Internal Organs Research Articles

A Study of Death Due to Railway Accidents: An Autopsy Based Cross Sectional Study Conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

A train accident is defined as “Collision, Derailment, or any other event involving the operation of n- track equipment”. To estimate the pattern of injuries in Railway Accidents and to estimate the Cause of death and Manner of death in Railway Accidents. The present study is conducted in Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Stanley Medical College from January 2020 to December 2020 in all the cases of Railway Accidents subjected to postmortem examination. During the study period, 61 cases were subjected for autopsy, the most common age group is 20 to 40 years. The most commonly injured organ is Brain followed by Liver and most of them died within 12 to 24 hours prior to post mortem examination. The railway fatalities were more of accidental in nature, less frequently suicidal and rarely homicidal. Internal organs commonly involved Brain followed by spinal cord, liver etc., It is also found that injuries to the upper half of the body are more common when compared to that of lower half of the body. The most common cause of death was hemorrhage shock from Multiple injuries, followed by Head injury, Thoracic injury, and Abdominal injury.

Retrospective analysis of pattern of injuries and cause of death in unclaimed dead bodies brought to Mortuary of Private Medical Institute

Introduction: Establishment of identity is required both in living and dead bodies and in both civil and criminal cases. Unclaimed body is defined as dead person who had no next of kin or no relative or no authorized representative willing to make final disposition of the remains.Aims and objective: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and distribution of injuries and to find out the cause of the death in unclaimed bodies.Material and methods: In this retrospective study all the autopsies of unclaimed body from September 2018 to August 2022 were included.Results: A total 75 unclaimed body were brought to mortuary for autopsy. Out of 75 cases, 65 (87%) were male and 10 (13 %) were female. Majority of unclaimed bodies in this study belonged to age group 40-50. Contusion on the body was most common type of external injury. Lower limb was most common body part for external injuries. Skull was most common site for fracture. Temporal and temporoparietal were most common cranial bone fractured. Mandible was most common facial bone fractured. Liver laceration was most common internal organ injured in unclaimed bodies. Subarachnoid haemorrhage was most common intracranial haemorrhage. Most common cause of death in the present study was haemorrhage and shock due to antemortem injury.Conclusions: Identification of unclaimed dead body need to be increased by police workforce. Bodies which are unclaimed should be brought to mortuary just after prompt investigation so that autopsy should be started before decomposition which may interfere with autopsy finding and even in identification of the unclaimed body. Colour photography, DNA sampling, finger printing and maintaining dental records should be done for every unclaimedbody.

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: From Bedside to Bench and Back Again.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis which affects the skin and internal organs. One key aspect of SSc vasculopathy is pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) which represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SSc. The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension is complex, with multiple vascular cell types, inflammation, and intracellular signaling pathways contributing to vascular pathology and remodeling. In this review, we focus on shared molecular features of pulmonary hypertension and those which make SSc-PAH a unique entity. We highlight advances in the understanding of the clinical and translational science pertinent to this disease. We first review clinical presentations and phenotypes, pathology, and novel biomarkers, and then highlight relevant animal models, key cellular and molecular pathways in pathogenesis, and explore emerging treatment strategies in SSc-PAH.

Treatment of abdominal pain due to deficiency syndrome of the spleen and stomach with Bian stone plus TCM iontophoresis: A case report.

Bian stone ironing and rubbing traditional Chinese medicine penetration method is based on the theory of regulating the middle and restoring balance. By using Bian stone to heat, ironing, and rubbing, pushing and rubbing in the epigastric area can regulate the spleen and stomach, restore the normal function of the middle jiao qi movement and the functions of the five organs. Bian stone hot ironing can harmonize stomach qi, nourish qi and assist yang, clear the internal organs and clear turbidity, regulate intestinal qi circulation, and promote qi stagnation. The VAS score for stomach pain is 6 points, and the SAS score is moderate anxiety, which seriously affects sleep and daily life. epigastric pain, spleen, and stomach deficiency cold syndrome. Easy to digest diet, Western medicine provides famotidine acid inhibiting and protecting gastric mucosa, and mosapride promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis medication treatment; Traditional Chinese Medicine provides oral administration of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang and traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as Bianchi Ironing and Moxibustion for treatment. The patient's symptoms of stomach pain have significantly improved, with a decrease in the epigastric pain score to 0, improved anxiety, reduced fatigue, improved sleep, improved epigastric fullness, unobstructed bowel movements, and improved quality of life. The patient is very satisfied. The method of using Bian stone ironing and rubbing traditional Chinese medicine to treat stomach pain caused by the spleen and stomach deficiency cold can alleviate the symptoms of stomach pain in patients, and the improvement of symptoms shows a gradual increase, with significant effects. At the same time, it significantly improves patient anxiety and fatigue symptoms and can increase the sample size in future work to further clarify its clinical effects.

Enhancing Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) production with Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae) in the south-west region of Cameroon

The study was designed to determine the effect of Thymus vulgaris leaf meal on the production of Archachatina marginata. Two hundred and twenty-four adults’ snails were divided into four treatments of 14 snails and four replicates. Treatment T0 received only the experimental diet while three other treatments received diet with different inclusion level of T. vulgaris leaf meal at 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. Feed and leave were quantified using an electronic weighing scale daily. The results obtained show that, feed intake was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in animals receiving 0.75% T. vulgaris compared to other treatments. Likewise, the values of heart, pedal mass were higher in animals receiving 0.25% inclusions of T. vulgaris in the diet. Low relative weight variations in the internal organs across treatments were observed but significant differences occurred regarding only the shell weight and ovotestis. The proximate analysis of snail flesh results obtains shows that dry matter was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in animals receiving 0.25% T. vulgaris in the diet. Minerals analyzed were also significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the inclusion of T. vulgaris in the diet. In conclusion, incorporation of T. vulgaris leaf powder at 0.25% can be recommended in the diet of snails.

Redox Pathogenesis in Rheumatic Diseases.

Despite being some of the most anecdotally well-known roads to pathogenesis, the mechanisms governing autoimmune rheumatic diseases are not yet fully understood. The overactivation of the cellular immune system and the characteristic development of autoantibodies have been linked to oxidative stress. Typical clinical manifestations, such as joint swelling and deformities and inflammation of the skin and internal organs, have also been connected directly or indirectly to redox mechanisms. The differences in generation and restraint of oxidative stress provide compelling evidence for the broad variety in pathology among rheumatic diseases and explain some of the common triggers and discordant manifestations in these diseases. Growing evidence of redox mechanisms in pathogenesis has provided a broad array of new potential therapeutic targets. Here, we explore the mechanisms by which oxidative stress is generated, explore its roles in autoimmunity and end-organ damage, and discuss how individual rheumatic diseases exhibit unique features that offer targets for therapeutic interventions.

Toxicity of vapor-gas flows from technogenic substance

The relevance. Vapor-gas flows from technogenic substances (storage wastes of the mining industry), carrying a high amount of potentially toxic elements, are a big problem for the environment and the population, because metals and metalloids in the composition of emanations are in an easily digestible bioavailable forms and are able to easily penetrate into living organisms. The main aim of this study is an assessment of toxicity for living organisms of air mixtures containing gaseous products emitted by a surfaces of mine tailings freely located near settlements and under the influence of climatic factors and microorganisms. Methods. Carrying out experiments with white rats male Wistar, analysis of organs for the content of a wide range of elements by ICP-MS on a NexION 300D mass spectrometer (PerkinElmer, USA) (PNL GGC IShPR TPU). In the experiment, a pooled sample of the waste substance was used. The sample was analyzed for the content of oxides of the silicate group by XRF using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer ARL-9900-XP (Thermo Electron Corporation, Switzerland) at the Laboratory of X-ray Spectral Analysis Methods of the IGM SB RAS; elemental analysis was carried out by ICP-MS using an ELAN-9000 DRC-e instrument Perkin Elmer, USA (HAC Plasma). Results. Under the influence of vapor-gas emanations from the substance of arsenide tailings of the Tuvacobalt plant on a group of rats male Wistar, pathological changes occurred in the experimental group. Small foci of hemorrhages formed in the lungs, the tissues became edematous and inflamed. The liver of all animals increased, the share structure became sharply expressed, the color became light beige. Single hemorrhages were found in the kidneys. The vessels of the meninges are dilated, petechial hemorrhages are observed. The synthetic function of cells and the stability of cellular and intracellular membranes were disrupted, first of all, the endothelium of blood vessels was affected, the physiological functioning of organs and tissues was disrupted with the accumulation of intermediate products of biochemical reactions, determined macroscopically. Also, dystrophy of internal organs was determined, in particular, the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Elemental analysis of animal organs showed the accumulation of toxic elements in comparison with the control group. The most characteristic elements, the excess of which was recorded in most cases, are mercury and arsenic. They were unevenly distributed throughout the organs. Mercury accumulated mainly in the lungs, kidneys and liver, while arsenic accumulated mainly in the liver and brain. This may indicate the entry of mercury and arsenic ions in a biologically available form into the bloodstream by inhalation, and local irritating and toxic effects on the lungs were not prevailing, and the liver was the most damaged organ according to the results of toxicochemical and morphological studies. The homeostasis of micro and macro elements is finely regulated, and any concentration imbalance in the form of a deficiency leads to a progressive decrease and disruption of normal biological function, to severe physiological and clinical outcomes, which we observed from the results of the experiment. The data obtained proved the acute toxic effect of vapor-gas flows on living organisms, and also confirmed the possibility of the removal of many chemical elements in easily accessible and assimilable forms.

Clinical features of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: A retrospective study in a reference centre of dermatology in Madagascar

AbstractBackgroundDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is drug‐induced hypersensitivity reaction that can have fatal complications. Three sets of diagnostic criteria have been proposed, however, consensus is lacking.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the causative agents, severity, and the clinical course of patients with DRESS in Antananarivo, Madagascar.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in patients seen for DRESS, in the department of dermatology at the University Hospital Antananarivo, Madagascar from 2014 to 2022. European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (RegiSCAR) criteria was used for the diagnosis. Demographic data, latency periods, clinical and laboratory findings, culprit drugs, and outcomes were assessed.ResultsA total of 24 patients were included. Fifteen patients were female. The three most common culprit drugs were carbamazepine (17 patients), phenobarbital (2 patients), and ampicilline (2 patients). Median onset time (interquartile range) was 20 days (range: 7–62 days). Skin rash was present in all patients, and fever in 18 patients. A total of 12 patients showed two or more internal organs involved. Liver and kidney injuries were the most common visceral manifestation. All patients had eosinophilia. Fifteen patients received systemic corticosteroids. Two mortality cases were reported due to DRESS‐related fulminant liver failure and to nosocomial respiratory infection. Mortality was associated with higher eosinophilia (p = 0.03), higher creatininemia (p = 0.04), and shorter time of latency (p = 0.04).ConclusionsOur study show that DRESS is associated with severe morbidity. Early detection and withdrawal of the culprit dru gis crucial to save life and reduce morbidity.

An Analysis of the Anomalous Fissure of the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis: A Morphological Perspective in the North Indian Population.

Background The liver, being the largest internal organ of the body shows a variety of gross morphological variations about lobes, fissures and processes which may be clinically significant. Among various anatomical variations, the most found is the variant fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis.The present study was done to classify, review, compare and discuss the literature for anomalies in fissures for ligamentum teres hepatis. Methods A total of 100 formalin-preserved human livers were obtained from the Department of Anatomy of King George's Medical University, Lucknow, and studied for one year. Result In our study, 15% of the liver showed morphological variations in fissures for ligamentum teres hepatis. These were classified into four types. In type I (2%), the fissure was converted into a tunnel by pons hepatis. In type II (3%), there was an incomplete fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis extending into the diaphragmatic surface.In type III (4%), there was an incomplete fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis present only on the visceral surface. In type IV (6%), the fissure was covered by a thin membrane. Conclusion In this study of the North Indian population, 15% ofliver have gross morphological variations. So thorough anatomical knowledge of the existence of variant or abnormal surface features on the liver isimperativeto understanding the underlying pathology for radiologists and surgeons so that a favorable outcome can be achieved.

Using <i>Origanum vulgare</i> L. in the floor management of chickens as an element of organic poultry farming

The article provides the results of the use of dried Origanum vulgare mass as an additional component of bedding material in chickens of the Hubbard Redbro M meat-and-egg cross. Origanum vulgare dried mass was added at the rate of 0.5 kg per experimental group daily from the age of 45 days after the transfer of chickens to floor management. The number of heads for each group was 35. The live weight advantage at the age of 2 months of the experimental group of chickens over the control group is 102.5 g, at 75 days of age is 216.5 g, at 90 days of age is 326.0 g and at the age of 105 days is 403.0 g. The SBA increased at the background of the S. aureus test culture: there was a significant suppression of colonies in the first five hours of exposure, and at the background of the E. coli test culture there was a suppression throughout the entire study period. The intensification of metabolic processes was noted in chickens of the experimental group, due to increased protein metabolism, liver and kidney enzymes of blood serum, which was also associated with an increased concentration of thyroid hormones. All these factors made it possible to raise significantly the gain in live weight by an average of 0.11 kg, which increased the slaughter weight by 8.4 %. Almost all indicators of the development of internal organs in chickens of group II are within significant limits of the difference compared with the control group.

P156 Type I interferon is raised across connective tissue diseases and is associated with haematological abnormalities and specific autoantibody profiles

Abstract Background/Aims The overlapping clinical and serological features among connective tissue diseases (CTDs) suggest a shared molecular aetiology. A molecular taxonomy of CTDs offers new opportunities in clinical trial design, which can potentially be translated into targeted treatment. In a previous study of 164 patients, we identified a type I interferon (IFN) positive subgroup within an unselected CTD cohort associated with specific clinical and serological features. Here, we aim to investigate the relationship between type I IFN and the clinical and immunological phenotype in a larger CTD cohort and determine whether a distinct subpopulation of patients can be identified. Methods Adult patients with at least 1 CTD clinical feature and CTD-related autoantibody were recruited from five rheumatology centres in North West England into the Lupus Extended Autoimmune Phenotype (LEAP) cohort. A 24-gene interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) score was calculated using NanoString as described by Neasens et al. 2022. Results Most patients had lupus (36%). 160 of 344 (46.5%) patients had a positive ISG score across all CTDs with 64/125 (51%) of lupus patients (Fig.1). Patients with positive ISG score were younger and had longer disease duration (p < 0.005 for both). There were no differences in mucocutaneous or internal organ involvement between the ISG subgroups. The ISG-positive group had significantly increased frequency of specific autoantibodies (anti-Smith, anti-Chromatin, anti-RNP, anti-Ro) and Rheumatoid Factor, and haematological abnormalities (lower haemoglobin, and lower total white cell and neutrophil counts) in an adjusted model including the CTD subtype. Conclusion In CTD patients, IFN type I positivity was identified across a subset of patients of all CTDs and is associated with specific autoantibodies and haematological parameters; these results support the findings of our previous smaller study. The identification of an IFN I-positive subgroup within an unselected CTD regardless of clinical diagnosis supports a molecular-based approach to treatment. Disclosure A. Madenidou: Grants/research support; Janssen and UCB. G.I. Rice: None. S. Dyball: Grants/research support; UCB, Novartis,Eli Lilly. B. Parker: Honoraria; Fresenius-Kabi and AbbVie. Member of speakers’ bureau; Eli Lilly and Roche. Grants/research support; Genzyme/Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. T.A. Briggs: Grants/research support; Janssen. I.N. Bruce: Consultancies; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Serono and UCB. Member of speakers’ bureau; AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and UCB. Grants/research support; Genzyme/Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Novartis, Janssen and UCB.

Acute Lung Injury after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Narrative Review.

Although cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes lifesaving maneuvers, it might be associated with a wide spectrum of iatrogenic injuries. Among these, acute lung injury (ALI) is frequent and yields significant challenges to post-cardiac arrest recovery. Understanding the relationship between CPR and ALI is determinant for refining resuscitation techniques and improving patient outcomes. This review aims to analyze the existing literature on ALI following CPR, emphasizing prevalence, clinical implications, and contributing factors. The review seeks to elucidate the pathogenesis of ALI in the context of CPR, assess the efficacy of CPR techniques and ventilation strategies, and explore their impact on post-cardiac arrest outcomes. CPR-related injuries, ranging from skeletal fractures to severe internal organ damage, underscore the complexity of managing post-cardiac arrest patients. Chest compression, particularly when prolonged and vigorous, i.e., mechanical compression, appears to be a crucial factor contributing to ALI, with the concept of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-associated lung edema (CRALE) gaining prominence. Ventilation strategies during CPR and post-cardiac arrest syndrome also play pivotal roles in ALI development. The recognition of CPR-related lung injuries, especially CRALE and ALI, highlights the need for research on optimizing CPR techniques and tailoring ventilation strategies during and after resuscitation.

Toupet fundoplication to prevent progression of scleroderma-associated interstitial lung damage: a study protocol

Summary Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune and multiorgan disorder. Hallmarks of the disease include inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of fibroblasts leading to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The esophagus is often involved, with up to 80% of patients developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux can be associated with hiatal hernia and several complications such as erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, aspiration pneumonia, and chronic microaspiration. Silent aspiration can lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in up to 50% of patients with scleroderma and accounts for up to 40% of mortality. Treatment of GERD in patients with SSc is challenging. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been shown effective in relieving typical GERD symptoms, but up to 40% of patients are non-responders. Various antireflux surgical procedures have been proposed to treat GERD and to modify the natural course of the disease by preventing lung damage in these patients. However, current algorithms consider only the degree of esophageal dilation as a marker of disease severity/progression, and results of antireflux surgery remain controversial. Methods We propose a feasibility, observational, multicenter, single-arm trial including adult patients diagnosed with SSc. Criteria for inclusion are individuals with GERD symptoms refractory to PPI, absence of peptic stricture at baseline endoscopy, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan showing no or less than 10% lung fibrosis, forced vital capacity at least 40% of the predicted value, and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide 30–89% of the predicted value. A laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication according to the Toupet technique will be performed. Primary study outcome is the efficacy of fundoplication to reduce reflux exposure measured with a pH-impedance study or 4‑day wireless pH recording. Secondary outcomes include endoscopic, HRCT, and respiratory function tests findings as well as quality of life at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions The expected reduction of reflux burden in SSc patients selected for Toupet fundoplication may improve GERD symptoms/complications, pulmonary function, and quality of life, and may be associated with a reduced risk for lung transplant.

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma agalactiae from various specimens of goats

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) by bacteriological methods and to reveal the prevalence of the disease in a goat farm with pneumonia, mastitis and arthritis symptoms and deaths. This study was carried out in a Saanen goat farm in Isparta province between January 2015 and January 2017. Samples (milk, intra-articular fluid, internal organs of deceased animals) were brought to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Microbiology Laboratory and examined by bacteriological methods. Blood samples were collected from 813 goats in aged 1-6 years in the goat farm. Blood sera were tested for Mycoplasma agalactiae with a commercial ELISA kit (IDEXX, France) according to the kit instructions. Mycoplasma colonies were isolated from all samples. As a result of serological examination, 83 (10.2%) animals were positive, 9 (1.1%) animals were suspicious, and the rest were negative by ELISA. The seropositivity of M. agalactiae was ranged from 5.1 % to 28.7% according to age, and it was found quite high in three-year-old animals. With this study, it was determined that the seroprevalance of M. agalactiae is quite high in goats aged three years and above, it can be detected of M. agalactiae in animals that do not show clinical symptoms using ELISA and can be used in eradication of the disease from flocks.

Long-term effects of iopamidol as a contrast medium for computed tomography in Cloudy Catsharks Scyliorhinus torazame.

The use of computed tomography (CT) in aquarium animals, including elasmobranchs, has increased dramatically. To take advantage of CT, contrast medium is used to enhance internal organs and provide contrast since elasmobranchs lack visceral fat. In this study, the contrast effects of iopamidol were examined for up to 260 days after intravenous administration to establish the time course of the CT values for the target organs in eight mature Cloudy Catsharks Scyliorhinus torazame. A micro-CT system was used to measure the CT values of the designated region of interest in the target organs (ventricular cavity, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, ovarian follicles, uterine horn cavity)over time and the eggs laid, following administration of iopamidol (700 mg of iodine/kg). The CT values of the ventricular cavity and kidneys peaked at 30 min and showed low values after day 22. The CT values for the liver increased over time and peaked at day 200, whereas values for the gallbladder and ovarian follicles peaked on day 6, with the gallbladder showing a low value and the ovarian follicles still showing a high value on day 260. Computed tomography images with identifiable enhancement within bilateral uterine horns were followed from days 1 to 35. The mean and maximum CT values of yolk and jelly in eggs laid after day 30 were significantly higher than the values for eggs laid up to day 29; embryonic development was confirmed in 88.7% of the eggs. There was no mortality or morbidity of the sharks during the experiment, indicating that the administration of iopamidol at 700 mg of iodine/kg did not result in any adverse effects for 260 days. This is the first study to describe the long-term contrast effects of iopamidol, thus contributing new information about the application of contrast studies in Cloudy Catsharks.

Autonomous fetal morphology scan: deep learning + clustering merger – the second pair of eyes behind the doctor

The main cause of fetal death, of infant morbidity or mortality during childhood years is attributed to congenital anomalies. They can be detected through a fetal morphology scan. An experienced sonographer (with more than 2000 performed scans) has the detection rate of congenital anomalies around 52%. The rates go down in the case of a junior sonographer, that has the detection rate of 32.5%. One viable solution to improve these performances is to use Artificial Intelligence. The first step in a fetal morphology scan is represented by the differentiation process between the view planes of the fetus, followed by a segmentation of the internal organs in each view plane. This study presents an Artificial Intelligence empowered decision support system that can label anatomical organs using a merger between deep learning and clustering techniques, followed by an organ segmentation with YOLO8. Our framework was tested on a fetal morphology image dataset that regards the fetal abdomen. The experimental results show that the system can correctly label the view plane and the corresponding organs on real-time ultrasound movies.Trial registrationThe study is registered under the name “Pattern recognition and Anomaly Detection in fetal morphology using Deep Learning and Statistical Learning (PARADISE)”, project number 101PCE/2022, project code PN-III-P4-PCE-2021–0057. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, unique identifying number NCT05738954, date of registration 02.11.2023.

Bioresorbable, wireless, passive sensors for continuous pH measurements and early detection of gastric leakage.

Continuous monitoring of biomarkers at locations adjacent to targeted internal organs can provide actionable information about postoperative status beyond conventional diagnostic methods. As an example, changes in pH in the intra-abdominal space after gastric surgeries can serve as direct indicators of potentially life-threatening leakage events, in contrast to symptomatic reactions that may delay treatment. Here, we report a bioresorbable, wireless, passive sensor that addresses this clinical need, designed to locally monitor pH for early detection of gastric leakage. A pH-responsive hydrogel serves as a transducer that couples to a mechanically optimized inductor-capacitor circuit for wireless readout. This platform enables real-time monitoring of pH with fast response time (within 1 hour) over a clinically relevant period (up to 7 days) and timely detection of simulated gastric leaks in animal models. These concepts have broad potential applications for temporary sensing of relevant biomarkers during critical risk periods following diverse types of surgeries.

A semiparametric Gaussian mixture model for chest CT-based 3D blood vessel reconstruction.

Computed tomography (CT) has been a powerful diagnostic tool since its emergence in the 1970s. Using CT data, 3D structures of human internal organs and tissues, such as blood vessels, can be reconstructed using professional software. This 3D reconstruction is crucial for surgical operations and can serve as a vivid medical teaching example. However, traditional 3D reconstruction heavily relies on manual operations, which are time-consuming, subjective, and require substantial experience. To address this problem, we develop a novel semiparametric Gaussian mixture model tailored for the 3D reconstruction of blood vessels. This model extends the classical Gaussian mixture model by enabling nonparametric variations in the component-wise parameters of interest according to voxel positions. We develop a kernel-based expectation-maximization algorithm for estimating the model parameters, accompanied by a supporting asymptotic theory. Furthermore, we propose a novel regression method for optimal bandwidth selection. Compared to the conventional cross-validation-based (CV) method, the regression method outperforms the CV method in terms of computational and statistical efficiency. In application, this methodology facilitates the fully automated reconstruction of 3D blood vessel structures with remarkable accuracy.

Pulmonary function in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis; a single center 6-year retrospective study

Background Interstitial lung fibrosis is a major cause of internal organ involvement and the leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of pulmonary function (PF) in Thai patients with SSc and the association between PF and body mass index (BMI) and anti-topoisomerase (anti-Scl70). Methods All patients diagnosed with SSc in our tertiary care teaching hospital database between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and PF were recorded and analyzed. Results Of 211 SSc patients, 128 patients who underwent the PF test were enrolled; 102 (79.7%) were female. The mean (SD) age was 54.0 (12.5) years. The mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was 0.8 (0.1). The mean (SD) % predicted values of FEV1, FVC, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were 76.3 (16.3), 69.1 (15.8), and 75.5 (22.8), respectively. A restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP), defined as FVC < 80% predicted, was found in 78.8% of the patients. DLCO had a moderate positive linear correlation with FVC (r=0.50, p <0.001) and a moderate negative linear correlation with BMI (r=-0.36, p <0.001). However, there was no correlation between FVC and BMI. There was no statistical difference in demographic data or the presence of anti-Scl70 among patients with or without RSP. Conclusions RSP is common among Thai patients with SSc. Spirometry is a cost-effective screening tool for detecting SSc-related pulmonary involvement in resource-limited settings. However, the power of using demographic data and the presence of anti-Scl70 to determine the probability of pulmonary complications remains limited.

EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF DIC SYNDROME

Experiments were performed on 30 rabbits. DIC-syndrome was modeled with the drug "Efa-2", made on the basis of the poison of the multi-scaled snake Efa. The obtained experimental model corresponds to the subacute form of the course of DIC-syndrome, which lasts an average of 19 days and in which four stages of the development of the latter can be clearly traced. At the same time, changes developed in the internal organs of the experimental animals, which make it possible to state a violation of microcirculation, which is typical for DIC syndrome.