdelrahman , Abdelrahman Moustafa Hussein , Shady Hend Mohamed Abu , Seif Hadeel Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood that can lead to irreversible cartilage damage, with associated disability and decreased life quality. Shear wave elastography and quantitative MRI mapping can be used to identify early cartilage affection.

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic utility of distal femoral cartilage shear wave elastography and MRI T2 mapping in patients with symptomatic knee and investigate their potential clinical significance.

Material and methods

Twenty patients with knee affection (study group) and 20 volunteers with the same demographic characteristics but without symptomatic knee pain (control group) were included in the study. A total of 80 knee joints of 40 individuals were evaluated. At the medial, intercondylar, and lateral condylar levels, distal femoral cartilage thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasonography and MRI, stiffness was assessed by shear wave elastography, and T2 relaxation time was measured by MRI.

Results

The medial, intercondylar, and lateral cartilage thickness measurements were similar between the two groups and no statistically significant difference was observed while measured by US (P value 0.653,0.702,0.607) and MRI (P value 0.414, 0.4187, 0.3903). The shear wave velocity values in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group (P value 0.0202). There was a statistically significant difference between the average T2 relaxation time values for the distal femoral cartilage in the study and the control groups (P value 0.0027). SWE results were statistically significant in moderate and high disease activity while T2* revealed statistically significant p values in low as well as moderate and high disease activity; we found the best cutoff values for detection of cases using shear wave elastography velocity ratio (m/sec) about 4.445 with significant p value = 0.02, sensitivity 59.3% and specificity = 70.45%.

Conclusion

Shear wave elastography and MRI T2 mapping are reliable, non-invasive, and acceptable methods for the assessment of pathologic cartilage. Better diagnostic information of hyaline cartilage can be obtained by adding up an extra sequence called T2 mapping to the routine MRI protocol of knee.
Modernist heritage and memory politics in Spain: shifting values for the adaptive reuse of Seville’s former police headquarters
Authors: González Martínez Plácido
Published: December 2023

The political significance of modernist heritage architecture continues to be an unsolved question, particularly its identification and conservation. In Spain, the chronology of modernism stretches through the whole of the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship. The passing of legislation on memory politics in Spain (i.e. the 2007 Law of Historical Memory and the 2022 Law of Democratic Memory) offers a unique opportunity to address this unsolved question by discussing two uncharted heritage debates: namely, the motivations for the heritagisation of modernist architecture in Spain and the challenges in the adaptive reuse of modernist buildings with controversial histories. The former police headquarters in Seville exemplifies the complexities of both debates and to what extent conflicting views about heritage architecture may determine debates about its reuse. Through a documentary review of the heritagisation of Seville’s former police headquarters, a discourse analysis of intervention proposals and press articles and interviews with relevant stakeholders, this study explored how the rise of memory politics in Spain has changed the interpretation of the former police headquarters’ significance in the last two decades and influenced the choices for its adaptive reuse.
Malignancy Risk of Follicular Neoplasm (Bethesda IV) With Variable Cutoffs of Tumor Size: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cho Yoon Young , Ahn Soo Hyun , Lee Eun Kyung , Park Young Joo , Choi Dughyun , Kim Bo-Yeon , Jung Chan-Hee , Mok Ji Oh , Kim Chul-Hee , Kim Sun Wook
Published: December 2023

Context

The decision on diagnostic lobectomy for follicular neoplasms (FN) is challenging.

Objective

This meta-analysis investigates whether an appropriate size cutoff exists for recommending surgery for thyroid nodules diagnosed as FN by fine needle aspiration.

Methods

The Ovid-Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, and KoreaMed databases were searched for studies reporting the malignancy rate of FN/suspicious for FN (FN/SFN) according to tumor size, using search terms “fine needle aspiration,” “follicular neoplasm,” “lobectomy,” “surgery,” and “thyroidectomy.”

Results

Fourteen observational studies comprising 2016 FN/SFN nodules with postsurgical pathologic reports were included, and 2 studies included malignancy rates with various tumor sizes. The pooled malignancy risk of FN/SFN nodules according to size was: odds ratio (OR) 2.29 (95% CI, 1.68-3.11) with cutoff of 4 cm (9 studies), OR 2.39 (95% CI, 1.45-3.95) with cutoff of 3 cm (3 studies), and OR 1.81 (95% CI, 0.94-3.50) with cutoff of 2 cm (5 studies). However, tumors ≥2 cm also showed a higher risk (OR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.54-3.82) based on the leave-one-out meta-analysis after removal of 1 influence study. When each cutoff size was evaluated by summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves, the cutoff of 4 cm showed the highest summary area under the curve (sAUC, 0.645) compared to other cutoffs (sAUC, 0.58 with 2 cm, and 0.62 with 3 cm), although there was no significant difference.

Conclusion

Although the risk of malignancy increases with increasing tumor size, the risk remains significant at all tumor sizes and no cutoff limit can be recommended as a decision-making parameter for diagnostic surgery in Bethesda IV thyroid nodules.
Correlation of Histopathologic Subtypes of Primary Aldosteronism with Clinical Phenotypes and Postsurgical Outcomes
Authors: Ahn Chang Ho , Lee You-Bin , Kim Jae Hyeon , Oh Young Lyun , Kim Jung Hee , Jung Kyeong Cheon
Published: December 2023

Context

Clinical implications of unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) histopathology remain to be determined in various ethnic populations.

Objective

We examined the histopathology of unilateral PA using CYP11B2 immunostaining in relation to clinical phenotypes and postsurgical outcomes.

Methods

Patients consecutively operated for unilateral PA from 2010 to 2020 at 3 tertiary hospitals in South Korea were retrospectively enrolled. Adrenals with solitary aldosterone-producing adenomas and/or dominant aldosterone-producing nodules were classified as the classical and the others as the nonclassical groups. The classical group was subdivided into mixed or solitary group according to whether other aldosterone-producing lesions coexist or not.

Results

Of the 240 cases, 124 were solitary, 86 mixed, and 30 nonclassical. Baseline serum potassium concentration was lower in the solitary group than the mixed or nonclassical group. Plasma aldosterone concentration after saline loading was the highest in the solitary group (median 31.65 ng/dL), followed by the mixed group (median 25.40 ng/dL), and the lowest in the nonclassical group (median 14.20 ng/dL). Solitary and mixed groups showed higher lateralization indices and lower contralateral indices than the nonclassical group. The contralateral index was lower in the solitary group than the mixed group. At 6 to 12 months after adrenalectomy, fewer antihypertensive medications were required for the solitary and mixed groups than the nonclassical group.

Conclusion

The solitary group, followed by the mixed group, was associated with more severe hyperaldosteronism and more suppressed aldosterone production from the contralateral side than the nonclassical group. Histopathologic phenotypes were related to the clinical manifestations and may suggest postoperative prognosis.
Anthropometrics and Plasma Atherogenic Index in Saudi Women Madinah KSA
Authors: Surrati Amal M. Qasem , Saeed Walaa Mohammed , Alfadhli Eman Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Objective: to determine the lipid profile levels and association with anthropometric measurements and atherogenic index of plasma values in females from Taibah University.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to January 2020 at the female section of Taibah University, located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The study sample consisted of 240 females ranging from 19 to 50 years. Measurements related to anthropometry such as height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, were calculated. Body Mass Index, Lipid profiles, and Atherogenic Index of Plasma were also measured.

Results: Almost 73.4% of the participants were obese and overweight, with a mean BMI of 28.79±5.7 kg/m2. Overweight and obese women were observed to have high total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P≤0.05). Out of 244 participants, 120 (49.2%) and 44 (18%) were at intermediate and high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), respectively, as determined by the atherogenic index of plasma AIP. Intermediate and high-risk CVD groups had higher lipid profile levels and high waist-to-hip ratio compared to those in females at low risk (P≤0.05). AIP was positively and significantly associated with total cholesterol and triglyceride but negatively correlated with HDL concentration. Furthermore, the BMI had significantly positive correlation with triglyceride and waist to hip ratio (P≤0.05).

Conclusion: The majority of the participants were overweight and obese, with high levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol and high waist to hip ratio, placing them at intermediate or high risk of CVD based on AIP values. Additional CVD risk screenings, targeted specifically at overweight and obese women, are needed.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.8318

How to cite this: Surrati AMQ, Mohammedsaeed W, Alfadhli EM. Anthropometrics and Plasma Atherogenic Index in Saudi Women Madinah KSA. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.8318

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Los efectos de la retroalimentación correctiva oral y la ansiedad sobre el desarrollo de la pronunciación.
Authors: Luquin María , Roothooft Hanne
Published: December 2023

While a substantial body of research has shown that oral corrective feedback (CF) is effective for the acquisition of foreign language grammar, very few studies have focused on the impact of CF on pronunciation development. Moreover, there is a dearth of CF research which takes individual differences such as foreign language anxiety into account. The present study therefore investigated the effects of recasts and metalinguistic feedback on the pronunciation of the -ed ending, comparing 30 low- and high-anxiety learners with an A2+ level of English at a Spanish secondary school. A pre-test/post-test design involving a reading-aloud test and a storytelling treatment was applied to a recast (n=10), metalinguistic feedback (n=10) and control group (n=10). Each of the three groups was further divided into a high-anxiety (n=5) and low-anxiety group (n=5). Significant differences were found between the recast and control group, confirming previous research showing that recasts are beneficial for pronunciation development. However, despite certain indications that lowanxiety learners benefited more from CF, and high-anxiety learners seemed to benefit especially from recasts, no significant differences between the anxiety-groups could be identified in this study.
CAM-based orchard path detection for developing an unmanned sprayer
Authors: Cho Soo-Hyun , Kang Seung-Woo , Sung Baek-Gyeom , Lee Dae-Hyun
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to apply a deep learning model to identify and visualise path areas in an orchard. Data was collected by attaching an image capture device to the front of a sprayer and driving it through an orchard. The collected data was classified into four classes: ground, trees, sky and obstacles for pre-processing for training. Sliding window techniques were used on the image dataset for model training and performance. The image was sampled using a sliding window method with 224x224 pixels and divided into train, validation, and test sets. A modified VGG16 algorithm was implemented and used to train the preprocessed image dataset. The performance results of this model showed an accuracy of up to approximately 99% on both the training and validation sets, and after building a confusion matrix using the test set, the classification performance was evaluated and showed an F1 score of 0.96. To visualise the results of this trained learning model, class activation maps were used to detect the paths in the orchard. The implementation of this method resulted in an average processing time of about 0.94 seconds per frame on the orchard footage, which could potentially be beneficial in real-time decision making scenarios in fruit farming where rapid response is important.
THz Microstrip Antenna for Terabit Wireless Local Area Networks
Authors: Koushick V. , Divya C. , Vinoth M. , Ali E. A. Mohamed , Sugadev M.
Published: December 2023

In order to replace millimetre wave communication for extremely fast terabit wireless local and personal area network connectivity, researchers have been looking into the possibilities of the terahertz band for establishing wireless data communication at terabit rates. The IEEE 802.15 WPAN Terahertz Interest Group (IGTHz) has been created to encourage research in the terahertz bands and set standards for their use, in order to facilitate progress and advancement in this area. The specific objective of this study is to design and analyze a microstrip antenna working at 3.5 THz resonant frequency. The proposed novel antenna includes three layers: a top layer that represents the patch, a second layer that represents the substrate, and a bottom layer that represents the ground plane. It is designed using a 32 nm thin FR-4 substrate with a permittivity of 4.4. Using HFSS simulations, it was found that the proposed antenna has an overall efficiency greater than 85% within the working frequency range of 3.5 THz. Additionally, it exhibited an extremely low reflection coefficient (S11) of -43.61 dB at 3.5 THz, with an efficiency exceeding 80%. This simple and broadband antenna design could have relevance in high-speed data transmission networks.
Diagonal Partitioning Strategy Using Bisection of Rectangles and a Novel Sampling Scheme
Authors: Guessoum Nabila , Chiter Lakhdar
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider a global optimization problem where the objective function is assumed to be Lipschitz-continuous with an unknown Lipschitz constant. Building upon the recently introduced BIRECT (BIsection of RECTangles) algorithm, we propose a new diagonal partitioning and sampling scheme. Our framework, named BIRECT-V (V for vertices), combines bisection with the sampling of two points. In the initial hyper-rectangle, these points are located at 1/3 and 1 along the main diagonal. Unlike most DIRECT-type algorithms, where evaluating the objective function at vertices is not suitable for bisection, our strategy, when combined with bisection, provides more comprehensive information about the objective function. However, the creation of new sampling points may coincide with existing ones at shared vertices, resulting in additional evaluations of the objective function and increasing the number of function evaluations per iteration. To overcome this issue, we propose modifying the original optimization domain to obtain a good approximation of the global solution. Experimental investigations demonstrate that this modification positively impacts the performance of the BIRECT-V algorithm. Our proposal shows promise as a global optimization algorithm compared to the original BIRECT and two popular DIRECT-type algorithms on a set of test problems. It particularly excels at high-dimensional problems
Introduction to the OFC 2023 Special Issue
Authors: Lord Andrew
Published: December 2023

Each year JOCN has the privilege of inviting the best optical networking papers presented at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) for an extended write-up. The January and February issues of the journal include a Special Edition covering OFC 2023, and there are 15 excellent papers to explore between the two issues.
Nonlinear edge enhancement imaging based on Laguerre–Gaussian superimposed vortex filters
Authors: Yu Xuelian , Wang Zhengxian , Cheng Xukun , Zhao Lihang , Li Xiufang , Sun Yanqian
Published: December 2023

Nonlinear reconstruction, which is based on the principle of cross correlation, is a commonly employed reconstruction technique in incoherent correlated digital holography systems. However, the modulation of phase masks in these systems is suppressed during the reconstruction process, resulting in an inability to express the characteristics of the phase masks. Consequently, achieving edge enhancement within these systems is constrained. We propose a nonlinear reconstruction method utilizing Laguerre–Gaussian superimposed vortex filters, which modulates the spectrum of the target during the reconstruction process. Experimental results demonstrate that this method performs well in reconstructing image edges for various phase-masked incoherent imaging systems and effectively suppresses noise. Additionally, this method enables directional edge enhancement.
Effects of cattle on vector-borne disease risk to humans: A systematic review
Authors: Chakraborty Sulagna , Gao Siyu , Allan Brian. F. , Smith Rebecca Lee
Published: December 2023

Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) causing vector-borne diseases (VBDs) can circulate among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, with cattle in particular serving as an important source of exposure risk to humans. The close associations between humans and cattle can facilitate the transmission of numerous VBPs, impacting public health and economic security. Published studies demonstrate that cattle can influence human exposure risk positively, negatively, or have no effect. There is a critical need to synthesize the information in the scientific literature on this subject, in order to illuminate the various ecological mechanisms that can affect VBP exposure risk in humans. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to review the scientific literature, provide a synthesis of the possible effects of cattle on VBP risk to humans, and propose future directions for research. This study was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 extension guidelines for systematic review. After screening 470 peer-reviewed articles published between 1999–2019 using the databases Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed Central, CABI Global Health, and Google Scholar, and utilizing forward and backward search techniques, we identified 127 papers that met inclusion criteria. Results of the systematic review indicate that cattle can be beneficial or harmful to human health with respect to VBDs depending on vector and pathogen ecology and livestock management practices. Cattle can increase risk of exposure to infections spread by tsetse flies and ticks, followed by sandflies and mosquitoes, through a variety of mechanisms. However, cattle can have a protective effect when the vector prefers to feed on cattle instead of humans and when chemical control measures (e.g., acaricides/insecticides), semio-chemicals, and other integrated vector control measures are utilized in the community. We highlight that further research is needed to determine ways in which these mechanisms may be exploited to reduce VBD risk in humans.
Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics between severe and non-severe dengue in paediatrics
Authors: Idrus Nurul Liyana , Md Jamal Shamsuriani , Abu Bakar Afliza , Embong Hashim , Ahmad Nurul Saadah
Published: December 2023

Background

The timely identification of severe dengue in peadiatric patients is of utmost importance, as any delay in diagnosis could lead to an irreversible state of shock potentially leading to fatal consequences. The primary aim of our study was to characterize dengue severity in paediatric patients based on initial symptoms, signs, and laboratory investigation of their presentation in the emergency department.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective data retrieval from the medical records of 254 paediatric patients who had been diagnosed with confirmed cases of dengue fever. The clinical characteristics were compared between severe and non-severe dengue. Multiple logistic regression analysis was utilised to elucidate the variables that exhibited associations with severe dengue.

Results

A total of 254 paediatric patients were included, among whom 15.4% (n = 39) were diagnosed with severe dengue. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified lethargy, systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 90 mmHg, capillary refilled time (CRT) longer than 2 seconds, ascites, and hepatomegaly were independently associated with severe dengue.

Conclusion

In paediatric patients, severe dengue is associated with specific clinical indicators, including lethargy, low systolic blood pressure, prolonged capillary refill time (CRT), and the presence of ascites and hepatomegaly. Identifying these clinical features early is crucial for primary care physicians, as it enables accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to manage severe dengue effectively.
Influence of scanbody design and intraoral scanner on the trueness of complete arch implant digital impressions: An in vitro study
Authors: Meneghetti Priscila Ceolin , Li Junying , Borella Paulo Sérgio , Mendonça Gustavo , Burnett Luiz Henrique
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of full-arch digital implant impressions using seven different scanbodies and four intraoral scanners. A 3D-printed maxillary model with six implants and their respective multi-unit abutments was used for this study. Seven scanbodies (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, and SB7) and four intraoral scanners (Primescan®, Omnican®, Trios 3®, and Trios 4®) were assessed. Each combination group was scanned ten times and a dental lab scanner (D2000, 3Shape) was used as a reference. All scans were exported as STL files, imported into Convince software (3Shape) for alignment, and later into Blender software, where their 3D positions were analyzed using a Python script. The 3D deviation, angular deviation, and linear distance between implants #3 and #14 were also measured. Accuracy was measured in terms of “trueness” (scanbody 3D deviation between intraoral scan and desktop scan). Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data (⍺ = .05). The study found statistically significant differences in digital impression accuracy among the scanners and scanbodies (p<0.001). When comparing different intraoral scanners, the Primescan system showed the smallest 3D deviation (median 110.59 μm) and differed statistically from the others, while Trios 4 (median 122.35 μm) and Trios 3 (median 130.62 μm) did not differ from each other (p = .284). No differences were found in the linear distance between implants #3 and #14 between Trios 4, Primescan, and Trios 3 systems. When comparing different scanbodies, the lowest median values for 3D deviation were obtained by SB2 (72.27μm) and SB7 (93.31μm), and they did not differ from each other (p = .116). The implant scanbody and intraoral scanner influenced the accuracy of digital impressions on completely edentulous arches.
Vida da Faculdade de Letras 2022-2023
Authors: Coimbra Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de
Published: December 2023

A partir do ano letivo de 2012/2013, toda a informação que integrava a secção “Vida da Faculdade”, da Revista Biblos passa a ter uma existência autónoma em formato digital. Por se considerar relevante preservar essa memória e por se entender que ela não deve integrar uma revista científica, cria-se esta publicação à parte, acessível ao público interno e externo, que passa a estar alojada na página web da Faculdade de Letras e nas plataformas da Imprensa da Universidade. Neste volume, reúnem-se informações relativas ao ano letivo de 2022/2023.
Qualidade da água e aspectos construtivos dos poços do aquífero aluvionar do rio Jaguaribe, município de São João do Jaguaribe, Ceará
Authors: Pinheiro Antônio Flávio Costa , Freire Diolande Ferreira Gomes , Cavalcante Itabaraci Nazareno , Oliveira Rafael Mota , Araújo Karen Vendramini de
Published: December 2023

Este artigo discute os aspectos construtivos dos poços e a qualidade físico-química das águas subterrâneas no cenário do Domínio Hidrogeológico Sedimentar do aquífero aluvionar do baixo vale do rio Jaguaribe, São João do Jaguaribe, Ceará, e sua interface com o uso e ocupação do solo. Dos poços mapeados, grande parte apresenta alguma deficiência quanto aos aspectos construtivos e de proteção sanitária recomendados pela ABNT. Em relação à qualidade das águas subterrâneas, foram feitas análises físico-químicas de 30 amostras representativas do aquífero aluvionar, com determinações do pH, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, cátions e ânions maiores, sólidos totais dissolvidos, sílica, dureza, alcalinidade, compostos nitrogenados, fluoreto, ferro, turbidez, alumínio e fosfato. As concentrações dos compostos nitrogenados das águas do aquífero aluvial não sugerem importante contaminação antrópica local do aquífero, visto que o nitrito e a amônia raramente foram detectados e o nitrato apresentou concentrações traço. Constatou-se que a qualidade da água é naturalmente prejudicada principalmente pela elevada concentração de ferro, que se reflete na turbidez e cor da água de quase todos os poços. Sódio e cloreto em 37% das amostras estão em concentrações que caracterizam águas salobras; no restante das amostras a concentração de sólidos totais dissolvidos é inferior a 1000 mg L-1. Desse modo, predominam na área de estudo águas doces, que submetidas a tratamento para remoção do ferro, podem se tornar adequadas para diversos usos. Valores de pH, amônia, nitrito, nitrato, sulfato e alumínio estão 100% dentro dos máximos permitidos. O principal processo geoquímico relacionado à qualidade da água é a interação rocha-água, devido ao longo tempo de residência da água no aquífero aluvionar, que, em média, considerando a série histórica 1973–2020, não recebe recarga pluvial.