bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quali sono i fattori di rischio per le lesioni da pressione in terapia intensiva? Uno studio retrospettivo osservazionale in una terapia intensiva italiana
Authors: Pazzini Andrea , Biselli Barbara , Vannini Chiara , Fabbri Elisabetta , Falabella Felice , Santandrea Maria Giulia , Marziliano Marianna , Gagliardi Nicole , Di Giandomenico Sara , Scotto di Minico Simona , Di Biasi Vito
Published: June 2024

Objective: the present study aims to identify the risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers in an Italian intensive care unit.
Materials and Methods: a retrospective observational study was carried out through the analysis of computerized medical records of patients hospitalized in an Italian multipurpose intensive care unit (ICU) in 2019. All patients admitted to the ICU in 2019 had no pressure ulcers at the time of admission and stayed in the hospital for at least 72 hours. Patients who developed ulcers during the first 72 hours of their stay and pediatric patients were excluded.
Results: of the 256 patients analyzed, 53 (20.7%) developed at least one pressure ulcer during hospitalization in the ICU. The lesions developed on the eighth day on average.
Conclusion: the univariate analysis revealed that age, (p = 0.025) length of stay (p = 0.001), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.035), serum albumin (p = 0.006), and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) (p = 0.023) were the most influential risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers in our intensive care unit.
Migrant labour in South Africa's mining economy: the struggle for the gold mine's labour supply, 1890-1920
Authors: Edgecombe R.
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
The Cape diary and letters of William Mann: astronomer and mountaineer, 1839 - 1843
Authors: Wentzel Marie
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
Dyslipidemia, body mass index, and blood glucose levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Babber Meenu , Sharma Reena , Singh Brijesh , Yadav Vandana , Ranjan Ravi
Published: June 2024

Background

Systemic dyslipidemia, obesity, and elevated blood sugars may theoretically affect the meibomian lipid composition and therefore, can cause meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association of serum lipid levels, body mass index (BMI), and serum blood glucose (BG) levels in patients with MGD compared with healthy controls.

Patients and methods

This is a comparative observational case-control study that enrolled 40 MGD patients (cases) and 40 controls. One eye of each participant was included in the study. After a detailed history, ocular examination was done by slit lamp biomicroscopy to grade/stage the MGD. The BMI, serum fasting total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and BG levels were measured.

Results

The mean age of the cases was 46.75±10.93 years compared with 45.55±10.62 years in controls (P=0.620). Patients with MGD showed significantly higher serum fasting cholesterol (188.62±62.24 mg/dl),;Deg;BM;Deg;I (24.45±1.75 kg/m2), and fasting BG (110.35±32.30 mg/dl) compared with the controls (159.60±20.19 mg/dl, 23.45±1.35 kg/m2, and 98.43±27.69 mg/dl, respectively, P=0.022, 0.005, and 0.030, respectively). With increasing severity of MGD, the fasting serum cholesterol increased significantly from 136.73±24.88 mg/dl in grade 1 to 285.20±85.99 mg/dl in grade 4 (P<0.001) and the fasting serum LDL levels increased from 72.64±20.33 mg/dl in grade 1 to 202.60±95.66 mg/dl in grade 4 (P<0.001). In addition, the fasting serum triglycerides increased significantly as the severity of MGD increased from grade I (96.00±22.56 mg/dl) to grade III (227.09±83.44 mg/dl), (P<0.001). However, The fasting HDL and BG values did not increase significantly with increasing severity of the MGD (P=0.135 and 0.181, respectively).

Conclusion

There is importance for screening for dyslipidemia, BMI, and BG levels in MGD cases.
Characteristics of Bilateral Adrenal Lesions: Experience from an Indian Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Niranjan Gauri , Prasad Pallavi , Gupta Neelima , Agrawal Vinita , Mishra Anjali , Jain Neeraj , Kapoor Vishwas
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The aetiologies in unilateral and bilateral adrenal lesions can be different with different clinical implications and management guidelines, the latter having aetiologies like hyperplasia, infections, infiltrative lesions and neoplasia. Bilateral tumours are more likely to have hereditary/syndromic associations. There is limited data on the clinical and pathological profile of bilateral adrenal lesions.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study where patients with bilateral adrenal lesions were selected from a total of 266 patients with adrenal lesions who presented to our institute between January 2016 and August 2022. The demographic, laboratory and imaging data were retrieved from the Hospital Information System and patient case files.

Results:

The study included 51 patients; the mean age at presentation was 51.15 years (range 14 to 82 years). Forty-eight patients (94.1%) were symptomatic at presentation with an average duration of symptoms being 10.68 months (range 10 days to 1 year). The most common presentation was adrenal insufficiency in 18 cases (38%), followed by fever in 17 cases (36%). The commonest aetiology, as revealed on histopathology, was histoplasmosis (n = 22, 43%), followed by pheochromocytoma (n = 11, 21.5%), metastases (n = 6, 11.7%), adrenal hyperplasia (n = 5, 9.8%), adrenocortical adenoma (n = 1, 1.9%), lymphoma (n = 3, 5.8%), neuroblastoma (n = 1, 1.9%), myelolipoma (n = 1, 1.9%) and tuberculosis (n = 1, 1.9%). Histoplasmosis and metastatic lesions were commonly seen in older people, and pheochromocytoma was associated with young age. 6/11 patients with a diagnosis of bilateral pheochromocytoma were associated with family history, genetic mutation and extra-adrenal involvement.

Conclusion:

The approach to bilateral adrenal lesions differs from that of unilateral lesions due to differences in aetiologies and the more significant role of genetics in some bilateral tumours. The age at presentation, presenting symptoms, lesion size and biochemical features help delineate varied underlying aetiologies.
Diagnostic Modalities, Management Considerations, and Outcomes of Insulinoma: A Case Series from a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Shetty Anirudh J. , Das Liza , Jayant Satyam S. , Bhadada Sanjay K. , Kumar Rajender , Gulati Ajay , Rana Surinder S. , Singh Harmandeep , Saikia Uma N. , Behera Arunanshu , Mittal Bhagwant R. , Walia Rama , Dutta Pinaki
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Insulinomas are rare, usually sporadic, and typically benign pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Pre-operative localization is challenging and evidence on comparative analysis of anatomic and scintigraphic modalities for pre-operative tumour localization is limited, even in contemporary series.

Methods:

The current study was designed to study the clinical features and management challenges of insulinomas managed at a tertiary care centre. Clinical features, diagnosis, imaging techniques, surgical procedures, and outcomes details were collated. Pre-operative imaging techniques (CT/MRI, nuclear scintigraphy) were compared with intraoperative and histopathological findings to assess their accuracy of localization.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients (15 females [42%]; median age 36 years [IQR 28–49]) were included in the study. In four patients (10.8%), the tumour occurred in the setting of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) while the remaining were sporadic. The sensitivity of pre-operative localization was 61.5% (multiphasic CT), 66.6% (multiphasic MRI), 100% (68Ga Exendin-4 PET-CT), and 91.6% (EUS). Three patients with normal multiphasic CT had localization on 68Ga Exendin-4 PET-CT. The positive predictive value (PPV) of both Exendin-PET-CT and EUS was similar at 91.6% and 91.6%, respectively. All patients (except one with nesidioblastosis), who underwent enucleation or partial pancreatic resection, were cured.

Conclusion:

68Ga Exendin-4 PET-CT based is a non-invasive imaging modality that has high sensitivity and PPV and can be used as a first-line imaging modality. The overall prognosis of these tumours is good with high cure rates attained following surgical resection.
Anterior and Posterior Pituitary Function in Patients with Sheehan Syndrome – Combining the use of Insulin Tolerance Test and Copeptin Assay
Authors: Laway Bashir A. , Bansiwal Sailesh K. , Baba Mohammad S. , Shah Zafar A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Sheehan syndrome (SS) typically involves the loss of anterior pituitary cells and rarely affects the posterior pituitary. The water deprivation test (WDT) is the gold standard for diagnosing central diabetes insipidus (CDI), but it is cumbersome. Serum copeptin measurements are an alternative for CDI diagnosis. In this study, we measured hypoglycaemia-stimulated serum copeptin in SS patients to assess posterior pituitary function alongside anterior pituitary hormone levels.

Methods:

This study recruited 43 patients with SS on stable hormonal replacement except for growth hormone (GH), 18 patients with CDI, and 19 body mass index (BMI) and parity-matched controls. All patients with SS and four patients with CDI underwent an insulin tolerance test (ITT), and hypoglycaemia-stimulated copeptin levels were measured at 0, 30, 45, and 90 minutes after insulin injection.

Results:

The mean serum copeptin level among patients with SS (26.01 ± 12.41 pmol/L) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (31.92 ± 7.85 pmol/L) and higher than that in patients with CDI (1.81 ± 0.14 pmol/L). Using pre-defined cut-offs for CDI, basal serum copeptin <2.69 pmol/L and stimulated levels <4.92 pmol/L for complete central DI, and basal copeptin levels >2.69 pmol/L and stimulated copeptin <4.92 pmol/L for partial central DI, 9.2% (n = 4) of patients with SS had CDI, of which half had complete CDI and half had partial CDI.

Conclusion:

A significant number of patients with SS who are on hormone replacement therapy show involvement of the posterior pituitary, despite not displaying symptoms.
Establishment of a murine model of breast cancer expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (4T1-HER2)
Authors: Bakhtiarvand Vahid Khaki , Akbari Khadijeh Ramezani-Ali , Sadri Fatemeh , Haghighat Farzaneh Notash , Hojjat-Farsangi Mohammad , Shokri Fazel , Jeddi-Tehrani Mahmood , Shabani Mahdi
Published: June 2024

Aim:

Although people with HER2-positive breast cancer benefit from approved HER2-targeted therapy, acquiring resistance to the therapies occurs. Animal models can play a part in gaining a deep understanding of such a process and addressing questions concerning developing and improving immunotherapy approaches.

Materials and Methods:

To develop such a model, we transfected murine 4T1 cells with the pCMV6-Neo-HER2 construct and evaluated HER2 expression and its effects on the established cell line behavior in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

Data illustrated that human HER2 protein was expressed on isolated 4T1-HER2 clones in vitro and in vivo. Except for proliferation over 48 hours, such expression did not change 4T1-HER2 characteristics compared to 4T1 in vitro. Notwithstanding the reduction in proliferation, the rate of tumorigenicity was 90% in challenged mice and Herceptin therapy significantly decreased tumors’ growth and metastasis compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

We describe a murine model for HER2-positive breast cancer not only helping shed light on the mechanisms by which the tumor evades antitumor immunity but also playing a key role in making breast cancer more sensitive to novel immunotherapy modalities.
A case of bilateral intracystic papillary carcinoma breast
Authors: Pandiaraja Jayabal , Shalini Arumugam
Published: June 2024

Intracystic papillary carcinoma breast is an uncommon breast cancer consisting of 0.5-1.0% of all breast cancers. Papillary carcinoma is further subdivided into intraductal and intracystic papillary carcinoma. Intracystic papillary carcinoma is further divided into pure intracystic papillary carcinoma or associated with in situ carcinoma. The clinical and radiological features of intracystic papillary carcinoma are not specific, hence a high chance of misdiagnosis. Here we report a case of intracystic papillary carcinoma of both breasts which created a diagnostic dilemma.
Giant Myoid mammary hamartoma: A case report
Authors: Palo Seetu , Agrawal Vinita
Published: June 2024

Mammary hamartoma are rare neoplasms of the breast. Myoid mammary hamartoma are a subtype comprising of prominent smooth muscle component along with normal breast tissue components including fibrous, adipose, and glandular tissue. We report the case of a 38-year-old lady who presented with a large 21 × 15 cm, firm, mobile lump in right breast, clinically mimicking as phyllodes tumor. The lesion was reported as BIRADS 4a on mammography. Fine needle aspiration cytology suggested benign breast disease. Wide local excision was performed. The excised lump was solid, gray-white with fatty yellowish areas. Histological features were of myoid mammary hamartoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest myoid hamartoma reported till date. Fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy, and immunohistochemistry are of limited value as diagnostic modalities in these lesions. Complete surgical excision, proper identification, and follow-up is essential, as these lesions, more commonly those which are incompletely excised, can recur.
Analysis of the treatment planning metrics and their correlation with morphology of intracranial lesions in Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Robert Ngangom , Madan Renu , Kumar Narendra , Tewari Manoj Kumar , Dhandapani Sivashanmugam , Sahoo Sushanta Kumar
Published: June 2024

Background:

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) has established a role in treating various benign brain pathologies. The radiosurgery planning necessitates a proper understanding of radiation dose distribution in relation to the target lesion and surrounding eloquent area. The quality of a radiosurgery plan is determined by various planning parameters. Here, we have reviewed various GKRS planning parameters and analyzed their correlation with the morphology of treated brain lesions.

Method:

A total of 430 treatment plans (71 meningioma, 133 vestibular schwannoma/VS, 150 arteriovenous malformation/AVM, 76 pituitary adenoma/PA treated with GKRS between December 2013 and May 2023) were analyzed for target coverage (TC), conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), and gradient index (GI).

Result:

The values of CIPaddick and CILomax for PA were lower and differed significantly from meningioma, VS, and AVM. The value of HI for PA was higher and differed significantly when compared with meningioma, VS, and AVM. The values of HI for AVM were also significantly higher than VS and meningioma. The mean GI was 3.02, 2.92, 3.03, and 2.88 for meningioma, VS, AVM, and PA, respectively. The value of GI for meningioma and AVM was significantly higher when compared with the values for VS and PA. The mean TC was 0.94 for meningioma, 0.96 for VS, 0.95 for AVM, and 0.90 for PA. The value TC of PA was lower and differed significantly when compared with VS, AVM, and meningioma. Lesions with a volume of ≤1 cc had poor planning metrics as the spillage of radiation may be higher.

Conclusion:

The GKRS planning parameters depend on the size, shape, nature, and location of intracranial lesions. Therefore, each treatment plan needs to be evaluated thoroughly and a long-term follow-up is needed to establish their relation with clinical outcome.
Evaluation of Bond Strength of Veneering Composite to Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK): A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Pooja N. , Pandurangan Kiran K.
Published: June 2024

Aim:

To evaluate the bond strength between veneering composite and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and to examine the effect of different surface treatments this bond strength.

Materials and Methods:

The study is registered in PROSPERO database with the registration number CRD42024514610. Eligible studies included randomized trials, case–control and cohort studies, in vitro studies, and human studies published in English. A PRISMA-guided search was done on PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus for data collection. A total of 162 records were identified, out of which 93 were screened. Full-text assessments were performed on 15 studies, and finally, 6 studies were included in the review. Risk of bias assessment was done using the Timmers RoB tool. Characteristics and results of the included studies were analyzed. Good shear bond strength between PEKK and composite was observed across all studies, influenced by material types, surface treatments, and test methods.

Results:

Notably, hydrofluoric acid etching with silane demonstrated the highest bond strength in two studies. Risk of bias varied among studies, with one exhibiting high risk, one showing moderate, and four showing low risk of bias. Surface treatments significantly enhance bond strength between veneering materials and PEKK, with sulfuric acid etching, sandblasting, and plasma treatment proving most effective. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate surface treatments in fabricating dental prostheses.

Conclusions:

The primary limitation of this review is the heterogeneity of the included studies in terms of methodology, adhesive systems, and surface treatments, which may introduce bias. Further studies in the field with more homogenous studies are required.
RAMIBS: Reporting and Measurement of Items for Bibliometric or Scientometric Studies in Health Sciences
Authors: Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Diaz-Barrera Mario E. , Runzer-Colmenares Fernando M. , Pacheco-Mendoza Josmel
Published: June 2024

There is often a lack of standardization in the publication of this type of bibliometrics and scientometrics studies, which makes it difficult to evaluate their validity and contrast the findings. Hence, inspired by the existence of different guidelines for other methodological designs, a group of Peruvian bibliometricians develop guidelines for the presentation of bibliometric and scientometric studies focusing on the three main types of studies used in bibliometrics and scientometrics: citations, number of publications, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis and social network analysis, structural patterns, spatial distribution, etc. Bibliometricians, editors, and researchers collaborated to develop the RAMIBS guideline: Reporting and Measurement of Items for Bibliometric or Scientometric Studies for verifying the items that should be included in the reports of bibliometric and scientometric studies. This process of consensus, drafting, and review resulted in a checklist of 12 items that are related to the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion of the articles. It is hoped that these guidelines will improve the quality of the presentation of bibliometric and scientometric studies, thus facilitating their reporting, evaluation, and application.
Modified French Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus Correction – Our Experience
Authors: Madhuchandra P. , Pawankumar K. M.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Various fixation techniques have been described for the osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus. K-wiring was used in the past for fixation. However, rates of fixation failure and pin-track infection were high. Fixation with two screws and a figure-of-eight wiring provides a stable fixation in children younger than 15 years. We used a modified lateral approach and figure-of-eight construct with two screws and evaluated the outcome of the results.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-five patients out of the total 54 patients who underwent modified French osteotomy between January 2013 and December 2021 were evaluated in a retrospective manner. Patients were evaluated using the modified Mayo elbow performance scoring system.

Results:

There were 22 males and 13 females in the study group. We had excellent results in 16 cases, good outcome in 13 cases and fair outcome in 6 of our cases. Superficial infection was seen in three patients and four patients had occasional negligible pain. There was no loss of correction and fixation failures in our study.

Conclusion:

Modified French osteotomy using two screws and figure-of-eight wiring is a simple and safe procedure that gives excellent outcomes. A careful preoperative planning, careful surgical technique, and stable fixation are key to achieve excellent and good functional outcomes.
Bilateral Fracture Dislocation of Shoulder: A Rare Case
Authors: Nandan Shreya , Pradhan Ujjawal , Chakravorty Avik , Ahmed Yasser
Published: June 2024

Patients with seizure disorders are prone to sustain posterior shoulder dislocations. Atraumatic bilateral anterior dislocations have rarely been described in the literature. We describe a case report of a 30-year-old male with a known case of seizure disorder who presented with bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with fracture of greater tuberosity. The diagnosis was made and was reduced immediately. Three months postinjury, the patient showed a good prognosis with near normal range of movements of the bilateral shoulder.
The Functional Outcome of Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using Hamstring Autograft
Authors: Arora Gaurav , Singh Avinash , Arora N C , Sidhu Mahipal Singh , Kamra Puneet , Pindaria Kuldeep Prakashchandra
Published: June 2024

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the most common knee ligament, which gets torn in sports activities. Nowadays, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using autograft or allograft has become the standard mode of treatment with a good functional outcome.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to study the functional outcome of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring autograft.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in the Department of Orthopedics at SGT Medical College and Hospital on 25 patients, who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft. The functional outcome in these patients was assessed using IKDC and Lysholm knee scores, measuring preoperatively and postoperatively at 3-, 6-, and 12-month duration.

Results:

We found 88% of patients had a good-to-excellent functional outcome, and the rest had fair outcome.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring autograft gives overall good functional outcomes.
Retrospective Analysis of Implant Survival Rates and Complications in Edentulous Patients with Different Bone Types
Authors: Sahoo Sanjay , Desai Hima , Rajesh K V , Somaraj Vinej , Nirupama R , Dewan Harisha , Jain Teerthesh
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Dental implants are an effective treatment option for edentulism, which poses a substantial barrier to oral health. The quality of the bone at the implant site may have an impact on the outcome of implant therapy. The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to assess implant survival rates and problems in individuals who were edentulous and had varying forms of bone.

Methods:

Patients who were edentulous and had dental implants placed between 2020 and 2022 were included. Preoperative radiographic examination was used to establish the kind of bone, which was then used to analyze implant survival rates and problems. A statistical study was carried out to compare the results between various bone kinds.

Findings:

The analysis comprised 225 edentulous patients in total. The implant survival rates varied according to the kind of bone; kind 1 bone had the highest survival rate (94.0%), while Type 4 bone had the lowest (75.0%). As bone quality declined, so did the incidence of complications such as peri-implantitis, implant movement, and implant breakage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study emphasizes how important bone type is for implant survival rates and issues in edentulous individuals. Comprehending these correlations is essential for enhancing therapeutic results and directing clinical judgment in implant therapy.
Effects of P301L-TAU on post-translational modifications of microtubules in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and TAU transgenic mice
Authors: Al Kabbani Mohamed Aghyad , Köhler Christoph , Zempel Hans
Published: June 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202508000-00025/figure1/v/2024-09-30T120553Z/r/image-tiff

TAU is a microtubule-associated protein that promotes microtubule assembly and stability in the axon. TAU is missorted and aggregated in an array of diseases known as tauopathies. Microtubules are essential for neuronal function and regulated via a complex set of post-translational modifications, changes of which affect microtubule stability and dynamics, microtubule interaction with other proteins and cellular structures, and mediate recruitment of microtubule-severing enzymes. As impairment of microtubule dynamics causes neuronal dysfunction, we hypothesize cognitive impairment in human disease to be impacted by impairment of microtubule dynamics. We therefore aimed to study the effects of a disease-causing mutation of TAU (P301L) on the levels and localization of microtubule post-translational modifications indicative of microtubule stability and dynamics, to assess whether P301L-TAU causes stability-changing modifications to microtubules. To investigate TAU localization, phosphorylation, and effects on tubulin post-translational modifications, we expressed wild-type or P301L-TAU in human MAPT-KO induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (iNeurons) and studied TAU in neurons in the hippocampus of mice transgenic for human P301L-TAU (pR5 mice). Human neurons expressing the longest TAU isoform (2N4R) with the P301L mutation showed increased TAU phosphorylation at the AT8, but not the p-Ser-262 epitope, and increased polyglutamylation and acetylation of microtubules compared with endogenous TAU-expressing neurons. P301L-TAU showed pronounced somatodendritic presence, but also successful axonal enrichment and a similar axodendritic distribution comparable to exogenously expressed 2N4R-wildtype-TAU. P301L-TAU-expressing hippocampal neurons in transgenic mice showed prominent missorting and tauopathy-typical AT8-phosphorylation of TAU and increased polyglutamylation, but reduced acetylation, of microtubules compared with non-transgenic littermates. In sum, P301L-TAU results in changes in microtubule PTMs, suggestive of impairment of microtubule stability. This is accompanied by missorting and aggregation of TAU in mice but not in iNeurons. Microtubule PTMs/impairment may be of key importance in tauopathies.
Peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for major depressive disorder
Authors: Ye Jinmei , Duan Cong , Han Jiaxin , Chen Jinrong , Sun Ning , Li Yuan , Yuan Tifei , Peng Daihui
Published: June 2024

In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may be an inflammatory trigger, after its release from stress-induced dysfunctional central nervous system mitochondria into peripheral circulation. This evidence supports the potential use of peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we critically review the neuroinflammation theory in major depressive disorder, providing compelling evidence that mitochondrial DNA release acts as a critical biological substrate, and that it constitutes the neuroinflammatory disease pathway. After its release, mitochondrial DNA can be carried in the exosomes and transported to extracellular spaces in the central nervous system and peripheral circulation. Detectable exosomes render encaged mitochondrial DNA relatively stable. This mitochondrial DNA in peripheral circulation can thus be directly detected in clinical practice. These characteristics illustrate the potential for mitochondrial DNA to serve as an innovative clinical biomarker and molecular treatment target for major depressive disorder. This review also highlights the future potential value of clinical applications combining mitochondrial DNA with a panel of other biomarkers, to improve diagnostic precision in major depressive disorder.
NECAB family of neuronal calcium-binding proteins in health and disease
Authors: Bueno Diones , Schäfer Michael K.E. , Wang Sudena , Schmeisser Michael J. , Methner Axel
Published: June 2024

The N-terminal EF-hand calcium-binding proteins 1–3 (NECAB1–3) constitute a family of predominantly neuronal proteins characterized by the presence of at least one EF-hand calcium-binding domain and a functionally less well characterized C-terminal antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. All three family members were initially discovered due to their interactions with other proteins. NECAB1 associates with synaptotagmin-1, a critical neuronal protein involved in membrane trafficking and synaptic vesicle exocytosis. NECAB2 interacts with predominantly striatal G-protein-coupled receptors, while NECAB3 partners with amyloid-β A4 precursor protein-binding family A members 2 and 3, key regulators of amyloid-β production. This demonstrates the capacity of the family for interactions with various classes of proteins. NECAB proteins exhibit distinct subcellular localizations: NECAB1 is found in the nucleus and cytosol, NECAB2 resides in endosomes and the plasma membrane, and NECAB3 is present in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain, an evolutionarily ancient component, is akin to atypical heme oxygenases in prokaryotes but is not well-characterized in vertebrates. Prokaryotic antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domains typically form dimers, suggesting that calcium-mediated conformational changes in NECAB proteins may induce antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain dimerization, potentially activating some enzymatic properties. However, the substrate for this enzymatic activity remains uncertain. Alternatively, calcium-mediated conformational changes might influence protein interactions or the subcellular localization of NECAB proteins by controlling the availability of protein–protein interaction domains situated between the EF hands and the antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. This review summarizes what is known about genomic organization, tissue expression, intracellular localization, interaction partners, and the physiological and pathophysiological role of the NECAB family.
Neurogenesis dynamics in the olfactory bulb: deciphering circuitry organization, function, and adaptive plasticity
Authors: Naffaa Moawiah M.
Published: June 2024

Adult neurogenesis persists after birth in the subventricular zone, with new neurons migrating to the granule cell layer and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb, where they integrate into existing circuitry as inhibitory interneurons. The generation of these new neurons in the olfactory bulb supports both structural and functional plasticity, aiding in circuit remodeling triggered by memory and learning processes. However, the presence of these neurons, coupled with the cellular diversity within the olfactory bulb, presents an ongoing challenge in understanding its network organization and function. Moreover, the continuous integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb plays a pivotal role in regulating olfactory information processing. This adaptive process responds to changes in epithelial composition and contributes to the formation of olfactory memories by modulating cellular connectivity within the olfactory bulb and interacting intricately with higher-order brain regions. The role of adult neurogenesis in olfactory bulb functions remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, the functionality of the olfactory bulb is intricately linked to the organization of granule cells around mitral and tufted cells. This organizational pattern significantly impacts output, network behavior, and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for olfactory perception and memory. Additionally, this organization is further shaped by axon terminals originating from cortical and subcortical regions. Despite the crucial role of olfactory bulb in brain functions and behaviors related to olfaction, these complex and highly interconnected processes have not been comprehensively studied as a whole. Therefore, this manuscript aims to discuss our current understanding and explore how neural plasticity and olfactory neurogenesis contribute to enhancing the adaptability of the olfactory system. These mechanisms are thought to support olfactory learning and memory, potentially through increased complexity and restructuring of neural network structures, as well as the addition of new granule granule cells that aid in olfactory adaptation. Additionally, the manuscript underscores the importance of employing precise methodologies to elucidate the specific roles of adult neurogenesis amidst conflicting data and varying experimental paradigms. Understanding these processes is essential for gaining insights into the complexities of olfactory function and behavior.
Conjunctival nodule as a primary manifestation of disseminated histoplasmosis
Authors: Narula Chhavi Gupta , Gandhi Arpan , Das Sima
Published: June 2024

Histoplasmosis is a granulomatous infection caused by dimorphic fungus-Histoplasma capsulatum. Ocular involvement is mainly in the form of retinal or choroidal involvement as presumed ocular histoplasmosis mostly in immunocompromised patients. Conjunctival, scleral, and adnexal involvement is rarely reported. We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis with conjunctival lesion as the initial clinical manifestation clinching the diagnosis.
Outcome of pediatric cataract surgery including color vision, stereopsis, and cognition in a tertiary eye care center in India
Authors: Kemmanu Vasudha , Khanum Aayesha , Madhavrao Bhanumathi , Raghunandan Nithya , Muthu Sumitha , Venkatesh Ramesh , Shetty Bhujanga K.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric cataract is an important cause of avoidable childhood blindness in India. Although there are studies on clinical features and visual acuity outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery, there are no studies that look into aspects of color vision, stereopsis, and cognitive functions in children with cataracts. Studying these parameters pre- and postsurgery will help us assess the overall components of visual function that are critical for the child’s development. With this in mind, we aimed to study the clinical features, outcome of treatment, color vision, stereopsis, and cognitive functions in children with cataracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Design: Hospital-based prospective descriptive study. Data of 68 children (0 < 18 years) were collected, on the clinical features, visual acuity, color vision, stereopsis, and social and intelligence quotient before and after surgery. Data analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism software version 9.4.0 (673).

RESULTS:

Ninety eyes of 68 children (36–bilateral/32–unilateral) were operated. A total of 46 children were available at 6 months’ follow-up (28 bilateral cataracts (46 eyes) and 18 unilateral cataracts). Nineteen (67.8%) of the bilateral, had a best corrected visual acuity of 6/6-6/18 in the better eye and nine (50%) of the unilateral had a visual acuity of 6/18-6/6 in the operated eye. Preoperatively, 61.5% of the children had a stereopsis of 100–600 arc-secs. Post-operatively, 84.4% of the children had a stereopsis in the range <50–600 arc-secs. All children had color vision deficiency. Preoperatively, 62% of the children had strong and moderate deficiency, whereas postoperatively, 66.6% had mild deficiency. We found negative correlation (r = −0.503) between social quotient and percentage of visual impairment indicating that when visual impairment increases social quotient decreases. The mean IQ preoperatively was 94.36 ± 2.98 and postoperatively 101.38 ± 2.77, with 95% confidence interval P value was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). This shows better and faster performance postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

Majority of the children had improved visual acuity after surgery. This outcome can be extrapolated to the overall improvement in stereopsis, color vision, and higher cognitive functions.
Outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in eyes with healed hydrops - A retrospective interventional analysis
Authors: Kodavoor Shreesha Kumar , Soundarya B. , Dandapani Ramamurthy
Published: June 2024

AIM:

The aim of the study was to analyze the techniques and outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) done in eyes with healed hydrops.

METHODS:

Thirty-one eyes with paracentral scars following acute hydrops underwent DALK and were included in the study. Manual layer-by-layer dissection with stromal air injection was done in all cases, keeping dissection of the site of preexisting perforation to the end.

RESULTS:

Out of the 31 eyes, in 28 eyes, DALK could be completed, and in 3 eyes, procedure had to be converted to penetrating keratoplasty. Visual outcomes in all cases were good, with 26 out of 28 eyes (92.8%) achieving a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better. Preoperative mean BCVA of LogMAR 1.19 ± 0.27 improved to a postoperative mean BCVA of LogMAR 0.23 ± 0.08 (P < 0.00001). Postoperative mean refractive astigmatism at the last follow-up was −2.69 ± 0.82 D with postoperative a spherical equivalent of −2.31 ± 0.7 D. Complications included double anterior chamber in one eye and secondary angle closure in two eyes. Stromal rejection in one eye was managed with steroids and one eye with suture infiltrate needed selective suture removal.

CONCLUSION:

Layer-by-layer dissection with limited air injection into the stroma has shown good visual outcomes in patients undergoing DALK following healed hydrops, and DALK can very well be the primary treatment option even in such cases with a paracentral posthydrops scar.
Bilateral angle-closure attack in a COVID-19-positive patient
Authors: Nivash Archana , Mohan Sujatha , Anand Niranjana , Danasekar Sujitha , Rajan Mohan
Published: June 2024

Ophthalmic examination of a patient with active COVID-19 infection can be challenging. We describe a woman with active COVID-19 infection who was misdiagnosed initially as having conjunctivitis and later presented with acute angle-closure attack in both eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) on presentation was about 40 mmHg in both eyes. She was on multiple medications for her COVID-19 infection. A nonpupillary block mechanism of secondary angle closure was suspected and laser iridotomy was avoided. Her IOP was well controlled with medications. Due to significant cataract, phacoemulsification with IOL was performed using femto-assisted rhexis in lieu of the postdilatation IOP spike. There was good IOP control and 6/6 vision postoperatively. Bilateral angle closure of probable multifactorial cause can occur in COVID-19-positive patients.
Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of the slit-light method in the diagnosis of cyclotorsion
Authors: Sabermoghadam Aliakbar , Sharifi Mohammad , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi
Published: June 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of sensitivity and specificity of the slit-light (SL) method in the diagnosis of ocular cyclotorsion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

One hundred and twenty eyes of 60 individuals (10–60 years old), with mean visual acuity of 0.08 ± 0.14 LogMAR, were divided into two groups (normal and torsion groups). Individuals without ocular motility disorder were selected as normal and patients with extraocular motility disorders and oblique muscle dysfunctions as the torsion group. The sensitivity and specificity of SL in the diagnosis of ocular torsion were measured by masked investigators and compared to fundus photography (FP). Inter- and intraobserver variability of these techniques was also determined.

RESULTS:

The amounts of sensitivity and specificity of SL, measured by the first examiner, were 60% and 92% for intorsion and 50% and 96% for extorsion assessment, respectively. These amounts were 53% and 95% for intorsion, and 54% and 97% for extorsion by the second examiner. The contingency coefficient between the two examiners was 68.6% for SL. This amount was 61% between FP and SL for the first examiner and 63% for the second. The contingency coefficient for the repeatability of SL was 72.2% for the first examiner and 75.7% for the second. This amount was 71.2% between the two examiners.

CONCLUSION:

SL can be considered a useful method for the diagnosis of cyclotorsion.
Bone Mineral Density and Serum Biochemical Markers in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sultana Nadira , Begum Afroza , Jesmin Tahmina , Mamun Abdullah Al , Huque Syed Saimul , Roy Ranjit , Hossain Delwar , Khan Md. Rakiz , Morshed Syed N.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has an impact on bone development, modeling, and remodeling. Assessment of bone health is a key element in the management of CKD. In clinical practice, serum biochemical markers [calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] are utilized as surrogate markers of bone health and its management.

Objective:

To assess the relationship of serum calcium, phosphate, iPTH, and ALP with bone mineral density (BMD) in children with advanced CKD (stages 3–5D).

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 45 children with advanced CKD (stages 3–5D) were included in the study. Serum calcium, phosphate, iPTH, and ALP were measured and BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results:

A total of 45 patients were studied. Serum biochemical markers (calcium, phosphate, iPTH, and ALP) showed significant changes in CKD stages 5 and 5D (P = 0.03, P = 0.04, P = 0.001, and P = 0.014, respectively). No significant change was found in the BMD Z-score among different stages of CKD. Serum biochemical markers did not show any significant correlation with BMD Z-score except serum calcium and Z-score of the right femoral neck (ρ = 0.313, P = 0.039) and between serum ALP and both femoral necks (ρ= −0.393, P = 0.008 and ρ = −0.312, P = 0.037). However, in multivariate regression, only serum ALP was significantly correlated with BMD.

Conclusions:

Serum biochemical markers of CKD-mineral and bone disorder, that is, serum calcium, phosphate, and iPTH, are not good indicators of BMD in children with advanced CKD whereas ALP can predict the BMD.
Antenatal Hydronephrosis in a Cohort of 187 Congenital Birth Defects over 2 Years in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Moni Sadeka Choudhury , Mahbubur Rahman K. M. , Yasmin Faria
Published: June 2024

Background:

Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is one of the most common birth defects. Postnatal ultrasonogram (USG) evaluation is essential to preserve renal function, prevent urinary infection, and decide surgical management.

Objective:

This study aims to estimate the frequency of ANH among a cohort of newborns with birth defects, observe maternal and neonatal characteristics in hydronephrotic babies, and perform postnatal radiological evaluation of newborns to observe the anatomical status of the kidney.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective analytical study conducted over 2 years in the Department of Neonatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Inborn and outborn newborns of any gestational age in the postnatal ward or admitted at neonatal intensive care unit BSMMU, with antenatal sonographic diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis of any grade, who completed radiologic evaluation at 1 month of age, were included in the study. The study group was evaluated postnatally by using an USG. The first USG was done 3 days after birth by a radiologist in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, and the second USG was advised for all cases at 1 month of age.

Result:

The frequency of ANH was 28.3% among the studied cohort. Forty-four of them completed the second USG at 1 month of age. Involvement was bilateral in most (65.9%) of the affected babies, and moderate to severe hydronephrosis outnumbered the mild variety. In follow-up radiology, 43.2% underwent gradual regression. The frequency of postnatal diagnosis of different anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract was ureteropelvic junction obstruction (27.3%), hypoplastic/ dysplastic kidney (9.1%), vesicoureteral reflux (15.9%), pelvic kidney (2.3%), and single kidney (2.3%).

Conclusion:

A moderate number of ANH cases undergo spontaneous resolution. Permanent or obstructive hydronephrosis is associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, hypoplastic/dysplastic kidney, vesicoureteral reflux, pelvic kidney, and single kidney.
Enhancing Identification of High-Risk cN0 Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Using MRI-Based Radiomic Features
Authors: Kim Harim , Kim Jonghoon , Hwang Soohyun , Oh You Jin , Ahn Joong Hyun , Kim Min-Ji , Hong Tae Hee , Park Sung Goo , Choi Joon Young , Kim Hong Kwan , Kim Jhingook , Shin Sumin , Lee Ho Yun
Published: June 2024

Purpose This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based radiomics model to predict high-risk pathologic features for lung adenocarcinoma: micropapillary and solid pattern (MPsol), spread through air space, and poorly differentiated patterns.Materials and Methods As a prospective study, we screened clinical N0 lung cancer patients who were surgical candidates and had undergone both 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) and chest CT from August 2018 to January 2020. We recruited patients meeting our proposed imaging criteria indicating high-risk, that is, poorer prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma, using CT and FDG PET/CT. If possible, these patients underwent an MRI examination from which we extracted 77 radiomics features from T1-contrast-enhanced and T2-weighted images. Additionally, patient demographics, maximum standardized uptake value on FDG PET/CT, and the mean apparent diffusion coefficient value on diffusion-weighted image, were considered together to build prediction models for high-risk pathologic features.Results Among 616 patients, 72 patients met the imaging criteria for high-risk lung cancer and underwent lung MRI. The magnetic resonance (MR)–eligible group showed a higher prevalence of nodal upstaging (29.2% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001), vascular invasion (6.5% vs. 2.1%, p=0.011), high-grade pathologic features (p < 0.001), worse 4-year disease-free survival (p < 0.001) compared with non-MR-eligible group. The prediction power for MR-based radiomics model predicting high-risk pathologic features was good, with mean area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) value measuring 0.751-0.886 in test sets. Adding clinical variables increased the predictive performance for MPsol and the poorly differentiated pattern using the 2021 grading system (AUC, 0.860 and 0.907, respectively).Conclusion Our imaging criteria can effectively screen high-risk lung cancer patients and predict high-risk pathologic features by our MR-based prediction model using radiomics.