Variation In Counts Research Articles

Oral and topical spironolactone in acne treatment: A meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that commonly lasts from adolescence to adulthood and has serious social and psychological consequences. Current treatments typically use antibacterial drugs, which contributes to the rise in antibacterial drug resistance. Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic with anti-androgen effects, has been used off-label to treat acne by lowering sebum production. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the safety and efficacy of oral and topical spironolactone in acne treatment. Following PRISMA guidelines, a complete search of five databases yielded seven eligible studies (643 individuals) that compared spironolactone to placebo in randomized controlled trials. The total lesion count (TLC), comedones and papule counts, acne severity index (ASI), and adverse events (AEs) were all measured. RevMan was used for statistical analysis, and effect estimates were presented as mean differences (MD) and relative risk (RR), as appropriate. The study found that spironolactone significantly reduced ASI (MD = - 6.53, 95% CI: [- 10.83 to - 2.22], p = 0.003) and had a satisfactory safety profile, particularly in terms of menstruation symptoms. There were no statistically significant variations in TLC, comedone, or papule counts between the 4, 8, and 12-week intervals. Adverse events, including menstrual abnormalities, were similar across groups. Spironolactone, both oral and topical, demonstrated promise in lowering acne severity, particularly in female patients. While larger, long-term trials are required to demonstrate its efficacy and safety, spironolactone is a beneficial option to antibacterial drug therapies for dermatological and cardiovascular issues.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated From Pond Catfish in Ketu Adie-Owe, Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

The increasing number of fish ponds in Nigeria is driven by the demand for fish and fishery products. Catfish, specifically Clarias gariepinus, is popular for cultivation due to its economic significance. However, bacterial infections pose a threat to the health of catfish in these ponds, resulting in the need for antibiotic usage. This study is aimed to assess the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from pond catfish. This study involved isolating bacteria from the catfish skin and intestine, analyzing their biochemical characteristics, and conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Fungi present in the catfish samples were also identified. The Gram-negative isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, revealing the prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. The findings contribute to the understanding of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture and highlight the need for appropriate management strategies. The bacterial load in different catfish samples was examined through total plate counts and dilution effects. The results revealed variations in colony counts and CFU/ml values among the samples, with the highest bacterial load observed in the skin of large catfish. The bacterial load observed in the skin of catfish ranged from 4.7 X 103 CFU/ml to 9.8 X 103 CFU/ml, while the bacterial load observed in the intestine of catfish ranged from 3.1 X 103 CFU/ml to 5.4 X 103 CFU/ml. Biochemical testing identified specific organisms, including Enterobacter cloacae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter brakii, Citrobacter freundii, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Varying resistance patterns emphasize the need for careful antibiotic use and infection control in catfish aquaculture. Therefore, continuous monitoring and preventive measures are recommended.

Unveiling the biological variation of lymphocyte subset counts: Insights from a full-spectrum flow cytometer and the BD MultitestTM 6-Color TBNK kit.

To estimate the biological variation (BV) for lymphocyte subset counts in healthy adults based on full-spectrum flow cytometry (FS-FCM) and the most commonly used BD MultitestTM 6-Color TBNK kit in China. The study was designed according to the BV Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Peripheral blood samples were collected from 60 healthy adults every two weeks for a period of 20 weeks (10 samples from each subject). Lymphocyte subsets were quantified using FS-FCM and the kit mentioned above. Bayesian models were used to analyze within-subject BV (CVI) and between-subject BV (CVG). Accordingly, the analytical performance specifications (APS) and more were derived. Additionally, the allowable total error (TEa) derived from the BV data in this study was compared with that based on state-of-the-art (SOTA). The CVIs for the percentages of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3-CD19+, and CD3-CD16/CD56+ cells were 3.60 %, 7.05 %, 4.19 %, 10.73 %, and 19.17 %, respectively. The CVIs for the absolute counts were 13.99 %, 13.51 %, 16.19 %, 16.30 %, and 28.64 %, respectively. The CVGs for the percentages were 11.78 %, 21.33 %, 35.20 %, 33.69 %, and 44.36 %, and those for the absolute counts were 30.27 %, 28.84 %, 43.11 %, 46.69 %, and 49.21 %, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the CVI and CVG of males and females. The maximum allowable imprecision parameter based on the BV model was absolute CD3-CD16/56+ cell counts (14.3 %). For most lymphocyte subset parameters, TEa based on SOTA in China was less than the optimal TEa obtained from the BV data of this study. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to estimate the BV of lymphocyte subset counts based on FS-FCM and the clinically commonly used BD MultitestTM 6-Color TBNK kit.

Correlation of red blood cell parameters and platelet count among adult anemic patients attending Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Goba, Southeast Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Anemia is a worldwide public health problem and is associated with platelet disorders. The relationship between anemia and platelets is complex, with the association being either normal platelet count or thrombocytosis. Platelets are significantly decreased in patients with anemia, and thrombocytopenia has been documented in patients with severe anemia. There are few reports in the literature on the correlation between platelet count and red blood cell parameters in anemic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the correlation between red blood cell parameters and platelet count in adult anemic patients attending Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital (MWUGRH): Goba, Southeast Ethiopia, from May 30 to July 30, 2022. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 352 subjects (176 anemic and 176 controls) who attended the hospital during the study period and were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Sociodemographic and other relevant variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected and placed in a K2EDTA tube for analysis of hematologic parameters using the Sysmex XN-550 (Sysmex Corp., Japan) automated hematology analyzer; the hemoglobin value was used to determine anemia status. Data were entered into Epidata Manager, version 4.6.0.2, and analyzed using SPSS Statistical Software, version 25. The independent-sample t-test was used to compare parameters between groups, and correlation statistics was used to correlate parameters between groups. Chi-square was used at a 95% confidence interval, considering P < .05 statistically significant for association among categorical variables. Correlation analysis showed that platelet count was significantly, positively correlated with RBC, and negatively correlated with MCV, MCH, and MCHC (r (P) = 0.168 (.026) and -0.252 (.000), -0.275 (.001), -0.218 (.004), respectively). It was also negatively correlated with HGB and HCT levels in the healthy control (r (P) = -0.266 (.000) and -0.149 (.049) respectively). Morphologically, 44.32% were microcytic hypochromic anemia, 53.98% were normocytic normochromic anemia and 1.70% were macrocytic anemia. The findings showed that platelet count variation correlates well with red cell indices and morphologic types of anemia in adult anemic patients. Such correlation will enable physicians to make diagnoses and administer treatments.

Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Fellowship Applicants with Greater Research Productivity During Residency are Ranked Higher by Fellowship Programs.

Shoulder and elbow surgery fellowships in the United States are recognized for their academic emphasis, yet the correlation between an applicant's research productivity and fellowship match results remains unclear. This study (1) analyzed temporal trends in research productivity among matched fellowship applicants, (2) evaluated the influence of quantity of publications and first authorships on match positions, and (3) investigated program variations in research productivity. This is a retrospective analysis of data from the San Francisco (SF) Match Database for shoulder and elbow surgery applicants matched between 2017 and 2024. Allopathic (MD), osteopathic (DO), and international medical graduates (IMGs) were included. PubMed was queried to quantify publications and first authorship before and during residency, analyzing their association with applicant and fellowship rank. Publication volumes per fellowship program were also calculated for institutions with at least five years of match data. 290 matched applicants were evaluated across 34 fellowship programs, comprising 229 MDs, 29 DOs, and 32 IMGs. There was almost a five-fold increase in the average number of publications per applicant, from 2.72 ± 3.54 in 2017 to 12.80 ± 15.88 in 2024 (B 1.30; p = 0.001). Similarly, first authorship publication counts increased almost three-fold, from 1.31 ± 2.12 in 2017 to 3.66 ± 5.01 in 2024 (B = 0.29, p = 0.02). Fellowship program analysis revealed wide variation in mean publication counts of matched applicants (p = 0.008), with Rush University Medical Center (27.88 ± 33.86), Massachusetts General Hospital (13.65 ± 26.62), Mayo Clinic (13.06 ± 14.77), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (12.19 ± 10.64) exhibiting the highest averages. Candidates with more publications (p = 0.04), first authorships(p = 0.02), and total first authorships (p = 0.04) during residency were ranked higher by fellowship programs. There was a significant correlation between greater publication count during residency and more favorable fellowship rank (-0.15, p = 0.02) and applicant match position (-0.12, p = 0.049). No significant associations were found between pre-residency publications (p = 0.38), total publications (p = 0.13), and pre-residency first authorships (p = 0.20) with fellowship rank positions. Research productivity has increased substantially among matched applicants. The more academically productive residents tend to be ranked more favorably by fellowship programs and match higher on their list. However, these associations were relatively weak, highlighting the complexity of the fellowship selection process and the notion that research productivity alone does not guarantee placement in preferred programs.

Variation in Red Blood Cell Count and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) among Dialysis Adherent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition associated with high morbidity, especially in dialysis patients. Anemia, a common complication, is linked to RBC count and red cell distribution width (RDW). However, the relationship between these parameters and CKD stages, dialysis duration, and outcomes is not well explored. Objective: This study aimed to assess variations in RBC count and RDW in dialysis-dependent CKD patients and their correlation with CKD stage, dialysis duration, and clinical outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 120 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis for at least 6 months was conducted. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for RBC count and RDW. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, comorbidities, dialysis duration, and CKD stage, were reviewed. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, and multivariate regression. Results: The mean RBC count was 3.2 ± 0.6 million/μL, and RDW was 16.2 ± 2.4%. A significant inverse correlation between RBC count and RDW was found (r = -0.42, p &lt; 0.01). Advanced CKD stages (4-5) and longer dialysis durations (≥3 years) were linked to lower RBC counts (p &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified dialysis duration, CKD stage, and comorbidities like diabetes as independent predictors of RBC count and RDW (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: RBC and RDW levels vary in dialysis-dependent CKD patients. Advanced CKD stages and longer dialysis durations are associated with poorer hematological profiles, suggesting RDW as a potential biomarker for anemia severity. Further research is needed for anemia management in this population.

Driving Under the Influence of Allergies: The Effect of Seasonal Pollen on Traffic Fatalities

Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of mortality in the United States despite being preventable. While several policies have been introduced to improve traffic safety and their effects have been well documented, the role of transitory health shocks or situational factors at explaining variations in fatal traffic accidents has been understudied. Exploring daily variation in city-specific pollen counts, this study finds novel evidence that traffic fatalities increase on days in which the local pollen count is particularly high. We find that the effects are present in accidents involving private vehicles and occur most frequently on the weekends, suggesting potentially the missed opportunity to avoid these fatalities. We do not find similar effects for fleet vehicles. These findings remain robust to alternative specifications and alternative definitions of high pollen count. Taken together, this study finds evidence that a prevalent and transitory exogenous health-shock, namely pollen allergies, increases traffic fatalities. Given our lack of evidence of avoidance, these effects are not mechanical and are likely driven by cognitive impairments that arise as a result of seasonal allergies.

Diagnostic Value of IL-4, IL-10, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Febrile Seizures During Viral Epidemic Period.

This report aimed to analyze the potential effects of cytokines and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) on the occurrence of febrile seizures (FS) in children during the epidemic of novel coronavirus and influenza virus. Between July 2022 and April 2023, clinical data of 422 children with FS hospitalized in the Pediatrics, Shaoxing People's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, during the epidemic and non-epidemic periods of novel coronavirus and influenza virus were analyzed. By comparing the various clinical characteristics of children with FS at different periods, comparison of variations in peripheral blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hypersensitive C-creation protein, NLR, and inflammatory cytokines. Among 422 cases, 130 cases were classified as complex FS (CFS), while 292 cases of simple FS (SFS) were identified. During the time of the viral epidemic, 315 FS cases were observed, among which the incidence of CFS was 33.65%. In the non-viral epidemic period, there were 105 cases of FS. The incidence of CFS accounted for 22.86%. In addition, the levels of IL-4, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in children in the viral epidemic period were significantly higher than those in the non-epidemic period (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that during the epidemic period, NLR (AUC = 0.724), IL-4 (AUC = 0.826), and IL-10 (AUC = 0.688) exhibited high predictive value for CFS children, and the indexes were statistically significant (P < 0.05). This study suggests that IL-4, IL-10, and NLR may play an important role in the pathogenesis of children with FS, especially those with CFS.

An Integrative Approach to Assess and Map Zostera noltei Meadows Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Seagrass meadows, including those formed by Zostera noltei, play a crucial role in marine ecosystem health by providing habitat stability and coastal protection. In the Romanian Black Sea, Z. noltei meadows are critically endangered due to pressures from eutrophication, habitat loss, and climate change. This study presents a comprehensive baseline assessment of Z. noltei meadows near Mangalia, Romania, utilizing in situ field methods and UAV mapping conducted in the spring and summer of 2023. Seven meadow sites (Z1–Z7) were identified, with notable variability in density, shoot counts, and coverage across sites. Site Z1 exhibited the highest density (1223 shoots/m−2) and Z5 and Z7 the longest leaves (an average of 60 cm), reflecting possible environmental influences. Statistical analyses revealed significant inter-site differences in shoot density and leaf length, with density emerging as a primary differentiator. Ex situ analyses of epiphyte load indicated a median, balanced epiphyte load. This baseline dataset supported the selection of Z1 as a reference donor site for seagrass relocation activities along the Romanian coast in 2023. By providing critical insights into Z. noltei structure and health, this study supports future conservation efforts and evidence-based management of these vulnerable coastal habitats.

Effect of the Storage Conditions on the Microbiological Quality and Selected Bioactive Compound Content in Fruit Mousses for Infants and Young Children

Fruit mousses, as low-processed products, are highly susceptible to external conditions, and storage leads to the degradation of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds and vitamins, as well as promoting the growth of yeasts and molds. This study investigated the impact of storage conditions on the microbiological quality and degradation of selected bioactive compounds in fruit mousses from various producers (from apples, pears, and multi-components). Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, vitamin C level, antioxidant capacity (AC, measured by the DPPH assay), and concentrations of macro- and microminerals were evaluated in fresh mousses and those stored for 48 h at 23 °C and 4 °C. Changes in total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), yeast and mold counts, and selected microbial groups were also checked. It was found that the analyzed compounds varied depending on the components of the mousses. Multi-component mousses contained the highest levels of TPC, TFC, and vitamin C, and had 2–5 times higher AC values compared to apple and pear mousses. Storage at room temperature resulted in TFC lowering of up to 25% in apple mousses and vitamin C reductions of up to 22% in multi-component mousses. During refrigerated storage, the highest losses were observed in pear mousses, with TPC decreasing by up to 13% and vitamin C by up to 11%. Among the minerals, magnesium and zinc levels decreased most significantly in apple mousses stored at 23 °C (up to 33% and up to 29%, respectively). Microbiological analysis revealed variability in TAMB, yeast, and mold counts, with refrigeration (4 °C) generally limiting microbial growth compared to room temperature (23 °C). Notably, no pathogenic bacteria were detected under any storage conditions, and the mousses retained a high microbiological quality even after room-temperature storage.

Population growth of the grey-headed albatross population on Marion Island inferred using three analysis methods

Abstract Globally, the grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma is listed as Endangered due to decreasing populations at its major breeding colonies. We analysed the population trend at Marion Island using annual counts of incubating pairs and fledglings from 1984 to 2021 and three methods: TRends and Indices for Monitoring data (TRIM), a generalized additive model and a state-space model. In contrast to rapid decreases at most other colonies, all three methods indicated a local population increase at an average annual rate of 1.3%. The latter two models indicated a decreasing trend from 1997 to 2002, presumably related to mortality on longlines set for Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides around the island, which peaked from 1996 to 1998. Grey-headed albatrosses exhibit greater variation in annual counts than other seabird species at Marion Island, possibly linked to interannual variation in breeding success because they are biennial breeders. However, breeding success alone was not significant in any of the models, presumably because it cannot capture the complexities of both population processes and environmental variation. Although all three models predicted the overall trends well, integrated population models, which can account for demographic processes, might be more appropriate to model long-term population trends.

Innovative Personalized Medicine for Immunosuppressive Drugs Based on Novel Control Theory of Pharmacokinetics

Tacrolimus is widely recognized as an anti-rejection agent due to its immunosuppressive characteristics. It binds to the immunophilin FK506-binding protein (FKBP) and thus to calcineurin, and inhibits its activity. Tacrolimus' therapeutic concentration range in blood is narrow, and its pharmacokinetics are highly variable among individuals. First, because tacrolimus primarily distributes to red blood cells (RBCs), anemia and blood transfusions can cause fluctuations in tacrolimus blood concentrations. Variations in blood tacrolimus concentration significantly correlated with variations in RBC count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit value, but not with variations in white blood cell or platelet counts. Interestingly, FKBP played an important role in tacrolimus distribution to RBCs. The effects of intracellular and extracellular FKBP levels on RBC distribution of tacrolimus in circulating blood were substantial. Secondly, proteins affecting pharmacokinetics can differ at the genetic level in their expression and functional potency. Genetic polymorphisms that influence tacrolimus pharmacokinetics have been reported. A polymorphism in the gene encoding the metabolic enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 is a particularly influential factor affecting tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in Japanese patients. CYP3A5 polymorphisms correlated with individual differences in tacrolimus blood concentration changes after starting continuous infusion in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. In addition, CYP3A5*3 polymorphism also correlated with differences in the frequency of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) development in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Identification of the P24 Gene Family Related to Vesicular Transport in Cyclocarya paliurus and Their Expression Analysis Under Salt Stress

Vesicle transport is a fundamental mechanism for intracellular substance transfer and signal transduction, involving the formation, transport, fusion with target membranes, and release of vesicle contents within cells. Issues such as disruption of water balance, difficulty in regulating osmotic pressure, and oxidative stress caused by salt stress can lead to disturbances in the secretion system of plants, thus affecting plant growth and development. Cyclocarya paliurus (C. paliurus), widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has not been previously reported in terms of how the vesicle transport P24 gene regulates its adaptation to salt stress. In this research project, a total of eight CpP24 genes were successfully identified. Upon examination of gene architecture and conserved sequence elements, the CpP24 genes exhibited a variation in exon count, ranging from 4 to 6. Moreover, the CpP24 gene family’s reaction to salt stress and specific stressors including methyl jasmonate (MeJA), sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was further explored in our study. Comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns of CpP24 genes under various conditions showed that salt stress induced the expression of these genes, and the combined treatment of salt stress with specific stresses caused changes in their expression. This study lays a theoretical foundation for further probing into the physiological functions of C. paliurus and the underlying mechanisms regarding its response to environmental stress.

Variability of Loa loa microfilarial counts in successive blood smears and its potential implication in drug-related serious adverse events

BackgroundThe standard method to diagnose Loa loa infection and quantify microfilarial density (MFD) is the microscopic examination of calibrated thick blood smears (TBSs). In 1950, it was noticed that successive L. loa MFD samples from a single capillary puncture could exhibit up to 20% variation. Although loiasis treatment allocation is based on MFD to prevent serious adverse events (SAEs), data on this variability are scarce. There are also no guidelines supporting the collection and analysis of one or two TBSs.MethodsWe assessed the variability of two successive L. loa MFD samples (MFD1 and MFD2), collected from 255 patients. We analyzed the influence of sex, age, weight, heart rate, arterial pressure, body temperature, and sampling time on MFD variability, as well the impact of MFD variability on MFD thresholds relevant to loiasis treatment protocols.ResultsThe MFD2 was found to have increased in 63% (1145/1826) of TBS pairs and to have decreased in 37% (681/1826) of TBS pairs. The MFD2 were on average 28% higher than the MFD1. These variations drove a total of 333 (17.4%) changes in MFD classes according to loiasis treatment protocol, including 210 (11.3%) class increases. TBSs generated from blood samples from subjects with lower MFD (1–1000 mf/ml) or lower mean arterial pressure (MAP; 55–80 mmHg), or from blood samples collected at an earlier hour time-point (10:00–10:59 a.m.) were more subject to MFD2 variability in a multivariate analysis. The MFD relative change was not constant over time for a given person.ConclusionsWe observed a trend towards an increase in MFD2 with an important variability between samples that may impact loiasis treatment allocation. We suggest that systematically sampling at least two successive TBSs might allow better MFD assessments to prevent post-treatment SAEs. Further studies are needed to verify this variability in larger samples as well as confirm the potential explanatory variables identified.Graphical

An Investigation into Diagnostic Strategies for Central Nervous System Infections Through the Integration of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing and Conventional Diagnostic Methods.

The optimal strategy for detecting central nervous system infections (CNSI) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples remains unclear. In a one-year, multicenter retrospective study, we examined the efficacy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in comparison to conventional pathogen diagnostic techniques for CSF in diagnosing CNSI. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden index for each diagnostic approach. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the area under the curve (AUC) was determined to assess the diagnostic performance of each method. The study included 68 patients, comprising both adults and children, who were suspected of having CNSI. Through the application of comprehensive clinical interpretation (CCI), the sensitivity and specificity of mNGS were found to be 67.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.85-80.87%) and 45.8% (95% CI: 27.89-64.92%), respectively. In comparison, traditional pathogenic diagnostic methods indicated that the culture method demonstrated a sensitivity of 10.6% (95% CI: 4.63-22.6%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 84.54-100%). Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of the peripheral blood nucleated cell count were determined to be 34.0% (95% confidence interval: 22.17-48.33%) and 57.1% (95% confidence interval: 36.54-75.53%), respectively. CSF nucleated cell count demonstrated a sensitivity of 66.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.67-77.83%) and a specificity of 61.9% (95% CI: 40.87-79.25%). In comparison, the CSF protein content exhibited a sensitivity of 63.8% (95% CI: 49.54-76.03%) and a specificity of 57.1% (95% CI: 36.54-75.53%). When combining mNGS with traditional methodologies, the overall sensitivity increased to 91.3% (95% CI: 79.67-96.56%), although the specificity was reduced to 18.2% (95% CI: 7.31-38.51%). The area under the ROC curve for culture, peripheral blood nucleated cell count, mNGS, CSF nucleated cell count, and CSF protein content were 0.8088, 0.6038, 0.6103, 0.5588, and 0.5588, respectively. The variation in CSF nucleated cell count did not significantly affect the diagnostic efficacy of mNGS. Currently, both mNGS and traditional diagnostic methods encounter substantial challenges in diagnosing CNSI.

Effect of Fin Configuration on the Early Stage of the Melting Process of a Phase Change Material

Thermal storage systems are essential for optimizing energy resource utilization, particularly in the current context where sustainability and efficiency are critical. Phase Change materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution for improving thermal management efficiency without additional power consumption. Considering that the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) is a limiting factor for heat transfer, this study employs the enthalpy-porosity method to analyze the melting characteristics of a high-Prandtl number PCM. Additionally, this study investigated the effect of varying the number of fins in the heat sink on the heat transfer rate. The material melting process was modeled by considering buoyancy effects and treating the flow as incompressible, Newtonian, transient, and laminar. Lauric acid was selected as the working material with temperature-dependent properties that were incorporated into the simulations for greater accuracy. Three different heat sink configurations were analyzed, varying the number of fins from 5 to 10 and their lengths from 0.02 meters to 0.04 meters. The objective was to optimize the cooling performance using aluminum, which was selected for its excellent balance of lightweight properties and high thermal conductivity. This analysis aimed to assess how these variations in the fin count and dimensions affect the overall heat dissipation efficiency and thermal management of the system. The inclusion of a finned heat sink within a heat exchanger has demonstrated significant efficiency, particularly in regions with substantial boundary layer development, resulting in enhanced heat transfer. These findings highlight the effectiveness of using finned heat sinks in these regions. However, an interesting observation emerged regarding the effect of increasing the number of fins over long periods. Although initially beneficial, a larger number of fins eventually led to a reduced performance over time, notably affecting the thermal storage capacity and molten liquid mass production. Additionally, this study elucidates the influence of natural convection on thermal boundary layer development, highlighting the complexity of the heat transfer processes.

ASSESSING THE ECOLOGICAL AND MICROBIAL IMPACTS OF SHIP BALLAST WATER DISCHARGE IN GLOBAL SHIPPING

The global shipping industry, responsible for 90% of world trade, plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth. However, its impact on marine environments, notably through pollution from ballast water discharges, poses environmental challenges. The discharge of ballast water emerges as a significant threat, introducing non-native species and pathogens into new ecosystems, leading to ecological and economic consequences. The study aims to understand the impact of these invasive species on native ecosystems, biodiversity, ecosystem function, and potential economic implications. Ten vessels from diverse regions were sampled, revealing zero total coliform counts and Escheria coli presence, indicating relatively clean ballast water. Microbiological analysis highlighted variations in heterotrophic counts across samples with zero total coliform counts and Escheria coli. The study identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, including Bacillus sp., Vibro cholera, and Staphylococcus aureus. The study highlights the potential for the spread of invasive species through ballast water discharge, necessitating strategies to mitigate negative impacts.

Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Chick Embryo: Immunomodulatory, Hepatic and Biochemical Alterations.

The utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has significantly increased across various industries. This study rigorously explored the impact of TiO2 NPs exposure on chicken embryos, focusing particularly on alterations in the immune system, liver functionality and key biochemical markers. The study involved three groups of 30 eggs each, subjected to increasing doses of TiO2 NPs: Group C (control), Group T1 (150µg/mL) and Group T2 (300µg/mL). After 48h of incubation, the eggs in Groups T1 and T2 each received an injection of 0.3mL of the TiO2 NPs solution. In contrast, the eggs in the control group (Group C) were injected with 0.3mL of saline solution. Histopathological changes were analysed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, whereas amniotic fluid's biochemical properties were examined photometrically. The study also assessed the expression of immune genes (AvBD9, IL6 and IL8L2) through quantitative PCR. The evaluations included growth metrics, amniotic fluid biochemistry and histological analysis of the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius. The results revealed subcutaneous haemorrhage, significant reductions in total body weight and marked changes in biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in the amniotic fluid of the groups treated with TiO2 NPs, compared to the control. Histological examinations indicated noticeable alterations in the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius following TiO2 NP exposure. These alterations were characterized by disruptions in cellular structures and variations in lymphocyte counts. Furthermore, a notable decrease in the expression of immunity genes, namely, AvBD9, IL8L2 and IL6, was observed in the TiO2 NP-treated groups compared to the control. The findings underscore the need for risk assessments of TiO2 NPs exposure due to its impact on development and immunity. Future research should explore its impact on neurodevelopment and degeneration.

Usefulness of visual classification for cardiac pathophysiology using count-washout rate map in iodine-123-beta-methyl-P-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid scintigraphy

Abstract Background Myocardial washout rate (WR) analysis of radiopharmaceuticals is utilized in nuclear cardiology to evaluate the clinical pathophysiology of the heart. WR is defined as the ratio of the difference between the counts in the early image and time-decay-corrected delayed image divided by the former. The myocardial WR of iodine-123-β-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) is an indicator of myocardial lipolysis, and a decreased WR (&amp;lt;10%) of BMIPP is one of the diagnostic criteria for triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV). However, decreased BMIPP uptake in the early images, as in old myocardial infarction (OMI), would also cause a markedly decreased WR. Since the distinction between these clinical conditions cannot be made based on WR alone, simultaneous evaluation of the counts in the early image and WR is needed to properly understand the cardiac pathophysiology. Purpose To differentiate between TGCV and non-TGCV with OMI, both of which show decreased BMIPP WR, a new Count-WR Map (CWRM) method was evaluated. The purpose is to visually and easily distinguish between the two conditions using CWRM. Methods We introduced a CWRM consisting of two axes: counting in the early image, and WR. The count window was set to a maximum of the mean plus two standard deviations and a minimum of 50 counts, and the WR window was set to a maximum of 30 % and a minimum of -20%. CWRM was visually evaluated as normal, TGCV, non-TGCV with OMI, or TGCV with OMI. Results In normal cases, sufficient counts were observed in the early images, and WR did not decrease; CWRM showed light blue. In TGCV, sufficient counts were observed in the early image, but WRs markedly decreased; CWRM showed even orange. In non-TGCV with OMI, regions with decreased and preserved counts coexisted; CWRM showed light blue in the normal and black in the OMI region. In TGCV with OMI, CWRM showed orange in the TGCV myocardium and black in the OMI region (figure). Conclusions CWRM is useful for visually and easily differentiating TGCV from non-TGCV with OMI. CWRM can be applied to other cardiovascular diseases with count and WR variations for visual classification.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Release of Circulating Tumor and Mesenchymal Cells in No-Touch Radical Nephrectomy.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be the missing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biomarker. No-touch (NT) resection has shown benefit in several tumors. A randomized controlled trial comparing CTC and circulating mesenchymal cell (CMC) release in no-touch (NT) vs. conventional (C) laparoscopic RN. Blood samples were collected at operation room arrival (S0), specimen extraction (S1), postoperative D1, and D30. CTCs were isolated and analyzed using RUBYchip™. Thirty-four patients were included. No significant differences were found between groups in CTC and CMC counts, count variations between time points, complications, and survival. The total circulating cell detection rates in the NT, C, and overall RCC groups were 58.3%, 80.0%, and 70.4% at S0; 41.6%, 86.7%, and 66.7% at S1; 50.0%, 64.3%, and 60.0% at D1; and 54.5%, 42.9%, and 44.0% at D30, respectively. A progressive decrease in CMCs was observed in the C group after surgery, especially at D1 (4.78 to 1.64 CMCs/7.5 mL blood, p = 0.035). Healthy controls had no circulating cells; however, high CMC counts were found in chronic inflammation controls and oncocytoma patients, with no significant difference from RCC patients (p = 0.460). NT RN did not reduce circulating cell release nor improve survival compared to C RN.