Liver Size and its Correlation with Anthropometric Parameters and Age / El Tamaño del Hígado y su Correlación con los Parámetros Antropométricos y la Edad

SUMMARY: The liver has over 500 physiological and biochemical roles in our organism so checking of liver size and function is a part of every clinical examination. Aim of our research was to estimate liver size on computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen images and to determinate relations between liver dimensions and anthropometric parameters. The research included 99 patients, 49 men and 50 women, who were referred for CT of abdomen. We measured body height (BH) and body mass (BM), and calculated body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA). Also, on CT images we measured anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) and two craniocaudal liver diameters (one at the level of midclavicular line - CCmcl, and the other was maximal - CCmax). Liver volume (LV) was calculated with formula. Our results showed that AP diameter positively correlated with BSA (r=0.30) in women. LL diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.43), and BSA (0.31) in men. CCmcl diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33), BM (r=0.31), and BSA (r=0.34) in men, while in women it correlated only with BH (r=0.38). CCmax diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33) and BSA (r=0.33) in men. LV positively correlated with BH and BSA in both men (r=0.36, r=0.33, respectively) and women (r=0.42, r=0.31, respectively), and in men also with BM (r=0.34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax, and LV negatively correlated with aging in both sexes After the age of 60, there was a decrease in size of LL, CC diameters, as well as in LV. We concluded that liver dimensions decrease with aging, regardless of sex at the expanse of LL and CC diameters which are related to the size of body parameters, so that for a precise evaluation of liver size all three diameters should be measured, LV as well as BH, BM, and BSA.

El hígado desempeña más de 500 funciones fisiológicas y bioquímicas en nuestro organismo, por lo que comprobar el tamaño y la función de este órgano es parte de cada examen clínico. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue estimar el tamaño del hígado mediante tomografía computarizada (TC) de imágenes del abdomen y determinar las relaciones entre las dimensiones del hígado y los parámetros antropométricos. La investigación incluyó a 99 pacientes, 49 hombres y 50 mujeres, que fueron remitidos para TC de abdomen. Medimos la altura corporal (BH) y la masa corporal (BM), y calculamos el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el área de superficie corporal (BSA). Además, en las imágenes de TC medimos los diámetros hepáticos anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) y dos craneocaudales (uno a nivel de la línea medioclavicular - CCmcl, y el diámetro máximo - CCmax). El volumen del hígado (VI) se calculó con una fórmula. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el diámetro AP se correlacionó positivamente con BSA (r = 0,30) en mujeres. El diámetro de LL se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,43) y BSA (0,31) en hombres. El diámetro CCmcl se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33), BM (r=0,31) y BSA (r=0,34) en hombres, mientras que en mujeres se correlacionó solo con BH (r=0,38). El diámetro CCmax se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33) y BSA (r=0,33) en hombres. El VI se correlacionó positivamente con BH y BSA tanto en hombres (r=0,36, r=0,33, respectivamente) como en mujeres (r=0,42, r=0,31, respectivamente), y en hombres también con BM (r=0,34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax y LV se correlacionaron negativamente con el envejecimiento en ambos sexos. Después de los 60 años, hubo una disminución en el tamaño de los diámetros LL, CC y LV. Concluimos que las dimensiones del hígado disminuyen con la edad, independientemente del sexo, en la extensión de los diámetros LL y CC que están relacionados con el tamaño de los parámetros corporales, por lo que para una evaluación precisa del tamaño del hígado se debe medir LV como BH, BM y BSA.

HAS-BLED Score for Prediction of Bleeding and Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bleeding after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased mortality. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score in TAVR patients is still to be evaluated. We assessed the value of the HAS-BLED score to predict in-hospital bleeding and mortality after TAVR and the impact of diferent renal impairment definitions on the predictive value of the score system. Methods: We retrospectively included 574 patients who underwent TAVR at a single center. Study outcomes were 30-day mortality and the composite endpoint of major and life-threatening bleeding as defined by The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score was calculated and compared to a modified model. The performance of the score was compared using two definitions of renal impairment. Model discrimination was tested using C-statistic and the Net Reclassification Index. Results: Bleeding occurred in 78 patients (13.59%). HAS-BLED category 3 was a significant predictor of bleeding (OR: 1.99 ]1.18- 3.37], C-index: 0.56, P=0.01). C-index increased to 0.64 after adding body surface area and extracardiac arteriopathy to the model. The Net Reclassification Index showed an increase in the predic tive value of the model by 11.4% (P=0.002). The C-index increased to 0.61 using renal impairment definition based on creatinine clearance. Operative mortality was significantly associated with the HAS-BLED score (OR: 7.54 [95% CI: 2.73- 20.82], C-index: 0.73, P<0.001). Conclusion: The HAS-BLED score could be a good predictor of in-hospital mortality after TAVR. Its predictive value for bleeding was poor but improved by adding procedure-specific factors and using creatinine clearance to define renal impairment.

Effect of dynamics of instantaneous flow rate on the quantification of the severity of degenerative mitral regurgitation using M-mode proximal isovelocity surface area / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of instantaneous flow rate on the consistency of diagnostic accuracy of severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) using proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA).Methods:From June 2019 to June 2021, 75 patients with DMR who underwent echocardiography in Department of Echocardiography of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were prospectively enrolled. The instantaneous flow rate of DMR during the systolic phase was calculated using M-mode PISA(PISA M-mode), and a time-integrated curve was plotted. Regurgitant volume (RVol) and effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) were calculated by traditional PISA (PISA max), pair PISA (PISA pair), and PISA M-mode, respectively. RVol acquired from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) volumetric method in 22 patients of the enrolled patients. The correlation and consistency of RVol acquired between the three PISA methods and CMR were compared. Agreement of diagnostic accuracy of severe mitral regurgitation (sMR) acquired between the three PISA methods and multi-parameter algorithm by American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) was analyzed using Cohen′s Kappa analysis. Results:The curve of instantaneous flow rate of DMR showed unimodal pattern with the peak at mid-late systolic phase. The correlation of RVol acquired between PISA methods and CMR was moderate for PISA max and PISA pair ( r=0.77, 0.80, both P<0.001), whereas PISA M-mode presented strong correlation with CMR ( r=0.87, P<0.001). RVol acquired from PISA max was larger than that of CMR[(69.1±37.1) ml vs (49.0±29.0)ml, P=0.002]. Both PISA max and PISA pair were shown moderate agreement of diagnostic accuracy of sMR with ASE multi-parameters algorithm (RVol: κ=0.496, 0.525, both P<0.001; EROA: κ=0.570, 0.578, both P<0.001), while PISA M-mode presented strong agreement (RVol: κ=0.867 and EROA: κ=0.802, both P<0.001). Conclusions:Based on the unimodal pattern of instantaneous flow rate in patients with DMR, PISA max may significantly overestimate RVol, exposing a significant proportion of patients with DMR to unnecessary MR surgery. PISA M-mode presents better correlation and consistency with CMR on the quantification of RVol compared with PISA max and PISA pair, and may improve the diagnostic accuracy of quantification of sMR using PISA.

Risk Factors of Thrombocytopenia After Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative thrombocytopenia is common in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and its risk factors are unclear. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 3,175 adult patients undergoing valve surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 1, 2017 to December 30, 2018 in our institute. Postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as the first postoperative platelet count below the 10th quantile in all the enrolled patients. Outcomes between patients with and without postoperative thrombocytopenia were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors of postoperative thrombocytopenia were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The 10th quantile of all enrolled patients (75×109/L) was defined as the threshold for postoperative thrombocytopenia. In-hospital mortality was comparable between thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia groups (0.9% vs. 0.6%, P=0.434). Patients in the thrombocytopenia group had higher rate of postoperative blood transfusion (5.9% vs. 3.2%, P=0.014), more chest drainage volume (735 [550-1080] vs. 560 [430-730] ml, P<0.001), and higher incidence of acute kidney injury (12.3% vs. 4.2%, P<0.001). Age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.345-3.765, P=0.002], preoperative thrombocytopenia (OR 18.671, 95% CI 13.649-25.542, P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.059-1.117, P<0.001) were positively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Body surface area (BSA) (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.114-0.538, P<0.001) and isolated mitral valve surgery (OR 0.475, 95% CI 0.294-0.77) were negatively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Positive predictors for thrombocytopenia after valve surgery included age > 60 years, small BSA, preoperative thrombocytopenia, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. BSA and isolated mitral valve surgery were negative predictors.

Multi-level scoring approach to discover multi-targeting potency of medicinal plant phytochemicals against protein targets in SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE-2 receptor

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has become a major threat to human healthcare and world economy. Due to the rapid spreading and deadly nature of infection, we are in a situation to develop quick therapeutics to combat SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we have adopted a multi-level scoring approach to identify multi-targeting potency of bioactive compounds in selected medicinal plants and compared its efficacy with two reference drugs, Nafamostat and Acalabrutinib which are under clinical trials to treat SARS-CoV-2. In particular, we employ molecular docking and implicit solvent free energy calculations (as implemented in the Molecular Mechanics -Generalized Born Surface Area approach) and QM fragmentation approach for validating the potency of bioactive compounds from the selected medicinal plants against four di?erent viral targets and one human receptor (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 -ACE-2) which facilitates the SARS-CoV-2entry into the cell. The protein targets considered for the study are viral 3CL main protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and viral spike protein-human hACE-2 complex (Spike:hACE2)including human protein target (hACE-2). Herein, thereliable multi-level scoring approach was used to validate the mechanism behind the multi-targeting potency of selected phytochemicals from medicinal plants. The present study evidenced that the phytochemicals Chebulagic acid, Stigmosterol, Repandusinic acid and Geranin exhibited efficient inhibitory activity against PLpro while Chebulagic acid was highly active against 3CLpro. Chebulagic acid andGeranin also showed excellent target specific activity against RdRp.Luteolin, Quercetin, Chrysoeriol and Repandusinic acid inhibited the interaction of viral spike protein with human ACE-2 receptor. Moreover Piperlonguminine and Piperine displayed significant inhibitory activity against human ACE-2 receptor. Therefore, the identified compounds namely Chebulagic acid, Geranin and Repandusinic acid can serve as potent multi-targeting phytomedicine for treating COVID-19

Correlation of COVID-19 with Severity of Periodontitis-A Clinical and Biochemical Study

Background: Various conceptual hypotheses have been put forth to link association of COVID?19 with various chronic diseases such as periodontitis. Empirical evidence is still lacking to correlate the severity of COVID?19 with periodontal diseases. Objectives: This study was undertaken with an objective to correlate COVID severity in systemically healthy patients suffering from periodontal diseases. Materials and Methods: 44 systemically healthy patients of both genders with minimum of 20 teeth in their oral cavity in age range of 20 to 50 years suffering from periodontitis were recruited and categorised into four stages as per American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) 2017 classification for periodontitis. Serum C?reactive protein (CRP) levels and periodontal disease parameters of all the patients were measured. Because of COVID?19 and the nationwide lockdown, the dental practice was highly affected. With the help of self?designed online questionnaire information regarding COVID?19 infection and associated symptoms were recorded. Cases were categorized into five groups based on the World Health Organization clinical progression scale of COVID severity. Results: All the patients suffering from COVID disease in moderate and severe forms had increased probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and raised serum C?reactive protein levels as compared to patients who were uninfected or suffering from mild COVID disease and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Prioritisation and Implementation of periodontal treatment as a preventive measure for COVID?19 should be done. A positive correlation is observed between the severity of periodontitis and COVID?19.

Cross-Sectional Study of Placental Surface Area and Umbilical Cord Attachment on Placenta in Normal and PIH Pregnancy and Its Effects on Foetal Weight

Introduction: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the risk factor in pregnancy leading to placental insufficiency which in turn is responsible for maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. PIH causes morphological changes in placenta. Decreased placental surface area and variation in the attachment of umbilical cord on placenta are more commonly noted in PIH which hampers the uteroplacental perfusion resulting in foetal mortality and morbidity. Hence afforts were made to study the incidence of reduced placental surface area and mode of cord attachment on placenta. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Sri Siddhartha medical college and Hospital, Tumakuru, Karnataka. A total of 100 (50 normal and 50 PIH) human placentae were studied. Placental surface area and mode of attachment of umbilical cord in normal and PIH pregnancy were measured and noted. This study was analysed statistically by using Unpaired t-test and Chi-square test. Results: The study revealed significantly decrease in placental surface area and also there is increased incidence of central and marginal attachment of umbilical cord in PIH cases. Conclusion: Study reveals, PIH cause morphological changes in placenta, it decreasing the uteroplacental blood flow which reduces foetal nutrition ultimately decreasing the neonatal weight.

Pulmonary function tests in workers of medical college

Background: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) include a group of tests that measure breathing and functionality of lungs. PFT variables are affected by height, weight age, gender, environmental factors, and smoking. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to measure the respiratory fitness of medical college workers and to evaluate effect of gender, basal surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI), and smoking on lung functions in workers of medical college. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on total 50 (29 males and 221 females) subjects in the age group of 18–40 years of medical college workers in Ahmedabad. The subjects were selected randomly for this study. Dynamic lung functions such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow (25–75%), and maximum voluntary ventilation were measured by Computerized spirometer (Spiro excel 1.1, Medcaid, India). The data were analyzed by the help of statistical software medical and computer software. Results: Out of 50 subjects 29 (58%) were males and 21 (42%) were females. Mean age of study subject was 26.34 ± 7.31, mean height of study subject was 161.44 ± 9.48, and mean weight of study subject was 59.52 ± 12.62. Mean BSA was 162.16 ± 0.19 and mean BMI was 22.74 ± 4.19. Out of total 50 subjects, 76% subjects were non-smokers and not having habit of tobacco chewing while 8% were smokers and 14% of study subjects having habit of tobacco chewing. Our results showed lower values of PFT parameters than standard inbuilt predicted values of inbuilt software (KAMAT formula). The values of PFT parameters were higher in males compared to females. In smokers value of FEV1/FVC was less than non-smokers. All the PFT parameters showed positive correlation with BSA. BMI shows negative correlation with PFTs. Conclusion: The respiratory strength of male workers was higher than female workers as their volume of lungs and body circumference is more than females. The respiratory muscle endurance and pulmonary compliance is also more in males than females.

Maternal Vitamin D Status and Its Associated Environmental Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vitamin D deficiency is common among women during pregnancy. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and their shared modifiable environmental factors among pregnant women in Indonesia and Malaysia. METHODS: Blood samples of 844 third-trimester pregnant women (Indonesians: 311; Malaysians: 533) were collected to determine their serum 25(OH) D levels. Information on sun exposure and sun protection behaviours were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Dietary vitamin D intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) among Indonesian and Malaysian pregnant women were 42.4% and 72.0%, respectively. Percentage of exposed body surface area was inversely associated with vitamin D deficiency among Indonesian pregnant women (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.09-0.48). Among Malaysian pregnant women, higher intakes of dietary vitamin D were associated with lower risk of vitamin D deficiency (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.29-0.81). Analysis of the combined cohorts revealed a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women who had a daily intake of at least 15 mcg vitamin D (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.38-0.88) and exposure of more than 27% body surface area to the sunlight (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.16-0.60). CONCLUSION: Despite abundant sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women in tropical countries. The present study suggests that nutrition education on vitamin D intake and sun exposure during pregnancy is necessary for primary prevention of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women living in the tropical countries

Precisão de réguas endodônticas milimetradas e orifício calibrador, e avaliação da regularidade da superfície do orifício calibrador / Accuracy of endodontic millimeter rulers and calibrator hole, and evaluation of the regularity of the calibrator hole surface

Objetivo: O objetivo desse artigo foi avaliar a precisão das porções milimetrada e calibradora das réguas endodônticas, e avaliar a regularidade da superfície dos orifícios calibradores. Métodos: A porção milimetrada das réguas Angelus, Maillefer, Maquira, Microdont e Prisma foi avaliada com paquímetro eletrônico digital. Os orifícios calibradores da Maillefer, Prisma e Angelus foram medidos com um projetor de perfil. A regularidade da superfície dos orifícios calibradores foi classificada em S1 ­ sem irregularidades ou S2 ­ com regularidades. A análise de precisão das porções milimetrada e calibradora foi realizada com o teste t (p=0,05); e as frequências dos tipos de superfície, com o teste do qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: A Maillefer foi a única régua endodôntica com precisão em todos os comprimentos e orifícios. A Prisma apresentou estatisticamente mais orifícios do tipo S2, quando comparada com outras réguas endodônticas avaliadas (p<0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre Angelus e Maillefer (p>0,05). Conclusão: A Maillefer apresentou precisão nas porções milimetrada e calibradora. As réguas endodônticas da Angelus não foram precisas em nenhum comprimento da parte milimetrada e não foram precisas na maioria dos orifícios calibradores. A régua endodôntica Prisma mostrou significativamente mais orifícios calibradores com irregularidades na superfície do que Angelus e Maillefer. Destaca-se a necessidade de controle de qualidade e padrões específicos para fabricação das réguas endodônticas (AU).

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of the millimeter and calibration portion and evaluate the regularity of the calibrator orifice surfaces of the endodontic rulers. Methods: The millimeter portion of the Angelus, Maillefer, Maquira, Microdont and Prisma rulers was evaluated with an electronic digital caliper. The calibration holes of the Maillefer, Prisma and Angelus were measured with Profile Projector. The surface regularity of calibration holes was evaluated and classified in S1- without irregularities and S2- with irregularities. The accuracy analysis of the millimeter and calibration was performed with T-Test (p=0.05) and the frequencies of the surface types with Chi-square (p<0.05). Results: The Maillefer was the only rulers with accuracy in all lengths and holes. Prisma presented statistically more S2 type holes when compared with other endodontic rulers evaluated (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between Angelus and Maillefer (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The Maillefer presented accuracy in the millimeter and calibration portion. Angelus endodontic rulers were not accurate at any rated length of the millimeter portion and it was not accurate in most calibration holes evaluated. Prisma endodontic ruler showed significantly more calibration holes with irregular surfaces than Angelus and Maillefer. We emphasize the need for quality control and specific standards for endodontic rulers manufacturing (AU).

Comparison of dialysis dose through real-time Kt/V by ultraviolet absorbance of spent dialysate, single-pool Daugirdas II, and Kt/BSA according to sex and age / Comparação da dose de diálise através do Kt/V em tempo real pela absorbância ultravioleta do dialisato gasto, Daugirdas II de pool único e Kt/BSA de acordo com sexo e idade

ABSTRACT Background: Kt/V OnLine (Kt/VOL) avoids inaccuracies associated with the estimation of urea volume distribution (V). The study aimed to compare Kt/VOL, Kt/V Daugirdas II, and Kt/BSA according to sex and age. Methods: Urea volume distribution and body surface area were obtained by Watson and Haycock formulas in 47 patients. V/BSA was considered as a conversion factor from Kt/V to Kt/BSA. Dry weight was determined before the study. Kt/VOL was obtained on DIALOG machines. Results: Pearson correlation between Kt/VOL vs Kt/VII and Kt/VOL vs Kt/BSA was significant for males (r = 0.446, P = 0.012 and r = -0.476 P = 0.007) and individuals < 65 years (0.457, P = 0.019 and -0.549 P = 0.004), but not for females and individuals ≥ 65 years. V/BSA between individuals < 65 and individuals ≥ 65 years were 18.28 ± 0.15 and 18.18 ± 0.16 P = 0.000). No agreement between Kt/VII vs Kt/BSA. Men and individuals > 65 years received a larger dialysis dose than, respectively, females and individuals < 65 years, in the comparison between Kt/VOL versus Kt/VII. V/BSA ratios among men and women were respectively 18.29 ± 0.13 and 18.12 ± 0.15 P = 0.000. Conclusions: Kt/VOL allows recognition of real-time dose regardless of sex and age.

RESUMO Introdução: O Kt/V OnLine (Kt/VOL) evita imprecisões associadas à estimativa da distribuição do volume de uréia (V). O estudo teve como objetivo comparar Kt/VOL, Kt/V Daugirdas II e Kt/BSA de acordo com sexo e idade. Métodos: A distribuição do volume de uréia e área de superfície corporal foram obtidas pelas fórmulas de Watson e Haycock em 47 pacientes. V/BSA foi considerado um fator de conversão de Kt/V para Kt/BSA. O peso seco foi determinado antes do estudo. Kt/VOL foi obtido através de máquinas DIALOG. Resultados: A correlação de Pearson entre Kt/VOL vs Kt/VII e Kt/VOL vs Kt/BSA foi significativa para os homens (r = 0,446, P = 0,012 e r = -0,476 P = 0,007) e indivíduos < 65 anos (0,457, P = 0,019 e -0,549 P = 0,004), mas não para mulheres e indivíduos ≥ 65 anos. A V/BSA entre indivíduos <65 e indivíduos ≥ 65 anos foi 18,28 ± 0,15 e 18,18 ± 0,16 P = 0,000). Sem concordância entre Kt/VII vs Kt/BSA. Homens e indivíduos > 65 anos receberam maior dose de diálise do que, mulheres e indivíduos <65 anos, respectivamente, na comparação entre Kt/VOL versus Kt/VII. As razões V/BSA entre homens e mulheres foram, respectivamente, 18,29 ± 0,13 e 18,12 ± 0,15 P = 0,000. Conclusões: Kt/VOL permite o reconhecimento da dose em tempo real, independentemente do sexo e idade.

Early hemodynamic profile after aortic valve replacement - a comparison between three mechanical valves

Abstract Introduction: There are scarce data comparing different mechanical valves in the aortic position. The objective of this study was to compare the early hemodynamic changes after aortic valve replacement between ATS, Bicarbon, and On-X mechanical valves. Methods: We included 99 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves between 2017 and 2019. Three types of mechanical valves were used, On-X valve (n=45), ATS AP360 (n=32), and Bicarbon (n=22). The mean prosthetic valve gradient was measured postoperatively and after six months. Results: Preoperative data were comparable between groups, and there were no differences in preoperative echocardiographic data. Pre-discharge echocardiography showed no difference between groups in the ejection fraction (P=0.748), end-systolic (P=0.764) and end-diastolic (P=0.723) diameters, left ventricular mass index (P=0.348), aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient (P=0.454), and indexed aortic prosthetic orifice area (P=0.576). There was no difference in the postoperative aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient between groups when stratified by valve size. The changes in the aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient of the intraoperative period, at pre-discharge, and at six months were comparable between the three prostheses (P=0.08). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that female gender (beta coefficient -0.242, P=0.027), body surface area (beta coefficient 0.334, P<0.001), and aortic prosthetic size (beta coefficient -0.547, P<0.001), but not the prosthesis type, were independent predictors of postoperative aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient. Conclusion: The three bileaflet mechanical aortic prostheses (On-X, Bicarbon, and ATS) provide satisfactory early hemodynamics, which are comparable between the three valve types and among different valve sizes.

Effects of individual differences on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine in cancer patients / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To study the effects of individual differences (gender, age, body surface area, and body weight) on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine in cancer patients in hoping of providing evidence for the rational use of capecitabine in clinic. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with various solid tumors were given a single dose of 0.6 g (0.15 g, 4 tablets) capecitabine in postprandial and blood samples were collected at multiple time points. The plasma concentration of capecitabine and its active metablolite, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drugs were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin7.0 software. RESULTS: Following oral administration, the C

Initial assessment of mortality rates of burn patients in a tertiary care hospital by total body surface area, depth and facial burns, and its correlation with serial total leucocyte count

Background: The pattern of burns in victims varies with the manner of infliction of burns. Age plays an important role in deciding the mortality and morbidity of burn victims. Other factors that decide the prognosis of burn victims are the total body surface area (TBSA), Depth of burns, and inhalational injury as evidenced by facial burns. Assessment of these epidemiological factors and inhalational injury can be done as a part of the initial evaluation. Such an assessment aid in resuscitation including emergent airway and decision making regarding the need for skin grafts or escharotomy. Serial measurement of total leucocyte count also helps in identifying the onset of infection and progress to septicaemia and increased mortality rates.Methods: As a part of the initial evaluation, we attempt to study the relation between TBSA, Depth of burns, facial burns, and total WBC count with mortality. A background of septicaemia was also noticed in the majority of patients.Results: For analysis, patients were divided into two groups- Survivors and Non-survivors. A fall in total WBC count coincided with the onset of sepsis and mortality. The other three factors also had a direct correlation with mortality rates.Conclusions: A scoring system constituting all the factors is essential as an initial diagnostic step and it will help in deciding early intubation, escharotomy, and aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Blood pressure distribution in relation with age, anthropometric measurements and socio economic status among school children of Warangal city, Telangana, India

Background: Hypertension is the one major global burden disease, causes 7.5 million deaths i.e.12.8%. Coronary Heart Disease Prevails 3-4% rural and 8-10% of urban population under 20 year’s age in India. Two fold rise in rural & six fold rise in urban areas since four decades. Environmental and Genetic factors i.e. Sex, BSA, obesity, family history of hypertension, dietary habits, physical activity, stress, race, ethnicity and socio economic status influence on children and adolescent. Many studies have established normal standards of BP for the children of different ages and races in their countries. Indian children cannot be adopted due to differences in ethnic, socio-economic, dietetic, environmental and emotional factors.Methods: A cross sectional study done with 2422 children of 5 to 16 years age school children, selected from 13 Schools (Government and Private) of Urban and Rural areas of Warangal.Results: A linear increase in mean BP with age, sex, weight, height, social status and locality. DBP has strong negative correlation with sex. i.e. female have high DBP and children of lower class and rural area has high DBP. 54 children <85th and 95th percentile and 5 children >95th percentile has comparatively high mean BP, 27 children with history of Hypertension in parents are >85th and 95th percentiles. Positive correlation with BMI in both sexes studied. A multivariate regression study confers positive strong correlation of Mean SBP and DBP with anthropometry.Conclusions: Observed similar results of SBP and DBP in both sexes, linear Increase in mean SBP and DBP with increasing age, weight, height and BMI. Family history of hypertension and high SES had direct correlation to SBP and DBP; class I SES has higher Mean SBP than class III SES.

Measurement of Scars Using Structured-Light 3D Scanning in Forensic Practice / 法医学杂志

Objective To validate the accuracy and reliability of structured-light three-dimensional （SL-3D） scanning in measuring the length and area of the regular and irregular scars on body surface and discuss its value in forensic practice. Methods The lengths of 30 cases of simulated linear scars and 50 cases of linear scars after injury were measured using soft ruler, vernier caliper + thin line method, and SL-3D scanning. The areas of 35 cases of simulated patchy scars and 15 cases of patchy scars after injury were measured using length × width, film tracing with coordinate paper method, pixel method, and SL-3D scanning, and then statistically analyzed. Results The differences between the length of the simulated linear scars measured by SL-3D scanning and standard length had no statistical significance. When simulated patchy scars and patchy scars after injury were measured with high surface curvature and large irregular areas, the differences between the results of SL-3D scanning measurement and the standard area had no statistical significance. When the length of 50 cases of linear scars after injury were measured using SL-3D scanning, the correlation coefficient between the measurement results of two different investigators was 0.998, and the correlation coefficient between the two measurement results by the same investigator was 1.000. The correlation coefficient between the results of SL-3D scanning and that of vernier caliper + thin line method was 0.996. Conclusion The three-dimensional information of the scars on the body surface can be acquired using SL-3D scanning. The measurement of the length and area of the scars is not influenced by the location of scars, curvature of surface, and human factors. The measurement results are accurate, reliable and has unique advantages.

Evaluation of 3D Measuring Methods for Body Surface Damage and Scars / 法医学杂志

Objective To assess the accuracy and reliability of the two 3D measuring methods, structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry in forensic body surface damage and scar measurement. Methods The measuring results of 86 injuries by the ruler method, structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry were compared and evaluated. The area measuring results of 13 simulated scars by the structured-light scanning, single-camera photogrammetry, Photoshop lasso pixel method and PDF reading software were compared and evaluated. The time consumed was recorded. The known specification information of the stickers was used as the standard value to compare the measuring accuracy of the ruler method, structural-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry, and to calculate the root mean square error （RMSE）. The consistency evaluation of intraclass correlation coefficient （ICC） for the repeatability of 3 measuring results obtained by different operators and the same operator. Results The differences in results of the two 3D measuring methods and the ruler method had no statistical significance; the differences between measuring results made by the structured-light scanning, single-camera photogrammetry and PDF reading software and that of the Photoshop lasso pixel method had no statistical significance. The post-processing of the single-camera photogrammetry consumed more time than that of other methods. When the long-distance group （10-40 cm） was measured, the results obtained by the ruler method were shorter than the standard value. The RMSE value results were structured-light scanning < single-camera photogrammetry < ruler method. The ICC value intragroup and intergroup were greater than 0.99. Conclusion Both structured-light scanning and single-camera photogrammetry can be applied in recording and measuring forensic body surface damage. The former has better performance in measurement accuracy and stability, while the latter has better color performance but longer post-processing time.

Longitud renal y aclaramiento de la creatinina en pacientes embarazadas con enfermedad renal crónica / Renal length and creatinine clearance in pregnant patients with chronic kidney disease

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Medir, con ultrasonido, la longitud renal y el aclaramiento de creatinina para evaluar su correlación en pacientes embarazadas con enfermedad renal crónica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, analítico y retrospectivo efectuado en pacientes embarazadas con enfermedad renal crónica a quienes se midió, con ultrasonido, la longitud renal derecha, izquierda, total y el aclaramiento de creatinina calculado con la ecuación Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) para evaluar su correlación como grupo y por trimestres del embarazo. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, prueba de ANOVA de una vía y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r) con el programa estadístico SPSS versión 20. Los valores p < 0.05 y r > 0.1 se consideraron significativos. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 50 pacientes. La longitud renal derecha fue 75.52 ± 16.14 mm, izquierda 84.46 ± 16.51 mm y total 159.96 ± 28.59 mm. La media del aclaramiento de creatinina fue 34.17 ± 25.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 área de superficie corporal. La correlación resultó positiva para la longitud renal izquierda vs aclaramiento de creatinina (r = 0.362) y longitud renal total vs aclaramiento de creatinina (r = 0.346) con mayor evidencia en pacientes en el segundo trimestre del embarazo. Las pacientes en el primer trimestre del embarazo fueron de mayor edad (p = 0.004), con riñones más pequeños (p = 0.008), menor aclaramiento de creatinina (p = 0.001) y mayor frecuencia de enfermedad renal crónica terminal (18%). CONCLUSIONES: Se encontró incremento de la longitud renal izquierda, longitud renal total y aclaramiento de creatinina con correlación positiva. Los cambios fueron evidentes solo en pacientes en el segundo trimestre del embarazo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To measure renal length by ultrasound and creatinine clearance to assess its correlation in pregnant patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical and retrospective study in pregnant patients with CKD whose right, left and total renal length was measured by ultrasound and the creatinine clearance calculated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation to evaluate its correlation. as a group and by gestational trimesters. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used with the SPSS version 20 statistical program. The p < 0.05 and r > 0.1 value was considered significant, respectively. RESULTS: 50 patients were studied. The right renal length was 75.52 ± 16.14 mm, left 84.46 ± 16.51 mm and total 159.96 ± 28.59 mm. The mean creatinine clearance was 34.17 ± 25.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface area. The correlation was positive for the left renal length vs creatinine clearance (r = 0.362) and total renal length vs creatinine clearance (r = 0.346) with more evidence in second trimester patients. The first trimester patients were older (p = 0.004), smaller kidneys (p = 0.008), reduced creatinine clearance (p = 0.001) and higher frequency of terminal chronic kidney disease (18%). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in left kidney length, total kidney length and ACr was found, whose correlation was positive. The changes were evident in second trimester pregnant patients.

Retrospective study of allometric relationship between heart rate, electrocardiographic parameters and bodyweight in dogs / Estudo retrospectivo da relação alométrica entre frequência cardíaca, parâmetros eletrocardiográficos e peso corporal em cães

The allometric relationship between bodyweight (BW) and heart rate (HR) has been described as inversely proportional in domestic species, but that has been refuted. The relationship between HR and electrocardiographic variables is described in literature. However, studies about the variation and influence of factors on the hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters in dogs are not abundant. As the metabolic rate is defined as the production and dissipation of heat by the body surface area (BSA) in m², it is essential to define that relationship. A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the correlation between HR, ECG parameters and BW in dogs. One thousand electrocardiographic tracings were analyzed in addition to the ECG parameters and clinical data such as gender, age and bodyweight. The determination of BSA was performed as follows: BSA (m2) = (10.1 x bodyweight 0.67) X 10-4. When the unified groups were analyzed, there was a negative but weak correlation (r= -0.14, P< 0.0001) between bodyweight and HR. There were differences between weight groups regarding electrocardiographic variables. There is no allometric relationship between BW and HR in dogs. Weight was associated with changes in ECG variables.(AU)

A relação alométrica entre peso corporal (PC) e frequência cardíaca (FC) foi descrita como inversamente proporcional em animais domésticos, mas isso tem sido refutado. A relação entre FC e variáveis eletrocardiográficas é descrita na literatura. No entanto, estudos sobre a variação e a influência de fatores nos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e eletrocardiográficos em cães não são abundantes. A taxa metabólica é definida como a produção e dissipação de calor pela área de superfície corporal (ASC), de modo que é essencial definir essa relação. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo para analisar a correlação entre FC, parâmetros eletrocardiográficos (ECG) e peso corporal em cães. Foram analisados mil traçados eletrocardiográficos, além dos parâmetros de ECG e dados clínicos, como gênero, idade e peso corporal. A determinação da ASC foi realizada da seguinte forma: ASC (m 2 ) = (10,1x peso corporal 0,67 ) x 10 -4 . Quando os grupos unificados foram analisados, houve uma correlação negativa, porém fraca (r= -0,14, P<0,0001) entre PC e FC. Houve diferenças entre os grupos de peso em relação às variáveis eletrocardiográficas. Não há relação alométrica entre PC e FC em cães. O peso foi associado a alterações nas variáveis de ECG.(AU)

Clinimetric analysis of recently applied quantitative tools in evaluation of vitiligo treatment

Background: Vitiligo affects about 1% of the world's population, however, there is currently no universally used standardized measure to assess its response to treatment. Objective: To find the most effective technique for the quantitative assessment of therapeutic results in vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in three stages: (1) Conducting an adapted Delphi survey to check current dermatologists' attitudes regarding the topic of study. (2) Conducting a pilot study that involves testing the selected digital image analysis software in the laboratory to validate future tasks. (3) The chief clinimetric study that implicates selecting actual vitiligo lesion models and evaluating them. Results: Regarding the surface area measuring techniques, the most accurate results were gained through the digital image analysis for surface area, followed by point-counting technique. The digital image analysis for color measurement was accurate and reliable in getting a percentage representation of color improvement within the vitiligo lesions, in response to therapy. Limitations: Many dermatologists lack understanding of basic concepts about imaging techniques. The study does not include a traditional assessment method such as vitiligo area scoring index. Conclusion: Our designated digital image analysis technique was able to efficiently assess the changes that occur both on surface area and the color of vitiligo lesions in response to therapy.