Normal Parameters Research Articles

Evaluation of plasmid pBI143 for its optimal concentration methods, seasonal impact, and potential as a normalization parameter in wastewater-based epidemiology.

Plasmid pBI143, abundant in the human gut, is a promising human-specific fecal marker. However, studies on its optimal concentration methods, seasonal variations, and potential as a normalization parameter for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remain limited. Among the three concentration methods compared, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and centrifugation demonstrated comparable efficiencies (9.3±0.6 and 9.2±0.6 log10 copies/L, respectively; n=8 each), outperforming membrane filtration (8.0±0.6 log10 copies/L; n=8). PEG precipitation was further applied to quantify pBI143, together with other human-specific fecal markers (crAssphage and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)), in 52 wastewater samples collected weekly over a one year from a wastewater treatment plant in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The higher pBI143 concentrations (9.6±0.5 log10 copies/L) compared to PMMoV (8.2±0.2 log10 copies/L) and crAssphage (8.0±0.2 log10 copies/L) highlighted its potential as a robust marker for human fecal contamination. Unlike PMMoV and crAssphage that remained stable across seasons, pBI143 showed seasonal fluctuations, especially during summer and autumn, suggesting its greater sensitivity to environmental conditions. The study evaluated the suitability of pBI143, crAssphage, and PMMoV for normalizing SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater; however, non-normalized SARS-CoV-2 concentrations showed the highest correlation with COVID-19 cases (ρ=0.74), whereas normalization reduced this correlation (PMMoV-normalized, ρ=0.72; crAssphage-normalized, ρ=0.70; and pBI143-normalized, ρ=0.50), likely due to differences in the persistence and structural properties of the markers, indicating that these markers are less effective for SARS-CoV-2 normalization. This study underscores the promising utility of pBI143 in wastewater surveillance but highlights the need for further research across diverse regions to validate its applicability.

Trichoscopic Analysis of Healthy Indian Males for Standardization of the Measurable Parameters: An Observational, Cross-sectional Study.

Trichoscopy is a simple, noninvasive tool to help in the diagnosis of various hair and scalp disorders. There is paucity of data on the normal trichoscopic parameters of hair density and diameter in the Indian population. The aim of this study was to establish the trichoscopic patterns of hair and scalp in healthy Indian males and to provide a framework for future reference. Quantitative trichoscopic analysis using a videodermoscope was done on healthy Indian males with no hair/scalp complaints. Images were taken from four areas: frontal, occipital, and both temporal areas, under 20x and 70x magnification. The following parameters were analyzed by the software: hair density and thickness; percentage of thin, medium, and thick hairs; percentage of anagen and telogen hairs; vellus hair density and hair count; follicular unit density; percentage of follicular hair units; single, double, triple, and four hairs per follicular unit; and distribution and pattern of scalp vasculature. A total of 120 healthy males were recruited in the study with a mean age of 24.6 years. The hair density was the highest in the frontal and occipital areas, while the hair thickness was similar in all the sites evaluated. The follicular unit density was the highest in the frontal and occipital areas with the temporal area having the highest number of single hair follicular units. The scalp vasculature varied with the area examined, the most common pattern being the pin-point type. It was a hospital-based study with a relatively small sample size. The software used in the study cannot detect gray hairs. Our study has attempted to fill the gaps in the medical literature by proposing comparable reference values for trichoscopy in healthy Indian males.

Effectiveness of late and very late antivenom administration on recovery from snakebite-induced coagulopathy in French Guiana: a population-based study.

Snakebite (SB) envenoming is an acute emergency requiring early care delivery. However, sometimes, patients can take several hours before receiving antivenom (AV). We conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of antivenom in the recovery of clotting parameters in patients consulting tardily after SB envenoming in French Guiana. The primary endpoint of our study was to investigate the time needed from SB to recovery from SB-induced coagulopathy. The secondary endpoint was to investigate the time needed from AV administration to recovery from SB-induced coagulopathy in patients receiving AV (late or very late administration). This prospective observational study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Cayenne General Hospital between January 2016 and September 2023. We included all patients hospitalized for SB envenoming who either did not receive AV or received it more than 6h after SB. We excluded patients who received antivenom in less than 6h from the SB and those who received incomplete AV doses. We included 58 patients in the No AV group, 51 in the late AV group (6h≤AV<12h), and 50 in the very late AV group (AV≥12h). The median age of patients was 42 years (IQR: 29-53), 65.4% were male and 34.6% were female (104 and 55 out of 159 patients) without difference regarding the demographic parameters between groups. Data regarding ethnicity was not available. The median time from SB to AV was 8.5h (IQR: 6.9-10) in the late AV group and 21.1h (IQR: 16.7-27.4) in the very late AV group (p<0.001). The time from SB to normal clotting parameters was shorter in patients receiving late AV than in those receiving very late AV and those not receiving AV. No differences were observed in the time from SB and recovery of fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) between very late AV and no AV. However, the International Normalized Ratio (INR) recovery was shorter in the very late AV group than in the no AV group. On the other hand, the time from AV to normal fibrinogen was shorter in patients receiving very late AV than in patients receiving late AV (Log-Rank=0.020). Meanwhile, the time from AV to normal INR or normal aPTT was similar in patients receiving very late AV compared to patients receiving late AV (Log-Rank=0.722 and 0.740, respectively). Late AV administration effectively reverses coagulopathic manifestations after SB envenoming. However, very late AV administration did not improve the correction of some clotting parameters when compared to patients not receiving AV. Our findings could be explained by the combination of venom toxicokinetics and the kinetics of the synthesis of clotting factors. No funding.

Association of daily body temperature, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein with mortality and persistent bacteremia in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a post-hoc analysis of the CAMERA2 randomized clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Classification of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) as complicated versus uncomplicated is based on a combination of clinical and microbiologic variables. Whether daily body temperature and common laboratory tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) can improve risk stratification algorithms is unclear. Methods We conducted a post-hoc secondary analysis of the CAMERA2 trial, which enrolled hospitalized adult patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteremia and prospectively collected daily body temperature and peripheral blood WBC and CRP. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of each parameter by calculating crude and adjusted odds ratios for 90-day all-cause mortality comparing patients with the abnormal parameter of interest vs those with normal parameters on each day of illness. Results 345 patients were included in this analysis, of whom 63 (18.3%) died within 90 days. Fever (body temperature ≥38.0) was associated with increased odds of 90-day mortality from day 4 and onwards. Fever later in the illness course was associated with higher adjusted odds of mortality (aOR 8.78, 95% CI 2.78–27.7 on day 7 vs aOR 3.70, 95% CI 1.58–8.67 on day 4). In contrast, CRP and abnormal WBC count did not demonstrate a consistent or temporal association with mortality. Conclusion Persistent fever after 72 hours is associated with increased mortality in patients with MRSA bacteremia, supporting recommendations that this should be kept as a criterion for classifying patients as either “high-risk” or “complicated”. Within this dataset, there was limited additional predictive value in WBC or CRP.

Clinicopathological and in Silico Insights into Male Infertility: Agerelated Trends and Anti-sperm Antibodies Post COVID-19 Vaccination.

Infertility was often considered a female issue, but male infertility emerged significantly after the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, assessments are crucial for planning policies on health care and family planning and reasons thereof post vaccinations. The present study was a case-control, dual-centers, prospective study with normal sperm parameters. Semen samples collected by masturbation for idiopathic reasons were conducted at King Abdulaziz University with 133 samples, followed by molecular modeling via interaction between IZUMO1, Alpha2A adrenergic receptor, and Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 protein with IgA antibody produced post vaccination/infection. The infertile males under 30 (21%), 31-40 (50%), 41-50 (24%) and over 50 (5%), with altered sperm motility grades are A (8.45%), B (11.1%), C (15.8%), and D (59.8%) were reported. Liquefaction times range from 36 to 30 minutes by age, with abnormal sperm percentages between 43.85% and 46.33%. Protein molecular interaction between IZUMO1, Alpha2A adrenergic receptor, and Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 protein with IgA antibody shows cumulative length of 25.354 Å, 39.049 Å, and 41.999 Å, respectively, with significant interaction between atoms chain, amino acid, marked variation in bond length. Male infertility peaks at 31-40 years, with lowering in men aged 41-50 years, IgA antibody reduced sperm motility, causing immunogenic infertility exacerbated post-Covid-19 vaccination or infection. Interaction of IgA and various receptors produced stable interactive molecules of IgA and proteins on sperm, affecting motility, aliquefication, and abnormal sperm percentage disturbing the normal dynamics of sperm cells opening a new dimension of infertility among males.

Association of left atrial strain with hypertension in pregnancy: a prospective observational study.

Abstract Introduction Maternal hypertension, be it gestational or pre-existing, has been a health concern throughout the modern world. Although advances in healthcare have drastically improved the outcome of pregnancies in the past decade or so, the increasing age of expectant mothers, as well as the prevalence of hypertension in the general population and its associated complications, have dealt a different dilemma for current medical practitioners. Hypertension was documented as the 3rd third leading cause of maternal mortality in the Philippines. Studies also showed that Filipinos, when compared to their other Asian counterparts, have a higher incidence of maternal hypertension and its complications. Left atrial strain, a non-invasive, early marker of diastolic dysfunction, has been studied as predictor of chronicity of cases of gestational hypertension. As of writing of this paper, no local study using left atrial strain has been conducted on Filipino people, less so for pregnant women. Hence, further investigation to determine the baseline values and the effect of hypertension in left atrial strain in this population is warranted. Objectives This study aims to determine the relationship between left atrial strain using 2D echocardiogram and the presence of hypertension in pregnant Filipino women. Methods This was a single center, prospective, cross-sectional observational study involving pregnant patients seen at a tertiary hospital. The primary endpoint was the difference in left atrial strain and compliance between hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects. For comparison, demographics and other systolic and diastolic echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. A sub-analysis between gestational and chronic hypertensive patients was also done. Results Twenty-six pregnant patients between 20 to 38 weeks age of gestation were divided into hypertensive (n=7) and normotensive (n=19) groups. Age (p=0.938), gestational age (p=0.909), and other co-morbidities were comparable between both groups. The left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) was significantly lower in hypertensive patients (32.15 ± 6.17%) compared to normotensive patients (43.85 ± 4.50%), indicating impaired left atrial function in hypertensive individuals (p&amp;lt;0.001). Left atrial compliance was also significantly lower in the hypertensive group (p=0.006), suggestive of elevated filling pressure. Comparison between gestational (n=2) and chronic hypertensive patients (n=5) yielded minimal difference in strain values. Conclusion Aside from the physiologic decrease in left atrial strain in pregnancy, the presence of hypertension further decreases left atrial function, specifically, the left atrial reservoir strain and compliance, despite normal standard echo parameters. Its implication on the future cardiac complication requires further investigation. LA strain: Normotensive pregnant woman LA strain: Hypertensive pregnant woman

PPARγ Expression in Human Spermatozoa and Its Relationship with Seminal F2-Isoprostanes and Resolvin D1 in the Presence of Varicocele and Urogenital Infections

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) is a regulating agent in antioxidant response also involved in controlling inflammation. The impact of varicocele and urogenital infections on sperm PPARγ expression was studied. The PPARγ gene expression was investigated in spermatozoa of 26 normozoospermic men grouped according to their clinical conditions: normal semen parameters (N), normal semen parameters and varicocele (N + V), and normal semen parameters and urogenital infections (N + UI). Sperm PPARγ expression was correlated with F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), as markers of lipid peroxidation, and Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a pro-resolving mediator in inflammation. Sperm PPARγ expression was evaluated through comparative real-time PCR, and F2-IsoPs and RvD1 were quantified in the seminal plasma via GC/NCI-MS/MS and immunoassay, respectively. PPARγ expression correlates positively with sperm morphology and vitality and negatively with F2-IsoPs and RvD1. Sperm morphology positively correlates with vitality and negatively with F2-IsoP and RvD1 levels. Despite the normozoospermia in the three examined groups, sperm morphology and PPARγ expression were significantly reduced in N + V and N + UI groups compared to the N group. Additionally, F2-IsoP and RvD1 levels were elevated in N + V and N + UI patients. These data suggest that PPARγ expression is compromised by inflammation and lipoperoxidation, providing new insights to further explore new possibilities of targeted treatment of male infertility.

Automated mechanical ventilator design and analysis using neural network

Mechanical ventilation is the process through which breathing support is provided to patients who face inconvenience during respiration. During the pandemic, many people were suffering from lung disorders, which elevated the demand for mechanical ventilators. The handling of mechanical ventilators is to be done under the assistance of trained professionals and demands the selection of ideal parameters. In this work, a computer-aided simulation of ventilator design is performed for clinical complications like pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is validated against normal ventilatory parameters. The parameters such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiration to expiration ratio (I: E) are considered as control values to check the stability of the mechanical ventilator for stern performance. The check valves 1 and 2 governed by the control parameters provide optimal volume that must be sent inside the tracheal region. The hyperparameters are tuned using a low intricate feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The trained features serve as input to the sensors present in the mimicked lung model. The performance metrics of FFNN during the training and testing phases substantiate the optimal performance of the ventilator. The simulation and validation results indicate that the designed ventilator system is stable and effective for clinical use, providing optimal respiratory support for patients with pneumonia and COPD.

Mental health assessment using Power BI: Development and application of a dashboard for companies

This study focused on the creation and application of a mental health dashboard using Microsoft Power BI and the DASS-21 scale to assess levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in two companies: a productive one and a service one. The implemented methodology comprised three main phases: the creation of Google Forms to collect data, the execution of the ETL process in Power BI, and the configuration of the dashboard. The results showed that the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in both organizations were mostly within normal parameters. However, specific working areas and employees with critical levels of these disorders were identified, providing each company with the information necessary to take appropriate measures. The analysis by working areas revealed significant differences between departments, highlighting the importance of adapting wellness strategies to the specific needs of each section. The use of the Power BI dashboard proved to be an effective tool not only for general monitoring but also for the precise identification of risk areas and the application of preventive and corrective measures.

Measuring the matter fluctuations in the Local Universe with the ALFALFA catalogue

Abstract The standard model of cosmology describes the matter fluctuations through the matter power spectrum, where σ8 ≡ σ8, 0 ≡ σ8(z = 0), defined at the scale of 8 h−1 Mpc, acts as a normalisation parameter. Currently, the literature reports measurements of σ8 analysing different cosmic tracers, where some of these results were obtained assuming a fiducial cosmology. In this study we measure, in a model-independent approach, the matter fluctuations in the Local Universe using HI extragalactic sources mapped by the ALFALFA survey. Our analyses allow us to test the standard cosmological model under extreme conditions in the highly non-linear Local Universe, quantifying the amplitude of the matter fluctuations there. Our work directly measures σ8 using the 3-dimensional distances of the HI sources determined by the ALFALFA survey without assuming a fiducial cosmology, resulting in a robust model-independent measurement of σ8. Our methodology involves the construction of suitable mock catalogues to simulate the large scale structure features observed in the data, applying the 2-point correlation function, and making use of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to estimate the parameters. Analysing these data we measure σ8 = 0.78 ± 0.04 for h = 0.6727, σ8 = 0.80 ± 0.05 for h = 0.698, and σ8 = 0.83 ± 0.05 for h = 0.7304. Considering the data pairs (σ8, H0) from the Planck CMB and ACT CMB-lensing analyses, our measurement agrees with them within 1 σ confidence level. From a model-independent perspective, we find that the scale where the matter fluctuation is 1, is R = 7.2 ± 1.5 Mpc.

Central Catheter Complicated with Fatal Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient under Chronic Hemodialysis: A Case Report

Introduction: The use of central venous catheter is a common practice in hemodialysis in Mali. Its use exposes to risks such as infection, stenosis, thrombosis among others. Pulmonary embolism is a rare but serious complication. The aim of our work was to offer advice on the diagnosis, risk factors, treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis following the placement of a central catheter. Observation: This was a 56-year-old woman, a housewife living in the city of Bamako. She had been on chronic hemodialysis for 6 months due to nephroangiosclerosis, at a rate of two four-hour sessions per week through a right femoral catheter. Before her hospitalization, she had a fever, physical asthenia, anorexia, a feeling of heavy leg on the right and abdominal pain. The clinical examination found a conscious patient, with little color and normal parameters, a swelling of the right leg with pain and redness. The biological assessment revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, Procalcitonin at 2.75ng/l. The Doppler of the right lower limb confirmed deep vein thrombosis. The pulsed cardiac Doppler and the ECG confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Curative treatment of venous thrombosis was started. The immediate aftermath was marked by respiratory problems requiring oxygen therapy, acute circulatory failure syndrome with coldness of the extremities. The outcome was unfavorable with the death of the patient. Conclusion: The use of central venous catheter for hemodialysis as first-line treatment remains frequent in Mali. Patients should benefit from increased monitoring and prophylactic treatment to prevent the occurrence of thromboembolic events.

Isolated ocular involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with optic nerve infiltration: An indicator of relapse! - Case series

The ophthalmic evaluation may indicate early relapses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) even in the presence of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, blood, and bone marrow parameters. A high degree of suspicion in patients having visual dysfunction in ALL may help in early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. We present a case series of five ALL patients with optic nerve head (ONH) involvement as the first sign of central nervous system (CNS) relapse with normal CSF, blood, and bone marrow parameters Though it is difficult to objectively specify a window period during which initiation of treatment can maximize the chances of visual recovery, we can emphasize that prompt initiation of treatment (preferably not exceeding more than a week interval) might have a more favorable visual outcome. We present a case series of five ALL patients with ONH involvement as the first sign of CNS relapse with normal CSF, blood, and bone marrow parameters.

Safety and efficacy of oral edible bird’s nest supplementation: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits for Arabian race stallions during exercise

Background and Aim: Exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation adversely affect the health and performance of athletic horses. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of edible bird’s nest (EBN) supplementation and its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in Arabian race stallions during exercise. Key objectives included assessing EBN’s impact on hepatic and renal function, hematological profiles, and sialic acid (SA) levels. Materials and Methods: Two experiments were conducted on 18 Arabian stallions. In Experiment 1, six healthy stallions were divided into control (n = 2) and EBN-supplemented groups (n = 4) to assess safety. The treatment group received 10 g of EBN daily for 12 days. Vital signs, hematological parameters, and organ function markers were monitored. In Experiment 2, 12 stallions were divided into three groups: EBN (n = 3), Premier E® (n = 3), and control (n = 6). The exercise regimen included a daily 10-min walk, 10-min canter (30 km/h), and 10-min walk for 30 days. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices and SA levels pre- and post-exercise. Results: In Experiment 1, EBN supplementation demonstrated no adverse effects, maintaining normal hematological and vital parameters. Kidney and liver function tests revealed significantly reduced creatine kinase, total bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the EBN group. Experiment 2 showed higher SA levels post-exercise in the EBN group (p &lt; 0.05) compared to Premier E® and control groups, suggesting enhanced anti-inflammatory response. Hematological indices, including mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, and platelet counts, were significantly improved in the EBN group, indicating potential immunomodulatory benefits. Conclusion: EBN supplementation is safe and offers anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in Arabian race stallions, reducing exercise-induced hepatic and muscular stress markers while enhancing recovery. These findings support EBN as a valuable dietary supplement for performance horses. Further studies should explore long-term effects and molecular mechanisms to optimize its use in equine sports. Keywords: anti-inflammatory, arabian race stallions, edible bird’s nest, exercise stress, immunomodulatory.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF A-PRF AND ENAMEL MATRIX PROTEINS IN THE STABILIZATION OF REGIONAL HEMODYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS II, II-III DEGREE

The severity of changes in local hemodynamics makes it possible to assess the severity of the pathological process and the effectiveness of the treatment of the disease. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of complex treatment of patients with generalized periodontitis II, II-III stage of development by using the enamel matrix protein drug "Emdogain" and the APRF technique. Materials and methods. 65 people aged 34-59 years with a diagnosis of generalized periodontitis (GP) II, II-III degrees took part in the study. Depending on the method of treatment, patients were divided into four groups. Rheographic studies were carried out using the rheographic computer complex "RHEOTEST" DXSystems and the program "Ascold / DX-Complex Regina 2000" / InitRegina. exe. Results and Discussion. Disorders of local hemodynamics and violations of the rheological properties of blood were observed in all patients with generalized periodontitis II, II-III degree. The analysis of qualitative indicators indicated a deviation from the normal configuration of the rheogram with a steep anakrota, a sharp peak and a smooth, sloping descending part. The values of the quantitative parameters of the patients' rheogram before treatment also differed significantly from the normal parameters. The lowest efficiency of treatment was observed in patients of the 1st group. 6 months after surgery, the RI value increased by 1.6 times, and the EBFI increased by 1.2 times. The average value of VTI decreased by 4.35%, PRI by 10.14%, VOI – by 5.04%. 12 months after the operation, deterioration of quantitative and qualitative indicators was observed. There was a positive trend compared to the data before surgery, but the results of the treatment were significantly different from the norm. In patients of the II group, after 6 months, a significant increase in RI and EBFI was observed by 2.1 and 1.5 times, respectively. Average values of VTI (by 7.43%), PRI (by 6.22%) and VOI (by 4.64%) decreased. After 12 months, a slight deterioration of rheographic indicators was observed compared to the results 6 months after the operation. In group III, after 3 and 6 months, similar dynamics were observed as in group II. The most pronounced changes were observed in patients of IV group. 6 months after treatment, the average values of RI and EBFI increased by 2.3 and 1.6 times, respectively. VTI, PRI and VOI decreased by 8.74%, 11.39% and 7.44%. After 12 months, the quantitative indicators were not significantly different compared to the indicators after 6 months.

Thermally Solvent-Free Cross-Linked pH/Thermosensitive Hydrogels as Smart Drug Delivery Systems.

An imbalance in the body's pH or temperature may modify the immune response and result in ailments such as autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, or diabetes. Dual pH- and thermo-responsive carriers are being evaluated as advanced drug delivery microdevices designed to release pharmaceuticals in response to external or internal stimuli. A novel drug delivery system formulated as hydrogel was developed by combining a pH-sensitive polymer (the "biosensor") with a thermosensitive polymer (the delivery component). Thus, the hydrogel was created by cross-linking, using a solvent-free thermal approach, of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroyethyl acrylamide), P(NIPAAm-co-HEAAm), and poly(methylvinylether-alt-maleic acid), P(MVE/MA). The chemical structure of the polymers and hydrogels was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies. The pH/thermosensitive hydrogel loses its thermosensitivity under physiological conditions but, remarkably, can recover the thermosensitive capabilities when certain physiologically active biomolecules, acting as triggering agents, electrostatically interact with pH-sensitive units. Our research aimed to develop a drug delivery system that could identify the disturbance of normal physiological parameters and instantaneously send a signal to thermosensitive units, which would collapse and modulate the release profiles of the drug.

RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC SIZE BY USING MULTIPLE SCALING SYSTEMS IN HEALTHY CAPTIVE AYE-AYES (DAUBENTONIA MADAGASCARIENSIS).

The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is an unusual lemur with a small population in human care. Cardiac pathologies, but not normal size parameters, have been reported in this species. This study aimed to determine whether radiographic cardiac scaling systems commonly used to evaluate heart size in domestic mammals have potential clinical application in aye-ayes. Selected cardiac silhouette, vertebral, and intrathoracic skeletal dimensions were measured retrospectively on paired sets of orthogonal thoracic radiographs collected during health examinations of aye-ayes maintained at three British zoos. Measurements from 21 healthy aye-ayes (10 males, 11 females) of varying ages were used to calculate reference intervals (RI) with 90% confidence intervals for vertebral heart scale in both right lateral (VHS-RLat) and ventrodorsal (VHS-VD) projections, a modified VHS (VHS-Mod), thoracic inlet heart size (TIHS), and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). VHS-VD (9.49 ± 0.29) was slightly higher than VHS-RLat (9.32 ± 0.33; P = 0.08) and had the lowest coefficient of variation of the scaling indices; TIHS was 4.89 ± 0.36, VHS-Mod was 11.07 ± 0.49, and CTR was 0.53 ± 0.05. Thoracic depth-to-width ratio of aye-ayes ranged between 0.75 and 0.91, equivalent to an intermediate thoracic morphology in dogs. No scaling indices differed significantly by sex, age group, or thoracic morphology; however, VHS-Mod and CTR were significantly correlated with bodyweight (P = 0.0022 and P = 0.041, respectively) and CTR with age (P = 0.02). Summed cardiac dimensions demonstrated a near-linear relationship with bodyweight and T4 vertebral length (both P < 0.05), but not thoracic inlet length (P = 0.12). Analysis of measurements by using serial radiographs from hand-reared animals indicated potential utility of RI in aye-ayes >0.4 yr. Overall, results suggest VHS-VD and VHS-RLat are preferred cardiac scaling indices in aye-ayes. These data will aid zoo clinicians in the evaluation of cardiac size and identification of cardiomegaly in this endangered primate.

Empty nose syndrome: new insights from a CFD approach.

Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) is a debilitating condition which usually arises after aggressive turbinate reduction. However, objective tests to help in the diagnosis of this condition are lacking. Accurate diagnosis of ENS patients is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment. The article's objectives are to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze nasal airflow resistance and symmetry in suspected ENS patients, classify them into distinct groups based on CFD data, and demonstrate the potential of CFD analysis in refining ENS diagnosis and guiding individualized treatment strategies. This study involved 48 patients diagnosed of ENS. However, we only considered those patients with documented prior turbinate surgery (eventually plus septal surgery), CT scan with signs of prior surgery, and a history of ENS with symptoms included in the ENS Q6. We employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze nasal airflow resistance and symmetry. Patients were classified into three groups based on their CFD data: low resistance and normal symmetry, evident asymmetry, and normal CFD parameters. Half of patients (24 out of 48) were found in the low resistance and normal symmetry group, indicating 'typical' ENS. A smaller group (8) exhibited evident asymmetry, suggesting unilateral ENS or failure of previous surgery. Finally, 16 patients whose CFD parameters are inside the normal range of flow and resistance were classified in the normal breathing group. Our findings highlight the value of CFD analysis in classifying ENS patients based on airflow characteristics, as CFD analysis seems helpful in refining the diagnosis of ENS. This classification system can potentially aid in tailoring individual treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Further research is necessary to validate these results and explore the clinical implications of different ENS subgroups. Level 4 [1].

An Optimized Version of the Small Synthetic Genome (Mini-Synplastome) for Plastid Metabolic Engineering in Solanum tuberosum (Potato).

Plastids represent promising targets in plant genetic engineering for many biotech applications, ranging from their use as bioreactors for the overproduction of valuable molecules to the installation of transgenes for improving plant traits. For over 30 years, routine methods of plastid transformation have relied on homologous recombination integrating vectors. However, nonintegrating episomal plasmids have recently received more attention as an innovative tool for the plastid genetic engineering of plant cells. One of these novel technologies is the mini-synplastome, an episomal plasmid with a chloroplast-specific origin of replication (ori) used to express transgenes in plastids. In order to improve episome sequence stability overtime by reducing the frequency of spurious recombination events, an optimized version of mini-synplastome (Gen3) was designed. The innovation in the Gen3 design was to substantially reduce the size of the plastomic sequence containing oris to include only domains involved in replication and to reduce the sequence homology of the whole episome with the endogenous plastome. In this work, we have demonstrated that Gen3 can be used to install a multigene pathway in Solanum tuberosum (potato) chloroplasts, and the episome is stable in a full-length circular form at high copy number throughout all plant developmental stages to anthesis in plants with normal phenotypic parameters. It is anticipated that in the next decade the mini-synplastome will be a valuable tool for installing complex genetic circuits in plastids.

Clinical experience in the study of thrombodynamics in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia and during its manifestation

BACKGROUND: Need for early diagnosis of intravascular activation of coagulation in obstetric patients at risk of preeclampsia. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the thrombodynamics test in patients at risk of developing preeclampsia and during its manifestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dynamic thrombophotometry was performed in 56 pregnant women using a domestic “T2 Thrombodynamics Recorder” device (GemaKor Ltd., Russia). The first study group consisted of patients in the second to early third trimester of pregnancy (n = 45), who, due to hypercoagulability, according to the conventional coagulogram, received low-molecular-weight heparin therapy (calcium nadroparin 0.3 ml or enoxaparin sodium 0.4 ml subcutaneously). The thrombodynamics test was performed to evaluate the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy. The second study group involved patients with moderate (n = 11) and severe (n = 8) preeclampsia. RESULTS: The test was effective in monitoring the state of the hemostasis system in pregnant women receiving anticoagulant therapy — despite normal coagulogram test parameters, the increased rate of fibrin clot formation and / or spontaneous clots indicated increased anticoagulant therapy in 37.8% of patients. Among patients with extragenital pathology, the incidence of spontaneous clots, which should not form during normal coagulation, was observed in all pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension combined with obesity (χ2 = 6.11; p 0.02), which characterizes the tendency to activate intravascular coagulation in such patients. Subsequently, moderate PE developed in 15.6% of pregnant women with predisposing extragenital pathology, there being no cases of severe preeclampsia. A comparison of thrombodynamics test parameters in patients with moderate and severe preeclampsia showed that in severe preeclampsia, there is a tendency to a higher rate of fibrin clot formation and a higher frequency of spontaneous clot formation (χ2 = 12.7; p 0.01). The test demonstrated high sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (97.4%) of signaling the presence of severe preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Demonstration of a clinical case of HELLP syndrome in a pregnant woman showed that confirmation of consumption thrombocytopenia due to activation of intravascular coagulation using the thrombodynamics test, in contrast to the global thromboelastography test and the conventional coagulogram test, allowed timely initiation of anticoagulant therapy and avoided the development of irreversible secondary microangiopathy.

Update of Vocal Fold Shortening With Retrodisplacement of Anterior Commissure for Voice Feminization.

To assess the efficacy and long-term durability of the enhanced technique of Type II Vocal Fold Shortening and Retrodisplacement of the Anterior Commissure (VFSRAC) for voice feminization compared with the preceding Type I method. A retrospective analysis encompassed 506 patients drawn from a cohort of 1025 MtF transgender women who underwent VFSRAC between 2003 and 2021. The study period included cases from 2015 to 2021, during which the Type II update technique was implemented, involving a modification to the suture technique. Subjective and perceptual evaluations, aerodynamic and acoustic assessments, real-time pitch analysis, and videostroboscopic reviews were conducted pre- and postoperatively in the MtF transgender women cohort. Comparative statistical analyses were performed to discern differences between the earlier Type I method (2003-2014) and the more recent Type II method (2015-2021). The preoperative mean speech fundamental frequency (sF0) for Type II VFSRAC was 134.5 Hz. Postoperatively, the mean sF0 increased to 196.7 Hz, 212.3 Hz, and 207.5 Hz at 3 months, 6 months, and beyond 1 year, respectively, exceeding outcomes observed with the Type I method. Postoperative subjective and objective assessments indicated an augmentation in voice femininity. Acoustic and aerodynamic indices were within the normal range, and the regularity of the vocal fold mucosal wave was preserved within normal parameters. These results suggest that patients achieved a natural phonation pattern after surgery. The application of our updated type II VFSRAC has demonstrated feasibility and consistently yielded favorable results for individuals desiring a naturally feminine voice. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:5054-5061, 2024.