Short Time Research Articles

Comparable long-term functional outcomes of subvastus and medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty: A 10-year follow-up study.

Surgeons usually use the medial parapatellar or subvastus approaches for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The subvastus approach is rapidly gaining recognition to reduce damage to the extensional mechanism and recover faster after surgery. This study compares the long-term outcomes of the conventional medial parapatellar and subvastus approaches in primary TKA during a minimum 10-year follow-up. In a retrospective longitudinal follow-up study from 2008 to 2013, 60 eligible patients for primary TKA were included. The patients were divided into two groups: one undergoing TKA with the subvastus approach (n = 30) and the other with the conventional medial parapatellar approach (n = 30). Postoperatively, the patients were followed up for 10-15 years. Patients were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Visual Analogue Scale index for pain. The time required to perform an active straight leg raise (SLR) was significantly shorter in the subvastus group (p < 0.001) at early postoperation evaluation. Patients in the subvastus group had lower pain and better knee functional scores at the one-year follow-up (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups regarding duration of hospitalisation, blood loss, operation time, length of the scar, and postoperative complications. Both approaches had similar long-term results regarding pain and functional scores of WOMAC (6.2 ± 1.2 vs. 6.3 ± 1.3, p-value = 0.69) and KSS scores (93.1 ± 6.8 vs. 95.0 ± 3.2, p-value = 0.42). The subvastus approach was associated with a shorter time to achieve active SLR, higher functional scores, and better pain relief at early postoperative evaluations. However, both techniques had similar long-term outcomes in terms of pain and functional scores, as measured by the WOMAC and KSS scales. II.

Associations of symptom burden with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical outcomes among early phase cancer clinical trial (EP-CT) participants.

244 Background: Individuals with cancer often endure a substantial physical and psychological symptom burden. However, little is known about the baseline symptom burden of patients with cancer participating in EP-CTs or the associations of this symptom burden with other PROs and clinical outcomes. Methods: We prospectively enrolled adults with cancer participating in EP-CTs at Massachusetts General Hospital from 4/2021-1/2023. Participants completed baseline surveys prior to EP-CT initiation that assessed symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]), quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), hope (Herth Hope Index), depression/anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and financial wellbeing (COST tool, higher scores indicate greater financial wellbeing). We used regression models to explore associations of baseline symptom burden with other PROs (QOL, hope, depression/anxiety, financial wellbeing) and clinical outcomes (time on trial, hospitalizations, overall survival). Results: Among 205 participants (median age=63.3 [range: 31.8-88.6], 57.1% female), the most common cancer types were gastrointestinal (34.6%), breast (20.0%), and head and neck (10.2%). Based on the ESAS, approximately half of participants reported moderate/severe fatigue (50.2%) and poor wellbeing (49.5%). Under half reported moderate/severe drowsiness (35.7%), pain (25.9%), lack of appetite (25.4%), shortness of breath (20.0%), anxiety (18.0%), depression (15.4%), and nausea (9.2%). Higher baseline ESAS total, physical, and psychological scores were associated with worse QOL, lower hope, greater PHQ-4 depression/anxiety symptoms, and worse financial wellbeing (see Table). Higher baseline ESAS scores were associated with decreased time on trial and worse overall survival (see Table). Conclusions: In this study of EP-CT participants, we found associations of baseline symptom burden with other important PROs and clinical outcomes. Specifically, higher baseline symptom burden was associated with decreased QOL, lower hope, increased depression/anxiety symptoms, and diminished financial wellbeing as well as greater risk for shorter time on trial and worse survival. Interventions seeking to enhance care delivery and outcomes for EP-CT participants should strive to address the symptom burden of this population. Outcomes ESAS Total ESAS Physical ESAS Psychological PROs Beta P Beta P Beta P QOL -0.55 &lt;0.001 -0.68 &lt;0.001 -1.93 &lt;0.001 Hope -0.10 &lt;0.001 -0.09 &lt;0.001 -0.53 &lt;0.001 PHQ-4 Depression/Anxiety 0.06 &lt;0.001 0.06 &lt;0.001 0.39 &lt;0.001 Financial Wellbeing -0.13 0.003 -0.16 0.009 -0.36 0.032 Clinical Outcomes HR P HR P HR P Hospitalizations 1.01 0.066 1.02 0.059 1.03 0.290 Time on Trial 1.01 0.069 1.01 0.208 1.04 0.046 Overall Survival 1.02 &lt;0.001 1.03 &lt;0.001 1.04 0.088

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Cervical Disc Replacement Versus Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Decompression: A Matched-Pair Comparison Analysis.

To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between 2 motion preservation surgeries, cervical disc replacement (CDR) and posterior endoscopic cervical decompression (PECD), for unilateral cervical radiculopathy. Between February 2018 and December 2020, 60 patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy who underwent either CDR or PECD were retrospectively recruited as matched pairs. Clinical outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and satisfaction rates. The radiographic outcome was index level motion. Intraoperative data, complications, and hospital stay were collected. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. Patients undergoing CDR or PECD were included, with 30 cases in each group. Matched pairs were compared in terms of demographic data and preoperative measurements. CDR was associated with shorter operative times, whereas PECD resulted in less intraoperative blood loss. The total complication rate was 5%. NDI and VAS for neck and arm were significantly improved in both groups, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Satisfaction rates of good and excellent exceeded 87% in both groups. CDR was superior to PECD in the restoration of disc height. Early postoperative follow-up showed no significant difference in terms of index level motion. PECD demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays and quicker return-to-work times (p<0.05). PECD achieved equivalent clinical and radiologic outcomes compared with CDR when the certain criteria for surgery were met. Both techniques demonstrated the potential to maintain index level motion. Additionally, PECD resulted in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster return-to-work times. Conversely, CDR offered shorter operative times and better restoration of disc height.

β-Cyclodextrin Catalyzed, One-Pot Multicomponent Synthesis and Antimicrobial Potential of N-Aminopolyhydroquinoline Derivatives

In the present report, we have described the synthesis of N-aminopolyhydroquinoline (N-PHQ) derivatives using highly efficient β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a catalyst by the Hantzsch condensation of substituted aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, and hydrazine hydrate in one pot. The reactions were completed in a shorter time without the generation of any other byproduct. The synthesized N-PHQs were washed thoroughly with distilled water and recrystallized with ethanol to get highly purified products (as crystals). The structure of the synthesized N-PHQs was established by using advanced spectroscopic techniques like FT-IR, NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, and HSQC), ESI-MS, and Elemental Analyzer. The N-PHQs derivatives demonstrated moderate to excellent resistance against the tested strains (both fungal as well as bacterial). The presence of polar groups, which are able to form H-bonds, attached to the phenyl ring like -NO2 (4b and 4c), and -OMe (4i, 4j, and 4k) exhibits excellent activity, which is comparable to standard drugs, amoxicillin and fluconazole.

EMDR therapy and treatment of child victims of violence in peace and war

The paper deals with the analysis of experiences in the application of EMDR therapy in working with children who were victims of trauma and violence in war and peace. The effectiveness of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) lies in the effect of bilateral stimulation on brain neurophysiological mechanisms of traumatized children. EMDR treatments, as well as CBT therapy, have shown success in working with children with PTSD based on several criteria. However, analyzes show that positive effects are achieved with the application of EMDR in a shorter time, and the results are more permanent and stable. Based on the results published in numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, in 2013 the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended EMDR therapy for the treatment of PTSD in children, adolescents and adults. Exposure to war stress in all wars, in all areas, leaves severe consequences, especially for children. The increase in traumatic events in recent years creates a great need for preventive action and the application of EMDR to eliminate the consequences of children's exposure to trauma in war and peacetime conditions. The national EMDR associations of Russia and Serbia (https://www.emdrse-europe.org/) are increasingly focusing their activities on working with children who are victims of violence in war and peace. The mentioned advantages and facts were one of the reasons for the organized inclusion of EMDR therapy in work with trauma victims of mass murders that happened in May 2023 in Serbia. The treatment is very responsible and complex, but it shows significant effects. The evaluation is ongoing and will provide valuable experience in this area.

Design and application of a shipborne underwater radiation detector array for the monitoring of seawater radioactivity

A navigable online monitoring system for marine radioactivity was developed to cope with possible large-scale marine nuclear pollution incidents. This system used a NaI(Tl) detector array mounted on a ship to collect radioactive data across wide marine areas rapidly. High volume-efficiency aids the system in rapidly identifying radionuclides exceeding standard levels. This feature enables the system to monitor the seawater in a wide area within a shorter time and promptly detect marine nuclear pollution incidents. Monte Carlo simulations were used to optimize the number of NaI(Tl) crystals and the detector spacing for enhancing the volume-efficiency of the system. Three Φ3" × 6″ NaI(Tl) detectors and the mounting bracket with a fixed detector spacing of 30 cm were fabricated based on the simulation outcomes. The volume-efficiency for 137Cs of the system was around six times higher than that for the buoy-based monitoring system with a 3-inch NaI(Tl) detector. The theoretical volume-efficiency curve, which was calculated through Monte Carlo simulation, was verified in a standard liquid source. The minimum detectable activity concentration (MDC) for radioisotopes of the system under various radioactive measurement durations was discussed, such as the MDC for 137Cs for 5 min measurement was 0.152 Bq/L. Marine radioactivity measurement experiments were conducted in the sea near the Tianwan nuclear power plant in Lianyungang, China. The test results showed that the activity concentration of 40K was 11.4 Bq/L. The results of navigation monitoring were consistent with those of sampling and laboratory measurement, which verified the stability and accuracy of the system.

Synergistic strategies for cancer treatment: leveraging natural products, drug repurposing and molecular targets for integrated therapy

Abstract Background Uncontrolled cell proliferation is a major cause of cancer development and progression. Inflammation along with inflammatory mediators and cells play a significant role in cancer. Cancer ranks in second in mortality rates, following cardiac diseases. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants offer a natural and effective approach for treating Inflammation and cancer. Main body of the abstract Animal studies provide evidence that phytochemicals present in food acts as antioxidants, anti-aging molecules, and health promoters, thereby extending lifespan. These natural compounds include quercetin, epicatechin, resveratrol, curcumin, kaempferol, vitamin C and carotenoids. However, clinical data on humans is still awaited. Conventional allopathic cancer therapies often have severe side effects. Recently, drug repurposing has emerged as an alternative strategy offering lower costs, shorter development times and the advantage of existing clinical data. The primary goal of drug repurposing is to discover new uses for approved or experimental drugs. Short conclusion The current review elucidates the side effects of synthetic drugs and the beneficial effects of phytochemicals and non-oncological drugs along with their mechanisms of action for treating cancer. Additionally, it highlights clinical trial data for various cancers focusing on molecular targets. By integrating natural products, drug repurposing and molecular targets, we can develop multifaceted therapies that maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This integrated approach promises more personalized and effective treatments, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should identifying novel natural compounds, explore repurposing opportunities for existing drugs, and elucidate molecular targets for precise therapy. Additionally, clinical trials should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of these combined strategies in cancer patients. Graphical abstract

A system reliability demonstration test design method based on subsystem test data

AbstractReliability demonstration test (RDT) is the test to verify that the reliability of the product meets the reliability requirements during product development and is usually required to be performed to determine whether it can be accepted. It is essential for complex systems with higher costs. However, the traditional test plans such as the plan in the current RDT standard GJB‐899A have the problem of too long test time or too high risk. In addition, the test data of the complex system itself is usually less, but the test data of the subsystem is easier to obtain. In this paper, the research object is the system, and the main research content is how to use the reliability growth data in the development stage of the subsystem to design the system RDT. First, based on the reliability growth model, the test data in the development stage of the subsystems are modeled to obtain the reliability of each subsystem. The Bayesian theory is used to obtain the lifetime distribution of the system. Then, according to the definition of the two types of risks in the RDT, the life distribution of the product is integrated into the two types of risks, and the RDT plans of the system are designed. Finally, a simulation case is used to verify our RDT design method, and the results show that compared with the traditional plan, our RDT plan designed has a shorter test time and lower test risk.

Characteristics of ice cream from black soybean sprout juice – red dragon fruit with yolk emulsifier

Black soybean germination into sprouts reportedly improved nutrition digestibility and bioactive compound content. Red dragon fruit (RDF) and egg yolk (EY) can be used as natural and halal colorants and emulsifiers. Black soybean sprout (BSS) juice made non-dairy ice cream with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as an emulsifier. This research aimed to measure the effect of various red dragon fruit and egg yolk concentrations on the characteristics of ice cream made from BSS juice. A completely randomized design was applied to six formulations made using the ratio of RDF : EY of FA (20%: 3%), FB (20%: 4%), FC (20%: 5%), FD (40%: 3%), FE (40%: 4%), and FF (40%: 5%). BSS juice was made using 48 hours of room temperature incubated sprout and water at a 1:4 (b/v) ratio. Filtrate was then mixed with sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a dough, which was then mixed with RDF and EY at various concentrations. Nutritional proximate composition, radical scavenging activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, vitamin C, and sensory acceptance were analyzed. Data was then statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that higher RDF significantly changed overrun, melting rate, increased moisture content, vitamin C (20.4 – 40.23 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (34.9 – 62.78 % radical scavenging activity), total phenolics (0.341 – 0.536 mg/g GAE), and total anthocyanin (3.905 – 9.726 mg/kg), and hedonic score, but shorter melting time. The shortest melting time was obtained by ice cream made using 20% RDF and 5% EY, the lower concentration of fruit, and the highest concentration of egg yolk, respectively. The results indicated that BSS juice could be used as the main ingredient to make non-dairy ice cream, with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as natural colorants and emulsifiers, respectively. Keywords: Black soybean sprout, Non-dairy ice cream, Red dragon fruit

Hospital Palliative Care Team Involvement in Inpatients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Data on the involvement of hospital palliative care teams (HPCT) in the management of patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) are limited. Objectives: To describe characteristics, symptom burden according to the German Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation assessment tool, and course of inpatients with HM who were referred to a HPCT, and compare them with their counterparts with solid tumors (ST). Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting/Subjects: Inpatients with HM and ST who were referred to the HPCT of a comprehensive cancer center in Germany between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Results: The analysis included 2885 patients; 412 (14.3%) had HM and 2473 (85.7%) had ST. Patients with HM more often experienced depression (p = 0.003), tension (p < 0.001), and disorientation (p = 0.003); pain (p = 0.029), nausea (p = 0.003), weakness (p < 0.001), loss of appetite (p = 0.005), tiredness (p < 0.001), and need for assistance with activities of daily living (p < 0.001) were more common in patients with ST. Patients with HM were more often admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p < 0.001), had longer ICU stays (p = 0.005), and had a higher death rate (p < 0.001) during their last stay in the hospital. The time between the first contact with the HPCT and death was shorter for patients with HM (p < 0.001). Patients with HM also had a shorter overall time of care by the HPCT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As compared with their counterparts with ST, inpatients with HM were closer to death at referral to the HPCT, experienced a comparable overall symptom burden, and were admitted to the ICU more frequently after HPCT involvement.

Highly Deformable and Robust Ionic Structure for Multi‐Tissue Adaptive Hemostatic Sponges

AbstractAccidental trauma is always accompanied by tissue defects with noncompressible hemorrhages. Deformable and tough biomaterials are desirable for self‐compressible hemostasis, although their preparation is challenging. Here, a critical‐size calcium phosphate (C–CaP) with polymer‐like high deformability and mineral‐like high bending strength is prepared, which is hybridized with silk fibroin (SF) to fabricate a hemostatic sponge (SF‐C). C–CaP endows SF‐C with an ultrahigh elastic modulus (36.0 kPa) among analogous materials, leading to an ultrafast water absorption rate (1.2 g cm−3 s−1) and space‐filling rate (200.0%/s). The deformability of the SF‐C sponge further enables self‐adaptability to defects with micrometre‐scale precision. Consequently, SF‐C achieves rapid hemostasis in both damaged soft tissues and hard tissues in rats, resulting in less blood loss and a shorter hemostatic time than those of clinical materials. This study provides a promising hemostatic material for the treatment of hemorrhages in defective tissues and expands the current knowledge by revealing the critical‐sized ionic structure and unique mechanics of C–CaP.

A Comparative Study between Single-Level Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Adjacent Segment Disease

Background/Objectives: Various surgical approaches have been proposed for treating adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion. However, studies using oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) to treat ASD are lacking. The current study assessed the postoperative outcomes of single-level OLIF for ASD, comparing the results with those for patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: Patients who underwent single-level OLIF or TLIF for lumbar ASD were retrospectively included. Clinical outcomes, that is, the results of assessments using the Euroqol 5-Dimension quality of life scale (EQ-5D), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the visual analog scale, were evaluated. Radiologic parameters, including disc height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), segmental coronal angle (SCA), lumbar lordosis, and pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch, were also assessed. Results: A total of 65 patients were enrolled: 32 in the OLIF group and 33 in the TLIF group. The median follow-up time was 24.0 months in both groups. The clinical outcomes and radiologic parameters significantly improved in both groups postoperatively. According to intergroup comparisons, the OLIF group had significantly less blood loss and superior improvement in radiologic parameters (DH, SL, and SCA) whereas the TLIF group had significantly shorter operation times. For the OLIF patients who did not undergo posterior decompression, the operation time was similar to that of the TLIF group, but the surgical blood loss and length of hospital stay were significantly reduced compared with the TLIF group. Conclusions: Compared with TLIF, OLIF provides similar clinical outcomes, leads to less surgical blood loss, and has superior radiologic parameters; however, the operation time is significantly longer. OLIF without posterior decompression may be a superior option to TLIF for certain patients.

DFT Study on the Second-Order NLO Responses of 2-Phenyl Benzoquinoline Ir(III) Complexes by Substituents and Redox Effects.

Metal complexes have received extensive attention in nonlinear optical (NLO) materials because of their advantages, such as shorter response times and more flexible structural properties. Density functional theory is used in investigating the geometric structures, electronic structures, charge centroid, and first hyperpolarizability (βtot) of a series of selected 15 coordinated Ir(III) complexes. The substitute effect and one-electron redox process effects on the structures and properties of 15 coordinated Ir(III) complexes are considered. When the electron-withdrawing group is introduced into the ligand, the HOMO-LUMO energy gap decreases and the βtot value increases, positively correlating with the electron-withdrawing ability. The single electron redox process can also improve the NLO responses of complexes, especially the reduction process. The βtot value of complex 4- is the largest, 2078 times higher than that of complex 4. The analysis shows that the variation of NLO responses of complexes is ascribed to the change of electronic structures and the charge transfer modes induced by the ligand modification and redox process, which are considered to be two effective methods in enhancing the NLO responses of 2-phenyl benzoquinoline Ir(III) complexes. This study aims to offer design insights into high-performance nonlinear optical materials.

Action of liquid tune mass dampers and base isolation in high rise buildings

In areas where earthquakes are common, high-rise structure seismic resistance is a major concern. The purpose of this research is to determine whether base isolation and liquid tuned mass dampers (LTMDs) can improve tall building seismic performance. A symmetrical G+8 story RCC structure in Zone V with medium grade soil is analyzed using ETABS software, Response Spectrum Analysis, and Equivalent Static Analysis to see how the structure behaves under different load combinations. For various structural configure rations, including basic models, models with water tanks, and models with base isolation, key factors such joint displacement, storey drift, base shear, and time period are evaluated. The results show that as compared to baseline models, models with damping and isolation systems exhibit much lower joint displacements, base shear forces, and story drift. In particular, base isolation models perform better in terms of reducing structural deformations and resisting lateral forces. Furthermore, shorter time periods and higher frequencies are routinely observed in base isolated models, suggesting enhanced dynamic response and energy dissipation capabilities. The paper also covers the flexibility and benefits of using LTMDs and base isolation to reduce seismic threats. Buildings can be successfully separated from ground motion by base isolation systems, and dynamic response can be countered by LTMDs using regulated liquid sloshing. The attraction of LTMDs in improving overall stability is increased by their adaptability in minimizing torsional and lateral vibrations. The study concludes by emphasizing how crucial it is to use cutting-edge structural retrofitting methods, including base isolation and LTMDs, to improve the seismic resistance of high-rise structures. In earthquake-prone areas, engineers and legislators may proactively protect tall buildings and guarantee a safer, more robust built environment by incorporating these technologies into construction standards and design procedures.

Remission and relapse of diabetes after sleeve gastrectomy and one-anastomosis gastric bypass: The Tehran Obesity Treatment Study.

To evaluate the rates and predictors of remission and relapse of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in individuals with T2DM undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). An observational prospective study with 5 years of follow-up was conducted in a total of 891 patients (82.5% female) with concomitant T2DM and obesity (body mass index ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) undergoing SG or OAGB between March 2013 and March 2021. T2DM remission was defined as achieving a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level < 48 mmol/mol and a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level <7 mmol/L, and being off glucose-lowering agents/insulin. T2DM relapse was defined as when FPG or HbA1c reverted to the diabetic range (≥7 mmol/L and ≥48 mmol/mol, respectively), or there was a need for pharmacotherapy. After bariatric surgery, the overall T2DM remission and relapse rates were 61.4 per 1000 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI] 56.8-66.4) and 5.7 per 1000 person-months (95% CI 4.1-7.9), respectively. These rates were similar in the SG and OAGB groups. Multivariate hazard ratio analysis identified history of insulin therapy and T2DM duration prior to surgery as predictors of remission, while treatment with ≥2 glucose-lowering agents was the only relapse predictor. Additionally, patients undergoing SG experienced either remission or relapse within a significantly shorter time frame compared to those undergoing OAGB. After 5 years of follow-up, there were no significant differences between the SG and OAGB groups with regard to T2DM remission and relapse. Bariatric surgery was less likely to result in remission in patients with a history of insulin therapy and longer durations of T2DM prior to surgery. Furthermore, patients who received ≥2 glucose-lowering agents, despite possible remission, were at a higher risk of experiencing late relapse.

Revisiting the Nexus Between Oil Prices and Economic Activity for Asian Economies Using MIDAS

The objective of this paper is to re-examine the causal relationship between oil prices and economic activity for five Asian economies. We apply the unrestricted MIDAS (U-MIDAS) model using monthly data for real oil prices and quarterly data for real GDP for the period from 1998Q1 to 2019Q4. The causal nexus between oil prices and economic activity is also studied by means of wavelet analysis to investigate whether the relationship between the variables changes over different time scales. The key empirical results under the MIDAS approach show that there is a clear significant causal link from oil prices to economic activity, which is not as clearly found under the standard VAR approach. In addition, our results using impulse response functions suggest that the five Asian economies respond, in general, positively in economic activity to an oil price shock at shorter time horizons (less than two years), while the positive responses switch to mostly negative ones at longer time horizons (from two to four years). Our results, in general, support that the (theoretically) expected negative causal nexus between oil price fluctuations and economic activity for oil importers is dominant over longer time horizons for our dataset. An exception to this pattern is China, which has a dissimilar country profile in terms of its oil market and production structure from the profiles of the other Asian economies in the study. JEL Classification: C32, E32, O53, Q43

Comparison of different types of single-port laparoscopic surgery in posterior uterine fibroid resection

This study aims to objectively assess the effect of three surgical approaches for posterior uterine fibroid resection: transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in prone position (vNOTES-P), and vNOTES in the lithotomy position (vNOTES-L). A retrospective analysis was conducted on data pertaining to all patients who underwent vNOTES and LESS for single posterior fibroids at our institution from January 2023 to July 2023. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the surgical approach: vNOTES-P group (n = 30), vNOTES-L group (n = 17), and LESS group (n = 32). Comparative analysis was performed on the demographic characteristics and perioperative outcomes among the three groups of patients. All 79 patients underwent surgery without the need for conversion to laparotomy. There were no statistically significant differences among the LESS group, vNOTES-P group, and vNOTES-L group in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication rates. In the vNOTES-L group, two patients required conversion to LESS during surgery. Patients had faster return of bowel function (less time to flatus) in the vNOTES group compared to the LESS group (P < 0.05). However, three cases of postoperative infection occurred in the vNOTES group, while none were reported in the LESS group. Compared to LESS, vNOTES demonstrates significant advantages in alleviating postoperative pain, shortening time to passage of flatus, speeding recovery and enhancing cosmetic outcomes. Particularly, vNOTES-P for posterior uterine fibroid resection, as an emerging surgical approach, offers certain advantages in facilitating surgical maneuverability and reducing operative time, rendering it more suitable for posterior uterine fibroid resection.

Shear Wave Elastography in Evaluating the Efficacy of Liver Microwave Ablation: An Experimental Study

Background: The effect of microwave ablation on small hepatocellular carcinoma is not significantly different from that of surgical resection. Accurate assessment of the ablation effect is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of hyperthermia. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and accuracy of supersonic shear wave elastography (SWE) in quantitatively evaluating the microwave ablation margin of the liver. Materials and Methods: Three surgeons were each randomly assigned 4 Wuzhishan miniature pigs (WZSPs) to perform 12 ablation procedures at an ablation power of 40 W. Based on the ablation time, the lesions were divided into 15, 30, and 60-second groups. Immediately after ablation, SWE and modulus measurements were performed 5 times for each ablation lesion. The SWE data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Within-group and between-group comparisons were made using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: A total of 144 effective ablations and 131 effective pathological results were obtained. Within the same ablation time, the elastic modulus increased in the surrounding normal tissue, ablation margin, and ablation center regions in a stepwise manner (P &lt; 0.01). However, in the ablation center region, the elastic modulus decreased in a stepwise manner with the shortening of ablation time [60 s (97.16 ± 14.58 kPa) &gt; 30 s (77.84 ± 9.64 kPa) &gt; 15 s (38.92 ± 3.12 kPa)], with statistically significant differences (F = 2,131.832, P &lt; 0.01). The elastic modulus of the ablation margin region at different ablation times remained between 22.68 - 23.56 kPa. Conclusion: The elastic modulus range in the ablation margin region after microwave ablation is relatively fixed. Shear wave elastography aids in the quantitative evaluation of the ablation margin region of the liver and has high practical value in monitoring and evaluating ultrasound ablation.

Comparative study on anterior pelvic plating and pubic ramus screw fixation for straddle fracture: a matched-pair outcome analysis.

Straddle fractures involving both the superior and inferior rami often require surgical fixation due to instability. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of pubic ramus screw fixation (PRSF) and anterior pelvic plating (APP) for the treatment of these fractures to identify the superior method. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients (37 males, 33 females; average age 47.6 years) treated surgically for straddle fractures at two Level 1 trauma centres between May 2017 and August 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, where 26 underwent PRSF and 44 underwent APP. The groups were matched based on preoperative characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index, injury mechanism, and severity. The key variables analysed included operation time, blood transfusion volume, early weight-bearing capability, and complication and reoperation rates. After matching, PRSF was associated with a shorter operative time (71.0min vs. 118.3min for APP, p < 0.0009) and lower blood transfusion requirements (0 units vs. 1 unit, p < 0.0001). Postoperatively, 61.5% of PRSF patients tolerated early weight-bearing, compared to none in the APP group. However, in two cases, PRSF could not be performed due to severe comminution or anatomical limitations, necessitating conversion to APP. Complication rates were similar between the groups (30.8% for PRSF vs. 27.3% for APP, p = 0.93). PRSF demonstrated advantages, such as shorter operative time, reduced blood transfusions, and earlier weight-bearing. However, APP remains valuable for complex fracture patterns. Treatment should be individualized based on fracture complexity and patient-specific factors to optimize outcomes.

Water quality assessment of Upper Ganga and Yamuna river systems during COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown: imprints of river rejuvenation.

Clean river water is an essential and life-sustaining asset for all living organisms. The upper Ganga and Yamuna river system has shown signs of rejuvenation and tremendous improvement in the water quality following the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. All the industrial and commercial activity was shut down, and there was negligible wastewater discharge from the industries. This article addresses the water quality assessment from the study area, which is based on the original data of physical parameters, major and trace elements, and stable isotopes (hydrogen and oxygen) systematics during the nationwide lockdown. The impact of the lockdown could be seen in terms of an increase in dissolved oxygen (DO). Water samples were collected from the Upper Ganga and Yamuna river basins (Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Tons rivers) during an eight-week lockdown in Uttarakhand, India. We discussed the signs of rejuvenation of riverine based on physical parameters, major ions, trace elements, isotopic ratios, and water pollution index (WPI). Results reveal that the water quality of the entire upper basins of the Ganga has significantly improved by 93%, reflecting the signs of self-rejuvenation of the rivers. Multivariate analysis suggests a negative factor loading for an anthropogenic element ( ), implying that they contribute little to the river water during the lockdown. Further, bicarbonate ( ) is a dominant element in both river basins. The geochemical facies are mainly characterized by the ( ) type of water, suggesting that silicate rock weathering dominates with little influence from carbonate weathering in the area. The positive factor loadings of some cations, like , , and reflect their strong association with the source of origin in the lockdown phases. Stable isotopic reveals that the glaciated region contributed the most to the river basin, as evidenced by the low d-excess in riverine water compared to anthropogenic contributions. Rivers can self-rejuvenate if issues of human influence and anthropogenic activities are adequately resolved and underline our responsibility for purifying the ecosystem. We observed that this improvement in the river water quality will take a shorter time, and quality will deteriorate again when commercial and industrial activity resumes.