bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haine de l’être et radicalisme de l’identitaire : la honte et le problème du corps de l’Autre
Authors: Choukroun-Schenowitz Jessica
Published: August 2022

Cet article propose d’interroger le problème de l’identité à partir des faits dits de radicalisation pour mettre en évidence un radicalisme de l’identitaire dans la postmodernité à la lumière des affects de la honte et de la haine. Que le sujet soit un sujet de la jouissance, et non seulement un effet de langage, a pour conséquence que son identité est étroitement liée à la question de son corps et de sa jouissance. La jouissance du corps propre et la jouissance du corps de l’Autre apparaissent alors comme problèmes à traiter dans le contexte d’un déclin du père. Qu’est-ce qui permet dès lors de faire point d’identification et d’arrimer le sujet ? Qu’est-ce qui peut faire tenir les corps ? Et comment le radicalisme témoigne-t-il du retour d’un Dieu obscur et jouisseur ? Ce sont ces questions que ce travail se propose de discuter en suivant le fil de la honte à la haine, comme passions de l’être.
Robust synchronization analysis of delayed fractional order neural networks with uncertain parameters
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Ma Yunpeng , Gao Shan , Song Jiancai , Chen Lei
Published: August 2022

This paper is concerned with the robust synchronization analysis of delayed fractional order neural networks with uncertain parameters (DFNNUPs). Firstly, the DFNNUPs drive system model and response system model are established. Secondly, using multiple matrix quadratic Lyapunov function approach and inequality analysis technique, the robust synchronization conditions are derived in the form of the matrix inequalities. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical results is verified by an example.
The backward bifurcation of an age-structured cholera transmission model with saturation incidence
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Jin Zhen , Yang Junyuan , Zhang Juan
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider an age-structured cholera model with saturation incidence, vaccination age of vaccinated individuals, infection age of infected individuals, and biological age of pathogens. First, the basic reproduction number is calculated. When the basic reproduction number is less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is locally stable. Further, the existence of backward bifurcation of the model is obtained. Numerically, we also compared the effects of various control measures, including basic control measures and vaccination, on the number of infected individuals.
Diagnostic Performance of Artificial Intelligence for Interpreting Thyroid Cancer in Ultrasound images
Authors: Arunrukthavon Piyanuch , Songsaeng Dittapong , Keatmanee Chadaporn , Klabwong Songphon , Ekpanyapong Mongkol , Dailey Matthew N.
Published: August 2022

Thyroid ultrasonography is mainly used for the detection and characterization of thyroid nodules. However, there is some limitation since the diagnostic performance remains highly subjective and depends on radiologist experiences. Therefore, artificial intelligence (AI) was expected to improve the diagnostic performance of thyroid ultrasound. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the AI for differentiating malignant and benign thyroid nodules and compare it with that of an experienced radiologist and a third-year diagnostic radiology resident, 648 patients with 650 thyroid nodules, who underwent thyroid ultrasound guided-FNA biopsy and had a decisive diagnosis from FNA cytology at Siriraj Hospital between January 2014 and June 2020, were enrolled. Although the specificity and accuracy were slightly higher in AI than the experienced radiologist and the resident (specificity 78.85% vs. 67.31% vs. 69.23%; accuracy 78.46% vs. 70.77% vs. 70.77%, respectively), the AI showed comparable diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to the experienced radiologist and the resident (p=0.187-0.855).
Synthesis, Morphology and Enhanced Optical Properties of Novel GdxCo3O4 Nanostructures
Authors: Adimule Vinayak , Yallur Basappa C. , Batakurki Sheetal R. , Nandi Santosh
Published: August 2022

Abstract: In the present studies, gadolinium doped cobalt oxide nanostructures (1 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 10 wt. %) were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The samples were characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction spectroscopy), UV-Visible spectroscopy. UV-Visible exhibited maximum absorption at 440.81 nm for Gd(10% wt)Co3O4 Band gap energy was calculated using Tauc plots and it was observed that band gap energy decreased from 7.74 eV to 2.64 eV upon increasing the doping percentage of Gd to Co3O4. The crystallinity of the Gd(10% wt) Co3O4 NS increased as compared with Gd(1% wt)Co3O4 NS. SEM morphology revealed average particle size were between 95 nm to 78 nm uniformly distributed over Co3O4 NS.
Il Gruppo Interdisciplinare Cure (GIC) sui tumori della mammella: l’esperienza dell’Azienda Ospedaliera di Alessandria
Authors: Franzone Paola , Pastorino Alice , Carlevato Roberta , Vecchio Carlo , Vincenti Maura , Casella Sara , Zingarelli Enrico , Giribone Simona , Tentori Augusta , Rouhanifar Hamed , Polverelli Marco , Rossi Maura
Published: August 2022

Il tumore della mammella è la neoplasia più frequente della donna.

Le percentuali di guarigione e sopravvivenza sono molto cresciute negli ultimi anni grazie all’avvento di terapie innovative.

La grande importanza sociale che ricopre la malattia ha portato a concentrare sempre di più gli sforzi allo scopo di ottenere i migliori risultati anche mediante alla gestione multidisciplinare della patologia.

Viene descritta in questo articolo l’attività del Gruppo Interdisciplinare Cure (GIC) sul tumore della mammella dell’Azienda Ospedaliera di Alessandria.
Surficial geology, Sulphur Bay, Western Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, NTS 85-G
Authors: Paulen R C , Smith I R
Published: August 2022

The Sulphur Bay map sheet is a low-relief terrain underlain by lower- to middle-Devonian dolostone and limestone. A thin (<4 m thick) Laurentide Ice Sheet-derived glacial sediment cover drapes most of the landscape, except for bedrock outcrops exposed
near Great Slave Lake. Relict glacial landforms record an older northwest ice flow across the region. These are strongly overprinted by subsequent west-southwest-oriented flutings and mega-scale glacial lineations formed during deglaciation. As ice retreated, the entire map area became inundated by
glacial Lake McConnell and then subsequently by the expanded postglacial Great Slave Lake. This produced a discontinuous, coarse winnowed surface lag over higher terrain and thin sheets of glaciolacustrine nearshore sands over lower-lying regions. Abundant iceberg furrows occur throughout the map
area. Bogs and fens have formed over much of the landscape and display extensive thermokarst.
Hepato- and reno-protective effects of thymoquinone, crocin, and carvacrol
Authors: Anaeigoudari Akbar
Published: August 2022

Medicinal plants are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which prevent and treat a wide range of ailments. Accumulating experimental studies exhibit that some bioactive ingredients extracted from medicinal plants have suitable therapeutic effects on hepatic and renal injuries. This review focuses on the hepato- and reno-protective effects of thymoquinone, crocin, and carvacrol. The relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from the beginning of 2015 until the end of November 2021. According to the scientific evidence, the considered phytochemicals in this review have been applied with useful therapeutic effects on hepatic and renal damage. These therapeutic effects were mainly mediated through the amelioration of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammatory responses, and inhibition of apoptosis. Intracellular signaling pathways linked to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Toll-like receptors are the most important pathways targeted by these phytochemicals. Up-regulation of transcription factor Nrf2 and down-regulation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 by these natural compounds also contribute to the alleviation of hepatic and renal injuries.
Antibacterial and anti-parasitic activities of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against some common pathogenic agents of infectious diarrhea
Authors: Alnomasy Sultan F
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To assess the antidiarrheal effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Giardia lamblia.

Methods:

Antibacterial effects of the Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract were carried out by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration through micro broth dilution technique. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species production and protein leakage were evaluated. To evaluate the in vitro anti-giardial effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract, Giardia lamblia WB (ATCC® 30957) trophozoites were treated with various concentrations of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract for 10-360 min. In addition, the plasma membrane permeability of trophozoites treated with Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract was determined. The cytotoxicity effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against normal (HEK293T) and cancer (MCF-7) cells were also assessed using the MTT assay.

Results:

The MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against bacterial strains were in the range of 0.52-1.04 and 1.04-2.08 mg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that reactive oxygen species production and protein leakage were significantly increased after the bacteria were treated with the Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract, especially at 1/3 and 1/2 MICs (P<0.001). Furthermore, Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract decreased the viability of Giardia lamblia trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner. Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract at 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL resulted in 100% mortality in Giardia lamblia trophozoites after 360, 240, and 120 min, respectively. Moreover, Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract altered the permeability of plasma membrane of Giardia lamblia trophozoites by increasing the concentration. MTT assay revealed that the 50% cytotoxic concentrations values for HEK293T and MCF-7 cells were 4.32 mg/mL and 6.40 mg/mL, respectively, indicating that Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract had greater cytotoxicity against cancer cells than normal cells.

Conclusions:

Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract had potent in vitro antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Giardia lamblia by affecting cell membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species generation with no significant cytotoxicity on normal cells.
Therapeutic potential of Calotropis gigantea extract against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Ali Enas M. , Alfwuaires Manal A. , Badr Gehan M.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To characterize the antifungal activity of methanolic leaf extract of Calotropis gigantea alone or in combination with amphotericin B against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice.

Methods:

GC/MS was used for analysis of active constituents of Calotropis gigantea extract. Spore germination assay and broth micro-dilution method were used to determine antifungal potential of Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B against Aspergillus fumigatus. Neutropenic mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups: group 1 was neutropenic (control); group 2 was infected with Aspergillus fumigatus; group 3 was infected with Aspergillus fumigatus, and treated with Calotropis gigantea extract; group 4 was infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and treated with amphotericin B; group 5 was infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and treated with both Calotropis gigantea extract and amphotericin B. Fresh lung tissues were histopathologically examined. Fungal burden and gliotoxin concentration were evaluated in lung tissues. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde content were determined in lung tissues. Myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-17 were also estimated by the sandwich enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay.

Results:

Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B had a minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of 80 and 160 μg/mL, respectively, for Aspergillus fumigatus. Additionally, Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B significantly reduced lung fungal burden by 72.95% and inhibited production of gliotoxin in lung tissues from 6 320 to 1 350 μg/g lung. Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B reduced the oxidative stress of the lung via elevating the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidation. Myeloperoxidase activity and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also significantly reduced. Scanning electron microscopy revealed deteriorations in the hyphae ultrastructure in Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B treated Aspergillus fumigatus and leak of cellular components after damage of the cell wall. In vivo study revealed the suppression of lung tissue damage in mice of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, which was improved with Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

Calotropis gigantea/amphotericin B is a promising treatment to reduce lung fungal burden and to improve the drugs’ therapeutic effect against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Essential oil from Saussurea costus inhibits proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells via mitochondrial apoptosis and STAT3 signaling
Authors: Hu Xia-Fen , Liu Wan-Xin , Zhang Ren , Zhang Wei , Wang Chao , Chen Meng , Shu Rong , Yang Xin-Zhou , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To investigate the effect and its underlying molecular mechanisms of essential oil from Saussurea costus in esophageal cancer cell line Eca109.

Methods:

The chemical composition of essential oil from Saussurea costus was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The anti-proliferative, anti-migrative, and apoptotic effects of essential oil from Saussurea costus against Eca109 cells were analyzed. Moreover, the expression of proteins associated with cell cycle, metastasis, and apoptosis was determined.

Results:

GC-MS analysis showed that essential oil from Saussurea costus was predominantly comprised of sesquiterpenes. Saussurea costus essential oil inhibited the viability of Eca109 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner with IC50 values of (24.29±1.49), (19.16±2.27) and (6.97±0.86) μg/mL at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. The expression levels of target proteins in the cell cycle (phase G1/S), including cyclin D1, p21, and p53, were affected by Saussurea costus essential oil. The essential oil also downregulated the expression of metastasis-related proteins MMP-9 and MMP-2. Moreover, it induced apoptosis of Eca109 cells through the mitochondrial pathway, as well as inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

The essential oil from Saussurea costus exhibited anti-proliferative, anti-migrative, and apoptotic effects on Eca109 cells, and could be further explored as a potential anti-esophageal cancer agent.
Dieckol isolated from Eisenia bicyclis extract suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in murine RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Cho Su-Hyeon , Kwon Tae-Hyung , Jeong Hoibin , Kim Jin Sook , Kim Song-Rae , Jeong Myeong Seon , Park SeonJu , Choi Miri , Woo Jung-Hee , Ahn Juhee , Kim Kil-Nam
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To demonstrate the effect of dieckol from Eisenia bicyclis on osteoclastogenesis using RAW 264.7 cells.

Methods:

Murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were subjected to dieckol treatment, followed by treatment with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclastogenesis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was examined using a TRAP activity kit. Western blotting analysis was conducted to examine the level of osteoclast- related factors, including TRAP and calcitonin receptor (CTR), transcriptional factors, including c-Fos, c-Jun, and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine the expression of c-Fos, c-Jun, and NFATc1.

Results:

Among the four phlorotannin compounds present in Eisenia bicyclis, dieckol significantly hindered osteoclast differentiation and expression of RANKL-induced TRAP and CTR. In addition, dieckol downregulated the expression levels of c-Fos, c-Jun, NFATc1, ERK, and JNK, and suppressed NF-κB signaling.

Conclusions:

Dieckol can suppress RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential in treating osteoclastogenesis- associated diseases.
Syringic acid induces cancer cell death in the presence of Cu (II) ions via pro-oxidant activity
Authors: Rashedinia Marzieh , Nasrollahi Azita , Shafaghat Marzieh , Momeni Shahrzad , Iranpak Forough , Saberzadeh Jamileh , Arabsolghar Rita , Sabahi Zahra
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To investigate the effects of syringic acid on HEK 293 and HepG2 cells in the absence and presence of exogenous Cu (II) and Fe (II) ions.

Methods:

The antiproliferative effects of syringic acid on HEK 293 and HepG2 cells in the absence and presence of exogenous Cu (II) and Fe (II) ions were examined by MTT assay. Additionally, colony-forming, reactive oxidative species (ROS) generation, apoptosis induction, autophagy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial mass were investigated.

Results:

At 24 and 72 h, no significant differences were observed in the viability of HepG2 cells between the control and syringic acid + Fe (II) groups. However, exposure of HepG2 cells to syringic acid + Cu (II) for 72 h reduced the cell viability significantly. Furthermore, ROS formation, induction of apoptosis, and autophagic vacuoles were significantly increased in HepG2 cells without marked changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial mass. Moreover, syringic acid + Cu (II) reduced the plating efficiency and surviving fraction significantly.

Conclusions:

The combination of syringic acid with Cu (II) was toxic to cancer cells and showed pro-oxidant activity. In addition, this combination induced autophagy in cancer cells with less cytotoxic effects on normal cells, which is a potential candidate for the development of novel therapeutics towards cancer.
Anticancer drug screening of natural products
Authors: Setiawati Agustina , Candrasari Damiana Sapta , Setyajati F.D. Erika , Prasetyo Vincentia Krisnina , Setyaningsih Dewi , Hartini Yustina Sri
Published: August 2022

Natural products include several diverse compounds that have been found to be effective against cancer. Discovering anticancer compounds in nature is a multistep and complex process that requires pre-clinical and clinical studies. Only a few of the available natural products are used to treat cancer since most of them have very high complexity and low bioavailability. Therefore, the process of anticancer drug discovery requires a straightforward and effective method to assess anticancer activity using in vitro assays. This review summarizes various cell-based assays and techniques used to measure cell viability, migration, and apoptosis, focusing in particular on the principles, mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of each assay to provide a preliminary platform for cancer drug discovery.
Anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in the early stages of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats
Authors: Thongrung Ruttiya , Senggunprai Laddawan , Hipkaeo Wiphawi , Tangsucharit Panot , Pannangpetch Patchareewan
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on angiogenesis and inflammatory process in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:

Four weeks after a single injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin, rats were treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg/day Moringa oleifera leaf extract, 1 mg/kg/day dapagliflozin, or a combination of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and dapagliflozin for further eight weeks. Renal function, kidney histology, and gene expression were evaluated at the end of the experiment.

Results:

Renal function of diabetic rats was significantly impaired as evidenced by increased blood urea nitrogen, albuminuria, 24-h proteinuria, and high creatinine clearance which indicated glomerular hyperfiltration. In addition, diabetic rats showed an increase in gene expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), the Ang2/Ang1 ratio, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated a significant increase in the density of glycoprotein CD34. Moringa oleifera leaf extract markedly improved all renal dysfunction markers and modulated the upregulated expression of angiogenic factors and inflammatory genes.

Conclusions:

Moringa oleifera leaf extract could suppress abnormal angiogenesis and inflammatory processes possibly by downregulating gene expression of angiogenesis factors and proinflammatory cytokines.
Senna petersiana inhibits key digestive enzymes and modulates dysfunctional enzyme activities in oxidative pancreatic injury
Authors: Olofinsan Kolawole A. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Msomi Nontokozo Z. , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of Senna petersiana leaf extracts on key digestive enzymes and FeSO4-induced oxidative injury.

Methods:

Dried Senna petersiana leaf powder (60 g) was defatted in n-hexane and then extracted sequentially at room temperature with dichloromethane, methanol, and distilled water. The total phytochemical content of the extracts was estimated using established methods. The in vitro antioxidant, anti-lipase, and antidiabetic activities and the effect of the extracts on intestinal glucose absorption and FeSO4-induced pancreatic oxidative injury were determined using different protocols. Moreover, GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the main compounds of the plant extract. Molecular docking analysis was also carried out to evaluate the binding energy of compounds with digestive enzymes.

Results:

Senna petersiana leaf extracts showed significant antioxidant activities in FRAP, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. They also inhibited pancreatic lipase and lowered intestinal glucose absorption by suppressing activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Treatment with the extracts also lowered lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), nitric oxide level, acetylcholinesterase, and ATPase activities with simultaneous improvement of antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione) capacity in the type 2 diabetes model of oxidative pancreatic injury. GC-MS characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of stilbenoids, alkaloids, and other compounds. Molecular docking screening assay indicated the extract phytochemicals showed strong interaction with the active site amino acids of the targeted digestive enzymes. Among the Senna petersiana compounds, veratramine had the highest affinity for α-amylase and lipase, whereas dihydrostilbestrol was most attracted to α-glucosidase.

Conclusions:

Senna petersiana inhibits carbohydrate digestive enzymes, reduces intestinal glucose absorption, and exerts ameliorative effects on FeSO4-induced oxidative pancreatic injury with significant antioxidant capabilities. Detailed in vivo studies are underway to understand the plant's therapeutic potential in diabetes management.
Characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted to the emergency department and factors associated with pneumonia
Authors: Yurtseven Ali , Turan Caner , Özenen Gizem Güner , Işik Halit , Bal Zümrüt Şahbudak , Sertöz Rüçhan , Saz Eylem Ulaş
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that causes a respiratory illness, continues to be a global pandemic. In this study, we purpose to identify the features of children with COVID-19 and the factors affecting disease severity.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients who presented with suspicion of COVID-19 from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, at a tertiary care medical center in Turkey. The characteristics of 640 children who were confirmed to have COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were retrieved from medical records.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the cases was 10 ± 6 years, and 56% of them were male. Seasonal difference did not affect the number of cases. The majority of the cases (n = 501, 78%) were infected by family members. Fever (67%) and cough (38%) were common complaints. The mean duration of fever was 1.9 ± 1.1 days. One-fourth of the cases were asymptomatic, 462 (72%) had mild upper respiratory tract infections, and 18 (3%) had pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia were more likely to have comorbidities and had a longer fever duration (both P < 0.001). Fever, cough, and respiratory distress were more common in patients with pneumonia (P = 0.010, P = 0.023, and P < 0.001, respectively). The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) value of the patients with pneumonia was significantly higher than that of the others (P < 0.001). A total of 70 (11%) complicated patients were hospitalized, 5 of them requiring intensive care admission. All hospitalized patients were discharged with recovery.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although pediatric COVID-19 patients tended to have a mild disease, some children with comorbidities can still develop a severe illness. CRP value is a useful indicator in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Furthermore, the prevalence rate of COVID-19 did not decrease with hot seasons.
A rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation applied during transportation by ambulance
Authors: Yurtsever Güner , Yamanoglu Adnan , Bora Ejder Saylav , Topal Fatih Esad
Published: August 2022

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to be applied during patient transfer by ambulance differs from CPR applied in the field or in the hospital in terms of physical condition. Especially the deeper and faster chest compressions recommended in the latest CPR guidelines, when administered during ambulance transport, may result in a further increase in traumatic CPR complications. However, in the current CPR guidelines, there are no clear recommendations regarding additional measures that can be taken to reduce the complications and increase the efficiency of CPR during patient transport. In this study, a case of flail chest that developed after short-term CPR application during ambulance transport is presented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the flail chest complication and solution suggestions that may occur due to chest compressions applied during transportation.
A successfully treated Brugada syndrome presenting in ventricular fibrillation preceded by fever and concomitant hypercalcemia
Authors: Nakamura Hiroki , Sato Yoshikazu , Ishii Ryoko , Araki Yuichi
Published: August 2022

Brugada syndrome (BS) is a genetic channelopathy syndrome that causes fatal cardiac dysrhythmias and sudden death. Fever and antiarrhythmics are aggravating factors of BS. There are many reports about BS preceded by fever but fewer reports on BS caused by hypercalcemia (HC). Here, we describe a unique case of BS preceded by concurrent fever and HC. A 46-year-old male visited the emergency department for malaise and fever. During admission, he suddenly developed cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation (VF). After resuscitation, electrocardiogram (ECG) showed “coved-type” ST elevation in V1 and V2, which led to the diagnosis of BS. This ST change declined after the fever subsided. He also had HC at the same time. After admission, he developed septic shock. We started treatment assuming that it was caused by the aggravation of ulcerative colitis, and liver abscess was revealed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. After the infection was controlled, we implanted an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and he was discharged. The cause of HC appeared to be an ectopic parathyroid adenoma, and calcium was normalized after tumor resection. In addition, this patient had nonfunctional pituitary adenoma and a nonfunctional adrenal tumor. His condition was indicative of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. This patient had BS presenting as VF induced by fever due to liver abscess and early repolarization, increasing the risk of arrhythmic events to carry out ICD implantation. HC can contribute to induce arrhythmia.
Increased expression of BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers in type 2 diabetes-related claustrophobia
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Mussa Bashair M. , Abusnana Salahedeen
Published: August 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is widely known to cause damage to several organ systems resulting in complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. A characteristic feature of T2DM is hyperglycemia, which can adversely affect the brain and cause psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Although several studies have reported a strong association between T2DM and psychological disorders, it is surprising that the latter is not well investigated. Therefore, the main objectives of this case report are to (i) emphasize the association between psychological disorders and T2DM and (ii) investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers in a case of T2DM-related claustrophobia. By investigating the blood and saliva samples of a 40-year-old male suffering from T2DM and claustrophobia, we report a highly significant increase in BDNF expression and inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 along with a concomitant decrease in interleukin-8 and transforming growth factor-beta. Based on these observations, we propose the presence of a correlation between increased BDNF expression, inflammation, and diabetes-related claustrophobia. Outcomes from this report further highlight the significance of considering T2DM-related psychological disorders as an essential diagnostic measure.
Ocular morbidity among adult patients with chronic leukemia presenting to tertiary hospitals in Jos, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Alfin Ruth J. , Ramyil Alice V. , Damulak Obadiah D.
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic leukemia is the most common leukemia subtype seen among adults in Jos, Nigeria, with few reported isolated cases of ocular morbidity. There are no published comprehensive data on adult leukemic ophthalmopathy from this region.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and causes of visual impairment (VI) among adult patients with chronic leukemia in Jos, North-Central Nigeria.

Patients and methods

The study included adult patients diagnosed with either chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, confirmed by bone marrow biopsy, in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, North-Central Nigeria, between January 2016 and June 2017. Visual acuity was assessed and categorized using the International Classification of Diseases. Detailed ocular examination was carried out and causes of vision loss were noted.

Results

A total of 104 eyes of 52 patients were examined within the study period. The mean age of the patients was 45±17.7 years, and 35 (67.3%) patients were males. The majority (63.4%) of the participants had chronic myeloid leukemia. Ocular disorders were present in 32 (61.5%) of all patients, and 10 (19.2%) patients were visually impaired. Of these, nine (90.0%) had moderate VI due to refractive errors, cataract, glaucoma, and disk swelling; and one (10.0%) person was bilaterally blind from exudative retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Only 27% of all causes of VI were leukemia specific and included disk swelling, exudative retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Although ocular disorders were frequent among adults with chronic leukemia in Jos, the magnitude of vision loss from chronic leukemia-specific ocular disorders was low.
Double-flanged 6/0 polypropylene suture versus flanged haptic technique for intraocular lens fixation
Authors: Elsayed Tamer G. , Hegab Mohammed A. , Al-Nashar Haitham Y. , Dessouky Reem A.K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Aphakia due to inadequate capsular support is a well-known complication of cataract surgery. Secondary intrascleral IOL fixation is favoured by many surgeons to overcome this problem. However, the technique of intrascleral fixation of the IOL still remains controversial and no single technique is considered ideal.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of double-flanged 6/0 polypropylene (prolene) suture and flanged haptic technique for intraocular lens fixation in patients with aphakia and inadequate capsular support.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative study. The study included 50 eyes of 50 patients with aphakia and inadequate capsular support. They were divided into 2 groups: 25 eyes underwent the double-flanged 6/0 polypropylene suture technique (group I) and 25 eyes underwent the flanged haptic-fixation technique (group II). All patients were subjected to complete preoperative ophthalmic evaluation. The mean operative time was calculated for each method. Postoperatively, the best-corrected visual acuity (BVCA), endothelial cell count, and intraocular pressure were measured at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month intervals. Any intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in BVCA at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative BVCA (P<0.001). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group II than in group I (12.3±1.93 min vs. 21.8±2.5 min, respectively, P<0.001). Differences in the mean endothelial cell counts and mean intraocular pressure values at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively were not statistically significant within or between groups (P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of intraoperative or postoperative complications between the 2 groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Both surgical techniques showed similar outcomes in the treatment of aphakic patients without capsular support, each with unique benefits. The double-flanged 6/0 polypropylene suture technique has a shorter learning curve and variable intraocular-lens options, while the flanged haptic technique is a faster procedure in the hands of experienced surgeons.
A clinicoepidemiological study of orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary healthcare hospital, North-West Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kewaliya Rashmi , Yadav Dinesh K. , Lunia Gautam , Jangir Shilpa
Published: August 2022

Background

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and outcome of management of orbital mucormycosis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective hospital-based observational study that was conducted on cases of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) presented to a tertiary health-care center in North-West Rajasthan, India, during the second wave of COVID-19 over a period of 1 month (May 26, 2021 to June 25, 2021). The patients were followed up for 3 months. A total of 40 cases fulfilling the clinical, radiological, and pathological or microbiological criteria for the diagnosis of ROCM were included in the study.

Results

Out of a total of 126 mucormycosis patients, 40 had ocular manifestations ranging from lid edema, chemosis, and ptosis to severe manifestations such s ophthalmoplegia, optic neuritis, and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Rare presentations of corneal eschar and corneal ulcer were also reported. Among the 40 patients of orbital mucormycosis, 57.5% were in the age group of 51–65 years, 65% were males, 62.5% were COVID positive, 37.5% had a history of oxygen therapy during the COVID-19 illness, and 85% were not vaccinated against COVID-19. All patients with orbital involvement had rhinitis at presentation. Intravenous Amphotericin B was given to all patients. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done in 92.5% of the cases and orbital exenteration was done in 35% of the patients to prevent the spread of mucor and to reduce mortality. In 32.5% of the patients, retrobulbar Amphotericin B was given. The mean length of hospital stay was 24.62±11.70 days and 70% of the patients were discharged from the hospital on oral antifungal therapy. A total of 30% of the patients with cerebral involvement passed away. During the follow-up of 3 months, three (7.5%) more patients who discontinued treatment progressed to advanced disease and died, while 62.5% (25 out of 40) patients were alive with stable/regressed disease. The survival rate with retrobulbar Amphotericin B was 92.30% and with exenteration was 92.85%, which was statistically significant compared with the 5% survival rate in the cases in whom no such intervention was done.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and treatment of ROCM reduced morbidity and mortality in mucormycosis patients.
Risk factors for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis in an Egyptian population sample
Authors: Abdelmoneim Hebatallah M.T. , Abdelazeem Khaled , Nouby Gamal , Abdelmoneim Mohamed Tarek , Fathalla Ahmed M.F.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of post-laser in situ keratomileusis (post-LASIK) ectasia in an Egyptian population sample.

Design

This is a retrospective case–control study.

Patients and methods

The study included 44 patients, who were classified into two groups. The first group (post-LASIK ectasia) included 31 eyes (18 patients) and the second group (LASIK without complications) included 52 eyes (26 patients). The comparison between the two groups included the pre-LASIK refractive error, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal curvature, corneal thickness, corneal elevations, ectasia risk scoring, flap thickness, and residual stroma after LASIK. We also evaluated the changes that occurred in patients with ectasia in comparison to their pre-LASIK parameters.

Results

The prevalence of post-LASIK ectasia was 0.22%. The degree of myopia, astigmatism, maximum keratometry reading (K-max), ectasia risk scoring, and flap lift for retreatment were significantly higher in the ectasia group compared with the control group (P=0.041, 0.006, 0.016, 0.038, and 0.017, respectively), while the CDVA and residual stroma after LASIK were significantly less in the ectasia group (P=0.039 and 0.003, respectively). There was a statistically significant increase in astigmatism and change in its type and increased K-max and corneal elevations after ectasia.

Conclusions

The degree of myopia, astigmatism, CDVA, K-max, ectasia risk scoring, residual stroma after LASIK, and retreatment are risk factors for ectasia development.
Optical coherence tomography in Egyptian schizophrenics and its correlation to disease parameters
Authors: Khalil Dalia H. , Aziz Kyrollos , Khalil Mohamed , Khowyled Aref
Published: August 2022

Background

Schizophrenia is associated with visual perception and early processing deficits. Retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters can be biomarkers of neural pathology and disease progression by detecting neurodegenerative changes.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to detect neurodegenerative changes in schizophrenic patients by OCT and to correlate them to the severity and duration of schizophrenia.

Patients and methods

This is a comparative case–control study that included 60 participants: 30 male schizophrenics compared with 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy persons. Both groups were subjected to ophthalmic examination, including visual assessment, anterior-segment examination using slit lamp, and posterior-segment examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Schizophrenic patients were subjected to psychometric evaluation using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Then, OCT imaging was done for all participants.

Results

The schizophrenic group showed thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) compared with the controls. The difference was statistically significant regarding the average, superior, and nasal quadrants (P=0.002, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively), but it was insignificant in the inferior and temporal quadrants (P=0.187 and 0.074, respectively). The average ganglion cell complex thickness showed insignificant difference between the two groups regarding the average, superior, and inferior sectors (P=0.650, 0.624, and 0.694, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between schizophrenia duration and RNFL average, superior, and inferior thickness (r=−0.566, P=0.001, r=−0.555, P=0.001, and r=−0.479, P=0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

Schizophrenics were found to have a significantly reduced peripapillary RNFL thickness, especially in the superior and nasal quadrants. This reduction became more obvious with disease chronicity.
Double small incision lenticule extraction lenticular graft in impending corneal perforation
Authors: Kotb Ahmed N. , Elsayed Sahar H.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of double stromal lenticules, extracted by femtolaser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery, as a surgical adjuvant for sealing of impending corneal perforation.

Patients and methods

The study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with impending corneal perforation. Double corneal stromal lenticules obtained through SMILE surgery, with a central thickness of 65 μm for each lenticule, were fixed over the corneal impending perforation site by 10-0 nylon interrupted stitches. The patients were monitored for a minimum of 6 months and were assessed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein stain, tonometry, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity measurements. Postoperative complications were recorded throughout the follow-up period.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 51.25±1.49 years. The mean thickness of the used double SMILE lenticules was 108.85±10.77 μm (range, 90–120 μm). The preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers at 30 cm in four patients, whereas the other 16 patients had a visual acuity of hand movement. Postoperatively, the corneal perforations were successfully sealed in 16 (80%) patients, and 15 (75%) patients exhibited a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity (P=0.02). During the follow-up period of 6 months, there was evidence of one case of infection and two cases of sliding graft. There was no significant association between the patients’ data and the reported complications except the association between complications and hand movement visual acuity.

Conclusion

The use of double corneal lenticules was a safe and effective surgical adjuvant for corneal perforation closure. It is a simple and inexpensive temporary measure to improve the corneal condition for further definitive interventions.
Macular and choroidal perfusion using optical coherence tomography angiography in type-2 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy
Authors: ElShazly Malak I. , Sabbah Yasmina A. , Hamza Hany S. , Salah Shaymaa H.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in retinal vascular plexuses and choriocapillaris in type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients without clinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to compare them with healthy controls and to identify early preclinical biomarkers for DR using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Patients and methods

This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included 68 eyes (34 eyes of type-2 diabetic patients without DR and 34 eyes of healthy controls). Using OCTA, the vessel density (VD) in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses, macular thickness, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and choriocapillaris flow area were measured. The OCTA morphological findings in diabetic patients were noted. In addition, the correlations between OCTA and glycosylated hemoglobin and diabetes duration were evaluated.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in the parafoveal macular thickness in the diabetic group compared with the control group (the superior–hemi parafoveal thickness was 310.94±10.84 vs. 321.71±11.2 μm, respectively, P=0.001, while the inferior–hemi parafoveal thickness was 304.71±11.04 vs. 320.82±11.25 μm, respectively, P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the parafoveal and perifoveal superficial capillary plexus and DCP VD in the diabetic patients compared with the controls. In addition, there was no change in the FAZ area between the two groups, but there was a significant difference regarding the FAZ irregularity (P=0.00). Microaneurysms (100%), capillary nonperfusion (94%), capillary loop (17.6%), enlarged perifoveal intercapillary spaces (17.6%), punched-out FAZ (12%), lost spider web (6%), and capillary blind end (6%) were detected in the diabetic patients. A negative significant correlation was found between the parafoveal thickness and glycosylated hemoglobin in the DM group in the inferior–hemi thickness (r=−0.61, P=0.01), and between DM duration and VD in the DCP in the parafoveal and perifoveal areas (r=−0.55, P=0.06 and r=0.62, P=0.018, respectively).

Conclusion

OCTA can be used to diagnose preclinical maculopathy/retinopathy in diabetic patients using the parafoveal retinal thickness, DCP VD, FAZ irregularities, quantification of microaneurysms, and choriocapillaris flow area as biomarkers.
Ultrasound-Guided Multiple Injection Costotransverse Block in a Patient with Postradiation Therapy Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Authors: Bhoi Debesh , Parida Raunak
Published: August 2022

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally aggressive soft-tissue tumor with a high recurrence rate, often requiring multiple surgeries with multiple sessions of radiotherapy that alters the anatomy and makes regional anesthesia challenging in these patients. The multiple injection costotransverse block (MICB) is a type of “paravertebral by proxy” block in which the drug is injected within the thoracic intertransverse tissue complex with spread to the paravertebral space without any epidural spread. Unlike the traditional approach to paravertebral block, which involves piercing the superior costotransverse ligament, the MICB has a shallower needle trajectory making needle visualization easier and the more superficial needle tip location reduces the chances of a pleural puncture and subcostal vessel injury. We present the case of a 51-year-old male with recurrent DFSP in the anterior axillary fold who was posted for tumor debulking. As the sonoanatomy was altered due to multiple previous surgeries and radiotherapy, we chose to perform an ultrasound-guided MICB.
Role of Erector Spinae Plane Block in End-of-Life Care for a Patient with Advanced Abdominal Malignancy
Authors: Kumar Naina , Malik Sunny , Malik Shraddha , Sahni Vibhu Ranjan , Joshi Saurabh
Published: August 2022

Celiac plexus block (CPB) is the most commonly used intervention in patients suffering from pain related to upper abdominal malignancies. Placing a CPB requires a patient to be placed in a prone position on the operating room table which becomes difficult in many patients with advanced disease and therefore makes it more challenging for the interventional pain physician, simultaneously risky for the patient. In such cases, a more superficial minimally invasive intervention is desirable. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is one such intervention that has been used in a large variety of settings and can be used in the abovementioned cases. So far, no reports have emphasized the role of this field block for chronic cancer pain relief in a patient with advanced and progressive malignancy nearing the end of life. We present such a case with end-stage carcinoma gallbladder, in which ESPB was used effectively for providing pain relief during her final days.