bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal genetic diagnosis of tetrasomy 18p from maternal trisomy 18p: a case report
Authors: Peng Can , LinPeng SiYuan , Bu Xiufen , Jiang XuanYu , Hu LanPing , He Jun , Zhou ShiHao
Published: June 2022

Background

Tetrasomy 18p syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder that is caused by the presence of isochromosome 18p. Most tetrasomy 18p cases are de novo cases and maternal origin of trisomy 18p is a rare condition. At present, only four cases of maternal origin have been reported in worldwide.This is the fifth case of tetrasomy 18p originating from maternal trisomy 18p. The mother of the fetus studied had no apparent disease phenotype.

Case presentation

The current case report is to describe a fetus with confirmed 18p tetrasomy as detected by karyotyping and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism array (SNP array) analysis. However, the fetus showed normal phenotypic features that were observed using ultrasound scans. The mother and maternal grandfather were phenotypically normal and healthy; however, they were diagnosed with trisomy 18p, which was confirmed by conventional karyotyping and SNP array.

Conclusions

We report a case of 18p tetrasomy in a fetus whose mother and grandfather had 18p trisomy. The mother and grandfather were phenotypically normal. Our case report findings provide an important reference for the genetic counseling of trisomy 18p in the future.
Leveraging structural and 2D-QSAR to investigate the role of functional group substitutions, conserved surface residues and desolvation in triggering the small molecule-induced dimerization of hPD-L1
Authors: Ahmed Marawan , Ganesan Aravindhan , Barakat Khaled
Published: June 2022

Small molecules are rising as a new generation of immune checkpoints’ inhibitors, with compounds targeting the human Programmed death-ligand 1 (hPD-L1) protein are pioneering this area of research. Promising examples include the recently disclosed compounds from Bristol-Myers-Squibb (BMS). These molecules bind specifically to hPD-L1 through a unique mode of action. They induce dimerization between two hPD-L1 monomers through the hPD-1 binding interface in each monomer, thereby inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. While the recently reported crystal structures of such small molecules bound to hPD-L1 reveal valuable insights regarding their molecular interactions, there is still limited information about the dynamics driving this unusual complex formation. The current study provides an in-depth computational structural analysis to study the interactions of five small molecule compounds in complex with hPD-L1. By employing a combination of molecular dynamic simulations, binding energy calculations and computational solvent mapping techniques, our analyses quantified the dynamic roles of different hydrophilic and lipophilic residues at the surface of hPD-L1 in mediating these interactions. Furthermore, ligand-based analyses, including Free-Wilson 2D-QSAR was conducted to quantify the impact of R-group substitutions at different sites of the phenoxy-methyl biphenyl core. Our results emphasize the importance of a terminal phenyl ring that must be present in any hPD-L1 small molecule inhibitor. This phenyl moiety overlaps with a very unfavorable hydration site, which can explain the ability of such small molecules to trigger hPD-L1 dimerization.
Infants later diagnosed with autism have lower canonical babbling ratios in the first year of life
Authors: Yankowitz L. D. , Petrulla V. , Plate S. , Tunc B. , Guthrie W. , Meera S. S. , Tena K. , Pandey J. , Swanson M. R. , Pruett J. R. , Cola M. , Russell A. , Marrus N. , Hazlett H. C. , Botteron K. , Constantino J. N. , Dager S. R. , Estes A. , Zwaigenbaum L. , Piven J. , Schultz R. T. , Parish-Morris J. ,   The IBIS Network
Published: June 2022

Background

Canonical babbling—producing syllables with a mature consonant, full vowel, and smooth transition—is an important developmental milestone that typically occurs in the first year of life. Some studies indicate delayed or reduced canonical babbling in infants at high familial likelihood for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or who later receive an ASD diagnosis, but evidence is mixed. More refined characterization of babbling in the first year of life in infants with high likelihood for ASD is needed.

Methods

Vocalizations produced at 6 and 12 months by infants (n = 267) taking part in a longitudinal study were coded for canonical and non-canonical syllables. Infants were categorized as low familial likelihood (LL), high familial likelihood diagnosed with ASD at 24 months (HL-ASD) or not diagnosed (HL-Neg). Language delay was assessed based on 24-month expressive and receptive language scores. Canonical babble ratio (CBR) was calculated by dividing the number of canonical syllables by the number of total syllables. Generalized linear (mixed) models were used to assess the relationship between group membership and CBR, controlling for site, sex, and maternal education. Logistic regression was used to assess whether canonical babbling ratios at 6 and 12 months predict 24-month diagnostic outcome.

Results

No diagnostic group differences in CBR were detected at 6 months, but HL-ASD infants produced significantly lower CBR than both the HL-Neg and LL groups at 12 months. HL-Neg infants with language delay also showed reduced CBR at 12 months. Neither 6- nor 12-month CBR was significant predictors of 24-month diagnostic outcome (ASD versus no ASD) in logistic regression.

Limitations

Small numbers of vocalizations produced by infants at 6 months may limit the reliability of CBR estimates. It is not known if results generalize to infants who are not at high familial likelihood, or infants from more diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conclusions

Lower canonical babbling ratios are apparent by the end of the first year of life in ASD regardless of later language delay, but are also observed for infants with later language delay without ASD. Canonical babbling may lack specificity as an early marker when used on its own.
Formal analysis of 2D image processing filters using higher-order logic theorem proving
Authors: Rashid Adnan , Abed Sa’ed , Hasan Osman
Published: June 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) image processing systems are concerned with the processing of the images represented as 2D arrays and are widely used in medicine, transportation and many other autonomous systems. The dynamics of these systems are generally modeled using 2D difference equations, which are mathematically analyzed using the 2D z-transform. It mainly involves a transformation of the difference equations-based models of these systems to their corresponding algebraic equations, mapping the 2D arrays (2D discrete-time signals) over the ($$z_1$$

z
1

,$$z_2$$

z
2

)-domain. Finally, these ($$z_1$$

z
1

,$$z_2$$

z
2

)-domain representations are used to analyze various properties of these systems, such as transfer function and stability. Conventional techniques, such as paper-and-pencil proof methods, and computer-based simulation techniques for analyzing these filters cannot assert the accuracy of the analysis due to their inherent limitations like human error proneness, limited computational resources and approximations of the mathematical expressions and results. In this paper, as a complimentary technique, we propose to use formal methods, higher-order logic (HOL) theorem proving, for formally analyzing the image processing filters. These methods can overcome the limitations of the conventional techniques and thus ascertain the accuracy of the analysis. In particular, we formalize the 2D z-transform based on the multivariate theories of calculus using the  theorem prover. Moreover, we formally analyze a generic ($$L_1,L_2$$

L
1

,

L
2

)-order 2D infinite impulse response image processing filter. We illustrate the practical effectiveness of our proposed approach by formally analyzing a second-order image processing filter.
Designing of robust and sensitive assay via encapsulation of highly emissive and stable blue copper nanocluster into zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) with quantitative detection of tetracycline
Authors: Pirot Shano M. , Omer Khalid M.
Published: June 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high stability and porosity have gained great attention in bioanalysis due to their potential in improving sensitivity and robustness of assays. Herein, to improve both the stability and the emission intensity of Cu nanoclusters (CuNCs), in situ entrapment strategy of CuNCs into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is described. Blue emissive and stable CuNCs was prepared, for the first time, using thiamine hydrochloride as capping agents, and showed strong and stable emission at 440 nm when excited at 375 nm with fluorescence quantum yields 12%. Encapsulation of CuNC into ZIF-8 showed dramatic enhancement of the fluorescence intensity up to 53% fluorescence quantum yield. Furthermore, the CuNCs@ZIF-8 possesses better stability (more than three months) due to protective and confinement effect of MOFs. Upon the addition of tetracycline to CuNCs@ZIF-8 solution, the blue emission intensity was significantly decreased. The fluorescence ratio (Fo/F) against the concentration of tetracycline exhibited a satisfactory linear relationship from 1.0 to 10.0 µM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.30 µM. The current probe was applied for quantification of tetracycline in drug sample with satisfactory accuracy and precision.

Graphical abstract
Moho depth and tectonic implications of the western United States: insights from gravity data interpretation
Authors: Shehata Mohammad A. , Mizunaga Hideki
Published: June 2022

In this research, we figure out the lithospheric structures of the western U.S. and assess its tectonic implications with a high resolution using dense gravity data. Gravity data with high spatial resolution enables detailed mapping capabilities, overwhelming other geophysical data. To investigate the physical basis for support of topography in the western U.S., we employed the parker-Oldenburg algorithm to gravity to calculate the depth to Moho. The estimated depth to Moho shows an excellent spatial correlation with the physiographic provinces in the study area following an eastward thicking pattern. Moho of the stable craton reaches 50 km, whereas the western margin shows a shallow Moho of 20 km. Moreover, to assess the tectonic implication of Moho in the study area, we calculated the crustal compensation load to evaluate the isostatic state in the study area. The calculated compensation loads provide isostatic compensation for large-scale crustal structures, such as the broad, elevated Basin and Range Province. To assess the contribution of the crust and mantle to the topographic deformation in the study area, we calculated the crust topography and mantle topography. The Wyoming Craton and Great Plains have negative mantle topography values, contrasting with the relatively constant values in the southern Rockies, Colorado Plateau, and Basin and Range. Crustal topography reveals significant crustal support from the southern Rockies and the Wyoming craton. In addition, we estimated the lithospheric mantle thickness and the depth of the Lithosphere–Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB); the mantle thickness has values reaching 90 km at the stable eastern craton with LAB depth reaching 140 km. This research demonstrates the effect of the tectonic regime on the study area and the implications of this tectonic on the lithospheric structures with a high spatial resolution of a few hundred meters.
In vitro photodynamic therapy of methylene blue-loaded acetyl resistant starch nanoparticles
Authors: Park In-Kyu , Ju Do-Bin , Babu Amal , Lee Jeong-Cheol , Pyung Young Jin , Cho Chong-Su , Kim Hyun-Joong
Published: June 2022

Background

Combination therapies comprising multiple methods, such as photodynamic therapy have been applied to be complements chemotherapy as they increase the therapeutic efficiency by enabling the intelligent drug delivery to target sites by exposing the photosensitizer to light and activating it in the tumor tissue. This study evaluated in vitro photodynamic therapy of methylene blue (MB)-loaded acetyl resistant starch (ARS) nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods

ARS was synthesized by the reaction between resistant starch (RS) and acetic anhydride. MB-loaded ARS NPs and ARS NPs were prepared by a single emulsion method. Synthesized ARS was measured by NMR. Prepared ARS NPs and MB-loaded ARS NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis, and circular dichroism (CD). MB-loaded ARS NPs were treated in mouse colon cancer cells (CT-26) and they were treated under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation.

Results

Synthesis of ARS was confirmed by NMR and the degree of substitutions in the ARS was 7.1. The morphologies of ARS NPs observed by TEM were spherical shapes and the particle sizes of ARS NPs were 173.4 nm with a surface charge of − 17.24 mV. The d-spacing of ARS NPs was smaller than those of RS and the conformational changes of RS occurred by the formation of self-assembled polymeric NPs with induction of CD of the MB by chiral ARS NPs. The phototoxicity of CT-26 cells treated by MB-loaded ARS NPs dramatically decreased in a dose-dependent manner under NIR laser irradiation compared to free MB.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the ordered nanosized structures in the ARS NPs and conformational change from random coil structure of RS to alpha-helices one of ARS occurred and CD of the achiral MB was induced. The MB-loaded ARS NPs showed a higher generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the CT-26 cells than free MB with the NIR laser irradiation and resulting in phototoxicity under irradiation.
Deep learning to recognize and count green leafhoppers
Authors: Proença Maria da Conceição , Rebelo Maria Teresa
Published: June 2022

Background

Vineyards are a crop of great economic importance in Portugal, whose production of over 224 kha of vines may be affected by evolving global changes, as new pests arrive in greater numbers at more northern latitudes. Integrated pest management requires early recognition and assessment of pests to enable a proportionate response in control.

Results

Using yellow sticky traps to catch green leafhoppers in the vineyards under attack, we could use the image of the traps and deep learning methods to evaluate with high accuracy the number of insects presents and establishes a procedure to assess any number of traps in a short period of time.

Conclusions

Implementation is possible with ordinary laptop computers and could contribute to more extensive and more frequent coverage in surveillance, since the human labor required to count hundreds of insects in each trap is reduced to seconds.
External ventricular drain use is associated with functional outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Nelson Sarah E. , Suarez Jose I. , Sigmon Alexander , Hua Jun , Weiner Casey , Sair Haris I. , Stevens Robert D.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

External ventricular drains (EVD) are commonly used in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients and can be life-saving by diverting cerebrospinal fluid. However, the overall relationship between EVD use and outcome is poorly understood.

Methods

In an exploratory analysis of an aSAH patient cohort, we examined EVD use in relation to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge and at 6 months (unfavorable outcome = mRS > 2) using univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

EVDs were placed in 31 of 56 (55.4%) patients and more often in women than men (66.7% vs 35.0%, p = 0.022) despite similar rates of hydrocephalus. Women had greater ICU [18 (13.5–25) vs 11.5 (6.5–18.5) days, p = 0.014] and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) [20.5 (16.5–34) vs 13.5 (10.5–27) days, p = 0.015] than men and greater mRS at discharge [4 (3–5) vs 3 (2–3.5), p = 0.011] although mRS at 6 months was similar. Patients with EVDs had longer ICU and hospital LOS and greater mRS at discharge [5 (3–6) vs 2 (2–3), p < 0.001] and at 6 months [4 (2–6) vs 1 (0–2), p = 0.001] than those without an EVD. In multivariable models, EVD use was associated with unfavorable 6-month outcome accounting for age, sex, and admission modified Fisher scale, but not in models adjusting for Hunt and Hess scale and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale.

Conclusion

In an aSAH cohort, the use of EVDs was associated with female sex and longer LOS, and may be linked to functional outcomes at discharge and at 6 months, although these associations warrant further investigation.
Phytophthora: an ancient, historic, biologically and structurally cohesive and evolutionarily successful generic concept in need of preservation
Authors: Brasier Clive , Scanu Bruno , Cooke David , Jung Thomas
Published: June 2022

The considerable economic and social impact of the oomycete genusPhytophthorais well known. In response to evidence that all downy mildews (DMs) reside phylogenetically withinPhytophthora, renderingPhytophthoraparaphyletic, a proposal has been made to split the genus into multiple new genera. We have reviewed the status of the genus and its relationship to the DMs. Despite a substantial increase in the number of described species and improvements in molecular phylogeny thePhytophthoraclade structure has remained stable since first demonstrated in 2000. Currently some 200 species are distributed across twelve major clades in a relatively tight monophyletic cluster. In our assessment of 196 species for twenty morphological and behavioural criteria the clades show good biological cohesion. Saprotrophy, necrotrophy and hemi-biotrophy of woody and non-woody roots, stems and foliage occurs across the clades. Phylogenetically less related clades often show strong phenotypic and behavioural similarities and no one clade or group of clades shows the synapomorphies that might justify a unique generic status. We propose the clades arose from the migration and worldwide radiation ~ 140 Mya (million years ago) of an ancestral GondwananPhytophthorapopulation, resulting in geographic isolation and clade divergence through drift on the diverging continents combined with adaptation to local hosts, climatic zones and habitats. The extraordinary flexibility of the genus may account for its global ‘success’. The 20 genera of the obligately biotrophic, angiosperm-foliage specialised DMs evolved fromPhytophthoraat least twice via convergent evolution, making the DMs as a group polyphyletic andPhytophthoraparaphyletic in cladistic terms. The long phylogenetic branches of the DMs indicate this occurred rather rapidly, via paraphyletic evolutionary ‘jumps’. Such paraphyly is common in successful organisms. The proposal to dividePhytophthoraappears more a device to address the issue of the convergent evolution of the DMs than the structure ofPhytophthoraper se. We consider it non-Darwinian, putting the emphasis on the emergent groups (the DMs) rather than the progenitor (Phytophthora) and ignoring the evolutionary processes that gave rise to the divergence. Further, the generic concept currently applied to the DMs is narrower than that between some closely relatedPhytophthoraspecies. Considering the biological and structural cohesion ofPhytophthora, its historic and social impacts and its importance in scientific communication and biosecurity protocol, we recommend that the current broad generic concept is retained by the scientific community.
Prognostic impact of pre-interventional culprit artery thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Shaaban Raouf , El Etriby Adel , Kamal Diaa , Mostafa Ahmad E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered the most preferred strategy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the prognostic role of spontaneous re-canalization in STEMI patients is still not clear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of pre-procedural TIMI flow grade in the culprit coronary artery on the short and long term prognosis in Egyptian patients presented with STEMI and treated with primary PCI.

Results

A dual center, prospective observational study that was conducted in the period from January 2019 till June 2020 and enrolled 150 STEMI patients presented within 24 h from onset of chest pain. Initial angiography was done with analysis of TIMI flow grade in the infarct related artery. Of the 150 enrolled patients; 93 patients (62%) were found to have initial TIMI flow grade 0 (group A) and 57 patients (38%) had initial TIMI flow grade I–III (group B). There was a strong association between cardiac mortality and pre-procedural TIMI flow grade. 12 mortalities (8% of total study population) were recorded during our study period; in-hospital mortality was reported in 7 patients in group A, yet no mortalities were recorded in-hospital in group B (P value = 0.033). At 1 year follow up; 5 mortalities were recorded in group A with no mortalities at all in group B (P value = 0.005). There was a trend towards an increase in acute heart failure incidence in group A yet no statistically significant value was achieved (P value = 0.112). Target lesion revascularization was reported in 8 patients in group A and in only 3 patients in group B (P value 0.446).

Conclusions

Despite the evolution in primary PCI strategies and the continuous advancement in anti-thrombotic treatment; pre-interventional infarct related artery TIMI flow grade I–III is associated with better in hospital and 1 year outcome, specifically significantly lower cardiac mortality compared to patients who had TIMI flow grade 0 at initial angiography.
Promoting resilience in healthcare students through psychological interventions
Authors: Tarfarosh Shah , Khan Achakzai Beenish
Published: June 2022

Given the impact of well-known chronic stressors on health and social care students, the concept of resilience has gained importance in the field of health professional education. Many interventions have been tested that are aimed at fostering students’ resilience, but the underlying evidence has not been rigorously assessed. This was the aim of the review in this issue's Cochrane Corner. In this Round the Corner section, we discuss those findings and put them into further context.
Comparison of capability and health-related quality of life instruments in capturing aspects of mental well-being in people with schizophrenia and depression
Authors: Helter Timea Mariann , Coast Joanna , Łaszewska Agata , Stamm Tanja , Simon Judit
Published: June 2022

Background

There is increasing evidence that assessing outcomes in terms of capability provides information beyond that of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for outcome evaluation in mental health research and clinical practice.

Aims

To assess similarities and differences in the measurement properties of the ICECAP-A capability measure and Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire for Mental Health (OxCAP-MH) in people with schizophrenia experiencing depression, and compare these measurement properties with those of (a) the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and (b) mental health-specific (disease-specific) measures.

Method

Using data for 100 patients from the UK, measurement properties were compared using correlation analyses, Bland–Altman plots and exploratory factor analysis. Responsiveness was assessed by defining groups who worsened, improved or remained unchanged, based on whether there was a clinically meaningful change in the instrument scores between baseline and 9-month follow-up assessments.

Results

The two capability instruments had stronger convergent validity with each other (Spearman's rho = 0.677) than with the HRQoL (rho = 0.354–0.431) or the mental health-specific (rho = 0.481–0.718) instruments. The OxCAP-MH tended to have stronger correlations with mental health-specific instruments than the ICECAP-A, whereas the ICECAP-A had slightly stronger correlation with the EQ-VAS. Change scores on the capability instruments correlated weakly with change scores on the HRQoL scales (rho = 0.131–0.269), but moderately with those on mental health-specific instruments for the ICECAP-A (rho = 0.355–0.451) and moderately/strongly on the OxCAP-MH (rho = 0.437–0.557).

Conclusions

Assessing outcomes in terms of capabilities for people with schizophrenia and depression provided more relevant, mental health-specific information than the EQ-5D-5L or the EQ-VAS. The ICECAP-A and the OxCAP-MH demonstrated similar psychometric properties, but the OxCAP-MH was more correlated with disease-specific instruments.
Tools for Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Decision Making
Authors: Gail Mitchell H. , Jatoi Ismail
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

Women with unilateral breast cancer are increasingly opting for the removal of not only the involved breast, but also for the removal of the opposite uninvolved breast (contralateral prophylactic mastectomy [CPM]), although the risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) has decreased in recent years. Models to predict the absolute risk of CBC can help a woman decide whether to undergo CPM. Our objective is to illustrate that a better decision can be made if the patient and doctor also have estimates of the absolute risks of regional and distant recurrences and mortality from non–breast cancer causes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We based our analyses on two published models for CBC and published information on the hazards of regional and distant recurrences and non–breast cancer mortality. Assuming that CPM eliminates CBC but has no effect on other events, we calculated how much CPM reduces a woman's CBC risk and total risk from all these events for 10 hypothetical women with various subtypes of breast cancer and risk factors.

RESULTS

The risk of CBC and total risk vary greatly, depending on the breast cancer subtype. In some cases, a decision for or against CPM can be based on CBC risk alone, but in others, additional consideration of total risk may cause a woman to decline CPM.

CONCLUSION

There is a potential to develop more informative tools for deciding on CPM. Realizing this potential will require more and better data to validate existing models of absolute CBC risk and to characterize the hazards of regional and distant recurrences and deaths from non–breast cancer causes for women with various subtypes of breast cancers and risk factors.
Characterizing the Heart Rate Effects From Administration of Sugammadex to Reverse Neuromuscular Blockade: An Observational Study in Patients
Authors: Ebert Thomas J. , Cumming Craig E. , Roberts Christopher J. , Anglin Missy F. , Gandhi Sweeta , Anderson Christopher J. , Stekiel Thomas A. , Gliniecki Ross , Dugan Shannon M. , Abdelrahim Mohamed T. , Klinewski Victoria B. , Sherman Katherine
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with sugammadex can cause marked bradycardia and asystole. Administration of sugammadex typically occurs in a dynamic period when anesthetic adjuvants and gas concentrations are being titrated to achieve emergence. This evaluation examined the heart rate (HR) responses to sugammadex to reverse moderate to deep NMB during a steady-state period and sought mechanisms for HR changes.

METHODS:

Patients with normal sinus rhythm, who were undergoing elective surgery that included rocuronium for NMB, were evaluated. After surgery, while at steady-state surgical depth anesthesia with sevoflurane and mechanical ventilation, patients received either placebo or 2 or 4 mg/kg of sugammadex to reverse moderate to deep NMB. Study personnel involved in data analysis were blinded to treatment. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded from the 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after sugammadex/placebo administration. R-R intervals were converted to HR and averaged in 1-minute increments. The maximum prolongation of an R-R interval after sugammadex was converted to an instantaneous HR.

RESULTS:

A total of 63 patients were evaluated: 8 received placebo, and 38 and 17 received 2 and 4 mg/kg sugammadex. Age, body mass index, and patient factors were similar in groups. Placebo did not elicit HR changes, whereas sugammadex caused maximum instantaneous HR slowing (calculated from the longest R-R interval), ranging from 2 to 19 beats/min. There were 7 patients with maximum HR slowing >10 beats/min. The average HR change and 95% confidence interval (CI) during the 5 minutes after 2 mg/kg sugammadex were 3.1 (CI, 2.3–4.1) beats/min, and this was not different from the 4 mg/kg sugammadex group (4.1 beats/min [CI, 2.5–5.6]). HR variability derived from the standard deviation of consecutive R-R intervals increased after sugammadex.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sugammadex to reverse moderate and deep NMB resulted in a fast onset and variable magnitude of HR slowing in patients. A difference in HR slowing as a function of dose did not achieve statistical significance. The observational nature of the investigation prevented a full understanding of the mechanism(s) of the HR slowing.
Application of exposure enhancement technique combined with femoral condyle pushing technique in repairing the posterior horn of the medial meniscus under knee arthroscopy
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Xiang Dulei , Zi Ying , Han Tianyu , Xue Chenchen
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of exposure enhancement technique and femoral condyle pushing technique applying in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus of the knee.

Methods: From January 2016 to June 2019, 52 patients with injury in the medial meniscus treated in our department were selected. The horizontal tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus was repaired by exposure enhancement technique and femoral condyle pushing technique using the meniscus suture system. Postoperatively, the efficacy was evaluated using the Lysholm scoring system.

Results: These 52 patients were all followed up for 3~18 months, with an average of 12.5 ± 7.3 months. The pain and activity of all patients were significantly improved compared with those before surgery.

Conclusion: Exposure enhancement technique and femoral condyle pushing technique in the repair of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus presents satisfactory efficacy. It can improve the pain and activity of the knee, and enhance the stability of residual meniscus. Therefore, it is worth promoting.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5176

How to cite this:Liu X, Xiang D, Zi Y, Han T, Xue C. Application of exposure enhancement technique combined with femoral condyle pushing technique in repairing the posterior horn of the medial meniscus under knee arthroscopy. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5176

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.
Factors triggering knot formation in ileosigmoid knotting
Authors: Korkut Ercan , Atamanalp Sabri Selcuk
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare double-loop ileus form. Therefore, its physiopathology including the triggering factors, are not well investigated. We aimed to discuss the physiopathology, particularly the triggering factors in ISK.

Methods: The data of 80 patients with ISK were analyzed retrospectively until June 1986 and prospectively thereafter. As control group, the data of 80 patients with bowel obstruction arising from adhesive ileus or strangulated inguinal hernia were evaluated prospectively during the last 24 months. As probable triggering factors in ISK, the role of acute diarrhea, body motions, overeating, coughing, and labor were investigated.

Results: Prior to the main clinical features of ISK, acute diarrhea (17 patients, 21.3%, p<0.05), harvesting (9 patients, 11.3%, p<0.05), and overeating (8 patients, 10.0%, p<0.05) were found effective.

Conclusion: Although there is not enough data on this subject in the literature, increased bowel motility, excessive body motions, and overeating appear as the triggering factors in the forming of ISK.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.6133

How to cite this:Korkut E, Atamanalp SS. Factors triggering knot formation in ileosigmoid knotting. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.6133

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.
Phytochemical study of the plant species Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) and Croton floccosus (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Ruiz-Reyes Enrique , Mendoza-Cevallos Mayte Ariana , Polanco-Moreira Ana Patricia , Segovia-Cedeño Diego Germán , Alcivar-Cedeño Ulbio Eduardo , Dueñas-Rivadeneira Alex
Published: June 2022

Background:Given the chemical richness of medicinal plants (Bidens pilosaL. andCroton floccosus) in Ecuador, they are considered the natural source of numerous medicines.

Methods:The leaves were dried at 40°C and 50°C and the extracts were characterized by means of phytochemical screening, verifying the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Three extraction processes were carried out, with two solvents of different polarities: hexane and ethanol. The extraction methods that were applied to the leaves of the plants were Soxhlet, ultrasonic bath and maceration, the latter two at room temperature and Soxhlet at the boiling temperature of the solvent. Determination of the total content of phenols and flavonoids is carried out using the Follin-Ciocalteau colorimetric reaction, Quercetin standard, Aluminum Chloride solution measured with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was performed with the DPPH radical and measured with the same equipment.

Results: The highest content of total phenols obtained by employing the Soxhlet method for extraction when the material was dried at 50°C was 48.609 ± 0.370 mg GAE/g of dry sample forBidens pilosaL. while in the case ofCroton floccosusit was 128.212 ± 0.601 mg GAE/g of dry sample obtained from the extraction by means of maceration. Finally, the antioxidant activity against the 1.1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical was determined, and it was found that theBidens pilosaL. species performed better and responded better to the test, with an IC50value of 239.33 µg/mL, thanCroton floccosus(IC50of 644.125 µg/mL).

Conclusions:The following preliminary phytochemical study of theBidens pilosaL. andCroton floccosusplants provided important information on the content of secondary metabolites and response to the DPPH radical reported for the first time in Ecuador, which may be future use for medicinal application.
Using third-party libraries when writing programs for statistical data processing
Authors: Poluektov Aleksandr , Makarenko F. , Yagodkin A.
Published: June 2022

The technology of statistical data processing using software and the C# programming language is considered. Various approaches to the study of statistical data are considered, both with the help of special mathematical software tools such as Scilab, MATLAB, Octave and by writing their own programs using specialized mathematical libraries. An overview of the methods of mathematical processing of the results of the experiment is given. A comparative analysis of various libraries for performing statistical data processing for the C# programming language is performed. A comparative analysis of the choice of programming language is performed from the point of view of the use of application libraries, depending on the presence of mathematical libraries for statistical data processing. Software constructs are being built for the IL Numerics Ultimate VS library, which is an extension for Visual Studio and allows you to write and execute mathematical algorithms in a very fast and efficient way. Data interpolation and visualization functions are studied based on the construction of graphs of functions based on statistical data. The Microsoft Word XX library is considered. YY Object Library which allows you to process text, tabular and graphical data in order to place them and save them in MS Word.
The process of monitoring the technical condition of floors and beams of a frame building
Authors: Sazonova Svetlana , Nikolenko S. , Volodkin Dmitriy
Published: June 2022

The paper presents the results of monitoring the technical condition of floors and beams, which are elements of the building structures of a multi-storey frame building. The reasons for the need to perform a survey of a frame building, which has a long forced break in construction, are determined. It is shown that the downtime of the unfinished building and the impact of external factors had a negative impact on the technical condition of the building structures, as a result of which it became necessary to determine the suitability of the building for normal operation. For this purpose, the actual technical condition of the floors and beams of the building was determined. The methodical and instrumental equipment of work on the inspection of building structures is considered. The results of inspection of structures and reinforcement of ceilings and beams are given. The reinforcement system was checked in accordance with the current regulatory documents. The calculation of the strength of concrete floors and beams was performed. Defects and damages of ceilings and beams recorded in the list of defects and damages are investigated. The results of verification calculations of reinforced concrete floors and beams are given. The category of the technical condition of reinforced concrete floors and crossbars is considered. Recommendations for the repair of reinforced concrete floors and crossbars have been developed. The main conclusions are made based on the results of the inspection of reinforced concrete floors and beams.
Methodology and algorithm for calculating linear liquid pressure looses in pipelines
Authors: Akimenko Andrey , Anikeev E. , Voronin Vladimir
Published: June 2022

This article describes the methodology and algorithm for determining linear fluid pressure losses in pipeline. Liquid substances widely used in the national economy are usually stored in special tanks. To store a large amount of liquid product, separate tanks are combined into tank farms. Tank farms are being built at industrial enterprises and transshipment bases of various transport systems. An example of this is the storage of vegetable oils in the seaport of Yeysk (Russian Federation, Krasnodar territory). Pumps (mainly centrifugal), pipelines, auxiliary devices are used to transfer liquid cargo from a vehicle to a tank, or back. The design of liquid product storage is impossible without hydraulic calculation of this equipment. Pressure losses to overcome hydraulic resistances have a significant impact on the operation of pipeline systems. The methodology of calculating linear fluid pressure losses in pipelines includes the determination of the flow mode (laminar/turbulent), followed by the calculation of the Darcy friction coefficients. Based on the results obtained, the pressure loss along the flow length is calculated, taking into account the geometric characteristics of the pipeline (length, diameter) and the fluid velocity. The methodology was used to construct an algorithm for calculating linear fluid pressure losses. This algorithm can be applied as part of a previously created algorithm for calculating and selecting a pumping unit for storage of liquid products.
Big Brother ¿Ciencia ficción o realidad?.
Authors: García Sánchez María Dolores
Published: June 2022

En un mundo globalizado y generador de multitud de datos e información, la hipervigilancia constituye uno de sus rasgos caracterizadores. En el presente estudio, examinaremos este fenómeno del Big Brother contraponiendo el sistema de crédito social existente en China con la regulación que, en materia de una potencial vigilancia masiva de la población, podemos encontrar en Europa, en aras de aumentar la seguridad ciudadana frente a las nuevas amenazas mundiales. Dos modelos sociales diferentes que, no obstante, evidencian una estremecedora realidad: seamos conscientes de ello o no y, a pesar de los límites establecidos en torno a esta cuestión y a una mayor conciencia de su peligro para los derechos fundamentales en el entorno europeo, no estamos exentos de esta hipervigilancia. En este sentido, la importación de los derechos fundamentales a la esfera digital resulta imperante para evitar convertir nuestros Estados de Derecho en Estados policiales.
Evaluación de la plataforma extrajudicial de resolución de conflictos en materia de consumo mexicana: Concilianet.
Authors: Hernández De la Cruz Marco Antonio
Published: June 2022

CONCILIANET significó un parteaguas en la forma de resolver controversias entre empresas y consumidores en México debido a que abrió la puerta hacia una justicia digital, siendo la primera plataforma en su tipo en Latinoamérica. No obstante, a casi 15 años de su puesta en marcha ni la plataforma ni su regulación han mostrado una reforma significativa que se adapte las necesidades de la actualidad. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente artículo es hacer una propuesta de mejora a CONCILIANET que permita brindar una debida protección a los consumidores que contratan con empresas en línea mexicanas. Para lo anterior se utilizó una metodología cualitativa de corte documental, consistente en una descripción y evaluación de CONCILIANET y el análisis crítico de algunas de las principales plataformas e instrumentos de resolución de conflictos derivados de comercio electrónico a nivel internacional. La conclusión a la que se llega es que a medida que se actualice y modernice CONCILIANET a la nueva realidad comercial, mayor número de consumidores podrán resolver sus conflictos de una forma no sólo eficaz, sino respetuosa de los derechos fundamentales.
El ‘hombre máquina’ y los nanorobots: la perspectiva de los derechos humanos y de la bioética.
Authors: Fanni Simona
Published: June 2022

La nanorobótica representa una de las fronteras más avanzadas y prometedoras del progreso tecnológico y científico. En particular, el empleo de los nanorobots en la medicina desvela, cada día más, su potencial para tratar enfermedades tan graves como difundidas, tales como las enfermedades hematológicas, neurodegenerativas y el cáncer. Al mismo tiempo, la capacidad de los nanorobots de modificar el cuerpo humano y sus funciones biológicas plantea cuestiones de carácter bioético y jurídico. El presente trabajo tiene como propósito analizar la compatibilidad del empleo de los nanorobots en la medicina con los principios bioéticos, especialmente la dignidad humana, y con el derecho a la identidad y a la integridad psíquica y mental del ser humano, incluso en el plan genético. Además, se teoriza que el empleo con fines terapéutico de los nanoborobots constituye un componente del derecho a la salud y del derecho a gozar de los beneficios del progreso científico.
El entrecruce entre la tecnología y los medios probatorios. El caso de la intervención de comunicaciones en México.
Authors: de la Rosa Rodríguez Paola
Published: June 2022

En la actualidad han emergido nuevas formas de comprobar conductas ilícitas realizadas con y a través de las tecnologías. Este artículo analiza el carácter instrumental que tiene la tecnología como coadyuvante del derecho en la procuración y administración de la justicia penal. Específicamente, su papel en la obtención de medios de prueba dentro de un proceso judicial que tiene como objetivo la búsqueda de la verdad. El trabajo consta de dos partes. En la primera se explora la importancia del empleo de instrumentos tecnológicos y herramientas digitales para investigar las formas de comisión de conductas ilícitas. Se explica la prueba electrónica, su obtención, incorporación y ofrecimiento dentro de un proceso penal. En la segunda parte y ante el creciente uso de los medios tecnológicos en la investigación criminal, se estudia el caso de la intervención de comunicaciones y la afectación que ésta tiene en los derechos fundamentales en México.
Seguridad Social de los trabajadores de plataformas digitales en México.
Authors: Dávila Soto Josué Mesraim
Published: June 2022

En México –como en otros países– el uso de nuevas tecnologías ha supuesto cambios en las formas y medios de trabajo, creándose figuras atípicas a los modelos contemplados por las legislaciones nacionales. En este contexto encontramos a las plataformas digitales de trabajo que se han posicionado rápidamente como una opción que permite generar ingresos con una alta flexibilidad de horarios y formas; no obstante, estas han sido un medio de la informalidad y precarización de los trabajos, desconociendo los derechos laborales y de la seguridad social de las personas laborantes en ellas, por lo que es preciso buscar los medios para garantizar dichos derechos en nuestro país.
Obligaciones de la Organización mundial de la salud según el Reglamento Sanitario Internacional.
Authors: Gallego Hernández Ana Cristina
Published: June 2022

El Reglamento Sanitario Internacional (RSI) es un instrumento de doble naturaleza y jurídicamente vinculante tanto para los Estados obligados con el mismo, como para la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). De conformidad a su tratado constitutivo, la OMS tiene la gran responsabilidad de impulsar la sanidad multilateral, sin embargo, este objetivo se ve intensificado por las obligaciones estipuladas en el RSI, sobre todo, desde su última revisión en 2005. Así las cosas, en este trabajo se analiza la naturaleza jurídica del RSI y se señalan las principales obligaciones que recoge dicho instrumento para la OMS.
Entre la confianza ciudadana y el impulso tecnológico. Retos jurídicos de la Inteligencia Artificial a la luz de la propuesta de Reglamento de la UE.
Authors: Vargas María Verónica
Published: June 2022

De igual modo que no procede el planteamiento sobre la desaparición de la Inteligencia Artificial de la vida cotidiana, tampoco el binomio del impulso tecnológico y la confianza ciudadana se pone en duda en el marco de la Unión Europea. Claro está que esta composición de elementos aparentemente antitéticos entraña serias dificultades para su desarrollo y crecimiento de manera integral. Para establecer puentes sostenibles y promotores del progreso la UE creó una propuesta de Reglamente de Inteligencia Artificial cuya base dogmática radica en que la IA debe ser un instrumento para las personas y una fuerza positiva en la sociedad cuyo fin último debe ser incrementar el bienestar humano. Es por esta razón que la confianza ciudadana no es una posibilidad sino una obligación con la que se compromete la Unión, a la vez que se esfuerza por crear el ecosistema idóneo para el progreso tecnológico y científico.