bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Iodine-123 and Iodine-131 SPECT activity quantification: a Monte Carlo study
Authors: Morphis Michaella , van Staden Johan A. , du Raan Hanlie , Ljungberg Michael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The quantitative accuracy of Nuclear Medicine images, acquired for both planar and SPECT studies, is influenced by the isotope-collimator combination as well as image corrections incorporated in the iterative reconstruction process. These factors can be investigated and optimised using Monte Carlo simulations. This study aimed to evaluate SPECT quantification accuracy for 123I with both the low-energy high resolution (LEHR) and medium-energy (ME) collimators and 131I with the high-energy (HE) collimator.

Methods

Simulated SPECT projection images were reconstructed using the OS-EM iterative algorithm, which was optimised for the number of updates, with appropriate corrections for scatter, attenuation and collimator detector response (CDR), including septal scatter and penetration compensation. An appropriate calibration factor (CF) was determined from four different source geometries (activity-filled: water-filled cylindrical phantom, sphere in water-filled (cold) cylindrical phantom, sphere in air and point-like source), investigated with different volume of interest (VOI) diameters. Recovery curves were constructed from recovery coefficients to correct for partial volume effects (PVEs). The quantitative method was evaluated for spheres in voxel-based digital cylindrical and patient phantoms.

Results

The optimal number of OS-EM updates was 60 for all isotope-collimator combinations. The CFpoint with a VOI diameter equal to the physical size plus a 3.0-cm margin was selected, for all isotope-collimator geometries. The spheres’ quantification errors in the voxel-based digital cylindrical and patient phantoms were less than 3.2% and 5.4%, respectively, for all isotope-collimator combinations.

Conclusion

The study showed that quantification errors of less than 6.0% could be attained, for all isotope-collimator combinations, if corrections for; scatter, attenuation, CDR (including septal scatter and penetration) and PVEs are performed. 123I LEHR and 123I ME quantification accuracies compared well when appropriate corrections for septal scatter and penetration were applied. This can be useful in departments that perform 123I studies and may not have access to ME collimators.
Biological control of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), the causal pathogen of bacterial wilt disease by using Pantoea spp
Authors: Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Hassan Sabry A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Bacterial wilt of tomato (BWP) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) is a very important disease. Biological control of this disease is a very important tool to protect the plant and environment from pollution of chemical control.

Results

Twenty isolates of genus, Pantoea were isolated from healthy tomato root. Out of 20 isolates, 2 strains, PHYTPO1 and PHYTPO2, showed highly antagonistic property to control the growth of R. solanacearum in vitro conditions. They were identified as P. agglomerans by using 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence analysis. The 2 isolates were selected to study their effect (as cell suspension or culture filtrate) on the bacterial wilt under greenhouse conditions. PHYTPO1 inhibited maximum growth reduction of R. solanacearum and formed 2.5 cm2 of inhibition zone, followed by 1.2 cm2 in PHYTOPO2 under in vitro conditions. Treating with both isolates of P. agglomerans was significantly reduced disease severity of tomato wilt disease. The disease severity was reduced to 74.1 when treated as cell suspension, while when treated as culture filtrate, it reduced the disease severity up to 69.4 than infected control.

Conclusion

The strains of Pantoea can be used as an ecofriendly method to control of the most economic pathogen of tomato under greenhouse conditions. Further study is needed to find an appropriate formulation and approving application of these bacteria under field conditions.
Cannabis sativa and/or melatonin do not alter brain lipid but alter oxidative mechanisms in female rats
Authors: Abdulrahim Halimat Amin , Alagbonsi Isiaka Abdullateef , Amuda Oluwasola , Omeiza Noah Adavize , Feyitimi Abdul-Rahuf Aderemi , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi
Published: August 2021

Background

Lipid profile and redox status play a role in brain (dys)functions. Cannabinoid and melatonergic systems operate in the brain and contribute to brain (patho)physiology, but their roles in the modulation of brain lipid and redox status are not well-known. We studied the effect of ethanol extract of Cannabis sativa (CS) and/or melatonin (M) on the lipid profile and anti-oxidant system of the rat brain.

Methods

We randomly divided twenty-four (24) female Wistar rats into 4 groups (n = 6 rats each). Group 1 (control) received distilled water mixed with DMSO. Groups II–IV received CS (2 mg/kg), M (4 mg/kg), and co-administration of CS and M (CS + M) respectively via oral gavage between 8:00 am and 10:00 am once daily for 14 days. Animals underwent 12-h fasting after the last day of treatment and sacrificed under ketamine anesthesia (20 mg/kg; i.m). The brain tissues were excised and homogenized for assay of the concentrations of the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means across groups, followed by the least significant difference (LSD) post-hoc test.

Results

CS and/or M did not affect the lipid profile parameters. However, CS increased the G6PD (from 15.58 ± 1.09 to 21.02 ± 1.45 U/L; p = 0.047), GPx (from 10.47 ± 0.86 to 17.71 ± 1.04 U/L; p = 0.019), and SOD (from 0.81 ± 0.02 to 0.90 ± 0.01 μM; p = 0.007), but decreased NO (from 9.40 ± 0.51 to 6.75 ± 0.21 μM; p = 0.010) and had no effect on MDA (p = 0.905), CAT (p = 0.831), GR (p = 0.639), and AChE (p = 0.571) in comparison with the control group. M augmented the increase in G6PD (from 21.02 ± 1.45 U/L to 27.18 ± 1.81 U/L; p = 0.032) and decrease in NO (from 6.75 ± 0.21 to 4.86 ± 0.13 μM; p = 0.034) but abolished the increase in GPx (from 17.71 ± 1.04 to 8.59 ± 2.06 U/L; p = 0.006) and SOD (from 0.90 ± 0.01 to 0.70 ± 0.00 μM; p = 0.000) elicited by CS in the rat brain in comparison with the CS group.

Conclusions

CS and M do not alter brain lipid profile. Our data support the contention that CS elicits an anti-oxidative effect on the brain tissue and that CS + M elicits a pro-oxidant effect in rat brain.
A new method for logging identification of fluid properties in tight sandstone gas reservoirs based on gray correlation weight analysis — A case study of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation on the eastern slope of the Western Sichuan Depression, China
Authors: Feng Shaoke , Xie Runcheng , Zhou Wen , Yin Shuai , Deng Meizhou , Chen Jun , Zhang Zhentao , Xiang Mingliang , Luo Ziwei
Published: August 2021

Energy exploration is becoming increasingly complex worldwide, and tight sandstone gas is an important field for the future development of the oil and gas industry. For the reservoir properties of the Shaximiao Gas Reservoir on the eastern slope of the Western Sichuan Depression in the Sichuan Basin, western China, it was found that the low-resistance characteristics of the reservoir complicate the gray characteristics among reservoir fluid property parameters. Some commonly used fluid property identification techniques, such as the flow zone index method, correlation analysis method of logging parameters, and traditional mathematical statistical methods, have poor fluid property evaluation results. Therefore, how to eliminate the influence of the gray features among the reservoir parameters on the identification of reservoir fluid properties and how to accurately identify the reservoir fluid properties are urgent problems that need to be solved. In this paper, we have developed a new method for identifying the fluid properties of tight sandstone reservoirs by combining gray system theory and multivariate statistical theory. This method can perform gray correlation weight analysis on parameters (combined parameters) closely related to fluid properties; furthermore, the logging identification method based on gray correlation weight analysis is used to identify reservoir fluid properties. The results indicate that the gray correlation weight analysis can accurately characterize the gray characteristics of reservoir fluid parameters and that the gray comprehensive correlation weight results are in good agreement with the production status of the studied gas reservoir. We used the method to identify the fluid properties of the target layer in 58 wells in the study area, and the discrimination rate of the model was 86.5%. In addition, the new model was used to predict the reservoir fluid properties of 12 newly drilled wells in the study area and the accuracy of the reservoir fluid property prediction was 91.67%.
The STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT): design and baseline characteristics of enrolled Stargardt patients
Authors: Dhooge Patty P.A. , Möller Philipp T. , Boon Camiel J.F. , Lotery Andrew J. , Herrmann Philipp , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Klein Wolfgang , Fsadni Mario G. , Wheeler-Schilling Thomas H. , Jungmann Oliver , Müller Hans , Holz Frank G. , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Peters Tobias M. , Stingl Katarina , Hoyng Carel B. ,   Soraprazan Consortium
Published: August 2021

Background: This report describes the study design and baseline characteristics of patients with Stargardt disease (STGD1) enrolled in the STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT).

Methods: In total, 87 patients with genetically confirmed STGD1 were randomized in a double-masked, placebo-controlled proof of concept trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 20 milligram oral remofuscin for 24 months. The primary outcome measure is change in mean quantitative autofluorescence value of an 8-segment ring centred on the fovea (qAF8). Secondary efficacy variables are best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), mesopic microperimetry (mMP),  spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), reading speed on Radner reading charts, and patient-reported visual function as assessed by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) and Functional Reading Independence (FRI) Index.

Results: Mean age of participants was 35±11 years with 49 (56%) female. Median qAF8 value was 438 Units (range 210-729). Median BCVA and LLVA in decimal units were 0.50 (range 0.13-0.80) and 0.20 (range 0.06-0.63), respectively. The median of the mean retinal sensitivity with mMP was 20.4 dB (range 0.0-28.8). SD-OCT showed median central subfield retinal thickness of 142 µm (range 72-265) and median macular volume of 1.65 mm3 (range 1.13-2.19). Compared to persons without vision impairment, both reading performance and patient-reported visual function were significantly lower (p<0.001, one sample t-test). Mean reading speed was 108±39 words/minute with logRAD-score of 0.45±0.28. Mean VFQ-25 composite score was 72±13. Mean FRI Index score 2.8±0.6.

Conclusions: This trial design may serve as reference for future clinical trials as it explores the utility of qAF8 as primary outcome measure. The baseline data represent the largest, multi-national, STGD1 cohort to date that underwent standardized qAF imaging, reading speed assessment and vision-related quality of life measures which all contribute to the characterization of STGD1.

EudraCT registration: 2018-001496-20 (09/05/2019)
Comunicação inclusiva: desenvolvendo acessibilidade na rotina de produção de uma revista de laboratório
Authors: Borelli Viviane , Romero Luan Moraes , FURLANETTO Pablo , Bald Rafael Marcelino
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo problematizar a acessibilidade dentro da rotina de produção jornalística em revista laboratorial. Para isso, contextualizamos nossa reflexão em torno da abordagem jurídica sobre acessibilidade (Brasil, 2009), o conceito de inclusão (Sassaki, 2009) e de audiodescrição (Motta & Romeu, 2010), além do cenário de falta de produtos midiáticos acessíveis indicado por Bonito (2012). Metodologicamente, partimos da observação (Gil, 2008) dos modos como pessoas com deficiência visual acessam conteúdo jornalístico, para, num segundo momento através de pesquisa experimental (Michel, 2005), conceber a elaboração do formato acessível da revista laboratorial .txt por meio da audiodescrição de imagens. A acessibilidade comunicacional ainda é um desafio a ser encarado tanto pelo mercado quanto pela academia, que devem buscar alternativas para desenvolver produtos acessíveis às pessoas com deficiência.
Mode I and II Wear in Ceramic on Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Mohan Kunal , McGoldrick Niall P. , O’Driscoll Conor , Quinlan John F.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure and has been associated with favorable outcomes in both elderly and younger patients. A variety of implant and articular components exist so to allow surgeons to make a patient-specific choice with the intent of maximizing both patient outcomes and implant survival. The utilization of ceramic bearing surfaces during THA has become increasingly prevalent, with their tribological profile conveying favorable wear and osteolysis-resistant properties. Typically, ceramic articulating components are most susceptible to failure through brittle fracture or complications such as squeaking.
Case Report: This case describes a 68-year-old Caucasian male who underwent revision of ceramic on ceramic THA due to pain, with intraoperative analysis revealing evidence of gross Mode I acetabular ceramic component wear with a resultant Mode II wear articulation between the ceramic femoral head and acetabular liner.
Conclusion: Wear between ceramic implants in THA is infrequently reported, and as such awareness of this uncommon phenomena as well as its potential causative factors is important when considering either primary or revision THA involving ceramic bearing components.
Keywords: Hip, arthroplasty, revision, ceramic, wear.
Intermittent and Transient Hypotension-related Anterior Cord Syndrome following Elective Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Greig Danielle , Zoller Stephen , Sheppard William L. , Park Don Young
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Anterior cord syndrome (ACS) is a type of incomplete spinal cord injury caused by either direct compression of the anterior spinal cord, or by ischemia of the anterior spinal artery. This phenomenon has neither been described transiently nor intraoperatively.
Case Report: We describe the case of a 61-year-old male who developed intermittent and transient anterior spinal cord syndrome secondary to hypotension related hypoperfusion of the anterior spinal artery after elective cervical spine surgery. Through close blood pressure monitoring and intensive care unit support, the patient regained full neurological recovery.
Conclusion: Anterior spinal cord syndrome is a rare condition affecting the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord, resulting in incomplete paralysis. Blood flow can be disrupted through the anterior spinal artery, either through thrombosis or hypotension. We describe our rare case so that surgeons may recognize this potentially devastating condition.
Keywords: Spine, hypoperfusion, hypotension, cord injury, anterior cord syndrome.
Cement-a-TAN Temporary Proximal Femoral Replacement for Staged Joint Replacement – A Case Report
Authors: Scattergood Sean D. , Fletcher James W. A. , Mehendale Sanchit A. , Mitchell Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Infected non-unions of proximal femoral fractures are difficult to treat. If debridement and revision fixation is unsuccessful, staged revision arthroplasty may be required. Non-viable tissue must be resected; coupled with the introduction of an antibiotic-eluting temporary spacer before definitive reconstruction. Tissue microbiological diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy are required. In cases of significant proximal femoral bone loss, spacing options are limited.
Case Report: We present a case of a bisphosphonate-induced subtrochanteric fracture that progressed to infected non-union. Despite multiple washouts and two revision fixations, the infection remained active with an unfavorable antibiogram. The patient required staged revision arthroplasty including a proximal femoral resection. To improve function through maintaining leg length and offset, the Cement-a-TAN was fabricated. It is a custom-made antibiotic-eluting articulating temporary spacer. Using a trochanteric entry cephalocondylar nail as a scaffold, bone cement was molded around the nail to fashion an anatomical and patient-specific proximal femoral spacer. Following resolution of the infection, the Cement-a-TAN was removed and a proximal femoral arthroplasty was successfully performed.
Conclusion: Cement-a-TAN is an excellent temporary spacing technique in staged proximal femoral replacement for infected non-union of the proximal femur where there has been significant bone loss. It preserves mobility and maintains leg length, offset, and periarticular soft-tissue tension, while offering good stability.
Keywords: Proximal femoral replacement, infection, hip, nail, spacer.
Chronic Anterior Pelvic Instability
Authors: Rey-Fernández Laura , Bernaus-Johnson Martí , Veloso Margarita , Angles Francesc , Zumbado Alonso , Font-Vizcarr Lluis
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Chronic anterior pelvic instability means pathologic movement of the symphysis pubis with axial load. It is not a common pathology and its diagnosis is often delayed and difficult increasing the disability of affected patients. The pain is localized in the suprapubic area or groins, increasing with physical activity, direct palpation or compression. Main known causes are pregnancy, delivery, trauma, fractures, intense physical activity, infection, or previous surgeries. Treatment algorithms have not been standardized. Initially, it is managed with an orthosis, physical activity modification, medication, and rehabilitation. Surgical treatment with symphyseal arthrodesis is the last option. The literature on symphyseal plating for chronic instability found is sparse.
Case Report: We report the case of a 33-year-old female presenting lower abdominal pain after her third delivery. Several months after, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy suggested chronic symphysitis. Single leg stance pelvic X-rays indicated chronic anterior pelvic instability. Pain-relievers, physical rehabilitation, and local corticosteroid injection were noneffective; surgery was indicated, performing a double plate symphyseal arthrodesis with iliac bone graft.
Conclusion: Pelvic instability should be ruled out when persistent abdominal or lower back pain are present. Thorough physical examination and specific provocative maneuvers need to be assessed. In our presented case, symphyseal arthrodesis was performed without complications. After a two-year follow-up, the patient has recovered her previous functional status and bone scintigraphy is negative. Radiologic controls rule out loosening or material breaking as a complication. We hope this case report may give a clue in surgical options management.
Keywords: Arthrodesis, pelvic instability, symphysis.
Isolated Musculocutaneous Nerve Injury in a Professional Baseball Player: A Case Report
Authors: Kataoka Takeshi , Kokubu Takeshi , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Yamazaki Tetsuya , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Musculocutaneous nerve lesion in a throwing athlete is a rare condition. We report the case of a professional baseball pitcher with an isolated musculocutaneous nerve lesion that occurred during a pitching motion.
Case Presentation: The patient had radiating pain in the upper arm and weakness of elbow flexion. Physical examination revealed flaccid paralysis of the biceps brachii muscle and paresthesia in the right lateral forearm. Musculocutaneous nerve injury was suspected. Because some signs of recovery were observed within a few days, the patient received non-operative management. Nerve conduction studies at 2 weeks after the injury showed low-amplitude compound muscle action potential of the right biceps brachii muscle by stimulation of the musculocutaneous nerve. Needle electromyography showed markedly reduced motor unit potential recruitment in the biceps brachii muscle. He was diagnosed as having isolated musculocutaneous nerve injury. At 2 months after the injury, the muscle contraction and strength of the biceps brachii muscle improved. At 7 months after the injury, muscle weakness was fully recovered. His pitching ability returned to that of a competitive player.
Conclusion: Because the neuroparalysis was incomplete and began to recover within a few days, we considered the pathology of this injury to be incomplete axonotmesis, which was successfully treated conservatively.
Keywords: Isolated musculocutaneous nerve injury, baseball pitcher, axonotmesis.
Outcome of neglected versus treated tuberculous dactylitis in the same patient. A case report
Authors: Mansour Oussama , Raad Ryan Bou , Khalaf Zaynab , Ghabcha Ahmad , Moghnieh Rima , Moussa Mohamad K
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Skeletal tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. When tubular bones are affected, it is called tuberculous dactylitis (TD). This rare entity can be seen in the hand or foot and has been mentioned in a handful of case reports.
Case Report: A 56-year-old female patient presented to our clinic for left hand middle finger swelling and pain of 1-year duration. Her medical history was relevant for 15 years history of progressive 4th and 5th fingers malformations that were attributed to “sarcoidosis,” and for which she was treated with anti-inflammatory and low dose steroids therapy. At our clinic, physical examination was consistent with a swelling of the base of the middle finger associated with tenderness and decreased range of motion. Radiographs of the hand showed a lytic lesion involving the distal half of the first phalanx, along with blurred limits of the bone surfaces involved. An magnetic resonance imaging was ordered and showed hyper-intense signal of the first phalanx, along with subcutaneous enclosed collections on both sides of the phalanx. Surgical debridement with open biopsy and culture was done. Pathology results showed caseating granulomas, and cultures confirmed the diagnosis of TD. A computed tomography scan of the chest was done postoperatively; where few calcified nodules were noted. She also received a 9-months course of anti-tuberculous drugs and had complete cure by 9 months postoperatively.
Conclusion: TD of the hand is a very rare entity of the spectrum of extrapulmonary M. tuberculosis infection. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion concerning this pathology not to delay the diagnosis, which could lead to permanent deformity. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Keywords: Tuberculous dactylitis, finger deformity, bone cancer, hand infection.
Neglected Neck of Femur Fracture Managed by Surgical Hip Dislocation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed S , Alzahrani Mohammed A , Ghaddaf Abdullah A , Alomari Mohammed S
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young adults are relatively uncommon emergency that requires early diagnosis and management possible to prevents joint complications.
Case Report: A 24-year-old male presented with a right hip pain for 3 months after a heavy physical exercise during military training. The imaging exhibited a transcervical FNF with displacement and a potential of avascular necrosis (AVN). The patient was managed by Open reduction and internal fixation through surgical hip dislocation (SHD) and bone grafting from the right iliac bone. The patient returned to his full military services 14 weeks following the surgery and was followed for 3 years without any symptomatic or functional problems.
Conclusion: SHD could be one of the surgical options hired in the management of late presentations of FNFs in young adults with high suspicion of AVN.
Keywords: Femoral neck fracture, open reduction and internal fixation, surgical hip dislocation.
Neglected Locked Patellar Dislocation in an Adult Female: Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Chaudhary Sumedh D , Gandhi Pratik R , Koichade Maruti R , Chavan Suchit P , Ghuguskar Shreyas H
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Dislocation of patella is a very common injury which usually reduces spontaneously or can be reduced easily using gentle manipulation. Irreducible patellar dislocations are rare and usually result due to either rotation of patella along the horizontal or vertical axis or due to bony impaction. Neglected locked patellar dislocations are extremely rare injuries presenting additional challenges.
Case Report: We are reporting a case of a 24-year female who presented to us 4 months after suffering a knee injury for which she received native treatment initially. On presentation, patient was able to walk with a limp and some discomfort but was unable to squat or sit cross-legged. Clinical examination revealed a patellar dislocation which was irreducible. On open reduction, the patella was found to be locked in the lateral gutter with rotation along its vertical axis and with an osteochondral fracture of its medial margin. There were a lot of fibrotic adhesions which required extensive release, following which the patella could be derotated and reduced into the trochlear groove. The medial retinaculum was repaired using transosseous sutures. Postoperatively, the patient developed wound edge necrosis which was managed with debridement and secondary suturing. At 1-year follow-up patient had almost full knee range of motion without any signs of patellar pain or instability and was able to squat and sit cross-legged.
Conclusion: Unlike acute irreducible patellar dislocations which can be managed easily with open reduction, a neglected dislocation necessitates wider surgical exposure and a lot of soft tissue releases, which may jeopardize vascularity of the soft tissues leading to wound healing problems. Release of all adhesions while taking care to prevent further chondral injury, adequate lateral retinacular release, derotation of patella to relocate it into trochlear groove, and meticulous medial retinacular repair is essential for a successful outcome.
Keywords
Osteochondrosis of Primary Center of Patella: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Indrajeet , Ahmed Wasim , Shyam Ashok , Bhadani Janki S , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Osteochondrosis of the primary ossification center of the patella (Kohler’s Disease) is a rare and self-limiting condition of unknown etiology. Sometimes it may be found as normal variant.
Case Report: A 7-year-old boy presented with anterior right knee pain. On radiological examination, there was increased density, irregularity, and fragmentation of the patellar primary ossification center. Activity modification and exercise led to marked symptomatic improvement after 1 year.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the disease either physiological or pathological, diagnosis is usually difficult. However, the treatment is simple. There was improvement functionally as well as radiologically with activity modification.
Keywords: Osteochondrosis, primary center, patella.
Trapezium and Bennett Fracture – A Rare Base Thumb Fracture Pattern:A Case Report
Authors: Pina Gabriel , Vaz Maria Rita , Vaz Ana , Abrantes Ana , Machado Luís
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Trapezium fracture is a rare entity whose treatment is controversial. The reported cases range from conservative treatment to surgical treatment with good reported results.
Case Report: This paper reports a clinical case of trapezium-metacarpal fracture-dislocation associated with trapezius fracture and Bennett fracture, surgically treated with excellent functional and radiological results. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with two screws, excision of fragments, and reinsertion of the anterior oblique ligament. At the year of follow-up, the patient presented no mobility limitations and recovered grip strength.
Conclusion: This case study allows us to conclude that open reduction and internal fixation with screws of the dorsal trapezium ridge fractures with ligament repair of the anterior oblique ligament is a valid treatment with the reproduction of good clinical results.
Keywords: Hand surgery, internal fixation, trapezium fracture.
Anchor Site Fracture Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair – A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Weller Jan , Birkner Björn , Schneider Kristian Nikolaus , Durchholz Holger
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Fractures at the anchor site following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are rare and only a few case reports have been described. We report two additional well-documented cases of this uncommon post-operative complication and provide a review of the current literature.
Case Report: A 48-year-old male underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) due to a massive rotator cuff tear. Nine weeks postoperatively, the patient suffered a humeral head fracture at the anchor site of the ARCR after trauma. Despite subsequent surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation, the patient demonstrates with excellent functional outcome scores at 2-year follow-up.
Conclusion: Humeral head fractures are a rare complication after ARCR. The use of intraosseous anchors requires careful consideration regarding positioning and quantity used.
Keywords: Rotator cuff, arthroscopy, complication, anchor, Speed Bridge, fracture, osteochondral defect.
Aerial floating 3D display device with lenticular-type naked-eye 3D display and a crossed-mirror array
Authors: Sato Yoshihiro , Osada Yuto , Kobayashi Rei , Bao Yue
Published: August 2021

The depth feeling of a naked-eye 3D display is determined by the
combination of the display and the lenticular lens, and because the
parallax of the displayed image cannot be made stronger, providing a
more stereoscopic effect is difficult. In this study, we propose a
system that provides a clearer stereoscopic effect by enabling the
naked-eye 3D display to be observed as an aerial stereoscopic image
without the framework of the display. By comparing it with the
conventional aerial display method, we demonstrate that it is possible
to maintain the same level of resolution as the method without a
crossed-mirror array and that natural stereoscopic view is
possible.
InAs/InGaAs Quantum Dot Lasers on Multi-Functional Metamorphic Buffer Layers
Authors: Kwoen Jinkwan , Imoto Takaya , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: August 2021

With the development of dry fiber over the past two decades, the E-band has become a new telecommunication wavelength. However, owing to material constraints, an effective high-performance semiconductor light source has not yet been realized. InAs quantum dot (QD) lasers on GaAs substrates are in the spotlight as O-band light sources because of their excellent thermal properties and high efficiency. The introduction of a very thick InGaAs metamorphic buffer layer is essential for realizing an E-band InAs QD laser, but it can cause degradation in laser performance. In this study, we fabricate an E-band InAs/GaAs QD laser on a GaAs substrate with an AlInGaAs multifunctional metamorphic buffer layer that realizes the function of the bottom cladding layer of normal thickness in addition to the functions of a metamorphic buffer layer and a dislocation filter layer. The lasing oscillation at a wavelength of 1428 nm is demonstrated at room temperature under continuous-wave operation. This result paves the way toward the realization of highly efficient light sources suitable for E-band telecommunications.
Nanostructured hybrid plasmonic waveguide in a slot structure for high-performance light transmission
Authors: Huang Chia-Chih , Chang Ruei-Jan , Huang Chia-Chien
Published: August 2021

Squeezing light to nanoscale is the most vital capacity of nanophotonic circuits processing on-chip optical signals that allows to significantly enhance light–matter interaction by stimulating various nonlinear optical effects. It is well known that plasmon can offer an unrivaled concentration of optical energy beyond the optical diffraction limit. However, the progress of plasmonic technology is mainly hindered by its ohmic losses, thus leading to the difficulty in building large-area photonic integrated circuits. To significantly increase the propagation distance of light, we develop a new waveguide structure operating at the telecommunication wavelength of 1,550 nm. It consists of a nanostructured hybrid plasmonic waveguide embedded in a high-index-contrast slot waveguide. We capitalize on the strong mode confinement of the slot waveguide and reduce mode areas with the nanostructured hybrid plasmonic configuration while maintaining extremely low ohmic losses using a nanoscale metal strip. The proposed design achieves a record propagation distance of 1,115 µm while comparing with that of other designs at a mode area of the order of 10−5 A0 (A0 is the diffraction-limited area). The mode characterization considering fabrication imperfections and spectral responses show the robustness and broadband operation range of the proposed waveguide. Moreover, we also investigated the crosstalk to assess the density of integration. The proposed design paves the way for building nanophotonic circuits and optoelectronic devices that require strong light–matter interaction.
Ten-mega-pixel snapshot compressive imaging with a hybrid coded aperture
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Deng Chao , Liu Yang , Yuan Xin , Suo Jinli , Dai Qionghai
Published: August 2021

High-resolution images are widely used in our everyday life; however, high-speed video capture is more challenging due to the low frame rate of cameras working at the high-resolution mode. The main bottleneck lies in the low throughput of existing imaging systems. Toward this end, snapshot compressive imaging (SCI) was proposed as a promising solution to improve the throughput of imaging systems by compressive sampling and computational reconstruction. During acquisition, multiple high-speed images are encoded and collapsed to a single measurement. Then, algorithms are employed to retrieve the video frames from the coded snapshot. Recently developed plug-and-play algorithms made the SCI reconstruction possible in large-scale problems. However, the lack of high-resolution encoding systems still precludes SCI’s wide application. Thus, in this paper, we build, to the best of our knowledge, a novel hybrid coded aperture snapshot compressive imaging (HCA-SCI) system by incorporating a dynamic liquid crystal on silicon and a high-resolution lithography mask. We further implement a PnP reconstruction algorithm with cascaded denoisers for high-quality reconstruction. Based on the proposed HCA-SCI system and algorithm, we obtain a 10-mega-pixel SCI system to capture high-speed scenes, leading to a high throughput of 4.6 × 109 voxels per second. Both simulation and real-data experiments verify the feasibility and performance of our proposed HCA-SCI scheme.
Diagnostic testing holds the key to NTD elimination
Authors: Boehme Catharina , Carmona Sergio , Nogaro Sarah , Malecela Mwelecele
Published: August 2021

“Fit-for-purpose” diagnostic tests have emerged as a prerequisite to achieving global targets for the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as highlighted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) new roadmap. There is an urgent need for the development of new tools for those diseases for which no diagnostics currently exist and for improvement of existing diagnostics for the remaining diseases. Yet, efforts to achieve this, and other crosscutting ambitions, are fragmented, and the burden of these 20 debilitating diseases immense. Compounded by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, programmatic interruptions, systemic weaknesses, limited investment, and poor commercial viability undermine global efforts—with a lack of coordination between partners, leading to the duplication and potential waste of scant resources. Recognizing the pivotal role of diagnostic testing and the ambition of WHO, to move forward, we must create an ecosystem that prioritizes country-level action, collaboration, creativity, and commitment to new levels of visibility. Only then can we start to accelerate progress and make new gains that move the world closer to the end of NTDs.
Association study of six candidate genes with major depressive disorder in the North-Western population of Pakistan
Authors: Alam Naqash , Ali Sadiq , Akbar Nazia , Ilyas Muhammad , Ahmed Habib , Mustafa Arooj , Khurram Shehzada , Sajid Zeeshan , Ullah Najeeb , Qayyum Shumaila , Rahim Tariq , Usman Mian Syed , Ali Nawad , Khan Imad , Pervez Khola , Sumaira BiBi , Ali Nasir , Sultana Nighat , Tanoli Adeel Yunus , Islam Madiha
Published: August 2021

People around the world are currently affected by Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Despite its many aspects, symptoms, manifestations and impacts, efforts have been made to identify the root causes of the disorder. In particular, genetic studies have concentrated on identifying candidate genes for MDD and exploring associations between these genes and some specific group of individuals. The aim of this research was to find out the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in 6 candidate genes linked to the neurobiology of major depressive disorder in the North-Western population of Pakistan. We performed a case-control analysis, with 400 MDD and 232 controls. A trained psychiatrist or clinical psychologists evaluated the patients. Six polymorphisms were genotyped and tested for allele and genotype association with MDD. There were no statistical variations between MDD patients and healthy controls for genotypic and allelic distribution of all the polymorphisms observed. Thus, our analysis does not support the major role of these polymorphisms in contributing to MDD susceptibility, although it does not preclude minor impact. The statistically significant correlation between six polymorphisms and major depressive disorder in the studied population was not observed. There are inconsistencies in investigations around the world. Future research, including GWAS and association analysis on larger scale should be addressed for further validation and replication of the present findings.
Research on the reproductive biological characteristics of Amomum villosum Lour. and Amomum longiligulare T. L. Wu
Authors: Yang Ruipei , Wang Jie , Gao Wei , Jiang Ye , Su Jing , Sun Dongmei , He Guozhen
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore the influence of biological characteristics on the yield of Amomum villosum Lour. and Amomum longiligulare T. L. Wu, to find an effective pollen viability evaluation method and storage method to solve the problem of the low yield of Amomum plants.

Methods

Five germplasm of Amomum plants were used to investigate the effects of the phenological phase, pollen viability, and stigma receptivity on natural and artificial fruit set.

Results

Amomum longiligulare T. L. Wu showed late flowering, and its natural pollination rate is higher than that of Amomum villosum Lour. In all germplasm, the artificial pollination rate and fruit setting rate are more than 3 times higher than that under natural conditions. Fruits begin to drop seven days after successful pollination, and the fruit drop is basically stable after one month. The hybridization verification showed that TTC method was simpler and more accurate than in vitro germination method. Optimal storage conditions for pollen are 4°C and high humidity. After 36 h of storage, pollen can still be used for artificial cross-pollination or as hybrid parents.

Conclusion

The special biological characteristics are the fundamental reason for the low natural pollination rate of Amomum plants. The accurate measurement method of Amomum plants pollen is the TTC method, and storage at 4°C and high humidity can increase the yield, which was six times that of the natural yield.
Estimating and predicting the temporal information of apartment burglaries that possess imprecise time stamps: A comparative study using eight different temporal approximation methods in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Glasner Philip , Leitner Michael , Oswald Lukas
Published: August 2021

This research compares and evaluates different approaches to approximate offense times of crimes. It contributes to and extends all previously proposed naïve and aoristic temporal approximation methods and one recent study [1] that showed that the addition of historical crimes with accurately known time stamps to temporal approximation methods can outperform all traditional approximation methods. It is paramount to work with crime data that possess precise temporal information to conduct reliable (spatiotemporal) analysis and modeling. This study contributes to and extends existing studies on temporal analysis. One novel and one relatively new temporal approximation methods are introduced that rely on weighting aoristic scores with historic offenses with exactly known offense times. It is hypothesized that these methods enhance the accuracy of the temporal approximation. In total, eight different methods are evaluated for apartment burglaries in Vienna, Austria, for yearly and seasonal differences. Results show that the one novel and one relatively new method applied in this research outperform all other existing approximation methods to estimate and predict offense times. These two methods are particularly useful for both researchers and practitioners, who often work with temporally imprecise crime data.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment services—Experiences from the Tongren eye center in Beijing
Authors: Li Jipeng , Zhao Meng , She Haicheng , Chandra Aman
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the impact on services for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients during the COVID-19 (2019coronal virus disease) pandemic in one tertiary center in Beijing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study. Two reviewed consecutive RRD patients cohorts of the same length were treated during two different periods: the COVID-19 pandemic and the pre-COVID-19 group. The characteristics of patients, surgery, anesthesia methods, length of hospital stay, and the latest follow-up were recorded and analyzed.

Results

There were 79 patients in the COVID-19 pandemic group with a 55.9% reduction (179). Compared to patients in the pre-COVID-19, patients in the COVID-19 pandemic had a longer presurgical waiting times (28days, 3days, p<0.001), a higher percentage of patients with presurgical poor (less than 0.02) visual acuity (55.7%, 32.4%, p = 0.009), and a higher percentage of patients with presurgical choroidal detachment (34.2%, 19.6%, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the severity of presurgical proliferative vitreoretinopathy between the two groups (p = 0.64). Surgeries on pathological myopia patients with macular hole retinal detachment were postponed in the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a lower percentage of scleral buckling (27.8%, 41.3%, p = 0.02) and a lower rate of subretinal fluid drainage (45.4%, 75.7%, p = 0.01) in the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no significant difference in either postoperative visual acuity (p = 0.73) or the rate of single-surgery retinal attachment (p = 1) between the two groups. Patients in the COVID-19 pandemic had a shorter length of hospital stay (3hours, 35 hours, p<0.001), and a lower percentage of patients received general anesthesia (48.1%, 83.2%, p<0.001). None was infected with COVID-19 disease during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown caused prolonged presurgical waiting times, shorter hospital stays, less general anesthesia, and a significant reduction of RRD surgeries. The RD were more complicated, the surgeons were more conservative on procedures and patients selection, while the surgery outcomes were comparable.
Hierarchical modelling of immunoglobulin coated bacteria in dogs with chronic enteropathy shows reduction in coating with disease remission but marked inter-individual and treatment-response variability
Authors: Martínez-López Lina María , Perez-Gonzalez Alexis , Washington Elizabeth Ann , Woodward Andrew P. , Roth-Schulze Alexandra Jazmin , Dandrieux Julien R. S. , Johnstone Thurid , Prakash Nathalee , Jex Aaron , Mansfield Caroline
Published: August 2021

Chronic enteropathies are a common problem in dogs, but many aspects of the pathogenesis remain unknown, making the therapeutic approach challenging in some cases. Environmental factors are intimately related to the development and perpetuation of gastrointestinal disease and the gut microbiome has been identified as a contributing factor. Previous studies have identified dysbiosis and reduced bacterial diversity in the gastrointestinal microbiota of dogs with chronic enteropathies. In this case-controlled study, we use flow cytometry and 16S rRNA sequencing to characterise bacteria highly coated with IgA or IgG in faecal samples from dogs with chronic enteropathy and evaluated their correlation with disease and resolution of the clinical signs. IgA and IgG-coated faecal bacterial counts were significantly higher during active disease compared to healthy dogs and decreased with the resolution of the clinical signs. Characterisation of taxa-specific coating of the intestinal microbiota with IgA and IgG showed marked variation between dogs and disease states, and different patterns of immunoglobulin enrichment were observed in dogs with chronic enteropathy, particularly forErysipelotrichaceae,Clostridicaceae,Enterobacteriaceae,PrevotellaceaeandBacteroidaceae, families. Although, members of these bacterial groups have been associated with strong immunogenic properties and could potentially constitute important biomarkers of disease, their significance and role need to be further investigated.