Specific Details Research Articles

Proposal of a domain model for 3D representation of buildings in Ecuador.

The accelerated urban sprawl of cities around the world presents major challenges for urban planning and land resource management. In this context, it is crucial to have a detailed 3D representation of buildings enriched with accurate alphanumeric information. A distinctive aspect of this proposal is its specific focus on the spatial unit corresponding to buildings. In order to propose a domain model for the 3D representation of buildings, the national standard of Ecuador and the international standard (ISO 19152:2012 LADM) were considered. The proposal includes a detailed specification of attributes, both for the general subclass of buildings and for their infrastructure. The application of the domain model proposal was crucial in a study area located in the Riobamba canton, due to the characteristics of the buildings in that area. For this purpose, a geodatabase was created in pgAdmin4 with official information, taking into account the structure of the proposed model and linking it with geospatial data for an adequate management and 3D representation of the buildings in an open-source Geographic Information System. This application improves cadastral management in the study region and has wider implications. This model is intended to serve as a benchmark for other countries facing similar challenges in cadastral management and 3D representation of buildings, promote efficient urban development and contribute to global sustainable development.

Electrodynamic Forces in Main Three-Phase Busbar System of Low-Voltage Switchgear—FEA Simulation

This paper concerns the effects of electrodynamic forces that act on current paths that are part of high-grade industrial distribution switchgear. This work is composed of experimental and simulation sections. In the experimental section, the short-circuit tests are presented and the occurrence of electrodynamic forces are shown in a visible way. The formation of electrodynamic forces in the current circuits of electrical energy distribution systems is related to the flow of high currents, but mostly it is related to short-circuit currents. In order to highlight these phenomena, the detailed specification of the parameters during tests is displayed. In the simulation section, the physical phenomenon of electrodynamic forces is being captured by employing a detailed real-scale model of switchgear and current paths. Therefore, the authors proposed employment of the FEM (finite element method) in order to obtain values of electrodynamic forces acting on the current paths by executing the detailed 3D coupled simulation. The analysis of the results and aftermath effects of their interactions provided interesting conclusions that concerned the operation of such power distribution layouts in critical short-circuit conditions.

Multilevel Factor Mixture Modeling: A Tutorial for Multilevel Constructs

Multilevel factor mixture modeling (FMM) is a hybrid of multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multilevel latent class analysis (LCA). It allows researchers to examine population heterogeneity at the within level, between level, or both levels. This tutorial focuses on explicating the model specification of multilevel FMM that considers the conceptualization of multilevel constructs. Empirical data sets are used to demonstrate the applications of multilevel FMM for within-level constructs, between-level constructs, and within- and between-level constructs. Detailed model specifications of integrating latent classes into multilevel constructs are provided. For modeling the heterogeneity at the between level, parametric and nonparametric approaches are compared both conceptually and substantively using demonstration data. The interpretations of results using multilevel FMM are also provided. The tutorial is concluded with a discussion of some important aspects of applying multilevel FMM.

Design of Energy Efficient & Sustainable Buildings for ISRO Data Centers Using E-Quest

Saving energy is the same as producing new energy. Sustainable development has elevated the importance of energy performance and energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is a crucial part of sustainability, which includes all sectors of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing to services to infrastructure, including buildings used for business and research activities. Developing countries face unique difficulties in achieving sustainability because they must balance two phenomena that are diametrically opposed to one another: rapid economic growth and long-term prosperity. Commercial, information technology (IT), real estate development and construction are important economic drivers. Energy is, of course, a crucial consideration in these fields. In this research, we propose a design strategy for improving energy efficiency in an ISRO Data center by using sustainable green building technology [1]. This paper discusses the initiatives of ISRO in this direction. As maximum operation & maintenance cost of the buildings is due to electrical energy, this study shows how to design the most energy efficient institutional buildings for IMGEOS (Integrated Multi mission Ground Segment for Earth Observation satellites) of ISRO, Hyderabad. The research work discuses about the strategies / techniques to be considered since the planning & designing stage of the building infrastructure itself. This research gives the complete details of the materials with their detailed technical specifications and the methodology to be adopted, for achieving the required energy efficiency level in the data centers / similar IT infrastructure buildings. The research work also explains the process of finding & selecting the most energy efficient model by using different combination of green building materials, with respect to the base line model of ASHRAE using the e-Quest building simulation software and the results obtained thereof. Thus, this detailed research study investigates the process of designing the energy efficient data center buildings for ISRO in the context of emerging countries.

The role of thermal cycling in micro-cracking development and flow alteration: Advanced insights from CT and lab studies

The recent interest in geothermal energy, nuclear waste management, and coal gasification has led to an in-depth examination of how granite rock behaves under subterranean reservoir conditions. Our research delves into the intricate microstructural and fluid dynamics of the Australian Harcourt granite. We emphasize its reactions to repeated temperature changes, cycling between 25 and 900 °C over 1–15 cooling episodes. To achieve this, we utilised X-ray computed tomography (CT) to visualize and reconstruct the heat-treated samples. Subsequently, we measured the porosity, identifying both total and directly interconnected spaces within these samples post-thermal treatment. Using avizo 2021.2, we created a pore network model (PNM) based on the connected porosity data to shed light on how fluids move through these heat-affected samples.The data highlighted that total porosity stayed below 0.5% up to 500 °C, with no directly connected porous regions detected. However, beyond this temperature, interconnected porosity began to appear, intensifying with increasing temperatures and more cooling cycles. The PNM allowed us to visualize and quantify specific details like pore and throat dimensions, their volumes, their interconnectedness, and the lengths of their connecting channels. Notably, these properties became more pronounced with escalating temperatures and cooling episodes, largely because of the fractures caused by the heat. Furthermore, we used AVIZO to analyse the absolute permeability of the heat-treated samples, providing a detailed understanding of their permeation characteristics. We also ran a set of rigorous lab tests to assess the impact of both confining pressure (ranging from 10 MPa to 40 MPa) and temperature (from 22 to 250 °C) on the fluid movement in the heat-treated rock. The experiments confirmed that increasing confining pressure non-linearly decreased Darcy's permeability. A rise in temperature further reduced permeability, mainly due to the narrowing of flow channels from mechanical and thermal stresses.Overall, the study provides a holistic understanding of porosity evolution and the subsequent fluid movement within thermally quenched rock samples under various reservoir conditions, providing valuable insights for energy and waste management applications.

Global design methodology for semi-submersible hulls of floating wind turbines

Designing the support structures for floating wind turbines (FWTs) involves a step-by-step process, typically in three phases, i.e., starting from concept selection and determining the overall dimensions for a given configuration, and finally, determining the detailed specifications. The global design of the hull is used to select the floater concept and determine the global dimensions for the subsequent detailed design. This global design process is a crucial part of the entire design cycle because it has a significant impact on the detailed design, which can be computationally expensive. However, because FWTs are still in the infancy stage of development, there is a lack of effective methods and procedures for determining the global dimensions of floaters. Additionally, the global response characteristics of different hull layouts are not yet well understood. To address these limitations, this paper deals with a global design of semi-submersible floaters to support large-scale wind turbines (using a 10-MW turbine as an example). The paper proposes and describes a methodology and procedures for the global design in detail, specifying criteria and values for a case study. Furthermore, a sensitivity study is conducted to determine the global dimensions of the floaters. Then, intact stability is studied to evaluate their safety in operation under wind loads. Subsequently, global aspects of structural design are analyzed based on wave-induced response amplitude operators (RAOs) of cross-sectional forces and moments, taking into account representative environmental conditions for an offshore site. These analyses provide a foundation for the subsequent detailed design. The results indicate that the spacing of the column centerline and the outer column radius are the most critical design variables for the global response of the semi-submersible hull. Moreover, increasing the outer column radius or freeboard can effectively enhance intact stability. In addition, the study highlights the importance of critical wave periods that cause splitting or prying force on the hull columns in the structural design. Finally, the main findings and conclusions are summarized. This study presents a simplified yet innovative methodology for the global design of mainstream semi-submersible hulls for FWTs. It addresses the lack of effective methods for determining global dimensions and provides valuable insights into the structural design considerations.

An analysis of the contents of the young-onset dementia helpline: profiles of clients who consulted the helpline themselves.

Young-onset dementia (YOD) community care requires personalised approaches. Yet, the specific details of YOD consultations are unclear. This study explored how initial consultations correlate with client profiles. Data from regional YOD helplines were used to analyze the main characteristics of people living with YOD or who had concerns about the possibility of YOD (n = 132). Among several categorical variables, the following were used for analysis: age group, sex, type of living arrangement, employment status, presence of dementia, and content of the consultation. To identify groups of items that frequently occur together, strongly connected rules were identified using association rule analysis with the a priori algorithm. To focus on the characteristics of clients, rules related to client characteristics were extracted based on the type of consultation. A total of 51 rules were identified for the consultations. These rules fell into two categories: (1) consultations for medical matters, which mainly involved employed individuals with undiagnosed dementia, and (2) other consultations on daily life or work, which mainly involved individuals diagnosed with dementia and were characterised by the influence of sex. These rules indicate the importance of medical involvement in confirming the diagnosis and specific individualised care following diagnosis for people living with YOD. Clients with or without a dementia diagnosis were consulted differently in the YOD helplines. Before receiving a diagnosis, medical matters were the main theme of consultations, whereas after receiving a diagnosis, adjustments to daily life or work were the main themes. The results of this study suggest that the needs of people living with YOD and the services they require may vary depending on their backgrounds.

United States Government-Supported Family Planning and Reproductive Health Outreach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Lessons Learned and Recommendations.

In response to limited contraception availability and a lack of knowledge about family planning (FP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Health Program (IHP) in the DRC has been providing FP services, including outreach programs in the DRC. Our study aims to assess the FP outreach program by understanding the participants' perception of the campaign, its impact on their behavior, and their feedback regarding the campaign. Additionally, we draw insights from lessons learned and provide recommendations. Between July and August 2022, we conducted 47 in-person participant interviews with women of reproductive age who used the outreach services provided by USAID IHP. Participants were randomly selected from Sud-Kivu, Kasai-Oriental, Haut-Katanga, and Tanganyika provinces. Consent and confidentiality were assured, and responses were recorded and transcribed in a Word document. We used Excel for data coding and analysis. The campaign reached 95.7% of women interviewed; however, some participants could not recall specific message details. Most respondents (89.3%) reported that the campaign motivated them to make FP decisions and change their behaviors. While 14.8% of women reported making FP decisions independently, 85.1% reported making the decision jointly with their partners. Our analysis resulted in three emerging themes: 1) Increased FP outreach and improved perception of FP, 2) Improved perceived behavioral changes due to FP outreach, and 3) The need for program improvement by including men and providing additional information about possible FP side effects. Our study provides insights into how women receive information and whether they find it useful and share it with other women in their community. In particular, women's feedback about the FP outreach program and our recommendations can inform future policies and interventions.

Ankle Brachial Index as Diagnostic Marker for Asymptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To determine ankle brachial index (ABI) as a diagnostic marker for asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetes mellitus (DM). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan from Jan to Sep 2022. Methodology: A total of one hundred and seventy (n=170) asymptomatic patients with DM were included. Specific details were recorded, which include HbA1c levels, duration of diabetes and ankle brachial index. Results: There were 60.0% male and 40.0% female patients. With the mean age of 50.60±11.55 years. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 4.20±1.97 years. Mean HbA1c was 7.41±1.27%, mean ABI was 1.03±0.13. Peripheral arterial disease was observed in 17.05% of asymptomatic cases using ABI, with ABI sensitivity of 82.86% and specificity of 97.24% in detecting asymptomatic PAD patients. It was significantly associated with an increase in the duration of diabetes. Conclusion: Asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease diagnosed through the ankle brachial index showed that it is a reliable source for diagnosing patients with asymptomatic PAD in diabetes mellitus reported in routine clinical visits.

Structure, dynamics, and redox reactivity of an all-purpose flavodoxin

The flavodoxin of Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 (Rp9Fld) supplies highly reducing equivalents to crucial enzymes such as hydrogenase, especially when the organism is iron-restricted. By acquiring those electrons from photodriven electron flow via the bifurcating electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF), Rp9Fld provides solar power to vital metabolic processes. To understand Rp9Fld's ability to work with diverse partners, we solved its crystal structure. We observe the canonical flavodoxin (Fld) fold and features common to other long-chain Flds, but not all the surface loops thought to recognize partner proteins. Moreover some of the loops display alternative structures and dynamics. To advance studies of protein-protein associations and conformational consequences, we assigned the 19F NMR signals of all 5 tyrosines (Tyrs). Our electrochemical measurements show that incorporation of 3-19F-Tyr in place of Tyr has only a modest effect on Rp9Fld's redox properties even though Tyrs flank the flavin on both sides. Meanwhile, the 19F probes demonstrate the expected paramagnetic effect, with signals from nearby Tyrs becoming broadened beyond detection when the flavin semiquinone is formed. However the temperature dependencies of chemical shifts and linewidths reveal dynamics affecting loops close to the flavin, and regions that bind to partners in a variety of systems. These coincide with patterns of amino acid type conservation but not retention of specific residues, arguing against detailed specificity with respect to partners. We propose that the loops surrounding the flavin adopt altered conformations upon binding to partners and may even participate actively in electron transfer.

Transvenous embolization of noncavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins within the dura mater. Various treatment modalities, such as surgical ligation, endovascular intervention, and radiosurgery, aim to close the fistulous connection. Although transvenous embolization (TVE) is the preferred method for carotid-cavernous fistulas, its description and outcomes for noncavernous dAVFs vary. This has prompted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of TVE in treating noncavernous dAVFs, addressing variations in outcomes and techniques. We searched PubMed and Embase, spanning from the earliest records to December 2022, to identify pertinent English-language articles detailing the utilization of TVE. We focused on specific procedural details, outcomes, and complications in patients older than 18 years. The data collected and analyzed comprised the sample size, number of fistulas, publication specifics, presenting symptoms, fistula grades, and pooled rates of embolizations, outcomes, follow-up information, and complications. From a total of 565 screened articles, 15 retrospective articles encompassing 166 patients spanning across seven countries met the inclusion criteria. Their Newcastle-Ottawa scores ranged from 6 to 8. Intraprocedural complication rate was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.9-17.1) and in-hospital postprocedural complication rate was 5.4% (95% CI = 2.8-10.6). Prevalence of in-hospital mortality was 5.5% (95% CI = 2.9-10.6). Complication rate during follow-up was 8.6% (95% CI = 4.7-15.7) with fistula rupture occurring in 5.5% (95% CI = 2.6-11.6) of patients. Complete obliteration rate at final angiographic follow-up was 94.9% (95% CI = 90.3-99.9). Symptoms improved in 95% (95% CI = 89.8-100) of patients at final follow-up. To our knowledge, we present the first meta-analysis assessing obliteration rates, outcomes, and complications of TVE for dAVFs. Our analysis highlights the higher (>90%) complete obliteration rates. Large prospective multicenter studies are needed to better define the utility of TVE for noncavernous dAVFs.

Wartime Trade Policy Measures in Comparison of the Historical Periods of the First World War and the Special Military Operation

With the beginning of the special military operation (SMO), a new type of foreign trade policy is forming, based on restrictions. History shows that the practice of restrictions on trade operations is not new. The article compares Russia’s trade policy measures introduced during the First World War of 2014–2018 and the SMO, which began in 2022. The goal is to identify tools that are not currently used. Restrictions on exports and imports, measures to stimulate imports, and measures to build new trade routes are considered. Even before the start of the SMO, from the moment of political aggravation, Russia limited the export of wood and fertilizers, which contradicted the Protocol on Accession to the WTO and the refusal of quantitative restrictions. Unfriendly countries that applied preventive sanctions against Russia, with the beginning of the SMO, denied Russia most favored nation treatment. As during the First World War, grains, flour and sugar were among the food products subject to government export restrictions. Both periods were characterized by measures to stimulate imports in an effort to provide industry with raw materials and equipment. Import restriction measures in the first period applied to luxury goods, in the second they took the form of sanctions against unfriendly countries. The war period was characterized by growing interest in the northern sea routes. Compared with World War I, modern export restriction policies were more varied in terms of product coverage, but lacked the specific details by export directions that were developed a century ago. Many of the modern measures allow exemptions only in relation to EAEU countries. In our opinion, exemptions from restrictions on the export of humanitarian goods could be made for the developing countries which are most in need of grain or fertilizers.

Jazan's Catch Chronicles: A Statistical Exploration of Lethrinus Nebulous and Acanthocybium Solandri Fishing (2012-2022)

This study delves into the fascinating world of fisheries data, specifically focusing on two commercially important fish species in the Red Sea: The Lethrinus nebulous (cloud emperor) and the Acanthocybium solandri (wahoo). Through the lens of statistics, this study aims to uncover valuable insights into the population dynamics, catch patterns and potential management strategies for these fish species. By analyzing data from "Jazan's Catch Chronicles," from General Administration of Fisheries Resources (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture) -the Statistical Yearbook 2022-, we employ statistical methods to extract meaningful patterns from the data and answer critical questions. This knowledge can then inform fisheries management practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these valuable resources. The findings suggest that the diversity of the catch may have increased slightly over the study period. The number of species with a catch of more than 100 tonnes increased from 5 in 2017 to 7 in 2022. The number of species with a catch of more than 10 tonnes also increased from 14 in 2017 to 17 in 2022. However, further statistical analysis, such as a chi-squared test, is needed to determine if this difference is statistically significant. The study also highlights the importance of balancing data disclosure with species conservation. While detailed location data can be valuable for scientific research, it can also pose threats to endangered species. In the case of the IUCN-listed Cheilinus undulatus (humphead wrasse), a decision tree approach was employed to weigh the risks and rewards of disclosing location data. Considering the species' endangered status and declining population, the study recommends restricting data by masking species IDs and areas or restricting information by publishing high-resolution habitat maps without specific location details. This approach helps balance the need for scientific knowledge with protecting vulnerable species. Overall, this study sheds light on the dynamics of fish populations in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices and responsible data handling to ensure the long-term health of these vital marine resources.

The “I” in ICAPs: examining treatment intensity under the microscope

ABSTRACT Background Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) provide high doses of treatment over short periods. Treatment intensity in post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation and research is not well understood and is typically underspecified, including within ICAPs and modified Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (mICAPs), in which intensity is a fundamental design component. One recently developed model of treatment conceptualisation, the Multidimensional Dose Articulation Framework (MDAF), may offer a systematic, comprehensive, and granular method of characterising treatment intensity, though this framework has not yet been used to capture elements of intensity and dose during an ICAP or mICAP. Aims The purpose of this paper is to examine and describe increasingly specific details of treatment intensity for both an ICAP and mICAP delivered at the University of Montana (UMT). Methods & Procedures Fourteen participants with aphasia attended an 84-hour ICAP (n = 8) or a 24-hour mICAP (n = 6) delivered by graduate student clinicians at UMT. Ethics approval was obtained from the UMT IRB (#13-23). We examined intensity and dose using components of the MDAF including broad temporal parameters, and episode-specific length and intensity. Descriptive statistics were used to report group-level, participant-level, and treatment-level parameters. Outcomes & Results In this descriptive manuscript, we use a series of vignettes to report temporal parameters from the MDAF including treatment duration, days, sessions, and session density, and episode-level characteristics including episode length and episode intensity. Vignette one examines ICAP and mICAP planned versus actual temporal parameters. Vignette two describes episode-level detail across two evidence-based treatments administered during the ICAP. Vignette three details differences in delivery of a single treatment approach between two participants. In each vignette, we discuss the benefits and challenges of tracking treatment intensity with fine detail. Conclusions Comprehensive specification of dose and intensity parameters is essential to compare efficacious treatment programs and to understand variability in treatment response across individuals with aphasia. The MDAF is a promising tool, though detailed treatment intensity remains a challenging construct to measure, particularly at the level of the episode. Clinical researchers interested in dose and intensity and authors of evidence-based therapy approaches must continue to work to define and describe active ingredients within therapy approaches.

Brain activation during processing of mouth actions in patients with disorders of consciousness.

In the past 2 decades, several attempts have been made to promote a correct diagnosis and possible restorative interventions in patients suffering from disorders of consciousness. Sensory stimulation has been proved to be useful in sustaining the level of arousal/awareness and to improve behavioural responsiveness with a significant effect on oro-motor functions. Recently, action observation has been proposed as a stimulation strategy in patients with disorders of consciousness, based on neurophysiological evidence that the motor cortex can be activated not only during action execution but also when actions are merely observed in the absence of motor output, or during listening to action sounds and speech. This mechanism is provided by the activity of mirror neurons. In the present study, a group of patients with disorders of consciousness (11 males, 4 females; median age: 55 years; age range: 19-74 years) underwent task-based functional MRI in which they had, in one condition, to observe and listen to the sound of mouth actions, and in another condition, to listen to verbs with motor or abstract content. In order to verify the presence of residual activation of the mirror neuron system, the brain activations of patients were compared with that of a group of healthy individuals (seven males, eight females; median age: 33.4 years; age range: 24-65 years) performing the same tasks. The results show that brain activations were lower in patients with disorders of consciousness compared with controls, except for primary auditory areas. During the audiovisual task, 5 out of 15 patients with disorders of consciousness showed only residual activation of low-level visual and auditory areas. Activation of high-level parieto-premotor areas was present in six patients. During the listening task, three patients showed only low-level activations, and six patients activated also high-level areas. Interestingly, in both tasks, one patient with a clinical diagnosis of vegetative state showed activations of high-level areas. Region of interest analysis on blood oxygen level dependent signal change in temporal, parietal and premotor cortex revealed a significant linear relation with the level of clinical functioning, assessed with coma recovery scale-revised. We propose a classification of the patient's response based on the presence of low-level and high-level activations, combined with the patient's functional level. These findings support the use of action observation and listening as possible stimulation strategies in patients with disorders of consciousness and highlight the relevance of combined methods based on functional assessment and brain imaging to provide more detailed neuroanatomical specificity about residual activated areas at both cortical and subcortical levels.

ACCURATE 3D MODEL OF VENICE: PRESERVING HISTORICAL DATA AND INTRODUCING SLAM IMMS FOR CHANGE DETECTION AND UPDATING PROCEDURES

Abstract. The Municipality of Venice, through Insula srl (Insula, 2024), started the RAMSES (Rilievo Altimetrico, Modellazione Spaziale E Scansione 3D) project in 2005 with the unprecedented intention of conducting a static laser scanner survey of an entire city. The authors of this paper, who have been involved in the project on behalf of the client, including drafting general contract technical specifications, wished to revisit the survey’s findings nearly two decades later. This contribution illustrates the procedures implemented to guarantee the future accessibility of the surveyed data. It is interesting to highlight how the detailed technical specifications outlined in the general technical contract section have facilitated the retrieval of the historical three-dimensional laser scanner measurements archive. Tests have been conducted to determine how the existing mobile mapping technologies may be utilised to update the three-dimensional historical data obtained in the Ramses project efficiently. Furthermore, the paper describes the surveying approach that has never been adequately described in the literature. The surveying and geo-referencing methodologies continue to have several interesting and relevant aspects, especially regarding how the topographic network has been implemented. The Ramses three-dimensional model represents an extraordinary, valuable digital archive containing portraits of the city’s conditions at the time of the mapping. Ramses 3D model, when enriched with field activities conducted using more updated technologies, can provide interesting and unique evaluations of the evolution of Venice’s landscape.

The mutual interactions among Helicobacter pylori, chronic gastritis, and the gut microbiota: a population-based study in Jinjiang, Fujian.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining, and it is a major cause of chronic gastritis (CG). H. pylori infection can influence the composition of the gastric microbiota. Additionally, alterations in the gut microbiome have been associated with various health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders. The dysbiosis in gut microbiota of human is associated with the decreased secretion of gastric acid. Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and H. pylori infection are also causes of reduced gastric acid secretion. However, the specific details of how H. pylori infection and CG, especially for CAG, influence the gut microbiome can vary and are still an area of ongoing investigation. The incidence of CAG and infection rate of H. pylori has obvious regional characteristics, and Fujian Province in China is a high incidence area of CAG as well as H. pylori infection. We aimed to characterize the microbial changes and find potential diagnostic markers associated with infection of H. pylori as well as CG of subjects in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, China. Enrollment involved sequencing the 16S rRNA gene in fecal samples from 176 cases, adhering to stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. For our study, we included healthy volunteers (Normal), individuals with chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG), and those with CAG from Fujian, China. The aim was to assess gut microbiome dysbiosis based on various histopathological features. QIIME and LEfSe analyses were performed. There were 176 cases, comprising 126 individuals who tested negative for H. pylori and 50 who tested positive defined by C14 urea breath tests and histopathological findings in biopsies obtained through endoscopy. CAG was also staged by applying OLGIM system. When merging the outcomes from 16S rRNA gene sequencing results, there were no notable variations in alpha diversity among the following groups: Normal, CNAG, and CAG; OLGIM I and OLGIM II; and H. pylori positive [Hp (+)] and H. pylori negative [Hp (-)] groups. Beta diversity among different groups show significant separation through the NMDS diagrams. LEfSe analyses confirmed 2, 3, and 6 bacterial species were in abundance in the Normal, CNAG, and CAG groups; 26 and 2 species in the OLGIM I and OLGIM II group; 22 significant phylotypes were identified in Hp (+) and Hp (-) group, 21 and 1, respectively; 9 bacterial species exhibited significant differences between individuals with CG who were Hp (+) and those who were Hp (-). The study uncovered notable distinctions in the characteristics of gut microbiota among the following groups: Normal, CNAG, and CAG; OLGIM I and OLGIM II; and Hp (+) and Hp (-) groups. Through the analysis of H. pylori infection in CNAG and CAG groups, we found the gut microbiota characteristics of different group show significant difference because of H. pylori infection. Several bacterial genera could potentially serve as diagnostic markers for H. pylori infection and the progression of CG.

Revisiting column selectivity choices in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–Using multidimensional analytical Design Spaces to identify column equivalency

Current guides and column selection system (CSS) platforms can provide some helpful insights with regard to the selection of alternative phases. Their practical reliability however, can also turn out to be questionable, especially considering the lack of detailed specifics, such as a clear definition of points of equivalence—appropriate running conditions under which the given analytical mixture can be satisfactorily resolved on various stationary phases. In this context, the use of multivariate modeling tools can be highly beneficial. These tools, when applied systematically, are ideal for uniquely characterizing complex LC-separation systems, a fact supported by numerous peer-reviewed papers.Revisiting our earlier work [1] and the applied systematic workflow [2], we used a Design Space modeling software (DryLab), with the main focus on building and comparing 3-dimensional separation models of amlodipine and its related impurities to identify shared method conditions under which columns are conveniently interchangeable. Our study comprised 5, C18-modified ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) columns in total, in some cases with surprising results. We identified several equivalences between the Design Spaces (DSs) of markedly different columns. Conversely, there were cases where, despite the predicted similarities in column data, the modeled DSs demonstrated clear differences between the selected stationary phases.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for unusual sellar lesions: eight cases and review of the literature.

Preoperative imaging for some unusual lesions in the sellar region can pose challenges in establishing a definitive diagnosis, impacting treatment strategies. This study is a retrospective analysis of eight cases involving unusual sellar region lesions, all treated with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS). We present the clinical, endocrine, and radiological characteristics, along with the outcomes of these cases. Among the eight cases, the lesions were identified as follows: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) in one case, Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) in one case, Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) in one case, Ossifying fibroma (OF) in two cases; Sphenoid sinus mucocele (SSM) in one case, Pituitary abscess (PA) in two cases. All patients underwent successful EETS, and their diagnoses were confirmed through pathological examination. Postoperatively, all patients had uneventful recoveries without occurrences of diabetes insipidus or visual impairment. Our study retrospectively analyzed eight unusual lesions of the sellar region. Some lesions exhibit specific imaging characteristics and clinical details that can aid in preoperative diagnosis and inform treatment strategies for these unusual sellar diseases.

TELEREHABILITATION INTERVENTION PROTOCOLS FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Introduction: Since the start of the pandemic, it became clear to physical therapists through emerging studies that there are better outcomes in managing the symptoms of COVID-19 patients if they undergo physical therapy; however, face-to-face rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients placed physical therapists at risk of cross-infection. To address this issue, the use of telerehabilitation as a mode of delivery of instruction and patient monitoring was considered. Recent studies have expressed its effectiveness; however, there are still no available standardized protocols for the telerehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. Thus, this study seeks to conduct a comprehensive search of the published literature regarding COVID-19 physical therapy interventions and to map out the current evidence and knowledge gaps surrounding telerehabilitation protocols for COVID-19 patients. Methods: The study has a Scoping Review Design in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In this study, 939 articles were found through searching in the following databases with specific MeSH Terms: PEDRO, PubMed, BioMed Central, & Cochrane Central. These 939 articles were then screened and assessed for their eligibility, specifically, to match the inclusion criteria of the study. Specific details of each of the studies included the following: Title, Author & Country, Digital Technology Used, Research Design, Methodology, Intervention/Program, and Key Findings/Results. Similar details between studies were tallied and were then compared to their existing forms of literature. Results: A total of 9 studies were reviewed after the 939 articles were screened and similar details were tallied as well. A majority of the studies were RCTs followed by Systematic Reviews/Meta-Analysis. The most common interventions used in order were (1) Strengthening Exercises, (2) Deep Breathing Exercises, and (3) Aerobic Exercises. The most used telerehabilitation technology was any internet-connected device that had access to video conferencing. Four of the studies have shown better outcomes as a result of telerehabilitation. Gaps in literature, specifically the lack of studies conducted in developing nations and unevidenced claims of better cost-effectiveness, were consistent in all studies. Discussion: This study was able to map out the available research and the surrounding protocols conducted through telerehabilitation for COVID-19 patients. The current literature shows the most common interventions and outcome measures used during telerehabilitation and that some patients have become better as a result of telerehabilitation. The findings can be used as a basis for creating a telerehabilitation treatment plan and may be used to systematically compare said studies in turn would create a standardized protocol for COVID-19 telerehabilitation.