Category: Nevin Manimala

Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2024 Sep 3;409(1):268. doi: 10.1007/s00423-024-03456-z.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Augmented reality navigation in liver surgery still faces technical challenges like insufficient registration accuracy. This study compared registration accuracy between local and external virtual 3D liver models (vir3DLivers) generated with different rendering techniques and the use of the left vs right main portal vein branch (LPV vs RPV) for landmark setting. The study should further examine how registration accuracy behaves with increasing distance from the ROI.

METHODS: Retrospective registration accuracy analysis of an optical intraoperative 3D navigation system, used in 13 liver tumor patients undergoing liver resection/thermal ablation.

RESULTS: 109 measurements in 13 patients were performed. Registration accuracy with local and external vir3DLivers was comparable (8.76 ± 0.9 mm vs 7.85 ± 0.9 mm; 95% CI = -0.73 to 2.55 mm; p = 0.272). Registrations via the LPV demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than via the RPV (6.2 ± 0.85 mm vs 10.41 ± 0.99 mm, 95% CI = 2.39 to 6.03 mm, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive but weak correlation between the accuracy (d_Feature) and the distance from the ROI (d_ROI) (r = 0.298; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Despite basing on different rendering techniques both local and external vir3DLivers have comparable registration accuracy, while LPV-based registrations significantly outperform RPV-based ones in accuracy. Higher accuracy can be assumed within distances of up to a few centimeters around the ROI.

PMID:39225933 | DOI:10.1007/s00423-024-03456-z

Arch Dermatol Res. 2024 Sep 3;316(8):599. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03308-2.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39225855 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-024-03308-2

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-03385-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An underestimated worldwide health concern, Monkeypox (Mpox) is becoming a bigger menace to the world’s population. After smallpox was eradicated in 1970, Mpox was found in a rural region of Africa and quickly spread to other African countries. The etiological agent of the Mpox infection, the Mpox virus, is constantly evolving, and its capability for cross-species transmission led to a global outbreak in 2022 which led to several deaths throughout the world. This review aims to showcase the progressive treatment methods and emerging innovations in the diagnostic and prevention strategies for controlling Mpox. The clinical trial data for antiviral drugs were systematically collected and analyzed using statistical tests to determine the most effective antiviral treatment. Emerging viral protein inhibitors that are under investigation for Mpox treatment were also scrutinized in this review. Additionally, modern diagnostic methods, such as the Streamlined CRISPR On Pod Evaluation platform (SCOPE) and graphene quantum rods were reviewed, and the efficacy of mRNA vaccines with traditional smallpox vaccines used for Mpox were compared. The statistical analysis revealed that tecovirimat (TCV) is the most effective antiviral drug among the other evaluated drugs, showing superior efficacy in clinical trials. Similarly, mRNA vaccines offer greater effectiveness compared to conventional smallpox vaccines. Furthermore, emerging nanomedicine and herbal drug candidates were highlighted as potential future treatments for Mpox. The findings underscore the effectiveness of TCV in treating Mpox and highlight significant advancements in preventive treatments. The review also points to innovative approaches in vaccine technology and potential future therapies, including nanomedicine and herbal remedies, which may enhance Mpox management.

PMID:39225831 | DOI:10.1007/s00210-024-03385-0

Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Sep 3;196(10):884. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-13057-4.

ABSTRACT

Groundwater depletion and water scarcity are pressing issues in water-limited regions worldwide, including Pakistan, where it ranks as the third-largest user of groundwater. Lahore, Pakistan, grapples with severe groundwater depletion due to factors like population growth and increased agricultural land use. This study aims to address the lack of comprehensive groundwater availability data in Lahore’s semi-arid region by employing GIS techniques and remote sensing data. Various parameters, including Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), Rainfall, Drainage Density (DD), Water Depth, Soil Type, Slope, Population Density, Road Density, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Moisture Stress Index (MSI), Water Vegetation Water Index (WVWI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST), are considered. Thematic layers of these parameters are assigned different weights based on previous literature, reclassified, and superimposed in weighted overlay tool to develop a groundwater potential zones index map for Lahore. The groundwater recharge potential zones are categorized into five classes: Extremely Bad, Bad, Mediocre, Good, and Extremely Good. The groundwater potential zone index (GWPZI) map of Lahore reveals that the majority falls within the Bad to Mediocre recharge potential zones, covering 33% and 28% of the total land area in Lahore, respectively. Additionally, 14% of the total area falls under the category of Extremely Bad recharge potential zones, while Good to Extremely Good areas cover 19% and 6%, respectively. By providing policymakers and water supply authorities with valuable insights, this study underscores the significance of GIS techniques in groundwater management. Implementing the findings can aid in addressing Lahore’s groundwater challenges and formulating sustainable water management strategies for the city’s future.

PMID:39225827 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-024-13057-4

J Mol Med (Berl). 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1007/s00109-024-02475-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Epigenetic alterations play a pivotal role in conditions influenced by environmental factors such as overweight and obesity. Many of these changes are tissue-specific, which entails a problem in its study since obtaining human tissue is a complex and invasive practice. While blood is widely used as a surrogate biomarker, it cannot directly extrapolate the evidence found in blood to tissue. Moreover, the intricacies of metabolic diseases add a new layer of complexity, as obesity leads to significant alterations in adipose tissue, potentially causing associated pathologies that can disrupt existing correlations seen in healthy individuals. Here, our objective was to determine which epigenetic markers exhibit correlations between blood and adipose tissue, regardless of the metabolic status. We collected paired blood and adipose tissue samples from 64 patients with morbidity obesity and non-obese and employed the MethylationEPIC 850 K array for analysis. We found that only a small fraction, specifically 4.3% (corresponding to 34,825 CpG sites), of the sites showed statistically significant correlations (R ≥ 0.6) between blood and adipose tissue. Within this subset, 5327 CpG sites exhibited a strong correlation (R ≥ 0.8) between blood and adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that the majority of epigenetic markers in peripheral blood do not reliably reflect changes occurring in visceral adipose tissues. However, it is important to note that there exists a distinct set of epigenetic markers that can indeed mirror changes in adipose tissue within blood samples. KEY MESSAGES: More than 8% of methylation sites exhibit similarity between blood and adipose tissues, regardless of BMI The correlation percentage between blood and adipose tissue is strongly influenced by gender The principal genes implicated in this correlation are related to metabolism or the immunological system.

PMID:39225820 | DOI:10.1007/s00109-024-02475-z

Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1111/opo.13386. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the visual impact of Diffusion Optics Technology™ 0.2 DOT lenses (SightGlass Vision Inc.) designed for myopia control on primary gaze. DOT spectacle lenses contain light scattering elements that scatter light as it passes through the lens which, in turn, reduces retinal image contrast.

METHODS: Fifty-one children (12.2 ± 1.3, range 10-14 years; 51% females) were randomly assigned to wear DOT spectacle (n = 27) or single vision lenses (n = 24) across six investigational sites in North America. Binocular high- and low-contrast distant visual acuities, near visual acuity, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity and glare were assessed in primary gaze after at least 3 years of wear, with the study 95% powered in all metrics to detect significant differences between the groups.

RESULTS: Mean binocular distance high-contrast (-0.09 ± 0.02 vs. -0.08 ± 0.02 logMAR, p = 0.81), low-contrast (0.05 ± 0.02 vs. 0.07 ± 0.02 logMAR, p = 0.52) and near visual acuity with glare sources (-0.06 ± 0.03 vs. -0.09 ± 0.03 logMAR, p = 0.32) were similar for DOT and single vision lens wearers, respectively. Contrast sensitivity was similar between children wearing DOT or single vision lenses across 11 of the 16 spatial frequencies (p > 0.05). Mean stereopsis was similar (p = 0.30) with the DOT lenses (33.2 ± 12.5″) and single vision lenses (38.1 ± 14.2″). Functional reading speed metrics were similar in both study groups, as was the objectively measured head tilt during reading (p > 0.05). The mean halo radius was 0.56° ± 0.17° with the DOT lenses compared with 0.50° ± 0.12° with single vision lenses (p = 0.02), but the statistically significant difference was smaller than the non-inferiority bound of 0.4°.

CONCLUSION: Diffusion optics technology lenses provide a clinically equivalent visual experience to a standard single vision lens.

PMID:39225035 | DOI:10.1111/opo.13386

J Insect Sci. 2024 Jul 1;24(4):20. doi: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae084.

ABSTRACT

Bemisia tabaci New World (NW) (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), a whitefly in the B. tabaci species complex, is polyphagous on many plant species. Yet, it has been displaced, albeit not entirely, by other whitefly species. Potential causes could include issues with adaptation, feeding, and the colonization of new-hosts; however, insights that would help clarify these possibilities are lacking. Here, we sought to address these gaps by performing electropenetrography (EPG) recordings of NW whiteflies, designated “Napus” and “Rapa,” reared on 2 colony hosts, Brassica napus and B. rapa, respectively. Analysis of 17 probing and pathway (pw) phase-related EPG variables revealed that the whiteflies exhibited unique probing behaviors on their respective colony hosts, with some deterrence being encountered on B. rapa. Upon switching to B. rapa and B. napus, the probing patterns of Napus and Rapa whiteflies, respectively, adapted quickly to these new-hosts to resemble that of whiteflies feeding on their colony hosts. Results for 3 of the EPG variables suggested that B. rapa’s deterrence against Napus whitefly was significant prior to the phloem phase. This also suggested that adaptation by Rapa whitefly improved its pw probing on B. rapa. Based on analysis of 24 phloem phase-related EPG variables, Napus and Rapa whiteflies performed equally well once they entered phloem phase and exhibited comparable phloem acceptability on both the colony- and new-hosts. These findings demonstrate that NW whiteflies reared on a colony host are highly adaptable to feeding on a new host despite encountering some deterrence during the nonphloem phases in B. rapa plant.

PMID:39225033 | DOI:10.1093/jisesa/ieae084

Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 2024 Sep 3:1-10. doi: 10.1080/00365513.2024.2392241. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Besides mammography, breast ultrasonography and the routinely monitored protein markers, the variations of small molecular metabolites in blood may be of great diagnostic value. This study aimed to quantify specific metabolite markers with potential application in BC detection. The study enrolled 50 participants, 25 BC patients and 25 healthy controls (CTRL). Dried blood spots (DBS) were utilized as biological media and were quantified via a simplified liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, used in expanded newborn screening. The targeted metabolomic analysis included 12 amino acids and 32 acylcarnitines. Statistical analysis revealed a significant variation of metabolic profiles between BC patients and CTRL. Among the 44 metabolites, 18 acylcarnitines and 10 amino acids remained significant after Bonferroni correction, showing increase or decrease and enabled classification of BC patients and CTRL. The well-established LC-MS/MS protocol could provide results within few minutes. Therefore, the combination of an easy-to-handle material-DBS and LC-MS/MS protocol could facilitate BC screening/diagnosis and in the next step applied to other cancer patients, as well.

PMID:39225029 | DOI:10.1080/00365513.2024.2392241

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.16189-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of caffeine (CAF) supplementation on game-related statistics and perceptual responses of male basketball players during official games.

METHODS: Eight players (23.5±5.7 years) participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study. Sixty minutes before the start of each game, players ingested a dose of either CAF (3 mg/kg body mass) or placebo (PLA) in a randomized order. Game-related statistics were collected. After the games, players reported ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and their perceptions of endurance and power. Separate linear mixed models evaluated the effects of treatment (CAF, PLA), game location (home, away), and opponent level (better, worse) on game-related statistics and perceptual responses.

RESULTS: Players committed fewer fouls when taking CAF compared to PLA (P<0.001, ES=0.75, moderate). No effects of CAF were found for the other game-related statistics (all P>0.05). RPE was higher in CAF compared to PLA (P=0.031, ES: 0.49, small). There were no differences in perceptions of endurance (P=0.388) or power (P=0.988). No effects of game location or opponent level were found for game-related statistics or perceptual responses (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that caffeine supplementation can improve defensive performance in semiprofessional basketball players while also possibly increasing physical performances, seen the higher RPE.

PMID:39225025 | DOI:10.23736/S0022-4707.24.16189-0

Int J Older People Nurs. 2024 Sep;19(5):e12644. doi: 10.1111/opn.12644.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome associated with physical, psychological and social changes. There is a paucity of research on frailty in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, especially Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the initial correlations among frailty, nutritional status, depression and QOL (quality of life) in a group of older people in Ethiopia who are later enrolled in a study examining the effects of a nurse-led community intervention on frailty and related health outcomes.

METHODS: Data from 68 community-dwelling individuals 60 years of age, or over, were collected. Frailty was measured using the Amharic version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator. The statistical analysis included Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient for degrees of association, Mann-Whitney U-test for variables with two categories and Kruskal-Wallis for variables with three or more categories.

RESULTS: The mean frailty score for participants was 7.3 (±1.9). Participants with higher frailty scores had lower nutritional status (r_s = -0.46, p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant relationship (positive) between frailty scores and depression (r_s = 0.39, p < 0.01). Depressed (Md = 9, n = 23) and non-depressed frail older people (Md = 7, n = 45) showed a significant difference in their overall frailty score, U = 330.50, z = -2.49, p = 0.01, r = 0.30. There was an inverse significant association between the level of frailty across different domains in the QOL: physical (r_s = -0.44, p < 0.01), psychological (r_s = -0.45, p < 0.01), social relations (r_s = -0.29, p < 0.05) and environmental (r_s = -0.47, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The findings from this study were consistent with those from across middle-income and high-income countries.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This research indicates that older people living in communities who are identified as frail often suffer from a poor nutritional status, depression and reduced QOL. It suggests that healthcare professionals in Sub-Saharan countries would benefit from recognising the frailty in this population, and developing interventions aimed at enhancing nutrition, mental health and overall well-being.

PMID:39225010 | DOI:10.1111/opn.12644